Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14925, Stephen Homer, Mass.
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MASS_________Homer Stephen___________W.14925
_________________Thankful
B.L.Wt.10.310.-160-55.
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[Two panels. Left panel:]
15788
Massachusetts
__________________________________________________
Stephen  Homer
of Barnstable in the State of Massachusetts
who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Hill of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Jackson in the Massachusetts line for 6 months
____________________________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 20 Dollars -00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831
___________________________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of July 1833 and Leah Abner Davis Barnstable Massachusetts
___________________________________________________
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $40.00
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Sept. 10.00

_________________________
$50.00

{Revolutionary Claim 
Act June 7, 1832}

RECORDED BY D.D. Addison CLERK

BOOK E---------VOLUME 2--------PAGE 33

[Right panel]
71
Barnstable
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[Left panel]
Volume H2-51
[Right panel]
90,652. March 3. 1855
and April 21, 1855

Thankful Homer, widow of
Stephen Homer Private

Lieutenant Hill.
Colonel Jackson,
Lieutenant Colonel Cobb
Enlisted___ ___1780.
Discharged ___ ___1780.
             Revolutionary War
Pensioner.
  Map February 48-2362
Private Colonel Jackson's
Massachusetts Line
A?. 160 acres Nov 22/55 [1855]
                Dodge
James Gregory and Son
Marblehead, Massachusetts
Sideway: Rac??
[Across Page:] MACSo103102 Pcsos 23/[illegible]
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[Left panel]
2362
Massachusetts
_________________________________________
Thankful Homer
widow of Stephen Homer
Massachusetts
who served in the Revolutionary war as a private
____________________________________________________Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars --Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1848
____________________________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of December 1848
and sent to
Honorable J. Grinnell  
House of Representatives

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 56 Volume 2

[appearing on right panel of image]
Reported
December 13/48 [1848]
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Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of July 7, 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"

State of Massachusetts
County of Barnstable SS
On this sixteenth day of April in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty four personally appeared before the Court of Probate for said County sitting at Brewster, Thankful Homer of Dennis in said County aged seventy two years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the pension made by the act of Congress of July 7, 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay + pensions to certain widows"
That she is the widow of Stephen Homer late of Dennis in said County deceased who was a private soldier in the army of the United States in the war of the revolution. 
That from what knowledge she has of the subject she states that he enlisted at Yarmouth in the County aforesaid
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and went from there to Springfield in the State of Massachusetts and there to the State of New Jersey and served in said State and at West Point in the State of New York for the term of six months or more. She cannot state the precise time of his enlistment but she has heard him say the he was present at West Point at the time of the execution of Major Andre. 
She further declares that from what she has heard her said husband said she believes that he served in the Company commanded by Lieutenant Hill and in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Jackson in the sixteenth Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry. She further declares that her said husband was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of June 7, 1832, on account of his said services as appears by the pension certificate herewith sent; and she refers to the evidence and documents produced by him to procure the aforesaid pension, and now in the pension office at Washington for proof to substantiate her claim to a pension as aforesaid. 
She further declares that she was mar-
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married to the said Stephen Homer on the third day of May 1792, that her husband the said Stephen Homer died on the eighth day of April A.D. Eighteen hundred forty, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety four, to wit at time aforesaid. She further declares that she has not been married since the death of her said husband but is still a widow. 
She further declares that her marriage with the said Stephen Homer was solemnized in that part of the then town of Yarmouth which has since been set off and incorporated as the town of Dennis. 
Thankful Homer
Barnstable SS Court of Probate Brewster April 16, 1844
I Nymphas Marston Judge of Probate in aforesaid County of Barnstable hereby certify that the aforesaid Thankful Homer personally came before me this day in
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open Court and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by her made and subscribed the same. 
Nymphas Marston
Judge of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Barnstable SS
I Timothy Reed Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County of Barnstable hereby certify that the man Nymphas Marston is the Judge of said Court and that the above signature purporting to have been made by him is his genuine signature. 
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this sixteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four. 
Timothy Reed Regr Probate
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Extract from the Records of the town of Yarmouth in the County of Barnstable.
"Marriages solemnized by the Reverend Mr. Nathan Stone for the year 1792 and returned to me
John Thatcher Town Clerk
Stephen Homer to Miss Thankful Chapman of Yarmouth May third seventeen hundred and ninety two
John Thatcher Town Clerk"

I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Record with the exception of the date which is expressed in the records in fair legible figures as follows "May 3 1792"
William P. Davis Town Clerk of Yarmouth

I William P. Davis above named depose and say that I hold the office of town clerk of the town aforesaid in the County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town, with
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the exception above named as certified by me. 
William P. Davis Clerk of the Town of Yarmouth

Barnstable SS April 18, 1844
The foregoing affirmed to by the said William P. Davis before me. 
John Larkin Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Barnstable SS
I Timothy Reed Clerk of the Courts in and for said County of Barnstable hereby certify that John Larkin is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified and was so on the eighteenth day of April last, and that I believe the above signature purporting to have been made by him to be his genuine signature. 
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas this second day of May A.D. eighteen hundred and forty four. 
Timothy Reed Clerk
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We Seth Crowell and Isaac Chapman residents of Dennis in the State of Massachusetts upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Thankful Homer in our presence; and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. 
Seth Crowell
Isaac Chapman

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be; and that I have no interest in this claim. 
Stephen Homer
Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts, Barnstable County. 
We, Seth Crowell and Isaac Chapman having been duly sworn, depose and say, that we well knew Stephen Homer who was a Private in the war of the revolution whose widow now applies for bounty land; that we knew him for more than forty years before his death; which occurred at Dennis about fifteen years ago; that we know that he died about that time, because we always lived near and well recollect the circumstance of his sickness and death, that we know his said widow from his death to this time, that she is now unmarried, and that we are disinterested. 
Seth Crowell
Isaac Chapman

Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this twenty seventh of March A.D. 1855. 
Stephen Homer Justice of the Peace. 

It is hereby certified, that satisfactory proof has been exhibited before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, by the affidavits of Seth Crowell and Isaac Chapman of the said County and State, whom I know to be credible persons, and who swear that they have no pecuniary interest in the result of the foregoing application; that Thankful Homer the applicant for bounty land in the foregoing declaration is now unmarried, and that she is the widow of the late Stephen Homer who was a private in the war of the revolution and that the said Stephen Homer died at the time above stated. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, this twenty seventh day of March 1855. 
Stephen Homer Justice of the Peace
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Declaration of a WIDOW who has NEVER HAD  a Land Warrant

State of Massachusetts
County of Barnstable SS.

On this twenty seventh day of March, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Thankful Homer aged eighty six years, a resident of Dennis in the State of Massachusetts who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Stephen Homer deceased, who was a Private in the Company commanded by Lieutenant Hill in the sixteenth Regiment of Massachusetts commanded by Colonel Jackson and Lieutenant Colonel Cobb in the war of the Revolution. 
that her said husband enlisted at Yarmouth on or about the - day of -, A.D. 1780 for the term of six months and continued in actual service in said war for the term of six months and was honorably discharged at West Point on the - day of - , A.D. 1780, but that, to the best of her knowledge and belief her husband never received any written or printed discharge, That the said Stephen Homer was on duty at the time of the execution of Major Andre and was honorably discharged soon afterwards. 
She further states that she was married to the said Stephen Homer in Yarmouth on the third day of May A.D. 1792 by one Nathan Stone, a Clergyman, that her said husband died at Dennis, on the sixth day of April A.D. 1840, and that she is now a widow. That she is now in possession of a pension certificate issued from the war office of the United States under the act of Feb 22, 1848, signed W. L. Marcy Secretary and countersigned J.G. Berrit for Commissioner of pensions recorded in page 56 Vol 2 in the pension office. 
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "Act approved March 3, 1855" and prays that the certificate thereof may be sent for her to JAMES GREGORY & SON, of Marblehead, Mass.; and declares that she has not received a Bounty Land Warrant under this or any other Act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor.
Thankful Homer- X her mark
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An Extract from the records of the Town of Yarmouth: 
"Marriages solemnized by the Rev. Mr. Nathan Stone for ye year 1792 and returned to me John Thacher Town Clerk March 11, 1793"
"Stephen Homer Jr. to Miss Thankful Chapman of Yarmouth May the third, seventeen hundred and ninety two"

I William P. Davis Clerk of the Town of Yarmouth in the County of Barnstable, and State of Massachusetts on affirmation declare that I have charge of the marriage records of said town, and the foregoing is a true copy from said records with the exception that the date was in figures not in words.
Yarmouth 3rd [illegible] 28 1855.
William P. Davis Town Clerk

Subscribed and affirmed to on this 28th day of March AD. 1855, before me and I certify that I know said William P. Davis to be Clerk of the town aforesaid, and a credible person. 
before me Stephen Homer Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Barnstable SS
I Frederick W. Crocker Clerk of the Courts in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Stephen Homer Esquire of Dennis in the said County, is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, that he is the person before whom the foregoing affidavits were made, that he has been duly qualified and sworn to act in the capacity of Justice of the Peace and that the signatures above written purporting to be his are genuine, and entitled to full faith and credit. 

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of my office this third day of April AD. eighteen hundred fifty five. 
Frederick W. Crocker Clerk
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Stephen Homer
Dennis
26,021
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Barnstable SS
on this sixteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Honorable Nymphas Marston a Judge of the Court of Probate of Wills and now sitting in Yarmouth in and for said County of Barnstable. Stephen Homer  a resident of Dennis in said County aged sixty nine who being first sworn duly, according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 AD. 1832. 
That he was born in Yarmouth in said State of Massachusetts on the fourteenth day of July AD. 1763 and that there is a record of his birth in said Town of Yarmouth a certificate of which he has obtained and furnishes with this application -- that he was in the United States Service from the sixth day of July AD. 1780 to the sixth of January AD. 1781, as a private in the Company of Lieutenant Hill in the 16th Massachusetts Regiment commanded by Colonel Henry Jackson and David Cobb Lieutenant Colonel and James Thacher was surgeon - that he enlisted for six months in the Militia and marched to Springfield when we passed muster and then to West Point when we were drafted and distributed among the different regiments. I under Jacksons as above mentioned. We then went to New Jersey at Orange town and were in various places marching and counter marching and I was near the place
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when and where Major Andre was executed. At the end of the term of six months he was discharged and had a written discharge from ColonelJackson but it is now lost. I remember when I was at West Point I assisted in taking up the great chain which was placed across the river. He was in no regular battle - 
And I have witnesses to prove my statement. That he resided at Yarmouth aforesaid when he enlisted as aforesaid and that since the Revolutionary was he as lived in said Yarmouth and said Dennis in which latter town he now resides and that Daniel M. Stearns and Henry Hall are my neighbors and can testify as to my character for veracity and their belief of the services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his  name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. 
Stephen Homer
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
Attest Abner Davis, Registrar of the Court of Probate
Reverend Daniel M. Stearns a Clergyman residing in the town of Dennis and Henry Hall residing in said Dennis in the County of Barnstable, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Stephen Homer who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion. 
Subscribed and sworn as aforesaid
Daniel M. Stearns Henry Hall
Attest Abner Davis, Register of the Court of Probate
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I hereby certify that Stephen Homer Esquire is the son of Stephen Homer and Betty his wife and that he was born in Yarmouth County of Barnstable and State of Massachusetts July 14, AD. 1768 as appears by the records of the town page 70. 
Yarmouth August 14, 1832
B. Matthews  J Bowen
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Barnstable SS August 16th 1832
At the Probate Court within named, Ebenezer Sears and Atkins Matthews both of Yarmouth in the County aforesaid personally appear and depose and say that they enlisted with and at the same time as Stephen Homer enlisted and were present. 
He enlisted on the 6th day of July AD 1780 and we marched with said Homer to West Point and Newberry and were with him the six months for which we enlisted and know he served during that time. 
Ebenezer Sears
Atkins Matthews
Subscribed and sworn to in Open Court 
Abner Davis, Registrar

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certify that it appears to them that David M. Stearns - who has signed the proceeding certificate, is a Clergyman resident in the town of Dennis; and that Henry Hall from ----- who has also signed the same is a resident in Dennis and is credible person; and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
Nymphas Marston - Judge

I Abner Davis Registrar of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Stephen Homer for a pension. 

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of office on the day and year first aforesaid. 
Abner Davis, Registrar.
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Barnstable SS. 
Probate Court at Yarmouth
August 16th AD 1832

Personally appeared in open Court the within named Ebenezer Sears and Atkins Matthews, and made oath to the truth of the within deposition by them severally subscribed in Court. And I certify that the said Ebenezer and Atkins, are, in the opinion of the Court credible witnesses. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand an affixed the seal of the Court the day and year aforesaid. 
Abner Davis, Register
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WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office 

Sir: 
The evidence in support of your claim under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers herewith returned.  The following is a statement of your case in tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done.  These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace (thus: }).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 

A Statement, showing the Service of Stephen Homer Barnstable County Massachusetts

Period which the service was rendered. Enlist July 1780

Duration of the claimant's service. 6 Months

Rank of the claimant. Private

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Captain Hill, Colonel Jackson

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. 69 years Barnstable County Massachusetts

Proof by which the declaration is supported. 
Traditionary evidence, two witnesses, certified credible - papers correct

I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 
J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832

The following regulations have been adopted: 
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line" "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, etc., Teamsters, Boatmen, etc. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. 
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 
1. The Regular Troops. 
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a court of Record. 
DECLARATION, 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of - County of}ss
On this - day of - personally appeared (a) before - A.B. a resident (b) of - in the county of - State, Territory or District of - aged (c) - years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the (d) - , with - and served in the - (e) regiment of the - line, under the following named officers: 
{Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.}
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency and in the State of -
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
A.B.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court}
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
I - of the Court of - do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of - for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of - &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of the applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belong to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the - and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with - , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be - years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid. 
{And then will follow the certificate of the Court.}
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the - and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the - and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I, - Clerk of the Court of - do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of - for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this - day of - etc.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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8
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. 
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia. 
1. Where and in what year were you born? 
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live? 
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. {To a Soldier{ Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer{Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. 
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from the acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates. 
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be vary particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. 
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. 
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein requested is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 

(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. 
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. 
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. 
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the names of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: - For -- year -- months, and -- days, I served as a --. For -- months and -- days, I served as a --; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about served four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required. 
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. 
(i) The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, of if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. 
Mode of authenticating papers. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, as as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 
Proof of Service
(j) In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under the seal of office. 
The notes from (a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note (j) applies to continental troops only. 
(k) The traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. 
(m) The answers to interrogatories must all be written and sent to the War Department with the declaration.
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Revolutionary WIDOW, Etc.
Number 14925
Thankful Homer
Widow of 
Stephen Homer 
Private Revolutionary War
Act: February 29, 48 [1848]
Vol. A, Page 346
{Arrangement of 1870}
Page 24

10.310

Revolutionary
Page 25

90,652
Marblehead, Massachusetts. APRIL 19
Official [illegible]
FREE
Honorable Loren P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, DC
Page 26

No. 90658
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855

Received April 21st, 1875
Stephen Homer Private 
Lieutenant Hill Massachusetts Line
Revolutionary War

10310-860-5-5-
Jame Gregory and Son
Marblehead Massachusetts
Page 27

8755
Massachusetts
Thankful Homer
widow of Stephen Homer
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 8 April 1840
of Barnstable in the State of Massachusettsv
who was a Private in the Company 
commanded by Captain Hill of the
regiment commanded by Jackson in 
the Massachusetts line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts.
at the rate of 20 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the
8 April, 1840
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of September. 1844 and sent to
Timothy Reed, Brighton, Massachusetts
Total amount, $-
Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by F. L. Swann Clerk,
Book D Volume A Page 59
Page 28

6187
Massachusetts
Thankful Homer
widow of Stephen Homer 
who was a Private 
in the Massachusetts Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
20 Dollars 00 
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 
24 day of September 1844
and sent to 
Timothy Reed, Esquire
Brighton, Massachusetts
{Act of March 3, 1843}
Recorded in Book A
Volume 2 Page 31

2 Certificates: 
1838
1843
Certificates returned October17, 1844
and sent to T. Reed, Esquire
Barnstable, Massachusetts 
on same day-
Page 29

10912
Thankful Homer
widow of Stephen 
Massachussets
Act 7 July 1838
admitted 6 month private
commencing 8 April 1840 and 
terminating on 4 March
1841.
$20 per ann.
admitted 3 March 1843
$20-
No. 6482
Timothy Reed
Barnstable
Massachusetts
Page 30

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office, Boston October 14 1848

I hereby certify, That on the third of June eighteen hundred and forty three Stephen Homer was appointed for the term of seven years a Justice of the Peace for the County of Barnstable in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.

WB Calhoun
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 31

10912
Payments to be made at Boston Massachusetts by [illegible] 
Mgra 40
Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E Volume 2
Page 88 by DD Addison, Clerk

Lieutenant Hill - sixteenth Regiment of Infantry
Lived in Dennis forty years, April 7th 1834
Page 32

WAR DEPARTMENT
Revolutionary Claim. 
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Stephen Homer of the State of Massachusetts who was a Private in the army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Twenty dollars per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year. 
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this twenty-ninth day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty three. 

John Robb
Acting Secretary of War
Examined and Countersigned
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 33

I Stephen Homer of Dennis in the County of Barnstable and State of Massachusetts of lawful age do depose and say that Stephen Homer late of said Dennis deceased who was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of June 7, 1832 died at said Dennis on the eighth day of April A.D. eighteen hundred and forty. That he was my father, and that Thankful Homer who has this day in Probate Court made her declaration in order to procure a pension is my mother and is the widow of my said father, not having married since his deceased. 
I am now forty eight years of age and I have an elder brother now alive whose age will be fifty years in the month of August next (1844)

Stephen Homer 
Barnstable SS Probate Court  Brewster April 16, 1844
When the above deposition was sworn to and subscribed by said Stephen Homer Esq before me in open Court, and I certify that he is a credible witness. 
Nymphas Marston {Judge of Probate for said County
Page 34

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Barnstable
I Timothy Reed Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County of Barnstable hereby certify that the Honorable Nymphas Marston is the Judge of said Court, and that the within signature purporting to have been made by him is his genuine signature. 
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this sixteenth day of April A.D. one thousand and eight hundred and forty four. 
Timothy Reed Register Probate
Page 35

I Mandy Sears of Dennis in the County of Barnstable and State of Massachusetts, aged fifty five years depose and say that I was well acquainted with Stephen Homer Esquire late of said Dennis, who was a pensioner of the United States, from my youth to the time of his decease, that he died at said Dennis about four years ago, and that I have for the same period been acquainted with Thankful Homer who was his wife and now his widow, that I was in probate Court this day when said Thankful made her declaration in order to obtain a pension and that she is the same person whom I knew as the wife of the said Stephen deceased, and I have no doubt that her marriage with said Stephen took place as long ago as she has represented in her declaration. 
Mandy Sears
Barnstable SS Court of Probate Brewster April 16, 1844. 
When the above deposition was sworn to and subscribed by said Mandy Sears before me in open Court and I certify that she is a credible witness. 
Nymphas Marston {Judge of Probate and County
Page 36

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Barnstable SS
I Timothy Reed Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County of Barnstable hereby certify that the Honorable Nymphas Marston is the Judge of said Court and that the within signature purporting to have been made by him is his genuine signature. 
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this sixteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four. 
Timothy Reed Register of Probate
Page 37

Marblehead Massachusetts
April 19, '55 [1855]

Honored Sir

We have the honor to enclose herewith the Declaration of Thankful Homer for Bounty Land under Act of March 9th 1855. 

With great respect
your humble servant
James Gregory and Son

Honorable Loren P Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington DC.
Page 38

Washington City
December 11, 1868

Sir

I have been requested to inquire whether the application for a renewal of Pensions under the Act of 2nd February 1848 to Bethiah Miller and Thankful Homer have been filed in your office, and the cause of delay, they were forwarded in September last. 

With much respect, 
Your obedient servant
Joseph Grinnell

J. L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner Pensions
Page 39

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled, "An act  making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
Barnstable County, ss. 

On this thirtieth day of September 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid, Thankful Homer a resident of Dennis in the county of Barnstable aged seventy nine years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Stephen Homer, who was a resident of Yarmouth and lately of Dennis and who was a private in the War of the Revolution and is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17th June, 1844, on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of Twenty dollars and - cents per annum. 
Thankful Homer
She further declares that she is still a widow. 

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, 
In presence of 
Stephen Homer
Isaac Chapman
Stillman Kelly{ before me, Stephen Homer, Justice of the Peace. 

I certify That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner, as she declares. 
Stephen Homer Justice of the Peace. 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, - County ss. 

I, - Clerk of the - Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that - is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that is signature, above written, is genuine. 
Given under my hand, and the Seal of said Court, this - day of - 18-. 

-Clerk.
Page 40

10912
Aug 9, 1844
Massachusetts
Thankful Homer
7 May 1838
Barnstable Massachusetts
May 5

J.L.Edwards
Commissioner Pensions
Page 41

Barnstable Massachusetts. May 4, 1844
J.L. Edwards, Esquire
Commissioner Pensions

Sir
I send you enclosed papers of Thankful Homer for the purpose of procuring a pension which please to examine and make return to me. 
Respectfully, 
Timothy Reed
Page 42

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Barnstable COUNTY, ss. 
On this eighth day of August 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid, 
Thankful Homer a resident of Dennis in the county of Barnstable aged seventy nine years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Stephen Homer who was a resident of Dennis and who was a private soldier in the Army of the revolution and is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17th June, 1844, on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of Twenty dollars and - cents per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow. 
Thankful Homer
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written,}Before me, In presence of Stephen Homer
Isaac Chapman
Betsey H. Chapman
I certify, That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and pensioner, as she declares. 
Stephen Homer Justice of the Peace. 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, - County, ss. 
I, - Clerk of the Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that - is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that his signature, above written, is genuine. 
Given under my hand, and the Seal of said Court, this - day of - 18-
-Clerk.