Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7396, Silas Alden, Mass.

Page 1

Mass

Alden Silas
Mayhew Charity
Mahew

Former widow


W7396
BLWT 30928-160-55

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18.233

Maine
Silas Alden 

Oxford Co in the State of Maine who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Baker of the ___ commanded by ____ in the [illegible] for 12 1/2 mos.

Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of H1 Dollars " " Cents per annum commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension ifused the 2nd day of Aug 1833 and _______
James Starr Day

--ears to the 4th of March 1833 $83.32
Semi-anl allowance ending J--eph $20.83
                                                  ____________
                                                  ____________
                                                   $104. 15
                                                 ____________
                                                  ____________

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Silas Alden
19011

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State of Maine
County of Oxford SS.
  On this 19th day of September A. D. 1832, personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate now sitting Silas Alden a resident of Jay in the county of Oxford and State of Maine, aged 67 years, who being first duly sworn according to the law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. 
That at Abington in the Josiah Fuller in the state service for nine months Joined a Company, -oskins, Leiut Lorring and Ensign Blimton where he was stationed about _dering about four miles to Gamen [illigible] where he were stationed about two months, then [cut off] bring immediately after the British troops left that place he was stationed [cut off]-y was drafted and marched to Providence in said state to was from different companies from which the draft was made and about six weeks and was discharged. The whole term of this service [cut off] to his best recollection. Why he was discharged before the nine The most part of the company he was in enlisted about six
The officers thought but did discharge the whole company. he [cut off] of Harford was in the company with me during this [illegible].
At Abington aforesaid in June 17xx he enlisted and joined a Company Commanded by Capt Baker [illegible]
where he was stationed during the Five months & was then discharged
 [cut off]  in said county of Oxford was an orderly Sergeant of the Cam Laison. that he was born in Abington in the state of [cut off]  no record of his age excepting in his Bible. That since the Revolution [cut off] member of Jay in the county of Oxford where he now lives. he enlisted other officers then those he has stated and he refers to this [cut off] sta__ in his [illegible] neighborhood who cam to testify to our soldiers of the revolution.

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State of Massachusetts, the first part July 1779 he was enlisted by Capt 
at Stades(?) Ferry in the state of Rhode Island commanded by Capt H__ [cut off]. 
One month he was then drafted with others and marched by L—m Joined the company and marched to New Port on Rhode Island there about three months, he with about half of the Company to guard that town. the officers that he was under at that  [illegible] he cannot remember. Their [illegible], he was stationed there was seven months and a half, or about that time according months expired for which he enlisted- was because wicks before him, and [illegible] was to be discharged received no written discharge. - - - he served seven months or more in this Cam Legion
five months the state of Massachusetts service and at B-th Hill on Rhode Island in Col P---- Regiment verbally.  Holms Thomas E.g many ___sident of Hibro company during his service of five months, in the_ _ Massachusetts in 1765 where he lived during the war but knows of any way he has lived in Readfield in the County of K[cut off but most certainly Kennebec]  
the service as he stated. that cannot name any 
Rev. Joshua Adams, Hon Cornelius Holland and James
 his observations for verity and their belief of his services

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And said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above applicant was a revolutionary solider and served as he states. 
Said applicant addressing the dispositions of William Cushman and Holmes Thomas an oath duly administered credible witness.  in corroboration of his own declaration
Stephen Emery Quaye(?)

I, Joseph G Cole, Register of the Circuit of Probate do certify that the foregoing contains the original  proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Silas Alden for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 19th day of September A.D. 1832.
Clerk (crossed out}
Joseph Cole Register

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Charity Mayhew widow of Silas Alden, who served in the Revolutionary War as a Private.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 41 dollars 66 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1848.

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Charity Mayhew 
Widow of Silas Alden
Maine 
July 29 1848

Jas Starr
Jay Maine

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Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of July 29, 1848, on any other acts granting pensions to widows of Revolutionary servers.
State of Maine
County of Franklin
On this third day of May A D. 1855. Personally appeared before me Judge of Probate within and for the county of Franklin, being a court of record, personally appeared before me Samuel Belcher Judge of the said court of Probate, Charity Mayhew, a resident of Jay in the County of Franklin and State of Maine, aged seventy seven years, who being first sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in to order to obtain the benefit of a provision made by an act of Congress passed July Twenty ninth A. D. 1848 and other acts of Congress passed for the benefit of widows of Revolutionary soldiers, that she is the widow of Nathan Mayhew late of Jay aforesaid, deceased, who died March 12, 1855, who was her sworn husband. That before her marriage to the said Nathan Mayhew, she was the widow of Silas Alden of said Jay, deceased, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner,  under the act of June 7th 1843, and at the time of his decease received a pension at the rate of forty one dollars and sixty six cents per annum. She refers to the evidence furnished by her first husband the said Silas Alden, on his original application for a pension for the proof of his service.
She further declares that she was married to her first husband the said Silas Alden in Readfield in the County of Kennebeck on the thirtieth day day (sic) of November A.D. 1797 by one John Hubbard a Justice of Peace, and that her name before she was married to her said first husband was Charity Staples, that her said husband the said Silas Alden died at said Jay on the eighteenth day of April A. D. 1842, that she was not married to him the said Silas Alden prior to his leaving the

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Service but the marriage took place previous to the second day of January Eighteen hundred, viz, at the time and place before stated.
She further swears that she is now a widow and that she has never before made any application for a pension. 
Charity Mayhew (signed) 

Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year above written before me. 
Samuel Belcher (signed) 
Judge of Probate in the County of Franklin.
And I the said judge do hereby certify that the said Charity Mayhew by reason of bodily infirmity is unable to attend Court personally
Sam'l Belcher Judge of Probate for the County of Franklin

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State of Maine, Franklin County. 
The subscriber, REGISTER OF THE COURT OF PROBATE, for said county, hereby certifies and attests that on the third day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five Samuel Belcher in the Judge of Probate in the County of Franklin.
Late of deceased to the state and become bound according to law, for the faithful discharge of said trust and that full faith is due to his official acts at this time in that capacity. 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed that seal official of said Court, this third day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five.
B Sampson} Register of the Court of Probate, Franklin County

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October twenty first one thousand seven hundred ninety seven. Thru the intentions of marriage between Mr. Silas Alden and Miss Charity Staples both of Readfield published according to the law. 
Certificate issued twenty fifth November One thousand seven hundred & ninety seven. 
By John Evans [illegible] Clerk Married November thirteenth One thousand Seven hundred ninety seven- By John Hubbard Justice of the Peace"
I herby certify that the above is a true extract from, & copy of the Records of the Town of Readfield with the exception of the dates, which are exposed in fair legible letters & figures as follows to wit “Certificate issued 25th November 1797. Married November 30th 1797. By John Hubbard Justice of the Peace”
Reuben C Morrill Clerk of Readfield
I Reuben C Morrill above named depose & say that I hold the Office of Clerk of the Town of Readfield aforesaid in the County of Kennebec State of Maine, and that the above is a true extract from and copy of the Records of said Town of Readfield, with the exception above named as certified by me. 
Reuben C Morrill Clerk of Readfield State of Maine
State of Maine
Kennebec of June 8th 1855. There the said Reuben C Morrill formally appeared and made oath to the truth of the forgoing statement by him subscribed
Before me
Edward Fuller Justice of the Peace

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State of Maine
County of Kennebec 
I certify that Edward Fuller Esq. before where the written affidavit was made, was. at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace for the said County duly authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgements. That his signature thereto is genuine
Witness my hand and seal of our Sup. Jud. Court for said County this thirteenth day of June A.D. 1855.
W M Stratton Clerk of said court

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180.621 Act 3d March 
[illegible]

Charity Mahew formerly wid. of Silas Alden 

Revolutionary Pensioner 

Revolutionary War

Act of June 7, 1832 
--- July 48 -  1194
AD 160 A- from 1856
B---------

Aruna Holmes
Jay, Franklin Co.
Maine 
Vol #58

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State of Maine
County of Franklin
On the sixteenth day of June 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 Charity Mayhew aged seventy seven years, a resident of the town of Jay in the County of Franklin in the state of Maine, who being duly sworn according to law, doth under oath declare that she is the widow of Nathan Mayhew  --- of said Jay, deceased, that he died on the twelfth day of March, A.D. 1855, who was her second husband, that before her marriage with the said Nathan Mayew she was the widow of Silas Alden of the said Jay deceased, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the Act of June 7th 1832, and at the time of his decease received a pension at the rate of $41.66 per annum. She refers to the record in the Pension Office and to Silas Alden her first husband, declaration, and other vouchers and paper on file in said office which were forwarded by him and his Original application for a pension for the proof of his service, she having been the widow of said Silas Alden, presents of the same evidence to prove her claim that the Bounty Lands that her said first husband the said Silas Alden would be entitled to receive if he was now living.
She further declares that she was married to her first husband the said Silas Alden, in Readfield in the county of Kennebec, State of Maine, on the thirtieth day of November A.D. 1797 by one John Hubberd, a Justice of the Peace and that her name before she was married was Charity Staples; and that her first husband the said Silas Alden died at Jay aforesaid on the eighteenth day of April A.D. 1842 and she is now a widow. 
She makes the declaration for the purpose of attaining the county land to which she may be entitled under the state appeared. March 3, 1855
Charity Mayhew (signed)

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We Enos Phinney and Daniel Fuller of Jay in the county of Franklin, in the State of Maine, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged Charity Mayhew the late widow of Nathan Mayhew of said Jay who died on the twelfth day of March last, and that we attended at his funeral on the sixteenth day of said March, and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the intended person she represents herself to be, and is a widow. we further testify and say that we have lived within a mile of the residence of said Silas Alden for upwards of twenty years and was personal acquainted with him and his wife now Charity Mayhew, widow of Nathan Mayhew, her second husband of or said deceased and that we were at the funeral of her first husband the said Silas Alden 
Enos Phinney
Daniel Fuller
The forgoing declaration affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year first written and testify that I know the affiants to be credible person that the claimant the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
James Starr, Justice of the Peace

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The foregoing declaration affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me on this day and year first written. 
State of  Maine
County of Franklin, SS.
I, Isaac Tyler, Clerk of all Judicial Courts holden within and for the County of Franklin herby certify that James Starr Esquire before whom the annexed proceedings were had and who had thereto affixed his genuine signatures was at the time of doing so and now is a Justice of the Peace, in and for the said County of Franklin duly commissioned and qualified and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts done a aforesaid. 
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our Supreme Judicial Court at Famington, this twenty first day of June Anne Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty five
Isaac Tyler, Clerk

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Power of Attorney
Know all men by these presents, that I Charity Mayhew of Jay in the County of Franklin in the State of Maine widow of Nathan Mayhew late of said Jay deceased, do herby constitute and appoint Aruna Holmes of Jay aforesaid Esq as my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name, to process and receive from the United States for a pension due her under the Act of Congress passed July 29 A.D 1848 and other acts of Congress passed for the benefit of widows of the Revolutionary War soldiers. That she is the is the (sic) widow of said Nathan Mayhew who died on the twelfth day of March A.D. 1855, who was her second husband. that before her marriage with the said Nathan Mayhew, she was the widow of Silas Alden of said Jay, deceased, who was a Revolutionary War Pensioner under the act of June 7, 1832 and at the time If his decease received a pension at the rate of $41,66 per annum, and she further declares that she was married to her first husband the said Silas Alden at Readfield  in the County of Kennebec, in the State of Maine on the thirtieth day of November A.D 1797, by John Hubbard, a Justice of the Peace That her first husband the said Silas Alden died at Jay aforesaid on the eighteenth day of April 1842. she refers to her declaration made and executed before the Hon Samuel Belcher Justice of the Probate for said county of Franklin on the third day of June A.D 1855, for the evidence therein stated for the proof of his service in his original application for a pension. And also for my said Attorney for me and in my name to [illegible] and receive from the United States the Bounty Land certificate, or warrant, me due under existing laws granting Bounty lands to Officers and soldiers or their widows and minor heirs for services rendered in the different wars, and generally do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises, any attorney or attorneys under him for the purpose aforesaid, to make and at his pleasure to revoke, herby confirming all and who also [illegible] said attorney in my name legally do or cause to be done in and about the premises as much so as if present my self. In Witn-

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css whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this sixteenth day of June A.D. 1855 Signed and sealed in presence of 
Enos Phinney 
Charity Mayhew 
Daniel Fuller Acknowledged and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Franklin and State of Maine. In witness where of, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixteenth day of June 1855. James Parr Justice of the Peace, Town of Clerk's Office Jay Maine Certificate of Records of the Town of Jay in the county of Franklin and State of Maine “Silas Alden died April eighteen one thousand eight hundred and forty two”. A true extract from & __ of the records of said town of Jay with the exception of the dates which are expressed in fair legible words & figures follows viz Silas Alden died April 18 1842. Silas Jones the town clerk of Jay Rev James McFallett has certified in this office in this office (sic) that he has joined the following persons in marriage in the town of Jay the past year viz September twenty first, one thousand eight hundred and forty six. Rev. Nathan Mayhew of Welton to Mrs Charity Alden of Jay. Thereby certify that the above is the true extract from & copy of the Records of the Town of Jay, excepting the date which are enforced in fair legible letters & figures as follows, viz September 21, 1846. Silas Jones Town Clerk of Jay Rev. Nathan Mayhew died March twelfth one thousand eight hundred forty five. I Silas Jones Jun above named, depose and say that the Office of the Clerk of this Town of Jay aforesaid, in the county of Franklin, in the State of Maine, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town of Jay with the exceptions above as certified by one Silas Jones Jr Town Clerk of Jay
State of Maine County of Franklin June 19, 1855 subscribed and sworn before James Starr Justice of the Peace

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Rev'y WIDOW, &c.
File NO 7396
Charity Mayhew for
Widow of 
Silas Alden
Pvt Rev War
Act: July 29, 1848
Index: - Vol. M, Page 4
[Arrangement of 1870]

Page 21

The enclosed certificate of the Clerk or the Town of Readfield was taken to prove the marriage of Silas Alden and Charity Staples who is the widow of Nathan Mayhew, deceased that was her second husband, to accompany her application for Bounty and Lands under the act March 3 1855 herewith sent.

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The enclosed certificate
of the Clerk of the Town of
Readfield is to prove the
marriage of Silas Alden and Charity Staples, to accompany the widow Charity Mayhew Claim for a Pension, under the
Act of July 29 1848, made before the Hon Judge of Probate for the County of Franklin, Me. on the 3 day of May 1855, which is on file in 
the Pension Office.

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No [illegible] 3
Charity Mayhew formerly widow of Silas Alden Maine

[illegible] Starr May 22 1855
Same Sept. 11th 1855
Same Oct. 26, 1855
July 29 1848

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3d Pension office
Dec 7. 1833
Died April 18 1842, and paid in full to that date
Robt J [illegible]
auditor

Page 25

Pension Office Dec. 6/53
The third auditor will please certify the date to which the within named [illegible] was paid.
[illegible]
R. M. Rae
For Commissioning

Page 26

Charity Mahew, formerly
widow of Silas Alden
Maine
Admitted act July 29, 1848
at rate of $41.66 per annum -commencing 4th March 1848-
Claimants husband was
pensioner for 12 ½ mos.
service as private Infantry
Certificate to Aruna Holmes Esqr
Jay, Franklin Co
Maine

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30.928

--- ----

Page 28

180621
Claim of Charity Mayhew
To Bounty Lands
Act of March 3, 1855.
War of the Revolution

Page 29

12 1/2 mos
$41.33

Page 30

Jay Maine June 22, 1833
J, L Edwards Esq
Sir, in this brief objections which applied to Silas Alden claim, no. 10 & 16 and reference to Quere 16, was the only objection that I discovered in his case. That you  will see are removed by the clerk seal, with the required document  attaching the originals [illegible] to his certificate under the seal which I hope will render his appreciation and evidence conformable to the regulations of the deferment
I am Dear sir very respectfully your most obt servant.

James Starr (singed)

Page 31

[illegible stamp upper left corner]
STATE OF MAINE
OXFORD COUNTY, SS.
I RUFUS KING GOODENOW, Clerk of the Judicial Courts in
and for said County of Oxford, hereby certify, that
Simon Perkins whose genuine signature is annexed to the foregoing Deposition of Holmes Thomas is a
Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Oxford.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of
office, this year A.D. 1832 18th day of October
R K Goodenow
{Clerk of Oxford County Courts.

Page 32

I Holmes Thomas of Hebron of Oxford state of Maine aged seventy seven depose and say that I was acquainted with Silas Alden in the year 1781 he being a Soldier in Company of Capt Elijah Baker in the Regiment of Col Turner and we both served in said Company as soldiers in the five month’s Campaigne so call’d in the state of Rhode Island and I was with said Alden at the time of his discharge after having served his full time of five months. Said Alden then belonged in the Town of Abington in the county of Plymouth state of Massachusetts but now resides in Jay county of Oxford state of Maine
Holmes Thomas

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[illegible seal upper left corner]
STATE OF MAINE. 
OXFORD COUNTY 
I, RUFUS KING GOODENOW, Clerk of the Judicial Courts in
and for said County of Oxford, hereby certify, that
James Starr whose genuine signature is annexed to the foregoing Deposition of
Wm. Cushman is a
Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Oxford.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, this
18th day of October
in the year A.D. 1832
R Goodenow County Courts
Clerk of Oxford

Page 34

I William Cushman of Hartford in the county of Oxford and state of Maine, do testify and say that in the spring of the year 1779, at Plimton in the County of Plymouth, State of Massachusetts, I enlisted in the State’s Service under Leut. Joshua Loring for one year, that I with others were marched to Providence in the State of Rhode Island where I was Stationed about two months under the Command of said Loring, from there I marched to Stader Ferry where I with those there were under the Command of Leut Loring. There joined a Company Commanded by Capt Jacob Haskins where I became acquainted with Silas Alden who was a soldier in Capt Haskins company in Col John Jacob’s regiment. I should think that I was in the company with him about six months when he was drafted out of the company to go to Providence. (we were then stationed at New Port in the state of Rhode Island) I did not see him afterwards during the war. Since that time I have joined him to labor for me. I have this day now seen him. he now lives in Jay in said county of Oxford, and is the identical Silas Alden that was in the Service with me as I have above stated. 
Wm Cushman (signed)

Oxford ss August 20 1832 personally appeared William Cushman, who is a reputable witness and made solemn oath in due form of law, that the foregoing deposition made by him subscribed is true
Before me
James Starr Justice Peace

Page 35

State of Maine. 

County of Franklin, SS. -

I, Isaac Tyler, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts holden within and for the County of Franklin, hereby certify that M. V. Leach
Esquire before whom the annexed proceedings were had, and who has thereto affixed his genuine signature was at the time of so doing [illegible] Justice of the Peace, in and for the said County of Franklin, duly commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and credit are due to  his official acts done as aforesaid. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our Supreme Judicial Court at Farmington, this tenth day of October Anne Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five

Isaac Tyler, Clerk

Page 36

Town Clerks Office
Extract from the Record of the Town of Jay, “Silas Alden died April eighteenth one thousand eight hundred and forty two.” I Silas Jones Jr depose and say that I am Clerk of the Town of Jay in the County of Franklin and State of Maine and have been for 25 years last part, and have in my official custody the words of marriages and Deaths in said Town, and I find a Record of which the above is a true extract with the exception of the date which is expressed in fair legible figures as follows: “Silas Alden died April 18, 1842”
Silas Jones Jr } Clerk of Jay

State of Maine   October 9th 1855
Country of Franklin
Sworn Before me M.V. Leach Justice of the Peace
Town Clerks Office
Extract from the Record of the Town of Jay, “Silas Alden died April eighteenth one thousand eight hundred and forty two.” I Silas Jones Jr depose and say that I am Clerk of the Town of Jay in the County of Franklin and State of Maine and have been for 25 years last part, and have in my official custody the words of marriages and Deaths in said Town, and I find a Record of which the above is a true extract with the exception of the date which is expressed in fair legible figures as follows: “Silas Alden died April 18, 1842”
Silas Jones Jr } Clerk of Jay

State of Maine   October 9th 1855
Country of Franklin
Sworn Before me M.V. Leach Justice of the Peace

Page 37

I Frances Lawrence of Jay in the County of Franklin and State of Maine, depose and say, that I was personally acquainted with Silas Alden a Revolutionary Pensioner, that he died in said Town of Jay on or about the eighteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty two, that I was at his funeral. Also, that I am personally acquainted with Charity Mayhew who is the widow of the Rev Nathan Mayhew who was her second husband, that he died in Jay on the twelfth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, that I have resided in the said Town of Jay with the said Silas Alden and Charity Mayhew, who was the widow of said Alden her first husband for upwards of thirty years, and that she, the said Charity Mayhew is now living in Jay, and is the person who was the widow of said Silas Alden the Pensioner.

State of Maine
County of Franklin ss

October 8, 1855 [illegible] Frances Lawrence (signed)
Sworn before me M.V. Leach Justice of the Peace

I Samuel Crafts of Jay in the county of Franklin and State of Maine depose and say that I was personally acquainted with Silas Alden a Revolutionary pensioner, that he died in said Town of Jay on the eighteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty two. that his widow now Charity Mayhew who married Rev Nathan Mayhew her second husband is living, that the said Nathan Mayhew died in Jay on the twelfth day of March one thousand eight hundred and fifty five . and that the said Charity is now living in Jay, and is the person who was the widow of the said Silas Alden her first husband the pensioner. 

State of Maine
County of Franklin ss

October 8, 1855     Samuel Crafts (signed)
Sworn before me M.V. Leach Justice of the Peace

Page 38

See Power of Atty.
in Bounty Land
claim of Charity Mayhew widow of Silas Alden
No. 180, 621 
act 3 March 1855.
[illegible] 
Aruna Holmes
Jay
Franklin Co.
Maine

Page 39

Town Clerk Office Readfield Maine 

An extract of the Records of the Town of Readfield in the County of Kennebec and State of Maine
"October twenty first one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven. Then the Intention of Marriage between Mr. Silas Alden and Miss Charity Staples both of Readfield published according to law certificate issued twenty fifth November one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven.
By John Evans Town Clerk married November thirtieth one thousand seven hundred ninety seven. By John Hubbard Justice of the Peace.”

I hereby certify that the above is a true extract from & copy of the Records of the Town of Readfield with the exception of the dates ,which are ex_______ in fair legible letters & figures as follows viz
“Certificate issued 25th November 1797 by John Hubbard Justice of the Peace" 

Rueben C Morrill Town Clerk of Readfield
I Rueben C Morrill above named depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk in the Town of Readfield aforesaid in the County of Kennebec, State of Maine, and that the above is a true extract from & copy of the Records of the said Town of Readfield, with the exception above named, as certified by me
Reuben C, Morrill Clerk of Readfield State of Maine

State of Maine
Kennebec ss June 8th 1855 Then the S_____ Reuben C. Morrill personally affirmed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement by [illegible] subscribed

Before me  Edward Fuller Justice of the Peace

Page 40

State of Maine
County of Kennebec}
I certify that Edward Fuller Esqr before whom
the within affidavit was made, was, at the date thereof,
a Justice of the Peace for said County, duly authorized
to administer oaths, and take acknowledgments,
and that his signature thereto is genuine.
Witness my hand, and the seal of our Sup.
Jud Court for said County, this thirteenth
day of June A.D. 1855
W M Stratton
{Clerk of
said Court

[written vertically]
See Power of attorney in Bounty Land claim of Charity Mayhew widow of Silas Alden 18 [?] 621
3 March 1855
[illegible]
Aruna Holmes
Jay
Franklin Co. 
Maine

Page 41

Brief in the case of Charity Mayhew formerly widow of Silas Alden
Franklin County and State of Maine
Act 29th July 1848
Claim, (“original”)

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by roll? 

Claimants husband was a pensioner under aid of June 7, 1832 at rate of $41.66 c per annum and paid thru 18th April 1842 – the date of his death.
As shown by 3d auditor’s certificate
Marriage (Nov. 30, 1797) Death of her first husband – the said Alden (April 18, 1842) and death of claimant’s second husband (March 12, 1855) proved by using copies of Town Records.
Identity of claimant as formerly the widow of the above named pensioner and her present widowhood, proved by Joseph Macomber, Samuel Crafts, and Frances Lawrence, allowance accordingly.
Aruna Holmes Esq 
Jay
Name and Residence of Agent.
Franklin Co 
Maine

[illegible]
Examining Clerk.

Page 42

State of Maine

Franklin ss. Nov, 12, 1855Sir,
Pursuant to your directions of October 12, 1855 to James Starr Esq saying the credibility of Frances 
Lawrence whose affidavit has been filed must be certified by the Justice before whom it was made. I the said Justice hereby certify that the said Frances Lawrence’s reputation for truth and varacity is good.

M.V. Leach Justice of the Peace

J. Minot Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.

Page 43

State of Maine

I Joseph Macomber of Jay in the county of Franklin and State of Maine, depose and say that I have resided in said town more than fifty years. That Silas Alden late of said Jay deceased. When he first came into this Town located himself on a farm he purchased about, about forty rods from my residence and lived on the same until his death, which was on the eighteenth day of April AD, 1842. That he was one of my nearest neighbors and I was personally intimate with Him and his family until he died, I was with him half a day but a short time before he died. being sick I was not able to attend his funeral but see the procession pass by my house when he was buried, and that Charity Mayhew now the widow of Rev Nathan Mayhew who died in Jay on the twelfth day of March last was her second husband and that she is the same person who was the former widow of Silas Alden who was a pensioner on the Maine Rolls and is now a widow. 

Joseph Macomber (signed)

State of Maine
Franklin Co November 12th 1855. Then the above named Joseph Macomber personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement by him subscribed

Before me M. V. Leach Justice of the Peace

Page 44

(B-1776)
SERVICE    NUMBER
Mass.      Alden, Silas    W.7396
Mayhew, Charity  B.L. Wt.30.928-160-55
or Mahew
(Former widow.)

CONTENTS

Page 45

Mr Cole
[illegible] evidence

Pension Claim
Charity Mayhew
for [illegible] of Silas Alden

Mr Cole
ME 29 9 '68

Page 46

Jay, Maine June 25, 1855

Sir,
Your favor of May 22 acknowledging the application of Charity Mayhew formerly the widow of Silas Alden was duly received returning the Town Clerk certificate of marriage and death of her husbands. I have previewed new certificates which I believe will conform to the directions you sent and such as I have ever sent until the one you returned. why that occurred was, I sent to a lawyer near the clerk’s office in Readfield to preview the clerk certificate of the marriage of Silas Alden and Charity Staples and gave him particular directions respecting [illegible] the record. He sent me this copy certified and the clerk stated that was according to the form he had made them and none ever were returned, it was the same I received from you, I then made a copy and sent the [illegible] and those that [illegible] Mr. Mayhew [illegible] have sent are the same as I have enclosed should be according to the established form required. You also name I cant be magistrate and agent in the same case. I have never considered myself agent in any case where I have made out applicants, claims for pensions. they call on me to make their writing and pay me for the same and I forward them to the Department. I have no interest in the result. This has been the course I have done pension business since the commencement under the Pension Act of 1818.

Page 47

Until this time, Sir, I would not have you think I am complaining it is not the case. I assure you that I most cheerfully pursue the directions you establish knowing you are the very suitable person to give information and instruction in [illegible] [illegible]. The applications of the widow Charity Mayhew and widow Mercy Jackson for Bounty Lands were certified before me as a magistrate which some have forwarded to the departments. But they have appointed their attorney to manage their commerce by their Power of Attorney annexed to their applications for Bounty Lands. Mrs Mayhew embrain both her claim for Pension & Bounty Land. If there is anything incorrect or omitted that is required if you will give information of the same, you will confer a great favor.
	Sir On the 5th last month & forwarded by mail six applications to you who have received 40 acres under the Act of September 20 1850, have not heard that you have received them. Please inform me as the applicants are making enquiry where they shall review  their Land Warrants.
I am very respectfully your Obt. Servant
James Starr (signed)



L. P. Waldo Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Page 48

Jay Maine Octr 13, 1855

Sir, 
Your favor of Sept. 11 was duly read. I have endeavored to pursue the instructions there stated respecting the death of Silas Alden the first husband of Charity Mayhew, now the widow of Nathan Mayhew her second husband, and the proof of the death of both her husbands, also that she is the same person who was formerly the widow of Silas Alden the pensioner. I hope the evidence will be satisfactory, as they are facts, and there is not the least doubt in the case.
I took the widener now require before the application of the widow Charity Mayhew was certified by the Probate Judge was sent to the Department to prove all the facts that now require, and suppose they were there sent with her declaration until I recd your letter as I have no knowledge what has become of them.
I am very Respectfully your 
Humble servant  

James Starr (signed)

Jillenot Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Page 49

Jay Maine Nov 14, 1855

Sir, 
Your communication of the 26th was duly recd. I have endeavored to comply with what you required to establish the claim of Charity Mayhew who was the former the widow of Silas Alden a Revolutionary Pensioner. 
There is no doubt of the facts. I have been personally acquainted with Silas Alden and Charity Mayhew more than forty years when she was the wife of Silas Alden her first husband. I obtained his pension for him when he was  [illegible] on the Maine rolls. I hope the evidence now furnished will be satisfactory to establish her claim. I know there is such fraud and deceptions [illegible] in these cases that it is necessary you should guard in every way against them. 

I am very respectfully your Humble servant  

James Starr (signed)

Page 50

Joy Me May 10, 1855

Dear Sir, 

I here enclose the Declaration of the widow Charity Mayhew to obtain a pension by the services of Silas Alden her first husband who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, as you will see by the records in your office. Please send her Certificate of Pension to me

Most Respectully your Ob't Servant 
James Starr

L. P. Waldo Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

P.S. By mistake in the mislaying the papers at the Probate Office has caused the delay till this time. J.S.