Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24,235, Silvanus French, Mass.

Page 1

Mass.   French, Silvanus    W.24235
                            Azubah

Page 2

1099
Massachusetts
Azubah French
widow of Sylvanus French
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars ______
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 
3rd day of August 1848
and sent to 
G.S. Bullfinch
Boston Mass

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 48 Vol 2

Page 3

4739
Sylvanus French
Randolph
Norfolk Co
Mass

Private 2 years
1606
Dec 21 1832

G. S. Leland
Roxbury
Mass 
173

Page 4

BRIEF in the case of Sylvanus French of Norfolk County the State of Mass
 (Act 7th June, 1832.) 

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court 

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 

33. How old is he? 69 years

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
[table headings] Period. | Duration of Service. Years. Months. Days. |  Rank. |  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. 
[row 1]In 1780 Feby | 2 4 15 | Private Capt J. Hancock

5. In what battles was he engaged? none

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Braintree 

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary eviid incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary Evidence Living Witness 

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct 

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned
J. H McBlair
Examining Clerk

Page 5

I Samuel Bailey of Weymouth in the County Norfolk and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawfull age, do testify and say
that Silvanus French of Randolph County & Commonwealth
aforesaid, served as a soldier in the war of the Revolution, in
the State of Massachusetts on Fort Independence in Boston
Harbor, two years and upwards from the third day of Feby.
seven hundred and eighty one to the last part of
seventeen hundred and eighty three during all of which
time I served in the same company with said French
of which I was Orderly Sergent under the command of
Govr. Hancock and further deponant saith not
Sam Bayley [sic]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
---
[illegible - possibly Norfolk Co.] July 10th 1832 Then personally appeared
Samuel Bailey subscriber to the above affidavit and
made solemn oath to the truth of the same
Before me Silas Paine Jr. Justice of the Peace
Over

Page 6

I further certify
that the within named Samuel
Bailey is a person of truth & veracity
Silas Paine Jr. Justice of the
Peace --


[written upside down at bottom]
who commanded the
company & Regiment

Page 7

Samuel Ba[remainder of word obscured] [Bailey]

Affidavit for
Sylvanus French

[words struck out]

The affidavit must state
the [illegible] of troops &
who commanded the
company & Regiment

Page 8

I Moses Whitcomb of Randolph in the County of Norfolk
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawfull age, do testify
and say, that Silvanus French of Randolph, County and
Commonwealth aforesaid, served as a soldier in the
war of the Revolution in the State of Massachutts [sic][Massachusetts] on
Fort Independence in Boston Harbor two years and
upwards from the third day of February Seventeen
hundred & eighty one to the last part of seventeen
hundred & eighty three, during all of which time
I served in the same company with said French
of which Samuel Bailey was orderly segeant [sic][sergeant] under the
command of Govr. Handcock [sic][Hancock], and further deponent
saith not
Moses Whitcomb

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
-
[illegible] July 10th 1832 Then personally appeared
Moses Whitcomb subscriber to the above affidavit and
made solemn oath to the truth of the same
Before me
Silas Paine Jr Justice of the Peace
Over

Page 9

I further certify the within named Moses Whitcomb
is a person
of truth & veracity
Silas Paine Jr. Justice of the
Peace --

[words struck out]

[upside down text]
The affidavit must state
whether the troops were
state troops or militia - &
who was the captain of the
company & colonel of the
Regiment -

[upside down text]
Moses Whitcomb
Affidavit of
Silvanus French

[preprinted but not filled in] 
ALSO, that he was in th[remainder obscured]
day of   A.D. 17   , to the     day of

Page 10

[This is same image as No. 9 displayed upside down]

[upside down text]
[preprinted but not filled in] 
ALSO, that he was in th[remainder obscured]
day of   A.D. 17   , to the     day of

Moses Whitcomb
Affidavit of
Silvanus French

[words struck out]

The affidavit must state
whether the troops were
state troops or militia - &
who was the captain of the
company & colonel of the
Regiment -

[upside down text]
I further certify the within named Moses Whitcomb
is a person
of truth & veracity
Silas Paine Jr. Justice of the
Peace --

Page 11

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Norfolk ss. On this fourteenth day of August in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court
before the Honorable Judge of the Court of Probate now 
sitting at [illegible] in and for said County, Sylvanus French, a resident
of Randolph in said County, aged sixty nine, who being first duly sworn, according to law,
doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress
passed June 7th A. D. 1832.

THAT he was born at Braintree in said County
on the 6th day of June A. D. 1763, and that there is a
record of his birth in the Town Record of Braintree: that he was in the United States service from
the third day of February A D. 1780, to the 18th day of June A.D. 1782
as a soldier
in the Massachusetts State Troops: that he was
residing at Braintree
when he entered the service; that he enlisted as a volunteer
and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Captain John Hancock, also
Governor of the Commonwealth, Lieuts William Burbank & Samuel
Just -------------: [words strucken out]: 
that he served at Castle William ["with" struck out] in
the Harbor of Boston during said time with none of the regular troops; and
no --- regular officers were known to him: that he was in no battle
and at the end of his service received no written discharge: that since the Revolutionary war he
has resided at said Randolph & that he has no documentary evidence to
prove his service - except what is hereto annexed

[Remainder of pre-printed form not completed and struck through]

Page 12

He hereby relinquishes every 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.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first
Silvanus French

We David Brigham a clergyman, residing in the Randolph 
and Silas Paine Jr. residing Randolph
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Sylvanus French 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 in the war ----
of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed as aforesaid.
David Brigham
Silas Paine Jr.

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 abovenamed applicant
was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the court further certify that it
appears to them that David Brigham,
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a
clergyman, resident in the[struck out] said Randolph; and that Silas Paine Jr.
who has also signed the same is a resident in Randolph and is a credible person; and that
their statement is entitled to credit.

Sherman Leland Judge of Probate
[illegible] the Court further certify that Silas Paine Jr Justice of the Peace for said county
of Norfolk & that the name signed to certify the certificate to this deponant hereto [illegible]
is his signature & hand writing

I Samuel Haven, Regt of the Court of Probate aforesaid,
do hereby certify
that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the
application of Silvanus French for a pension.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of office on the day and
year first aforesaid.
Samuel Haven

Page 13

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
__________________________
Secretary's Office, Augt. 13 1832
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books
and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of
the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears
that the name of Sylvanus French is borne on several
List or Rolls of men doing duty in the State Service
on Castle Island in Boston Harbor. Said Rolls
were attached to Warrants for balances of pay
due to the men named therein at the respective
date thereof, but do not described the date or
duration of service. The said warrants are of
the date & for the balances following- - vis.

July 2. 1782 ---- [pound sign] 19. 12. 0.

another of same date -- balance carried out in gross.
& not against individual names.

Nov. 13. 1782 ---- [pound sign] 3.   8.   0.

Sept 3. 1782 ----      12.   0.   0.

No original Muster Rolls for the period when said French is supposed
to have been in service are on file.
Edward D Bangs, Secry

Page 14

8705 
Azubah French Mass 

Act 7 July 38 
Mar 40 

admd 23 yrs pri
$80 

Benjn Richards 
Randolph 
Norfolk Co
Mass.

Page 15

State of Massachusetts 
County of Norfolk ss; 

On this fourteenth day of February in the year eighteen hundred and forty three, personally appeared before the Honorable Sherman Leland Esquire Judge of the Court of Seven in and for the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts aforesaid Azubah French a resident of the Town of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and state of Massachusetts, aged seventy three years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows"" and amended act of August 23. 1842. 

That she is now the Widow of Sylvanus French late of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State aforesaid deceased who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and served according to the best of her knowledge as follows viz, 

He enlisted in the year 1779 or the begining of the year 1780 and served on castle Island in the harbor of Boston according to the best of her knowledge and belief, three years - he resided in Braintree when he enlisted and served under the command of the Hon. Thomas Cushing and William Burbank, she further declares she was married to the said Sylvanus French on the twenty eighth day of April in the year seventeen hundred and ninty one by the Rev Ezra Weld and that the said Sylvanus French her late husband died on the twentieth day of October eighteen hundred and forty. That she was not married to the said Sylvanus French prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four at the time above stated and that she has not been married the death of the said Sylvanus French that she is now a widow residing in said Randolph, she would further declare that her said husband was a pensioner of the United States and drew his pension up to the time of his death she would humbly and most respectfully refer to his papers at the Pension Office as evidence more fully of his services
Azubah her X mark French 

Subscribed & sworn to in open Court, the day & year above written before me 

S Leland Judge of Probate

Page 16

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. Braintree January 27th 1843 

I Judson Stoddard do hereby certify that it appears by the records of said Town of Braintree that Silvanus French & Azubah Penniman of this town were married by the Revd Ezra Weld Seventeen Hundred ninety one April twenty Eight.  I the above named Judson Stoddard do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed in the record in fair legible figures as follows viz 1791. April 28th 

Attest Judson Stoddard  Town Clerk of Braintree

Commonwealth of Massachusetts- County of Norfolk May 27th 1843 
Sworn to before me 
Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

Page 17

I Rhodolphus Porter of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being in my fiftieth year of my age, do testify and say, that Sylvanus French of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts a soldier of the Revolution was a pensioner of the United States, in consequence of his services in the Revolutionary war died at my dwelling their in said Randolph the twentieth day of October in the year eighteen hundred and forty and left a Widow who is now living in Randolph in the County and state aforesaid -  she has not been married since the death of the said Sylvanus her husband but remains a widow, her maiden name was Azubah Penniman and resided in the Town of Braintree before she was married to the said Sylvanus French the above described Pensioner both the said Sylvanus French and Azubah French were residents of Braintree at the time of their Marriage - Randolph was once a part of Braintree.
Rodolphus Porter 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County January 8th 1843. Then the above named Rudolphus Porter made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed, and I further certify that the above named Rodolphus Porter is considered a person of truth and veracity and his word may be depended upon 

Before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

Page 18

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
County of Norfolk ss 

I Jonathan H. Cobb Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Norfolk, hereby certify that Sherman Leland is Judge of said County of Probate & that Benjamin Richards is a Justice of the peace within of said County of Norfolk & that their several respective signatures on the papers are genuine & true.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court of Probate this fourteenth day of February AD 1843 

Jonathan H. Cobb Reg Probate

Page 19

 3 -- 525
RECORD DIVISION 
REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. BUREAU OF PENSIONS. Washington, D. C., 19__

In reply to your request of ___ _received__ a statement of the military history of Silvanus French soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired mation as contained in his for his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. 
[table headings] DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  | LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK |  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. COLONEL. |STATE. 

[row 1] Feb 3, 1780 to June 18, 1782 | | Private
| Lt Burbank Thos Cushing | Mass

Battles engaged in none
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Braintree, Norfolk Co, Mass
Date of application for pension, Aug 14 1832 
Residence at date of application, Braintree, Norfolk Co, Mass
Age at date of application Born June 1763 in Braintree, Mass
Remarks: He died Oct 20, 1840 in Randolph, Mass
Soldier married Apr. 28, 1791 in Braintree, Mass, Azubah Penniman (both residents of said Braintree), who was the person on her  apr ext. Feb 14 1843 while a resident of Randolph Mass aged 73 yrs. It is not stated whether they had children

Respectfully,
Commissioner. 

Hancock was Gov  of Mass not a Caption at that time

Page 20

4739 Sylvanus French 

E L Leland Esq 
Roxbury Mass

Page 21

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Sylvanus French Norfolk County, Mass which require further proof or explanation 

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes 
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? --- 
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. Has he mentioned 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 amout of pension  is entitled? yes 
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes 
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

Page 22

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?- yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtain ing it? 
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he state in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? 
XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? No 
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories presribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes

EXPLANATORY NOTES. 
QUERE V. In a case where the mill 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 praise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the guards mentioned below, and in the following grades: Foryear months and days, I served as a- For months and --- days, I served as and for such service I claim a pension."

Page 23

3 
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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 abourer indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. 
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service. 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 claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be 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 his seal of office. 
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers. In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being in properly attached to the certificate.

Page 24

Revy WIDOW, &c. 

File No. 24235 
Azubah French 
wid of Sylvanus French 
Pri Rev War
Act Feb 2nd 1848 

Index: Vol. A Page 25 

[Arrangement of 1870.]

Page 25

Rebd July 5th 

730 
Massachusetts 
Azubah French widow of Sylvanus French who was a private in the Mass line 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 3d day of July 1843 and sent to Benjamin Richards Randolph Mass

{ Act of March 3, 1843.} 
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 - Page 42

Page 26

Massachusetts - 7137
Azubah French widow of Sylvanus French who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June '32, and who died on the 20th October 1840 of Norfolk Co in the State of Mass who was a private in the ___ commanded by Captain Hancock of the commanded by - --- --- in the Massachusetts line for 2 years- 

Inscribed on the Roll of Boston at the rate of 80 - Dollars- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day March, 1836. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 31st day of March '43 and sent to Benj Richards Randolph, Norfolk Co. Mass. 

Arrears to the 4th --- of 
Semi-annual allowance ending $400.00 -[ (Act July 7, 1838M]. 

Recorded by McIn-- tenant Clerk, -- 

Book A Vol. 1 Page 88 

Refd Apl 1.43

Page 27

664 Admit private $80 
Mass Agency 

Send to Benjamin Richards Randolph Mass.

Page 28

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 3d March 1843 Granting Pensions for one year to certain Widows have received Pensions, under the act of July 7th 1838 

State of Massachusetts Norfolk County SS
On this thirteenth day of April in the year eighteen hundred and forty three Personally appeared before me Benjamin Richards Esquire one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk in the State of Massachusetts Azubah French a resident of the Town of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and state aforesaid aged Seventy three years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the  provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d March 1843 granting Pensions to widows of Persons who served in the Revolutionary war that she is now the widow of Sylvanus French late of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State aforesaid deceased who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and served according to the best of her knowledge as follows (viz) He inlisted in the year 1779 or beginning of the year 1780 and served on Castle Island in the harbor of Boston according to the best of knowledge and belief three years, he resided in Braintree when he inlisted and served under the command of the Hon. Thomas Cushing and William Burbank as a private. She further declares she has received five years pension at the rate of eighty dollars per annum (the same sum annually that her late husband drew) under the act of July 7th 1838 and the amended act of August 23. 1843- she further declares that she is still a widow now residing in the Town of Randolph aforesaid, she would respectfully refer to her papers in the pension department at Washington when her claim to her five years pension has been allowed, as further proof of her claim at this time- 

Witness Benj Richards Azubah her X mark French Mark 

Norfolk ss 13 April 1843 
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written Before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

I the aforesaid Justice hereby certify that I was well acquainted with the above named, Sylvanus French and Azubah French before & since the marriage took place between them - her maiden name was Azubah Penniman before marriage and that the above named Azubah French who has subscribed the above declaration is the Widow of the said Silvanus French named in the above declaration and that the said Sylvanus was Pensioner of the United States and that the said Azubah is now in residing in W. Randolph 

Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

Page 29

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Secretary's Office, Boston April 13. 1843 

I hereby Certify, That Benjamin Richards is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk 
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; 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 of the Commonwealth, the date above written 

J A Bolles Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Page 30

Admitted 
G.S. Bulfinch Boston Mass

Page 31

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, Norfolk COUNTY, ss

On this tenth day of July A.D. 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid, Azubah French a resident of Randolph in the county of Norfolk & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy seven 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 Sylvanus French late of Randolph who was a resident of Braintree in said County when he inlisted and served in the Revolutionary war, several years on Castle Island near Boston and who was a Private in said service in the and the said Azubah French 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 eighty dollars and cents per annum. 

She further declares that she is still a widow. Azubah her X mark French
mark 

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, In presence of Benjamin Richards Sarah Porter 
Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace 

I Certify, That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner, as she declares.
Benjamin Richards 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.

Page 32

Rev. Sec.

71 Ellis St., Brockton, Mass. 
Jan. 15, 1923. 

Pension Office,
Washington, D.C. 

Dear Sirs: Will you kindly send 
me information concerning Pension 
of Sylvanus French of Braintree or 
East Randolph. Said Pension began 
I believe in 1833 and continued 
three years. Where did the said Sylvanus 
French die, and for what services did 
he receive the Pension.
 
Very truly yours. 
Helen G. Buckley (Mrs. James F.)

[date stamped U.S. PENSION OFFICE JAN 17 1923]

Page 33

James L. Edwards Esquire 
Commissioner of Pensions

Page 34

James L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions at 
Washington 

Dear Sir I here inclose the declaration 
of Azubah French, of Randolph, who 
claims a Pension, the old lady is destitute 
and in needy circumstances, as soon as you 
can conveniently decide upon her claim 
Please to write to Benjamin Richards of Randolph, State of Massachusetts, and by 
so doing you will confer a favour upon 
the old Lady.

Yours respectfully 
Benjamin Richards

Page 35

J. L Edwards Esquire 
Commissioner of Pensions 
at the City of Washington

Page 36

Randolph April 25th 1843 

James L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions at the 
City of Washington 

Dear Sir. Inclosed are the 
Declarations of the Widows Rachel Whitcomb & Azubah French
of Randolph to obtain their pensions under the Act of Congress
of the 3rd March 1843. As soon as their claims are decided 
in your department, please direct to Benjamin Richards 
of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts.

Yours respectfully.
Benjamin Richards

Page 37

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's office, Boston July 26 1848

I hereby Certify, That on the sixteenth day 
of December eighteen hundred and forty one
Benjamin Richards was appointed for 
the term of seven years a Justice of the 
Peace for the County of Norfolk

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.

[Seal]

Wm Shefts Deputy
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Page 38

10.517
Massachusetts 
Sylvanus French
of Randolph in the State of Mass
who was a Private in the Company commanded
by Captain Hancock of the Regt. commanded
by Colo ----- in the Mass
line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
at the rate of - 80 - Dollars    Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of April, 1833 and
sent E.S. 
Leland Roxbury Mass

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $160.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4, Sept " $40.00
$200.00

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act Jun 7, 1832.        }
 
Recorded by D.D. Addison Clerk,
Book [illegible] Vol. 2[illegible] Page 24