Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14,144, Moses Whitcomb, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Whitcomb, Moses.
N. 14.144
Rachel.
CONTENTS

on Rolls
75 Norfolk
10508.
Massachusetts
Moses Whitcomb of Norfolk in the State of Mass who was a Pirate in the company commanded by Captain Hancock of the Regt commanded by Col — in the year time for 2 years
State
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of Apr 1833 and due to Silas Paine Randolph Mass
Arrears to the 14th of Mar 1833 $160— Semi-ann. allowance ending 21 Feb. 40—
$200—
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by G H Blair Clerk, Book 30, Vol. 2 nd Page 90.

Mrs Whitehouse
4733.
Edwin S. Leland
Silas Paine Jr East Randolph Mass

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 Quincy in and for said County, Moses Whitcomb a resident of Randolph in said County, aged seventy three , 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 the County of Suffolk now Norfolk on the 8 th day of April A. D. 1759, and that there is a record of his birth in the Town Records of Braintree that he was in the United States service from the Month day of December A. D. 1780, to the Month day of Decemb r A. D. 1783 as a Soldier in the Massachusetts State Troops : that he was residing at said Braintree in December AD 1780
when he entered the service ; that he was an enlisted Volunteer and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Captain John Hancock, (also Genl of the State) Lieutenant William Busick & Ensign Daniel Grafton : that he marched from said Braintree to Boston , from _____ to _____ from _____ to _____ : that he served at the Posts in Boston with _____ 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 Braintree & Randolph : & that he has no documentary evidence to prove his service except what is herein annexed
ALSO : that he was in the United States _____ from the _____ day of _____ A. D. 17 _____, to the _____ day of _____ A. D. 17 _____ as a _____ in the _____ : that he was residing at _____
when he entered the service ; that he and served for the period aforesaid under the command of
_____, from _____ to _____ from _____ to _____ : that he marched from _____ to _____ : that he served at _____ with _____ of the regular troops ; and
regular officers were known to him : that he was in _____ battle
and at the end of his service received _____ written discharge.
ALSO : that he was in the United States service from the _____ day of _____ A. D. 17 _____, to the _____ day of _____ A. D. 17 _____ in the _____ : that he was residing at _____
when he entered the service ; that he and served for the period aforesaid under the command of
_____, from _____ to _____ from _____ to _____ : that he marched from _____ to _____ : that he served at _____ with _____ of the regular troops ; and
regular officers were known to him : that he was in _____ battle
and at the end of his service received _____ written discharge.

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 aforesaid.
Moses Whitcomb
We David Brigham
a clergyman, residing in the
and Silas Paine Jr.
Moses Whitcomb residing in Randolph
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Moses Whitcomb who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty five 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 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 Haines July 18 Probate
I Samuel Havin, 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 Moses Whitcomb for a pension.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of office on the day and year first aforesaid.
Samuel Havin

Massachusetts-721
Rachel Whitcomb widow of Moses Whitcomb who was a private in the Mass. line Mass
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 3 d day of July 1843 and sent to Benjamin Richards Randolph Mass
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 — Page 57
Reps July 5 — Horatio Woodman Nov 29/53

R. Whitcomb
575
Rachel Whitcomb widow of Moses.
Mass
at 7 July 38 years
Marr'd in 1787
deceased. died on 13 April - 1838
Pen: com: on 14 Apr 1838
Benj Richard, Randolph Mass.

State of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss; On this tenth day of August 1838 personally appeared before the Sherburn Lee chief judge of the Court of Probate in for said County
Rachel Whitcomb 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 provision made by the Act of Con- gress, passed July 7th 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows." That She is the Widow of Moses Whitcomb, of Randolph, in the County of Norfolk and State Aforesaid and who was a Soldier in the Army in the War of the Revolution that he was a pensioner of the United States; under the Act of Congress passed the 7th day of June 1832 that the said Moses Whitcomb enlisted and served as a private with the Massachusetts troops at Dorchester several Months in the year 1778. he resided at Brain- tree when he entered the service, the Officers names she does not know under whom he served; he the said Moses Whitcomb again enlisted the fifth day of January 1780 into the service of the United States and Marched from Braintree (now Randolph) and did duty on Castle Island (which was some times called castle William) near Boston in the state of Massachusetts until December 1783. under the Command of Captain Levi Williams
Bertram she would respectfully refer to his papers now in the Pension Office at the City of Washing- ton, granting him a pension for his services in the War of the Revolution, for further proofs of his services and other particulars relating thereto. She further declares that she was married to the said Moses Whitcomb on the twenty ninth day of November seventeen hundred and eighty seven; that her husband the aforesaid Moses Whitcomb died on the thirteenth day of April eight- een hundred and thirty eight: that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service; but the Marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred & ninety four (44) as stated above and she further declares that she has no documentary evidence, in support of her claims, other than the Pension certificate herewith returned, and those papers that may be found at the Pension Office; my late Husband drew his pension from the Pension Office in Boston up to the 14th day of March 1838. all that was then due & she has not received any since that time

and she further declares that she has never been married since the death of her husband the said Moses Whitcomb, and is now a widow. and she further declares in the first tour of service named above be the said Moses Whitcomb served in a Company of Infantry - she further declares she was married by the Rev. Moses Taft the then minister of Braintree now Randolph
Rachel Whitcomb
Sworn to & subscribed, on the day & year above written, by the said Rachel Whitcomb, who by reason of bodily infirmary is unable to attend court to make her declarations. Before me S. Leland / Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. County of Norfolk,
I Jonathan H. Cobb Registrar of the Court of Probate for said County of Norfolk hereby certify that Sherman Leland is judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Norfolk & that Benjamin Richards is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County of Norfolk & that their respective signatures to the papers annexed are genuine at time.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court of Probate this eighteenth day of August A.D. 1838.
Jonathan H. Cobb,

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss. August 14th 1838. I Judson Stoddard Town Clerk of the Town of Braintree in the county & state aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears by the Registry of the intentions of Marriage in the Town of Braintree. there is the following record of intention of Marriage viz June thirtieth Seventeen hundred and eighty seven Moses Whitcomb & Rachel Wales both of this Town. That the above 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.
(June 30 1787)
Attest Judson Stoddard (Town Clerk)
I Judson Stoddard above named, depose & say that I held the Office of Town Clerk in the Town of Braintree in the County of Norfolk and state aforesaid & that I have exam- ined the Registry of Marriages & do not find the Marriage of the above named persons recorded; nor do I find any return of any Marriage made by the Rev. Moses Loft by whom it was made as it is said; and that the above extract is a true extract from the records of the intentions of Marriage entered & published in said Town of Braintree with the exception above named as certified by me
Judson Stoddard (Town Clerk)
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss. August 14th 1838 Subscribed & sworn to before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

I Silas Paine of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being seventy seven years of age; do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Moses Whitcomb, late of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State aforesaid dec. that the said Moses Whitcomb died some time in April Eighteen hundred and thirty eight, and left a widow whose Christian name is Rachel, the said Moses Whitcomb, married Rachel Wales, I was married in the year nineteen hundred and ninety according to the best of my recollection was, and the said Moses Whitcomb was married to the said Rachel Wales several years before - I do not now recollect the year or day of the month, I have no doubt on my mind that I saw them married; I was a near neighbour to the said Moses & Rachel before and after their marriage took place, they always lived together as husband and wife and were in very respectable standing in society, and had several children the said Rachel Whitcomb widow of Moses Whitcomb dec. has never been married since his death and is now a widow residing in the Town of Randolph in the State & County of aforesaid - Silas Paine
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. August 16th 1838. Then the above named Silas Paine personally appeared and made Oath to the truth of the above Affidavit by him subscribed,
Before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace And I the above said Justice would furthermore certify that I have been acquainted with the above named Silas Paine the deponent for many years who is a person of truth & respectability. he has for a number of years held the office of Deacon in the first and also in the Second Congregational Church in Randolph and has been esteemed by all denominations of Christians & saints generally a valuable member in society & his word I never heard disputed as to its truth. Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

Know all Men by these Presents,
THAT I, Moses Whitcomb of the County of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts . Son of Rachel Whitcomb , late a Revolutionary in Company 2 , Captain Reunion , at $80. per in the year, which was about seven years ago Regiment of paid at the Boston agency, & who deceased, have constituted, and do hereby constitute Harold Woodman , of Boston, Mass. my attorney, for me and in my name, to demand and receive from the Government of the United States, all information relative to her said pension to which I am or may be entitled, by reason of the service said pension stated ; to give all necessary receipts and discharges therefor; to appoint an attorney or attorneys under him for said purpose; and to do all things in the premises which are or may be necessary.
Witness my hand and seal, this Twenty third day of November , A.D. 1853.
J. H. Buckingham Wm. Scankins } Two Witnesses.
Moses Whitcomb
State of Massachusetts County of Suffolk
Personally appeared the above named Moses Whitcomb and subscribed and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney, to be free act and deed, this Twenty third day of November A.D. 1853 Before me,
J. H. Buckingham } Justice of the Peace, for the said County.

4/33.
Moses Whitcomb Randolph Norfolk Co Mass
Penal 2 years
Witnesses not competent to be credible, official char- acter & signature of the Magistrate not certified
Mr 23. 1832
$80
Edwin P. Leland Silas Paine Jr Secretary Randolph, Mass

BRIEF in the case of Moses Whitecomb  Randolph of Norfolk Co in 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?  3. How old is he? 73/4 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 17 80 3 - - As a Private Gen. Capt. Francis  
 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 evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary Evidence Living Witnesses  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. S. Blair Examining Clerk.

Randolph Dec. 25 th 1830
Sir, I pay immediate attention to this is respectfully solicited
Silas Barne Jr
Hon. Lewis Cass, Esq.
N.B. In the brief you returned with this application I found both of the questions of the 14 th & 15 th answered with red ink in the negative! This deficiency I have now supplied — All the best men answered yes.

Moses Whitcomb (Mass. act 7 June '32 - when last p.d.? G.H.C.
Sep. 25. 1838.
p. 1. the 4 March 1838 JH

J. L. Edwards Esq. Com. Pensions
I herewith the Papers of Rachel Whitcomb. Widow of Moses Whitcomb as soon as they are decided upon Please write to Benjamin Richards of Randolph in the State of Massachusetts
Yours respectfully Benj. Richards
Randolph Aug 20 th 1838.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
July 18-1900 Miss Hattie N. Jones Oak Park Ills.
File No. 14144 Rachel Whitcomb Whitcomb Moses Whitcomb Priv. Mass. June Act: March 3 rd 1843 Index:—Vol. M , Page 331
[Arrangement of 1870.]

for -
Edward D. Bangs Esq.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Cambridge, Mass. June 12, 1892.
My dear Sir: I have been in conversation of the affairs of the Commonwealth, relating to Military Service in the War of the Rebellion.
As the name of William Whittaker is known to many, I think it would be well to mention him in the list of those who were mustered into service in Boston. I am sure that he was attached to some of the regiments of the city, but I do not know exactly the date of his induction or the date of his discharge. I am sure that he was mustered in at the City Hall.
July 2, 1892
Yours truly, Edward D. Bangs
John W. Foster
John W. Foster
Sept. 2, 1892
The original documents for the above names were found in the files of the Commonwealth. They were in a box of papers, which were given to me by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Aug. 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 Moses Whitcomb is borne on several 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 dates thereof, but do not describe the date or duration of service. The said warrants are of the date, & for the balances following, viz—
July 2. 1782 £ 19. 12. 0
" " not carried out against the individuals but for the gross amount —
Nov. 13. 1782 £ 12. 0. 0
Mar. 13. 1783 4. 14. 8
Sept 3. " 12. 0. 0.
The original Muster Rolls for the above named service, if any there were, are not on file.
Also on a Roll of "Capt. Welch's Company" — in which he served

Massachusetts 480.
Rachel Whitecomb widow of Moses Whitecomb who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 13 April 1838 of Norfolk in the State of Mass who was a Pri in the Com commanded by Captain Hancock of the Regt commanded by _____ in the Mass: line for 9 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836 ending 13: April 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th , day of Jany 1843 and sent to, E. Clark. Brighton Mass
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Theo: L. Wady, Clerk, Book A Vol. 1 Page 143
A new certificate was issued in this case un- der the opinion of the At- Genl. of 2 d Sep. 1842 which was given in consequence of the Resolution of Con. 18th Jany. 42.
Her report see letter to P. Agent January 5. 1843.

Boston, November 23 d 1853.
Sir,
Mrs. Rachel Whitecomb, a Revolutionary pensioner, at $80. pr. year, whose pension was payable at this agency, died about seven years ago. Her certificate is on file. Her husband was a pensioner at the same rate. The son, who makes this affidavit, says there were two years which was not paid her, to which she was entitled. He believes it should have dated back to the death of her husband. At any rate, he says the agent who procured her pension, always said there were two years wrongly omitted - and he therefore begs to be informed through me whether this is not so. Washington agents have so written him also. I omit a certificate of justiciability because others for Mr. B. leave today for your office. Risky. Yrs. Sbt. Servt. To the Com ee of Pensions, Washington City. Henry Woodman.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk
I James Ware Clerk of all the Judicial Courts being Courts of Record, within and for the County of Norfolk hereby certify, that Silas Paine Esquire, before whom the Depositions of Wm Lord & Samuel Bayley were taken, perusate annexed, was at the time of the taking thereof (July 10 th 1832.) and now is a Justice of peace in and for said County of Norfolk aforesaid, duly appointed Commissioner and qualified to discharge the duties of said Office and that his signature on each of said Depositions, I believe to be genuine and true. In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of said Commonwealth, and subscribed my name at Dedham this eighteenth day of December AD one thousand eight hundred & thirty two.
James Ware

Payments to be made at Boston Mass by the Paymaster B Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Mass
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E Vol. 2~ Page 90. by S H S Blair Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Moses Whitcomb of the State of Massachusetts who was a Pirate in the Army of the Revolution.
is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and  cents 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 Tenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three.
Lewis Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

Providence R.I.
110 South Brane Ave Oak Park Illinis
Oct 28 th 1892
The Bureau of Pensions
Can you give me any information about Calvin Whitecomb , receiving a pension, as a soldier of the revolution.
And was there a Moses Whitecomb that received a pension as a soldier of the revolution.
Calvin Whitecomb lived & died in Madison Co New York near Madison Center.

as far back as I remember anything of his home.
Moses Whitecomb, lived in Hardwick Mass.
Thanking you for any in- formation you may be able to give, I remain
yours truly
Hattie W. Janis.

Rachel Whitcomb
Mass
age 7 July 3 rd
80A
from March 3 rd to 13 age 38 — the day of her husband's death —
Elijah Clark
Brighton Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk ss.
On this fifteenth day of December eighteen hundred and forty two. Personally appeared me Silas Parrie a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk. Rachel Whitcomb a resident of Randolph in said County, seventy seven years of age, who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the amount of pension which she claims from the fourth of March 1836. to the thirteenth day of April eighteen hundred and thirty eight, from which period she has been already paid under the act of the seventh of July 1838. and the Declarant further alleges that she is still the widow of Moses Whitcomb, who was a private in the Revolutionary War, and that her pension was allowed at the rate of eighty dollars per annum, and was paid to her at the agency at Boston in the State of Massachusetts, and further she saith not. Rachel Whitcomb
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, Before Me, Silas Parrie Justice of the Peace
Norfolk ss. Dec. 15 th 1842 I hereby certify that Rachel Whitcomb who has signed above declaration is known to me to be the widow of Moses Whitcomb

deceased who has heretofore received a pension from the United States
Silas Paine Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Secretary's Office December 10. 1862
I hereby Certify that at the date of the within attestation. Silas Paine was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk.
Witness the Seal of the Commonwealth
John D. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth

I Samuel Bailey of Hymneth in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawfull age, do testify and say, that Moses Whitcomb of Randolph, County of Nor- folk aforesaid, served as a soldier in the war of the re- volution in the State of Massachusetts on foot Independence in Boston Harbor three years from the first day of December in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred and eighty to December nineteen hundred and eighty three during all of which time I served in the same company with the said Whitcomb, of which I was orderly Sergeant, under the command of Genl. Hancock (and further deponant saith not)
Jan y 13 th 1882
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss. July 10 th 1882 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

Randolph Dec. 25th 1832
I further certify that the within named Samuel Bailey is a person of credibility, truth & veracity.
Silas Paine Jr. Justice of the Peace
Samuel Bailey Asst. Sec Mass. Anti-Slavery Soc.

I William Lord of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk and commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age, do testify and say, that Mase Whetcomb of Randolph, county and commonwealth aforesaid, served as a soldier in the war of the Revolution, in the State of Massachusetts on Fort Independence, in Boston Harbor, three years from the first day of December in the year of our Lord one thou- and seven hundred and eighty to December nineteen hun- dred and eighty-three, during all of which time I ser- ved in the same company with said Whetcomb of which Samuel Bailey was orderly sergeant, under the command of Gov Hancock and further deponent saith not
William Lord
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss. July 10 th 1832 Then personally appeared William Lord subscriber to the above affidavit and made solemn oath to the truth of the same
Before me Silas Paine Jr. Justice of the Peace

Randolph Dec 25th 1832. I further certify that the within named William Gause is a person of creditability, truth & veracity. Silas Rain for justice of the Peace
Mr. Gause App't. Charles Whiteman

Admit, private $80
Map Agency
Send to Prof. Richards
Randolph
Maps.

Declaration in Order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress, of the 3 d March 1843. Granting Pensions for one year to certain Widows who have received Pensions, under the Act of July 7 th 1838
State of Massachusetts
Norfolk County Sss. 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 & for the County of Norfolk in the State of Massachus- etts, Rachel Whitcomb a resident of the Town of Randolph, in the County of Norfolk and State aforesaid Aged seventy eight 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 provisions made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3 d March 1843. Granting Pensions to Widows of Persons who served in the revolutionary War. That she is now the Widow of Moses Whitcomb late of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State aforesaid deceased who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of eighty dollars per Annum and served according to the best of her knowledge as follows (viz) He enlisted in the year 1779 or beginning of the 1780 and served on Castle Island in the harbor of Boston as a Private three years, he resided in Braintree now Randolph when he enlisted and served under the command of the Hon. Thomas Cushing and William Burbeck She further declares she has received five years Pension at the rate of eighty dollars per Annum under the Act of July 7 th 1838. She further declares that she is now a widow now residing in the town of Randolph aforesaid. She would respectfully refer to her Papers in the Pension Office or department at the City of Washington as further proof of her claim -
Rachel Whitcomb
Norfolk ss April 13 th 1843.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written Before me
Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace
I the said Justice do furthermore certify that I was well acquainted with the above named Moses Whitcomb who is now deceased and with the above named Rachel Whitcomb his widow. They were neighbours to me residing in the town of Randolph the said Moses Whitcomb is now dead he was a Pensioner of the United States and the said Rachel Whitcomb who has subscribed the above declaration is the Widow of the said Moses Whitcomb now residing in the above said town of Randolph
Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

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 Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Jno A. Bollen
Secretary of the Commonwealth.