Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,487, Abner Witt, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Witt, Abner Molly
NUMBER
W. 15.487
CONTENTS
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Ref. see letter
1858 Massachusetts
Molly Witt widow of Abner Witt
who died on the 13. May 1812 of Hampshire Co. in the State of Mass. who was a Sgt. Gunner in the _____ com. by Captain Mass of the reg't commanded by Col. Putnam in the Mass line for 3 mths. 7 days Gunner _____ 14.55 3 " 2 days Cpl _____ 11.24 17 " 21 " Br. _____ 59.00
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 84 Dollars 79 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Increased from $50.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of July 1845 and sent to Wm. Ward Worthington, Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending Former payments to be deducted
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by D Brown Clerk, Book C. Vol. 1. Page 66

I Bethiah Banister of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being seventy two years of age. Testify and say that I was Born in said Brookfield and have resided in this Town the most of my life. my former name was. With I had a Brother Abner who was Married in October in the year one Thousand seven Hundred & seventy eight. To Molly Rowland who is now the Widow of my said Brother Abner Deceased and now living in the Town of Chester in the County of Hampden in said Commonwealth. my said Brother Abner. enlisted for Nine months in the army of the Revolution. and he moved his wife to my Father's for the purpose of a Home while he was gone into the service. & well remembers that he went from home some time in June the following in the year Seventeen Hundred & seventy nine. he enlisted as a Private Soldier. the Company Regiment or officers I do not recollect. he was gone the nine Months from Home as nigh as I can recollect and I have no doubt but that he served the Nine months as stated above  I further Testify that My said Brother Abner returned home to his Family in the Spring of Seventeen Hundred & eighty and Tarried at Home but a short time. and then engaged or enlisted again for six or eight Months. and immediately went in to the said Army  and was absent the time engaged for. the officers & I do not remember. further your deponent saith Not
Bethiah Banister
Commonwealth of Mass. } County of Worcester } June 22 d . 1837
on this day Personally appeared the above named, Bethiah Banister and made Oath to the Truth of the above Deposition. and I certify that the said deponent is a woman of Truth and Veracity; before me
Simson Draper J. P. Pease

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester ss. I Jos. G. Kendall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County, being as Court of Record, certify that Simon Draper, who certifies as a justice of the Peace to the annexed Depositions of Matthew Waterman and Bathsheba Barnister and to the Certificate of William Crosby also hereto annexed, is a justice of the Peace, within and for said County, duly qualified to administer said oaths & certify as aforesaid, and that his signature to the said annexed Depositions & Certificate appear to be in his own hand writing -
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Worcester, this twenty sixth day of June A.D. 1837 Jos. G. Kendall, Clerk

Widow Wills
Certificate of marriage
1778

I hereby certify that Abner Witt and Molly Rowland were entered on the Records, as published in the Town of Brookfield, County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Aug. 12 th A.D. 1778, and were joined in marriage by the Rev d Joseph Appleton of Brookfield Oct. 7 th A.D. 1778 — Dec. 22 nd 1836
A true copy of Record —
Attest. William Crosby. Town Clerk of Brookfield.
Honorable I hereby certify that the above named William Crosby is Town Clerk in the said Town of Brookfield. Simon Draper Jur. Dean
Dec. 22 nd 1836
I certify that the above named Crosby is a man of Truth & Veracity.
Simon Draper Jur. Dean
Rolls cut to open pages

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Hampshire, do hereby certify that William Ward Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that the signature thereto annexed purporting to be his, I know to be genuine.
IN testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this Seventeenth day of October
A. D. 183 7
Samuel F. Lyman Register of Probate.

I William Witt. aged 54. years depose and say that I am the son of Abner Witt deceased and Abby Witt her Widow, that my father deceased on the 13 th day of May 1812. and that my mother has never been since married
Wm Witt
Sworn & subscribed. before me this 17 th day of October 1837 and I certify that the deponent is a credible witness and also that I personally know that the facts are true
William Ward Justice of the peace

V2833 Molly Witt Massachusetts
No officers named except for 6 m d in 1780 - is found on rolls for that time V2833 Molly Witt Mass for 1783 1784
adm d to m d pre 20 d No deduction W m Ward Esq r Worthington Mass

State of Massachusetts Hampshire County ss
On this 17 th day of October 1837. personally appeared before me. I have a County Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Hampshire being a Court of Record Molly Witt. who being first sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress of July 4. 1836 and the act explanatory of said act passed March 3. 1837. viz
That Abner Witt to whom she was afterwards intermarried. enlisted at Brookfield in the year 1775 as a private in the Army of the Revolution for three months and served out the term of his enlistment at Boston, and then continued in said service five months longer making for that term of service eight months 8
That in the month of September 1777 the said Witt was either drafted, or enlisted, to go to Bennington and was at the capture of Burgoyne in which campaign he was engaged three months or more — 3
That in the month of June 1779. again enlisted as a private into the Army to go to New York for nine months and served out the term of his enlistment 9
That in the months of May or June of 1780. the said Witt again enlisted for six months to go to New York

and then served out the term of his enlistment & now She further declares that she has at present no distinct recollection of the officers or companies in which said said services were performed she being now 77 years of age that she has obtained all the evidence now within her knowledge which she transmits with this declaration
She further declares that she was married to the said Oliver Witt at Brookfield on the seventh day of October 1778. with whom she lived as his wife till the 13 th day of May 1812 when he died, and has remained here since and now is his widow
Molly Witt
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written, being at a Probate Court held at Chesterfield in said County -
Before me Jonathan Cooksey Judge
Hampshire ss. I Samuel J. Lyman Register of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Hampshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts hereby certify that the foregoing proceedings were had in open Probate Court at Chesterfield in said County on the 17 th day of October A.D. 1837.
Attest
Sam. J. Lyman Reg

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15487
Molly Witt
widow of
Abner Witt
corp Rev War
Act: July 4 th 86
Index:—Vol. M , Page 212
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Let to Mr Mace Sep. 21. 1843 Let to same July 13. 1843
Massachusetts - 1858
Molly Witt, widow of Abner Witt
who died on the 12 th May 1812 of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts, who was a Pw. — in the Comp y commanded by Captain Goodall of the Reg t commanded by Col. Patten in the Mass ts line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 20 Dollars — Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of March 1838, and sent to Mrs. Mary Witt, Wittington, Mass ts
Arrears to the 4 th of inst. — $ 140.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th inst. 10.00
$ 150.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by R. Burdick Clerk, Book A. — Vol. 2. — Page 62

Rep. see letter
Massachusetts 1858
Molly Witt widow of Abner Witt
who died on the 13 th May 1812 of Hampshire Co. in the State of Massachusetts who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Goodee of the regt. commanded by Col. Putnam in the Mass. line for 15 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 50 Dollars ————— Costs per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Increased from $20 —
Certificate of Pension issued the 25. day of July 1844 and sent to Wm. Ward, Worthington Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
Former payments to be deducted
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3, }
Recorded by Book C.
D Brown Vol. 1.
Clerk,
Page 66

Molly Witt Massachusetts
Suspended
Per let 1 Feb '38. W. Ward
admd

Supplementary.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
May 20 1845.
I hereby Certify, That, from an re- 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 services of Abner Witt of Brookfield, as described in a certificate issued July 24 th 1843, are correct, viz 9 months in 1779 as shown by the lists and the Council Records, and 6 months in 1780, as shown by a descriptive list and by the town roll of Brookfield;— but the following was overlooked, viz. the name of Abner Witt of Brookfield is borne upon a return of Capt s Peter Harnood, Col. Learned, in the 8 months service of 1775, as a private,— return dated Oct r 7 th ; and upon the cost roll of the same dated Nov r 21 st the time of his enlistment is given by a muster roll of the Camp s April 27;— And the following described services have been found upon rolls indexed subsequent to the date of the former certificate, viz: the name of said Abner Witt is further borne upon an abstract of Capt s William Todd, Col. Crafts Artillery, as a gunner, from Feb y 1 to May 2, 1776,— 3 months, 7 days and 66 miles travel, and upon a return for allowance for the travel dated Dec r 16 th ;— as a corporal,— Also as a corporal upon a pay roll of Capt s John Bannister, Col. Job Cushing for service in the Northern army from Sept r 7 to Nov r 29, 1777, including allowance of 9 days for 180 miles travel; 3 mo. 2 days — Eli Bartlett, as alleged,

was with him in the same camp, serving also as a corporal.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Patten. Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Molly Milt Mdm of Abur Map act 4 July 1836
Admitted
3 Mos 7 days Summer $14.55 3 " 2 " Casual 11.24 17 " 21 " priv. 59.00 $84.79
deduct what has been paid at the rate of $50 00 per ann.
William Ward Northampton Map.

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES BY THE WIDOW.
State of Massachusetts County of Hampden Town of Shelburne
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of my late husband
Abner Will
He enlisted in the year 1775 in the month of April from the town of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts in the Company of Capt. not recollected in not recollected Regiment, and served as a private until December of that year # We were married in the year 1778 He died in the year 1812
The only other facts which I recollect, are as follows, viz:—
# That in the month of September 1777. my said Husband enlisted for three months & marched to Saratoga where he served out that time

I am now Eighty four years old, and my memory does not enable me to state any thing further material to the search required.
I have empowered William Ward of Worthington to act in the premises as my Attorney.
WITNESS my hand, this 12 th day of March A. D. 184 5 .
Signed in my presence } by said }
William Ward JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
Molly With

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, July 24 1843.
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 Abner Witt is borne upon the Council Records June 2. 1780 and a certificate given, and paid for nine months service in 1779. The name of Abner Witt is also borne upon the pay roll of the town of Brookfield, for six months service rendered in the year 1780.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this

Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone: and that said application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Jno. A. Bolles Secretary of the Commonwealth.
William Ward Esq Worthington

Abner Milt 94
P. M. Worthington.
nothing found but the Army Service for which the man receives a pension

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES BY THE WIDOW.
State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire Town of Worthington
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of my late husband
Abner Witt
He enlisted in the year 1775 in April from the town of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts (in the Company of Capt. not recollected ) in not recollected Regiment, not recollected and served as a private until November or December at Boston We were married in the year 1778 in October . He died in the year 1812 . This service was performed before I was intimately acquainted with Mr. Witt.
The only other facts which I recollect, are as follows, viz:—
2 d That Mr. Witt in September 1777 again enlisted for three Months and marched to Saratoga and was present at the surrender of General Burgoyne (does not recollect the names of the officers in)
3 d That in 1779 he again enlisted for 9 Months and marched to New York and served out his time returning home in March 1780. (officers not remembered)
4 th That in May or June 1780 he again enlisted for 6 Mos. and marched to New York. For this service she receives a pension
# It is doubtful whether the Companies were organized till they reached Roxbury or Cambridge

In the 2 nd Term of Service Mr Witt served in the same company with Mr Ch. Bartlett of Brookfield who was a pensioner by dead In the 3 rd & 4 th Term, he served in company with a son a Willys whose name if found on your rolls may lead to some aid in the investigation
I am now Eighty three years old, and my memory does not enable me to state any thing further material to the search required.
I have empowered William Ward of Washington to act in the premises as my Attorney.
WITNESS my hand, this Eighteenth day of July
A. D. 184 3
Signed in my presence } by said
William Ward
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
Witness to Molly Wells Signature Molly Witt

Molly Witt
Payment to be made at Boston by F. Haven, Esq. Agent for paying Pen- sioners, in the Agency of Massachusetts
3 mo 7 days Quarters $ 14.55 3 " 2 " Corps 11.24 17 " 21 " Pro 59.00 $ 84.79
added at the rate of $50 per ann.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book C. Vol. 1. Page 62 by
D. Brown, Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th of July, 1836, Molly Witt, of Massachusetts widow of Abner Witt who was a Private in the Revolution
is entitled to receive Fifty dollars and cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4 th of March 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September. Issued in lieu of one for $20 per annum, cancelled. Former payments to be deducted.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 25 th day of
July one thousand eight hundred and forty-four.
Wm. H. L.

Chesin in June 1782.
Brookfield
1858.

Washington Ms July 31
Recd 10
Aug 4 1845
Recd of Molly H. [unclear]
L Edwards Esq
Com d of Pensions Washington City
Report 1836
Ms. A. 1. 1838
File with papers 8

Worthington Ms July 31
Recd 10
Aug 4 1845
Recd of Molly Smith
S Edwards Esq Com d of Pensions Washington City
1896 Nichols
Insty 11th Nov 1838
File with papers

Washington July 31. 1845
J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir.
The 31 st of May I transmitted the application of M rs Molly Witt for increase of pension and the proofs. Should they not have reached you will you do me the favor to notify me. If they have I wait your action. And am Respectfully Yours &c
William Ward

Worthington Ms July 18. 1844
J. L Edwards Esq Sir
I have your favor of 13 th instant, and hasten to enclose according to instructions the original petition sub. of of Molly Witt. for correction
You allude to a letter addressed to me under date of 21 st Sept of last year. No such letter has ever reached me.
Permit me to express a hope that this issue will not be longer delayed. M rs Witt is very needy, and deserving of the bounty of the Government if any one can be said to be so.
I am Most Respectfully
Your O b d Servant
William Ward

Molly Witt p20
Payment to be made at Boston, by the Pay. by Franklin Haren Esq. Agent for paying Pen= ers, in the Agency of Massachusetts
Increased to $50 per Annum. without further payments.
Paid out to Wm. Ward Worthington Mass. Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A Vol. 2 Page 62 by R. B. ... Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States of the 4th July, 1836, Molly Witt of Massachusetts, widow of Abner Witt, deceased, who was a Private during the War of the Revolution is entitled to receive twenty dollars and cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United States this fourteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight
J. B. Poinsett
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Christie in 1783 Brookfield
1858

Washington D.C. July 12 44
July 12 44
J. L. Edwards, Esquire
Mr. Adams
Comm ee of Pensions
Washington City

Worthington Ms. July. 8. 1844
J. L. Edwards
In the month of June 1843. I transmitted the application of Rachel Scott Widow of the late Isaac Scott deceased for a pension and at your suggestion I forwarded in October additional proof of identity
In July 1843 I forwarded to you the application of Molly Scott the Widow of Abner Scott for arrearage of pension and for arrears of pension since the 4 th March 1831 and enclosed as proof of her claim the Certificate of the Secretary of the Secretary of the Commonwealth dated July 24. 1843. proving 9 Mo's Service in 1779
I also sent the 8 th of Feb y last the application of Rachel Brown Widow of Gershom Brown. with the proofs.
Hitherto in my correspondence with your office there has been any informality in the Papers, or defects in the proofs. you have been so obliging as to inform me and suggest the remedy. Not hearing from you for so long a time May I ask the favor to be informed. if those Papers have been acted upon or whether further and what proof is necessary to sustain them
Yours Respectfully
William Ward
P.S. I take the official Paper. but I have not seen the Law of April 1844. Can you favor me with a copy
1010

Worthington Cts May 28 th 1845
J. I. Edwards Esq. Sir
In my early communications with you on the subject of the claim of Mrs. Molly Witt, Widow of the late Abner Witt for a pension on account of the services of her Husband I stated to you that after a careful examination I had come to the conclusion that she was fully entitled to the full allowance of her claim whether she could substantiate it by such proofs as would be satisfactory to you or not.
The proofs of the claim for the services 1780 were at once admitted & last year the additional proofs for the year 1779 were admitted and a new certificate issued.
I have now the pleasure to enclose to you - from the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth proofs of the services claimed for the years 1775 and 1777 which I trust will be deemed by you conclusive, with a supplementary declaration. And also the Pension certificate as now granted with the request that you will forward me a new one as justice to her may require. Permit me to call your attention to the fact of his having served as appears by the Secretarys certificate both as a Corporal & Artillerist, & graduate the allowance accordingly. Most Respectfully
Your Ob t Servant
William Ward
P.S. The fact of Mr. Witt, serving as a Corporal had escaped the

The recollection of Mrs. Witt she was quite confident of her service in The Abolition. but was particularly careful not to state a fact or circumstance she did not distinctly remember. and as a woman of truth she has no superior
Abt 10

Worthington Mass s July 28 1843
Sir
Permit me again to ask your attention to the case of Mrs Molly Witt who is a pensioner under the Law of the 4 th of July 1836 and whose Certificate is dated March 14. 1838 (Numbered 1858). Mrs Witt did not then make satisfactory proof to you of her Service and the new has not been able to prove any one of the other terms of Service for which she claimed
Since the return of the Massachusetts papers to the Secretary's office she has applied them for further proof and the enclosed Certificate of the Secretary will substantiate the claim for the Nine Months, in 1779.
I do not know but I ought to enclose you her personal Certificate if you wish it an intimation will cause it to be forwarded
I am Respectfully
Your ob t Servant
William Ward
J. L. Edwards Esq/ brow etc.

I Jonathan Waterman of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being in my Ninetyth year, and of Lawfull age Testify and say that in the year one thousand seven hundred & seventy seven I was at the Battle of Benington in the service of the united States, a sergeant, and when my time was out, and before returning home there was a number of new recruits arrived from Brookfield and other places, and among them was Abner Witt one of my Neighbors. The officers who was with them I do not rember. he was absent from home some time, but the exact time I cannot recollect but am very sure that he was absent through the Hard Winter so called which was in the winter 1779, 80, and when he returned home the spring following. he said Abner engaged again in the service of his country and was absent some time from his family, but the time I cannot recollect, and I have no doubt of his service as a soldier in the war of the revolution, further your Deponent saith not
Jonathan Waterman
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Worcester
February 22 d 1837
on this day Personally appeared Jonathan Waterman the above named Deponent and made Oath to the truth of the above Deposition, I certify that the said Waterman is a man of Truth & Veracity
before Me Simon Draper Jut. Peace

Mrs. Webb.
Ans
Worthington MS Feb. 17
free
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions Washington City
Dr. Cummins

Worthington. March 5. 1838
J. L. Edwards Esq
Sir Your fav. of the 1 st . Feb. relating to the pension claim of Molly Witt widow of the late Abner Witt has been received & submitted to her. Mr Witt resided in Brookfield in the County of Worcester when he served in the army & removed I believe nearly fifty years since to Chester. after the Law of July 1836 passed she sent an agent to Brookfield to look up the evidence of Mr Witts service. but no better could be found than the testimony forwarded to you. every person whose name she could recollect having deceased long since. You say that his name is found on the rolls of Col Sproats regiment for six months but do not say at what time. I have to day had a conversation with Luther Pomeroy a pensioner. and a neighbor of the late Mr Witt who says that Mr Witt was with the army at the time of the defection of Arnold. a part of which he is not able to testify having left in the Spring of 1780. I have also conversed to day with Elakim Chap whose deposition was forwarded with the original papers. he says that he thinks that at the time he saw Mr Witt in service. he could not have belonged to Col Sproats regiment for according to his recollection. the regiments then, were com-

manded by Col. Gration. Putnam & Nixon, and the Brigade by Gen. Nixon. both Mr. Pomeroy, and Mr. Chap are intelligent old men of unimpeachable character
I have stated these circumstances for your consideration in hopes that they may operate in favor of the application. But if the evidence is inadmissible I am instructed by Mrs. Witt to say that she at present knows of no further evidence and as she is absolutely necessitous (it is true) she prefers that a certificate should issue for the 5 Months Service, than any fur- ther delay should take place
I am Respectfully
Yr. Ob Serv t
William Ward
B I kept no copy of the papers which I forwarded to you nor do I recollect their purport. if it is not necessary to preserve them in your office I shall be obliged if you will enclose them to me with the certificate if you send one. I am persuaded of the truth of the old Lady's story, and would be glad to assist her in obtaining further evidence
W. Ward

I Glackam Chap of Chish in the County of Hampden & Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy eight years, depose & say that I was a private of Capt Goodell's company in Col. Putnam's Regiment of the Continental Army in the year 1780 and was then stationed at a place called Soldier's Fortune near Pukekill. That I then became acquainted with Abner Witt now deceased who was then and there a soldier in the Service of the United States and as the deponent believes in Col. Greene's Regiment. The deponent frequently saw the said Witt during the Winter of 1780 and was intimately acquainted with him afterwards to the time of his decease.
Subscribed & sworn to this 14 th day of
June 1837
Glackam Chap
Before me William Ward Justice of the Peace and I certify that the deponent is a credible witness and a soldier & pensioner. W. Ward J.P.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Hampshire, do hereby certify that William Ward Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that the signature thereto annexed purporting to be his, I know to be genuine.
IN testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this seventeenth day of October
A. D. 183 7
Sam F. Lyman Register of Probate.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire County ss.
Be it known that on this twelfth day of March 1845 personally appeared before me the subscriber a sister of the peace in and for the county aforesaid Molly Will a resident of Chester in the County of Hampshire & Commonwealth aforesaid aged eighty four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain an increase and arrear of pension under the Law of July 4 th 1836
That she is the widow of Hovey Will who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, who died on the 13 th day of May 1812. That she made her first declaration setting forth the Revolutionary services of her late husband she believing in the year 1837, and was pensioned for the sum of Twenty Dollars per Annum. The Certificate bearing date on the 14 th day of March 1838. Numbered 1858, being for the six months service performed in the year 1830. That being all that the evidence at that time would sustain.
That in the year 1843 she made a supplemental Declaration and furnished the proof of the service stated in the said declaration of Nine Months Service in the year 1779 and her pension was increased to Fifty Dollars per Annum by a Certificate dated the 25 th day of July 1844 Numbered 1858
She now further declares that her said husband engaged as a Minute man at Brookfield in the State of Massachusetts for three months in April 1775 and marched to Boston where he served that term, at the expiration of which he re-enlisted in the same service and served Eight months in the whole, the declarant does not now recollect the name of any of his officers or company but he had two brothers in the same service one of which died during the campaign at Roxbury.
She further declares that her said husband over

in the Month of September 1777, enlisted for Three Months and Marched to Saratoga and was present at the Surrender of General Burgoyne's Army and served out his Term. The names of his Officers or Corps are not recollected but the declarant is under impression that he served in the Artillery. She is confident that Eli Basset died who was a pensioner enlisted and served with him in said Campaign.
The declarant herewith forwards to the Department such further proofs of said services as she has now in her power and prays that her pension may be increased as may to justice pertain. And the Declarant further says that she has not intermarried since the decease of her said Husband but is now and ever since has been the Widow of the said John Witt.
Sworn to & Subscribed the day & year first before mentioned and I certify that the declarant is personally known to me to be the person she describes herself Mary Witt
Before me William Ward Justice of the Peace Justice of the Peace

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that William Mace Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said William Mace and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth, this twelfth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five
Samuel Wells Clerk.

Geo. W. Crump Esquire Hling farm of penitents Washington City

Worthington Ms Oct 21 1843
Sir
I enclose the deposition of William Scott in the case of Ruamy Scott with the official certificate of qualification of the Magistrate by whom it was taken
The last of July I forwarded to the Commissioner of Pensions the application of Mrs Molly Witt for increase of Pension and the certificate of the Secretary of State upon which the application was founded. May I ask the favor that you will consider the subject as soon as convenient Mrs Witt is a respectable old Lady but miserably poor and nothing can prevent her becoming a public Pauper but this (as I believe) act of Justice
I am Respectfully
Your Ob Serv t
William Ward
Geo. W. Crump Esquire Acting Com r of Pensions

2833
Oct 25.
Map
4 July '36
3
Summit
Also Rev. Green
Edward Aguirre
Com. of Pensions
Washington City
Aug 16
Washington

Worthington Ms. Oct 18. 1837
J. L. Edwards Esq
Sir
I enclose at the request of Molly Witt her application for a pension on account of the services of her late husband Abner Witt. If the application is successful be pleased to transmit the certificate to me.
(Mrs. Oct 28. 1837)
I addressed to you several weeks since a letter covering as I supposed additional evidence in the case of the application of John Ferguson for a renewal of his pension certificate, with a request that if the evidence was not satisfactory the papers might be returned to me. I have not yet any answer I should not now have, resorted to the fact but for the circumstance that my letters from your Department have frequently miscarried
Yours respectfully
William Ward