Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 30165, Reuben Torrey, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Torrey Reuben
S. 30165
CONTENTS

15952 Massachusetts
Stephen Torrey of Middlesex in the State of Mass. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Newman of the Art. commanded by Col. Sumner in the Mass. line for 9 months
Mr.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 30 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of Aug 1833 and Seal Adams Farmington Mass
Arrears to the 14th of March 1833 $60.00 Pemi-ant. allowance ending 14th 15.10
$75.10
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by H. H. Addison Clerk. Book E Vol. 2 Page 81
77 Moorley

Reuben Torrey 1876.
claims for 9 months

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Middlesex
ss.
On this thirtieth day of August A. D. 1832 Probate personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas , now sitting at Framingham within and for the County of Middlesex in the Commonwealth aforesaid, Reuben Torrey , a resident of Framingham in the said County of Middlesex , aged seventy-five years
Who being 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 1832. That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as in in such. That is to say
I was born in Weymouth , in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts , on the twenty-first day of February in the year one thousand seven hundred and fifty-seven. I lived at Dorchester in the said County of Norfolk (then in the County of Suffolk ) when first called into the service; and continued there till the the year seventeen hundred & ninety-eight, when I moved to Framingham , in the aforesaid County of Middlesex , where I have continued to live till the present time.
I was a volunteer for my first, second and third terms of service, and drafted for the fourth term. I enlisted in the State troops, on the twenty-sixth day of  February in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six, at the said Dorchester , for two months . I was stationed at a place called Squantum , which I think is a part of Dorchester on the coast. Two companies only were stationed there to guard the shore. My officers were, Captain Hopewell Hall , of Dorchester ; Lieutenant Warner , 1 st Lieut. of Brookline ; Lieutenant Mills , of Needham , 2 d Lieut.; and Ensign Nathaniel Griggs . Captain Hall , being the senior officer on the station, had the chief command. I continued there during the term of my enlistment; and was dismissed on the thirtieth or thirty-first day of March .
I next enlisted in the State troops, at Dorchester , in the same year, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six, for four months ; was stationed on Dorchester Heights , being occasionally sent to labor on Castle William . I was in the regiment commanded by Colonel Simms ; in Captain Penniman's company, of Braintree ; I do not recollect the name of my Lieutenant. or or Ensign, nor do I recollect that there were any Continental officers or troops there. Here I took the Small Pox , with which I was confined about one month in the hospital at Brookline, Massachusetts . At the end of my term, which was four months , I was dismissed at Dorchester .
Again I enlisted in the State troops, at Dorchester , in August , in the year seventeen hundred and seventy-eight, under the command of Colonel Hayes , of Wrentham , in the aforesaid County of Norfolk , and Captain Nathaniel Goss , of Dorchester ; the names of the other officers of the company I do not remember. I marched to Rhode Island ; was in the battle of Rhode Island , on the twenty-ninth of August , in the seventeen hundred and seventy-

Again I enlisted in the State Troops, at Dorchester, in August, in the year seventeen hundred and seventy-eight, under the command of Colonel Haynes, of Wrentham, in the aforesaid County of Norfolk, and Captain Nathaniel Clapp, of Dorchester; the names of the other officers of the company I do not remember. I marched to Rhode Island; was in the battle of Rhode Island, on the twenty-ninth of August, in the seventeen hundred and seventy-eight; retreated to Tiverton in Rhode Island, and continued there, and in the neighborhood, during the term for which I enlisted, which was two months .
One of the occurrences of this time, which I most distinctly remember, was the execution of a tory, or traitor, who attempted to escape to the British lines, for the purpose of treacherously aiding the enemy in attacking & defeating the American troops at that place. He was hung on an oak tree, surrounded by a company of black men in white uniforms.
General Sullivan commanded in the battle on Rhode Island; General Green was there; and the Marquis Lafayette was said to be there; but I did not see him, and do not know that this report was true.
Lastly, I was drafted in the State service, and stationed on Fort Hill in Boston, where my only duty was to stand guard. We were here under the command of Colonel Linnus; a Mr. Parker was our Orderly Sergeant, and we were under his immediate command. I do not recollect the precise time when I entered this service; but I continued in it one month .
I never received any written discharge, nor have I any documentary evidence of any of my services.
I do not know that there is now existing any record of my birth. It was recorded by my father in his Bible, where he kept his family record. But I know not where that book, or record, is at present; or whether it is in existence.
Abner Wheeler Esq., Mr. Abel Eames and Mr. Lovell Eames, all of Framingham, and well acquainted with me, will testify as to my character, and their belief of my having served as a soldier of the Revolution.

I do not know that there is now existing any record of my birth. It was recorded by my father in his Bible, where he kept his family record. But I know not where that book, or record, is at present; or whether it is in existence.
Abner Wheeler Esq., Mrs. Abiel Eames and Mrs. Lovell Eames, all of Framingham, and well acquainted with me, will testify as to my character, and their belief of my having served as a soldier of the Revolution.
I know of no persons living with whom I was acquainted in the service, and whose testimony I can procure.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity . Except the present & declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. Reuben Torrey
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Reuben Torrey J. P. Fay M.P.

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid J. P. P. May Writ
He relinquishes every claim, whatever, to a pension or annuity whatever, except, the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, subscribed the day and year aforesaid Sworn to and
We Joseph Adams David Kellogg
a Clergyman residing in the town of Framingham in the county of Middlesex & Josiah Adams also resident in said Framingham hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Reuben Torrey who has subscribed and sworn to the above, and that we believe him to be seventy five years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood, where he resides, to have been a soldier in the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
J. P. P. May Writ David Kellogg Josiah Adams
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that after the investigation of the matter, and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them, that Reuben Torrey David Kellogg who has signed the preceding Certificates is a Clergyman resident in the Framingham & Josiah Adams, also resident in Framingham, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Isaac Tinker Register or Probate in and for the County of Middlesex J. P. P. May Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains, the original proceedings, of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Reuben Torrey for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day of in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty
I also certify that Josiah Adams whose own proper signature is set to the certificate on the deposition of Charles Frazar & others with respect to a pension of the Pease within said County; In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this Twelfth day of August A D 1832 Isaac Tinker Reg of Prob

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex, to wit,
At the Court of begun and holden at on the On the application of Interrogatories were propounded to him to wit :
within and for the County of day of
A. D 183
claiming to be a Soldier of the Revolution, the following
1. Where, and in what year were you born ? Answer,
2. Have you any record of your age, and where is it ? Answer,
3. Where were you living, when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live ? Answer,
4. How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom ? Answer,
5. State the names of some of the regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served, such Continental and Militia Regiments, as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service ? Answer,
6. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the Revolution ? Answer,

1887
Reuben Terry Mass
Photo of Mother
Josiah Adams Framingham Mass

The applicant doubts (from the bracket being erased) whether any objection is made that "no Colonel is named for the first tour". —
If there be an objection, the Depart ment is desired to notice that there was no Col. there being but two companies on the station — & that the name of the Capt. is given who had the command.
Jerick Adams for the applicant

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjocined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Reuben Torrey Middlesex County, Mass.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Vol. End 1776 2 Capt Keall No Colonel 75 years Worcester Mass Traditionary evidence   Vol. 1776 4 " Col Simmons Capt Pinneiman No Colonel for their   ~ 1778 2 Col Hawes Capt Clapp papers not authenticated   Vol. 1778 1 " Col Simmons  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will fall under the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____; For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

30165 Rey INVALID.
File No. 30,165
Pienben Lorez Li Rev Mas
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 21
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Robert Torrey
He is a man of great energy and ability, and has been actively engaged in the discharge of his duties. He is a man of great energy and ability, and has been actively engaged in the discharge of his duties. He is a man of great energy and ability, and has been actively engaged in the discharge of his duties.
He is a man of great energy and ability, and has been actively engaged in the discharge of his duties.
He is a man of great energy and ability, and has been actively engaged in the discharge of his duties.
He is a man of great energy and ability, and has been actively engaged in the discharge of his duties.
He is a man of great energy and ability, and has been actively engaged in the discharge of his duties.
He is a man of great energy and ability, and has been actively engaged in the discharge of his duties.

We the subscribers hereby declare & certify that we have long known Mr. Reuben Torrey of Framingham, & that he has always sustained the character of an honest & upright man. His character for truth, so far as we have ever known or suspected, has never been impeached, & his statements are always believed by all his acquaintances
Charles Train { A Clergyman in Framingham
Elias Temple { Selectmen and Town Clerk of Framingham
Moses Edgell Nathan Stone Samuel Warren } { Selectmen of Framingham
Mitchellville J. August 30 1832 Then Rev. Charles Train Reuben & Elias Temple, Moses Edgell, & Nathan Stone, Samuel Warren made oath that the above declaration by them subscribed is true before me
Josiah Adams { Justice of the peace and I also certify that they sustain the offices set against their names & are very respectable & credible men
J. Adams J.P.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Torrey, Samuel GRADE Sergeant LINE Hazen's Regiment
WARRANT NUMBER 13814 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED October 12, 1797 (Torn) is -- not shown --
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.