Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11836, David Williams, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Williams, David Ann
W 11836
B. L. Wt. 16266-160-55
CONTENTS

5177 Massachusetts Ann Williams widow of David Williams Maf who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 21. dollars 66 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 10 th day of May 1853 and sent to J. H. Vance Present.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 17. Vol. 16. (1853)
Reg 3 m 53-125-297
Adj.

cc: H. S. Noyes Feb: 20/87
Vol. Wk-12. —
Act March 3
125297
May 7/53
Ann Williams wid of David Williams Pri
map Milp
Rev War
16266/8 No 180 Acres Feb: 15 th 1886
map July 53-54/87/88
H. S. Noyes Springfield Mass.
A. H. Lawrence Present

86 Berkshire
21/191 Massachusetts
David Williams
Berkshire in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Continental Army by Captain Bell of the Regt by Col Putnam in the Mass line for 8 Mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 16 Dollars 66 Cents per ann commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Aug 1832 and to the State of Mass
Amount to the 4th (Ph) $ 3 33 Rem-ent. allowance ending 13 33 $ 66 66
Revolutionary Claim, but June 7, 1832.
Recorded by J. Atkin Clerk Book C Vol. 2 , Page 93

William Hatch Affidavit -

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire ss.
On this fifteenth day of August A.D. 1832. appeared William Hatch of Westmoreland in the State of New York aged seventy years and six months duly sworn, made oath that he was well acquainted with David Will- iams of Richmond afforded in the county aforesaid that he was well acquainted with him during the Rev- olutionary War - That he served in New Haven in the State of Connecticut two months under Capt Amos Hill in the year 1780 - That he was knowing to his going to Boston for two months in 1775. That he knew that he went a tour of three months to Litchfield and like wise that he went to Saratoga one month in 1777 - under Capt Amos Hill -
William Hatch
Berkshire ss.
August 15 th 1832
Then personally the above named William Hatch known to me as a man of truth & veracity and made oath to the above affidavit.
before me - Wm S. Leadbetter Justice Peace
I do hereby certify that William Hatch the subscribing witness to the above affidavit is a person well known to me, and is a man of integrity whose word or oath may be implicitly relied on for anything I know -
Berkshire ss May 28 th 1833
Wm S. Leadbetter Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss.
I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that William S. Labbett Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and have no doubt that the Signature annexed to said deposition is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty ninth day of August . A. D. 1832.
Henry W. Bishop Reg of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Berkshire
On this twentyfourth day of August Eighteen hundred and thirty two, Came Nathaniel Reddington of the town of Richmond in the county aforesaid aged sixty eight years, and made solemn oath that he is well acquainted with David Williams of Richmond aforesaid, and that he was with the said David Williams & served with him in the same company under the command of Capt. Ambrose Hill in the year Seventeen hundred & seventy nine for two months in a tour to New Haven in the State of Connecticut, we were mustered at Sheffield in the month of July of the year 1779 & returned on the last of September of the same year - I observe that in the deposition of Mr. Hatch who has certified to the same service he states it to be performed in the year 1780 I think the error must have been made by the person who wrote the deposition, Mr. Hatch was attached to the same company & served with Mr. Williams, when I did, I have also certified to the service of Mr. Hatch, if the same error appears in his certificate it must have been the error of the writer thereof - Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in the town of Leroy in the county aforesaid
Before me, Saml. Jones Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss. I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Samuel Jones Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and have no doubt that the Signature annexed to said deposition is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty ninth day of August A. D. 1832.
Henry W. Bishop Register of Probate
the town cur.
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

Berkshire ss May 28 th 1833 I do hereby certify that Nathaniel Redington the subscribing witness to the within deposition, is a person well known to me (having resided near him in the same town forty four years) he is a man of integrity whose word or oath may be implicitly relied on, - The reason of my giving this certificate at the request of David Williams, is that Samuel Jones, the Justice before whom the deposition was taken resides eleven or twelve miles from the deponent, and probably is not personally acquainted with him - sufficiently to vouch for his reputation Wm. S. Ladd Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of Berkshire ss. June 4. 1833.
I certify that I have been for many years acquainted with Na- thaniel Redington, who made the foregoing affidavit before me; and that he is a man of respectability and good moral char- acter, and entitled to full credit as a witness.
Samuel Jones, Justice of the Peace.

9678 David Williams Richmond Mass. Application for Pension

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Berkshire, ss.
ON this twenty ninth day of August A. D. 1832. personally appeared in open Court, before the Honorable WILLIAM P. WALKER, Judge of the Court of Probate, within and for said County of Berkshire, now sitting, David Williams a resident of the town of Richmond in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Eighty four 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 act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
I David Williams was born in the town of Colchester in the State of Connecticut on the 28 th day of October 1747, I removed from thence to the town of Richmond aforesaid in the month of June 1772, which has been my place of residence ever since. At the commencement of the revolutionary war, I equipped myself at my own expense & joined a company of minutemen & held myself in readiness to go at a minute's warning. In the month of April 1775 I volunteered & went with Captain David Rossiter from this town, to Cambridge near Boston & was on duty two months. In the fall of the year 1776, I think in the month of September, I was drafted and went under the command of Captain Ambrose Hill, to mount Independence near Tienderoga, we went by the way of White Hall and crossed the lake; at this time I was on duty three months. In October 1777 I was drafted again and went to Saratoga under command of Capt Ambrose Hill and was on duty one month. In 1779 I was drafted and went to New Haven in Connecticut under Captain A. Hill and was on duty two months. In coroboration of the above statements I submit the testimony of Wm Hatch and Nathaniel Redington. - In addition to the above I was out two short tours but know of no one now living that can testify to any part or either of them. The particular time I cannot designate but it was between the years 1776 and 1779. Once to Shinesborough under Lieutenant Brown it was though short, a very fatiguing tour of two weeks.

The other was to Manchester in Vermont under Captain David Rossiter, and was from two to three weeks - making in all nine months. In the deposition of Mrs. Hatch, there appears to be a misstatement of dates, but not of fact, the tour of two months was performed, the error is only in the date which I hope will be favorably considered - David Williams

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
David Williams
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
W. P. Walker Judge of Probate
We Edwin W. Dwight a Clergyman, residing in the town of Richmond and Nathaniel Redington residing in Richmond hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with David Williams who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Eighty four 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.
Edwin W. Dwight Nathl. Redington
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
W. P. Walker J. Probate
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 Edwin W. Dwight who signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the town of Richmond in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and that Nathaniel Redington who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Richmond in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
W. P. Walker Judge of Probate
I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Berkshire in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of David Williams for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office of said Court of Probate, this twenty ninth day of August in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Henry W. Bishop Regt of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County ss
On this fourth day of June Eighteen hundred and thirty three, personally appeared in open court before the Honorable William P. Walker Judge of the court of Probate (within and for the county aforesaid) now sitting, David Williams a resident of the town of Richmond in the aforesaid county, who being duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in addition to the declaration to which this is annexed, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June seventh Eighteen hundred and thirty two - deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the length of his service but according to the best of his recollection, that he served not less than the periods mentioned below - Viz, In the month of April 1775 I volunteered and went with Captain David Rossiter, to Cambridge near Boston and was on duty two months -
In the fall of the year 1776, I think in the month of September I was drafted and went under the command of Capt Ambrose Hill to mount Independence near Ticonderoga, we went by the way of White Hall and crossed the lake, at this time I was on duty three months -
In October 1777 I was drafted again and went to Saratoga under the command of Capt Ambrose Hill and was on duty one month -
In 1779 I was drafted and went to New Haven in Connecticut under Capt Ambrose Hill and was on duty two months - In corroboration of the above statements, I submit the testimony of William Hatch and Nathaniel Redington - In addition to the above I was out two short tours but know of no one now living that can testify to any part or either of them, the particular time I cannot designate but it was between the years 1776 and 1779, one to Shrewsbury under Lieutenant Peavey, and was on duty two weeks, and one to Manchester in Vermont under Capt David Rossiter and was on duty not less than seventeen days, in all which tours I served as a sergeant, and held a sergeant's warrant, which has been lost or mislaid, owing to my papers having passed into the hands of others - and for all such service, I claim a pension - I never received a written discharge but was dismissed

dismissed by the commanding officer at the expiration of each term of Service -
I know of no record of my birth or age, if there is any it must be at Colchester in Connecticut -
David Williams
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
William P. Walker Judge of Probate
I Henry M Bishop - Register of the Court of Probate within for the County of Berkshire in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original supplementary proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of David Williams for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office of said Court of Probate this fourth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty three -
Henry M Bishop Register of Probate

9678 David Williams
Massachusetts
Thurs 8 March
14-1606
May 7 1833
P 379
H W Bishop Lenox Mass

BRIEF in the case of  David Williams  County of Berkshire  in the State of  Massachusetts  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? In open Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? Eighty four 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.     Volunteered In 1775 1 st April " 2 " As a Gen. Captain David Rossittor   Drafted in Sep r 1776 " 3 " Captain Ambrose Hill   Drafted again 1777 - Drafted " 1 " Cap n Ambrose Hill   again in 1779 " 2 " Cap n A - Hill -  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? (A tour of two weeks - date not remembered)  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? County of Berkshire, Richmond Massachusetts  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By living witnesses & traditional evidence  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? The Clerk's seal improperly attached - 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
John L. Watson } Examining Clerk.  Washington 21 st Dec. }  1833. }

State of Massachusetts } ss COUNTY OF Berkshire
On this Twenty Ninth day of March — A. D., one thousand eight hundred and fifty five , personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Ann Williams — aged Seventy Nine years, a resident of Lee — in the State of Massachusetts who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of David Williams deceased, who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain — in the — Regiment of — commanded by — in the war with of the Revolution , and served as stated in his application for pension under the act of 7 th of June 1832, on file, to which reference is had that her said husband — at — on or about the — day of — A. D. for the term of — and continued in actual service in said war for the term of — and was honorably discharged at — on the — day of — A. D.
She further states that she was married to the said David Williams in Canaan New York on the Twenty fourth day of September A. D. 1829 by one Lewis Pease — a Meth. minister and that her name before her said marriage was Ann Meech — ; that her said husband died at Richmond Berkshire Co  Massachusetts on the fourteenth day of March A. D. 1835 and that she is now a widow, in proof of which reference is had to her application and papers on file, for pension as widow of the said David Williams , under the act of Feb. 3 rd 1853 — She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855," and prays that the warrant therefor may be sent to H. S. Noyes, Springfield Mass.
Ann Williams
We, Caleb Benton — and David W Allen — residents of Lee — , in the State of Massachusetts — , upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Ann Williams in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Caleb Benton David W Allen
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Harrison Garfield
Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
BERKSHIRE SS.
I, CHARLES SEDGWICK, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Berkshire, do certify that Harrison Garfield 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 are 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 Harrison Garfield and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, this Second day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.
Charles Sedgwick
CLERK.

New Williams
Marion Se
John Williams

THIS IS TO CERTIFY, That David Williams and Ann Much — were joined in holy Matrimony, on the twenty fourth day of September , in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty- Six . By
Canaan. Sept. 24 th 1829.  Lewis Pease —
Minister of the Gospel in the M. E. Church.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss.
I, CHARLES SEDGWICK, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Berkshire, do certify that William Bacon 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 are 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 Wm Bacon and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, this twenty third day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three .
Chas. Sedgwick Clerk.

W. B. C. S. 1853 We Selah Andrews and Lovina Andrews of Richmond in the low County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts both of lawful age depose and say, that we were present at the marriage of David Williams and Ann Meech, at that the said Marriage was solemnized at Canaan in the County of Columbia and State New York on the twenty fourth day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine, by the Rev Lewis Pease as specified in the annexed certificate, and that said certificate we believe to be correct and in the handwriting of the said Lewis Pease, who was at that time duly authorized to solemnize marriages. We further depose and say that the said David Williams died according to our best recollection on or about the fourteenth day of March in the Year eighteen hundred and thirty five. Richmond July 22, 1853
Selah Andrews
Lovina Andrews
Berkshire ss. July 22. 1853. Then personally appeared the above named Selah Andrews and Lovina Andrews and made oath that the above affidavit by them subscribed is true,
Before me William Bacon justice of the Peace. I certify that the above named Selah & Lovina Andrews are good and credible witnesses, and that I believe them to be wholly disinterested in the matter of the above affidavit, and that I the said Justice am in no wise interested in the case referred to in the above affidavit or in any way concerned in prosecuting it,
William Bacon Justice of the Peace

I know all sure by these presents that I Ann Williams of Paeonian in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Widow of David Williams late of Richmonde in said County a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States, do constitute and appoint Delegates Rockwell a Member of Congress now at Washington my true and lawful attorney for me & in my name to procees & receive from the proper Agents for the same my pension as Widow David Williams as aforesaid the amount due me from the time of his de- ath March 14 th 1885 to March 4 th 1880 & to do & transact all needful business for the same -
Witness my hand and seal at Richmonde aforesaid this twenty seventh day of February 1880 - signed & sealed in presence of. Ann Williams
Rebecca B Williams Eliza Williams
Berkshire ss January 26 1880 Sworn & subscribed before me Eliza Williams then of the present

sion on file in this Bureau.
David Williams trial File 11836
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr. 1775 2 mos. Sgt. David Rossiter Mass.   Sept. 1776 3 mos. Ambrose Hill   Oct. 1777 1 mo. Ambrose Hill   2 wks Lieut. Reavis   17 days David Rossiter   1779 2 mos Ambrose Hill  
Battles engaged in,
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Richmond Mass.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 29 1832 His claim allowed
Residence at date of application, Richmond, Berkshire Co. Mass.
Age at date of application, Born in Colchester Conn. Oct 28, 1747; died Nov. 14, 1830
Remarks: Soldier married at Lanesboro, Columbia Co. N.Y. Sept. 24, 1829, Ann Caldwell widow of Timothy Meach. She was allowed pension on an application executed Feb. 26, 1850 while a resident of Dalton Mass. In 1853, she was living with her son-in-law Horace Allen at Lee Mass. and 80 years old.

State of Massachusetts County of Berkshire - ss
Form "O."
On this twelfth day of July 1853 — personally appeared before the Probate Court of the County and State aforesaid Ann Williams a resident of said County 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 provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d day of February, 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war: that she is the widow of Danield Williams , who was a private in the Revolutionary War in the militia of Massachusetts but the particulars of his service she does not know but refers to his pension papers under act of 1832 and that the said Danield Williams was a pensioner at the time of his death under the act of Congress passed the 7 day of June 1832 and resided in the County of Berkshire and State of Mass at the time he was pensioned, and received the sum of $ 26.66 per annum: and she further declares that she was married to the said Danield Williams on the 24 day of Sept 1829 that her said husband died on the 14 day of March 1835 that she was not married to him prior to the 2d day of January 1800, but at the time above stated, and she further declares that she is now a widow. and she herewith presents the Certificate of her said marriage.
Ann Williams
Widow.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before the court aforesaid, as witness my hand and official seal.
Danield D. Dyer Judge of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire County ss. I Henry W. Taft Register of Probate for said County do. certify that Danield N. Dyer Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed & sworn to was at the date of said declaration and now is, Judge of the Probate Court for said County of Berkshire, duly commissioned and qualified as such, and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his acts, as such accordingly — and that the foregoing sig- nature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Probate Court this twelfth day of February in the year eighteen hundred fifty three Henry W. Taft Reg. of Probate

Cam J. D. D. P.

David Williams
Puddington says he served with Williams in July August Sept 1777 under Capt Ambrose Hill.
Wm Hatch says he knew Williams went to Boston for 2 months in 1775 & served 2 months under Ambrose Hill in 1780 (should be 79 as Puddington says) & 1 month to Saratoga in 1777.
Williams himself says he served under Capt David Ropkin 2 months in 1775 That he served under A Hill in 1776 3 months That in 1777 he was drafted & served one month under Hill. That in 1779 he served 2 months under Capt A Hill.
Also 2 weeks at Shrewsbury - date not remembered under St. Clair
Also under Capt Ropkin to Vt 2 or 3 weeks - making in all 9 months
In all these times was Sergeant

9678
Dana Williams
H. W. Bishop Lenox Mass
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse page, likely bleed-through from the original document.]

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of David Williams - 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 amount of pension he is entitled? yes - except a term of two weeks 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

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 obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. †If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes  no
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. †Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes except 2 nd & 6 th
 EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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, deposeeth 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 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 shewn 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.
†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 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.
‡QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

Payments to be made at Dover by James A. D. M. Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of
Mass.
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book 6. Vol. 2, Page 93 by G. C. Stiles Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, David Williams of the State of Massachusetts who was a Private in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive Twenty Six dollars and Sixty Six 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 33 day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty- thru
Lewis Cass
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

“ WAR DEPARTMENT-REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM. ”
I CERTIFY, that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, David Williams of the State of Massachusetts, who was a Private in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive Twenty six Dollars and Sixty six Cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th March and 4th September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 22 - day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty Three  Louis Cas- Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned, J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.”
A true copy attested E. Matthews Supt of the Pensions
and has  Ann Williams now of  Dacton in the County of Berkshire  and Commonwealth of Massachusetts  deposes and says that she is the  Widow and Relic of the afore named  David Williams. That she was ma-  ried to the said David Williams  on the twenty fourth day of September  1829 by the Revd Lewis Pease of  Canton State of New York, that  the said David, died on the four-  -teenth day of March 1835 and that  she has remained the widow of said  David since the time of his death
Ann Williams
Berkshire ss February 26 th 1830.  Then the above named Ann  Williams made solemn oath  to the truth of the above depo-  sitions, subscribed before me  Eliza Williams Justice of the  Peace
I further certify that the above  named Ann Williams is the  identical person, represented  to be by the above named offi-  ciary from personal knowl-  edge of the same -  Eliza Williams Justice of  The Peace

Selah Andrews of Richmond in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts deposes and saith, that he was a witness of marriage of David Williams to Ann Williams and that the said Ann Williams is the widow of the said David deceased. That they were married by Lewis Pease of Canaan of the State of New York Selah Andrews
Berkshire ss February 27 th 1850 Sworn and subscribed before me Ebenezer Williams Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named Selah Andrews is a credible wit- ness & entitled the utmost credit Ebenezer Williams Justice of the Peace

Living Andrew of Rich- mond in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Mass Shulls deposes and saith that she was present at the marriage of David Williams and Ann Williams, that they were married by Lewis Pease of Gadsden State of New York, as she thinks on the twenty fourth of September 1847 and that the said Ann is the Wid- ow of the said David Williams now deceased.
E Williams      Living her X Andrew mark
I was and subscribed this law- to testimony of February A D 1850 before me - Eliza Williams Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Living Andrew, and am satisfied of the truth of her affi- davit. Eliza Williams Justice of the Peace

Eliza Williams
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire
I Charles Sedgwick Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Berkshire do certify that Eliza Williams Esq is a justice of the Peace within & for said County of Berkshire duly commissioned & qualified What the above signature purporting to be his is genuine
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this fifteenth day of March 1850
Charles Sedgwick Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss.
I, CHARLES SEDGWICK, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Berkshire, do certify that Marshall Wilcox & Harrison Garfield Esquires whose signatures are is affixed to the certificates on the papers hereto annexed, was at the dates 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 are and ought to be given to this acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Wilcox & Garfield and believe this signatures to said certificates are is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, this twenty fifth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five.
Chas Sedgwick
Clerk.

I Luther Griffing of Richmond Berkshire County State of Massachusetts, on oath declare, that I have known David Williams of Richmond a Revolutionary Pensioner from my youth, having lived on a farm adjoining his, and where I still reside, and have a clear recollection, of the marriage of the said Williams to Mrs Ann Meach , and of their living together as man and wife till his death, I assisted to lay out the corpse and attended the funeral. After his death the widow occupied the farm for several years, and then removed to Lee in the County aforesaid, and took up her residence, with her son-in-law Hosea Allen where she still resides, I frequently visit the family, and spent the night last night with them, I found the old lady alive, and in good health for one of her age. I do further declare that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in the claim, Signed at Lee aforesaid April 25 th 1855 Luther Griffing
I Mary Perry formerly a resident of Richmond Berkshire County in the State of Massachusetts, but now of Lee in the County aforesaid, declare on oath that I have known David Williams, a Revolutionary Pensioner of Richmond from my youth, and have a recollection of his marriage to Mrs Ann Meach and of their living together as man and wife till his death, and I believe her to be the identical person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim, signed at Lee aforesaid on this 25 th day of April 1855 Mary Perry
The foregoing affidavits, were sworn to, and subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, and I believe that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim
Marshal Witey Justice Peace

Dear William's wid of David Salvo and of James Murch (Murch case filed)
Verhane A. H. Green Washington Present
This is retained till the case of Murch is decided. Proof of marriage to Williams is filed in the Murch case

* No Old War. Inv. Wid. or Reg. claim for Timothy Meach or Meech AW. Oct. 30. 1907
Springfield Ms. Aug. 25 th 1853
Verparian Ellis Esq. Washington.
Dear Sir, I enclose herewith,
1. Declaration of Ann Williams, as widow of David Williams, certified. 2 Declaration of same as widow of Timothy Meach do. * 3 Certificate of marriage of David Williams and Ann Meech Sept 24 1829 by Lewis Dease Minister of the Gospel in the M.E. Church at Canaan NY, also an affidavit attached of Selah Andrews and Sarah Andrews of Richmond Ms who were present at the marriage, also certify as to Mrs. W's death Mar 14. 1835. 4. Affidavit of Phebe Cogswell of Albany of marriage at her house by Rev. Alex Miller, of Timothy Meech and Ann Caldwell. sworn to and certified Apr. 17 1859 5 Affidavit of Col & Mrs. William Rice of Worthington Ms. of being present at the death and burial of Timothy Meech Sept. 16 1825, also of Col. Wm Rice of the inscription on his tombstone as above, also a copy sworn to by him of the entry in his daybook of his marriage at Albany to Ann Caldwell, Apr 19 th 1809, and of his handwriting -
Will you have the goodness to look these papers over, and inform me at your earliest convenience of their receipt, and what further steps are to be taken in the case?
Neil Pease of Lenox, a pension agent, had a year or two since papers relating to this case, viz. Meech's commission as Sergeant in the French and Indian War, also his marriage certificate, they are not to be found now -
Hannah Warner widow of Jon a Warner, a Col. in the Rev. War. from this state who died in 1803, received $600 yearly pension till her death in 1837. but no land - Is there any for her children?
Yours &c. H.S. May.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
December 30 th 1853.
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 David Williams is borne on pay roll in Capt. David Rootes Comp. Col. John Patterson's Regt. from April 23. to May 22. 1775. And he was one of the Company who did not enlist into the Continental Army. Also on pay roll of Capt. John Wells Comp. Col. Timothy Robinson's Regt. (Detached from the County of Hampshire in Scituate) Service entered Dec. 23 1776. as private. 100 days.
Also on pay roll of Lieut. Iabez Cotts Comp. Col. Rootes (Detachment of Militia from Berkshire County from July 17. to July 27. 1777. 11. days & 60 miles travel.
Also on pay roll of Capt. Ambrose Hill's Comp. Lieut. Col. Miles Powell's Regt. from Berkshire County service at New Haven. from July 18. to Aug 22. 1779. & One hundred and ten miles travel. 1 month 10 days as Corporal.
Also on pay roll of Capt. Aaron Rowley's Comp. Col. John Brown's (Detachment of Militia from Berkshire Co.) service at, & to the Northward of Pownal. from Sept 5. to Sept. 25. 1777 20 days & 200 miles travel, as private.

Also on pay roll of Capt Joseph Raymonds Comp. Col. Roperts Regt. Gen. Fellows Brigade from Oct. 14. to Oct 17 1780. 5 days & 31 miles time, as Corporal.
Also on pay roll of Capt. Raymonds Comp. Col. Roperts Regt. from Oct. 18. to Oct. 20. 1780. 4 days as Corp.
Also on pay roll of Capt. Raymonds Comp. Col. Hydes Regt. Gen. Roperts Brigade in Oct. and Nov. 1781. 12 days as Corp. in alarm at Stillwater.
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.
Ebenezer Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Wm:
Rev Mr. Officer Mch: 23 rd /55.
The Original papers of David Williams, Arthur, cannot find. It is feared Another person has applied as his Widow. He was a pen of Berkshire Co: Mass: at the rate of $24. 44 / 100 per An: Died in 1835. of papers cannot be found the other proofs are sufficient to admit previous the Third Auditor's Report corresponds with other Ev: of death. Wif: Pen: Cert: is filed. W: has applied as "Wid: of Timothy Meach, Sus:."
M c W.
Mr. W m Dods has called this case up. Green, the M c W is in his place. B n

Brief in the case of Ann Williams, widow of David, Berkshire County and State of Mass, act 3 d Febry: 1853,
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was pensioned under the act of 7 th June. 1832. at the rate of $26. 66 / 100 per An. Original Marriage Cert te in which two witnesses testify they were present at the Marriage. Pensioner died 14 th March. 1835. upon the Affidavits of two witnesses & the report of the Third Auditor.
(If for increase.) Widowhood & Virutity is established by the Affidavits of two witnesses & Original Pension Cert te .
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
A. H. Lawrence, Esq re , Present,
Name and residence of Agent
A. B. Smith Examining Clerk

Ann Williams
Rejected.
Married after 1800.
: Let. to Hon. Julius Rockwell March 20, 1857.

L
Postscript May 25/90
Dear Sir, Waldo Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City.
Miss. William April 1890

Dis: Ma: cert: + 2 pres: du. 11/4" mch: 35. 2. wit: nu: hór: 2 wit: + Dis: pen: cert:
Boyle

O. W. AND N. DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Oct. 23, 1907
Searched by Gill
Original No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant, _____
Soldier, Williams
Service, Mass. Service
Rev. War
Remarks: _____
cannot identify
Try Wid. 11.836

55 96
Anne Williams
wid: of David.
Sister to C. K. Green. March. 23 d 1855.
Act 153.

Ann Williams, Wid: J Davis.
Berkshire Co; Mass.
Act 153 $26. 66 / 100 per An; Com: Feb: 3. 7853.
Rev:
A.H. Lawrence, Pres;
C.K. Green, Pres
Commissi
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business,

Post Office.
May, 27 th 1855,
Sir: Please certify the time to which the within named pension was paid on the date of his death.
Very Respectfully,
S. M. Cross Commissioner.
11 AM 95 —
W. H. [unclear]
R. J. Atkinson Esq., Thur. Auditor. Treasur.

David Williams paid to 4 March 1835.
Karl Gottlieb
Auditor

No Ann Williams wife of David Williams of Richmond Mass. Act 29 July 1848
Married in 1829 Husband died 1835 Rejected.
Hon J. Rockwell 17 J. R.

Home of Representatives March 15. 1850
J. L. Edmunds Esq Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Enclosed are the papers for Mrs Ann Williams Pension, of Duluth, widow of David Williams late of Richmond, Massachusetts, forwarded at request of Eleanor Williams Esq of said Richmond
Very respectfully
Yours who sent
Julius Rockwell

Wash. Apl 30 th 55p
Dear Sir,
Enclosed please find pension papers of Ann Williams returned for want of evidence of identity -
Very respectfully
Your Ob d Serv t
A. H. Lawrence E. Street Washington (D.C.)
Commission of Pensions

Ph. Oct 15 th . Map:
Boyle Dr.

Inside Office February, 9 th 1856.
Sir:

Washington May 8. 57.
Dear Sir.
Enclosed please find application of Ann Williams for Bounty Land.
Please inform me if the reference to the papers on which Pension is founded is sufficient. Please also advise me if the Pension in the above case is granted.
Respectfully
A. P. Alcorn
J. P. Waldo Esq Comr etc.

5 16266
} No Ans

Mankato Minnesota Oct 20, 1907. Dear Department -
Washington D. C.
I do not know as I am sending this note under the proper address, but do not know how, if this is not right, to address it; but hope it will be handed to the proper person. I am looking for a certain ancestor of mine my great-great-grandfather Williams of Williamstown, Berkshire Co Mass - I do not know the first name but thought - if you had Rev War record you might give me the names

of the Williams that enlisted from Williams Town, and when I could look up the record, or send for it - could I get record of their names from Washington? Although Rev Wm Reeds please let me know - I have hunted long for this one name and have been unable to find given name. Very Respectfully Phoebe Melacham Wilson
Mrs 110 Locust Street Mankato Minnesota

125297 Ann Williams, Additional Evidence Dams
Boynnton
J Minot Esq Commissioner Washington D.C.

Rev  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 11836
Ann Williams
Widow
David Williams
Rev. War
Mass.
Act: Feb 3, 1853
Index:—Vol. B , Page 341
[Arrangement of 1870.]
He died mid 18, 1835

1907Q
ct. 31 Hist. L. Mrs. Eliza Meacham Wilson Mankato, Minn. V.L.M.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston,
February 7. 1856.
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 David Williams is borne on pay roll of Capt. David Rootes's Comp. Col. John Patterson's Regt. from April 23. to May 22. 1775 as private, from Richmond, Berkshire County.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
PENSION OFFICE,
February, 2 d , 1856.
Sir :
The claim of Ann Williams for bounty land under the act of the 3d March, 1855, No. 125,297 has been examined and suspended.
The revolutionary service of David Williams, the husband of the applicant, does not appear of record in this office.
The 3d section of said act requires a service of "FOURTEEN DAYS" to be established by "RECORD EVIDENCE." †
Upon the production of such evidence of service, the claim will be favorably considered.
IT SHOULD BE OBSERVED, that the recorded action of this office, admitting a revolutionary soldier to the list of pensioners upon parole proof, is not considered "record of service evidence," within the meaning of the act aforesaid. In all applications for bounty land under this act, the papers of the soldiers, or their widows, who have applied for or received pensions, as well as the rolls in this office, are carefully examined for record evidence of service, before this circular is issued.
Respectfully,
J. MINOT, Commissioner.
H. S. Noyes Esq r Springfield, Mass;
† I have referred to the Secy. of State of Mass; as the Solon's Allegarhe deserved in 1855 under Capt. Robinson, in 76, 77 & 79 under Capt. Andrew Mill, in town of 2d & 3d Mass Sharp; while

Springfield Feby 6 th 1856
Tho s J Marsh Esqr Dear Sir
will you please answer the Commissioners Letter, I send the whole to you so that you may perfectly understand what further evidence is required to substantiate Mrs Williams Claim Please send this entire paper back to & oblige Yours Truly
H S Noyes By Priest