Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26,553, Bela Townsend, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Mass.
Townsend, Bela. Hannah
N. 26.553.
CONTENTS

33.237
Maine
Pha Thomsen was, of _____ in the State of Maine who was a Gunner in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the _____ line for _____
Inscribed on the Roll of _____ at the rate of 22 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831, 3 Eus, Fanny 1832
Certificate of Pension issued the 27th day of April 1832 and sent to _____
Arrears to the 4th of _____ Semi-annual allowance ending _____
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by _____ Clerk, Book _____ Vol. _____ Page 59

11.653
Maine Widow of Samuel Townsend, deceased who died on the 10th of July in the State of Maine who was a Private in the 1st commanded by Captain John of the 1st commanded by General in the Revolution for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Portland at the rate of 10 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. as of 4th March 1841
Certificate of Pension issued the 27th day of April 1834 and sent to F. E. Hapsler Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending Present
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act July 7, 1838. } H. H. Weightman Clerk. Recorded by Book 1 Vol. 1 Page 19

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth ss - I John Nash Town Clerk of the Town of Abington in said County, hereby certify that by the Records of said Town now in my custody & care it appears that "Bela Townsend and Hannah Burrell both of Abington" were married the second day of October, one Thousand seven hundred and eighty one. I certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows viz "Octr. y e 2. 1781" - - Abington May 23 d 1839 -
John Nash Town Clerk
I John Nash above named depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk of the Town of Abington in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts, and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Town with the exception above named as certified by me John Nash Clerk of Abington
Plymouth ss: Sworn This twenty third day of May 1839.
Before me
Orville Thaxter Just. of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Seal's Office,
May 20. 1847
I hereby certify that the within Certificate is a true copy of the same for the County of Plymouth at the date of his within attestation. Witness the Seal of the State.
John C. Bigelow
Sec'y of the Commonwealth
11 1 10 1 AM
g

Revolutionary
Power of Atty of Josiah Townsend Maine Hannah
Nov 18-1852
Ex 3 F. E. Kaplan

POWER OF ATTORNEY
For ascertaining whether any increase or arrears of Pension are due the Widow or heirs of Revolutionary Pensioners, &c.*
State of Maine
County of Oxford Robinson Parlin Josiah Townsend
} Be it known that before me a Justice of the Peace personally appeared
he aged 54 years, who being duly cautioned and then sworn in due form of law, states that he is the son & heir of Bela Townsend who was a Revolutionary Soldier, or Pensioner of the State of Massachusetts and that he died on the twenty eighth day of January 18 33 and that his mother named Hannah Townsend died on the 11th day of January 18 13 and that they were married on the 20 day of October in the year 17 81 and that they were residents of Gay in the State of Maine and that they resided there about 15 years, and that he resides in Gay and that furthermore he BY THESE PRESENTS, constitutes, appoints and fully empowers and authorises irrevocably and with powers of substitution—F. E. Hassler of Washington City, D. C., as his true and lawful Attorney for him and in his name and stead, to examine into, to prosecute, to demand, and to receive from the U. S. Government Officers his rights in all and in any manner of claim for increase or arrears of Pension or Land, that may be due him as son & heir of Bela Townsend who died leaving the same undrawn, as in right of law, custom, or equity he is or may be entitled.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF he has on this 30th day of October 18 52 , hereunto signed his name and affixed his seal.
Josiah Townsend
Witness: Cyrus S. Avery Witness: Robinson Parlin
Signed, Sealed, acknowledged and Sworn to before me, on this 30th day of October 18 52
Robinson Parlin J. P.
At the same time personally appeared before me Robinson Parlin a Justice of the Peace two credible and disinterested witnesses named Josiah  Avery and Archiebald Avery residents of the aforesaid County and State, who having been by me cautioned and then duly sworn according to law, do depose and say each for himself, that he has always heard it said and it is generally believed by the community that Bela Townsend was a Revolutionary soldier and that Josiah Townsend was by him always treated as and is by the witnesses believed to be the son & heir of the said Revolutionary Soldier.
Josiah Avery 
Sworn to before me the day and year first above written.
Robinson Parlin J. P.
State of Maine
County of Oxford
} to wit: Robinson Parlin
Esq.,
I HEREBY CERTIFY, That Robinson Parlin before whom the foregoing affidavits and acknowledgment were made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court , this 11th day of November one thousand eight hundred and Fifty Six
Thos. K. Merrill Clerk.
Widow applies state "the date of marriage, and date of death of her husband."

5774
5774 Wannah Townsend widow of Bela Townsend. Act July 7. 1838.
Maine.
m 81. a 32
Vol 22. 196 - Deant. 4:15
r Mrs Ward J. Augusta Me.

JOHN FAIRFIELD, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MAINE. TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS,
GREETING:
Know Ye, That Richard Belcher, Joseph Smith and Jonah W. Mitchell, whose names are borne upon the papers herunto annexed, were at the date of their within attestations, Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Cumberland; and that the signatures, purporting to be theirs are genuine.
John Fairfield "
duly nominated and appointed, commissioned and qualified; and that to their Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court.
In testimony whereof, I have caused the Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed. GIVEN under my hand at AUGUSTA, this eighth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- nine and in the sixty- fourth year of the Independence of the United States of America.
BY THE GOVERNOR.
J. D. Nichols Secretary of State.

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
STATE OF MAINE.
Franklin
County, ss.
On this fourth day of June A. D., 1839, personally appeared before the Hon: Thomas Parker Judge of Probate for said County, in open Court, at a regular Court held at Farmington in the said County.
Hannah Townsend a resident of Wilton in the County of Franklin and State of Maine, aged seventy seven years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7th, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;" That she is the widow of Bela Townsend late of said Wilton , deceased. That she has reason to
believe & does believe that her said late husband served during the Revolutionary War in the service of the United States, as follows, viz. That in 1776 or 1777, he enlisted for eight months as a drummer in Capt. Ebenezer Dyer's company, Hovey being Lieutenant. & served at that period at Roxbury & near Boston, & was honorably discharged. That he again enlisted in 1777 or 1778, as a drummer for nine months, under Capt. Abraham Hays, & served at that period at Saratoga, near Boston, & was honorably discharged. That in 1778, he again enlisted as a drummer in Capt. Sparre's company in Col. Tyler's or Jacob's regt. for six months, & served at that period at Rhode Island & was honorably discharged. That in 1780, he served six months at Rhode Island under Capt. Dyer, as a drummer & was honorably discharged. That all of said services were in the Massachusetts troops. & she has made her statement above partly from her own knowledge at the time, but principally from the evidence of General Jones, to wit: that Robert Townsend , for she may be in error as to the particular services, she refers to the rolls in the War Department. That herself & said Bela Townsend were formerly inhabitants of Farmington, Massachusetts, after their marriage remained in Maine.
She further declares, that she was married to the said Bela Townsend on the second day of October in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one ; that her husband, the aforesaid Bela Townsend died on the thirtieth day of January eighteen hundred thirty two, at Wilton aforesaid, ; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz. at the time above stated; that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. That her maiden name was Hannah Merrill . She was married at Upton , Massachusetts, by the Rev. Mr. Miles.
her Hannah Townsend mark
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me. I certify that I have satisfactory evidence that the said Bela Townsend died on the 30th day of January 1832, that said Hannah Townsend has ever since remained unmarried, as above set forth.
Thomas Parker Judge of Probate

I William B. Morse of Jay in the County of Franklin State of Maine, of lawful age upon oath testify say; that the within named Bela Townsend died at Withee in said County on the 30 th day of January 1832, & that the within named Hannah Townsend has ever since remained his widow & unmarried.
William B. Morse
State of Maine, } Subscribed & sworn to in open Court, before Franklin County ss. } the Court of Probate held at Houlton in the said County, this 4 th day of June 1839, the deponent being a credible witness.
Thomas Parker Judge of Probate
STATE OF MAINE.
Franklin ss.
I the subscriber Register of Probate for said County hereby CERTIFY, That the Rev Thomas Parker before whom the proceedings were had, is Judge of Probate for said County. I also CERTIFY, That the within & foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Hannah Townsend for a pension.
testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court, this fourth day of June A. D., 1839.
William Dickey Register of Probate

I Robert Townsend of Freeport in the state of Maine aged seventy eight the second day of last December testify and say that Bela Townsend late of Wilton in the state of Maine was my Brother, and I well remember when he went into the service in the revolutionary war in 1776 & 1777. He was in the service when the british troops evacuated Boston and he served at that time eight months, he was in the company commanded by Ebenezer Shaw as Captain, and a man by the name of Herry for Lieutenants. The company was of the Regiment I do not remember, I then lived in Arlington, in the state of Massachusetts, and frequently went down to see him while in the service - He served afterwards on Castle Island, or Castle William in the Harbour of Boston for about six or eight months - and after that he went to Rhode Island with Capt. Pool and served there six months He was older than I am and I was a part of the time in the service and well knowing to his services for the times above mentioned - He was a drummer for nearly the whole time and had the reputation of being the first rate one - and was part of the time drum major. - He was married to Hannah Burrill of Arlington on the second day of October 1781. and I was present at the wedding and saw them married. She is now living as his widow Bela has been dead several years. he died in Wilton in the state of Maine
Robert Townsend
Witness, H. Pillsbury

State of Maine Cumberland County May 30 th 1899 Then the within named Robert Townsend was duly sworn and made solemn oath to the truth of the within depoi- -tion by him subscribed.
Before me
Richard Bicknell Justice of the peace
I hereby certify That I have been acquainted with the within named Robert Townsend for a number of years last past and that he has always sustained the reputation of a man of truth and veracity and I hereby bind the same. —
Richard Bicknell Justice of the peace

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section mmms
January 24, 1925
Pearl Wilkins 1572 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Mass.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 26553 it appears that Bela Townsend, a native of Abington, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, while a resident of said town enlisted in 1775 or 1776 and served eight or nine months as Drummer in Captain Ebenezer Shaw's Massachusetts Company.
He enlisted in 1776 or 1777 and served nine months as Drummer in Captain Abraham Thayer's Massachusetts Company.
He enlisted in 1778 and served six months as Drummer in Captain Edward Sparrow's Company, Colonel Tyler's Massachusetts Regiment.
He enlisted in 1780 and served six months as Drummer in Captain Pool's Massachusetts Company.
He died January 28, or 30, 1832 in Wilton,

Franklin County, Maine.
Soldier married October 3, 1781 in Abington, Massachusetts, Hannah Burrell or Burrill of said town.
Pension was allowed on her application executed June 4, 1839 while a resident of Wilton, Maine aged seventy-seven years. She died January 5, 1843 in Dixfield, Oxford County, Maine leaving the following surviving children: Noah, Hannah Townsend, Thomas, Olive Weston, Jacob, Josiah who was born about 1798, Lydia Townsend, and Betsey B. Morse.
Soldier's younger brother Robert was born December 2, 1760, and was a resident of Freeport, Maine in 1839.
Respectfully,
Miss Wilson said I might see last page as soldier's age is not given & it shows he was b. prior to that time
Acting Commissioner.

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Bela Townsend No. 7 26 553
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1775 or 1776 8 mos. Drummer Ebenezer Shaw Mass.   1776 or 1777 9 mos. " Abraham Thayer "   1778 6 mos. " Edward Sparhawk Tyler "   1780 6 mos. " Pool "  
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Abington Plymouth Co. Mass.
Date of application for pension, June 4, 1839. The cl. al.
Residence at date of application, Wilton, Franklin Co. Maine
Age at date of application, He was 77 yrs old
Remarks: Soldier was a native of Abington Mass. He married at Abington Hannah Russell and died at Wilton, Me. Jan'y 28 or 30, 1832. She died Jan'y 5, 1843. Surviving children were: Noah, Hannah, Thomas, Oliver, Weston, Jacob, Joseph, Lydia, and Betsey B. Morse.
The only one in Res. war pens. records.
Very respectfully,
Soldier's brother Robert
Statement about Capt. Cobb AW not used see Job Beals record Commissioner.  any in Mass book & Bela Townsend on issue cannot deliver it & wd does not allege it nor other witnesses

I Lemuel Gurney of Cumberland in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine — I do hereby certify that in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty six, on oath testify and say that Peter Harnum was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution that in the fore part of the summer of seventeen hundred sixty eight (as I think) he enlisted as a drummer in a Company commanded by Capt Sparre at Abbingtan Massachusetts, in Col. Dyer's Regiment for six months, went to Rhode Island where he the said Harnum served the aforesaid time of six months as a drummer and was regularly discharged with the rest of said Company at Rhode Island I was a soldier in said Company and know that the aforesaid Peter Harnum served as above stated
Lemuel Gurney
State of Maine
Cumberland County ss April 10 th 1839
Subscribed and sworn to before me, and I certify that the said Lemuel Gurney is a man of truth and veracity
Joseph Smith Justice of the Peace

I Job Beal of Freeport in the County of Cumberland & State of Maine aged Seventy nine years depose testify & say, that I was well acquainted with Bela Townsend deceased, that in the year seventeen hundred & seventy five we were both inhabitants of Abington in the County of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts - we were young men together at the time the Revolutionary war broke out - I know that in the first of the war, the year after the British left Boston said Bela Townsend was in the service in the Company of Capt. Thayer, he served at Nantasket near Boston harbor - I served served eleven months there under Capt. Druant of Weymouth, and Townsend was a drummer and served at that time nine months - He was in the same Regiment with me - I cannot recollect what the christian name of Capt. Thayer was but know he was from Braintree near Boston - Job Beal
State of Maine,
Cumberland ss April 27. 1839 Subscribed and Sworn to by said Beal.
Before me Josiah W. Mitchell justice
Cumberland ss April 27. 1839. I certify that I have been personally acquainted with the above named Job Beal thirty years and that he is a man of trust.
Josiah W. Mitchell Just from

1572 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, Mass. January 6, 1925.
Dept. of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Will you please send me the complete military service record in the Revolutionary War of Bela Townsend, son of Benjamin Townsend, who was born at Abington, Massachusetts, Feb. 6, 1758 and died at Wilton, Maine, Jan. 28 or 30, 1832, and married Hannah Burritt Oct. 2, 1781 - ? He received a pension.
I want the information in connection with the Daughters of the Revolution, and would appreciate a reply as early as possible.
Thanking you, I am
Truly yours
(Miss) Pearl Wilkins

Skiatook, Okla,
Mar. 11, 1912
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir: - Through the Adjutant General of the War Department, I learn that Bela Townsend served in the Revolutionary War as a member of Captain Robinson's Massachusetts Militia and that his name appears on a receipt roll dated, April 27, 1777, which shows that he received pay for service in the campaign

at Bristol, Rhode Island, in 1776.
I write to you for possible additional information.
Bela Townsend born Feb. 6 1758 in Abington, Mass. and was a son of Benjamin Townsend who was chosen Town Surveyor of Abington, in 1759: it is possible that both father and son served in the Revolution.
Family history has it that he served under

General Washington - and again that he was a member of the famous Boston Tea Party.
Any information you may be able to give me will be greatly appreciated and treasured.
Respectfully, Mrs. Maud Townsend Holt Skiatook Oklahoma.

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
1912 Feb. 19 Hist. To hand J. Holt. V. L. M. July 28 Hist. To A. G. Townsend in W. 22444 Robt. Townsend Jan. 24 - Hist. To Miss Pearl Hil. s - MMNF.
File No. 26.8513
Hannah Townsend Wid of Bela Townsend Marine Rev War
Act July 7 th 1838
Index: Vol. M , Page 423
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Briefcase Hannah Townsend acct.
1775 or 1776 enlisted for 8 mos drum. Mns - Capt Ebenezer Shaw, Co. Hovey Lt. 1776 or 77 again as drummer for 9 mos. Capt Abraham Thayer. In 1778 in Capt Spanner, Co. Col. Tyng or Jacobs Rgt 6 mos In 1780 6 mos under Capt Pool as Drummer. All N. Ser- vices in Mass. troops. Married 2 d Oct 1781. Bela died 13 th Jan y 1832. from Abington
Robert says Bela was in
Brothers. Bela went into service in 1776 & 1777 - was in service when Br. troops evacuated Boston & served that time 8 mos. Ebenezer Shaw Capt. Hovey Lt. then came in Abington Mass, afterwards went at Castle Island or Castle Neck 6 or 8 mos went to R.I. with Capt. Pool served 6 mos. a Drummer nearly the whole time. Married 2 d Oct 1781 was at wedding. Hon- orab his widow.
Job Beal says was well acquainted with Bela. In 1775 both inhabitants Abington Co. of Plymouth. Young men together when war broke out. In 1 st yr war 1775 after Br. left Boston Bela was in service in Capt Thayer Co. Dept. served 11 mos & Townsend was a Drummer served 9 mos same Regt with Dept.
Record Town Abington. Shows Bela & Hon- orab married Oct 2 d 1781
General Gurney, says Bela enlisted in 1778 as Drummer in Capt. Spanner Co. at Abington Co. Tyng Rgt. 6 mos & 1 st yr war was a soldier in 1 st Co.
Job Beal says (a pensioner) well knew Bela of Abington. Dept. enlisted in a Co.

under Capt. Cobb. Bela enlisted with Dept. at same time & went to R.I. in same Co. after saw & conversed with Bela while he remained in service - Since it was between 1776 & 1780 as he is of his own service.
Samuel Gurney . (a pensioner), says Bela enlisted (same time he did) as Drum. - must have served 6 mos. Capt. Sparre's Co. Col. Tilton's Regt. at Providence R. Island. between 1776 & '80 - with Dept. whole time.
Robert Townsend . - knew Bela served 9 mos. as Drummer under Ebenezer Shaw Capt. & Lt. Col. Dyer. he rec'd a furlough when Dept. came him home & back & also here at expiration 9 mos. served as Drummer as Drummer at Bristol R.I. 6 or 8 mos. un- der Capt. Pool - Brother to Bela. was at home when he enlisted - Certain he enlisted un- der Capt. Pool. not positive he served 8 mos. but he served 6 mos. between 1776 & 1780.
Nathl. Shaw . (pensioner), knew Bela of Almston - Plymouth Co. Enlisted between 1776 & 1778. in Dept. Father's House in his presence for 6 mos. in Capt. Thayer's Co. Lt. Col. Hovey. Dept. in same Co. was with him from a week to fortnight several times in the 6 mos.

Hannah Townsend died widow of Bela Maine
Act July 7. 1838, &c
Admitted under act of 1838. & 2 d sec act of 1836 - 6 mos. Drummer
at $22. 50 per annum from March 4. 1831 to Jany 28 th 1832, when he died. Also from Mar 4. 1836, five years.
Certificate payable to Robinson Parlin, her admr for the benefit of -
Noah Townsend Hannah Townsend Thomas Townsend Oliver Weston Jacob Townsend Josiah Townsend Sydia Townsend and Betsey B. Morse, her only surviving children.
Agent
F. E. Halpler
Present

Breif in the case of Hannah Townsend decd widow of Bela Oxford County and State of Maine act July 7. 1838
Claim, ("original," or "for increase." )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Service - Parol and Rolls
Marriage - Record & parol
Death of Bela - Jany 28, 1832
do of Hannah - Jany 5, 1843 -
Names of Children -
Administration Certified
(If for increase.)
} Parol Certified
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
F. E. Walser
Present
J. G. Dodge
Examining Clerk.

Bela Townsend
  75. Ebenezer Shaw  Bourbury  8mo.    76. Abraham Thayer  Nantucket  9 —    78 — Sparrow  22. 196. Drinker. I.  4 6 158    80. Jacob Marshall Pool.  —  6.  

Mer Cale thinks it right to admit 6 mos service
\begin{array}{r} 750 \\ 3 \\ \hline 22.50 \end{array}
75 5 das
78, 4 m 15 das
79, 1 "
5 " 20 " Service from Dec 75 to 1 Feb 76 on the departure of the Boston no rolls.
Maps & R Misses Rolls & c.
Last paragraph of Mem after "D."

✓ No 38.737
Bela Townsend Jr. Maine
Revolutionary Additional evidence Claim of the heirs of
Hannah Townsend
Maine Susp. act 1838
Col
Filed 22 April 1854
F. E. Hassler Washington
F. E. Hassler Present

Oxford
Probate office Paris
April 18, 1834
I hereby certify that Robinson Parlin Esquire of Paris has been duly appointed administrator of the goods and estate of Hannah Townsend late of Dixfield in said county of deceased and has filed a bond in this office in the penal sum of three thousand fifty dollars for the faithful performance of his said trust
Timothy Dutton
Judge of the Court of Probate
M m Whittier
Register

Washington D.C. February 9 th 1834
Hon. L. P. Waldo Comm ee of Pensions
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a letter from Mr. Parlin in reference to the claim of the heirs of Peter and Hannah Townsend, Massachusetts, suspended list, and would call your attention to the marked paragraph and ask such reply as the records of your office warrant.
Very Respectfully Yr. obed. Servt.
F. B. Hassen
P.S. Please return the enclosed letter.

Rev L. P. Mead Cambridge -

Washington, July 6. 1883
Sir:
I file evidence of the service of Bela Townsend and of the death of himself & his widow -
The term of 5 days in '76 is passed and also of 6 months and 2 days under lease. Expires in 1879. It is to be observed that Townsend enlisted and received his Bounty on the 1 st July, from which time he was subject to martial law, although the company was only organized on the 16 th July. From the 1 st July he served till the 3 rd - Jan'y next. 4 months of the time as Drummer - He is entitled, then, to 4 months Drivern, and to 2 months 7 days, private.
Very Respectfully Yours &c
H. C. Phipps

Augusta, Me. April 15, 1840.
Sir,
I send you herewith further evidence in support of the claim of Mrs. Hannah Townsend, widow of Bela Townsend, to a pension under the act of July 7, 1838.
I trust that as the few rolls in Massachusetts are not such as to aid in a decision of this claim, that the evidence furnished will be deemed sufficient. There is no doubt but what Mr. Townsend served several years, but it is difficult, & probably impossible, for the widow to shew where, how or when, exactly.
Very respectfully, your obedt. Servt. M c Naughton
J. L. Edwards, Esq. Commr. of Pensions. Washington, D. C.

Augusta, Me. July 8, 1839,
Sir,
With this you have the application of Hannah Townsend for a pension under the Act of July 7, 1838, — In this case Mrs T. has procured the best evidence in her power to produce, & as the pension will probably be allowed for such length of service as is shown by the rolls, I trust that as usual a careful examination will be made. This case has been delayed for some time in consequence of the neglect of one of the Magistrates before whom a part of the evidence was taken, to file his certificate of qualification, & I would respectfully request an early decision in the case, & that the certificate might be sent to me,
Very respectfully Your obed Servt M c Wart
J. L. Edwards, Esq., Comm d of Pensions. (Washington, D. C.)

Additional Evidence Revolutionary Claim of heirs of Bela & Hannah Townsend Massachusetts
May
Filed 30 May 1835 F. E. Hassler Washington
Ms. A. 9. 2. 20 p. 10

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
January 20. 1853.
See Book
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 Belas Townsend is borne on a roll of Capt. Edward Cobb's Co., Col. Mitchell's Regt. as private from Abington from Mar. 4. 1776. 5 days. ✓
On roll of Capt. N. Winston's Co., Col. Josiah Whitney's Regt. as private from May 1. to Aug. 1. 1776. 3 mos.
On roll of Same Co. & Regt. as privt. from Nov. 1. 1776. 1 mo. 2 days; This Company was from Plymouth Co.
On roll of a detachment under Capt. N. Horaths, Col. Crafts Regt. at + near Boston under Resolves of Sept. 16. 1777. as private 1 mo. 8 days.
On a certificate of Select men of Abington, dated July 17. 1779. having paid him £30 for enlisting in R.S. service. ✓ On roll of Capt. Edward Sparrow's Co., Col. Tyler's Regt. from July 16. to Dec. 1. 1779. 4 mos. 15 days. "promoted drummer Sept. 11" ✓ The roll of this Co. for Dec. gives the name of the drummer.

as Peleg Townsend from Abingdon, which is probably an error & should be Belas; served from Dec 1. 1779, 1 mo + 2 days for travel.
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.
T. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

APPLICATION OF CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES,
Made by the Son of the party who rendered the service.
STATE OF Maine COUNTY OF Oxford
TOWN OF Jay
The Secy of State of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of Belah Townsend in the war of the Revolution.
He was a native of the Town of Abington Abt. in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts
He enlisted from the Town of Abington in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts in the year 1776 as a Drummer in the Company commanded by Captain Ebenezer Shaw & others in _____ Regiment and he served as follows,* viz:—
He enlisted in 1775. or 1776 for 8 months as a drummer under Capt. Ebenezer Shaw - Lieut David Hoersey. Enlisted 6 months as a drummer in 1776. or 1777, under Capt Abraham Thayer Enlisted in 1778, 6 months as a drummer under Capt Sparrow - Col Tyler. Enlisted in 1780 6 months as a drummer under Capt Poole - served in R. Island.
I am now fifty four years old, and † my information does not enable me to state the services more fully than above stated.
Witness my hand, this thirtieth day of December A. D. 18 52
Signed by said Josiah Townsend in presence of Robinson Paslin Robinson Paslin Justice of the Peace. Josiah Townsend
* Here describe as fully as may be, the length of service, the rank, &c., of the claimant, or the capacity in which he served, and all other particulars known. † If a widow or heir applies, state "my information." Printed for F. E. HASSLER, agent and attorney, of Washington City, D. C. N. B.—OLD LAND PATENTS IN ILLINOIS BOUGHT BY HIM.

Oxford County ss
State of Maine
At a Court of Probate held at Paris within and for the County of Oxford on the third Tuesday of April AD 1833 it is satisfactorily proved in open court being a Court of Record that Bela Townsend died at Milton on the twenty eighth day of January AD 1832 leaving a widow, Dannah Townsend who died January 5 th 1843 and that Noah Townsend Hannah Townsend Thomas Townsend Olive Weston Jacob Townsend Josiah Townsend Lydia Townsend and Betsey B. Morse are children and the only surviving children and heirs of the said Bela Townsend and Hannah Townsend deceased
Oxford ss
Timothy Suddell Judge
I hereby certify that the foregoing declaration is a true and correct copy of the original thereof and that the signature of Timothy Suddell is a true and correct copy of his signature as Judge of Probate Court for said County of Oxford, the same being a true and correct copy of the original thereof and that full faith and credit are due to his acts as such Judge. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court - Attest seventeenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three - Eben H. Shaw, Register for said Court of Probate.

Additional Evidence
In support of the claim of Hannah Townsend to a pension under act of 1835.
✓
M c Cart Augusta Me

JOHN FAIRFIELD, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MAINE.
TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS,
GREETING:
Now Ye, That R. R. Kendall, Nicholas Richards Jr., and Simion Pratt of the County of Humboldt , and Charles L. Turner of the County of Oxford , whose names are borne upon the papers herunto annexed, were at the dates of their within attestations, Justices of the Peace within and for said Counties (and that the signatures, purporting to be theirs are genuine).
John Fairfield
duly nominated and appointed, commissioned and qualified; and that to their Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court.
In testimony whereof, I have caused the Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed. GIVEN under my hand at AUGUSTA, this fourteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty and in the sixty- fourth year of the Independence of the United States of America.
BY THE GOVERNOR.
Philip L. Schuler Secretary of State.

I Job Beal of Freeport in the County of Cum- berland and State of Maine, aged eighty years and a pensioner on the Maine Pensions, do on oath testify and say, — That, I was well acquainted and well knew one Bela Townsend of Abing- ton in the county of Plymouth State of Massachusetts, and that I enlisted as a soldier in the revolutionary army, in a company under the command of Captain — Cobb, and I further testify and say that, the above named Bela Townsend did enlist at the same time with myself, and under the said Capt. Cobb, and went to Rhode Island in the same company with me — And I often saw and conversed with him the said Bela Townsend while we remained there in the service together.
I am not certain as to the time for which we enlisted. Nor can I state with certainty the time when we enlisted, but am sure it was between the year 1776, and 1780, and I am as certain of his, the said Townsend's enlistment, as I am of my own.
Job Beal
comprised
18.59.
March 76. To Balance
100. 5 days
Cumberland ss: March 11 th 1840 — Personally appeared
the above named Job Beal and made oath that the above deposition by him signed is true. — I further certify, that I am well ac- quainted with the said Job Beal and I believe him to be a man of undoubted truth and veracity.
R. K. D. Justice of the Peace

I Lemuel Gurney of Cumberland County of Cumberland and State of Maine Aged 76 years and a pensioner on the Maine Rolls do under oath testify and say. That I knew Bela Townsend of Abington Mass and County of Plymouth; the said Bela Townsend enlisted as drummer the same time that I did and served six months in the Company Com- manded by Capt Sparre or Sparrow in Col Tilley's Regiment at Providence R Island in a year somewhere between 1776 and 80 I believe in '78 but I am not certain; but I know that he did serve 6 months in the company above mentioned; and he lodged in the same tent with me the whole time of the 6 months service.
Lemuel Gurney
Cumberland ss. March 11th 1840. Personally appeared the above named Lemuel Gurney and made solemn oath that the above Deposition by him subscribed is true. I further testify that I am personally and intimately acquainted with the said Lemuel Gurney and that I believe him to be a man of undoubted truth and veracity.
Nicholas Rideout Jr. Justice of the Peace

I Robert Townsend of Presque Isle in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine, aged Seventy nine years, and a Pensioner on the Maine Rolls, do under oath testify and say, that I knew Bela Townsend of Hingham Mass, County of Plymouth; and I know to my certain knowledge that the said Bela Townsend was out in the army at Nantasket, and there served nine months, as a Drummer, under Capt Elnower Shaw, and Lieutenant David Hersey. he also recei- ved a furlough twice in that time from the Officers; and I brought him home and carried him back each time from and to the army, and I also brought him home at the expiration of the nine months term. I also was knowing to his serving as a Drummer, at Bristol R Island, six or eight months under Capt Pool; I am not positive whether it was Joseph or Isaac Pool; I am a Brother to the said Bela Townsend, and was at home when he enlisted, and when he returned; and to my certain knowledge, know that he did enlist under Capt Pool, but not positive he served eight months, but am positive he did serve six months; the above - services were between the years of our Lord 1776 and 1780- Robert Townsend
Cumberland Feb 12 th 1876. Personally- appeared the above named Robert Townsend and made solemn oath, that the above deposition by him subscribed is true; I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Robert Townsend, and believe him to be a man of truth and veracity Simeon Pratt Justice of the Peace

I Nathaniel Shaw of Turner state of Maine and Co of Oxford Aged 78 years and a pensioner of the Maine Rolls so under oath testify and say; that I knew Bela Townsend of Abington Mass and County of Plymouth the said Bela Townsend enlisted in the army in a year somewhere between 1776 and 80 I believe in 78 but I am not certain; but I know that he did enlist and enlisted in my Father's house in my presence for six months and marched to Kennebec Mass in a company commanded by Capt Isaac Shaw and lieutenant David Hemenway I also marched in the same Company and to the same place above mentioned with the said Bela Townsend I was not with him all the time of the six months but I was with him a week and a fortnight to a time for several times within the six months
Nathaniel Shaw
Oxford So March 18 1840
Personally
appeared the above named Nathaniel Shaw and made solemn Oath that the above Deposition by him subscribed is true I further certify that I am personally and intimately acquainted with the said Nathaniel Shaw and that I believe him to be a man of undoubted truth and veracity
Charles L Turner Justice Peace