Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22681, Silvanus Wood, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Wood, Sylvanus
W. 22 681
Sylvanus or
Joanna.
CONTENTS

Reported
757 Massachusetts. Joanna Wood, widow of Sylvanus Wood who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 29 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of July 1848 and sent to
Peter H. Pierce Middleboro Mass.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 172 Vol. 2

15 368
Ref d See letter
Massachusetts
Sylvanus Wood, dec d late of Plymouth in the State of Mass, who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain White of the regt, commanded by Col. Hall in the Mass. line for 8 months & 21 days Incurred from $26:67.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 29 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834. & end 12 th October 1841. when he died
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 th day of August 1845 and sent to J. B. Lord Plymouth, Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending
Payable to his widow
Joanna Wood, after deducting what has been paid at $26:67 for the same time.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D r Brown Book E. Vol. 2
Clerk,
Page 95.

15368 Massachusetts
Silvanus Wood
of Plymouth in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain White of the Regt. commanded by Col. Hall in the Mass line for 8 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 26 Dollars 67 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of June 1833, and sent to Lind Plymouth Mass
Arrears to the 14th of March 1833 $53.34 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. 13.33 $66.67
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. H. Adson Clerk Book 2 Vol. 2a Page 92

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of Plymouth ss.
On this fifth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty three personally appeared before the Hon. Wilkes Wood Judge of the Court of Probate within & for the County of Plymouth aforesaid, Silvanus Wood a resident of Middleborough in said County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy four years & being by reason of bodily infirmity now unable to travel & attend at any Court of Record in said County, 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 th , 1832 - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not borne on the pension roll of the agency of any State - That is to say that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as here in stated -
That in the year 1776 and as he thinks the last of August or first of September of that year, he enlisted as a volunteer & private soldier in the Company of Capt. Joshua White for the term of two

months & then marched with said Company to Newport in the State of Rhode Island and belonged to the Regiment of which Col. Hall was either the first or second Colonel and Capt Joseph Clark who is now living in said Middletown was Surgeon's mate - That the Service performed at said Newport where he was stationed was in guarding the shores & erecting a fort - That he with the rest of the Company to which he belonged were on duty at that place until the said term of two months was expired which took place about the first of November 1776 when he with the rest of the Company were discharged but had no written discharge. That at this period of service he has no documentary evidence but has taken the deposition of the said Joseph Clark which is hereto annexed -
That afterwards and on or about the first day of July 1778 he entered the Company of Capt Packard as a private soldier by voluntary enlistment for the term of six months & then immediately marched to Providence in the State of Rhode Island and joined the Regiment under the Command of Col Wade and were stationed in Providence a few weeks when we marched on to the Island of Rhode Island by the way of Howland's Ferry - And were still on the said Island about three weeks during which time there was an engagement between the American & British Troops in which Genl. Sullivan commanded the American

Army - That after the American Troops left the Island said Packard's Company were marched to a place called Seacourt a few miles South of Howland's Ferry - that soon after they arrived at Seacourt, he cannot tell precisely how long, Capt. Packard returned home, and the men belonging to his Company were transferred to other Companies, that he the said Packard was then transferred to the Company of Capt. Lowrey in Col. Jacob's Regiment, and was stationed at said Seacourt and its vicinity & performed Guard duty there until on or about the first day of January 1779 when he with the others who originally belonged to said Packard's Company were discharged - but he had no written discharge - There were other Companies stationed at said Seacourt at the same time, and he recollects that Capt. Smith's Company was one, & that Sgt. Whitmarsh who enlisted into said Packard's Company & marched at the same time with him, belonged to said Smith's Company after the transfer above mentioned, that he has no documentary evidence as to his Service but has the deposition of the said Sgt. Whitmarsh -
That he was born in said Town of Middleborough on the 15 th day of September 1758 and his age is recorded in the Records of said Town, that he resided in said Mid- dleborough at the several times when he entered the Service as aforesaid and now resides in said Town

That the Rev. William Eaton, William Bourne Esq., Levi Peirce Esq., & Dechariah Eddy, Counsellor at Law reside in his present neighbourhood and can testify as to his character for veracity and of their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
Silvanus Wood
Subscribed and sworn to the day & year first above written by the Declarant at his own dwelling-house (he being unable by reason of bodily infirmity to travel to any court of record)
Before me Wilkes Blood, Judge of Probate for the County of Plymouth.
We Ebenezer Briggs a Clergyman & Levi Peirce both resident in the Town of Middleborough & the County & State aforesaid, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Silvanus Wood who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be seventy four years of age, that he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and we concur in that opinion. Ebenezer Briggs Levi Peirce
Sworn to & subscribed by the above named Ebenezer Briggs & Levi Peirce on the 15th day of February 1833.
Before me Isaac Stevens Just. Peace in & for the County of Plymouth.

Silvans Wood
22759

And now I the said Wilkes Wood Judge of Probate as aforesaid, do hereby declare my opinion, after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states. And I do further certify that Rev. Ebenezer Briggs who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman resident in the town of Middleborough & that Levi Peirce Esq who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town a respectable citizen, & a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit.
Wilkes Wood
I Jacob H. Lord Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Plymouth do hereby certify that Hon. Wilkes Wood is Judge of the said Court & that the several foregoing Certificates purporting to be his are genuine & I further certify that the foregoing are the original proceedings before said Judge in the matter of the application of Silas Wood for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this eighteenth day of February A.D. 1833
Jacob H. Lord

State of Massachusetts Plymouth County } ss
On this Twenty Eighth day of May, in the year one Thousand Eight Hundred & forty four, personally appeared before Hon. Aaron Hobart, Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the said County of Plymouth, Joanna Wood, a resident of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and State aforesaid, aged Eighty Two, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 7th day of March 1813, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Sylvanus Wood who was a private in the war of the Revolution, as particular stated in his declaration, by which he received a pension from the United States under the act of Congress seventh day of June 1832 - of Twenty Six dollars and Sixty Seven Cents per Annum -
She further declares that she is still a widow -
Joanna Wood

The within named Joanna Wood appeared in open Court & subscribed & made Oath to the within declaration before the Hon. Aaron Hobart Judge on the day & year first before written
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this twenty eighth day of May 1844
Jacob St. Lourd Registrar of Probate

"The following marriages were solemnized by Caleb Tustin - December Twenty-fifth one Thousand Seven Hundred 88 eighty Eight. Sylvanus Wood & Fanny Vaughan both of Middleborough."
I Allen Shaw of Middleborough, in the County of Plymouth, State of Massachusetts, certify that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date which is inserted on the record in fair legible figures as follows - "Decr 25. 1788"
I Allen Shaw above named do hereby say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town of Middleborough & State of Massachusetts, & that the above is a true & correct copy from the records of said Town, with the exception of the date - named as certified by me - Allen - Shaw Town Clerk
Sworn before me this 11 th day of June 1844 - M c H. Wood Justice of the Peace
"Sylvanus Wood died October 12 th 1841 - Age 83 years."
I Allen Shaw do hereby say that the above is a true copy from the records of the town of Middleborough, Allen - Shaw Town Clerk
Sworn before me this 11 th day of June 1844 - M c H. Wood Justice of the Peace

I Benjamin P. Wood, of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth, State of Massachusetts, depose & say that I have long been acquainted with Joanna Wood of said Middleborough, and that she is the widow of Sylvanus Wood of said Middleborough, who was a citizen of the United States under the law of 1832, & who died on the twelfth day of October in the 1842, and that she still remains his widow. Benjamin P. Wood
Plymouth Jan. 10. 1844. Then the foregoing Benjamin P. Wood made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him. Subscribed —
Before me Wm. H. Wood Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth ss.
I John B. Thomas, Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the said County of Plymouth, hereby certify, that William H. Wood Esquire, before whom the foregoing Affidavits were sworn, was on the day of the caption of the same, & since is, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Plymouth, duly commissioned & qualified under the authority of said Commonwealth to administer oaths & take depositions; and that his signatures to the jurat of the same Affidavits are genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court this fifteenth day of June in the year eight hundred & forty four.
John Brown Clarke

22759 Silvianus Wood Mass
8 mos Female Am
J. L. Lord Plymouth Mass.

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 subjoined 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 Adrianus Woods Plymouth Co Mass
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Vol 1776 2 Private White Isaac Hull Newport 74 traditional   " 1778 6 do Packard Isaac Hull Gn. Sull -van. Rhode Island Rhode Island Providence Newport Middle borough Mass 2 old enlistments  
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 day 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 he 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 follow 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 [c] 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.

11117 Joannalwoods Mass ts Act July 7 th '38
M 88 C41
d Oct 12 th '41 Rejected

State of Massachusetts Plymouth County } pr-
On this twenty eighth day of May in the year one Thousand Eight Hundred and forty four personally appeared before Hon Aaron Hobart, Judge of the Court of Probate in & for the County of Plymouth, Joanna Wood, a resident of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and State aforesaid agree Eighty Two who being first duly sworn according law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act Congress, passed on the seventh day of July 1838 entitled, "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows (& Additional acts since passed by Congress) That she is the widow of Sylvanus Wood, who was a private and served in the war of the Revolution, as by her statue in his declaration, which he made to obtain his pension under the act of 1818  1832 , to which the Department is referred, as I am not able to state particularly, from recollection the different terms of service, nor the names of the officers under whom he served, all which will appear from his declaration aforesaid.
She further declares that she was married to the said Sylvanus Wood on the Twenty fifth day of December in the year one Thousand Seven hundred & eighty-eight, that her husband the aforesaid Sylvanus Wood died on the tenth day of October in the year one Thousand Eight hundred & forty-one. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January one Thousand Seven hundred & ninety four - at the time above stated -
She further declares that her said husband received a pension of $26.67 per annum from government under

The act of 1832 to the said time of the chancery-
Joanna Wood
Subscribed & sworn to in open Probate Court by the said Joanna Wood before the Hon. Albin Hobart Judge on the day & year herein first before written
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand & the seal of said Court this twenty eighth day of May 1844
Jacob H. Lord
Register of Probate

+
6939
Massachusetts
Joanna Wood, widow of Sylvanus Wood, who was a Pirate in the Mass a Line,
reps.
Hus. Died 12 Oct o 41.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rat e 29 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of May 1845 and sent to
J. H. Lord, Plymouth, Mass a .
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
June 17. 1844
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 40

July 13 45
PAID
James L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Joanna Wood Mass. July 43
Anconia July 13 45

Plymouth Mass ts July 11. 1845
J. L. Edwards Esq Sir
I rec d from you recently a pension Certificate for Mrs. Joanna Wood Widow of Sylvanus Wood late of Middleborough in this County dec d under the Act of March 3. 1843
Were not her declaration made & her papers filed seasonably to entitle her to go back under the Act of July 7. 1838?
Hereafter in forwarding papers to your Office relating to Pensions should the Postage be paid by the Applicants or will it be refunded by the Government? I ask for information that you may not be improperly intruded upon in the way of postage?
Yours with respect J. H. Lord

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 22681
Joanna Wood widow of Sylvanus Wood Dis Rev War
Act Feb 2 d 45
Index: Vol 16 , Page 857
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth ss. Be it known that on this nineteenth day of July in the Year Eighteen hundred & forty five before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in & for said County, personally came Joanna Wood of Middleborough, in said County, Widow, aged Eighty Three years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain a revision of the pension of her late husband Silvanius Wood, deceased, and the said Joanna avers that said Silvanius Wood her late husband was a Soldier of the Revolution & a Pensioner of the United States under the Act of June 7. 1832 at the rate of twenty six dollars and sixty seven cents per annum which sum he drew from the 4 th of March 1831 to the twelfth day of October 1841 the day of his death; and she further avers that she the said Joanna Wood was pensioned under the Acts of March 3. 1843 & June 17. 1844 for the services of her said husband at the rate of twenty nine dollars per annum her certificate being dated 26 May 1845 & numbered 6939 and she now prays that she may be allowed to receive the amount to which her husband was entitled for his services computed at twenty nine dollars per annum from 4 March 1831 to 12 October 1841 the day of his death deducting the amounts he actually received at the rate of twenty six dollars & sixty seven cents;

And the said Joanna Wood further avers that she still continues the widow of said Silvanus Wood deceased & that she has never intermarried since his death.
Joanna Wood
Sworn to & subscribed before me & I certify that said Joanna Wood is well known to me to be the person described in the foregoing declaration & that she is still the widow of said Silvanus Wood deceased & has not intermarried since his death & that she is a credible person.
Benjamin P. Wood Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth ss
I John B. Thomas, Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the said County of Plymouth, do hereby certify, that Benjamin P. Wood Esq d before whom the foregoing Declaration was sworn, was on the day of the caption of the same & now is a Justice of the Peace for the said County duly qualified to administer oaths & take depositions - & that his signature to the jurat of the same is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court this twenty fourth day of July, in the year eighteen hundred and forty five.
John B. Thomas Clerk

Probate Office Plymouth Mass.
July 24. 1845
Sir
Annexed you have an application from Mrs. Joanna Wood for a revision of her husband's pension. It is to recover the annual difference between the sum Silvanus Wood rec d & the annual sum she receives from March 4. 1831 to the day of his death.
I suppose that her claim will be allowed & the Certificate may be addressed to
Yours with respect
J. H. Lord Reg. Probate

E. J. Clarke Deposition—

I Lot Whitmarsh of East Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts on oath, do testify & say that I am seventy three years of age, that I became acquainted with Silvanus Wood of Middleborough in the County aforesaid in the year 1778 when said Wood & myself enlisted as privates into the Company of Capt. Packard. The time of our enlistment according to the best of my recollection was in the month of June or July 1778 - that said Wood & myself then marched with said Company to Providence in the State of Rhode Island and after staying at said Providence a few weeks we marched to Howland's Ferry & on to the Island of Rhode Island in company with other Troops and staid on the Island a few weeks - that while we were on the said Island there was an engagement with the British in which Genl. Sullivan had the command - that after we marched off the said Island Capt. Packard's Company were marched to Seacost, that soon after this time Capt. Packard returned home & the men belonging to his Com- -pany were a part of them put into the Company of Capt. Rowley & a part into the Company of Capt. Smith Said Wood was among those put into Capt. Rowley's Company & I was put into Smith's Company & that said Companies were both stationed at Seacost & its vicinity until the first part of the winter following, I cannot be precise as to the time when they were dismissed I recollect that said Wood continued on duty & was dismissed at the same time I was and I also am confident that we enlisted for six months & that said Wood & myself served out the term of six months - said Wood & myself were in the same Regiments all the time but I cannot remember who commanded the Regiment - The duty at Seacost was in guarding the shores -
Lot Whitmarsh
See Dec 5

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss. On the 5 th day of December 1832, personally personally appeared the within named Sol Whitmarsh and solemn oath to the truth of the within written Deposition by him subscribed Before me Isaac Stevens Just. Peace
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the within named Sol Whitmarsh and that he is a person of veracity and a credible witness.
Isaac Stevens Justice of the Peace

I Joseph Clark of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts on oath depose & say that I am seventy five years of age that I have ever been acquainted with Silacum Wood of the same Middleborough from my infancy and knew him well during the War of the Revolution - that in the year 1776 and about the month of August in that year, I marched to Newport in the State of R. Island as Surgeon's Mate in the Regiment of Col. Cushing of which one Hall was Lt Col. and Dr. Allen of Halifax was Surgeon - that I enlisted as a volunteer for the term of two months & according to my recollection the Troops composing said Regiment were raised by enlistment for the same term of two months - the Regiment was embodied at Howland's Ferry & marched to Newport - that I recollect that the said Silacum Wood was a private soldier in the Company commanded by Capt. Joshua Mott that he marched in said Company to Newport with the Regiment & was stationed there for the term of two months which expired about the first of November 1776 as I think - after the said term of two months was out I & a number of others of the Regiment engaged to serve at that place 20 days longer - but I think said Silacum Wood returned home at the end of the two months, I well recollect after Wood's term of seeing said Wood there & that he staid the two months - Joseph Clark

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss. On the 23 rd day of January 1833. personally appeared the within named Joseph Clark who is well known to me & is a credible person and made solemn oath to the truth of the within written opposition by him subscribed. Before me Isaac Stevens Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss. I Jacob H Lord Register of Probate for the County of Plymouth do hereby certify that Isaac Stevens Esq is a Justice of the Peace for said County & that the foregoing certificates purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this eighteenth day of February A.D. 1833. Jacob H. Lord

11-117. Joanna Woods Mass.
Rejected Dr. to W. H. Wood Sept 28. 44
Act July 7 th 38

Plymouth Mass ts April 9. 1845
Dear Sir
I enclose a Certificate of the Secretary of this Commonwealth relating to the Revolutionary services of Sylvanus Wood to be used in support of the claim of his Widow for a Pension.
The examination of the Secretary was made upon your letter of Sept 28. 1844 which I left with Mr. Palfrey & which he did not return to me. I am not positive to whom your letter was addressed as I have no memorandum but my impression is that it was addressed either to Wm H. Wood Esq, or Hon Henry Williams Member of Congress from this District.
It is desired by Mrs. Wood that her Certificate may be enclosed to me.
Is it necessary that she should now file a New declaration to obtain the benefits of the joint resolve of January 23. 1845?
As this matter has been a good while under examination I should be glad for her sake if an early attention could be given it & you will greatly oblige her as well as
Yours Obedt. Servt.
J. H. Lord Reg. Probate
J. L. Edwards Esq

Middlesbrough June 17. 1844
Dear Sir -
I issue encloses the declaration of W m . Joanna Wood, mover to obtain the benefit of the Pension Laws -
Yrs Respectfully,
W m H. Wood
J. L. Edwards Esq -
Cond. of Pensions -

Sylvanus Wood de d Map
act 7 June 1832
Adms. 8 Mo 21 C per $29 67 / 100
Commencing on 4 March 1831 and terminating on 12 th Oct 1841, the day of his death payable to his widow Joanna Wood - After deducting what has been paid at the rate of $21 67 / 100 for the same time
J. H. Lord Blymunk Map

N 11.117 Joanna Wood Mow of Silverdale Map act 7 July 1838 Rejected must. aud 1841
adm d acts 3 March 1843 and 17 June 1844
8 Mo 210. p w
$29 \frac{3}{4}
N o ad 43-7843 " " '44. 608
J. H. Lord Plymouth Map

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7. June 1832. Sylvanus Wood, late of Mass, who was a Private in the Revolution, was entitled to a pension at the rate of $29 per annum commencing the 4. March 1831, and having received only only $26: 67 per annum, and died 12. October 1841, the amount due from 4. March 1841 to the time of his death, is payable to Joanna Wood, widow of Sylvanus Wood, late. The amount paid at $26: 67 per annum for the same is to be deducted.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 7. — day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty-five.
Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
Commissioner of Pensions.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
March 6 1845.
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 Silvanus Wood is borne as a private upon a pay Roll of Capt r Joshua White Col. John Cushing, for service at R.I. from Sept. 20. 1776, — 60 days; — Upon a pay Roll of Lt. John Barrows, Col. Eben r Spence, as a private from Middleborough, on an alarm to Howland's ferry, from Dec. 7. 1776, — 12 days, & 30 miles travel; — Upon a pay Roll of the same Comp y . from May 6 to 9. 1778 — 3 days; — and further as a private from Middleborough, upon a pay roll of Capt n Nathan Rowle, Col. John Jacobs, engaged for one year "in the service of the United States, from Jan y 1. 78" — he enlisted July 28. 1778, & served, including allowance for travel, 6 months, 6 days. — This last service being at R.I. No one of the same name is upon any rolls of Capt n Packard, Col n Wade in this office — there are rolls of Col n Hall, and the preceding is all the evidence of service in the case.  20 12 3 6 8-21

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the Commissioner's letter of Sept r 22. 1851, was filed in this Office; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said letter, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Barron,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

J. Wood au 6939
admitted
Peter H. Pierce Middleboro, Mass

State of Massachusetts
Plymouth County ss } On this 19 th day of June 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the County aforesaid Joanna Wood a resident of the Town of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth aged Eighty Six 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 the 2 nd day of February 1844 granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War that she is the Widow of Sylvanus Wood who was a private in the War of the Revolution She received a pension under the Act of Congress of June 17 th 1844 of twenty nine dollars per Annum She further declares that she is still a widow
Joanna Wood
Witness Peter Vaughan
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written
Before me
Benjamin P. Wood Justice of the Peace
I Certify that Joanna Wood the above declarant is personally known to me
Benjamin P. Wood Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Know all men by these presents: I John H. Sleeper Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the County & State aforesaid do hereby certify that Benjamin P. Wood herein is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly commissioned & qualified — And that his signature to the paper above written is genuine
Given under my hand & the seal of said Court on this third day of July 1848
John H. Sleeper Clerk