Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 11,530, William Wilder, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass
Wilder, William Relief
NUMBER _____
R 11530
CONTENTS

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County - Town of Lancaster Extracts from the Town record. "William Wilder died the 20th day of March "Anno Domini 1816 Aged 62".
"Marriage consummated by the Rev Timothy Harrington "December the eighteenth One thousand Seven "Hundred and Seventy Seven. Mr William Wilder "and Miss Relief Coates, both of Lancaster".
I John G. Thurston, hereby certify that the above are true Copies of the record, with the exception of the marriage date, which are expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows - "Dec r 18 th . 1777".
I John G. Thurston, above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Clerk in the County, Town and State aforesaid and that the above are true extracts from the records of said Town, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
John G. Thurston, Clerk of the town of Lancaster
February 19. 1848.
Sworn before me
Raymond Cole, Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Suffolk S.S. I Joseph Willard, Clerk of the court of Common Pleas, in for said County, hereby cer- tify that Raymond Cole Esquire is a Justice of the Peace in for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths & that the above is his gen- uine signature.
Witness

Witness My Hand & the Seal of said Court this Nineteenth day of February eighteen hundred & forty eight.
Joseph Villard, Clerk.

13631
Relief Model W. of William Map
act 7 July 1838
Mammoth Museum 1816
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Worcester ss.
On this sixteenth  fifteenth day of May, eighteen hundred and forty eight, personally appeared before the Court of Probate in and for said County of Worcester, Relief Wilder, a resident of Lancaster in said County of Worcester, being eighty eight years of age, 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 July 7 th 1838, an Act, entitled half pay and pensions to certain widows, also the Act of March 3 rd 1843, and June 17 th 1844, continuing the pension of certain widows. That she is the widow of William Wilder, a native of Lancaster aforesaid, and rendered his country service in the War of the Revolution from said Lancaster. That he was a Member of a Minute Company in Lancaster and was out on the alarm of Lexington & Concord on the nineteenth of April 1775, for some time, and that he was in the service eight months at one time, and was a Corporal & a Sargeant while in the service. That he was in the service at the Bennington Alarm, and in the Northern Army, was also in a tour of service at Saratoga in the State of New York, was in several different tours of service, that he engaged in the last three years service or hired a man to do that tour of service for him, which her memory does not serve her to particularly describe, and refers to the Rolls of the Companies commanded by Captain

Houghton. Captain Thurlow. Captain Fisher. and Captain Eager. in the Regiment of late Whit- comb's Bridge & Sappers -
She further declared. That she was Married to the said William Wilder. on the eighteenth day of December in the year seven teen hundred and seventy seven. by the Reverend Timothy Harrington. Pastor of the First Church and Society in Lancaster aforesaid. That her husband the said William Wilder. died in Lancaster on the twenti- eth day of March eighteen hundred and sixteen. That she was not Married to him prior to his leaving the service. but the Marriage took place previous to the first of January seven- teen hundred and ninety four. viz. at the time above stated. and that she remains the widow of the said William Wilder. the word the word  fifteenth on the first page in the thirteenth line from the top was crossed out the word sixteenth entered line before signing by deponent.
Her Relief Widow Mark
Subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid. The name being in my own handwriting and the mark made by her. My Thomas Clerk of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester ss.
I, Charles G. Prentiss, Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Worcester, do certify, that Benjamin J. Thomas is the Judge of said Court, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature on the next preceding page of this sheet is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I do hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court, this sixteenth day of May, in the year one thousand, eight hundred and forty eight.
Chas. G. Prentiss Register

April 7, 1936
William Wilder-R.11530 BA-J/AWF
M. M. Lewis The American Historical Society 80-90 Eighth Avenue New York City
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to William Wilder, born September 4, 1717, served in the Revolution from Lancaster, Massachusetts in Captain Benjamin Houghton's company, Colonel John Whitcomb's regiment on the Alarm of April 19, 1775.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 11530, based upon the service of William Wilder in the Revolutionary War. This is the record of the only William Wilder of Massachusetts, found on file in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
William Wilder was a native of Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts; the names of his parents were not stated. His father was living during the Revolution in said Lancaster.
William Wilder married December 18, 1777, Relief Carter or Casten; they were both then of Lancaster, Massachusetts. He died in said Lancaster, March 20, 1816, aged sixty-two years.
The widow, Relief Wilder, applied for pension May 16, 1848, then aged eighty-eight years and living in Lancaster, Massachusetts.
It is stated in the claim that William Wilder,

while a resident of Lancaster, Massachusetts, belonged to a company of minute-men and marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775, and that he served at various times as corporal and sergeant in the Massachusetts troops, under Captains Benjamin Houghton, William Thurlow, Fisher, Fortunatus Eagers, Francis Green, Colonels John Whitcomb, Ephraim Sawyer, and Vose, that he was on the Bennington alarm, on a tour to Saratoga, reaching there soon after the surrender of Burgoyne, and was in service at New York and at Crown Point.
The claim was not allowed, as proof of service as required by the pension law was not established.
There is no reference to the children of William Wilder and his wife, Relief.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
July 17 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 William Wilder is borne as a corporal upon a pay roll of Capt n Benjamin Houghton's Comp y in Col. John Whitcomb's reg t marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775, from Lancaster to Cambridge — 13½ days; — As sergeant upon a pay roll of Capt n William Thurlow's Comp y for service on the alarm at Bennington under command of Maj r Eben r Bridge, Aug 22, 1777, 9 days, and 90 miles travel; — roll sworn to in Worcester County; — Also as serg t upon a pay roll of Capt n Fortunatus Eager's Comp y in a reg t commanded by Lt. Col. Ephraim Sawyer, marched to reinforce the Northern Army, from Oct r 2 to 18, 1777, including allowance of 8 days for travel, 25 days; roll sworn to in Worcester Co. — The preceding is all the evidence of service in the case shown by any of the records in this office.

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

I Relief Wilder of Lancaster in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts depose and say that I have good reason to believe that I am entitled to a pension for the services of my late Husband William Wilder of Lancaster aforesaid, for services rendered in the Revolutionary War and according to the best of my recollection he belonged to the Company of Minute Men in Lancaster, and was out on the 19 th of April 1775. And that he was in the service eight months at one time. That he was in the service at New York but does not recollect how long he was out at that time. That he was also in a tour of service at Saratoga, and arrived there soon after the surrender of Burgoyne. And the deponent further saith that she does not recollect the names of any of the officers under whom he served. And the deponent further saith that there was no other William Wilder living in Lan- caster at that period, and she now requests the Secretary of this Commonwealth to examine the documents of the in his office for proof of her said husband's service. She thinks also that he served as Corporal in some of these campaigns.
Attest Ebenezer Bragg
Relief Wilder

Worcester Ms. May 3. 1845
Then personally appeared the within named Relief Wilder, and subscribed to the Statement herein made before me
John G. Henson, Justice of the Peace

I, Rufus Bletcher of Lancaster County of Western & State of Massachusetts, of the age of eighty three years of age & upwards Do testify and say that I have in this town for the most part of the time during my life. That I have a clear recollection of the war of the revolution. I will recollect the alarms at Lexington & Concord. I also recollect of men being called out at various times during the revolution. I also will recollect one W m Wilden of this town. I will recollect that he was called & went into service at different times. That he was at the head of a company to do a tour of duty at the last part of the war and that he did perform service on him a substitution. and that I know of no other William Wilden in the town of Lancaster during the revolution. The said W m Wilden was afterwards married to Relief Carson of the town of Lancaster. and that the said W m Wilden died in this town near the year A.D. 1875 and that his widow still lives in this town and remains unmarried.
Rufus Bletcher

Worcester ss February 8, 1848
Then the within Rufus Fletcher personally appeared, and made oath to foregoing affidavit by him subscribed, and certified that he is well known to me as a credible witness also that the word "Debt" was interlined before signing - & making oath -
Before me Nathel Round (Jus huc) Notary Public

I James Dunton of Southborough, in the county of Worcester, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts a Revolutionary Pensioner eighty four years of age testify and say. That in January 1781 I enlisted into the Service of the United States for the Town of Lancaster, in said County of Worcester, as a during of the War's-man, was mustered by Doc. Dinsmore of said Lancaster, at that time a Muster Master, and I well recollect one William Wilder of said Lancaster who had enlisted and was mustered for three years for said Lancaster, I well recollect that myself, Calvin Sawyer, Luther Sawyer, Calvin Taft went in company with said William Wilder to his Father's residence in said Lancaster, previous to their joining the main Army. The said William Wilder belonged to Capt Francis Green's Company, Col. Vose's Regiment. And I was in the same company with said Wilder for nearly one year, after which said Wilder and Calvin Sawyer was detached out and joined Capt. Whitney's Light Infantry, in said Col Vose's Regiment; and the said William Wilder was in Capt. Whitney's company at the time I was discharged which was in June 1783. And I met the said William Wilder at Worcester a year or two after the war, when I went

to receive the remaining pay due for my services rendered. James Dutton
Worcester ss. November 21 1845
Then the above named James Dutton appeared and made oath to the above affidavit by him subscribed, And I certify that he is well known to me as a credible witness.
Before me
Sullivan Fay Justice of the Peace.

I Amy Thurston of Lancaster in County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a Revolutionary Pen- -sioner of the United States, eighty six years of age. Depose & say that I am a native of Lancaster aforesaid & have always resided in said town, that my first husband Elisha Rugg was in the service of the Rev- -olution, I well recollect that in the time of the Rev- -olution nearly all the young men in the town were out in the service. & that William Wilder of this town, I think was out in the service and from the best of my rec- -ollection of the common expression the said William Wilder was out in the first eight months service and up 1775, and I verily believe the said William Wilder was in the service at several different times, the said William Wilder, Married Relief Carter a person of my acquaintance & she is now living and in this town, at the time of the Revolution, I was not knowing to any other person by the name of William Wilder in this town
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County, ss Aug 2. 1848
Amy Thurston
Then personally appeared Amy Thurston ( and widow of Silas Thurston) and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit according to her best recollection
Before me Silas Thurston, Justice of the Peace I certify that Amy Thurston is of sound mind and a credible witness and is personally known to me
Silas Thurston

I Cephas Rugg of Lancaster in the county of Worcester and commonwealth of Massachusetts being fifty six years of age, Depose and say, that I am a native of said town and have always resided in Lancaster, in the early part of my life I lived with William Wilder of this town his wife's name was Relief Carter before she was married to said Wm. Wilder said Wm. Wilder died near thirty two years since. I well recollect of hearing said William Wilder repeatedly state what took place while he was in the service of the Revolution, that at one time he and Elisha Rugg of this town while engaged in throwing up an entrenchment at Charlestown or some place around Boston and while thus engaged in the morning the man that stood between said Wilder and Elisha Rugg was shot dead by a Cannon ball from the enemy, and the body was immediately covered in the entrenchment so as to not be discovered by the enemy and they continued their work. I also well recollect of his mentioning other places, and particularly his being in the service at Crown point. I lived with William Wilder nearly five years and never knew, nor heard of any other Wm. Wilder living in this town.
Cephas Rugg
Worcester. Is August 3. 1848
Then personally appeared Cephas Rugg and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed, and I certify that he is a credible witness.
Before me
Silas Thurston Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston August 5 th 1848
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Silas Thurston was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his 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 hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
W B Gulliver
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Washington Feby 11 th 1834.
Sir:
In the Revolutionary Pension case of Relief Wilder, widow of William, Act July 7, 1838 — I herewith transmit Certificate from Secretary of State's Office — which I request may be filed among the papers in her case.
I am
Very Respectfully
Your Obed Servt
Isaac N. Coffin
Hon ble Loren P Waldo Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

Washington Aug 10. 1888.
Sir
In the case of Relief Wilden, widow of William of Napa County, Cal. 1838. Wilden, midow of William I herewith present two affidavits in evidence of identity: showing, that her late husband William Wilden was at the time of entering the Service a resident of "Lancaster Mafn." in the eight months Service in 1875. and that the present applicant is his widow.
I beg to remark, altho there is no roll or return of the 8 mo. men of Mafn. in 1875. Yet, Service in that term has been uniformly allowed, when the applicant's statement, accord with the facts to well known to your office. The Fmrs' Service in 1875 is therefore claimed in this case.
I remain Sir
Your most obedt Servt Alex. D. Ay
Note!
Your letter in the case of May 20 th is now before me.
J. L. Edward Esq. Commr of Pensions

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office. Boston;
185
Sir:
William Wilder served in Capt. Benj o Houghton's Comp. Col. John Whit- comb's Regt. on alarm April 19. 1775. 13 1/2 days. Also in Capt. William Shurlock's Comp. Maj r Ebenezer Briggs's Regt. Aug 22. 1777 9 days and 90 milistandard. Also in Capt. Fortunatus Cayer. Lieut. Col. Ephraim Sawyer's Regt. from Aug 2. to 18. 1778 and travel 25 days.
(Duplicate of Certificate of 1845.)

Dear S. G. Palfrey, May 30. '48

357 Pension office May 30 1847
Sir
The papers transmitted by you in support of the Claim of Relief Widow of William Mean I have the honor to inform you have been examined and filed under the act of 7 May 1838
The date of their marriage is established but no evidence has been produced to identify her husband with the soldier bearing his name either under Capt. Threlkeld or Capt. Eager. If however this objection should be removed as the aggregate of service exhibited by the records of Massachusetts as certified by the Secretary of State of that Commonwealth credits to William Wilson amounts to 47 days only should it all be allowed it would not be sufficient to bring her case within the provisions of the Pension laws.
It does not appear that Mrs. Wilson has any Claim to a pension Hon. J. H. Palmer Pension Office

A Ray
April 6. 49

Pension Office April 6th, 1849.
Sir,
The affidavits of Amy Thruston and Asaph Rugg, in support of the claim of Mrs Relief Wilder widow of William Wilder, dec d have been examined and filed. The claimant should comply with the regulations by stating under what Captain her husband performed eight months service in 1775 in the Massachusetts troops, when if he served the records in the Secretary of States office at Boston will show the fact. The records of the Massachusetts troops for eight months in his office are considered very complete, and should afford the necessary proof.  A. Read Esq. Prot.

Dane W. Kiffin July 17/34

Pension Office, February 17. 1854.
Sir,
Your communication of the 11 th instant, enclosing a certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, giving certain items of service of William Wilder in the revolutionary war, has been received, and filed with the papers presented by his widow, Relief Wilder, for pension under the act of 7 th July 1838—
A similar certificate was transmitted in 1848— The husband of the applicant is not not identified with this service— and, if he were,  he were, the duration is insufficient to entitle her to pension—
Isaac N. Coffin Esq. } Very respectfully, Present } &c

N 13131-13637
Relief Milan Map
Lib. of Cong. J. G. Walrey
May 30. 48
Is. de la Rep. Apr. 6. 49
Isaac A. Coffin
Feb. 17/54
11530
act 7 July 1838

1936 April 7 - link to m.m. Levy
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
11.530
P. O. Adolf Miller Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 . The printed list of 1852 shows reasons for suspension
Alleges: _____ " no captain's name for the for the eight-months service in 1775, and the rolls can not be tested without it "
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC.
Publishers 80-90 EIGHTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N.Y.
March 25, 1936
M. M. LEWIS RESEARCH AND STATISTICS Genealogical Service With Cited Authority
TELEPHONES WATKINS { 9-7751 CABLE ADDRESS { 9-7752 LEWHOSO-NEW YORK { 9-7753 { 9-7754
COL. FAMS. JWT.
Gentlemen:
We are desirous of obtaining the complete pension record of William Wilder , who was born September 4, 1717, and is said to have been the William Wilder of Lancaster who served in the Revolutionary as Corporal in Captain Benjamin Houghton's company of Minute Men, Colonel John Whitcomb's regiment, which marched on the Alarm of April 19, 1775, to Cambridge. His service was thirteen and one-half days. His wife was Sarah (Sawyer) Wilder.
Thank you for the favor of an early reply.
Very truly yours,
THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Inc.
M. M. Lewis M. M. Lewis m.f.
MML:AD:H
Bureau of Pensions Veterans Administration Washington, D. C.
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