Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 624, Benjamin Woodcock, Mass

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Woodcock, Benjamin Ruth
W 624
B.L.Mt. 51929-160-55.
CONTENTS

266. 837 51.929 Jan'y 12/57
Act Mar. 3. '57 Jan'y. 9. '57
Ruth Woodcock. wid. Benjamin Woodcock. prin.
Capt. Pritchard or Richard Col. Geo. Williams.
R 9
AD: 160 Ac. Jan'y 12/57 Revij. warl 1/11/57
Map old 53- N o 1985
Special by blif. bve. S. Cole Jan'y. 10. '57 CC
Mackie & Cushman. New Bedford Mass.
Vol N o 2-112

1983 Massachusetts Ruth Woodcock widow of Benjamin Woodcock who served in the Revolutionary Mass war, as a Pirate
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 28 Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1818.
B. F. Freeman 1833 Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of Sept r 1833 and sent to
A. Bassett Taunton Mass a
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1818 , Page 47 Vol. a
July 31 53
1832
Ch.
266837

Massachusetts 29.840-
Benjamin Woodcock of Smith in the State of Mass: who was a Pvt. in the Company commanded by Captain Robinson of the — — commanded by — — in the Mass: Mil: time for time: 19 days.
aid at Treasury, under act 6 April 1838, from 4 Sept. 1843 to 30 Jany. 1844. Agent notified 28 March, 1846.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 28. Dollars 62 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th day of Mar. 35 and sent to Mrs. B. Gifford. Westport Mass:
Arrears to the 14th of Mar: 35 114.64 Semi-ant. allowance ending 2 Sept: 1 12.33 $128.97
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by N. Rice Clerk, Book E Vol. 2 Page 94 .

She said Benjamin Woodcock further states - That in the Year 1779 & the beginning of 1780 He went to a place called 'Roberson's Farms' being about three miles from West Point' in the state of New-York, and was attached to a Regiment, which he now thinks was called the 9 th Regiment - That said Regiment was commanded by Col. Henry Jackson That after being in the Regiment a few days, one Capt. Pritchett, alias Pritchard, beat up for volunteers - That he, together with about Sixty five others, marched out and enlisted under him - He was then enlisted and mustered  the Continental Service - The Captain was very particular to have all of his volunteers to be of one height, and we were all measured by him - being I think Sixty seven the whole company - From Roberson's Farms we were marched to a place called Kings Bridge, and from said Kings Bridge to a place called 'Bull's Ford Works', Our service and duty was done and performed between the aforesaid two mentioned places, and we were a guard to keep the 'Tories' and others, from conveying cattle sheep & horses, to places on the North River, so as the British might get them conveyed down to their main Army, then at New-York - We large quantities of cattle sheep & horses which the Tories and others were to convey to the British - and when we had taken any stock them down to the American Army, then stationed at Roberson's Farms aforesaid - He says he staid and continued in said service and under Capt. Pritchett alias Pritchard until the close of the war - That this term of service to the best of his recollection was  the term of thirty months - That he frequently saw Gen. Washington, Also Gen. Lee & Gen. Putnam - He knows of no Postwar testi- mony that can be procured of his service aforesaid, the company were all strangers to him at the time - and all the evidence he has of his service from the deposition of Abraham Abishaiah Towne his son.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, } BRISTOL, ss. }
At a COURT of PROBATE holden at Westport in and for said County, on the thirtieth day of July , one thousand eight hundred and thirty three , before the Honorable HODIJAH BAYLIES, Judge of the Probate, &c. for said County, personally appeared Benjamin Woodcock a resident of Dartmouth in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged Seventy six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832, make the following declaration.
That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers and served as hereinafter stated; to wit: under Capt. Enoch Robeson, three months, in Roxbury, near Boston—Winter of 1775 & 1776.—Three months under Capt. Stephen Richardson, in Roxbury aforesaid—Spring of 1776.—Eight months, under Capt. Aaron Guild, at Boston and Nantasket—1776. Three months under Capt. Clapp at Howlands Ferry R.S. in the Winter of 1776  and Spring 1777.—One month under Capt. Stephen Richardson in Tiverton R.S. in Spencer's expedition—Autumn of 1777.—Eight months under Capt. Fuller, at Fall River (Mass.) at Howlands Ferry R.S. and in Sullivan's expedition—in the year of 1778.
and further declares as follows, in reply to the interrogatories propounded by the Secretary of War; to wit:
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
Ans. That he was born in Attleborough in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth Mass. in the year one thousand seven hundred and fifty seven
2. Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it?
I have a record of my age, and is herewith annexed.
3 Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?
I lived in Attleborough aforesaid, when called into service, and since the Revolutionary War, I have lived part of the time in Troy, and part of the time in Dartmouth, where I now live, all in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid.
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom?
I was a volunteer

5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
3 mo.
That he firstly enlisted as a private under Capt. Enoch Robeson, of Attleborough, for the term of three months, commencing on the first day of December, 1775, and ending on the last day March February, 1776. That from Attleborough he was marched to Roxbury, a town adjoining Boston, and there served his term of three months - The British having then possession of Boston - That during the aforesaid term of service nothing occurred that he now recollects of as being very material - Their Lieutenants name was Whitney - The Colonel of their Regiment, he does not recollect - their name was  Putnam - And that he knows of no person living who can testify to his personal services during said term.
9 mo.
And the said Benjamin Woodcock further declares, and says immediately after serving out the above said three months, he enlisted again to wit: on the first day of March, 1776, and served until the first day of June 1776, under Capt. Stephen Richardson, of Attleborough aforesaid, as a private and served during the period of Roxbury, aforesaid - his services being about the same as is stated in above said term - He does not recollect the name of their Colonel - he does not recollect the name of their Colonel - And that he knows of no person living who can testify to his services during this last period of service.
And the said Benjamin Woodcock, further declares, and says, that soon after being discharged from the last above said service, to wit: on the eighth day of June 1776, but, yet says, he may be in an error of one or two days, but not more.

than that and served he, together with one Gideon Stanley (long since deceased) enlisted again as a private in a company of Militia commanded by Capt. Aron Guild, of Dedham, said Commonwealth, and served for the term of eight months, commencing from the period as before stated, and continued in said company until the eighth day of February 1777. That after leaving Dedham he with the company was marched to Boston, and after staying there four or six weeks, they were then marched to a place called Nantasket, a little to the east of Boston, the British having a small force there which we drove away; and there he served out the remaining part of his eight months the time which he enlisted for. That they built a Fort during said term, and that after having the Fort completed they captured three Vessels belonging to the British having supplies for their Army and Navy at Boston, not knowing but what they, the British, had possession of Boston at that time. He says that their Regiment was commanded by a Colonel Jackson. And that he knows of no persons living who can testify as to his personal services during this period, but to the deposition of Abishai Towne herunto annexed as containing evidence strongly to fortify this part of his declaration.
8 mos.
And the said Benjamin Woodcock further declares and says that he enlisted again as a private in the Winter of 1777 to wit he thinks on or about the fifteenth of February and served until about the fifteenth May following 1777, under Capt. Clapp in Colonel John Doffett's Regiment and served said term of time at Howland's Ferry, in the State of Rhode Island; whilst there he was detached with others to go on the Rhode Island one night, which they did and took two of the British Centurys, and brought them off the Island, over to the Ferry aforesaid; and that during the term aforesaid the British burnt several houses and barns, situated on the southeasterly part of the Island aforesaid. That Eliphalet Wilmerath of Attleborough, was with me during this term of service when depose-
3 mos.

3 mo
as a private in the Winter of 1777 to wit he thinks on or about the fifteenth of February and served until about the fifteenth May following 1777 under Capt. Clapp in Colonel John Doffett's Regiment and served said term of time at Howland's Ferry in the State of Rhode Island; whilst there he was detached with others to go on the Rhode Island one night, which they did and took two of the British Centurys, and brought them off the Island, over to the Ferry aforesaid, and that during the term aforesaid the British burnt several houses and barns, situated on the southeasterly part of the Island aforesaid - That Elizabeth Wilmerth of Attleborough, was with me during this term of service whose deposition is to be referred to and is herunto annexed to prove this service.
1 mo
The said Woodcock further declares that he enlisted again as a private in the Autumn of 1777. The date of his commencement and ending, he says he cannot now recollect - he served under Captain Stephen Richardson, for the term of one month, in Tiverton, State of R. Island - That this term of service was in what was called 'Spencer's Expedition'. And that Elizabeth Wilmerth aforesaid, was with him and whose deposition is herewith annexed and is to be referred to as proof of his service in this campaign.
8 mo
And the said Benjamin Woodcock further declares and says, that he enlisted again as a private in the year of 1778 - he thinks he enlisted on the first of April and served until the last of November or the first of December 1778 - he however knows he served eight months in 1778, and served under Capt. Fuller in Col. Jacobs' Regiment, and General Coonell's Brigade and was in what was called 'Sullivan's Expedition' - That they were marched firstly, to a place called 'Fall River' (now Froy Mts.) whilst there they burnt several houses, one saw mill, & one corn mill, and took and carried away a man by the name of Bo... Rhode Island - We had a fight with the British at that time and killed two of their soldiers - We were then marched on to 'Howland's Ferry', opposite Rhode Island, and then marched on to the Island and encamped a few days at a place called 'Bulls Hill'; from thence we were marched further on towards Newport, and was encamped at a place called 'Mitchell's Creek'; whilst we were there the British made an attack upon us, we were then ordered to retreat, a Colonel, I think his name was Wade, had his horse shot from under him, we continued our retreat until we came to 'Bulls Hill' aforesaid, when we were ordered to make a stand and commence firing upon the British, which we did, and checked their approach any further. After staying at said 'Bulls Hill' a day or two, we were ordered to make preparation to move off from the Island - one night, we made a fire at every tent, this was done to deceive the British, in order to get off the Island without being attacked, which we succeeded in doing - Elizabeth Wilmerth, aforesaid, was also with me, most of the time during this term of service, and whose deposition before mentioned being herunto annexed, is to be referred to for the truth of this last declaration - As well, as also, the deposition of John Rogers being also in this last period -
Woodcock, Benj. Mass W624

6. Were you a Soldier or an Officer? if a Soldier, did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and by whom was it given, and what has become of it? if an Officer, did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
Rev. Howard Tripp I was a Soldier - I never received a written discharge when my time was out, and my term of service expired. I was told by the Col. to go, so I went.
7. State the names of the 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.
Rev. Howard Tripp & Debedee R. Macomber, also Howland, Holder St. and Henry Bightman.
And the said Benjamin Woodcock doth further declare that he hereby relinquishes very claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the any State, as (filing) only as that of the agency of the State of  Benjamin
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
H. Baylies Judge of Probate
WE Howard Tripp a Clergyman residing in Dartmouth and Debedee R. Macomber residing in the same Town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Woodcock who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy six 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 to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
H. Baylies , Judge of Probate
AND the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after rogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Howard Tripp who has the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Dartmouth in said Bristol , and that Debedee R. Macomber who has also signed the same is a resident in said Town, and is the person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. And the Court further certifies that the applicant appears to be honest, but his mind much impaired.
H. Baylies , Judge of Probate. Register of Probate.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } BRISTOL, ss. }
I Anselm Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Woodcock - of Dartmouth in said County, for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court the day and year first above written.
Anselm Bassett

27043 Benjamin Woodcock-
Bristol Co.
Mass

Application for Bounty Land by the Widow of Benja. Woodcock
For services in the Revolutionary War
266. 837
Please make returns to Mackie & Cushman 88 Union Street New Bedford Mass

Application for Bounty Land By the widow of Benjamin Woodcock, deceased
State of Massachusetts, County of Bristol } ss.
On this twelfth day of November A.D. one thousand eight hundred & fifty six personally appeared before a justice of the peace within & for the said County & State Ruth Woodcock aged seventy six years, a resident of Dartmouth in the said County & State who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Benjamin Woodcock deceased who was a private in Captain Pritchett or Pritchard's, it may have been Richardson or Richards Company in Colonel George William's Regiment in service in Rhode Island in the Revolutionary War; that her said husband enlisted at Attleborough in said State sometime in the year 1776 for the term of the war as she believes and continued in said actual service in said war for the term of four years, three months, and sixteen days and was honorably discharged as she thinks at said Attleborough about the year 1781.
1809 She further states that she was married to the said Benjamin Woodcock in Dartmouth, Mass. on the third day of September A.D. 1809 by one Elihu Slocum a justice of the Peace

and that her maiden name before her said marriage was Ruth Mosher; that her said husband died in Attleborough on or about the 28 first day of January A.D. 1841, and that she is now a widow.
She further declares that she has not heretofore made application for bounty land under this nor any other act of Congress. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the Act approved March 3 rd 1855.
She further declares that there is no record either public or private of her marriage with the said Benjamin, though she has caused search to be made for the same.
Ruth her mark X Woodcock
State of Massachusetts, County of Bristol 3 rd ss.
We the undersigned Benjamin Little & Elizabeth his wife of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol & State of Massachusetts being duly sworn on oath declare that we are residents of the town aforesaid; that the foregoing declaration was subscribed and sworn to in our presence by the above named Ruth Woodcock and that from the appearances and statements of the applicant we believe her to be the identical

person she represents herself to be. We further testify that we knew the said Benjamin Woodcock while he was alive and that he & the said Ruth lived together and cohabited as man and wife and were generally known to be man and wife, and they the said witnesses never heard it questioned that they were such. That it was also generally known that the said Benjamin had served in the Revolutionary War. And the said Benjamin Little further says that he knew the said Benjamin Woodcock years before his death and the said Little further says that he knew him five years before his death.
Benjamin Little Elizabeth Raynolds
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day & year first above named. And I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons and that the claimant is the person who represented herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim. The words "Company & actual" on first page of the said witnesses on this page interlined before signing.
Benjamin P. Sisson Justice of the Peace

I W m A. T. Swift Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court in and for the County of Bristol and State of Massa- chussetts, do hereby certify that Benjamin B. Sisson, before whom the annexed affidavit was sworn to, was the date thereof a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly authorized and qualified by the laws of the State to administer oaths & take affidavits, and that his signature thereto is genuine. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said this fifth day of Jan'y. A.D. 1857.
W m A. T. Swift

Application for Bounty land by the Widow of Benja. Woodcock
For services in the Revolutionary War
266.837
Please make returns To Mackie & Cushman 88 Union Street New Bedford Mass

No.
Ruth Woodcock Widow of Benjamin.
Massachusetts Act 3 February 1853
1853 32 and 5 out days not agreed with Dist n as to truth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol County S.S. On this thirteenth day of April Eighteen hundred and fifty three - personally appeared before Oliver Prescott of New- Bedford in said County, Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said County. Ruth Woodcock a resident of Dartmouth in said County aged Seventy two years who being duly swor- -n, 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 February 3 d 1853. That she is the Widow of Benjamin Woodcock late of Attleborough in said County deceased. Who she believes was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War. She further says that the said Benjamin Woodcock was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of June Seventh Eighteen hundred and thirty two at Twenty eight dollars and Sixty six cents a year that he resided in Dartmouth at the time he applied for said pension, and that his pension was paid at Boston. She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Woodcock, on the Third day of September Eight- een hundred and nine. That her husband

The aforesaid Benjamin Woodcock died on the thirty first day of January Eighteen hundred and forty three. That she was married to him at the time above stated. She further swears, that she was a widow, at the passage of the Act. and is still a widow, and that she has never before made application for a pension. That her name previous to said marriage was Ruth Mosher.
her Ruth X Woodcock mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first above written. Before me Oliver Prescott Judge of Probate.
And I further Certify that the above applicant cannot, by reason of age and bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Oliver Prescott
Commonwealth of Massachusetts -
Judge of Probate
Bristol County ss. I hereby certify that Oliver Prescott Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration was made and who has thereto subscribed his name, was, at the time of so doing Judge of the Court of Probate in & for the County aforesaid duly Commissioned & sworn -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto at my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fifteenth day of April 1853 -
John Daggett Register of said Court

"Married by Elisha Stocum Esq: Benjamin Woodcock a resident of Dartmouth, and Ruth Mosher of the same town, September the third, Eighteen hundred and nine." I certify that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date which which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows - "September 3 d - 1809."
W m Barker Jr Town Clerk
I William Barker Jr. above named depose and say that I hold the Office of Clerk of the Town of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol 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 W m Barker Jr
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol County ss. April 8 th - 1853. William Barker Jr. a credible witness made Oath to the truth of the above affida- vit by him signed
Before me Benjamin D. Sisson Just of the Peace

I Elizabeth Reynolds of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged forty three years depose & say that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Woodcock late of Attleborough deceased & his wife Ruth Woodcock who is still living. That I am the daughter of the said Benjamin & Ruth. That said Benjamin Woodcock died on in Attleborough in said County and State aforesaid on the thirty first day of January Eighteen hundred & forty three. That Ruth Woodcock my mother, is still living and has not been married since the decease of her said husband the said Benjamin Woodcock. That her name before she was married was Ruth Nash, Elizabeth Reynolds .
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol County ss. March 25. A.D. 1853. Elizabeth Reynolds a credible witness made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by her signed Before me Benjamin D. Wilson Just of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol ss. March 25 th 1853. Sibley Macomber a credible witness made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed. Before me Benjamin D. Wilson Just Peace-

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss.
I, James Groot, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Benjamin D. Dimes Esq., whose signature is affixed to the foregoing and annexed certificates, is and was on the days of the dates thereof a Justice of the peace in the said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, at Taunton, this fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
J. Groot

Newton Mass. April 16. '53
Sir,
Any communication you may be pleased to make relative to the foregoing application of Martha Woodcock for a pension may be made to your Obedt Servt J B Gassett
To the Com te of Pensions Washington D.C.

Map Ruth Ozadcock widow of Benjamin Add. Co. at 3 Feb. 1853
Admitted $28.66 per annum Comm. 3 Feb. 53
A Dapett Farmton Main.

I Elizabeth Reynolds of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged forty three years, on Oath do testify & say that there being no family record of the death of my late father Benjamin Woodcock, and therefore relying upon my memory alone, I deposed in a former affidavit that he died Jan'y. 1. 1842. This I regret to say was an error - and that it was this error of mine, which led my mother Ruth Woodcock into the same error, in the declaration which she made in order to obtain a pension. That upon further reflection I am convinced that he died January 30th 1842. I further depose & say that he was a Revolutionary pensioner - That he went from Dartmouth to Attleborough, leaving my mother in Dartmouth aforesaid, and there died in the alms- house at the time above stated - That my mother resides in Dartmouth & has resided there for more than thirty years. That she has never been married since the decease of her husband, the said Benjamin Woodcock.
Elizabeth Reynolds
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Bristol County, ss. July 6th 1853.
Elizabeth Reynolds a credible witness made Oath to the truth of the above affidavit, by her signed.
Before me Benjamin B. Sisson Justice of the Peace

I Silly Macomber of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged fifty nine years do on oath testify & say that, relying upon my memory (in the absence of any record) & the assurance of others that I was correct in my recollections I deposed in a former affidavit that Benjamin Woodcock died January 31 st 1843. — This I am sorry to say was an error That I am now satisfied that his death occurred January 30 th 1844. — That I was well acquainted with the said Benjamin Woodcock a Revolutionary pensioner & his wife Ruth Woodcock — That they lived in the next house south of me many years previous to his leaving for Atholborough That his wife lived in the same house previous to and since his death, untill very recently — That she is still living in Dartmouth & has never been married since the decease of her husband the said Benjamin Woodcock. witness P. P. Sisson
Silly his X Macomber
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol County ss. Mark. July 6. 1853. Silly Macomber a credible witness made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed Before me Benjamin P. Sisson Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss.
I, Samuel Groot, clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Benjamin B. Dison, Rock Blackman, & John Dagg here, whose signatures are affixed to the foregoing and annexed certificates, are, and were, at the date of the thing, Justices of the peace in the said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Taunton, this twenty-three day of August, in the year Eighteen hundred fifty three,
S. Groot

I Noah Claflin of Attleborough aged 83 years having been first duly engaged according to law depose and say that I was acquainted with Benjamin Woodcock from the time of my boyhood and before he entered the Service in the Revolutionary war he then resided in Attleborough. Some four years after the war he left the town and took up his residence in the town of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol. A few years before his death he came back to Attleborough as a pauper for support he was a pensioner of the United States if I recited right under the act of 1832 after he returned to said I was applied to execute his powers of Atty. to draw his payments of pension while lived, he died in the Almshouse according to the record in the Journal of said house on the 30th day of January 1844 he left a widow by the name of Ruth Woodcock. I assisted her in obtaining the balance of his pension from the fourth day of September 1843 to the 30th day of January 1844 as reference to account in the pension department will I have no doubt appear, the precise date of his death was then proved by the Journal of the Almshouse, said House has since been destroyed by fire and the Journal and everything else in it and five of the inmates
Noah Claflin
State of Massachusetts
Bristol County -
July 16th 1853
Personally appeared the above named deponent who is a credible witness and subscribed and made oath to the same,
Before me
John D. Deyett Justice of the peace

624 Rey WIDOW, &c.
File No. 624
Ruth Woodcock
Widow
Benjamin Woodcock
Rev. War
Act: Feb. 3, 1853.
Index:—Vol. M. , Page 352.
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No. 1010
Ruth Woodcock wid. of Benjamin -
Massachusetts.
1857 June 20 Sister A. Bassett
Admitted with dist. $28.66 pr annum.
Comm. 1. 3 Feb. 1853.
Act 3. Feb. 1853

I certify that Benjamin Woodcock was born in the Town of Milborough June 25 th A. D. 1757 A true copy from record
Milborough October 9 13 th A. D. 1832 } Elkanah Briggs } Town Clerk

Deflections in the Life Buoy - Wadsworth

Cammanweth of Massachusetts County of Bristol ss. Attleborough October 13. 1832 I Elizabeth Wilmarth of Attleborough aforesaid of the age of 77 years and duly engaged according to Law do testify and say that Benjamin Woodcock formerly of said Attleborough now of Dartmouth in said County was with me in a three month's campaign in the Winter of 1776-1777 in the war of the Revolution at Howlands Ferry State of Rhode Island said Wood- cock served under Capt. Clapp in Col. John Deyett's Regt. I was with said Woodcock at another time for one month in the autumn of 1777 in the Spencer's expedition under Capt. Stephen Richardson Col. Robinson's Regiment and also at another time in the year 1778 I was with said Woodcock for the term of five months on and about Rhode Island I was there six months but Woodcock went before me I believe his term of service was seven or eight months he served under Capt. Fuller Col. Jacob's Regt. Cornell's Brigade we were in the service at the time of Sullivan's expedition I believe Woodcock was on the rear guard in the time of the battle
Elizabeth Wilmarth
Sworn to and subscribed by the said Elizabeth Wilmarth the day and year above written before me
Nath. Claplin Justice of Peace
Bristol ss. December 20. 1832. I certify that the above named Elizabeth Wilmarth is a respectable and credible person -
Nath. Claplin Just. of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Bristol ss. Attestborough October 16. 1832 I Abisha Tawen of said Attestborough of the age of 74 years and duly engaged according to Law do hereby and say That I was knowing to Benjamin Wadsworths enlisting in the Service of the United States to go as a Soldier to B. Nafett Eastward of Boston he and a boy of mine by the name of Gideon Stanley (who has long since deceased) enlisted together and went and returned together I always under Stand they Staid there until their time was out but I cannot tell exactly how long, it was a number of months that they were gone before they returned Should think likely it was as much as eight months, they both lived near neighbours to me at that time, this Service was in 1776 I cannot tell the month they enlisted and left home, think it was in the Spring of Summer, it was winter when they returned I further say that I recollect that the Benjamin was said to have enlisted in the Continental Service went to the westward In under Stand at York State he was absent from home for a long time, I always under Stand that he was in the Service, and never had any reason to doubt it, this I think was towards the latter part of the Revolution any way
Abisha Tawen
Sworn to and subscribed by the said Abisha Tawen the day and year above written before me
Naah Claplin Justice of Peace
Bristol J. Dec. 20. 1832 I certify That Abisha Tawen who submitted the above affidavit is a respectable and credible person
Naah Claplin Just. of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I John Rogers of Dartmouth, in the County of Bristol, in said Commonwealth, testify and say that I served in the Revolutionary War in the year 1778. in Col. Jacobs' Regiment in Genl Coonets Brigade in the state of Rhode Island and in what was called 'Sullivan's Expedition' and served about nine months - and that whilst there I knew one Benjamin Woodcock who was then in the service of the Revolutionary war under the same Colonel and the same Brigade and I believe the said Woodcock served as much as eight months at least - I was part of the time in the same Company under Capt Fuller with said Woodcock all of the time under the Colonel & General officer and was with him in the same company at the battle on Block Island - John Rogers
Bristol Is. Dartmouth May 24 1833.
Then the above named John Rogers appeared personally before me and subscribed and sworn to the truth of the aforesaid Deposition he being to me personally known, and a Respectable & creditable person.
Before me Zebadiah H. Allen Junior Judge of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Bristol ss. I Anselm Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Sarah Claphin and Deborah A. Macomber are Justices of the Peace within & for the County of Bristol aforesaid and that their signatures to the foregoing certificates purporting to be theirs, are genuine — In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this fifth day of August Eighteen hundred and thirty three. — Anselm Bassett

Benjamin Woodcock of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol, in addition to, and in explanation of his original declaration for a pension, says that he has found evidence of service in the Secy's Office for 8 m o & 19. days. and it further appears by the Secy's Certificate, that he was in Colonel Whitney Regiment in stead of Colonel Jackson, that he cannot account for this, other than loss of memory, so also as to time, it appears the Rolls bear record of 6 m o 18 d s instead of Eight months — this no doubt is the same service, and he feels now quite sure that he enlisted for & served 8 months under Capt. Gile. It also appears that the 8 m o 19. days, is a different and in addition to the 9 m o heretofore provided.
The service claimed for 3 months in 1777. under Capt. Clap in Colonel Daggitt Regiment, is supported by the testimony of Eliphalet Wilmarth who says in his deposition herewith accompanying the papers, that he was with said Woodcock during that term of time at Howland's Ferry State of Rhode Island, that Service done in the State of Rhode Island, does not appear to be returned to the Secy's Office in Massachusetts, and he supposes was not intended to be — of that however he humbly submits.
Therefore in the present State of things, and in the absence of positive testimony — being out of health, and very poor, he waives all claim to a pension for about five years that he well knows he served his Country during the Revolutionary war, excepting — the 20 m o & 19. days. as above, which he trusts is here shown to the satisfaction of the Secy of War — having no means to go further in search of testimony — he with due deference submits this as his case — and would prefer having it disposed of, as the Secy of War thinks right & just — and a pension granted for what is proved — than to have the papers again returned for further evidence.
witnes S. B. Gifford
Benjamin Woodcock mark

State of Massachusetts
Bristol County. Ss. Westport. October 11. 1834.
Then the within named Benjamin Woodcock signed the within or foregoing Statement which was made by his request - and then & there made Oath that the same is true according to the best of his recollection - done in my presence and sworn to before me Almer B. Gifford Just. Peace
and I take this Opportunity further to state - that I am well acquainted with the aforesaid Benjamin Woodcock - that from all the various conversation had with him in regard to his Revolutionary Services he appears to be honest and mean to state truly that it is very evident his memory is much impaired. That he is in a very feeble State of health - and not likely to continue long - I have no doubt myself - but what he served in some capacity as long as he ever State - but perhaps some portion of it might not be in the regular established lines of the army - Almer B. Gifford Just. Peace
* See Judge Baylies to the same point on his signature -

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. I Anselm Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Abner B. Gifford whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate is a Justice of the Peace for said County —
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand at the seat of said Court this ninth day of October 1834 —
A Bassett

Affidavit of Ebenezer Tiffany in addition to former testimony —
Benj. Woodworth deklaration

I Ebenezer Tiffany of North Providence in the State of Rhode Island Esquire do testify and say that I am now seventy two years old and in the time of the Revolution I was well acquainted with Benjamin Woodcock who then resided in Atkinsonborough in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In the spring of 1778 my brother William Tiffany and said Wandrack  Benjamin with several more belonging to said Atkinsonborough enlisted into the Militia of Massachusetts into what was called the eight months service and went to Newport or near there - The Commander of the brigade was I think a General Cornell, The regiment was commanded by Col John Jacob and the company into which they enlisted was commanded by Jacob Fuller according to my recollection - Some time after they had been enlisted my brother was taken ill and went and took his place and staid two months Woodcock was there all the time I came away early in the fall of 1778 and my brother took his place and staid the remainder of the time and I believe Woodcock staid the whole of his eight months for the above reasons and because it has always been understood and believed by me that Woodcock did not continue in said service - I am unable to recollect more than two of said company now alive, Philip Hobson now in some part of the State of Connecticut, and Newbender of Dighton in Massachusetts. And further the deponent saith not - Ebenezer Tiffany

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss. August 14 th 1834 - Then the within named Ebenezer Liffey signed of the foregoing affidavit personally appeared and made oath that the same was true -
Before me Apollo Cushman Justice of Peace
I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Ebenezer Liffey above named for twenty years last past, that he has always sustained a fair character and that his reputation for truth is unimpeachable -
Parduckett August 14 th 1834 -
Apollo Cushman Justice of Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss. I Amos Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in for said county, do hereby certify that Apollo Cushman, before whom the foregoing affidavit was known is a Justice of the Peace for said county - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this twentieth day of August Eighteen hundred and thirty four (A Bassett)

War Department Pension Office August 27 th 1834
Sir
In the case of Benjamin Woodcock I have to state that his papers have been reexamined and are herewith returned. Claimant alleges to have served 4 years and 8 months, but proves 9 Mo. service only by disinterested testimony. For this service he can have a pension. But agreeably to the rules of the office some proof other than the declaration of claimant must be produced before any further allowance can be made. It is presumed that proof in relation to the greater part of the alleged service might be found on the rolls in Secretary Bangs office at Boston.
very respectfully J. L. Edwards Commr of Pensions
A Russell Esq Taunton
Mass

Additional Evidence

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Septem r 2 1834.
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 Benjamin Woodcock, as a private, is borne on the payrolls of Capt. Aaron Guild's Company, in Col. Josiah Whitney's Reg t : where he is allowed from May 16 th 1776 for service and travel six months (and eighteen days).
m. a. 6 18
Benjamin Woodcock's name is also borne on a muster roll of Capt. Stephen Richardson's Company where he is allowed from April 21 st to May 15 th 1777, for service (and travel) twenty five days.
25
Benjamin Woodcock's name is also borne on a bounty roll of Capt. Stephen Richardson's Company commanded by Col. George Williams, where he is allowed from September 25 th to October 29 th 1777, for service (and travel) One month (and six days).
1 6 8 19
Benjamin Woodcock claims for services under Captain Enock Robinson, from December 1 st 1773, but the roll is not found in this office.
Benjamin

Benjamin Woodcock claims for services under a Captain Clapp, in Colonel Doggett's Reg- -ment in 1777. — Several Company Rolls under the command of Captain Clapp are found in this Office, but the name of Benjamin Woodcock is not borne on either of them.
Edward D. Bangs Ly

Westport Feby. 8. 1835
J. L. Edwarels. Esq. Commisr of Pensions. } Permit me to address you upon the subject of Benjamin Woodcock's application for a Pension, whose papers are on file in your Office, and to say for him - and by his request. - That he finds no further Proof to Offer, that he feels bound to acquiesce in the decision of the Commission of Pensions, and requests that a pension Certificate be forwarded to my care for him as soon as the Commission can conveniently attend to it. - I remain with much respect and esteem Your Obedt Servt. Abner B. Gifford
P.S. having this opportunity, I hope you will Pardon me for addressing you further upon the subject of John Blackmore's application for a pension, whose papers have been returned to me through Mr. Baylies our Rep'r in Congress - with instructions to apply at Sec'y Bangs. Office for Proof of service. I have written Mr. Bangs. upon the subject, & have not as yet had any satisfactory return - I have however learnt that the Militia Rolls in the Sec'y Office, are not in a perfect State, and that much valuable service was performed by the Militia in the Revolutionary War about the Shores in Massachusetts, by those whose names are not to be found in the Sec'y Office - I have been the Servt. rendering some assistance to the Old Soldiers in Obtaining their pensions since the law of 1818. - & I trust those who know me will never say that they think I should have the least wish or be instrumental in procuring a pension for any one not justly entitled to it by law. over

On the other side - I have felt it my duty to assist those old soldiers whom I was well satisfied were justly entitled. By the regulations adopted by the Secy of war, I have considered that positive proof of service - by credible testimony was sufficient - And have never myself examined the Rolls. in the Secy of State Office - I shall be extremely happy - Should you feel willing , and it is not inconsistent with the course of business in your office - That you will say in answer to this, in a few words - whether it is to be understood that no pension can be granted unless from evidence of service from the Rolls in the Secy Office. believe me S r Sir to be with every Sentiment of Esteem yours &c. & Humble Serv t . Monu B. Gifford

War Department
Pension Office
December 31 st - 1834
Sir:
The claim of Benjamin Woodcock returned to in the letter of A. B. Gifford Esq r to you, which is herewith returned has been repeatedly examined. - He originally claimed to have been in the service of the State of Massachusetts during the Revolutionary war, about five years, and produced a variety of loose and indistinct testimony to establish his service. But as the regulations require the production of the best evidence and as the rolls in the office of Mr Bangs at Boston show the actual service paid for by Massachusetts during the revolutionary war, he was referred to that source for information. By the certificate of that office Mr Woodcock appears to have served eight months and 19 days, admitting him to be the same individual borne on the rolls. Mr Woodcock insisting upon being allowed various services not satisfactorily proved the papers have been placed on file, as A. Bassett Esq r was informed on the 18 th October last. If he is willing to receive an allowance for the foregoing service shown by Mr Bangs's certificate, a pension certificate will be issued. The accuracy of his claim for military service at the other periods stated may be verified from the same source, particularly the 8 months service in 1778. of which the rolls are in a complete state in the Secretary's Office -
The papers remain on file, awaiting the intimation of Mr Woodcock's wishes on this subject. -

The papers of John Blackmore are herewith returned. His claim must be supported by proof from Mr Bangs office or it will be taken that he simply belonged to a company of local militia not called into actual service.
I have the honor to be Yours at Lincoln J. G. Edwards.
Hon: William Baylies House of Reps

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
June 10 th , 1845.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The widow of Benjamin Woodcock Rev. , a Pensioner on the Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of Twenty eight Dollars and 69 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1843, to the 30 th Jany 1844.
Respectfully, yours,
William L. Harris
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

Pension Office
June 14, 1859.
Sir,
We pleased to say when Benjamin Woodcock, a pensioner at $28. 66 per, ann, under Act of 7. June 1832, on the roll of Massachusetts pensioners, died , & at what time his pension was paid.
Very Resp y J. M c Leod Comm r .
J. Burt Esq. Board.
Died 30 th January 1844, Paid to his death.
F. Burt Auditor. "

Admitted at 1853
Woodcock

Brief in the case of
County and State of act
William Woodcock wid. Res. Massachusetts February 1873
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband pensioned Act 7 June 1872 at $28.00 per annum. — Marriage proved by copy from Town record Certified by the Clerk. Death of husband Identity of applicant as the widow of the pensioner, proved by (If for increase.) Statements of church & credit.
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
A. G. Gapsitt. Faulkton, Mass
P. M. K. Examining Clerk.

Taunton Aug. 23. 1853
Sir,
Herewith you will receive the affidavits of Elizabeth Reynolds, Sally Macomber, Noah Claplin & Nath l Huntress, to be appended to and made a part of the case of Ruth Wood- -cock widow of Benjamin Woodcock dec d for a pension. Yours Respectfully A. Bassett
L. D. Waldo Esq. Com te of Pensions Washington -

Benjamin Woodcock.
75
3 Months
Cap Roberson does not remain Colonel
  76  3  Cap Richardson. Colo forgot    June 11  8-  Cap Guile Colo Jackson    74  3-  Cap Clapp Colo Doggit    " proved -  1  Cap Richardson.    78 - proved -  8-  Cap Fuller. Colo Jacob.  
79 - 2 1/2 Months Cap. Pritchard in this case the witness says he was a long time gone from home and believes he was engaged as a soldier, during the time

On Official Business
Hon Geo. C. Whiting Commissioners of Pensions Washington D.C.

✓ 51. 929
5 Geo. Am.

Benjamin Woodcock Massachusetts.
Suspended —
C. H. Bapett 26.66
18 Oct 1834.
1st Hon Wm Baylies 30 Dec 1834
admit
8 m o 19 decy 28.66
above B Gifford Esq most port mab 5