Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29530, William Wait, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Wait, William
NUMBER
S. 29530
CONTENTS

N o 11,860
Maine
William Wait
of Oxford Co. in the State of Maine who was a Pr. V. Corp t in the company command by Captain Bolster of the Reg t command by Col. Larned in the Mass.
  time for 21 months & 14 days Pr.  $70.42    2 " 26 " Corp t  10.46     $80.88  
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 80 Dollars 88 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of July 1833 and sent to R. C. Vose Augusta Me.
  Arrears to the 4th of March 1833  161.76    Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th Sep 1833  40.44     $202.20  
d. May 29, 1840
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1833 }
Recorded by D Brown Book E Vol. 1
Page 1 st C

W P Dear Sir,
I would like very much to gain some information in regard to William Wait, who was born in Sutton Mass. Jan 8. th 1754. and moved to Dixfield Maine Jan 17 th 1804. — He died May 29-1840. aged 86 years. He served in the American Army two years and four months.

and was at the surrender of John Burgoyne at Saratoga Oct. 17. 1777. - He was a pensioner the last few years of his life.
I have been at the State House looking through the archives. I find two William Waite's names from Lutton - possibly they may be father and son - perhaps you can tell and if you have the signature of either, I would greatly value a tracing of the same also any information you

may be able to give me -
The former Chief Justice Wait of Washington was a Cousin of my father's and he could have helped me greatly in this were he alive. Any expenses attending this I will gladly meet if you will let me know. If you will kindly address
Mrs. W. E. Page 16 Arlington St. Boston Mass.
March 14. 1895.

William Wait
Private. Mafitt's troops. Bolster's Co. Learned's regt. 8 months
Same same. 12 months
Woodbury's Co: Sheppard's regt. Corporal 4 months Chase's Co: _____
4 months
20 months as a private 3 " 27 days as a private. 2 " 26 days as a corporal
R. C. Rose. Augusta, Me.

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
STATE OF MAINE, } ss. KENNEBEC COUNTY, }
On this twenty second day of August A. D. 1832 personally appeared before the Hon. NATHAN WESTON, Jun'r, a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, of said State, William Wait a resident of Dixfield in the County of Oxford and State of Maine, aged seventy nine eighty years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following dec- laration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year 1775 with Captain Isaac Bolster and served in Col. Learned's regiment of the Massachusetts line or troops under the following named officers: Bolster Captain
Learned Colonel. That in April 1775 he enlisted as a private in that company and regiment for the period of eight months That he served out this period and immediately joined of Fanny 1776 re-enlisted as a private in the same company and regiment for one year and served out this same period, and was verbally discharged near Fish Kill in January 1777. That in August 1777 he again enlisted as a private for four months in Capt. Bartholemew Woodbury's company, and he thinks Col. Shepard's regiment of the Massachusetts troops. That in this service he marched to Ticonderoga - thence to White Plains and was there discharged verbally at the end of his term. That in August 1778 he again enlisted as a private in Capt. March Chase's Massachusetts company. That his company and one other company were employed, and he served four months as a corporal in building and guarding forts at Dorchester Massachusetts. That they had no Colonel there, and he recollects none if the company was attached to any regiment. That he served out his period, and was verbally discharged at Dorchester at the end of his term.

And to the interrogatories propounded under the instructions of the war department, he answers: That he was born in Sutton Massachusetts in 1754, where he supposes his age is recorded, and where his home was during his revolutionary services. That about 1804 he removed to Dixfield Maine, where he now lives. That he took no written discharge - That he enlisted, was not drafted or received as a substitute. That he was placed on the Maine roll, under the act of Congress of March 10, 1810, and that his pension certificate is numbered 7,795, and dropped therefrom on account of his property. That at that time he resided in Dixfield, Maine, and that he now resides in the same town.
He hereby relinquishes every claim 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, except as aforesaid.
William Witt
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Before
Nathan Weston Jr.
not S.P.C.
And the said Judge does hereby declare his opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.
Nathan Weston Jr.

State of Maine.
KENNEBEC, ss.—I, JOHN A. CHANDLER, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts held within and for the County of Kennebec, hereby certify that the Hon. NATHAN WESTON, Jun'r, before whom the within proceedings was had, is a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State; I also certify that the within contains the original proceedings of the said Judge, in the matter of the application of William Wait for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court, this 22 d day of August
A. D. 183 2,
J. A. Chandler

24575
William Wait Oxford Co. Maine
Sept 19 -
Papers undated wanted
Chas. 7,795-
Admitted
  m 2.26 di loop. 10.46   21. 4. Pin 67.09   24.00 77.55-   13.35   8 0.88 
R. b. Vose Agt. Augusta E Maine

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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 subjained 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. Those 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 William Wait. Oxford Co. Maine.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1775. " 8 " Priv Col. Learned. Capt. Bolster 78 years Sutton Mass. He was placed on the Maine Roll under the act of Congress March 1818. &c. His Pension certificate is numbered 7,795.   1776 1 " " " Ditto Ditto.   Ag. 1777 " 4 " " Col. Shepherd Capt. Woodbury   1778 " 2 26 Corpl. Capt. Chase  
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) _____, who has 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 days 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 the 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 place, 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 [j] 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.
[f] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Joseph Rowen

William Wait priv. Maine Roll N o 7.795 1 schedule Feb. 18 th 1829 Val. prop 615 Income - 50 75 Years old
not entitled $595 cl. o. d.
R. C. Vose Augusta Maine

DECLARATION,
In order to be restored to the Pension List, under the act of the 1st March, 1823.
State of Maine.
COUNTY OF Penobscot , ss.
ON this Eighteenth day of February 1829 personally appeared before the Hon. Nathan Weston, Junr. a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court being a Court of Record for said County, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having original jurisdiction unlimited in amount, keeping record of their proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment William Wait , resident in said County, aged Seventy five years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the Acts of the eighteenth of March, eighteen hundred and eighteen, the first of May, eighteen hundred and twenty, and the first of March, eighteen hundred and twenty-three--that he the said William Wait enlisted for the term of One year on the first day of January in the year 1776 in the State of Massachusetts in the Company commanded by Captain Isaac Bolster in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Learned in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the Continental establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps until January 1777 when he was discharged from the said service in the vicinity of Fishkill in the State of New York that his name has been placed on the pension list, and dropt there from on account of his property. His pension certificate is numbered 7,795.
AND, in pursuance of the Act of the first May, eighteen hundred and twenty, I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, eighteen hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby, so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March, eighteen hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
William Wait
SWORN to and declared, on the 18th day of February 1829 before
Nathan Weston, Junr. Justice of said Court

SCHEDULE of the Real and Personal Estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted).
belonging to me the subscriber, viz: A lease during my natural life of one hundred acres of land with a small house I have thereon all of the value of six hundred dollars. The annual income of my lease of the above property does not exceed fifty dollars a year. No personal property except a few articles of old household furniture besides bedding, viz, 6 or 8 chairs - 2 Tables - 1 old desk - 1 chest with drawers - 1 iron Tea kettle - 1 iron pot - 1 old brass kettle - a few articles of crockery ware - 6 knives & forks & 3 or 4 spoons all not worth more than fifteen dollars. I have no debts due me, & owe as much as twenty dollars to different individuals. Except the above & my necessary clothing & bedding I have no estate or income whatever.
William Wait
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me William Wait who, by occupation am a Farmer which I am unable to pursue by reason of Old age
   Names. Ages. Capacity of each to contribute to their support.     Sally my wife 70 Healthy as common of her age  
That he did not make application under the law of May 1. 1820 living in a remote part of the country & being informed that no one holding real estate would be permitted to draw a pension, he has not applied since 1818,
William Wait
That since the exhibition of my first Schedule, the following changes have been made in my property.
   Names of the persons to whom sold. Time of Sale. Amount of Money, or description of property received in return.         
I, Robert C. Rose , Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within the said County of Wenatchee do hereby certify, that it appears, to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said William Wait did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one engagement, on the continental establishment. I also certify, that the foregoing oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Records of said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is Six hundred fifteen dollars and that the total annual amount of the income of the said William Wait does not exceed fifty dollars per annum . In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this Eighteenth day of February 1829,
R. C. Rose , Clerk of the Court of the County of Wenatchee

29 530 Very INVALID.
File No. 29,530
William Wit
Copfl Rev War
Act: June 7 n 82
Index:—Vol. 9, Page 437
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Apr. 1 st 1902 Mrs. Page, 16 Arlington St., Boston
St. E. Mass. M.E.
May. 1-1902 Rev. R. F. Johonnat Oak Park Ill

7795
Maine.
William Wait 4 of Dixfield Dist in the state of Maine who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Learned of the Massachusetts line, for the term of one year.
inscribed on the Roll of District of Maine at the rate of —8— Dollars per month, to commence on the 26 of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 of Mar: 1819 and sent to Hon A.K. Parris, Paris, Maine
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 — 82.36 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sept: 1819 48 — 10. 5/30 8 4/31 $130.36
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Discontinued
see letter of Jan'y 1832 to Hon E Kavanagh
He specified in E. K. Parris, Maine, Mr. Kavanagh

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Feb 18 th 1833.
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 Wats, is borne on "A Muster Roll for the money due from the State of the Massachusetts to Captain Barth o Woodbury's Company in Col. Job Cushing's Regiment of Militia that marched from the County of Worcester the 15 th day of Aug t last, (1777) to reinforce the Northern Army" and had for three months & twenty seven days, service as a private - and that the name William Wats is borne on "a Pay Roll of Capt n Mark Chase Comp y . in Col. Nathan Spearhawk's Reg t . of Militia, who served at Dorchester in 1778 for Pay allowed by this State in addition to Continental Pay" - as having engaged Sep r . 20 th and discharged Dec r . 12 th 1778 and had for two months and twenty six days as a Corporal -
Edward D. Bangs Secy

William Wait
Payable semi-annually---the first pay- ment on this certificate will be made on the 4th of September next,
at the Cumberland Bank, Portland
Recorded

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I CERTIFY That, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18 th of March 1818, _____.
William Wait late a private in the Army of the Revolution _____
is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Dist: of Maine Agency, at the rate of eight _____ dollars _____ " _____ cents per month, to commence on the - 26 th day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this eighteenth day of _____ March one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.
J. C. Calhoun Secretary of War.

William Wait (private) Leamer's M st . Regt. 1776 for 1 year.
26 th April 1810.
Admitted
William Wait.

I, William Wait, a resident citizen of the United States of America, an inhabitant of Pittsfield in the County of Oxford and State of Massachusetts , do testify and say, that on the last of April A.D. 1775 at Roxbury , I enlisted into the army of said United States on the continental establishment for the term of eight months as a private soldier in Capt. Isaac Bolster's company, Colonel Seaverns's regiment, and Gen. Wm. Heath's brigade in the Massachusetts line, which term of eight months , I fully served at said Roxbury , when without leaving the service, I again enlisted into said army on the continental establishments for the term of one year as a private soldier in the same Capt. Isaac Bolster's company aforesaid, which term of one year I fully served, at said Roxbury , City of New-York , and on North River , and at the expiration of said term of one year , I was honorably discharged at Peekskill , and left the service.
I further testify, that I am sixty four years of age, am not borne on any pension list of the United States, and that, by reason of my reduced circumstances in life, I stand in need of assistance from my country for support. William Wait

I Isaac Bolster of Paris in the county aforesaid, do testify and say, that I was in the continental service in the revolutionary war and commanded the company in which the above named William Wait served his term of eight months, and of one year above mentioned, and to my certain knowledge said Wait served, as a good soldier, there two several period, as he has above stated.
Isaac Bolster
I Nathan Cutler, of Lewiston in the County of Lincoln & State aforesaid, do testify and say, that I was in the continental service in the revolutionary war during the term of eight months, in the same company with the above named William Wait, in his eight months service above mentioned, and to my certain knowledge said Wait served said period of eight months as he has above stated.
Nathan Cutler

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
MAINE DISTRICT, ss.
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the twenty sixth day of April in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, personally came William Wait the applicant named in the papers hereunto annexed, and after being duly cautioned and examined, made oath that the several statements by him made in the annexed application, signed in my presence, are wholly true.
And the said applicant further offered in evidence the affidavits of Isaac Bolster, the captain under whom said applicant served in the revolutionary war, and of Nathan Cutler, a fellow soldier; made and signed in my presence, and hereunto annexed.
And it appearing to me in the examination here had, that the several persons above named are credible witnesses, I do hereby admit the annexed declarations as evidence, and certify the same as being satisfactory proof to me that the said William Wait the applicant, served as a private soldier in the revolutionary war, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months and upwards in continuation on the continental establishment. And I do further certify, that from the declaration of the applicant made before me, under oath as aforesaid, it does appear that in consequence of his reduced circumstances in life, he is in need of assistance from his country for support; all which I do hereby certify and transmit to the Secretary of the Department of War, agreeably to the provisions of an Act of Congress, passed March 18, 1818, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war."
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused my Official Seal to be affixed the day and year first mentioned.
Albion L. Parris
Judge of the United States in and for the District of Maine.

Unity Church, Oak Park, Ill. R. F. JOHONNOT, Pastor.
WTH ECV
March 29, 1902.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear sir:
I wish to find what record you may have, if any, of the fact that one William Waite, of Dixfield Maine, who died about the year 1840, received a pension as a soldier in the war of the American Revolution. I do not care for a record of services but only to establish the fact that he received a pension. I desire to use this as proof for my wife in being admitted to the Society of daughters of the AM. Rev. It is within the distinct recollection of members of her  the family now living that he drew such pension for some years. It would seem, therefore, that his name must be on your list.
I add the following facts, in case they may be of assistance in your search. He enlisted from Sutton, Mass. and was presumably a member of the regiment recruited there commanded by Col. Jonathan Holman. I do not know at what time he removed to Dixfield Me. but think he lived there during the greater part of his life. Probably his pension was granted while he lived there. He was born at Sutton, Mass. Jan. 8, 1754, so the family records show.
Thanking you for the courtesy of a reply, I am
Yours very truly,
R. F. Johonnot