Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11819, Paul Whitcomb, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Whitcomb, Paul
W.11819
Eleanor
B.L. Mt 38,339-160-55
CONTENTS

17.008
D New Hampshire
Paul Whitecomb. of Grafton Co: in the state of New Hamp. who was a private — in the regiment commanded by Colonel Vose — of the Mass. line, for the term of three years.
inscribed on the Roll of New Hampshire at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 16 of April 1818 — " — " —
Certificate of Pension issued the 19th of May 1820 and sent to E. Evans Esq. Enfield N.H.
Arrears to 4th of Mar: 1820 — $181-03 semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sep 1820 — 48- 22 mo 15/30 4/31 $229.03
Mr { Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Continued
ap '32
Notary Seal to J. P. Webster Esq. 26 New Hampshire Ave

Paul Whitcomb's destruction
& evidence
Col. Vose's Massach. Regt. 1701 - 3 years -
16 April 1810.
E. Lyman Esq. Enfield M.H.
See final settlement cc. Vol. 2. Fol. 29. M o 27-022 -
Admitted
Canaan Grafton Col. -

State of New Hampshire Grafton, ss. On this sixteenth day of April 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, personally appeared Paul Whitcomb aged fifty two years, resident in Concord in said County, who being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late 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." That he the said Paul Whitcomb entered into the service of the United States in the war of the revo- lution in the month of March 1781 for three years in the Company commanded by Capt. John Pray in the Regiment commanded by Col. Vose in the first Massachusetts Regiment and served therein in said service until June 1783 when he was honorably discharged and returned home, that his discharge was signed by Genl. Washington; and that by time and accident been lost, and that he now is and always has been a citizen of the United States, That he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of his country's assistance for support, and that he has hitherto received no pension, and that the only evidence of his service now in his power to obtain is the annexed affidavit.
Sworn to and declared before me, this day and year aforesaid Daniel Blaisdell Judge of the Court aforesaid
Daniel Blaisdell. Inasmuch as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that that the said Paul Whitcomb did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemies; and that his circumstances in life are reduced and that he stands in need of his country's assistance for support, and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the Court this 23 day of May 1818
Daniel Blaisdell Judge of the Court aforesaid

I John Robbins of Hartland in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont of lawful age do testify that I am well acquainted with Paul Whitcomb of Cossack in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire, and am well knowing to the said Whitcomb's having served twenty seven months three years in the service of the United States in the war of the Revolution, I was present when he enlisted, and was in the army one year with him and was there when the said Whitcomb received an honorable discharge having served his said term time out faithfully. The said Whitcomb belonged to Capt. John Pray's Company in Col. Foss's Regiment in the Massachusetts line - his John X Robbins mark
Hartland May 9 th 1800 I the undersigned the subscriber, do take oth that the above Instrument by him subscribed was the truth & nothing but the truth Before me - Luther Powell y s Pease

Paul Whitcomb
Canaan
Grafton Co
17.008
May '20
W

Grafton ss.] STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
ON this tenth of November A. D. 1820 personally appeared Paul Whittomb of Canaan in said county before the Superior Court of Judicature  Judge of the Court of Probate in the  for county of Grafton in open Court being a Court of Record, in and for the said county, having the power of fine and imprisonment, by law established aged fifty four years, resident in Canaan in said county, who be- ing first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath declare that he served in the Revolu- tionary War, as follows: viz.
That he enlisted into the army of the United States in the Revolutionary war in the month of March A.D. 1781 for the term of three years & faithfully served the said United States until the month of June A.D. 1783. When he was honorably discharged from said service
The date of my original declaration in order to obtain a pension is the 16 th day of April 1818 The number of my pension certificate is 17008 . I have re- ceived a Pension. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; 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 18th day of March, 1818; 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 whatever  other than that is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. My occupation is a cordwainer not suf- ficient ability to pursue it
in family residing with me no person & that I have no property Paul Whittomb
Their capacity to contribute to their support

Sworn to and declared at Plymouth in said county on the 10 th day of November A D 1890 before the justices of said court — S. P. Webster Clerk
State of New Hampshire Grafton ss.
I Stephen P. Webster Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for said county do hereby certify that the foregoing oath & declaration are truly copied from the record of said court — I further certify that it is the Opinion of said Court that the said returnee possesses no property of any description.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court on this tenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty
S. P. Webster Clerk

SCHEDULE,
SCHEDULE, CONTAINING the whole estate and income of (his necessary clothing and bedding excepted,) by him subscrib- ed, exhibited to the Probate Court for the county of in the State of New-Hampshire, on the 18 , and annexed to his oath, viz. day of

231. 162
Oct Mar. 3. '55
Jan'y. 9. '56
Eleanor Whitcomb, mid.
Paul Whitcomb, Jr.
Eleanor Whitcomb (wife of)
Paul Whitcomb, Jr. bapt. John Puff. Pri.
lot. Vae.
Mass. Line
Ent.
Dis.
Kewig, war
Pan? Oct 1818. No. No. Agency.
Feby 53-5934
Ad. 16 Oct, Aug. 15 1856
[Signature]
Vol W = 1-150
[Signature]
Timothy Kenrick,
Lebanon,
No. H.

State of New Hampshire.
Secretary's Office, Concord,
December 20 th 1855
I hereby certify, That at the date of the annexed warrant, Charles Warren Martin was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Grafton
in the said State, duly commissioned and qualified; 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 State, the date above written
Samuel N. Patten
Secretary of State.

Form of Declaration
To be made by the widow of a deceased person who has not had a Land Warrant.
State of New Hampshire } ss. County of Grafton
On this Eighteenth day of December A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty- five personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Eleanor Whitcomb aged Seventy one years, a resident of Orford in the State of New Hampshire who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Paul Whitcomb
deceased, who was a private in the company commanded by Captain John Pray in the Mass Continental line , regiment of of the Revolution commanded by Col Rose in the war with Great Britain, declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812; that her said husband enlisted at _____ on or about the _____ day of March
A. D. 1781 _____ for the term of two years or more and continued in actual service in said war for the term of two years or more and was honorably discharged at _____ on the _____ day of June A. D. 1783 & was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States under the act of March 18, 1818. NK Agency
She further states that she was married to the said Paul Whitcomb in Vershire on the _____ day of February
A. D. 1806 _____ by one Esq. Porter a Justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Eleanor Sears _____ that
her said husband died at Canaan in the Month _____ day of April A. D. 1832
and that she is now a widow
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855."
Eleanor Whitcomb

WE, Timothy Veenrick and John H Luthrop residents of Lebanon New Hampshire in the State of New Hampshire upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Eleanor Whitcomb in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. and that she is now a widow
Timothy Veenrick John H Luthrop
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
E Martin Justice of the Peace.

5734
New Hampshire. Eleanor Whitcomb, widow of Paul Whitcomb who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Sit. Timothy Kenrick Apl. 25, 1856. Same, Sept. 29, 1856.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 76. dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 9 th day of April 1856 and sent to
Timothy Kenrick Lebanon, N.H.
Chf.
231162
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners wad February 3, 1853, Page 163 Vol. 6

State of New Hampshire.
Secretary's Office. Concord,
March 19 th 1856
I hereby certify, That at the date of annexed attestation Theodore Dame was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Grafton
in the said State duly commissioned and qualified; 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 State, the date above written.
Lemuel A. Pattee
Secretary of State.

I, Sally B. Peay of Orford in the County of Lyndon State of New Hampshire Aged 68 years do depose & say, that from the year 1805 or 1806 I was well acquainted with Paul Whitcomb & Eleanor Whitcomb his wife, that they lived together in said Orford, as husband and wife, and that they were so reputed to be, and the fact of their having been married was never called in question by their acquaintances, - While my acquaintance continued with them, they had five children born unto them, at or near the times following, viz. Jacob Whitcomb - Born Sumner the William Whitcomb - Born  member when the Chittenden 18 Asa Whitcomb - Born  born  the Elizabeth Whitcomb - Born  the Martha Whitcomb - Born  the 
some or all of whom are now living and are known & called by their proper names; sometime after this Mr Whitcomb left his wife & family & resided at Concord & elsewhere without any regular home, but no divorce or legal separation took place, & at his death in 1832 he was the lawful husband of the said Eleanor Whitcomb, and that she is now his widow, his statement that he had no family in 1820, was not true.
Sarah B. Peay
over

State of New Hampshire Grafton County ss Orford March 18 th 1856. Then the within affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me, and I certify that I am well acquainted with the within deponent & that he is a person of truth & veracity & as a witness entitled to full credit. I further state that I have no interest in the application of the Eleanor Whitcomb for pension & am not concerned in its prosecution.
Theodore Darn Justice of the Peace

From Henryk Libanon MK

State of New Hampshire Grafton County ss We James Muchmore of Oxford in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire aged seventy six years and Sally Muchmore of the same Oxford Wife of the said James Muchmore aged seventy four years do depose and say that we were acquainted with Paul Whitcomb & his Wife who before Marriage was Eleanor Sams that they lived in our family a number of times and sometimes for a considerable length of time that they always lived as man and Wife that their eldest child was not born at our house but that I received him that their second child was born at our house that both Whitcomb & his Wife were at our house there about one year I should think between the years 1805 and 1810 that they often came to our house and always lived as Man & Wife we remember of their going to be married but did not see them married but have no doubt of their Marriage the rest of their children but the two eldest were born after they left residing in Oxford that we have been acquainted with Mrs Whit- comb more than fifty years and she has always been considered the Wife of Paul Whitcomb and that no divorce has ever taken place to our knowledge or belief and that she has since the death of Paul Whitcomb been considered his Widow the fact of their Marriage was never questioned by her acquaintance and friends
James Muchmore Sally Muchmore
over.

State of New Hampshire Grafton county ss Oxford March 18 th 1856 Then the within affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me and I notify that I am well acquainted with the within deponents & that they are persons of truth and veracity & as witnesses entitled to full credit I further state that I have no interest in the application of Eleanor Whitcomb for pension and am not concerned in its prosecution
Theodore Dummer Justice of the Peace

Jared Palmer of Oxford in the county of Grafton and State of New Hampshire aged eighty three years do dispose and that I was well acquainted with Paul Whitcomb & Eleanor Whitcomb his wife & that they lived together in said Oxford as husband and wife and that they were so reputed to be, and the fact of their having been married was never called in question by their acquaintances - While my acquaintance continued with them they had three children born unto them my acquaintance continued with them about the year 1805 until continued until they left town the names of the children were Jacob Whitcomb William Whitcomb & Aster Whitcomb but the time of their birth I cannot tell some or all of whom are now living and are known & called by their proper names Some time after this Mr Whitcomb left Oxford and resided elsewhere without any regular home but no divorce or legal separation took place, at his death he was the lawful husband of the said Eleanor Whitcomb & that she is now his widow his statement that he had no family in 1820 was not true, I further say that the said Eleanor Whitcomb before marriage lived in my family many months and have always been ac- quainted with her since
Jared Palmer
over

State of New Hampshire Grafton County ss Before March 18 th 1856 Thine the within affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me, and I certify that I am well acquainted with the within de- ponent & that she is a person of truth & veracity and as a witness entitled to full credit. I further state that I have no interest in the application of Eleanor Whitcomb for pension and am not concerned in its prosecution.
Theodore Darrac Justice of the Peace

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the 2 d section of the act of Congress of 3 d February 1855 State of New Hampshire,
Grafton County ss On this 18 th day of December A D 1855, personally appeared before the Court of Probate within and for the County of Grafton, in said State, Eleanor Whitcomb a resident of Orford, in said County of Grafton, aged 71 years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the laws of the United States passed, the 3 d of February A D 1855.
That she is the widow of Paul Whitcomb who was a private in Capt John Braggs Company in Col o Vose's Reg t in the Massachusetts line. Enlisted March 1781 & served until June 1783 & was honorably discharged, also served under Capt Robert Longley Col o Whitcomb's Reg t in April 1775, as a Lieutenant, said Paul Whitcomb was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, under the act of Congress of March 18 th 1818, on the roll of the New Hampshire Agency at the rate of eight dollars per month, which continued until his death.
She further declares that she was Lawfully Married to the said Paul Whitcomb at Roxbury, Vermont, in the month of February in the year 1806 by

One of the Porter a justice of the Peace cannot tell the day, that her said husband died at Canaan on the day of day of April 1832. That she was not married to him prior to the second day of January Eighteen hundred, but at the time above stated she further declares that she is now a widow.
Eleanor Whitcomb
State of New Hampshire
Grafton Court of Probate December Term
Anno Domini 1855. (Dec 7 th 1855) subscribed,
as above, and sworn to
Before me
E. Martin Judge of Probate
I  There
State of New Hampshire
Grafton ss. - I Nathan B. Felton, Registry
of Probate for said County of
Grafton, do hereby certify that at a Court of Probate held at Canaan in said County on the third Tuesday of December Anno Domini 1855. evidence, satisfactory to the Court, being produced that Eleanor Whitcomb above, and within, named is a respectable resident of said County of County of Grafton, and is the same person she represents herself to be, in the foregoing declaration, and that Paul Whitcomb was a revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of ninety six dollars per annum, and that he died at Canaan in said County, in the month of April AD 1852, leaving the said Eleanor Whitcomb

his widow and now surviving - The Court thereupon found said facts well proved, and ordered said finding to be certified by the Register of Probate for said County under the seal of said Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court this nineteenth day of December
AD 1855.
N B Fenton the Register aforesaid

State of New Hampshire.
Secretary's Office, Concord,
December 20 th 1855.
I hereby certify, That at the date of the annexed affidavit Eleazer Martin was a Judge of the Probate Court of the County of Grafton
in the said State, duly commissioned and qualified; 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 State, the date above written
Lemuel A. Pattee
Secretary of State.

State of New Hampshire.
Secretary's Office, Concord,
Feb 25 1886
I hereby certify, That Theodore Dame of Orford is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Grafton.
in the said State, duly commissioned and qualified; 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 State, the date above written
Dana E. Root Deputy Secretary of State.

From G. Henrich Lebanon PA

I Peter Parker of Oxford in the County of Oxfordshire State of Massachusetts aged fifty eight years and I Hannah H. Parker of the same Oxford aged fifty five years do depose and say that in the fall of 1822 we met the said Paul Whitcomb that he concerned about his Wife and Children made many inquiries about his Wife said he visited his Children often, his Wife that he inquired after was formerly before marriage Eleanor Davis
Peter Parker
Hannah H. Parker
State of Massachusetts Grafton Be it known that on this fifteenth day of February AD 1856 personally appeared before me Peter Parker and Hannah H. Parker above named and made oath that the above affidavit by them signed is true and I further say that I am acquainted with the above named Peter Parker & Hannah H. Parker and know them to be considered as persons of truth and veracity
Theodore D. Dyer Justice of the Peace

I George Quint of Bristol in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire aged Sixtyseven years do depose and say that about the year Eighteen hundred and five I attended a Meeting and heard Paul Whitcomb and Eleanor Tins published in the terms of Marriage and I further say that afterwards I saw that they lived together as Man & Wife
George Quint
State of New Hampshire Grafton
Be it known that on this fifteenth day of February A.D. 1856 personally appeared before me George Quint above named and made oath that the above disposition by him sub- scribed is true and I further state that I am acquainted with the said George Quint and that he is a person of truth and veracity
Theodore D. Dyer Justice of the Peace

I Sarah Brey of Oxford in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire aged sixty seven years do depose and say that about the year eighteen hundred and five I was present at the Wedding and heard Paul Whitcomb and Eleanor Sears published in the Banns of Matrimony and I further say that afterwards I found that they lived together as Man & Wife
Sarah B. Brey
State of New Hampshire Grafton ss Be it known that on this fifteenth day of February A.D. 1856 personally appeared Sarah Brey or Sarah B. Brey above named and made oath that the a- bove affidavit by her subscribed is true and I further say that I am acquainted with the said Sarah B. Brey and know her to be a person of truth and veracity. Before me
Theodore D. Dorr Justice of the Peace

Pension Office, April 4. 1856
The Third Auditor will please certify the date to which within named pensioner was paid; and name of his widow, if she received the arrears
Very respectfully
J. D. Cole Chief Clerk

3 d Auditor's Office April 7, 1836.
Sir
Paul Whitcomb, N.H. act 1818, at 88 m per mo has been paid to 4 March 1832. The arrears do not appear to have been paid.
Y r Minot Edg r Comm ee of Pensions
Very Respectfully R. G. Williams au

No. 6192
Eleanor Whitcomb Widow of Paul N H
Timothy Herrick Gang 9 1856-
3 Feby 1853

Eleanor Whitcomb, widow of Paul Wether Co - New Hampshire. Admitted - Act Feb'y 3. 1853. at rate of $96 per annum. Commencing at date of said Act.
Husband was a private of Infantry three years.
Pay widow
Certificate
Timothy Kenrick Esq.
Lebanon,
New Hampshire

FREE
231.162
Hon. Josiah Minot Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington D.C.
Land Act of 1855

N.H.
Eleanor Whitcomb
Paul
5734
Inflett
FREE
Hon. Josiah Minot Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington D.C.
Act of Feb'y 3, 1853.

5734
Eleanor Whitcomb
Miss J. H. H.
Josiah Minot Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington D.C.
FREE

Whitcomb Eleanor For Paul
FREE
Rev. Josiah Minton Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington D.C.
Additional evidence from Eleanor Whitcomb Act of Feb 73, 1853

Free
FREE
Paul P. Pitcomb Esq. Washington DC
Hon. Josiah Meigs Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington DC

Papers in the case of Eleanor Whitcomb & applicant for Pension under the act of Feb'y 3, 1853 -
from J. Kenwick Lebanon N.H.

7 38339
5 Mon Aug

Mr. Kenrick Sir agreeable to your request I have examined through the records, thoroughly, and can not find the record of any such Marriage
Wershire Oct 22 nd 1855,
Attis
yours with respect Henry Gilman Town Clerk

Lebanon NH Jan'y 4 th 1855 Hon J Minot Commissioner of Pensions Sir
Herewith I send the Application of Mrs Eleanor Whitecomb for Bounty Land under the act of March 3, 1855. Mrs Whitecomb is the widow of Paul Whitecomb deceased, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the act of March 18, 1818, on the Pension list, Roll of the New Hampshire Agency, & who died in the month of April 1832. The evidence of his services will be found in the Pension Office at Washington with his application for Pension. Please send the Warrant to me when made.
Very Respectfully yours Timothy Henrick

✓ 11-819 Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 11819 Eleanor Whitcomb Widow of Paul Whitcomb Priv. Rev. War
Act: Feb 3 d 1853
Index:—Vol. M , Page 331
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Brief in the case of Eleanor Whitcomb, widow of Paul Whitcomb Grafton - County and State of New Hampshire act February 3. 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under act of March 18. 1818 at $96 per annum - and was paid to 4 th March 1832 - He died in April 1832, as shown by parcel.
Marriage in 1806, death of pensioner, and identity of claimants as his present widow, proved by Sarah Palmer, Olive Covery and Hannah Gay, (If for increase.) and several other credible witnesses, -
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
who do show that the parties reared a family of children.
Timothy Kenrick, Esq. Lebanon, Name and residence of Agent
M. H.
R. Bedder Examining Clerk.

Lebanon NH Sept 15 1856
Hon Josiah Minot, Com d of Pensions
Sir
On behalf of the widow Eleanor Whitecomb a Pensioner, under the act of Feby 3 d 1853. I wish to be informed whether any alteration has been made as to the time her pension should commence, she has been informed by some person from Washington that a new decision had been made at Washington, whereby payment commenced March 4. 1848, instead of Feby 3 d 1853 (which I always supposed to be the true construction of the law). and if such construction had been given to the law, what would be necessary for her to do to obtain the said Arrears.
It is understood here, that the Court of Claims at Washington have decided that the Payments of Pensions under the law of Feby 3 d 1853 should commence March 4. 1848. Please answer at your convenience,
Very Respectfully your mother Guthry Penrick

Lebanon NH April 15, 1856.
Hon J Minot Com r of Pensions Sir
I received yesterday from your office, a certificate of Pension for Mrs Eleanor Whitcomb, widow of Paul Whitcomb, deceased, under the act of Feb'y 3, 1852, I was disappointed that it commenced only at the date of said act, for as I understood said act, the widows of all officers & soldiers of the Revolutionary Army, who were married since Jan'y 1800, were entitled to pensions in the same manner as those who were married prior to that date, that is, that they were to receive the benefit of all former acts passed for the benefit of all widows whose husbands died before the passage of the pension acts of 1838 and since that period, giving pensions to widows. I would respectfully ask if this all the Pension that can be allowed her under said acts.
Very Respectfully your most obed t serv t Timothy Merrill

Lebanon Me Jan'y 2 nd 1855. Hon J Minot, Com r of Pensions. Sir
Herewith I send the application of Eleanor Whitcomb widow of Paul Whitcomb deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, under the act of March 18, 1818, for Pension under the act of Feb'y 3, 1853. She says that she was married to the said Paul Whitcomb at Vershire State of Vermont in the month of February A.D. 1806 by one Esq r Porter a Justice of the Peace residing in said Vershire. She does not recollect the day of the month, Esq r Porter died some years since. No record of any Marriage solemnized by him can be found among the papers or records left by him, altho examination has been made for that purpose, nor is there any record of any such marriage to be found in the Town Clerk's Office, in said town of Vershire, — Deacon J area Palmer, Oliver Caverly & Hannah Gage, who all lived near them as neighbors for a number of years after they were married, saw them almost every day, say they lived together as husband and wife, during said time and had children born unto them, and it was generally known and believed in the Neighborhood & Town that they were legally married, at about the time stated.
The reason Mrs Whitcomb has not made application

for the Pension before that time is, that she did not know until very lately that there was any act of Congress granting Pensions to widows who were married since 1800.
I do not see any reason why she is not entitled to a pension by the acts of Congress, and I believe she is fully entitled, the same as if she been married before March 4, 1836.
Please send the certificate to me when made
Very Respectfully your Mother Timothy Newick

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, November 17 th 1855.
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 Paul Whitcomb is borne on pay roll of Capt. Robert Soley's Comp. Col. Whitcomb kept on the alarm of April 19. 1775 19 days, as S er t. from Boston.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
R. McWright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Lebanon NH Nov 16 1855
Hon Secretary of the State of Massachusetts,
Sir
The widow Eleanor Whitcomb is wishing to procure record Evidence of the services of her late husband Paul Whitcomb in the War of the Revolution. He served in the Massachusetts continental line, but when or under, what officers he served she cannot tell. He was a pensioner of the United States under the act of March 18, 1818.
Will you please examine the records in your office so far as to see if said Paul Whitcomb or Paul Whitecomb's name can be found, and if so, if you will write me what the fees are, I will immediately forward you the amount. I am the agent for Mrs Whitcomb. - please direct to me at Lebanon New Hampshire.
Very Respectfully yours Timothy Henrick
Mr Whitcomb was at the Battle of Bunker Hill
$1,00

State of New Hampshire.
Secretary's Office, Concord,
December 31 st 1855.
I hereby certify, That at the date of the annexed attestations, Theodore Dames and William Butterfield, were Justices of the Peace for the County of Grafton.
in the said State, duly commissioned and qualified; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in- and out of Court.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the State, the date above written
Lemuel N. Patten
Secretary of State.

We Jared Palmer, Oliver Caverly & Hannah Gage Residents of Orford in the County of Grafton & State of New Hampshire of lawful age, depose and say that from the year 1806 to the year 1844 we were well acquainted with Paul Whitcomb and Eleanor Whitcomb his wife, then residents of Orford in said State, they lived near us and as husband and wife, cohabiting together, and had several children born unto them during this time, and in all respects they were known and considered in the Town & neighborhood as husband and wife. Mrs Eleanor Whitcomb, who was the wife and is now the widow of the said Paul Whitcomb, still resides in this Town, and still remains his widow. Her maiden name was Eleanor Sears. Jared Palmer Oliver Caverly Hannah Gage
State of New Hampshire,
Grafton County ss. Orford Dec r 20 th 1855.
The foregoing affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me, Theodore Darré Justice of the Peace
And I certify that I am well acquainted with the above deponents, and know them to be credible persons and as witnesses entitled to full credit. And I further certify that I have no interest in the result of this case nor am I concerned in its prosecution, and that I am unprejudiced with the facts by them. Nathaniel Justice of the Peace Theodore Darré

We Amos Gould and Nancy H. Gould Residents of Canaan in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire of lawful age, do depose and say, that we were well acquainted with Paul Whitcomb late of Canaan, in said County deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States under the act of March 18 th 1818, at the rate of eight dollars per month, and that he died at said Canaan in the Month of April A.D. 1832 we are also well acquainted with Eleanor Whitcomb, who was the wife, and is now the widow of the said Paul Whitcomb and that she still remains his widow, her age is about 71 years, her maiden name was Eleanor Scars, Amos Gould Nancy H. Gould
State of New Hampshire Grafton p.
The foregoing affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me this 21 day of Dec r 1855
And I certify that I know the above persons to be credible persons and as witnesses entitled to full credit. I further certify that I have no interest in the result of the case, and am not concerned in its prosecution.
Wm. Butterfield Justice of the Peace

from Stewart Libman NM

Lebanon NH March 24, 1856 Hon J Minot, Commissioner of Pensions. Sir
Your communication of Jan'y 9 th 1856, relating to the case of Eleanor Whitcomb, widow of Paul Whitcomb, applicant for Pension under the act of Feb'y 3, 1853, was rec d some days after date having been misdirected,) You say that in 1820, said Paul Whitcomb stated that he had no family, unless he meant at that time he was not with his family, he made a false statement & one he knew was untrue, the witnesses all state that in the year 1806 & afterwards he was living with his wife said Eleanor Whitcomb as man & wife, that they had five children born unto them, & no one doubted but that they were legally married, some of the witnesses say that they were present at a meeting in said Orford and heard said Paul Whitcomb & Eleanor Sears published, as was the custom in those days to have the intentions of marriage of persons who wished to be married, made public previous to said marriage, on Sunday or some public meeting day, at some meeting house in the town, they were married by one Porter Esq r a justice of the Peace then residing in said Grafton who died many years since. I sent to the house last occupied by him & had his papers books examined there was but few of them, but no records or mention of this or any other marriage could be found, nor is there any record of this or any other marriage solemnized by said Porter to be found in the Town clerk's office of said Grafton, examination of the Books of Births & Marriages having been made of said records for that purpose, but very few records of Marriages were found dated so far back, very few justices kept any records of Marriages in those days.
at Whitcomb's death he left a wife, who is now his widow, unmarried, & who has remained a widow to this

time & also five children. One son Jacob Whitecomb now nearly fifty years of age, now resides in Canaan he is in feeble health. Memory very poor, & so much impaired that he cannot make any correct statement & is considered by his neighbors as non compos. The other children are now living so far as is known, but all left this part of the country & their residence are unknown.
I think the evidence forwarded now before is sufficient to prove that said Paul Whitcomb & Eleanor Whitcomb were man & wife & lived together as man & wife & had several children, and the fact of their having been married was never called in question by any of their friends, acquaintances or neighbors or any body else, altho during some of the last years of his life, he did not always live with his family, he was some of the time disipated dissipated, unstable, wasted his money & did not do much toward the support of his family, while she had to labor hard to support herself & them, he was some years older than she was.
I have made enquiry of persons who have been at various times acquainted with both of them, at Oxford & Canaan & have as yet heard no one express any doubt but they were lawfully married.
I hope the evidence will be satisfactory & that she will be placed on the pension list. I am fully satisfied that she is justly and honestly entitled to the pension, she is very poor & needy in feeble health & has always worked hard for a living.
Very Respectfully your most obedt servant Timothy Merrill