Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15324, Elisha Wales, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Wales, Elisha Thayer, Lydia Former widow
N 15324
CONTENTS

1370
Massachusetts
Lydia Thayer formerly widow of Elisha Wales deceased who died on the 7th August 1871 of Norfolk in the State of Massachusetts who was a Sgt. in the Company commanded by Captain Belcher of the Regt commanded by Col. in the Massachusetts line for 3 mos & 12 days Sgt 9 " Wagonmaster
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 24 2 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 day of March, 1831 & end 18 August 1840 Increment from $197.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of Dec 1837 and sent to J. T. Hubbard for
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
Forset
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by Book
A. H. Markland Clerk, Vol. Page

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss
Be it known that on this eighteenth day of January 1844 - personally appeared, Relief Thayer of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State aforesaid, only child of Lydia Thayer, late of Randolph in said County and State aforesaid deceased, who after being duly sworn doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain an increased rate of Pension due her deceased Mother — That she is the only surviving child of Lydia Thayer who was formerly Widow of Elisha Wales late of Randolph in the County & State aforesaid deceased, who served as she verily believes as follows in the Army of the Revolution — in Captain Seth Turner's Company in 1775 1776, 1779 several months guarding the shores around the harbor of Boston - it might be in the Company commanded by some Captain in this vicinity other than Captain Turner — in December 1776 he enlisted into Captain Nathaniel Belcher's Company and marched to New York or in that vicinity as a Sergeant and served three or four months; He again entered the service of the United States as a Captain or Wagon Master and enlisted a company of Men and Marched to New Jersey & in that vicinity, served as Wagon Master, ten months or more - he was commissioned as Captain and had the command of a Company of Men and Waggons he marched from Braintree now Randolph this service was performed in the years 1781 & 1782 - That her Mother the said Lydia Thayer was a Pensioner under the Laws of 4th July 1836 - at $197.00 per annum - that she died on the 18th day of August 1840 - now the Object of this declaration is to obtain an increased rate of Pension on account of the services of her said father as Wagon Master on the Ground that her Mother's pension was not (as she has reason to believe) computed according to the pay which he received while in the Army and also to obtain the allowance of the services performed under Captain Turner or others in guarding the shores in and around the harbor of Boston — she respectfully prays that the papers in the case which were presented originally in the pension department by the said Lydia Thayer her deceased mother may be examined, together with this Application for the objects aforesaid
Norfolk ss. January 18th 1844 } Relief Thayer
Sworn to and Subscribed by the above Relief Thayer before me

Benjamin Richards one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk and state aforesaid and I certify that the applicant is well known to me and I believe that the facts stated by her are true having assisted in preparing the original Declaration
Benjamin Richards } Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston February 13. 1844,
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation, Benjamin Richards was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Palfrey, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } 1837.
Town of Braintree April 10th 1837.
I Judson Stoddard - do on oath declare that I am Clerk of the Town of Braintree in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Mass achusetts and that I have the custody of the records of said Town and that it appears by the said records that Elisha Wales and Sydia Thayer both of said Braintree were joined in Marriage the twenty fifth of November A.D. 1775
Judson Stoddard (Town Clerk)
Norfolk ss. Braintree April 10th 1837.
Then personally appeared Judson Stoddard the subscriber to the above certificate and made solemn Oath to the truth of the same
Before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Norfolk County ss.
I Jonathan H. Cobb Register of the Court of Probate of the County & Commonwealth aforesaid hereby certify that Sherman S. Land is Judge of the Court of Probate aforesaid, that Benjamin Richards is a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Norfolk, & that Jesse Perkins is a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Plymouth & that their several respective signatures on the & the papers annexed are genuine & true.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this second day of May (A.D. 1837) Jonathan H. Cobb Reg. Prob. Co. of Norfolk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. County of Norfolk ss, on the twentieth day of April in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty seven personally appeared, before the Honorable Sherman Leland Esquire Judge of the Court of Probate for said County Lydia Thayer a resident in the Town of Randolph in said County aged 82 years who being duly sworn, doth upon her Oath make the follow- ing declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Provisio- ns of the Acts of Congress of the fourth of July A.D. 1836 and of the 3d of March A.D. 1837. That she married for her first husband Elisha Wales late of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts now deceased that her said husband Elisha Wales was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution. He first enlisted according to the best of her recollection into Capt Seth Turner's Company in 1776 as a private and served several months with the Massachusetts troops at a place called Germantown now Quincy she believes he served six months. — Again he enlisted in December A.D. 1776. into Captain Nathaniel Belcher's Company and marched from Braintree now Randolph and to New York & New Jersey with the Massachusetts troops and served three Mo- nths and a half as a sergeant in said company according to the best of her recollection he did not return 'till some time last of March or beginning of April 1777. He again entered the service of the United States as a Captain or Wagon Master and enlisted a company of Men, and they with their Waggons and Teams marched to New Jersey and New York, from Braintree to Boston & from Boston to New Jersey and the vicinity as aforesaid and served with the Continental troops nine months and she believes ten before he returned to Braintree now Randolph. He entered the service as Captain or Wagon Master some time the last of March or first of April A.D. 1781 or 1782 which of said years she does not distinctly recollect but it must have been in one of them he returned home the winter next following his going into said service. According to the best of her recollec- tion and knowledge, Logswell was the name of the Wagon Master General

That she has not now the possession of his Commission and other papers, relating to his services in the revolutionary war, as they were all burned, by the accidental burning of the dwelling House when he used to reside and where his papers were left, which unfortunately deprives her of documentary evidence of his services - That she was married to the to the said Elisha Wales by the Rev. Moses Toft the then minister of that part of Braintree now Randolph, the 25th day of November A.D. 1775. That the said Elisha Wales her first husband died the seventh day of August 1811. She further declares that she was married to Isaac Thayer of Braintree in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts for her second husband by the Rev. Jonathan Strong the then minister of Randolph in June 1812. and that her second husband Isaac Thayer died the last 10th day of January 1827 and she has never since been married, and is now a widow, as will more fully appear by the testimony her unto annexed H.P. the words last - January - 1827 were interlined and attested before signing as also made or first April on other side or page - also word next, on other side.
Lydia Thayer
Subscribed & sworn to the day & year first above written. & I hereby certify that by reason of old age & bodily infirmity the said Lydia Thayer is unable to attend before a court to make the above declarations
J Selwell Judge of Probate

I Eliab Whitman of North Bridge water in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts being forty nine years of age, do testify and say, that for many years I have been well acquainted, with Seth Edson of North Bridge water aforesaid, who is a revolutionary Pensioner. That he is a man of sound morals, of correct deportment and of unquestionable veracity. I recollect very well, that in the year 1832 I rendered him some assistance in his application for a pension. In conversation with me at that time respecting his revolutionary services, said Edson observed to me, that he was in the Waggons service of the United States nine months, and he wished to have Affidavits taken to prove that fact, and have it form a part of his declaration and application for a pension. I discouraged him from doing this, on the ground, that the War Department would not in my opinion make any allowance for such service, and that to claim it then, might unfavourably affect the other part of his case, about which I had no doubt. The opinion which I expressed to said Edson in reference to the Waggons service was prevalent in this region of the country at that time as far as I was acquainted. It was the opinion of Judges and professional gentlemen. And I have no doubt, that said Edson was induced by the advice I gave him, at that time, to waive for the present any claim to compensation for Waggons service - and probably did not introduce it into his declaration for a pension. Eliab Whitman
State of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss. August 9th 1837. Personally appeared the above named Eliab Whitman who is a person reputed to be of truth and veracity and made oath that the above Affidavit by him subscribed is true.
Before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

I Samuel Bap of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being in my eighty first year of my age do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Elisha Wales late of Randolph deceased - I well remember of his going to New York and in that vicinity in the War of the revolution as a waggon Master and had the command of a number of Men and teams he was called Captain, it was in the United States service and I believe he received continental pay I well remember those facts as living in the same Town with him and being very intimately acquainted with him, he has a Widow now living who married Isaac Thayer of Braintree for her second husband, said Thayer is been dead a number of years and she is now a Widow, she always sustained a good character and is now a worthy old lady of reputed truth and veracity.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Samuel Bap
Norfolk County ss. August 17th 1837. Then the above named Samuel Bap who is a person of impeachable character and veracity whose word may be relied on personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed -
Before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office. Aug. 18. 1837
I hereby certify that Elias L. Pitman & Benjamin Richards are Justices of the Peace the first for the County of Plymouth & the second for the County of Norfolk, in this State & were such at the date of the their several preceding attestations. Witness my hand & the Seal of the State.
John P. Bigelow
Secy of the Commonwealth

I Seth Edson of North Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts, being in my seventy seventh year of my age, do testify and say that I have been shewn a letter from the War Department at the Pension Office dated June 30th 1837. in the case of Lydia Thayer formerly the Widow of Elisha Wales late of Randolph in the County of Norfolk deceased & who was Captain of upward of twenty teams in the Waggons Service of the United States and under in the War of the Revolution in the Continental service nine months, I am now very sure it was in the year 1782, from this circumstance that I was 76 years old last June, and that I well remember of oversetting my load on the day that I was twenty one years of age. I received continental pay for my services & in the service nine months under said Elisha Wales as Captain or Waggons Master and we were all under Cagswell which we called the Waggons Master General. I well remember of going to Cagswell while I was in the service, and he gave me orders for drawing our provisions & I went accordingly and drew it - our cattle were all branded at Fishkill in New York with the letters U. S. A. I left Elisha Wales our Captain or Waggons Master in the State of New York when I came home; the reason why I did not mention or claim the nine months service when I applied for my Pension was, that I understood that no claim whatever in the Waggons Service was allowed the old revolutionary Soldiers; I was so informed by Eliab Whitman Esquire who assisted me in getting my Pension I enlisted under said Wales, and performed the service under him & Cagswell had the command of all and was called our before stated Waggons Master General. I make this above declaration in addition & explanation of one made by me & now at the Pension Office. Seth Edson

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth County S.S. August 9th 1837 Personally appeared before me the Subscriber, Seth Edson within named, and made oath to the truth of the within Affidavit by him subscribed And I certify, that I have been acquainted with said Seth Edson for many years, and that he is considered and reported, to be a man of truth and veracity Eliab Whitman Justice of Peace
I Rachel Whitecomb of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being in my seventy third year of my age, do testify and say that I am the sister of Elisha Wales late of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts die. who was a revolutionary soldier, that the said Elisha my brother was in the wagon service of the United States that he had the command of a number of Wagon Teams and served several months at the Southward, said Elisha Wales has been dead a number of years, soon after his death his House took fire by accident and was burned and with it as I understood his papers and some other effects, I am very positive he served in the Continental service as a wagon Master or agent under the United States he was called Captain by the Men who served under him; Lydia Thayer his widow is now alive, and has not been married since the death of her second husband Isaac Thayer, who has been dead a number of years, and she is now a widow
Rachel Whitecomb State of Massachusetts - July 17th 1837. Norfolk County St. Then the above named Rachel Whitecomb who is reported to be a person of Truth & veracity and whose word may be relied upon with the utmost confidence personally appeared and made oath that the above declaration by her subscribed is true Before Me. Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15324
Lydia Thayer
Former Widow of
Elisha Wales
Sergt Rev. War
Act: July 4 th 1856
Index:—Vol. M , Page 208
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Lydia Thayer wid of Elisha Wales to Mass
See W. Prof Richards
June 30 1837
Admitted
Ad 4 July 1836

Massachusetts 1372
Sydia Thayer formerly wife of Elisha Wales decd.
who died on the 7th August 1811 of Norfolk in the State of Mass a who was a Sgt t in the Company commanded by Captain Belcher of the Reg t commanded by Col. [blank] in the Mass a line for 3 months & 12 days Sergeant 9 th Waggon Master
inscribed on the Roll of Mass a at the rate of 197 - Dollars _____ Cents, per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 nd day of Sept r 1837 and sent Benj. Nichards Randolph Ms
Arrears to the 4th of March 1837 $1.182.00 Pemi=annual allowance ending 4 Sept r - 98.50
$1.280.50
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 2 nd Mar 3. 37
Recorded by R. H. G. [blank] Clerk, Book [blank] Vol. 2 nd Page 60
Letter to Hon. M c Kimber 10. April 1844 }
let. 12 Sept r 1849 to W. W. Fairfield.
" then October 29 April 1850

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Revenue Washington
Office 217
John H. Hagan
John H. Hagan
John H. Hagan
John H. Hagan
Mr. Hagan

House of Representatives
Washington April 25 th 1850
Hon J. L. Edwards - Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir
I have the honor herewith to present the application of Relief Thayer, the only child of Lydia Thayer, deceased, former- ly widow of of Elisha Wales, for an increase of pension for the service of said Wales, as Wagon Master, in the War of the Revolution - and have to request that you will cause the same to be examined at as early a day as may be convenient.
I have the honor to be
Fully yours -
Orin Howland -

State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk
On this sixth day of September eighteen hundred and and forty nine, before the subscriber, a justice of the Peace appeared for said county personally Relief Thayer and made oath in due form of law that she is the only child now living of Lydia Thayer who was formerly the widow of Elisha Males who was a Sergeant & Magon Master in the Revolutionary War. — that her Mother the said Lydia Thayer drew a pension from the United States at the rate of $197.00 per annum to the time of her death, — that she died on the 18 th day of August 1840, — that she drew her pension under the act of 4 th July 1830, — — that she resided in

Randolph in said county at the time of her death and had resided there many years, — that she, the Deponent, asks for the increase of her Mother's pension to which she may be found to have been entitled for the service of her former husband, the said Elisha Males, as an officer in the Revolutionary War. — that she desires reference to be made to the papers of her Mother on file in the Renewal Pension Office — that she now resides in Randolph in said county, and is 89 years of age.
witness. — E. W. May
Relief Thayer
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written the word "appeared" having been first interlined.
Erasmus Wales
Justice of peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, October 3 1849.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Erastus Waldo was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, 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 Commonwealth, the date above written.
M. Waldo —
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Know all Men by these Presents, that I Relief Thayer of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
have constituted, ordained, and made, and in my — stead and place put, and by these presents do constitute, ordain, and make, and in, my — stead and place put and appoint my son William W. Sunfield of Randolph aforesaid,
to be my true, sufficient, and lawful attorney for me and in my name and stead to demand & receive any pension money which was due and owing by the United States to my late mother Lydia Thayer of Randolph aforesaid, at the time of her decease, she being the widow of my late father Elisha Wales, who at the time of his death resided in Randolph in said County of Norfolk, & she being by the laws of the United States, entitled to a pension, by virtue of being the widow of the said Elisha. And all such sums as may be due me as the heir of the said Lydia,
And for the purposes aforesaid, I do hereby grant unto my said Attorney full power to execute & deliver all needful instruments of paper, whether under seal or otherwise, to demand and receive from any person or persons any paper or written instruments relating to said pension & which belong to me, in whose hands soever the same may be. And I hereby revoke and annul all other powers by me given for the aforesaid purpose & intent & hold the said Sunfield to be my only true & lawful Attorney in the premises;

Giving and hereby granting unto my said attorney full power and authority in and about the premises; and to use all due means, course, and process, in the law, for the full, effectual, and complete execution of the business afore described; and in my name to make and execute due acquittance and discharge; and for the premises to appear, and the person of myself the constituent to represent before any governor, judges, justices, officers, and ministers of the law whatsoever, in any court or courts of judicature, and there on my behalf, to answer, defend, and reply unto all actions, causes, matters, and things whatsoever, relating to the premises. Also, to submit any matter in dispute, respecting the premises, to arbitration or otherwise; with full power to make and substitute, for the purposes aforesaid, one or more attorneys, under my said attorney and the same again at pleasure to revoke. And generally to say, do, act, transact, determine, accomplish, and finish all matters and things whatsoever, relating to the premises, as fully, amply, and effectually, to all intents and purposes, as I the said constituent if present, ought or might personally, although the matter should require more special authority than is herein comprised, I the said constituent ratifying, allowing, and holding firm and valid all and whatsoever my said attorney or his substitutes shall lawfully do, or cause to be done, in and about the premises, by virtue of these Presents.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifth day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty nine
Signed, sealed, and delivered, in presence of me
Bera Curtis Oramel White
Relief Thayer 
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of Norfolk S.S.
Randolph September fifth 1849 -
Then personally appeared the above named Relief Thayer, and acknowledged the above instrument to be her free act and deed, I also certify that the aforesaid Relief Thayer is the sole heir of the aforesaid Lydia Thayer. before me; Oramel White Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, September 5 th 1849
I hereby Certify, That on the first day of June eighteen hundred and forty eight Namel White of Randolph was appointed for the term of seven years a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, 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 Commonwealth, the date above written.
W. M. Safford Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Washington City 11 th Sept 1849
Hon.
J. L. Edward Commissioner of Pensions
W. W. Linfield of Randolph County of Norfolk - Mass. & Only his son of Relief Thayer whose Power of Atty of (to me) is herewith presented - & which said Relief is the only heir of Lydia Thayer her Mother deceased (18 th Augt 1840) Hereby makes application for an examination of the office Records in that case and Respectfully asks instruction for his course of procedure under said Power of Attorney in this behalf In order to obtain the pension in arrear of the said Lydia Thayer - Pensioner deceased And Your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray -
W. W. Linfield

V 1986
Lydia Thayer and of Eliza Wales Maf.
See San d Luaden's paper Maf N o 15842. ad gn Manned 1775 died 1811.
Admitted
Serg t 3 rd B ty m c 17. 4 Wag. Master 9 mo 180 per ann, $197: 50 commencing 4. March 1831
see Maf rolls.
Vol. 1 p 75. 3 mo 12 th Serg t
Serg t Richards Randolph Maf.

I Samuel Ludden of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being in my seventy six or seventy seventh year of my age; do testify and say that Elisha Wales, late of Randolph in the County of Norfolk & State of Massachusetts, (Randolph was formerly a part of Braintree) was a Captain or Wagon Master in the war of the Revolution he resided in Braintree in that part that is now Randolph when he marched to New York and New Jersey, I enlisted into the said Wales Company and did duty in the wagon service at New York & New Jersey, in his company nine months, from the time of our enlistment till we returned home. I enlisted about the last of March or beginning of April AD 1781 or 82 and did not return till the last of December we were in the continental service as all the Waggons were marked with the letters U. S. or were written on them in full length United States - the Cattle were marked or branded also in our Company as near as I can recollect there were twenty four men and twenty two teams the teams belonged to the United States and were called United States teams, the said Elisha Wales was called Captain I think he had a Commission, recognizing him as such, when I returned and others who enlisted under him, he still remained at North River I think in New York State, having received orders from General Washington by the Wagon Master General to stay and assist in selling out the teams we were employed, in removing cannon, Provisions &c I think we removed Col. Lamb's Regiment of Artillery from Burlington to North River, with his baggage - I think If I remember right Cagswell was Wagon Master General, General Washington was there with his Army and the French troops. I do not know how long Captain Wales staid after my return home - why I do not now distinctly recollect with certainty whether I was seventy six or in my seventy seventh year of my age as stated above, I have at this time lost the record of my age; it not being at hand, so as to be positive as to one year, the said Elisha Wales married Lydia Thayer, of Braintree now Randolph and after the death of the said Captain Elisha Wales, she again married Isaac Thayer of Braintree for her second husband

the said Isaac Thayer Died a number of years ago and the said Lydia has never since been married and is now a widow
Witness Eleanor Ludden
Samuel
his Ludden mark
State of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss April 5th 1837. Then the above named Samuel Ludden, who is a person qualified to be of truth and veracity personally appeared and made Oath that following affidavit by him subscribed is true
Before Me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

I Micah White of Randolph in the county of Norfolk and state of Massachusetts being in my eighty fourth year of my age do testify and say that I was acquainted with Elisha Wales of Braintree (now Randolph) of the County of Norfolk and state of Massachusetts who was a Captain or Waggon Master in the Continental Service in the Revolutionary war, why I know this is that I well remember of his marching from Braintree into the wagon service with his company, I likewise saw him with his company removing removing the park of artillery I think from Burlington to some place near New York, I was in New Jersey on a tour to Philadelphia when I met him in the said service I was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution myself - I think it was soon after the taking of Lord Cornwallis I saw him with his company of teams when he was removing the said park of artillery as before stated said Wales Married Lydia Thayer for his wife who was one of my neighbours, she is now a widow - said Elisha Wales died a number of years ago -
Micah White
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Norfolk County ss; On April 7th 1837. Then the above named Micah White who is a person of truth and veracity personally appeared and made Oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true - Before me. Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk ss } I Ruth French of Randolph in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid wife of Lemar French being in my sixty ninth year of my age, do testify and say that I am acquainted with the Widow Lydia Thayer who resides in my neighbour hood, she married Elisha Wales of Braintree (now Rand olph) for her first husband who was reputed to be a soldier in the war of the Revolution, her first husband, said Elisha Wales died a number of years ago - she then married Isaac Thayer of Braintree for her second husband, who is likewise dead and she is now a widow, the Ruth French
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss. April 20th 1837
Then the above named Ruth French who is reputed to be a person of good character and of truth and veracity personally appeared and made oath that the above affidavit by her subscribed is true -
Before me Benjamin Richards justice of the Peace

I Seth Edson of North-Bridgewater - in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts being seventy six years of age, do testify and say that I enlisted into the Continental, Wagon service of the United States in the Revolutionary War, under the Command of Captain Elisha Wales who was the Captain or Wagon Master, said Wales belonged and resided in Braintree in the County of Norfolk & State of Massachusetts, I went under Captain Elisha Wales from Boston to New York and that vicinity and served nine months, we enlisted in the spring of the year I think first of April in the year of 1781 or 1782 I do not now distinctly recollect the year it was in 1781 or 82 I am sure - our wagons were all marked U.S.A and the cattle in the teams were all branded with the same letters , I left said Captain Wales in the service, when I was discharged, I think he staid to sell out the teams by orders from the Wagon Master General, Cagswell, I know that said Wales had the Command all the time I served which was nine months our cattle in the wagons were all marked with the letters U. S. A. Seth Edson
Plymouth County, } April 10. 1837. Personally appeared the above State of Massachusetts } Seth Edson, who is a man of truth & veracity, and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed,
Before me, Jesse Perkins } Justice of Peace

Washington City D.C. Oct 10 th 1849.
Sir.
I am requested (as you will perceive from the enclosed letter) by the only Child of the late Mrs. Lydia Thayer, of Mass ts , late a pensioner under the act of 1836, to ask a re-examination of her claim with a view to an increase of pension.
In order to enable me to procure the additional evidence necessary in support of this claim to an increase, I have respectfully to request that I may be furnished with a statement of the service as set forth in Mrs. Thayer's declaration on file in your Office.
I am, Very respectfully Yr M c O ff Y s H. H. Addison
To J. F. Edwards Esq., Commissioner of Pensions

Brief in the case of Lydia Thayer, widow of Elisha Wales, Norfolk County and State of Massachusetts act 24 July 1836
Claim, ( "original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Originally allowed for 9 months at the rate of $20 per month - Should be at the rate of $25 per month - as Waggon Master
Name and residence of Agent.
J. F. Hubbard Jr Perseus
J. C. Cole Examining Clerk.

Randolph 16th May 1837 James L. Edwards, Esquire
Sir, I here enclose the petition of Lydia Thayer, for a Pension - a part is under, the Militia and a part Wagon service - you will perceive by the Declaration & the Affaints - they cannot fix with precision the year it was 1781 or 1782 - There are no documents by which it can be positively ascertained - in almost all those cases the claimants as well as the Affiants, should they mistake the particular period & be somewhat deficient of the whole history of the services which they allude to in the war (having no documents to turn to) it will not be strange when we reflect, upon their Great age & infirmity - when I have been called to do any thing in their aid I have endeavored to get the truth & where the traditional evidence is not well established in their neighbourhood by respectable people where they reside I have uniformly abandoned & obtained from any further Action in their respective cases - unwilling to encumber & put your department to any unnecessary trouble - I am constrained to say so for from imputing wrong motives to obtain their claims The results of their imperfect statements arise through forgetfulness & infirmity, occasions by their Great age and as you have in your possession all the documentary evidence in their favour you will exercise all that regard to them in the examination of their cases which has so long been performed by you with that Ability which characterises your department - in shutting out all unjust claims & Granting those only whose evidence & other Apperences indicate the truth - (as soon as decided please to forward the same to

the subscriber; = In the case of Belkiah Clark the Widow of Barnabas Clark of Randolph in the County of Norfolk & State of Massachusetts; I would wish you if practicable to decide & forward the claim to the me the subscriber as soon as may be as the old Lady is in very indigent circumstances & is now very sick, —
Yours respectfully (Benj. Richards)
J. L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions
Take Notes

Sydia Thayer, dec d
3 mos 12 days Sgt $17.00
9 " Wagon Master 225.
Increased to $242 deducting former pay at $197 1/2 ann. commencing 4 March 1831 & ending 18
August 1846
Payable to
Relief Thayer, only surviving child
J. H. Hubbard Jr.
Paymaster

Randolph Mass. Sept 18 th 1883
Hon J. C. Edwards Com. of Pensions
Sir,
I have authorized Mr D. D. Addison of Washington city to act as my agent in prosecuting my claim as the only child of Lydia Males Thayer, formerly widow of Elisha Males to with a view to obtaining an increase of the pension believed to have been due my said Mother for the service of my Father, the said Elisha Males, for his services in the War of the Rebellion, and I request that you will permit him to refer to the papers filed in the case of my Mother in your office. My Mother

drew a pension from the United States at the rate of $194.00 per annum under the act of 1836, being Thayer
Witness E. M. Thayer

Washington Dec. 14 th 1869 Sir,
Some months ago I wrote you in relation to the claims of several applicants for increase of pension, but have not yet been favored with a reply in either case. May I ask your early attention to them. It is a matter of great importance to me, as in the event of my not soon being able to communicate your decisions to the parties interested, the business will be taken out of my hands.
The following is a list of the cases above referred to. viz: Jabez & Susannah Farley of Mass. Elizabeth Crane Act 36 Mass. Judith Clark " 38 & c " Sydia Thayer " 36 " Sarah Bop " 38 & c " Oliver Ricknell " 36 Conn. Wm & Katharine Light " 32 & 36 Penn. Elizabeth Bauman " 38 & c " Wm Smith " 32 " David Moun " 32 R.I. Ann Smyth, wife of Geo Bush " 38 Delaware

Elizabeth Pratt act July 1848 Connct Submit Smith Susp. act 38v o New York Rhoda James act 36 New York Joseph & Mary Wilson act 32 & 38, New York
By causing the foregoing cases to be examined & the result com- municated to me without further delay you will greatly oblige
Very respectfully Wm Lloyd W. A. Addison
J. Edwards Esq Census of Rensselaer } N.Y.

Nov 29-57
Gold
J. F. Hubbard
Present

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, November 18 th 1881
W hereby Certify. That at the date of the annexed attestation, Royal Turner was a Justice of the Peace @ Lynn for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, 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. The Signature is genuine
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Samuel Walker Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of Massachusetts Norfolk County P.
Know all men by these presents, that I hereby affirm and constitute John F. Hubbard Jr. of the City of Washington my true and lawful Attorney, to ask and obtain from the Pension Department at Washington any pension or increase of pension, or balance of pension due to me as heir of Lydia Huggs deceased, and to discharge all the offices and duties belonging to an attorney for the purposes above specified. Witness my hand and seal this twentieth day of November 1851
Subscribed before me at Norfolk in the County aforesaid the day and year above written
Relig Fraser
Mychal Turner, Justice of the Peace & Notary

State of Massachusetts Suffolk County ss On the seventeenth day of November 1851 before me Royal French a Justice of the Peace and Quorum in and for the County aforesaid, duly qualified to administer oaths, personally appeared Elisha Niles Holbrook and Erastus Wales two credible witnesses, who being sworn according to law depose and say that they are well and personally acquainted during her life time with Lydia Dyer formerly widow of Elisha Wales that she was a vero luteus of the United States and died on the eighteenth day of August 1848 leaving children who make the accompanying declaration and who is her only surviving child
Sworn and subscribed before me at Randolph in the County aforesaid on this seventeenth day of November 1851
O. N. Holbrook Erastus Wales
Royal French, Justice of the Peace & Quorum

State of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. In this fourteenth day of November 1851 before me Royal Turner a Justice of the Peace and I received the oath for the County aforesaid, duly qualified by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Abigail Thayer, wife of Ezra Thayer, who being sworn according to law, deposed and says that she is the daughter of Lydia Thayer deceased, formerly the widow of Simon Waldo; that said Lydia Thayer was a revolutionary pensioner, on the roll of the Massachusetts agency during her life time, at the rate of $100 per annum; that she died on the eighth day of August 1840, leaving this deponent who is her only surviving child; that the object of this declaration is to assert a claim to the income of pension due to her as the only child of said deceased; and this deponent asks that a pension certificate may be issued to her in conformity with law. Sworn and subscribed before me at Randolph in the County aforesaid on this fourteenth day of November 1851.
Abigail Thayer
Royal Turner, Justice of the Peace & Treasurer.

J. L. Edwards Esquire commissioner of Pensions at the City of Washington

Randolph August 17th 1837
J. J. Edwards Esquire
Sir I here inclose a number of Affidavits in the case of Lydia Thayer the Widow of Elisha Wales of Randolph deceased confirming the deduction by her made for a Pension and in explanation of a letter recd. from the pension office dated June 30th 1837 I believe there is no doubt he served 9 or 10 months in the Wagon Service under Cagswell in the Continental Service of the U.S. I have the Affidavits of his Sister Rachel Whitcomb & Samuel Bops Esquire, of Randolph who are of the first class of persons standing in the Town with the explanation of Mr. Seth Edson of St. Bridgewater & the Suddens Affidavit now on file at your office - We are unable to prove the office of Wagon Master or Captain - or what office he held by any documentary evidence which is within our reach, as those documents & papers were burned at the burning of his dwelling House - after his decease - Such as Captain or Wagon Master were the Appointments given him at the time by those under him, he with all the Men & Teams were evidently under the immediate command of Cagswell - We have no doubt you will be fully satisfied he did duty as a Wagon in the United States Service under Cagswell the period of time he states with that of 3 3/4 Monthly under Capt. Nathl. Belcher at New York & that vicinity the office he sustained at that time you will consider - If you are not satisfied that he rank as Captain or Wagon Master or what other rank you should think ought to be confined upon him I presume you will not be satisfied hesitate to allow him the pay of a private or common Wagon - You will please to give it the decision of the Department as soon as convenient & write to Benj. amin Richards the Subscriber at Randolph (Mass) which your decision should be -
With due respect I am Your Most Obt. & very humble S t
Benjamin Richards