Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 30758, Joshua Turner, Mass. Mass. Sea Service

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass. Mass. Sea Service
Turner, Joshua
S. 30758
CONTENTS

82 Died 25 Augt 1832 - Plymo
27481 Massachusetts
Joshua Turner of Plymouth Co in the State of Massachusetts who was a Pr. & Seaman in the Company commanded by Captain Chamberlain of the Regt. commanded by Col Cary — in the Massachusetts line for 5 months private Mass Sta service 3 (mo. & 7 days) Seaman Certificate issued to Lucy Turner M rs & Nat l Widow.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 29 Dollars 59 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of June 1834 and sent to Hon. G. D. Adams H.R.
Arrears to the 25 th of Augt 1832 — $43. 67 Pensions allowance ending
Died 25 Augt 1832
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Jno. Cromwell Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 2 Page 85

21542 Joshua Turner Mass
506
Jan 27, 1833
P 421
J. H. Lona

BRIEF in the case of Joshua Turner Co. of Plymouth in the State of Mass (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? before the Judge of Probate  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? yes  3. How old is he? 81  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     July In 1796 5 part Cooper & Private Capt Chamberland Col Gary   Augt. 1798 entered on board armier Boys Hazard Capt Williams   and served on board 3 7 Cooper does not say whether the Boys was taken or private  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? took a few prizes  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Pembroke Mass  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditionary document one living wit  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
George Taylor
Examining Clerk.

REVOLUTIONARY PENSIONERS.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
COUNTY OF PLYMOUTH, ss.
ON this twenty third day of August 1832, personally appeared in open Court , before the  the  Wilbur Wood , Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting at Nembroke within and for said County of Plymouth, Joshua Turner a resident of Nembroke in said County of Plymouth, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged eighty one 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 act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. That is to say, that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That he enlisted in Capt. Freedom Chamberlain's Company of Militia in the first Battalion then raising in the Counties of Plymouth and Bristol whereof Simeon Gory Esq. was Colonel, for reinforcing the Continental Army at New York, July 19. 1776; That having passed muster before Capt. Gell. of Hanover, he marched thro' Providence to New Haven and then embarked for New York; that Joseph House was Lieut. and Christopher Phillips Ensign, and that he served in Gen. Fellows Brigade under Gen. Washington. That he was first ordered back of the City on his arrival, and was stationed part of the time on York Island, and after the troops retreated, he remained sometime in the Hospital on the sick list, when Jonas Biske of Nembroke who is an applicant for a pension, took care of him until he recovered; That after he recovered, understanding that it was Gen. Washington's order, that any Artillery might serve with the Artificers, he served sometime as a Cor-
* Extracted from Capt. Chamberlain Commission, dated July 8. 1776. signed by Moses Root  Council

5th hunted under Capt Prince Hutson; that retreating back from New York after several movements arrived at Pelskill on the east side of North River, and served there till his term of enlistment expired, which was five months; he was dismissed about the 20th of December, and returned home, but received no discharge.
That he afterword enlisted on board the Brig Har- ard, a vessel of War carrying 14 guns on the main deck and six smaller Brass Guns on the Quarter deck, commanded by John Foster Williams, Capt. Peter Cushing 1st Lieut. Daniel Turner 2nd Lieut. George Little Sailing Master; that the Brig sailed from Boston, he thinks, about the tenth of August 1778, and sailed for the West Indies, cruised off there and finally fell in with the Jamaica Fleet, but found them so well guarded by their men of war, that none of them could be taken proues; - in a few days fell in with one which had separated from the fleet loaded with West India produce principally sugar, which was taken, man- ned and sent into Boston; that having cruised a while longer, sailed for Boston, and arrived there the same day with the prize, having been absent about 100 days; having served on board as a Carpenter. That he enlisted July 11. 1778 and served as above stated. That he has no documentary evidence except annexed certificate & dep- osition, and knows of no person living, whom testimony he can procure, to prove the length of his service on board the Hazard.
3 Mr. 6 days cruising
That he was born in Pembroke Mass. August 17. 1757, and knows of no record but the record of the family, and has always lived in Pembroke.
That he is known to Rev. Morrill Allen, Elders Briggs, Anthony Callamon & others of Pembroke who can testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a Soldier of the Revolution.
Joshua Turner
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Wilken Wood J. P. [?]

We, Morill Allen a clergyman, residing in the town of Pembroke and Anthony Callamore residing in the sam  Halifax  Pembroke hereby certify, that we are well ac- quainted with Joshua Turner who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be eighty one years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
Morill Allen Anthony Callamore
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Wilkes Wood J. P.
And the said Court  Judge do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And I the Court  Judge further certify, that it appears to me that Morill Allen who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Pembroke and that Anthony Callamore - who has also signed the same, is a resident in the Town of Pembroke and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. And I the said Judge do also certify that the above named Joshua Turner is unable from barely informity to leave his house which is the reason of taking his declaration out of court. -
Wilkes Wood J. P.
I, Jacob H. Lord Register of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joshua Turner for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of my office, this twenty third day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two .
Jacob H. Lord

Issue
Plymouth Y. I Jacob H Lord Register of Probate for the County of Plymouth do hereby certify that the Hon. Wilkes Wood is Judge of Probate for said County & that the several signatures within purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this twenty eighth day of December A. D. 1832
Jacob H Lord

July 1, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. C. T. Traylor Cuero Texas
JOSHUA TURNER S. 30758 BA-J/MLB
Dear Madam:
The data herein were obtained from pension claim, S. 30758, based upon service of Joshua Turner in the Revolutionary War.
Joshua Turner was born August 17, 1751, in Pembroke, Plymouth County, Massachusetts; the names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Pembroke, Massachusetts, Joshua Turner enlisted July 19, 1776, served as private in Captains Freedom Chamberlain's and Prince Stetson's companies, Colonel Simeon Carey's Massachusetts regiment, stationed part of the time on York Island and was discharged December 20, 1776. He enlisted July 11, 1778, as carpenter and seaman on board the State brig, "Hazard", a vessel of war, Captain John Foster Williams, which sailed from Boston for the West Indies, and while cruising off there, assisted in capturing a prize vessel from the fleet loaded with provisions from the West Indies which was taken to Boston, length of this sea service three months six days. One Daniel Turner served as second lieutenant with Joshua Turner on this tour, the relationship between them not stated.
Joshua Turner applied for pension August 23, 1832, while a resident of Pembroke, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, and his claim was allowed. He died in Pembroke August 25, 1832.
Joshua Turner was survived by his widow, Lucy, who in 1833 was living in Pembroke, Massachusetts.
No reference was made in the claim to children.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Cut of the death of Joshua Turner Map.

Probate Office
Plym o Mass Nov 9. 1833
J. L. Edwards Esq Sir
I enclose herein the application of Job Haskell of Rochester for a Pension made at our last Probate Court held in that town. —
I also enclose a Certificate of the death of Joshua Turner of Pembroke in this County whose papers are on your files. —
Yours &c J. H. Lord
Job Haskell's papers taken out

Joshua Turner

Glynn Co. Court of Probate at Rochester in said County November 6 th 1833
It is made satisfactorily to appear to the said Court that Joshua Turner late of Pembroke in said County deceased who was an applicant for a Pension under the Act of June 7. 1832 died at said Pembroke on the twenty fifth day of August A. D. 1832 & that he left a Widow by the name of Lucy Turner who is now living at said Pembroke.
In testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this sixth day of November A. D. 1833.
Jacob H. Lord Register of Probate

215/192 Joshua Turner
J H Lord Esq Weymouth Dorset

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Joshua Tuttle which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. * Has he mentioned 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? Yes No - He must state how long he served as a Carpenter in the Navy. VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes X Mr Bangs states in his certificate that he was a Seaman on board of the Hazard - Applicant states that he served as a Carpenter on board of said vessel.

This must be explained
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 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 shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places 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.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
‡QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

Revolutionary claim No 21.542
Issue cert: to Lucy Turner, widow of Joshua Turner, dec. who died August 25. 1832
Hon. James L. Edwards.
5 mo. private 3 mo. 7 days Seaman Commissioner of Pensions
Adm d
Washington.
Hon. J. Q. Adams H. R.
Sept 23 N.B. Mass.

Pembroke, Sept 23. 1833
Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Sir, The papers of Joshua Turner have been received for further explanation; and I would observe that he died on the 25 th of August 1832 two days after he made his declaration before Judge Wood, and consequently he can make no further explanation himself. I have made diligent enquiry of his Widow, and others who were with him at New York, but cannot ascertain how long he served with the Artificers as a Carpenter; he stated to me that he was sick at York Island, when our troops came from there, that he left it on Saturday & the British took him on Sunday, & he was carried to Kings Bridge, where he remained in the hospital & when he recovered he joined the Artificers as he stated. It appears by a Journal kept by Capt. Crommelin, that the Americans retreated from the Island, August 2 nd supposing that Mr. Turner was sick 3 or 4 weeks till the first of October, and then served with the Artificers till the 20 th of December, when their time expired, he probably served at least two months & a half, if not more as a Carpenter. I was not aware when I made out his declaration that he would be entitled to more pay as an Artificer, or I should have inquired the precise time he served.
With regard to his service on board the Hazard, he served as a Carpenter, which I had no reason to doubt as that was his trade, & he had carried on the business of ship building for many years as Master of the Yard under Messrs. Thingmound Hayward at Hanover, Man. and from an acquaintance of more than twenty years I should not have supposed that he was ever any part of a seaman. But from an examination of the Pay Roll in the Secretary's office in Boston, I find that he was enrolled as a seaman, and was allowed £2. 8 d per month, and served 3 months 6 days according to the Additional certificate from the Secretary. These are all the facts I can state in explanation, and you must make such an allowance as you judge right and equitable, which will be gratefully received by his aged and destitute Widow.
I am yours,
Very respectfully
Anthony Collamore
x Hon. Elijah Hayward, now Commissioner in the General Land Office Washington, to whom I would beg leave to refer you, with whom I am well acquainted - A. Collamore

Joshua Turner Depe- Joshua Turner
21542

Jonah Bisbee, of Pembroke in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts aged 86 years do testify and say that Joshua Turner of said Pembroke served with me one campaign of five months as a soldier in the State troops in the War of the Revolution at New York in the year 1776 in the company commanded by Freedom Chamberlain Capt. in Col. Cooj's Regt and Gen. Fellows Brigade under Gen. Washington; that the said Turner was sick with the fever, and had taken soon of by me until he recovered.      Jonah Bisbee
Pembroke August 3. 1832.
State of Massachusetts, v. Plymouth ss.
Subscribed and sworn to this third day of August 1832. before me Anthony Collamon, Justice of Peace
I hereby certify that Jonah Bisbee is a man of truth and veracity.
Anthony Collamon, Just Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Plymouth ss. I Jacob H Lord Register of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Anthony Collamon Esq is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County & that the signatures above purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office the twen- ty ninth day of December A.D 1832
Jacob H Lord

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, August 7 th 1832.
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 Joshua Turner's name appears on the Roll as a Seaman on Board the Brig Hazard John Foster Williams Commander - and received a months pay in advance according to said Roll - No date appears on the Roll - but the Warrant for the amount thereof is dated July 11 th 1778.
Edward D Bangs Secy
On a Roll discovered since the date of the above Certificate the name of Joshua Turner is borne as follows viz - "On a Payroll of the Officers Seamen & Marines of the State Armed Brig Hazard Commanded by John Foster Williams Esq." - where he is allowed for service three months, and six days, commencing July 10. 1778, as a Seaman.
Edward D Bangs Secy
Sept 20. 1833.

1937, July 1-Heet to Mrs. C. J. Taylor
30 758 Rev INVALID.
File No. 30 758
Joshua Turner Rev Rev
Act: June 1 st 32
Index: — Vol. 2 , Page 424
[Arrangement of 1870.]

July 1, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MSHF:MLB
Mrs. C. T. Traylor Cuero Texas
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Winslow Turner and Joshua Turner of Plymouth County, Massachusetts, also, lists of names of soldiers of that war of Plymouth County with surnames Winslow and Standish with their ages and places of birth.
There is no claim for pension on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of any Winslow Turner. The record has been found of a Joshua Turner of Plymouth County, Massachusetts. This office has no way to determine, however, whether or not he is the Joshua Turner in whom you are interested; his record is furnished you herewith.
Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited trained clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is impossible for this office to furnish you lists of names of soldiers of the Revolutionary War. If you will give the full name of the Winslow or Standish in whom you are most interested, a further search of the records will be made in your behalf. As much as possible of the following data are essential in identification of the record: approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service and given name of widow.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Cuero, Texas April 26, 1937
Veteran's Administration Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Will you please check your records and write me whether or not the names of Winslow Turner and Joshua Turner of Pembroke or Scituate , in Plymouth County , Massachusetts, are listed as soldiers of the American Revolution. If their age and place of birth are also given, please furnish me this additional information.
Will you also please write me the names of Winslows and Standishes appearing on the Plymouth County lists of American Revolution soldiers and the age and place of their birth, if given.
Yours very truly,
Mrs. C. T. Traylor MRS. C. T. TRAYLOR
CTT/w