Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 30,208, Samuel Williams, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Williams, Samuel
NUMBER
S. 30.208
CONTENTS

78 March
10.680
Massachusetts
Samuel Williams of Brookfield in the State of Mass who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Wolcott of the 1st Regt commanded by Col Holman in the Mass line for 7 Mo.
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum. to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of Sept 1833 and sent to Stebbins Brookfield Mass
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1833 $26.66 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept " 11.66
$58.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J H J. H. Blair Clerk Book 2. Vol. 2. Page 94

Declaration, in order to secure the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7. 1832.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Worcester ss.
On this third day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared Samuel Williams before me Solomon Strong Esq. one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas, Samuel Williams, a resident in Brookfield in the County of Worcester aforesaid aged Seventy six years; who is unable to appear in court through bodily infirmity, 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.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as here in stated. "I was born in Middlebury in the state of Massachusetts on the twenty second day of January A.D. 1756, I have no record of my age, and do not know that there is any. At the commencement of the Revolutionary War, I was a resident in the town of Brookfield, to which place I returned after my several terms of service, and of which place I have continued a resident, except about four years I resided in Boston Mass.
I first enlisted at Brookfield aforesaid in the Massachusetts troops in June 1776. - I marched to join the army about the first of July for before we reached New York, while on the way I first heard of the Declaration of Independence. From Brookfield I marched to Springfield Mass. thence to Hartford and New Haven; from that place I went by water to the City of New York, I landed at Peck's Slip, and quartered in Wall Street, thence went up to Greenwich about three miles above the City; I lay awhile at Fort Washington on the north River side of the Island and continued on the Island till the British drove us off on a Sunday morning; marched over Kings Bridge, encamped at mile square and staid awhile, thence I went to White Plains and was in the battle at that place, after that battle moved up to Croton's Manor, just over the bridge and staid there till my time was out, being a term of five months, I was discharged about the first of November 1776. - I belonged to General Fellows Brigade of five months men, Col. Holman's Regiment, Capt. John Wolcott's Company, Halkaway was Lieutenant.
I enlisted again at Brookfield aforesaid in the Spring of 1777, in the Massachusetts Troops. to go to Rhode Island, it was about the time of sowing flax, and was the spring before I was married; the company was mustered at Worcester Mass. being made up from a number of towns; from thence I marched to Providence R.I. - I was quartered a week or ten days in John Brown's House, I then went to Odyke's Newtown and staid there till my time was out, which was for two months.
I never received a discharge, or any documentary evidence of service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Samuel Williams
Aug 3 1832

The Micah Stone a Clappian and Solomon Gilbert
residing in the town of Brookfield in the County of Worcester aforesaid, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with the said Samuel Williams who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 74 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed to the day and year aforesaid.
Micah Stone Solomon Gilbert
Before me Solomon Strong Judge D. C. Pleas.
And the said justice does hereby declare his opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named Samuel Williams was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the said justice further certifies that it appears to him that Micah Stone is a clergyman and said Stone and Solomon Gilbert who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in Brookfield aforesaid and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Solomon Strong Judge D. C. Pleas.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester ss.
I Abijah Bigelow Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Worcester do hereby certify that the Honorable Solomon Strong Esquire is one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and that the signature to the certificate of the oaths of Joel Gilbert and Caleb Allen, also the signature to the certificate of the oaths of Micah Stone and Solomon Gilbert and that the signature to the certificate of the time place and cause of taking the declaration and oath of the aforesaid Samuel Williams, that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary Army, are all the genuine signature of the said Solomon Strong.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this sixth day of September in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty two -
Abijah Bigelow, Clerk.
County "ward" and "of said Court" interlined by me, A. Bigelow.
11995

I Caleb Allen of Sturbridge and Joel Gilbert of Brookfield Both Towns in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of Lawfull age Testify and say that we were both in Col. Holmans Regt. and Capt. John Walnut Company at New York and its Vicinity five months in the war of the revolution in the year 1776 and we were well acquainted with Samuel Williams who was a soldier in said Company and served the above term of five months. Said Williams Belonged then and still does to the town of Brookfield further your Deponents saith not Brookfield Aug. 3 d 1832
Joel Gilbert Caleb Allen
Aug 3.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcs. ss. On the third day of August 1832. Per- sonally appeared before me, Joel Gilbert and Caleb Allen the signers of the above affidavit and made solemn oaths to the truth of the same.
Solomon Strong Judge C.C. Pleas

Sam Williams
John Holbrook Calib Allui
John Holbrook

Interrogatories put to Samuel Williams.
1. When and in what year were you born? Answer. 1756. in Middleborough in Bristol County State of Massachusetts. 2. Have you any record of your age? Answer. No. 3. Where were you living when called into service: where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live? Answer. I lived at Brookfield Mass. when called into service have lived there ever since except about four years in Boston. 4. How were you called into service: were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? Answer. I volunteered in all the cases. 5. State the names of some of the Regular officers who were with the troops when you served: such as Colonels and Military Regiment or you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service. Answer. Brigadier General Fellows, Col. Holman. Capt John Wolcott. Lieutenant Hotham. 6. Did you ever receive a discharge? No. 7. State the names of persons to whom to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood: and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services or a period of the Revolution. Answer. Micah Stone a Clergyman and Solomon Gilbert.
Samuel Williams
Aug. 3
person
Thomas Stebbins

I the subscriber a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for a Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The same being a Court of Record, having a Clerk and Seal do further certify that on the third day of August 1832. I proceeded to Brookfield the place of residence of the above named Samuel Williams to take his examination for a pension. The said Samuel Williams from old age and bodily infirmity is unable to attend Court. The said Samuel Williams signed the foregoing declaration interrogatories and answers in my presence, and made solemn oaths to the truth of the same before me. As I am well acquainted with Reverend Micah Stone who signed the preceding certificate, and know him to be a highly respectable person.
Solomon Strong Judge C. C. Pleas.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
We John Holbrook of Sherbridge in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Caleb Allen of Sherbridge aforesaid of lawful age, first being duly sworn according to law do hereby and say, that we were soldiers in the Revolutionary army — That we enlisted at Sherbridge aforesaid about the first of July 1776, that we belonged to General Fellows Brigade, Col. Holmans Regt, and Capt John Woodcuts Company That we marched through Hartford to New Haven, and thence by Water to New York, where we arrived about the late part of July, — That we served in said Company for the term of five months, and were dismissed about the first of December of the same year — That James Williams of Brookfield was a soldier in the same Company and performed a like term of duty in the same Company with us — There has been shown to us a small Book, which purports to be in the hand writing of Asa Hamblen, who was also a soldier in said Company, and accompanies the application of the widow of William Hamilton. Said Book contains a true list of the Officers and privates of said Company and also, the incidents of the Journal thereof and contains a true narration of the events — and further our deponents say not.
John Holbrook Caleb Allen
Worcester ss. Aug. 22. 1832, personally appeared the said John Holbrook and Caleb Allen and subscribed and made oath to the truth of above affidavit before me Heman Stebbins Jus Pax
I hereby certify that the aforesaid John Holbrook is a highly respectable magistrate within and for the County of Worcester and that the said Caleb Allen is a credible person — Heman Stebbins

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester, Js.
I, Abijah Bigelow, Clerk of the Judicial Courts, holder within and for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that Herman Stebbins, Esquire, before whom the foregoing Affidavit of John Holbrook and Caleb Allen, was made and sworn to, is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Worcester, and that his signature thereto appears to me to be in his own proper hands writing.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the County Seal this sixth day of September, A. D. 1832.
Abijah Bigelow, Clerk.

7995
Samuel Williams
Peach
7 Mts
$23.33
Heman Stebbins Brookfield Mass

BRIEF in the case of Samuel Williams  of Brookfield in the State of Mass;  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Judge  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? Yes  3. How old is he? Seventy six years  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     enlisted In 1796 June 5 Gen. Fellows, Col. Holman. Capt. Jno. Volcott.   1797 Spring 2  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? White Plains  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Brookfield  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? as a clergyman & Sol. Gilbert certifies to traditionary evidence & that Gilbert & Caleb Allen prior to 5 yrs service. - John Holbrook & C Allen prior to the 5 yrs service  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.
D. N. H. Examining Clerk.

[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]
Moon Lewis Cass Esq. Secretary of War Washington D.C.

Brookfield Mass. Sept 19. 1832
Sir
Mr. Samuel Williams of Brookfield Mass an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of June 7. th 1832 has returned me with his papers to forward the same to the War Office — I herewith transmit the same, All communications for said applicant, please address to "Heman Stebbins Esq" Brookfield Mass"
With much respect
your Obedt. Servt.
Heman Stebbins
Hon Lewis Cass Esq
Secretary of War

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Samuel Williams which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? neg
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? neg
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? neg
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? neg
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? neg
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? neg
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? neg
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? neg
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? neg
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? neg

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? no XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no 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? no XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? no Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? no 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? no XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? answered
 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 the 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.
† 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 authenticated 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 end 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.

30208 Rev INVALID.
File No. 30208 Samuel Williams His Rev War
Act: June 7 th 32 nd Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 155
[Arrangement of 1870.]