Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 13846, for Benjamin Reynolds, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Reynolds Benjamin Mary
W. 13846
CONTENTS

8745
Massachusetts
Mary Reynolds, dec. widow of Ben. Reynolds who was a Private in the Revolution chap Hon. and died 22 Sept. 1831.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 21 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843, and ter- minate on the 25th Oct. 1846, when the Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of August, 1847. and sent to Henrietta Baldwin Boston
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2. Page 37.
Sept 2. 1847. New Certificate ins? in this case - former one cancelled. Payable to Stock Reynolds Reportd Mary Reynolds Henrietta Baldwin Boston

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss. I Amos Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County do hereby certify that Thomas Davis is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County and that the signatures to the foregoing certificates purporting to be his are gen- uine — In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 14 th day of July 1837 —
A Bassett

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss
On this Twenty Eight day of June A.D. 1857 personally appeared before Oliver Prescott of New Bedford in the county of Bristol Judge of the Court of Probate for said county, Mary Reynolds , a resident in Freetown in said County aged Seventy five 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 of the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836
That she is the widow of Benjamin Reynolds . (sometimes spelt Remmels ) late of Freetown in said County of Bristol deceased, who was a private soldier in the war of the Re- volution, and that as she verily believes he vol- untarily enlisted whenever he entered the service of his country.
She further declares that her said husband was at Roxbury in the vicinity of Boston in the Company commanded by Captain Levi Manserville in Colonel Brewer's Regiment , at this time he served eight months , for proof of this service she refers to the deposition of Nathan West hereto annexed.
She further declares that her said husband was again in the service of his country three months , in the company commanded by Captain Henry Pease , at Naragansett Bay in Rhode Island , that she has no evidence of this period of service ex- cept what may be found in the Records recently loaned to the Secretary of War of the United States by virtue of a Resolve of the Legislature of Mass

Massachusetts passed April 16 1836. to which records she refers for proof of this and all other services.
She further declares that her said husband was again in the service of his country in the first part of the year 1781 - the exact month she does not remember, but she thinks it was in the spring. He belonged to a company of Minute men commanded by Captain Joseph Norton. He marched to Ticonderoga in the vicinity of Rhode Island. At this time he served two weeks for proof of which she refers to the deposition of John Lawrence hereto annexed.
She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Reynolds, on the first day of September in the year Seventeen Hundred and Eighty by Ebenezer Heard a Baptist Minister of the Gospel then settled in Middleborough.
That her husband the aforesaid Benjamin Reynolds died on the twenty first day of September in the year Eighteen Hundred and thirty one, and that she has remained a widow ever since that as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Witness Oliver Prescott
Mary her  X Reynolds Mark
Sworn to & Subscribed on the day and year first above written.
Before Oliver Prescott (Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Bristol)

W 2319
Mary Reynolds
Bristol Co.
Married Married in 1780 and on 21 st Sept 1831 widow and 25 Oct 1846
not in P.O. list Roxbury Co. for 8 mths 1775-
Act 7 th July 1838. ~

I Oliver Prescott of New Bedford in the County of Bristol Judge of the Court of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Mary Reynolds the applicant aforesaid cannot from bodily infirmity attend the Court. Oliver Prescott Judge of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol ss. I Anselm Basset Register of the Court of Probate in for said County do hereby certify that Oliver Prescott whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate is the Judge of said Court. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court This fourteenth day of July eighteen hundred and thirty seven — A Basset

Commonwealth of } Massachusetts — }
Town of Middleborough Mass May 3 d 1837 —
I Allen Shaw do on Oath declare that I am Town Clerk of the Town of Middleborough County of Plymouth, State of Massachusetts and that I have the custody of the Records of said Town, that it appears by said Records that Mr Benjamin Reynolds of Middleborough and Miss Mary Dementanville of Dartmouth were Married by Ebenezer Hinds Baptist Minister September 1 st 1780. — Allen Shaw Town Clerk
Plymouth ss. Then personally appeared Allen Shaw, subscribed to the above Certificate and made solemn oath to the above before me Aread Thompson Justice of the Peace Middleborough May 3 d 1837

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth Y. I Jacob H Lord Register of Probate for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Abad Thompson Esquire is a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Plymouth & that the within signature written on the fifth page of this Sheet purporting to be signed by him is his true & genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand & the Seal of the Court of Probate for said County this fourteenth day of July Eighteen hundred & thirty Seven.
Jacob H. Lord

I Nathan West of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts of the age of Eighty four years Testify and say that I was a Soldier in the war of the American Revolution at Bunkerhill in Capt Thomas Knowlton's Company Detachment General Putnam's Colonel Dillerson's Regiment Eight months
I knew Benjamin Prentiss of Haverstown and he was there Eight Months in Capt Levy's Company in the term of enlistment was Eight months at that time, that is to the best of my recollection & belief
Dartmouth June 23. 1837 Present
Nathan mark West his
Jobab Tabor, Nathan W. West
Bristol ss Dartmouth June 23 1837 Then the above named Nathan West personally appeared and made solemn Oath to the with in deposition by him subscribed together with his answers to the Interrogatories therein contained and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Nathan West, that he is of good character for Truth and that his testimony is intitled to Credit
Thomas Davis Justice of the Peace

John Laurence of Freetown in the County of Bristol & state of Massachusetts of the age of Seventy six years a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States do hereby say & testify, that I was a soldier in the war of the revolution and served at several times & places in said war. In the year Seventeen hundred and eighty one I belonged to a company of Minute men commanded by Captain Joseph Norton of Freetown. I was orderly sergeant and clerk of said Company. I think it was in the spring or in June of the year 1781 Captain Norton's said Company were called out to guard the coast. We went to Fall-River in the vicinity of Rhode Island, and were in the service two weeks guarding the coast.
I was well acquainted with Benjamin Reynolds of said Freetown. He belonged to said Joseph Norton's Company of Minute men and went with us to Fall River.

~ served there two weeks or the time aforesaid. as a soldier John Lawrence
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss Free town June 29 1837
Then personally appeared the above- named John Lawrence, who is well known to me and is a credible witness and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed.
before me Thomas Davis Justice Peace

I John Laurence of Freetown in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts of the age of Seventy Six years on oath do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Mary Reynolds widow of Benjamin Reynolds late of Freetown in said County deceased who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution; that said Benjamin Reynolds died on the Twenty first day of September in the year Eight teen hundred and thirty one and that his widow the said Mary Reynolds has remained a widow ever since John Laurence
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. Freetown June 29. 1837
Then personally appeared the above named John Laurence, who is a credible witness and well known to me, and made oath on the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed.
Before me. Thomas Davis Justice Peace

J. L. Edwards Esq re Comm ee of Pensions Washington D.C.

Merchants Bank
Boston
30 Aug t 1847
Sir,
At the request of Mr Baldwin, I return herewith the pension certificates issued in favour of Mrs Mary Reynolds widow of Benj t Reynolds dec d , and, as appears, made payable to her personally.
He states that On reference to the certificate of the Court of Probate for Bristol county, you will perceive that the said Mary Reynolds died on 25 Oct r 1846.
The amount therefore would appear due her surviving children, as mentioned in said certificate of Probate.
It is supposed that this fact was overlooked from the pressure of business and the certificates are returned for correction.
The above case was reported to this office for pay t , by letter dated 25 Aug t current, payable to Mary Reynolds in person.
J. L. Edwards Esq re Comm r of Pensions.
Very respectfully Your obed t serv t J. H. Warren, Pension Agent

Payment to be made at Boston by Franklin Haven, Esq. Agent for paying Pension- ers in the Agency of Massachusetts
Payable on the 4th March, and 4th September in each year presentation.
Recorded in the Pension Office in Book D Vol. 1 Page 67 by Thos. Numpkin, Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
Canceled
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Mary Reynolds, d o of Massachusetts, widow of Benjamin Reynolds, who was a Private in the Regiment, and died on the 22 nd day of September, 1831, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Twenty One dollars and eighty eight cents per annum, commencing on the 4 th day of March, 1836, and terminating on the 4 th of March, 1841, unless the Pensioner married or died before the above mentioned date; in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death. Herby Haskell only  Witnesses Isaac Reynolds & Charles Dyer
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 25 th  September August, one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven.
J. G. Mason, Acting Secretary of War.
See in 1 and 2 Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions.

10332

10332
Massachusetts
Mary Reynolds, dec.
Widow of Benjamin Reynolds who was a pensioner under the Act of _____ and who died on the 22nd Sept 1831 of Bristol in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Rouseville of the Regt commanded by Col Brewster in the Revolution line for 6 mo. 17 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Boston at the rate of 21 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of August, 1847, and sent to Reuben Baldwin, Boston
Total amount, $ 109.90
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by H. Rumphkin Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 Page 17.
New Certificate ins. favor one cancellation Sept 2. 1847. Payable to Sarah Reynolds, Mary Reynolds, and Mercy Reynolds, daugh s of R. Baldwin Esq. Boston, Mass.

New certificate in favor one cancelled Sept 2. 1847, Payable to Sarah Reynolds, (surviving Rep's) Reynolds and Mercy Haskell (his wife) & R. Baldwin Esq. sent to R. Baldwin Esq. Boston, Mass.
10332
Massachusetts
Mary Reynolds, dec. Widow of Benjamin Reynolds who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 22nd Sept 1831 of Bristol in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Rouseville of the Regt commanded by Col Brewster in the Revolution line for 6 mo. 17 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Boston at the rate of 21 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of August, 1847, and sent to Rebecca Baldwin Boston
Total amount, $ 109.90
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by H. Rumphkin Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 Page 17.

12295
Tit to Reuben Baldwin June 12th, 1847.

Mary Reynolds Wapacknutt
Rejected
See letter 10 th Aug t 1837 to A.
Barrett Ed d to Stephen Baldwin Sept 12 th '45
Service less than six months,

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 13846
Mary Reynolds Widow of Ben. Reynolds for Rev. War
Act: Mar 3 d 1843
Index:—Vol. M , Page 155
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Bristol County ss. I Amos Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in for said County do hereby certify that at a Court of Pro- bate held at Rehoboth in for said County on the sixth day of April Eigh- teen hundred and forty seven, it was satisfactorily proved to said Court, that Mary Reynolds late of Dartmouth in said Court deceased, died on the twenty fifth day of October eighteen hundred and forty six, leaving three children only viz. Noah Reynolds, Grace Reynolds and Mercy Haskell who are still living and of age — It was further proved to said Court, that the said Mary Reynolds while living was an Applicant for a pension. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this sixth day of April eighteen hundred forty seven A Bassett

James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington.
10/21/52

Boston, November 17 th 1845.
Sir,
Your letter dated the 10 th Instant, came safely to hand, complaining of the disconscientious and criminalizing import of my letter dated 29 th of September last. In reply, I take the liberty to remark that it is not now unusual for us to feel sensitive when we have tendered us the very same charge in kind, we have with a liberal hand bestowed upon others. If the department will take the trouble to review some of their own communications to me for the last twelve months, they will probably discover some "colour of countenance or justification" for the observations, contained in my letter, to which you refer. Passing by several communications of minor importance, I would respectfully call your attention to the substance contained in your letter directed to me, of the 2 d June last, when the case of Mrs Ruth Davis passed under the scrutinizing eyes of the department. Wherein amongst many exceptions taken to its admission, it is said "that the claim is further discredited by the fact that the claimant did not assert her then claim in her lifetime, and still more by the document purporting to be an Order of her husband for his pay due for services under Captain Ayre in 1780; which bears incontrovertible evidence of Alteration! " Here then is a grave charge, unaccompanied by any qualification whatever, or assigning any motive for the supposed alteration; involving the moral character of your humble servant & his client - a charge which if sustained, would in enormity equal that of Forgery! The department do not in plain terms impute the supposed alteration to me personally or to my client John Davis, but such is the fair inference to be drawn from your manner of expression, and is used in this connexion, as one of the pretexts for suspending the claim.

Furthermore, you have left me entirely in the dark as to the character of the alleged alteration , and I have endeavoured to tax my memory in order to ascertain wherein it consists, I recollect that when the document in question, came into my hand, and on its perusal, I noticed the words "Jr" inserted between  after the Christian & Family name of John Day, to have been written with darker ink than that of the main body of the instrument, I transmitted the same to the Pension Office in precisely the same form presenting I found it; Never dreaming that so grave a charge could grow out of so small a matter; Similar alterations, or what might more properly be called corrections are frequently observable on the Old Muster & Pay Rolls of the Revolutionary Army, and likewise on other Records or documents connected therewith.
The "new declaration" of "Mrs Mary Reynolds" under the act 7 th July 1838, was made out & forwarded to the Pension Office, expressly at your own suggestion contained in your letter dated September (without day) last, supposed the 13 th ; In which it is said "Mrs Reynolds does not come within the provisions of the act 4 th July 1836. She should make a declaration under that of 7 th July 1838." Hence I consider that, in complying with your own requisitions, in the present case, I ought  am to be shielded from the imputations cast upon me so liberally in several paragraphs of your letter, to which this is an answer.
I do most respectfully appeal to your own sense of propriety whether such imputations cast upon me as I have adverted to in your communications of the 2 d June - 13 th of September and 10 th November last, is calculated to foster a placid "frame of mind" in any one who is conscious of his own integrity; And in conclusion I beg leave to say that, at the occa-

-asional deviations from the rules of decorum, are observable in some of your communications. I am nevertheless happy to state that I am far from believing them "habitual." They merely exhibit "proof" of human frailty to which we are all liable, when acting under the impulse of the moment, nor will I deign to traduce the department by attributing to them unworthy motives - by accusing them of "furnishing another proof of the habit of men to estimate the motives of another's acts by the habitual character of their own." But this I feel constrained to say that in some cases such an undue consequence is attached to very small apparent desciplanies, which do not in reality belong to them, which if the truth could be known, would not merit a moment's notice. This appears to be a growing "habit."
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your Obedient Servant. 1st Reuben Baldwin. The
James L. Edwards Esqr. Commissioner of Pensions. Washington.

I Philip Tabor of Cornish in the County of Sullivan and State of New Hampshire aged upwards of 86 years desire and say that I was several times an actor in the War of the Revolution, at the time of the commencement of which I was a resident of Dartmouth Massachusetts, where I first engaged in the eight months service in 1775, in Captain Levi Roundwell, company of Col David Brewer's Regiment, wherein I served out the term of my enlistment at Roxbury and Dorchester near Boston. And my recollection is that Henry Pierce was our Lieutenant, Lemuel Tabor who was a brother of mine ensign. Joseph Macumber, Orderly Sergeant. Lemuel Hinds Drummer & that Zadd Pierce was Sifer for said company. I also have a distinct recollection of the names of several individuals who were privates in said Company with me during said eight months service and of the number, Church Tabor a brother of mine of said Dartmouth. Alexander Parker William Parker Reuben Mason and Benjamin Reynolds of the neighboring town of Freeport. The said Alexander Parker was one of the persons that composed the mess to which I belonged during said eight months. I further desire and say that in the month of March 1777 I removed from said Dartmouth to New Hampshire, where I have ever since resided. Philip Tabor
Sworn and subscribed to this 10th day of April 1846
Before me
Wm Bryant Justice of the Peace

From a long acquaintance with Philip Tober the deponent I am able further to certify that he is a credible witness John Bryant Justice of the Peace
State of Northamptonshire Sullivan J. S.
I J. McGilmore Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that John Bryant is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified; and that his Commission was dated the 20th day of June 1844 and will expire on the 20th day of June 1849 and that his signature herewith are genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court the 15th day of April A D 1846
J. McGilmore Clerk

Boston, Massachusetts.
May 16 th 1846.
Sir,
I would respectfully call the attention of the Commissioner of Pensions to the claim of Mrs Mary Reynolds, widow of Benjamin Reynolds deceased, for a Pension, under the Act of 7 th July 1838. The objections heretofore urged by the Department, against the admission of said claim, I presume will be removed by the testimony of John Lawrence & Phillip Saber herewith transmitted, particularly the former, both of the individuals mentioned, were Neighbours, & likewise comrades with the said Benjamin Reynolds in the army in the year 1775. If any doubts should still remain as to the personal Identity of the husband of the applicant, as the Benjamin Runnels & Benjamin Reynolds, who is credited with service for Freetown in Bristol County, and Middleborough Plymouth County, I would earnestly request that a careful examination of a new Map of Massachusetts published by Simeon D. Dutton sup d in the year 1844. Copies of which have been (as I understand) have been transmitted to the Heads of Departments at Washington. By which you will perceive that the whole Area, including the place of the nativity of Benjamin Reynolds in Middleborough near the Furnace Village, and the place of his settlement after marriage in the neighbourhood of Beale's Four Corners, where he eventually died; does not exceed five miles. That the Husband of the applicant was a Middleborough man, is clearly shown by the Record of his marriage, and the place of his nativity was on or near the Town line between Middleborough & Freetown a short distance west of the large Pond extending into Freetown, into which the Furnace

Village River empties, as shewn by the map, before mentioned. With the foregoing explanations, corroborated by the testimony of John Lawrence & Phillip Taber, as to the personal Identity of the Husband of the applicant, together with that of his Locality, I cannot but believe that the Department will be satisfied of the justness of the claim, and Issue a Pension Certificate accordingly, for the amount of service as shewn by the Secretaries Certificate.
Be pleased to give the above mentioned case a reexamination and forward the result to me. This case was replied to in your letter dated September (13)th November 10th 1845.
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your Obedient Servant Reuben Pralwin
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington.

Boston Mass ts , August 6 th 1847.
Sir
I would hereby call your attention to the case of Mrs. Mary Reynolds, widow of Benjamin Reynolds deceased, under the Act 7 th July 1838. This case was last acted upon while I was at Washington, and reported to me in your letter of June 11 th 1847. By which you will perceive that the duration of the service of Benjamin Reynolds in Captain Abiel Pierce's company of Lykes Regiment should be accurately ascertained before it can be seen whether the aggregate amounts to Six months.
Now with regard to the duration of the service under Capt. Abiel Pierce in analogous cases, It has been repeatedly admitted to have been Five months. In the case of Mary Dexter widow of Joseph Dexter deceased, in your letter to me of the 3 rd September 1844. It is said "the service of her husband Joseph Dexter for 5 months in 1796, under Captain Abiel Pierce Col. Dike's B. Co. is established." Joseph Dexter aforesaid being a Pensioner of Mass ts , under the Act 7 th June 1832. The testimony adduced by him, may have established the duration of the service referred to.
Again in your letter, containing the report in the case of Lydia Thomas formerly the Widow of David Saunders, dated November 12 th 1845. It is admitted "that her first husband David Saunders served five months under Captain (Abiel) Pierce." From the foregoing recited admissions of the Department on various occasions, It is reasonable to

infer that the duration of the service Captain Abiel Pierces company, has at a former period been estab- lished at five months, to the satisfaction of the Departt.
Be pleased to give Mrs Mary Reynolds case a further action, and forward the result to me.
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your Obedient Servant Reuben Baldwin
James L. Edwards Esqr. Commissioner of Pensions. Washington.

Mary Reynolds, widow of Benjamin Reynolds

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
July 1 1845.
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 Benjamin Runnels, (so spelt), is borne as a private upon a roll of Capt n Levi Runnells minute Comp y , marched on the alarm April 19, 1775, from Dartmouth, 3 days; — The name does not afterwards appear upon the roll of the same comp y under Col. Brewer; — Upon an abstract of travel so due to Capt n Abial Pierce's Comp y . Col. Nicholas Dike's reg t for 92 miles, as Benj m Reynolds, private of Middleborough; — sworn to Nov r 29, 1776, — Upon a Muster roll of Capt n Job Pierce's Comp y , Col. Sprague's reg t , marched on the alarm at Howland's Ferry, Dec r 9, 1776, — 5 days; — Upon a Bounty roll of Capt n Job Pierce's Comp y . in Col. Theophilus Cotton's reg t . from the County of Plymouth service at R.I. for the month of Oct r 1777, 30 days; roll dated at Middleborough; Upon a pay roll

6-8 of Capt o Henry Prince's Comp y in Col. Eben r White's reg t for service at R.I. on an alarm, from Aug. 1 to 9, 1710 - 9 days; roll sworn to at Middleborough. No one of the name is on Capt o Norton's roll, and the preceding is all the evidence of service of any one of the name shown by the records.
6-17-1827 And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence the accompanying copy of a letter from the Pension Office, of Aug. 10, 1827, of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears ; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said copy application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Packer, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Mary Reynolds Widow of Benjamin Reynolds late of Freeman deceased —
Aged 75 Yrs.
8 Mo. at Roxbury under Capt. Levi Prudden- ville in Col. Pinder's Regt — Nathan Hunt deposed.
3 Mo. under Capt. Henry Pierce — This service was at Narragansett — No evidence except in the War Office —
2 Weeks at Fall River in 1781 under Capt. Joseph Norton — John Lawrence deposed.
Married Sept. 1. 1780 by Rev. Hinds a Baptist Minister settled in Middleborough Benj. Reynolds died Sept. 21. 1831 — sworn to before O. Prescott Judge of Prob.
Sent to Washington July 15. 1837.
Here follows a copy of Doct. Crossman's letter relative to the above —
" War Department " Pension Office " August 10. 1837
his The papers in the case of Mrs. Mary Reynolds have been examined — She alleges her husband to have served 8 Mo. in 1775 in Capt. Levi Prudden- ville's company, and a term three months & one of 2 weeks in other companies at a subsequent period of the war — Her husband's name is not borne on the roll of Capt. Pruddenville's

company for 8 months although it is for 3 days in April 1775 which service is not alleged in the claimants declaration - The credit of a record being greater than that of the testimony of witnesses, the alleged service for 8 Mo. cannot be allowed - The other service is less than 6 Mo. & the 3 d Section of the Act of 4 July 1836 provides for none whose husbands did not serve that time - The claim is consequently rejected & the papers filed in this Office.
copy
Yours & etc Ephraim R. Cump
Inverness to A. Brant
And of further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the information hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said information, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.  In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.  The accompanying copy of a letter from the Pension Office, of Aug. 10, 1837.

Boston, July 28 th 1845.
Sir
I transmit herewith the Certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts; showing the service of Benjamin Reynolds in the War of the Revolution. Which Certificate is presented as proof in support of the claim of his Widow Mary Reynolds to a Pension under the Act 4 th July 1836, or the benefit of the act 7 th July 1838.
In regard to the accompanying Certificate, you will perceive that there is a deficiency in the Massachusetts Rolls in the Secretary's Office, particularly as to the duration of the service of said Benjamin Reynolds in Captain Abial Pierce's Company in the year 1776, and that nothing is found relating to that service except the Travel Roll.
Perhaps the Department have something more definite. I would also refer you to the letter addressed to me in Mrs. Mary Dexter's case, dated Sept 3 rd 1844, wherein it is said viz "The service of her husband Joseph Dexter for 5 months, in 1776, under Captain Abial Pierce Col Dike" &c. From which extract I infer that the Department were in possession of proof-derived from some source, as to the duration of the service referred to.
It appears from a more careful examination of this case that all the service found credited to Benjamin Reynolds, the husband of said Mary, was performed before marriage. Consequently she is not entitled to the life Pension under the act 4 th July 1836. However if service sufficient should be found to entitle her to the benefit of the act 7 th July 1838. I would respectfully solicit that a certificate may be issued in her favor, and forwarded to me, as I understand she is still living.
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your Obedient servant, Reuben Baldwin.
James L. Edwards Esqr. } Commrs of Pensions. } Washington. }

Brady Town corner, stopping place, Greentown, New Bedford & Taunton Rail Road. July 31 st 1845 Mrs Mary Reynolds says that her late Husband Benjamin Reynolds, was out in the service one town of as she thinks 3 months at Little Compton R.I. under Capt Henry Peice and as she believes after marriage & on his way home he gave 60 Dollars for a Breakfast - Nathan West West, now dead, was with him.
R. Baldwin
Mary Reynolds widow of Benjamin Reynolds

Letter from Laurence 19 B. ... B. ... 18...

I John Lawrence of Glaston in the County of Bristol and Obermonecetter of Mass - aforesaid I was Eighty four years Being sworn do testify and say, That I was born and brought up in Glaston aforesaid, that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Reynolds who married Mary Dawsonville. He was a Middleborough Man who with his Father Family lived very near the Borden line between Glaston and Middleborough. Said Benjamin Reynolds was a Soldier in the Army of the Revolutionary War and served Eight Months at Roxbury in the County of Boston in the year 1775 under Captain Levi Dawsonville of Glaston - I also said Benjamin Reynolds fre- quently in the service at Roxbury aforesaid during the two Months that I served as a Substitute for my Elder Brother John Lawrence in said Daw- sonville Company - I never knew but one Person by the name of Benjamin Reynolds who served in the Army of the Revolutionary War, nor do I believe there ever was any other person of the name of Ben- jamin Reynolds, either in Middleborough, Glaston or Dartmouth or any where in this Vicinity except the one above named - I further testify and say that the said Benjamin Reynolds and his Father Family resided within a short distance of the Borden line between Middleborough and Glaston, and that said Ben- jamin Reynolds used to hire out to Levi Dawsonville and his Son William Dawsonville as a common labour at the Furnace Village in Glaston near his Father

residence in Middleborough, and used to trade as grocer and at Capt. Roundhill's store at said Gunnem Village. I do know that Benjamin Reynolds afterwards performed the eight months service in 1775 in Capt. Roundhill's company or at least I saw him there for service during the 1300 months I was there in the months of August and September of 1775.
Our Deputy Sergeant Joseph Marcomb of Middleborough was somewhat advanced in life and was understood to have served in the French War. He was a man of intemperate habits and used to visit the grog shops quite too often so much that he was at times unfit for duty and it was well known after the expiration of said eight months service that the names of many of the Ensigns who served in Capt. Roundhill's company were omitted by said Marcomb when the Pay Rolls were made up for said company amongst whom were Alexander Parker of Dartmouth and said De- roundhill and I presume also the name of Benjamin Reynolds. Said Benjamin Reynolds after the War removed to Dartmouth about four miles from the Gunnem Village aforesaid, at or near Bruley Farm corner so called in Dartmouth where he lived some fourteen years since, where Samuel Dyer I think I prevailed. His widow Mary Reynolds is now as I understand living at the place above mentioned
John Lawrence

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston May 16. 1846
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Charles H. Morton was a justice of the Peace for the County of Bristol.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; 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. Sleeper, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County ss } 3
Sworn January 19 th 1826
Then personally appeared John Lawrence subscribed to the above affidavits with whom I am well acquaint- ed and know to be a person of undoubted veracity and made oath to the truth of the same.
Before me Chas. A. Morton Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
June 1 1847.
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 Lucas Demerenville is borne upon a Muster Roll of Capt Levi Rounsewell's company, that marched from Freeport in an alarm April 19 1775, as a private 3 days. Not upon rolls of said Capt Rounsewell of the 8 Months Service of 1775. The name of Benjamin Runnels is also borne upon roll of Capt Levi Rounsewell's Company for Service at Roxbury. April 19 1775, as a private 3 days.
A large, ornate calligraphic flourish or signature, consisting of several overlapping loops and swirls, centered at the bottom of the page.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Wm. S. Difts
(Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth.)

I Simon Demoranville of Fairhaven in the county of Bristol and State of Massachusetts, aged Eighty Five years, Being sworn do testify and say, that I was well ac- quainted with Benjamin Reynolds and with his Father Family. Their place of residence was within the bounds of the Town of Middleborough, near the Furnace Place so called in Dartmouth. It was always reported and believed that the said Benjamin Reynolds performed a variety of services in the Army of the Revolutionary War, the par- ticulars of which I cannot give, from lapse of time and loss of memory. Said Benjamin Reynolds married Mary Demoranville who was a Cousin of mine and finally, bought land, and settled in Dartmouth near Daley Farm Corner so called in Dartmouth, where him- self and Family resided until his Death many years since leaving said Mary, his Widow, who is still living as I understand, at the place above mentioned.
I was well acquainted with the said Benjamin Reynolds from my fourteenth year, and from then afterwards until the day of his Death. He was a farmer by occupation, and always sustained the character of an honest man, amongst all his acquaint- ances. I never knew, nor do I believe, there ever was a person in Dartmouth or vicinity by the name of Benjamin Reynolds or Spelt, or My late Father. Said Demoran- ville performed eight months service in the year 1775 under Capt. Levi Roundtree, and distinctly

remember that I went with my son Father to Cape Pembroke at the summer. Where he received his for some time and finished several articles at said Pen- Pembroke. Then and I helped him take them home.
Albert G. A. Morton
Dineen
his of Duncansville meets
State of Massachusetts
Bristol County
ss
August 5 th 1926
Then personally appeared Dineen Duncansville above named, and well known by me to be a local witness and subscribed and made solemn oath to the truth of this affidavit by him subscribed.
Before me
Chas. A. Morton
Justice of the Peace

July 21.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Taunton Mass. July 15. 1837
Sir Accompanying this is the application of Mary Reynolds, W o of Benjamin Reynolds, late dec d . for a Pension — Any communication relative thereto may be forwarded to me at this place
Very Respectfully Your Obed t Serv t A Bassett

Oct 1 1845- Supplement to the May Reynolds.
Aug 7. 1838
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions. Washington.

Boston September 29 th 1845.
Sir.
I transmit herewith the papers of application for the benefit of the acts of the 7 th July 1838: 3 d March 1843 & 17 th June 1845.: by Mrs Mary Reynolds, widow of Benjamin Reynolds late of Dartmouth Bristol County, deceased. Owing to an inadvertent error in the former proceedings, and likewise in the former papers connected with the present application, as regards the precise locality of Mrs Reynolds - the applicant; which error was not discovered in time, to substitute other papers in season for the then return in the afternoon Train of the Hon. Oliver Prescott. Judge of Probate; and notwithstanding said Judge has annexed his certificate "that the said declarant Mary Reynolds is the same person & resides in the same House in which she resided when she made her former declaration before him in the year 1838." Yet I am prepared to expect that the Dept will oppose this claim with all the energy & zeal exhibited by Members of the Bar, whose success in their clients case mainly depend on picking flaws in their opponents case, and in the proceedings had therewith. I feel constrained to make the foregoing comments from the fact that the Department appear lately in their replies to several applications, to be actuated by the motives above described, or from some others - not less objectionable, whose decisions of late appear in any other light than that of carrying out the benevolent intentions of the National Legislature, as evinced by their several acts for the Relief of Widows of Revolutionary Officers & Soldiers, which if persisted in in will eventually become form a subject matter for complaint to the National Legislature. It is an incontestible fact that the

Testimony heretofore adduced in support of the claim to a Pension by Mrs Hannah Alwood, formerly widow of Francis A. Drew deceased, is of sufficient validity, and, would be conclusive in any court of justice in the United States, yet the testimony referred to, is pronounced "unsatisfactory" by the Commissioner of Pensions, and record proof of Documentary is required, which proof he knows or may know does not exist, which requisition is tantamount to a rejection of a just claim.
Very Respectfully Sir I am your Obedient Servant
Reuben Baldwin
James L. Edwards Esq., Commissioner of Pensions, Washington.

I Allen Shaw Town Clerk of the town of Middleborough Mass, hereby certify, that in the original record of marriages in said town, the marriage of Benj n . Reynolds & Mary Demerannville, is recorded as follows, viz Middleboro: September first Sixteen hundred eighty Then Benj n Reynolds of Middleboro, & Mary Demerannville of Dartmouth were joined in Marriage by Eben t Hinds Bap. Minister
I Allen Shaw above named depose & say, that in I hold the Office of Town Clerk of the town of Middleborough Mass, and that the foregoing is a true extract from the original record of Marriages in said town, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures and letters as follows: viz
Sept r 1 st 1780.
Case,
Middleborough Sept 19 th 1845
Allen Shaw Town Clerk L. Middleborough
Plym ore do. p. September 19, 1845
Then personally appeared Allen Shaw, subscriber to the foregoing affidavit, and well known to me to be a credible witness, and made solemn oaths to the truth of the same, Before me Elias Mayd Justice of the Peace

Mrs Mary Reynolds Widow of Benjamin Reynolds and June 9) 47
Reuben Baldwin

Washington, June 8 th 1847.
Sir:
I would hereby respectfully call your attention to the case of Mrs Mary Reynolds, widow of Benjamin Reynolds late of Dartmouth Mass ts now both deceased, under the act 7 th July 1838. The above mentioned claim has been long pending before the Commissioner of Pensions, with various prospects of success. But owing partly to the blundering manner in which this case was prepared, in the first instance, by a former Agent, this claim remains in Suspense untill the present time.
Altho the name of Benjamin Reynolds is not borne upon Captain Levi Rousewell's Company of Col l Brewers Regiment in the 8 months service in 1775, neither were the names of Lewis or Louis Demoran or Alexander Parker, But it is in proof filed this day that said L. Demoranville received his pay for the 8 months service, as testified to by his son Simeon Demoranville, besides the above mentioned proof, there has been heretofore filed, the testimony of John Lawrence & Phillip Tuber, who were comrades of said Reynolds, as well as Neighbors-both before & after the alleged service; and was not likely to be mistaken.
I would most earnestly and respectfully solicit that the Commissioner of Pensions, would let some one of his clerks accompany me to the War Office and examine the new Map of Massachusetts on an extensive scale, published by Mr Dorden-under the authority of the State, I think in 1844; It is my opinion that by so doing, much of the existing prejudice against this

case as respects the service credited to Benjamin Reynolds of Middleborough and his locality in the vicinity of the Furnace Village in Freetown, will be removed.
I sincerely hope that the Commissioner of Pensions will gratify me in the above mentioned request.
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your Obedient servant. Reuben Baldwin.
James L. Edwards Esqr. Commissioner of Pensions. Present.

No. 2295
Mary Reynolds and widow of Benjamin
Map act 7 May 1838
Adm re 6 Nov 17 days in $21. 88 / 100 per am
From 4 March 1836 to 4 March 1841. Payable to Noah Reynolds Isaac Reynolds and Mercy Haskell only surviving children of Mary Reynolds deceased
Adm re acts 3 March 1843 and 17 June 1844
$21 88 / 100 per am
From 4 March 1843 to 25 Oct 1846, the day of her death payable to her children as named - R Baldwin Boston Mass

Pension Office August 1847
Sir
In answer to your letter of the 9 th inst. I have to

Payment to be made at
Boston,
by
Franklin Haven, Esq.
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the
Agency of
Massachusetts
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book L Vol. 2 Page 37
Th. N. Kimball,
Clerk.

War Department.
Widow's Pension.
3rd March, 1843, and
I certify that in conformity with the acts of June 17, 1844,
Mary Reynolds, late of Massachusetts, widow of Benjamin Reynolds, who was a Private in the Revolution, and died on the 22nd day of September, 1831, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Twenty One dollars and eighty eight cents per annum, commencing on the 4th March, 1843, and terminating on the 1st of March, 1848  25 Oct. 1846 when she the Pensioner shall marry or die before the last mentioned date; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death.
Canceled
Given at the War Office of the United States,
this 25th  21st day of August,
one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven. Pay Col. Noah Reynolds to Mary Reynolds & Mary Hackett only J. G. March Acting Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned Sept 2. 1847.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

8245

Act '43 93 41 122 95
Mary Reynolds Widow of Benjamin Reynolds deceased
e Kats.
Act 7. July 38
Adm'd, 11 mo 17 day 1840 $21.88 per share
from 4 March 1836
Adm'd 11 March 1843
and 17 June 1844
$21 per share
Reuben Baldwin Boston Mass

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows." and the acts of 3 d March 1841, 38 th 11 th June 1842.
State of Massachusetts, } ss. County of Bristol }
On this Eighteenth day of September in the year Eighteen hundred & forty-five: Personally appeared before the subscriber, judge of the court of Probate within and for said County in said State Mary Reynolds a resident of Freetown Dartmouth in the county of Bristol aged Eighty three 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 Act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;" That she is the widow of Benjamin Reynolds, late of said town of Freetown Dartmouth deceased; and that said Benjamin served as a Soldier in the War of the Revolution, and performed several terms of Military duty during its continuance in the Massachusetts Militia, mostly for the town of Middleborough in Plymouth County his native Town. The particulars of which is almost obliterated from her memory, but she refers to proof of the service of said Benjamin, contained in the certificate of the Secretary of State of Massachusetts, as exhibited by the Massachusetts Rolls.
She further declares that according to the best of her recollection her said husband, Benjamin Reynolds, was in the service in the Revolutionary Army in at Little Compton in the state of Rhode Island for the term of three months subsequent to the time of her said marriage to wit in the year Seventeen hundred & eighty one. When he came home from said service, he brought home a pectoral brass badge the same to this her husband.
She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Reynolds on the First day of September in the year seventeen hundred and eighty; that her husband, the aforesaid Benjamin Reynolds, died on the Twenty Second day of September Eighteen hundred & thirty one cannot say that she was that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz: at the time above stated.
Mary Reynolds mark Reynolds
Sworn to, and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me,
The word "Freetown" erased & the word "Dartmouth" inserted previous to signing.
Oliver Prescott.
I hereby certify that the above declarant, Mary Reynolds is unable to appear in court to make her declaration by reason of bodily infirmity & age.
Oliver Prescott.

I Jonathan Bemaraville of Dartmouth  Freetown in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Eighty one years on oath depose and say that I was formerly well acquainted with Benjamin Reynolds late of said Dartmouth  Freetown deceased; that said Reynolds was a native of the Town of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth - which town adjoins said Freetown. He resided in said Middleborough, in his father's family, previous to the war of the Revolution - His father's house was quite near the line of Freetown, almost on the line, and about one mile from "Rouseville, Farm" in said Freetown. I have often heard said Reynolds declare that he served as a soldier in the war of the Revolution - I heard him say that he received his pay for his services in paper money - and that he lost a hundred dollars by its depreciation.
In the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty, said Benjamin Reynolds married my sister, Mary Bemaraville of the said Dartmouth  Freetown , and commenced keeping house in said Middleborough, near his father's. Here they resided three or four years and had one child who died. He then removed with his family a Dartmouth  Freetown into my immediate neighborhood, where he continued to reside till his death, which took place on the Twenty Second day of September in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty one.
I have always lived in said Dartmouth  Freetown & near to said Middleborough line - I never knew of any other Benjamin Reynolds, who served in the Revolution - any war, either in Freetown or in Middleborough nor do I believe there was any other in either of said Towns I never heard of any other.
The said Mary his widow is still living at said Dartmouth  Freetown .
I have no interest either directly or indirectly in the pension expected to be received by the said Mary his wife. Jonathan F. Bemaraville Dartmouth
Signed Mary his wife O. Prescott

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss. Then the above named Benjamin Franklin Barnamville on this Eighteenth day of September A.D. 1845 made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed, and I further certify that the above named Barnamville is a credible witness:
Before me.
Oliver Prescott Justice of the Peace & Judge of Probate
I Mary Pittsley of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol & State of Massachusetts aged Eighty three years do hereby depose and say that I have always resided in said Dartmouth - and that I was intimately acquainted with Benjamin Reynolds late of said Dartmouth deceased. When I first knew him, he resided in his father's family in the adjoining Town of Middleborough about three miles from the place where I have always resided. I knew of his going into the army in the time of the Revolutionary war - He went into the army several times. Once he was under Captain Levi Nunnville - at other times, he was under some Captain Pierce of Middleborough - there were two or three Captains Pierce - I don't know how long he served at any time. He married Mary Barnamville of said Dartmouth  this town - He died on the Twenty second day of September in the year Eighteen hundred & thirty one, and left said Mary his widow, who is still living, and resides in my neighborhood, in the edge of Dartmouth
her
Witness O Present
Mary D. Pittsley mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss. September 18 th 1845. Then the above named Mary Pittsley who is known to me and is a credible witness made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by her subscribed.
Before me
Oliver Prescott Justice of the Peace & Judge of Probate

I hereby certify that the within applicant for a pension Mary Reynolds is the same person who made a declaration for the purpose of obtaining a pension before me in the year A.D. 1837, and that she now resides at the same place since the same house in which she then resided, which is as I understand, in East March near the Frataru line.
I further certify that the erasures of the word "Frataru" and the interlineations of the word "East March" in the accompanying depositions of Jonathan Bemanville and Mary Pitsley were made previous to their signing their respective depositions.
Oliver Prescott Judge of Probate
Oct 14 9 34 AM 1841
Mary Reynolds
Widow of
Benjamin Reynolds
deceased
Heath
Oct 14 9 34 AM '41
Adm. to the said Mary
Oct 21 88
Rev. Leonard W. Beman
Adm. to the said Mary
Oct 17 1841
Oct 21 88
Rev. Nathan
Rev. Nathan