Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3559, for John Kent, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Com.
Kent, John Mary
N 3559 B.L. Wt. 8384-160-55
CONTENTS
[Faint, illegible handwriting on lined paper]
[Faint, illegible handwriting on lined paper]

1101 Massachusetts Mary Kent widow of John Kent Conn who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
18 th February 1852 Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of Jany 1851 and sent to
Timothy Snow North Becket Mass a
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 41, Vol. W

68.463 Oct 3/55 Apt 13/55
Mary Kane wid of John Kent Jr
Revocate Coyl Court - Same
Revolutionary War
Red Prisoner
Wasp July 28-1101
Buginton
Ad. 16000 Oct 16/55
Bridge
Albert J. Tainter Led Map
Vol. K-17.

21.264
Massachusetts
John Kent
of Durham in the State of Mass who was a private in the Corps commanded by Captain H. D. V. of the Regt. commanded by Col. Sherman in the Corps line for 2 Years .
O'Call
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 80 Dollars  Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of Aug. 1833 and Rev. H. W. Bishop Saxony
Arrears to the 4th Mo. 11 $ 160 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4th Mo. 11 40 $200
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. B. Stiles Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 45
Lett J. B. Williams apl 21. 1840.
18 Feb 1842
69 Durham

John Kent Map
Private 2 years
on Roll Call 1st left Haddam Camp 1st 1 July 1791 - died 30 June 1792 1 year
16 06 May 29 1833
15 1/2 P. 409
H. W. Bishop Esq. Lenox Mass

BRIEF in the case of  John Kent  Co of Durham in the State of Mass  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 67  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.     Contm t Line   Same In 1781 enlisted 1 Private Capt Hodge Col Sherman   June 1782 } about 1 7 " Lieut Sanderson Col "   dis d July 1784 } 1 7 " Capt Chapman Col Swift   the first killed at Bunker Hill  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Stafford Conn  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditional - some living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? The papers are not attached agreeably to the regulation - the length of service is not given - the length of service is not clearly stated  I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
George Taylor
Examining Clerk.

State of Massachusetts } fs. Berkshire County } ss.
On this nineteenth day of December, Eighteen hundred & fifty three, personally appeared before me Henry W. Bishop - Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, within & for said state of Massachusetts, Mary Kent - a resident of Washington in the County of Berkshire aforesaid, aged eighty years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions, made by the act of Congress, passed, the 29th day of July 1848. That she is the widow of John Kent, who was a soldier in the war of the revolution, and a pensioner of the United States, at the time of his death, at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum, for which he had a certificate dated, August 27th 1833, N o 21,264. She further declares, that she was married to the said John Kent, on the seventh day of December, seventeen hundred and ninety seven, at Enfield in the County of Hartford, & state of Connecticut, that there is no record of the marriage to her knowledge. That her husband, the aforesaid John Kent, died

on the eighteenth day of February, Eighteen hundred and fifty two, that she was not married to him, prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place, previous to the second of January Eighteen hundred, viz. at the time above stated.
She further swears, that she is now a widow, and that she has never before made an application for a pension.
For proof of the rank, her husband, the said John Kent, held in the army, and the services performed, she refers to the application of said John Kent, and the papers and testimony accompanying the same, in the War or Pension office, at Washington.
Mary her X Kent mark
Sworn to and subscribed, by the said Mary Kent with her mark as above on the day and year above written before me Henry W. Bishop. Judge as aforesaid. at the dwelling house of the said Mary Kent in Washington aforesaid. and I certify that the said Mary Kent, by reason of age and bodily infirmity can not attend Court. Henry W. Bishop.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire County ss.
I Henry W. Bishop, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said Commonwealth of Massachusetts do certify that it has been made to appear to me by satisfactory evidence that John Kent, late of Washington in said County of Berkshire, now deceased and who was at the time of his deceased a pensioner of the United States, died at said Washington on the eighteenth day of February, in the year Eighteen hun- dred & fifty, two. This certificate is based upon the testimony of Noah Eames of said Washington, a person known to me to be a credible witness, who has sworn that he was called to lay-out the said John Kent, after his death, and as- sisted in laying him out, and afterwards attended and assisted at his funeral, and recorded the day of his death on a book in which he keeps a daily memorandum of events - and also upon the testimony of William O. Eames, resident in said Washington, and son of said Noah Eames, who swears that he recd.

jects the day of the death & funeral of said John Kent and that the death to the best of his recollection was on the said Eighteenth day of February. I further certify that the said John Kent left Mary Kent, his widow, who now resides in Washington aforesaid, and has not been married since the decease of her said husband, and this certificate is made upon the testimony under oath of the said Alvah Cumes, who resides very near the present residence of the said Mary, which was the residence of the said John Kent, her husband, at the time of his death.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & have caused the seal of said court of Common Pleas to be hereunto affixed this nineteenth day of December in the year Eighteen hundred & fifty three.
Henry W. Bishop

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss.
I, CHARLES SEDGWICK, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Berkshire, do certify that Henry W. Bishop Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas of the Commonwealth within and for said County, duly commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Henry W. Bishop and believe his signature to said certificate is genuin.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, this third day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four.
Charles Sedgwick Clerk.
Henry W. Bishop

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss.
I, CHARLES SEDGWICK, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Berkshire, do certify that Timothy L. Hew Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth, and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity: and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Timothy L. Hew and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, this third day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four.
Chas Sedgwick Clerk.
Timothy L. Hew

I Amos Crane of Washington in the County of Berkshire and state of Massachusetts. aged 79 years. do testify and say. that I have resided in said Washington since the year 1774 that I have been acquainted with John Kent and Mary his wife. now his widow since the year 1798 that from that time till the time of the death of said John Kent the said John & Mary have lived together in said Washington as husband and wife and have brought up a family of several children
Amos Crane
Ashtfield ss. December 27th 1863
Subscribed and sworn to before me who certify that the deponent is a reputable & credible witness Winthrop Snow Justice of Peace

Widows Declaration
State of Massachusetts } County of Berkshire }
On this thirtieth day of March 1855, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid Mary Kent, aged 81 years, a resident of the County and State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to Law, declares that she is the widow of John Kent, who was a private in the War of the Revolution and for whose services in said War the said Mary Kent is now in the receipt of a pension from the United States as his Widow and She refers to her declaration and the accompanying documents and proofs as evidence of his services; and continued in actual service in said War for at least 14 days and was honorably discharged —
She further states that she was married to the said John Kent, in the town of Enfield Connecticut, about the 7 th day of December 1797, and that her name before her said marriage was Mary Griswold that her said husband died at Washington Mass. on the 18 th day of February 1852, and that she is now a widow —
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land, to which she may be entitled, under the Act passed March the 3 rd 1855, she also declares that she has never received nor applied for Bounty Land under this or any other act of Congress —
Albert G. Taintor of Lee, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, is duly authorized to present this my Claim, and to receive any warrant which may be issued hereon —
her op Mary E. Kent

Affidavit of two Witnesses Personally Came Alveah Earnes and Daniel Barnes residents of the County of Berkshire in the state aforesaid, who upon oath declare, that they are personally well acquainted with Mrs Mary Kent, and saw her make her mark to the foregoing declaration, that they know her to be the identical person therein represented, and that she is now a widow and that we have no interest in this Claim. Alveah Earnes Daniel Barnes
Magistrates Certificate The foregoing declaration and affidavit were Sworn to and subscribed before me this thirtieth day of March 1855; and I certify that I believe the claimant to be the identical person she represents herself to be, that I know the witnesses to be credible persons, and that I have no interest in this Claim - Philip Earnes Justice of the peace
State of Massachusetts } County of Berkshire }
I hereby certify that Philip Earnes Esq: before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit were made, is and was at the time of taking the same an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly Commissioned and qualified, and that his signature above is genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this day of tenth day of April 1855
Geo: Sedgwick Clerk

John Kent Washington Co Application for Pension Oct 5. 1832.
15172

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Berkshire, ss.
ON this fifth day of October A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Honorable WILLIAM P. WALKER , Judge of the Court of Probate, within and for said County of Berkshire, now sitting, John Hunt a resident of the town of Washington in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged 67 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.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That he enlisted at Stafford in the state of Connecticut in June 1781 in the Company commanded by Capt. Asahel Hodes in the Regiment commanded by Col. Isaac Shimer in the Continental Establishment for the term of one year. That he served during said period. He was during said period at W.L.C. Plain  Green  Prod. Peckskill  Hollow & Yellow Hill in the fall he enlisted at the Highlands  Les  no written discharge too early before the year expired he enlisted for three years at the Highland  Huts in the Company commanded by 2nd Lieut. Scanderson in the fifth Regiment commanded by Col. Shimer in Genl. Huntington's  Brigade  Connecticut Line  Continental Establishment that he served in said Company & Regiment until December of said year when the fifth Regiment was discharged out & he then fell into the Company commanded by Capt. Elisha Chapman in the third Continental Line commanded by Col. [illegible] at Highland  1832

he then went to Washington in the start of the war - he was when he was - he was - he was - he was - he was - he was - he was a volunteer in the service - his Captain's name was already stated in this connection as also the name of his Colonel. The name of the Adjutant in the first years of the war was Benjamin of Hartford. In the name of the Major was Troop - in the second term his Adjutant was Loon. The name of his Major was Willis & Col. Johnson. He recalls Col. Webb Regiment - - - was when the battle of was on guard usually at the various places above mentioned - he was dismissed by Genl. Washington in writing at least point. kept his discharge about five years when it was destroyed as follows. He left with Mr. Pierce Seccott at Hartford Ct - & put the discharge in his chest for safe-keeping on Seccott Benson who then lived in the family of said Seccott having occasion for a sum of money (for a fellow) took his discharge & made a show of it & then passed the money & gave it to his son he is acquainted with Mr. Meach of Middlefield William G. Bellantoni & William Noble Brown & Rev. Caleb Wright all of Hartford who can testify as to his character for virtue & their belief of his service as a soldier of the Revolution -

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
John Hunt
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
W. P. Walker S. Probate
We W. P. Walker a Clergyman, residing in the town of Washington and Berkshire hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Hunt who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 75 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories, prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that John Hunt  amuse deposition  Caleb Knight who signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the town of Washington in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and that William G. Ballantine  deposition amuse who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Washington in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
W. P. Walker S. Probate
I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Berkshire in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of John Hunt for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office of said Court of Probate, this fifth day of October in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Henry W. Bishop Register of Probate

Pension Office
Jany 14 1834
Sir
John Kent, Mass. Rolls, act June 7 1832, at $800 00 per annum, Please state to what time paid
Very Respectfully
S. Cole
for Comry Pensions
F Burleigh
Third Auditor

V
John Kent, Act 1832, $80 per Annum. Died 18 Feb. 1852. Paid
F. Burk Auditor

✓ 8384
160 tues

No. 68463
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Apr. 13, 1855.
John Reub Rev. War
Warrant 8384-160-55
Albert J. Fainter Lee Mass

2218 N. 18th St.
V o 1148 Mary Kent. Widow of John Mass   Timothy Snow. Oct 11 1853   Act 29 July 1848

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 3559
Mary Kent (Widow) John Kent Prison War
Act: July 29, 1848
Index: Vol. 2 , Page 388
[Arrangement of 1870.]

15172 John Kent
H. W. Bishop Esq. Lent Map

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

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? yes
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? no
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?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so 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 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.
There is sufficient evidence in the office of his having served one year from June 1782

Ms. A. 1. 6 v. 13 No 102. March 13, 1840 Pension Office.
Hon. J. A. Forney Chairman of the Committee on Pensions Washington D.C. Mr. Kent Map: etc.
13 Feb. 1840 March 5th

Bethel (Mass) March 5 th 1840
Hon. A. V. Poinsett Sir - Mr. John Kent of Washington (Mass) a Revolutionary Pensioner has requested me to write the War Department concerning his Pension - and at his request I want to beg leave to say - that the said Kent is of opinion that the first which he added would entitle him to a Pension under the act of March 1818 - but his Certificate bears date August 29 th 1833 under the act of June 7 th 1832. He Kent states that he procured Depositions from Walden Dimock and Parrish of Tolland County Conn. respecting Nathan Johnson Esq. deceased - and that by some cause to him unknown - he has never learnt the fate of those depositions - whether they were accepted or rejected - He thinks if the evidence was admitted he must come under the act of 1818 - I understand him to say - that some time since he has communicated with the Department through the Hon. George M. Briggs but that his agent could not satisfy him as to the disposition of the said Affidavits - If there can be any light thrown on the subject you would greatly relieve the old gentleman's feelings & anxieties by writing me at your earliest convenience.
I Am Sir your most obedient Servant
Abiah B. Williams

I Alock Earnes of Washington in the County of Berkshire, State of Massachusetts depose and say. That I am a near neighbor to the family of John Pest of Washington in said County of Berkshire and that I was knowing to his death which was on the eighteenth day of February A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty two and know that he left a widow by the name of Mary Pest who still survives him & still continues to be his widow In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this twenty sixth day of July 1852
Alock Earnes
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, and I certify the above named Alock Earnes to be a reputable and credible person
Timothy Snow Just. Peace
Berkshire ss I Charles S. Smith Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County do certify that Timothy Snow by before when the foregoing Affidavit of Alock Earnes was sworn to on July 26. 1852 a Justice of the Peace within said County duly commissioned & qualified & that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand

I Tamar Thompson of East Windsor county of Hartford State of Connecticut do depone and say that I am nearly eighty two years of age That I was well acquainted with John Kent both before and at the time of his marriage That he was married to Mary Griswold in Enfield some time in the winter but whether in December 1797 or January 1798 I do not recollect I fix the time as being in the winter of 1797 or 1798 from several facts and especially because my son George was killed in March next after the marriage of Mr. Kent and his death took place in March seventeen hundred ninety eight. The Rev. Nehemiah Prudden performed the marriage ceremony I was there I rode on horseback behind my husband William Thompson - There were a good many people there - John Kent had his home at our house two or three years before his marriage and visited there occasionally after his marriage. Mr. Kent moved away to Washington soon after his marriage and visited our house not long after the death of my son George for whom he mourned George being a great favorite of Mr. Kent Tamar Thompson
State of Connecticut
County of Hartford ss. East Windsor December 29 th 1853
Then personally appeared Tamar Thompson subscriber of the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me And I further certify that she is a credible witness
Nehemiah Johnson Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut County of Hartford
to Hartford, Clerk's Office, I W m H Eaton Clerk of the County Court for the County of Hartford, keeper of the seal thereof, and of the Commission of Justices of the Peace therein, hereby certify that on the 1 st Monday of April 1852, Abielab Johnson was duly elected a Justice of the Peace for said County for the full term of two years from the 4 th day of July 1852, that he has been duly sworn & is authorized by the laws of this State to administer oaths &c. and that I know the two signatures appended to the foregoing Certificate purporting to be his, are both genuine
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of said Court this 5 th day of January 1854
W m H Eaton Clerk

State of Connecticut
Town Clerks Office Enfield December 29 1853
This certifies that I am Town Clerk of the Town of Enfield above named and have the custody of the Records thereof. That I have carefully examined the Records of Marriages in my office and find there is no record of the marriage of John Kent and Mary Griswold
Attest Abiah Johnson Town Clerk
State of Connecticut
County of Hartford } p. Enfield December 29 1853
Then personally appeared Abiah Johnson. Town Clerk and made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed before me Norman Allen Justice of Peace
State of Connecticut } County of Hartford }
Clerks Office Hartford Jan'y 5. 1854 I Wm H Eaton Clerk of the County
Court for Hartford County, Keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commission of Justice of the Peace hereby certify that Norman Allen was on the 29 th day of December 1853, and now is a Justice of the Peace for said County & authorized and empowered by the laws of this State to take acknowledgment of deeds, & to administer oaths, & the above signature purporting to be his, I believe to be his genuine official signature.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my name & affix the Seal of said Court this fifth day of January AD 1854
Wm H Eaton Clerk

State of Connecticut ss Enfield December 29 th 1853 I Charles A. G. Brigham do hereby certify That I am the Settled Minister of the first Ecclesiastical Church and Society in said Enfield and the successor of the Rev. Francis L. Robbins who was the successor of the Reverend Nehemiah Prudden the former Minister of said Church and Society and have the custody of the records kept by him - And that I have examined said records and cannot find and record of the marriage of John Kent and Mary Griswold nor of any persons whatever
Chas. A. G. Brigham.
State of Connecticut
County of Hartford ss. Enfield December 29 th 1853
Then personally appeared Chas. A. G. Brigham subscriber of the above certificate and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me
Abiel Johnson Justice of Peace

I Elizabeth Morrison of Enfield county of Hartford and State of Connecticut doth depose and say that she is seventy four years old That on or about the first part of December in the year of seventeen hundred ninety seven or seventeen hundred ninety eight but which I cannot now determine I was present at the marriage of Mr. John Kent and Mary Griswold - that the marriage was had at the house of Mr. Ichiel Griswold the father of Mary and was performed by the Rev. Mr. Nehemiah Prudden who was then the settled Minister of said Enfield
Elisabeth Morrison
State of Connecticut
County of Hartford ss. Enfield June 19 th 1832
Personally appeared Elizabeth Morrison subscribe to the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. And I further certify that the deponent is well known to me and that she sustains a good character for truth and veracity
Nehemiah Johnson Justice of Peace

I Jehiel Griswold of Enfield county of Hartford and State of Connecticut being of lawful age do testify and say that he is seventy seven years of age that he has always resided in said Enfield from the time of his earliest recollection — That on or about the Seventh (7 th ) day of December seventeen hundred ninety seven (1797) he was present at the marriage of Mr. John Kent (then of Stafford in Tolland county) and of Mary Griswold his sister. The marriage took place at the house of his father in said Enfield and the ceremony was performed by the Rev. Mr. Nehemiah Prudden then the settled Minister at said Enfield. And further that they the said John Kent and Mary his wife soon after removed to Washington in the State of Massachusetts where they continued to reside till the death of Mr. Kent. And further the deponent saith not. his  Jehiel Griswold mark
In presence of A. Johnson State of Connecticut
County of Hartford ss. Enfield June 19 th 1852
Personally appeared Jehiel Griswold subscribed to the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me And I further certify that the deponent is well known to me and that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity
Nathaniel Johnson Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut,
County of New Bedford. J. S. J. Chauncy Leonard, Clerk of the County Court within and for said County, (a Court of Record, having a Seal) do hereby certify that Nicholas Johnson is, and was on the 19 th day of June A.D. 1852, a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned. — That I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and that the signatures to the within and foregoing certificates, are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of said Court at New Bedford in said County, this 5 th day of July, A.D. 1852. Chauncy Leonard, Clerk

Worth Becket Jan 9th 1854
Dear Sir
Enclosed is the Pension papers of Mrs. Kent if they should be satisfac- tory you will please send her certificate to me at Worth Becket
Yours Respectfully
Timothy Snow

North Berket Sept 22 d , 1853
Dear Sir
— one year ago last July Widow Mary Kent of Washington Berkeley Co sent a declaration and two affidavits proving her marriage & shortly after an affidavit proving the death of her late Husband John Kent who was a pensioner of the Revolution. She never has heard from them. She feels anxious to know something about them. If there should be any thing more wanting; by giving information she will have it attended to.
Yours Affectionately
Timothy Snow
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Worth Becket August 12th 1852
Dear Sir
Enclosed is the Affidavit of De Alvaah Cassus. It might have been stated that he was Deacon of the Congregational Church in the town of Washington and that he kept a Diary and was at the house at or soon after the death of Mr Kent. If any thing should be wanting please inform
Respectfully yours
Yr. Truly Sincere
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.
P.S. The declaration & other papers of Mr. Kent was mailed about the middle of July to which this is to accompany
Y. Sincere

Worth Becket July 14 th 1832
Dear Sir
Enclosed is the papers to obtain the pension of Mrs. Kent if there should be any thing wanting please inform me and it shall be attended to Yours from yours most Respectfully
Timothy Snow
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City Dist Columbia
P.S. I believe there is one certificate wanting which I expected would be with the papers but I will obtain it and forward it to you soon
T. Snow

Pension Office. October 11. 1853.
Sir.
The informal application of Mary Kent, widow of John, of Mass. has been filed under the Act of 29 th July 1848. I enclose a form for a declaration, to be used by her. The date of her husband's death must be shown by a Certificate of Court, the Court shewing upon what testimony it bases its certificate, giving names and residences of the witnesses. The date of her marriage must be established by record, public or private, or its absence accounted for, in which event, the witnesses adduced to show when it occurred, must be able to show how they are enabled to fix it at a particular date.
I am respectfully Your Obedt Servt J. Cole.
Timothy Snow. Esq. North Becket. Mass.
for Commission.

Brief in the case of Mary Kent widow of John County and State of Mass act 25 July 1848
Claim, ("original," or " for increase. ")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was pensioned under act of 1832 at $80 per annum (vide his paper for proof of service) Parol of marriage, Elizabeth Morrison. Tamar Thompson, Amos Crane v c for identity of marriage
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
Timothy Snow Esq North Beckett Mass
Thornton D. Peck Examining Clerk.

Mary Kent, widow of John Mass adm d . 29 July 1848 2 yrs pri $80 per annum from 18th Feb y 1852, when he died ,
Out to Timothy Snowdy North Becket Mass

No. 1148
Mary Kent
widow of
John. Mass
ad 29 July 1848

State of Massachusetts Berkshire County } ss
On this thirteenth day of July A. D. 1852 personally appeared before the Judge of Probate of the county aforesaid Mary Kent a resident of Washington in the county of Berkshire aforesaid aged seventy eight 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 the Twenty ninth day of July 1840 & granting pensions to certain widows that she is the widow of John Kent of Massachusetts who was a private in the army of the Revolution that he received a pension of eighty dollars per annum for which he had a certificate given August 27th 1833 No 21264 She further declares that he was married to John Kent on the seventeenth day of December seventeen hundred and ninety seven that her husband the aforesaid John Kent died on the eighteenth day of February in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty two that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January eighteen hundred and fifty two at the time above stated. Mary he made Kent sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written Before
Daniel N Dewey Judge of Probate

The Proposition of Joseph Kent to be used when wanted

these Certify that John Kent was an enlisted soldier for the town of Stafford in the Continental army in the year 1781 for the term of 3 years and I always under- stood that he served 3 years and was honourably discharged Stafford December 17 th 1818 Nathan Johnson
the deposition of Joseph Kent of Lanesfield age 68 testifies and says that his brother John Kent enlisted into the Continental service in the year 1781 for 3 years in the same Company with me and was honourably discharged at the end of 3 years which was in the year 1784 Joseph Kent
Gatland County ss Stafford December 17 th 1818 Personally appeared Joseph Kent signor of the above deposition and made solemn oath to the truth thereof before me Nathan Johnson justice of peace

Washington D.C. July 15 th - 1833
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Washington. John Hunt of Washington in said County who being duly sworn deposes & states that by reason of old age & the emigration loss of memory he cannot state all the particulars in relation to his service but he can state positively & from recollection that he served from June 1781 - to January first 1784 making a period of three years & seven months, that he served during the whole of said time of time as a private in the Army of the Revolution on the Continental establishment - that in June 1781, he enlisted as a private as stated in his declaration which to which there is an addition & served in Captain Hodges Company of Light Dragoons (although the company was called Dragoons) & served one year - In June 1782 & two days before the expiration of the above period of time, he enlisted for three years as a private on the Continental establishment in the company commanded by Lt. Saunders as stated in his 1 st declaration & that he served from the first day of June 1782 until January first 1784 - he has given the names of his officers in his said declaration under whom he served, his last period of service that is to say after his second enlistment from June 1782 to January 1784 that his service was as follows, he enlisted at the Highlands, & was on the line until November following the most of the time at Croton River, Pine Bridge - New Bridge & some times in Camp & some times out as a Scout after November & until December was on guard duty & Regimental duty, in December the Regiment via the 5 th to which he belonged was engaged out & he was transferred to the S. A. C. - & remained in quarters for the winter at a place called Continental Village - 10 miles below Fort Point & continued there until the 10 th of June 1783. His

business then & the occasion of his remaining at the last mentioned was to take care of some pack loading from that place - he went on to West Point remained there until fall he then went to Fort Put where he remained until January when he was dismissed while at the Point he worked at building & repairing Fort dismounting Cannon & putting them under cover -
29 Oct 1832 Fort
Service to
Major on List of Filley Lieut - Colonel
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester, ss. I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Lister Filley Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well ac- quainted with his hand writing, and have no doubt that the Sig- nature annexed to said deposition is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix- ed the seal of said Court this twenty third day of July A. D. 1832.
Henry W. Bishop - Register Probate.

I hereby certify that in September 1832 William G Bellentini Esquire & co. since a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Berkshire made oath to a Deposition to be used in the Pension application of John Hunt before me, & that I am well acquainted with said Bellentini that he was at the time of making said Deposition a Credible Witness. I also certify that in the same month of September 1832 the Rev. Calib Thistle of Washington made oath to a Deposition to be used in the Pension application of said John Hunt before me, & that he was at that time & now is an respectable Congregational Clergyman of the Presbyterian order & is and was at that time a Credible Witness.
Timothy Snow Jus of Peace
Berkshire County ss.
July 15 th 1832.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss. I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Timothy Snow Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well ac- quainted with his hand writing, and have no doubt that the Sig- nature annexed to said deposition is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix- ed the seal of said Court this twelve  thirti day of July A. D. 1832.
Henry W. Bishop - Register Probate

I William G. Ballantine of Washington in the County of Dickinson & Commonwealth of Mass- achusetts do hereby certify that I am / am acting Justice of the peace in the Town of Washington County of Dickinson that I have been acquainted with John Hunt of Washington about thirty years, that he is respected & believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revo- lutionary soldier & I concur in that opinion. I believe his age is about 68 years. Mr Hunt is a respectable man & a man of color. His character may be relied on Wm G. Ballantine
Dickinson J. P. Sept. 1832 Thus the above named William G. Ballantine Esquire made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed before me.
Miss Abby Snow
Jus. Peace
Ms. f. v. am.

I Caleb Knight of Washington in the County of- Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby say that I am a Chigymen in the town of Washington affirmed that I have been acquainted with John Root of Washington about thirty years that the said John is respected & beloved in the neighbourhood in which he lives to have been a Revolutionary Soldier & I am in the opinion I should think from the appearance of John & other circumstances that his age is about 68 years & I further testify that said John is a respectable citizen of Washington & in my opinion entitled to credit is considered a man of truth & veracity -
Caleb Knight
Berkshire ss. Sept. 1832
I then the above named Caleb Knight made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed -
Defendant
Timothy Snow John Root
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss.
I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Timothy Snow Esquire, before whom the annexed depositions were taken is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well ac- quainted with his hand writing, and have no doubt that the Sig- natures annexed to said deposition are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix- ed the seal of said Court this fifth day of October
A. D. 1832.
Henry W. Bishop - Register of Probate

I Ezra Sibley of the Town of Manchester in the County of Berkshire - I do hereby certify that I have been admitted to the freedom of the said Town and have been ever since the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourty two a true and faithful soldier in the Massachusetts War between this County and Great Britain for the time of the years and his duty, during that time as a Private Soldier in the Regiment commanded by Col. Sherman of New Haven Cont. which was the fifth Regiment and further the Department hath not
Ezra Sibley
Berkshire ss.
On the fourth day of December A.D. On the thousand eight hundred and eighteen - the aforesaid Regiment was examined and each and several agreeable to laws to the Department aforesaid by him subscribed and taken at the request of the above named Col. Kent & to be used before every proper Magistrate to him the same.
Given by me Jasper Morgan Clerk of the

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire ss: Parker L. Hall Atty. of the Judicial Courts within & for the County of Berkshire, do certify Lattest that Jasper Morgan Esq r is a Justice of the peace within & for the same County duly commissioned & acting under the authority of this Commonwealth - and that the within appears to be his Signature.
In testimony whereof I have here to set my hand & affixed the seal of said County this 2 o day of November 1820.
Parker L. Hall Atty. of the Judicial Courts.
Essex County

Amasa Dinnick of Ellington in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut of lawful age do testify and say that Solomon Kent formerly of Stafford in said County of Tolland but now of Washington, County of Berkshire State of Massachusetts enlisted into the Continental Army in the army of the Revolution in the year 1781 for three years and served two years in the same Reg- iment with me and was honorable discharged with me at West Point in the year 1784 And that in the year 1818 I was well acquainted with Nathan Johnson of Stafford aforesaid since deceased, have frequently seen him write and have personal knowledge that he officiated during said year of 1818 as a Justice of the Peace for said Tolland County and that the Deposition of Joseph Kent taken before said Nathan Johnson on the 17th day of December 1818 and the certificate of said Johnson appended thereto is in the handwriting of said Johnson and said Johnson's signature thereto is in my opinion genuine and further the Deposition recited not dated at Tolland this 20th day of October 1831 Amasa Dinnick
Tolland County ss. town of Tolland October 20. 1831 Personally appeared Amasa Dinnick the signer of the above Deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me.
Loren O. Waldo Justice of Peace

Tolland County ss Clerk's office
I Jeremiah Parish Clerk of Tolland County Court do certify that Loren P. Waldo Esq. before whom the within deposition of Amasa Dimmick was sworn is and for more than three years last past has been a Justice of Peace in Tolland County & legally qualified & authorized to administer oaths and that his signature to the within certificate is in his own proper hand writing I also certify that Nathan Johnson - named in the within Deposition was a Justice of Peace in sd Tolland County during the year 1818 - In testimony whereof I
have hereunto set my hand & the seal of sd County Court at Tolland this 20th day of October AD 1831
Jeremiah Parish Clerk

I Nereiah Griswold of Enfield county of Hartford State of Connecticut do depose and say that I am now sixty years of age wanting two months - That I was present at the marriage of John Kent and Mary Griswold but cannot tell the year but am quite certain it was before 1800 as I was quite a small boy - I have in my possession the Bible that my father had before his death in which there are some of the family Records of Deaths but there is no record of the marriage of my sister Mary with Mr. Kent or of any other member of the family and I do not believe there is any such family record in existence except the one in my possession I am the brother of the said Mary Kent have always lived in this town and if there had been any other family record I must have known it. Dated at Enfield this 28 th day of December 1853
Hezekiah Griswold
State of Connecticut
County of Hartford } Enfield December 28 1853
Then personally appeared Hezekiah Griswold subscriber to the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me - And I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said deponent and that he is a credible witness
Sholiah Johnson Justice of Peace

I Elizabeth Morison of Enfield county of Hartford State of Connecticut do depose and say that I am seventy five years of age - That I was present at the marriage of John Kent and Mary Griswold - That the wedding was had at the house of Ichiel Griswold the father of the said Mary in said Enfield - That the Reverend Nhemiah Prudden was the Minister who performed the ceremony - That there were quite a number of people then present - That the said Wedding took place some time before I was married but precisely how long I do not remember it might have been three years - I went to the wedding in company with Robert Morison and rode on horseback behind him and I was married to the said Robert Morison on the Eighth day of January eighteen hundred and one.
I was well acquainted with John Kent for several years both before and after his marriage. He had his home at my brothers, (Col. William Thompson) for some years before he married and after his marriage he occasionally visited there with his wife. Dated at Enfield this 28 th day of December 1853
Elizabeth Morison
State of Connecticut
County of Hartford ss. Enfield December 28 th 1853
Then personally appeared Elizabeth Morison subscriber to the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me - And I further certify that I am well acquainted with the deponent and that she is a credible witness
Aboliah Johnson Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut { County of Hartford } Clerk's Office Hartford
I Nathl Eaton Clerk of the County Court for said County, Keeper of the Seal thereof and of the Commission of Justices of the Peace therefor hereby Certify that on the 1 st Monday in April 1852 Abiah Johnson was duly elected a Justice of the Peace for said County for the full term of two years from the 4 th day of July 1852, that he has been duly sworn and is authorized & empowered by the laws of this State to administer oaths &c, and that I know the two signatures appended to the foregoing Certificate & purporting to be his, are both genuine
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my name & affix the Seal of said Court This 5 th day of January 1852
Nathl Eaton Clerk