Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26,794, for Joseph Jepherson, Massachusetts

SERVICE
SERVICE Mass Navy.
Jepherson, Joseph Ruth
NUMBER _____
W. 26.794
CONTENTS

2 Certs. 1838 1843 4/4 3 repo
6475 Montpelier Vermont
Ruth Stephenson, widow of Joseph Stephenson, who was a Corporal and Marine, in the Rev. War.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 60 Dollars 82 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5. day of Dec. 1841 and sent to
Hon. W. Parmelee House of Representatives
[Act of March 3, 1843.] and June 17, 1844.
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 64

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
WORCESTER COUNTY, ss.
I, Joseph G. Kendall  William Jennison, Assistant Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify, That Berelell Taft and Warren Humes, Esquires,  are Justices of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that his  their signatures to the certificates on the depositions of Ameriah Taft and Gedaliah Gepherson, — hereunto annexed, are  were genuine.
Given under my hand, and the Seal of said County, this Second day of May, — in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty four,
William Jennison, Assistant Clerk as aforesaid.

I Jedediah Sipheran of Douglas in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age do depose and say I was a private in the Revolutionary war. I served two months under Levi Aldrich Captain at Dorchester Massachusetts. This service was performed when the British were in Boston - I and my Brother Joseph Sipheran entitled under John Carrick Capt. Ebenezer Marsh Lieutenant, & Nathan White Sergeant and we both served under them six or eight months, whether six or eight months service was performed under the aforesaid Officers I cannot tell certain, but do recollect we both did perform all the service we entered to, under the aforesaid enlistment at Watertown Massachusetts. I and my Brother Joseph aforesaid entitled under Capt. Sibley of Sutton Lieut. Ebenezer Marsh of Douglas & Nathan White Sergeant all in Massachusetts to serve six months. We, I and my said Brother Joseph under said Sibley went to Rhode Island and served said six months; We served in the Regiment of one Col. Whitney I think - My said Brother Joseph served as corporal in all the above named services of service. - I and my said Brother Joseph both enlisted as aforesaid after we came back from Rhode Island, I think it was after we returned from Rhode Island, under Captain Samuel Tucker of Marblehead Massachusetts to go a crossing voyage to France in the ship Boston; and my said Brother Joseph sailed on board of said ship under said Captain Tucker to France; we had on board with us John Adams and his son John Q. Adams who have since held the office of President of the United States

we left both of the Adams in France, and we returned home after a course of two months.
I am now a Navy seaman and an army pensioner for the aforesaid service; in the whole of which service my said Brother Joseph Jefferson was engaged with me including the my two months service at Dorchester at which place my said Brother Joseph was with me during the whole time I was there, & served as Corporal.
My said Brother Joseph was either drafted or enlisted after we returned from sea; under Captain Prascollust of Watertown Massachusetts & 90 to Rhode Island but he said Joseph did not go. he hired my Brother Joseph to go in his stead, all the aforesaid service of my said Brother Joseph was performed during the Revolutionary war.
My said Brother Joseph after his aforesaid service in the aforesaid war set himself to labor on the farm of one Jacob in Killingly in State of Connecticut, for the term of six months after which term had expired he & myself went to at Watertown & hired the farm of one Ruth Emerson and same term previous to this time; in or about the year A. 1779 my said Brother Joseph was married to one Ruth Emerson a daughter of the aforesaid Ruth Emerson.
I was not at the wedding although I was invited - I think it took place in March April or May I think in the year A. 1779.
I am now I am now eighty four years of age and my memory does not enable me

To state my said brother Joseph's services in said war more fully than I have herein before stated
between my hands this first day of May at Douglas aforesaid in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 44
signed by the said Joseph Stephen by his his mark making his mark as herein appears, in presence of — L. B. Guernsey
Worcester ss. May 1. 1844 Then personally appeared the above named Joseph Stephen and made oath the foregoing deposition by him subscribed is true
Before me Warren Haines, Justice of the Peace

The intention of Marriage between Joseph Jefferson of Killingsley & Ruth Emerson of Uxbridge was granted March 14 th 1779. and are here entered in order for their Marriage Benaiah Taft Town Clerk
Uxbridge April 30 th 1844 I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of an original record in the registry of publications & marriages in the Town of Uxbridge. State of Massachusetts and I further certify that there is an entire omission of marriages solemnized in said Town (with the exception of one in 1775 - one in 1776 and one in 1777) from Sept r 22 d 1774 to the 8 th of June 1781 - and that the marriage of said Joseph & Ruth if consummated is not included in said exceptions, until Sept r 1774 and subsequent to June 1781 - the record appears to be regularly made & generally corresponds with the record of publications
Amariah Taft Town Clerk
Worcester ss On this 1 st day of May A.D. 1844 Amariah Taft above named made oath to the truth of the foregoing cer- tificate by him signed & he further testified that he had been duly chosen Town Clerk in & for said Town of Uxbridge & duly sworn to a faithful discharge of the duties of said office before me Benaiah Taft Justice of the Peace

6253
Rachel Jefferson widow of Joseph Vt.
Act 4 July 1836 7 mo. 15. ds pri 10 - Marine
as suggested - kept within the scope of the subject - and

State of Vermont Windsor County ss.
On this sixth day of June A.D. 1844 personally appeared before the Hon. George E. Wales Judge of the court of Probate for the District of Hartford in said state and county the same being a court of Record Ruth Tipherson a resident of Rochester in the said District recently come State of Vermont aged eighty six 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 4 th 1836: That she is the widow of Joseph Tipherson deceased, who was a corporal and mariner in the war of the Revolution according to the best of her knowledge and belief as follows: That he enlisted and marched from the town of Douglas, Vermont early in the war and served some two months or more, I believe at Bennington, as I well recollect knowing him often speak of leaving there; he was a corporal in that service, his captain's name was Levi Albee. He afterwards enlisted, I believe as a corporal, for eight months under Captain John Carrill, Ebenezer Marsh (or Nash) Lieutenant and one Nathaniel White Sergeant and served at Ticonderoga Mass. I well recollect the particulars of this service, my husband wrote me from Nantasket, while on that service, his letter was delivered to me by his Lieutenant, Ebenezer Nash; He again enlisted for six months as a corporal and went to Philadelphia and served, in my belief the whole time, his Lieutenant was the same Ebenezer Nash, familiarly called "Old Nash", his captain was from Sutton, his name I believe was Selby his colonel was I believe Whitney if not, his regiment was called Whitney's regiment. At the close of the year 1777 my said husband and his brother Jeremiah Tipherson enlisted as mariners on board the ship Boston commanded by Capt. Tucker of Marblehead to carry John Adams and sail to France, he was absent on this voyage about ten months. In all my said husband's service I believe he acted as a corporal or sergeant - Hept while on board the ship Boston - and

In a few months after his return from France I was married to him, after our marriage we lived at Uxbridge Mass. After our marriage my husband was out twice on a moon on all arms from Rhode Island - He was a master and hired his brother Jacob to take his place - on the next alarm when it was reported the enemy threatened to become some place in Rhode Island my husband the said Joseph D. Johnson volunteered to go in a company commanded as we were nearest under & believe by Capt. Beriah Root of the Bridge I do not recollect any other of his officers I believe in the same company with him was two of my neighbors, Bartlett Albas and Elias Ats, soldiers of the Bridge. He went in said company to Rhode Island where the American troops were gathered to intercept that caused the enemy to abandon its attempt, my husband on this service expected an engagement but none was had he was gone several days how long I cannot say I well recollect it was the first time he left me for the service after our marriage, I well recollect of not sleeping much if any the three first nights after he marched, on this service his brother Jacob staid at home with me to take charge of the business - not long after this he again volunteered on a Rhode Island alarm under the same captain Root as I believe - I do not recollect the names of any of his officers or of the privates. He was gone on this expedition but a few days two or three at least & perhaps more, the alarm proved a false one & he soon returned, I cannot be so certain that his captain on this last service was Root as I am that he was on the first Rhode Island alarm.
I further declare that I was married to the said Joseph D. Johnson in the year 1779 on or about the month of February I am pretty sure it was that month at the Bridge Mass. by Mr. Newcomb Chapman, the congregational clergyman of Uxbridge, I have no record of my marriage my said husband Joseph D. Johnson died on the 17 th day of March 1813, and I have remained unmarried, and a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. Ruth D. Johnson

State of Vermont
Windsor County ss } Rochester 6 th June 1844 Probate District of Hartford }
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written and this 6 June 1844, and I further certify that from great age and bodily infir- mity the applicant is unable to appear in open court for this cause this declaration is taken at her private residence.
George E. Wales, Judge.
State of Vermont } Hartford District }
I Oel Billings Register of the Court of Probate of the District of Hartford aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Ruth Depherson for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at Woodstock in said District this 6 th day of June A. 1844
Oel Billings Register.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
December 11, 1936.
Walter P. Fleming, 13243 E. Warren at Coplin, Detroit, Mich.
Sir:
I have to advise you, that from the papers in the pension claim, W. 26794, it appears that Joseph Jepherson, (also called Jefferson) was born in 1753, or 1754, place not stated.
He enlisted at Douglass, Worcester County, Massachusetts, early in the Revolution and served two months as Corporal in Captain Levi Aldrich's Mass., Company, dates not stated.
He served from May 15, 1776, to January 1, 1777, as Corporal in Captain John Carriel's Mass., Company. He served six months as Corporal in Captain Sibley's Company, Colonel Whitney's Mass., Regiment, dates not stated.
In December 1777, he entered as mariner on the Ship, Boston, Captain Samuel Tucker, they conveyed John Adams to France. He served ten months.
After this he was out on an alarm to Rhode Island, in Captain Bezaliel Taft's Mass., Company. Dates not stated.
The intention of marriage between Joseph Jepherson of Killingly and Ruth Emerson of Uxbridge, Mass., was dated

March 14, 1779. She was the daughter of Ruth Emerson, the names of her father and the soldier's parents are not on record. They lived at Uxbridge after their marriage. He died March 17, 1813, place not stated.
The widow Ruth was allowed pension on her application executed June 6, 1844, while living at Rochester, Windsor County, Vermont, aged eighty-six years. It is not stated whether they had children.
He had brothers Jedediah and Jacob.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

Aug
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26794
Kent Jefferson
Wid of
Joseph Jefferson
Caspl Revo War
Act Mar 3rd 1843 June 19th 1844
Index: Vol A , Page 374
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1909. Jan 4. Hist. to W. A. Fleming v. S. M. 1909. Mar 29. Hist. to Walter P. Fleming v. S. M. 1926. Dec. 11. Hist. to Walter P. Fleming. au

Brainerd, Minn., December 14th, 1908.
Hon. V. Warner,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
The name of the soldier whom I inquired for and to which you very kindly answered, enclosed, was Joseph Jeperson or Jepherson and not Jedediah . They were brothers, as I understand it. I wish you would give me the same line of information as to Joseph Jepherson.
I have no claim on account of soldier. He was my great-grand father, as I suppose, and I want to make proof so as to join the Sons of the Revolution. I think that this Joseph died in Rochester, Vt. If he is the one I think he is I shall be pleased to know it. Kindly give me the data mentioned and the names of all relatives found in the record. Thanking you in advance for the courtesy, I am,
Yours truly,
N. A. Fleming
DW File 26,724 Ward Bath Mass Line Oct 2/8914 Joseph Jepherson

6253
Ruth Johnson
VI
Letter to Hon. W. Purnama 8. Oct. 44
do do Oct. 29 - 1844 -
act 4 July 1836

8914
Montpelier Vermont
Ruth Iepherson widow of Joseph Iepherson who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 17 March 1813 of Windsor in the State of Vt who was a Cor. V. Mar. in the Co commanded by Captain Carriel of the navy commanded by in the line for 7 Mo 15 Ds Corp 10 " Marine
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier at the rate of 100 Dollars 82 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of Dec 1844 and sent to Hon W Parmenter No of Reps
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by F. G. Swan Clerk, Book A Vol. 1 Page 131

N o 11. f 89 act 1838. Ruth Jefferson ve Mass
act 7. July 38 adm d Cook 7 mo. 150s fire 10. ——— Mann
58. 33. $60. 82
also act March 43.
58. 33. $60. 82
N o act 1843 - 6755 " " 1844 - 306
Hm W Parmenter W.O.

State of Vermont Windsor County
Be it known that on this nineteenth day of November A.D. 1844 personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for said County and duly qualified to administer oaths, Rachel Peterson a resident of Rochester in the County and State aforesaid being 86 years of age who on her oath represents and declares that she is the widow of Joseph Peterson deceased and the identical person named in a declaration for a pension made by her on the 6 th day of June now last past (1844) before the Hon. George E. Wales, judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Hartford, in order to obtain the benefit of the laws of Congress passed on the 4 th day of July A.D. 1836
And whereas she understands that her claim under said act has been disallowed on the account of the services performed by her said husband after marriage not being made satisfactorily to appear to the commissioner of pensions and being unable at present to procure any additional testimony in support of the same and being anxious to receive what amount she may be entitled to by the subsequent laws of Congress, she now waives her right to a pension under the law of July 4 th 1836 and respectfully prays that her claim may be adjusted under the law of July 7 th 1838 and that a certificate may be issued under said act in accordance with the letter from the commissioner of Pensions

Pensions of the late Not intending by this application to deprive herself of any just and equitable right which she may have to a pension under the laws of 1830, if the same can at any future time be made satisfactory to officers. And she further declares that she is still a widow.
with DeShannon
Sworn and subscribed by said Ruth DeShannon who has long been personally well known to me to be the person above described, on the day and year above described.
Sumner A. Webber Justice of the Peace.
State of Vermont } I, Norman Williams Clerk of the County Windsor County } Court of the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont do hereby certify that Sumner A. Webber is an acting justice of the Peace in and for said County of Windsor, duly com- missioned and qualified - that his commission is dated on the 31 st day of October A.D. 1843 and will expire on the last day of November instant and that his signa- ture to the certificate above written is genuine. Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at Woodstock in said County, this 21 st day of November A.D. N. Williams, Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston July 23. 1844,
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Henry Chapin was a justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester, and Lowell M. Stone was a justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to their 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.

I, John Stephenson, of Uxbridge, in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do on my oath testify and declare - that I am in the Eighty-fifth year of my age; that I performed service in the army of the Revolutionary War, for which I am a Pensioner under the provisions of the law of June 7th, 1832.
And I do further testify and declare - that I have nearly always resided in said Uxbridge and resided there in the period of time embraced in the Revolutionary War, - and I well know that Joseph Stephenson late of Rochester in the State of Vermont, deceased, also resided in said Uxbridge during part of said War, and I have always since understood and believed that he was legally married to Ruth Emerson, also then of said Uxbridge, sometime in the course of said War, and have no doubt whatever of that alleged fact, as they lived together as man and wife, and had the reputation of being respectable people.
Witnessed by The word "then" being first interlined. James Gayson
John his  mark Stephenson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss. Uxbridge, July 19th, 1844. County of Worcester ...
Then personally appeared the above named John Stephenson, a credible witness, and subscribed the above affidavit, and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the same -
Before me, Henry Chapin, Justice of the Peace.

I, John Orcutt, of Uxbridge, in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, depose and say—that I am the regular Pastor of the Congregational Church of said Uxbridge, which was formerly under the Pastoral Care of Rev. Hezekiah Chapman, deceased—the identical minister who it is alleged married the late Joseph Stephenson to Ruth Emerson.
I also further depose and say—that I have the care and custody of the Marriage Records of said Church, and on a critical examination of said Records I find that there are no insertions of marriages upon them between the dates of October 5th, 1743 and November 29th 1792,—October the sixth seven hundred and forty-three and November the twenty-ninth seven hundred and ninety-two.
John Orcutt
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. } ss. Uxbridge, July 19th, 1844. County of Worcester — — — }
Then personally appeared Rev. John Orcutt, above named, who is well known to me personally as the Pastor he above represents himself to be, and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed—
Before me, Henry Chapin, Justice of the Peace.

I Mary Garrison of Boston, in the county of Suffolk, & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy five years on oath testify and say, that I am the widow of the late William Garrison of this city who died on the 21 st day of December last past aged eighty seven years. My said husband served as I have often heard him state in the Army & Navy of the Revolution for the term of nearly three years. In the year 1776. or 7. he entered on board the M.S. Frigate Boston then under the command of Hector Mc. Neill Esq r - in '77. was engaged in the capture of the British Frigate Rox on the Newfoundland station & acted in different capacities under Capt. Rich d Palmer of the Marines until orders were rec d . from the Navy Board to man and fit the ship for sea when he rec d . a Commission as Lieutenant of Marines under the com= mand of said Palmer & proceeded to Europe with his Excellency J r . Adams.
I find in my husband's Journal the following account of what relates to this period of his services and I here give true and exact extracts therefrom at the request of and for the benefit of

the widow of one Joseph Jefferson who as I understand is now a resident of the State of Vermont and an applicant for a pension under the law of 1836.
1777. Jan. 14. Entered in the Boston Brigade, Hecht. M c Neil.
Feb. 10 as Midshipman & Sergt. of Marines 42/ month " + x x + + + + x + + x
June 5. Took the Port frigate Capt. Brothingham 24. Guns on the Banks of Newfoundland. y y x x x x
Aug. 23. arrived in Boston Harbour.
Sept 15. Rec d . a furlough of 10. days. x y v
Dec. 5. Summoned as Witness vs. Capt. Mc Neil at John Mansons. Bunch of Grapes.
" 25 Samuel Tucker appointed a Capt. of the Ship Boston.
" 26 Mr. Garrison appointed a Lieut. of Marines by the Eastern Navy Board.
" 27. Having rec d 200. dollars Mr. J. proceeded to Douglass with 3 Recruits
Joseph Jefferson Joh. Briskell } for the Boston. John Greene
1778. Jan. 29. Rec d . Diploma from President Langdon.
Feb. 13. Rec d . John Adams & Suit on board. xx
15 Put out to sea, & anchored in Marblehead.
16 Went to sea. + + +
Apr. 4. His Excellency Mr. Adams & suit left the ship for Paris. x x x

Oct 15 Expied Land - made Cape Ann. Anchored in Port B. Harv.
22 Arrived at Marblehead.
23 arrived & moored ship in Boston Harbour. x x
Nov. 14. M r J. was appointed Master of the Boston by the Eastern Navy Board."
The foregoing are true and exact extracts from the journal of my said husband which is now in my possession. I have often heard him relate his services while on board said ship & of his being urged by Pres t Adams to resign his commission & act as his private Secy.
I know nothing personally of Joseph Jefferson or of Ruth Jefferson his widow for whose benefit this affidavit is taken. My husband's father, Dr. M r Garrison, was a resident of Douglass & owned a farm there which probably accounts for his going to that town to enlist recruits for the Boston Brigade.
My husband was a pensioner until his death at $20.00 per month which took place in Boston Dec r 24, 1843.
and further I say not Mary Garrison

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Suffolk County } ss.
On this 19 th day of July 1844. personally came Mary Jennison and made oath that the within affidavit by her subscribed is true, and I further certify that I believe her to be a credible witness and fully entitled to belief. From personal knowledge of the hand writing of the late Mrs. Jennison I also am fully satisfied that it is an original and genuine document.
Attest Lowell Mr. Stone Just. Pleas for Suff. Co.

East Cambridge July 26. 1849
Sir
Enclosed are papers of Mrs Ruth Jefferson an applicant for Pension under law of 1836. As she is deficient in positive proof of service after her husband after service she requests that the bill of Capt. Nathaniel Taft which is supposed to be in possession of the Department may be examined.
Respectfully
Frederick Douglass
Your Obedient Servant
James L. Edwards Esq.

East Cambridge Oct 24. 1844
Sir
I refer to your letter to me of 8th inst on case of Ruth Jefferson -
The parties request another examination of the claims for service of two months at Dartmouth under capt Levi Aldrich & six months at Rhode Island under capt Silas of Sutton - They are of opinion that the strength of their testimony has not been fully appreciated -
If however the Department should not be satisfied that she is not entitled under the Act of 1831 to that share they are willing until they can obtain satisfactory testimony to receive a certificate under the Law of 1838 as suggested in your letter but they desire the new declaration to be dispersed with Mrs Jefferson lives in Vermont and her declaration heretofore sent covers the whole ground required by Act of 1838.
I am very respectfully
James L. Edwards Esq
Yr obed servt J. P. Mansfield

Washington Decr 2. 1844
Sir
I enclose the additional declaration of Mrs Ruth Jefferson as requested by your letter to me a short time since -
It is her wish that if there are any rolls of baptist Burial List on the files of the Department that they may be examined in reference to her case It is also requested that the certificate under the Law of 1843 may be issued as soon as that under 1838
Respectfully J. A. Bedwell J. P. Kennedy
James L. Edwards Esq Bureau of Pensions

Los Angeles Cal.
March 10, 1909.
Hon. V. Warner . .
Pension Dept., Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
In seeking for proof of my having had a forefather who enlisted in the Revolution, I have been advised by W.A. Fleming, Attorney, Brainerd, Minn., to write you concerning the record of one, Joseph Jefferson, who enlisted from Massachusetts in the year, 1776.
I desire this information that I may be able to become a member of the sons of the Revolution, and make more complete a record of my family.
Expressing my sincere thanks in advance, I beg to remain,
Yours very truly,
Walter P. Fleming. 420 So Spring St.

Walter P. Fleming, Inc.
Lincoln Ford Fordson
THE UNIVERSAL CAR SALES & SERVICE
13243 E. WARREN AT COPLIN
DETROIT, MICH.
October 11th. 1926
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen;
Returned → Enclosed find letter under date of Oct. 7th., received from Robert C. Davis, Major General. Also letter written by me regarding record of, one, Joseph Jefferson. or Jepperson
Any information you can give me regarding same will be much appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Walter P. Fleming.
W.P.F.
WPF/JG

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
No. 126
Secretary's Office, May 11 1874
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 Joseph Sapherson of Douglas, with the 1st Regiment of Artillery is found upon the rolls of Capt. Preble from May 23 1775 to January 1777 as a corporal.
72nd
There are no rolls of the State Regiment in the Office, and Capt. Preble's Regiment or Capt. Tilton's or any other in the declaration.
The name of Joseph Sapherson is found upon a roll of the 1st Reg. Inf'ty as described in the declaration.

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 which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
W. H. Swift Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Jefferson, Joseph Mass W 26/1924

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES, MADE BY THE WIDOW OF THE PARTY WHO RENDERED THE SERVICE.
Widow Phebe Gepherson of the State of Vermont County of Windsor Town of Rochester
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of my husband's service in the war of the Revolution. Joseph Gepherson sometimes spelt Gifferson
He enlisted from the town of Worcester  Shrewsbury in the County of Worcester (Gloucester) and State of Massachusetts in the year March 1777-1778 as a in the Company commanded by Captain Ebenezer D. Dutton of William White Fort Sergeant of the Company Regiment and he served as follows,* viz:—
As near as I can recollect I was married February 1779 in the in the season of service next before my marriage my husband was out on this right 7 months service I am of the impression that he was a sergeant or corporal I do not recollect the name of his captain or of his regiment - Previous to this service, he had been in the sea service in the ship Boston in which he went to France in which I think John Adams with him some John Greenway Adams went to France - on reflection I am of the opinion that the 8 months service was before his going to France my husband was in the service with my husband in service  service  when  when in the  the  service  service  when  when in the Hospital his brother was sent on night, with a Dr. Dole on to a height to watch the enemy who had designed on their other side they built a fort a shot on the night of a cannon ball killed Dr. Dole - at this time my husband was in the service - After my marriage my husband was drafted or otherwise went to Brattleboro under the same officers where he remained until the war was over - then  then proceeded his brother Isaac to do a part of the service
*Here describe as fully as may be the length of service, the rank &c. of the soldier, or the capacity in which he served, and all other particulars known.

On reflection I am not certain when dropped to Providence the officers were the same on one term of service of my husband Capt. Barstow Foster U.S. Navy was his captain perhaps it was on this occasion - My husband was twenty five or twenty six years old in 1799 the time of our marriage
45. Joseph Jefferson L.B. Green 40 Brimfield Hall Cambridge
I am now            years old, and my memory does not enable me to state my husband's services more fully than above stated.
Witness my hand, this Seventh day of March A. D. 1844.
Signed by said Ruth in my presence,
} A. D. 1844
Sumner H. Webber JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
Jepherson, Joseph Mass. W26 1794