Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 9,799, for Eli Smith, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Smith Eli Mary C.
R 9799
CONTENTS
In 1818 son of Nathaniel, Norfolk Co. Mass. buried there Mar. 24, 1835 aged 70. Under side there July 1, 1833.

2288
Massachusetts
Eli Smith
of Medford in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] of the Regt commanded by Col [blank] in the Mass line for 1 Year 11 Mo 12 Days
Discharge copied from R. Baldwin, Nov 19. 1835. See letter.
Inscribed on the Roll of [blank] at the rate of 77 Dollars 98 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of Nov 1832 and [blank] Wan Dedham (sp) As to 14th of Sept 1832 $116.97 Pensional allowance ending [blank] 38.99 $155.96
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. H. [blank] Clerk, Book D Vol. 25 Page 83.

Eli Smith

I Eli Smith of Medfield in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts an applicant for a pension under the Act of June 7. th 1832 aged 70 years testify and say that I served more than two years as a private soldier in the Continental line of the Army of the Revolution in the Third Massachusetts Regiment in a company commanded by Capt. James Tisdale. That I was placed on the Pension Roll under the Act of March 18 th 1818 and was struck therefrom That I made application under the act of May 15 1828 to be restored but the ap- plication was rejected on account of some alleged defect of evidence respecting property That at the time of both applications my place of residence was Medfield aforesaid where it now is - All my evidence of service together with my discharge are supposed to be on file in the War Department. July 13 th 1832. Eli Smith
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Norfolk Ss. Then the above named Eli Smith a person worthy of full credit, personally appeared and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true this thirteenth of July AD 1832 Before me Daniel Adams Jus of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss
I James Ware Clerk of the Superior Court within and for the County of Norfolk hereby certify that Daniel Adams Esquire before whom the within subscription was made, is a Justice of peace in and for said County of Norfolk, duly appointed commissioner and qualified to perform the duties of said office and that his signature within is genuine and true being well acquainted therewith
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of said Commonwealth at Dedham, the first day of August A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
James Ware

The foregoing was the application of Eli Smith to be placed on the pension list under the act of June 1832. which was returned to me from the War Department with the letter accompanying the several accounts annexed
James Ware
No. 23 rd 1832.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, August 17 th 1834.
I Hereby Certify , That at the date of the annexed attestation H. S. Leland was Judge of Probate and Charles H. Mansart and H. S. Leland were Justices of the Peace for the County of Norfolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; 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.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of Massachusetts, Norfolk County, ss.
On this first day of August, eighteen hundred & fifty four, personally appeared in open court before the subscriber, Judge of Probate within & for said County, Noah Allen of Needham in said County, Executor of the last will & testament of Mary C. Smith, dec d late of said Needham, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the 2 d section of the act of 3 d February 1853.
That said Mary C. Smith was the widow of Eli Smith dec d , who was a revolutionary pensioner of the U. States, under the act of June 7. 1832 at the rate of $77.98 per an. & for proof thereof refers to the evidence on file in the Pension Office with his application under that act. - He further declares that said Mary C. Smith was married to the said Eli Smith at Dedham on the twenty fifth day of June, eighteen hundred & five. - That her name previous to her marriage was Mary C. Whitney. That said Eli Smith died on the twenty first day of March, eighteen hundred & thirty five. - That said Mary C. Smith died on the first day of July 1813 and that said Mary C. Smith was not married to said Eli Smith prior to the second day of January 1800, but at the time above stated. He further declares that said Mary C. Smith was a widow at the

This day of February 1853 & continued a widow until her decease.
Sciah Allen Executor
In presence of J. H. Galt,
Sworn to & subscribed before me. I certify that I have no interest in the above claim & am not concerned in its prosecution.
W. H. Allard Judge of Probate.
We Oliver Cuthbert & Obed Allen of Medfield in the County of Norfolk & State of Mass. on oath testify & say that we were well acquainted with Eli Smith, de d late of said Medfield, who was a Revolutionary soldier & a pensioner of the United States. We further testify & say that we were well acquainted with Mary C. Smith referred to in the within Declaration & that she was the widow of the above named Eli Smith who was a Revolutionary soldier & pensioner as aforesaid.
Oliver Cuthbert
Obed Allen
Norfolk ss. Aug t 8 1852. Sworn to & subscribed before me & I certify that since Oliver Cuthbert & Obed Allen are personally known to me, that they are residents of Medfield & credible witnesses. I further certify that I have no interest in this claim & am not concerned in its prosecution.
Charles Holman
Not. of the Peace

I Nathaniel Fairbanks of Medfield in the County of Norfolk & State of Mass. do hereby testify & say, that I was present at the wedding of the within named Eli Smith & Mary Whitney, - that said Eli Smith was the identical Eli Smith who was afterwards a Prisoner of the United States, on account of his services in the war of the Revolution, & resided in Medfield, and that said Mary Whitney is the identical person referred to in the foregoing declaration as Mary C. Smith and that she was the wife and afterwards the widow of said Eli Smith, who was a Revolutionary soldier & prisoner as aforesaid, and died at Medfield on the first day of July, eighteen hundred and fifty three.
Nathl Fairbanks
Norfolk ss. July, Aug. 4 th 1854. Sworn to & subscribed before me & I certify that said Nathaniel Fairbanks is personally known to me, that he is a credible witness & a resident of Medfield, & that I have an interest in the within claim & am not concerned in its prosecution.
Charles Hamant
Justice of the Peace.

Extract from the Records of the Town of Dedham in the County of Norfolk & State of Massachusetts.
"Married by the Rev. Thomas Trucker " "One Thousand Eight Hundred & Five " "June twenty Fifth " "Eli Smith (Woolpole) to Mary Whitney of Dedham,"
I Jonathan H. Cobb, on oath depose & say that I hold the office of Clerk in the Town, County and State aforesaid and that the above is a true ex- tract from the records of said town with the exception of the date which is expressed on the records in fair legible figures as follows. to wit, "1805"
"June 25") Jonathan H. Cobb, Town Clerk of Dedham Norfolk Co. June  Aug. 3 rd 1854. I do hereby certify that said Jonathan H. Cobb is Town Clerk of Dedham, & that I have no interest in the claim of Mary Smith due to a pension.
Norfolk ss August 1 st 1854
W. L. (Deceased) Justice of the Peace.

Extract from the Records of the town of Medfield in the County of Norfolk Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
"Deaths in Medfield in Eighteen hundred and thirty five.
M c Eli Smith - twenty first, day of March aged Seventy three years."
"Deaths in Medfield in Eighteen hundred and fifty three.
Mary C. Smith on the first day of July
I Charles C. Sewall, on oath depose & say that I hold the office of Clerk in the Town, County & State aforesaid, and that the above are true extracts from the records of said town with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the records in fair, legible figures as follows, to wit the first, 21 st March 1835 - the second, 1 st July 1853."
Chas C. Sewall Town Clerk of Medfield

Norfolk I. S. Medfield May 27. 1854.
Sworn to & subscribed before me, and I certify that said Charles C. Sawall is Now Clerk of Medfield & that I have no interest in the claim of Mary G. Smith deceased to a pension.
Charles Hamant Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, ss. Norfolk County, ss.
I, William S. Leland, Judge of Probate within & for said County, do hereby certify, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Eli Smith formerly a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States was a resident of Medfield in said County & that he died in said Medfield on the twenty first day of March, 1835, leaving a widow whose name was Mary C. Smith.
I further certify, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Mary C. Smith, widow of the above named Eli Smith was a resident of said Medfield & died in said Medfield on the first day of July, 1853, leaving no children.
I further certify, that at a Probate Court held at Dedham, within & for the County of Norfolk on the sixth day of September 1853, Noah Allen, the widow declarants, was duly appointed Executrix of the last will & testament of the above named Mary C. Smith & gave bonds according to law for the due performance of that trust & that said appointment still continues in full force & effect.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & caused the Seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed this first day of August 1854. W. S. Leland, Judge of Probate.

REJECTED
94994
P. O. _____
Mary C Smith
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

J. A. Edwards Esq. Pension Office.
Dear Sir,
You will oblige me by sending me the papers of Eli Smith, who at the last session was seeking restoration to the pension roll revolutionary. They are wished to be presented to Congress.
Yours respectfully
John Barley
House of Rep. 18 Dec. 1825.

No 4964.
Noah Allen. Exec: of the Estate of Mary C. Smith, decd.
Wid: of -
Eli-
9799
Sit: to F. Hall. August. 22 d 1854.
Act. 1853.

Ely Smith soldier in the 3 d Mass t Regt - Being enlisted for three years is hereby Honourably discharged the service of the United States -
Given at West Point M c William B. Generl d This 17 th Day of Dec r 1783
Registered John N. Stafford Asst d

I James Tisdale of Walpole in the County of Norfolk & Commonwealth of Massachusetts on oath testify and say that I was a Capt in the late Continental Army & that Eli Smith of Medford in S d County who has applied to be put on the pension list & who is now here before the Judge was a soldier in my company having enlisted for three years in 1781 and that he served in the Army till after the termination of the War & was honorably discharged at West Point at the time the Army was disbanded. I think in the 1783.
Witness my hand May 2. 1818.
Seen to before me
James Tisdale
Ja: Ware
As. Since the Applicant made his declaration he found his discharge which is transmitted
J. Ware
May 2

I Eli Smith of Needfield in the County of Norfolk, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Seventy Years, an applicant for a pension under the act of June 7 1832, testify and say That I enlisted into the service of the United States, during the war of the Revolution, as a private soldier in the Massachusetts State Troops, for eight months, in 1780, of which in April and was annexed to Capt. Chapman's company stationed in Boston which company was then employed as a guard, and I remained doing duty in said company during the whole term of my enlistment when I was verbally discharged. I also further testify and say, that in the Spring of the year 1781, I enlisted into the Continental line of the army, during the war of the Revolution, for three years, and immediately joined the troops at West Point, and was attached to the company of Infantry commanded by Capt. James Tisdale in Col. Green's Regiment, and served therein until the Peace, when the term of my enlistment not having expired, I was not discharged, but retained in the service, and was marched with said Company to Philadelphia, and afterwards returned to West Point, where I was discharged on account of ill health I think in December 1783, before the term of my enlistment had fully expired. I am not certain of the exact date of my discharge not having it before me — I was placed on the Pension roll under the act of March 18 th 1818, and was struck therefrom. I made application under the act of May 15 1828 to be restored, but the application was rejected on account of some alleged defect of evidence, respecting property. At the time of both applications, my place of residence was Needfield aforesaid, where it now is. The paper containing the evidence to entitle me to a pension under former acts, together with my original discharge, are supposed to be on file in the War Department.  Eli Smith

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Norfolk ss. September 24 1832. Then the within named Eli Smith a person worthy of full credit personally appeared and made oath that the within declaration by him subscribed is true
Before me Daniel Adams Just of Peace

I Oliver Cutter of Medfield in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy one years testify and say that I enlisted into the service of the United States during the war of the Revolution as a private soldier in the Massachusetts State troops for eight months in April 1780 and was annexed to Capt. Chapmans company stationed in Boston which company was then employed as a guard Eli Smith of the same Medfield enlisted at the same time for eight months and was annexed to the same company and remained doing duty therein while I remained which was about three months when I was discharged from said company and enlisted into another service - I left the said Smith doing duty in said Company and have no doubt that he served the whole term of his enlistment
Oliver Cutter
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss. September 24 1832. Then the above named Oliver Cutter a person worthy of full credit personally appeared and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true
Before me Daniel Adams Jus of Peace

I James Tisdale of Walpole in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts testify and say that I was a captain of a company of Infantry in the third Massachusetts Regiment commanded by Col. Greaton during the war of the Rebellion; and it appears by the Muster Roll of my company now in my possession that Eli Smith of Medfield in said County enlisted into the service April 30 th 1781 and was attached to my company as a private soldier and served therein until he was regularly discharged. His term of enlistment was for three years and I think that he was discharged on account of ill health a little before his term of enlistment expired. I find his name on a muster roll of my company dated July 30 th 1783 when my company was attached to Col. Jackson's Regiment. he must have been discharged afterwards.
James Tisdale
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss. September 22 1832. Then the above named James Tisdale person worthy of full credit personally appeared and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true
Before me Daniel Adams Jus of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Norfolk ss.
I James Ware Clerk of all the Inferior Courts within and for the County of Norfolk hereby certify that Daniel Adams Esquire before whom the Depositions on these sheets numbered 2. 3. 4. purport to have been taken is a Justice of peace in and for said County duly appointed commissioned and qualified to discharge the duties of said Office, and that his signature on each of the same is genuine and true.
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the Inferior Judicial Court of said Commonwealth at Dedham this tenth thirteenth day of November A.D. one thousand eight hundred & thirty two. James Ware.

War Department
Pension Office
September 6 th 1832
Sir
Your letter accompanying the declaration of Eli Smith for a pension under the act of 7 June 1832, has been received.
On examination of the former papers of Mr Smith on file in this office, the precise time of his enlistment is not there found to be stated. Under the act of 18 March 1818 this was not material as a service of nine months entitled the claimant to a pension which was clearly established by the evidence. But under the act of 7 June 1832 a service of two years previous to the end of the war is requisite to entitle the claimant to a full pension, with a pro rata pension for a less term, if exceeding six months. In order therefore that justice may be done in a case circumstanced like that of Mr Smith, it is important that

that the precise date of his enlistment be set forth with all possible accuracy. For the purpose of this amendment, the declaration is herewith returned to you
I am respectfully your obedient Serv t
J. L. Edwards
James Ware Esq Bedham Mass.

Warren Office, August. 22 d 1854.
Sir.
The claim of Noah Allen, as Executor of the last will & testament of Mrs. Mary C. Smith, deceased for the arrears of pension due Mrs. Smith, under the 2 d section of the Act of Febry. 3 d 1853. as the widow of E. C. Smith, has been received, examined & rejected.
Mrs. Smith having died, leaving no children, no arrears of pension are due.
I have so: to:
Franklin Hall Esq r . 39 State Street, Boston. Mass.

Newport. Rhode Island
November 9 th 1835.
Sir
I am instructed by Mary Smith of Medfield, Norfolk County, Mass ts . to request that, a Copy of the Discharge of Eli Smith, (her late husband) may be forwarded to me, for the purpose of aiding her in claiming a Gratuity from the State of Massachusetts under a Resolve passed 12 th March 1835.
Said Eli Smith was an unfortunate applicant for the benefit of the Act of 18 th March 1818; and did not succeed in drawing a pension until after the passage of the act of 7 th June 1832.
Please to forward a brief Certificate of the service of Thomas Fisher late of Taunton decd.
In your letter of the 29 th of August last it is said "I can give you no information in relation to the  the Thomas Fisher's revolutionary service unless you first designate the regiment and company in which he served." — It is now satisfactorily ascertained that said Thomas Fisher served in Captain Millers Company of the 1 st Mass ts Regiment, Col Joseph Rose — under a three years engagement, commencing in March or April of the year 1781, and ended, or was discharged in December 1783. which discharge has long since been lost; and as said Thomas died previous to the pension act of 1818. — There is therefore no documentary evidence to be found in support of the claim of his widow (Jane Fisher) to the gratuity from the State of Mass ts under the above resolve. and unless a Certificate can be obtained from the War Dept t of the service of said Thomas, the claim of his widow must remain suspended.
as proof that I am "employed" in both of the above cases. I transmit herewith their respective Orders, and also the Certificate of the Hon. Honijah Baylies — all of which you will please return to me at Boston Mass ts together

with such information as the Dept may think proper to communicate, touching the foregoing subject
Very Respectfully sir I am your Obedient servant
Reuben Baldwin
J. L. Edwards Esqr Commr of Pensions Washington
P. S. said Eli Smith served in Col J. Tinsdale Compt of the 3 d Mass'ts Reg t Col J. Greate and his discharge forwarded to Washington R. B. as evidence of service &c -

Hon. Sec'y of War.

Dedham (Mass.) Jan y 29. 1827.
Hon. Sec y of War.
I have the honor to forward to you the application of Eli Smith of Medfield in this vicinity, to be continued on the pension list, and sundry Depositions accompanying the same. From a personal knowledge of the Applicant and his circumstances I presume he is justly entitled to be restored to his Pension. The copy of the Deed referred to, duly authenticated, I think I forwarded several months since and suppose are on file in the Pension Office. Any communication relating to this business can be made to me if agreeable directed to the P. Office in this place.
With sentiments of respect I am your most obed t Servant.
Caius Ware.

39 State St. Boston Aug. 17, 1854.
Sir,
Enclosed herewith I send the application of Noah Allen, Executor of Mary C. Smith dec d , late of Medford, for the arrears of pension due said deceased under the 2 d section of the act of 3 rd Feb., 1853.
Mrs. Smith was the widow of Eli Smith dec d who was formerly a pensioner under the act of 7 th June 1832 at the rate of $17.90 per annum.
I am, Sir, most respectfully
Your obedt Servt!
Franklin Hall
L. P. Water, Esq. Comm r of Pensions Washington D.C.

9215 R Massachusetts.
Eli Smith,
of Medford , in the state of Mass ts who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Grenon , of the Massach ts line, for the term of two years .
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts , at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 2. of May , 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9. of April 1819. and sent to Jarius Ware , judge, Wrentham , Norfolk Co. Mass ts .
  Arrears to 4th of March , 1819.  80.77    Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4. Sept.  48.00    10 mo s  3 } 1819. } $128.77     31. }   
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }

-see letter March 7. 1825 to Hon: J. Bailey N.R., do to same 19 March 1829: 28 May 1830: 15 Dec. 1830.
letter to Hon: J. Bailey December 15. 1828.

old Case Eli Smith Private Col. Great's Regt Mass Line 1 year 11 mo. & 12 days
Admitted
Seventy
$77.88
at 77 3/4
Louis M. E. Dedham Mass

It h Ithaca/Nov. 23. 1832.
Hon. Sec y of War.
I have the honor to transmit to you again the Declaration of Eli Smith to be placed on the Pension list under the act of June 1832. The letter I received when it was returned to me I have enclosed, that the difficulty in his case may be readily seen.
The Supplementary evidence he has taken and herewith transmitted (tho' not strictly conformable to the rules of the Department) he hopes will prove satisfactory in his case, inasmuch as he was put on the pension list under the act of 1818 from abundant evidence of Service. Should anything further be done? necessary in his case on its being suggested to me he will furnish it.
I am with sentiments of respect
Your Obed t Servant
James M c Are

Eli Smith.
Adm. — " —

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
On this 2 day of May 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Southern Circuit, personally appeared Eli Smith aged fifty six years, resident in the said Circuit, who being by me first duly cautioned according to law, on his oath made the following declaration, by him signed, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war."
I Eli Smith of Milford, in said County a Citizen of the United States on Oath set forth & declare, that in April May A D 1781 I enlisted as a Soldier in the Army of the United States. I served in Capt. James Disdale Company in Col. Greadon Regt. being 3 of Mass: Line. I faithfully served therein till after the termination of the War and was discharged at West Point I think in Nov r 1783. I had a discharge in writing but it is now

now out of my power to produce it and have no other evidence of my service except the affida- vit of my Capt. herewith enclosed.
And I further state that I am now in dire need circumstances in life & I am in need of the assistance of my country for support. — Eli Smith
And I, the said Judge, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Eli Smith did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the com- mon enemy, for the term of nine months, on the continental establishment; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress. I further certify from evidence rec d that the Applicant is now in need of the assistance of his country for support.
Guinus Ware
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
ss.
1818.
I HEREBY CERTIFY, That is one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Southern Circuit, consisting of the Counties of Plymouth, Norfolk, Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket in said Commonwealth—that the same Circuit Court of Common Pleas is a Court of record—that the signature to the above cer- tificate is the true signature of the said Judge, and that the seal thereunto affixed is the seal of the said Court.
} Clerk of the Judicial Court for the County of
2 nd copy