Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19,998, for William Pratt, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Pratt, William Ruth
N. 19998
B.L.Wt. 18216-160-55-
CONTENTS

1010.
Massachusetts.
Ruth Pratt widow of William Pratt.
Reported
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 24 Dollars 77.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29. day of July 1848. and sent to
Samuel Humphrey Weymouth Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 122 Vol. 2,
Reg 3 m 55-102 090

V 1874 1.6 3
Ruth Pratt
moor of Wm
Mass
act 7. July. 38
90-28-
Rolls. p. 6: 4 days
7. 3. 0 Burbank in 1783-
p. 6. 0 - 4 days 7 - 3. " 8 - 3. " 10 - 1. 9 to 3 Sept 83-
acmo
7 mo. 13 days-
$24:7 1/200
no deduction
L. Humphrey
Weymouth
Mass.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, of the 7 th July 1838, entitled, "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;"
State of Massachusetts } ss County of Norfolk }
On this twenty second day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared before the Honorable Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Norfolk Ruth Pratt, a resident of Braintree in said County of Norfolk, aged sixty 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 7 th 1838, entitled, "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;"
That she is the Widow of William Pratt late of Weymouth in said County deceased, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and that according to the best of her knowledge and belief the service of the said William Pratt as a soldier in the Revolutionary War was as follows to wit: That he served as a private on Castle Island in Boston harbor: That he enlisted in this service under Col Burbeck in the month of January seventeen hundred and eighty three, for the term of three years; and that he served out the three years.
She further declares that she was married to the said William Pratt on the fifteenth day of December in the year seventeen hundred and ninety; that her husband the aforesaid William Pratt died on the nineteenth day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated.
Ruth Pratt
I warrant to be true to the best of my knowledge and belief on the day & year above written by the said Ruth Pratt. who by reason of bodily infirmity is unable to attune courts to read her declaration before me I believe / Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk.
I Jonathan H. Cobb Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Norfolk hereby certify that Sherman Leland is Judge of said Court of Probate & that his signature on this paper is genuine & true.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court of Probate this tenth day of September A.D. 1888
Jonathan H. C. B. Reg.

Any communication from the Pension office in regard to the case of Mrs. Ruth Pratt may be addressed to the subscriber
Respectfully Daniel Humphrey
Weymouth Sep. 1880.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
NORFOLK ss.
Ernest Sampson
I, JAIRUS WARE , Clerk of the Judicial Courts, being Courts of Record, within and for the County of Norfolk, hereby Certify that Samuel Humphrey Esquire,
is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk aforesaid, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified to discharge the duties of said office, and that his signature to the annexed certificates is genuine & true
In Witness Whereof, I have subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth aforesaid at Dedham, this twenty eighth day of August , A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight  Ernest Sampson Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk & Town of Weymouth I Thomas C. Webb, Town Clerk of said Town of Weymouth hereby certify that the following is a true Copy from the Records of said Town of Weymouth, with the exception of the date which is expressed in fair legible figures, to wit:
William Pratt twin son of Benjamin Pratt, by Sarah his Wife. born February Seventeenth Seventeen Hundred Sixty Seven: — the figures as expressed on Record are February 15. 1767
William Pratt of Weymouth and Beth Webb of Braintree Intend Marriage October Sixteenth Seventeen Hundred Ninety the figures as expressed on Record are Oct 6 th 1790. Attest, Thomas C. Webb (Town Clerk of Weymouth)
I Thomas C. Webb above named do hereby Say that I hold the Office of Clerk of said Town of Weymouth, and that the above is a true extract from the Records of the Town with the exceptions above named as certified by me Thomas C. Webb (Town Clerk of Weymouth)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss. August 13 th 1830. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace within and for the County of Norfolk aforesaid the witness named Thomas C. Webb and made solemn oath that the within certificate and affidavit by him subscribed is my presence are true Samuel Humphrey justice of the peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk and Town of Braintree ss I Judson Stoddard Town Clerk of said Braintree hereby certify, that the following is a true copy from the records of said Town of Braintree Ruth Daughter of Micah Wild and Deborah his Wife was born January 10 th 1772.
A proof of Marriage between William Pratt of Weymouth and Ruth Wild of Braintree Octo 17 1790.
I Judson Stoddard above named, depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk of said Town of Braintree and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town.
Attest Judson Stoddard Town Clerk
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. August 10 th 1838. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber justice of the peace within and for the said County of Norfolk the above named Judson Stoddard and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him submitted in my presence is true. Daniel Humphrey Justice of the peace.

We Robert Pratt of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts aged seventy seven years and Mary Pratt of said Weymouth aged twenty two years testify and say that we knew William Pratt late of Weymouth aforesaid deceased. He was our brother, and a little younger than ourselves. We saw the said William Pratt married to Ruth Wild by Esquire Hiles of Braintree on some day in the month of December in the year seventeen hundred and ninety. The day of the month we cannot certainly recollect, but knew that we saw them legally married, and they lived together and had as many as seven children. On the 19 th day of November eighteen hundred and twenty eight he was found dead near his house, some supposed he died of apoplexy. The said Ruth that we saw married to the said William Pratt is to our knowledge now living and remains the widow of the said William Pratt. Robert Pratt Mary Pratt
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. August 10 th 1830. Then personally appeared before me the subscribers justice of the peace within and for the county of Norfolk the above named Robert Pratt and Mary Pratt and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by them subscribed is true and I certify that the said Robert Pratt and Mary Pratt are well known to me and are persons of good reputation for truth. Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace

I Silas Binney of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, aged thirty nine years, testify and say that I was acquainted with William Pratt late of Weymouth deceased, and also with Prudence Pratt his wife, now his Widow. The said William Pratt died on the night of the nineteenth day of November in the year eighteen hundred and twenty eight. He was found dead near his house on the night above mentioned. Being a Coroner at that time I summoned a jury of inquest. I saw his remains after his decease and know that he is dead. When he died I think he was between sixty and seventy years of age. His Widow the said Prudence Pratt is yet living. I saw her a few days since in good health, and she remains the Widow of the said William Pratt deceased. She is now in my opinion drawing on near to seventy years of age.
Silas Binney
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Norfolk County SS.
August 13 th 1838. Then
Personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace within and for said County of Norfolk, the above named Silas Binney and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed in my presence is true, and I certify that said Silas Binney is well known to me and is a person of good reputation for truth.
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the peace

I Isaac Pratt of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, aged seventy five years testify and say, that William Pratt late of Weymouth, aforesaid, deceased, who, had he lived to this time would have been between seventy and eighty years of age, was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and served with me as a soldier on Castle Island in Boston harbor, from I think, some time in the month of January seventeen hundred and eighty three to about the close of the year seventeen hundred and eighty five. We were under Col. Bucklin, Maj. Perkins & H. Frost and others. Samuel Bailey was a sergeant I think nearly the whole period.
Isaac Pratt
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. August 27th 1838. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace within and for the county of Norfolk the above named Isaac Pratt and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed in my presence is true. The said Isaac Pratt is well known to me and I certify that he is a person of good standing and good reputation for truth.
Samuel Humphrey Justice of the peace

102.090 Act Mar 3 rd /55
April 26 - /55
Ruth Pratt Adverse
William Pratt per
Mass. Mil.
Revolutionary Pension Under Act July 2 nd 1848
Refers to her application for particular, made when she applied for a pension -
ad d Act Dec 27 th /55.
Mass. Rep. 1856
m
Elijah H. Hull Weymouth
Civ: E. F. Hull, Dec 13/55.
Vol P. page 139.

102.090 Apprehension of Ruth Pratt
For Bounty Said under act of March 3. 1855
Warrant to be sent to Elijah T. Hall Weymouth Mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, April 21, 1835
I Hereby Certify , That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed, Benjamin Dyer was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
T. M. Wigham Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Ruth Pratt

182090 Apprehension of Ruth Pratt
For Bounty Land under act of March 3. 1855
Warrant to be sent to Elijah F. Hall Weymouth Mass

APPLICATION FOR BOUNTY LAND.
(By the Widow of a deceased person who has not had a Land Warrant,)
STATE OF Massachusetts COUNTY OF Norfolk
On this seventeenth day of April A. D., one thousand eight hundred and fifty- five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Ruth Pratt aged Eighty five years, a resident of Braintree in the State of Massachusetts . who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of William Pratt deceased, who was a private in the company commanded by Captain the Revolutionary war , and that she is now a pensioner under the act of February 28, 1848, and she herewith refers to her application for Pension filed in the Department, and in the Regiment of commanded by in the war with Great Britain declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812, annexed a true copy of the Pension papers now in her hand. She states that she is unable, by reason of age and bodily infirmity to recollect the particulars of that her said husband services more fully than she on or about the has above stated day of A. D. for the term of and continued in actual service in said war for the term of and was honorably discharged at he was honorably discharged on the twentieth day of November A. D. 1790
She further states that she was married to the said William Pratt in Braintree on the twentieth day of November A. D. 1790 , by one Ezra Miles a Justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Ruth Wild that her said husband died at Weymouth on the twentieth day of November A. D. 1828 and that she is now a widow, and she refers to the evidence of her marriage & of her husband's death, to the application above named
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3d, 1855, and prays that a warrant therefor may be sent for her to Elijah S. Hall Weymouth Massachusetts . Herewith delivered Stephen Pratt  Ruth Pratt

(Copy) (A.)
War Department - Widows Pension I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2 nd 1848,
Ruth Pratt widow of William Pratt who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of twenty four dollars and seventy seven cents per annum, commencing on the 4 th of March 1848 and continuing for life unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage
(L. S.)
Given at the War Office of the United States this 29 th day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty eight
W m M. Marcy Secretary of War
Examined and Countersigned,
J. L. Edwards
(No. 1010.)
Commission of Pensions
B. F. T. Evans.
Payment to be made at Boston by Franklin Haven Agent for Paying Pensions, in the Agency of Massachusetts.
Payable on the 4 th September and 4 th March
Recorded in Pension Office on the Roll of Pensions under act of February 2 nd 1848 Page 122. Vol. 2.
See Index Clerk

STATE OF Massachusetts COUNTY OF Norfolk
We, Francis Woodward and Stephen Pratt residents of Braintree in the State of Massa. upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Ruth Pratt in our presence, and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. and that we are not interested herein
Francis Woodward Stephen Pratt
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Justice of the Peace.
Benjamin Dyer
STATE OF COUNTY OF
ss. }
I, _____ certify that whose genuine signature appears above, is, and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified; that his Commission is dated on the _____ day of _____ A. D. 185 that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand this _____ day of _____
A. D. 185

2067.
Massachusetts
Putnam Pratt
widow of William Pratt who was a Private
in the Mass line for 7 mo & 13 d
Recd Sept 23
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 24 Dollars & 77 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23rd day of Sept. 1843 and sent to Samuel Humphrey Weymouth, Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1. Page 51.

FREE.
102090
Ruth Pratt and William
Boydston
Hon. J. Minot Chairman of Pensions Washington D.C.

1874
✓ St. to Daph. Humphrey, L. Dec. 20, 1838.
Act 7 July '38.

Gen. Act/8 d Feb. 48, Maf;.
BP/Dr

Let. to L. Humphrey 28th. July, 1843—
Massachusetts. 3,277
Ruth Pratt
widow of William Pratt
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 19 th November 1828 of Norfolk in the State of Mass s who was a Pen. in the Company commanded by Captain  of the Reg t commanded by Burtack in the Mass s line for 7 mos 13 dys
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 24 Dollars 77 Cents per ann to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of June '39, and was att d L. Humphrey, Weymouth, Mass s
Arrears to the 4th of March - $ 74.31 Semi-annual allowance ending
12.38
$ 86.69
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk, Book A Vol. 17 Page 120

✓ 13.216
J
Max Amos

Roy  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 19998
Ruth Pratt
Widow of William Pratt
Dr. Newmas
Act: Feb 29 48
Index:—Vol. M , Page 142
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Application of Ruth Pratt
Additional Evidence in said case, No. 102,090-
Warrant to be sent to Elijah F. Hall Weymouth Mass-
N.B. The applicant is in feeble health, and an early examination of her case will oblige her —
E. F. Hall her atty.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston. (December 22, 1855.)
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 William Pratt is borne on pay roll of Capt. Lieut. William Barbecks Comp. Col. Thomas Cushing Commander, from April 25, to July 24, 1783, B M as . as private.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M c N ight Secretary of the Commonwealth.

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
PENSION OFFICE,
1855.
Sir:
Dre 13 th
The claim of Ruth Pratt for bounty land under the act of the 3d of March, 1855, No. 102,090 has been examined and suspended.
The revolutionary service of Mr Pratt, the husband of the applicant, does not appear of record in this office.
The 3d section of said act requires a service of "FOURTEEN DAYS" to be established by "RECORD EVIDENCE."
Upon the production of such evidence of service, the claim will be favorably considered.
Very respectfully,
J. MINOT,
Commissioner.
If you are referring to the list of State of Mass: soldiers under Col. Burbeck, in 1783. See page 6, 7, 8, & 10. of records & rolls,
Elijah F. Dill. Esq., Weymouth, Mass;

1257
Ruth Pratt
Ruth Pratt
$24:77 per am
3277
Samuel Humphrey Weymouth Mass-

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston August 7 th 1843
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Samuel Humphrey was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court, and that his signature is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Isaac D. Pillsbury
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7, 1838, and the amended act of 23d August, 1842.
State of Massachusetts } ss. County of Norfolk
On this sixteenth day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before the Subscribers a Justice of the Peace in said County of Norfolk  Muth Pratt a resident of Braintree in the County of Norfolk aged seventy one years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of William Pratt late of said Weymouth , deceased, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, and died November the nineteenth of the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight. That the Revolutionary services of the said Pratt were duly proved in the year 1830. And also her marriage to him, his death and her widowhood; and that for the services of said Pratt she received a Pension under the Act of Congress of July 7 th 1830. for five years, of twenty four dollars and seventy seven cents per year
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Pratt Pratt
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me, and I hereby certify
Witness
that the declarant is personally known to me
Francis Woodward
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Norfolk ss.
I Jonathan H. Cobb Register
of the Court of Probate for the said County of Norfolk hereby certify that Samuel Humphrey of Weymouth is a Justice of the Peace within said County of Norfolk and that his signature on these papers is genuine & true.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court of Probate this eighteenth day of May A.D. 1843.
Jonathan H. Cobb Reg. Prob.

We Francis Woodward aged thirty five years and William B. Gilman aged thirty eight years both of Braintree in the county of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, do testify and say that we are acquainted with Ruth Pratt of said Braintree, widow of William Pratt late deceased, who we believe is about seventy one years of age, that the said Ruth Pratt is yet living and in usual health, we have seen her on this day, she yet remains the widow of the said William Pratt deceased
Francis Woodward William B. Gilman
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss      I May 16 th 1843. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace within and for the county of Norfolk, the above named Francis Woodward and William B. Gilman and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by them subscribed in my presence is true, and I hereby certify that the said Francis Woodward and William B. Gilman are known to me as persons of good reputation for truth. Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the peace

I Stephen Pratt of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged twenty six years testify and say that I am well acquainted with Muth Pratt now residing in Braintree, widow of William Pratt late of said Weymouth deceased, she is now I think about sixty eight years of age. She a part of the time for the year last past has enjoyed as good health as most persons do of her years. There was a time from July to October in 1838. when she was quite indisposed, sickness was caused by over doing. At that time she was unable to ride more than three miles at a time, and it would have been very hazardous for her to have made an attempt to journey to Brockbury or Dedham, the nearest of which is twelve miles from her place of residence , at the time that she made her Declaration for a Pension for Revolutionary services of her deceased husband in August last, and even at this time I think it would be too much for her to ride to Brockbury which is the nearest place where any court of record has been held since the time she made her Declaration
Stephen Pratt
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss I Jan'y 1 st 1839 I then personally appeared the above named Stephen Pratt and subscribed the above affidavit and made oath that the same is true before me the subscriber, and I certify that he is a credible witness. Samuel Humphrey Justice of the Peace for Norfolk County
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk ss I Herman Selborne Judge of the Court of Sessions in for said County hereby certify that The foregoing affidavit shows the conditions & bodily

infirmary & the of course Anti Prots, according to the best of my recollections & belief, in the month of August last past when she made her declaration before me for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the act of January 8 th July 7 th 1838
In witness whereof the said judge hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal & hereunto this fifteenth day of January AD 1839 J. L. C. Clerk

ad 2067
admitted
Samuel Humphrey Weymouth

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. Norfolk COUNTY, }
On this seventh day of July personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid,
Ruth Pratt in the county of Norfolk a resident of Braintree aged seventy six years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of
William Pratt who was a resident of Weymouth in said County of Norfolk and who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution
and is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17th June, 1844, on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of Twenty four dollars and seventy seven cents per annum.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Pratt Pratt
Sworn to and subscribed on the day } Before me, and year above written, }
In presence of Francis Woodward  Daniel Humphrey , Justice of the Peace. Leonard Humphrey
I Certify , That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner, as she declares.
Daniel Humphrey , Justice of the Peace.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. Norfolk COUNTY, }
I, Erroll Sampson Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court , of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Leonard Humphrey is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that his signature, above written, is genuine.
Given under my hand, and the Seal of said Court, this eighteenth day of July 18 48
Erroll Sampson
CLERK.