Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File B. L. Wt. 19,501-160-55, Stephen Wright, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Wright, Stephen
B.L.Wt. 19.501-160.55
CONTENTS

June 21/53 Stephen Wright 50 Capt. J. D. D. Porter by Capt. J. D. D. Porter Mafim's Map Map War Oct 18th 1853 John Wilson R John Wilson Deerfield Mass
let J. Wilson Nov: 16/53 " " " Jan'y 29/56
Vol W 2, page 143.

39 Claim of Stephen Wright
TO BOUNTY LAND.
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Presented by JOHN WILSON, Deerfield, Mass.

STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, }
On this Eighteenth day of April A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me, John Wilson a Justice of the Peace duly authorized to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid, Stephen Wright aged ninety one years, a resident of Shelburne, late of Littleton in the State of Massachusetts who being duly sworn according to law, declares, that he is the identical Stephen Wright who was a private in the company commanded by Captain John Porter in the Col. Cyprian Howe Regiment of Infantry commanded by in the war of The Revolution
That he was drafted  enlisted at Littleton on or about the tenth day of July A. D. 1700 on R. Island and continued in actual service in said war for the term of Three months and was honorably discharged with all  Capt. Porter Co. by hand on or about the twenty fifth day of October A. D. 1700 on account of The expiration of the term for which he enlisted as will appear by the muster rolls of said Company.
He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which he may be entitled under the "act granting additional bounty land to certain officers and soldiers who have been engaged in the military service of the United States," approved March 3, 1855. And refers to his former declaration made under act of  upon which he obtained a Land Warrant No.  for  acres, which he having  legally transferred and disposed of, is not within his power now to return.
He further declares that he has not received a warrant for bounty land under any other act of Congress, nor made any application therefor, than the one above referred to, under act of  upon which he  obtained the said Land Warrant, No.  for  acres, and the one now presented.
Stephen Wright
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written; and I hereby certify that I believe the said Stephen Wright who signed and executed the above declaration, and is now present, to be the identical man who served as aforesaid, and that he is of the age above stated, and that I have no interest in said claim.
John Wilson Justice of Peace.
STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, }
Personally appeared Asi Kellogg and Maria L. Conant citizens of the said County and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn, depose and say that they are personally acquainted with Stephen Wright and that he is the person now present who signs and executes the above declaration.
Asi Kellogg
Maria L. Conant
Sworn to and subscribed before me this eighteenth day of April A. D. 1855; and I certify that the said Asi Kellogg and Maria L. Conant are credible and respectable citizens.
John Wilson Justice of the Peace.

STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, { ss. COUNTY OF FRANKLIN. }
I hereby certify that John Wilson Esq.
Esq., before whom the within declaration and affidavit
were made and executed, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing a justice of the
Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of the
for the County aforesaid,
Court of Probate for the Commonwealth assisted this Eighteenth day of April
A. D. 1855
Charles Meethorn Clerk. Register of Probate.

State of Massachusetts County of Middlesex } Personally came before me a justice of the Peace in and for the county & State aforesaid John M. Porter who being duly sworn deposes and says that - he well knows John Porter the capt. referred to in this letter that he was my Grandfather that he was a resident of Littleton Mass. that I lived with him more than twenty years before his death which happened at Littleton about twenty years ago that he was drew a pension for Revolutionary Services. That I have frequently heard him speak of Stephen Wright as a soldier in his company in R. Island, and I have no doubt from circumstances within my knowledge that the Stephen Wright spoken of by my Grand- father is the identical Stephen Wright who makes the statement accompanying this and the same one referred to by the Secretary of State in this letter
That I was well acquainted with Nathaniel Prenter referred to in this letter that I knew him for more than ten years before his death which occurred at Littleton where he resided ten or fifteen ago I have no interest in this case
Subscribed and sworn to this twenty sixth day of February A.D. 1856 John M. Porter
(Attest) Asahel Prescott Timothy Wright
Andrew Gardner Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I well know John M. Porter the deponent above mentioned that he is a justice of the Peace that his testimony is well entitled to credit
Andrew Gardner

State of Massachusetts County of Middlesex
I hereby certify that I hold the office of Town Clerk for the town of Littleton County of State aforesaid that I have made an examination of the records of said town. That I find the following entry on said records (Stephen Wright Son of Peter Wright and Ellen Wright his wife Born May 24 th 1764)
I also find that a continental & State tax & town tax and a minister tax was assessed against Stephen Wright A.D. 1786 By Jonathan Reel, Sampson Little John Porter Assessors of Littleton for said year. I also find a highway tax assessed against Stephen Wright By Sampson Little John Porter Daniel Kimball assessors March 28 th A.D. 1787
And I further certify that otherwise than above specified I do not find the name of Stephen Wright borne on the records of said town { I have no interest in this case }
William Kimball } Town Clerk of Littleton
Then personally appeared William Kimball above named and upon his oath declares that the above is a true copy and correct statement from the Records of the town of Littleton And said Kimball further deposes that it appears from the records of Littleton that Daniel Rogers was the Minister of said town from 1775 to 1777 Subscribed and sworn to before me this twentyseventh day of February A.D. 1856
Middlesex ss. } Littleton Feb. 27 1856
Then the above named William Kimball Jane H. Hartwell for Clerk

I hereby certify that I well know William Kimbol that his character for truth and integrity is good and his testimony entitled to the fullest credit. Jan a Hartwell.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston. February 22 nd 1856.
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 Stephen Wright is borne on pay roll of Capt. John Porter's Comp. Col. Cyprian Hows Regt. Col. John Jewts Brigade, serving at R. Island, from July 25 to Oct. 30. 1780 B. mos. 10 days, as private. Col. Cyprian How was from Marlboro.
Also that the name of Nathaniel Pivitor is borne on the above roll.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Francis D. W. H. Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Forge Valley March 3 rd 1856
Mr J. M c Leod Com r of Pensions
Dear Sir
I have taken considerable pains to collect the evidence presented of the service of Stephen Wright the claimant with whom I am well acquainted and for whom I have a high respect. I have no doubt that he is the identical Stephen Wright who did the service certified to by the Secretary of State. I hope the evidence will be conclusive as the old man feels considerable interest in receiving the same. The character of the testimony is of the highest standing most of the deponents now hold or have held the Commission of Justice.
Yours Truly
Abel Prescott

Pension Office, January, 29 th 1856.
Sir:
The bounty land Claim of Stephen Wright, is inadmissible upon the proofs filed. The evidence of the Claimant's service is not satisfactory. From the showing of the Applicant, he could not have been over fifteen years of age when he entered the service. If the Claimant is the soldier who served as Certified by the Secy: of State of Mass; perhaps the records of the township of Littleton, will exhibit some facts to establish his identity. The only evidence offered in proof of his identity is the Affidavits of Witnesses who testify to his reputation as a soldier.
Yours Respectfully, C. H. Rhet.
John Wilson Esq. Deerfield. Mass.
for G. Garrison

State of Massachusetts County of Middlesex
Personally came before me Benjamin Dix a resident of Littleton, County and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn deposes and says that he is a resident of Littleton that he well knows Stephen Wright, who makes the statement on the oaths of office that he has known him for more than sixty years, that he knows him to be a man of unblemished integrity and unadulterated truth.
That he has been engaged in the tanning business in the town of Littleton more than sixty years that he has had a thorough acquaintance with the people of Littleton and he feels confident that no other Stephen Wright has resided in Littleton.
That he was well acquainted with Capt. John Porter referred to by the Secretary of State in the certificate annexed. That he has no doubt that the Stephen Wright who makes the statement accompanying is the identical Stephen Wright who served in Captain John Porter's Company in Rhode Island as certified by the Secretary of State. That he has no interest in this case.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this twenty-sixth day of February A.D. 1856
Attest Eben D. Root Notary Public.
William Kimball Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I well know the deponent B. Dix above named that his character during a long life has stood unblemished before the community that his testimony is entitled to the fullest credit.
William Kimball
I further certify that I have no doubt that the Stephen Wright whose statement is annexed is the identical Stephen Wright who served under Capt. John Porter in the war of the Revolution.
William Kimball Justice of the Peace

I Stephen Wright now residing in Shelburn in the county of Franklin do depose and say that I am the identical Stephen Wright who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war from the town of Littleton in the in the county of Middlesex referred to in the within letter that I volunteered to serve for the town of Littleton for three months; that I did serve as agreed for three months that the town was to pay me for my services $2,000 in paper currency & 45 bushels of Rye; that I enlisted in the month of August 1780, that I was sixteen years old on the 24th day of May of that year. It was the year of the dark day well known at that time; that my father Peter Wright died in Littleton when I was about 4 years old; that my mother lived many years a widow in Littleton on the farm owned by my father; that I lived at home with her the most of the time till I was 21 years old; that my mother told me that I was christened in Littleton by Rev. Daniel Rogers a Congregational Clergyman; that I remember that Mr. Rogers was a Tory in the Revolution. That I made an affidavit to prove the service of Nathaniel Proctor on the application of his widow Mary Proctor his widow for bounty land. She is now dead, I do not know whether she obtained her Bounty land before her death.
Stephen Wright
Commonwealth of Massachusetts }
County of Franklin ss
On this 8th day of February 1856 personally appeared the above named Stephen Wright to me well known and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true and I certify that he appears to possess a remarkably sound mind & memory.
John Wilson Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts County of Middlesex We Joel Procter of Littleton and Francis K. Procter of Westford being duly sworn depose and say that we are the sons of Nathaniel Procter of Littleton who was a soldier in the war of the revolution. That we well know Stephen Wright who makes the accompanying statement of service that we have known him for more than forty years. That we have frequently heard him converse with our father about their service in Rhode Island under Capt. John Porter in the war of the Revolution.
That in the year 1855 we heard our mother Mercy Procter testify in the presence of said Stephen Wright that he was the identical person who accompanied her husband from Littleton under the command of Capt. John Porter to serve in Rhode Island in the war of the Revolution. That we have no doubt that he is the identical Stephen Wright referred to by the Secretary of State in the accompanying certificate that we have no interest in this case
Attest Abel Prescott Timothy P. Wright
Joel Procter Francis K. Procter
Subscribed and sworn to by Joel Procter before me this twenty seventh day of February A.D. 1856 William Kimball Justice of the Peace
Subscribed and sworn to by Francis K. Procter before me this third day of March A.D. 1856 Sethus Prescott Justice of the Peace

May 6, 1937.
Mrs. Vera W. Lowell 108 Brooks Street Brighton, Massachusetts.
BA-J/ILL Stephen Wright B.L.Wt. #19501-160-55
Dear Madam:
Further reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Stephen Wright of Westford, Massachusetts, also the War of 1812 record of Josiah Rogers, Jr.
With the meager data furnished by you, no record could be identified of the particular soldier of the War of 1812 named Josiah Rogers in whom you are interested. The record of Stephen Wright is given herein as found in the papers on file in his claim for bounty land based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Stephen Wright, son of Peter Wright and his wife, Ellen, was born May 24, 1764 in Littleton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, and was christened by the Congregational Minister of Littleton. Peter Wright died when Stephen was about four years of age, following which Stephen lived on his father's farm in Littleton with his mother.
Stephen Wright enlisted in Littleton, Massachusetts, July 25, 1780, served as private in Captain John Porter's company, Colonel Cyprian How's Massachusetts regiment, went to Rhode Island, and was discharged October 25, 1780.
He moved when a young man from Littleton to Westford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. He belonged to the Union Society of Westford for many years.
The soldier applied April 18, 1855 for the bounty land which was due on account of his service in the Revolutionary War; he resided then in Shelburne, Franklin County, Massachusetts, having lived recently in Westford. He was allowed 160 acres of bounty land on warrant #19501, under the Act of 1855. He made no reference to wife or children.

In 1856, one Oliver Wright was one of the Selectmen of Westford, Massachusetts; reference was made also to Prescott Wright, living in 1856; Timothy P. Wright signed affidavits in 1856, in Littleton, Massachusetts. No relationship between these persons and Stephen Wright was stated.
In 1856, Abraham Prescott, son of Oliver Prescott, stated that he lived about a mile from Stephen Wright and his mother in Littleton, Massachusetts; Abel Prescott, and Edward Prescott were both in Littleton in 1856. No relationship between these persons and the soldier was stated.
If you desire information in regard to the location of the land granted Stephen Wright on account of his service in the Revolutionary War, you should address the Commissioner, General Land Office, this city and furnish that official the number of warrant, acreage and Act, as given in this letter.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

April 7, 1937.
BAHB 801
Mrs. Vera W. Lowell, 108 Brooks Street, Brighton, Massachusetts.
Dear Madam:
Receipt is acknowledged of your communication of March 25, 1937, requesting information concerning Stephen Wright, Revolutionary War veteran; Josiah Rogers, Jr., veteran of the War of 1812; and George Ingham, Civil War veteran.
This office cannot positively identify a record for George Ingham. This office has on file two pension claims filed by veterans named George Ingham, and information concerning their services is given on the enclosed report.
Your inquiry concerning Stephen Wright and Josiah Rogers, Jr. , will be answered under separate cover.
By direction,
W. C. BLACK, Chief Clerk.
Enc.

108 BROOKS STREET BRIGHTON, MASSACHUSETTS
March 25, 1937
Mr. A.D. Miller Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
✓ OK Will you please inform me if Stephen Wright , of Westford, Mass. a soldier in the War of the Revolution received a pension or grant of land, also his record of service. Carbided
Also the record of Josiah Rogers, Jr. who served in the War of 1812. (from New Haven, Conn. I think)
Also the record of George Ingham (the father) who served in the Civil War. Ins B6 pr 4/1 W C 5074654
Thanking you for your fine 3/29
assistance, I am,
Vera W. Lowell  ll
Sincerely yours,
(Mrs. George Lowell)

I Jonathan Hartwell of Littleton in the 60 th of Middlesex & State of Massachusetts, of lawful age to testify, do hereby say, that during the year 1855. I was applied to by Prescott Wright to go to the house of Isaac Prout in S. Littleton to take the deposition of Mary Prout widow of the late Nath l . Prout both of whom I had known to have been resident, of S. Littleton for more than thirty years - When I called at Isaac Prout's house I found the same Mary Prout & Stephen Wright of Shelburn whom I have known many years.
The S. Mary when enquired of, if she knew this man Stephen Wright, her declaration was that she had known him from boyhood. That he was the identical Stephen Wright who in company with her husband Nath l . Prout enlisted into the United States Service as a soldier & went to the State of Rhode Island, under the command of Capt. Porter of S. Littleton - At the time of making testimony to the above declaration the S. Mary Prout appeared bright & conversed rationally, in many good, her mental faculties retained to a remarkable degree for a person of her age - and the deponent further saith not. Littleton Feb y 27 th 1856. J. Hartwell.
State of Massachusetts } Shep Prescott County of Middlesex } Timothy P. Wright
Subscribed and sworn to before me this twenty seventh day of February A.D. 1856
William Kimball Justice of the Peace
I hereby testify that the character of the deponent for other than as above named for truth, and integrity is of the highest standing in the community and his testimony entitled to unlimited credit. William Kimball

State of Massachusetts } County of Middlesex }
On this twenty eighth day of February A.D. 1856 Personally came before me a justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Abram Prescott, (who being duly sworn declares that he well knows Stephen Wright formerly of Littleton but now of Shelburne Mass., that he has known him for more than seventy years that his mother's Residence was about one mile from the house of his father Oliver Prescott at which place he has always lived.
That he knew the said Stephen Wright when he lived with his mother in Littleton that the said Wright moved from Littleton when a young man. That he has known him from as co-residents of Westford for more than twenty years that he has no doubt that he is the identical Stephen Wright who served under Capt John Foster of Littleton in the war of the Revolution.
Abram Prescott
Attest Abel Prescott Edward Prescott
Subscribed and sworn to before me on the day and year above written. And I certify that I well know the Affiant that he is a credible person. Sworn to March 3 d 1856 Luther Prescott justice of the Peace

Pension Office, November 16 th 1855.
Sir:
Before the bounty land Claim of Stephen Wright, can be favorably considered evidence must be filed identifying the applicant as the Soldier whose Service is certified by the Secretary of State of Mass:
Yours Respectfully,
R. W. Rae
for Commissioner
John Wilson Esq r Dearfield, Mass:
✓

I Stephen Wright of Littleton in the County of Middlesex aged 91 years do depose and say that I am the identical Stephen Wright within name who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. That I have applied for Bounty land under the act of March 3. 1855 That the Certificate of the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts forwarded to the Pension Office with my application proving the service I performed That I am now residing in Shelburne for the winter. Stephen Wright
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Franklin ss. On this 13 day of December 1855 personally appeared before me, Stephen Wright above named and made oath that the foregoing statements by him subscribed are true Charles M. Duncan Justice of the Peace
I Ephraim Abbot Ex Pastor of the First Parish in Westford in the County of Middlesex and four miles distant from Littleton aforesaid aged seventy six years do depose and say that I am well acquainted with the before named Stephen Wright and have been for years past that he is reputed and believed to have been a Revolutionary soldier and is the identical Stephen Wright whose signature is above written and that he performed the services referred to by him I have no doubt and that he is a man of truth & veracity. Ephraim Abbot Ex Pastor of the First Church in Westford "I have no doubt" interlined before the signing & taking the oath
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss Jan'y 5 1856 Personally appeared the above named deponent and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true before me John B. Fletcher Justice of the Peace

I Leonard Luce Ex Pastor of the Union Society in Westford before named and four miles from Littleton before named aged fifty six years do depose and say that I am well acquainted with the before named Stephen Wright and have been for years past. That he is reputed and believed to have been a Revolutionary Soldier and is the identical Stephen Wright whose signature is before written and have no doubt but that he performed the services referred to by him and that he was a member of my Church during my ministry and that he is a man of truth and veracity
Leonard Luce
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Midheaps Jan y 5 th 1856 Personally appeared the above named deponent and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true before me
John B. Fletcher } Justice of the Peace
that the

We the Subscribers Selectmen of the Town of Westford in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do depose and say that the before named Stephen Wright is well known to us - That he has and always has had the reputation of serving in the Revolutionary War that he is the identical Stephen Wright whose signature is before written and the same person referred to in the foregoing letter from the Commissioner of Pensions and that we have no doubt, but that he performed the services in the Revolutionary War alleged by him to have been performed and that there is no person living within our knowledge who was personally acquainted with him at the time he performed the service
John W. P. Abbot } Selectmen Phinehas Chamberlin } of Oliver Wright } Westford
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex, Jan'y 5 th 1856 Personally appeared the above named deponents and made oath that the foregoing Affidavit by them subscribed was true before me John B. Fitch Justice of the Peace

I Thomas Wilson Pastor of the Union Society in Westford before named do depose and say that I am acquainted with the before named Stephen Wright That he is reputed and believed to have been a Revolutionary Soldier and is the identical Stephen Wright whose signature is before written and have no doubt but that he performed the services referred to by him and that he is a man of truth and veracity. Thomas Wilson.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss Jan y 5 th 1856 Personally appeared the above named deponent and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true before me John B. Folsom { Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
FRANKLIN, SS.
I, GEORGE GRENNELL, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Franklin, do certify, that Charles M. Duncan 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 is, 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 Charles M. Duncan and believe his signature to said Certificate is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth, this Twenty Third day of January in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty six
Geo. Grennell Clerk.

1. (Dunfield January 24 th 1856
Sir, Enclosed is additional evidence in the case of Stephen Wright Rev. Soldier - Claim No. 07,019
Yours very Respectfully
John Wilson
J. Minor Esq. Cassner of Pensions

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston. April 12 th 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 Stephen Wright is borne on roll of Capt. John Porter's Comp. Col. Cyprian Hovey's Regt. R. Island Service, from July 25 th To Oct. 30. 1780. 3 Mos. 10. days, as private.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
T. M. Wingate Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, March 6 th 1856
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed, William Kimball, Luther Prescott and Andrew Gardner were Justices of the peace for the County of Middlesex, and Jas. Hartwell & John Wilson Justices of the peace for Justice of the Peace for the County of Franklin
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 of Which, I have hereunto affixed the SEAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH, the date above written.
F. D. Wells Secretary of the Commonwealth

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, Dec. 4. 19 th 1856
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestations hereunto annexed,
John B. Sleeper was a
Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex
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 of Which, I have hereunto affixed the SEAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH, the date above written.
Francis De Witt Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Denfield Mass April 19 1855
L. P. Waldo Esq. 7 Comm d of Pensions, Sir
I herewith enclose you The claims of Stephen Wright, John Wilson of Cohaine returned Churchill, Alden Willy & Alonzo Rice To Bounty lands Yours very Respectfully John Wilson

Dearfield March 19th 1854.
Sir,
I herewith enclose you such evidence in the case of Stephen Wright as I trust will remove every doubt of his identity. The search for evidence has been indefatigable & I think successful, considering the length of time since the service was performed. Mr Wright made a mistake in his affidavit as to the month of his enlistment, which I am authorized to correct by substituting (July) for (August).
Believing, as I sincerely do, that he is the identical Stephen Wright who performed the service & making suitable allowance for the great difficulty of procuring positive evidence at such a distant period, I cannot doubt that a Warrant will issue to him.
Yours very Respectfully John Wilson
Hon J. Morton Chair of Pensions