Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21744, for Silas Marsh, Massachusetts

SERVICE
1600 S. W. 10th St.
NUMBER _____
Marsh, Silas Deliverance
N 21744
CONTENTS

Massachusetts 769 Deliverance Marsh widow of Elias Marsh who died on the 3 June 1836 of Worcester in the State of Mass. o who was a Seaman in the Company commanded by Captain Walcott of the Reg t commanded by Col. Davis in the Mass. o line for 7 months & 14 days
Dead
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1833 to 4 of the 5 Children from 1 st March to 28 Aug 1839. the day of her death. Agt notified 25 Dec r 1841
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass. a at the rate of 24 Dollars -88- Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Amt to to Hellach 1835 to be deducted
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of April 1837 and seat George Marsh Hurlburt Mass. o
Arrears to the 4th of March 1837 $149.28 Pemi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept th " 12.44
$161.72
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d }
Recorded by H. H. Adirson Clerk, Book 14 Vol. 1 Page 160

Let to Hon. J. Davis, Feb 27. 1837
86 Worcester
Massachusetts 15282
Silas Marsh
of Worcester in the State of Mass ts who was a pri; in the company commanded by Captain Walcott of the Reg t commanded by Col. Davis in the Mass ts line for 7 months & 14 days
Wilt
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass ts at the rate of 24 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of June '33 Worcester Mass ts and sent A. Bigelow
Arrears to the 14th of March '33 - 49.76 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept " - 12.44
$62.20
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Miller Clerk, Book E Vol. 2 Page 53

19502
Silas Marsh -
Admiral Marsh 7 mo 14 days $24.88
See Pay roll of Capt Abel Mason filed with papers of Capt M. last tour 9 days
By George Davis

BRIEF in the case of  Silas Marsh  County of Worcester  in the State of Massachusetts  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Judge  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? yes  3. How old is he? Eighty five years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Drafted As a Gen. Ward Col. Davis   In 1775 1 Private Col. Timothy Parker   1776 5 Lieut. J. Saltonstall   1777 Sep 1 Col. Plympton   1780 Aug 14 Col. Walcutt   7. 14 Col. Colman   Genl. Gates Col. Mason  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? White Plains & Still Water  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Worcester Co. Mass.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? living witnesses & traditional evidence  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? improperly attached 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
John L. Waterman Examining Clerk.  2 nd March

March
1554

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester ss. Probate Office.
I certify that Ira Warson Esq r is Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, and that his name signed as such to papers hereto annexed was written by himself, and that George Davis is a Justice of the Peace for said County duly commissioned and sworn, and his name subscribed to papers hereto annexed, was in each case written by himself.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my name, and affix the seal of the said Court the 10th day of March 1837.
Theoph: Wheeler Reg d of the said Probate Court
Please to return Papers to George Davis Esq r Marlbridge

Marned in 1778 June 12 th Silas Marsh and Deliverance Fiske both of Sturbridge by Joshua Paine Clerk Silas Marsh Died June 3 rd 1836
We hereby certify that the above is a true copy from the Book called Sturbridge Book of Marriages, Births and Deaths Sturbridge 3 Attest Alfred M. Merrill Town Clerk July 10. 1837
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Worcester, ss — March 6 th 1837 — Personally appeared the above named Alfred M. Merrill, & made oath to the truth of the above certifi- cate by him subscribed — Further I am well acquainted with the said Alfred M. Merrill, that he is a very respectable citizen & sustains a good character for truth — George Davis Just Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss County of Worcester
On this twenty fifth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty seven, Deliverance Marsh a resident of Shurbridge in said County of Worcester & Commonwealth aforesaid aged seventy nine years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836. That she is the widow of Silas Marsh who was a soldier in the army of the revolution. From the time of the service of her said husband reference may be had to his declaration made in the year 1832. - Her said husband's certificate is numbered
since the death of his wife with the declaration a part of which I have been after our marriage, to wit: at Shurbridge I know it because this service was done in my house at the time of the revolution, and I had to go out and tell her friends they were.
She further declares that she was married to the said Silas Marsh on the twenty fifth day of June in the year seventeen hundred & eighty eight. That her husband the aforesaid Silas Marsh died on the third day of June in the year eighteen hundred & thirty six & that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will appear more fully from reference to the proofs hereto annexed.
Deliverance Marsh
Sworn and subscribed
the day and year aforesaid
McGrath Judge of the Court of Probate In said County of Worcester

since here for the last do declare it as their opinion that the said Silas March was a soldier of the revolution; that he was married to the said Apprentice , that he has since divorced, & that she has since remarried his sister, as she is her acknowledged mother also in with the delegates , she being refused to be a friend of truth .
Mr Boston  father of John Bush

I David Wight of Shurton in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts - testify & say that I was well acquainted with Silas Marsh of Shurton a pensioner, & am also well acquainted with Deborah Marsh his widow, that the said Silas Marsh died on the third day of June 1836 & that the said Deborah Marsh still continues his widow & unmarried.
David Wight
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Worcester ss. Feb y 22 nd March 2. 1837 - Then the above named David Wight personally appeared & made oaths to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed - I certify that the above named David Wight is a magistrate & in person & in person veracity - I further certify that the above named Deborah Marsh is the widow of Silas Marsh deceased & remains his widow to my knowledge -
Before me George Davis Jus Pacis -

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County ss.
I the subscriber a judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts the same being a Court of Record having a Clerk and seal, do hereby certify: That on the 8 th day of August 1832. I proceeded to the dwelling house of the within named Silas Marsh in the town of Sturbridge to take his examination for the purpose of procuring a pension. The said Silas Marsh from old age and bodily infirmity is unable to attend Court. The said Silas Marsh signed the within Declaration in my presence, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. And I do hereby declare my opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after filling the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department: That the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And I do further certify that it appears to me that Joseph S. Clark who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in said town of Sturbridge; and that George Davis who has also signed the same is a resident in said town of Sturbridge; and is a credible person; and that their statement is entitled to credit. I further certify that I have been long acquainted with said George Davis and know him to be a person of great respectability.
Solomon Strong. Judge C. C. Pleas.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Whereas I Abijah Bigelow, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, of the Commonwealth aforesaid, for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify that the Honorable Solomon Strong Esquire, is one of the Justices of said Court, and that his signature to the within certificate in the matter of the Application of Silas Marsh for a Pension (which application is annexed) and his certificate of the oath by him admin- istered to Joseph S. Clark and George Davis, (as appears on said application) are in his own proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court, this tenth day of September A. D. 1832. Abijah Bigelow, Clk.

Sworn on oath of Massachusetts County of Worcester on this eight day of August 1832. personally appeared before me Solomon Strong, a judge of the Court of Common Pleas.
Silas Marsh resident of Hatfield in the County of Worcester & Barn- monmouth aforesaid aged 85 years who being first duly sworn, accord- ing to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed the 7 th day of June 1832 that he was drafted by the select men of said Hatfield from the militia to serve in the army of Militia of Massachusetts in the year 1775 - a few days after the Battle at Lexington, & went to Roxbury, & staid there about a month at the end of which time I was dis- missed without any written discharge. I served at this time under Capt. Sim- othy Daker, Lieut. John Salomon, & Col. Plimpton. Gen. Ward commanded the troops now  around about Boston at that time.
I also served for five months in and about New-York & at White Plains in the year 1776. I set out from home the 18 th of July of that year & returned the latter part of November the same year. I was then dismissed with a written discharge as I think, but if I ever had one I have lost it & cannot find the same.

I was in the battle of White Plains the fore part which I think was the fore part of September -- William Howard who went from Sturbridge was killed in that battle. My Captain was John Wilcutt of Waldo of Brook- field Lieut Heathway was of my Lieutenant. I had Walker of Sturbridge & Ensign John Lynde of Brookfield. Holman of Sutton was my Colonel. General Washington commanded there while I served.
I was drafted the fore part of September 1777 & was gone a little more than a month I was then dismissed without any written discharge. I was there at the taking of Burgoyne. Was in the battle of Still- water -- Benjamin Freeman was Lieut- and Commandant. Gen. Gates was General commanded the troops
I was afterwards drafted in the month of Sep- tember in the year 1778 I think but it might be in the year 1779 or 1780 & was gone from home about three weeks & was then dismissed without any written discharge
I was afterwards drafted on the third day of August 1780 to go to Trenton Pa. I was dismissed without on the night of the same August without a written discharge. I was gone from home about a fortnight. I served at this time under Capt. Abel Mason & Sturbridge now Southbridge. my name appears upon the original pay

Roll of the said Capt. Abie Mason which original pay Roll is annexed to the application of the said Capt. Abie Mason for a pension & which will be sent on with his papers to the war department. Col. J. Davis was my Colonel -
I hereby relinquish every claim whatsoever to a pension or an annuity except the present & I declare that my name is not on the pension Roll of any agency in any state -
I have no documentary evidence except the pay roll before mentioned -
I was born at Husbands, on the thirteenth day of May old style 1747 & is recorded on the family Register Book & is also recorded on the town Records - I have always lived in the town of Husbands - I was drafted in all the cases where I served - The names of some of the officers who were with me have already mentioned - I have never received a written discharge unless it was in one instance, & if I then received one, I have lost it & cannot find it - Reverend Joseph S. Clarke and George Davis Esq. will testify as to my character for morality, and their belief of my service as a soldier of the Revolution.
Pleas, Marsh
Aug. 8.

We Joseph S. Clarke, a clergyman residing in the town of Haverbridge, & George Davis residing in said Haverbridge hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Silas Marsh who has resided and known to the above declaration, that we believe him to be of the age we have stated. That he is respected & believed to be in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion.
Joseph S. Clarke Geo. Davis
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County ss. On the 8th day of August 1832. Personally appeared Joseph S. Clarke, and George Davis, the signers of the above certificate and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
Before me Solomon Strong Judge C.C. Pleas.
Silas Marsh 19502 (125)

Mid. file
3-079.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER,
-----, 190-----
No. Claim, _____
Cert. No. 21744
Claimant, Deliverance
Soldier, Elas Marsh
Co. _____ Reg't. _____
Mason Line
ACTION AND ORDER:
Papers placed Marsh
  To Chf.  _____  Dir.    Action  _____  _____    OCT 9 1909    COMMISSIONER.  
  ADMITTED FILE    OCT 9 1909  
1838b5m10-08
Commissioner.

14928

To what time was this Marsh of Worcester Co. Mass paid under the act of June 7. 1832
Said to the 4 March 1835
JH
A 16f
Apr 5 1837

O. W. & N. DIVISION DEC 5 1899 RECEIVED.

Geneseo, Illinois, Nov 28 th 1899.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Will you please inform me whether Deliverance Fisk Marsh , the wife of Silas Marsh of Sturbridge, Mass. was a Pensioner of the Revolutionary War ? and if so, will you please give me the military record of the said Silas Marsh ? and oblige,
Yours very Respectfully, Mrs Joseph A. McLaughlin, Geneseo,
Box 232.
Illinois
P.S. Possibly Mrs Marsh was a Pensioner of 1812.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
January 20 th , 1841.
Sir :
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Deliverance Marsh, — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of Twenty four Dollars and 88 Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th July 1836, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of Sept. 1839, to the 1 st March 1840.
Respectfully yours,
Almon B. Farnes Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

1554
Mar 14
20c  1/2
July '36
Pension
Pension papers
Deliver to Andrew J. Sila, Mar 14 Mass. by
1835 allow per 7 m. 14 d. $ 24 88 per ann. comf 4 Mad 1835
Mr Geo Davis Sturbridge Mass

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Silas Marsh which require further proof or explanation.
1. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? The Judge has given his
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Living witnesses
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c: A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
‡QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
☞ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

I Simson Fisher of Frankbridge in the county of Manchester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being of lawful age do testify and say that Silas Marsh of said Frankbridge was out with me in the Revolutionary War for the term of one Month or upwards at Bunkerhill we were called out as Minute Men upon alarm as near as I can recollect we marched from Frankbridge the next day after the Battle at Lexington the said March 19th day of April 1775 and was some for the term of one Month or a few days over and then was relieved by a new recruit from Frankbridge and came home. Capt. Timothy Parker was our captain and Col. Joseph Warren Warner commanded our Regiment Simson Fisher
Manchester ss. Sept 4 th 1832 Then the above named Simson Fisher personally appeared and made solemn oath that the above statement by him subscribed contains the truth before me and I further certify that I have been personally acquainted with the said Simson Fisher for many years and that he sustains a good moral character. David Wright Jas. Dear as to truth and veracity

I Samuel Shumway of Sturbridge in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being of lawful age do testify and say that Silas Marsh of said Sturbridge was Marched with me from Sturbridge to New York some time in the month of July 1776 we were stationed in and about New York, we were both of us in the Battle at White Plains. Capt John Willett was our Captain. The regiment we belonged to was commanded by Col. Holmans of Littleton we were out for the term of five Months said Marsh according to the best of my re- collection staid in the service till within a few days of the expiration of the term of five Months when he left on account of sickness
Samuel Skurney
Waukesha Co Sept 4 th 1832 Then the above named Samuel Shumway personally appeared and made before me oath that the above statement by him subscribed contains the truth he says amen and I further certify that the above named Samuel Shumway sustains a good moral character for truth and David Wright Gus. Sears notaries

I Caleb Allen of Hattiesburg in the county of Worcester then in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts lawful age testify & say that I am well ac- quainted with Silas Marsh of said Hattiesburg, that I am knowing to his enlistment into a military company commanded by Capt. John Merrill of Brookfield in said county, the first of July 1776 for the term of five months, & that he was to my knowledge discharged about the first of December of that year & that to my knowledge he served till his enlistment expired - We were stationed in New York at this time. Were in the city a short time & near the city. Marsh was in the battle at White Plains. Jonathan Holman was our Colonel of Settlers in said county -
Caleb Allen
Worcester. Aug. 16. 1832 Then the above named Caleb Allen personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the affidavit by him subscribed - I certify that the above named Caleb Allen's character is good for veracity - George Davis acting the Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester, ss. I, Abijah Bigelow, clerk of the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Worcester, do certify, that David Wright and George Davis, Esquires, before whom the annexed Depositions of Simeon Fiske, Samuel Shum- =way, and Caleb Allen, were respectively signed and sworn to, are Justices of the Peace within and for said County of Worcester - and that the signatures of said Justices to the certificates of the oaths of said Deponents, ap- =pear to be in their own proper hand writing. —
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the County Seal, this twenty third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two. —
Abijah Bigelow, Clk.

Rev 21-744
WIDOW, &c.
Jan'y 24 1900 Mtl hts to Mrs Jos. A. McLaugh Genealo
File No. 21744
Feb. 8-1902 Lewis R. McLaugh Genealo.
Deliverance Marsh widow of Silas Marsh Pre Rev War
Act July 4 th 86
Index: Vol Me , Page 10
[Arrangement of 1870.]
nightline Dec.
hlin su

8 Holy - can see no Geo Davis care for deliverance March dear
Silas Marsh Pension Office
Washington D.C. H. M. Davis HN

I Simon Mason of Southbridge in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of eighty two years of age testify & say, that in the fore part of September in the year 1777. I marched in company with Mr. Silas Marsh of said Southbridge, to Pittsfield into the state of New-York, we were at Fort Edwards, at Stillwater, & were together at the taking of Ben- goyne. We were out during this term of enlistment more than a month according to the best of my recollection. Said marsh & myself returned home together - A lieutenant Freeman commanded the company according to the best of my recollection -
There are a number of circumstances by which I am induced to believe this term was more than a month - SIMON MASON
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester, Nov. 14. 1832. Then appeared the above named Simon Mason & made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit, subscribed by him in my presence - I certify that I have long been acquainted with the said Simon Mason & that he sustains a good character for truth -
Before me George Davis Just Peace.

The subscriber having taken this affidavit it since the date of the bank's certificate he thought it unnecessary to procure his certificate to then it that he is a magistrate as such a certificate accompanies the papers -
George Davis -