Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16,342, for Thomas May, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
100 Pass. Navy
May, Thomas Eunice
No. 16,342
CONTENTS

4571 New Hampshire
Catherine May widow of James  James  May  May , in P. who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 20 June 1816 of Hillsboro in the State of N.H. who was a private in the Seaman commanded by Captain Moss of the U.S. Navy by the in the U.S. Navy line for 12 mo. Seaman & 3 mo. private.
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord at the rate of 58 Dollars 25 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of Novr 1839 to Lutland  Rebecca  Wadsworth , Concord , N.H.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1839 $ 263.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 March 29.00
292.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D.M. Gundy Clerk, Book A. Vol. 1. Page 46.

X Addison James M. widow of Phoebe 3579 N.Y. Not 7. July 1838
I am requested to forward your application. Then address any communi- cations respecting same to me at Centre County of Hillsborough N. Hampshire
Linda Woodbury

State of New Hampshire
Wilsborough County ss. On this twelfth day of November in the year eighteen hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before me Dick Woodbury Judge of the Court of Probate of Middle within and for the County of Hillsborough aforesaid Eunice May a resident of Hancock in said County of Hillsborough aged Seventy nine 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, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows". That she is the widow of Thomas May formerly of Washington Hancock aforesaid deceased, who was a Private soldier in the army of the Revolution and a mariner in the naval service. that according to her best knowledge and belief, he enlisted in the army of the Revolution, at Sterling in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, about the first of September in the year nineteen hundred and seventy six in Captain Goff's Company of Infantry for the term of three months and served out the term of his enlistment. She does not recollect the name of his Colonel. That afterwards in the same year 1776 he enlisted again in Captain Mansfield Fowlers Company for the term of four months and served out the term of his enlistment she cannot tell his Colonels name or the month of his enlistment. Soon after this last term of service he enlisted into the naval service she thinks as a mariner, under Captain Manley and was taken a prisoner by the enemy and was detained as a prisoner at Halifax about five months, that he was
own

then sent to New York or the harbor of New York to be put on board the Jersey prison ship and on his way he and his fellow prisoners rose and took the Omeny and got into Neshannock, that he was in the naval service under Captain Manly two years as near as she can recollect. She has no documentary evidence to prove his service.
Saw further declares, that she was married to the said Thomas May at Sterling aforesaid on the eleventh day of November in the year one thousand eighty two, that her maiden name was Brooks; that her husband the aforesaid Thomas May died at Washington in the County of Sullivan and State of New Hampshire on the twentieth day of June in the year eighteen hundred and sixteen he was at Washington aforesaid on a visit, his residence was at said Hancock; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January one hundred and ninety four viz. at the time above stated; that she has remained a widow ever since the decease of her husband the aforesaid Thomas May.
Residence of Washington in page first made before signing. Affid.
Daniel Priest
Eunice for X May widow
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year before written.
Isaac Woodbury & Judge as aforesaid
I certify that aforesaid Eunice May the official

is in my belief, a credible witness; and that the cause of executing the aforesaid declaration out of Court is, that the affiant, is, in my belief, from bodily infirmities unable to attend Court without great inconvenience and repugnance of her health
Sister Woodbury Judge a foresaid

Daniel Priest of Hancock in the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire deposed and say that I was once acquainted with Thomas May formerly of Hancock aforesaid deceased, that he died at Washington in the County of Sullivan New Hampshire on the twentieth day of June eighteen hundred and sixteen, that his residence was at said Hancock and he was at Washington on a visit when he died. His remains were interred at said Hancock. that I am also well acquainted with Eunice May the widow of said Thomas May now living at said Hancock, and know her to be the widow of said Thomas May, and that she has remained a widow ever since the decease of her husband aforesaid. that he was reputed to be a Revolutionary Soldier, and to have served on board of Capt. Manly's ship in the naval service. I have frequently heard him relate his stories of the Revolution and his adventures with Capt. Manly. Daniel Priest
State of New Hampshire Hillsborough ss. November 22, 1838. Sworn to and subscribed before me.
Luke Woodbury Justice of the peace I certify that the aforesaid Daniel Priest the deponent is a credible witness.
Luke Woodbury Justice of the peace.

State of New Hampshire Secretary of the States Office I hereby certify that the within named Luke Woodbury is Judge of Probate in and for the County of Hillsborough also a justice of the Peace in and for said County is duly qualified and his signature is genuine
In testimony whereof I have this 15th day of November Anno Domini 1838 set my hand and caused the seal of the State to be hereunto affixed.
M c Whorter Deputy

I hereby certify, that in the record of marriages kept by Rev. Keuben Holcomb. I find the following entry.
One thousand eight hundred and eighty two November eleven, "Thos May and Eunice Brooks."
And I further certify, that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in full, legible figures as follows, "1882 Nov. 11."
Peter Gogood.
Sterling, Wor. Co. Mass. Aug. 22. 1838.
I, Peter Gogood, above named, depone and say: That I hold the office of pastor of the first Congregational Church in Sterling aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of the said Church, with the exception of above named, as certified by me.
Peter Gogood, pastor of the first Congregational Church in Sterling.
Massachusetts State
Worcester County
Town of Sterling
Je. August 22 d . 1838. -
Sworn to before me Moses Thomas Justice of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Worcester ss. I. Jos. G. Kendall, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court within and for said County, certify that Moses Thomas within named, is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly qualified to act as such, and that the signature of his name, within written, appears to be in his own hand writing. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Worcester, this Twenty third day of August A.D. 1838 - Jos. G. Kendall Clerk.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Thomas May a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
77. Roll 16,342     DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1776 1 year Marine John Manley ship "Hancock" Navy   Soon after above 1 year Marine  Had an engagement with & captured the Brit. frigate "Fox"; was taken prisoner by British "Rainbow" carried to Halifax & held 7 mos. then put on the "Royal Bounty" to be conveyed to the prison ship "Jersey" in N.Y. harbor, but he & his fellow prisoners rose and took possession of the "Royal Bounty" and put into Port at Marblehead.   
Battles engaged in, see above.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Essex
Date of application for pension, _____
Residence at date of application, _____
Age at date of application, _____
Remarks: He was at Marblehead March 11, 1776. Enlisted March 11, 1776. He died June 20, 1816 at Washington, D.C. where there are a few (friends) in his home. Here claim was allowed.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Eunice Max X widow of Thomas, N. H.
act 7 July 1838
Rejected
Let to Hon. F. Pierce
8 Feby 1839. & 29 Oct 1839 to Luke Woodbury.

Commissioner of Pensions Department of the Interior Washington, D. C.
Have you any Revolutionary War data in regard to Thomas May V.R. who at different times lived in Templeton, Mass, Sterling Mass and finally settled in Hancock, N. H. Any information will be gratefully received by Mrs. Niagara W. Hall 920 Tenth St. Greeley, Colorado
ack. MAR 6 - 1912
M.R.
Greeley, Colorado, February twenty seventh Nineteen Twelve

1912 Mar. 9. History to Mrs. Niagra W. Hall. C.
Maß
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 16342 Emmerson Mary Kind of Normal Mary Rev Rev War
Act July 7th 188
Index: Vol. in , Page 8
[Arrangement of 1870.]

State of Vermont, Orleans County
S. Samuel C. Crafts, Clerk of Orleans County Court do certify that James Way is a Justice of Peace, within and for the County of Orleans, for the year commencing on the first day of December, A.D. 1838, and ending on the last day of November A.D. 1839, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his name to the annexed certificate is his own proper signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 6 th day of September, in the year of our Lord, One thousand eight hundred & thirty nine,
Sam l C. Crafts, Clerk

I Nathaniel Houghton of Sterling in the County of Worcester Massachusetts State aged seventy eight years do testify & say that Thomas May of Sterling in the 1776 was present in the Revolutionary service & that I was in the service with him according to the best of my recollection at Dorchester in Massachusetts in Capt. Mansfield Sawyer's Company four months - Soon after said May enlisted in the same service under Capt. Manly & I believe he was in said service & a prisoner to the British about two years. Nathaniel Houghton
Massachusetts State Worcester County } Town of Sterling }
js October 17th. 1838.
Subscribed & sworn to before me & I certify the said Nathaniel Houghton is well known to me as a man of veracity & of a sound mind
Moses Thomas Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester, ss. Jos. G. Kendall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County certify that Moses Thomas within named is a justice of the Peace within and for said County duly qualified, and that the signature of his name within written is in his own hand writing - and that William Perry whose name is written on the annexed affidavit is also a justice of the Peace for said County duly qualified that the said signature of his name is in his own hand writing - I witness whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of said Court at Worcester this nineteenth day of October 1838 - Jos G Kendall Clerk

This man is Thomas (not John) May undoubtedly John is a clerical error.
By Aaron Parker of Compton in the province of Lower Canada being first duly sworn, depose and say, that in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven I went with five others to Boston Mass and enlisted on board the ship Hancock a ship which was to start two years though we called her a thirty day. She was commanded by Capt John Moulton - and we enlisted for one year - we were in Boston some time I think about a month before we went to sea - while in residence. It was sometime in March that I enlisted - when I went aboard the ship, I became acquainted with one of the crew by the name of John May who was an interesting man - I do not know how long said John May had been the ship when I went aboard - but no one of us was enlisted for less than one year. On a few days after we put to sea we took a fine merchant brig and brought her in to Boston. About a month after we sailed we met the Top a British frigate of twenty eights, and the Brooks of Dracut - in the morning, and exchanged Starboard Broadside before breakfast. The ship, and we were in things as soon as we could do, and spread everything if we could in shore - The ship continued till we took our breakfast and split the main beam, say three hours - I was a Marine on the quarter

deck and took notice of all the movements - The Sails John Shaw was also a mariner here on the quarter deck or in the tops, I do not recollect which - Capt. Mowat was on the larboard gang board during most of the action - Before we had got fairly along side the Fox commenced her fire - Capt. Mowat said 'not a gun - not a fire - for down her she has run from us once and she shall not again.' After we came along side the action increased and we fought her on shore and a half - A few minutes before the Fox struck - my brother fell mortally wounded on the quarter deck near me - I discharged my fire arm, and got a man to help me into the cock pit with him. We had the Boston Frigate in company - commanded by Hector McNeil - which would hold to, and took no part in the contest till the Fox had struck - when the Boston came in between us and the Fox and fired a broad side into the Fox - Capt. Mowat cried out with a voice like a lion - 'God damn your Sails to hell left the Sails she has struck, let the Fox a month and went and cruised in the English Channel - On our return we had a number of days foul weather - and could not see the Sun - Consequently we were driven to the eastward, and found ourselves off Wallasey Harbour - so near that we could see into the Harbour - They went out in chase of us the Rainbow of 44 guns - The Flora of 36 guns and the Victor a brig of 14 guns - We soon separated. The Boston and Fox to the larboard took, and the Winack took the starboard tack. The Flora

alone followed the prize and the Boston, and the Rainbow and Victor followed us. Sometime between 3 and 6 o'clock the Flora came up with the prize and engaged her - The Boston was as much as that Vessel ahead and to windward - The Flora took the prize - The Rainbow and Victor still kept in chase of us - Capt. Moul directed the Sailing Master Capt. Liamont to put the ship in stop at such a time which he neglected to do and towards day- light we came near the enemy and their ship's I heard Steward of the lockpit and the British Captain of the Port was there - Capt. Moul came down below and said to him - It has been my day since - and now it may be yours - to which the British Captain replied - it will be the fortune of war - There was not a breath of wind - but the enemy had a good party foot long by which they came up with us. about an hour after Sun rise - Moul told the British Captain if God had given him a breeze of wind he would lay his vessel aboard and show what his gunners would do - But we had no breeze and Capt. Moul was obliged and Capt. Moul was obliged to strike During all the time the said John May was aboard the same vessel with me - we were carried into Halifax and were confined in prison - I saw him there during all of which time the said May was with me - during which time we suffered very much - being covered with lice and fleas - At the expiration of that time we were put aboard the Royal Navy - which was conveyed by the Victor a brig of 14 guns The third night after we put to sea we made a sail

the crew of the Royal Bounty and took the bottles and carried here into Marblehead. I think we were then as busy a set of men as was ever seen. May was with us all this time. I left him at Marblehead and did not see him afterwards till after the war was over - when I was married and moved to Hancock - where I found the said John May and knew him to be the same man we lived in the same town after wards several years.
Aaron Parker
State of Vermont } July 28th 1839 Orleans County ss }
Then personally appeared Aaron Parker the Signer and Trustee of the foregoing affidavit and made solemn oath that the foregoing that the above affidavit contains the truth to the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I further certify that I have heard personally and by reputation acquainted with the said Aaron Parker for some years and I consider him a man of truth and veracity - and a credible witness.
James Way Trustee of the Premises
State of Vermont } Samuel C. Crafts Clerk of the County Court Orleans County ss } within and for the County of Orleans in the State of Vermont and do hereby certify that Samuel C. Crafts Clerk in said County is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County - duly commissioned and qualified that his appointment or commission was dated the first day of December A.D. 1838 and will expire on the last day of November A.D. 1839 and that his signature above written as well as his signature upon the annexed affidavit is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the said County this 5th day of September A.D. 1839 Clerk

Hon. James L. Edwards
Concord N.H. Sept. 19. 1837
Sir
Enclosed I send you some additional evidence in the application of Emma May, which, as I was informed by a communication from you of July 8, last was disallowed for want of sufficient proof and also that service on board a privateer is not embraced within the pension laws. Of this I was previously informed. And by a subsequent communication from you of May 21 st . I am informed that service on board of the Hancock comes within the provisions of the Pensions act. The enclosed affidavit is intended to establish such services and I hope will be satisfactory.
I am Sir, Respectfully Mr. Wm. L. L.
Luke Woodbury
Please address any communications respecting same to Luke Woodbury, Concord N. Hampshire

in all,
Mr Syl
atkinson V.H. two n'try
Eunice May N.H. Supt.
Nov 13
Hon. James L. Edwards Commr. of Pensions War Department Washington City

Antioch Nov. 7. 1839
Dear James L. Edwards
Sir
Yrs. of Oct. 29th is received informing me that Mrs. Eunice May may be allowed a pension for 12 months Service of her husband Thomas May in house the Hencaster and for 3 months in Capt. Gaps Camp. in 1776. and that the alleged service in Capt. Surry's Camp. of 4 mos. in 1776 cannot be allowed. That a certificate may be issued upon being advised of the wishes of Mrs. May. As at present advised, I think Mrs. May cannot change the state of the testimony in relation to the service in Capt. Surry's Camp. - She will therefore take a certificate for the 15 mos. Service.
Very Respectfully J. M. Lott.
Antioch Dr. Humphreys
Luke Woodbury

1776 3. Gaps. Mass morell 4 McLean + " 77 24- Manly Navy m 1742 d. 1816
Mrs May
Vd 3 p 148 Lg 1776 not on Newspaper and on 174 May 6 Nov.

3379 Eunice May Wid of Thomas N H Died July 1835 Mama 1782 died 1816 Also 12 th seaman 3 rd pn Infantry U. S. Navy (at Manly) $58 per ann
Suke Woodbury Esq Autumn NH

1784      1829 A. 27 June 32      18 1811

See papers of Aaron Parker V. Agency, Ae Nov 7 1832. N o 17228 Admitted — —

I David Gerry of Leominster, County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts, aged Eighty two years, depose, testify & declare, that I well knew Thomas May formerly of Sterling in the County & State aforesaid, and was a Soldier with him in the same Company with him in the Revolutionary War - About the first of September in the year 1776. we both enlisted at said Sterling for three months in Capt. Goss' Company of foot and marched to New-York and were stationed at Dobbs Ferry, where we remained until our time of enlistment expired - In the course of the year following said May entered the Sea-Service Privateering and was taken prisoner by the Enemy and carried into Halifax, where he remained a Prisoner a year or two, as near as I can recollect, the precise time I cannot tell, it might have been more than two years -
Witnesses W m Perry
George H. Tuttle
David his Gerry Cross
Commonwealth of Massachusetts -
Worcester County ss. Town of Leominster Oct. 18. 1838. Personally appeared before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for said County of Worcester, the above named David Gerry, and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed - and I certify, that I am personally acquainted with the said David Gerry, and that he is a person of veracity and fully entitled to belief - W m Perry, Justice of Peace