Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7050, for Benjamin May, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
PP 2
May Benjamin
P. 7050
CONTENTS

State of Vermont } On this 3 rd day of August Essex County ss } A.D. 1832 Personally appeared in open Court before me
William Gates Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Essex in the County of Essex and State of Vermont now sitting Benjamin May a resident of Concord in the County of Essex and State of Vermont aged Eighty nine years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 -
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated -
That in 1775 he joined a company of minute men as a volunteer in the town of Cumberland and State of Rhode Island & that said company was commanded by Capt Elisha Waterman and that he served in said company as an orderly Sargent (or Clerk) and continued in said company between two and three years. That during said term he was frequently at Providence, Bristol, Block Island and in other places in that vicinity. That during said term he went in Capt Watermans Company on to Block Island (at the time when Capt. or Commodore Wallace lay near said Island with his Fleet) and carried off about two Thousand sheep and killed and secured a quantity of beef cattle. That said Wallace took a Brig belonging to New London and that he (the said May) volunteered with a party and went and retook said Brig between Block Island and Long Island and took her up to New London. That some time afterwards (but he does not recollect the date) said Watermans Company was broken up and that he (the said May) joined the Rhode Island Militia and served in a company commanded by Capt. Enoch Weatherhead in Col. Moneys Regiment

That he was at Block Island while under Capt Weatherhead five weeks and at Bristol two months and about two months at Providence. That he was frequently with Gen Mr Barton.
That he cannot now recollect what has become of his Sargents Warrant. That he was born in Barnington in the state of Massachusetts in 1743 that he removed to said Cumberland in 1774. That he removed to Concord in the county of Essex and State of Vermont above thirty years ago where he has ever since resided and where he is now residing.
That he has no documentary evidence in his possession and that he knows of no person who can testify to his service except Squire Aldrich & John  John  Plough .
We hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid - Benj. May
We Cornelius Jendevine Esq of Concord in the county of Essex and State of Vermont and Brigham Pike Esq of said Concord hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin May who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty nine years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Cornelius Jendevine Brigham Pike

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Cornelius Gundersen Esq. and Brigham Pike Esq. who have signed the preceding certificate are both resident in the Town of Concord in the County of Essex and State of Vermont and that they are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Wm Gates Judge
I William Heywood Sum Register of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Essex in the County of Essex and State of Vermont do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin May for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 3 d day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
William Heywood Sum Register
State of Vermont } I William Gates Clerk of the Essex County ss } County Court within and for
the County of Essex do hereby certify that Wm Gates Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration of Benja May was taken and sworn to is the judge of the Probate Court within and for the District of Essex in the County of Essex aforesaid and that his name there subscribed is his genuine signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Lunenburg in said County this 21 st day of August 1832.
Wm Gates Clerk

State of Vermont District & County of Essex } On this seventh day of June A.D. 1833
Personally appeared in open court before the Hon. William Gates Judge of the Court of Probate for the District aforesaid now sitting Ben- jamin May named in the foregoing Declaration and on oath makes the following additional and explanatory Declaration to wit; That on the 25 th day of August A.D. 1775 he enlisted as a volunteer into a company of minute men in the town of Cumberland in the State of Rhode Island and that said company was commanded by Capt Elisha Waterman and Lieut Elias Philbrook and Ensign Reuben Ballow and that he served in said company as an orderly Sargent or Clerk. And that he continued in said company between two and three years; he thinks not less than two and a half years and that during said term he served at the places and in the manner named in his former declaration.
That he served in a company commanded by Capt Enoch Witherhead as stated in his Original Declaration.
That the company of said Capt Witherhead belonged to the Regiment of Col. Morey and the company of said Capt Waterman when he served therein belonged to the Regiment of Col. Rhodes and Col. Hawkesley.
That since making his former declaration he has procured a paper marked A. by which he is enabled to state positively as to the time when he first volunteered and entered the service in Capt Watermans Company.
That he was born in Barnington in the State of Massachusetts on the 25 th day of February A.D. 1743.
That he has a record of his age in his possession by which it appears that he was born at the time above stated.

That by reason of his great age and consequent loss of memory he cannot state more particularly as to the officers and troops with whom he served and the circumstances of his service than he has done in this and his former declaration. Benj a May
Sworn and Subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid Before me Will Gates Judge of Probate
We Below Martin a Clergyman residing in Concord in the County of Essex and State of Vermont and Daniel Pike 2 d residing in said Concord do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin May who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ninety years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Daniel Pike Martin
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid -
Before me Will Gates Judge of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Below Martin who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the town of Concord in the County of Essex and State of Vermont and that Daniel Pike 2 d who has also signed the same is a resident in said Concord and is a credible person and their statement is entitled to credit.

I William Heywood Jr Register of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Essex in the County of Essex and State of Vermont do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin May for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this seventh day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
William Heywood Jr Register
State of Vermont } I William Gates Clerk of the Essex County ss } County Court within and for the County of Essex and State of Vermont do hereby certify that Mr Gates Esq before whom the foregoing Declaration of Benjamin May was made taken and sworn to is the Judge of the Probate Court within and for the District of Essex in the County of Essex aforesaid.
and that his name thereto subscribed is his genuine signature -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Lunenburg in said County this 10 th day of June A.D. 1833 -
Wm Gates Clerk

Benjamin May admitted June 1832 Present case Suspended
J. R. Wise Present

POWER OF ATTORNEY.
STATE OF Vermont COUNTY OF Essex } ss:
Be it known that before the subscriber,
a Justice of the Peace personally appeared James May aged _____ years, who, being duly cautioned and then sworn in due form of law, states, that he is the son & heir of Benjamin May deceased *who was entitled to a pension and that he believes that he is entitled to whatever is due, and that the United States are still indebted to him, under the laws of Congress, for the pension that was due Benjamin May and that for the purpose of investigating and establishing his claims as afore- said, he doth appoint TULLY R. WISE , of Washington, D. C., his true and lawful attorney, with irrevocable powers, to examine all papers on file, and to do whatever he might do were he personally present to establish his claim.
In witness whereof, I have on this Eleventh day of October 1852, hereunto signed my name, and affixed my seal.
James May
Witness: William B May Witness: Harvey G. Fays
Signed, sealed, acknowledged, and sworn to before me; and I further certify, that James May has always by the community been known as the son of Benjamin May deceased
Dated on this 11th day of October 1852.
Harvey G. Fays J. P.
STATE OF Vermont COUNTY OF Essex } to wit:
Guildhall County Clerk's office October 20. 1852
I hereby certify, That Harvey G. Fays Esq., before whom the foregoing power of attorney was made, 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 above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of Essex County Court, this 20th day of October one thousand eight hundred and fifty two -
Wm H. Southworth Clerk.
* State whether an applicant or a pensioner.

January 6, 1937,
Mrs. Edward F. Blanchard 10 Park Place, P.O.Box 714, Ticonderoga, New York
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section EEL
Dear Madam:
You are advised that the Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail to show a claim for pension on file on account of the services of Clark May or of Benjamin Clark May. You are herewith furnished the history of Benjamin May, the only soldier of that name found on said records.
1743 From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R.7050, it appears that Benjamin May was born February 23, 1843, at Barrington, Massachusetts, and in 1774, moved to Cumberland, Rhode Island. About 1802, he moved to Concord, Essex County, Vermont.
Could not identify these officers While residing in Concord, Vermont, he applied for pension on August 3, 1832, and stated that he enlisted at Cumberland, Rhode Island, August 25, 1775, served at least two and one-half years as orderly sergeant in Captain Elisha Waterman's Company, Colonels Rhodes and Hawkesley's Rhode Island Regiment, and went on expeditions to Providence, Block Island, Long Island and other places in that vicinity; that after the termination of this service, he enlisted, date not given, and served five months and five days as a private in Captain Enoch Weatherhead or Wetherhead's Company, Colonel Morey's Rhode Island Regiment.
His claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of six months service as was required by the pension laws.
Son James May was a resident of Essex County, Vermont,

in 1852. The name of soldier's wife is not stated and there are no further data as to his family.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

Tree of Benj' Mays one gun belonging to the Colony that Capt Elisha Waterman had for John Smith Aroo Feb 3 1776 Tho Lard
No 3
Feb 1776

Silvanus Brown
earn be land march 1776 we Danne Smith and Christopher Harris Reseue of Elisha Waterman the sum of four pounds ten shillings it being in full for fifteen days Harris as admint in expedition to Red Island Reseue by us
Daniel Smith Jun
Christopher Harris

Cumberland february 12 A 1776 of Benj man may Rese d of Elisha Waterman the sum of three pounds it being in full for twenty days services as a minuteman in an expedition to Rhode Island Rese d by me
Benj. May
No 2
Feb 1776
Benjamin May R. 7050 R.I.

N o 6997
Benjamin May, Vermont.
Letter to
Claimant 27 th Aug 1832.
Final Report 6 th July 1833.
7050
Act of the June 1832.

March 25/53
Add. evig: in case of Benj: May.
vt
Act 7. June 1832
I. Reeve Present
For The Commission of Review

R. I.
May, Benjamin.
R. 7050

Vermont Benjamin May Suspended
let to let- 27 Aug. 188.

7050
P. O.
Benjamin May
Service:
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Printed list of 1852 shows cause of sus- Alleges: pension "suspended for a more particular account of his grade
Re-enlisted: and service"
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18
1931 Jan 6 - Mkt. to Mrs Edward F. Blanchard - Etad

Cumberland Aug. 25 th 1775.
We the Subscribers voluntarily enlist ourselves under the Command of Cap t Elihu Waterman to Proceed to Newshoreham, to remove the Stock from thence to the Continent, And to be dismissed when the Same is accomplished, ~ Agreeable to an Act of the General Assembly Passed at the Session held at Providence on the third Monday in August A. D. 1775. And we Promise to be Under due Subordination to all our Superior Officers, ~
Gilbert Grant
William Tucker
Daniel Smith Jun
Thomas Bowen
George Deck
Elihu Brown
Ebenezer Nuteall
Ebenezer Streater
Benja. May
Jeremiah Richmond
Michael Phillips
Christopher Harris
Rufus Arnold
Nedubrah Wilkinson
Daniel Wilkinson Jun r

Ticonderoga, N. Y. Dec. 1, 1930.
U. S. Dept. Int.
Bureau of Pensions
Rev. & 1812 War Sec.
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Have you any record of Benjamin or Clark May having applied for, or receiving a pension for Revolutionary War Services. Said Benjamin May first bore the name of Clark. At what time he changed it is not known. He lived for a time at Providence R. I. Then in Royalston, Mass, from where he moved to West Concord Ut. It is also said

that some of his children were born in Keene, N. H. and all before he moved to Vermont. His wife was a native of Rhode Island and was Hopestill Dexter May. Benjamin or Clark May was born in 1741 and died in 1835. In 1804 he was town clerk of Concord Vt. Other information at the present time I do not have.
However, Benjamin's brother, Elisha May, born in 1738 died in 1811 was a colonel of Seekonk and Attleboro. During the Revolution he was

active in both civil and military duties. Am mentioning the brother Elisha as it may help in identifying Benjamin or Clark as a participant in the Revolution for it is said that he served in the war of the Revolution. It is also said that Elisha commanded one regiment ordered out to suppress Shays' Rebellion.
Any information would interest me but am particularly anxious to learn if Benjamin or Clark may have a war record that would permit my joining the D. A. R.

Thanking you for your attention concerning the above matter.
Yours truly,
Mrs Edward F. Blanchard
10 Park Place
Ticonderoga
P.O. Box 714.
N. Y.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Benjamin May further proof or explanation.
I. 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? No
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? No
declarant just stated the nature of each particular term of service as per form the "last claim of pension" VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? No
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? Yes
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? No XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No 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? 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? 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? Yes 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? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
 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.

July Re Wine Exp. 6 July 1853

25 Pension Office.
6. July
7  8 th July 1853.
Sir,
The Power of Attorney in the case of Benjamin May dec d . of Vermont, has been received.
The heirs have filed no Declaration - We do not in fact know whether Benjamin left any children, nor is it known what their names are, or how many survive. These facts must be clearly established, and also the date of Benjamin's intermarriage with his wife, and of his death. I would remark that Benjamin's services have not been established, by any of the proof exhibited before this Office.
Fuller R. Wise Esq. Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C. 24 th March 1853
To,
Hon. L. P. Waldo.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir,
I have examined the papers in the case of Benjamin May of Vermont, a suspended case under the act of 7 June 1832, and have to say that there appears sufficient evidence among the papers to allow this claim.
There is a paper which purports to be a warrant from the Governor authorizing, or ordering Capt. Waterman to march with his Company to Providence.
There is also a paper dated 25 th Augt. 1775, which is signed by some 15 persons, among whom is May, who agree to enlist under Capt. Waterman. This establishes the fact that in 1775 Benjamin May did serve in Capt. Waterman's Company. A Mr. Aldrich testifies that he believes May served two or three years, and his opinion is based upon the fact that he frequently saw him some times in service and served a tour with him. There is also a receipt given by May to his Captain for three pounds, and one likewise from Daniel Smith Jewett who is also one of those who enlisted with May. In all, there is a receipt given by May to

Thos. Lord for a musket, dated 3 Feby. 1776. It is clearly proved that May served long enough to get a pension, and as orderly Sergeant. From the circumstances also, it is probable he served full two years. Every assertion he made is borne out by subsequent proof, which shows he was both a man of veracity and accuracy of statement.
In addition to all this, I enclose you here- with a letter from the Secretary of State of Rhode Island, showing that May's name does not appear among the Continental and state troops, and that the Rolls of the Militia and Minute men were sent to this city and were burnt or destroyed, a long time since. I think there is a case sufficiently made out to allow a pension for full two years service, and I ask its allowance accordingly.
I am very respectfully Your obedt. servt. Fanny R. Mose.

Secy's Office, Providence Nov. 17 - A.D. 1852 -
Dear Sir,
Your favor of 14 th inst. at hand. We have no Rolls or Records in this Office except of State & Continental Troops -
The Rolls of Militia & Minute men were long since sent to Washington and there got burned when the Capitol was burned.
Of course I cannot find the name of Benjamin May here - tho' I have looked thro' the Rolls of the State and continental Troops for it also.
Very Respectfully,
Yr. Oblt. St.
A. Potter
Secy. of State
Harvey G. Fry Esq. Concord R.I.

W: Benjamin May
Aug. 2/1833
P. 6 —————
Re. vol. 10
Page 61

War Department Pension Office
August 27, 1873 -
Sir
The papers in support of your claim to a pension under the act of June 7, 1832 have been again examined and placed on our files -
It is required of the appd- son that he you  should state each term of his alleged amount of service, separately, and distinctly, and until it be done, your claim cannot receive further investigation - Your last account of your services is not more satisfactory than the former form the the amendment of which your papers had been returned. So broad an allegation as is made by you, is not a sufficient declaration to warrant the allowance of a pension - Did you serve as Orderly Sergeant, and Clerk of the company, or in only one capacity? If earlier state the in which grade.
W t Benjamin May Concord Essex Co. Vermont

Colony of Rhode Island &c.
To Elisha Waterman Captain of the Company of Minute Men in Cumberland Greeting
You are hereby required to gather together the Company under your Command and march them into the Town with all possible Expedition in order to be transpor- ted to Rhode Island. you are to be careful that the Men are properly equipped with Ammunition and Blankets fit for immediate Service. Spades and Shovels will be much wanted, those who bring them will do an essential Service and will be paid for them by the Colony. As General Lee is now in Providence waiting for a sufficient Force to go upon the Island you will exert yourself in making the utmost Dispatch. Fail not and this shall be your sufficient Warrant
Given under my Hand and Seal at Providence - this Twenty Second Day of December A. 1775.
Richd Cooke Governor
No 9.
Dec 1775

I Squire Aldrich of St Johnsbury in the County of Caledonia and State of Vermont testify and say that I lived in Cumberland in the State of Rhode Island at the commencement of the Revolutionary War That I was well acquainted with Mr Benjamin May then of said Cumberland now residing in Canaan in the County of Essex and State of Vermont that in the year 1776 or 1777 the said Benjamin May was a minute man and enlisted in to a Company commanded by Capt Elisha Waterman the said May was orderly Sargent in said Company - I well knew the said May belonged to said Company and was frequently called upon to go to Providence & Bristol to guard these places. That after some time the said Company joined the Militia & was in Col Mosey's Regt I verily believe that said May held his Sargents Warrant & did service in said Company between two and three years I was once called out with him in the same Company upon an alarm & went to Providence - I was belonging to said Company but being upon other service most of the time and did not see him frequently but have no doubt but what he was engaged as a Sargent in said Company as I have a due stature Traverse Aldrich
State of Vermont } At Canaan in the County of Essex Essex County } on the 2 d day of August 1832
Personally appeared Squire Aldrich who has subscribed his name to the above affidavit and made solemn oath that the facts therein contained are true before me Wm Gates Jist Peace
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Squire Aldrich & he is considered a man of truth & his statement is entitled to credit Wm Gates Jist Peace

State of Vermont Essex County ss
I William Gates Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Essex do hereby certify that Wm Gates days before where the within affidavit was taken & sworn to is a justice of the peace within and for the County of Essex and that his name there subscribed is his genuine signature
For witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Lunenburg in said County this 21 st day of August 1832
Wm Gates Clerk
Essex Clerk Affidavit

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Essex in the State of Vermont Benjamin May of Concord in said Essex county 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 Two years and six months I served as an orderly Sargent or Clerk; For five months and five days I served as a private and for such service I claim a pension - Benjamin May
State of Vermont } At Concord in said county of Essex county ss } Essex on the 7 th day of June A.D. 1833 personally appeared Benjamin May who has subscribed his name to the above affidavit and made solemn oath that the facts therein contained are true. Before me W m Heywood Jr Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Benjamin May above named and he is consid- ered a man of truth and his statement is entitled to credit.
W m Heywood Jr Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont Essex County ss.
I William Gates Clerk of the County Court within and for the county of Essex in the state of Vermont do hereby certify that Mr Heywood for Esq before whom the within affidavit of Benjamin May was taken and sworn to as a justice of the Peace within and for the county of Essex aforesaid
and that his name thereto subscribed is his genuine signature.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Lun- enburg in said County this 10 th day of June A.D. 1833.
William Gates Clerk -
Benjamin May Affidavit