Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24,610, for Stephen Luther, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Luther, Stephen
W. 24,610
Navy
Mary
P.I.
CONTENTS
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Massachusetts 15-243
Stephen Suther
of Bristol in the State of Mass ts (Seaman) who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Peck of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Mass ts line for 24 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 99 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th day of June '33 and sent Hon. L. Hodge.
Arrears to the 14th of March '33 — 198.66 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Sept n — 49.66 1/4 $248.32 1/4
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Miller Clerk, Book E Vol. 2 Page 50

Reported
1235
Massachusetts, Mary Luther widow of M rs Stephen Luther who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private of Artillery & Seaman
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 11 Dollars 33. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of August 1848 and sent to G. S. Bulfinch Boston Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 83 Vol. 2,

Nov 18, 79 Stephen Luther Massachusetts
Almsh as - parole 20 months Outley - $3.33 4 mo Seaman - 16 $99.33
Yours J. L. Hodges

BRIEF in the case of  County of Bristol
Stephen Luther in the State of Massachusetts (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 71 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.     In 17 13 — As a Subs. Penn dence Seaman Gen. Dalton Capt. Whipple   Enlisted — 3 — private Capt. Peck   " 20 — Artillery Capt. Sayer   " 3 — Corporal Capt. Barney   3 3 total  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? (Bunker Hill)  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Swansey, Massachusetts  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living Witness  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? not properly attached 
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. W. L. [Signature] Examining Clerk.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, ) BRISTOL, ss. )
At a COURT of PROBATE holden at Dighton in and for said County on the twelfth day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, before the Honorable HODIJAH BAYLIES, Judge of the Probate, &c. for said County, personally appeared Stephen Luther
a resident of Swansey in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged seventy one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832, make the following declaration, That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein after stated, to wit, Under Capt. Whipple of the Ship Providence he was commonly called Commodore, that he understood at the time he entered this ship that the service was Continental; again under Capt. Peleg Pock, the company and other regimental officers, except the Major whose name was Peleg Made, he cannot remember; again under Capt. Dyer in a company of Mattrosses so called, he cannot remember the names of the other company officers, nor those of the field officers the Col. was named Hagg; again under Capt. Dancy whose other company officers I cannot remember nor the names of any of the officers of the regiment except the Major which was Clapp; and the particulars of his several services he will state in reply to the fifth subjoined interrogatory;
and further declares as follows, in reply to the interrogatories propounded by the Secretary of War; to wit:
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
Ans. That he was born in Swansey in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts in the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty one .
2. Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it? The record of my birth is on my father's Bible made by him, the record is in these words "Stephen Luther was born the ninth day of June 1761" and the births of his other children are there recorded also.
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live? Always in Swansey.
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substi- tute, for whom? I always voluntarily enlisted.
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service. I entered on board said Ship Providence about a month before the enemy took possession of Newport, I cannot tell the year, I entered at Providence in R. Island, there were in the Fleet under Commodore Whipple the Ship Providence Warren & Columbus the Sloop Providence, I was in the Ship Providence, I have forgotten the names of all the other officers; We sailed from Providence and going out back of Block Island when we had got nearly outside we met the British Fleet, immediately put back & escaped back to Sandy Point just below Providence where there was a blockade by the British for thirteen months, during which time we made an ineffectual attempt to destroy the enemy's fleet by a fire ship; I served the aforemen- tioned & was then dismissed with most of the crew, there being no hope of escaping the blockade I do not know of any one living who was with me on this service; under Capt. Pock I entered in the fall of the year but what year I do not remember and served three months into the winter guarding the coasts in Rhode Island State, below Buzzards in Greenwich & perhaps Warren, I am not certain as to the name of the Town; Afterwards, but how long afterwards I cannot remember I enlisted in a company of Artillery or Mattrosses under Capt. Dyer, I entered at Swansey in this State when the company was then stationed, it afterwards marched to Warren in the State of R. Island & then wintered, and we remained at Warren until we marched to join Sullivan's Expedition to Rhode Island we marched through Swansey, across Slades Ferry marched down to Howland's Ferry in Tiverton & then crossed to R. Island, we encamped first on Butts's Hill, and afterwards marched towards Newport then back to Butts's Hill where we had the Battle, our company was engaged in it & the S d killed; after the Battle our army retreated; I served in this company nearly certainly twenty months, perhaps more, but can recollect no further particulars of my service; this regiment was not Continental, again under Capt. Dancy I entered, I cannot tell in what year, but it was after the enemy has left Newport, we marched from Swansey and crossed to R. Island and encamped  stopped just this side of Quaker Hill, in this company I was a corporal, we served there three months. When I was in the Company of Mattrosses I recollect we were at one time in Newport when the French were there, the finest looking troops I ever saw. For my services on these three last mentioned occasions I refer to the annexed affidavits for proof & if I can procure any documentary evidence I will also annex it.
13 m o
3 m o
20 m o
on north side =
3 m o

Stephen Luther
18739

6. Were you a Soldier or an Officer? if a Soldier, did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and, if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? if an Officer, did you ever receive a commission, and if so by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
I was a soldier & a corporal in the army; on board the Ship Providence I was a waiter to the Lt. whose name I believe was Green, but am not certain. I never received a written discharge.
7. State the names of the persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the Revolution.
The reverend Richard Davis & Benjamin B. Visson both of Swansey aforesaid
And the said Stephen Luther doth further declare that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State, or (if any) only on that of the agency of the State of
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Stephen Luther H. Baylies, Judge of Probate.
Oct. 5. 1832
WE Bartholomew  John Buffington residing in Swansey aforesaid and John Luther residing in the same Swansey hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Stephen Luther who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy one 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 to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
John Buffington  John Luther H. Baylies, 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 abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that John Buffington who has signed the preceding certificate is resident in the Town of Swansey in said County of Bristol, and that John Luther who has also signed the same is a resident in said Town, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
H. Baylies, Judge of Probate.
Register of Probate.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, BRISTOL, ss.
I Anselm Basset Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Stephen Luther of Swansey in said County, for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court the day and year first last above written.
Anselm Basset

Sarah Luther.
Affidavit

I Aaron Luther of Swansey in the county of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age, do on oath testify, that I frequently saw Stephen Luther of Swansey, in the county & Commonwealth aforesaid, doing duty in the Matross, or Artillery Company commanded by Capt. Sawyer, in the Revolutionary war. — That in the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty, I enlisted into the a company of State troops commanded by Capt. Barney of Swansey, in company with the above named Stephen Luther, in which we served three months from the latter part of August. Our time of enlistment having expired we were discharged — I do not recollect the names of the other officers of the company — the 1 st Sergeant's name was Jonathan Barney — The Regiment was commanded by Col. Mitchell — the Major's name was Bliss.
Swansey August 9 th 1832. Aaron Luther mark witness Jos. G. Luther
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss. August 9 th 1832.
Then the above named Aaron Luther personally appeared before me, and made oath that, the above affidavit by him subscribed, by his mark, is true.
Benjamin B. Sisson Just of the Peace
I also certify that the above named Aaron Luther is a credible witness.
Benjamin B. Sisson Just of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
11 Bristol ss. I, James Sprout, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Benjamin D. Dillow whose signature is affixed to the within & annexed certificates, is a Justice of the peace in & for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this third day of September, in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & thirty two Jas. Sprout

Mary Luther

Common Wealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol
On this second day of December 1843 personally appeared before me, Abner Prescott Judge of the Court of Probate within & for said County — Mary Luther now resident in Swanzy in said County, aged 77 years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of 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 Stephen Luther late of said Swanzy deceased, who served in the War of the Revolution as private & seaman, that when the act of Congress of June 7 1832 was passed granting pensions to those who served in the war of the Revolution, he applied for & obtained a pension under said act & to the declaration which he made to obtain said pension she refers for evidence of her claim —
And she further declares, that she was married to the said Stephen Luther on the tenth day of October A.D. 1784 in said Swanzy by Rufus Mason, Pastor of a church of Christ in said Swanzy, as will appear from the records of marriages in said County, a copy whereof is hereto annexed. Her husband the said Stephen Luther departed this life on the twenty second day of

September AD 1843, and since that time she has remained a widow. She was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four to wit at the time above mentioned
Witnesses O Prescott Josh. Luther
Mary her X Luther mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Oliver Prescott Judge of Probate for Bristol County
Bristol ss. January Second 1843
Then the above named Mary Luther personally appeared before me and made Oath to the above declaration by her subscribed and I further Certify that from age and infirmity she is not able to attend the court and also that she is a credible person and her statement entitled to full credit. —
O. Prescott.
Judge of Probate

I Joseph G Luther of Swansey in the County of Bristol & commonwealth of Massachusetts aged fiftythree years do testify & say that I was well acquainted with Stephen Luther the husband of Mary Luther who has signed & sworn to the preceding declaration; The said Stephen died on the twenty second day of September A D 1843, & since that period the said Mary Luther has remained unmarried and is now a widow -
Jos. G. Luther
B
Bristol Jn Swansey Dec 2 d A D 1843
Personally appeared before me the above named Joseph G Luther & made oath to the above in affidavit by him signed and I further testify he is a credible witness -
O Present Judge of Probate

Certificate Marriage

I James Sprague do hereby certify, that I am clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Bristol, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and have the keeping of the Records of said Court: that among the Records aforesaid, is the following entry, viz.: "A list of marriages, commenced by Rev. Mason, Pastor of a Church of Christ in Swansea" in which list is contained the following: "Mr Stephen Lutter, to Mary Shaw of Swansea. Noted to the "Sunderland boundary & right farm". and that the above is truly copied from said Records, except that the date of said marriage is entered in plain English figures, in manner following: "Oct r 10...1784"
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court at Taunton, this third day of November in the year Eighteen hundred & forty three
J. P. Sprague

Ref WIDOW, &c.
File No. 24,610
Mary Luther Widow of Stephen Luther Dis. New Mar
Act: Feb 2d 48
Index:—Vol. A , Page 4217
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Providence Dec 13 1843
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Mary Luther widow of Stephen for a pension under the July 7 1838
I am respectfully your obedt Servt Benja Lowell
J. S. Edwards Esq

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Stephen Luthern which require 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? 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? 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? 2 Citizens  XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? e/o  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? 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? 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? e/o  XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? answered 
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.

Providence April 1 1845
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Mrs Mary Luther widow of Stephen Luther for annuities of pension from March 4 1836 to March 4 1841 pursuant to Resolves of Congress of Jany 23 1845
I am respectfully your obed Servt Betsy Fawell
J L Edwards Esq

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
June 28, 1845.
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," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The widow of Stephen Luther, decd. a Pensioner on the Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of Ninety nine Dollars and 33 Cents per annum, under the law of the 1 st June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1843, to the 27 th Sept. 1843.
Respectfully, yours,
W. D. L. T. ...
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

6274
Mary Luther
Mals
Act Mar. 3 rd 43
~
Ad d
24 m. prior Act. Mar.
$ 99.33 per an.
to summe last 27 th 43.
Very n o Bowell Esq. Providence R.I.

9258
Massachusetts
Mary Vather widow of Stephen Vather who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 27th Sept. 1843, of Bristol Co in the State of Mass who was a Priv t in the Company commanded by Captain Peck of the Regt commanded by _____ in the Mass. line for 24 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Pension, at the rate of 99 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of April, 1845 and sent to Rev. Corde Providence, R.I.
Total amount, $ 496 65
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Thos Lumpkin Clerk, Book Vol. 1. Page 63.
No. 198
Joint Reso: of Army 23rd 1843
Report

Reported No 198. April 29. 1843
Certificate of Pension of Mary 23. 1843 at $99.33 Comm on 4th March 1843 & ending 27th Sept. 1843 and sent to Ben. Cornell Providence R.I.
Paid at Treasury, under act 6 April, 1838, from 4 Sept. '43 to 27 Sept. 1843. Agent notified 2 April, 1846.
5959
Massachusetts
Mary Cutter widow of Stephen Cutter who was a Private & Seaman in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 99 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843 27th September, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of August, 1844 and sent to
Ben n Cornell Providence R.I.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 58.

I John Snell of Dighton in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age, on oath do testify that I enlisted into a company of troops raised by the authorities of said State, com- manded by Capt. Peleg Beck of Swansey; that Stephen Luther of said Swansey enlisted at the same time & I believe served three months, commencing first of Jan'y. 1778. that the company was employed most of the time, in Worwick, Rhode Island; guarding the shore. — That the officers of the Regiment were Col. Dagget of Rehoboth or Attleborough — Lieut. Col. John Hathaway of Berkley & Major Peleg Slade of Swansey — John Snell
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss. August 30 th 1832.
Then the above named John Snell personally appeared before me and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true.
Benjamin B. Lippan Just Peace.
I also certify that the above named John Snell is a credible witness
Benjamin B. Lippan Just Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss.
I Anselm Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in for said County do hereby certify that Benjamin B. Dimes is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Bristol & that the signature to the within Affidavit purporting to be his, is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this twelfth day of November eighteen hundred and thirty two. Anselm Bassett

Mary Luther under joint resolution of 23 d . Jany: 1845 & act of July. 7 th : 1838—
Adm d : of $99.33 per ann. from 4 March, 1836, to 4. March 1841— and under act 3 d . March, 1843, from 4 March, 1843, to 27 th : September, 1843.
Bensonwell, Esq r : Providence, R. Island.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol
Whereas the act of April 1844 prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period during which my husband was a pensioner I now make the following Statement under to obtain the benefits of a Resolution explanatory of an act making appropriations for the payment of Revolutionary & other pensions of the United States for the fiscal year ending the thirtieth day of June one thousand Eight hundred & forty five; approved January 23 1845, I am the widow of Stephen Luther late of Swansea in said County deceased who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution. I have drawn a pension at the rate of $99.33 per annum from the 22 of September A.D 1843 & now ask for the amount due me from the fourth of March A.D 1836 to the fourth day of March 1841,
Mary + Luther mark
collectors John Mason Jos. G. Luther

Bristol & In Swanzey, March 25 th 1845 Sworn to & subscribed before me on the day above mentioned.
John Mason Justice of the Peace
John Mason
I also certify the declarant is personally known to me & she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit
John Mason Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston March 29 th 1843
I hereby Certify , That on the twenty second day of February eighteen hundred and forty two, John Adams was appointed a Justice of the Peace and Quorum for all the Counties of
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Mary Luther
ad
5957
Admitted
G. S. Bulfinch Boston mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston August 1 1845
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation John Mason was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Bristol.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
W. H. Nathan
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. Bristol COUNTY, }
On this Twenty fourth day of July 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid,
Mary Luther a resident of Swansea in the county of Bristol aforesaid aged Eighty three years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Stephen Luther who was a resident of Providence and who was a private of Artillery and seaman in the War of the Revolution and is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17th June, 1844, on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of ninety nine dollars and thirty three cents per annum.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
John Mason Sworn to and subscribed on the day } Before me, Jos. G. Luther - and year above written,
In presence of John Mason Justice of the Peace. Jos. G. Luther
I Certify, That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner, as she declares.
John Mason Justice of the Peace.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. COUNTY, }
Clerk of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly ed; and that his signature, above written, is genuine.
and the Seal of said Court, this

10241 Mary Luther
He & B leave Aug. 10 1844
Rejected
Husband died 27 th Sept 43

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By His Excellency Marcus Morton Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth
To all whom it may concern:
Know Ye, That Oliver Prescott Esq
Marcus Morton is now, and has been for the year last past Judge of Probate for the County of Bristol, _____
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commission- ed, and that to his _____ Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this twelfth day of December, A. D. 1843, and in the sixty eighth year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor.
Wm. A. Boller
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

William Wilkinson of Providence R. I. on oath Testifies that he served in the Rhode Island Brigade of State Troops in the War of the Revolution from July 1777 to March 1780. The Brigade was composed of Two Regiments of Infantry commanded by Col. Crary & Topham and one of Artillery by Col. Elliott. The Brigade was first raised for fifteen Months from December 16. 1776. — Then for one Year from March 16. 1778 — and for one Year from March 16. 1779. That he has in his possession the copy of a list of the names of those who served in said Brigade which by an Act of the General Assembly passed Oct. 1785 was made from the pay Rolls in order to ascertain the depreciation of their wages but no time of service is specified therein. The copy in his possession was made in 1792 and he fully believes from his own personal knowledge on the subject as well as from other sources that it is substantially correct. — The name of Stephen Luther as a soldier in Elliott's Regt. is on said list with the sum of £48. 15. 5 Lawful Money attached thereto. and from the amount he must have served longer than one of the three periods for which the Regt. was raised. The Deponent has no personal knowledge of said Stephen Luther
William Wilkinson
Sworn to this sixth day of September A. D. 1832 by the above named William Wilkinson who is a credible Witness before me
John Pitman District Judge N. S. for Rhode Island Dist.

I Samuel Luther of Swanney, in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age, on oath do testify, that I distinctly recollect, that Stephen Luther of said Swanney, was a soldier in the revolutionary company of Artillery commanded by Capt Sayer — that I frequently saw him while the company was stationed in Swanney, and also on Rhode Island some months after. Swanney August 28 th 1832.
Samuel Luther
Bristol Js. August 28 th 1832.
Then the above named Samuel Luther personally appeared before me, and made oath that the statement aforesaid by him made & subscribed is true.
Benjamin B. Gipsen Just. of the Peace
I also certify that the above named Samuel Luther is a credible witness.
Benjamin B. Gipsen Just. of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts -
Bristol ss.
I Anselm Basset, Register of the Court of Probate in & for said County, hereby certify that Benjamin B. Sisson is a justice of the Peace for said County of Bristol & that the signature to the within Affidavit purporting to be his, is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this twelfth day of November eighteen hundred & thirty two -
Anselm Basset.