Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20415, for Thomas Lawrence, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Lawrence, Thomas or Lawrance
W 20415-
B.L.Wt 38527-160-55
Sarah
CONTENTS

45244.
Massachusetts
Thomas Lawrence
of Middlesex in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by Col Pry-cote in the Mass line for 14 Mos.
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 40 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of May 1833 and first Name Lewis Pepperell Mass
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $69.99 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Mar 33 23.33
$93.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. H. Speelman Clerk Book D - Vol. 227 Page 97.

4291
Massachusetts
Sarah Lawrence widow of Thomas Lawrence who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of March 1849 and sent to G. J. Bulfinch Boston Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 83 Vol. 3.
232089
Elijah Clark Nov 22 1853

232. 059
6 Get Mar. 3. '57 18 Jan'y. 19. '56
Sarah Lawrence, wid. Thomas Lawrence, Uni. Lawrence,
1880-1915
Rev. war Oct 26. 2. 1848. Vol. 2. page 83.
Mass. Del. 48-4291
Ad: Medals, Aug. 1, 1856
B. Phillips
Vol. L. 15
1846
Abel Prescott, South Groton, Mass.

State of Massachusetts County of Middlesex - ss.
On this twenty fourth day of August in the year eighteen hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before me Solomon Strong Esq. one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County of Middlesex Sarah Lawrence a resident of Pepperell in said County of Middlesex aged Seventy seven 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 Lawrence who was a private in Captain Asa Lawrence's company she thinks in Colonel William Prescott's Regiment in the eight months service at Cambridge in said County in the year seventeen hundred & seventy five he enlisted & served eight months & was not in Bunker Hill battle, having been stationed as a guard at Watertown she thinks at the time the battle took place, he was afterwards in seventeen hundred & seventy seven in the autumn of that year in the service three months at the capture of Burgoyne - That he was again in service three months in the year seventeen hundred & seventy eight at Cambridge & Rutland - he served she thinks as

a volunteer in each of the cases above mentioned & lived in said Pepperell when he entered the service in each of the cases above specified. That he was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 on the Roll of the Massachusetts agency that he resided in said Pepperell in the County & State aforesaid when he obtained his pension certificate under said Act of June 7 th 1832. That she has no documentary evidence in support of her claims - nor any for the evidence of his service than what is in the war office.
She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Lawrence on the fifteenth day of February in the year seventeen hundred & eighty five; that her husband the aforesaid Thomas Lawrence died on the third day of February in the year eighteen hundred and thirty three, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred & sixty four viz; at the time above stated - She further declares that since the death of her said husband she has remained his widow never having since been married. Her name before she was married was Sarah Dake. The husband's certificate for a pension was sent to Boston when the arrangements of her husband's pension was obtained. She further says she was married by Reverend Mr. Bulkley at said

Opprell he being the the settler and admiral minister of said Town.
Sarah Lawrence
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex County ss.
On the twenty fourth day of August. eighteen hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before me Solomon Strong a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Middlesex of in said the same being a court of record Sarah Lawrence the signer of the within declaration and signed the same in my presence and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. The said Sarah Lawrence is unable by reason of age and bodily infirmity to attend court and I took her examination at the Office of said J. Lawrence in said Opprell.
Solomon Strong Judge C.P. O.K.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss. I Elias Thurney clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the County of Middlesex; do certify that Solomon Strong Esquire, is a Judge of said Court, and that his signatures to the three foregoing annexed en- largements are his genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court the 3rd day of September 1838.
E. Thurney

"The following is an account of Marriages that have Been solemnised by the Rev. Mr Bullard Seventeen hundred eighty five February fifteenth Thomas Lawrence Sarah Parker - Pippell "
State of Massachusetts Middlesex County ss.
Town Clerk's office in
Pippell August. 24, 1838 I certify that the above is a true copy of the record in my office with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows "1785 Feby. 15 -
Geo. W. Tarbell } Town Clerk " " } of the Town of Pippell
I, Geo. W. Tarbell above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the Town, County and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Pippell with the excep- tion above named as certified by me
Geo. W. Tarbell } Town Clerk " " } of Pippell
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex County ss. to wit On this twenty fourth day of August eighteen hundred and thirty eight personally appeared George W. Tarbell the signer of the above affidavit and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. Solomon Strong Judge C. C. Nason

on In State of Massachusetts } ss. On this seventeenth County of Middlesex } day of August in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before Samuel P.P. Fay Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting Thomas Lawrence a resident of Pepperell in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts aged seventy six 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. 1832
That he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer on or near the first day of May 1775 under the following named officers to wit: Colonel William Prescott - Lieut. Col. James Robinson and Maj. Henry Woods field officers - & Capt. Asa Lawrence Lieut. Joseph Spaulding who was killed in Bunker Hill Battle - Thomas Spaulding who was appointed to his place company officers - That he marched from Pepperell aforesaid through Concord & Lexington to Cambridge in said County where he was stationed near the Colleges as a guard & remained in the service till the first of January 1776 when the eight months for which he enlisted expired - That on the morning previous to the Bunker Hill Battle he was ordered to Watertown in said County to guard the Military stores there at which time he was absent from Cambridge two days - In August 1777 he entered the service again as a substitute for Isaac Boynton of said Pepperell, who was drafted, under the following company officers Capt. James Hosley & Lieut. Nathl. Sawell in Col. Read's Regiment marched to Bennington in Vermont where he arrived soon after the Battle there, thence marched

to Saratoga, Fort Edward & Ticonderoga at which last place he was taken sick and confined in the hospital about four weeks when he was dismissed having been out about three months That in the fore part of April 1778 he entered the service again as a volunteer having enlisted with Capt. Isaac Woods then of Pepperell for three months. That he marched in a day or two to Cambridge aforesaid where he was stationed as a guard over Burgoyne's troops about a half a mile east of the Colleges where he remained he thinks about six weeks when a part of the British troops were removed to Rutland in Worcester County where he went as a guard over them, having with others been detached from his company in Cambridge That he remained in the service at said Rutland as a guard over said troops one fortnight longer after the expiration of his three months' enlistment That he was in Col. Wright's Regiment - That Capt. Isaac Woods - Lieut. Solomon Woods - and Ensign Joshua Loughly were his company officers - That he never received a written discharge from the service, and has no documentary evidence - That he was born in Groton in said County of Middlesex in the year 1756 - moved to said Pepperell when three years old and has resided there ever since except when in the service, and a period of about four years since the revolution during which period he resided in Townsend in said County of Middlesex - That there is a record of his age in the Town Clerk's office in said Pepperell -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not

on the pension roll of the agency of any state - Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Thomas Lawrence
We James Howe a clergyman residing in said Pepperell and Asa F. Lawrence of the same Pepperell hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Lawrence who has subscribed and sworn to the above, and that we believe him to be seventy six years of age, that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood, where he resides to have been a soldier in the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion - Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Attest A. F. Lawrence
And the said court thereupon proceeded to propound the following interrogatories, which he answered, under oath, as follows:
1 st Where and in what year were you born?
Answer, I was born in Groton in said County of Middlesex April 25. 1756 -
2 nd Have you any record of your age, and where is it?
Answer - There is a record of my age in the Town Clerks office in said Pepperell -
3 rd Where were you living, when called into service, where have you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you now live?
Answer - When called into the service I lived at Pepperell where I now live and have lived ever since the Revolutionary war excepting about four years during which I lived in Towns end -
4 th How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom?
Answer - The first and third terms of my service above mentioned I was a volunteer - The second term of service above mentioned, I was a substitute for Isaac Boynton of said Pepperell -
5 th State the names of some of the regular officers who were

with the troops, where you served, such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service?
Answer - I have stated as fully as I now recollect in my declaration
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and, if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
Answer - I never received discharge from the service -
7. State the names of 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?
Answer - Dr John Walton, Benjamin Hall, John Green Rev James Howland Athens J Homer Laurence
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion that after the investigation of the matter, and 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 the Reverend
James How who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Pipprell in said County, and that Asa F. Lawrence who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Pipprell and is a credible person and that their statements are entitled to credit.
I Isaac Fiske Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Middlesex do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Thomas Lawrence for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this seventeenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two -
Isaac Fiske

232.659

APPLICATION FOR BOUNTY LAND.
(By the Widow of a deceased person who has not had a Land Warrant.)
STATE OF Massachusetts
COUNTY OF Middlesex
On this fourth day of October A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Sarah Laurens aged ninety four years, a resident of Pipeell in the State of Massachusetts who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the Widow of Thomas Laurens deceased, who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution in the Company commanded by Captain entitled to bounty land may be found on file when she obtained under the act of Congress Feb 24th 1848 a certificate entitling her to a pension dated March 13th 1848 Recorded Vol 2 Page 83 commanded by in the war with Great Britain declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812,
that her said husband Thomas Laurens at Pipeell on or about the day of A. D. for the term and continued was honorably discharged at  on the day of A. D.
She further states that she was married to the said Thomas Laurens in Pipeell as stated in her declaration on day of file A. D. by one a was Sarah Parke and that her name before her said marriage at Pipeell on the third day of February A. D. 1833 and that she is now a Widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act approved March 3d, 1855. She further declares that she has never applied for nor received and is not entitled to bounty land under any other act of Congress. She prays that the certificate thereof may be sent for her to Abc Prescott South Groton Mass. Sarah Laurens

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, October 9 th 1855.
I Hereby Certify , That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed,
W. Bellows was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wing
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

STATE OF Massachusetts COUNTY OF Middlesex }
We, Rufus Shattuck and Jemima Henderson residents of Pipehill in the State of Massachusetts upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Sarah Lawrence in our presence, and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. That she is the identical person holding the certificate described in her declaration  Rufus Shattuck Jemima Henderson
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim. And I hereby certify that she holds the certificate  E. W. Bullock Justice of the Peace. for a pension described in her declaration
STATE OF Massachusetts COUNTY OF Middlesex }
certify that
appears above, is and was at the time of signing the same, a Jus- tice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified; that the day of  A. D. 185 such are entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand
this day of
A. D. 185

No 5518
Thomas Lawrence
Pariah 14 Months Adm
$46.66
Jas Lewis Esq Pepperell Ms.

BRIEF in the case of  Thomas Lawrance of the County of Middlesex in the State of Mass  (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? 70 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 1775. — 8 — Private Gen. Col. Prescott, Capt. Lawrance   "77 Substitute 3 for Isaac Poynton — — Col. Reed, Capt. Hosley   "78 — 3 — Volunt. Col. Wright, Capt. Wood  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Pepperill  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Depositions  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Levin Delt Examining Clerk.

October 1, 1924
Mrs. Grace A. F. Wright Canterbury, Conn.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 20415 it appears that Thomas Lawrence or Lawrance was born April 25, 1756 in Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
About 1759 he moved to Pepperell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts where he enlisted about May 1, 1775 and served as a private in Captains John Nutting and Asa Lawrence's Companies, Colonel William Prescott's Massachusetts Regiment and was discharged January 1, 1776.
He enlisted in August 1777, served three months as a private in Captain James Hosley's Company, Colonel Reed's Massachusetts Regiment and was at the capture of Burgoyne.
He enlisted in April 1778 and served three months and two weeks as a private in Captain Isaac Wood's Com-

pany, Colonel Wright's Massachusetts Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 17, 1832 while living in Pepperell, Massachusetts where he died February 3, 1833.
Soldier married February 15, 1785 in said Pepperell, Sarah Parker who was allowed pension on her application executed August 24, 1838 while a resident of Pepperell, Massachusetts aged seventy-seven years. In 1855 she was still living in said town.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.

I Nathaniel Sartell of Pepperell in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts upwards of twenty one years of age do testify and say, that Thomas Lawrence of said Pepperell was a soldier with me in the revolutionary war in the year 1777. The company to which we belonged was commanded by Capt. James Harley of Lowell in said County of Middlesex & his Lieutenant was my father Nathaniel Sartell of said Pepperell. The bulk of the Regiment was — Recd. I have known said Lawrence since I was a boy. Further saith not. Nathl Sartell
Middlesex ss. Pepperell Aug 15 th 1832 Then personally appeared before me the subscriber Nathaniel Sartell and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed; & I hereby certify that said Sartell is a person of veracity and entitled to credit
John Walton Jus. of the Peace within & for said County of Middlesex
Middlesex ss. Commonwealth of Massachusetts I Isaac Fiske Register or Clerk of the court of Probate for the County of Middlesex do certify that John Walton is a justice of the Peace within and for the said County and his name set to the foregoing certificates are his own proper signatures
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this seventeenth day of August A. D. 1832 Isaac Fiske

I Samuel Wright of Pepperell in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Seventy six years of age do testify and say, that I have known Thomas Lawrence of Pepperell in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts ever since I was a boy. He was a fellow valiant with me in the year 1777 at the capture of Brandywine. We were out about two months, in a company commanded by Capt James Hoxie of Lawrence in said County of Middlesex in Col. Wright's as Col. Reed's regiment, as I think. Said Lawrence is present at the capture of this deposition. Further saith not.
Samuel Wright
Middlesex ss. Pepperell Aug. 14 th 1832 Then personally appeared the above named Samuel Wright and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition. My commission expires.
Before me John Walston Jr. a Notary Public in and for said County of Middlesex.

I Robinson Lakin of Pepperell in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, nearly Seventy eight years of age depose and say, that ever since I was a boy I have been well acquainted with Thomas Lawrence of said Pepperell, who is now present at the caption of this deposition and well remembers that he served in the Revolutionary war three months in the year 1780 guarding Brimfield's men. The said Thomas Lawrence was a private soldier and in a Major Drummond in the same company, commanded by Capt. Isaac Wood. Then of said Pepperell. Solomon Wood of Groton in said County was an Lieutenant & Joshua Young of Shirley in said County was a sergeant in Col. Wright's regiment. Further saith not. Robinson Lakin
Middlesex ss. Pepperell Aug 14 th 1832 Then personally appeared before me the subscriber Robinson Lakin and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed, and I certify that said Robinson Lakin is a person of truth and entitled to credit. John Walton Jus. of the Peace within and for said County of Middlesex.

I Moses Blood of Pepperell in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Eighty two years of age, depose and say, that I have been acquainted with Thomas Lawrence ever since the year 1775 and remember, that he was at Cambridge in said County of Middlesex and was a private in the eight months service in a company commanded by Capt. Asa Lawrence of Groton in said County of Middlesex. I belonged to a company commanded by Capt. John Whiting of said Pepperell. These companies were stationed near each other. I frequently saw said Lawrence doing duty, during said eight months and have known him ever since and he is now present at the caption of this deposition. Further saith not.
Moses Blood
Middlesex ss. Pepperell Aug. 14 th 1832. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber, a Moses Blood and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed; & I certify, that he is a man of truth & entitled to credit.
John Walton Jus. of Peace in Middlesex and for said County of Middlesex

Deposition of Solomon Gilson
I Solomon Gilson of Groton in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged nearly seventy four years, do depose and say that ever since my boyhood I have been well acquainted with Thomas Lawrence of Pepperell, a town adjoining said Groton, who is now present at the caption of this deposition, and I well remember that he served in the revolutionary war eight months in the year 1775, as a private soldier in the company commanded by Capt. Asa Lawrence of said Groton, of the Regiment commanded by Col. William Prescott of said Pepperell being what were called the "eight months men," and that I was a private soldier in the same company with said Thomas Lawrence, during said eight months.
And I further depose and say, that said Thomas Lawrence served with me, as a militia man in guarding Burgoyne's men in Cambridge three months, in the year 1778, said Lawrence being then in the company commanded by Capt. Isaac Woods, in Col. Wright's Regiment.
And further I say not Solomon Gilson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. County of Middlesex, to wit:
Be it known that on the fourth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, before me, Caleb Butler Notary Public, by legal authority appointed & sworn, and dwelling in Groton in the County aforesaid, personally came Solomon Gilson above named, and made oath (that the aforesaid deposition by him subscribed is true).
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal the day & year last aforesaid.
Caleb Butler, Notary Public.

2
38527
Merle

ms mls
FREE
J. L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

Pepprell Nap. Dec. 9. 1843
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comr. of Pensions —
Dr Sir,
Enclosed I return you the Pension certificate of the widow Sarah Lawrence of this place for the correction of a clerical error — You will find in her application for a pension that she is described as the widow of Thos. Lawrence deceased who was a Private & a Revolutionary Pensioner & that in the enclosed certificate you have described her as the widow of your humble servant, the subscriber, & the Magistrate before whom her declaration to obtain a pension was made & sworn to — when corrected please forward to me —
With great Respect Your Obedt. Servt. A. F. Lawrence

42891 obys 8/42. 66 March 30/42. Mch
Edw. Lawrence } a Lawrence } St. Bartholomew } @ Holborn
FREE
Edwards Esq — Commission of Leases Washington D. C.

Pepperell August 4. 1843
J. L. Edwands Esq Com r of Pensions
Sir, Enclosed are the declarations of the widows Hannah Larkell, Hannah Williams, Sarah Lawrence, & Anna Lawrence in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 d of March last granting pensions of widows of persons who served during the Revolution or any War - Please enclose their pension certificates to the subscriber at Pepperell Massachusetts & oblige
Your Ob t Serv t Asa F. Lawrence

No 5518
Thos Lawrance
Jas Lewis Esq Pepperell Mr.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Thomas Lawrance 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? 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?  XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? yes Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? 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? yes  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 the 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.
†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 authenticated 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 end 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.

Brighton Mass. Nov. 18. 1885
Hon. N. Minott
Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir,
I enclose to you herewith the proper Pension Certificate, claims of Sarah Lawrence of Pepperell, widow of Thomas Lawrence. She claims an increase of Pension, for $16.00 per annum.
Very Respectfully
Yours
Elizabeth Clark

Pension Bureau
Washington. D. C.
I have applied for membership to the D. A. R. and would you kindly send me the data of Thomas Lawrence of Pepprell or Groton.
Born Apr 19. 1758, Died Feb 3, 1833 married to Sarah who and when they were married I have not found.
I have the Widow's Pension paper, that in conformity with the act of Feb 2 1848.
Sarah Lawrence widow of Thomas Lawrence who was a pirate in the revolutionary

war, she received Forty-Six dollars and Sixty-Six cents per annum, commencing on the 4 th of March 1848
Given at the Department of the Interior, this 13 th day of March 1849.
This was signed by J Ewing Secretary of the Interior.
Thanking you for the trouble also the great help to me in this work. Very truly Yours
Mrs Grace A. H. Knight Canterbury
Sept 8, 1924.
Connecticut

Thomas Lawrence Application for Pension
5518

Sarah Laurence Thomas - chap. - 27/2/48
Colt
Mrs. J. Minott Commissioner of Pensions Washington City, D.C.
PAID

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 20415
Sarah Lawrence Widow of Thomas Lawrence Pris Rev War
Act: Feb 2 nd 48
Index:—Vol. A , Page H 20
[Arrangement of 1870.]

A certificate in this case was erroneously issued on the 13th day of Dec. 1843 to Sarah Laurence as the widow of A. F. instead of Thomas Laurence, which was cancelled on the 13 th day of Dec. 1843, when a corrected certificate was issued, of which the agent at Boston was notified.
W. G. D. Miller, Clerk.
Dec. 14, 1843.
The new certificate was also forwarded to T. F. Laurence on the 14 th Dec. 43.
3088
Massachusetts.
Sarah Laurence Thomas widow of A. F. Laurence who was a Private in the Revolution.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 46 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of December 1843, and sent to
A. F. Laurence
Pepperell Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 1 Page 47

Massachusetts - 1220
Sarah Laurence widow of Thomas Laurence, D. D.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June, 1832 and who died on the 3 d of February, 1833 of Middlesex Co. in the State of Mass s - who was a Private in the camp commanded by Captain _____ of the R te commanded by Col. Prescott in the Mass s . line for 14 months private -
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts - at the rate of 46 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1830.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of No- vember, 1838 and sent to A. F. Lawrence, Pepperell, Mass s .
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept. 1838 = $111.65 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th Mar '39 = 23.33
$139.98
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk Book A, Vol. 1, Page 103.

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. Middlesex COUNTY, }
On this Twenty first day of September 1848 personally
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office Boston Septm 28 1848
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Asa F. Lawrence was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
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. Middlesex COUNTY, }
On this Twenty first day of September 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid,
Sarah Lawrence a resident of Pepperell in the county of Middlesex aforesaid aged eighty seven 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
Thomas Laurence who was a resident of Pepperell in said County and who was a private 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 forty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sarah Lawrence
Sworn to and subscribed on the day } and year above written, }
Before me,
In presence of
Jemima Henderson
Asa F. Lawrence
Justice of the Peace.
I Certify, That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner, as she declares.
Asa F. Lawrence
Justice of the Peace.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. COUNTY, }
I,
Clerk of the
Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that
Asa F. Lawrence is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly qualified; and that his signature, above written, is genuine.
and the Seal of said Court, this
18
CLERK.
Return to G. T. Wolfinch, Pension Clerk Merchants Bank. Boston

Jack Lawrence au 3088

2889
Sarah Laurence
$46:66 per an
A. F. Laurence
Pepperell
Mass

State of Massachusetts, Middlesex County - ss. On this fifth day of July in the year eighteen hundred & forty three personally appeared before me Asa F. Lawrence a Justice of the Peace within & for said County of Middlesex Sarah Lawrence a resident of Pepperell in the said County of Middlesex aged eighty one 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 3 d March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War - That she is the widow of Thomas Lawrence late of said Pepperell deceased, who was a Private in the Revolutionary War in the companies commanded by Capt. John Nutting & Capt. Isaac Wood & a part or all the time in Col. W m Prescott's Regiment, & who was also a Pensioner under the Act of June 7 th 1832 - And that the annual amount of the pension which she received under the Act of July 7. 1838 was forty six dollars and sixty six cents - and she further declares that she is still a widow - Sarah Lawrence
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year before written by the above named Sarah Lawrence. Before me the sub- scribed, who do hereby certify that the declarant is personally known to me & that she is a person of truth & veracity - Asa F. Lawrence Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex Es.
I Elias Thorne, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the County of Middlesex, do hereby certify that Asa F. Lawrence Esquire is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County of Middlesex, duly commissioned & qualified, and that his name subscribed to the within Certificate is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court the fourth day of August 1843
E. Thorne Clerk

1220
1429
Sarah Lawrence
admitted
On 14 mo. p 46. 66 / 100
died Feb 3. 1833 Preston
A. H. Lawrence Pappville

I Ede Shattuck of Pepperell in the County of Middlesex & State of Massachusetts do hereby say that I was well acquainted with Thomas Lawrence late of said Pepperell deceased a Revolutionary Pensioner & that he died on the third day of February in the year eighteen hundred & thirty three. I was present at his funeral & am able to fix the precise time of his death from the circumstance that my son John died on the last day of January then next preceding & that I am well acquainted with Sarah Lawrence the widow of Thomas Lawrence aforesaid that she has lived in the same town with me ever since the death of her husband Thomas Lawrence aforesaid that she still remains his widow never having married since the decease of her said husband Thomas Lawrence aforesaid. Ede Shattuck
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex County ss. On this twenty fourth day of August eighteen hundred and thirty eight personally appeared Ede Shattuck the signeth above of whom known to me to be the same in my presence and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. And I certify that said Ede Shattuck is a credible person.
Solomon Strong. Judge C.C. Hear.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol ss.
On this twentieth day of November Eighteen hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me Sarah Lawrence a resident of Pefferell in said County aged ninety four years who being duly sworn according to law, on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the acts of congress passed July 6 th and July 28 th A.D. 1828. granting widows of Revolutionary soldiers the same amount of pension which their husband received. That she is the widow of Thomas Lawrence a Private in the Continental service of the Revolution and was placed on the Pension Roll of the United States under the act of March 18. 1818. at the rate of eight dollars per month. and she thereby claim an increase to her said pension and surrendered her pension certificate now in her possession under act of Feb. 2. 1828. at the rate of forty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum dated the 18 th of March A.D. 1829. and she further declared that she was married to the said Thomas Lawrence at the time stated in her former declaration and that he died at the time therein stated and for the she saith so.
Sarah Lawrence
Witness C. W. Bellows Michael Henderson Shown to on the day and year above written by the said Sarah Lawrence and I certify that I am personally knowing that she is the person she represents herself to be the widow of Thomas Lawrence and a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States also that I am not interested in this claim Before me C. W. Bellows justice of the peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, Nov. 13 1858
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed,
C. W. Pillsbury was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony of Which, I have hereunto affixed the SEAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH, the date above written.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.