Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 10976, for Andrew Leavitt, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass. N.H.
Leavitt, Andrew
S.10976
carded
CONTENTS

21.50 New Hampshire
Andrew Searitt
of Milford in the State of New Hampshire who was a Private in the Camp, command by Captain Crosby — of the Regt. command by Col. Read in the Mass line for 16 Mts
N.H.
Inscribed on the Roll of New Hamp. at the rate of 33 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Sep. 1833 — and unto E. Parker Amherst
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 33 $ 133.33 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 M'24 26.66
$159.99
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by S. C. Stiles Clerk Book 8. Vol. 1, Page 100

Andrew Leavitt N Hampshire
Private 16 Months
4.5-06
May 1. 1935
P. 367
22131
E. Parker
Amherst
N H

BRIEF in the case of  Andrew Seavitt 60. . . of Hillsborough . . . in the State of NH (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? open court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 80  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. As a Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. Gen.     In 1745. enlisted 8 private Capt Crosby Col Read   after this he served but can't state the date or time, 1776 enlisted 5 Capt Durnam Col Moulton  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? NO  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Amherst Mass  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional and two living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? The periods are not all stated nor the whole length of service 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
George Sayton
Examining Clerk.

X
Andrew Leavitt.
22131
Please send to E. Parker Amherst Mass.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Hillsborough, ss. At a Court of Probate holden at Amherst within and for said County, on the first day of January Anno Domini, 1832. Before EDMUND PARKER, Esq. Judge of Probate. Personally appears in open Court, before the said Court now in session Andrew Leavitt
of Amherst in said county, aged eighty years,
Who being 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 7th, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That is to say, that the next day after the battle of Lexington in the year 1775, he, with many others, marched from Amherst to Cambridge, where he enlisted in a company then formed and commanded by Capt. Josiah Crosby, in Col. James Read's regiment of New Hampshire State troops, to serve eight months. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and while in said service was employed a considerable part of the time in building barracks & other joiner business. He served said eight months & was discharged.
Second - After his discharge from the above service his impression is that he enlisted in the Regiment commanded by Col. Paul Dudley Sargent. But of this he is not certain as his memory has failed; but he does remember that he was at Winter Hill after the British evacuated Boston - that Col. Sargent was stationed in Boston - that he received a letter from Col. Sargent, and went to him. That Col. Sargent requested him to take the charge of eighteen better men from his regiment and go to work on the point at Charlestown. That he received from some person, but whom he cannot now say, an order on the commissary for tools - took nine set and went with said eighteen men to Charlestown point, where he worked until the last of June, as he thinks. - Col. Sargent is dead, and he can find no proof of this service.
Third. About the last of June 1776, as he thinks, a call was made for men to go to Canada - he enlisted in a company which he thinks was commanded by Capt. Putnam in Col. Wheelock's regiment, but whether Massachusetts or Continental he cannot tell. He marched to Ticonderoga, and there served till near the end of his enlistment which was for five months when he was marched to Sherbornborough, where he was discharged, having served five months. - He does not know any person who served with him in said company.

He was born in Stratham, County of Rockingham New Hampshire, in September 1752 as he believes - He came to live in Antrim in the year 1770 - in 1776 he moved his family to Medford in Massachusetts while he worked at Charlestown - in 1777 he moved to Rindge in New Hampshire, where he lived about five years, and then came to live in Antrim where he has ever since resided. His memory has failed, and he cannot now recollect particularly all his services, but the foregoing is his recollection, and he does believe he served all of said time and even more. He 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,
Andrew Leavitt
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
Colman Parker, Judge of Probate -
We Silas Aiken a Clergyman residing in the town of Antrim in the county of Hillsborough aforesaid, and Nathan Randall residing in Antrim aforesaid, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Andrew Leavitt who has subscribed and sworn to the above, and that we believe him to be eighty years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier in the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Silas Aiken Nathan Randall
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, January 1. 1833. -
Colman Parker, Judge of Probate.
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 Rev. Silas Aiken who has signed the preceding Certificates is a Clergyman resident in the town of Antrim and that Nathan Randall Esq., who has signed the same, is a resident in the town of Antrim - and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Colman Parker,
} Judge of Probate for said County of Hillsborough.
I CHARLES H. ATHERTON, Register and Clerk of the Court of Probate, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Andrew Leavitt for a pension.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the court of Probate for said county, at Antrim in said county, this 15th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three.
C. H. Atherton
Register and Clerk of Probate, for said county of Hillsborough.

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
County of Hillsborough, ss.
At the Court aforesaid, On the application aforesaid, the following interrogatories were proposed to Andrew Leavitt — and the following answers given, on oath, to wit
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
Answer, I was born in Stratham County of Rockingham New Hampshire in Sept. 1752 —
2. Have you any record of your age, and where is it?
Answer, I have no record of my age, but believe there is one in Stratham
3. Where were you living, when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?
Answer, I lived in Stratham N.H. when called into service — in 1775 — In the spring of 1776 I moved my family to Bedford Mass. and was there when I went into the five months service — In 1777 I moved to Rindge in N.H. afterwards to Antrim in 1777 about 1782
4. How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute, for whom?
Answer, I enlisted as a volunteer —
5. 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 frequently saw Gen. Washington — Gen. Lee — Gen. Putnam and saw them when they came into Cambridge — Gen. Stark — Col. Read — Col. Sargent — At Ticonderoga — Gen. Sullivan — Col. Gilman — Col. Cilly — Col. Read — Capt. Rootford. — & others. —
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 a Discharge —
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, Rev. Silas Hiken — David W. Mearns — Robert Read — David Woodworth and Capt. H. Spaulding. —
Attest,
C. Hetherington
Register and Clerk.

I James Gilman of Mason in the county of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire, aged seventy eight years do hereby testify and say, that in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy five I lived in Antrim in said county, and was one of those called minute men, who came in the night of the battle of Lexington, Concord &c, and the minute men assembled immediately. I was one, Andrew Leavitt, and Joseph Leavitt his brother, both then, and now, of said Antrim, were two others. We marched to Cambridge, and were organised into a company under Capt. Josiah Crosby in Col. James Read's Regiment, and served at Winter Hill eight months. The said Andrew Leavitt and Joseph Leavitt served with me during this time. The said Andrew was a joiner by trade, and during some part of the time he worked at building barracks - Before the eight months were out I enlisted in a company then commanded by Lt. Mansfield in said Col. Read's regiment for a year. Soon after I was detached as one of General Lee's life guard, and went with him to Virginia, with others of our regiment. We joined the regiment again about the last of June 1776 at Crown-Point. - The Army immediately retreated to Tienderoga. Soon after, but I cannot recollect the exact time, the army was joined by troops from the back, many of whom were from New Hampshire. I think they were called five months men . As I expected some persons with whom I was acquainted would be among them, I placed myself in such a situation that I could see the men as they crossed the lake. I then saw a number that I knew, and from the town of Antrim the same Andrew Leavitt, Eph m French, Maj. Stephen Peabody. I frequently saw said Leavitt during the said five months service, and know that he was a soldier during that time. I saw said Andrew Leavitt last week and knows that he is the same man who served with me the

eight months aforesaid at Cambridge & Winter Hill, and five months at Tienderoga. The said Joseph Leavitt was in the same regiment with me at Tienderoga.
James Gilman State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough County ss - On this thirtieth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two James Gilman above named personally appeared and signed the foregoing affidavit, & made oath in due form of law that the same is true. Before me Edmund Parker Justice of the Peace
I Joseph Leavitt of Antrim in the county of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire, being sworn testify and say I am a brother of Andrew Leavitt of said Antrim, and the same person who is now making application for a pension. We were natives of Shatham in the county of Rocking- ham in said State. I came to Antrim to reside in the year 1774 and have lived in this town ever since except when absent in the Army and out on jobs of work. My brother Andrew came to Antrim a few years before I did. When news of the battle of Lexington arrived Andrew, myself, and many others assembled and went to Cam- bridge. James Gilman was one. We were then formed into a company under Capt. Josiah Crosby, in Col. James Reed's Regiment, and were all enlisted for eight months. We were stationed on Winter Hill. Andrew was in the same company, and served the eight months out, but most of the time he was in the business done by joiners and carpenters.
Before my eight months were out I enlisted for a year in the company afterwards commanded by Capt. Mansfield in Col. James Reed's Regiment. Isaac Frye was Lieutenant of said company. and The

which was the result of our arrival. From New York our regiment was ordered to the north, and went to Montreal, and then back to Ticonderoga, where we arrived the first of July 1776. Soon after our arrival at Ticonderoga the Army was reinforced by troops from the east, and Andrew was a soldier in one of the companies which then arrived. This was the first time I saw him after I left Boston. According to the best of my recollection he served until the last of November, when he was discharged and returned home. I more particularly remember this as my time was not out by a month when he went away. Joseph Leavitt
State of New Hampshire. County of Hillsborough ss - On this thirty first day of July, In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally came Joseph Leavitt above named, and signed the foregoing affidavit and made oath, in due form of law that the same is true. Before me Colman Packer, Justice of the Peace.
I certify that the above named James Gilman and Joseph Leavitt are credible persons and their statements entitled to credit.

I Andrew Wallace clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the county of Hillsborough in the State of New Hampshire, certify that Edmund Parker within named is a Justice of the Peace for said county of Hillsborough, and that the within signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name, this third day of January in the year of our Lord 1833.
A. Wallace Clerk

221 31
Andrew Leavitt
E Parker Esq. Amherst N H

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Morrew Peavitt 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? 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 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's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? 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?
2
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.

Andrew Leavitt of this place is old, and his memory has failed. He is an honest man, & has been a professor of religion many years. He will not knowingly mis-state, and no manner of doubt is entertained of his services. The only question is, how much? The eight months service is well known. I presume it will be found on the A.H. rolls. - With regard to his services in 1776 life is known, and he cannot tell. His impression is that he in Col. Sargents Regt. four months, and that then he served 5 months at Tycondoroga. I have been trying for four months to ascertain the facts, but can find nothing more certain.
Leavitt has had much sickness, and has lost his memory in consequence. He is in great want. - He speaks of a Capt. Hirndo , but I cannot ascertain whether in Col. Sargents Regt. or some other.
Please write to me.
Colinum Parker
Amherst M.H., Jan. 3-1833

200 and
120
200
20
In the year 1775 just after the battle of Lexington enlisted accepted in Capt Josiah Crosby's Co Col James Read's N.H. Regt. for 8 mos. Served out his term of enlist and was dis.
Shortly after enlistment and served about 3 months. in Col Paul Dudley Sargents Mass Regt.
About the last of June 1776 enlisted in Capt Putnam's Co Col Wheelock's Regt. and marched to Siconduoga. Served 5 months + was discharged

Appd for Pension from Amherst Hillsborough Co NH Jan'y 1 1832
Pension granted at rate of 53.33 per annum.

Dear Sir, Will you please send me the History (Volume) of  Andrew Leavitt & Co. during the war under a seal from John J. Howland

Seymour Brothers, 3 Exchange Court.
New York, Aug. 22 nd 1896
Dear Sir,
Will you kindly send me the American history (Revolution) of Andrew Leavitt ? By doing so you will confer a great favor on
Yours
G. Howland Leavitt per W.

Bureau of Pensions.
Appeal Section, LAW DIVISION.
April 20, 1896.
.....0-0-0.....
RESPECTFULLY REFERRED TO THE CHIEF, Old War DIVISION, FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUEST OF HON. ASS'T. SEC'Y. REYNOLDS.
Frank E. Hudson, CHIEF, LAW DIVISION.
a
J.B.H.
Department of the Interior,
April 18 1896
Respectfully referred to the Commissioner of Pensions.
for reply.
Thos M. [unclear] Asst. Secretary
E. L. [unclear]

170 South Common Street
Mass Boston Apr 16. 1916 Department of the Interior Washington, D.C.
Please give me information of Andrew Leavitt. was a soldier in Capt. Jonah Crosby Co. Served at the Battle of Bunker Hill. was present when Washington took command of the Army July 3 rd 1775. I am the Great Granddaughter of Andrew Leavitt and his wife Sarah Hastings. He was probably the last survivor of the Amherst Soldier of N.H. Any information will be gratefully received. Harriet Leavitt Drown.

Mr Capt J H Kendall
Sep 10 1891
Andrew Searll, J.H.

Cleveland
Cleveland - Sept - 10 th 91
Chief Clerk - Pension Office -
Dear Sir -
Will you kindly send me the Revolutionary service of Andrew Travill - who enlisted from Amherst - N. H. - and who was at the Battle of Bunker Hill - Died in Amherst, N. H. Aug. twenty fourth, 1846. Mrs. Sarah Travill - Amherst - N. H.

268 Cleveland pensd son. aro
Reuben
10976 INVALID.
11892 Jan 15th Mrs. Fakenhall Apr 23'96 Doed to Mrs. H. L. Lee Lynn. M. LHB
road island Calif
No. 10,976
Andrew Leavitt Pris. Rev. War.
Aug 27'96 pensd to H. L. Leavitt M.
Act: June 17th 32
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 221

I Andrew Leavitt of Amherst in the county of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire aged eighty years and an applicant for a Pension under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832, in addition to and explanation of my declaration made before the Court of Probate for said county on the first of January last, testify and declare that I am certain I left Amherst the next day after the battle of Lexington and on my arrival at Cambridge enlisted and served eight months as stated in my declaration.
By reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory I cannot swear so positively as to the beginning and ending of my other services, but I am confident I went into Col. Paul Dudley Sargent's regiment on the Continental establishment in the month of March 1776 immediately after the enemy evacuated Boston. I am unable to state the company, as I served all the time as overseer of a party of Artificers on Charlestown Point. I was acquainted with Col. Sargent before I went into the Army and built a house for him in Amherst. He was a particular friend and out for me, and directed me to proceed as stated in my declaration. We built the Barracks & Magazines, and laid the Platforms for the cannon on the Point. Col. Sargent advised me to bring my family, which consisted of a wife and one child, to Medford which I did and hired a room for them, and they remained there while I was in the service on the Point. I am confident I served three months in this service and was discharged from it the last of June. Col. Sargent afterwards moved to the then District of Maine, and is dead, and I know of no person who served with me, and can obtain no proof of this service.
When the troops were sent for to go to Ticonderoga I moved my family to my wife's uncle, Jeremiah Fitch, in Bedford Massachusetts, and went into that service and served five months. I cannot state the day of enlistment or discharge, but to the best of my recollection I enlisted the first of July 1776 and was

discharged the first of December 1776, but can produce no other proof than that sent to the department.
I am entirely confident I served sixteen months in the whole.
Andrew Leavitt
State of New Hampshire
County of Hillsborough ss. On this thirty first day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty three, personally appeared Andrew Leavitt above named and signed and read the foregoing affidavit and made oath in due form of law that the same is true.
Before me Edmund Parker, Justice of the Peace —
I Andrew Wallace clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the County of Hillsborough in the State of New Hampshire, certify that Edmund Parker is a Justice of the Peace for said County as above mentioned and that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office, and subscribed my name, this fifth day of June in the year of our Lord 1833
A. Wallace clerk