Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 37174, for Johnson Littlefield, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Mass.
Littlefield, Johnson
S 37174
CONTENTS

77/4 Meine
Johnson Littlefield
Wells in the state of Dist. of Maine who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Jackson of the Massachusetts ne, for the term of 3 years
scribed on the Roll of District of Maine at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 5 th of April 1818
ertificate of Pension issued the 15 th of March 1819 and sent to Benjamin Green, Esquire Bethel York County Maine
arrears to 4th of Mar. 1819 - 1000 23/30 87 16 emi-enl. all'ce ending 4 Sept. 1819 - 48
$13 3 1/4
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Dropped from the pension roll July 20, 1820. Not entitled
Notation on back of file: 24/11 1820 16 Daniel D. Smith St. Johnsbury, Maine

Johnson Littlefield
Will
77/14
Not entitled
Sept 1819
See letter to Hon. Mr. Burleigh South Berwick, Maine. April 19 th 1825.

STATE OF MAINE.
York ss.....At a Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the first Eastern Circuit, begun and holden at York within and for the County of York on the first Tuesday of July , being the fourth day of said month, and by adjournment  from day to day, on the  day of in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, before the Honorable Benjamin Greene , chief Justice Judge of said Court.
ON this fourth day of July , in the year 1820, personally appeared in open Court ,
the same proceeding according to the course of the common law, having jurisdiction unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having "the power of fine and imprisonment," and being a Court of Record for said County , Johnson Littlefield aged sixty years, resident in Hills in said County , who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows, viz. as a private in the company commanded by Capt. Abner Wade in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Jackson in the line of the State of Massachusetts , on the Continental Establishment, as is more particularly mentioned and described in his original declaration, made on the eighth day of April A. D. 1818, and on which said declaration his Certificate of Pension, numbered 7714 was granted. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818: and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereunto annexed, and by me subscribed; that my occupation and ability to pursue the same, together with the number and other particulars of my family, are in fact and in truth as is herein particularly described, also subscribed by me.
Johnson Littlefield
Sworn to and declared, on the 14 th day of July A. D. 1820. }
BEFORE
Benj a Greene, Ch. Justice { One of the Judges of the said Court. } Att e Daniel Sewall, Clerk.

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz: Real estate, viz: 60 acres tillage land - 3 1/4 acres land having some pastureing & some wood thereon - 1 very old house 1 story, 2 rooms - 1 barn 35 ft. by 27 ft.  Personal estate viz: 1 yoke oxen - 1 cow - 1 heifer 3 years old - 1 yearling steer - 3 sheep - 2 hogs - third part of a new boat - A few articles necessary for keeping house - a few farming tools. I have no other income, and am justly owing the following sums. To Edward Littlefield 36.- to James Winn 4.-
Johnson Littlefield
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me Johnson Littlefield who, by occupation am a farmer - which I am - able to pursue by reason of
   NAMES. AGES. Capacity of each to contribute to their support.     Susannah my mother 92 Unable to contribute to her support, by reason of age & infirmity -   Sarah my wife 53 unable to support herself, being very infirm.   Anna my daughter 27 infirm -   Aaron my son - 14 } in usual health -   Benaiah my son 11  
Johnson Littlefield
STATE OF MAINE.
I, York ss.  Daniel Sewall Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for said Circuit, within the county of Yorke - do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedules thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is one hundred & ninety dollars and fifty cents.  And that the applicant owes forty dollars IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this thirteenth day of July , A. D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty.
Daniel Sewall, { Clerk of the said Circuit Court for the County of Yorke .
190. 50 40 - 150. 50

Johnson Littlefield - Private
4 April 1781 - 3 years Capt. Wade, M c Jackson's reg t Massachusetts line
8 April 1818.
Admitted
Not found on the rolls Further evidence is required.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
YORK, ss. }
ON this eighth
day of April
A. D. 1818,
before me the subscriber, Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the first Eastern Circuit in said Commonwealth, personally appears Johnson Littlefield a man of the age of fifty seven years, resident in said county of York, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War:"
That he the said Johnson Littlefield on the fourth day of April 1781 enlisted as a private soldier at Wells for three years & an immediate join the Army at Phillipoborough in the state of New York, under Capt. Wade of the Reg t commanded by Col. Michael Jackson of the Massachusetts Line, that he continued to do his duty in said Company & Reg t  until the time of his discharge from General Washington's Army which discharge he received on the until the twenty third day of December A.D. 1783 when he rec d an honorable discharge signed by Col. Knapp which he has had the misfortune to lose.
And the said Johnson Littlefield further states, & by the Certificate of the Selectmen of the Town of Wells proves.
York ss. February 18 th A.D. 1819 In further evidence of the services of the above named Johnson Littlefield Samuel Wheelwright, Samuel Haines, and Elihu Kimsey three disinterested credible witnesses, personally appear; and being first duly sworn according to law, they depose & say that the above named Johnson Littlefield did serve part of the time as a private soldier, and part of the time as a non commissioned officer in Capt. Wade's Company of Col. Michael Jackson's Regiment from the time he enlisted in the month of April A.D. 1781 until the close of the war; when he was discharged that they served in the war as a company with him & do know that he did serve, and was discharged as he has before testified - Examined & sworn before the subscriber the day & year above said - Benj a Greene (Chief Justice etc.)
That he is reduced in his circumstances and needs the assistance of his country for support, and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services.
Sworn to and declared before me the day and year above said.
Benj a Greene
I, BENJAMIN GREENE, Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the first Eastern Circuit, in the Commonwealth aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Johnson Littlefield did serve in the revolutionary war against the common enemy, as he has stated in his declaration aforesaid—and that he is reduced in his circumstances, and needs the assistance of his country for his support.—And I do now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the before mentioned act of Congress.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this
Twelfth
day of June
Anno Domini, 1818.
Benj a Greene

aw
April 29, 1927.
Mr. E. J. F. Littlefield, 15 Green St. Portsmouth, N. H.
Sir:
In response to your letter of the nineteenth instant, I have to advise you, that from the records of this bureau, it appears that Johnson Littlefield enlisted at Wells, Maine, April 4, 1781, served as private in Captain Abner Wade's Company, Colonel Michael Jackson's Massachusetts Regiment and was discharged December 23, 1782, or 1783.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 8, 1818, while living at Wells, York County, Maine, aged fifty-seven years. His name was dropped from the pension roll July 20, 1820, as upon an examination of him by the judge of the circuit court held at York, Maine, July 4, 1820, it was considered that the value of his property was such as prevented him to have title to pension under the Act of May 1, 1820, amending the Act of March 18, 1818, under which his claim had been allowed. But this did not affect his military record.

18 on. 174.
gave his mother's age as 90 yrs.
In 1820, he referred to his mother, Susannah, aged ninety-two years; his wife, Sarah, aged fifty-three years; and his children: Anna, aged twenty-seven years; Aaron, aged fourteen years and Benaiah, aged eleven years.
Littlefield Edward also and Johnson Littlefield, Junior, were are also referred to, but their relationship is not stated. The soldier also stated that one third of the land and the house where he lived was owned by Susannah Littlefield. There is no further information on file as to family.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

37 174
Recy INVALID.
File No. 37 174
Johnson Littlefield Rev Rev Dad
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 258
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1927 Apr. 29. Heir to E. J. F. Littlefield. Aw 1939 May 25. E. J. F. Littlefield adv. cast of photo etc. m.m.v.p.

Quay
17
(4 Sept. 189)
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office
Mr. B. ...

H. of R. —
Feb. 25. 1825
Dear Sir, The enclosed is submitted for consideration, and I wish that a decision may be made & the result communicated to me before the close of the Session —
Respectfully Yours
Wm. Bowditch

26 Copy Johnson Littlefield's Application for pension

State of Maine.
County of York, ss.
ON this twenty eighth day of April 1824 in open Court, being the Supreme Judicial Court held at York within and for the County of York on the last Tuesday of April A. D. 1824 Present the Hon. Nathan Weston Junr. Justice of said Court; said Court keeping a record of their proceedings, having jurisdiction unlimited in amount, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having the power to fine and imprison, and being a Court of Record in said county, personally appeared Johnson Sillifield of Wells resident in said county aged sixty four years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the Acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818, and the 1st May 1820, that he the said Johnson Sillifield enlisted for the term of three years, on the fourth day of April in the year 1781 in the state of Massachusetts in the company commanded by captain Abner Wade in the regiment commanded by Colonel Jackson in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the Continental establishment ; that he continued to serve in said corps until about the 23d. of December 1782 when he was discharged from the said service, in at West Point in the State of New York that his name has been placed on the pension list and dropped therefrom on account of his property.
And in pursuance of the Act of the 1st May, 1820, I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
Johnson Sillifield
Sworn to and declared on the day aforesaid
Before Nathan Weston Jr. Justice of said Court.

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz :
Two thirds of an old house and five acres of land in Wells near the sea the House has only two rooms and only the room in which I live partly finished, the other has nothing done to it. Two thirds of thirty four acres of waste land situated on the mountain in York worth but little or nothing. I have also one old cow, — I have no other property and no income of any kind.
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me Johnson Sillifield my who by occupation labourer fishing which I am unable to pursue by reason of old age
   NAMES. AGES. Capacity of each to contribute to their support.     My wife Sarah Sillifield 57 Very poor health, sick most of the time   Myself Johnson Sillifield 64 Health generally has been good   Anna my daughter 30 Health rather poor   Aaron Sillifield, my son 19 Health very poor unable to work   Benajah, my son 16 Health good and able to work   S. Sillifield my mother 90 Very infirmed & childish  
THAT since the exhibition of my first schedule the following changes have been made in my property. At the time I exhibited my first schedule it was by mistake represented that I owned 38 acres of land, 34 acres of which is situated near the sea in Wells where I live, the residue 3 1/2 acres of waste land is situated on the mountain in York and worth nothing except for the pasturing of sheep. The whole property then exhibited was valued at $150. This was the land I improved, but I never owned but two thirds of it, one third of the house and land where I live and one third of the land in York is owned by Susanna Sillifield of Wells, which she has owned and improved in common with me more than thirty years. The steers mentioned in my first schedule have been sold to pay a debt I owed Edward Sillifield $36. and $4. to James Winn, the principal means I have of supporting my family is fishing, this I have generally pursued in the summer season. I owe Johnson Sillifield for $6 for borrowed money and several other small debts amounting in all to about $20.
Johnson Sillifield
Sworn to and declared on the twenty eighth day of April 1824 before
Nathan Weston jr. Justice of said Court
I Jeremiah Bradbury Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court do hereby certify, that it appears, to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said Johnson Sillifield did serve in the Revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months under one engagement, on the continental establishment. I also certify that the foregoing oath and the schedules thereto annexed are truly copied from the records of said court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is Seventy five dollars and cents.
IN testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court on this Seventh day of April 1824
Jere. Bradbury CLERK of the Supreme Judicial Court, County of York.

ALL ORDERS TAKEN AND AGREEMENTS MADE, SUBJECT TO ACCIDENTS AND OTHER CAUSES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. QUOTATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
E. J. F. LITTLEFIELD
H. A. LITTLEFIELD
E. K. LITTLEFIELD
LITTLEFIELD LUMBER COMPANY
BUILDING MATERIALS
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE
557 State Street, April 6, 1939.
The Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
I am interested in locating where my great-grandfather, Johnson Littlefield, who was a soldier of the War of the Revolution, served or was stationed during his term of service. I would also like to know which of the Massachusetts' Regiments he served in.
My great-grandfather, Johnson Littlefield, a native of Wells, Maine, enlisted at that town April 4, 1781 as a private in Captain Abner Wade's company of Colonel Michael Jackson's Massachusetts Regiment, and was discharged on December 23, 1783. Littlefield was granted a pension in April 1818 but in May 1820 the Pension Act was amended and "It was considered that value of his property was such as to prevent his being entitled to receive a pension". I would very much like for you to send me a copy of his pension record, for in his application for pension he would probably state the number of his Regiment and the places where he was stationed and some account of their activities.
The regiment Col. Michael Jackson commanded was known as the 8th Mass. Regiment until December 1780 when the 16 Massachusetts Regiments of Infantry of the Continental Army was consolidated into ten regiments, so it is difficult to know just the status of Col. Jackson's old regiment between 1781 and 1783 but we do find on a report of effectives dated Oct. 31, 1783 he appears as in command of the 3rd Massachusetts Regiment. As my great-grandfather enlisted several months after the reorganizing of the regiments I believe him to have been in the 3rd Regiment.
Very truly yours,
A handwritten signature in cursive, reading "E. J. F. Littlefield".
EJFL:DOE.

ZZZ
DO NOT DETACH THIS SLIP
Return accompanying papers to Room 2, STATE, WAR, AND NAVY BUILDING
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF WAR
Date April 22, 1927.
Subject: Letter from Charles F Trotter, Actg 1st Asst Postmaster General 4/21 encl letter from B.J.F.Littlefield requesting information re the record of his great-grandfather, Johnson Littlefield who was a soldier in the Revolution.
To: THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
 1.....Necessary action.  2.....Necessary action and direct reply.  3..... Nec. action and prep. of reply for sig. of The Asst. Secy. of War.  4.....Preparation of memo. to enclose with reply.  5.....Remark and recommendation.  6.....Notation and filing or return.  7.....Correction. 
By direction of The Assistant Secretary of War:
for David L. Stone DAVID L. STONE Colonel, Q. M. C., Executive Assistant.
Form No. 1 (Ed. Apr. 23-26)
3-8094
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

Cal Hous
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT FIRST ASSISTANT POSTMASTER GENERAL WASHINGTON
April 21, 1927.
Honorable Hanford MacNider, Assistant Secretary of War.
My dear Colonel MacNider:
I am enclosing herewith a letter addressed to Governor Bartlett by Mr. E. J. T. Littlefield, 15 Green Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He is desirous of securing certain information regarding Johnson Littlefield, his great-grandfather, of Wells, Maine, who was a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
I have advised Mr. Littlefield of this reference, and hope your Department will be able to furnish him with the information requested.
Very truly yours,
CHAS. F. TROTTER
15 Received A. G. O. APR 23 1927 / 10 28 Acting First Assistant Postmaster General
3 hrs
OLD RECORDS DIVISION
APR 23 1927 2 32 PM
RECEIVED
File

ALL ORDERS TAKEN AND AGREEMENTS MADE, SUBJECT TO ACCIDENTS AND OTHER CAUSES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. QUOTATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
E. J. F. LITTLEFIELD
H. A. LITTLEFIELD
Handwritten initials: EJFL LITTLEFIELD LUMBER COMPANY BUILDING MATERIALS
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE
April 19, 1927.
Hon. John H. Bartlett, Assistant Postmaster General, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
As a fellow-citizen and neighbor in Portsmouth, I am taking the liberty of writing to ask you to do me the favor of sending the enclosed letter to the proper person or department so that I can best and soonest get the information that I desire.
I would not have troubled you with my small affairs only I feel quite sure that you can direct this matter to the proper source of information to get results, and if I did it by myself I would probably be running around in circles.
Thanking you for your kind attention, I am,
Cordially yours,
E. J. F. Littlefield
EJFL:DOI.

ALL ORDERS AND AGREEMENTS MADE, SUBJECT TO ACCIDENTS AND OTHER CAUSES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. QUOTATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
E. J. F. /
U. & Section S. 37.
H. A. LITTLEFIELD
LITTLEFIELD LUMBER COMPANY
BUILDING MATERIALS
PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE
April 19, 1927.
U. S. War Department, Pension Office, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
I am enclosing a typewritten copy of a letter written to Hon. William Burleigh and evidently sent by him to my great-grandfather, Johnson Littlefield, of Wells, Maine, who was a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
This letter was among papers that recently came into my possession upon the death of my father and came to him from his father, Johnson Littlefield, Jr., the son of the Johnson Littlefield aforesaid and referred to in the letter.
Since the death of my father, I have made some improvements at the family burial lot at Wells, Maine, and am about to erect a stone there in memory of those buried there. Of my great-grandfather I have no record except this letter and a deed given about a year later to his son, Johnson Jr.
I would like to know where he entered the Army and at what age, or the date of his birth, and any other information you can give so that I may have something besides his name for the memorial.
Hoping you can assist me in this matter, I am,
Yours very respectfully,
EJFL:DOL.
E. J. F. Littlefield, 15 Green St., Portsmouth, N.H.
See

C O P Y
War Department, Pension Office, April 19, 1825.
Sir:
Before a decision can be had on the claim of Johnson Littlefield to be restored to the Pension List, he must show the origin of the debts, stated to have been paid by the sale of his property, by the testimony of his creditors. The kind of evidence required, and the manner of taking it, will be found in the enclosed regulations; and I would particularly direct the claimants attention to the reference marked (f). The affidavit of Susanna Littlefield, showing her title to one third of the house and land possessed by claimant, is also required.
I am , very respectfully
Your obedient,
J. L. Edwards/
TO Hon. William Burleigh, South Berwick, Maine.
NOTE: On the back of this letter it was addressed to Mr. Johnson Littlefield, Wells, Maine. Inc 2

April 26, 1927.
Mr. E. J. F. Littlefield, 15 Green Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Dear Mr. Littlefield:
The name Johnson Littlefield, referred to in your letter of April 19, 1927, addressed to Honorable John H. Bartlett, Assistant Postmaster General, Washington, D.C., has not been found on the records in this Department as of any organization in service during the Revolutionary War.
However, the collection of Revolutionary War records in this Department is far from complete, and as the desired information can possibly be obtained from the Commissioner of Pensions, this city, your letter with inclosures has this day been transmitted to that official from whom you will no doubt receive further response in due course.
It is deemed proper to also state that some information on the subject of inquiry can possibly be obtained from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts. Massachusetts embraced the territory now known as Maine.
Yours very truly,
HARFORD MacRIDGE
Dispatched from A.G.O. APR 27 1927
HARFORD MacRIDGE, The Assistant Secretary of War.

A. G. 201 Littlefield, Johnson (4-21-27)ORD
1st Ind.
CL
War Department, A.G.O., April 26, 1927.-To the Commissioner of Pensions.
1. Inviting attention to the inclosed correspondence from Mr. E.J.F. Littlefield, 15 Green Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and copy of reply thereto informing him of this reference.
Robert C. Davis Major General, The Adjutant General, By g
3 inclosures.

OM 21 A. G. 201 Littlefield, Johnson (4-21-27)ORD
1st Ind.
CL
War Department, A.G.O., April 26, 1927.-To the Commissioner of Pensions.
1. Inviting attention to the inclosed correspondence from Mr. E.J.F. Littlefield, 15 Green Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and copy of reply thereto informing him of this reference.
Robert C. Davis
Major General, The Adjutant General, By
3 inclosures.

C O P Y
Hon. Wm. Burleigh South Berwick, Maine
War Department Pension Office Apl. 19, 1825.
Sir:
Before a decision can be had on the claim of Johnson Littlefield to be restored to the Pension List, he must shew the origin of the debts stated to have been paid by the sale of his property, by the testimony of his creditors. The kind of evidence required, and the manner of taking it will be found in the enclosed Regulations, and I would particularly direct the claimant's attention to the reference marked (f.) The affidavit of Susanna Littlefield, shewing her title to one third of the house and land possessed by the claimant, is also required.
J.L.E.
C O P Y

May 25, 1939.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. E. J. F. Littlefield 557 State Street Portsmouth, New Hampshire
BA--J/MMHF/ady Johnson Littlefield S.37174
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request further information in regard to the record of Johnson Littlefield, Revolutionary War soldier of Wells, Maine, whose record was furnished you April 29, 1927, particularly the number of the regiment in which he served.
Johnson Littlefield did not state the number of the regiment in which he served. It is suggested that further information in regard to his military service might be obtained from The Adjutant General, War Department, this city.
If you should like to have photostatic copies of the papers on file in this pension claim, (S.37174) they will be furnished you for twenty-five cents a page. The number of pages to be copied is ten.
Remittance should be made by money order drawn to the order of the Treasurer of the United States and mailed to the Veterans Administration.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator