Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 28795, for Asa Longley, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Longley, Asa
S. 28795
CONTENTS

No 106 Maine
Asa Longley
of Somerset 6 o in the State of Maine who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Smith of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Bigelow in the Massachusetts line, for the term of three years, from 15 April 1777 to 15 April 1780
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of Eighty Dollars per year commence on the 4 th day of March,
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th of July 1832 and forwarded to the Claimant, Norridge, Mass.
Years to 4th of March 1832 80 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept " 40
$120
Recorded Book D
Vol 1 st Page 67
{ Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820. }
7 June 1832

1 March 1823 Copy
of the Declaration of Asa Langley in order to be reinstated on the Pension List
(Rec. 14 th July 1826)
1762 5 th 6
M c Kinnan

Declaration
In order to be restored to the Pension List, under the act of the 1st January March, 1823.
State of Maine.
County of Somerset ss
On this fourth day of November 1825 personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Common Pleas being a Court of Record in value county, proceeding according to the course of the common Law, with original jurisdiction unlimited in amount, keeping record of their proceedings and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Asa Longley resident in said county aged sixty three 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 the eighteenth of March eighteen hundred and eighteen, the first of May eighteen hundred and twenty, and the first of March eighteen hundred and twenty three that the said Asa Longley enlisted for the term of three years on the fifteenth day of April in the year 1777 in the State of Massachusetts in the Company commanded by Captain Sylvanus Smith and the Regiment commanded by Colonel Timothy Bigelow in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the Continental establishment; that he continued to serve in said Corps until April 1780 when he was discharged from said service at a place called Soldier's Fortune opposite West Point in the State of New York; that his name has been placed on the Pension List, and therefrom on account of his property. And in pursuance of the Act of the first of May eighteen hundred and twenty, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March eighteen hundred and eighteen, 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 eighteenth day of March eighteen

Hundred and eighteen, 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 herewith annexed, and by me subscribed - (Signed) Asa Longley
Copy Attest: James Dinsmore Clerk
Sworn to and declared, on the fourth day of November 1895 before
(Signed) David Perham Jus. Com. Pleas.
Attest: James Dinsmore Clerk
Copy Attest: James Dinsmore Clerk
Schedule of the Real and Personal estate (necessary clothing and Bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber viz.
The equity of redeeming one hundred acres of land on which I have paid no more than the interest. One Cow worth 14 Dollars, One Swine 5 Dollars. 6 Sheep 12 Dollars, Household furniture of the value of 20 Dollars.
(Signed) Asa Longley
Copy Attest: James Dinsmore Clerk
Schedule of the family residing with me Asa Longley who by occupation am a Farmer, which I am unable to perform by reason of infirmity and old age -
Names ages Capacity of each to contribute to their support Rhoda Longley my Wife 59 Has been unable to labor for ten years Josiah Longley my son 14 David Johnson Grand son 15 months Child of my Daughter whose husband was a foreigner & has absconded
That since the exhibition of my last schedule the following changes have been made in my property, viz. The Yoke of Oxen and One Cow and one Horse have been disposed of towards the support of my family and the payment of small debts. the 100 Acres of land mortgaged to Warren; The time of Redemption has expired, and I am now on the same land at suffrance
(Signed) Asa Longley
Copy Attest: James Dinsmore Clerk

I, James Dinsmore Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within said county Somerset, do hereby certify, that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court that the said Asa Pongly 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 schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the Records of said Court: and I do further certify that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is Fifty one Dollars
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court on this fourth day of November 1825
James Dinsmore Clerk

Sent in the Steamer Mail July 19-
FREE
Worthington 14/July 1832
Revolutionary Claim
Hon Lewis Cass Secretary of War Washington D.C.
July 19. 1832 P.O. Office

Norridgewock July 12, 1882
To Hon Lewis Caste Sec of War
Sir
I enclose to you my application for a pension of the same is in due form and the necessary evidence is found in the war department, I wish a pension certificate forwarded to me at "Norridgewock Maine" by mail as
I am your ob t , serv t
J H Lingley

Statement of Asa Langleys on oath in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
State of Maine, County of Somerset ss.
On this twentieth day of July 1832 personally appeared before me William Allen Esq. a Justice of the Peace within and for the county aforesaid Asa Langleys a resident of Palmyra in said county aged seventy years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on oath make the following statement in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 Viz That he was born in Groton in the county of Middlesex in the State of Massachusetts in July 1762 and that he entered the service of the United States at said Groton as a private on the fifteenth of April 1777 under the following named Officers, to wit in the company commanded by Capt Sylvanus Smith in the Regiment commanded by Col Timothy Bigelow in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the continental establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps until April 1780 when he was discharged from the service at Ticonderoga fort opposite West Point in the State of New York; that he was at Stillwater at the taking of Burgoyne; and was in Battle at Rhode Island with at Valley Forge in 1777 & 78 at Providence 1778 & 79 and at Ticonderoga fort 1779 & 80. That he returned to Groton after he was discharged from the service and remained there till the spring of 1781 when he removed to Norridge- wock in the State of Maine where he lived till 1819 when he removed to Palmyra in said State where he has lived ever since; that his name was placed on the pension list when he lived at Norridgewock in 1818 and dropped therefrom in 1820 on account of his property; that he has made several attempts since to have his name restored but has failed; that his last application was made before the Supreme Judicial Court

of this State in September 1831 a copy of the proceedings at that time are enclosed: That full evidence of his service was forwarded with his original application and he presumes the same are now in the War department.
He here by 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.
Asa Songley
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid William Allen Jr Justice of Peace
We Jonas Partin Jr Sheriff of county of Penobscot Mark S. Blunt Esq, both of Norridgewock hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Capt Asa Songley who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be of the age of seventy years; that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he lives to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Jonas Partin Jr
Mark S. Blunt
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me and I also certify that the above named Jonas Partin Jr & Mark S. Blunt Esq, are respectable citizens of Norridgewock, by me well known and worthy of credit the former being Sheriff of said county & the latter being Post Master
William Allen Jr Justice of Peace
State of Maine.
I, James Dinsmore Clerk of all the judicial Court within and for the county of Somerset do certify that William Allen Jr Esquire before whom the above proceedings were had is a Justice of the Peace duly qualified as such to administer Oaths; in testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of the said County of Somerset, this twelfth day of July A.D. 1832.
James Dinsmore Clerk.

Asa Langley's Dit o for Pension ~

War Department
Pension Office
December 13. 1839
Sir,
I herewith return the document in support of the claim of Asa Longley to be restored to the Pension List, the evidence being insufficient. In every case, as in this, where debts have been discharged with the proceeds of the sale of any property, the evidence of the creditors proving the facts, is required. The instructions contained in the note marked (f) in the enclosed printed sheet will show more particularly what is required. These instructions must be rigidly adhered to in order to effect a favorable decision.
Joseph Morrison's case is under examination.
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Yr. Obedt. Servt J. L. Edwards
Hon: James Bates House of Representatives

DECLARATION,
In order to be restored to the Pension List, under the Act of First March, 1823.
County of Somerset ss. Supreme Judicial Court
On this thirtieth day of September 1831, personally appeared in open court, (a) being a court of record (b) for the district, circuit, county, or corporation, as the case may be, of Somerset in the State of Maine having the power of peace and imprisonment and keeping a record of their proceedings Asa Songley resident in said county, aged sixty nine 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 of May, 1820; that he, the said Asa Songley enlisted (c) for the term of three years on the fifteenth day of April in the year 1777 in the State of Massachusetts in the company (d) commanded by captain Sylvanus Smith in the regiment commanded by colonel Timothy Bigelow in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the continental establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps (or vessel) until April 1780 when he was discharged from the service at Soldiers in opposite Westport in the State of New York  that he continued to serve in the said corps (or vessel) until discharged from the service, in  when he was in the State of 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, ( or affirm as the case may be,) 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. (e) That, since the exhibition of my first schedule, the following changes have been made in my property. (f) Asa Songley
I then had except my household furniture and tools and bedding disposed of, and the proceeds applied to the payment of my debts and support of myself and family.
Sworn to, and declared, on the 30th day of September before me Nathaniel Weston Just. 5.96
James Dinsmore Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in the county of Somerset do hereby certify, that it appears, to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said Asa Songley 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, ( or affirmation, ) and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records 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 Thirty Three dollars and cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this thirtieth day of September , 1831
James Dinsmore Clerk of the Court of the county of Somerset State of Maine

Schedule of the whole property and estate (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber viz
  One Cow of the value of  twelve Dollars  12    Six Sheep of the value of  nine Dollars  9    One Swine two months old worth  two Dollars  2    Old House hold furniture worth  twenty Dollars  20      43  
Sept 30, 1831
Asa Longley
Schedule of the family residing with me Asa Longley who by occupation am a farmer but am unable to pursue that occupation by reason of age and infirmity
   Names Age Capacity of each to contribute to their support.     Rhoda Longley my wife 65 Unable to labor and has been for many years   David Johnson a Grandson, a child of my daughter whose husband was a foreigner and has absconded 7 signed Unable to earn his support "Asa Longley"  
True copy West James Dinsmore Clerk

Asa Longley, Woodstock Somerset Co. Col. Bigelow's Mass. Reg. 1777 to 1780.—
Admitted
9 th April 1818

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
To the Honorable the Secretary of the Department of War of the United States.
I the subscriber, being Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, embracing the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, do hereby certify to your Honor, that Asa Langley, a citizen of the United States, now resident in Norridgewock, in the said County of Somerset, in the District of Maine, on the ninth day of April, A. D. 1818, made application to me to receive his declaration under oath, and such other evidence, as was in his power to produce; and to transmit the same, and the proceedings had thereon, to your Honor; that he might be placed on the pension list of the United States, agreeably to the provisions of an Act, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed March 18, A. D. 1818, which declaration, and the other evidence produced by the said applicant, is hereunto annexed.
And I do further certify to your Honor, that after a full examination of the said applicant, and a careful consideration of the evidence in the case, it appears to me that the said applicant did serve as a private soldier, in the war of the revolution, against the common enemy, upon the continental establishment, for more than nine months, as stated in his declaration aforesaid; and that from his reduced circumstances, he needs the assistance of his country for support.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the Court in which I preside, to be hereunto affixed, this twenty third day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Nathan Weston Vice C. Just C. C. C Pleas 2 d E. Circuit.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
KENNEBEC, ss.
THE Subscriber, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts, held within the said County of Kennebec, hereby certifies, that the Honorable NATHAN WESTON, Junior, Esquire, before whom the annexed proceedings were held, is Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, embracing the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset ; and that by the direction of the said Judge, I have affixed unto his Certificate bearing his signature, the seal of the said Court in which he presides.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand : Dated at Augusta, in said County of Kennebec, this tenth day of June, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Wm Davis

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I Asa Longley aged fifty six years, a citizen of the United States, born in Groton Massachusetts - now a resident in Norridgewock in the District of Maine - On oath testify and declare that I enlisted into service of the United States, upon the Continental establishment, against the common enemy, into the company commanded by Capt Sylvanus Smith and Regiment commanded by Col. Timothy Duglow on the fifteenth day of April 1777. for the period of three years, I fully served out the period of my enlistment and took my honorable discharge from the Army near at West Point April 15. 1780. - at a place called Goldine's fortresse - my discharge is now worn out and is not now in my existence to my knowledge - I was in the battle at Rhode Island under Gen Sullivan, - From my reduced circumstances in life, I am in need of the assistance of my country for support - And I do hereby relinquish all claim to any Pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the United States, if any; but I am not to my knowledge born on any pension list whatever. I request that I may be placed upon the list of the District of Maine -
Asa Longley
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kennebec ss
On the ninth day of April A D 1818, Asa Longley above named, after having been carefully warned, made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration, by him subscribed -
Before me
Nathan Weston
Chief Justice C. Court C. Plead Second Eastern Circuit
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I Calvin Selden of Norridgewock in the District of Maine, of lawful age upon oath testify and declare that I am well acquainted with Asa Longley above named. From his reduced circumstances, he needs the assistance of his country for support. He sustains the character of a man of truth.
Calvin Selden

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Farnsworth J.
On the twenty third day of April A D 1818 Calvin Selden Esq within named, after having been carefully sworned, made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him subscribed.
Before me
Nathan Weston Esq
Chief Justice C. Court C.
Phila, Second Eastern Circuit

464
Asa Longley
Palmyra
Not Milled
6147
ip: 29 Jan. 1819.
Robert L. Vose, Augusta
Maine

State of Maine.
I John Davis Clerk, for the County of Kennebec of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the second Eastern Circuit, embracing the counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and that the original was exhibited in open 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, including debts due to the declarant therein stated, is Seven hundred
ten dollars and cents , and deducting therefrom the amount of what the declarant owes, as set forth in said Schedule, the value of said property in the opinion of said Court, is Nothing dollars and  cents
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twenty fourth day of June 1820.
John Davis Clerk of said Court for the County of Kennebec
property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Asa Longley
The following is a Schedule of my whole Estate and income, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, viz: one hundred acres of land with a farmhouse thereon, of the value of one hundred and fifty dollars.
 one horse of the value of thirty five dollars.  one cow of the value of fifteen dollars.  one pair small oxen of the value of thirty five dollars.  six sheep of the value of ten dollars.  two swine of the value of four dollars.  old household stuff, of the value of six dollars.  old farming tools of the value of five dollars. 
Debts due me that can be collected four hundred and fifty dollars. And I am as much as seven hundred and thirty dollars.
The income of the above property does not exceed eight dollars a year. My occupation has been that of a farmer, but from age and infirmity am able to labor but little. My family at home consists of myself, my wife Rhoda aged fifty three years, very sickly and unable to work, my son Thomas aged nineteen, my daughter Cynthia aged fourteen and

State of Maine.
KENNEBEC COUNTY, ss.
ON this twenty third day of June, 1820, personally appeared before in open Court before Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, being a Court of Record for said Counties, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having original jurisdiction, unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Asa Longley aged fifty eight years, resident in Palmyra in the County of Somerset within said Circuit, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. in the Company commanded by Captain Smith and Regiment commanded by Colonel Bigelow of the line of the State of Massachusetts upon the Continental Establishment, for the period of three years was at the battle of Rhode Island
that his original declaration was made before Judge Weston on the ninth day of March 1818; that he is now on the Pension Roll, and that his pension certificate is numbered 6149 . And I, the said Asa Longley do further solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, 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 eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; 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.
Asa Longley
The following is a Schedule of my whole Estate and income, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, viz: one hundred acres of land with a farmhouse thereon, of the value of one hundred and fifty dollars.
one horse of the value of thirty five dollars.
one cow of the value of fifteen dollars.
one pair small oxen of the value of thirty five dollars.
six sheep of the value of ten dollars.
two swine of the value of four dollars.
old household stuff of the value of six dollars.
old farming tools of the value of five dollars.
Debts due me that can be collected four hundred and fifty dollars. And I owe as much as seven hundred and thirty dollars.
The income of the above property does not exceed eight dollars a year. My occupation has been that of a farmer, but from age and infirmity am able to labor but little. My family at home consists of myself, my wife Rhoda aged fifty three years, very sickly and unable to work, my son Nathan aged seventeen, my daughter Cynthia aged fourteen and

and my son Asa aged twelve years,
Except the foregoing and my necessary bedding and clothing, I have no estate or income whatever.
New Longley
Subscribed sworn to and declared, both the oath and schedule, on the twenty third day of June 1820 before me
Nathan Weston Jr G. J. C. C. C. Pleas
A true copy
Attest J. M. Davis Clk.

Mr Langley
Payable semi-annually---the first pay- ment on this certificate will be made on the 4th of March next, at the Cumberland Bank, Portland, Maine
11
Cancelled
Recorded

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I CERTIFY That, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th of March, 1818, — " —
Asa Longley — late a Private in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the District of Maine Agency , at the rate of Eight — dollars per month, to commence on the 9 th day of — April — one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this — 29 th — day of January one thousand eight hundred and nineteen
J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
SECRETARY'S DEPARTMENT,
July 5 - 1818
BY THIS I CERTIFY, That it appears by public, official documents remaining in this Department, that Asa Longley served as a Soldier in Capt. Smith's Company, and Col. Bigelow's Regiment, (being one of the Regiments in the Massachusetts Line, and on the Continental Establishment,) in the American Army, in the War of the Revolution, from April 15 - 1777 to 15 April 1780, being three years and months.
Alden Bradford
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Augusta, Me., August 21. 1832.
Sir,
I send you the original certificates of St. Obadiah Welthwell, Asa Longley & Edmund Parker, they having received pension certificates under the act of Congress of June 7. 1832.
Yours respectfully.
Robert C. Vose
3
J. J. Edwards Esq. Chief Clerk. Pension Office War Department.

EL JGP AMH Asa Longley, Priv. Rev. War, Inv. Cert. No. 28,795, Act of June 7, 1832.
Law Division, January 15, 1904.
Respectfully referred to the Chief of the Old War and Navy Division for consideration of the request contained in the attached communication of Hon. John J. Esch, and for such action as he may deem proper in the premises.
S. A. Cuddy Chief, Law Division.

6147. Maine.
Asa Longley, private
Massachusetts line 3 years in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of the District of Maine at the rate of — 8 — Dollars per month, to commence on the 9 th of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th of Jan'y 1819. and del d R. C. Vose, Augusta Maine
Arrears to 4th of Sep. 1818. 4 m 26/30 - 38. 93 semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 th March 1819 - 48. 00
$ 86.93
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Horridgewick,
Stricken off 13 July 1820, under Act 4 May 1820 - Notification sent to R. C. Vose, Augusta Maine

28,795
3-068. (Old No. 3-619.)
Bureau of Pensions.
Chas. Longley
apt 9, 1898, - 56 chorridgewook me
apt 15, 77 - Groton Mass
Capt. Sylvanus Smith
Col. Dims. Bigelow
apt. 37 frs
• Bat R. I. & Sur of Bayonne

28 795 Rev INVALID.
June 19, 1904 - H. S. Hon. Geo. J. Erskine H.R.
File No. 28,795
Asa Longley
Rev Rev War
Act: 7" June 32"
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 246
[Arrangement of 1870.]