Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14020, for Ezra Tilden, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass,
Tilden Ezra Sarah
N 14020
CONTENTS

Massachusetts - 1835.
Sarah Tilden, widow of Ezra Tilden, deceased. Mast who died on the 1 st of November 1819 of Norfolk Co. in the State of Massetts. who was a private in the company commanded by Captain J. Southworth of the Regt. commanded by Col. Robinson in the Massetts. time for 23 mos. 6 days private
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 78 Dollars 43 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 th day of March, 1838 and sent to Hon. J. Q. Adams,
Arrears to the 4th of March, 1838 = $549:01 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. '38 = 78.43
$627:44
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk, Book A, Vol. 2 Page 60.

Sarah Tilden died on the 15 th of April 1839. The pension was after her death increased to $80 per ann. a new proof. A certificate was issued 30 April 1840 payable to Ezra & Almer Tilden, children of Sarah - and in the first of May 1840 sent to Wm. El Johnson, Mass. The Agent was duly notified as to the payment to be made & the recd of deduction certificate directs deduction to be made of payment. under old certificate.

M. Ellis Esq.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
COUNTY OF NORFOLK, SS. I, SHERMAN LELAND, Judge of the Court of Probate, in and for said County, hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been adduced to me to prove that Sarah Tilden _____ of Canton in said County,
a pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of the fourth day of July A. D. 1836 as the widow of Ezra Tilden  who was a private of the revolution, died on the fifteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine and that she left Ezra Tilden & Sarah Tilden & said Canton her only surviving children
who are still living & are twenty one years of age
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I, the said Judge, have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fourth day of June A. D. 1839
S Leland

1914 Sarah Tilden's application
Widow of Ezra
married July '73. died in 1819.
Vol 35 p 203
Vol 14. p 14. SMO hi-75
adm? 23. mo. 160/hi 78. 43/100
Map. rls Vol 35 p 203 b mi 80 19. 44 2.38
Hon. J. L. Adams
Please to direct the result of this application, to the Subsec'y at Dedham. Mass Yrs truly

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss.
I Jonathan H. Cobb Register of the Court of Probate of the County & Commonwealth aforesaid hereby certify that Sherman Leland is Judge of said Court of Probate & that William Ellis is a Justice of the Peace within said County of Norfolk & that their several signatures to the papers annexed are genuine & true.
In Testimony whereof have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this tenth day of May A.D. 1837
Jonathan H. Cobb Reg. Prob. Norfolk Co.

I Edward French of Sharon in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, a Pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of the year 1818, being seventyfive years of age hereby testify and say, that I was personally acquainted with Ezra Tilden when the Revolutionary war began A.D. 1775, he then lived in Houghton where I had previously resided when a boy, about the time of that in the year A.D. 1775, I engaged in the service as fifer, and served several months at Sewell's Point in Brookline between Cambridge & Roxbury, in what was called the first eight months service, in a company commanded by Capt Timothy Corey. Lt Thomas Cummings & Jonas Johnson, Orderly sergeant, Jacob Whitney, in the Regiment at that time, under the command of Major James Weston - and I further testify and say, that the aforesaid Ezra Tilden did according to my best recollection and and confident belief, serve as a soldier in said Capt. Corey's company at Sewell's point Fort, during most, or all of said eight months service, in the year 1775 -.
Edward French
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss -
May 6 th 1837 Then the above named Edward French known to the subscriber as a credible witness, personally appeared, subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by him subscribed, is true -.
Before me W m Ellis Justice of Peace

To whom it may concern
I Asa Waters of Houghton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts a Pensioner of the United States, being seventy seven years of age hereby Testify and say that I was knowing to the fact, that Ezra Tilden formerly of said Houghton but late of Canton now dec d , served as a Soldier for the term of two months at Dorchester Hill near Boston in the Company commanded by Capt d Jedediah Southworth and Col. Robinson, Regiment. This service began about the middle of February A.D. 1776. and ended about the middle of the month of April following - The reason why I know the above stated facts, is, because I served as a soldier with said Ezra Tilden in the same Company and for the same Period of time as aforesaid -.
ASA Waters
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss
March 27 th 1837 then Capt d Asa Waters a credible witness, subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing Statement is true -.
Before me Essex W m Ellis Justice of Peace

I John Endicott of Dedham in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being seventy three years of age hereby testify and say, that I formerly resided in that part of the Town of Stoughton, which is now Canton, within said County of Norfolk, That I was personally acquainted with Ezra Tilden of said Stoughton in the year A.D. 1776, That I perfectly recollect, that in the Summer of this year 1776, I think a little past the middle of July, my late father, Capt James Endicott of said Stoughton, engaged as Captain in the military service of the Country in Col. Ephraim Wheelock's Regiment, raised a Company of Soldiers, and marched off into the service and went, as I was then informed, and have ever since understood, to the port of Tiendiroga in the State of New York, and was absent in this service somewhat over four months and returned home about the first of December following; and that according to my recollection and confident belief, the said Ezra Tilden engaged as a Soldier, marched with, and performed military service in, said Capt Endicott's Company, during the Campaign to Tiendiroga in the year A.D. 1776. One reason why I remember several of the above stated circumstances distinctly is, that during my said father's absence in this Campaign, the charge of his affairs at home, much devolved on me, at a very early age, and being his eldest son.
John Endicott
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss May 8 th 1837. Then The above named John Endicott to a credible witness, late of the Executive Council of Massachusetts, subscribed to, and made Oath that the matter contained in the foregoing Statement by him subscribed, is true.
Before me, H. Ellis Justice of Peace

I, Elisha White of Canton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being of lawful age hereby certify and say, that Samuel Blackman of said Canton Blacksmith now dec, died on the sixth day of February A.D. 1837. State to me the said Elisha White at Canton aforesaid, that he the said Blackman was knowing to the fact, that the late Ezra Tilden of said Canton actually performed military service in capacity of a Soldier for the term of two Months on Castle Island in Boston Bay, in a Company commanded by Capt. Theophilus Lyon, that this service was rendered in the month, of September and October A.D. 1777.
Elisha White
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss
March 28 th 1837. Then the above named Elisha White who ranks among the most respectable citizens of his town, and a credible witness, subscribed to, and made Oath that, the foregoing Statement by him subscribed is true.
Before me - W. G. Ellis Justice of Peace

To Whom it may concern
I, Jacob Guild of Dedham in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts a Pensioner of the United States, being seventy seven years of age hereby testify and say, that I was knowing to the fact, that, Ezra Tilden late of the Town of Canton in said County dec d rendered several months service as a Soldier in the company of Capt Aaron Smith and in Col. Gill's Regiment, that these services were rendered at Bennington, and at Still water Saratoga and at sundry other places between Saratoga and the White plains in the State of New York, said Gill's Regiment was at Still Water and a part of it then was engaged at the battle and surrender of Gen l Burgoyne in the month of October A.D. 1777. That I served as a Soldier with said Ezra Tilden in said Capt n Aaron Smith's company most of that campaign, I believe I was allowed for three months and a half service; I left Capt. Smith's company on furlough, on account of sickness, a few weeks before the campaign ended, the said Ezra Tilden remained when I left, and believe he did not render less than three and a half months service under said Capt. Aaron Smith in Col. Gill's Regiment, according to my best recollection this service began about the middle of the month of August A.D. 1777 and ended in the early part of December following —.
Jacob Guild
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss
March 29 th 1837. Then Jacob Guild long known to the subscriber as a credible Witness, Subscribed to, and made Oath that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement is true —.
Before me W m Ellis Justice of Peace

I Benjamin Bullard of Sharon in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being seventy eight years of age hereby testify and say, that I was knowing to the facts, that Ezra Tilden late of Canton Mass ts deceased, enlisted as a Soldier and marched from that part of Stoughton (now Canton) with others, under a continental recruiting officer to Springfield, thence to west point in the state of New York, and in this tour performed military service for the term of six months, and after arriving at head Quarters was in Capt a Lunt's Company, Col. Tupper's Regiment in General Patterson's Brigade, that this service began about the first of July A.D. 1780 and ended about the first of January A.D. 1781, and the reasons why I know these facts are, because I served with the said Tilden in the same company, at the same place, and for the same term of time.
Benj a Bullard
State of Massachusetts } County of Norfolk ss } March 16 th - 1837 - Then the above named Benjamin Bullard, credible witness subscribed to, and made oath that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement is true.
Before me W m Ellis Justice of Peace

I Martin Wales of Houghton in the County of Norfolk & State of Massachusetts, hereby certify and say, that I am at this time the Clerk of the Town of Said Houghton and have the custody and keeping of the Books & Records of Said Town, and that on Said Records I find the Intention of Marriage of Ezra Tilden and Sarah White entered in the following words - (Viz)
"The Intention of Marriage between Ezra Tilden of Houghton and Sarah White of Dedham Entered with me the Subscriber July 18 th 1773. George Crossman Town Clerk"
And I further certify and say, that after diligent Search I can not find Recorded on the Town Records, the Marriage of the Said Ezra Tilden and Sarah White, yet from the character of the Widow Sarah Tilden and several of her family yet living in this vicinity, I feel Satisfied that Said Ezra Tilden & Sarah White were lawfully Married soon after the above Intention was published, but by some mistake, no Record is made of the Marriage
And I further certify and say, that on Said Records under the head of Births, I find Entered the Births of the several children of the Said Ezra and Sarah Tilden in form as follows -
" Ruth Daughter of Ezra and Sarah Tilden Born 6 Dec r 1774 Ezra Son " " " Born 3 Sept r 1776 Paul Son " " " " 14 Dec r 1779 Polly Daughter " " " " 20 Oct r 1786 Sarah do " " " " 28 June 1782 Abel Son " " " " 6 Oct r 1789
Martin Wales Town Clerk Houghton
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk. ss.
April 28 th 1837. Then personally appeared the above named Martin Wales a credible Witness, and subscribed to, and made Oath that the matter set forth in the foregoing Certificate by him made and subscribed is true Before me W m Ellis Justice of the Peace

I Simeon Tucker of Canton in the County of Norfolk, and state of Massachusetts, being seventy years of age, hereby testify and say, that I was personally acquainted with Ezra Tilden late of said Canton dec d . - and also personally acquainted with Sarah Tilden the wife of said Ezra, when I was a youth sixty years ago. - The town then, was Stoughton. My father and said Ezra Tilden were near neighbors, I was also well acquainted with the children of said Ezra and Sarah Tilden, I remember they were often at my father's house, and distinctly recollect, the names of most of them viz. Ruth, Ezra, Joel, Sarah and Abner Tilden, three of whom are yet living in said Canton. That the said Ezra Tilden died in Canton in the fall of the year 1819 or 1820, and that I am knowing to the fact, that said Sarah Tilden has, since the death of said Ezra her late husband, remained unmarried and continues to be the widow of said Ezra Tilden at the present time. I also recollect the fact, that said Ezra Tilden was a member of the Church of Christ under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Jedediah Adams of the second Parish in said Stoughton, and I believe that his wife the said Sarah, also belonged to the same communion. I also further say, that I distinctly recollect that the said Ezra Tilden, several times engaged as a Soldier and went into the service during the Revolutionary war, but I was not in that service, and know not, how long he served in that war.
Simeon Tucker
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss.
May 6 th 1837. Then personally appeared the above named Simeon Tucker, long known to the subscriber as a man of the first respectibility and credible witness, and subscribed to, and made oath that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by him subscribed, is true.
Before me W m G. Ellis Justice of the Peace

Sarah Tilden's Application for a Pension - State of Massachusetts? County of Norfolk - ss.
On this twenty fourth day of March A.D. 1837 personally appeared before the Honorable Sherman Leland Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the said County of Norfolk. Sarah Tilden, a resident of the Town of Canton in said County, aged eighty eight years, who, first being 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 4 th A.D. 1836 -
I Sarah Tilden of Canton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being eighty eight years of age declare, that I am the widow of Ezra Tilden late of said Canton deceased, who rendered more than two years military services as a Soldier in the Revolutionary War - viz -
The said Ezra Tilden served eight months at Roxbury and the neighboring towns, in either Capt. Coney's or Capt. Gore's - company I think in Col. Reed's Regiment in the year A.D. 1775, and was honorably discharged, this service began about the first of May 1775, and ended about the first of January 1776 - and the part of returned to Houghton (now Canton) where he had marched from into this service -
Again said Ezra Tilden engaged as a Soldier in the Company of Capt. Jedediah Southworth and marched to Dorchester Hill near Boston where he served for the term of two months, in Col. Robinson's Regiment was discharged and returned home to Houghton - this service began about the middle of February and ended about the middle of April 1776 -
Again, the said Ezra Tilden enlisted as a Soldier into Capt. James Endicott's Company, Col. Ebenezer Wheelock's Regt. July 20 th 1776, and marched from said Houghton in said Endicott's Company to Charleston N o . 4. in the State of New Hampshire, thence by way of Rutland in the Territory now Vermont to Ticonderoga in the State of New York, and at that Post, performed military service till he was discharged and returned home to said Houghton about the tenth of December following, in this campaign said Ezra Tilden rendered a term of four and a half months service -
Again the said Ezra Tilden engaged and served as a Soldier for the term of two months on Castle Island (now Fort Independence) in the Company commanded by Capt. Theophilus Lyon Col. Pierce Regiment, this service began in the spring of the year 1776 -

47 Again, the said Ezra Tilden enlisted as a Soldier into Capt James Endicott's Company. Col. Jeremiah Wheelock's Regt. July 20 th 1776, and marched from said Stoughton in said Endicott's Company to Charleston N o . 4. in the State of New Hampshire, thence by way of Rutland in the Territory now Vermont to Ticonderoga in the State of New York, and at that Post, performed military service till he was discharged and returned home to said Stoughton about the tenth of December following, in this campaign said Ezra Tilden rendered a term of four and a half months service.
2 Again the said Ezra Tilden engaged and served as a Soldier for the term of two months on Castle Island (now Fort Independence) in the Company commanded by Capt Theophilus Lyon Col. Pierce Regiment, this service began in the Spring of the year 1777 and I believe ended in the early part of Summer of the same year.
3 Also the said Ezra Tilden engaged as a Soldier about the middle of August in the Company commanded by Capt Aaron Smith in Col. Gill's Regiment and on the twenty seventh day of August 1777 marched from said Stoughton by way of Northampton, Williamstown, and Bennington Vermont, to Still Water, near Saratoga in the State of New York, where he remained till after the surrender of Gen l Burgoyne, the said Tilden my late husband used to say, that he said Gen l Burgoyne's Army march out as prisoners of war, but I believe he was not in the decisive Battle at that Place, thence the said Ezra Tilden with said Smith's Company marched down the Hudson River to Albany, Catskill, Tarrytown - Peekskill, to the White Plains above the City of New York, and at that place was honorably discharged, about the middle of December A.D. 1777 to said Stoughton, and in this tour of duty said Ezra Tilden performed three & a half months service.
4 Again in the Summer, I think in July, A.D. 1778, said Ezra Tilden engaged as a Soldier and served three months at Rhode Island, but what Captain he served under I am not certain, I believe it was either Capt Obediah Everitt or Capt Nathaniel Morse, there was a Captain Swan in this neighborhood, but I do not remember that my husband served in his Company, but it is possible he did, I believe this Company was in Gen l Sullivan's Brigade, this service ended in the fall, and said Tilden was honorably discharged and returned home to said Stoughton.
Also said Ezra Tilden went as a Soldier a second tour to Rhode Island I believe a shorter tour than the above, and the same year, but I cannot recollect under whom he went or how long he served.

Again the said Ezra Tilden engaged as a soldier in a company commanded by Capt d John Ellis, Lieut d Griggs, and I believe, Col. Poor's Regiment and marched from Dedham or Medfield, by way of Springfield Mass s to the Post of West Point in the State of New York and in this tour performed military service for a term of seven months, was discharged at West Point or in that vicinity, and returned home to said Stoughton, this service began the latter part of August 1779 and ended about the first of April A.D. 1780 — a part of this service I believe was in the State of New Jersey —.
Also the said Ezra Tilden my late husband, when there was a call for soldiers to reinforce the Continental Army in the neighborhood of New York for the term of six months; enlisted for that term of service, and with many others, marched from said Stoughton under a Continental recruiting Officer, a Lieutenant by rank, whose name I have forgotten, to Springfield Mass s — thence to West Point in the State of New York and there was enrolled in Capt d Lunt's Company, Col. Tupper's Regiment and General Patterson's Brigade, in which said Tilden served out his term of six months, and was honorably discharged and returned to said Stoughton, it is well remembered, that said Ezra Tilden many times related to his family and others, the particulars, which took place at the Execution of Major Andre at Tappan October 2 1780, he being present on that occasion This service began about the first of July A.D. 1780 and ended about January 1 1781.
My belief is, that said Ezra Tilden served two or three tours as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, more than above stated, for I well remember, that but little previous to his death, and many other times, said Ezra Tilden stating, that he turned out and performed soldiers duty in twelve tours of service, during the Revolutionary war, but I am not able to describe any more than foregoing services — which amount to three years service, on which, I found my Claim —.
I have not at my command, any rolls or revolutionary discharges from service, to offer in support of my claim, I believe my late husband Ezra Tilden rendered each term of said service as a volunteer — and never received any Pension or gratuity from any State or the United States —.
And I the said Sarah Tilden further declare, That my maiden name was Sarah White, that I was lawfully married to the aforesaid Ezra Tilden on the twenty sixth day of August A.D. 1773, by the Reverend Samuel Dunbar of said Stoughton, That my said husband, Ezra Tilden aforesaid, Died at said Canton on the first day of November A.D. 1819, and that I have remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereunto annexed —.
Sarah Tilden mark
Sworn to, and subscribed before the subscriber, on the day and year first above written. And I hereby Certify, that by reason of old age and bodily infirmity, the said Sarah Tilden was unable to attend before a Court, to make the foregoing declaration —.
J Leland Judge of Probate

I Ebenezer Fisher of Dedham in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being eighty six years of age, hereby testify and say, that I lived near to, and was personally acquainted with, the late Capt n Abel Richards of said Dedham, during the Revolutionary war and till the time of his death a few years ago, he was the Captain of the Standing Company in the west parish of Dedham, where he and I both resided, and held his office of Captain for several years, I believe from the early part of the year 1776. till after the peace of 1783. That said Capt n Richards being a commissioned Officer, a man of good address and a zealous friend to the cause of liberty, did at sundry times, engage soldiers to go into the military service of the Country, when requisitions were made on the town, or on our section of the town for a quota of men to serve in the continental army, or other military service. That it distinctly occurs to my mind, that in the summer of the year 1777, men were called for to reinforce the Northern Army. I think in the neighborhood of Bennington and Saratoga, and that I perfectly recollect, that Elijah Silden of Stoughton, who had served in the same company with myself the preceding year (1776) at Ticonderoga, offered himself to said Capt n Abel Richards for one of this requisition, that said Capt n Richards consulted me on the subject of engaging said Elijah Silden for this service, and rejected him, because he was thought to be rather a feeble bodied man, then, according to my best recollection and confident belief, the said Capt n Richards immediately engaged Ezra Silden, a brother of said Elijah, but a more able bodied man for this service, and who served accordingly, but having no documents or rolls to throw light upon this service, I can not state with any certainty, under what Captain said Ezra Silden served or what term of time he performed soldiers duty in the Campaign towards Albany and Saratoga in the year 1777--.  Ebenezer Fisher
State of Massachusetts } County of Norfolk ss } December 21 st 1837. Then personally appeared the above named Ebenezer Fisher an acting magistrate for said County, for more than thirty years last past, and a credible witness subscribed to, and made oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by him so subscribed is true.
Before me Wm W. G. Gellis Justice of the Peace

I Samuel Smith of Shurton in the County of Norfolk & born in the township of Massachusetts being seventy eight years of age hereby depose and say, that I was personally acquainted with Ezra Silden late of said Shurton deceased, previous to, and at the time, the Revolutionary war began, and afterwards till the time of his death, and that I am knowing to the fact, that said Ezra Silden served as a soldier two months time at Dorchester Hill near Boston, in the year 1775 - that the service began about the last of February and ended the latter part of April the same year 1775, and was rendered in the company of capt. Sedidiah Southworth and I believe, in Col. Robbins Regiment & will recollect that beside said Ezra Silden, there were in said capt. Southworth's company several others of my acquaintance viz: Asa Waters, Mathew Holman, and William Silden. I know these facts, because I served as a soldier in said Southworth's company at Dorchester Hill with said Ezra Silden for the term of two months as aforesaid, and furthermore the deponent saith not -
Samuel Smith
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss December 7 th 1837, Then personally appeared the above named Samuel Smith an intelligent man and a credible witness, and at the same time subscribed to, and made Oath, that the foregoing statement by him so subscribed, is true, in every part thereof -
Before me W m G. Ellis Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. County of Norfolk ss.
I Jonathan H. Cobb Registrar of the Court of Probate for the County & Commonwealth aforesaid, hereby certify that William Ellis is a justice of the Peace & of the Quorum within the said County of Norfolk and that his signatures on the several papers annexed are genuine & true.
In Testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand & seal of Office this third day of January A.D. 1838.
Jonathan H. Cobb Reg. Prob. Co. of Norfolk

I Mary Richards of Dedham in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts Widow, being eighty five years of age hereby testify and say, that I was personally acquainted with Ezra Tilden of Houghton, from some time before the Revolutionary War began, till the time of his death, he the said Ezra Tilden married to my sister (Sarah White) a little before the said War began, And I further testify and say, that I am knowing to the fact, that the said Ezra Tilden performed Soldiers duty at Roxbury or Brookline in what was called the first eight months service in the year 1775, and one of the reasons why I know this fact is, because, that in the Autumn of the first year of the Revolutionary war 1775, I believe in the month of October, my sister (Sarah Tilden) and myself with a young man by the Name of John Cummings, and young woman by the name of Rachael Talbot, took a ride towards Cambridge which is two or three miles from Boston, that my sister Tilden and myself procured a horse and chaise of Madam Balch the widow of our former clergyman for this purpose, that on the same day, and beside stoping at other places in our excursion, we called at the Camp at or near where the town of Roxbury and Brookline meet where said Ezra Tilden was stationed as a Soldier, that he the said Ezra Tilden did then and there converse with said Sarah his wife and the rest of us in her company, and I well remember that said Ezra Tilden on that occasion gave us some refreshment, and after a short stay with him, we returned home the same day, I am unable to state, what Captain said Ezra Tilden was then serving under, and the precise length of time he performed Soldiers duty in that service I have forgotten if I ever knew, but I am positive, he was acting as a Soldier at the time and place above stated, and according to my best recollection and belief, he the said Ezra Tilden was absent from his wife, the whole season in this or some other military service in the year 1775.
Mary Richards
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk SS January 1 st 1838. Then personally appeared the above named Mary Richards long known to the subscriber as a person of good character for veracity, and a credible witness, and subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by her so subscribed, is true. Before me W. G. Ellis Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Secretary's Office March 1. 1811.0
I hereby certify, that at the date of the within attestation William Ellis was a justice of the peace for the County of Norfolk
Witness the Seal of the State
John P. Bigelow Secretary of the Commonwealth

To the U.S. Pension Department Washington City
We Ezra Tilden and Abner Tilden of Canton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being of lawful age, hereby Testify and Say, that we are the only surviving children of Sarah Tilden late a Pensioner of the United States under the law of July 4 th 1836. deceased, - That Sarah Tilden, the widow of Ezra Tilden our late father dec d , was pensioned on the Seventh day of March A.D. 1838 at the rate of 78 3/4 43 3/4 Cents Per annum being one dollar and fifty seven cents or per annum less than a full Pension. That from what we have seen and known of this case, it appears clearly to us, that some mistake has occurred in the estimation of the Revolutionary services of said Ezra Tilden as Soldier, That it appears to us that said Ezra Tilden served as Soldier at Dorchester Hill for two months in the Spring of 1776 either under Capt William Bent or Capt Jedediah Southworth in the Regiment of Col Robinson or Dyke - Also two months service as Soldier in Capt James Endicott's Company & Col Ephraim Wheeler's Reg t - at Scituate in the Summer and Autumn of 1776 - Also three and a half months service as Soldier at Still water, Saratoga & White Plains in the State of New York in Capt Aaron Smith's Company and Col. Benjamin Gill's Regiment in the Autumn and Winter of the year 1777 - Also two months service as Soldier at Rhode Island in Capt n Samuel Fisher's Company & Col. Benj t Hawes Reg t in the Summer of 1778 or 1779 - And we believe that these services were set forth and more fully described in the Declaration of Sarah Tilden our late mother at the time her said Pension was granted, but none of these terms of services allowed, we therefore humbly request that this part of the case may be re-examined and the error corrected, if an error be found, and allowed with the arrearage of Pension, admitted to be due to said Sarah Tilden at the time of her decease -
Ezra Tilden Abner Tilden
State of Massachusetts Norfolk County - ss
February 17 th 1840 - personally appeared the above named Ezra Tilden and Abner Tilden known to the subscriber as respectable men and credible Witnesses and subscribed to, and made oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by them so subscribed, is according to their best knowledge and belief, true in every part thereof
Before me W m Ellis Justice of the Peace The words interlined "as Soldier" were inserted by me W m Ellis

CW
Sept. 11, 1923.
Mrs. A. T. Riggs, 68 Perham St. Farmington, Me.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the pension claim, Widow file 14020, it appears that Ezra Tilden was the son of Elijah Tilden, and while said Ezra was residing at Stoughton, (Later called Canton) Mass. he enlisted and served as follows; a private in Mass. Troops.
From May 1, 1775, eight months, under Capt. Timothy Corey and Col. Reed.
From February 1776, two months, under Capt. Jedediah Southworth and Col. Robinson.
From July 30, 1776, four and a half months, under Capt. James Endicott and Col. Ephraim Wheelock.
From the spring of 1777, two months, under Capt. Theophilus Lyon and Col. Pierce.
From August 19, 1777, three and a half months, under Captains Abel Richards and Aaron Smith and Col. Benjamin Gill.
From July 1778, three months, under Capt. Ebenezer Everitt, of Capt. Nathaniel Morse. and

Again in 1778, two months, under Capt. Samuel Fisher and Col. Benjazin Hawes.
From August 1779, seven months, under Capt. John Ellis and Col. Poor.
From July 1780, six months, under Capt. Lunt and Col. Tupper.
He married August 26, 1773, Miss Sarah White of Dedham, Mass. and he died at Canton, Mass. November 1, 1819. She was allowed pension, on her application executed March 24, 1837, while living in Canton, Mass. aged eighty-eight years, and she died April 15, 1839, leaving two surviving children, Ezra and Abner.
They had the following children:
Ruth born December 6, 1774. Ezra " September 3, 1776. Joel " December 14, 1779. Sarah " June 23, 1782. Polly " October 20, 1786. Abel " October 6, 1789. Abner date of birth not stated.
This Bureau is unable to furnish the history of a soldier of the Revolution, unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made on account of his services and a careful search of said records fails to show such claims on file on account of the services of Elyah Tilden born 1719, died 1799 and Elyah Tilden born 1766, died 1819.
Respectfully,
Hays Haymaker
Acting Commissioner.

I Edward French of Sharon in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being in the Seventy sixth year of my age, hereby Testify and say, that I was personally acquainted with Ezra Tilden of Houghton from the beginning of the revolutionary war till the time of his death, about twenty years ago, and that some time in the month of July in the year 1780 I engaged as a fifer to recruit the Continental Army at West Point in the State of New York, and soon afterwards proceeded with about thirty Soldiers recruited in this neighborhood, to Springfield in Massachusetts, and there we were marched by a Continental Officer by the name of Shays, to the fort of West Point in the State of New York, and I was then put under a Captain in the Continental Line whose name I have forgotten, but it was in Col. Weston's Regiment, At West Point, and on the frontier of New Jersey, I served out the term of six months, and beside a number of others of these recruits I distinctly recollect that the said Ezra Tilden was one of them & rendered military service at the same time and place - but the said Ezra Tilden and most of the others who went from this quarter, were not arranged into the same company where I served, but were placed in some Company, I believe in Col. Tupper's Regiment, their Captain's name I have forgotten, I have no recollection, but that the said Ezra Tilden and the others, served out their term of six months, I remember the said Tilden several times came to my quarters to do writing for others, he being a good penman - I well recollect of seeing said Ezra Tilden frequently about the time, and near the spot, where Major Andre was executed, in the fall of the year of 1780 -
Edward French
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk SS - August 31 st 1837 Then personally appeared the above named Edward French long known to the subscriber as a credible Witness, subscribed to, and Made Oath that the matter set forth in the foregoing Statement by him subscribed is true, in every part thereof.
Before me - W m G. Ellis Judge of the Peace

1775 - 8 1776 - 2 1776 - 4 1777 - 2 1777 - 3 1777 - 2
James P. Edwards Esq. U.S. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Dedham Mass Oct. 13. 1837.
Mr Edwards
Sir
Yours of Aug. 4 th 1837, in relation to the Claim of Sarah Tilden widow of Ezra Tilden was duly rec'd, and made known to the Claimant at that time, but little additional personal testimony has been procured, which is herewith transmitted. I should have answered your Note before this, but absence from my residence has prevented till now, a further examination of the papers and journals of said Ezra Tilden has been had and from one of these journals found since the Claimants declaration was written; and all the newly discovered entries in such journals go to confirm the truth of the statements of Revolutionary services, made in the Claimants declaration. Several extracts from the papers of the late Ezra Tilden are herewith transmitted, not as lawful Evidence, but with a view to illustrate in some degree, the services of said Tilden set forth in the Claimants declaration, and the Evidence in your possession relied on to sustain them. These extracts could if it were necessary, be confirmed, by exhibiting them to Judge Leland, with the originals, together with testimony of their genuine character which is abundant — it is however expected you will give these extracts such weight and consideration, as (in your own view) they may justly be entitled to.
It is well known that said Ezra Tilden did much writing for others during a long life, and kept daily diaries or journals of his own affairs, as well as of the transactions of his town and business elsewhere, which now came to his knowledge. I recollect one instance that a little before the decease of said Tilden, one of his journals were produced in one of the Courts in this County and certain recorded facts therein written, were admitted as prima facie Evidence in the case to which they were applicable & then pending, and that on this Evidence, the case was decided, a case for of very considerable amount.
By your note of Aug 4 th , it appears that an examination has been had of a number of Rolls in your department to find said Tilden's services rendered at Rhode Island in 1778, but without success, and I know of no additional direct evidence that can be offered now, there are certain traditions of certain occurrences that took place during the three months tour, but these have not been sufficiently adjusted to offer as evidence. The aged Claimant in the out set, stated all these items of service rendered by her late husband, (being a person of sound mind and good memory) from the recollections and conviction of her own mind, and as I believe, without any other aid than her own powers of mind. She stated explicitly that her husband went as a soldier to Rhode Island that one of these tours was three months, and was rendered the year after the surrender of Gen Burgoyne making it the year 1778, but could not distinctly recollect what Captain her said husband served under at Rhode Island, but mentioned quite a number of Captains of Hauxton and vicinity, this was the reason of my sending a list of the Captains in that vicinity, expecting that Rhode Island service would be found on the Rolls of some of them but seems it can not.
In reviewing my original minutes taken from the Claimants statement at the out set, I find the names of Capt n Jeremiah Patnum, Capt n T. Wilder & Capt n Moses Bullard, which I think were not on the list of Captains forwarded with the declaration & it is possible the Rhode Island service might have been rendered under one of them —

It is perceived by said Note, that a service of "seven months and sixteen days" is admitted, under Capt John Ellis in the year 1779. This tour of service, stated entirely from the claimant's recollection, and no trace of it found in any papers, nor could any personal testimony to sustain it, be procured. was supposed to be the most doubtful of any term of service set forth in her declaration, but as it is admitted, it is only necessary to say, that this circumstance strengthens the credibility and correctness of the claimant's memory, —
With regard to the six other terms of service set forth in the claimant's declaration, I can only say, that by said Note, it does not appear they are either admitted or rejected, there is no reference to these terms or the evidence relied on to sustain them, except a slight allusion to a letter admitted as evidential, that the claimant's late husband was in service "at Scituate in the fall of 1776" —
Under these circumstances, I have made, (according to my best recollection of the services set forth in the declaration), a recapitulation of the same, as follows, with a view to its illustration, and pointed out the evidence relied on to support it, with such extracts from said Ezra Tilden's journals as seem to be directly applicable to the same subject —
viz military Services of Ezra Tilden rendered during the Revolutionary war, and recognised in the Claim of Sarah Tilden (widow of said Ezra) now pending before the U.S. Pension Department —
   months. weeks Service rendered at In the company of Evidence in addition to claimant's testimony     1775 — 8 — Brookline near Boston Capt Sim o Corey Edw. French off ce & Extract A   1776 — 2 — Dorchester Hill Capt n Jed o Southworth Capt Asa Waters off ce & Extract B   1776 — 4 2 Scituate Capt James Endicott Hon J n Endicott off ce & Extract C   1777 — 2 — Castle Island Capt n Shep d Lyon Elisha White off ce —   1777 — 3 2 Saratoga & White Plains Capt n Aaron Smith Jacob Guild off ce & Extract D   1778 — 3 — Rhode Island suspected Wilder or Capt n Jeremiah Putnam no evidence but claim t's testimony.   1779 — 7 2 West Point Capt n John Ellis no evidence but claim t's testimony, but the term admitted by Mr s Edwards, note of Aug. 1837.   1780 — 6 — West Point & New Jersey Capt n "name in Declaration" Col. Supper. Regt. Gen l Bullard, off ce & Extract Edward French off ce herewith communicated.   36. 2 = Three years & two weeks service * Affidavits in the U.S. War Office  
Beside these services, the claimant stated that her late husband Ezra Tilden, served two weeks or more at the first alarm in April and May before he entered the eight months service, supposed under Capt. Peter Saltonstall, or Capt. Carlisle, also she was very positive he performed a second tour to Rhode Island, and likewise that said Tilden rendered still another term of service somewhere (not recollected) near the last of the war, 1781 or 1782, but as no direct testimony was furnished of these services, they are not claimed for in the declaration — if any of them should chance to appear on some of your rolls, you will doubtless view them in the light they deserve —
On the only occasion or opportunity I have had to put questions to the claimant, I enquired of her how long her late husband Ezra Tilden served in all. She promptly answered that her said husband was from home on soldier's duty more than half the time, in the whole Revolutionary war. And as to traditional evidence, I would just say, that when opportunity offered I have taken occasion to enquire of aged people acquainted with said Tilden at that period, as to the amount of his services, these people concur in giving said Tilden the reputation of having served as a soldier from three to five years in the Revolutionary contest. Hence I can say for myself, that from the abundance of concurrent traditional evidence in the case, from the undoubted respectability and credibility of the several

several Witnesses who have testified in his matter, and from the sundry events &c. noted in the well known handwriting of said Tilden in his papers; I am fully satisfied of the facts, (as well as of any fact to which I was not an eye witness) That S r Dana Tilden actually served as a Soldier of the Revolution, not less than three years time, but Sir, I offer not my own convictions as evidence.
As the Claimant is destitute of property & dependent on a Daughter for support, who which it is believed, is not able to afford this relief, and the claim been pending, since last Spring, It hoped it may be examined and determined as soon as convenient.
All of which is Respectfully Submitted in behalf of the Claimant.
By your humble servant
W m Ellis
James L. Edwards Esq. Washington City —
ting for others his own affairs, where, which

James P. Edwards Esq. U.S. Commis r of Pensions Washington City

Dedham Mass ts January 1 st 1838. Sir
Your favor of Nov r 8 th in relation to the claim of Sarah Tilden was duly received and made known to the claimant and family, they have made very considerable effort in further search for evidence in support of this claim, but have found none but such as is similar to that already in your possession. The testimony of Lemuel Smith - Ebenezer Fisher - and Mary Richards, herewith communicated, was taken however, with the hope that it might confirm or strengthen the testimony already on your files, as to the terms of service, to which they have reference; Also the enclosed original Receipt, all in the well known hand writing of Ezra Tilden the late husband of said claimant, (found a few days since among the papers of the late Ichabod Gay, who is well recollected by many, to have been a sort of Sub Treasurer for that part of the Town, for paying soldiers their bounty, who engaged in the service of the country) only shews the time when said Ezra Tilden engaged and received a bounty of 33 \frac{1}{3} dollars lawful money, for entering the term of service, performed by him on the Hudson River in the State of New York in the year 1777, as sworn to by Jacob Guild a credible witness; his testimony is also on your files -
You mention about forwarding certain memorandums of the said Tilden to the War Office, but these two manuscript Books to which you allude are not the property of the claimant or her family, they contain a mass of record or notice of occurrences beside what relates to military transactions, such as town affairs, and things which took place years before the Revolutionary war; private affairs - the day and hour that historical events occurred, a great number of religious reflections, poetry &c. &c. which are interesting at the present period, and as the owners have not yet consented to part with these manuscripts they are not forwarded to the department.
I had much difficulty, and was obliged to give my personal pledge, to return these manuscripts to the owners, before they could be obtained to make the explanatory extracts in your possession. Therefore we rely, as heretofore, on the legal testimony in this case, evidential of the services rendered by the claimants husband as prescribed by the pension laws of June 7 th 1832 and that of

July 4 th 1836, conformable to the precise construction of the same, long since given forth by the war Department and in 1826. by the late President Jackson — .
I am glad to see by your last letter, that the six months service of said Ezra Tilden at West point has been finally admitted in 1780. This is one of the tours of service, minutely described by the Claimant in the out set , without the aid of documents or dates, but merely the resources of her own mind, and certainly does credit to the correctness of the Claimant's memory — .
I would once more state, that the aged Claimant did at the out set of her claim, and since, state with much confidence, that her late husband Ezra Tilden, served as a Soldier, twice at Rhode Island and once at some other place, under Officers she did not, and as yet can not distinctly recollect, and that one of those tours at Rhode Island was a term of three months in the year 1778 — .
Therefore as the last resort in this part of the case, I would respectfully request in behalf of the Claimant that the Rolls of three Captains, who it is said, went to Rhode Island or to some Southern destination, from the vicinity of Stoughton, into the service, may be examined viz. The Roll of Capt Edward B. Savel's, — that of Capt n Dix, in Col. W m McIntosh's Regiment and that of Capt n Deguescards (It is said by some it should be Capt. Raymond Deguescards) it being very probable that said Ezra Tilden served as a Soldier under one or more of these Captains — .
I will only add, I should be glad to be informed of the result of the Claim of Benjamin Bussey if yet examined, it having been at the war Office since October last, if it went direct — . Relief Dunbar and family, are very anxious to know the result of her claim for particular reasons stated to you in October last — .
I am Sir very Respectfully your humble Servant
James S. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions Washington City
W m G. Ellis
175 Nov 22

Adix 212 continental not on I.Din - 396 - 7 days magis in 78 38 tmo 1701 R.I. aug - 78 812 lem v men in 1780
1781 De Guiscard - R.I.D. notes
vs y of armed s.2

I Nathan Drake of Houghton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being seventy seven years of age hereby testify and say that I was personally and intimately acquainted with Ezra Tilden of said Houghton when the Revolutionary war began in the year A.D. 1775, and afterwards till his death, and also I well remember his wife Sarah Tilden who is yet living in the town of Canton about two miles from my residence. The said Tilden and his wife Sarah, attended the same society for public worship for many years where where I attended in said Houghton. — And I farther testify and say that I well remember that in the year 1775, and I believe three weeks, certainly not over four weeks, after Lexington battle April 19 th 1775, a number of Officers and Soldiers in said Houghton and Houghtonham engaged, turned out, and went off into what was called the first eight months service at Roxbury, Brookline and the other neighboring towns of Boston where the Enemy then lay, that I well recollect that that Capt William Briggs — Capt Samuel Payson and Capt William Bent went into said service the same time aforesaid, also, Ezra Tilden James Allen, Ambrose Morton, Benjamin Clark and Elias Drake all of said Houghton in my neighborhood went into said eight months service as Soldiers at the same time, and according to my best recollection, they went into this service under said Capt William Briggs, but it is possible that some of these five Soldiers, might have served under other Captains, but I am confident that they all left Houghton for this service at the same time. — And I farther say that I well recollect of seeing the said Ezra Tilden and some of the others soon after they returned from this tour of service, and which was in the Winter season after this service commenced, and I have no knowledge, nor do I recollect, ever to have heard that the said Ezra Tilden or any of the others of the above named soldiers, were discharged before the eight months expired, and my belief is that said Tilden served for the term of eight months as a Soldier the same as any other soldiers in that service, but was not in that service myself. — and I further say, that I respectfully recollect that said Ezra Tilden was often absent from Houghton in the military service of the Country during the Revolutionary war, but can not distinctly describe the times and places where these services were rendered, I remember distinctly however, I believe either in the year 1779 or 1780 that the said Ezra Tilden called at my Father's house in Houghton, and stated he was on his way home from the Army at West Point or some place near New York and appeared much pleased he had arrived so near home. —  Nathan Drake
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss February 21 st 1833. Then personally appeared the above named Nathan Drake a man among the first respectability of his Town, a man of intelligence, and long known to the subscriber as a credible witness, — subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by him so subscribed is true. —
Before me W m Ellis Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. County of Norfolk, ss.
I Jonathan H. Cobb, Registrar of the Court of Probate for the County & Commonwealth aforesaid hereby certify that William Ellis is a justice of the Peace & Quorum noster within & for said County of Norfolk, & that his signature to the within affidavit is genuine therefor. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this first day of March A.D. 1838. Jonathan H. Cobb

Dedham Mass ts April 6 th 1840
Mr Edwards
Sir, Some months since, at the request of Ezra Tilden and Abner Tilden the Children of Sarah Tilden dec, I forwarded the enclosed Pension Certificate of Sarah Tilden dec - and requested that an addition of $57 per annum might be made to the rate allowed in the Certificate; and definitely stated the terms of service believed to have been overlooked when said Pension was granted; This Certificate was returned to me with a Statement that an Attorney "is not competent" to assert a claim for an increase, in behalf of Claimants who are not known to the Department, this I admit, is a correct position, the addition sought, being of small amount, the proper course as to means and form, escaped notice - And as there was no suggestion that the additional services claimed for, were rejected, I now transmit the evidence to show, that said Abner and Ezra Tilden have been into Court, and established their heirship, according to the laws of our State, and also their affidavit asserting their claim as the heirs of Sarah Tilden dec, to what may be granted in addition as due her at the time of her decease; the original Claimant Sarah Tilden dec, received payment only up to September 4 th 1838 - From sickness, she was unable to authenticate her Power to obtain the stipend due her on the fourth of March 1839, and died on the fifteenth of April 1839, as certified by Judge Leland. If on Examination, the services claimed for under Capt. Samuel Fisher at Rhode Island, or any of the other terms of service set forth in the enclosed affidavit, or are admitted I doubt not but justice will be done the Claimants - Whatever may be the result, or if any further directions be necessary, please to communicate as usual to the subscriber at Dedham Mass ts
I am Sir very Respectfully your Ob t Servant
James L. Edwards Esq.
Yours W m Gillis
Washington City

N o 2-
James L. Edwards Esq. Commis r - of Pension
Washington City

Dedham Massachusetts Aug 9 1839
M c Edwards
Sir
Being informed from the Pension office at Boston that when addition or alteration is to be made in the amount of a Pension at the time of its termination, it is necessary the same should be done at the U.S. Pension office by an alteration of the original Certificate or a new one issued including whatever alteration may be made, therefore the original Certificate of Sarah Tilden is herewith transmitted, and should it be found just and proper to allow the small addition suggested in behalf of the deceased Claimant Children in my letter N o 1- forwarded with this, you will please to forward the Certificate to me or to the Pension office at Boston, whichever it may be that best, or (in case no alteration can be consistently allowed) please to return this original Certificate, that the same may be returned back to the War Office with the other papers when this arrearage is settled and finished. I will only add that the Claimant Sarah Tilden received her Pension up to the fourth of September A.D. 1838 - that on the fourth of March being very ill was unable to authenticate a power to receive what was due at that time, and died on the fifteenth day of April 1839 - and the proof required to obtain the arrearages due at the time of her death, are at the Pension office at Boston -
I am Sir
Your Ob t Servant
James L. Edwards Esq.
Washington City
W m Gellis

Payment to be made at Boston, by Franklin Haven, Esq. Agent for paying Pen- sioners, in the Agency of Massachusetts.
Issued new Certificate for Ezra per 80 3/4
deduct what has been paid under this Certificate to pay to Ezra Tilden Habner Tilden only surviving child from A July 31 to 15 Apr 1839 when the Pensioner died Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A, Vol. 2 Page 60, by
S. A. Elliot Clerk. Wm Ellis int. Dedham Mass.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836,
Sarah Tilden of Massachusetts, widow of Ezra Tilden, deceased, who was a private in the
War of the Revolution.
is entitled to receive Seventy  Eighty eight dollars and forty-three cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this seventh day of March, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight.
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. §
Commissioner of Pensions.

Perz
WIDOW, &c.
1923 Sept. 11. Heist to Mrs. A.T. Ruggs aw.
File No. 14020
Sarah Wilden Widow of Ezra Wilden Pr. Rev War
Act: July 4 th 36
Index:—Vol. M , Page 275
[Arrangement of 1870.]

see let. to M c Ellie, August 4, 1837. Map. do do Nov. 8 '37

RECEIVED MAY 8 1923 DIVISION
U.S. PENSION OFFICE AUG 1 1923

Pension Bureau
War Dept. Washington. D.C.
I am a descendant of Ezra Tilden and Elizabeth Tilden who were asked for paper returned Revolutionary soldiers. Could you send me their records to assist me in joining the W. A. R.?
Respectfully
Mrs. Abbie Tilden Riggs
68 Park Ave. St.
Harrington, Maine
Apr. 19. 1923.

Ex. AWS. Div. Rev. War Sec.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., June 21 , 1923.
The attached letter is respectfully returned with the information that the data furnished is not sufficient to enable this Bureau to make intelligent answer to the queries therein contained.
Please fill out such of the blank spaces below as the information in your possession will permit, and return to this Bureau.
1st name of (Sarah Tilden) widow No. of claim,
Name of soldier Ezra Tilden
P. O. address of soldier at enlist- ment & after service Company Stoughton, Mass
Regiment _____
✓ State where enlisted _____
Date of birth enlistment 7 June 1751, Stoughton
Date of death discharge 1 Nov. 1819, Canton.
If unable to furnish company and regiment give names of commanding officers.
Note; All records on Ezra Tilden, apply to the same man.
Return attached letter with reply.
Washington  Parsons Commissioner.

Massachusetts - 1835.
Sarah Tilden, widow of Ezra Tilden, Decd.
who died on the 1 st of November, 1819; (the widow of whom died 15 th Apr. 1836) of Norfolk Co in the State of Mass. who was a pri. in the compy commanded by Captain J. Southworth of the regt. commanded by Col. Robinson in the Mass. line for 23 mos. 6 days private. (2 years private) Increased to $80 per annum
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 78 Dollars 43 Cents, per annum to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831, & ter- minate 15 th Apr. 1836, time of her death; new certificate made payable as per envelope.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 th day of March, 1838 and sent to Hon. J. D. Adams. New Certificate sent May 1, 1840 - to William G. Cus. Esq. D.D. House, Mass. State arrears to the 4 th of March, 1838 $54 9:01 Semi-annual allowance ending Sept. 1838 $78 43
$627 44
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 }
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk, Book 1, Vol. 2, Page 60

see Wm Ellis, ch. of 13-
New certf. for $80 per a- num, issued 30 th April 1840, (deducting) amount received on former certificate, terminated 15 th April, 1839, time of Sarah Tilden's death, made payable to Ezra Tilden and Abner Tilden, only surviving children of Sarah Tilden, deceased.
Certificate sent May 1, 1840. to Wm. Ellis, Esq. Dedham, Mass.

Tuesday
James de  at Edward Esq. Washington City D.C. J. D. Adams Dear Sir,

Dedham March 1 st 1838
Mr Edwards
Sir
Enclosed is an affidavit in aid of the claim of Sarah Tilden now pending at the pension office. It is my duty to say, that from the family of the claimant, I am informed the claimant has been so extremely anxious about her pending application for a pension for a month past, that fears are entertained that this circumstance is working serious injuries to her health and constitution —.
I am Sir, very Respectfully your ob t Servant
James L. Edwards Esq. Washington City
W. Ellis

Ezra Tilden claimant - (3 rolls '76 not on Capt. Judiah Southworth 2 mo in 76. " James Endicott 4 1/2 - 76. " Theophilus Lyon - 2 - ~ 77 not on " Aaron Smith 3 1/2 - ~ 77 no roll " Ebenezer Everett } not on. " or Nathl. Morse } 78 " — Swann } not on " John Ellis 7 mo 79. 7 mos. 16 days private - Vol. 19, p. 3. 3mo-24d. R. D. fall 78  E.

No 1-
James L. Edwards Esq. U.S. Commr of Pensions Washington City

Dedham Mass 11 th Aug t 7 th 1830
Mr. Clevett
Sir
As Ezra Tilden and Abner Tilden the Children of Sarah Tilden, late a Pensioner of the United States, are about making application for the arrearage of pension due to said Sarah, their late mother at the time of her death, I feel in duty bound to make a few remarks in behalf of said Children on this occasion. The case of Sarah Tilden the widow of Ezra Tilden, was rather a complicated case and a very considerable time pending before granted, one of the causes of this was, the said Ezra Tilden in several instances enlisted under one Captain and rendered service under another, he had the reputation of being a very expert penman or writer at that day, and probably his services as a Clerk or assistant, were deemed of more value in that capacity, than merely those of a common Soldier, tho' of the same rank, and in this way acted under various officers - which made it difficult to find his services on examination of the case - The amount of said Tilden's services as appears by your letters of August 4 th and Nov th 8 th 1837 - on which this Pension was granted, was "Twenty Three months and Sixteen days" - and made up on the following terms - viz.
 1775 - 8 months service at Sewells Point near Boston under Capt Sim n Currey's (110) James Weston's Reg t .  1776 - 2 months service at Scituate N. York in Col Eph m Wheelock's Benjamin Tilton's Reg t  1779 - 7 months & 16 days service at White Plains & West Point N. York Col n John Ellis Com y & Col. Poor's Reg t  1880 - 6 months service at West Point and New Jersey - officer not named in letters - 
23.. 16 making twenty three months and sixteen days admitted service, as Soldier - and on this amount of service a Certificate issued to Sarah Tilden for $78.43 - 8 Cents per annum - being $1.57 less than $20 per annum -
The further services of said Ezra Tilden as soldier claimed for by said Sarah his widow, in her declaration for a Pension, were I believe as follows; and not admitted, nor included in the 23 months and 16 days aforesaid - viz -
 1776 - 2 months service at Dorchester Heights near Boston in the Spring season, in Capt n Southworth's Com y & Col. Robinson's Regiment - This term is supported by the testimony of Capt Asa Waters and Samuel Smith men of known respectability who were neighbors to said Tilden when at home, and at Dorchester Heights at the time this service was rendered, and the conclusion would seem to me irresistible, if said Tilden did not render this service under Capt Southworth, he must have done it in Capt Powning's or some other company quartered so near, that it often brought said Tilden among the soldiers of said Capt Southworth's company - 

1776 - 2 months service (being one half of the 4 months claimed, and not allowed above) at Ticonderoga in Capt James  James  Edwards  Edwards Company & Col. Wheelock's Regiment in the Autumn of this year. So far as I have been acquainted with the Testimony of services rendered in this Regiment it appears that 6 months was rendered and not allowed to soldiers in some companies, and do not recollect that less than 4 months (except in this instance) has been awarded to the soldiers of other companies in the same Regiment. By said Selden's daily journal it appears that he rendered not less than four months service in this town to Ticonderoga -.
1777 - 4 months service at Bennington. Still water - Saratoga & White Plains - in the Summer and Autumn of this year, in Capt Aaron Smith's Company and Col. Benjamin Gibbs Reg't. This tour of service was supported by the Testimony of Jacob Guild a man of known respectability, and a credible witness, and also by said Selden's journal -.
1777 - 2 months service at Castle Island in Boston Bay in the Spring of this year in the Company of Capt. Sheepshanks Lyon -.
I will once more state as formerly, that the Claimant Sarah Selden during the pendency of her Claim, unanimously insisted that Ezra Selden her late husband went twice to Rhode Island as a Soldier for short tours, during the years 1777 & 1778. and that one of these tours was either for 2 or 3 months, but could not designate the names of the Officers under whom these services were performed - and which was stated in her declaration at that time - but this service can't be discerned on your Rolls - and here, I would state one circumstance within my own knowledge,
Soon after the Claimant received the Certificate aforesaid, I accidentally met with a Mr Carpenter who I think was a Prisoner himself, and who in speaking of Revolutionary Pensioners &c. stated that he was personally acquainted with Ezra Selden of Scituate in the war of the Revolution & that he well recollects and could testify to the fact, that said Ezra Selden served two months as a Soldier with himself in Capt Samuel Fisher's Company at North Kingston and East Greenwich in the State of Rhode Island, in the year 1777 or 1778 - before This Mr Carpenter was but a few days after this statement, suddenly taken ill and died and no affidavit was taken, and to my knowledge, nothing since been done about this, or any of these terms of service which were not admitted -. - Believing the statement of said Carpenter to be true, I note this last term of service as follows - viz -
1778 - 2 months service at North Kingston and East Greenwich R.I. in the summer of this year, in Capt Samuel Fisher's Company & Col. Hawes Regiment - 2 making twelve months service claimed and not allowed in this Claim - I hope Capt. Fisher's Rolls may be examined, that it may be ascertained whether said Carpenter's statement, is or is not, correct
Thus have I hastily written what appears to be proper in behalf of said Children, not merely to advocate the allowance of $1.57 1/2 Annua in question, but to have after that done, which so manifestly appears equitable and just -.
James L. Edwards Esq. Washington City -
I am Sir very Respectfully Your Ob. Servant
Yours J. Ellis

James L. Edwards Esq. to U.S. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City.

Dedham Mass 11 th May 5 th 1837
W. Edwards
Sir
With regard to the Application of Sarah Tilden, I would just remark, that as the names of the Captains under whom Ezra Tilden rendered his military service were given by the Applicant from memory, among many other Captains names mentioned by her at the same time, it would seem to me very probable she may have placed some of the tours of service of her late husband, under wrong Captains. The town of Stoughton was at that period, large in territory, and it appears that a large number of Captains from that town rendered more or less military service in the Revolutionary war, hence to facilitate the correction of such errors if it be found to exist, I mention their names, so far as they have come to my knowledge.
All of Stoughton, where Ezra Tilden then resided
 viz Capt. James Endicott  Capt. Jedediah Southworth  Capt. Theophilus Lyon  Capt. Abner Crane  Capt. William Briggs  Capt. Robert Swan  Capt. William Bent  Capt. Joseph Richards  Capt. Simeon Leach 
Ezra Tilden is stated to have served under these three Captains In the Claimants declaration.
It will be seen, that the Claimant, Sarah Tilden, states, that her husband Ezra Tilden rendered several tours of military service not described in her declaration because she was not able to recollect, at what place they were performed or under what Captain he served, hence it seems probable he might have served under some of the last six Captains above named, at Rhode Island, or else where. If it were necessary abundant proof might be offered, that the Claimant is a person of good character, that she is destitute of property, and for two or three years past, has been dependant on her connections for support.
If further explanation be found wanting in the case of Sarah Tilden, please as heretofore, to inform your humble servant thereof, at Dedham Mass.
Respectfully
James L. Edwards Esq.
Yours affecly W. G. Ellis

Viz - "A list of men yt. served in y e Continental Army where I was, in y e year, 1775."
Viz "Major James Weston Commanded
  Captain, Simothy Corey Ephraim Payson Samuel Lewis "   1 st Lieut - Thomas Cummings John Finney Jeremiah Smith    2 nd Lieut - Jonas Johnson Charles Winchester Lambert Smith   Orderly S er g t . Jacob Whitney Thomas Champney Abner Hail   2 nd S er g t - John Curby William Jackson James Beamas   3 rd S er g t - Ezekiel Crane John Smith Uriah Snow   4 th S er g t - Samuel Draper William King Jacob Read   1 st Corp l - Adam Sharp Samuel Maroon Daniel Coolidge   2 nd Corp l - John Blunden David Nuting Joseph Williamson   3 rd Corp l - Andrew Lewis George Dunlap Jesse Jackson   4 th Corp l - Abner Whitney Pilas Winchester Thomas Sisk   Drummer - Winter Boston Caleb Gardner John Spear   Pifer - Edward French John M c Ilrain Elijah Mills   Privates Shadacus Hide Simothy Whitney   William Davis Ephraim Whitney Stephen Whitney   Enoch Jackson Edward Merion Samuel Davis   Phillip M c Intosh Jonas Jackson Simothy Childs "   Simothy Lewis Elnathan Pope   Peter Walker Ezra Silden   John Alger John Broadrick   Aaron Jackson John Green (deserter)   Isaac Winchester James Grobe 
Page 73. "July 20 1775. I went upon Guard w ch was Thursday, y e Day of General fasting & prayer, throughout y e Continent -"
Same Page - "Aug t 26 th 1775. Sat. d. P.M. I draw'd 2 Dollars in money, for my Blanket w ch I found my self -"
Page 67 - "Sues d Sept r 5 th 1775 Edward French came into our mess -"
Page 60 - "Wednesday A.M. Aug t 30 th 1775. y e day is very rainy: I thot much of my wife & y e difficulty y t attends her doing things abroad, by reason of her having a young child to take care off -"
Page 74 - "Frid. A.M. Sept r 22 1775, I came home to see my folks; having a pass for 3 days from Capt Corey, -"
Same Page - "Oct r 6 th 1775 Frid. P.M. I w th some others went over to Cambridge & took another month's pay -"
Page 77 - "Nov r 19 th 1775 - Sab. d. A.M. I did set out to come home to Stoughton again by reason y t I was not well - N.B. I had no furlough; but only leave from Capt. Corey to come home -"
Same Page - "Sues d. Dec r 5 th 1775 I wrote out a letter & gave it to Jo. Wadsworth to carry home to my sweet wife -"
After a great number of entries in the month of December 1775, is the following Note -
Page 80 - "N.B. I drew pay from y e Province, from y e 18 th day of last May, to y e 1 st day of last Aug t - weekly months; & from y e 1 st day of last Aug t to y e last day of Dec r instant 1775, from y e Continent, yearly months -"
"Per me Ezra Silden, Sabbath day evening, Camp at Sewell's Point, at Brookline Fort, December 31 st A.D. 1775 -"
and adds "Well, Monday Morning, Jan y 1 st 1776. we was dismiss'd: & y e next day, I came home -"
It is believed that Ezra Silden had a journal of the war events of May and June 1775, and that it is either destroyed, or in some place not discovered yet.

- B -
Extracts from Ezra Selden's Journal of March 1776 Three Pages only have been found relating to his Dorchester Hill service 1776. from which the following was taken -.
Wed 1 A.M. Mar h 6 th 1776 I desire now to write a little about our present affairs. If I can possibly get time too, now in y e hurry of business, distress, & confusion -.
Sab 7 March 3 rd at night we were all in confusion for news came y t we were soon to go onto Dorchester Hill; 25 men were called for on Monday night to go on the Hill, & 34 more the next morning w ch was more men y n we had, y t were able to go; So y t waiters, Cooks & all were warned to go -. I felt very melancholly; seeing (as it were) nothing nothing but death before my eyes: by reason of y e danger y t we was soon like to be exposed too, & y e General orders were, y t if any man Skulk t or run, he should be immediately shot down dead on y e spot; my duty y e hard indeed: Well, I long d to see home once more, for I some expected to see home no more: but I was not unmindful of myself & family, nor of y e Army in general, but I prayed to God to be w th y m , and I hope he will soon appear for our deliverance: Well, Monday Night March 4 th our people went first on to y e Hill, & did a great deal of work y t night, without y e least disturbance from y e Enemy, for they never fired so much as one Ball or shell, y t night at our men; & y t night, y e Enemy fir'd into Roxbury & Lechmore's Point very much, and killed 2 of our men; And our men from Roxbury fir'd a good deal upon y m . So I conclude y e writing at present; I having but little time, and poor accommodations for writing, in y e Camps, - For me E.S. -.

- C - Extracts from Ezra Silden's Journal during a tour of military service to Ticonderoga in the year 1776
Page 5 th " Sat d morn g July 20 th 1776. I Enlisted into the service of my country, under Mr Benjamin Mouton, who is y e Ensign, in Capt James Endicott's Company: to go a Campaign to Canada, or to Crown Point, or wherever y e Soldiers are to go to. " " Per me Ezra Silden Stoughton July 24 th 1776: God bless The Soldiers ". Page 6 " Fri'd Pall July 26-1776. at Litchfield. Lewis Johnson's: I w th a number of others pass d muster there, before Col. Bailey of Waymouth the Muster Master. " Page 7 th " Wed'd Aug t 7 th 1776. we draw'd Canteens at Roxbury. " Some page " Thurs'd Aug t 15 th 1776. we came to y e town of No. 4 in Charlestown, and a fine place it is, & y t d. I wrote out a letter to go to my wife. " Page 14. " Fri'd Aug t 16 th 1776 we staid all. d. at y e town of No 4 Charlestown, and y e next. d. Pall Aug t 17 th 1776: we marched for Ticonderoga & we cross d Nott's Ferry y t Pall, " Page 15 " & we march d to Col Stephen's Tavern in Springfield where we staid y t night, " we are in New York Government ". Page 23 rd " Aug t -18 we march d through a piece of Woods 6 miles long. & Monday Aug t 19 th we went thro' another piece of Woods where there was no house for 13 miles together. " Page 27. " Aug t 23 rd . We arrived at Lake Champlain: thro' y e last 10 miles of woods, we was " much fatig d & beat out. & all of us, lost flesh. I arrived there at the Lake between 2 & 3 o'clock in y e P.M. where I could not get anything to eat or drink, we could buy nothing for our money, nor beg anything to support our natures; but after a while, there came 2 men & bro't a Barrel of Rum over in a Boat to sell, " B.S. & M. for Quart, we had to wait there for Boats to fetch us over the Lake till almost night, every moment seemed an hour, at last y e Boats came for us, and over we went to Ticonderoga, where we draw d nothing but bread y t night " Page 31 st " from y e latter end of Page 25 th to here, inclusively, was written out, Sat d Pall & Sab d Pall Aug t 24 th & 25 th 1776, at the Camps at Ticonderoga by Ezra Silden " Page 37 th " Sab d Pall Sept r 1 st 1776. I heard a fine Sermon at our Fort, from these words - Evil communications corrupt good manners - " " N.B. I wou d here write something concerning y e old continental troops stationed over y e other side of y e Lake from us, on Mount Independence, I wou d mention y t Col. Bond died last week over there, a whole Regiment of men they say, over there, can not turn out so much as one smart Company, there is so many sick among y e , many have died, their natures & Constitutions, are almost broke, a going towards Quebec so far there, & having y e small Pox & so badly tended as they were - " Page 46 th " Wed'd morn g Sept r 4 th 1776. I went on The quarter guard at our Fort and was on 24 hours. " N.B. y e countersign y t night was - Putnam - I was No 5 of y e Guard y t day " Some page " Wed'd. Sept r 11 th 1776. I went on y e quarter Guard again at our Fort at Ticonderoga & I was on 24 hours, N.B. I went on for Thomas Jordan y t d. for he was a cooking for our mess. y t day, & y e counter sign y t night was - Warren - " Page 61 st " Tues d night Sept r 10 th 1776 died John Lord of y e camp distemper: he belonged to Capt n Endicott's comp y in Col. Wheelock's Reg t , he died at the Hospital at Ticonderoga. Per me E.S. Sept r 11-1776. " Page 62 " Sept r 12 th A D 1776. I am cleared from duty by the Doctor, I am very poorly w th a pain in my head & bones all over me " " 67 " I am no better at all. I have no stomach to my victuals, & I feel terribly distress d & stop d up in my head and feel as if I shou d grow crazy - Written by Ezra Silden w th he was very poorly at Ticonderoga Sat d P.M. Sept r 21-1776 " Page 71 " Oct r 15 th - I am geting better slowly: " Fri'd Oct r 25 th - I am still better. " Page 92 nd " Nov r 3 rd - I am got pretty well again now " Nov r 5 th 1776. Capt n Endicott paid me my wages. 15.00 for the month of Oct r " Page 98 th " Tues d morn g Nov r 26-1776. I swap d Combs with Elisha Haws & gave him 5 Coppers to boot " some page " y e Charges or cost I was at, in coming home from Ticonderoga 1776 - 11.6.2.2. old senor. Page 37 th " Tues d Pall Dec r y e 10 th 1776, I got home to Stoughton again, from Ticonderoga ".
(* Charlestown in the state of N. Hampshire)

- D -
Extracts from Ezra Tilden's Journal during a tour of military service at Still Water, Saratoga, &c in the State of New York A.D. 1777, in Capt. Aaron Smith's Company & Col. Benj n Gill's Reg t : some pages being missing, the date of his enlistment into this service, is not found.
No 1 st Sat'd A.M. Aug 30-1777 I bot a watch of David Kulling for 20 dollars 66  " N.B. I bot y e watch of him in Westborough, & y t d r in y e P.M. I sold y e watch to one William Shephard, in our Company, for 24 dollars exactly 66 No 2 nd Aug t y e 31. 1777. I bot a new pair of cow hide pumps, of one W m Gillett of Brookfield 66 3 rd Mon'd Sept r 1 st 1777. I went on Guard & guarded y e Cart for W m Blackman 66 4 th Tues'd P.M. Sept 9 th 1777. at Bennington Head Quarters, I bot a watch of John Sloan jun 66 N.B. said Sloan is a man y t belongs to our Company 66 5 th Sat r A.M. Sept 15 th 1777. our com y & Reg t march from head Quarters at Manchester, to head Quarters at Rowlet 66 6 th Sept r 17 th marched till about noon, till we got within about 3 miles of Head Quarters at Skeensborough & got as some say, into Skeensborough Town, when about noon an Express met Col. Gill, and we were ordered back again 66 7 th Tues'd P.M. Sept 16 th 1777. I bot a watch of our Adjutant John Solman for W ch I gave him, 30 dollars down, & an order to Capt. Aaron Smith for 15 dollars more, to be paid w ch y e Capt n draws my wages 66 8 th at Still Water, after midnight Sept 24 th 1777, W ch we arriv'd at head Quarters there, we draw'd a gill of rum almost or quite to a man 66 9 th Tues' P.M. Oct 7 th 1777. 5 minutes before 5 o'clock, by me, began a very severe & obstinate engagement between our Army at Still Water & y e Enemy y t lay there, y e Battle lasted about one hour & a half, till it was almost or quite dark, our People beat y e Enemy; drove y m back to their lines, took 7 or 8 Brass field Pieces & some Waggons. a continual blasting & cracking there was, both with small arms & field Pieces, we took a good many of y e Enemy, kill'd & wounded a great many more & y t day, Gen l Arnold's horse was shot down dead under him, & he himself, was wounded in y e leg 66 10 th Tues' 3 o'clock A.M. Oct 9 th 1777. I went on to the Picquet Guard, and was N o . 9 of the advance Piquet. y e Countersign y t night, was Arnold 66 Per me Ezra Tilden Oct 9 th 1777 - Thursday 66 11 th Tues' 3 o'clock A.M. Oct 14 th 1777. I went on to y e main Guard at Still Water where head Quarters us'd to be, y e Countersign y t night, was Gates 66 12 th Wed s Oct 15 th 1777 Gen l Burgoyne gave up, resign'd himself & whole Army as Prisoners of War to Gen l Gates, & y e next day in y e P.M., he finish'd signing all y e Articles y t Gen l Gates requir'd of him to sign 66 Per me Ezra Tilden, Shurs P.M. Still Water Oct r y e 16 th day Anno Domini 1777 66 13 th Fri'd P.M. Oct 17 th 1777. y t d r Burgoyne & his whole Army came out & laid down their Arms 66 14 th Fri'd night Oct 17 th 1777. as I was on centry, at y e main Guard, I saw old Governor Skeene, he lodged y t night at y e Markree before w ch I stood centry, & y e next morn, I saw his son Maj r Skeene, & y t A.M. I saw Gen l Burgoyne himself & I saw his whole Army both British & Hessians march along y e Road from Saratoga way, down towards Albany, 6000, or more of y m I think they say. There was all y e Army gave up, & surrender'd themselves to our men, Prisoners of war, such a thing was never hear'd off, such a sight was never seen, I believe, before, in new England, or America. Exult oh Americans! Rejoice at y e ! Praise y e L d who hath done wonderful things for you; Exalt, Praise, & Bless his Holy name, forever & ever 66 15 th Oct r 20 th 1777, we had a little more Rain & y e next d r A.M. we had a smart snow storm to march in, I was y m marching from half noon to Albany. Per me, Albany Oct r 22-1777. E. T. 66 16 th Thurs'd P.M. Oct r 30 th 1777. we cross'd y e Ferry at Catskill 66 17 th Fri'd morn 3 Nov r 7 th 1777. most of our Regiment went in Batteaus from Pechskill landing to Ferry Town 66 18 th Thurs'day Nov r 13 th 1777. at Scarsdale I was on y e Piquet Guard, & y e Countersign y t night, was Hews 66 19 th Thurs'd A.M. Nov r 20 th 1777 I took y e L.M. for writing out y e marchings, movings &c. of Col Gill's Reg t in Gen l Warner's Brigade ever since we were first together at Manchester 66 20 th y e rest of our Brigade took a cruise round towards y e Enemy's lines, down towards Kingsbridge, towards y e Sound, they went thro' East Chester, west Chester, New Rochelle &c. Nov r 29-1777 66 21 st Sun'd Nov r 30 th 1777 we marched from Scarsdale thro' White Plains, Rye, Horse neck, & into Stamford & there we staid y t night 66 22 nd Tues'd A.M. Dec r 9 th 1777. I came about 6 miles y t day & got home early in y e P.M. y t d r it was hard dry & frozen going, so I have got home, al 66

Dedham, August 19 th . 1777: -
Then Reciv'd of Deacon Ichabod Gay, In Behalf of w th Chapboardtree Precinct, In said Town; w th sum of ten pounds, for my Engaging to serve as a Soldier, in Capt. Abiel Richard's Company: till w th Last Day of Nov r . next: agreeable to an act of w th General Court; unless sooner Discharged: I say, Reciv'd per me Ezra Dilden.
£10

To The Widow Zerupha Wadsworth, In Houghton: --- Camp at Glendevoga, Sabbath Day, A.M. Oct r 20th Day A.D. 1776. Dear Sister. I take this Opportunity to write to you hoping These Lines will find you all well & in Perfect health at home. I want likewise acquaint you with y r unfortunate Death of your Dear & Loving husband, he when he first Came up here, Came to see me, several Times: when I was Sick, & So Bad, he ask'd me very Courteously, to Come & see him, when I got able; & Stay with him all night: which I intended to do, but, never yet found an opportunity for it's doing. But, I had set apart tomorrow, to go & see him, but, all too Late, he has been Sick, Sometime, but, how long, I know not: he had first y r Camp- Distemper, & then, y r Bellows-Collick. Carry'd him off, he Dies, yesterday, P.M. of Sun about an hour high: & he is to be Buried, this P.M. So Mr. Ben- Jordan told me this morning. & now, Dear Sister, I hope what you have lost The w d Creature, will be abundantly made up to you, in God, y r Creator, and even not for him, as those that have no hope, for, I hope it is well with him, now: and, that he has gone from a world of Sin, sorrow, & Suffering, to a world of Perfect joy, grace, & happiness. Think not hard of God, or any of his dealings Towards you, but, Consider his time was Come, & he must have Died, had he a stay- ed at home: & oh, that you might now bless a taking, as well as a giving God. he was willing to Die, I understand, by Mr. Jordan, one of his men: & Let this Comfort you: I heartily sympathize with you, under y r heavy Loss: & I hope, God will Sanctify this heavy Stroke, in providence, unto you, and your Children. I was exceedingly Shock'd, & Surpriz'd, I must own.
This morning, when first I heard this heavy news: I hope God will Sanc- tify the Blow, this awful Blow, that he has now made upon you, in his Righteous Providence, & Sanctify it, Likewise unto your fa- therless Children: now, Dear Sister, Search all scriptures, & plead y r gra- cious promises, there made, to widows, & fatherless children: Ask The Lord Jehovah, for your God, and husband: beyond upon him, for all The Blessings that you most want, in your state of widowhood, & for y r fatherless Children: In scripture, God says, I will take Care of Their fatherless ones, and set Their widows, upright in mine: --- and now, Dear Sister, murmur not at this Blow in Providence, but, be humble & Patient under it, & I hope, it will turn out for your Spi- ritual good, & Advantage: I spent all your time, & be preparing to follow your Deceased husband: follow him so far as he has gone as he followed Christ: & make sure of an interest in Christ, & a Title To heaven, & Eternal happiness, & then, you will be happy, Both here, & hereafter, tho' all Creatures-Comforts should fail you --- and now, Dear Sister, I wish you all Comfort, & Consolation Both here, and Especially hereafter: may God abundantly grant you y r consol- ation of his holy Spirit, & Grace, thro' Jesus Christ, Amen: --- I took y r first opportunity, Dear Sister, that I had, after your dear husband's Death, to write to you, to let you know it: --- I add no more, at present: having nothing more Remarkable, to write. I Remain, Dear Sister, your sympathizing Brother: Ezra Wilsen.

P.S. I should be glad my father, to have you back as you can. Let my woman read it; then take it in your own hands, go up, & read it, to this Poor widow.
Read this Letter, &c. then take it in your own hands, &c., go up, & read it, to this Poor widow.
To Elijah and Ezekiel and Joseph and Caleb and Moses and Nathan and Obed and Perez and Shelah and Tamar and Uzziah and Yahweh