Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 30158, for James Thomson, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Hoass.
Thomson, James
S. 30158
CONTENTS

d. of d. not on A.B.
N o 18152 Maine
James Thomson of Lincoln Co. in the State of Maine who was a Lieut. in the company commanded by Captain Plummer of the Regt. commanded by _____ in the Maine Mil. time for 10 months & days Mass.
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 138 Dollars 59 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24. day of July 1833 and sent to Merriam Pine Thomastown Me.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 277.18 Semi-ant. allowance ending 14 Sep. 1833 69.29
$ 346.47
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book E Vol. 1 Page 58

Thomas Thomson

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th June, 1832.
State DIS TRICT OF MAINE, } ss. COUNTY OF LINCOLN, }
On this Eighth day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges or Justices of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting, James Thompson a resident of Friendship in the County of Lincoln and State of Maine , aged Eighty four years who being duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he was born at Houghton in the state of Massachusetts in April 5 1748 That the record of his age he expects is in the Clerks office of the town of Houghton aforesaid That at the time of entering the service he resided in Friendship where he now resides and has resided ever since That in the year AD 1776 he received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Militia of Massachusetts . Signed by the then executive authorities of that state. That his commission aforesaid has been lost from the lapse of time That Capt Benjamin Plummer and Lieut.
Joseph Robinson was officers of the same Company and was stationed at Pleasant Point at the mouth of Georges River to defend the river and the inhabitants from plunder and capture of the enemy who were very mischievous in plundering the inhabitants and cutting out our vessels. That he served with said Company in the capacity of Lieutenant for the term of Nine months when his Company was dismissed from further duty. Their statement

is made according to his best recollection That he is known to Dear  Elijah Norton  James Thompson 7 of Thomaston  his character & Hon. Prince of D. Thomaston who can testify to the truth of their belief to his services above set forth
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any State
James Thompson
Sworn to and subscribed to the day and year aforesaid John Ruggles Jus. C.C.P.
We, James Thompson  Elijah Norton residing in the town of Lebanon  Washington and Hon. Prince residing in the town of Thomaston hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with James Thompson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Eighty four years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Elijah Norton John Ruggles Jus. C.C.P. Hon. Prince
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Elijah Norton who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Christian , resident in the town of Washington and that Hon. Prince who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Thomaston  both are and is a credible person; and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I of the Court of do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Thompson for a pension.
Attest Nathl. Coffin Clerk
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of

Washington      September 9, 1931
Mrs. Blanche A. Dodge 59 Fremont Street Winthrop, Massachusetts
BA-J/MLB
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 303158, that James Thomson was born April 5, 1748, in Stoughton, Massachusetts.
While residing in Friendship, Lincoln County, Massachusetts (later Maine), he was commissioned 2 nd lieutenant and served from February 6, 1776, until December 10, 1776, in Captain Benjamin Plummer's Massachusetts company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 8, 1832, while residing in Friendship, Maine.
There is no reference to soldier's marriage, nor are there any family data on file.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

30 158 Rev INVALID.
File No. 30 158
James Thomson Lieut Recd War
Act: June 7 th 1894
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 418
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1930 May 3. Photos mailed to Edw. H. Gould, see Matthew Beveridge, W. 25 232, A.D.Y.
1931-Sept 9-Inst. to Mrs. Blanche A. Dodge — on R.B.
1931-Dec 14-Mrs Blanche A Dodge ad. to ap. to C. I. for date of last payment, death, etc. on R.B.

State of Maine.
LINCOLN, ss—I NATHANIEL COFFIN, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Lincoln, do hereby certify that the annexed paper, signed by the Judge and attested by the Clerk, contains the original proceedings of the ~ Court of Common Pleas, at a special session thereof holden at Thomaston in said county, by the Hon. John Ruggles one of the Judges of said Court on the Eighth day of August A. D. 1832, in the matter of the application of James Thompson for a Pension. IN TESTIMONY whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 14 th day of August A. D. 1832.
Nathl. Coffin CLERK.
Encls.

J. Thomson
Adm o 10 mos 4 ds Lieutenant P 138.59
Hezekiah Prince Esq Thomaston Me

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of James Thompson which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
no - see page 16
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

L. James Thompson.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Nov. 16 th 1832.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that James Thompson is born on a Roll as Second Lieutenant in Cap t Benj a Plumer's Company Stationed at St. Georges, Sea Coast, from Feb y 8 th Sixth to Sept r Sixth in the Year 1776 also another Roll of same Officers from Sept r Sixth to Dec r 10 th following, Total Amount is Ten Months & four Days. —
Edward Bangs. Secy.

Shenston May 4 th 1833
As I return you the Applications of the following persons for pensions - I hope they will be found satisfactory
Viz - Thomas Burton - Levi's Horse - Alipaz Healey - Rufus Crane, Bailey Grinnell Wm Sheldon - John Sartell - Math d Beveridge Stephen Norton - Wm Robbins - Josiah Mers Geo Sayward - Royal Grinnell - Jo d Thompson - 14 - I wish you to direct - your decision to me - as - the applicants - many of them live at a distance from - any Post Office I wish you to examine the claim of Almon Lawrence - sent the 28 th of August last - as I have heard nothing from you respecting his papers - he is a poor and distressed man - much afflicted with Rheumatism - and very infirm & poor no doubt can be entertained of his claim being just - you will confer a favour on a distressed family - to allude to his claim
Respectfully
Hezekiah Prince
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions

An Robinson

I William Burton of Cushing in the county of Lincoln and State of Maine aged seventy five years testify and say. That in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & Seventy six I served as a Soldier in the service of the Revolution in the Massachusetts State troops in the Company under the command of Col d Benjamin Plummer and that James Thomson of Friendship in said County was a Lieutenant in said Company and served in that Company for the term of Nine months and was a faithful officer during said term
W m Burton
Lincoln, August 8 th 1832
Then William Burton personally appeared and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed I also certify that the said Burton is a person whose credibility is unquestionable
Hon ble Prince H Just. of the Peace
State of Maine.
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
LINCOLN, ss—I NATHANIEL COFFIN, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Lincoln, do hereby certify that Hershiak Prince Esq. whose name is affixed to the annexed paper, as a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE is legally commissioned and duly qualified to act as such, and that the name so affixed is his own proper signature, to me well known. IN TESTIMONY whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas this 14 th day of August A. D. 1832.
Nath l Coffin CLERK.

I Andrew Robinson of Union in the County of Lincoln & State of Maine testify and say that I was a Soldier under Capt Benjamin Plummer for the term of nine months in the year 1776 - and during the whole of said time James Thomson (now of Friendship - Aged about 84 years was) was a Lieutenant in said company and was an active enterprising Officer
Andrew Robinson
Lincoln 1 st August 8 th 1832
Then Andrew Robinson Personally appeared and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed
I also certify that said Deponent is a person of whose credibility is unquestionable
Hier: Prince A Just. of the Peace

The Pension Bureau Washington D.C.
59 Fremont St., Winthrop Mass. Aug 25, 1931.
Sir:
Would you send me any information you may have concerning my ances- tor Lieut. James Thompson ? He served in the Revolutionary war, was born Apr. 5 1748 at Stoughton Mass. married Elizabeth Davis, but I do not know when or where but think she may have been from Cushing Me. (then Mass.) Is there any record of his family?
Thank you,
Yours truly,
Mrs Blanche N. Dodge.

Stamp Enclosed
59 Fremont St., Winthrop Mass Dec. 3 1931
Bureau of Pensions Washington D.C.
Gentlemen:
Please send me proof, according to your pension records, of the death of Lieut James Thompson of the Revolutionary War, who was born Apr. 5 1748 Stoughton Mass. died Dec. 1, 1837 Friendship Maine. Thank you
I am Yours truly
Mrs Blanche A. Dodge.
1820 59 61
Ans. Dec. 14, 1931

59 Fremont St., Winthrop Mass. Dec. 7 1931.
Veterans Administration Washington D. C.
Gentlemen:
Since writing on Dec 3. I have found a letter from you verifying birth date, and soldier record of Lieut. James Thompson , my Revolutionary ancestor. The claim no is S 303158.
I am anxious to verify his death date Dec 1, 1837 Friendship Me. His pension would cease then so positive proof must be found there.
I am very grateful to you for this service.
Yours truly,
Mrs Blanche V. Dodge.
I thought this claim no. might help.

see request in Matthew Beveridge W. 25232.
SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.
1-681
PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 42575
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 139.
April 23, 1930.
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering Pension Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostatic copies of 2 pages from Revolutionary War pension claim of James Thomson, Mass. Troops, S. 30158.
No. of copies 1 of each Shall form be kept standing? ..... days
For further information see Mrs. Finch Room No. 5033 Phone No. 541
Approved:
A.B. Wilkinson Chief Clerk of Bureau. R.P.W.
Margaret M. Finch Chief of Division.
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering .....
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph single or double space? ..... Facsimile signature? .....
Mimeograph one side or both sides? ..... Facsimile signature? .....
Folding once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling Once? Twice? Side? End?
Electric typewriter Fill in addresses? ..... Dated? .....
  Addressograph from lists Cards, size   Envelopes, size Pay rolls   Proof list Corrections   Labels (submit sample) Tabulation sheets   Fill in letters 
Photostat Size actual Official use? ..... Repay? Yes $ .30 Blue Print Size ..... Official use? ..... Repay? $ .....
Remarks .....
(OVER)

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.
.....192 . (Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
 Make new addressograph plate  Change present addressograph plate } On list.....  Destroy present addressograph plate } 
as follows:
Now reads   1 .....  2 .....  3 .....  4 .....  5 ..... 
Should read   1 .....  2 .....  3 .....  4 .....  5 ..... 
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ..... 192 .
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December 14, 1931
BA-/J/EHL
Mrs. Blanche A. Dodge 59 Fremont Street Winthrop, Massachusetts
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to securing the date of death of James Thompson, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
You are advised that in order to secure the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, James Thomson , S.30158, you should address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing all of the following data:
James Thomson, Certificate No.18152, issued July 24, 1833, to commence March 4, 1831, rate $138.59 per annum , Act of June 7, 1832, Maine Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.