Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 6,289, for John Leonard, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Mass.
Leonard John Betsey
NUMBER
R. 6289
B.L. Wt 11276-160-55.
CONTENTS

Col. G. F. Starkweather Nov 18/55
83890
Act. March 18/55
Apr - 20 - 1
Betsey Leonard wid. of John Leonard - Pri-
Cop - W. Buckingham
Cop - B. Hawes
Ent. App - 1771-
Died " 1776 { Mass
Revolution { Mil
No N. H. July 36. Sus
Private Malo Militia
No. 169 acc Nov 29/55
Dodge
Vol L. page 50.
G. F. Starkweather Keene N.H.

Declaration of N o 273
• Betsey Linnard Act 4 July 1836 N.H.
Case of Hon. Joseph Waks.
M.H.R.
6289

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the third Section of the act of Congress of the 4 th July. 1836. —
State of New Hampshire Cheshire ss.
On this sixth - day of June A.D. 1837 before Fredrick Vose Judge of Probate in and for the County aforesaid, in open Court, personally appeared Betsey Leonard a resident of Keene in said County, aged eighty two years, who being first duly 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. 1836. — That she is widow of John Leonard late of Swanzey in said County deceased — who was a private in the army of the Revolution. — That he first entered the service in the month of April A.D. 1775 — marched from Barre Massachusetts where he at that time resided. — had been a minute man — and went on the alarm from Lexington. — was marched to Cambridge — and remained there until some time in the month of September following. — was in Captain William Buckminster's Company when he marched from Barre. — That she had been engaged to be married to him before the war

broke out and expected to have been married that same Spring, and that her marriage was delayed in consequence of it & his absence until fall. - That she lived in the same town that he did at the time. - I have often heard him speak of this service and of Genl Washington being present with the Army a part of the time while he was in it. -
She further states that she was married to said John Leonard on the 15 th of November 1775. - That soon after in December her husband left home and went again into the service - was in Captain Sam Hovey's Company, and was stationed near Boston - He remained absent and in this service until after the British evacuated Boston. - and returned she thinks in April. -
That her said Husband died at Swaney aforesaid on the 27 th day of April A.D. 1829. -
That she has remained a widow ever since that time & is now a widow. -
Betsey Leonard
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me Frederick Dorr, Judge of Probate

• State of New Hampshire Cheshire County ss
I Harry Coolidge Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the County of Cheshire, certify, that Frederick Vose, was on the sixth day of June last past, and still is, Judge of Probate, in (and for said county) of Cheshire, duly qualified and commissioned and that his name subscribed to the foregoing certificate, is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Keene this twenty seventh day of October Anno Domini 1837.
H. Coolidge, Clerk,

Caleb Sturges.
" 17 09

"John Leonard and Betsey Nuffs both of Hutchinson were joined in Wedlock Novm. 15th. 1775 by Rev. Josiah Dana"
The above is a true copy of the Record on the Town Book in Barre, Massachusetts Barre April 20th. 1857 Attest Lyman Sibley Town Clerk.
I hereby certify that what is now Barre was once called Hutchinson. April 20. 1857 - Lyman Sibley Town Clerk.
Meester P. August 12 1837 subscribed personally appeared the above named Lyman Sibley and made solemn oath that the above certificates by him subscribed are true - and that he is at the date hereof clerk of said Town of Barre. - Seth Lee For Clerk.

Betsy Leonard Claim for Land Warrants under Act March 3. 1855
8990
Service of John Leonard in War of The Revolution
By her Attorney G. H. Starkweather Reene N.H.

State of New Hampshire. County of Cheshire ss—
On this Sixteenth day of April in the year one Thousand eight hundred and fifty five before me The Subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for said County in said State—personally appeared Betsey Leonard aged Ninety nine years a resident of Keene in said County who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she she is the widow of John Leonard the identical John Leonard who entered the service in the war of the Revolution in April 1775. That he marched from Barre in the State of Massachusetts, where he at that time resided, that he had been a minute man, went on the alarm to Lexington marched to Cambridge, remained there till some time in Sept. following. That he was in Capt. William Buckminster's Co. when he went from Barre. That she was married in said Barre November 15. 1775. her name was Betsey Murs, and that her said husband in December 1775 again entered service in Capt. Dan Haws Co. was stationed near Boston and returned she thinks in April 1776.

That he also served in 1775 under Capt. John Bowler, Sent: Bent & Patrick. That she thinks he served in Capt. Blacks Co. in 1777. That her husband died in the year 1829. She thinks April 27 th
That she made a Declaration for pension on the 6 th of June 1837 and stated service as fully as she was able and filed therewith evidence of persons who were in a situation to know, and also evidence of her marriage. That she failed to obtain pension, not proving six months service as she is informed. She therefore makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining bounty land to which she may be entitled under the Act passed March 3. 1855. That she has never before applied for nor received said Bounty. That she is a widow, & refers to the rolls & proofs in her case for pension aforesaid. & hereby constituted and irrevocably appoints G. F. Starkweather of said Reene her Attorney to prosecute her claim.
Betsey Leonard
Sworn to and subscribed before me this Sixteenth day of April 1855 and I certify that I believe the said Betsey Leonard to be the identical person she represents herself to be and of the age above stated & have no interest in this claim. F. F. Lane. Justing of the Peace

We Wheelock Houghton & Betsy Houghton residents of Keene in the County of Cheshire & State of New Hampshire upon our Oaths declare That we well know Betsey Leonard and That she signed & acknowledged the foregoing declaration in our presence, and from her appearance & statements and our own knowledge we believe her to be the identical person she represents herself to be in the said declaration as that of Houghton Betsey Houghton
Sworn to and subscribed before me this sixteenth day of April 1855 and I certify that I know said affiants to be credible persons F. F. Lane Justice of the Peace

Atkins Leonardo

I Nathan Leonard of lawful age depose and say that I lived in said State of Maine - that I am son of Belsey Leonard of Keene County of Orlean N.H. an applicant for a pension - That when I lived in my father's family, before his decease, I have often heard him speak of his being in the war in the Revolution of the young out at the first alarm, - of his being stationed at Cambridge in the College, of his being stationed at another time on Dorchester heights that he was at Cambridge when Washington came on in 1775. and took command of the Army - and was on Dorchester heights when the British left Boston - I have heard him conversing with others who were in the war, respecting his move

I have understood from him that he was in the service six months. -
At the time the act of 1818. passed granting pensions - I will mention that he mentioned that that act required 9 months service, and that he could not come under it as he was out but six months. -
I had learned that others were obtaining pensions, and enquired of him why he did not apply -
Nathan Leonard
Cheshire Ct. June 3. 1837
Subscribed & sworn to
Before me Thomas W. Edwards
Just Peace

State of New Hampshire Cheshire County ss.
I Henry Coolidge Clerk of the Superior Court of Judi- -cature, in and for the County of Cheshire, certify that Thomas M. Edwards was on the third day of June last past and still is a justice of the Peace in and for said County of Cheshire, duly qualified and commissioned - and that his name subscribed to the foregoing certificate, is his genuine signature in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Keene the first day of November Anno Domini 1837.
H. Coolidge, Clerk

✓ 11.276
5
160 am

2.5 2.5  5 346 56 690 59 690 59 75 30 100 40 12 141
Committee of Pensions.
42 57 51 53 78 76 84 49 35 39 40 56 69 45
Hon. Joseph Weeks,
House of Representatives.
21 2 31
78 336 48 81
816 1220
4.40
373 571 16
96 5608 11 11 11 11
650 459 412 183 667 490 636 66 82 59 55

War Department,
Pension Office,
December 6 1837.
Sir,
I have received from Thomas Edwards, Esqr of Keene, New Hampshire, the pension papers in the case of Betsy Leonard, with directions to report to you; and in compliance with his request have the honor to state that no rolls of the alleged service of John Leonard, her late husband, can be found in this office; nor is the proof offered such as to justify the admission of her claim.
The witness, Daniel Nurse, states that Mr Leonard served as a minute man at the alarm at Lexington, one month, and that he also served 5 months in the winter of 1775 and 1776. As respects the first named service, he has clearly fallen into an error, as that service did not, in any case, extend beyond 10 or 15 days. The presumption is, therefore, that he did not serve 6 months. The claim is disallowed and her papers placed on our files.
I have the honor to be,
Hon. S. Weeks,
very respectfully, your obt servt.
House of Representatives.
J. L. Edwards

No. 83890
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Apr. 20 th 1855.
John Leonan Rev. Sec- Capt. W. Buckingham Mass. Mil. Rev. War.
11276-160-55
C. H. Harkness Recd. W.H.

Schenectady N.Y. Sept 29
10
Mrs Betsey Leonard
Room N.H.

I Samuel Low of the age of Eighty years do Depose and say that from childhood to the age of thirty six years I Resided in Barre Mass that I was Person ally acquainted with John Leonard who resided in said Town of Barre that I was acquainted with him while in the service at Dorchester in the year of our Lord 1775 under the Plumbe Capt John Barker Dinsmore, Bent & Patrick that at the time the said John Leonard was in the service he had a wife then Residing in Barre Mass and further that the said John Leonard did volunteer as a minute Man at Barre and think that he Marched to Boston and further saith I not
Michael B. Low Philemon Adams
Samuel his + Low mark
State of Vermont } Shrewsbury Sept 28 th A.D. 1838 Rutland County } then Samuel Low of Shrewsbury in the County of Rutland Person ally appeared and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned made solemn oath that the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth
Before me Joel B Low Justice Peace

Keene N.H. Nov. 24. 1855-
Dear Sir. I enclose the Secretary of State of Mass. certificate in proof of the service of John Leonard in the war of the Revolution.
Perhaps what I may say under the Rules may have no weight, but I would state that Betsey widow of Said John is more than 100 years old. She is now sick and cannot live but a short time. If this Claim could be granted at once it would probably be saved to her daughter who is rather in need of the Bounty.
Yours Truly G.F. Stalkweather
Hon J. Minot Comm of Pensions

Service of John Leonard Claim of Betsey Leonard Application No. 83.890
By G. F. Starkweather Esq. N.H.
Adm. proof

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston. November 23 rd 1855.
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 the name of John Leonard is borne on pay roll of Capt. John Black's Comp. from April 20. 1775. 11 days and 130 miles to and from Hutchinson, now Barre. Also on pay roll of Capt. Jeremiah Kingsbury's Comp. Col. Jonathan Holman's Regt. from Jan'y. 20. 1777 Service at Providence 21. days, and 80 miles travel. Also on pay roll of Capt. Jeremiah Kingsbury's Comp. Col. Holman's Regt. from Sept. 27. 1777 30 days and 150 miles travel.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
6589 P. O. Olney Leman Service: md. of John
Enlisted: REJECTED , 18 . Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

New Hampshire
Betsey Leonard
Rejected
Let to Hon J. Weeks 6th
Decr 1837
do to same Jan 17.
1839
F.E. Haplin 27th May 1854.
Ms. A. 9. 2. 20 p. 83890
ack - 4 July

Wm Joseph Weeks M.H.R.
Hm. Jos. Weeks P.R.

Keene Nov 1. 1838-
Dear Sir -
At the request of Mrs Hough- ton I ask your attention again to the case of Mr Leonard - the I must confess with not the most sanguine expectations of success - for I find there is a difficulty in getting the necessary proof. -
The enclosed affidavit, the not fully authenticated, the Clerk of the Courts certificate not having been procured. - Shows that Mr Leonard served in Capt John Bowker's Company Mass Troops - tho' it does not give the length of service. - It however serves as a guide to the examination of the Rolls. -
If you can procure a reference to the Rolls on this point - it may be that they will furnish evidence of sufft service to entitle the Widow If they do not I do not know that any further information - relation whis services can be had than that new furnished before. -

Pls. communicate the result. -
I write you earlier than is necessary but think it as well to have my letter at Washington so that you may receive it when you shall arrive there. -
Yours truly
M. M. Edwards

To be filed with the papers of Mr. Putney Leonard N.H. Ad. July 4. H. Res.
Saml Loo a witness in that case, is a pensioner. In his dec. he states that he joined Capt Black's Co of Holden 1 Oct. 1775 and served 2nd. That he again joined the army Capt M c Bocher, Co. "for part of March 1776" and served 2 1/2 mo. — No. 30998 Vt.
There is no roll of the Pane Co for 1775 to be found, altho have one in Boston
A.H.

I Daniel Hars of Burre, in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts of the age of Seventy nine years, upon testimony and say, that I was well acquainted with John Leonard lots of Swanzey in the County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts deceased, he was born and formerly lived in said Burre, that said John belonged to the company of minute Men in said Burre in the year 1775 that he upon the news of the Lexington battle (so called) was called out and marched as a Soldier to Cambridge under Capt. William Buckminster - and I think he was gone one month or more - Said John afterwards (I think in December of the same year) went as a Soldier to Cambridge or Dedham near Boston, and was gone through the winter, and until the British army evacuated Boston, the length of time he was gone I cannot exactly state, but should think it was five months or more This last tour was made under Capt. Don Hoars of said Burre who is now deceased -
Daniel Hars
State of Massachusetts Worcester County ss. May 19, 1837 The above named Daniel Hars made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed - Before me Seth Lee justice of the Peace
I also certify that the said Daniel Hars is a person of truth and veracity - Seth Lee justice of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Winchester. I Joseph G. Kendall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County being a Court of Record, Certify that Seth Lee whose name is written on the two certificates of the oaths of Lyman Sibley and David Wares, herewith connected, is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly qualified to administer the oaths aforesaid, and that the said Signatures of his name appear to be in his own proper hand writing -
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court. at Winchester, this 22 nd day of August 1837. Jos. G. Kendall. Clerk

Stearns & H. May 22 1871 To Hasler Esq. Washington City, D.C.
Sir, I have Mrs. Betsy Leonard, wished me to say, in answer to your letter, asking for a power of atty in her case. That you have her power in a letter sent you in 1852.
likely that all age and the
Some of her neighbors tell her you probably have got the pension money and delay sending it to her but I tell her you can't get the the money after calling her onto the Pension list without something from her, which probably will satisfy her. If you can obtain anything the sooner the better, she is over a hundred years old.
I don't be obtained. its at of course, of course onward
Respectfully & Sawyer Switzer Sister
to record M

Heene N.H. Nov. 14, 1853
Dear Sir,
Yours of Octr 19. duly received-
I have to say in answer that all the evidence required, of the marriage and service of my husband &c, is in the Pension Office at Washington, I don't know as any further proof can be obtained.
My husband lived in Hopkewell at the time of the service he performed, all of which I suppose is in the Pension Office.
Respectfully Betsey Leonard by E. Sawyer
I am satisfied there is no record proof at Concord N.H. E. Sawyer F. C. Hassler Esq.

Revolutionary Claim of Betsey Leonard
N Hampshire Supt. 1836
Cale
Filed 25 May 1834
T. C. Wassler Washington

Washington City D.C. May 25 th 1854 Hon. J. P. Weld Commissioner of Pensions Sir.
I beg reference to the inclosed letters & ask that an examination of the claim of Selby Leonard, New Hampshire suspended for further proof of service in the Revolution may be made, & the proofs needed to fully sustain the claim indicated to
Yours respectfully,
J. C. Hassler

Betsy Leonard
Power of Atty to attend to her case
=
4 July 196
Andrew —
O.P. French

I now all men by these presents that I, Betty Leonard, of Hearn in the County of Cheshire & State of N.H. do hereby constitute and appoint B. B. Swan of the City of Washington, the true and lawful attorney for her said in her name to transact any business with the pension office of the U.S. relating to my claim for a pension (now pend- ing before the Hon. Commissioner of pension) for ser- vices rendered to my late husband John Leonard, in the War of the Revolution. And all other business constituted by me in employing any other agent is hereby revoked. Sealed at Hearn aforesaid this 24 th day of April A.D. 1854.
Signed & sealed in presence of Elijah Sawyer Betty Leonard
Seth Brigham State of New Hampshire Cheshire County.
At Hearn Swaney, in said county on this 24 th day of April 1854 personally appeared Betty Leonard a person who relates her faculties and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney by her being to her free act & deed.
before me Elijah Sawyer Justice Peace Hearn said of Swaney in said before me. E. Sawyer Justice Peace

State of New Hampshire Grafton County ss.
I Leonard Rice, Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature, of said State, for said County, do hereby certify that Elijah Sawyer whose signature is affixed to the within certificate is a Justice of the Peace within said for said County duly commissioned and sworn as such according to law, and that his signature aforesaid, within written is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this twenty fourth day of April A.D. 1852 Leonard Rice. Clerk

Betsey Leonard
Claim for Pension from U. S. suspended
Act 4 July 1836
P. gitty enclosed - to see papers
S. H. Bower Atty Present

Know all men by these presents That I Betsey Leonard of Keene in the County of Cheshire & State of New Hampshire widow. do testify and declare that I am the lawful widow of John Leonard who was a Revolutionary soldier & performed service in the War of the Revolution and is now dead. That I have reason to think that I am entitled to pension by virtue of my said husband's services. I do hereby constitute and appoint
J. Bowen my lawful attorney for me and in my name to examine any and all papers on file in the Departments at Washington City and elsewhere. Touching my interest and relating to a claim I may have to pension. to prosecute my said claim as fully as I might do in person & to appoint substitutes for such purpose. hereby ratifying all his & their legal acts. & in consideration of his incurring such expense as may be necessary in preliminary examination. I make this power irrevocable.
Witness my hand and Seal this thirty first day of August 1854.
Executed in presence of } 15 J. F. Starkweather Betsey Leonard
Eliza Leonard

State of New Hampshire Cheshire County ss. On this thirty first day of August 1884, the within named Betsy Leonard who according to my belief is interested in the claim set forth. personally appeared & made Oath to her Statement & acknowledged the within power of Attorney to be her free act & deed. Before Me. George F. Starkweather Justice of the Peace
Aug 31 1884

Washington City D.C.
Sept 7, 1854
Sir,
Enclosed you will find Power of Attorney from Betsy Leonard, whose claim for Pension from New Hampshire has been suspended.
I wish to see papers filed in support of her claim
Yours truly
J. H. Fowen
H. M. Gangwer
W. Waldo
Com. of Pensions
3

Power of attorney for Examining Resoluting Paper case Betsy Leonard widow of John Leonard New Hampshire
Sep 15-1852
24
J. C. Haskell Barnes

POWER OF ATTORNEY
For ascertaining whether any increase or arrears of Pension are due the Widow or heirs of Revolutionary Pensioners, &c.*
STATE OF New Hampshire COUNTY OF Cheshire Be it known that before me Levi Chamberlain a justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid personally appeared Betsy Leonard aged 97 years, who being duly cautioned and then sworn in due form of law, states that she is the widow of John Leonard who was a revolutionary private in the State of Massachusetts and that he died on the 27th day of April 1829 and that mother, named Betsy Leonard died on the 15th day of November in the year 1775 and that they were residents of Barnes in the State of New Hampshire and that they resided there 29 years, and that she resides in Keene aforesaid and that furthermore she BY THESE PRESENTS, constitutes, appoints, and fully empowers and authorizes, irrevocably and with powers of substitution, F. E. HASSLER, of Washington city, D. C., as her true and lawful Attorney for her and in her name and stead, to examine into, to prosecute, to demand, and to receive from the U. S. Government and State officers her rights in all and in any manner of claim for increase or arrears of Pension or Land that may be due her as widow of John Leonard who died leaving the same undrawn, as in right of law she may be entitled.
In witness whereof, she has on this 4th day September 1852, hereunto signed her name, and affixed her seal.
Betsy Leonard
Witness: Geo. H. Bliss Witness: Levi Chamberlain
Signed, sealed, acknowledged, and sworn to before me; and I further certify, that Betsy Leonard has always by the community been known as the widow of John Leonard
Dated on this 4th day of September 1852. Levi Chamberlain J. P.
State of New Hampshire } to wit: COUNTY of Cheshire
I hereby certify, That Levi Chamberlain Esq., before whom the foregoing affidavits and acknowledgment were made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Superior Court of Judicature this fourth day of September one thousand eight hundred and fifty two
Leonard Rice Clerk of Superior Court for said county
* If a Widow applies, state "the date of marriage, and date of death of her husband." † State under what act pensioned, or when pension commenced, if a pensioner—and amount of pension.

State of New Hampshire.
CHESHIRE COUNTY.
Leonard Bisco CLERK of the Court of Common Pleas, of said State for said County, do hereby certify that Warren F. Lane
before whom the annexed declaration and affidavit were made on this day the within  is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly authorized by law to take depositions and administer oaths, and that his signature thereto are genuine, in my belief
In witness whereof I hereto set my hand and affix the Seal of said Court, this twelfth day of April A.D. 1853.
Leonard Bisco Clerk.

Application for Certificate of Revolutionary Services Made by the Daughter of the party who rendered the service in the State of New York County of Albany in the service of the Army the Warrenton N.Y.
is truly interested to search the records in the Pension Office and to furnish evidence of the service of John H. Garnet in the war of the Rebellion.
He was a native of the town of Dublin in the County of Ossian and State of Hampshire He enlisted from the town of Glaston in the County of Ossian and State of Hampshire in the year 1777 & 5 as a private soldier in the Company commanded by Captain Staples and he served as follows vizt: He was in the two Battles even in the Revolution and one in the French wars
I am now sixty six years old, and my memory does not enable me to state the services more fully than above stated. Witness my hand, this twentieth Day of February, A.D. 1855 Signed by me, Eliza Gurney } Rev. Learned in the presence of G. L. Lake. Witness of the same

State of New Hampshire,
Secretary's Office, Concord,
March 18. 1852.
Sir:
Yours of the 15 th inst. relative to the Revolutionary services of John Learned has been received.
In reply I respectfully inform you that I have examined the Revolutionary Rolls in this office, and do not find the name of John Learned on said rolls.
Our rolls are not complete.
Very respectfully, your obed. servt.
John L. Wadley Secretary of State.
G. T. Beebe Esq.

Mr North
Sir
There is an application made out by him before his Father it is now in the hands of his Grandson & he says he shall get the Pension on the evidence I therefore give notice that I am the only daughter surviving & which any Pension being granted to my other children
In this I set my hand, Rebecca Learned
I wish you would write immediately Printed to S. P. Bicknell Philipsburg N. Jersey Oct 1, 1811