Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 6530, for Eddy Luther, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Luther, Eddy charity
R. 6530
CONTENTS

State of Rhode Island
County of Bristol
On this second day of November AD 1837 personally appeared before me Christopher Smith Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County. Charity Luther resident in Warren in said County Aged 80 years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of July 4 th 1836 Viz that she is the widow of Eddy Luther late of said Warren deceased, who was a Soldier of the Revolution that during said war he resided in Swansey Massachusetts & was in service from the beginning to the end of said war she does not remember all his officers names but he served under Capt. Caleb Mason & Capt. Peck & Col. Slade & others but she must refer to the evidence of those who served with him for more particular specification thereof as to times & places. And she further declares that she was married to the said Eddy Luther on the 25 th day of March AD 1770. by Elder Russell Mason of said Swansey, but whether her marriage is recorded in that town or not she does not know, but it is recorded in an old book which has been in her family for many years. And the record was made by her said husband & she further declares that her husband the said Eddy died on the 17 Day of September 1816 & that she has remained a widow ever since that period wherefore she requests that the same pension which her said husband was entitled to under the Act of June 7-1832. May be extended to her
attest Chas. Smith Bristol Se in Warren Nov 2 1837 sworn to and subscribed before me mark and I further certify said Charity from old age and infirmity is unable to attend court Chas. Smith J. B. B. Allen

I Benj. Cady of Warren in the county of Bristol being now sixty four years of age on oath do testify & say that Cady Luther the husband of Charity Luther named in the preceding application died on the seventeenth day of September 1814 in said Warren ever since that time the said Charity has remained a widow and is now on married
Benjamin Cady
Bristol ss in Warren December 2 nd 1838 sworne to and subscribed before me and I further certify said Benjamin is a respectable person and a credible witness
Chas. Smith
J. B. Plumb

Charity Luther was born April ye 23 day A d 1757
Eddy Luther Was Born January
The 25 th A d 1758 I ye 25 day A d 1758
Eddy Luther Was married unto Charity boxworth March ye 25 day A d 1778
Anne Luther was born July the 2 nd day monday A d 1781
Bethire Luther was born March the 5 th  wednesday day A d 1783
Persevered Luther was born July ye 7 day thursday A d 1785
Alford Luther was born October ye 2 day tuesday A d 1787
Eddy Luther ju was born August ye 16 day monday  1790 1790
Dilana Luther was born August ye 15 day wednesday A d 1792
Silvester Luther was born December ye 17 day wednesday A d 1794
Olivia Luther was born June ye 6 day A d 1797
Tamar H Luther was born October ye 25 day A d 1799
Alfred Luther died November the 20 day A d 1812
Alfred + aged 25 years one month and 18 days
Bristol
May ye 19 day A d 1780 the sun was darkened From twelve o'clock to won at very remarkable

I Benjamin Luther of Swansea in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being now Seventy Six years of age and upwards on oath do say and testify that I was present at the Marriage of Eddy Luther and Charity Barnes formerly of Said Swansea when they were Married It being in the Spring of 1778 according to my best recollection I Remember also that Gerald Chase was also at the wedding I also well remember that Gerald Chase was Sergant of a Guard in Said Swansea on the Shore Soon after the Enemy took possession of Newport in the winter and Spring of 1777 and I think Said Eddy Luther lived under him and according to my best recollection for five months I also served in an other Guard under one Winslow for which I receive a pension
Benjamin Luther
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss Swansea November 21 st 1837 the above named Benjamin Luther subscribed the pending deposition before me and said oath to the same I further certify that he is a credible witness William Mason Justice of the peace

State of Rhode Island ss Bristol County ss.
At a court of Probate held at Warren in said County of Bristol and State aforesaid, on the Eleventh day of June A.D. 1838.
Be it remembered, that satisfactory evidence is produced before said court, that Charity Luther late of said Warren widow of Eddy Luther, formerly a soldier in the War of the Revolution, departed this life on the 26th day of January last past.
And be it further remembered, that at the time of her death she left the following children by said Eddy, to wit. Anna Simmons wife of Ezra Simmons, now or late of Senpionius in the State of New York, Bathiah Paine of said Warren, widow of Royal Paine, Priscilla Luther, of said Warren, Delana Luther, wife of Cromwell Luther, now or late of said Warren, Olive Luther of said Warren and Turner Haille Eddy, wife of Sylvester Eddy of said Warren, and that the above are all the children, living, she left, and that they are each of them, now over twenty one years of age.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hands and affixed the Seal of said court this Eleventh day of June A.D. Eighteen hundred Thirty Eight.
Samuel Randal Probate Clerk

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
6539
P.O. Frank Smith
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted; _____
Attorney: _____
P.O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contr
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

2998.
Set. to Hon. N. K. Knight Jan'y 30 th 1838 to Benj Cowell Nov 3. 1841

3.59 (aug 77) - 10068
I Benjamin Kingsley of Swansea in the County of Bristol in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman aged Seventy Seven years and over, do testify and say that I was a private Soldier and served in the Revolutionary war in the year Seventeen hundred Eighty Eight in a company commanded by Capt. Pels Pick in the Regiment commanded by Colo. John Dagg. Stationed in the Town of Warwick in the State of Rhode Island and well remember and knew Eddy Luther to be a private Soldier in the same company with me and that said Eddy Luther served in said Pick's company as a private Soldier three months. Said Service began in January in said year and ended in April then next Swansea March the 23 rd A.D. 1838.
Benjamin Kingsley
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol ss. Swansea March the 23 rd A.D. 1838. Then Personally appeared before me this day Benjamin Kingsley the Subscriber to the foregoing Deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same and I further certify that I am and have been personally acquainted with the said Dependent for more than Sixty years and that he is a man of truth and veracity: Thomas Folsom Justice of the Peace
John P. Bicknell Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, October 24 th 1841
I hereby Certify, That during the whole Year One thousand, eight hundred and thirty Eight, Thomas Peck was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Bristol
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John P. Bigelow Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Charity Luther widow of Eddy Luther
Charity Luther wid of Eddy
R. I. Act 1836
6530
J. S. Coombs

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
June 17. 1853.
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 Eddy Luther is borne on pay roll of Capt. Peleg Peck's Comp. Col. Thomas (Aspen's) Regt. from Aug. 5. 1778. 1. Month. 6 days. Service in the State of R. Island. from Bristol County.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. W. Dinsdale Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, June 10 1853.
Sir:
Be pleased to file a declaration in this office, agreeably to the accompanying regulations, and search will be made for the revolutionary service of Eldy Luther and the result forwarded to your address. Particular attention is called to the second regulation.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant, C. P. Robinson for the Secretary
N 43
A Fee of one dollar is required before a search is made (direct to Secretary of Mass)

The following REGULATIONS, to be observed in the examination of the Revolutionary Rolls in this office, have been rendered necessary under the rules which are established in the Pension Department at Washington, viz:
1. Every application requiring search, or certificate, must be made to the Secretary, in writing, by the claimant, or by some person duly authorized by the claimant; and the signature to the application must be attested by some magistrate. 2. In all cases where the application is made by any person other than the claimant, a power of attorney, attested by a magistrate , authorizing such person to act in the claimant's behalf, must accompany the application. 3. The application must set forth, as fully as the circumstances of the case will allow, the residence and service of the soldier, and the names of the officers under whom he served; and no search will be made until after the filing of such written application.
"Regulations to be observed in the examination of the Massachusetts Revolutionary Papers in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth."
"The application must be made to the Secretary in writing, by the claimant, or by some person duly authorized by the claimant, by a written power of attorney, attested by a magistrate. The signature of the claimant must in all cases be attested in like manner.
"The application must set forth, as fully as the circumstances of the case will allow, the residence of the soldier, &c., at the time of the service, and the names of the various officers under whom he served, as well as the nature of such service.
"The certificate of the Secretary must show that the search was made, after the filing of such application, by himself, or by one of his Clerks alone, and must be accompanied by the original application of the claimant, or of his attorney, and by a detailed statement, under the signature of the Secretary, and the Seal of the State, of the circumstances which satisfied that officer of the identity of the party described in the application, with the individual who rendered the service.
J. L. EDWARDS, COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS."
The following is an extract from a letter, received by the Secretary, from J. E. Heath, Esq., Commissioner of Pensions, dated March 19, 1852:—
"I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3d inst., accompanied by a copy of the Regulations now in force in your office in the examination of your Revolutionary Rolls; and, in reply to your questions, have to state that, in my opinion, the said Regulations could not be relaxed in any particular, without serious injury to the Government and the rights of individuals justly entitled to the benefits of the Revolutionary Pension Laws. Indeed, even with those guards around your Rolls, I am satisfied they are frequently used by unscrupulous individuals to sustain applications not embraced by the laws, and as a means of obtaining exorbitant fees."

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES, made by the Son of the party who rendered the service.
County of Bristol State of Rhode Island Town of Warren
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of Isaac Litchfield in the war of the Revolution.
He was a native of the Town of Swansea in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts
He enlisted from the Town of Swansea in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts in the year 1774 as a Guard — — — in the Company commanded by Captain  Sergent  General Chase — — — to in protect the shores near Newport R.I. Regiment and he served as follows,* viz:—
In the fall of 1778 Drafted for 3 months under Capt Peleg Peak, Col. Slades Regiment X Marched to Warwick R.I. This service commenced in September 1778
* Here describe as fully as may be, the length of service, the rank, &c., of the claimant, or the capacity in which he served, and all other particulars known.

X As you may send a new disavowal for me to fill out with Mr. Nathan's letter accompanying it for New York, Paris
X P.S. The reason of our not having a copy of service is this: I have sent all of Mr. Nathan's papers to my agent in Washington and did not save a copy.
Since writing the above I have found a copy and filled the blanks accordingly all marked with a cross is void
I am now Sixty - years old, and my memory does not enable me to state the services more fully than above stated.
WITNESS my hand, this 10th March day of June A. D. 18 55
Signed by said Mahala Eddy Mahala Eddy in my presence, Samuel Randall JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
Marshall Eddy
5309.

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
John Brown Francis
Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode- Island and Providence Plantations.
BE IT KNOWN, that the name, " HENRY BOWEN, " to the afore-written attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who at the time of subscribing the same was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Provi- dence, this twenty ninth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- seven and of Independence the sixty- second
John Brown Francis
By His Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen Secy

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's Office Nov 29. A D 1837.
I certify, that at the session of the General Assembly of said State in May last, Christopher Smith was elected Associate Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within the County of Bristol, for one year, and commissioned accordingly: as appears of record.
Witness, Henry Bowen Secy.

I Grinnell Chase of Barrington, in the County of Bristol, Rhode Island, being, now 82 years of age, on oath, do testify and say, that during war, of the Revolution, I lived in Swansea, in the State of Massachusetts, a town adjoining Rhode Island, bordering on the shore of Mount Hope Bay, and I was well acquainted with Eddy Luther, then resident, of said town, and the husband of Charity Luther, now his widow, and resident, in Warren. I was present at their wedding, and acted as bridesman. They were married according to my best recollection in March, 1778 by Elder Russell Mason, and I further testify, that soon after the British landed or about that time, in Newport, I was appointed Sargent of a guard, organized to guard the shores, and served as such four months, and during all said time, said Eddy, was a private, under me, and served as such. His service according to my best recollection, was between the first of November 1778 and March 1779 I may be mistaken as to the time, but the fact of his serving four months under me I well remember, and I further testify that in the fall of 1778 we were both drafted for three months, in Col l Bleg Reeks company, and Col l Slades regiment, and we were marched to Warwick Rhode Island and stationed and served out our time, during this service, said Eddy, was a private, and served as such. This service I think began in September, of that year the above seven months I well remember, said Eddy served and I have not the least doubt he served other times.
Grinnell Chase
Bristol ss
In Barrington December 11. 1839 the said Grinnell Chase made oath to the above affidavit before me and signed it in my presence, and I further certify he is well known to me and he is a credible witness.
Chas. Smith Justice of the Court of Common Pleas -

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office
Nov. 27. 1827.
I hereby certify that William Mason is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Bristol and has been such for more than a Year past.
Witness my hand and the Seal of the Commonwealth.
John P. Bigelow Secy of the Com'th

Town Clerks Office Swaney Nov 8, 1837
I John Mason Town Clerk of the town of Swaney County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do certify and say that after examination I cannot find the marriage of Eddy Lether and Charity Bosworth was ever recorded in the records of said town. I also certify that I believe that many marriages have taken place in this town many years since which never have been recorded particularly from the years 1774 to 1784
John Mason Town Clerk of Swaney
Bristol ss Swaney November the 21 st 1837
Sworn to Before me by the above named John Mason known to me as Town Clerk of the above said town of Swaney
William Mason Justice of the peace

Charity Luthier 2998
R. 9 a
act 4 July 36
Vol 3-59. aug. 5. 78. on 1 mo. 827.

I Elisha Brown of Swansea in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being now eighty two years of age on oath do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Eddy Luther formerly of said Swansea and the husband of Charity Luther now resident in Warren Rhode Island and his widow. During the war of the Revolution we lived near neighbours to each other and I remember perfectly well that said Eddy was one of the Guards who was stationed on the  at the head of Mount Hope Bay and served as such in the winter and spring of 1777 I remember it at this time because it was soon after the Enemy took possession of Newport I do not now remember who the Commander of the guard was but think it was General Chace now of Barrington I know said Chace very well know he was in the service and Eddy went as a private and served as much as four or five months
Elisha Brown
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss Swansea November the 21 st AD 1837 The above said Elisha Brown subscribed the pending Deposition before me and made oath to the same I further certify he is a Credible Witness William Mason Justice of the Peace

I Stephen Luther of Swansea in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being now 78 years of age on oath do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Eddy Luther formerly of Swansea and the Husband of Charity Luther now resident in Warren his widow I remember perfectly well that Said Eddy served as a private in a yard Commanded by Grindal Chase and organized soon after the Enemy took possession of Newport in the winter of 1777 I was not in yard my self but I frequently saw him on duty and he served as much as five months I also remember I also remember that I left Capt Lawyers Company and Colo Elliotts regiment in which I served two years I think in 1779 in the fall served three months with Said Eddy Luther in Capt Pikes Company and Colo Slades Regiment Stationed at East Greenwich Rhode Island we were both for water Commonwealth of Massachusetts Stephen Luther Bristol Swansea November 21 st 1837
The above named Stephen Luther subscribed the pending Deposition and maid oath to the same Before me I further certify his a credible witness William Mason Justice of the peace

Providence Oct 27 1841
Sir,
I have with enclos some further evidence of the services of Eddy Luther formerly the husband of Charity Luther, deceased also the certificate of her death & the names of her children who now claim the arrears of pension. The reason why so much delay has taken place is that it was hoped & expected some further testimony could be found. It is supposed that Eddy Luther served a great deal during the war as he lived in a town where the Militia were called upon very often to do duty. But the witnesses are now all dead. There is now no hope of obtaining any further evidence from that source. The testimony now enclosed shows

some service after the marriage he was married March 25 1778. while at home on a furlough & his enlistment did not terminate until April following as Brijah Kingseys testifies. It is also believed he served 3 months in the summer of 1780 in Capt Billings Company & Col Carpenter regiment of Massachusetts Troops & I have to request the Roll of this regiment may be examined I hope the evidence now transmitted together with that heretofore sent will be satisfactory. I presume the Rolls will establish the Kingseys evidence & I believe the good service rendered Grindal Chan Sergeant of the Guard is admitted - Respectfully Yours Brijah Lowell J L Edwards Esq