Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21,848, for John Niles, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Niles, John.
Nr 21.848.
Oliver.
CONTENTS

Mar 29. '34 see let. to Pen: agt to know when last pd — Transf. from N.H. to Mass. from 4. Sept. 1833. on 16. April 1834. notification sent to agent — same day. Dis. Tra. July 27. '36.
Transf. from N.H. to Concord N. Hampshire for 4. Mar. '36. Aug. 22. '36 —
Paid at Treasury, under act 5 April, 1838, from 4 March 1840 to 18 March 1840. Agent notified 25 April 1846.
Mass. 10.434
John xxxx Miles
John xxxx Miles — of Grafton in the State of N.H. who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain xxxx of the regt commanded by Col. Dupper in the xxxx Mass. line for 2 years.
Cont.
Inscribed on the Roll of xxxx at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of Apr 1833 and Sgt Leonard Wilson before Grafton Co N.H.
Arrears to the 4th of Apr 1833 $160 — Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Feb " 40
$200 —
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by S. H. xxxx Clerk, Book xxxx Vol. 1 st Page 106.
Book 8 — "two." "sixty."

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State of New-Hampshire, } ss. County of Grafton }
On this 27 th day of August 1832 personally appeared before the Judge of the Court of Probate for said County John Niles a resident of Aspen in the County of Grafton and State of New-Hampshire, aged 68 — years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1781 — with the Tenth and served in the tenth regiment of the Massachusetts line, under the following named officers: under Capt. Taylor — regiment commanded by Col. Tupper. He enlisted on the 24 th day of March A.D. 1781 & served till June A.D. 1783 in said Regiment & was then transferred to a company commanded by Capt. Jackson of the fifth Regiment. He enlisted for three years & served from the time of his enlistment till the 23 rd of June A.D. 1783, when he was discharged. He resided when he enlisted at Braintree now Randolph in the State of Massachusetts — He marched to West Point New York — was at White Plains — Newburgh — Peekskill & other places principally in the State of New York — He was discharged at Newburgh (N.Y.) & had a discharge signed by George Washington which he has lost. — Isaac Thayer of Randolph County of Orange & State of Vermont, whose affidavit accompanies this application served with me in said 10 th Regiment while I served in it as aforesaid.
The said Niles
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 any agency in any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
John Niles
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
Edward Webber Judge of Probate
I, Moses Dow Clerk of the Court of Probate aforesaid do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of John Niles for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Court, this twenty seventh day of Augt A.D. 1832.
Moses Dow

New Hampshire (Cont.) Oliver Niles, widow of John Niles who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80. Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of July 1848. and sent to D. C. Church Lyons N. H.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 1121. Vol. 1.
7

Oliver Niles, widow of John Niles N.H. pending claim to an Increase of Pension Act 7th July 1838 Certified evidence of her hus- -band's birth

I Judson Stoddard of Braintree in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby certify that I am Town Clerk of said town and that upon application to me for evidence of the birth of John Niles formerly of this town, a son of the late Nathaniel Niles, I have made search and find in the book of Marriages, Births and Deaths the following entry
John Niles son of Nathaniel Niles and Mary his wife was born September Eleventh. Seventeen hundred and fifty nine.
I, Judson Stoddard above named depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk of the town of Braintree aforesaid in the County and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception of the date which is expressed in fair legible figures as follows
September 11. 1759
I further certify that I have carefully searched the records of said town of Braintree from the year 1750 to the year 1770 and that I can find the record of the birth of no other person by the name of John Niles
Judson Stoddard Town Clerk
Norfolk ss: Sworn to and subscribed by the said Judson Stoddard on this 30 th day of September 1850
Before me
Jon T. T. Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, October 8 th 1850
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Jonathan Wild was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and qualified; 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.
W. B. Hallam
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.
BIRTHS.
Olley Viles born June 5. 1785 Sarah Viles born Nov. 5. 1787 Theodora Viles born Sept 18. 1789 John Viles born Apr. 8. 1791 Eunice Viles born Mar. 24. 1793 Polly Viles born Feb. 9. 1795 Nath Viles born Nov. 30. 1796 Sam l Viles born Aug t 22. 1798 Benj. Viles born May 16. 1800 Mary Viles born May 10. 1802 Hanah Storer Viles born Oct. 30. 1800

FAMILY RECORD.
Deaths.
Nathaniel Niles Died Dec 18, 1817 aged 83 Dear John Niles Died March 18, 1840
Deaths.
Polly Niles Died Aug. 8. 1796 John Niles Jr. Died Nov. 14. 1819 Mary Niles Died June 13. 1825 Sarah Niles Died Dec. 11. 1827

8979
Mrs. Oliver Niles Declaration
Wm Bryant agent
Menden
N.H.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows
State of New Hampshire Grafton County ss.
On the 24 th day of March 1843 personally appeared before me D. C. Greenleaf one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County of Grafton Oliver Niles of Oxford in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire aged 79 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 7. 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows" That she is the widow of John Niles who was a Private in the Revolutionary Service and a Pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7. 1832 at the rate of eighty dollars per annum. She further declares that she was married to the said John Niles as she now believes in the month of June Seventeen hundred and eighty four but cannot state the day of the month - That her husband the aforesaid John Niles died on the eighteenth day of March eighteen hundred and forty. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four (viz) at the time above stated
her Oliver Niles mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me D. C. Greenleaf J. C. C. Pleas

I certify that by reason of bodily infirmity the said applicant can not attend the bar
D. C. Churchill Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
State of New Hampshire Grafton County set -
I Nathan B. Felton, clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that David Churchill is an acting Judge of said Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, duly commissioned and quali- fied; that his commission was dated on the 24 th day of November in the year of our Lord 1854, and will expire on the first day of July, A.D. 1861, and that his two signatures above written (on this and the last preceding page of this sheet) are genuine -
Given under my hand and the seal of said County this 25 th day of March A.D. 1848
N B Felton clerk

Proof of the Marriage of Mrs Oliver Niles a V st claimant Act. July 7 1838 - claim now pending at Pension Office
M rs Paynter Henden N D agent

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk Town of Braintree exp. One thousand seven hundred and eighty four. Novr twentieth. John Niles of this Town and Olive Wales of Stoughton
The above is a true copy from the record of Intentions of Marriage in the Town of Braintree with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures, as follows - 1784 Novr 20.
Attest Judson Stoddard Town Clerk of Braintree
I Judson Stoddard above named depose and say, that I hold the office of Clerk of the Town of Braintree aforesaid, in the County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town of Braintree, with the exception above named as certified by me.
I further certify that I find no record of any Marriages by the Rev. Moses Lapham by whom it is supposed the above named persons were married.
Judson Stoddard Town Clerk
Norfolk ss: February 29th 1844 Sworn to and subscribed by the said Judson Stoddard
Before me
Asa French justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston March 27. th 1844
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Asa French - and Samuel L. Bass were Justices of the Peace for the County of Norfolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to their 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 G. Sleeper, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of Norfolk, Town of Randolph ss.
Oliver the daughter of John Niles and his wife was baptised July the twenty fourth one thou- sand seven hundred and eighty six.
The above is a true copy from the record of Bap- tisms in the first Church in Randolph, formerly the Church in the South Precinct in Braintree, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures, as follows: July th 24 1786
Attest, Eben r Alden Clerk of 1 st Chh. Randolph.
I Ebenezer Alden above named depose and say, that I hold the office of Clerk of the first Church in Randolph in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Church with the exceptions above named, as certified by me.
I further certify, that I find no record of any marriages by the Rev. Moses Dett by whom it is supposed the above named John Niles and his wife were married
Eben r Alden. Clerk of 1 st Chh. Randolph
Norfolk ss. March 1 st 1844 Sworn to and Subscribed by the said Eben r Alden Before me
Samuel L. Baps Justice of the Peace

9108 Two Miles
7 miles 2 years
E. G. M.
Proof of service required
9 Nov 1832
$80
Lemuel Wilson Oxford Grafton Co NH
(Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page)

9108
BRIEF in the case of of Wrafton G
John Niles of Orford in the State of New Hampshire (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Judge of Probate  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? —  3. How old is he? 68  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     24 March '81 till 23 June 1783 2 3 — Private Capt Taylor Col Tappan Capt Jackson 6 th Regt X 10 th Regt Mass. Line   X  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none mentioned  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Braintree  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? No witness  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? — 
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
H. C. Easton Examining Clerk.
X He says Isaac Thayer's affidavit accompanies the papers, — it does not

Rev. War Section.
January 12, 1923.
Mrs. H. A. Tibbals, Emporia, Kansas.
Madam;
In addition to the military history of John Niles, W. 21848, Revolutionary War, you are furnished the following data as to his children.
Olley or Olive born June 5, 1785 Sarah " Nov. 5, 1787 died Dec. 11, 1829. Thedorah " Sept., 18, 1789. John " April 8, 1791, died Nov. 14, 1819. Eunice " March 24, 1793. Polley " Feb. 8, 1795, died Aug. 8, 1796. Nath " November 30, 1796. Samuel " August 22, 1798 Benjamin " May 16, 1800 Mary " May 10, 1802, died June 13, 1825. Hannah Stores " Oct. 30, 1804 (37 years old in 1842) married -- Tuttle.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

8979 Oliver Niles N.H.
let to J. A. Bryant June 8. 1843 " " H. H. Sylvester Feb 18. 44 " to same March 26. '45
Act 7 July 1838

New Hampshire — 778 — Oliver Miles. m a of John.
dit No. 11. Hubbard, May 17/50
dit H. B. Sylvester. June 21/57
To same Feb 18/52
" Evans & Faint Feb 22/54
abt act. 2 nd Feb 48

9422
New Hampshire
repa
Oliver Dimes widow of John Dimes who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 18 March 1840. of Grafton in the State of N.H., who was a Pri. in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by Col. Dupper, in the Mass. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of June 45 and sent to H. H. Sylvester, Patent Off. Total amount, $ [blank] Resolution [Act July 7, 1838.] Recorded by J. G. Swann Clerk. book Vol. 1 Page 37

Rev WIDOW; &c.
File No. 21848 Oliver Niles Widow of John Niles New Ma.
Act: Feb 21 48
Index:—Vol. 16 , Page 86
[Arrangement of 1870.]
July 3-1903. Hist. to Oliver N. Dettle Waverly Mass
1910 March 9. History to Mrs Evelyn Niles. Humphrey Mass 1915 Sept 12. History to Mrs. Bernice L Underhill. Mass 1923 Jan 12. Hist to Mrs. H. C. Tibbals aug.

Rev. Dec 2 W
H. A. TIBBALS Jeweler and Optometrist
✓ W 2 of Stamp enclosed
DEALER IN
Watches, Clocks, Jewelry and Silverware
613 Commercial. Phone 841.
Emporia, Kansas, Dec 22 1922
Bureau of Pensions Washington D.C.
Will you please send me a statement of the military history of Rev John Niles? He enlisted at Braintree, later called Randolph. Norfolk Co. Mass. Applied for pension Aug 27-1832. his claim was allowed - Thanking you for an early reply, Mrs H. A. Tibbals.

Record 1018. N Hampshire
Oliver Miles, widow of John Miles, who was a Private, in the Mass a , Line.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of June 45 and sent to
H. H. Sylvester Patent Office
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A June 17 1844 Vol. 2 Page 19
2 Certs.
1 act 1838 1 " 1843 & H 4
rep. Let to John Bryant Sept 3 1845. " July 24 1846

July 25
Mr. Blaine
Secretary of War
Washington City
Pension
FREE

Immediate attention
will the legal do —
John Hiles
Edwards Express Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington District of Columbia
RECEIVED JAN 11 1882

Boston March 19. 1834
J. L. Edwards Esq
Dear Sir -
I enclose the papers for transfer of part of Mr Jue Niles pension - Please return  enclose the papers to the undersigned — A. A. Dame No 39 Court St.
N. B. Please return the said papers as soon as practicable, as Mr Niles wishes to receive his pension that was due March 1 st 1834 & to have the papers so fixed as to enable him to draw the same in Boston —
A. A. Dame

Sol. to John Bryant March 19 th 1847. Sol. to Same June 16 '47. " - Same July 3 - '47 to Same Jan'y 10 '48
act. 1847.

Oliver Niles
Att. - ad. 2 Feb '48
Gen. I. P. Waldo Com. of Pensions

Palla, Mo., A Feb. 27, 1915.
Comm. of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen: Did John Niles or his widow Oliver Wales Niles ever receive pension? John Niles enlisted in Revolutionary Army 1781, discharged June 23, 1783.
Yours truly, Evelyn Niles Humphrey.
Box 60 - envelope

22 Round Hill, At 1 Rev Sec Northampton, Mass. August 31, 1915
U. S. Pension Office:- Washington D. C.
Gentlemen:-
Kindly complete, if possible the following table, which is ob incorrect. Please correct any errors.
   Name of Revolutionary War enlisted from commanded a gun     1. Benjamin Quint sailor ? ? ? under John Paul Jones in his famous battle   2. Thomas Quint soldier Portsmouth N.H. pension ?   3. John Niles soldier ? Mass pension ?  
Also I'm anxious to know the dates of death and length of service, age at enlistment and any other information of interest.
Can you tell me if it is recorded that Thomas Quint enlisted in the navy at the close of the war for five years? 
Was Samuel Quint of Oxford drafted or did he enlist in the war of 1812? 
Thanking you for the information,
I am
Truly yours
Bernice L. Underhill

This may certify that I John Niles enlisted for three years in March 1781 and passed muster in Boston the 24th day of March 1781 and joined the Continental Army at West Point the tenth Regt. remained in the same. til that was transferred to other Regiments. I was then placed in the 6th Regiment where I remained til the 23 day of June 1783 when by arrangement with the Secretary of War I was discharged the American Army -

Pension Department. E Washington. D. C. Gentlemen.
Enclosed please find a copy of an old document in my possession written I suppose by my Great grandfather, but I would like to be sure of my record, and so send to you, to know if a pension for this service was paid to Oliver Hales Niles , she was his wife born in

Stoughton Mass March 18, 1764 died in Orford N. H. Mar. 24. 1855: her husband the writer of this old document was Dea. John Niles born in Braintree Mass. Aug. 8 1764 died in Orford N. H. Mar. 18. 1840 married to Olive Hales of Stoughton Nov. 20. 1784.
If you can verify all this these dates from your records and particularly tell me if a pension for this service was paid to my Great grandmother Olive Niles, I would be

very glad of the information, and will send you pay for the same if you will let me know what the charge is.
Respectfully.
Oliver A. Tuttle.
Haverley. Mass.
Box #9.
June 28. 1903.

m.13.H.
Rev. War Section.
March 9, 1915.
Mrs. Evelyn Niles Humphrey, Box 60, Rolla, Missouri.
Madam:
In addition to the military history of John Niles. Wid. File 21848, Revolutionary War, you are furnished the follow- ing family data from the papers on file.
Children of John and Olive Niles.
  Olley or Olive,  born June 5, 1785.     Sarah,  " November 5, 1787,  died December 11, 1829    Thedorah,  " September 18, 1789.     John,  " August 8, 1791,  " November 14, 1819    Eunice,  " March 24, 1793.     Polley,  " February 9, 1795,  " August 8, 1796.    Nath,  " November 30, 1796.     el      Sam "  " August 22, 1798.     Benjamin,  " May 16, 1800,     Mary,  " May 10, 1802,  " June 13, 1825.    Hannah Stores  " October 30, 180-  (37 years in 1843) married --Tuttle.  
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Menden N H Apr 28 1843
Sir I herewith transmit to the Department the Declaration of Mrs Olive Wiley for a Pension under the Act of July 7. 1838 together with proof of her mar- riage - time of her husband's death &c. I am Sir Respectfully Yr Obl Servt Wm Lloyd
J. L. Edwards Esq

Aug 5
W. P. Furniss
James L. Edwards Esq. Comt. Pensions Washington D.C.
John H. Lee

Commonwealth Bank, Pension Office, Boston Aug st 1. 1836.
Sir,
Yours of the 27. th inst. is received. — John Niles a Revolutionary pensioner under the act of 7. th June 1832 - private, at $80 00 per annum, has been paid up to the 4. th March 1836. —
I am, very respectfully, Your ob t Serv t
John R. Simpson President.
S. L. Edwards Esq r Com te Pensions Washington D. C.

Washington March 9, 1849.
Sir
I send herewith an additional paper to be considered in connexion with the case of Olive Niles of N.H. — Will you do me the favor to consider the same at your earliest convenience and advise me —
With high regard
Your Obedt Servt
James Wilson
Col. H. Edwards Com r of Pensions Washington

Menden NH May 28 1847
Sir
Mrs Olive Niles of NH is thankful that her life has been spared to the present time & that she has been enabled to comply with the terms of your letter in her case of the 19th of March 1847. In her behalf and at her request I herewith transmit her renewed declaratory and certified proof of the services of her late husband for which she claims an increased amount of Pensions.
Very respectfully,
Ann Bryant
Hon J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
March 31 st 1846.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The widow of John Niles, decd., a Pensioner on the Roll of the Concord, N.H. Agency, at the rate of Eighty Dollars and Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1840, to the 18 th March 1840.
Respectfully, yours,
Wilson N. Davis
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

Menden N o 6 December 15. 1845
Sir
By your letter of the 3 rd of September 1845 it seems that the claim of Mrs Olive Niles to an increase of Pension was disallowed on account of the age of her late husband John Niles who was a native and soldier of Braintree Massachusetts, it being supposed that he was but "eleven years old" in 1775 and consequently too young to have been a Sergeant in the 8 mo service of that year. Now there must have been a misapprehension as to the age of that individual, for he was born on the 11 th day of September 1759 as appears by the certificate of the Town Clerk of Braintree herewith sent and he was of course sixteen years old on the 11 th of September 1775 and of sufficient age to have rendered the several terms of service credited to him as a noncommissioned officer as certified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and for which his widow Mrs Olive Niles claims a further allowance. The additional proofs now herewith transmitted will I trust prove sufficient to remove the difficulty and that the claim of Mrs N. may now be favourably considered. This is at least the hope of
Your Ob t Servt
Wm Bryant ag t of Mrs Niles
Hon J. L. Edwards

Hon. Eleazar Beal Jr., certificate as to the credibility of witnesses in the case of Olive Niles to be filed in Olive Niles case by Hon James Wilson N.H. -
Additional proof in the case of Olive Niles N.H. -
12
J Wilson N.H. from N.H.

House of Representatives
Boston May 12 th 1848.
To the Hon. Horace Mann, or any one else whom this may concern.
I the subscriber Representative of the town of Randolph, in the Massachusetts Legislature, do hereby certify, that from my acquaintance with and knowledge of Stephen Hayden, and Joshua Spear aged men and residents of said Randolph; and, with Peter Dyer, and Bryant Newcomb, of the adjoining town of Braintree, I am enabled to state, that they are all respectable men, and credible witnesses.
Eleazar Pease Jr.
I am requested to say that I know, by inspection of the Massachusetts State Record, that Mr. Eleazar Pease Jr. is a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the current year. Horace Mann, Ho. of Representatives, July 20 th 1848.

Oliver Niles of NH widow of John enmity suspended claim Act 7 th July 1838
No 2.
Additional Evidence in her case credibility of witnesses established by the testimony of S d Hayden Town clerk of Braintree
filed Feby 17. 1854
Evans & Faint.

Town Clerk's office, Braintree, November 19, 1853.
I, Samuel D. Hayward, Town Clerk of the Town of Braintree, in the County of Norfolk, and State of Massachusetts, hereby Certify, that the five old gentlemen, who are referred to in the renewed declaration of Olive Niles, Widow, of John Niles, made before the Hon. D. C. Churchill of Norfolk County, N. H., on the twenty second day of October A D 1853, Vrs. Bryant Newcomb, Peter Dyer, Stephen Hayward, Joshua Spear, & Shadrach Thayer, of Braintree and Randolph, were entitled to credit in what ever testimony they may have given in relation to the services of John Niles, son of Nathaniel Niles & husband of the said Olive Niles, of what was then Braintree, but now Randolph, - Also, that Oleser Beals Jr. Esq. Town Clerk of Randolph for many years, & at the date of his Certificate Representative from said Randolph to the Legislature of Massachusetts, is a Man of Integrity, & from his location & business, would be likely to know of all & personally  most of the old gentlemen mentioned above, so that his certificate would be entitled to the greatest credit for facts & truth. S. D. Hayward

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk ss.
November 19, 1853. Then personally appeared S. D. Hayward who is Town Clerk of Braintree & a credible witness & made oath to the truth of the within certificate by him subscribed, before me.
Chas. M. Fogg Jus. Peace ss

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, November 28 th 1853
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Charles M. Fogg was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; 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.
W. M. D. D. right
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

copy
Pension Office
March 19 th 1847.
Sir
Any term of service for which Alice Niles claims an increase of pension should be set forth by herself and the amount and grade thereof established by the records of Massachusetts - Her husband claimed only as a private in the Line -
I am very respectfully your Oht Servt J. L. Edwards
John Bryant esq. Meriden
New Hampshire
State of New Hampshire } Grafton County ss. } On this 5 th day of December 1849 personally appeared before me David G. Sherburne a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County, Alice Niles a resident of Bedford in said County aged upwards of 85 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration supplementary to a former one for the purpose of obtaining an increase of pension, which former one was a renewed Declaration and made previous to March 19 th 1847 and pending on the 19 th day of March 1847, when a report was made in her case to John Bryant esq. her Agent

of which the above as he informs me is a copy. That in compliance of the requisition to contained in said report she on or about the sixth day of April 1847 made an application to the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for evidence of the service of her late husband John Niles for which she had previously asserted a claim for an increase of Pension under the several Acts and Resolutions granting Pensions to widows, and also a claim in the right of her late husband the said John Niles to an increase of his Pension under the Act of 17 th June 1832. That subsequently she received from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts a certificate in the words following to wit:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office Boston May 19 th 1847.
I hereby certify that from an examination of the Books and relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution Documents, which remain in this Department it appears that the name of John Niles is borne upon a Return of Capt. Eliphalet Sawin's Company in Col. Benjamin Lincoln's Regt assembled at Braintree April 19 th 1775 as a Sergeant 8 days - Upon a Muster Roll of Capt. Silas Wild's Company in the 36 th Regt of Foot Eight months Service as a Sergeant of Braintree enlisted April 28. 1775 - It is noted upon said Roll as follows viz:
"Army encamped in fort No 2, Reobler 6 th " - Upon an order of Capt. Wild's Company for "cash dated" December 12. 1775.
Upon a Pay Roll of Capt. Seth Turner's Company as a Sergeant of Braintree from January 1. 1776 - 3 months and 1 day -
Upon a Return of Capt. Eliphalet Sawin's Company in Col. Joseph Palmer's Regt assembled at Braintree June 14. 1776 as a private 2 days - Upon an abstract of pay due Capt. Joseph Sawin's Company in Col. Benjamin Gills Regt as a corporal from August to November 30 th 1777 - 3 months and 15 days

Upon an abstract of Cap t Nathaniel Belchers Company at Castle Island as a Corporal of Braintree from August 28. to September 13. 1779. with 1. day for travel 18 days —
Upon an abstract of pay due to Cap t Lieutenant William Burbeck, Company at Castle Island as Qu ar ter Gunner from November 11. 1779. to June 30. 1780 — 6 months and 20 days —
Upon a Return of Men raised for 3 years from December 2. 1780 as a private of Braintree enlisted March 21. 1781 — The Certificate of the preceding Service issued December 6. 1841. contained an error in stating 3 Months and 11. Days service in Capt. Belchers Company, when the Roll only shows 18. days.
J. G. Palfrey —
And I further certify that before search was made for evidence of said facts the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application and the certificate above set forth contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge pertaining to the case —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Commonwealth the date above written
John G. Palfrey
Secretary of the Commonwealth
For the services as specified in the above named certificate as Corporal Sergeant and Quarters Gunner which she believes to have been inadvertently omitted by her husband at the time of making his Declaration under the Act of 7 th June 1832, she has heretofore claimed an increase of Pensions which have been granted her under the Act of 7 th July 1838 and the several subsequent acts of Congress granting Pensions to Widows

and also still hereby renewes claims under said Acts as well as in the right of her late husband under the Act of the 7 th June 1832, praying that a reexamination may be had of all the papers now on file in her case, and that particular reference may be had to the affidavits on file of Shadrach Thayer Judson, Standard, Isaiah Thayer Bryant Newcomb, Stephen Hayden and Joshua Spear in proof of the identity of the said John Niles, together with such further proofs as may hereafter be obtained and transmitted with this her renewed declaration.
She also further prays that the letter on file of Eleazer Beal for 1839 going to establish the credibility of Stephen Hayden, Joshua Spear and Bryant Newcomb and Peter Dyer may be taken from the files and further considered with the other papers. She further declares that she is still the surviving widow of the said John Niles.
Oliver X Niles mark
New Niles stepson of John Niles deceased estate before the Hon. Abner D. Dyer Dec 5 1849
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid D. C. Churchill D. C. C. P. Mear
I further certify that by reason of age and bodily infirmity the said declarant is unable to attend court which is the reason of taking her declaration aforesaid at her place of residence.
State of New Hampshire
Grafton County To. J. D. Sleeper Clerk of the Court of the Court of Common Pleas for said County hereby certify that David C. Churchill before whom the foregoing declaration purports to have been made is an associate Justice of said Court duly commissioned and qualified - that his commission is dated November 24 th A.D. 1834 & will expire December 16 th A.D. 1860. I further certify that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this 17 th Day of December Anno Domini 1849 J. D. Sleeper. Clerk

Olive Niles widow of John Niles N.H. Claimant to Increase of Pension Act 7 th July 1838 & subsequent Acts
Additional proof
H. H. Sylvest

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Secretary of State's Office.
~~~~~ I, JOHN L. HADLEY, Secretary of State aforesaid do hereby certify that Thomas Perkins is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Grafton duly commissioned and qualified, and duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths, take the acknowledgment of Deeds, &c. His Commission was dated on the 31 st day of August 1849 and will expire on the thirty first day of August 1854.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the State, this twenty first day of December 1850.
John L. Hadley Secretary of State.

I Atherton Wales of Lyne in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire aged nearly 84 years do on oath testify and say that on or about the 7th day of December 1849 I gave a deposition before D. C. Churchill Esq to be used in support of the pending claim of Olive Niles to an increase of her pension under the act of the 7th July 1838 and the subsequent acts of Congress wherein I testified substantially as follows - That I had seen the declaration of said Olive Niles made before D. C. Churchill a judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Grafton on the 5th day of December 1849 wherein she claimed an increase of Pension for the services of her husband John Niles as a noncommissioned officer to wit. 8 days as Sergeant in Capt. Sawins' Company Col. Lincoln's Regt. April 1775 - 8 Months service as Sergeant in Capt Silas Wild's Company in the 36 Regt. of Foot into which he enlisted 28th April 1775 - 3 months and one day as a Sergeant in Capt. Seth Turners Company from January 1, 1776 - 3 months and 15 days from August to Nov. 30, 1777 as Corporal in Capt. Joseph Turner's Company Col. Benjamin Gill Regt. - 18 days as Corporal in Capt. Nathaniel Belcher's Company ending Sept. 13, 1779 - Six months and twenty days as Quarter Gunner in Capt. Lieutenant William Burbeck's Company ending June 30, 1780., which several tours of service I fully believe to have been performed by John Niles late the husband of the said

Olive Niles - The reason why I so believe is because I was a native of Stoughton and resided with my parents in the Easterly part of said Stoughton adjoining that part of Braintree which composed the south Parish of said Braintree wherein the said John Niles resided with his father and where I was acquainted with him from his youth through the whole period of the Revolutionary War, and until my removal from said Stoughton to Osford in the State of New Hampshire in December 1791. during all which time we lived within 2 3 miles of each other and used to attend the same meeting - That at the time of the commencement of the War I was not old enough to engage in the War myself, but my belief is that the said John Niles was, for I do yet distinctly recollect his being engaged therein in the early part of it - The precise time of his first being engaged in the service I cannot for a certainty state but am of the most confident belief that he rendered the several tours for which his widow the said Olive Niles now claims an increase and indeed that he must have been the man who so engaged for to my knowledge he was the only John Niles who was at the time a resident of said Braintree, and up to the time of my leaving there in December 1791. as aforesaid and I repeat that I was up to that time most intimately acquainted with the said John Niles from his boyhood or youthful days - He married Olive Wales then of said Stoughton, who is a sister of mine and now the widow of said John Niles and is the identical person who is the claimant for the increase of Pension aforesaid - That after my removal to said Osford said John Niles with his wife also removed to said Osford where my acquaintance continued with him until his death which I happened to be

present and witness; that after the removal of my brother in law the said John Niles to the said Orford his father Nathaniel Niles with whom I was also well acquainted in said Braintree, sold his property there and also removed to said Orford and lived with his son John until his death - So that from my early acquaintance I am satisfied beyond a doubt that the said John Niles did actually render the services aforesaid as a noncommissioned Officer for which widow claims an allowance as made in her declaration aforesaid - I further depose and say that my belief is that the said John Niles rendered other subsequent service as a private towards the latter part of the War - I was at the time acquainted with many other individuals of said town of Braintree and with Joshua Spear and Peter Dyer two of the persons named by my sister in her supplementary declaration aforesaid -
That my deposition made as aforesaid I now assert to be true and I do hereby further depose and say that the certificate of Judson Stoddard Esq Town Clerk of Braintree which was made and executed by him on the 30 th day of September 1850 is now before me giving a true record as my belief is of the time of the birth of John Niles late the husband of Olive Niles and who as my belief still is, must have rendered the several tours of service for which his widow the said Olive claims a further allowance - for from the days of my youth I was well acquainted with his parents the "Nathaniel Niles and Mary his wife" named in said certificate and with their son John who it appears was born on the 11 th day of September 1759 and who I assert must have rendered said services for there was no other John Niles of said Braintree who could or did serve in the war of the Revolution or during any part thereof Attest: John Niles

State of New Hampshire, Grafton ss, Lyme December 17 th A 1850,
Sworn and subscribed to by Allerton Wales the declarant on the day and year aforesaid, Before me, Thomas Perkins Justice of the Peace,
I Further certify that the declarant Allerton Wales is a credible Witness Thomas Perkins Justice of the Peace

778.
New Hampshire Congress
Oliver Miles widow of John Miles
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of July 1848 and sent to
J. C. Churchill Esquire M.H.
Entered on Roll of Pensioners under act March 2, 1848, Page 114 Vol. 1.
Reported
Let. to Hon. Secy Wilkinson
Feb. 19. 49.
Let. to same Apr 25. 49 Hon. N. Hubbard May 17. 50

Isaac Thayer's affidavit.
John Niles appli.

I Isaac Thayer of Randolph in Orange County and State of Vermont, aged sixty eight years, testify and say that during the Revolutionary War I resided in Braintree Massachusetts, now called Randolph Massachusetts. That on the 17 th day of March 1781 I enlisted under Capt Dean in the 10 th Regiment Mass. line Col. Dupper, and marched to West Point, and continued in the service till after the declaration of peace in June 1783 and was then transferred into the 3 rd Mass. Reg. Col. Jackson, Capt. Nathan Dix. and on the 31 st day of December 1783 was discharged - I further testify that during said War I was well acquainted with John Niles , then residing in said Braintree Mass. and who now resides in Orford New Hampshire; that said John Niles, at or about the same time that I did as aforesaid, enlisted as a soldier in said War under Capt. Taylor in the 10 th Regiment Mass. line - and continued in the service as a soldier in said Regiment till after the Peace in June 1783. and was then transferred into another Regiment, which, I do not recollect. I further testify that said John Niles is a few months younger than myself - that he was with me in said 10 th Regiment from March 1781 to June 1783 - I further saith not - Isaac Thayer
State of Vermont } at Randolph in said Orange County Orange County ss } on the 22 nd day of August 1832 personally appeared Isaac Thayer of Randolph in said Orange County, and after being lawfully examined & duly cautioned made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the truth & nothing but the truth before me Belcher Salisbury Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont { I hereby certify that the within named Orange County } deponent Isaac Thayer is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to full credit. Belcher Salisbury Justice of Peace.
State of Vermont Orange County Clerk's Office August 24 1832 I H. E. G. H. L. Langflem Clerk of Orange County Court hereby certify that Belcher Salisbury before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken is a Justice of the peace duly qualified to administer Oaths, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine — In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal the day and year above written, H. E. G. H. L. Langflem Clerk

Affidavits of Liba Hayden Sam. Belcher Nath. French
John Niles applicant

I, Ziba Hayden of Canton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being of Lawful Age, do testify and declare that I served in the Revolutionary war, and am now a Pensioner of the United States and am this present month 77 years of Age - that I well remember John Niles formerly of Braintree he residing on that part of the Town of Braintree in the County of Norfolk aforesaid which is now Randolph and that he now resides in Osford in the State of New Hampshire and when I was in the United States Army at the time in the State of N. York, said Niles was a Soldier in the Army I well remember of seeing him there and conversing with him - I cannot now recollect in what Regt. or Company he did belong I served in the Artillery & according to the best of my knowledge he was in the Infantry & in the three years Service Canton January 4th 1833 Ziba Hayden
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk ss. January 4th 1833. Then the above named Ziba Hayden made solemn Oath that the affidavit made & subscribed by him is true and I further on oath certify that said Hayden is reputed to be a man of truth & veracity and that his word may be depended upon.
Before me, Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

I Samuel Belcher of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of Lawful Age do testify and declare, that I enlisted into the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War, the latter part of March AD 1781 - and I well knew John Niles of Orford, State New Hampshire formerly of Braintree now Randolph, I know of his enlisting into the Continental Army about the same time that I did - I marched to the Westward - to Albany in the State of New York and from thence to West Point, and I did not see John Niles after he marched, until I saw him in his tent at West Point in New York - which was in the year 1783 - We did not serve in the same company or regiment nor do I know when he was discharged. I served in the Artillery in Capt. Thomas Seward's Company, in Col. John Cox's Regiment. said Niles was in the Battalion. Randolph January 21st. 1833 - Sam l Belcher
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk, ss, January 21st. 1833. Then personally appeared the above named Samuel Belcher and made solemn Oath to the truth of the above declaration by him made & subscribed - I further certify that the said Samuel Belcher is reputed to be a man of truth and veracity -
Before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

I Nathaniel French of Canton, in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of Lawful Age do testify & say that I well knew John Dikes formerly of Braintree now Randolph in sd. County, and that I was born at said Braintree and am now in my seventy first year of my age. I enlisted into the Continental Army of the United States in the revolutionary War. the 4th of March 1781- and was discharged December A.D. 1783- and served at West point in New York and I know that John Dikes as aforesaid was there at the same time I was, as a soldier in the Army, I belonged to the Artillery in Col. Crosses Regiment and said Dikes belonged to the Batallion, I do not now recollect in what Regt said Dikes served but I frequently saw him & convers- ed with him as we were well acquainted being born and brought up in the same Town together. I do not recollect the time Dikes enlisted nor the time he was discharged - I do not say that West point was our stated place of service for we were marched to thou places where we were ordered by our Officers - further say not -
January 24th 1833 -
Nathaniel French
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss. January 24th 1833 - Then the above named Nathaniel French made solemn Oath that the declaration made & subscribed by him as above is true - I hereby certify that said Nathaniel French is reputed to be a Man of truth & his word may be relied upon
Before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

Norfolk Gs.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I James Ware Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in and for the County of Norfolk hereby certify that Benjamin Richardson Esquire before whom the three Depositions on this Sheet were taken is a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly appointed commissioned and qualified to discharge the duties of said Office, and that his signature on each of said Depositions is genuine and true. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of said Commonwealth hereunto at Dedham this twenty fifth day of January in one thousand eight hundred & thirty three. James Ware

Mrs Niles of N.H. deceased Act 7th June 1832
Proof of service —
John Bryant Agent Meriden N.H.
J.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
May 19 1847.
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 Miles is borne upon a Return of Capt Eliphalet Sawin's Company, in Col Benjamin Lincoln's reg t assembled at Braintree April 19 1775 as a sergeant 8 days. — Upon a Muster Roll of Capt Silas Wilds company, in the 36 th reg t of Foot eight Months Service as a sergeant of Braintree enlisted April 28 1775. It is noted upon said roll as follows, viz: "Army encamped at N o 2 Fort Otsuka 6" Upon an order of Capt Wilds company for coats dated "December 22 1775." — Upon a Pay Roll of Capt Seth Gurnea's company, as a sergeant of Braintree, from January 1 1776, 3 Month, and 1 day. — Upon a Return of Capt Eliphalet Sawin's company in Col Joseph Palmer's reg t assembled at Braintree June 14 1776, as a private 2 days.

Upon an Abstract of Pay due to Capt Joseph Tower's company, in Col Benjamin Gill's up as a Corporal from August 15 to November 30 1777 3 Months and 15 days. — Upon an Abstract of Capt Nathaniel Belcher's company, at Castle Island as a Corporal of Braintree, from August 28 to September 15 1779, with 1 day for travel, 18 days. — Upon an Abstract of Pay due to Capt St William Burbeck's company at Castle Island as 2nd Gunner, from December 11 1779 to June 30 1780, 6 Months & 20 days.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said appli- cation, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
issued December 6 1844, contained an error in stating, 3 Months and 4 days, service in Capt Belcher's Company, when the roll only shows 18 days.
Return of Men raised for 3 years from Decem- ber 21 1780 as a private of Braintree enlisted
March 24 1781.
The cer- tificate of the proceed- ing service

In support of the claim of the subscriber to an increase of my late husband's Pension under the Act of the 7th June 1832
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his Office of the services of my late husband John Niles who was a resident of Braintree in the County of Norfolk and as I believe served as follows. — Eight days or more in Capt. Elphinstone Sawin's Company, Col. Lincoln's Regt. in April 1775 as a private. — Eight Months in Capt. Silas Wilds Company in 1775 as a Sergeant. — Three months or upwards in Capt. Seth Turners Company in 1776, as Sergeant. — Two days or more in Capt. Elphinstone Sawin's Company in 1776 as private. — Three Months or upwards in Capt. Joseph Dowers Company, Col. Gills Regt. as Corporal in 1777. — Three months or upwards in Capt. Nathaniel Belcher's Company in 1779 as Corporal. — Six months or upwards in Capt. Burbeck's Company in 1779 as Dr. Gunner; and that as I now think some time in the year 1781. He enlisted for three years or during the War.
I am now 83 years old and my memory does not enable me to state my husband's services more fully than above stated.
And I do hereby constitute John Bryant Esq. of Mendon N.H. my Attorney in the premises.
Witness my hand this 6 th day of April (A.D. 1847).
Signed by said Olive Niles in my presence
Theodore D. Dunning Justice of the Peace
Olive her X Niles mark

6 mo 20 days as L Gunner _____ 11 mo 9 days as Sergeant _____ 4 mo 3 days as Corporal _____

Oliver Niles of N.H. claimant for Increase of Pension
Proof of Oliver Niles service for which she claims —
Wm Bryant Agent Meriden N.H.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
May 19 1847.
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 Niles is borne upon a Return of Capt Eliphalet Sawen's company, in Col Benjamin Lincoln's regt assembled at Braintree April 19 1775 as a sergeant 8 days. — Upon a Muster Roll of Capt Silas Wild's company, in the 36th Regt of Foot eight Months service, as a sergeant of Braintree, enlisted April 28 1775, It is noted upon said roll as follows viz: "Army encamped in Fort No 2 October 6". Upon an order of Capt Wild's company for coats dated "December 12 1775." — Upon a Pay Roll of Capt Seth Turner's company as a sergeant of Braintree, from January 1 1776 3 Months and 1 day. — Upon a Return of Capt Eliphalet Sawen's company in Col Joseph Palmer's regt, assembled at Braintree June 14 1776, as a private 2 days.

Upon an Abstract of Pay due to Capt Joseph Fower's Company in Col Benjamin Gill's Regt as a Corporal from August 15 to November 30 1777, 3 Months and 15 days. Upon an Abstract of Capt Nathaniel Belcher's Company at Castle Island as a Corporal of Braintree from August 28 to September 23 1779 with 1 day for travel, 18 days. Upon an Abstract of Pay due to Capt Lieutenant William Burbeck's Company at Castle Island as 2nd Gunner, from December 11 1779 to June 30 1780, 6 Months and 20 days.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said appli- cation, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
Upon a Return of Men raised for 3 years from Decem- ber 2 1780 as a private of Braintree enlisted March 24 1781.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Patten,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
The certifi- cate of the preceding service
issued December 6. 1844, contained an error in stating 3 Months and 4 days service in Capt
Blue Pigeon Agent

Belcher's Company, when the roll only shows 18 days — J. G. Bartley.
6 mo 20 day, Dr Gunner 11 mo 9 days as Sergeant — 4 mo 3 day, as Corporal

In support of the claim of the subscriber to an increase of her Pension under the Act of the 7th July 1838 and subsequent acts. —
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his Office of the services of my late husband John Niles who was a resident of Braintree in the County of Norfolk, and as I believe served as follows, Eight days or more in Capt. Eliphalet Sawin's Company Col. Lincoln's Regt. in April 1775. as a private — Eight months in Capt. Silas Wild's Company in 1775 as a Sergeant. — Three Months or upwards in Capt. Seth Durner's Company in 1776 as Sergeant. — Two days or more in Capt. Eliphalet Sawin's Company in 1776 as private. — Three Months or upwards in Capt. Joseph Dowers Company, Col. Gills Regt. as Corporal 1777. Three Months or upwards in Capt. Nathaniel Belcher's Company in 1779. as Corporal. — Six Months or upwards in Capt. Burbeck's Company in 1779 as Dr. Gunner, and that as I now think, some time in the year 1781 he enlisted for three years or during the War.
I am now 83 years old and my memory does not enable me to state my husband's services more fully than above stated.
And I do hereby constitute John Bryant Esq. of Meriden N.H. my Attorney in the premises.
Witness my hand this 6 th day of April A.D. 1847.
Signed by said Olive Niles in my presence } Olive her Niles mark

In the case of Oliver Niles Secretary of Massachusetts certificate, that persons were liable to do military duty in Massachusetts, at the age of 16 years in 1775—
A No 3.
Additional
filed Feb 17 1854
Evans of Hants.

Extract of "An act for forming and regulating the Militia within the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay in New England," &c. - Passed at a Session of the General Court begun & holden on Wednesday the nineteenth day of July A.D. 1775, and from thence continued by adjournments to Wednesday the twenty ninth day of November following: -
"And be it further Enacted by the authority aforesaid; That that part of the Militia of this Colony, commonly called the Training Band, shall be constituted of all the able-bodied male persons therein, from sixteen years old to fifty, excepting Members of the American Congress," &c &c &c.
And by former acts of the Colony the age at which persons were obliged to perform Military duty was sixteen.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston
February 11. 1854.
I hereby certify the foregoing to be correct. Attest.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth

Oliver Niles widow of John of N.H. renewed claim to Increase of Pension Act 7 th July 1838 and sub- sequent acts of Congress. —
No 1.
Filed Febry 17. 1854
Evans & Hunt

State of New Hampshire.
Secretary's Office, Concord.
Nov. 15, 1853.
I hereby certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation David C. Churchill was a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Grafton —
in the said State, duly commissioned and qualified; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court, and that his signature thereto is genuine. —
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the State, the date above written.
John G. Hadley Secretary of State.

(Copy)
"Pension Office
March 19, 1847
Sir, Any term of service for which Olive Niles claims an increase of Pension should be set forth by herself and the amount and grade thereof, established by the records of Massachusetts. Her husband claimed only as a private in the Line -
I am very respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt,
J. L. Edwards.
John Bryant Esq. Meriden N. H."
State of New Hampshire } Grafton County ss. }
On this 22 day of October 1853 personally appeared before me David C. Churchill a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County Oliver Niles a resident of Oxford aged upwards of 88 years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration supplementary to former ones and renewed by to one made by her before said Judge on or about the 5th day of December 1849 for the purpose of obtaining an increase of Pension as the widow of John Niles - That she is the widow of John Niles as stated by her in a declaration made by her before said Judge on the 24th day of April 1845 now supposed to be on file in the Pension Office together with the subsequent one made by her on said 5th day December 1849 previous to which last named declaration and also previous to the 19th day of March 1847 she had asserted a claim to an increase of Pension for the service of her husband John Niles as a noncommissioned Officer, which claim was pending on the 19th day of March 1847 when a

report was made in her case to her Agent John Bryant Esq of Meriden N.H of which the above as he informs me is a copy - That in compliance with the exaction contained in said report she on or about the 6th day of April 1847 made an application to the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for evidence of the service of her husband as a noncommissioned officer for which she had previously claimed an increase of Pension both in the right of her late husband the said John Niles and in her own right as asserted in her declaration made before said Justice Churchill on the 24th day of April 1845, which she supposes to have been filed in the Pension Office and to which she prays that reference may be had upon a further consideration of her case. That she subsequently received from said Secretary a certificate in words following, to wit,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office Boston May 19. 1847.
I hereby certify that from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military service in the War of the Revolution which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of John Niles is borne upon a return of Capt. Elephatet Sawin's Company in Col. Benjamin Lincoln's Regt. assembled at Braintree April 19. 1775, as a Sergeant 8 days -
Upon a Muster Roll of Capt Silas Wild's Company in the 36th Regt of Foot Eight months service as a Sergeant of Braintree enlisted April 28, 1775 - It is noted upon said Roll as follows viz. "Army encamped in Fort No 2. Oct 6th."
Upon an order of Capt Silas Wild's Company for Coats December 12, 1775"
Upon a Pay Roll of Capt Seth Turner's Company as a Sergeant of Braintree from January 1. 1776 3 months and 1 day,
Upon a Return of Capt Elephatet Sawin's Company in Col Joseph Palmer's Regt. assembled at Braintree June 14. 1776 as a private 2 days.
Upon an abstract of pay due Capt Joseph Powers Company in Col Benjamin Gills Regt as a Corporal from August to November 30 1777 3

months and 15 days
Upon an abstract of Capt Nathaniel Belcher's company at Castle Island as a Corporal of Braintree from August 28 to September 13, 1779 with 1 day for travel 18 days
Upon an abstract of pay due to Capt Lieutenant William Burbeck, Company at Castle Island as Q.M. Gunner from December 11, 1779 to June 30, 1780 6 months and 20 days -
Upon a Return of men raised for 3 years from December 2, 1780, as a private of Braintree - Enlisted March 24, 1781.
The certificate of the preceding service issued Dec 6, 1844 contained an error in stating 3 mos. and 4 days service in Capt Belcher's Company, which roll only shows 18 days.
J. G. Palfrey.
Which original certificate the said Olive has reason to believe is to be found on file with other papers in her case in the Pension Office and to which she respectfully prays that reference may be had upon a desired further consideration of her claims. That she hereby renewedly claims an allowance for all the service of her husband therein specified as Corporal Sergeant and Quarter Gunner which she believes to have been inadvertently omitted by her husband at the time of making his declaration under the Act of the 7th June 1832, presuming that he was not aware of there being Documentary evidence (as since found) of any part of the service he rendered the Country, he having proved the two years service as a private for which he was allowed by testimony and not being aware that his service as a non commissioned officer would have entitled him to a greater annual amount of Pension. She repeats that she has been pensioned at the rate that was granted her husband under the act of June 7, 1832 that is at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum and hereby renewedly claims an increase to the pensions that

have heretofore been granted her including the one which she is now in the receipt, and that in order thereto she prays a reexamination of the papers now on file in her case and that special reference may be had to the proofs of the identity of her husband contained in the affidavits supposed to have been filed, of Shadrack Thayer Judson Stoddard, Josiah Thayer, Bryant Newcomb, Stephen Hayden, Joshua Spear, Peter Dyer and Atherton Wales together with such further proofs as may hereafter be obtained and transmitted with this her renewed declaration. She also further prays that the letter on file of Eleazer Beal Jr Esq going to establish the credibility of Stephen Hayden, Joshua Spear, Bryant Newcomb, and Peter Dyer, may be perused with other papers in her case. She further and lastly, declares, that she is still living as the widow of John Niles late a N. H. pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7. 1832.
Olive her X Niles mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written Before me D. G. Churchhill a Judge of the C. C. Pleas for the County of Grafton
I further certify that the declarant is personally known to me and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the above declaration and that by reason of bodily infirmity she is unable to attend Court — D. G. Churchhill J. C. C. Pleas

Menden NH June 23. 1847
Sir
Your letter of the 10th instant in relation to the pending claim to an increase of pension of Mrs. Oliver Niles of NH widow of John Niles who was a native of Braintree Massachusetts and an actor from that town in the War of the Revolution has been received perused and carefully reperused, and I must be permitted to say that we read or construe the proofs in this case very differently and that I am consequently not satisfied with yours or scarcely any part thereof. In the first place you object that her husband John Niles age he having stated it to be 68 when he made his declaration in 1832 and that he was 16 years old in 1775. Now admitting that he did so state and it be material, on which is the most reliance to be placed the recollections or rather the misrecollections of a superannuated old man as was Deacon Niles or the town records, where he was born which cannot be supposed to lie? You have on file in this case the certificate of the town Clerk of Braintree, that it appears from the record that John Niles son of Nathaniel Niles and Mary his wife was born September 11th 1759. so that he must have been 16 years old on the 11th of September 1775 and then old enough to have done military duty either as a private or Sergeant in April 1775 when he commenced his term of 8 mos service as a Sergeant. The strong presumption is that when he made his declaration under the act of June 7. 1832 it was unknown to him that there was record evidence of all, or any part of the service he had rendered and that consequently he claimed only for the last two years which he could and did prove by Liba Hayden, Samuel Belcher and Nathaniel French all since deceased. You also observe that when she applied proof of that service was required from the records, Maria Church. The Secretary's certificate showed, that her husband did render

the service he had claimed but it also showed that there was an other John Niles of Braintree who was a Sergeant in service in 1775. when her hus- band was eleven years of age old. She was of course allowed the full pen- sion of private for her husband's service as set forth by him under oath and confirmed by the rolls" — I have seen the several certificates of the Secretary of Massachusetts, that have been obtained and are now on your files, and I can no how work myself into the belief that it is shown by either of them, that there was an other John Niles of Braintree nor I construe the certificate to mean, for the testimony on file of a cre- dible witness Deacon Shadrock Thayer 70 years old in substance is, that he was acquainted with our John Niles who was the son of Nathaniel Niles (so that he could not have been John Niles Sr) till her removal to Oxford in 76, and that he was the only person of that name that he ever knew in said town or the adjoining town of Randolph. There is also the testimony on file of Josiah Thayer of said Braintree then in the 76 year of his age, that with the said John Niles who was the son of Nathaniel Niles he was well acquainted and that at one time and he thinks in the month of December 1779 or January 1780 he enlisted into the same company with him to wit the company of Capt William Parkes to go into service at Castle Island, (that being one of the towns for which we claim) and that he could not be mistaken as to the identity of the said John Niles for they were playmates and young men together and that he was the only person of that name that he ever knew or heard of in said Braintree in Revolutionary time; and that the said John Niles who married Olive Wally afterwards removed from said Braintree to Oxford in the State of New Hampshire — You also have on file in proof of identity the deposition of Bryant Nescomb a resident of said Braintree a credible old soldier and pensioner upwards of 85 years old who states upon his oath

that he was born in said town of Braintree and that ever since his birth he has been a resident of said town - that he was well acquainted with said John Niles who he states was the son of Nathaniel Niles - that he knew that he was often times engaged in services and as he believes in the 8 th service as a Sergeant under Capt. Gil or Wild in 1775 - one of the towns for which we claim and that he served in the same company with him Capt. Purnen for the space of 3 mos. that being another of the towns for which we claim - There is also as I believe other proof of service and identity contained in the deposition of Judson Stoddard Esq. Town Clerk of said Braintree. And as I suspect the papers in this case were examined in haste, or but in part I have to request a reexamination of the same and the whole of the same, feeling well assured that the proofs will be found substantially as I have above stated them and that the claim is remarkably well substantiated both as respects service and identity
"Any term of service for which Olive Niles claims an increase of pension should be set forth by herself and the amount and grade thereof established by the records of Mass. Chancery. Her husband claimed only as a private in the line" So reads your letter to me of March 19. 1847 and with the terms of which as I believe Mrs. Niles has fully and honestly complied. Although if I am not well of apprehension, there is at the close of your last letter that of the 10 th instant, an unplaced doubt of her credibility. For the reason of her subscribing a "Crop Mark" "a declaration drawn up by me" which not happen to be written by me. Nor was I present or within 20 miles when she did so subscribed". And in conclusion. I have only further to say that I am the faithful agent of one of the most respectable old ladies

the community were accused of fraud, or an attempt at fraud or a fraudulent design in any thing that I have done or caused to be done in this case from first to last, I plead "not guilty" to the charge, and should be pleased to be exonerated from it if it has been made, and was not intended as a reflection upon my character as an Agent.
Very respectfully Your Obl Servt John Bryant
Rev J L Edwards Commissioner of Revenue

Washington, Feby. 17 th 1854.
Dear S. P. Waldo Comm r of Pensions, I Dear Sir,
Enclosed herewith is the application of Olive Niles, widow of John Niles, who has heretofore been placed on the New Hampshire roll of Pensioners, at $80 per Act 7 th June 1838 annum, for two years service, as a private, and has now claimed an increase for service per- formed prior to that alleged in his decla- -ration under Act of 7 th June 1832. (Vig.)
April 19 th 1775. 8 days as a sergeant.
" 28 " 8 Months as a sergeant.
May 1 st 1776 3 " 1 day as a sergeant.
Nov 30 1777 3 " 15 days as a Corporal
Sept 13 1779. 18 " " " "
From Dec 11. 1779 to June 30 1780 - 6 Months, and 20 days as Quarter Gunner.
In the letter from the Pension Office, dated June 10 th 1847, it is stated, that John Niles in his declaration under Act June 7 th 1832, asserted, that he, he enlisted in March 1781, when he was sixteen years old, served to June 1783, and that at the time of making his declaration he was 68 years old.
The office further objects to the allowance for service as Corporal &c, on the ground, that it

That it was fair to presume, that if he had per- -formed the service in 1776, 77. and 79, 80, that he would have stated it in his declaration. To this we answer, that the files of your office afford abundant evidence, that in numerous cases, persons have failed to state the full amount of their service, which afterwards has been ascertained and allowed, and such omiss- -ions, have sometimes been caused by the igno- -rance of the persons who have drawn up the declaration. Is it not equally fair to presume, that as the law under which he claimed a pension, was passed on the 7 th June 1832, and as he was informed, that in August following , he made his declaration that but little was known, about the provisions of said law, on the action of the Pension Office thereon, and hence, he, and his agent deemed it unnecessary to show more than two years ser- -vice, which was the maximum of said Act. Viz. "A fair & return of men raised for 1 year from Decr 5 1780, as a private of Braintree, enlisted March 24. 1781." ?-
Now we propose to show, by the most abun- -dant and incontrovertible evidence, that there was but one John Niles, in the town of Brain- -tree during the war of the Revolution, and that he was the son of Nathaniel Niles and Mary his wife; and that his declaration

in 1832, was an error in stating his age at 68 years.
The certificate of Judson Stoddart, Town Clerk of Braintree, dated Dec 5 th 1845, now in your files, states, that "John Niles, son of Nathaniel and Mary his wife, was born Sept r eleventh Seventeen hundred and fifty nine" and that he had, "carefully searched the records from the year 1750, to the year 1770, and that I can (find) the records of the birth of no other person by the name of John Niles." So that in April 1775, when he entered the service he was nearly 16 years of age .
The enclosed paper marked A, showing that from 16 to 50 years of age, persons were subject to (military) duty in the colony of Massachusetts.
But it is indeed a tract of time to call your attention to the fact, when it is so well known, that the records of your office show service as young as that of 13 years, and that persons have actually been commissioned  officers as early as that of 16 years.
Asahel Thayer , who was in service with John Niles in 1779 or 80, sustains the foregoing position. Bryant Stevens , a pensioner, and who entered the service, when he was between 13 & 14 years of age, saw John Niles in service in 1775, and served with him in 1776.
The deposition of Stephen Hayden , shows most clearly, that there was but one John Niles, in

the town of Braintree, during the war of the Revolution, and that he was the same person who married Olive Niles, the present affiant.
Joshua Spear , testifies that John Niles, who married Olive Niles, was the only John Niles who resided in the town of Braintree during the war of the Revolution.
Abner Niles , aged 83 years, and who is a brother of Olive Niles, testifies that there was but one John Niles living in Braintree during the war of the Revolution, and fully sustains the foregoing averments.
He also refers to the deposition of Shadrach Thayer , Isaac Stoddart , and Peter Dyer , also on file in your office.
He trusts also, refers to the certificate of Ebenezer Dyer , and the Rev. Samuel Mear , as to the reputation of the foregoing affiants.
He also encloses the certificate of the Town Clerk of Braintree, as to the reputation of Bryant Norcomb , Peter Dyer , Stephen Hayden , Joshua Spear , & Shadrach Thayer .
Very respectfully Evans H. Hunt.

State of New Hampshire Grafton ss. I Samuel Swasey Register of the Court of Probate holden at Plymouth in said County on the nineteenth day of November A.D. 1844. do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence was exhibited to said Court that John Niles late of Orford in said County deceased was a pensioner of the United States under the act of the 7 th of June 1832. at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum. that he died at said Orford on the 18 th day of March A.D. 1840. that he left a widow, by the name of Olive Niles. who is still living & still remains the widow of said John Niles. and is an applicant for an increase, or the arrears of the pension granted to her said late hus- -band, the said John Niles, under said act of June 7 th 1832.
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court on this the twenty- first day of November A.D. 1844.
Samuel Swasey Reg r

Oliver Niles of N.H. pending claims to increase of Pension
Additional proof - see Josiah Thayer deposition on file
1 Peter Dyer Dep.
John Bryant Agent
Mereden
N.H.

I Peter Dyer now aged upwards of 93 Years, Depose and say that I have been a resident of Braintree in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts ever since my birth, and that I have a distinct recollection of many of the former Inhabitants of said Town of Braintree and the neighboring towns and particularly so with old Mr Nathaniel Miles and his family and also with the Wiles and Thayers. - Josiah Hayer who is still living in this town came to live with me when he was a Boy and while so living with me in time of the War of the Revolution was engaged in service at Castle or Governors Island, as I now think about the year 1780 under a Capt Buckbee without my consent and with which as I was not satisfied I freed him off from his enlistment and he shortly after returned home. John Miles who was then a resident of this town and afterwards married Olive Wiles and afterwards removed toford in the State of New Hampshire was also as my belief is engaged in the same service at Castle Island.
Feb 13 94
Commonwealth of Massachusetts No. 8th of S. November 18th 1847. I swear and subscribed to
Before me Judson Stockard Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston November 19 1847
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Judson Stoddard was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; 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.
Wm. D. Briggs Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Oliver Notes of N.B. pending Claims to increase of Pensions
Additional proof
2 Stephen Bayden Dep y
Wm Bryant Agent Minden N.H.

I Stephen Hayden of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts which was formerly a part of the adjoining Town of Braintree now in the 78 th year of my age do testify and say that I have during the whole of my life been a resident of the said Towns of Randolph and Braintree and that from my childhood was well acquainted with John Niles of said Braintree up to the time of his Marriage to Oliver Wales and removal to Oxford in the State of New Hampshire. He was the Son of Nathaniel Niles of said Braintree by whom I used to live as a near Neighbor and yet live within a few rods of the place of his former residence and the place where the said John Niles was born. He as my recollection is was several years older than myself and was ever reported to have been an actor in the War of the Revolution from near the time of its commencement till the close thereof. after the close of said War we continued to live in the same neighborhood and labored days and months together and used frequently to hear him speak of the Revolutionary services he had performed and of many individuals who served with him from said Braintree. The names of many of them are by me yet well recollected they as well as the said John Niles being of my acquaintance and of them in number was Eleazer Tuft, Stephen Chapman, Adonijah French, Levi Hayden, Simon Spear, Timothy Thayer, John Thayer, Noah Thayer, — Ropestill Bradley, Bryant Newcomb, Timothy Thayer Moses Littlefield, Aaron Littlefield, Joseph Mann.

Jacob Hayden, Moses Whitecomb Abraham Jones Luther French Hope Bradley, and I am not sure but others - With the several persons named as aforesaid who were residents of said Braintree and reputed to have been engaged in the Country's service I was well acquainted. - I further depose and say that the John Miles aforesaid was the only person bearing that name that I ever knew or heard of in either of the said towns of Randolph and Braintree and that I do not know that either of the persons named as aforesaid are living with the exception of one them Bryant Newcomb who is yet a surviving resident of said town of Braintree and is as I believe a Prisoner of the United States
Stephen his X Hayden mark
Sworn and subscribed to this Eighteenth day of November 1847
Before me Judson Stoddard Justice of the Peace
I further certify that the foregoing is a credible witness Judson Stoddard Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston November 19 th 1847
I hereby Certify , That at the date of the annexed attestation Judson Stoddard was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; 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.
M c Ar. Duff. Dep. Secy. Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
November 20 th 18 57 .
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 names of Ozer Tapp & Timothy Thayer are borne upon rolls of Capt Silas Wild's Company as privates of Braintree together with the name of John Niles as a Sergeant of Braintree, service from April 28 1775. — The names of Asaphill Bradley, Bryant Newcomb & Aaron Littlefield are borne upon roll of Capt Seth Turner's Company as privates of Braintree together with the name of John Niles as Sergeant of Braintree, service from January 1776. — The names of Noah Thayer, Simeon Spear & Adonijah French (privates) & John Niles Corporal are borne upon roll of Capt Joseph Powers Company for service from August 15 1777. — The names of Timothy Thayer, Levi & Jacob Stayden & Joseph Mann (privates) & John Niles (Sergeant) are borne upon rolls of Capt Lt William Burbeck for service at Castle Island in 1779 & 1780.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Wm. Tufts. (Dep't) Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Olive Niles of N.H. pending Claims to increase of Pension
Additional proof
3
Joshua Spear Dep on
Wm Bryant Agent Mendon N.H.

I Joshua Speen now within the bounds of Randolph and which was formerly a part of the old town of Braintree in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts now aged almost 80 years do pose and say that I have resided here from my infancy and that I have been acquainted with many of the aged Citizens of this and the adjoining towns of Braintree and Stephen H Hayden when Affidavit this day made before Judson Stoddard Esq. in relation to the former residence and Revolutionary service of John Niles formerly of said Braintree has been shown me and read in my hearing and which I believe to be true. With the said John Niles and a number of the other persons therein named by the said Hayden I was formerly acquainted and most intimately so with the said John Niles who was one of the two sons of Nathaniel Niles late of said Braintree deceased. One reason of my particular acquaintance with the said John Niles was that we lived near to each other in our youth-ful days and during his residence in said town of Braintree. And another reason was that soon after the close of the War of the Revolution he married Olive Niles of the neighboring town of Scituate who was an Aunt of mine and afterwards removed from said Braintree to Oxford in the State of New Hampshire. Of this so far as his identity is concerned I am sure and I am also sure that to my knowledge there -
over

- never was any other John Niles who was a resident of either of the said towns of Braintree or Randolph
Joshua Snod
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk ss. November 18th 1847 Sworn and Subscribed to
Before me Judson Stoddard Justice of the Peace.
I further certify that the deponent is a credible witness
Judson Stoddard Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston November 19 th 1827
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Judson Stoddard was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; 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.
Wm. Suits Dept. Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Mendew N.H. November 30 1847
Sir
The cases of Sarah Thomas and Olive Niles may be regarded as somewhat similar. Peleg Thomas as it may be recollected by the Doctor when he made his declaration omitted to state and claim for all the service he had rendered the country. A like omission occurred in the case of John Niles the husband of Oliver Niles who is a N.H. claimant for an increase of Pension. Having succeeded in satisfying the Department in the case of Mr Thomas, that in the omission, there was no fraudulent design on the part of the said Peleg Thomas nor on the part of his widow I have been encouraged to hope and still think I may do the same in the case of Mr Niles whose case I will not again attempt to argue. But in reference to which, and your letter of the 10th of June 1847 would merely beg leave respectfully to say, that I differ in opinion with the Department as to its being shown by the Certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts, "that there was an other John Niles of Braintree who was a Sergeant in 1775". And thinking that possibly in this the Department may have heretofore labored under a mistaken apprehension in this respect I have now in order to a removal of such impression respectfully to request a reexamination of said Certificate together with the Certificate on file of the Town Clerk of Braintree as to the age or birth of said John Niles. And also the depositions on file of Shadrach Shayer Joseph Shayer and Bryant Newcomb as to the residence, service, and identity of the said John Niles. together with the additional testimony herewith transmitted of Peter Dyer Stephen Hayden and Joshua Spear. As to the amount of which I will only remark, that by them I am strengthened in the opinion that I have heretofore entertained that John Niles of Braintree who was the son of Nathaniel Niles of said

Braintree and who after the War of the Revolution married Olive Wales and removed to Orford in the State of New Hampshire and there died in 1840. was the identical person who rendered the several tours of service as a noncommissioned officer for which his widow the said Olive Niles claims an allowance, and an increase of Pensions. although for some unknown reason the said tours of service were not named in his declaration under the act of the 7th June 1832. whereas it is believed a mistake was made either by himself or the person who drew up that original declaration as to his age at the time of making it.
Respectfully Your Ob dt Servt John Bryant
Hon J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions

Feb. 13, 1847
Adaltes casa John Volin Mils.
John Bryant, Mendenhall

Washington February 13 1847
Sir
I beg leave to call up the case of Mrs Olive Wiles of New Hampshire in the right of her late husband John Wiles under the Act of the 7th June 1832 and we have a right under the Act July 7. 1838 having additional proofs in support of said claim.
Respectfully Yr Ob servt.
John Bryant Agents
Hon J. L. Edwards

Oliver Niles NW pending claim to increase of Pension Act July 1838 Bryant Newcomb Depo w proof of the identity of Oliver Niles of Braintree Ms

I Bryant Newcomb of Braintree in the county of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts one of the Massachusetts surviving soldiers of the war of the Revolution and a Pensioner of the United States, now in the eighty-fifth year of my age depose and say that I was born in said town of Braintree and that I have ever since my birth been a resident of said town, and that I was consequently here previous to, and through the whole period of the war of the Revolution, in which I engaged in 1775 at the early age of thirteen years and six months as a waiter to my Father and became acquainted with many of the Braintree officers and Soldiers, who were actors in the war. I was well acquainted with John Niles who was the son of Nathaniel Niles of said Braintree, and who to my knowledge was also engaged in the early part of the war, and as I now think in the spring of the year 1775 as a Sergeant under Capt Silas Wild he being at the time a little older than myself, but for what length of time he engaged and served, I cannot for a certainty state, for I was not in the same Company with him at the time, but am of the belief that that was an eighteen month tour. But as respects another tour of the said John Niles service and I believe the next he performed I am able to state more confidently that he performed the same for I served in the same Company with him that is

under Capt. Seth Turner for the space of three months or upwards in the fore part of the year 1816 this being the only tour that I now recollect to have served in the same Company with the said John Niles who was reputed to have subsequently rendered several other tours of service previous to the close of the war after which he removed into the country.
Bryant Newcomb
Norfolk ss
Sworn and subscribed to on the 16 th day of May 1846 Before me Elias Hayward Justice of the peace
I further certify that the aforesaid Bryant Newcomb is a credible witness Elias Hayward Justice of the peace,

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston May 25 th 1846.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Elias Hayward was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; 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 G. Palfrey; Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Secretary's Office, Boston Oct 14 1846
I hereby Certify. That the name of Bryant Newcomb, is borne upon Pay Roll of Capt Seth Furness' Company, with that of John Niles, for 4 Months Service from January. 1. 1776.
John G. Bartol.

John Miles and Olive Miles N.76.
Pending claims Acts 7 June 1832. and 7 th July 1838 Proof of part of John Miles service and identity.
Joseph Shayen Rep d

I Josiah Thayer in the 70th year of my age depose and say that I became a resident of Braintree in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts in the early part of the war of the Revolution and that I have ever since lived in said town - That I was acquainted with several of the Officers and Soldiers belonging to said town of Braintree who took part in the Revolutionary service of the country of the number of the Officers was Capt Silas Wild and of his company Sergeants Benjamin Howard and John Niles, Privates Joseph Niles, Abel Chessman, Uriah Thayer Elazer Luff Also of the number of Officers was Capt Seth Sumner and of his company Lieut Thomas Newcomb, Sergeants Uriah Newcomb and John Niles Also of the number of Officers was Capt Joseph Souver and of his company Sergeants Elazer Luff John Niles and Samuel Black and also of the number of officers recollected was Capt William Burbeck and of his company Lieut Heat and non commissioned Officers Samuel Jones, Windsor Jones Adonijah French and John Niles - That with the said John Niles I was well acquainted and also with his father Nathaniel Niles who was a resident of this town as was also his son the said John Niles, I at one time and as I now think in the month of December 1779 or January 1780, enlisted into the same company with him to wit, the Company of the said Capt William Burbeck to go into service at Castle Island but the man with whom I lived at the time Peter Dyer plead me of from my engagement and I obtained a discharge and returned back to said Braintree after a short absence leaving the said John Niles in service at said Castle or

- Governor's Island I further depose and say that I cannot be mistaken as to the identity of the said John Niles for we were play-mates and young men together. he being some few years older than myself and was the only person of the name of John Niles that I ever knew or heard of in said Braintree in Revolutionary times and that he the said John Niles who married Olive Niles afterwards removed from said Braintree to Bedford in the State of New Hampshire where I understand he died in the year 1840. and where I am told his widow is still living
Josiah Thayer
Norfolk ss:
Sworn to and subscribed on this 26th day of March 1846
Before me
Judson Stoddard Justice of the Peace
I further certify that the deponent is to me well known and is a credible witness
Judson Stoddard Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston March 30 th 1846,
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Judson Stoddard was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; 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 G. Parsons,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
Dec. 6. 1844.
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 Niles of Braintree is borne upon a Roll of Capt. Silas Wild in the 36 th Reg t of foot, 8 months service in 1775, as serg t . — from a memorandum on the roll, "encamped in fort N o . 7. October 6 th "; he is also on the Coat Roll of the same, dated Dec r . 17 th ; — Upon a Return of Capt n Elipha t . Sawin's Minute Comp y , Col. Benj a Lincoln, assembled April 19. 1775 — 8 days; — Upon a pay Roll of Capt n Seth Turner from Jan y 1. 1776, — 3 months 1 day as serg t ; — Upon a Return of Capt n Eliphalet Sawin, Col. Palmer, as private from June 14. 1776, 2 days, and 20 miles travel; — Upon an abstract of pay due to Capt n Joseph Towers' Comp y , Col. Benj a Gills Reg t , as Corporal from Aug. 15 to Dec r . 30, 1777, 3 months 15 days; — Upon an Abstract of Capt n Nath l Belcher's Comp y at Castle Island from Aug. 28 to Dec r . 1. 1779, — 3 months 4 days; — Upon an Abstract of
Serg t — 1775 8 mo 1776 3 — 1 d 11 mo 1 d Enlist 1776 3 mo 15 Pri 1775 8 d 1776 2 1779 3 mo 4 3 mo 14 Dr. Gunner 1780 6 mo 20

of pay due to a Company raised for the def e and Governor's Islands, under Capt n Lieut. William Burbeck, from Dec r 11. 1779, as 2 d Gunner - "discharged June 30. 1780" - 6 months, 20 days. — It further appears from a Return of men raised under a Resolve of Dec r 17. 1780 that he again enlisted March 24. 1781.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Palfrey; Secretary of the Commonwealth.
The service under Capt. South Bolsom, of 8 months 14 days from Aug. 28 th , 1779, was rendered as a Corporal.
John G. Palfrey.

Application of the Widow Olive Niles of the State of New Hampshire County of Grafton town of Orford
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office of the services of my late husband John Niles. He enlisted as I now think from the town of Randolph in the County of Norfolk in said Commonwealth of Massachusetts some time in the year 1781 for three years or during the War. but at what time in the year I cannot state nor the name of his officers but am sure he did so enlist and that he served for some length of time for he applied for and obtained a pension of Eighty dollars per annum under the Act of the 7th of June 1832 — We were married in the year seventeen hundred and eighty four or five. I am now in the eightieth year of my age and my memory does not enable me to state any thing further material to the search required. My husband the said John Niles, died in the month of March 1840 —
I have empowered Mr. Bryant of Meriden NH to act in the premises as my Attorney — Witness my hand this 29th day of February A.D. 1844
Signed in my presence by said Olive Niles
Olive her mark Niles
James Wentworth
Justice of the Peace

Duplicate.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
Dec. 6 1844.
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 Niles of Braintree is borne upon a Roll of Capt. Silas Wild in the 36 th Reg t of foot, 6 months service in 1775, as serg t , — from a memorandum on the roll, "in-camped in fort N o 7, Oct r 6 th ." — he is also on the Coat Roll of the same, dated Dec r 12 th , — Upon a Return of Capt n Eliph t Sawin's Minute Comp y , Col. Benj a Lincoln, assembled April 19. 1775 — 8 days; — Upon a pay Roll of Capt n Seth Turner from Jan y 1. 1776, — 3 months 1 day, as serg t ; — Upon a Return of Capt n Eliph t Sawin, Col. Palmer, as private from June 14. 1776, 2 days, and 20 miles travel; — Upon an Abstract of pay due to Capt n Joseph Tower's Comp y , Col. Benj a Gills' Reg t , as Corporal from Aug. 15 to Dec r 30. 1777 — 3 months 15 days; — Upon an Abstract of Capt n Nath l Belcher's Comp y at Castle Island from

from Aug. 28 to Dec. 1. 1779, — 3 months 4 days; — Upon an Abstract of pay due to a Company raised for the defence of Castle and Governor's Islands, under Capt: Lt William Burbeck, from Dec. 11. 1779 as 2 d Gunner, — "discharged June 30. 1780," 6 months 20 days; — It further appears from a Return of men raised under a Resolve of Dec. 17. 1780, that he again enlisted March 24. 1781.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sawyer, Secretary of the Commonwealth.
The service under Capt. Wash. Belcher, of 3 months 4 days from Aug 28 th 1779, was rendered as a Corporal.
John G. Sawyer.

Mrs Olive Niles of N. Hampshire—
Pending claims to increase of Pension
acts 7th June 1832 and 7th July 1838
Additional proof. age of John Niles re
to Mrs Bryant Agent Meriden N.H.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston December 5. 1845
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Jonathan Wild was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; 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 G. Palfrey; Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Judson Stockland of Braintree in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby certify that I am Town Clerk of said town and that upon application to me for evidence of the birth of John Miles formerly of this town a son of the late Nathaniel Miles I have made search and found on the Book of records of Marriages Births & Deaths the following entry
John Miles son of Nathaniel Miles & Mary his Wife was born September Eleventh Seventeen hundred and fifty nine
I Judson Stockland above named depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk of the Town of Braintree aforesaid in the County and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in faint illegible figures as follows
September 11. 1759,,
I further certify that I have carefully searched the records of said town of Braintree from the year 1750 to the year 1770. and that I can find the records of the birth of no other person by the name of John Miles
Judson Stockland Town Clerk Norfolk ss: December 5 th 1845. Sworn and subscribed by the said Judson Stockland
Before me, Jon d Wild } Just. Peace.

I, Jason Stoddard, depose and say that I am the Town Clerk of Braintree in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. That upon application to me for evidence that John Miles the husband of Olive Miles late of Bedford in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire deceased was the son of Nathaniel Miles a native born citizen of said Braintree and a former resident of said town and an actor in the Country service during several years of the war of the Revolution from the year 1775 to the year 1781 I have made search and find on the Book of Records of Marriages Births and Deaths in my custody the following entry. John Miles son of Nathaniel Miles and Mary his Wife was Born September Eleventh Seventeen hundred and fifty nine. The above is a true extract from the records with the exception of the date which is expressed thereon in semi legible figures as follows.
"September 11 th 1759."
That upon a further search for evidence that the said John Miles was a resident of said Braintree during the war of the Revolution and that he was engaged as a Non Commissioned Officer from the year 1775 to the year 1781 I have examined a Book in my possession entitled Braintree Records Selects Mens Book 1758 to 1796 and find under date of May 28 th 1778 as follows.
At a Meeting of the Selectmen an Order was drawn on the Treasurer to pay the following persons hereafter named the several sums set agt each of their names Vis.

Claims that Warfield with Maj. Pomeroy May 26th 1779 as Reimbursed to the Continental Army.
  Eleazer Dift 5.5.0 Benj Luddon 5.5.0 10.10.0   Samuel Clark 5.5.0 John Niles 5.5.0 10.10.0   Eleazer Beal 5.5.0 Isaac Beal 5.5.0 10.10.0   Abel Cheesman 5.5.0 Stephen Cheesman 5.5.0 10.10.0   Jacob Hoagland 5.5.0 Nathl Hoagland 5.5.0 10.10.0   Benj Luddon 5.5.0 Benj Nash 5.5.0 10.10.0   Benj Paine 5.5.0 Prince Pears 5.5.0 10.10.0   Isaac Spear 5.5.0 Simeon Spear 5.5.0 10.10.0   Calvin Thayer 5.5.0 Timothy Thayer 5.5.0 10.10.0   Nathl Thayer 5.5.0 Isaac Thayer 5.5.0 10.10.0   David Whitcomb 5.5.0 Isaac Niles 5.5.0 10.10.0   21.0.0   162.15.0 
Also an Order was drawn on the Treasurer to give security to John Niles for the sum of forty five pounds fifteen Shillings being money borrowed by the Selectmen for the use of said town to hire men into the Continental Army dated May 27. £41.16.0
On a further search I find on said Book under date of June 23 1778. that an order was drawn on the Treasurer to pay Capt Silas Milled Twenty five pounds Eight Shillings that being the amount of the Bill for exercising in February and March 1775. for Capt Thomas White's Company but no names are given. Neither have I been able to find any other Order drawn in favor of John Niles for Revolutionary services
I further depose and say that upon a careful examination of all the records in my possession I have been unable to find the names of John Niles other than above stated Jackson Sheldahl & Isaac Clark

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston March 30 th 1846
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Jonathan Wild was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; 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 D. Sleeper, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Norfolk ss.
Sworn to and subscribed on this 26 th day of March 1846
Before me
John L. D. } Justicia of the Peace
Justicia of the Peace

Wm Niles and Olive NFB pending Claims Act 7th June 1832 & 7th July 1838 Proof of a part of Wm Niles service and that part which is claimed for and Identity —
Judson Stoddard Dep o

Mr. Oliver Niles of N. Hampshire —
Pending claims to increase of Pension acts of the 7 th June 1832 & 7 th July 1832
Additional proof
Dear Bryant Agent Minden N.H.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston December 6. 1840
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Jonathan Wild was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; 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 G. Palfrey;
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Shadrach Shayer of Braintree in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts now in the 70 th year of my age, depose & say that I have always resided in this and the adjoining Town of Randolph which was formerly a part of said Braintree and that from my Childhood I was well acquainted with John Niles formerly of said Braintree till his removal to Oxford in the State of New Hampshire where I understand he died some few years since, He was the son of Nathaniel Niles with whom I was also well acquainted. The said John Niles was one of the number from this town who took an active part in the Revolutionary service of the Country, and was as I have always understood & do very believe one of the last three years men, having previously been engaged in several short tours of service, but to what amount or under what Officers I cannot state. I further depose & say that I also was acquainted with Olive Niles the wife of said John Niles and now his Widow of Oxford in the State of New Hampshire and that the said John Niles was the only person bearing that name to my knowledge either in said town of Braintree or Randolph. Shadrach Shayer
Norfolk Dec. 5 th 1845. Sworn & subscribed to
Before me
Jon d Luit d Just. Peace.
I further certify that the deposition is credible witness
Jon d Luit d Just. Peace.

8979
Oliver Niles
N.H.
act 7. July '38
m 84.0 40
Service 2 years satisfactory
adm?
2 yrs pri
$80.
also act 3 march 43
tc No act 43- 7921
No act 44- 687
H.H. Sylvester
Patent Office
Original

I Hannah S. Tuttle of Orford in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire aged 37. years Depose and say that I was present and witnessed the death of my Father John Niles late a Pensioner of the United States upon the Roll of the New Hampshire Agency which took place on the 18 th day of March 1840 leaving a widow by the name of Abigail Niles who is still his widow and a resident of my family
Hannah S. Tuttle
State of New Hampshire Grafton County ss.
Orford March 24. 1843
Sworn to and subscribed before me
D. C. Greenfield Justice of the Peace.

m.13.H -
Rev. War Section.
September 11, 1915.
Mrs. Bernice L. Underhill, 22 Round Hill, Northampton, Mass.
Madam:
In addition to the military history of John Niles, Wid. File No. 21,848, Revolutionary War, you are furnished the following data from the papers on file.
Children of John and Olive Niles.
Olley or Olive, born June 5, 1785. Sarah, - - - - " November 5, 1787, died December 11, 1829. Thedorah, - - - - " September 18, 1789. John, - - - - - " Apr. 8  August 3 , 1791, died November 14, 1819. Eunice, - - - - - " March 24, 1793. Polley, - - - - - " February 9, 1795, died August 8, 1796. Nath, - - - - - " November 30, 1796. Sam el - - - - - " August 22, 1798. Benjamin, - - - - " May 16, 1800. Mary, - - - - - " May 10, 1802, died June 13, 1825. Hannah Stores - " October 30, 180- (37 years in 1843,) married -- Tuttle.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.
County of Suffolk ss. On this nineteenth day of February 183 4 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Suffolk personally appeared John Niles — who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain J. Taylor & Captain Jackson in the 6th 10th Regiments commanded by Colonel Tupper in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New Hampshire from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State (District, or Territory,) of Massachusetts — where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Oxford in the State of New Hampshire to Boston, in the State of Massachusetts for the purpose of residing with one of his children living in said Boston — John Niles
Sworn and subscribed to, before me, } the day and year aforesaid. }
J. C. M. Willis. Justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk
☞ The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrate, whose official character and signature must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The county Clerk, Secretary of State, or some other officer, must certify, under his seal of office, that the officer who administered the oath is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, Mayor, Alderman, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine. ☞ The oath must be supported by the testimony of some respectable person, as to the Pensioner's identity. He must swear that the person who has taken the above oath is the person described in the affidavit. The Magistrate must certify, that the witness is a person of veracity; and the affidavit must also be authenticated in the manner above directed.

I Abraham A. Dame of Boston, in the County of Suffolk Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on oath depose & say that I am well acquainted John Niles, the signer of the within application, and that I know him to be the same person whose name is borne on the pension roll of the State of New Hampshire, and also that he the said John Niles is the that he same individual that subscribed the within petition, & took the oath as within stated.
Boston February 19. 1834
Abraham A. Dame
Sworn to - Before me
H. M. Willis
Justice of the Peace
Boston February 19. 1834
I herby certify that, Abraham A. Dame, the signer of the above affidavit, is a person of truth & veracity.
H. M. Willis, Jus. Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Suffolk ss.
I, Charles A. Parker, Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas, the same being a Court of Record in the County of Suffolk & State of Massachusetts, do certify that H. M. Willis Esq. is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Suffolk, duly commissioned & qualified, that his commission was dated on the 2nd. January 1833, & will expire on the 2nd. January, 1840. & that his signature above written is genuine. Given under my hand & the Seal of said Court this 19th. day of March. 1834
Chas. A. Parker, Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John Niles , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. W.F. 21.848.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     ✓ Apr 19, 1775 8 days. Sgt. Eliphalet Davenport. Benjamin Lincoln Mass.   ✓ Apr 28, 1775 8 mos. Sgt. Silas Wild.   ✓ Jan 1, 1776 3 mos 1 day Sgt. Seth Turner.   ✓ June 14, 1776 2 days. Pvt. Eliphalet Davenport. Joseph Palmer.   ✓ Aug 15, 1777 Nov 30, 1777 Cpl. Joseph Towers. Benjamin Hiss.   Aug 20, 1779 18 days. Cpl. Nathaniel Belcher.   Dec 11, 1779 June 30, 1780 Dt. Quarters Capt. Lt. M c Burch   ✓ Mch 24, 1781. June 23, 1783 Pvt. Taylor + Jackson Jasper.  
Battles engaged in, Nine stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Braintree, later called Randolph Mass. Norfolk Co.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 27, 1832. This claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Orford, Grafton Co. N.H.
Age at date of application, born Sept 11, 1759 in Braintree, Mass. son of Nathaniel
Remarks: who died in Dec 1817 aged 58 years, and Mary Niles.
Soldier married Oliver Niles, intention of marriage published in 1784, he died March 18, 1840 and she was allowed pension on an ap. executed Mch 24, 1843 while a resident of Orford, Grafton Co. N.H. aged 79 years.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Concord N.H. Nov 19 th 1844-
To the Hon. J. L. Calvanes Commr. of Pensions
Respectfully Represents Abigail Niles of Concord N.H. That she is the widow of the late John Niles who was at the time of his death a Revolutionary Pensioner upon the Roll of the New Hampshire Agency under the Act of the 7 th June 1832 at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum for whose service she had a pending claim at the Pension Office on the 30 th day of April 1844 - That since the death of her said Husband which took place on the 18 th of March 1840 - and since she made her Declaration on the 24 th day of March 1843 she has had reason to believe and has still believe that her said Husband was not allowed for the services he rendered as a non commission officer and which she thinks she shall be able to prove satisfactorily to wit eight months as a Sergeant in 1775 - two months or more as a sergeant in 1776 - three months or more as a Corporal in 1777 - six months or upward as a quarter Gunner in 1779 - and three months or upward as a Corporal in 1779 - that her Husband the said John Niles was a resident of Braintree Massachusetts when he entered the service believing as above stated that her husband was not allowed for his service as a non commission officer she has to request a reexamination in his case and that an increase or Arrears of Pension due on his claim may be granted to her for such balance as may be found due - and that the

case of my late husband the said John Niles may be further considered under the agency of H. H. Sylvester Esq of the City of Washington -
Witness - Elijah Tuttle Hannah D. Tuttle
Her Alvine J Niles mark

Olive Niles and Hannah S. Tuttle, Affidavits.
John Bryant Agent Mendon N.H.

I Oliver Niles of Orford in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire widow of the late Jason Niles and an applicant for a Pension for his services Depose and say that I was Married to the said Jason Niles at Massachusetts Straughton by the Rev Mr. Taft according to my best recollection and belief some time in the month of June sixteen hundred and eighty four - The only evidence of which that I am now able to produce is my late Husband family Record being a record that he kept of the births of our several children which I have this day taken from his family Bible and journals attached - Said Record of Births commencing with our first child Abby and ending with our last child Hannah I know to be in his own hand writing and since his death has remained in my possession.
her Oliver Niles mark
State of New Hampshire Grafton County ss.
Orford March 24. 1843. I swear to and subscribe before me
D. C. Churchill Justice of the Peace State of New Hampshire
Grafton County set. - I Nathan B Filton, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County & State aforesaid, do hereby certify that David C. Churchill is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the 21 st day of May A D 1839, & will expire on the 21 st day of May 1844; and that his two signatures above written (on this & the next preceding page of this sheet) are genuine - Given under my hand and the seal of said County this 25 th day of March A D 1843
N B Filton Clerk

Mrs Olive Niles No Declaration In the right of John Niles. Act of June 7th 1832
Mrs Phoebe Meriden N.H. and H.H. Sylvester Washington N.H.

State of New Hampshire } Grafton County } ss.
On this 24 th day of April 1845 personally appeared before me D. G. Wheeler a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said County Alice Niles a resident of Orford in said County aged 81 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 act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 in the right of her late husband John Niles who was entitled to the benefit of said act and who in his life time applied for and was granted a Pension at the rate of eighty dollars per annum being the pay of a private when at the same time he was entitled to a greater amount having served two years or more as a noncommissioned Officer as follows (to wit) eight months as a Sergeant in 1775 - Two months and twenty nine days as a Sergeant from January 1 st 1776 Three months and fifteen days as a Corporal from August 15 th 1777 - Six months and twenty days as quarter Gunner from December 14 th 1779 - Three months and four days as Corporal from August 28 th 1779 - for which several terms of service she in his right claims an increase to the amount which has heretofore been allowed and paid to her said husband, believing as she does that he at the time of making his Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of said act mistook his right by omitting to state and claim for his said services as a noncommissioned Officer - She further states that she is the widow of the said John Niles

who was a resident of said Oxford and to whom a Pension was granted as before stated. That she was married to the said John Niles in the year of nineteen hundred and eighty four that her said husband the aforesaid John Niles died on the eighteenth day of March eighteen hundred and forty - for proof of her said husband's services as a non commissioned Officer for which this claim is made she would respectfully refer to the certificate of the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts which has lately been obtained upon her application made for that purpose and forwarded to the Department by her agent in support of her claim under the act of 7 th July 1838 - and for proof of her marriage and the date of her husband's death she would also refer to the proofs in support of her claim under said act of July 7 th 1838 which are supposed to be on file in the War Department
Her
Oliver X Niles mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid - I further certify that by reason of bodily infirmity the said applicant cannot attend Court in consequence of general debility under which she has long suffered to my knowledge
D. G. Greenleaf J. G. G. Plead
I further certify that satisfactory evidence has this day been added to me that John Niles who was the husband of the above deponent Oliver Niles died on the eighteenth day of March eighteen hundred and forty leaving the said Oliver Niles as his widow and who is still his widow
D. G. Greenleaf J. G. G. Plead

State of New Hampshire
Grafton county, set.
I Nathan B. Felton, clerk
of the Court of Common Pleas of the county & State aforesaid, do hereby certify that David C. Churchill is an acting Judge of said Court in and for said county, duly commissioned & qualified; That his commission was dated, on the twenty fourth day of November AD 1834, and will expire on the 16 th day of December AD 1860, and that his two signatures above written, (on the last preceding page of this sheet) are genuine -
Given under my hand to the seal of said Court this 26 th day of April AD 1845 -
N B Felton clerk

Mrs Olive Niles of N.H. Renewed Declaration under the Resolution of the 23 rd Jan'y 1845-
John Phyum agent Minden N.H.

Renewed Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the resolution of Congress of the 23 d January 1845 and an increase of pension Whereas, the Act of April 1844 prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period during which my husband was a pensioner, I now make the following Statement under oath, to obtain the benefit of the Resolution, above mentioned, and an increase of my pension, I am the widow of John Niles who was a Massachusetts private and noncommissioned officer, in the War of the Revolution, - I am entitled to a Pension as I believe at a higher rate per annum than was granted me. from the 1 st day of March, 1836. to the 1 st day of March, 1841. and also from the 1 st day of March 1843 to the 1 st day of March 1848. I further state than on or about the 24 th day of March, 1843 I made a declaration, under the act of July 4. 1838 before D. C. Churchill one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Grafton State of New Hampshire, which declaration was forwarded and pending in the Pension Office on the 30 th of April 1844 and my claim has since been admitted, under said act and the subsequent acts at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum - At the time of making my said declaration, I was not aware that my husband, had rendered upwards of two years service as a noncommissioned officer, over and above his two years, or upwards, as a private, but have since ascertained to my satisfaction, that such was the fact. I do therefore in order to obtain an increase to the pensions that have been granted me under the several acts aforesaid, make this renewed declaration claiming an allowance for the following tours of service

rendered, by my husband, as a noncommissioned officer and which, as my belief is he omitted, to state at the time of making his declaration under the act of the 17 th June 1832 not being aware that the amount of his pension would thereby be increased, or that there was proof of the same in the State Department of Massachusetts to wit 8 months as a Sergeant in Capt Silas Wildas Company in 1775 - 3 months and 1 day a Sergeant in Capt Seth Turners Company from January 1 1776 - 8 months and 15 days as a Corporal in Capt Joseph Howers Company Col Gills Regt. ending December 30. 1777 - 3 months and 4 days as a Corporal in Capt Belches Company ending 1779 - 6 months and 20 days as Quarter Gunner under Captain Burbeck ending June 30. 1780. Upon a further consideration of my case. and this renewed claim I have to pray that reference may be had to the certificate of Hudson Stoddard Town Clerk of Braintree which I understood to have been furnished, dated December 5. 1845. also the deposition of Shadrach Shayer, of the same date - also the depositions of Josiah Shayer and Bryant Newcomb of subsequent dates, all in proof of the identity of my husband April 16 th 1847
Benjamin H. Wilds
Oliver her Miles mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Before me, Theodore D. Dune Justice of the Peace
I further certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the above Declaration.
Theodore Dune Justice of the Peace

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
Office of Secretary of State.
I, GEORGE G. FOGG, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Theodore Duns is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Grafton duly commissioned, qualified, and authorized to administer oaths, take acknowledgement of deeds, and other legal instruments. His commission was dated on the sixteenth day of June 1845 and will expire on the thirteenth day of June 1850 and his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine. Do
GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the State, this sixteenth day of April 1847
George G. Fogg
SECRETARY OF STATE.

Mrs Olive Niles renewed declaration
N 76. Act 7 th July 1838 ~
Mrs Bryant Meriden N 76 & H. H. Sylvester Washburne agent

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the resolution of Congress of the 23 rd January 1845
Whereas the Act of the 30 th of April 1844 prohibited me from drawing a Pension for the same period during which my husband was a Pensioner I now make the following statement under oath to obtain the benefits of the Resolution above mentioned. I am the Widow of John Niles who was a Private and non commissioned officer in the War of the Revolution. I am entitled to a Pension as I believe at the rate of ----- Dollars per annum from the 4 th day of March - 1836 to the 4 th day of March 1841 - And also from the 4 th day of March 1843 to the 4 th day of March 1848 provided I live so long and remain unmarried.
I further state that on or about the 24 th day of March 1843 I made a Declaration under the Act of 7 th July 1835 before the Hon. D. C. Churchill one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Grafton State of New Hampshire which Declaration was forwarded and pending on the 30 th of April 1844 and is still pending. At the time of making my said Declaration I was unable to particularize the several terms of service rendered by my husband John Niles but since that date I have made application to the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts and obtained record evidence which I suppose is now on file in the War Department and to which I would respectfully refer as the following services of my late husband and for which I now claim a Pension under the acts and Resolutions above named. (viz) Six days as a Private from June 14. 1776 - eight months as a Sergeant in 1775 - Two months and twenty nine

days as a Sergeant from January 1. 1776 - three months and fifteen days as a Corporal from August 15th 1777 - six months and twenty days as Quarter Master from December 11 th . 1779 - three months and four days as Corporal from August 28. 1779 - and two years as a Private from the 24 th day of March 1781. as to the death of my said husband the date and legality of my marriage to him I would respectfully refer to the evidence which I suppose to be on file at the War Department - in support of my pending claim under the act of 7. July 1838. and subsequent acts and Resolutions of Congress under which I claim - (to wit) the act of March 3 d . 1843. and June 17. 1844. and a Resolution of Congress of January 23 d . 1845.
Me Oliver X Miles mark
I sworn and subscribed before me on this 24 th day of April 1845. D. C. Churchill Justice of the Peace.
I certify that the subscriber is personally known to me and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit D. C. Churchill Justice of the Peace
State of New Hampshire
Grafton County set - I Nathan B. Felton clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County & State aforesaid, do hereby certify that David C. Churchill is an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said County, duly commissioned & qualified; that his commission was dated on the 20 th day of May A D 1844, & will expire on the 20 th day of May, 1849; & that his two signatures above written are genuine. Given under my hand & the seal of said Court this 26 th day of April A D 1845. N. B. Felton clerk

Olive Niles N.Y. Renewed Declaration det 7th July 1838
Mr Bryant Agent Meriden N.Y.

Renewed Declaration of Olive widow of John Niles In order to obtain the benefits of the Acts of Congress of the 7 th of July 1838. 3 d of March 1843 17 th of June 1844 and joint resolution of the 23 d of January 1845 and an increase of pensions under said Acts
State of New Hampshire } Grafton County ss } On this 10 th day of July 1845 personally appeared before D r Churchill a Justice of the Peace within and for said County Olive Niles a resident of Oxford in said County aged 81 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following renewed declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 March 3 d 1843 June 17 th 1844 and the joint resolution of January 23 d 1845 - That she is the widow of John Niles late a pensioner of the United States upon the roll of the New Hampshire Agency at the rate of Eighty dollars per Annum and that on or about the 24 th of March 1843 she made a Declaration before D r Churchill a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said County which was forwarded to the Pension Office and was then pending on the 30 th of April 1844 - That on the 24 th day of April 1845 before David C o Churchill a Justice of the Peace within and for said County she made a declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the joint- resolution of Congress of the 23 d of January 1845 in which last declara- tion she set forth that at the time of making her former declaration in March 1843 she was unable to particularise the several terms of service rendered by her husband but that since that day she had made application to the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts and obtained record evidence of the following services of John Niles her late husband for which she claimed an allowance and projected reference to said certificate then supposed to be on file in the Pension Office. viz Six days as a private from June 14 th 1776 - Eight Months as a Sergeant in 1775 - two Months and twenty nine days as a Sergeant from January 1 st 1776

Three Months and fifteen days as a Corporal from August 15 th 1777 Six Months and twenty days as quarter Gunner from December 11 th 1779 and Two Years as a Private from the 21 st day of March 1781
That for the Services of her husband the said John Viles as a Corporal Sergeant and Quarter Gunner she has not been allowed and this renewed declaration is made in order to claim an allowance for and an increase to the several pensions that were granted her on the 18 th of June 1845 under the several Acts and the resolution of said at the rate of Eighty dollars per Annum -
And in substantiation of this her claim to an increase of pension she prays that reference may be had to all the papers heretofore transmitted by her to the pension Office and one there as she presumes to be found on file
Her Alice X Viles mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above mentioned
D. C. Churchill Justice of the Peace
I further certify the Declarant is personally known to me and that she is the same individual who represents herself to be in the above declaration
D. C. Churchill Justice of the Peace
State of New Hampshire
Grafton County set - I Nathan Bretton, clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County & State aforesaid, do hereby certify that David C. Churchill is an acting justice of the Peace in & for said County & State, duly commissioned & qualified; that his commission was dated on the 20 th day of May A.D. 1844, & will expire on the 20 th day of May A.D. 1849, and that his two signatures above written are genuine.
Given under my hand & the seal of said Court this 11 th day of July A.D. 1845. N B Fotton clerk

Supplemental Declaration of Oliver Niles of N. H. in the right of John Niles. Act 7 th June 1832
John Bryant Agent Menden N. H.

Supplemental Declaration of Olive Niles in the right of her husband John Niles under the Act of June 7 th 1832
State of New Hampshire, Grafton County ss, On this 10 th day of July 1845 personally appeared before me De Churchill a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Grafton Olive Niles a resident of Orford in said County aged 81 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Supplementary Declaration in the right of her late husband John Niles in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 - That on the 24 th day of April 1845 before De Churchill a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Grafton in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 by way of an increase of the pension that was granted to John Niles under said Act of June 7 th 1832 that her said declaration was soon afterwards forwarded to the pension Office by John Bryant Esq her Agent when her claim for an increase of pension is still pending and that she makes this supplemental declaration for the purpose of still claiming as she then claimed for the following services of her late husband ascertained since his death to have been performed by him and for which as she believes he was not allowed an a settlement of his claim under said act. As wit - Eight Months as a Sergeant - in 1775 as shown by certificate of the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts also for further services so shown. Nine Months and twenty nine days as Sergeant from January 1 st 1776 - Three Months and fifteen days as a Corporal from August 15 th 1777 - Six Months and twenty days as a Leader Gunner from December 11 th 1779 - Three Months and four days as a Corporal from August 28 th 1779 for which several Terms of her husband's services she in

his right - under said Act of June 7 th 1832 she claims from the 14 th of March 1831 to the 18 th of March 1840 the day of his death from the amount of which to be deducted the pension that was granted to her husband under said act at the rate of Eighty dollars per Annum being for his service as a Private only. She also in like manner claims an increase to the pensions that have lately been granted to her as the widow of said John Viles under the several Acts of Congress of the 7 th of July 1838 March 3 rd 1843 June 17 th 1844 and the joint resolution of the 23 rd of January 1845.
Alice X Viles mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Before me
D. C. Churchill Justice of the Peace I certify that the above is personally known to me and that she is the same individual she represents her self to be in the above declaration.
D. C. Churchill Justice of the Peace
State of New Hampshire
Grafton County set.
I Nathan B. Felton, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County & State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that David C. Churchill is an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said County & State, duly commissioned & qualified; that his commission was dated on the 20 th day of May, A.D. 1844, & will expire on the 20 th day of May, A.D. 1849, & that his two signatures above written are genuine - Given under my hand & the seal of said Court this 11 th day of July 1845
N. B. Felton Clerk

Mrs Olive Niles N.H. renewed Declaration with right of John Niles Atch 7th June 1832
John Bryant Agent Mendocino N.H.

State of New Hampshire
Grafton County S.S.
On this 7 th day of April 1845 person- ally appeared before Theodore Dame a Justice of the Peace with- in and for said County Olive Niles, a resident of Orford in said County aged 83 years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make this second sup- plementary declaration, in the right of her late husband John Niles, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That She is the widow of John Niles who as she believes was entitled to the benefit of said act and who in his life time applied for and was granted a pension at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum being the pay of a private when at the same time he was entitled to a greater annual amount of pension, having served for the space of two years or more as a noncommissioned Officer as stated by her in a declaration made before the Hon D. C. Churchill a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said County on or about the 21 st of April 1845. and in a supplemental declaration made by her on the 10 th day of July 1845. That as her claim is still pending she now makes this second supplemental declaration, in the right of her husband, unsworn claiming for the following services which she believes to have been rendered by but not allowed him on a settlement of his claim to wit - 8 days as a private in April 1775 as a private in Captain Eliphalet Fauries Company Col. Lincoln's Regiment 8 months as a Sergeant in Capt. Elias Wilds Company of the 36 th Mass Regiment - 3 months and 1 day as Sergeant

from January 1. 1776 under  in Capt Seth Turner's Company - 2 days, under  in Captain Saurin's Co. Col Palmer, in June 1776 - 3 months 15 days as a Corporal from August 15 1776 in Capt Fowles Company Col Gills Regiment. 3 mos 20 days as a Corporal in Capt Belcher's Company at Castle Island, 6 months and 20 days as Quarter Gunner under Captain Lt William Rootbark from Dec 11. 1779. For the above named services she claims an allowance from the 11 th day of March, 1831 to the 18 th day of March, 1840 the day of her husband's death from the amount of which to be deducted the Pension that was granted him at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum. That she is aware that her husband, the said John Niles at the time of making his declaration for a pension under the act of the 7 th June 1832. did not name and claim for the several tours of service above named, and which were rendered by him as a Corporal, Sergeant, and Quarter Gunner, for the reason as her belief is, that he was not aware that there was evidence of the same in the State Department of Massachusetts, or that an allowance therefor under said Act would increase the annual amount of his pension.
Benjamin H C'Niles
Oliver her Niles mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year, above written
Before me Theodore Dames Justice of the Peace
I further certify that the declarant is personally known to me and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the above Declaration - Theodore Dames { Justice of the Peace

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
Office of Secretary of State.
I, GEORGE G. FOGG, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Theodore Dams is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Grafton duly commissioned, qualified, and authorized to administer oaths, take acknowledgement of deeds, and other legal instruments. His commission was dated on the Thirteenth day of June 1845- and will expire on the Thirteenth day of June 1850 and his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine. Do
GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the State, this sixteenth
day of April 1847
George G. Fogg
SECRETARY OF STATE.

Oliver  Kies
Ad 7018
admitted
J. E. Churchill Lynde MA

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled "An Act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. }
County of Grafton ss. }
ON THIS 4 th day of July 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Oliver Niles resident of Concord in the County of Grafton aged 84 years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War: That she is the Widow of John Niles who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution. That she drew a Pension under the Act of Congress passed 17 th June 1844 at the rate of eighty Dollars per annum on account of the services rendered by her said Husband John Niles
She further declares that she is still a widow. witness Sada W m Newcomb her Oliver Niles mark
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written—Before
D. C. Churchill Justice of the Peace.
I FURTHER CERTIFY, That the above Declarant is personally known to me.
D. C. Churchill Justice of the Peace.
State of New-Hampshire.
Grafton COUNTY, SS. I, Jonas D Sleeper
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that D. C. Churchill is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the twentieth day of May 1844 and will expire on the nineteenth day of May 1849 and that his signature above written are genuine.
Given under my hand, and the seal of said County, this Eighth day of July 1848
Jonas D. Sleeper CLERK.

Oliver Niles widow of John Niles a Mr. Claimant to increase of Pension Act 7th July 1838 and subsequent acts of Congress - Joint Resolution of March 3. 1837 &c. Renewed declaration

Increase of Pension.
State of New Hampshire
Grafton County, ss. On this 23 rd day of September 1851, personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Grafton, Olive Niles a resident of Orford in said County aged 86 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following unsworn declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed July 7. 1838, March 3. 1843, June 17. 1844, February 2 d 1848 and the Joint Resolution approved March 3. 1851, and an increase of the pensions that have heretofore been granted her under said Acts as a New Hampshire claimant, and the widow of John Niles. That her claims to increase have been long pending before the Department. That on or about the 5 th day of December 1849 before the Hon. D. C. Churchill a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said County she made a supplementary declaration in order to an increase of pensions under said first named and subsequent Acts. That she still claims an allowance for the service of her husband as a noncommissioned officer for which she then claimed and as shown by the Certificate of the Hon. J. G. Palfrey as Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts dated on or about the 19 th of May 1847 now supposed to be on file and to which she prays that reference may be had upon a further consideration of her said pending claim.
She also conformably to the rules and regulations approved by the Secretary of the Interior on the 18 th day of April 1851 on her oath further declares that she is directly interested in the claim newly asserted by her to increase

of Pensions Witness Theodore Darrin Elijah Tuttle
Oliver her X Niles mark
Sealed and subscribed to on the day and year aforesaid Before me Theodore Darrin Justice of the Peace
I know all men by these presents that I Oliver Niles of Orford in the County Grafton, State of New Hampshire widow of John Niles and a New Hampshire claimant to an increase of pension, for the service rendered by my husband as a Massachusetts noncommissioned officer in the War of the Revolution, do hereby constitute and appoint H. H. Sylvester of the City of Washington my true and lawful Agent for the pros- ecution of my claim to increase of pension this day newly asserted under the Act of the 7th July 1838 and subsequent Acts and the Joint Resolution approved March 3. 1851 and also in conformity with the Rules & regulations adopted on the 18th of April 1851.
Witness my hand and Seal this 23 rd day of September 1851.
Signed sealed and delivered in presence of Theodore Darrin Elijah Tuttle
Oliver her X Niles mark
State of New Hampshire
Grafton County ss. Be it known, That on the 23 day of Sep- tember 1851 before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer oaths personally appeared Oliver Niles above named and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney

to be her voluntary act and deed.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
Thomson Dunn
Justice of the Peace

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Secretary of State's Office.
~~~~~ I, JOHN L. HADLEY, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Theodore Dame is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Grafton duly commissioned and qualified, and duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths, take the acknowledgment of Deeds, &c. His Commission was dated on the 25th. day of June 1850, and will expire on the 25th. day of June 1855.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the State, this 29th. day of September 1851.
John L. Hadley , Secretary of State.

Oliver Niles in the right of her husband John Niles a N.H. Pensioner deceased Claim to increase Act of June 1832
In the last letter from the Office, it was only required to show that Mr Niles was living on Augt last. Nov 15 '51 H.H.S.
Mr Cole
French & Sylvester Nov 19, 1851

State of New Hampshire
Grafton County ss. On this 23 rd day of September 1851 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said County of Grafton personally appeared Olive Niles of Orford in said County aged 86 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following renewed declaration in order in the right of her late husband John Niles, to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832.
That she is the widow of John Niles who was a New Hampshire Pensioner of the United States under the said Act of the 7 th June 1832 and that she is the identical person who on or about the 24 th day of April 1845 before the Hon. D. C. Churchill one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for said County made a declaration claiming the benefit of said Act, and an increase of the Pension that was granted her husband John Niles, deceased which declaration she supposes to be on file in her suspended case at Washington and to which as it contained proof of the day of her husband's death and specified the service of her husband as a Noncommissioned Officer for which she then claimed and does hereby renewedly claim an allowance, she prays that reference may be had on a reexamination of the papers in her case. Also that her claim now hereby renewedly asserted in the right of her deceased husband may be taken up and considered in connection with her other claim this day renewedly made to an increase under the Act of the 7 th July 1838. and acts and

Joint Resolutions of Congress - She on oath further declares that she is directly interested in the aforesaid claim of hers to an increase of pension Witness Theodore Darn Elijah Tuttle Olive her Niles mark Sworn and subscribed to on the day and year aforesaid. Before me Theodore Darn a justice of the Peace
"Know all men by these Presents, That I Olive Niles the widow of John Niles a New Hampshire Pensioner of the United States under the act of the 7th June 1832 and a claimant in the right of her dec d husband to an increase of the Pension that was granted her said husband John Niles dec d do hereby constitute and appoint Henry H. Sylvester Esq of the City of Washington my true and lawful Agent for the prosecution of my said claim - Witness my hand and seal this 23 rd day of September 1851 signed sealed in presence of Elijah Tuttle Theodore Darn Olive her Niles mark
State of New Hampshire. Grafton County ss. Be it known that on the 23 rd day of September 1851 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Olive Niles above named, and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be her voluntary act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned. Theodore Darn Justice of the Peace

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Secretary of State's Office.
~~~~~ I, JOHN L. HADLEY, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Theodore Dame is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Crafton duly commissioned and qualified, and duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths, take the acknowledgment of Deeds, &c. His Commission was dated on the 25th. day of June 1850, and will expire on the 25th. day of June 1855.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the State, this 29th. day of September 1851.
John L. Hadley Secretary of State.

Oliver Niles gave widow of David Niles claim to increase in the right of her husband. Act of June 7. 1832 - Renewed declaration
No 4.
filed Febry 17. 1854
Evans & Hunt

State of New Hampshire
Grafton County ss. On this 22 d day of October A.D. 1853 personally appeared before me D. C. Churchill a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said County, Olive Niles a resident of Oxford in said County aged 88 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, took on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 in the right of her late husband John Niles who was entitled to the benefit of said Act, and who in his lifetime applied for and was granted a Pension at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum being the pay of a Private for two of the "three years service" rendered by him towards the latter part of the War in what was called the "three years service" which service as she has been informed he proved by Ziba Hargren, Samuel Belcher, Nathaniel French & Isaac Thayer, persons who served with him, when at the same time he was entitled to a greater amount having previously served for the space of two years or thereabouts as a noncommissioned officer, not at the time knowing as is presumed that there was evidence on the Rolls of any part of the service he had rendered nor being aware at the time of making his declaration that the annual amount of his Pension might have been increased had he claimed an allowance for all the service he as a resident of Braintree, had rendered the country service found upon an application of hers to the Secretary of Massachusetts in 1847 to have been as follows as per the certificate of said Secretary a copy of which that is, that part relating to service, is as follows:
"Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office Boston May 19. 1847.
I hereby certify that from an examination of the Books and

Documents relating to Military Service in the War of the Revolution which remain in this Department it appears that the name of John Niles is borne upon a return of Capt Eliphalet Sawin's Company in Col Benjamin Lincoln's Regiment assembled at Braintree April 19. 1775 as a Sergeant 8 days -
Upon a Muster Roll of Capt. Silas Wilds Company in the 36 Regt. of Foot 8 months service as a Sergeant of Braintree. Enlisted April 28. 1775. It is noted upon said Roll as follows viz. Army encamped in Fort No. 2 Oct. 6th
Upon an order of Capt Wilds Company for boats dated Dec. 12. 1775 -
Upon a Pay Roll of Capt Seth Turner's Company as a Sergeant of Braintree from January 1. 1776. 3 months and 1 day.
Upon a return of Capt Eliphalet Sawin's Company in Col Joseph Palmers Regt. assembled at Braintree June 14 1776 as a Private 2 days.
Upon an abstract of pay due Capt Joseph Powers Company in Col. Benjamin Gills Regt. as a Corporal from August to November 30. 1777. 3 months and 15 days -
Upon an abstract of Capt Nathaniel Welch's Company at Castle Island as a Corporal of Braintree from August 28. to September 13. 1779 with 1 day for travel 18 days.
Upon an abstract of pay due to Capt Lieutenant William Burbeck's Company at Castle Island as Q.M. Gunner from December 11. 1779. to June 30. 1780. 6 months and 20 days.
Upon a Return of men raised for three years from December 2. 1780 as a private of Braintree, enlisted March 24. 1781 - The certificate of the preceding service issued

December 6, 1844 contained an error in stating 3 Months and 4 days service in Capt. Belchers Company which Roll only shows 18 days."
That the Certificate aforesaid containing the evidence of her husbands service for which she hereby renewedly claims an allowance in his right is supposed to be on file in her own case or suspended claim to an increase of Pension this day renewed before said Justice Churchill.
She further declares that she is the Widow of the said John Niles who was a resident of said Orford and to whom a Pension was granted as before stated; that she was married to the said John Niles in the year seventeen hundred and eighty four; that her said husband the aforesaid John Niles died on the eighteenth day of March 1840. - For proof of her said husbands service as a noncommissioned officer for which this claim is renewedly made she would respectfully refer to the Certificate of the Secretary of the state of Massachusetts obtained upon her application made as aforesaid for that purpose and forwarded to the Department by her Agent in support of her claim under the act of 7th July 1838. And for proof of her marriage and the date of husbands death she would also refer to the proof in support of her claim under said act of July 7th 1838. which are supposed to be on file in the War Department
Oliver her Niles mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written Before me D. G. Churchill a Judge of the C. C. Pleas for the County of Franklin
I further certify that the declarant is personally known to me and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the above declaration and that she is unable to attend Court. D. G. Churchill. J. C. C. Pleas

State of New Hampshire.
Secretary's Office, Concord.
Nov. 15, 1853.
I hereby certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation David C. Churchill was a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Grafton
in the said State, duly commissioned and qualified; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the State, the date above written.
John L. Badley Secretary of State.

Power of Attorney
filed, 17 th Febry 1854,
No 5.
Evans & Hunt

Increase of Pension.
I now all men by these presents, that I Olive Niles of Orford in the County of Grafton, State of New Hampshire, Widow of John Niles who in Revolutionary times was a resident of Braintree Massachusetts and a claimant to an increase of Pensions in my own right for the service rendered by my husband as a Massachusetts noncommissioned officer in the War of the Revolution, do hereby constitute and appoint Evans D. Farn of the City of Washington my true and lawful Agents for the prosecution of my claim to such increase of Pensions this day newly asserted before the Hon. D. C. Churchill a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for said County under the Act of the 7th July 1838 and subsequent Acts and the joint Resolution approved March 3. 1851, instead of H. H. Sylvester who I empowered for said purpose on the 23 d day of September 1851, praying that reference may be had to the declaration then made which is supposed to be on file in the Pension Office and to which the said power is subjoined - Also such prosecuting Agents for me in the right of my husband John Niles under the Act of June 7. 1832
Witness my hand and seal this 22 d day of October 1853
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of D. C. Churchill Hannah S. Tuttle
Olive her X Niles mark
State of New Hampshire
Grafton County ss. Be it known that on the 22 d day of October 1853 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer oaths personally appeared Olive Niles above named and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her voluntary act and deed - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year above mentioned
D. C. Churchill Justice of the Peace

April 23. 1844 Atherton Wales Deposition to be used in the case of Mrs. Niles vs. N. Hampshire Act July 7. 1838
Proof of the marriage of Mrs. Niles a N. H. applicant act 7 th July, 38
John Bryant Agent Meriden. N.H.
H. H. Clark

I Atherton Wales of Lyne in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire aged 76 years last January Depose and say that Olive Niles the widow of John Niles late of Orford in said County deceased is my sister I further say that my said sister was married to the said John Niles at my Fathers in Houghton Massachusetts in the fore part of the year Seventeen hundred and eighty five the Rev Mr Taft of Houghton Solemnized the marriage I do not distinctly recollect the par- ticular month or the day of the month but I recollect the year and I also recollect that it was but three or four months before her first child (Alley) was born - it was a subject of remark that the said Olive was pregnant at the time of her marriage - I was then living at my Fathers in said Houghton and was present at the marriage of my said sister to the said John Niles -
Atherton Wales
State of New Hampshire Grafton County ss. Lyne November 28 th 1843. - Subscribed and sworn to before me, I further testify that I have been personally acquainted with the said Atherton Wales for twenty five years last past he is a for respectable person a member of the Congregational Church in Lyne in regular standing and a credible witness D. G. Churchill Justice of the Peace,

State of New Hampshire Grafton County set -
I Nathan B. Felton, clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that David C. Churchill is an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said County of Grafton, duly commissioned & qualified; that his commission was dated on the 19 th day  before twenty first day of May, A.D. 1839, & will expire on the twenty first day of May, A.D. 1844; and that his signature above (attains) written is genuine.
Given under my hand & the seal of said County this 29 th day of November A.D. 1843
N B Felton Clerk

Oliver Niles N.H. orders of John Niles - pending claim to increase of Pension
Atherton Wales Dep o
(Date Dec 7. 1869)

I Atherton Wales of Syme in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire aged nearly 83 years. Depose and say that I have seen the declaration of Olive Niles of Oxford in said County Widow of John Niles late of said Oxford deceased which was made before De John Niles a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said County on the 5 th day of December 1849. Wherein she claims an increase of Pension for the services of said John Niles as a noncommissioned Officer. To wit, 8 days as Sergeant in Capt Sawins Company 6 th Lincoln Reg t April 1775. 8 months service as Sergeant in Capt Silas Wilds Company in the 36 Reg t of Foot. into which he enlisted 28 th April 1775. 3 Months and one day as a Sergeant in Capt Seth Turner's Company from January 1 1776. 3 months and 15 days from August to Nov 30 1777 - as Corporal in Capt Joseph Turner's Company 6 th Benj in Gill's Reg t . 18 days as Corporal in Capt Nathaniel Belcher's Company ending Sept r 13 1779. Six months and twenty days as a quarter Gunner in Capt Lieutenant William Burbeck's Company ending June 30 th 1780. which several tours of Service I fully believe to have been performed by John Niles late the husband of the said Olive Niles.
The reason why I do so believe is because I was a native of Stoughton and resided with my parents in the easterly part of said Stoughton adjoining that part of Braintree which composed the South Parish of said Braintree, wherein the said John Niles resided.

Grafton County Ss. State of New Hampshire
I D. Sleeper. Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County hereby certify that D.C. Churchill Jr. is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County duly commissioned & qualified that his commission bears date May 24 th A.D. 1849 & will expire May 24 th A.D. 1854 -
I further certify that the within signature purporting to be the said D.C. Churchill Jr. is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 17 th day of December A.D. 1849
D. Sleeper Clerk

John Nides
Map to
to
N. H.

County of Merrimack Ys. State of New Hampshire
On this Sixteenth day of July 1836, before the subscribers, a Notary Public in and for the State aforesaid, personally appeared John Niles, who, on his oath declares, that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Taylor in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Tupper in the service of the United States — that his name was originally placed on the Pension Roll of the State of New Hampshire and subsequently transferred to that of Massachusetts, that he has lately removed to Concord in the State of New Hampshire where he intends to reside, and wishes his pension to be there payable in future — that his reason for removing to Concord in New Hampshire is, that his son resides in that place & he expects to remain with him —
John Niles
State of New Hampshire —
Merrimack Ys. Be it known that on the day above written, before me, Joseph Low, Notary Public, in and for the State aforesaid, personally appeared John Niles and subscribed the foregoing affidavit and thereupon made oath that the same is just and true.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal at Concord, in the State & County aforesaid, the day & year above mentioned.
Joseph Low Notary Public

I Joseph C a West of Concord, County of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire, hereby testify that I am well acquainted with John Stiles of Concord aforesaid and know him to be the same person de- scribed in the foregoing affidavit.
Joseph C a West
State of New Hampshire
Merrimack ss. Be it known, that, on the _____ day of July 1836 before me, Joseph Law, Notary Public in and for the State aforesaid, personally appeared Joseph C a West, who is a credible witness and subscribed the foregoing affidavit & thereupon made oaths that the same is just & true.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my notarial seal at Concord in the State & County above named the day & year before mentioned.
Joseph Law Notary Public