Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1640, for William Parker, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Hass.
Parker, W. H. Sarah
NUMBER _____
Ph. 1640
B.L. Nr. 9058-160-55
CONTENTS

21 3 22 Massachusetts
William Barker
of Middlesex in the State of Mass
was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Ford of the Infy commanded by Col. Brook in the Massa line for 12 months .
Recd by Genl
Entered on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 40 - Dollars  Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of Sept 1833 and sent Clara Fiske Esq Cambridge Mass
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 $ 100.00
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 34  20.00
$120.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. H. Nelson Clerk, Book E Vol. 2 Page 65
Lt Isaac Fiske No 26 1839 - t
Pen. Agents - Susp
See letter to Joshua Prescott 31 March 1840. And another to the same 2 nd Dec 1840.
letter to E. Clarke. 14 Aug 1841
let to Hon. W. Parmachooz Jan'y 30 th
" " Same February 1. 1843.
" " Same July 22 nd 1843
" " E. Clark. Oct. 14. 43
Paper Copied & sent to Hon William Stroy H. R. 10 th March 1848.

Reported
ex W.S. &
652 Massachusetts
Sarah Parker widow of William Parker
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private Mass Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848 13 th
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of August 50 and sent to
Elijah Clark Brighton Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 26/1848, Page 44 Vol. 1
July A

13.137 Set Mech 3/57 Shl. 16/57
Sarah Packer, wife of William Packer, Remarried Rev. War
Capt. M ap Hills Col 3/55 M ap Hills
Ent. 0 day of Dis 0 day of Rev. Revolution Now to Museum of the Old States, Dep. July 48-632
abt 160 A.C. 228/55, Troytown Boughton
Vol P. page 5.
116/57 Alex Ray atty. Present

W m Parker
26169
Plants in Mr. Leaph Ford's County book Books: Pest-Maps
Isaac Perle Esq. East Cambridge Mass

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS: COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, ss.
On this fifth — day of September A. D. 1832, personally appeared in open court, before the HONORABLE SAMUEL P. P. FAY, Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Middlesex aforesaid, now sitting, William Parker , a resident of Reading , in the County of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, aged 72 years, the 5 th day of September who being first duly sworn according to law doth, on his oath, make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832:
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated:
in November 1777 he enlisted in Reading & marched to Cambridge where he served in the company commanded by Captain Ford & in Colonel Brooks Regiment as a private soldier five months: in May 1778 he enlisted in Reading in the company commanded by Nathan Sergeant & marched to Winter Hill in Charlestown where he served six months as a private soldier: in June 1779 he enlisted in Reading & marched to Boston where he served in Nathan Sergeant's company being employed in guarding stores one month as a private soldier: making in all twelve months service.
5 6 12

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. William Parker
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
J. P. Fay
JUDGE OF PROBATE.
We, Reuben Emerson — a clergyman, residing in South Reading aforesaid, and John Hart — Esquire a magistrate, residing in South Reading aforesaid, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Parker who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 72 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
John Hart
Reuben Emerson.
Subscribed and sworn to before
J. P. Fay
Hart

And the said Court hereby declares its opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that Reuben Emerson who has signed the preceding Certificate, is a Clergyman resident in South Reading and that the said John Hart who has also signed the same is a Magistrate resident at South Reading and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
J. P. Fay  J. Brod
I, ISAAC FISKE , Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Middlesex aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Parker for a pension.
WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this
fifth
day
September
A. D. 1832.
Isaac Fiske Reg

Reading (Aug 7. 1832)
This certifies to whom it may concern that the following is a copy from the Records of the Town of Reading viz,
" William the son of Jonah Parker and Mary his wife was born April 3 d 1760, attest Daniel Pratt Jr. Clerk of the Town of Reading.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Middlesex ss.
On this fourteenth day of June eighteen hundred and fifty, personally appeared before the Hon. Samuel P. P. Fay, Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Middlesex, and Commonwealth aforesaid, Sarah Parker, a resident of Reading in said County of Middlesex, aged eighty six 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 July 7 th 1838, an Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows, which claim she makes agreeable to the Act of Congress passed July 1 st 1848.
She also, claims a Pension, under the Acts of Congress passed March 3 rd 1843, and June 17 th 1844, also, under the Act of February, 2 nd 1848, continuing the pensions of certain widows. That she is the widow of William Parker, who was a native of said town of Reading, and that in the first of November 1777, he engaged and rendered five months service at Longbridge, or on Prospect Hill as one of the Grenadiers in Capt. Ladd's Plunder Party, Company in Col. Hovey's Brooks Regiment, and that in the month of April or May 1778, he again engaged and rendered six months service in Capt. Sargents or Capt. Richardsons, Guard on Winter Hill in Charleston in Col. Gerrish Regiment, and that in the year of 1779, he rendered one months service Guard of Stores in Boston in Capt. Sargents Company, and that the said William Parker, was placed on the Pension Roll of the United States.

Under the Law of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. at the rate of Forty Dollars per annum. and was paid at the Agency for paying Pensions in Boston in the State of Massachusetts. She therefore claims a pension agreeable to the aforesaid Act of Congress of July 1 st 1848. as above stated. She further declares. That she was Married to the said William Parker. on the twenty first day of August. in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty three. by the Rev d Caleb Prentiss Pastor of a Church & Society in said Reading. That her husband the aforesaid William Parker. died in said town of Reading on the thirteenth day of May in the year eighteen hundred and fifty. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service. but the Marriage took place previous to the first day of January. Seventeen hundred and ninety four. viz t at the time above stated.
Sarah Parker
Personally appeared Sarah Parker & subscribed her name in my presence & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration according to the best of her knowledge & belief, on the day & year first above written - at her residence in Reading - she being from age & infirmity unable to attend in open court
J. P. P. Ray Prob te for P. Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Middlesex Addison County ss. I Isaac N. Dike Register of the Court of Probate and for the County of Middlesex aforesaid hereby certify that the Hon ble J. P. P. Ray whose own proper signature is above written is the Judge of said Court of Probate. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this fifteenth day of June A.D. 1850 Isaac N. Dike Reg r

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, June 14 th 1850.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Elijah Clarke was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex,
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.
C. B. Callahan
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Extracts from the Records of the Town of Reading County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
" Seventeen hundred eighty three August twenty first. William Parker & Sarah Darnon both of Reading were married by Caleb Prentiss clerk "
I hereby certify that the above is a true extract from the original records of Marriages with the exception of the date, which is expressed in fair legible figures as follows
" 1783
Aug. 21. "
Daniel Pratt Jr Town Clerk of Reading
I, Daniel Pratt Jr., above named Depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town of Reading County of Middlesex and Commonwealth aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town with the exception as above certified by me
Daniel Pratt Jr Town Clerk of Reading Middlesex. ss.
Sworn to on the tenth day of May A.D. 1850.
Before me, Elijah Clark, Justice of the Peace

73.137 Sarah Parker
July 29/48
Also. Ray

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Middlesex..ss..
On this seventh day of April A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county of Middlesex, and State aforesaid, Sarah Parker, aged ninety one 15 years, a resident of Reading in the State of Massachusetts, who, being duly sworn according to law, declared that she is the widow of William Parker, deceased, who was a private in Turner's Mass. Horse of Berne in the War of the Revolution, and was enrolled on the Pension list of the State of Massachusetts for forty dollars per annum under the act of June 7, 1832, that she is in receipt of a pension of forty dollars per annum under the act of July 29, 1838, and for proof of her marriage to the said William Parker, she refers to her papers on file in the Pension office in Washington city D.C., also for proof of his death, that her name before her said marriage was Sarah Doman and that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may may be entitled under the act approved March 3, 1835, and she hereby constitutes and appoints Henry Rugey of Washington city D.C., her true and lawful attorney to prosecute this her claim.
Sarah Parker

We Daniel Nichols and Levina P Nichols residents of Reading, in the State of Massachusetts, Upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Sarah Parker, in our presence, and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Daniel Nichols
Levina P Nichols
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Before Me, Elijah Clark, Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Middlesex,

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, April 9, 1835
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed,
Elijah Clark was a justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex
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.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Rev War
WIDOW, &c.
File No.
1640
Sarah Parke,
Widow.
William Parke
Paris. Rev. War
Act: July 29. 1848.
Index: —Vol.
M.
, Page
108
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No. 73137
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Apr. 16, 1855
William Parker Rev. War
Warrant 9058-18-55
Chp. Ray Present

Let. to Hon. W. Parmenter. Aug. 16. 1844.
taken from the box to Col. J. M. Ward 48

No 14.155. Sarah Parker widow of William Maparts, Resided See list 2 nd Feb 50 R - D. P. King,
At 7 Feb 1858

740
Sarah Parker widow of William Massachusetts Middlesex Co.
admitted
P. 740 p on 13 May 1850,
At 29 July 1858.
Elijah Clarke Brighton Mass

The act 29 th July, 48. page 5
Boston,

Brighton Dec. 12 th 1842.
Dear Sir,
I have recently received a letter from Mr William Parker of Reading, a Soldier of the Revolution, which is herewith enclosed, asking my aid and assistance to what he claims his just due for services in the Revolution, Presuming he has been negligent as to making proof of his service, I herewith wish to enquire his situation as to his pension which has been discontinued, also for what service he formally made claims for his pension, which was allowed to him at the rate of forty dollars per annum. Will you please to give me an answer on this case,
Very Respectfully Chas. S. D. Elijah Clark
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions At Washington, D. C.

Reading Dec r 7 - 1842
Mr Clark Sir, if it will not be to much trouble to you, i wish to state to you that I formerly received a Pension under the act of 1832 for services which I rendered in the Revolution War, and received forty Dollars a year, and about three years ago my pension was stop't for the want of some evidence, or some law unknown to me; I employed Joshua Preset Esq r of this town to aid and assist me, in order to receive my just Due, and i am not able to learn from him as he has done any thing to my satisfaction - now Sir can you aid and assist me to what I consider my just Due for my services Respect d Yours
William Parker

Washington Febr. 1. 1843
Sir
I return you of 30th ulto which does not ap- pear to me to apply to the case referred to by Mr Clark & there is probably some mistake in copying the letter enclosed in yours
Respectfully
Yours Respectfully
Wm Lloyd
James L. Edwards Esq
Commr of Pensions

H. of Reps
Washington June 19. 50
In, I have the honor to enclose the papers of Wid- ow Sarah Parker establish- ing her claim for a pension, and ask that the certificate may be forwarded to me
Yr Obedt Servt
Dan'l P. King
Col Edwards Com. Pensions Washington -

Payments to be made at Boston Mass - by Mr. Just of N. S. & D. M. K. Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Mass
8213 former No. 1640 19.973 26846 Mc
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E Vol. D Page 65 by N. H. Hudson Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
C 21,322 Boston a general
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, William Parker of the State of Massachusetts who was a Private in the army of the Revolution
is entitled to receive — Forty — dollars and cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every y
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 21st day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty- three
Lewis Cass Secretary of War.
20/502 no c n o
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

T. Timothy Wakefield of Reading, in the County of Middlesex, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, eighty seven years of age. A Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States. Do Testify and say that in the last of the winter of 1778, I engaged and rendered a term of service on Bunker Hill in Charlestown, in Capt. Jesse Wyman's Company, in Col. Gerrish's Regiment. When my time expired which was in April or May 1778, a part of the said Capt. Jesse Wyman's Company enlisted, and joined Capt. Sargeant's Company of Guard, on Winter Hill. Joseph Parker our orderly Sargeant was one of the number. The said Joseph Parker belonged to Reading. I was then informed that the said Capt. Sargeant's Company was to serve six months, being in 1778. There was a William Parker of Reading, son of Jonas Parker who I was at that time, in Samuel joined Capt. Sargeant's Company of Guard on Winter Hill and as I was informed served the six months in 1778 in the same Company in which Joseph Parker was orderly Sargeant. The said William Parker has formerly stated to me that he served six months as a Guard of Houson's Troops on Winter Hill, in Capt. Sargeant's Company in 1778, and I have no doubt nor any reason to doubt, but what the said William Parker rendered the six months service, and sincerely believe the same to be true. At the time of the Revolutionary War, Jonas Parker, father of the said William Parker was alive, and I am fully satisfied that Jonas Parker was at home the summer of 1778 which was the summer after I rendered the service on Bunker Hill in Capt. Wyman's Company and that the said Jonas Parker did attend constantly the same church, on the Sabbath which I attended, and that the said Jonas Parker there took the lead in our choir of

Singing, in consequence of which it is perfectly clear to my recollections that he could not have been in the service. The summer season of 1778, said Jonas Parker, and his family were at that time considered to be in good standing as for character in society, and the aforesaid William Parker who now resides in this town, has ever since, & still sustains a character worthy of full confidence,
Timothy Wakefield
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss. Reading October, 24 th 1843 The personally appeared Timothy Wakefield and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true, and I certify that he is a credible witness and is reputed to be a person of unquestionable veracity, Before Me, Elijah Clark, justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston October 25 th 1843—
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Elijah Clark was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Isaac A. Dole
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

T. Jerusha Parker of Reading in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, seventy eight years of age. Depose and say that in the early part of my life I resided within a half mile of Jonas Parkers in said town of Reading. That I recollect well the Revolutionary War, and that there were prisoners of War, at Cambridge, and Winter Hill. I also recollect that it was stated that Mr Jonas Parker engaged to do a tour of service, and that he sent his son William Parker to do the service for him. His son the said William Parker is now living within a quarter of one mile from this my place of residence, at the time there were prisoners of war on Winter Hill. I think Mr Jonas Parker aforesaid was the leader in the first church in this place, which church I attended, and I have no recollections of the said Jonas Parker being absent at that time, or at any other time, except once when he went in the service a short time in the State of Rhode Island, at which time my deceased husband Aaron Parker went with him,
Jerusha Parker.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss. Reheard October 24 th 1843 Then personally appeared Jerusha Parker and made oath that the above affidavit by her subscribed is true, and I certify that she is a person of sound mind and a credible witness,
Before Me. Elijah Clark, Justice of the Peace,

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Nov 15 1843
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 W m Parker is borne upon the Muster Rolls of Capt. Cathallada's Inf ty . Col t Brooks, from Nov 4. 1777 to April 3. 1778 "A most 30 days."
There are no rolls of Capt. Nathan Sargent, prior to July 2. 1778. and the name of W m Parker is not borne upon the roll of said Sargent sub from July 2. 1778 to Dec 14. The Lieutenant's names do not appear upon the said roll. But, the names of Joseph Parker Sargeant, and Capt. Parker prints are borne upon it.
The roll of Capt. Nathan Sargent's Company of Guard, in and about Boston for the year 1779 does not bear the name of W m Parker, but the name of Aaron Parker is borne upon said roll from March 10 to June 14.

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 which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Mo: A. Boles
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I, William Parker of Reading in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, eighty three years of age, on oath do testify and say that I rendered twelve months service in the War of the Revolution, which was as follows. In the first part of November 1777, I engaged my father's orders, and joined Capt. Loasader Howe's company in Col. Brooks Regt. Guard of Brandywine's Camp at Cambridge, and served until the first part of April 1778, being five months service. I then returned home to my father in Reading, and in a few days my father came home, one day from a Town, or Committee Meeting, and stated to me, that I must go in the service again, and on the day following or the day but one following, I repaired to Miller's Hill in Chelmsford, and joined Capt. Sargent's company of Guards. The said Capt. Sargent belonged to Malden, in Middlesex County, a Mr. Marden of Wilmington was a lieu- tenant, and a Mr. Abbott of Sudbury was Ensign. Joseph Barker of this town was the orderly sergeant of Capt. Sargent's com- pany, and while in this service which was six months I was detached & guarded some of the troops to Rutland & some to Unfield in the State Connecticut and at the last part of the war, when there, I was in a detachment of Guards of troops to Greenage in the State of Rhode Island in a company commanded by a Capt. Doby, as I think his name was, and while I was in this service I answered the Roll calling, to my own name, and always expected that my name was on Capt. Sargent's Roll, as it was called, but I never received a cent pay for this service of six months, or for the five months in Capt. Howe's company, as I was then under age, and my father Jonas Parker received the pay, and as I then supposed and have always believed, gave his receipt to the Captain or to the person who paid him for the service which I rendered agreeable to his orders. On the Spring of 1779,

My Brother Aaron Parker engaged in a tour of service Guards of Artillery in Boston, and I went and rendered the service for him which was one month in a company which I think was commanded by the same Capt Sargent of Malden When I first obtained my pension Bill Russell of Biloxi Testified to my being in this service, and Mr Randall who then aided me to my pension, informed me that there was no necessity for any more evidence, and that it was not necessary to prove for the my service in Capt Sargent's company on Winter Hill in 1778. additional evidence As no evidence was obtained, and since my pension has been stopped there is no person living that was in the company with me that can testify to my rendering that service and I now further appeal for the proof of my service in Capt Sargent's company in 1778, and whether the name of Jonas Parker, or my own name is on the roll. It is the same service which I rendered, and the same service which my said father received the pay for. The one month service which I rendered in Boston Guards of Artillery I received the pay for that it being the only pay for service I rendered out of the twelve months service
William Parker
Middlesex, ss. Reading Oct. 24 th A.D. 1845
Then personally appeared William Parker and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him above subscribed all entailing was made previous to signing & making oath
Before me Elijah Clarke, Just of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex County, ss.
I Isaac Burke Overseer of the Poor of Middlesex in and for said County of Middlesex hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that William Parker who was formerly a Pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of June 7, 1832 at the rate of forty dollars per annum was a resident of Reading in said County of Middlesex & died at said Reading on the nineteenth day of May in the year Eighteen hundred & fifty, & that he left a widow whose name is Sarah Parker, who is still living & remains his widow.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fifteenth day of June A D 1850 Isaac Burke By of T. W.

Benjamin Damon Depo. for William Parker

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, December 18 th 1832.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that William Parker has served under the following
   Officers Vir d Term of Service Where Stationed   Captains Colonels When Entered Service claimed m o Days Rolls found m o days Rolls not found m o days       W m Ford Read Sept 27 1777 2 13 2 13 with army reinforce.   Cad t Ford. Brooks Nov 4, d o 4 30 4 30 Cambridge   Nath l Sargent. " May 1778 6 " 6 0   Sam l Sargent. " May 1779 1 " 1 "   Col. (Parker) Heath June 1, 1779 0 2 " " " "   12 03 4 30 7 0  
Whole time of service found on Rolls is Six months and thirteen days.
Edward D Bangs. Secy

Nathaniel Cowdry of South Reading in the County of Middlesex Commonwealth of Massachusetts of the age of seventy years on oath depose and say that some time in the month of May 1778 I enlisted in Reading in the company commanded by Nathan Sergeant & that William Parker enlisted then & there in the same company, that we marched to Winter Hill where we were employed in guarding Prisoners & the said Parker served in that company six months. Nath! Cowdry
Middlesex p. August 30. 1832 Then the above named Nathaniel Cowdry a credible & disinterested witness personally appeared before me and made oath that the above written deposition by him subscribed is true. and he is a disinterested and entitled witness John Hart Justin - Prong
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex p. I Isaac Fisher Mynde of the County of Middlesex ss and for said county of Middlesex hereby certify that John Hart where given under signature is set to the above certificate, & that Joshua Russell whose own proper signature is set to the certificate on the deposition of Benjamin Daman hereto annexed are Justices of the Peace within said County of Middlesex.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 10th day of September A.D. 1832 Isaac Fisher Mynde
3 - see on the other side of this leaf John Hart's certificate for Nathaniel Cowdry's credibility. John Hart Justin - Prong

and I further certify that the aforementioned Nathan Crawford is a credible person and that his testimony is worthy of full credit

I Bill Ruspel of Woburn in the County Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of the age of sixty nine years on oath depose & say that in the months of May & June 1779 I enlisted in the company of Nathan Sergeant & served in Boston two months in said company & that I was well acquainted with William Parker - of Reading & that he served there in that company one month of that time.
Bill Ruspel Middlesex ss Sept. 5. 1872. Then the above Bill Ruspel personally appeared & made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true.
John Ward Justin - Clerk
And I further certify that the said Bill Russell is a credible witness and that his testimony is worthy of full credit
John Ward

2. 91 Benjamin Damon formerly of Reading in the County of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts but now living in Amherst in the County of Hills- borough and State of New Hampshire here do depose and say that I enlisted into the Company commanded by Capt. Frost, & in Col. Brooks Regiment as a private in said Company and which was stationed in Cambridge in said County of Middlesex and there did duty in guarding the British Prisoners, from November to April 1777. till sometime in April following. at which time the term of our enlistment which I believe was five months expired. and I well remember that William Parker of the same Reading was in the same company with me and was my bedfellow. and did duty there during said term. August. 19. 1832. Benja Damon
State of Massachusetts County of Middlesex ss
On this fifteenth day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared the above named Ben- jamin Damon a credible & disinterested witness and made oath that the facts stated in the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed were true.
Before me Joshua Prescott Jus. Peace.
I further certify that the aforesaid Benjamin Damon is a credible man and that his testi- mony is worthy of full credit.
Joshua Prescott Jus. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, July 6 th 1850.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Elijah Clarke was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex,
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.
M. Calhoun
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

She further declares. That she was Married to said William Parker on the Twenty first day of August, in the year seventeen hundred and eighty three, by the Revd. Caleb Prentiss, Pastor of the Church & Society in said Reading. That her husband the aforesaid William Parker, died in said town of Reading on the thirty first day of May, eighteen hundred and fifty, that she was not Married to him prior to his leaving the service, but that the Marriage took place previous to the first day of January, eighteen hundred, viz. at the time above stated. She further swears that she is now a widow, and that she has recently before this date, made application for a pension under the act of July, 7, 1838, agreeable to the act of July, 1 st 1838, to which documents she refers for proof, in support of this claim.
Sarah Parker
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. Before me, Elizah Clark, Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Middlesex ss.
On this Sixth - Day of July, Eighteen hundred and and fifty, Personally appeared before Elijah Clark, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Middlesex & State aforesaid. Sarah Parker, a resident of Reading in said County of Middlesex, eighty five years of age, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Provisions made by the Acts of Congress, passed July, 29 th 1838, agreeable to the Act of Congress of July, 1 st 1838, for the benefits of the widows of Revolutionary Officers & Soldiers.
That she is the widow of William Parker, who was a native of said Town of Reading, and that on the first part of November 1777, he engaged and rendered five months service at Cambridge or on Prospect Hill Guard of Prisoners, in the Company of Capt. Cadwalader Jones Company in Colo. Plover Brook Regt. and in the month of April or May, 1778, he again engaged and rendered six months service at Winter Hill in Charlestown, in Capt. Sargents or Capt. Richardsons Company, in Colo. Gernishes Regt. and that in the year of 1779, he rendered one months service in Boston Guard of Stores in Capt. Sargents Company, and that said William Parker was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States under the Law of June, 7, 1832, at the rate of Forty dollars per annum, and enrolled on the Pension Roll of the agency of the State of Massachusetts.

She further declares. That she was Married to said William Parker on the Twenty first day of August, in the year seventeen hundred and eighty three, by the Revd. Caleb Prentiss, Pastor of the Church & Society in said Reading. That her husband the aforesaid William Parker, died in said town of Reading on the thirty first day of May, eighteen hundred and fifty, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but that the marriage took place previous to the first day of January, eighteen hundred, viz: at the time above stated. She further swears that she is now a widow, and that she has recently before this date, made application for a pension under the act of July, 7, 1838, agreeable to the act of July, 1 st 1838, to which documents she refers for proof in support of this claim.
Sarah Parker
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. Before me, Elijah Clark, Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, July 6 th 1850.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Elijah Clarke was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex,
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.
M. Calhoun
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I William Parker of Reading in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being Eighty two years of age, On Oath do testify, and say that I rendered service in the war of the Revolution and according to the best of my recollection I rendered twelve months service as follows. The first service was a guard of Burgoyne's Troops at No. 2. in Cambridge in Capt Cadwalader Ford's Company, in Col. Brooks Regiment, this service was five months, commencing near the first of November 1777. And expiring near the first of April 1778. The next service was on Winter Hill guarding of the Hufians as they were called which was a six months service commencing near the first of May 1778. And expiring near the first of November the same year, Capt. Sargent commanded the company, I think it was Capt. Samuel Sargent of Malden, A Mr. Harnden of Wilmington was Lieutenant and Abbot of Sudbury, was Ensign, and Joseph Parker of this Town was Orderly Serjeant, while I was in this service I was detached out to guard some of the prisoners of war to Rutland in this State, I cannot now recollect either of the Officers in this detached service, which was near a week, some time in the summer I was again detached out to guard some of the prisoners to Enfield in the State of Connecticut, in this detachment I was waiter for the Quarter master A Mr. Cheney, there was in this detachment Edmund Richardson of Reading, A Mr. Abbot and Mr. Parmenter of Sudbury, and Nathaniel Cowdry also of Reading, which are the names of all the persons which I can now recollect, as being with me in said detachment, which was two or more weeks, and on my return back to Winter hill, there was some of the prisoners remaining, which were invalids, I then went in a guard service to a place called Greenwich in the State of Rhode Island, where we left the invalid prisoners, Our Company was commanded by Capt. Joby, and Amos Upton of this Town was in said guard, which was one or two weeks, and when I returned back to Winter hill there remained a few of our Officers, who were finishing up their service, Col. Gerrish was one of the Officers, I then returned home to Reading, where I remained until the next May

which was in 1779. when I again engaged for Aaron Parker my brother and rendered One months service in Boston, guarding stores, I think the same said Capt. Sargant commanded the company there, the Orderly Serjants name was Boothe, and the other Officers I do not recollect. — And as I have been deprived of my Pension since September 1838. I now appeal for my just due, according to the act of 1832. —
William Parker
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex: ss. February the 13 th day A.D. 1843 Then personally appeared the above named William Parker, who is well known to me as a person of sound mind and of unquestionable veracity, and made Oath that the foregoing Affidavit by him above subscribed is true,
Before me, Peter Hay { Justice of the Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office February 15. 1843.
I hereby certify that at the date of the above attestation Peter Hay was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex
Witness the Seal of the State
Jno A. Bolles
Secretary of the Commonwealth

Nov 27. 1840 RECEIVED NOV 24 Mass.
Mal Maf.
Hon J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington
FREE
S. Eaton Pr Parker

State of Massachusetts
Heading - Middlesex County ss.
Hon J. L. Edwards - Commissioner of Pensions
Enclosed are two pension Certificates for revision. - One that of Sarah Eaton for three months additional service, commencing, if I am not mistaken, in February 1778 in Col. Wyman's Company - Col. Ginnis's Regiment on Bunkerhill. Two Depositions of this service, that of Capt. Timothy Wakefield and that of Mr. Jonathan Eames, have been forwarded to you, and I apprehend are with her papers on your files. The other Certificate is that of William Parker. Mr. Parker says he served under Capt. Ford, guarding Burgoyne's Troops, near Boston from November 4 th 1777 to February 3 rd 1778 and also continued from that time in the same service to April 3 rd 1778 - a period of six months and his name is on the Rolls for that time, as appears from a copy thereof which I happen to have in my possession. And he also says he served for six months more in the summer and fall of 1778 under Capt. Sergeant, guarding Burgoyne's prisoners on Winterhill in the edge of Bedford near Charlestown line, and by the pension certificate I herewith send you it appears these services were then allowed him and till recently. And unless you are satisfied there was fraud on his part, I can see no adequate reason why the last as well as the first should not continue to be allowed him. Mr. Parker says that Mr. Benjamin Young of Reading was in that service in the same company with him, and would then have testified and did offer to testify to this service of his on Winterhill. But Robert Howland Esqr. who then, as professional counsel in making out his evidence and papers, informed him that according to the rules for evidence as then laid down by the Secretary at War, his evidence was unnecessary, and the papers papers were made and forwarded without further evidence and without, as I believe, any certificate from the Secretary of State of this service, and his pension was allowed for the whole time declared for. Now sir what has there since happened to occasion this service to be disallowed? If I am not mistaken it is found in a letter of G. W. Crampton then acting Commissioner of Pensions dated September 26. 1839. in which, he says, "I have found the Roll of Capt. Sergeant and upon it I find the name of Capt. Col. Bowdrey, but that of Ebenezer Stimpson or William Parker is not found. Bowdrey testified in behalf of Mr. Parker when his claim was allowed. There was one of the name of Parker in that company which may account for the error in to which Mr. Bowdrey fell. Mrs. Stimpson's claim, (a claim by the way, which she had preferred for a pension for her husband's service on Winterhill, at the same time with Mr. Parker and Col. Bowdrey and who had both testified to the service of her husband Ebenezer Stimpson at this very time) is rejected, and Mr. Parker's Pension will be reduced to $20 per annum instead of $40 as it now is." Mrs. Stimpson is now dead or she would pursue her claim for her though small it was a poor widow's mite. From Mr. Crampton's letter I infer that he is now to be disallowed six months service because his name is not on the pay roll. True it is that

that the pay roll containing the names of applicants for a pension is conclusive evidence of service. But is it come to this, that it is the only evidence? I had always supposed that reasonable evidence other than evidence of the rolls should be admitted. To get rid of Col Nathl. Bowditch's evidence Mr Crump supposes that there being one in Sergeant Company of the name of Parker though not William Parker might have led Col Bowditch in to a mistake. I have since seen Col Bowditch who says that he knew them both, that he and Mr William Parker were from their childhood well acquainted with each other having always lived near each other in the neighborhood. and that he well knows Mr William Parker was there that he as well knows the fact as that he knows he exists, and I pledge you my reputation that Mr Bowditch has always sustained a good reputation for honesty, piety and veracity. Col Bowditch's Deposition is also corroborated by the testimony of Mr Amos Parker's testimony and more testimony could have been had if it had been required at the time he first made his declaration. Mr Benjamin Young's deposition might have been had and he a man of irreproachable honesty and veracity, and Mr E Stimpson's also and doubtless many others who have since gone to their long home And must Mr W m Parker now be deprived of his just and legal rights to a pension merely because his name is not on the pay roll, when it has been heretofore admitted, that other evidence might be produced for the same purpose. Every person who has searched or been in any way conversant with the rolls of Massachusetts knows full well that they are very imperfect, and some have been found with and in possession of the descendants of the officers of the revolution and that even where rolls are found in the Secretaries office many defects and omissions are to be found if we can believe in good testimony. In all such cases I had supposed that if reasonable evidence of service was adduced this was considered as sufficient. But Mr Parker's case is peculiarly a a hard one, and if any case would justify a mitigation of the rigid rules of evidence his is one. He was first placed on the roll with such evidence as he then produced. Had more then been required, more might and would have been had. Now Sir what has been found to disturb the evidence or render it less credible now than when first received. I have seen nothing I have heard of nothing I know of nothing. And to require him at this late period of life when almost all his evidences are dead to adduce as much proof as could then have been had, seems to me to be rather unreasonable. The only question it seems to me to be settled by your Honor, is, have you satisfactory evidence at least as satisfactory evidence as when his pension was allowed? If that evidence remains I think his case ought not now to be disturbed. But if you suspect any thing unfair in the then transaction It shall be cleared up to your satisfaction I can state and I do state on my honor as a man of veracity that Mr William Parker Col Bowditch and Mr Amos Parker are men whose characters for veracity and honesty are unimpeached irreproached and irreproachable, and men to be believed if any men can be. and here can be no mistake Col Bowditch states that Mr Parker was there. Mr Parker himself so swears. Mr Amos Parker also corroborates

This testimony, and if more evidence is required in regard to these mens characters for veracity and honesty I can procure you enough. But relying on your well known good sense and honesty I will trust the consideration of his case to you. One thing however I would state in relation to his name not being on the payroll. Mr Parker says that just before the expiration of his last term of six months he with some others were sent to Rutland with prisoners, that while there, there fell some snow which fact he remembers from some of the prisoners lodging one night under the wagons and were covered with snow in the morning, that when he returned his company were discharged, and Mr Eben Stimpson was there at the time and gave him the information; that he then went home to his father - that he never received any pay for his services but being then a minor about 16. or 17 years of age he supposes his father might have received his pay, but he does not know whether he ever did or not. But if his father did get his pay of whom are where or how did he get it. I apprehend that it was not unfrequently obtained by the Captain and paid over to his company. Now if this was so done, it is not probable that the money was paid the time when the company was disbanded but probably after you and this may account for his name not being on the pay roll. And I would further remark that from the characters of all who have been in any way witnesses in this case which are well known to me I have no more doubt of Mr Parker's serving on Winter's hill as declared by him than I have of the Revolutionary war itself. I must therefore beg of you to reconsider his case and do him the justice it requires. I have never attempted to decide in any case before you. I have never had any inclination to press a case, where there was doubt in my mind as to the service, but in the present one I feel so certain of his performing the service as stated by him, that I do feel it my duty to urge it under the circumstances above stated to your full and candid consideration and cannot but think you will on the whole return me his certificate unaltered and again restore him to the pension rolls.
I remain
Dear Sir
Yours with respect
Joshua Prescott
Sergeant Prescott

FREE
Mar 31. 1840
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esqr
Comm Mr. Parker Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington D.C.

Reading March 25 th 1840
Hon J. L. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir
Mr. William Parker of Middlesex County and State of Massachusetts who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States called on me the other day and stated to me that he had called on the Pension Agent in Boston a few days since for his pension and was informed by him that it was stoped. To his utter sur surprise and astonishment, he never having heard any thing about it before, and is utterly unable to devise or account for it. He has desired me to write to you to know the cause of such proceeding, and if there is any difficulty or reason for it that he may have an opportunity to explain or satisfy you that he has unjustly been stricken from the pension roll. If you will have the goodness to write me me a line on the subject you will much oblige him. Mr Parker is a neighbor of mine and I know him to be a man of the most scrupulous character for honesty, integrity, and veracity. His character in these respects is not only unimpeached, but inapproachable, and I fear no investigation in his case that will or can in any way prove him dishonest or impeach in the least degree his character for veracity. — Please write me soon, and by so doing you will much oblige me.
I remain Dear Sir Yours with much respect
Joshua Prescott,

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Aug. 11 1843
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books pa Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of W m Parker is found upon the muster rolls of Capt. Ford, as a private from Nov. 4. 1777 to April 5 1778. at Cambridge under Col. Brooks
There are no rolls in this office of Capt. Samuel Sargeant of Walpole, and the name of W m Parker is not found upon any other rolls in this office.
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 which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Wm: A. B. Al-
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I, William Parker of Reading in the county of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, eighty three years of age, on oath Depose and say that I rendered service in the Revolutionary War, under the engagements, and that I received a pension under the Act of 1832, to September 1838, and since that time I have been deprived of my pension on account of one service which was allowed me without proof, and since I have been deprived of my pension I have not been able to find any living evidence to establish the one service which caused my pension to be suspended. I therefore now request that an examination of the documents in the Secretarys Office, for proof of my service of six months at Cambridge guarding Brimfield Troop, in Capt Sargant's Company, and also on Winter Hill, from near the first of May 1775, to near the first of November of the same year. When I first went to Winter Hill in this service, I went according to my fathers orders. "Jonas Parker", and while there in that guard service I was detached to guard a party of the prisoners to Rutland. I was also detached out and guarded prisoners to Enfield in the state of Connecticut. I was Waiter for the Quarter Master in town, and, at the last of this guard service I went as a guard to Rhode Island, in a Company commanded by a Capt Doby as I believe his name to be, and when I returned back to Winter Hill our company was all gone except a few of the officers. As I was one of the officers, and I request that if there is evidence to be found that it be forwarded to Elijah Clark of Brighton, who is to aid and act as my agent.
William Parker.
Middlesex ss. ss. Reading June 7 th 1843
Then personally appeared William Parker, and made oath that the above Affidavit by him subscribed is true, and I certify that he reputed to be a man of veracity. Elijah Clark, Justice of the Peace

To the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Sir, in addition to the statements which I made in my former application for proof of the service at Winter Hill in a company commanded by Captain Sargeant of Mallden, which service was six months from near the first part of April 1778, I will here further state, that I repaired to Winterhill by order of my father Jonas Parker, that while in the service there my name was called which I always answered. But I never had anything to do about the pay for this my six months service, as I was then only seventeen years of age, and my father the said Jonas Parker had all the pay for the services which I rendered as guard of the Troup, and I expect gave a receipt for the pay for the service which I rendered. A Mr. Marden of Wilmington was the Lieutenant in the same left Sargeant's company, and a Mr. Abot of Sudbury was Ensign, Joseph Parker of Reading was orderly sergeant, Benjamin Ground of Reading was a private, Jeremiah Norton of Reading, with Bernard Richardson of Reading was the officer, and I think there was a Sherabiah Evans of Wilmington, and that there was an Abot, & a Parsons from the town of Sudbury as privates, both of them went to Enfield with me as the guard, and there was a Thomas Killum of Wilmington, who was living in the State of New Hampshire some years since, But I am not certain that any one who was in the said left Sargeant's company with me is now alive to testify for me, and at the time I first applied for a pension which soon obtained, it was then stated to me that I had sufficient evidence, and

That there was no necessity of obtaining evidence, and that the same men who were with me, and could testify to my being in the device, are at this time, not living. In witness whereof I here set my hand at my place of residence in Reading this twenty second day of July A.D. 1843.
William Parker
Signed in my presence. Elizabeth Clark

Brighton Augt. 5th. 1843.
Dear Sir,
The communication from the Commissioner of Pensions, of date Feb. 2 d inst. respecting the claims of William Barker of Reading, was received, and I herewith enclose to you the additional evidence in support of his claims,
Very Resp t Yours Col. S. H. Elijah Clark
Hon. William Parmachoo
M. - l -
At East Cambridge Mass

East Cambridge August 6. 1854
Sir
In November last I forwarded to you Pension papers in the case of William Parker of Reading, Massachusetts, to which I have either had no reply from you or I have omitted to give your answer to the parties interested. Will you be so good as to have the case referred to?
Yours very respectfully,
Wm. Parsons
James L. Edward Esq.
Counsel of Pension

Sir.
Will you oblige me as a member of the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, by furnishing me with the papers on file in the following cases.
1. William Parker of Massachusetts, Middlesex County, Reading
His name was on the pension roll under the act of 1832. About 1840, his name was stricken from the roll. —
2. William Vial, a rejected application from Amherst county Virginia, with the reasons for the rejection. —
Very respectfully,
House of Representatives
Washington. Feb. 11. 1848.
Your obedient servant
William Strong
Hon. J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions.

Brighton Nov. 16 th 1843.
Dear Sir,
On the case of the claims of William Parker of Reading the answer to me from the Commissioner of Pensions of date January 14 th 1843. states that he was allowed for twelve months, but entitled for six only. A part of the evidence previously done time since, was returned by Mr Crump, and the same evidence in support of his service has been taken again and is herewith enclosed,
It appears from Mr Parker's statements & the evidence that he rendered five months service in Capt. Hails, company from the first part of Nov. 1777, to April 1778, and that soon after that service he by order of his father rendered the service of guard at Winter Hill & guarding of Troops which amounted to six months, and that in the Spring of 1779, he rendered one month's service for his brother Aaron Parker, and he states he formerly furnished proof of that service & now submit Mr Parker's former statements & his evidence for a further examination, in order that a new certificate may be issued.
Very Resp t Your Obl d Serv t Elijah Clark
Nov. William Parker W. C. East Cambridge Mass.

Dec 25 1778
Col Warner 6.000
a P. 2 1400. 6.0
H. H. H.
has 4800 Awt for 78
doct dt 14
Jan 5 14 9 land
3 mo 8 Maca on or
Mac H. H.
Large Feb 14th
dt 14

William Parker claimed 6 mo's under Nathan Sargeant in 1778. Nath. Cowdry was a witness. On a roll dated July 1778, Cowdry's name is found, but Parker's is not. Parker has recently testified in behalf of Mrs Esther Stimpson's claim, wid of Eleaz Stimpson. Stimpson's name, and Parker, are not on the roll. A H B Vol. 23 p. 33 + p. 36