Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 13,802, for Jonathan Peaslee, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Mass.
Peaslee, Jonathan Jane
NUMBER
W.13.802
CONTENTS
2

11989
Memorandum
Jonathan 2 Gasslee of Tennessee in the State of Maine who was a 1st Sgt in the Company commanded by Captain Cogswell of the Reef: commanded by Col. Nixon in the Mass. Sta. line for Smokey Smoky
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 41 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of July 1833 and sent to R. C. Vose Present
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $83.32 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept 1 20.83
$104.15
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book E Vol. 1 Page 42

5.029 Name Jane Peaslee widow of Jonathan who served in the Revolutionary war, as a clerk J. M. & Sergt.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 41 dollars 66 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 11 th day of March, 1855 and sent to
Reuben Lewis Whitefield Me
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 8. Vol. a
(32)
aff.

State of Maine.
LINCOLN, SS.
I, EDMUND B. BOWMAN, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Lincoln, do hereby certify that Reuben Lewis and Jason M. Carleton whose names is are affixed to the annexed papers as a Justices of the Peace in and for said County, was were on the day of the date thereof, legally commissioned and duly qualified to act as such; and that the signatures to the annexed papers purporting to be his theirs are genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court this twentieth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty- four
Edmund B. Bowman Clerk.

State of Maine
Lincoln Co.
On this twenty fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Lincoln aforesaid Jane Peaslee a resident of Seffuscar in the County aforesaid aged ninety years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oaths make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the act of the Congress of the United States "entitled An act to continue half pay to certain widows and orphans" passed February third in the year Eighteen hundred and fifty three, That she is the widow of the identical Jonathan Peaslee who was a private, Her grant in the army of the War of the Revolution, and inscribed on the pension list, roll of the Maine agency at the rate of forty dollars 87 1/2 per annum, commencing on the fourth day of March in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty one under the act of Congress of

I am seventh eighteen hundred & thirty two - for further proof of the services of said Jonathan Peaslee reference to be had to the evidence filed in the application of said Jonathan Peaslee in the appropriate office at Washington D.C. also to his certificate of pension which is herewith presented - She further states that she was married to said Jonathan Peaslee on or about June or July in the year Eighteen hundred and two. That her husband, Jonathan Peaslee deceased died on the twenty third day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand Eighteen hundred and thirty Eight - and that she was not married to her said husband Jonathan Peaslee prior to the second day of January Eighteen hundred - but at or about the time above stated. That she was married by Richard Magher Esq. a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Lincoln who was duly authorized to solemnize marriages within said County. That she has made, and caused to be made diligent search for the record of her said marriage but has been unable to find the same - She further declares that she is now the widow of the said Jonathan Peaslee.

who was a private sargent in the army of the war of the Revolution as represented Witness Jason M. Carlton Jane his  his Pearlee mark
Sworn and subscribed the day and year above written, before me, who hereby certify, that I believe Jane Pearlee who subscribed the foregoing declaration to be the identical person she represents herself to be, and that she is of the age therein stated
Jason M. Carlton { Justices of the Peace
I also certify, that Jane Pearlee, above named, by reason of her advanced age and infirmity of body, is not able to attend the County Courts
Jason M. Carlton { Justices of the Peace

State of Maine
Lincoln ss I Jacob Pearlee of Jefferson in the county of Lincoln aged fifty one years, in June last year on oaths depose and say that I am the oldest child of Jonathan and Jane Pearlee. That they lived together as husband and wife since my earliest recollection until his said Jonathan death which occurred on the twenty third day of April Eighteen hundred and thirty Eight That they had two sons beside myself during said time. That he died at the time aforesaid I will know because I was present; and attended his funeral on the twenty fifth day of said April. That Jane Pearlee (my said mother) has remained unmarried since my father's death. That said said Jane Pearlee who now appli- -ies for the benefit of the provision of an act of Congress "Entitled an act to continue half pay to certain widows & orphans approved February third, Eighteen hundred and fifty three, is the widow of the identical Jonathan Pearlee (my father) who served as a private surgeon in the army of the

War of the rebellion at the rate of forty one dollars 84,66/100 per annum and received his pay in academic threads, and that I am disinterested Jacob Reasler.
State of Ohio
County of Lincoln ss.
On this twentieth day of November, eighteen hundred and fifty four, personally appeared the above named Jacob Reasler, and made oath, that the foregoing affidavit, by him subscribed, is true, before me, who certify. That said deponent is a credible witness
Berber Lewis Justice of the Peace

Jonathan Pease
Private - Mass'tts. troops.
Coggswell's Co: Gerrish's reg't 8 months.
Sergeant
Gilman's Co: Nixon's reg't. 3 months.
8 months as a private
3 " " a Sergt.
11 "
250 50
adm d
8 mo. pri.
3 " Sergt.
341.66
Applicant in firm, certified
by Judge in Open Court
April 4. 1833.
26.
W. C. Rose
Augusta,
Me.

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
STATE OF MAINE, } ss. KENNEBEC COUNTY, }
ON this tenth twelfth day of July A. D. 1832 personally appeared before the Hon. NATHAN WESTON, Jun'r, a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, of said State, Jonathan Pease a resident of Whitfield in the County of Lincoln and State of Maine, aged seventy seven years, next month years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following dec- laration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year 1775 with Captain Thomas Cobbshall and served in Col. Ennis's regiment of the Massachusetts line or troops under the following named officers: Cobbshall, Captain and Ennis, Colonel . That in April 1775 he enlisted as a private for the period of eight months. That this period he served out and was discharged at Cambridge, the last of December 1775. That the first of January 1776 he again enlisted as a sergeant for one year in Capt Sereniah Gilman's company and Col. Nixon's regiment of the Massachusetts troops. That while engaged in building barracks at Cambridge, he was severely wounded in his right arm by an axe, was carried to the Hospital at Watertown in March 1776 and in that month was there verbally dismissed, having procured a substitute for the residue of the term. I served as a Sergeant three months in 1776-
And to the interrogatories propounded in the Department, he ans-
wers: That he was born at Newton in Wiltshire in 1755, where his age is recorded, and where his home was during his revolutionary services. That in 1779 he removed to what is now Whitfield Maine, where he now lives. That he enlisted, was
State of Maine April 24, 1833. He has above named applicant to his health appear in oath to the same.

And to the interrogatories propounded under the instructions of the war department, he answers:
That he was born at Newton in Northamptonshire in 1755, where his age is recorded, and where his home was during his revolutionary services. That in 1779 he removed to what is now Whitfield Maine, where he now lives. That he enlisted, was not drafted or received as a substitute. That he does not remember by whom his discharge was signed, and that it is now lost. That at both of the above periods, he served at Cambridge, where the main army was at the time. That any of his neighbors will testify to his character for truth and belief of his services, and he names the Rev. Joseph Bayley and Briggs Turner Esq.
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.
Jonathan Russell
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, Before
Nathan Weston Jun Not P.P.C.
And the said Judge does hereby declare his opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states, and he further certifies that the applicant being aged and very lame, cannot in his opinion, attend court to make his declaration, without great inconvenience.
Nathan Weston Jun
1833. He has been unable to appear to my satisfaction the other applicant by reason of great infirmity cannot without prejudice to appear in open court to renew his declaration begun to make same.
Nathan Weston Not P.P.C.

Watertown in March 1776 and in that month he was there verbally dismissed, having procured a substitute for the residue of the term. I served as a Sergeant three months in 1776-
State of Maine April 24, 1833. It has been made to appear to my satisfaction that the above named applicant, by reason of age & infirmity cannot without frequent visits to the health appear in open Court to renew his declaration; therefore he has made oath to the same.
Nathan Weston not S.P.C.
And to the matters propounded under the instructions of the war department, he answers:
That he was born at Newton in Northamptonshire in 1755, where his age is recorded, and where his home was during his revolutionary services. That in 1779 he removed to what is now Whitfield Maine, where he now lives. That he enlisted, was not drafted or received as a substitute. That he does not remember by whom his discharge was signed, and that it is now lost. That at both of the above periods, he served at Cambridge, where the main army was at the time. That any of his neighbors will testify to his character for truth and belief of his services, and he names the Rev. Joseph Bayley and Briggs Turner Esq.
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.
Grafton Forest
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, Before
Nathan Weston Esq. not S.P.C.
And the said Judge does hereby declare his opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states, and he further certifies that the applicant being aged and very lame, cannot in his opinion, attend court to make his declaration, without great inconvenience.
Nathan Weston Esq.

State of Maine.
KENNEBEC, ss.—I, JOHN A. CHANDLER, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts held within and for the County of Kennebec, hereby certify that the Hon. NATHAN WESTON, Jun'r, before whom the within proceedings was had, is a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State; I also certify that the within contains the original proceedings of the said Judge, in the matter of the application of Jonathan Pease for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court, this 18 th day of October
A. D. 183 2 ,
J. A. Chandler

No 25650.
Jonathan Pease Kennebec County Maine
adm d
R. C. Vose Augusta Maine

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Jonathan Peasee Kennebec County Maine
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted 1775 — 8 — private Capt Cobbshall, Colonel Gerrish 77 years Newton Traditional evidence. Plevo Witnesses - one piece documentary evidence papers correctly attached   Enlisted Jan'y 1776 — 3 — Sergt. Capt Gilman, Col. Nixon New Hampshire  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops. 2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 3. Persons employed in the Naval Service. 4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ 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 (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
 [Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) 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, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
..... [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of _____ &c.
 If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out 
 Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: 
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____, who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this                      day of                      &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (1) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
 6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?  { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
□ The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

State of Maine.
THE Joseph Bayley a Clergyman, residing in the town of Whitefield in the County of Lincoln and Briggs Town residing in the same town, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Nathan Pease who has sub- scribed and sworn to the annexed declaration; that we believe him to be seventy seven 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.
Briggs Fairner Joseph Bayley
State of Maine.
Lincoln ss.—Sworn and subscribed this fifth day of October
A. D. 1832
Before me,
Joseph Newell Esq. is a Justice of the Peace . Joseph Bayley is a clergyman residing in Whitefield . And Briggs Fairner Esq. of the same town is a credible person & their statement is entitled to be believed. Nathan W. Wathan

J. M. Peacock
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

I Samuel Carlton of Sunnyside age 80 testify as say some time in the year 1776 I knew Mr Jonathan Pierce Dole a soldier in the Revolution War and saw him in Watertown Hospital here in Massachusetts being badly wounded in his arm .
September the 10 1832 Samuel Carlton
Simsbury Ct. September the 10 1832
Then personally appeared the said Samuel Carlton and made oath to the truth of the foregoing by him subscribed before me
Nicholas Kenned Justice of who is a justice the Peace Nathan Winton Jr

Gen. Pearce

Octr the 4. 1832.
I Andrew Knowlton of Lincoln age do testify and say in the year 1876 I knew Jonathan Pease at Cambridge in Massachusetts and was present at the Continental Hospital and saw Jonathan Pease have a bad wound in his arm and saw a Doct. Church dress it
Andrew Knowlton
Lincoln Is Octr the 4. 1832.
They personally appeared the said Andrew Knowlton and made oath to the truth of the foregoing by him Subscribed Before me
Briggs Freeman Justice of the Peace who is a justice and the deponent entitled William Winton

Jon a Yeaslee
11.989.
$41.16
Payments to be made at Portland by Mrs. M. S. Br. Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Maine
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E Vol. 1 Page 42 by W. L. Williams Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Jonathan Peasee of the State of Maine who was a Private Sergeant in the war of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Forty One dollars and Sixty Six 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 year.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this Twentieth day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Three
John D. Slee Acting Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Jon. P. Peabody,
Sam. Chase

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, May 20 th , 1833.
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 Jonathan Peaselee is borne on "a muster roll of Capt. Thomas Coggeswell's Coy. in Col. Jacob Gerrish's regt. to the 1 st of August 1775," as having been paid for forty eight days service. That no further rolls of that company for that year are to be found in this Office. It appears, by said roll that said Peaselee enlisted as a private on the 24 th of April 1775. —
I further certify that there are no rolls of Capt. Gilman's Coy. in Col. Nixon's regt. for 1776. to be found in this Office.
Edward D. Bangs Secy

State of Maine County of Lincoln
I. Jonathan Pease of Jefferson in said County aged seventy four years nearly. Having been duly sworn, depose and say - That I am the eldest son of the late Jonathan Pease of Whitefield who was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 agreeable to his Pension Certificate now in possession of Jane Pease who was his third wife. I now his Widow, and has remained unmarried since the death of said Jonathan. Said Certificate is numbered 11,989 &c. - I further say that the said Jonathan Pease and the said Jane Pease have ever been known to me, and at the time of their marriage was reported lawfully married by Richard Mayhew Esq. a justice of the Peace for said County of Lincoln. That they had three children two of whom are now living and that I never heard the legality of the marriage of said questioned by any one, and fully myself believe that my said father and said Jane were lawfully married, but very much doubt that any public records are to be found to show the fact

being before the towns of Jefferson and Whitefield were incorporated; that the said Jonathan Pease, my father, and the said Jane Pease, since their said marriage, have ever been reputed husband and wife in the community, to the day of his the said Jonathan's death, which occurred on or about the twenty third day of April, eighteen hundred & thirty eight that I attended his funeral on the twenty fifth day of said April, as I fully believe, and that I am disinterested
Jane Pease
State of Maine
County of Lincoln ss.
I the Subscriber hereby certify, that on the twentieth day of November, eighteen hundred and fifty four, personally appeared the above named Jonathan Pease, and made oath that the foregoing affidavit, by him subscribed, is true, to the best of his knowledge and belief
Before Me, who certify that said deponent is a credible witness
Reuben Lewis Justice of the Peace

State of Maine County of Lincoln
I Hannah Taylor of Jefferson in said County, aged eighty four years, nearly, having been first duly sworn according to law, depose and say, that I was well acquainted with Jonathan Pease who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, and also Jane Pease his wife, both before and after their marriage; having resided in the immediate neighborhood of their residence Jane Pease, before her marriage to said Jonathan was named Jane Hiltore .
I will remember the day they were reported married, but I was not present at the said marriage, which was as I now recollect about ten or eleven months previous to the birth of their first son, Isaac Pease . Then afterwards they had two other sons, and to my knowledge and belief, said Jonathan and said Jane lived together as husband and wife, and were so reputed in the communi- ty ever after their said marriage, the legality of which, was never questioned by any one to my knowledge, either after or before the death of said Jonathan Pease, which occurred sixteen years ago - I saw at the time, people who said they were going to said Jonathan;

Pearle's funeral, I know he died as reported about that time, as it was the same year my husband died, which occurred a few months after the death of Jonathan Pearle aforesaid - I well know Jane Pearle widow of said Jonathan and that she has remained unmarried to the present time and that I am entirely disinterested
Witness Reuben Lewis
Hannah
her
X Saylor mark
State of Maine
County of Lincoln ss.
On this twentieth day of November, eighteen hundred and fifty four, personally appeared Hannah Saylor above named and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by her subscribed is true to the best of her knowledge and belief, before me, who certify that said deponent sustains the reputation in the community where she resides, that of an intelligent and credible witness, and that she so appears to me, the subscriber
Reuben Lewis Justice of the Peace

Mr Jonathan Peasley and Jemmy Hilton, both of Balltown, intend marriage in Balltown. June third, eighteen hundred and two
Thomas Choate, Plantation Clerk State of Maine County of Lincoln ss. I John King, Clerk of the Town of Whitefield, hereby certify, that I find the above intention of Marriage in the Balltown Plantation records now in my possession; and that the above is a true Copy, except the date which reads June 3. 1802 That Balltown included the two towns, now called the one, Jefferson, the other, Whitefield. That the Clerk of Balltown Plantation then lived, & kept the above named Records in that part of Balltown now called Whitefield, and that said records have ever remained in the office of the Town Clerk of Whitefield since the two towns aforesaid were incorporated, as I fully believe - That I well knew the above named Jonathan Pease and have sufficient reason to believe, that the parties above mentioned, were lawfully married; but do not find a record of the fact in the records of Balltown Plantation. John King { Clerk of State of Maine } the Town of County of Lincoln } ss. { Whitefield December 19 th 1854 Personally appeared John King, above named and made oath that the above affidavit as herein subscribed is true. Ruben Lewis Justice of the Peace

State of Maine
I Moses Pease of Whitefield in the County of Lincoln State of Maine aged seventy three years, nearly, having been duly sworn according to law, depose and say, that I was well acquain- ted with Jonathan Pease & Jane Pease his wife, after their reputed marriage was frequently at their house doing business with said Jonathan, who lived in Whitefield aforesaid, and in the year eighteen hundred and ten, I cut hay on said Jonathan's farm, and boarded in said Jonathan's house, and on every occasion, when I visited them, said Jonathan and Jane Pease always appeared, & lived together, as husband and wife, and had children, in a Christian community; that I never heard the legality of their said marriage doubted or questioned by any one to this day; that I do believe said Jonathan and Jane Pease were lawfully married by Richard Mayne, a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Lincoln aforesaid - that said Jonathan Pease died in the year eighteen hundred and thirty eight about the twentieth of April, and was buried on my

land, and I attended and was present at his funeral, but have no data to show the day of April on which he died; and that I am dissatisfied
Moses Pease
State of Maine
County of Lincoln SS
On this twelfth day of December in the year eighteen hundred & fifty four,
personally appeared, Moses Pease above named, and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed, that the same is true, according to the best of his knowledge and belief
Before Me
Reuben Lewis Justice of the Peace
I also certify that Moses Pease above named is a credible witness
Reuben Lewis Justice of the Peace
W

Brief in the case of Jane Peaselee, widow of Jonathan Peaselee, Lincoln County and State of Maine, act 3 d Feb y , 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase" )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was pensioned under the Act of June 1832, at the rate of $41.66 per An m . The records of the intention of marriage are filed. 14 Witnesses testify to general reputation of marriage & cohabitation. Pensioner died 23 d April, 1838, as per the Affidavit of four witnesses, & report of the Thurs' Auditor.
His Widow's identity is established by the Affidavit of three credible Affiants. (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Reuben Lewis Esq m Whitfield Me; Name and residence of Agent
S. C. Bryant, Examining Clerk.

Whitefield Maine Jan'y 4 Rev. Dr. Waldo Commission of Passions Washington D.C.

Whitefield Maine Dec 21/54
Recd Dec 26th 1854
Office
Post Office
Richmond
11989 me Jane Peabody
Hon L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington
L. P. Waldo

Finch Mr Office, March 11 th 1855.
Sir. Please certify the time to which the within named residence was paid on the date of his death.
Very Respectfully,
I Praldeo Commissioner
H M 58
They the
R. J. Atkinson Esq. Thos. Maitland Esq.

Fin. Offic. March 11 th 1855.
Sir. Please certify the time to which the within named pension was paid on the date of his death.
Very Respectfully,
I. Wallace Comptroller
4 M 58
R. J. Atkinson Esq. Thos. M c Intosh Esq.
11 May 1858
Jonathan Pease Lee paid to 4 March 1838
Robt. Robinson
Andrew
Randall.

Sp: rec: of Int: of the 4th to rep & Co: Dn 23 d April, 38, 4th: Bloomfield
"B. M. M."
See the letter of Rev: Lewis of Jan'y: 2 d or 3 d / 55 fol d in the case of Mary, Mother of Ebenzer, Act/52. 1 st
"B. M. M."

5,323.
Jane Haslee, widow
Jonathan,
St. D. Reuben Lewis, Dec: 27/54
Ad B3

Dec. 26 th 1854.
Jane Peaslee, Wid: of Jonathan, S o Lincoln;
Mrs
Act/53 $41. \frac{66}{100} per An.; Comm: Feby; 3,785 3,
Very;
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Pension Office, Official Business.
Commissioner
Reuben Slevin, Whitefield,

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 13802
Jane Peaslee Wid. of Jonathan Peaslee First Rev War
Act: Febry 3 d  1863
Index:—Vol. M Page 122
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Whitefield Maine Jan'y 4 1833
Sir,
I wrote and mailed a letter to your address yesterday, & closed it very abruptly to be in season for the mail
I am truly sorry, that I have done any act, from which it may be inferred, that I am an interested agent for the Widows Moore & Peaslee. Whatever I have done excepting taking their declarations, and the deposition was altogether gratuitous -
My business leads me from home more or less, & true I made enquiry in relation to the marriage of Jonathan Peaslee & Jane his wife & found but one opinion prevailing throughout the community & that is that were lawfully married - The Balltown records kept by the town Clerk of Whitefield, are within a few rods of my residence, & I asked the Clerk to examine them & took the Clerk's affidavit as to the record &c. Nevertheless if all I have done is invalid or inadmissible by the Commissioners - I ask what course may be taken that shall satisfy the Commission being the one most favorable under the circumstances - That said widows attend in open

Court at the Court-House in this County, seems to me to be impossible. There is no County Court held in this County except, the Court of County Commissioners, the Probate Court, & the Supreme Judicial Court of this State in this County.
I did suppose that the course pursued in the case of the widows of William Batchelder late of Pittston County of Kennebec would be acceptable in the two cases now presented, and under consideration - If the business can be done by any disinterested party of the Peace under any circumstances whatever, Will you be so kind as to inform me, that I may, as early as practicable, inform the said widows or their representation; and you will very much oblige
Very Respectfully Your very Obedient & Humble Servant Reuben Lewis
Hon L.P. Waldo Commission of Pensions City of Washington D.C.

Sir
Herewith is transmitted the declaration of Mrs Jane Pease, widow of the late Jonathan Pease, who was a Pensioner, deceased - It is believed, that no record of the Marriage of the parties can be found; but I have made diligent search both in the town of Jefferson & Whitefield and can find no person who doubts the legality of their reported Marriage - I found in the public records of Balltown Plantation the record of their intention of Marriage which shows that fact only - It is not known, where the official Records of Richard Magnus Organ are to be found, if he kept any - I was not personally acquainted with said Jane Pease but found she answered the description given by others, a poor, decrepit, aged lady suffering from dropsy. Relief in her present circumstances, derived by a Pension, would be timely indeed - She receives as I am informed a small allowance, annually derived from her late husband's Real Estate sold some years since - She takes this in stead of dower, quite insignificant, only about Seven dollars per year

In the absence of public records to show the marriage of Jane Peaslee & Jonathan Peaslee, we have the testimony of four witnesses, who aver, that the parties lived together as husband & wife, had three sons, & brought them up to the age of majority in a lawabiding community, every body believing that the parties were lawfully married by R. Magner Ely as reported, and in the life time of said Magner who lived but a few miles distant from the permanent residence of the parties, which report, if incorrect, he would have corrected. In order to strengthen the supposition of their marriage, we have the public record of the intention of the parties to be married dated June 3 d 1852 & signed by the Clerk of Balltown Plantation, in the neighborhood of whom, Jonathan Peaslee & wife lived and brought up their family; Suffice it to say, that, no one doubts their marriage by R. Magner Ely, to this day that I can find.
Mrs. Hannah Taylor, a very intelligent witness for one of her years (84) was very intimate with said Jonathan & Jane Peaslee's family, has seen them bed & board together in a public manner, and no body disturbed in their moral sensibilities by it. — To prove the death of Jonathan Peaslee we have the testimony of Jacob Peaslee & Jonathan Peaslee who say they attended his funeral on the twenty fifth day of April 1838, and that he died on the 23 d of said April Moses Peaslee was present at the funeral but cannot say what day of April he died, but about the 20 th 1838 as he believes — I have no doubt, that the facts stated by all the deponents are correct being persons

of known respectability and reliability for truth and veracity, and they informed me of the identity of Jane Peaslee who made the declaration before me.
Before I saw said widow Jane Peaslee, from her great age and infirmity, I had almost doubted her mental capability to do any business or to take an oath; but on conversing with her I found her mind not impaired as her body was. She could remember about when she was married, by her oldest son's age, which will be 52 the 5th day of June 1855 - which accords with Mr Taylor's testimony. She knew she was married by Richard Mosher Esq & C I was fully satisfied that she understood the business & was still capable of taking the oath. Her first declaration was made before Jason M c Carleton Esquire, who was taken sick soon after, and was unable to go through with the business. I believe the case of widow Jane Peaslee is fully entitled to the favorable consideration of the Commission. If any thing is found to be deficient - perhaps it may be supplied. except record proof of her marriage. Respectfully I submit the Hon. Commissioners                      Reuben Lewis of Pensions

Note-Enclosed please find the Certificate of the late Jonathan Pease's Pension.
I suppose that the authenticated paper contains all the required proof in order that some Pease may obtain her own Pension & the arrears of Pension due at the decease of the late husband, except her separate declaration forwarded to the Third Auditor of the Treasury - If any defect-proof needs to be supplied please inform me as early as can consistently be done
Very Respectfully
Hon L.P. Walde Comm. Pension
Your Obedient Servant Reuben Lewis