Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26851, for Abel Parmenter, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Parmenter, Abel
N 26851
Windwell
CONTENTS

10.154.
Massachusetts Able Paymaster
of Lancaster in the State of Mass who was a Pirate in the company commanded by Captain — of the — commanded by Capt Doolittle in the — time for 9 — Mch.
Inscribed on the Roll of — at the rate of 30 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of Mar 1833 and — Refus Outram Rutland —
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1833 $60 — Semi-ann. allowance ending 21 Feb — 15 — $75 —
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J H Blair Clerk, Book 2, Vol. 2, Page 63.

3092 Massachusetts
Mindwell Parmenter widow of Abel Parmenter who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of Dec. 1843, and sent to
Rufus Putnam, Rutland, Vt
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 Page 51

8002
Abel Parmenter
Mar 1
9 Months
Albany
$30-
Rufus Putnam
Rutland
Mass.

BRIEF in the case of Abel Parmenter of Rutland  Worcester Co  3 — in the State of Mass. (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Judge  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? yes  3. How old is he? Seventy six years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     Substitute for Abel Parmenter volunteer then immediately drafted In 1775 June or July 7 Capt Wheeler, Col Dootittle   more than 1 Capt Baynton  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none stated  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Rutland  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? A. Clappman & R. Putnam certify to traditional evidence  David Smith, junr, info. in 1777. John Pike proves the info. given in 1775.  Isaac Bryant proves same in 1775. — 3 info. —  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
D. R. Rusk Examining Clerk.

1172 Mendota Cannery
advent Pr f 30. -
Chas G. Prouty Worcester Mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I, Charles G. Prentiss, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do certify, that Jos. Barton is the Judge of said Court, duly commissioned and qualified - and that his signature to the paper hereto annexed, is his genuine signature.
I further certify, that Calvin How and Rufus Putnam are Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified - and that their signatures to the papers hereto annexed are their genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hands and affix the Seal of said Court this third day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and thirty-eight.
Chas. G. Prentiss, Register

State of Massachusetts } ss. Worcester County
On this thirty first day of August in the year, eighteen hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared before the Honorable Ira Barton Esquire Judge of the Court of Probate for the said County of Worcester. Mindwell Parmenter a resident of Rutland in the County of Worcester aforesaid, aged eighty years who being duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7. 1835 entitled "an Act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows" — That she is the widow of Abiel Parmenter late of said Rutland deceased, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution during nine months of the Revolutionary War, as the said Declarant believes and who was a pensioner of the United States under the laws of the 7th June 1832, inscribed on the pension list — Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, and so remained a pensioner until his decease. She further declares that she was married to the said Abiel Parmenter on the thirteenth day of March in the year, sixteen hundred and eighty five — That her husband, the said Abiel Parmenter, died on the twelfth day of April, in the year, eighteen hundred and thirty four — That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service — but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four to wit at the time above stated — That she was never afterwards married and that she has no documentary evidence of the services of the said Abiel Parmenter — but that she relies on the evidence of his services on file in the War Department, furnished by him the said Parmenter, to the said Department, in the year 1832.
Mindwell Parmenter mark
I humbly and respectfully the day and year above entitled
Ira Barton Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Worcester

Extracts from the records of the Town of Rutland in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts
“Abel Parmelee & Mindwell Bryant both of Rutland were joined in Marriage March Thirteenth Seventeen hundred and eighty five.”
“The above marriages consummated by me Jos. Buckminster. Pastor of the Church of Christ in Rutland.”
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the Record with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows “March 13 th 1785”
Rufus Putnam Clerk of the Town of Rutland and “Abel Parmelee a pensioner, died April Twelfth eighteen hundred and thirty four.”
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows “April 12. 1834”
Rufus Putnam Clerk of the Town of Rutland I Rufus Putnam above named depose & say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town of Rutland aforesaid, and that the above are true extracts from the records of said Town, with the exceptions above named as certified by me Rufus Putnam Clerk of the Town of Rutland
State of Massachusetts } ss. Worcester County }
I swear to before me this twenty eighth day of August 1838. And I do further certify that the aforesaid Deponent is a person of truth & entitled to credit as a witness — Calvin Howland Justice Peace

Jonathan Howe of Rutland in the County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts, aged Fifty eight years, depose & say that I was well acquainted with Abiel Parmenter late of said Rutland deceased & a late pensioner of the United States and am also acquainted with Mindwell Parmenter of said Rutland, who claims a pension under the acts of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 — That the said Abiel Parmenter died at my house in said Rutland on the twelfth day of April eighteen hundred and thirty four — That the said Abiel & Mindwell lived together as husband & wife — That she is the widow of the said Abiel Abiel Parmenter — and that she has never married since his decease —
Jonathan Howe
State of Massachusetts } Worcester County }
Sworn to before me this Thirtieth day of August 1838 — and I further certify that the aforesaid Deponent is a person of truth and fully entitled to credit as a witness —
Cyrus Putnam Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts } County of Worcester } S.
On this Thirtieth day of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & thirty two, personally appeared before Solomon Strong one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the same being a Court of Record, having a Clerk and seal. Abel Parmelee a resident of Rutland in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts aged 76 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 act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as here in stated. In the latter part of June or first part of July 1775 a few days after the battle at Bunker-hill he entered the service of the United States at Cambridge in the State of Massachusetts, in Capt Adam Wheeler's Company Col. Doolittle's Regiment, as a substitute for Jonas Parmelee. That he continued in the service aforesaid until the latter part of January or first part of February 1776, a term of seven months, and immediately after being discharged, he enlisted into the said service a volunteer, at said Cambridge, under Capt Barres in said Regiment, for the term of one month, during which term he served, and was discharged in the latter part of February or first part of March 1776. That the whole of said eight months he served in said Cambridge and vicinity. That he believes Gen. Ward had the command of the troops during said service, tho' Gen. Washington was at Cambridge part of the time, when he of course had the chief command. That he was draughted July 22-1777 and again

entered the service of the United States; that she was put under command of Capt. Baynton, at the town of Peterham in said County of Worcester, marched to Bennington in the State of Vermont, thence to a place called Halfmoon in the State of New York, then back to Bennington aforesaid where he arrived in the evening after the Battle fought there in August 1777 - That he was employed there several days in guarding the captured Troops, and discharged in the latter part of the same August or first part of September 1777, after a service of more than a month - That he knew Genl. or Col. Starks at Bennington - That he was born July 1756 at Rutland aforesaid where he has resided since & to the present time - and then resided at the times of entering the service of the United States - That he has no documentary evidence of his said services, and that he knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, who can testify direct- ly & positively to his last Months' Service, while under Capt. Barrs.
He 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.
We Joseph Clark a drogman and Rufus Putnam Esquire residing in the town of Rutland, County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abel Putnam, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy six years of age; that he is respec- ted and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution

That we concur in that opinion
That we concur in that opinion
I was born in the town of Rutland County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 22 of July 1756. I do not know that there is any record of my birth. I lived in said Rutland at each of the times when I went into service and into service as a substitute for my brother Joseph Parmachute. I have lived there ever since. The first time I went
The second time I enlisted as a volunteer. The third time I was drafted. I cannot recollect the names of any other officers than those which I have already mentioned. I never had any written discharge. Reverend Josiah Clarke a clergyman Rufus Putnam Esquire, Joel Davis Esquire Deacon Tilly Flint, Joseph King, Daniel Walker Esquire all residents in said Rutland and all living in my present neighborhood know me and can testify as to my character for veracity, and their belief of my services, as a soldier of the Revolution.
Attest J. B. 1832
We Josiah Clarke, a clergyman residing in Rutland aforesaid and Rufus Putnam of said Rutland, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abel Parmachute who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be 76 years of age; that he is respected and beloved in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Aug. 30 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County ss. On this 30th of August 1832, personally appeared Josiah Clarke and Rufus Putnam the subscribers to the above certificate and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me
Josiah Clarke Rufus Putnam Solomon Strong Judge C. C. Pleas.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester County ss.
I the subscriber, a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the same being a Court of Record, having a Clerk and seal, hereby certify that on the 30th day of August 1832, I proceeded to the immediate vicinity of the place of residence of the within named Abiel Parmenter in said Rutland to take his examination in order to procure a pension. The said Abiel Parmenter by reason of age and bodily infirmity is unable to attend Court. The within named Abiel Parmenter signed the within declaration in my presence and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. All the allegations and insinuations, as they now appear, were made before signature and before the oath was administered to him. And I do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after finding the allegations prescribed by the War Department that the above named Abiel Parmenter is a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. I do further certify that it appears to me that Josiah Clarke who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in said town of Rutland, and that Rufus Putnam who has also signed the same is a resident in the same Rutland, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Solomon Strong, Judge C. C. Pleas.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcesters. ss. I Abijah Bigelow, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said Commonwealth for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify that the Honorable Solomon Strong, Esquire is one of the Justices of said Court, and that his signature to the above certificate in the matter of the application of Abiel Parmenter for a Pension, and also his signature to the certificate of the oath by him administered to Josiah Clarke and Rufus Putnam, are in his own proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court, this seventh day of September A.D. 1832. Abijah Bigelow, Clerk.
CH 8002

J. Briant's Deposition for A. Parmeter

I David Smith of Rutland in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, aged about 77 years — do testify that I am well acquainted with Steel Pomeroy of said Rutland — that I have known him previous to the Revolutionary War, & ever since, that he entered the service of the United States a soldier in July 1777 and served with me in Capt Baynton's Company at Bennington in the State of Vermont, & Halfmoon in New York State, for one month or more — that we were dismissed (or discharged) together at said Bennington some days after the Battle at said Bennington. David Smith
State of Massachusetts } ss. County of Worcester }
On this twenty third day of August A. D. eighteen hundred & thirty two, personally appeared David Smith, who subscribed his name to the above deposition, and made oath to the truth thereof. Before me And I do further certify that the said Smith is a man of veracity & a credible witness — Rufus Putnam Justice of peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester ss. I Abijah Bigelow, Clerk of the Judicial Court, holding within and for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that Rufus Putnam, Esquire, before whom the above affidavit of David Smith, and the annexed affidavits of John Pike and Isaac Bryant were made and sworn to is a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Worcester, and that his signature there to appear to me to be in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the County Seal, this seventh day of September A. D. 1832.
Abijah Bigelow, Clk.

John Pike of Paxton in the County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts aged 74 years, do testify that I am well acquainted with Abiel Parmenter of Rutland in said County of Worcester - that I knew him well in 1775 - that he came to Cambridge in June 1775 and entered the service of the United States as a substitute for Jonas Parmenter in Capt Adam Wheeler's Company, in which Company I was a soldier, and that he served in said Company until he was discharged in December 1775 or the first part of January 1776 - Col. Doolittle was commander of the Regiment, to which we belonged.
John Pike
State of Massachusetts } ss. County of Worcester }
On this twenty fourth day of August A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty two, personally appeared before me, the said John Pike, who subscribed his name to the said Deposition and made oath to the truth thereof - and I certify that the said Pike is a credible witness -
Ebenezer Putnam Justice of the peace

I Isaac Bryant of Rutland in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts aged 70 years do testify that I am well acquainted with Ned Parmenter of said Rutland - that we were born in the same neighborhood, and have been intimately acquainted from our infancy, that he left said Rutland in June 1775 to become, as I then understood, a substitute for his brother Jonas Parmenter, at Cambridge, in the service of the United States, that soon (a few days) after his leaving Rutland, said Jonas Parmenter returned home - that the said Ned was gone from Rutland for said during the residue of that year (1775) and for some weeks after the eight months men so called, were discharged, and when he the said Ned returned home, he informed me, that he had then served one month in Capt Barnes' company, after he was discharged from the eight months service aforesaid - and that I am satisfied he served as a soldier of the Revolution for the time he stated to me as aforesaid - that the said after Parmenter is a man of veracity
Isaac Bryant
State of Massachusetts, County of Worcester ss. On this twenty fourth day of August A. D. eight teen hundred and thirty two - Isaac Bryant who subscribed the above deposition, personally appeared before me, and made oath to the truth of the same and I further certify that the said Bryant is a credible witness
Hughes Putnam Justice of the peace

2972
Mindull Parmach
30 #
Rufus Putnam Rutland Mass.

State of Massachusetts County of Worcester ss.
On this thirty first day of July in the year 1843, personally appeared, before the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said county, Charles Bartlett a resident of Rutland in said county, aged forty two years, Guardian to Mindwell Parmenter a resident of said Rutland aged eighty four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain for her, the said Mindwell Parmenter, the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 d of March 1843. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War - that she, the said Mindwell Parmenter, is the widow of Abel Parmenter, who was a private in the Revolutionary War, and the annual amount of the pension she received under the act of July 7. 1838 was thirty dollars per annum - The said Charles Bartlett further declares that she, the said Mindwell Parmenter, is still living and a widow - Charles Bartlett Guardian
Worcester ss. Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year first above written
Before me Rufus Putnam justice of the peace Rufus Putnam the above named justice of the peace do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Mindwell Parmenter under the guardianship of Charles Bartlett the signer to the foregoing declaration. that she is still living & a widow and that she was a pensioner under the act of 7 th July 1838 - Rufus Putnam justice of the peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester ss.
I Charles G. Prentiss, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do certify that Rubus Putnam is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified - and that his signatures to the certificates on the preceding page are genuine.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court this second day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty three.
Chas. G. Prentiss, Register

Massachusetts 1815
Mindwell Parmenter widow of Abel Parmenter dec d
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 12th April 1834 of Worcester in the State of Ms.
who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Wheeler of the Regt. commanded by Col. Knowlton in the U.S. line for 9 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Ms.
at the rate of 30 Dollars ————— Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of Aug. 1838 and sent to Mrs. G. Parker Worcester Ms.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1838 $75.00 Semi-annual allowance ending Nov. 30, 1838 15.00
$90.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by H. M. Addison Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 nd Page 119

2920
Aug 7/43
Col.
Number 30843
J Major
commissioned
D. C.
P. Bryant
Mr. Penn
B. B. H.
Washington
Hon. Jas. L. Edwards. of Pensions
War Department, Pension Office,
Rutland Mass. Aug 7

Rutland Ms. August 6. 1843
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions - Enclosed forward the declarations of Betsey Bryant Frank Hooker guardian of Betsey B. Rice & Charles Bartlett " of Mindwell Parmeter Yours respectfully
Rufus Putnam

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
WORCESTER COUNTY.
The subscriber, Register of the Court of Probate for said County, hereby certifies and attests, that on the first day of January in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine , Charles Bentlett , of Rutland, in said County, was duly appointed Guardian of Mindwell Penner , of said Rutland, an insane person,
and became bound according to law for the faithful discharge of said trust, and has never been discharged from said trust
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court, at Worcester, this
Second day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty - three .
Chas. G. Penney { Register of the Court of Probate, Worcester County.

5 Abel Parmenter Mass act of June 1832 to what time paid?
Pen Offici
Due 12 April 1834
Oct 29 1838
to that period
JA

The Pension certificates of Mindwell Parnester and Sally Skinner are to be sent to Chas. G. Prouty.
Hon. J. S. Edwards.

Page
WIDOW, &c.
over
File No. 26.851
Windwell Parmenter
Widow of Abel Parmenter Rev Rev war.
Act: March 3 rd 1/42
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 116
[Arrangement of 1870.]

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Abel Parmenter which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned 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? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? answered
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 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 shewn 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.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
‡QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.