Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15959, for Laban Pratt, Massachusetts

SERVICE
continental Mass.
Pratt, Laban
NUMBER
S. 15959
carded
CONTENTS

72 Norfolk
15295.
Massachusetts
Leban Pratt Norfolk in the State of Mass who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain  of the Reg t commanded by Col McIntosh in the  line for 6 mos P. & Continental  in  Conti & Mil
Inscribed on the Roll of  the rate of 45 Dollars  Cents per annum. commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of June 1833 and sent to  Leban Pratt
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1833 $ 90.00 Eme-ant. allowance ending 4 Sep   22.50
$112.50
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. H. McLean Clerk, Book  Vol. 2. Page 64.

Laban Pratt
19465
V
E. S. Leland
EC 1946

Loban Pratt
41.
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Norfolk ss.
On this twenty seventh day of October
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court before Honorable Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting at Dorchester in and for said County, Isaac Pratt Guardian to Laban Pratt a resident of Weymouth in said County, aged seventy eight 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 7th, A. D. 1832.
has been informed that said Laban Pratt
THAT he was born at Weymouth in said County
on the first day of September A. D. 1762, and that there
is a record of his birth in the town records of Weymouth : that he was in the United States service from the first day of March A. D. 1778, to the about the first day of June A. D. 1778 six months as a Private in the Massachusetts Militia
: that he was residing at said Weymouth when he entered the service; that he was a volunteer  entered the service and served for the period aforesaid under the
command of Capt Samuel Ward
: that he marched from Weymouth to Dorchester
: that he served with other militia troops
of the regular troops; and
regular officers
were known to him: that he was in no battle
and at the end of his service received a discharge
but not in writing : that he left the service on or about the 1st of June
and that since the Revolutionary war he has resided at said Weymouth
ALSO: that he was in the United States service from the about first day of June A. D. 1778, to the first day of September A. D. 1778 as a Private in the Massachusetts Militia
Weymouth upon and when he entered the service; that he was a volunteer  entered the service and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Capt Joseph
Boxton Col M c Intosh that he marched from Weymouth to Rhode Island
: that he served with some
of the regular troops; and
at Rhode Island  regular officers were known to him : that he was in that battle
that at the end of his service he received a discharge but not in writing and left the service on or about said first of September
ALSO: that he was in the United States service from the about first day of July A. D. 1780, to the first day of January A. D. 1781 six months as a Private in the Artillery of the Continental Army that he was residing at said Weymouth when he entered the service; that he enlisted
and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Col. J. N. Crane & Gen. Henry Knox
: that he marched from Weymouth to N. York & N. Jersey
: that he served with
of the regular troops; and
regular officers were known to him ; that he was in no battle
that at the end of his service he received a discharge and left the service on or about the first of January 1781

And that the said Laban Pratt is insane & incapable of making the declaration required by the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832, and that he has been under Guardianship for more than twenty years
778
And that he in behalf of the said Laban Pratt
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.
Subscribed to the above declaration Laban Pratt
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first aforesaid.
We General Humphrey Ely residing in the 2 d Weymouth and Ansel Pratt residing in the 2 d Weymouth hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Laban Pratt who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration ; that we believe him to be seventy 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 as aforesaid.
General Humphrey Ely Ansel Pratt
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 abovenamed Laban Pratt applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states . And the court further certify that it appears to them that General Humphrey who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in the said Weymouth ; and that Ansel Pratt Ansel Pratt who has also signed the same is a resident in said Weymouth and the credible person ; and that their statement is entitled to credit. The said court further certify that said Laban Pratt has been under guardianship as a person non compos mentis ever since the fifth day of June 1810 & that the said Ansel Pratt is now his guardian duly authorized act in that capacity
I Samuel Hemen Register of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Ansel Pratt, Guardian , for a pension for Laban Pratt, his ward ,
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of office on the day and year first aforesaid fourth day of December, A.D. 1832.
Samuel Hemen 3

I Silvanus Pratt of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk aged seventy four years testify and say that Eben Pratt of said Weymouth, who is seventy years of age, and is now non compos mentis, was a soldier in the United States service in the Revolutionary War, and to my knowledge he marched from Weymouth to Boston and from thence to New York, and from thence to New Jersey, and that he served at New Jersey from July 1st. A.D. 1780. to the month of January A.D. 1781. a term of six months, in a company belonging to Col. John Crane's Regiment, under the command of Gen. Knox. I was with the said Eben Pratt in performing the service aforesaid, or in the same Regiment, but I think not in the same company. Since the close of the war aforesaid, we have both resided in said Weymouth, but he has been in confinement for many years, and is incapable of attending to any business by reason of insanity.
Silvanus Pratt
Norfolk ss. October 31 st 1832.
Then personally appeared the above named Silvanus Pratt, and subscribed the above affidavit and made oath that the same is true, before me the subscriber, and I believe it has been his intention to speak the truth in giving the evidence to which he has above subscribed.
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace
Norfolk ss November 10 th 1832 I hereby certify that Samuel Humphrey is a justice of the peace for said county of Norfolk & that the name subscribed to the foregoing certificate is his signature
Samuel J. Peabody

18465 Laban Pratt Map
Amos Pratt. Guardian
on Note Col branch Recd 6 Months Private 6 Months Arabley " 6 - Mths. 12
$45.
E. S. Leland
Roxbury Mass

BRIEF in the case of Sabon Pratt by his Guardian Ansul Pratt 60 of Norfolk in the State of Mass (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 70 & insane  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.     1 st March In 1798 enlisted 3 Private Gen. Capt Ward   1 June " " 3 " Capt Dazster Col McIntosh   July - 1799 " 6 Verity " Col Crane Genl Knox  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Battle of Rhode Island  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Weymouth Co. of Norfolk Mass  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
George L. Dyer Examining Clerk.
He has been deranged for more than 20 years

15822
3-2233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
Nov. 10 1927
Chief Rev. and 1892 Association Division.
I have this day received from Mrs. Daniel F. Potter draft in the amount of $ 1.45, requesting photostat copy as per letter herewith.
O. J. RANDALL
Chief, Finance Division.
W.B.L.
Photos mailed and Finance Div. notified. Nov. 12 1927

I
15959
INVALID.
File No. 15959
Libby Pratt
Pre Rev War
Act: June 7" 32
Index:—Vol. _____, Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1927 Nov. 5 Mrs. Daniel J. Potter adv. as to price of photos awz 1929 Nov. 22 Photos mailed to Mrs. Daniel J. Potter awz

Rev. and 1818 Wars Section.
3-1885
aws.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Draft # 7862 - $1.45
WASHINGTON
November 5, 1927
Mrs. Daniel F. Potter 485 Auburn Ave Buffalo, N. Y.
Madam:
I have to advise you that photostat copies of the original papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 15959 of Laban Pratt , will be furnished you under the Act of August 24, 1912, at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification, if that be desired.
The number of pages to be copied is eight.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
15 120 25 1.45
Respectfully,
Winfield Scott
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section. Ans
November 5, 1927
Mrs. Daniel F. Potter 485 Auburn Ave Buffalo, N. Y.
Madam:
I have to advise you that photostat copies of the original papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 15959 of Laban Pratt, will be furnished you under the Act of August 24, 1912, at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification, if that be desired.
The number of pages to be copied is eight.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No.
19054
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137.
November 15, 1927
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering PENSION
Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostat copies of 8 pages, from Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 15959, Laban Pratt.
No. of copies 1 of each Shall form be kept standing? days
For further information see Mrs. M. M. H. Finch 5033 541 Room No. Phone No.
Approved: [Signatures] Chief Clerk of Bureau
[Signature] Chief of Branch or Division Rev. & 1812 Sec
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate Multigraph single or double space? Facsimile signature? Mimeograph one side or both sides? Facsimile signature? Folding once or twice? Assembling Once? Twice? Side? End? Electric typewriter Fill in addresses? Addressograph from lists Envelopes, size Cards, size Proof list Pay rolls Labels (submit sample) Corrections Fill in letters Tabulation sheets
Photostat x Size actual Official use? Repay? yes $1.20 Blue Print Size Official use? Repay? $
Remarks

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.
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(Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
Make new addressograph plate
Change present addressograph plate
Destroy present addressograph plate
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as follows:
Now reads
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Should read
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FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ..... 192
Operator .....
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NATIONAL SOCIETY OF NEW ENGLAND WOMEN SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT GENERAL IN CHARGE OF ORGANIZATION OF COLONIES MRS. DANIEL FREDERIC POTTER 485 AUBURN AVENUE, BUFFALO, N. Y.
Commander of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir: —
I am enclosing a money order as per your letter for the eight pages on photostat copy - pension claim Sabau Pratt @ 15 cents per page plus 25 cents for extra Certification - Looking forward to receiving same - Yours truly,
Genevieve Field Potter November the eleventh 1927

National Society New England Women
HONORARY PRESIDENTS GENERAL
Mrs. Henry Clarke Coe 30 Fifth Avenue New York, N. Y.
Mrs. Robert Fowler Cummings 833 South Flower Street Los Angeles, California
Mrs. Eugene J. Grant 379 Washington Avenue Brooklyn, N. Y.
HONORARY VICE-PRESIDENT GENERAL
Mrs. Augustus C. Dexter 151 East 61st Street New York, N. Y.
DIRECTORS
Mrs. Charles W. Newton 461 Farmington Avenue Hartford, Conn.
Mrs. S. O. Richardson, Jr. 2051 Collingwood Avenue Toledo, Ohio
Mrs. Robert Franklin Ives 962 Ocean Avenue Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mrs. William H. Britigan 6950 Euclid Avenue Chicago, Ill.
Mrs. Robert D. Smith 57 Kenwood Street Brookline, Mass.
Mrs. Anne Burt Norton Terrace Park, Ohio
Mrs. William G. Frost 44 North Mountain Avenue Montclair, N. J.
Mrs. L. L. Dodge 2000 Aldrich Avenue, South Minneapolis, Minn.
MRS. WILLIAM GERRY SLADE, FOUNDER
PRESIDENT GENERAL
Mrs. A. Willis Bryne 79 Linnmoore Street Hartford, Conn.
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT GENERAL
Mrs. J. Woolsey Shepard 312 West 93rd Street New York, N. Y.
SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT GENERAL
In Charge of Organization of Colonies Mrs. Daniel Frederic Potter 485 Auburn Avenue Buffalo, N. Y.
RECORDING SECRETARY GENERAL
Mrs. Flynn Guernsey Austin 780 Riverside Drive New York, N. Y.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY GENERAL
Mrs. Herbert W. Harvey 18 Brookfield Avenue Nutley, N. J.
TREASURER GENERAL
Mrs. Franklin M. Danaher Burkewood Road Bronxville, N. Y.
REGISTRAR GENERAL
Mrs. Jacob P. Marshall 305 West 87th Street New York, N. Y.
DIRECTOR GENERAL SONS AND DAUGHTERS
Mrs. Augustus Ostrom 5514 Hyde Park Boulevard Chicago, Ill.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C. Dear Sir: -
Will you please let me know the cost of procuring a certified photostat copy of all the papers in connection with the pension, showing that the pension was granted to Fagan Pratt, who served in the Revolutionary War -
Fagan Pratt was born in Weymouth Massachusetts 1762 - died 1836 -
I am
Thanking You in advance Yours truly Virginia Field Potter

I Samuel Whitmarsh of Weymouth in the county of Dorset aged seventy years, testify and say that Eben Pratt of Weymouth in said county who is seventy years of age was a soldier in the United States Service in the war of the Revolution in a company commanded by Capt. Samuel Ward three months and to my knowledge served as a soldier in said company from March A.D. 1778 to June A.D. 1778. And I think also that the said Eben Pratt was at Rhode Island as a soldier in the United States service from July A.D. 1778 to September A.D. 1778 but the company that he was in I cannot say certainly but was under the command of Gen. Solomon Lovell.
Witness
Samuel
his Whitmarsh mark
Samuel Burdell
Weymouth ss: August 20 th 1832. Then personally appeared the above named Samuel Whitmarsh and subscribed the above affidavit and made oath that the same is true.
Before me, Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace
It is the belief of the subscriber that it has been the intention of the said Samuel Whitmarsh in giving the evidence to which he has above subscribed to speak the truth and nothing but the truth. Samuel Humphrey J. P.

Worship November 10 th 1892 I hereby certify that Samuel Humphrey is a Justice of the peace for South County of Norfolk & that the name signed to the within certificate is his signature
Samuel J. Proteale
Quith

I Asa French of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk, aged seventy one years, testify and say, that Dabon Pratt of Weymouth in said county, who is seventy years of age, and is now an insane man, was a soldier in the United States service in the Revolutionary war, and to my knowledge served as a soldier in a company belonging to Col. John Francis Regiment, from the month of July A.D. 1780. to the month of January A.D. 1781. a term of six months. Also that he marched from Weymouth to Boston, from thence to New York and from thence to New Jersey; and that he served at New Jersey under the command of Gen. Phoenix, the then commander of the Grand Forks. and I also testify that I was with the said Dabon Pratt in his several marches and service aforesaid; but do not recollect his captain's name as he was not in the same company with myself, but was in the same Regiment.
And I further testify and say that the said Dabon Pratt is now an insane man, or non compos, that he has been incapable of doing or transacting any business for more than twenty years, and has for many years been kept in close confinement. Having been called to assist in confining him, and many times seen him during the period aforesaid, and having resided nearly or quite forty years within one hundred rods of his residence I am well acquainted with the facts in this case in relation to his insanity. Asa French
Norfolk ss Oct. 30 th 1832. Then personally appeared the above named Asa French and subscribed the above affidavit and made oath that the same is true - before me the subscriber, and I hereby certify that the said Asa French has the reputation of a man of truth, and it is my opinion that it is his intention to speak the truth in every case where he is called to speak.
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace
Norfolk ss Nov. 10 th 1832 I hereby certify that Samuel Humphrey is a justice of the peace for said county of Norfolk & that the name subscribed to the foregoing affidavit is his signature Samuel H. Probert

John Pratt

I Silvanus Lord of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk aged seventy two years, testify and say that Ethan Trott of Weymouth aforesaid, who is seventy years of age, was a soldier in the United States service in the War of the Rebellion and, to my knowledge served as a soldier in a company commanded by Capt. Joseph Boates, and part of the period in Col. Mackintosh's Regiment, under Gen. Solomon Powell, from, I think about, June A.D. 1778 to September A.D. 1778. According to the best of my recollection a term of about three months. Also that he marched from Weymouth to Rhode Island and served a part of said period at Rhode Island, and was in the battle at Rhode Island.
I was in that service myself, and well recollect that the said Trott was there, and of his being hurt in crossing the Ferry. I have resided since the war most of the time within about a mile of the residence of said Trott, but have not seen him for many years, it is said he has become a non compos, I consider him to be so, and he is generally in the town considered to be wholly disqualified for any business, and I believe he has been kept in confinement as a dangerous man as many as twenty years last past.
Silvanus Lord
Norfolk ss. November 1 st 1832. Then personally appeared the above named Silvanus Lord, and subscribed the above affidavit and made oath that the same is true, before me the subscriber, and I hereby certify that the said Silvanus Lord in giving the testimony to which he has above subscribed, has appeared to testify understandingly and conscientiously.
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace
Norfolk ss November 10 th 1832 I hereby certify that Samuel Humphrey is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Norfolk, & the name signed to the foregoing certificate is his signature Ebenezer Dyer, Judge of Probate

I Joseph Nash of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk aged seventy one years, testify and say, that Saban Pratt of said Weymouth, who is seventy years of age, was a soldier in the United States service in the War of the Revolution, and to my knowledge served with myself as a soldier in a company commanded by Capt. Samuel Ward, from March A.D. 1778. to June 1778. a term of three months. Capt. Ward's company was stationed most of the period aforesaid at Dorchester heights and at Boston.
I also testify and say, that said Saban Pratt was a soldier in the United States service at one other period of time, and served with me as such, and marched from Weymouth to Boston, from thence to New York, from thence to New Jersey and served at New Jersey from the month of July A.D. 1780. to the month of January A.D. 1781. in Col. John Francis Regiment under Gen. Knowl who was then commander of the Grand Fork. The company to which said Pratt belonged I cannot remember, but well recollect of his being in that service.
And I further testify that the said Saban Pratt is now considerably non compos, and incapable of attending to any business, and I believe that he has necessarily been kept in close confinement for more than twenty years last past. I reside about two miles distant from his residence, have often heard from him, but have not seen him for many years.
Joseph Nash
Norfolk ss. November 1 st 1832. Then personally appeared the above named Joseph Nash, and subscribed the above Affidavit and made oath that the same is true before me the subscriber, and I think he has had no other intention than to speak the truth in testifying as above.
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the peace

Norfolk Is November 10 th 1832 I hereby certify that Samuel Humphrey is a justice of the peace for said County of Norfolk, & that the name signed to the within certificate is his signature
I Second Judge of Probate
Quincy