Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 13774, for Eager Noble, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Noble Bager or Benjamin Bager Molly
W 13774.
CONTENTS

15880 Massachusetts
See letter to W. G. Bates, 2 o April 1844 -
Ebenezer Noble of Westfield in the State of Mass a . who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Gray of the Reg t commanded by Col. Woodbridge in the Mass a Chasseurs line for 9 months & 21 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass a Chasseurs at the rate of 32 Dollars 33 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of Aug t 1833 and Nat l M o 11 Bates Westfield Mass a Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $64.66 Pension allowance ending M ch 16.17 $80.83
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. Recorded by H. H. Adams Clerk, Book E Vol 2 Page 57

Eager Noble's Declaration for Pension of June 1832.
1495

State of Massachusetts } County of Hampshire } ss.
On this 27 th day of August in the year 1832 personally appeared Eager Noble of before the Probate Court  Nesfield in said County of Hampshire in open court now sitting, aged twenty two years last may, who first being 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 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, & served as herein stated.
That he enlisted in said Nesfield on the nineteenth day of May A.D. 1776. in the company commanded by Capt. John Gray, Lieut. Silas Fowler of Southwick, Lt. Littlefield, Ensign Gates, Sergt. Saml. Noble of Nesfield, Martin Root, of Nesfield — Buffington from Northampton, I think. The reason why I the more particularly recollect the day of my enlistment was that I had before enlisted, & been reclaimed by my father because I was under sixteen years of age; & the very next day after I became sixteen, I went away & enlisted contrary to my father's will. Our company stayed at Nesfield from two months, to two months & a half, & were here called out to drill, & heating up for volunteers. About this time I rec d . one month's pay viz forty eight shillings, & when I enlisted I rec d . a bounty, & also a small sum, as a bounty for the use of a gun & equipments. We marched from Nesfield, to Northampton, Williamstown, to Bennington. From thence we went to Rupert, & from there to Skaneateles, & thence down the Lake to Pico-derogan Genl. Gates commanded there. Our Colonel was Col Woodbridge. While I was there, the "gondalows" & "row-galleys" as they were called, went out to meet the British, at the time Genl. Arnold was defeated. I saw them return, with the rigging much cut to pieces. It was reported at the time that Genl. Waterbury was captured by the enemy, during the engagement, & retaken by our force during the same. While I was there I was taken sick, & for a long time unable to do duty. I was detain d there about a month, as near as I can ascertain or recollect, after the time of my enlistment expired. The snow had fallen some weeks before my return, & I was absent five months at

Ticonderaga, besides the two months & a half I was on drill —
In June or July 1777. I again enlisted in Capt. David Moseley's company, under the command of Col. Robinson or Lt. Col. Robinson, I cannot remember which office he held. We marched from Northfield to Pittsfield, & thence through Troy, & Sauinsburg to Stillwater. Thence to Saratoga. I recollect that while at Stillwater I went with a number of young men from Northfield to visit the grave of Doct. Ashley, who it was suspected was poisoned by the Physicians in the British army, during the old French war. He was from Northfield. From Saratoga we went to the neighborhood of Fort Miller, & encamped. We built huts there, & stayed for about two or three weeks. While we were at the huts, I was detached, with a number of volunteers, to go to Fort Edward & guard some teams. I was absent, accor- ding to the best of my recollection six weeks. I was born the sixteenth day of May 1760. I have always resided in Northfield. The record of my age is, as I understand, recorded on the books of said Town of Northfield, as "Benjamin Eager Noble", tho' I have always been known by, & have always written my name "Eager Noble."
I have a record of my age in my family bible, together with that of the age of my family. I never was in any battle or engagement, nor have I any other documen- tary evidence to establish my claim. I know of none of the regular officers alive at present to whom I can refer. But I can refer to Sedediah Taylor, Esquire, who is knowing part of the same facts testified to by Mored Fowler, (being also an old soldier of the revo- lution) & I can also refer to said Taylor, to Elijah Bates, Esquire, Hon. Samuel Fowler & in fine, to any of the old inhabitants of Northfield for testimony as to my reputation of having served in the Revolution.
I further state that when the detachment of prisoners, taken at Bennington, were sent to this place in the last of August, or first of September, 1777 I was in the service as a volunteer in guarding them in this town until a new guard was raised to march them to Boston. We encamped, in the day time, about a mile from the town, & in the night we kept them in the meeting house. & about four days, we kept in the brick school house as a guard house. I was

on duty at this time, I should think, three weeks - tho I am not confident. Making the whole period of my term of service about ten months, tho from the lapse of time & my advanced age I cannot say, positively to the exact period.
The said Noble hereby acknowledges every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state -
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Ebenezer Noble
We Isaac Knapp a clergyman residing in said Westfield & William G. Bates residing in said Westfield hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ebenezer Noble, who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy two years of age. That he is reputed & believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, & that we fully concur in that opinion. -
Isaac Knapp.
Hampden J. Augt. 23 d 1832.
Personally appeared Rev. Isaac Knapp & William G. Bates
Wm G. Bates
& made solemn oath that the certificate by them above subscribed is true, before me.
Augustus Collins Justice of the Peace
And the said Court, Present the Hon. Oliver B. Morris Judge, after investigating the matter and after hearing the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department do hereby declare their opinion that the above named Applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and serve as he states. And the said Court further certifies that Isaac Knapp who has subscribed the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in said Westfield, and that Wm G. Bates Esq. who has also subscribed said certificate is a resident of said Westfield & a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Justin Willard Register of the Court of Probate within & for the County of Hampden aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Ebenezer Noble for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this twenty fourth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Justin Willard Register of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampden Jb. March 28 th 1833
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in for said County, Eager Noble of Methuen, within named who being duly sworn deponeth & saith that by reason of old age & the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollections he served not less than the periods mentioned below & in the following grades.
For the space of nine months & three weeks I served as a private in the war of the revolution; & for that service I now claim a pension.
In presence of W m G. Batchelder
Eager Noble
Sworn & subscribed on the day & year aforesaid before me
Eli H. Hamilton Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden Jb. I John Ingersoll a Clerk of the Common Pleas Court being a Court of Record in the County of Hampden do hereby certify that Augustus Collins Esq. before whom the within deposition was verified and Eli B. Hamilton before whom the annexed deposition was verified are Justices of the Peace for the County of Hampden & that their names severally subscribed to said depositions are their true & genuine signatures
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Common Pleas Court at Springfield on this twenty seventh day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two
John Ingersoll Clerk

I, Medad Fowler of Westfield in the County of Hampden aged seventy two years & upwards do testify & say that I am well acquainted with Ebenezer Noble of said Westfield & have been acquainted with him from my childhood. That both of us have always resided in Westfield, & that I know him to be about seventy years of age. I further testify that he enlisted, when a boy, to go to Ticonderoga; that my brother went with him in the same company, & returned with him: that they were absent about five months as near as I can recollect. & I remember that they said, on their return, that they had been detained longer than they enlisted, - how long I do not remember. I remember that I heard my brother speak of the dangerous sickness of Mr Noble while he was absent, at Ticonderoga. The time when he enlisted was in the summer of 1776. & he return'd in the next winter.
I further testify that in the latter part of June forsook, there was an alarm that the British were coming down; & I turn'd out with Mr Noble to go to Ticonderoga, or wherever we should be ordered to meet the British. We went to Stillwater, & from there to Fort Miller. While at the latter place, I was detached, with Mr Noble, & a part of the company, to guard some teams to Fort Edward. We were absent, as near as I can recollect, five or six weeks, & return'd. When we were going up, we met a number of the troops returning from Ticonderoga, at the time it was captured, as I believe. During the period of the first enlistment, testified to above, Mr Noble was a mess-mate of my brother, who is deceased, & I have very frequently heard him speak of the transactions which occurred between them. Medad Fowler
Hampden Jp. August 23 d 1832. Personally appeared Medad Fowler above named, personally known to me as a man of character & integrity, & made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition my lines subscribed before me.
Ebenezer Hamilton Justice of the Peace

I Roswell Brown of Westfield in the County of Hampden aged seventy two years upwards, do testify & say that I am, & have been acquainted with Ezer Noble from my childhood & know that he is about seventy years of age - that we have always resided in said Westfield. That in the summer of 1776. Mr Noble enlisted in the company commanded by Capt. John Gray. That the company was called out for drill & to heat up for volunteers every few days, for several weeks; & afterwards about the first of August in the same year, he started with the company for Ticonderoga. I was present. The company was marched to the old meeting house, just before they started & attended prayers. I was at that time an apprentice of Martin Root a sergeant of the company. He was absent about five months & returned some time in the winter, I should think about the last of December.
I further testify that about the 18 th of September 1777. a detachment of the prisoners taken at the capture of Genl. Burgoyne's army, taken at Bennington, was brought into this town. They were kept here as prisoners two weeks & four days. From here they were taken to Boston & put on board of a grand ship - While they were here I was drafted as one of the guard & I recollect that said Mr Noble was on guard with me during the time they continued in town. Previous to the departure of Mr Noble on the first expedition mentioned above, I should think that he was called out for drill & about two months or more before he marched off with the company. —
Roswell Brown
Hampden J. August 23 d . 1832. Personally appeared Roswell Brown, known to me as a man of truth & integrity & made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed before me.
Ele B. Hamilton Justice of the Peace.

I Saut Fowler of Southwick in the County of Hampden, Esquire, aged seventy two years, do testify & say that I have always been acquainted with Mr. Eager Noble, & that he was when a boy my nearest neighbor. That he is about seventy years of age, & has always resided in Westfield. That he enlisted in Capt. John Gays Company in the Spring, or fall part of the summer of 1776. I think in the Spring. That he was drilled with the Company for from six weeks, to two months or more, before they started. He started about the first of August, with the Company for Ticonderoga. They went into the meeting house to attend prayer before they started, & I marched up with him & the company, (with a large number of other persons, to escort them out of town) about six miles to the place where they stopped the first night. I recollect bidding him "good bye", when I left him at night. I know not how long he was detain'd, nor can I fix any date how long he was absent. But I have always understood that they were to stay for four months from the time when they left, & I have understood that Noble & the company were detain'd some time after the period of their enlistment expired. I was not myself at that time in the service, but I was one of the three fifers in town, & on that account was more particularly acquainted with the above circumstances.
In June 1777 there was an alarm that Burgoyne was coming down upon the country & I turned out with Mr. Noble & others to go up & oppose them. We went thro' Pittsfield thro' New Lebanon, Troy, Saunsburg, Half-moon, to Stillwater: thence to Saratoga - thence to Bemis' heights, near Fort Edward; Bemis' heights were sometimes called Fort Miller, it being in the vicinity. The Capt. of the company was David Morely under Lt. Col. Robinson. We were absent, as near as I can recollect, five or six weeks.
Hampden Co. August 23 d 1832.
Saut Fowler
Personally appeared Saut Fowler, Esquire, a reputable magistrate in said County & a man of truth & integrity & made solemn oath that the deposition above subscribed is true before me.
Eli W. Hamilton Justice of the Peace

6303
Massachusetts Molly Noble wd widow of Eager Noble who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 32 Dollars 33 Cents
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Ending 5 February 1850 Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Oct, 1854 and sent to
C. C. Tucker Present.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 118 Vol. 2.

11047
Molly Noble Maso 5
Act July 7 th 38
m 80 239
d April 28 th 39

Declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, of the 7 th July 1838. entitled "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows" - State of Massachusetts.
County of Hampden } Sp.
On this 24 th day of May, eighteen hundred & forty four, personally appeared before the Hon. Oliver B. Morris, Esq. Judge of the Court of Probate in & for said County, Molly Noble, a resident of Westfield, in the County of Hampden, aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision, made by the act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838. entitled "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows" - That she is the widow of Eager Noble, late of said Westfield, dec d who was a private, in the War of the Revolution. That her knowledge of his service arises from knowing that he went away, as a soldier, during the revolution, & returned, stating that he had served in the army, & giving an account of his adventures, & the places he had visited; & from his accounts of his services from time to time, during his life. I have, also, soon after our marriage, heard him, in conversation with others, who had been in the service with him, & heard them speak of their services, in the army. I have heard him say, that he had served in Gray's Company. That he went to Ticonderoga, & Stone-ruby, & other places. I remember that he ran away from his family, & enlisted before he was sixteen years old, & had gone as far as Worcester, when his father went after him, & brought him back. As soon as he was sixteen, he again enlisted, & went away

to Ticonderoga, as he said at the time
The said Eager Noble obtained a pension, & I had in my possession his certificate; &, from minutes, I am able to state, that it was dated August 6 th 1833., & signed John Ross acting - Secretary of War, November 15. 1830. & recorded in Book E. Vol. 2. Page 59. by D. D. Addison Clerk.
The said Molly further declares, that she was married to the said Eager, in the month of May, in the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty one, by the Rev. Mr. Griswold of Reading - Hills - Parish, in West Springfield.
The Rev. Noah Atwater, of this town, was not then ordained, & there was no clergyman in town authorized to solemnize a marriage, which was the reason why we sent for Mr. Griswold.
She does not know of any record of her marriage, on the account-book of said Eager, is a copy of a record, of the births of our eight children, but the record of our marriage is not contained therein, tho' it contains the record of our births. The original record is herewith sent on, attached to the deposition of James Noble. She cannot state the exact day of the month, on which she was married. She can only say, that it was about the middle of the month, & she knows it was the week before he became twenty one years of age.
She further states, that her said said husband died on the 28 th day of April, in the year eighteen hundred & thirty nine, on Sunday, at his house in Westfield, & that she is still his widow, & unmarried.
She further states, that she was not married

to him, prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January, in the year seventeen hundred & ninety four, to-wit, at the time above stated.
Molly Noble
Hampden May 24 th 1844 Sworn to and subscribed before me, and I certify that the said Molly Noble by reason of infirmity is unable to attend the court.
Oliver B. Morris Judge of the court of Probate for said county of Hampden
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampden ss.
I, Justice Willard Clerk of the Court of Probate within & for said county do hereby certify that the Hon. Oliver B. Morris is the Judge of said Court and that his signature subscribed to the above certificate on Molly Noble's Declaration, is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Springfield this twenty fifth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty four
Justice Willard Clerk
fees, $1.00

Town Clerk's office Westfield Mass ts Dec r 23 d 1844.-
"The banns of Matrimony were legally "published between Eager Noble & Molly "Phelps both of Westfield, April "twenty second, seventeen hundred & eighty one ("April 22 d 1781")
"Were married by Mr. Griswold May y twenty fourth, seventeen hundred & eighty one. ("May 24 th 1781.")
I W m O. Fletcher of Westfield in the County of Hampden Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby certify that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town County & State aforesaid & that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception of the dates which are expressed on the record in fair legible figures, as in the words & figures enclosed in the parentheses
W m O. Fletcher Town Clerk
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden ss. Dec r 23 d 1844.
Personally appeared before me, W m G. Bates, a justice of the Peace in & for all the counties of the Commonwealth, W m O. Fletcher, well known to me as the town clerk of said Westfield, & made affirmation to the truth of the above -
I further certify that said Fletcher produced before me his book of records, & it appeared to me from personal inspection that his statement is true.
W m G. Bates Justice of the Peace

7495
Eager noble
Pmto 9 Mrs 21 day,
5 06 March 21
P. 308
Wm G Bates E
Wm G Bates
Wm G Bates Wm G Bates Wm G Bates

BRIEF in the case of Eager Noble of Westfield, Hampden Co 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? Seventy two 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.     enlisted In 1776 May 17 Agent 7 25 As a Gen. Cpt Jno Gray. Col Woodbridge   1777 June or July 1 12 Capt D. Moody. Col Robinson   Aug or Sep 1 4 guarding prisoners   8 48   (making by whole service about 10 months)  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Localfield  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? A. Chapman & Wm Baly certify to traditional evidence. Aladad Fowler? prison 5 Mts service in 1776 & service in 1777. R Brown prison service in 76 & 77. Same Fowler prison service in 76 & service in 1777  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.
D. Rich Examining Clerk.

Molly Noble
Off. of Pro. Court.

It is hereby certified that Satisfactory proof has been exhibited before the Court of Probate held at Westfield within & for the County of Hampden in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by the testimony of Eunice Easton Pitsey Andrews & James Noble Jr. all of said Westfield & all of whom are credible & disinterested witnesses persons entitled to credit that Molly Noble widow of Eager Noble late of said Westfield died on the fifth day of February in the year eighteen hundred fifty & that Sally Loomis wife of Joshua Loomis, Charlotte Loomis, Clarissa Noble Lydia Bowles James Noble & George Noble all of said Westfield are the only surviving children of the said Molly who was an applicant for a pension on account of services rendered by the said Eager to the United States during the War of the Revolution -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court M ary M oore Judge of said Court
September 26 th 1854 Attest. [Signature] Register of Probate for the County of Hampshire

Suspended. —
Rev. Pension Claim
Act of July 7. 1838.
Molly Noble
widow of Eager
= (Neph.)
Power of Atty.
to examine claim
Chas. L. Luch
Present.
Feb. 1842

Know all men by these presents that I do hereby irrevocably constitute & appoint Charles H. Tucker of Washington City D.C. my true & lawful agent & attorney to prosecute the claim of
for any amount of Revolutionary Pension or increase of Pension that may be due under the provisions of the act of
or of any other act or resolution of Congress & I hereby authorize my said attorney to examine all papers & documents in re- lation to said claim on file in the Departments at Washing- ton City or elsewhere to file ad- ditional evidence or arguments & to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said claim & to appoint one or more substi- tutes under him for the purpose herein expressed & to do all that I could or might do were I per- son

Solemnly present - hereby ratify- ing & confirming all that my said attorney may lawfully do in the premises -
Witness my hand & seal this fifteenth day of February 1854
In presence of George Green
N. L. Seward
George Noble
State of Massachusetts Hampden County ss
On this fifteenth day of February 1854 before me a Justice of the Peace in & for the County & State above men- tioned personally appeared George Noble & acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act & deed for the purpose therein mentioned
Norman L. Seward Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts
Hampden County ss.
On this fifteenth day of February 1854, before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in & for the County of State aforesaid personally appeared
George Noble a resident of said County & made oath according to law that he is the identical George Noble who executed the foregoing power of attorney & that he is directly interested in said claim & makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my said attorney may use in prosecuting said claim.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year above written.
Before me
George Noble
Norman J. Leonard Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
HAMPDEN, ss.
J Geo B Morris
I, RICHARD BLISS , Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampden, do certify, that Norman J. Leonard Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Norman J. Leonard and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, this twelfth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four
Geo B Morris
Clerk.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden Co. Nov. 22 d 1839.
Personally appeared before me, a justice of the Peace in & for said county, Lydia Moseley widow of Capt. Mr. Moseley & the Reverend Emerson Davis, pastor of the Congregational church in Mattfield & made oath to the truth of the above depositions by them subscribed.
And I do further certify that said Lydia Moseley & Emerson Davis are well known to me as persons of unexceptionable characters for truth & veracity & that full faith & credit should be given to their statements. I am, further, acquainted with Widow Molly Noble, which of the late Eager Noble dec d of said Mattfield & I certify that her statements are entitled to full faith & credit. The two erasures # marked # in the margin were made before the oath was administered.
I further certify that said Molly is the widow of the same Eager Noble who had the pension certificate in his pension described in her declaration & upon which I have obtained his pension money for several years past & till his death in April last past.
Wm G Bates
Justice of the Peace

I James Noble of Westfield in the county of Oxford depose, testify & say, that I am a son of Eager Noble late of said Westfield del d & his wife Molly Noble. That I was born, as I have always understood, on the nineteenth day of January A.D. 1791. at said Westfield, that I have always lived in the family of said Eager & Molly all my marriage 30 th Jan. 1817. & that since that time I have lived within a few rods of them. That my father had an old account book in which was a record of the age of said Eager & Molly & of their children, & was always spoken of by said Eager & the family, as the family record. That the said record became torn & mutilated & my father copied it into a new account book, which is now stands upon the cover of the same. & that the annexed paper is the original record in said old book above referred to. I further certify that I have four sisters, now living older than myself, whose names & ages are expressed upon the annexed paper, as it has always been understood in the family. & I will know that they are all of them older than I am. I further say, that said Eager died on the twenty eighth day of April last past, Sunday, at said Westfield, having from my earliest recollection lived with said Molly as man & wife.
James Noble
August 28 1882 Record of births of our own Eager Noble and Molly Noble    Eager Noble Born  May 16 th  1760    Molly Noble Born  December 9 th  1760    our children    Polly Noble Born  August 28 th  1781    Synthia Noble Born  November 4 th  1783    Sally Noble Born  December 10 th  1785    Charlotte Noble Born  June 22 nd  1787    James Noble Born  January 19 th  1791    Eliza Noble Born  October 10 th  1793    Mary Noble Born  March 10 th  1795    city in city and !

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
New Bedford Jan. 30 th 1839. —
Personally appeared James Noble above-named, well known to me as a person of undoubted truth & veracity & in whose statements I have entire credit, & made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition. I further certify that the paper above annexed is in my opinion the hand writing of said Eugene Noble, with whom hand-writing I have been well acquainted for years & that said person has also showed me a copy of said paper, also in the hand-writing of said Eugene, upon a new account book of said Eugene, containing, besides the names on the paper annexed, the names of his younger children.
Wm G Bates
Commonwealth of Mass Vts Hampshire County ss
Justin G. Bates Justice of the Peace said County do hereby certify that Wm G. Bates before whom the above & foregoing affidavits of James Noble & Emma Davis & Lydia Morley were severally verified is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County and that his signature subscribed to the several certificates thereof above contained is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Springfield this 25 th day of May A.D. 1844. Justin Willard Clerk
per $0.50 ct

I Lydia Mosely, wife of capt. William Mosely, of Nettfield, in the county of Hampden, & State of Massachusetts, do hereby testify, I say, that, from my earliest recollection, to the present time, I have been acquainted with Molly Noble, of said Nettfield, widow of Eager Noble, of said Nettfield, dec d ; the said Molly being, within a few months, of my own age. (I having been born in August & she in December previous) (both parents living in the same neighborhood) Her maiden name was Molly Phelps. I was present at the marriage of said Eager & Molly, in Nettfield, at the house of her father, Aaron Phelps, sometime in the month of May. I do not recollect the year, or the day of the month, when said marriage took place; but I remember she was married between three & four years before I was, & we were then about seventeen years old. I was married when I was twenty years old, as before stated, between three & four years after the marriage of said Molly & Eager. After their said marriage, they lived together, as man & wife; & I remember having been out, frequently, to their house, before my marriage, (which was on the second day of January 1785), & staying there for several weeks, at a time, visiting them. They had two children born before my marriage; & # have lived together from that time, until of said marriage, till the death of said Eager, which was on the twenty eighth day of April

now last past. Upon reflection, I think I was mistaken, as to the number of children born before my marriage; but I am confi- dent that the oldest child of said Eager & Molly was born before my marriage, & their second child about the time of my marriage, & I think a little after it, tho' as I have no dates to refer to, I am not confident as to the exact time.
Sylvia Mosley
I Emerson Davis of Westfield in the county of Hampden Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts, upon testify I say that I am well acquainted with Molly Noble, widow of Eager Noble decd. of this town. Said Molly is a member of the Methodist church in this town, & tho' not a member of the church of which I am Pastor, I am well acquainted with her character & believe her to be entitled to full credit as an exemplary pious woman. Ever since my acquaintance with her, she has been the wife of said Eager Noble until his death, the past April, & has brought up a large family of children. I further * state that I am Pastor of the Congregational Presbyterian church in this town.
Emerson Davis
(Signature)

1013114  DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Ebenezer Noble or 13th Infy  Ebenezer Noble a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     May 17, 1776 7 mos Pvt John Gray Woodbridge Mass.   July 1777 6 wks David Morley Robinson        
Battles engaged in, none
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Westfield Mass
Date of application for pension, Aug 27, 1832. She was at
Residence at date of application, Westfield Mass
Age at date of application, May 16, 1760 at Westfield Mass. died June 18, 1839
Remarks: at Westfield Mass. She was married May 24, 1781 to Molly, Dec 9, 1763, dau. of Aaron Phelps. She died Feb. 5, 1857. Children: Polly, Cynthia, Sally who mar Joshua Loonis, Charlotte mar - Loonis. James, Clarissa, Lydia mar - Bowles. George
Respectfully,
Dates of battles not given as oldest child was born 3 mos after marriage
Commissioner.

Boston (Mass) Agency Nelly Noble, dec'd who was the widow of Eager Noble,
On Oct 2 d Feb. 1848. $32:33 per share
Con. March 4, 1848. And Feb. 5, 1850, when she died —
Payable to Sally Loomis, Charlotte Loomis, Clarissa Noble, Lydia Coules, James Noble
George Noble, and surviving children, &c.
C. C. Tucker Present.

11047 Maps Noley Noble Mass ts
Suspended Act to Rev. D. D. D. Oct 1. 44 " to same Act 9. 44 " to H. B. D. Oct 21. 44 " to W. G. Bates Jan 13. 45 " " same 18. Feb 1845 " " same June 20. 45
Act July 7 H 138

11.047 Copy of Letter of the same not after the no office
Sell to Mr. G. Bates Sept 3. '45 C.C. Michener Aug 19/1852 Map
1838

Map
B22 Mar. 3. Hist. to Geo. Tilcoy. Ad.
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 13774
Molly Noble Widow
Ebenezer Noble Pri. Rev. War.
Act: Feb. 2, 1858
Index:—Vol. M , Page 89
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Rev. J. L. Edwards Count. Washington

Westfield Feb 19. 1844.
Sir.
I enclose the Declaration of Molly Noble & Annah Dake. In the cause of Mrs. Noble, it seems to me that she is entitled to an annuity. I have stated the facts in her declaration & by reference to her papers on file, I think you will find the proofs.
If any thing further is wanted, I will be obliged by a notice: for as there is a difficulty in finding the various acts, & as from the little business in this line the recollection of attorneys is indistinct, it is necessary that some errors should occur in the practice.
I am with respect
M c G. Rictor.

WESTERN OFFICE MSS
Oct 8 th 1844.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Count. & Washington City.

Westfield Oct. 4. 1844. —
Sir.
I am in the receipt of yrs. of the 12 th inst. relative to Molly Noble's pension, & I am surpris d at the result at which the person, who had the examination in charge, arrived. There seems to be two objections: one, the want of proof of marriage , & the other of service of the husband : & as the decision, if sustain d , will occasion much delay, & perhaps loss to Mrs. N., I will ask yr. attention to a remark or two in reference to it. The marriage is a fact to be prov d , not only by documentary, but by any evidence calculated to satisfy the mind of the Department. In this State, as in several of the States of the Union, the mere fact of cohabitation & reputation is sufficient. In this case, you have the deposition of Mrs. Mosely, as reputable a lady as any other in the state, that Egan & Molly cohabited. Started off to be married & came back as man & wife. From that time to the death of Egan, they liv d together as man & wife & rec d a numerous family of children, who have inherited the property of the dec d . The fact also appears, as prov d in Court, that the widow, Molly, was entitled to & rec d the bal ce of his pension, from the last drawing, to the time of his death. It also appears from the ages of their children, (as appears from the deposition of Jas. Noble, a son) that they must have been married at the time, or about the

time sworn to by the declarant. You have also the testimony of the dysysan, & I believe the in-gestorial certificates as to the character of the declarant & the witnesses. And I ask, if there can be any doubt as to the facts of so, then the defendant's require more evidence than any court or jury rarely obtain to prove such a fact. I omitted to mention the record of the births of the children, recorded in the day-book a record which appears to have been made contemporaneous with the events recorded, & to have been treated as a true record before there was any notice for deception - Mrs. M. has not been able to find any record, & such is the infirm state of her mind that she cannot now do, what a younger person might perhaps accomplish - But if it will aid the power of belief of the defendant, I can make every aged person in the town a compurgator of Mrs. M. as every one of them would unhesitatingly swear to their full belief of the fact she has sworn to -
As to the second point, I observe that as he has prov. d his services once to the full satisfaction of the defendant & has rec. d his pension, I am at a loss to see why higher or stronger evidence should be required in the case of an old lady, than that which has prev- ailed d in this case of the husband.

May I ask you to look again at the testimony I saw if it does not strike you as ample.
There is no other objection to furnishing more or all the evidence which can be obtained? Then the delay, I suppose, is if the fact is well ascertained? it seems to do away the bounty of the Govt. if the life & property of the subject is to be spent in trying to obtain it -
You will oblige me & here by as early a reply as is possible
I am Sir with respect
Yr. ob.
M c G. Bates.

Dec. 26. 1848
Adelphi case
Molly Noble
L. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Westfield Dec r 23, 1844 Sir:
A gentleman, to-day, brought me a copy of the record of our Town-clerk, a copy of which I enclose.
The hand-writing in the records, compares with the hand-writing of the then Town clerk, & is genuine.
I am glad to have found this record, & I now wish that you would forward the certificate, as soon as possible.
I have not annexed a certificate of my being a Justice, as you have such a certificate in Mrs. Noble's papers, as, also, in many other sets of papers. Should it be necessary, I will send on another certificate.
May I suggest the expediency of adopting (if it is not adopted) the rule of the Pension Agents - viz a certificate of the date of the Commission, & its duration. Then, - reference to it, would save much trouble to them, who do not reside in their Towns -
I am with respect
M c G. D. Atts. #

Feb 20 '45 W. FIELD MSS.
FREE
J. L. Edwards Esq Comt. of Pensions Washington City
msfj

Westfield Feb 3 d 1845.
Sir
On my return from Boston I found yours of the 13 th ult o stating that there is no evidence of the marriage of Eager Noble & stating also that evidence is to be furnished from our Secy's state - as per your letter of the 10 th ult o last.
If you will refer to your copies, & files, you will find a letter of mine, referring to the fact, that Eager Noble was an old pensioner , &c; & a copy of your reply, dated Oct 9. 1844, in which you say - "All that is required is precise, & satisfactory evidence, that they were regarded as husband & wife at a date - notice date" &c -
If, however, further evidence is required, that the widow of a pensioner is not only to prove her widowhood, but also to prove a fact already proved upon by the Govt., you will be good enough to notify me -
I am with respect &c
M c G. Datus

April 20. / 185.
Adair Co. Ky.
Mary Noble
Yrs
Hon. J. L. Edwards Comm. Pensions Washington City.

Westfield Apr. 23 d 1845.
Sir.
Enclosed you have the certificate of our Secy of State.
You will oblige Mrs. A., who is very inform (& as is to be expected), very urgent, by giving me an early reply.
I am with respect
Mr. G. H. Dater.

Oct 4. 1845-
Recd of
Molly note
J. J. Greenfield Esq Counsellor at Law Washington
In Attention

Sir,
Westfield July 30. 1845.
On my return yesterday I found yrs. of the 20 th ult: & was much surpris'd at the result: & as I conceive that there must be some omission either in the practice of registering names, or in the discovery of them, when registered, I again call your attention to the case of Molly Noble, widow of Eager Noble.
Eager Noble I knew from my earliest recollection to his death - no more honest truthful man never lived than he was. He was reported to have served in the army of the revolution; & among his old neighbors the fact that he served , was as well known & believed, as that Genl. Washington commanded the armies. He applies at the close of his life for a pension - he makes a specific statement, on oath, of the times & places of his services, & he proves his services by credible, living witnesses. His case is examined, & his claims are admitted to be prov d ; & he accordingly is paid his pension, to the time of his death. His widow then proves her marriage, & the other facts, under the law, to entitle her

to a pension, as his widow, & then, the claim is set up, that the judgment of the Departm t has been wrong, & that he, the former pensioner, never served, as he has both sworn, & proved, that he did serve. Now, it does seem to me, that to overthrow a case, which has been settled by com- petent authority, upon full evidence, something more should be required, than an "assumption", that others did, what in this case is prov d , as it seems, they did not do. It is like relying upon negative, to over- throw positive evidence.
I do not know how uniformly correct the rolls have been kept, or how particu- lar has been the examination. I may say, also, that I do not know, but that Ebenezer Noble may, from his age & infirmity, have failed in his recollection of the company, or the names of his officers, - tho' this last fact I can hardly suppose but I am as well assured of the main fact, stated by him, of his service, & I can almost say that I believe it as implicitly, as that Maj. Andre was hung for treason, or Genl. Putnam pulled out the wolf by the ears or tail.
So believing, & therefore wishing that

This worthy old lady, who, by her sacrifices of feeling, was richly entitled to a pension, as those who fought in the ranks, should receive her rewards, I am desirous that you should again consider this case & see if you cannot come to a different result. If the request is not improper, I should like to have you send me the original declaration, & the affidavits of Edgar Noble witnesses, or copies of the important parts of them, if in your opinion they would aid our Sec'y. in making a more satisfactory search. If the originals can be sent, I will promise to make extracts & send them back to you immediately -
Be good enough to give an early attention to this, & reply if any additional aid from me is required -
I am Sir
Wm. G. Bates
P.S. I observe your letter speaks of him as Edgar Noble, & not Eager . It is possible the Edgar may not appear on the rolls yet that Eager may.

Aug 30. 1845.
Rev. J. M. Noble.
J. L. Edwards Comm: Runaway Nashville Ky

Council Chamber Boston Augt. 28. 1845.
Sir.
I have just had a conversation with our Secy. State, on the subj t of yr. letter relation to Mr. Molly Noble's Pension - & he is as much surpris d as I was at the import of your letter. He says that the fact that Eager Noble's name does not appear on the rolls in the office, is not presumptive evidence that he did not serve, inasmuch as the rolls are defective in themselves, & in very many cases wholly missing In fact he has rec d this very day a portion of the missing rolls, & the same are coming into his office frequently -
h. sent the form as the evidence in the case of Eager Noble was adjudged to be sufficient, & as there is no new evidence to control it, I will be obliged to you to receive the case & come to a result.
Please direct your reply to me at my residence - in Westfield, Mass.
Yours &c Wm Lloyd Jones

BRIEF IN THE CASE OF Molly Noble , dec'd who was the widow of Ebenezer Hampden County and State of Massachusetts .
act
2 d Feb. 1848.
CLAIM, ("original," or "for increase.")
PROOF EXHIBITED, (if original.) Original
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
In this case the husband was a pensioner under the act of June 7, 1832. He died June 28, 1839. Marriage prior to 1794, established by Record proof, and his death and the names of his surviving children shown in accordance with the regulations.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
C. C. Tucker Present.
Examining Clerk:
Orde Niles

Washington City, 14. Aug. t 1854.
Hon. L. P. Waldo, Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir:
By virtue of a Power of Attorney now on your Files, I have examined the papers in the case of Molly Noble , Widow of Eager, of Mass. and find that in Feb. 1844 she made a Declaration under Act of 3 March 1843, and in May 1844 she made another for Act of 7. July 1838.
Her Marriage was proven by Town Records to have taken place, 24. May 1781. Her claim was suspended because there was "no evidence of six months service." —
Her Husband was a Pensioner under the Act of 7 th June 1832, for 9 mo. 21 days, at $32 33 / 100 per year, and Died 28. April 1839.
As she lived until February 1850, and must be entitled under the Acts of 2 nd Feb. 1848, 26. June 1848, and 1. July 1848, I beg leave to enquire whether she may not also be allowed under the Acts of 3 rd March 1843 and 17 th June 1844, if not under that of 7. July 1838.
There are six children who desire the small amount due their Mother, and I have to request an early reply, with a statement of what further is required.
Very Respectfully, Yr. Ob t S er .
Chas. B. Tucker. — Attorney.

Washington D.C. Oct. 21. 1854. -
Hon. Loren P. Waldo.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir
Enclosed
Please find certificate of proof of heirship for the Claim under the Act of Feb 2. 1848 of Molly Noble dec. of Maf. widow of Eagar. -
The claim was originally made under the Act of 7 July 1838. but rejected in consequence of the Claimant not having been a widow at the date of the Act. As she lived until after Feb. 2. 1848. there is a small amount due under the Act of that date.
As there is but a very small amount due and all the surviving children live in one place. it has not been thought advisable to incur the trouble and expense of taking out letters of administration.
Very respectfully
Your Obt Servt.
Chas. B. Tucker. -
Enc./

Per Sec
DES MOINES UNIVERSITY HIGHLAND PARK DES MOINES, IOWA
January 30, 1922.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly advise me, Please, whether you have in your records of those who performed military service in the Revolutionary War anything regarding Benjamin Eager Noble, who may have been enlisted as Eager Noble , Benjamin Noble , or as Benjamin Eager ? He was a resident of Westfield, Mass., born in 1760, and is said to have served five months in 1776 under Captain Gray, this statement being found in the Genealogy of the Noble Family.
Thank You.
Yours truly,
George W. Cox PROFESSOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING.

Mar 29
Apr. 12 Mr. [unclear] P.R.
Hon. J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Westfield March 28 th 1833
Sir:
I enclose the declaration of Ezra Noble, amended in the particular, pointed out by the Department. I have not obtain d from the clerk of the Court a new certificate new certificate of the fact that Mr Hamilton is a certifying magistrate, because I concluded, the certificate on the same page of the clerk, & the evidence arising from the similarity of hands, would probably be satisfactory to the Department. & that the declarant be saved the expenses of a journey to Springfield to obtain a new certificate. Will you be good enough to direct to me at Westfield & not at Springfield. My former papers were mailed at the latter place, because I hoped to be there at Court, as it is in their town.
I am Sir with respect
Your obed Servt
Wm G. Bates

June 7 1844
11047
Mass
Molly Notes
7 May 1838
Hon.
FREE
J. S. Edwards Commr. of Pensions Washington City

Massachusetts Westfield June 1. 1844.
Sir
I send her with the declaration of Mrs Molly Noble & the deposition of Mrs Lydia Mosely Rev. Emerson Davis, & Jas Noble. The deposition, were taken to accompany an application which was made at the time of their date. I send them on the taken some time since.
As the widow began to take the necessary measures so long ago, she feels very anxious about a speedy decision upon the case - (as I presume she appears to do, of course) & you will please give it such attention as your other duties will allow.
I am Sir with respect
Yr ob.
Wm G Bates
Please correspond with me on the subject, or send the papers to me if necessary.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston; April 18 1845.
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 Eager Noble is not borne upon the rolls of either of the officers named in the annexed declaration, or upon any of the records in this office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Application for Certificate of Revolutionary Services made by the wife of the party who rendered the services
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the rolls of his office of the services of my husband Ebenezer Noble, in the war of the Revolution.
He was a native of the town of Westfield in the County of Hampshire State of Massachusetts.
He enlisted from the Town of Westfield in the County of Hampshire (then Hampshire) and state of Massachusetts, in the year 1776 or 77, as a private, in the Company commanded by Captains John Gray & D. Morley, in Col. Woodbridge and Robinsons Regiments, & he served as follows, viz:
He served in the state of New York, & I have heard him speak of being at Scituate & Stone Roby, & of having served there, also of having been employed in guarding prisoners, I think he served about eight months under Capt. Gray, & about two months under Capt. Morley, & about one month in guarding prisoners, His service was Early in the war, in 1776 or 1777.
His pension was about 33 or 34 00
I am now eightyone years old & my memory does not enable me to state my husband's services more fully than above stated Witness my hand at Westfield the twelfth day of March
A.D. 1845
Signed by me Molly Noble in my presence
Edw. D. Gillette Justice of the Peace

5538 Molly Noble, Declaration
$32:33 per an
W. G. Bates Westfield Mass.

Declaration
in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 3 rd March 1823. granting pensions for one year to entire widows who have rec d pensions under the act of July 7. 1838.
State of Massachusetts
Amplified.
On this seventeenth day of February AD 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in & for said county, Molly Noble a resident of Westfield in said county aged eighty years & upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd of March 1823. granting pensions to widows of persons who serv d during the revolutionary war.
That she is the widow of Eager Noble dec d who was a private in the war of the Revolution, but she does not know the regiment, tho' she thinks that she has heard him speak of Capt Gray. That the said Eager rec d a pension of as near as she can recollect the amount thirty three dollars per annum. That the said Eager died in the month of April, on the 28 th day of the month, AD 1839. & that she was married to said Eager on the 9 th day in the month of May 1780, at the age of 17. years. That she was born on the 9 th of December 1763. & she further declares that she is still a widow of said Eager. That as the widow of said Eager she drew from the agency at Boston the pension due said Eager from the 4 th of March 1839. to the day of his death, & that a statement of her case, with the proofs of her marriage are on file in the office of the Commissioner of Pensions at Washington.
Molly Noble

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampden ss. Feb. 7. 17. 1844.
Sworn to by the said Elizabeth  Molly Noble  Stoble on the day aforesaid, the said as  as Molly Noble being personally known to me, & her statements I believe to be true —
M c G. D. Attes
Justice of Peace.