Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18784, for Jacob Priest, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Priest, Jacob Rhoda
W18784
CONTENTS

6840.
Massachusetts Jacob Priest
of Howard in the State of Mass who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain of the recommended by Col Whitney in the Special line for 10 (May) 25 Days
Mr. Hall
77 Master
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 36 Dollars 11. Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of March 1833 and sent to Dana of Newton present Arrears to 14th of Mar 1833 $72.22 Semi-ant. allowance ending 2 Sept " 18.05
$90.27
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J H C Blair Clerk, Book D - Vol. 2 nd Page 75

Affidavit of George Leason in the case of Jacob Priest.
Affidavit George Leason for Jacob Priest

I George Leason of Harvard in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged eighty seven years the twenty eighth day of last November do testify and and say that I lived in Harvard aforesaid at the commencement of the revolutionary War and that I have ever since lived in the same town except the time I was in service that I am acquainted with Jacob Priest of said Harvard that I served with him in the War of the Revolution in 1775 at Cambridge eight months. In 1777 said Priest and myself volunteered our services in the Massachusetts Militia and marched to Bennington in Vermont and from thence to Saratoga against Burgoin and having served faithfully one month were honorably discharged. In 1778 about the first of August I was drafted and went to Rhode Island the said Priest was there in the service but I do not remember how long he served
Dated August 13, 1832
George Leason mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester ss. August 13, 1832. Then the above named George Leason personally appeared and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true
Before me John Park Justice of the Peace
I certify that in my full belief the above named George Leason is a disinterested and credible witness
John Park Justice Peace

Affidavit of Cyrus Fairbanks For Jacob Brunt

I, Cyrus Fairbank of Ashburnham in the county of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged eighty years the twenty ninth of last May do testify and say that I formerly lived in Harvard in the county and Commonwealth aforesaid that I am acquainted with Jacob Priest of said Harvard have served with him in the war of the Revolution that on or about the 15 th of September 1777 said Priest and myself hearing a call for men to go to Saratoga against Burgoyne volunteered our services in the Massachusetts militia & marched to Bennington Vermont thence to Saratoga aforesaid & thence to Fort Edward and having faithfully served one month were honourably discharged Dated August 1 st 1832 Cyrus Fairbank
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester ss. August 1 st 1832 Then the above named Cyrus Fairbank personally appeared & made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true. Before me Samuel S. Houghton Just of the Peace
I certify that in my full belief, the above named Cyrus Fairbank is a disinterested & credible witness - Samuel S. Houghton Just. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Oct. 25 1832.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that
Jacob Priest served as a private soldier in Capt. Cyprian Haws alarm company for the space of 15. days. from the 19 th of April. 1775.
Edward D. Bangs. Secy
Secretary's Office Nov. 24 1832.
I further certify that Jacob Priest is borne on a Muster roll of the company under the command of Capt. Jonathan Davis in Col. Asa Whitcomb's regiment to the 1 st of August 1775. for the space of 3. month and 13. days. from the 26 th of April 1775.
I further certify that there are no rolls of Capt. Jonathan Davis company, in service in the year A.D. 1775, after the 1 st of August.
Again Jacob Priest is borne on a Muster roll of Capt. Samuel Hills company
over

under Lieut. Col. Ephraim Sawyer in Col. Josiah Whitnys Brigade  Regt of Militia for the space of 24 days, from the 2 d of October 1777-
I further certify that there is no roll of Capt. Jonathan Davis company in service in the year A. D. 1775 after the 1 st of August. 1775
I further certify that Jacob Priest is borne on a Pay roll of Capt Nanapah Sawyers company in Col. Josiah Whitnys regiment of Militia which served in the State of Rhode Island" for the space of 1. month and 15. day. from July 20 th to September 18 th . 1778-
Edward D Bangs Secy
Jacob Priest

I Jonathan Adams of Lunenburg in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy three years do depose and say that I served in the War of the revolution and in the eight months, seven in Ad 1775 I was in the Company of Capt. Jonathan Davis in late Asa Whitcomb's Reg t and I well know and remember Iacob Priest then and now of the same Hamard in said County, and that he also was a private Soldier in the same Company, and that he served out his eight months and was dismissed and returned to Hamard - I was well acquainted with said Priest and have a clear and distinct recollection of him du- ring the said Campaign and know that he served his time and was dismissed with the the Company at Cambridge. —
Jon a Adams

Extra for Jacob Priest
Mr Jacob Priest

To the Honorable Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, to be held at Worcester, August 14th, 1852.
We hereby certify that Mr. Jacob Priest of this town is believed by us, and is generally believed by by his townsmen, to have served as a soldier in the Amer- ican Army in the course of the war of the rebellion; and that we regard him as a man of the strictest integrity and truth. Glandon, August 13th, 1852.
George Fisher one of the ministers of said town. Jacob Whitcomb.
John P. Whitcomb P.M. Glandon. Cln.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester
ss. December 21 1832
Personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace, within and for all the Counties in said Commonwealth Jonathan Adams
annexed Deposition and known to me as a credible and disinterested witness who subscribed the and made solemn Oath that the same is just and true in all its particulars according to the best of his knowledge and belief.
Saml Dana

Declaration of Jacob Priest
please to direct to Sam Dana Esq. Boston Ms
215 24 th
(duplicate no.)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Worcester
ss.
On this fourteenth - - - - - day of August - Proteate A. D 1832 Worcester - - - - - personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas , now sitting at within and for the County of Worcester - - - - - in the Commonwealth aforesaid - - - - - Hamad in said County
Jacob Priest of - - - - - aged 75 years
Who 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 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That is to say
 1 That he was a minute man in Hamad in 1774 in the Company of Capt. Jonathan Davis, and on the 19. of April AD 1775 marched with his Company to Concord & encamped there that night & next pursued the Enemy to Cambridge & was there three weeks. When  2 o He enlisted for 8 months in the Company of Capt. Davis in Col. Asa Whitcomb's Regt he was stationed first at No. on Cambridge river, then on Prospect hill, where he served his term of eight months & was discharged. -  3 In AD 1777 he engaged to go to the Northern frontier for 30 days and enlisted in the Company of Capt. Samuel Hill, Col. Whitcomb's Regt. he proceeded to Bennington thence to Saratoga thence to Fort Edward where he completed his thirty days and was discharged. 
(over)

He relinquishes every claim, whatever, to a pension or annuity, whatever except, the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll, of the agency of any State, subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Sworn to and
Impresame of William F. Maza of Groton Ma } The signature of Jacob Priest
Alonzo Hill a Clergyman residing in the town of Worcester in the county of Worcester & Calvin Willard hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Alonzo Hill & Calvin Willard who has subscribed and sworn to the above, and that we believe him to be 75 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood, where he resides, to have been a soldier in the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Sworn Before Nathl. Parry Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester Alonzo Hill Calvin Willard.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that after the investigation of the matter, and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them, that Alonzo Hill who has signed the preceding Certificates is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Worcester & Calvin Willard Esq. is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Theophilus Wheeler Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains, the original proceedings, of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Jacob Priest for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal at office this 11th day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two.
Theophilus Wheeler Register of Probate Court for the County of Worcester in Massachusetts
Worcester ss Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I Theophilus Wheeler Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester do hereby certify that since making my certificate of the 11th of August 1832 the affidavit of John Adams made before Hon. Samuel Dana Esq. with his certificate thereof have been annexed, and that the papers now annexed under the seal of said Court, constitute the evidence and declaration in this case of the application Jacob Priest for a pension.
I further certify that I believe the said Hon. Samuel Dana is a Justice of the Peace for all the Counties in Massachusetts, and that John Park and Samuel S. Houghton Esquires are Justices of the Peace for the County of Worcester, and that their names thereto subscribed, are their true & proper signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, this 26th day of December 1832. Theophilus Wheeler Reg. of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex, to wit.
At the Court of Probate begun and holden at Worcester within and for the County of Worcester on the fourteenth day of August A. D. 1832 On the application of Jacob Priest claiming to be a Soldier of the Revolution, the following Interrogatories were propounded to him to wit:
1. Where, and in what year were you born? Answer,
at Harvard Mch Augt 15 th 1757
2. Have you any record of your age, and where is it? Answer,
I have a family record of my age in my house abodes
3. Where were you living, when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live? Answer,
I have always lived in Harvard where I now live
4. How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom? Answer,
All my services were voluntary
5. State the names of some of the regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served, such Continental, and Militia Regiments, as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service? Answer,
I have seen Gen. Washington, & Gen Lee & Gen. Green
6. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the Revolution? Answer,
Rev. George Fisher Mr David Farwell Mr Salmon Whitney & Aaron Whitney Esq. Mr Moses Tyler, in presence of William F. Brazier of Groton Ms. the signature of Jacob Priest

Massachusetts
Khoo Priest widow of Jacob Priest Mass who was a Private in the Massachusetts line
Sept 23 Dec 1843
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 35 Dollars 11 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of December 1843 and sent to Elijah Clarke
Brighton Massachusetts
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 51

4754 Rhoda Priest Map.
admitted Pn 10 m. 25 d. p36. 11
died 14 d. '36
Ac 7 July 58
C. S. Prentiss Worcester. Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester, ss.
I, Charles G. Prentiss, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do certify, that Mr. Barton is the Judge of said Court, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature to the papers hereto annexed is genuine.
I further certify that Jacob Hartwell is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature to one of the papers hereto annexed, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of said Court this fourteenth day of February, one thousand, eight hundred and thirty nine.
Chas. G. Prentiss, Register

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampshire.
on this fourteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine, personally appeared before the Court of Probate for said County of Hampshire Rhoda Pratt , a resident of Marshall in said County aged nearly five 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 provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 7. 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;
That she is the widow of Isaac Pratt late of said Marshall deceased, who was a private soldier in the Army of the United States a prisoner of the United States under the loss of 1832. That she and her said husband both belonged to said Marshall when he went into the service, and she resided

That he was a soldier in the war, but as she was young and had no particular ac- quaintance with him, she cannot, as of her own knowledge state either where or when he served. She has no documents throwing any light upon his case, and for the proof of it, she must refer to the rolls in the war department & to the papers filed in the same case of her husband. At his death she drew the balance of pension due him, as his widow.
She further declares that she was mar- ried to the said Jacob Priest at said Haverhill on the first day of January in the year seventeen hundred & ninety three; that her husband the aforesaid Jacob Priest died at said Haverhill on the fourteenth day of October in the year eighteen hundred and thirty six and that she has never been married since his death. That she was not married to him previous to his leaving the

service, but the marriage took place prior to the first of January in the year nineteen hundred and ninety four, to wit at the time above stated. I have and salute you the day and year first above written before me
Mr. Norton fully of the Church of Protestant Episcopal Church of the South.

I Charles Priest of Hancock in the County of Genesee, do desire once say that I am the son of Sarah Priest and Abisha Priest her wife. My father was reported to be a soldier of the United States in the War of 1812 and he was a prisoner of the British States under the law of 1832. My same father died on the fourteenth day of December in the year eighteen hundred and thirty six and my same mother has since been married since his death.
Charles Priest
Commissioner of Manumissions New York July 14. 1839. I am to be sure deposed who is a man of truth
Before me
Abisha Priest Judge of Probate for said County

Jacob Priest and Rhoda Warner both of Harvard were joined in marriage, by the Rev d William Emerson January first one thousand seven hundred and ninety three.
I certify that the above is a true extract from the Record of marriages, aforesaid now in my possession and as a part of a list of marriages by the Rev d William Emerson, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows. Jan y 1 - 1793.
Jerome Gardner Town Clerk of Harvard Worcester ss. Sept. 3 - 1838.
I Jerome Gardner of Harvard in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts depose and say that I am the person above named and that I now hold the Office of Town Clerk in the Town, County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said town with the exception above named as Certified by me. Jerome Gardner Clerk of the Town of Harvard
Sworn Before me Jacob Marshall Justice Peace

Jacob Priest
21. 5 24
$36.11.
Burton
10 mos 25 days
Cena
Saml. Dana Esq. Groton (map);

BRIEF in the case of  Jacob Priest  of  Haward  in the State of  Massachusetts  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? In open court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? Seventy five  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.     In 1775 # 16 private Gen. Capt: S. Davis   1775 8 private Col: Whitney & Capt: Davis   1777 34 private Col: Whitney & Capt: Will   78 1 15 " Col: Sawyer & Col: Whitney   10 25 for all  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None Named  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? In Haward Mass  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? correctly authenticated 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
# See Bury Certificate } Attached }
Examining Clerk.
The certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shows Jacob Priest was on the rolls of said Commonwealth —

Rev  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18784 Rhoda Priest Widow of Jacob Priest Mir. Rev. Par
Act: Mar. 3 9 / 11 1878
Index:—Vol. M , Page 141
[Arrangement of 1870.]

+
x
Rept. July 11 1839
Massachusetts
Apl. 22/85 Statement sent to Ezra S. Stearns East Bridgewater Ms. B. - see clip inside.
Rhoda Priest.
widow of Jacob Priest, decd.
who was pensioner under the Act of 7 June, 1832. and who died on the 14 th : December, 1836. Worcester Co in the State of Mass. -
who was a private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded by Col: Whitney in the Mass. _____ time for 10 Months & 25 days -
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 36 Dollars 11 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day of March 1836 15 th : December 1836 -
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of June 1839 and sent to C. G. Pocumtuck, Worcester, Mass -
Arrears to the 14 th of Mar. 1839 $ 79.74 Semi-annual allowance ending 14 Sept 18.00
$97.79
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by M c Intyre Clerk. k Vol. 1 Page 120

Massachusetts 3338-
Rhoda Priest - widow of Jacob Priest -
who was a pensioner under the Act of June '32. and who died on the 14 th : December, 1836 - of Worcester Co in the State of Mass ts - who was a private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt: commanded by Col: Whitney - in the Massachusetts line for 10 mos: & 25 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 36 — Dollars 11 — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14 th day of March, 1836. & terminating 14 th December, 1836 —
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th day of May, 1843 — and sent to E. Clark Brighton Mass: —
Arrears to the 14 th of _____ Semi-annual allowance ending
$28.08
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Nell Stewart — Clerk, Book A — Vol. 1 — Page 120 —
Rep 5 May
New certificate ipd in this case see opinion of the atty: Genl: for the 2 d — Sept. 1842

U. S. Pension Office.
Jacob Priest of Harvard - Aug. 14 th 1832 - Aged 75 - yrs. Alleged was a minute man in Harvard in 1775 in Capt Jonathan Dorr's Co. - that in the 19 th of April 1775 - he marched with his Co. to Concord & C. Encamped there that night - the next day pursued the enemy to Concord & back then spent a few days there he enlisted in Capt. Dorr's Co. in Col. Asa Weston's Regt. & was stationed at Old Cambridge River - where he served until his discharge.
In 1777 he enlisted to go to the north for 30 days - for 30 days - in Capt. Saml. Hills Co. of Col. H. Gilmour's Regt. marched to Bennington - where he served until his discharge - then returned to Harvard.
He was born at Harvard Aug. 15 th 1757 & always lived there - he married Abigail Adams of Lancaster Oct. 7 th 1832. Says that he served with Priest in the Revolutionary War in Capt. Dorr's Co.
Cyrus Fairbank of Ash- burnham, aged 80 in May 1832. (13079-200,000) Says that he served with Priest in 1777 in the

Campaign to Bunker Hill, Fort Schuyler etc.
Geo. Leason or Leaton (or some similar name) of Harvard says that he served with Priest in the 8 mos service in 1775 1775 - also in the service in 1777 at Ben- nington etc. also says that he & Priest were in R.I. in service in 1778.
The Secy of State of Mass. reported service for Priest as follows:
In Capt. Cyprian Hovey's alarm Co. for 16 days from Apr. 19 th 1775.
In Capt. Jonathan Dain's Co. of Col. Asa Whitcomb's Regt. from Apr. 26 th 1775 to Aug. 1 st 1775. 3 mos. & 13 days
In Capt. Sam l Hill's Co. under Lt. Col. Ephraim Sawyer in Col. Josiah Whitney's Regt. for 24 days from Oct. 24 1777.
In Capt. Mariassah Sawyer's Co. of Col. Josiah Whitney's Regt. in R. Island for one mo. & 15 days from Sept. 13 th 1778.
He married at Harvard Jan 1 st 1793. Rhoda Warner of Harvard, where she resided as late as 1843. A son, Charles Priest also resided at Harvard.
An soldier, Jacob Priest, died Dec. 14 th 1836.

Jacob Priest Mass. Act 7 June 1832 to what time paid? Rev. Office. June 27, 1839
1836 1/2 to 1838 Due 14 th Dec. 1836 p'to that period 017

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Jacob Priest 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?  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?  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? The 7th and 8th are 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.

Gloucester (Mifs.) Feb'y 14. 1839.
Sir,
I send the Application of Rhoda Priest, whose Certificate is to be sent to me.
I also send three additional Depositions in the case of Elizabeth Bacon, whose application I forwarded November 16 th .
Respectfully Yours, Chas. G. Prentiss.
Hon. J. L. Edwards.

4418
R. Priest
$36:11 per an
Elijah Clark Brighton Mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Worcester ss.
On this twenty second day of September, one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before me John P. Whitcomb a justice of the peace in and for the county of Worcester. Rhoda Priest a resident of Harvard in the county of Worcester seventy nine years of age who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed on the third day of March 1843. granting pensions to Widows of persons who served in the revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Jacob Priest who was a private in the revolution from the Town of Harvard in the county of Worcester and was in the militia service of the United States and that she has received a pension of thirty six Dollars and Eleven cents per Annum under the act of 1838 and was paid her at the agency at Boston and she further declares she is still a Widow -
Rhoda Priest
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written Before me - John P. Whitcomb Justice of the peace Worcester ss. Harvard September 22 d 1843. I hereby certify That Rhoda Priest who has signed the declaration is personally known to me and is the widow of Jacob Priest. is a person of veracity and has received a pension under the act of 1838 -
John P. Whitcomb Justice of the peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston September 27. 1843
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation John P. Whitcomb was a justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Jno A Dolee Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Rhoda Priest
Mass.
at 7. June 38
36 11 from March 36 to 14 Dec. 36
Elijah Clark
Brighton
Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Worcester ss.
On this twentieth day of April, eighteen hundred and forty three. Personally appeared before me John P. Whitcomb a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Worcester. Rhoda Priest, a resident of Harvard in said County, aged seventy nine years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the amount of pension which she claims from the fourth of March 1836, to the fifteenth day of December in the year 1836, from which period she has been already paid under the act of the seventh of July 1838, and the declarant further alleges that she is still the widow of Jacob Priest, who was a private in the Revolutionary War, that her pension was allowed at the rate of thirty six dollars and eleven cents per annum and was paid to her at the agency at Boston in the State of Massachusetts, and further she saith not.
Worcester ss. April 20. 1843
Rhoda Priest
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. Before me,
John P. Whitcomb Jus of the Peace Worcester ss. April 20. 1843.
I hereby certify that Rhoda Priest, who has signed and made oath to the above declaration, is personally known to me to be the widow of Jacob Priest, late of Harvard deceased, and that she has formally received a pension from the United States
John P. Whitcomb Jus of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, April 22 1843
I hereby Certify, That in the 20 th of April 1843 John P. Whitcomb was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester.
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Mo. A. Bolles Secretary of the Commonwealth.