Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26767, for Jeremiah Mitchell, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Mitchell Jeremiah Knight Bathsheba
W 26767
(Former widow)
CONTENTS
This woman also received the pension due her last husband Joseph Knight, Mass. all papers written

32,874
McAine
Joseph Knight decd of Palmyra in the State of New York who was a Private  sergeant in the Comp y commanded by Captain Prince of the Reg t commanded by Col in the Mass s line for 17 mo: 23 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Portland at the rate of 65 Dollars 13 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. & Endg 31. December 1833. when he had Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of May 1834 and sent to Wilkins & Coombs
Arrears to the 4th of Present Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. B. Wrightman Clerk Book C. Vol. 1. Page 28

Let to P. S. Merrill 16 Sept 1857
3857
Maine
Bartholomew Knight
widow of Jeremiah Mitchell and also Joseph Knight a Revolutionary soldier & prisoner who served in the Revolutionary war, as a
Ames
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of May 1857 and sent to
Deekins & Gombes Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 2 of Vol. 1.

Mr. Buttsheba Knight No. 14.192. Declaration of Bathsheba Knight Wid: of Jeremiah Mitchell
Act July 7. 1838.
Married 1785 Husband died 15 May 1801
Adm d 2 yrs per m o $80 per annum. Act 38 434141 418
Hickens Hoombs. Present

State of Maine - Kennebec County, ss - On this sixth day of June in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and fifty personally appeared before the Honorable Asahel Ware Judge of the United States, District Court for the District of Maine, the same being a Court of Record Bathsheba Knight, a resident of Greene, in the County of Kennebec and State of Maine, aged eighty nine years, who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the acts of Congress passed July 7 th 1835, March the 3 rd 1843, June 17 th 1844, and February 2 nd 1845) — And this declaration states, that she was formerly the wife of Jeremiah Mitchell, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary army, and served therein three years and up to its close. She also declares that her said husband Jeremiah Mitchell was a native of North Yarmouth in the State (at that time the Province) of Maine and she well remembers his departure to the Army and his return to that place. She well knows that he enlisted for three years, and that he served in Capt Alden's Company in Sprout's Regiment, in the last three years service she has good reason to believe. She also declares, that she herself was a native of North Yarmouth aforesaid, that she was married to her said husband, by David Mitchell Esquire, on the

Ms. B. 1. 6. v. 1. p. 10 sixth day of December A.D. 1785 and that her maiden name was Bathsheba Noyall — That said Jemimah Mitchell died, on the fifteenth day of May A.D. 1801 — That after his death she was married to Joseph Knight of Durham, in the County of Cumberland — After living in Durham several years with her last husband, they removed to Rome and from thence to Palmyra, both in this State, when her last husband died, on the thirty first day of December A.D. 1833. After his death this declarant removed back to Rome, became a Town charge and suffered all manner of hardships, until about two years since, when she was rescued, by her son in law, with whom she now resides, in Greene County — She also declares that the reason she has not sooner applied for a pension is that she was ignorant of her rights — She supposed that her second marri- age destroyed her claim on account of her first hus- band's service and was told that she was not mar- ried soon enough to her last husband to draw on account of his services — And for proof of her first husband Jemimah Mitchell's service, she refers to the Revolutionary documents in the Pension Department, and for proof of her other statements to the papers hereto annexed. And this declarant further states that her second husband Joseph Knight was a scribe in the Revolutionary Army and served therein seven teen months and twenty three days as will appear

from the Certificate of the Secretary of State Massachusetts dated March 18 th 1850 — Which Certificate are companies this declaration. She makes this statement in order to obtain the benefits of the acts of June 7 th 1832 for the amount due him the said Knight from March 18 th 1831 to December 31 st 1833 — And this declarant further states that she has not intermarried since the death of her last husband Joseph Knight but is now the widow of said Jeremiah Mitchell and said Joseph Knight.
Attest Adrianus van Batenburg X Knijne med.
Subscribed and sworn the day of the year first above written before me, Ashton Ware District Judge of the U.S. for the District of Maine

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
February 1. 1850..
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 there is no evidence of any service by any person by the name of Jeremiah Mitchell, of North Yarmouth.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
W. B. Cushman, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

To the Secretary of State Massachusetts Bathsheba Knight, formerly wife of Jeremiah Mitchell, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary Army, request evidence of her said husband's service therein. This applicant states that her said husband was a native of North Gun- mouth (Maine) and enlisted into the Army from that place. She is positive that her husband Jeremiah Mitchell served in the Revo- lutionary Army three full years - That he had the small pox while in the service and that his health was poor ever afterwards, until his death nearly fifty years ago. She does not know the names of the officers under whom her hus- band served but she well knows that he was in the three years service. She therefore respect- fully requests the Secretary to cause the Rolls and Revolutionary documents in his office to be examined and a certificate granted of all the service of her husband the aforesaid Jeremiah Mitchell of North Gunmouth and the grade of his service.
Witness James D. Dumas
Bathsheba
her X Knight mark
State of Maine Unindicted for January 19th 1850. Signed in my presence, Jacob Herrick Justice.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
March 11 1850.
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 Jeremiah Mitchell is not found for any service which can be identified with this representation.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
W. G. Cushing Secretary of the Commonwealth.

To the secretary of State Massachusetts, Bathsheba Knight formerly wife of Jeremiah Mitchell a soldier in the Revolutionary Army requests evidence of her said husband's service therein. This applicant states that her said husband was a native of North- Yarmouth, that she was married to him in that part of said Town now called Freeport, where we lived a short time after our marriage, we then re- moved to Noyesborough now called Durham from there we removed to Lisbon, where my husband died. This applicant thinks that her husband enlisted into the army for three years in the last part of the war — James Goff of Auburn a Revolutionary soldier and pensioner was well acquainted with my husband in the army and also after the war and says that my late husband Jeremiah Mitchell served in Sprague's Regiment and left Alden's Company in the last three years service. Said Jeremiah Mitchell was about five feet seven inches in height black hair and dark blue eyes — He had the small pox, in the army, which injured his health for life. She therefore requests the secretary to furnish her with a certificate of all the service which can be identified with her said husband Jeremiah Mitchell. Said Mitchell beat on the drum some times, after the Revolution and he might possibly have been a Drummer in the army.
Bathsheba for Knight State of Maine Cumberland Co Feb. 16 th 1850 — Signed in my presence Jacob Merrill Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Secretary's Office, Boston ;
March 4 1850 .
Sir,
Although there are some rolls of names of enlistments & some monthly returns of a few companies in the "last three years service" yet there are no regular rolls of the service, consequently the names of many who served in that part of the war are not found on any roll in this office.
These rolls are generally supposed to be in the Secretary of States' Office at Washington - perhaps an application there would discover evidence of the service of Jeremiah Welch etc.
Very Respectfully Your Abt. Servt Thomas Campbell clerk.
Jacob Herrick Esq.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
March 4, 1850.
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 Joseph Knight is found on rolls of 8 mo. Service in Capt. John Brackett's Co. Col. Edmund Phinney's Regt. as a fifer, of Falmouth; - on the coat roll of this Co. Oct. 24, 1775.
On pay rolls of Capt. Benjamin Hooper's Co. in Falmouth, as a fifer, from Feb'y 24 to Nov. 24, 1776, 9 months.
On a pay roll of Capt. Joseph Brides Co. from Falmouth, service at eastward, as a fifer, from Oct 1, 1779, 23 days.
[Handwritten signature]

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth the date above written.
A handwritten signature in cursive, appearing to read "W. H. Cullen".
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

To the Secretary of State Massachusetts Bathsheba Knight widow of Joseph Knight who was a soldier in the Revolutionary Army requests evidence of her husband's service there in — She states that her late husband Joseph Knight was a native of Falmouth and entered the Army from that place. She believes that he was in the Service two or three different times and that he was a fife. She does not know what officer he served under but well she knows that he served as a fifer and she has frequently heard him say that he was a fife in the Army — She knows that he was a musician when she first became acquainted with him and played on the fife and also beat the drum — She therefore respectfully requests the Secretary to cause the rolls to be examined and a certificate granted of all the service of Joseph Knight of Falmouth, Musician. Bathsheba by Knight
State of Maine Cumberland ss Feb. 16 th 1857. Signed in my presence,
Jacob Henrik Just. sur.

Mr. Bartholubus Knight.
Found on the Final Settlement Account as paid to Benjamin Marshall
to 1 st Jan y 1783 $19.43 to 1 st Jan y 1782. 64.60 to 1 st Jan y 1783 80 00 $164.03

State of Maine - County of Cumberland Town of North Yarmouth Town Clerk's Office
Feb 28 th 1830
In an ancient book of Records belonging to this Town Page 33 y the following marriage is recorded as having been solemnized by David McNicholl Esq. Justice of the Peace - viz - Jeremiah Mitchell and Bathsheba Rayall both of this Town December the sixth, one thousand seven hundred & eighty five - The foregoing is a true copy of the record excepting the date which is ex- pressed in legible characters and figures thus December 6 th 1785 -
Attest William Osgood Town Clerk - I William Osgood on oath depose and say, that I am Town Clerk of North Yarmouth aforesaid duly chosen and sworn. That the Records of said Town are in my custody - That the fore- going certificate was taken from said records - and is a true copy of the same, with the exception as above named by me
William Osgood -
State of Maine Cumberland ss. March 23. 1850
Subscribed and sworn to before me William G. Barrows Justice of the Peace

State of Maine, County of Cumberland and Town of Durham. Town Clerk's office March 1 st 1850 In a Book of Records of marriages belonging to said Town the following marriage is recorded viz.
1804 { Joseph Knight, of Durham, to Nov r 22 { Bathsheba Mitchel of Lisbon,
Durham April 25 1805. Josiah Brannan Justice of the Peace True Copy Test Martin Root Town Clerk
Attest: Allen H. Cobb Town Clerk
I Allen H. Cobb on oath depose and say, that I am Town Clerk of Durham above named legally chosen and sworn. That the records of said Town are in my custody. That the above certificate was taken from said records and is a true copy of the same. Allen H. Cobb
State of Maine Cumberland ss March 10 th 1850. Subscribed and sworn before me Jacob Herrick Just. Peace

I James Goff of Auburn formerly Minot in the county of Cumberland and State of Maine aged Ninety, years, on oath depose and say that I was a soldier of the Revolutionary Army and am a pensioner of the United States, That I served the principal part of the war and was honorably discharged at its close. While in the service I became acquainted with Jeremiah Mitchell of North Yarmouth, who was a soldier in Capt. Allen's company, Sprague's Regiment, the same Regiment in which I served. He was one of the last three years men, in height about five feet seven or eight inches, black hair and black or very dark blue eyes. After the war I frequently met with said Mitchell at Freeport where he resided. Freeport had at that time been taken from North Yarmouth and incorporated into a Town by itself. I also depose and say that I married my wife in North Yarmouth and by that means became acquaint- -ed with many people of that place. Said Mitchell married Bathsheba Royce of North Yarmouth, who was intimately acquainted with my wife. Jeremiah Mitchell afterwards re- -moved to Lisbon, where he was accidentally killed by a tree some fifty years ago. His widow after his death married Joseph Knight of Bangor

another Revolutionary soldier, Durham being on the list from Auburn to Freeport and N. Yarmouth I again had opportunities of seeing the family for a number of years. Knight removed to the Eastern part of the State, where he died some years since. Very recently the widow applied to me by her agent for information respecting her former husband's service.
James his Goff mark
State of Maine Cumberland ss May 31 st 1850 Subscribed and sworn before me George W. Hurnawill Just. Peace
I hereby certify that James Goff, the above named affiant is a respectable citizen of the Town of Auburn, with whom I have long been person- ally acquainted that his statements under oath are entitled to full credit in or out of Court. I also certify that he retains his mental faculties in a most remarkable manner.
George W. Hurnawill

I Elizabeth Nordeke of Durham, County of Lumberland and State of Maine aged ninety years, on oath before, testify and say that I am a native of North Yarmouth — That I am a pensioner of the United States, on account of the Revolutionary services of my late husband Martin Nordeke. I was well acquainted with Jeremiah Mitchell of said North Yarmouth. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary army, and so con- sidered by his neighbors and friends. I well remember the time when he returned from the service. I was also well acquainted with his wife, whose maiden name was Bathsheba Royce. She and I were playmates and intimate friends. Said Mitchell was accidentally killed by a tree some fifty years ago, near his residence in Lisbon where he had removed with his family — Lisbon is separated from Durham by Androscoggin River so that her residence and mine at this time were not far apart. After Jeremiah's death his widow married Joseph Knight of Durham, in consequence of which, we were placed nearer still to each other. My husband was at that time Town clerk of Durham, and published the banns of matrimony between Knight and Jeremiah Mitchell's widow. Said Joseph Knight was also

a Revolutionary soldier and his name was mentioned as such in connection with others in the Town of Durham N.Y. my husband Martin Rouke, Isaac Davis John McIntosh Ebenezer Woodbury, John Vining &c —
My acquaintance continued a number of years after this last marriage. Joseph Knight remov- ed to the Eastern part of the State where he died some fifteen years ago. His widow Bathsheba has suffered much from poverty since his death and I hope my statements will be of some advantage to her, in obtaining her rights, for I well know she is as much entitled to a pension as I am myself
Elizabeth her { Rouke mark
Subscribed ss May 31 st 1850 subscribed and sworn before me
George W. Hurnawill Just. Peace.
I hereby certify that the above named Elizabeth Rouke is personally known to me as a witness of respectability and veracity.
George W. Hurnawill

I Jane Soule of Freeport, County of Cumberland and State of Maine aged Seventy years on Oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with Jerome ah Mitchell who formerly lived in this place which was then a part of North Yarmouth who was reported to be a Soldier of the Revolutionary Army said Mitchell was married at Mr Samuel Griffin's house to Bathsheba Royal of this town who was a sister to Samuel Griffin's wife and resided here for a time after they were married and then moved to Lisbon where he was killed accidentally by a Gun I should think about fifty years ago after his death, his widow Bathsheba was married to Joseph Knight of Durham who has since died leaving said Bathsheba again a widow
Jane Soule Cumberland fr. July 11. 1850
Subscribed and sworn to as true before me Richard Belcher, Justice of the peace I hereby certify that Jane Soule above named is personally known to me as a person of Respectability and veracity whose statements in this matter are entitled to full credit. Richard Belcher, Jus. of the peace

I Samuel Griffin of Freeport, County of Cumberland and State of Maine aged Seventy four years on oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with Jeremiah Mitchell who formerly lived in this place which was formerly a part of North Yarmouth, and who was reputed to be a Soldier of the Revolutionary army, said Mitchell was married Bathsheba Royal of this Town who was a Sister to my Mother and Resided here for a time and moved to Lisbon where he was killed accidentally by a tree I saw him & watched with him after he was hurt before his death which happened after the accident. His death happened some fifty years ago. said Mitchell's wife Bathsheba was afterwards married to Joseph Knight of Durham, at which time two of her Children by said Mitchell were living with me said Knight is dead & said Bathsheba is now a widow Samuel Griffin Cumberland ss. July 11. th 1850.
Subscribed & sworn to as true before me
Richard Belcher Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that Samuel Griffin above named is personally known to me as a person of Respectability and veracity, whose statements under oath are entitled to full credit
Richard Belcher Justice of the Peace

I Samuel Dennen of Green County of Kennebec and State of Maine aged fifty seven years; on oath depose, testify and say that I am well acquainted with the widow Bath-sheba Knight, formerly wife of Jeremiah Mitchell of North Yarmouth — My wife is daughter of said Bath-sheba by the former husband, the said Jeremiah Mitchell, and her maiden name was Miriam Mitchell. About thirty five years ago Mrs Knight moved to Rome in this State with her last husband Joseph Knight, and in about two years after their removal I was married to my wife the said Miriam. After living in Rome aforesaid quite a number of years said Knight removed to Palmina where he died the last day of December Anno Domini 1833 — The reason why I remember the time is by the age of one of my children. After Mr Knight's death his widow became a Town charge and was shifted about from place to place and suffered many hardships until about three years ago my wife and I went to Rome after her and carried her to my house in Greene where I have supported her ever since. Previous to her removal I was obliged to give Bonds to the Town of Rome

That she should not again become chargeable to said Town as a pauper — While under the charge of the Authorities of Rome she was abused beyond measure — And when I with after her as aforesaid I found her in a suffering condition without fire and so destitute of clothing that we had to procure new clothing before she could appear decent to be removed. After the said Bathsheba had removed to my house I asked her why she had not had a pension as both of her husbands were known to be Revo- lutionary Soldiers. She said she had no one to assist her and was told that her second marriage cut her off from any claim for the Revolutionary services of her first husband and that she had not been married long enough to her second to obtain any thing on account of his services — This subject was talked over at various times until last winter, when I went to Lewiston falls, by her request to enquire of Mr. Herrick, who I understood was acquainted with such busi- -ness, what her rights were — Mr. Herrick informed me that she was entitled to a pension for her first husband's services, notwithstanding her second marriage, and also that she was entitled to what was due her second husband, Knight under the act of 1832 from March 4 th 1831 to the time of his death in 1833. Mr. Herrick was accordingly -ly employed by the old Lady to prove out her

claimant. Mrs Knight is now residing in my family in a feeble state of Health, and is still the widow of said Jeremiah Mitchell and said Joseph Knight. Thus I have in a brief manner endeavored to give a true history of the reason why Mrs Knight had not sooner applied for a pension
Samuel Dennen
State of Maine Kennebec ss. August 9 th 1850 subscribed and sworn to before me
Hannibal Farwell. Justice of peace
I Hannibal Farwell a Magistrate for the County of Kennebec hereby certify that Samuel Dennen, who has made the above affidavit is personally known to me a person of respectability, whose statements under oath are entitled to full credit and belief in and out of Court.
Hannibal Farwell

11. 103
Maine Widow of Jeremiah Hatchett widow of Jeremiah Hatchett who died on the 15. May 1800 of some the State of Maine who was a private in the Comp commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the MAS time for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Portland at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of May 1837 and sent to Wilkins & Coombs
Arrears to the 4th of Present Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act July 7, 1838. }
Recorded by J. Mayhew Clerk. Book 1 , Vol. 1 , Page 9

8999 Wane Bartholomew Knight widow of Jeremiah Mitchell who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of May 1837 and sent to
Atkins & Coombs Present
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 , Page 5

STATE OF MAINE.
JOHN HUBBARD,
Governor of the State of Maine. To all who shall see these Presents,
GREETING.
Know ye, That Mahum Merrill of Durham, in the county of Cumberland, Esquire, whose name is borne upon the proper hereunto annexed was on the twenty second day of February A.D. 1844, appointed and commissioned and on the twenty sixth day of February A.D. 1844 qualified as a Justice of the Peace within and for our said county of Cumberland, And also That James Cox of Brunswick in the said county of Cumberland, Esquire, whose name is borne upon the proper hereunto annexed was on the eleventh day of June, A.D. 1846, appointed and commissioned and on the first day of July A.D. 1846, qualified as a Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum within and for our said county of Cumberland; and that they still continue to hold said offices, and that to their 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 caused the Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand at AUGUSTA, this fourth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty — and in the seventy fifth year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By the Governor.
John G. Sawyer Secretary of State.

I Jacob Herrick of Swanton Falls Village in Danville, County of Cumberland and State of Maine, on oath depose and say that Mrs Bathsheba Knight applied to me through her son in law, sometime last winter to prosecute a pension claim for her. On investigation I found that Mrs Knight had been twice married and that both her husbands were Revolutionary soldiers. The first marriage was to Jeremiah Mitchell of North Yarmouth in 1785 — The second to Joseph Knight in 1804 — She steadily affirmed that her first hus- -band served three years in the Revolu- -tionary war. That her second Joseph Knight was a native of Falmouth and served two or three tours in the Revolution- ary army as a fifer. The certificate of the Secretary of State Massachusetts completely meets the application for Knight's service. In her first application for Jeremiah Mitchell's service she avers that he served three years — No service was found by the Secretary. In her next application, after having received information from Capt. James Goff who was intimately acquainted

-ted with Mitchell, she applied for his service in Capt. Alden's Company Sprouts Regiment. The Secretary replied that the Rolls were imperfect and advised to apply to the Secretary of State at Wash- -ington - I did so apply, and Mr Clayton with commendable promptness answered saying that the proof sought was not in his office, and advised me to apply to the pension department for the proof of Jeremiah Mitchell's service. The answer dated April 17th 1850 was such as I had anticipated "That it was contrary to the rules of the office to furnish Proof, but if Mrs Knight would present her claim she should have the benefit of all the Records of service in the office," she has instituted her claim and adduced all the evidence in her power, which of itself is sufficient to establish her claim aside from the promise of the Commis- sioner of Pensions before stated. I depended on the promise of the Commissioner and still do. Mrs Knight is entitled to a full pension for Mitchell's service and to the amount due Knight for 17 months and 23 days service as a wife from March 4th 1831 to December 31st 1833 the time

of his death, under the act of June 2 nd 1832,
Jacob Henrick
State of Maine Cumberland SS Oct 30 th 1830 subscribed and sworn before me
Nahum Morrill Just. Peace.
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Jacob Henrick Esq. above named, and that his statements are in my opinion entitled to the fullest confidence and belief. Danville Oct 30 th 1830.
Nahum Morrill

I George Littlefield of Durham, County of Cumberland and State of Maine aged sixty five years, on oath depose and say that I am son of Elijah Littlefield deceased who was a Revolutionary Soldier and a pensioner of the United States under the act of 1832. When I was about fifteen years old my father removed from Portland to this place (Durham) where I have always resided since. My father lived a near neighbor to Joseph Knight who had removed from Falmouth to Durham before my father. I have often heard my father and said Knight talk over their adventures in the Revolutionary Army - They were both out at one time although not in the same Regiment. I distinctly remember of my father or Knight or both of them speaking about Knight's being in Phinney's Regiment. Said Joseph Knight was a fife and a very good player - The boys used to go to him for instruction about playing on the fife. I have been to him myself for that purpose. Said Joseph Knight married Bathsheba Mitchell for his second wife about forty five years ago. Said Bathsheba Mitchell was widow of Jeremiah Mitchell who was hurt by a tree

and died in consequence thereof, soon after- wards. Jeremiah Mitchell was a native of Freeport formerly North Yarmouth — I have been to one of their relatives in Freeport by name of Griffin several times in company with Samuel Mitchell, son of said Jeremiah — said Joseph Knight was reputed to have been a spy in the Revolutionary army. All the old inhabitants of this place would call him as such. No one ever disputed the fact. I have no more doubt myself that said Knight was a Revolutionary soldier and spy than I have that my father was one. George Littlefield
State of Maine Cumberland County SS Subscribed and sworn this 30th day of October 1850. before me
James Fox Jr. pro.
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with George Littlefield who signed the above affidavit and that he is a person entitled to full credit and belief as to truth & veracity James Fox

Rev
26767 WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26767
Bathsheba Knight formerly wife of Jeremiah Mitchell also widow of Joseph Knight a revolutionary soldier & prisoner
Act: Feb. 2 d 1848
Index:—Vol. A , Page 409
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No 38.144 Joseph Knight, dec d Me.
Act 7 June 1832
Adm d 17 mos 23 days after $65.13 per annum. coming 4 March 1831 & ending 31 Dec 1833. Payable to his Widow, Bathsheba Knight.
1 4 19 2
Dickens & Coombs Present

191 m lead
m

Shirley Piscataquis County Maine
Aug 29 '1851
Sir:
I would respectfully submit to you the following facts; and you would confer a great favor on those interested, by replying to the questions connected with the same. Mrs Bathsheba M. Knight petitioned for the arrearages of pension due her late husband Joseph Knight. The claim was allowed, for a pension due Mr Knight from March 4 1831 to Dec 21 1833 when he died, the claim was allowed May 16 1851, and paid the Executor of Mrs Knight by the Pension Agent at Portland July 15 1851, Mrs Knight having died the preceding October, vis oct 1850. The question I wish to submit is, Does the amount of Pension due Mr Knight at the time of his death Dec 23 1833, and which was allowed May 16 1851 seven months after the death of the widow, belong to the children

of Mrs Knights which children she had by a former husband — or to the children of Knight; children he had by a former wife, — their being no issue by the last marriage, living,
At the time of the death of the Pensioner, his widow was alive, Did the pension, though not allowed, until after the death of the widow become so vested in her, as now to belong to her children, to the utter exclusion of the children of Knight,?
very respectfully yours. abt. sent.
Paul L. Merrill
Commissioner of Pensions Washington

FREE
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Portland, Maine October 28. 1851
Sir,
On the 16 th of May last the claim of Mrs. Bathsheba M c Knight for a pension was admitted, and certificates were issued in her favor as the widow of Joseph Knight and also as the widow of Samuel Mitchell. — Before the pensions were paid Mrs. Knight died, and her executor received the amount due, — but refuses to account for it to the children as required by the Act of 1840.
A suit has been commenced by the children to recover the money, and on the trial, official copies of the pension certificates will be required as evidence.
I have respectfully to request, on behalf of the children, that you will cause me to be furnished with such copies, duly authenticated under the seal of the Department, as early as convenient.
With respects &c
William L. D. King
The Commissioner of Pensions. —

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by M. Rice.
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant Bathsheba Knight
Soldier Joseph Knight.
Service Mass. Rev. War.
Additional Service. _____
No. _____ claim, State records. _____, 191____
No claim, combination records. _____, 191____
REMARKS:
No other Surv., Wid. or Rejd. claim found that can be identified with above. W. 21538, Joseph Knight died in 1836, widow Abigail S. 37138, Joseph Knight, wife probably Hannah, residence York Me - Chief Division JUN 5 - 1911

Commemoration of Purvis
Print

Lewiston Falls (Me), August 16 th 1850. To the Commissioner of Pensions Sir,
I herewith transmit to your Department the papers in the pension claims of Mrs. Bathsheba Knight, formerly wife of Jeremiah Mitchell and more recently of Joseph Knight. Application was made to the Secretary of State (Mass) for Mitchell's service — I was advised to apply to the Secretary of State at Washington. And Mr. Clayton referred me to your Department. By your letter of April 17 th 1850, you assure me that Mrs. Knight shall "have the benefit of the Records of service in your office." I respectfully request that her claim may be registered and acted upon with as little delay as the rules of your office will admit. I also would ask as a particular favor that the rules of office may be dispensed with, and her claim taken up very soon, in consequence of her extreme age, her former sufferings through her ignorance of her claims on the U. States, the annual receipt of which would have been adequate to her every want. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Jacob Herrick
J. L. Edwards Esq, Comm r of Pensions Washington D.C.
Goss' corner (Maine)

Dickens & Coombs
Mrs. Dickens & Coombs
Present
Mr. Coombs desires to see the papers herein re- ferred to. — H.
Cannot find any papers in file. See p. 25

Nov. 15 th /50
383
Lewiston Falls Maine Nov. 11 th 1850. Messrs. Perkins and Coombs,
I herewith send you additional papers in the case of Bathsheba Knight which I wish you to take charge of — I have made affidavit myself principally for your benefit, thinking you would understand the case from that — I have proved by James Goff that her first husband Mitchell was in the 3 years service in Capt Alden's Comp. Sprouts Ry. I have given the reasons why she did not apply sooner. The proof of Jeremiah Mitchell's service is in the Department and I have had the Commissioner's promise that she should have the benefit of it — I hold him to that promise — by her first husband she is entitled to a full pension from 1836 — And her second husband was entitled to a pension for 17 months service from 1831 to his death under act of 1832 — I wish you to push this claim forward with energy — The delays of the department are an abomination — As I keep a full record, I can give you a complete abstract of the case if necessary. One more thing I would say to you

that you need not fear to favor any claim of mine as I present no claims but such as are just and on which I would not only permit but invite a legal investigation.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant
Jacob Herrick Goff's Corner (Maine)
Messrs Perkins & Loomb Washington D.C.
I would call your attention to the Commissioner's letter to me a copy of which I enclose — By his letter to me dated April 17 th 1850 he solemnly promi- sed me that if Mrs Knight would institute a claim, she should have the benefit of all the evidence of service in the department, how does that promise agree with his letter just referred to.
J. H.