Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14067, for Jacob Otis, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Otis, Jacob
S.14067
carded
CONTENTS

15.77 1/2 for 109th Abiah D. Smith
Jacob Otis
of Providence in the State of R.I. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain John of the Regt commanded by Col. Jacob in the Br. Mass line for Long Island
Cur. to Pen age 18 Sept 1837. To N.Y. City from 4 th Septemteer 1834. - 25 th Sept 1837. Modification sent to Galen Otis. Alionville N.Y. Order to pay. 7 Nov 1837.
957
Inscribed on the Roll of Abiah D. Smith at the rate of 66 Dollars 67 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 th day of July 1833 and sent 13 May Carroll Providence R.I.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $133.34 Semi-ant. allowance ending 13 May 33.33 $166.67
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by H. C. Adkins Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 2 a Page 125

21 2 34
Jacob Otis
N.J.
Photo 20 Months
B bowell
Providence
R.I.

BRIEF in the case of  Jacob Otis  of Providence  in the State of  R.I.  (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? 73  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.     Feb. In 17 th  enlisted 3 Private Gen. Milner Col Gary   Apr. 1798 " 3 " Col Jones Col Isaac   Oct. " " 1 " Col Kingman Col Cook   Apr. 1798 " 6 added as Ensign Ensign Col Washburn Col Stearns   July "  substitute 1 Private Col Kingman Col Orr   Dec. 1798  enlisted 3 " Col Alden Col Hall   Col Kingman Col Orr  
 5. In what battles was he engaged?  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Dredge water Mass  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Four living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? The papers are not properly attached 
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
X not confirmed  George Taylor  Examining Clerk.

J. Puebs Otis 21237.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
P Rhode-Island District, sc. Aug 5 th Term 1829
County of Providence
On this right day of October A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, being a resident District Court of the United States within and for said District, now in session— Jacobus Otis a resident of Johnston in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 73 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, viz.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
He was born November 5 th 1755 in Briggwater Mass as by the records of that town will appear, lived there when he entered the service Since the war has resided in Bellingham Mass & Lincoln and Smithfield Providence R.I. and for 4 years last part in Johnston  Rhode Island his present place of residence
and this applicant further states that in February  April 1776 he enlisted as a private for three months in Cap  Elisha Aitchell's company Hol  Crary's regiment of Massachusetts Militia & served his time out at Roxbury  was clerk to the company —
and this applicant further states that in April 1777 he again enlisted as a private for three months in Cap  John Snow  Forster's company Hol  John  William  Jacobs regiment of Massachusetts Militia & served his time out at Roxbury —
and this applicant further states that in October 1777 he again enlisted & served one month in Spencer's expedition as a private in Cap  Kingman's company of Massachusetts Militia & was attached to Col  John Cook regiment of Rhode Island  Militia —
and this applicant further states that in April 1778 he again enlisted as a private for six months in Cap  Abraham Washburn's company Hol  John  William  Jacobs  Infantry  Foot regiment of Mass  Militia & served at Castle Island , now Fort Independence in Boston Harbor & acted as Ensign or 3 d Lieutenant part of the time & during his acting as an officer, received the old papers hereto annexed and this applicant further states that in the fall of 1778 he

I acted as Ensign or 3 d Lieutenant part of the time & during his acting as an officer, received the old papers hereto annexed and this applicant further states that in the fall of 1778 he he served as a private substitute for one Joshua Pratt one month in Capt Kingmans company H Col Robert Orr's regiment of Mass Militia in guarding the East shores of Narragansett bay — and this applicant further states that Dec r 1776  immediately after he again enlisted as a private & served three months at Bristol in Capt Aldens company H Col Halls regiment of Massachusetts Militia — and this applicant further states that in June 1779 he again enlisted as a private & served three months in Capt Kingmans company H Col Orrs regiment of Mass Militia at Swanton all which enlistments he served out & was honorably discharged but never had a written discharge —
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Jacobus Attes
Attest B Law Clerk
We, _____ a Clergyman, residing in the and _____ residing in _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age, that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Nathan Alden Abram Washburn who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman residing in the  Holman Keith & Thomas Chamberlain who have signed that testified for the S. applicant also signed the same as residents in the state and credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, BENJAMIN COWELL, Clerk of said District Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Jacobus Attes for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 28 day of November 1852
Benjamin Cowell Clerk

Rev. man
14067 INVALID.
File No. 14067
Jacob Otis
Rich. Br. man
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 1, Page 282
[Arrangement of 1870.]

A Report of the Guard Mounted at Castle Island. May 27: 1778
   Sergent Corporal Privets Centinels By Day By Night Total Prisoners What Number What Camp What Regt. By Whom Com'd What Name     1 1 9 3 3 11  
Centinels as the Loyal. found all well
Parole Washin ton Counterign Lee
To the Officer of } Joseph Bratt ing the Day } S ir

A Return of Col d Abram Washburnes Company in Col d Sternes Reg t for Provision
   Capt 32 2 1 Retained   Lieut 1 1 1   Rank & File 37 60 4 60 240 0   Total   Day Drawn for   Up to Day   Total   Retained   Drawn     1 3 37 60 4 60 240 0 240  
Castle Island June 19. 1778
Jona m Willis Lieut

A true State of Capt Elisha Mitchells Comp y in Col a Cag y . Reg t at Roxbury Camps Feb y 8 - 1776
   Commissioned officers Non Commissioned officers Effective Rank & Files Wanting To Complete Alterations     Capt 1   Lieut s   Ensign   Serg t   Drum & Fife   Present At duty   Sick Present   Sick Absent   on Comm d   Not join d   Total   Surg t   Drum & Fife   Rank & Files     Lead   Deserter   Discharged  

A true State of Capt. Eliza White's Compts in Co. (1809) Regt. of Newbury Camps March 3 - 1776
   1 Cap t Commissioned officers   2 Lieut s   1 Ensign   4 Serg t   2 Drum & Fife Non Commissioned officers   72 Present fit for duty   1 Sick Present   .. Sick Absent   6 On Command Effective Strength of Field   1 Not joined   80 Total,   .. Serg t   .. Drum & Fife Absent on duty   .. Rank & File   .. Lead   .. Deserted   .. Discharged  

M c Gold is to the coal well taken care of there is stuff to shovel the men want money sent to them at Bedford
M c Adams can make the rails if he can gett Readers there is a man engaged the bricks
In B 2 2

A Weekly Return of Capt Abram Wayburn Comp y in Col le Mearnes Reg nt
  1 Dep t   1 1 Lieut   1 2 Lieut   1 3 Lieut   2 Drum & fife   40 Present for duty   0 Sick Present   0 Sick Absent   4 on command   11 on furlough 

A Weekly Return of Capt Horace H. Hays Comp y in Col te Steamer Pigeon at
  1 Capt   1 1 Lieut   1 2 Lieut   1 3 Lieut   2 Drum & Fife   40 Report fit for duty   0 Sick Present   0 Sick Absent   4 on command   11 on furlough 

A Weekly Return of Capt d Abram Washburn Comp y in Colo s Stearn Reg t
Blank Clk
  1 Capt   1 1 st Lieut   1 2 nd Lieut   1 3 rd Lieut   4 Sergent   2 Team & file   40 Report fit for duty   Sick Present   1 On Absent   4 On Comm'd   On Furlough 
Castle Island June 19 1870 Abram Washb n

Blank Ck
A Weekly Return of Capt. Abram Weyburn Comp y and Co. at Hager
  1 Capt   1 1 Lieut   1 2 Lieut   1 3 Lieut   4 Sergent   2 Team & Life   do Present fit for duty   Sick Present   1 Sick Absent   4 on Commad   On Furlough 
(Capt. Weyburn) June 19 1868 Abram Weyburn

Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Mass.
Otis, Jacob.
S14067-
4 returns of Mass militia
PRINTED MATTER.

Jacob. Ctes P. I. $ 116. 67. 7. June 1832
To what time last paid
Pension Office 25 th Sept 1837. } paid to 1 st Sept 1834 24.

I, Abram Washburn of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged fifty three years of age, testify & say, that I am a son of Abram Washburn late of said Bridgewater, who served for the United States in the Revolutionary war in 1775 - I have often heard my Father it said & it is believed in my neighbourhood that he was a soldier of the revolution, & served therein several campaigns & was the captain of a company of Militia in the year 1778 stationed at Castle William in Boston Harbor, & acted as Capt., at other times & places - that my Father had in his possession many Military papers & revolutionary documents, & since his decease many years ago, I have had all of his old papers & I have now in my possession among his old papers, a "Muster Roll of Capt. Abram Washburn company in the service of the United States in Col. Abisha Stearns Regiment" taken May 23. 1778 - & signed by "Andrew Brown Def. t Mus. t Master" - & sworn to be the true state of the company at that day, before David Jones Jus. Peace by Samuel Dyer & Jonathan Willis first & second Lieuts. - said Muster Roll contains the names of 44 privates, & on that Roll is borne the name of "Jacob Oatis" a private & also the names of "Simon Pratt, Lot Whitcomb, Richard Thayer & others - said Muster Roll & all the names thereon is in the hand writing of my Father, (meaning the names of the privates) -
Abram Washburn

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth County ss. October 5. 1832.
Then the within named Abram Washburn who has subscribed to the foregoing deposition, personally appeared before me, & made oath to the truth of the within deposition by him subscribed, & I hereby certify that said deponent is reputed & considered to be a person of truth & veracity.
Nathan Larell. Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss. I, Nathaniel Ames Clerk of the Judicial Court for the County of Plymouth, hereby certify that Nathan Larell, by before whom the foregoing affidavit has been in a justice of the peace for the County of Plymouth and that I believe his name there subscribed to be his true & proper signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court at Plymouth on this twenty sixth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Nathaniel Ames

Blank CB

I Nathan Alden of least Bridgewater in the county of Plymouth, Mass ts being eighty one years of age do testify and say that I was knowing to Jacob Otis' being a soldier in a Com y  Col Jeremiah Hall's Reg t commanded by my Father, Nathan Alden, three months at Bristol in Rhode Island, to wit, from December 1776 to March 1777 in the revolutionary war; and I have seen said Otis' name on the company pay Roll within a few days, the same having been preserved among my Father's papers, but I cannot now put my hands upon it, the same being mislaid. The said Otis was a native of this Town and enlisted into said service here, but for many years last past has lived in Rhode Island.
Nathan Alden
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Plymouth ss. October 4. 1832.
I do hereby certify that the above named Nathan Alden personally appeared before me and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is just and true. And I do also certify that the said Alden is a man of reputation and veracity, and is also a Magistrate in this County.
Wilborne Young Jus. Peace

N. B. Before taking these three depositions this morning of Nathan Alden Holman Keith and Thomas Chamberlin, I have taken depositions of John Whitman & the said Thomas Chamberlin which will be found among the Papers in the case of applications of the said Chamberlin & Joseph Joslyn now probably in the Pension Office and duly certified, which has may be sufficient without having any further certificate at this time — if not, Elijah Hayward Esq. Commissioner of the Land Office is intimately acquainted with me and all the Deponents. —
Welcome Young

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Wymouth J. M. B. Morris Clerk of the Judicial Court for the County of Wymouth hereby certify, that Welcome Young before whom the foregoing Affidavit was sworn is a justice of the peace for the County of Wymouth - And that I believe his name there subscribed to be his true & proper signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Superior Judicial Court on this twenty sixth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
J. M. B. Morris

I Holman Keith of East Bridgewater in the county of Plymouth being seventy two years of age, this December next coming, do testify and depose that I was knowing to Jacob Otis' serving three months in Capt. Nathan Alden's Company and Col. Hall's Regiment in the revolutionary war at Bristol, Rhode Island, to wit, from December 1776 to March 1777, I having served with him in the same company during the same term (being all the service I rendered in that war excepting in some alarms).
Holman Keith
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth ss. October 4. 1892
I do certify that the above named Holman Keith personally appeared before me and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is just and true: and I do also certify that the said Keith is a man of reputation for truth and veracity.
Wilborne Young Jus. Peace

I Thomas Chamberlin of East Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth, being seventy four years old this month, do depose testify & say that I was knowing to Jacob Otis going into the service as a Soldier in the revolutionary war in Capt. Nathan Alden's Company, for a three month's term, and have never heard but that he served his term out, and have no doubt he did. — We were both born in East Bridgewater and near neighbours. and I was also out in the service but not in the same company or same term with him.
Thomas Chamberlin
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Plymouth ss. October. 4. 1832.
Personally appeared the above named Thomas Chamberlin and made solemn oath to the truth of the above Affidavit by him subscribed before me: and I do also certify that the said Chamberlin is a man of reputation for truth and veracity.
Wilcome Young Jus. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
December 15
I, the undersigned Clerk of the Superior Court for the County of Plymouth, hereby certify that William Young Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn is a full and true Clerk for the County of Plymouth, and that I believe his name there subscribed to be his true and proper signature.
Witnesseth whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court at Plymouth on this twenty sixth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
William H. Dyer

Otis Ville No 3 September 19 1863
Free Galen Otis & Co.
In at Mr. Brann
James L. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Otisville 13 th Sept 1837
Dr Sir I. Enclose you the affidavits of Isaac Pits for a transfer of his Pension from the State of R. Island to State of New York where he now resides you will perceiv Answer this as soon as Yours Respectfully Convenient
Jas. L. Edwards Esq r
Yalem Pits

Mehanis Bank New York 3 rd November 1837
Sir
I enclose for your examination, the paper, in the case of Jacob Otis, a Private, at $166. 67  \frac{2}{3} per Annum, Under the Act of 7 th Jan 1832, who claims his pension from the 11 th of September 1834.
Very Respectfully
Yours (Obs d Serv t )
J. Lorillard Jr
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Acade Bank Providence Septm 21. 1837
Sir
I have recd your favor of the 18 th inst & have to inform you. that Jacob Otis a pensioner on the roll of this agency under the act of June 7. 1832 at the rate of $66. 67 100 per annum. was last paid at this agency to the 4 th of September 1834. & reported on the 1 st of January. 1837. for having failed to apply for four successive periods.
I am very respectfully yrs obs Serv J. Waterman Pres.
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions

21 2 34
Jacob. Otis
B. bowell

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 Otto which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yy II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yy 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? yy 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? yy VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yy VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1882? yy VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yy IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yy 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? yy

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?
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?
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? yes
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.

State of New York } Application for a Transfer.
Orange County } Be it known that on this 8th day of September 1837 before me the subscriber a justice of the Peace for the said County of Orange personally appeared Jacobs Otis who on his Oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain Mitchell, Washburn Alden Shaw and Kingman in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Barry, Dailly and Hally in the service of the Militia of the State; that his name was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of Rhode Island from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State of New York County of Orange where he intends to remain, and wishes his Pension to be there payable in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Rhode Island to the State of New York viz having a daughter married and now living in the State of New York Orange County with whom he wishes to reside.
Jacobs Otis
Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid. Joshua Mulcock junr Justice of the Peace.
State of New York } Be it known that on the 8th day of September Orange County } 1837 before me the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Jacobs Otis and made Oath that Jacobs Otis who has taken the above Oath is the person described in the above Affidavit Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid.
STATE OF NEW YORK, } SS. 1, LEBBEUS L. VAIL, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County ORANGE COUNTY, } of Orange, Do Hereby Certify, That Joshua Mulcock junr. before whom the foregoing Affidavit was subscribed and sworn, was at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace in, and for said county: and further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said Affidavit and Certificate is genuine. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the said county, the 9th day of September 1837 Lebbeus L. Vail Clerk

State of New York } Application for a Transfer.
Orange County } Be it known that on this 8th day of September 1837 before me the undersigned a justice of the Peace for the said County of Orange personally appeared Jacobs Otis who on his Oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain Mitchell, Washburn Alden Knowland and Kingman in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Parry. Said Company in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension Roll of the State of Rhode Island from which he has totally removed; that he now resides in the State of New York County of Orange where he intends to remain, and wishes his Pension to be there payable in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Rhode Island to the State of New York viz having a daughter married and now living in the State of New York Orange County with whom he wishes to reside
Jacobs Otis
Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid. Joshua Nutlock junr } justice of the Peace
State of New York } Be it known that on the 8th day of September Orange County } 1837 before me the undersigned a justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Galen Otis and made Oath that Jacobs Otis who has taken the above Oath is the person described in the above affidavit Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid Joshua Nutlock junr } justice of the Peace Galen Otis
I certify that Galen Otis above named is a person of truth and veracity
Joshua Nutlock junr } justice of the peace