Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26,608, for Jesse Prentice, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Prentice, Jesse Elizabeth
No. 26,608
CONTENTS

500 New York, Albany
Reported
Elizabeth Prentice
widow of Jesse Prentice Con who was a Sergeant
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of — 36 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the — 21 st day of June 1843 and sent to M. H. Moore, Esq. Berkshire, Tioga Co. N. York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1. Page 111.

5652
Elizabeth Prentice papers relating to a Pension
Act July 7. 1838
Married 29 March 1792 Husband died 6 July 1812
Capt Eliza D. Conant Col Parsons —
Admitted Sergeant 7 mos & 6 days
Hon S. R. Leonard Horn & Raps NY

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, of the 7th of July, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." State of New York } of Tioga County } ss.
On this 27th day of May, 1839, personally appeared before me, Elisha P. Higbe, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said county of Tioga, Elizabeth Prentice, a resident of Newark in the said county of Tioga, aged seventy two years and eleven months, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7. 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
That she is the widow of Jesse Prentice, who was a Sergeant and Lieutenant in the Army of the Revolution, and according to her best knowledge and belief her late husband served as follows in the War of the Revolution for two years and over, as he frequently informed her, that he served as she verily believed in the years 1775, 1776, & 1777, most of which time as a Lieutenant, that she has often heard her neighbors assert that her husband served two years and upwards in the Revolutionary War, that he served as Lieutenant, that they saw him in his Regimental suit often, that her husband informed her that he was in the service as Lieutenant in New York when the British troops took possession of that City and drove the American Troops out, that he was then on service there, and that he was one that was driven out at that time. She knows of no living witness to prove further the services of her late husband,

That she knows of no further evidence to sustain her claim, but that which is hereunto annexed.
She would respectfully refer the Commissioner of Pensions for further evidence (if any there be) to the War Department.
That she had no documentary evidence, and that she was never afterwards married.
She further declared that she was married to the said Jesse Prentice on the 29 th day of March 1792, in the town of Preston in the State of Connecticut, by the Rev. Levi Hart, that her husband aforesaid Jesse Prentice died on the 6 th day of July 1812, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz; at the time above stated.
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before
E. P. Higbee Judge of Fragie Common Pleas
Elizabeth Prentice
State of New York } Fragie County } ss.
I certify that the above named Elizabeth Prentice, is totally unable to attend the Court by reason of disability.
Berkshire May 27 th 1839
E. P. Higbee Judge

Comptroller's Office
Hartford March 7, 1829
I certify that on Application for evidence of the services of Jesse Prentice who claims Service in the War of the Revolution as a Sergeant under Maj: Samuel Prentice in 1775 and as Lieutenant under the same in 1776 that I have examined the Books of Papers remaining in this office and find his name on a Pay Roll of the 3rd Co 6 Regt raised by order of General Assembly Court 1775 where he is entered as a Sergeant in Capt Eldridge Co May 5 Discharged Dec 10 Making 7 Mos 6 Days (Sergeant Jesse Prentice Seven Months Six days) No Pay Note of Maj: Samuel Prentice to be found in this Office for the Year 1776 —
Henry Wolbourn Compt
H. Wolbourn Compt

State of Connecticut } County of New London } Griswold October 30 th 1838. I William R. Jewett of the town of Griswold in the County of New London and State of Connecticut, of lawful age Depose and say, that I am Pastor of the first Congregational Church in said Griswold, and that I have in my possession a record of the marriages which have been solemnised by the several Pastors of said Church from the organization thereof down to the present time, and I do there find that, on the twenty- ninth day of March one thousand seven hundred and ninetytwo Jesse Prentice of Stonington and Elizabeth Belcher of Preston were united in Marriage by Rev d Levi Hart, then Pastor of the second Congre- gational Church in Preston, now the said first Congregational Church in Griswold, and that the record of said Marriage is in the then usual form, and is in the words and figures following (viz),
"Marriage Records"
"March 29. 1792 Jesse Prentice of Stonington & Elizabeth Belcher of Preston" and further the Deponent saith not— Wm R. Jewett. (Pastor of the) 1 st Cong. Church in Griswold)
Sworn before me this 30 th day of October 1838—
Daniel Huntington Justice of the Peace I hereby certify that the above named W m R. Jewett is Pastor of the 1 st Cong. Church in Griswold, that he sustains a fair moral character, and is in regular standing in the Ministry— Daniel Huntington Justice of the Peace Griswold Oct. 30 th 1838—
State of Connecticut } New London County }
I John DeWitt Clerk of the County Court for said New London County, do certify that Daniel Huntington before whom the preceding affidavit purports to have been taken, was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County of New London, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit, to be his proper hand writing and signature.
Witness my hand and seal this of my the  County of New London, this 9 th day of November A D 1838 John DeWitt Clerk

State of New York } Tioga County } ss.
On this 27 th day of May 1839 personally appeared before Elisha P. Hight one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said county of Tioga Elijah Belcher a resident of Berkshire, who, being first duly sworn sworn , according to law, doth, on his oath, depose and say, that he was present at the marriage of Jesse Prentice to Elizabeth Belcher, that it took place at the time and place as set forth in her declaration, that the said Jesse Prentice died on the 6 th day of July 1812, that the said Elizabeth Prentice is now his widow and was never afterwards married.
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before
E. P. Hight Judge of Tioga County Elijah Belcher
State of New York } Tioga County } ss.
On this 27 th day of May 1839 personally appeared before Elisha P. Hight one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said county, Joseph Prentice a resident of Berkshire, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth depose and say, that the above named Jesse Prentice died on the 6 th day of July 1812, that the said Elizabeth Prentice is now his widow, and that she was never afterwards married.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year above written, before
E. P. Hight Judge of Tioga County Joseph Prentice
State of New York } Tioga County } ss.
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Elijah Belcher, and Joseph Prentice, that they are credible witnesses, and that full faith and credit are due to their testimony.
Berkshire May 27 th 1839
E. P. Hight Judge &c

State of New York } Tioga County } ss.
I David Wallis, Clerk of the Said County, do certify, that Elisha P. Higbee before whom the preceding affidavits of Elizabeth Prentice, Elijah Belcher, and Joseph Prentice, purports to have been taken, and who signed the certificates of the inability of Elizabeth Prentice to attend Court, and of the credibility of Elijah Belcher and Joseph Prentice, was at the date of the same, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said county of Tioga. And that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavits and certificates, to be his proper hand writing and signature.
Witness my hand and seal this 30th day of May - 1839. David Wallis Clerk

I William Stewart of Voluntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 88 years and upwards being duly cautioned and sworn according to law do Depose and say that I well knew Jesse Prentice of that Part of the Town of Stonington which is now North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut He was Brother of Joshua Prentice Esq & of John Prentice, of Stonington (now North Stonington) all now Deceased.
That Jesse Prentice aforesaid was a sergeant in Maj Samuel Prentice Company at Roxbury in 1775. and I served with him there for a term of Seven months & some Days at Roxbury aforesaid. The officers in said Company were in part as follows Maj Samuel Prentice Commanded James Eldridge Lieut, Oliver Babcock Ensign; - Samuel H Parsons was our Colo. at Roxbury. —
That Jesse Prentice aforesaid Married Elizabeth Belcher of Preston in New London County (now Griswold) & resided in North Stonington where I then resided for a number of years, and removed from Stonington to Preston when he died. I understood that his widow after his death moved to the State of New York.
I have ever been from my youth up to this time well acquainted in the Town of Stonington & North Stonington and I never knew any other person by the name of Jesse Prentice except the Jesse Prentice above named unless the above said Jesse Prentice named one of his sons Jesse after himself.
William Stewart

State of Connecticut Windham County } in Putnamtown Dec. 31 st 1839
Personally appeared William Stewart who has signed the foregoing Deposition and who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
Before me
Wm Stanton Notary Public.

I Asker Prentice of North Stonington in the county of New London and State of Connecticut aged 71 year the 29 th day of June 1840 being duly cautioned and sworn do Depose and say that I am son of John Prentice, (of Stonington, now North Stonington), late Deed. My Father Had a Brother by the name of Jesse Prentice. I had a Brother by the name of Samuel Prentice who served in the war of the Revolution at Roxbury Massachusetts and at New York in 1775 & 1776 and My uncle Jesse Prentice above named was at Roxbury & at New York with my Brother Samuel Prentice, who was called Samuel Prentice 2 d From the fact that Colo Samuel Prentice was cousin to my Father and resided when at home in the same town with my Brother. My Brother Samuel served in Capt. May, or Colo. Samuel Prentice company) as my Father often used to often tell me, and My uncle Jesse Prentice above named served in the same company with my Brother as my Father in his life time often used to tell me, and that my Brother Samuel used died while in the service at New York. I can remember the time of his death, when the news came to my Father, when he died of his death. That Jesse Prentice aforesaid who was my uncle and the same identical Jesse Prentice above named, married Elizabeth Belcher of that part of Preston that is now Griswold, That Jesse Prentice aforesaid always resided in that part of Stonington now North Stonington until within a few years before his death, when he moved to Preston where he died. That Jesse Prentice aforesaid died about Twenty Eight years ago - That after his Death his widow, Elizabeth Prentice moved to the State

of New York, to that part of the State where her friends and relation resided.
I never knew any other Person by the name of Jesse Prentice in the County of New London except Jesse Prentice aforesaid named unless my Uncle Jesse and named one of his sons after himself.
That Joshua Prentice Esq. late of North- Stonington Ind. was Brother of my Father John Prentice, and of my Uncle Jesse Prentice and
Jesse Prentice
State of Connecticut New London County } ss. North Stonington Dec 30 th 1839
Personally Appeared Asher Prentice signed to the above and foregoing Deposition, who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me Latham Hull Notary Public

I John Baldwin of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 67 years and upwards, being duly cautioned and sworn, (As Depose and say), That I used to be well acquainted with Jesse Prentice of the town of Stonington or that part of Stonington, which is now North Stonington. That Jesse Prentice aforesaid married Elizabeth Belcher of that part of Preston that is now Griswold. A few years before the death of the said Jesse Prentice he and his wife Elizabeth Prentice removed from this town North Stonington.
That I never knew any other person by the name of Jesse Prentice except the Jesse Prentice above named.
I always resided in the town of Stonington (now North Stonington aforesaid) from my childhood to the present time and was always acquainted with the Prentice family.
Jesse Prentice aforesaid was brother of John Prentice & Joshua Prentice Esq. Deceased, late of North Stonington.
John Baldwin
State of Connecticut } New London County } Personally appeared John Baldwin subscriber to the above Deposition and who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. Lathram Hull & Stacy Public

I Asa Baldwin of Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 84 years Being duly Cautioned and sworn do Depose and say That I used to be well acquainted with Jesse Prentice In his life time. He used to live in that part of Stonington which is now North Stonington and In the time of the Revolutionary War I used to live within about One Mile of Jesse Prentice aforesaid and we both attended the same meetings together.
I Enlisted and served a term of duty at Roxbury in Summer of 1775 in Lathams Company and Samuel H Parsons Colonel of the Regt.
Jesse Prentice of Stonington (now North Stonington) as aforesaid stated Enlisted in Capt. or Maj. Samuel Prentice Company and served a term of duty, at Roxbury and in that vicinity, of Seven months.
I saw Jesse Prentice aforesaid at Roxbury Mass. in 1775 as a Sergeant, and he served as Sergeant in Capt. Prentices Company, at Roxbury aforesaid in Colo. Parsons Regiment. I knew that Jesse Prentice had enlisted in Capt. or Maj. Prentices Company, before I went to Roxbury on my term of duty in 1775 and while I was there I often saw him on duty. Jesse Prentice above named was Brother of John Prentice and Joshua Prentice Esq. of the same town.
I Enlisted in the war for one year after I returned from Roxbury in 1775 My Captain was James Eldridge, Lieutenant Oliver Babcock & Samuel H Parsons Brigadier Gen. We went to New London and from there sailed to New York and we remained in that vicinity and about there during most part of the Summer; then we went to the Jerseys and remained a while, and after my time of enlistment had expired I was discharged and came Home.
Jesse Prentice aforesaid named Enlisted to go to New York and went on in the same Regiment in which I served and after he

got to New York he was appointed or Lanchel to fill the office of Lieutenant and served in the same Brigade to wit, Gen. Parsons Brigade, I cannot tell what Company he was put into but I often saw him during my tour. When I was discharged I came home and when I came away from New York I left the said Jesse Prentice at New York and a few days after I came home Jesse Prentice came home.
I cannot tell what Company the was in but I know he served as Lieut. in them Company in the Brigade in which I served as forward stated, in 1776
I never knew any other Jesse Prentice but the Jesse Prentice aforesaid named.
Jesse Prentice aforesaid used to come in to our Barracks very often while at New York    Witness to the Mark of Issa Baldwin Issa Baldwin for Thankful Baldwin  } Issa —  His X — Mark  Baldwin     
State of Connecticut New London County ss Stonington Jan'y 1 1840
We the undersigned Notary Public in and for the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that we have been called upon by Wm H Moore Esq of Berkshire Tazewell County State of New York to take the Depositions of sundry Persons in Connecticut in relation to the service of Jesse Prentice in the war of the Revolution, and among the Deponents is the person signing (by his Mark) the above and foregoing Statements taken or written in usual form of a Deposition, To wit Issa Baldwin.
We were Both present and Mr Baldwin was examined by Latham Hull and the deposition written out by Wm Stanton and we do hereby further certify that the Statements as Mr Baldwin made them to us are written out at full length in the foregoing Deposition

and we believe that his statement as made to us relative to the services of Jane Preston and are entitled to Credit and belief : but a man so much broken down and infirmed as he appears to be we do not consider it our duty nor that it is right to administer an oath to believing as we do that he does not now understand fully, the nature of an oath, as he now is, yet he seems to have clear and concceptive views of things that transpired in his Youthful days, but cannot relate things that took place but a few weeks or months since.
We would further respectfully state that the Character of Ira Baldwin of old has always been unblemished and his standing in Society has ever been as good as any mans Lathiam Hall Notary Public Wm Stanton Notary Public

I Joseph Baldwin of Lisbon in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 89 years being duly cautioned and sworn do depose and say that I was well acquainted with Jesse Prentice of Stonington in his life time That the said Jesse Prentice Enlisted for a term of 9 months in May 1775 and served at Roxbury & vicinity in the state of Mass. as he used to tell me.
That when his time was out for the term. at Roxbury or soon after the term expired he enlisted to do another term of duty He enlisted before he left Roxbury and was marched to the state of New York where he served his enlistment out. I do not know how long he served in this term. but I had two Brothers in the same Regiment with him and they was not discharged until last of December 1775 My Brother Nathan Baldwin was a sergeant in the same company with Jesse Prentice. I think Jesse Prentice was an Ensign during this term I enlisted and served under Capt. Ebenezer Hotten at New York. I was in the orchard fight so called. & Prentice & my Brothers were in the same engagement. I frequently saw them while in this term of duty. I was not in the same Regiment But we encamped near each other. I served in Col. Seldens Regiment. I cannot now tell the name of the Colonel that commanded the Regiment Samuel Prentice was an officer in the Regiment in which my Brothers & Jesse Prentice served.

I served seven months in this Tom and my impression is that Jesse Puntin and my Brothers served one year in this Tom to wit in 1776
Joseph Baldwin
State of Connecticut } New London County } for Linton County August 28 th 1829
Then Personally appeared Joseph Baldwin signed to the foregoing Deposition and who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before me
Wm C Stanton Notary Public -

11 I Isaac Williams of West Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 81 years & upwards being duly cautioned and sworn do depose and say that I used to be well acquainted with Jesse Prentice of that part of Stonington which is now North Stonington in his life time and I used to attend the same meetings that he did. That Jesse Prentice aforesaid was Brother of Joshua Prentice of the same Town.
I well recollect that after the Troops in 1775 were enlisted to go to Roxbury Mass. that they assembled (those from this section of the Town) at Mr. Sikes Meeting House in this Town all equipped, the day before they marched for Roxbury and Rev. Joseph Fish Preached to them I was there and attended the meeting and Jesse Prentice aforesaid was there with the Troops & was equipped with the rest of the Troops. He was called at that time Sergeant Jesse Prentice. Jesse Prentice Father was a Deacon and of that Church and was at the meeting above named. The next day after the Rev. Joseph Fish Preached to them the Troops Marched on their way. In his discourse to them he told them that they were engaged in a " good Cause " and urged them to be faithful.
Some time in the month of August or September 1775 I was at Roxbury in Massachusetts where a part of the American Troops were stationed and when I was there, I saw Jesse Prentice aforesaid at said place and

on duty. He was quartered with the sergeants at that place and was called sergeant while I was there.
In 1776 Jesse Prentiss foresaid was called Lieutenant Jesse Prentiss, and I know the fact, that he was rising from the society when he & I attended meetings in that year & It was said he was in the army and when he returned he was called Lt Prentiss
I never knew any other Jesse Prentiss except the aforesaid Jesse Prentiss
Isaac Williams
State of Connecticut } New London County } At Stonington Jan 1 1830
Personally appeared the Isaac Williams signer to the foregoing Deposition and is known to the subscriber as a witness whose Testimony is entitled to full credit & Belief and made solemn oath to the Truth of the same before me
Latharn Hull Notary Public

I David Maine of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 87 years being duly Cautioned and sworn do depose and say That I enlisted in Maj Samuel Prentice Company in 1775 in forepart of May and Jesse Prentice of that part of Stonington now North-Stonington enlisted when I did and in the same Company as sergeant and served in s d Major Samuel Prentice Company with me as sergeant at Roxbury Mass. & in that vicinity) for the term of eleven months & some days. I recollect that the Rev. Joseph Fish had the Troops all convened at his Meeting House, being in the immediate vicinity where I & the s d Jesse Prentice resided, and Preached a discourse to the Troops before we marched to Roxbury and recommended to us to go boldly to the engagement and fight manfully for our Country & our Country's rights.
We marched to New London & remained a few days & then to Roxbury & served one time out & Jesse Prentice served the full term of time I did.
I served a tour of duty at New York 1776 for a term of about 4 months and while I was there on this tour of duty I saw Jesse Prentice also on duty. It is my impression that I saw him in this camp one morning when they were preparing for breakfast; but I cannot tell in what Company he or Regiment he served at New York in 1776 as I belonged to the militia when on the tour to the State of New York.
I was always acquainted with

Jesse Prentiss aforesaid. he and I was always intimately acquainted and we both attended Rev Joseph Fishes Meetings and I never knew any other Jesse Prentiss except Jesse Prentiss aforesaid named - David Maine
State of Connecticut New London County } to North Stonington Jan 1 1830 Personally Appeared Capt David Maine known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and being and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me Latham Hull Notary Public

I Polly Prentice of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 76 years being duly cautioned and sworn do Depose and say, That I am widow of Joshua Prentice late of North Stonington deceased who was Brother of John Prentice and Jesse Prentice Deed. I was well acquainted with Jesse Prentice deceased in his life time and I have in the life time of my Husband & of Jesse Prentice his Brother often heard them talk of being in the service in the time of the Revolutionary War. It has always been reputed that Jesse Prentice deceased named, served in the Revolutionary War.
Jesse Prentice aforesaid named Married a Girl, in that part of the town of Preston that is now Griswold, by the Name of Elizabeth Belcher. After the marriage of Jesse Prentice to Elizabeth Belcher deceased. I lived in the same house with them. From North Stonington the said Jesse Prentice & wife a few years before the Death of the said Jesse Prentice moved to Preston at which place they resided until he died. After the Death of her husband Jesse Prentice deceased the Widow Elizabeth Prentice moved from Preston to that part of the state of New York where her relation lived.
I never knew any other Man by the Name of Jesse Prentice, except the identical Jesse Prentice deceased who Married Elizabeth Belcher deceased. Except his the said Jesse Prentice youngest son whose Name I think was Jesse, yet I will not be too certain as to this fact.
Polly Prentice

I Lucretia Billings of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 90 years next April, being duly cautioned and sworn according to law, do Depose and say, That I used to be well acquainted with Jesse Prentice of Stonington in the County & State aforesaid, he was a cousin of my husband. Jesse Prentice aforesaid served at Boston or Roxbury in the vicinity of Boston & Massachusetts in 1775, as I used to hear my husband Elisha Billings in his life time often say, and in the same company in which my husband served, to wit, in Capt Samuel Prentice company.
I have always resided in Stonington or that part of Stonington, now North-Stonington since I was a child, and I never knew any other Jesse Prentice but Jesse Prentice above named and the same Identical Person who served as above stated with my husband Elisha Billings, and the aforesaid named Jesse Prentice married a Girl by the name of Belcher who then resided in that Part of Preston that is now the Town of Griswold in the County of New London and State aforesaid.
Jesse Prentice aforesaid, named, was Brother of John Prentice and Joshua Prentice Esq. with whom I was also acquainted. They too used to live in Stonington aforesaid and there resided until the time of their Death.
Witness to Deponents } Her Mark } Lucretia } X Billings Mark } Mark } Lathiam Hull

State of Connecticut New London County } ss North Stonington Dec 30 th 1829
Personally appeared Lucretia Billings who has subscribed to the foregoing deposition by her Mark and is known to the subscriber as a Witness whose Testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the Truth of the same before me Latham Hull Notary Public
Additional testimony in the matter of the Application of Eliza Beth Bentley for a Pension
Hon. J. B. Hazard W.R.

V N. York
Elizabeth Prentiss
let. to W. H. Moore 13. Sept. 1839
to same 13. Nov. 1839
to Hon. S. B. Leonard 15. Jan. 1840
Set July 1838

Raw
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26608
Elizabeth Prentice Wid of Jesse Prentice Surg. Rev. War
Act March 3 d 1843
Index: Vol. M , Page 142
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Letter to Hon. S. B. Leonard } 20. Feb. 1840 } do. to same Feb. 24. 1840
Albany 4904
Elizabeth Prentice widow of Jesse Prentice
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 6. July 1812 of Tioga Co. in the State of N. York who was a Sergeant in the company commanded by Captain Eldridge of the reg't, commanded by Col. Parsons in the Com. line for 7 months & 6 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 36 Dollars ————— Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17. day of January 1840 and sent to Hon. S. B. Leonard H. R.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. '39 126.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 1/4 Mar '40 18.00
$144.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2 Page 98

Pershire Troya Co. N.Y. Oct. 2, 1839
Sir,
Enclosed is the affidavit of Elijah Belcher, certifying to the identity of Elizabeth Prentice as connected with the service in the Revolutionary War, of Jesse Prentice deceased her late husband, and as certified by the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut.
She now knows of no other proof which she can adduce which would benefit her application.
I am sir Respectfully Your Alt. Servt. W. H. Moore
Hon. S. L. Edwards Washington D.C.

Berkshire Bingham Co. N.Y.
June 17. 1837
Sir,
I enclose you the application of Elizabeth Prentice for a Pension. She has not been able to prove the actual service of her late husband Jesse Prentice as a Lieutenant in the War of the Revolution either by the records of the state of Connecticut or by the testimony of living witnesses. She can prove by one witness that he frequently saw Jesse Prentice her late husband in the War of the Revolution in his regimental dress as Lieutenant the year that the British took possession of that City. She also can prove by witnesses that would believe that he served as Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War, that he came home in his regimentals, and that the neighbors did not doubt the fact of his actual service, but she has not been able to find any proof as to the time he did so serve. She is strongly in hope that some records may exist at the War Department, to which she respectfully referred in her declaration.
But if none can be found there she would request that a pension certificate be forwarded for the seven months and six days which her husband served as Sergeant, for which record evidence is adduced.
I am very respectfully Your Obt. Servt. W. H. Moore.
Hon. J. L. Edwards. Com. of Pensions.

Sept 11 Pukehina N.Y. Sept 6 '63 to Elizabeth my he June 22 '63
free
Hon. J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington (D. C.)

Berkshire, Tioga Co. N.Y. Sept 6, 1839
Dear Sir,
I enclosed to you about three months since, the application of the widow Elizabeth Prentiss for a Pension. I have not learned whether you have received it. Please have the goodness to inform me whether it has been received at your Office, and if so, when it will probably be acted on.
I am Sir,
Respectfully your Obt Servt W. H. Moore
Hon. S. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions

Comptroller's Office Hartford Dec 26 1839
Sir I have examined the Pay Rolls Remaining in this Office - for the name of Jesse Prentice and a find his name in the 6 Regt 3 Company (Capt. Eldridge) as Sergeant 7 mo 5 days and that none other by the name of Jesse Prentice appears on the Books or papers in this Office for the year 1835 or for any other year to my knowledge.
Elijah Buel Esq
Yours Respectfully Henry Wilson Compt

Ho. of Reps.
Jan. 16. 1840.
Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Sir,
Your note of yesterday, relative to the claim of M rs . Elizabeth Prentice, is before me. — Last evening's mail brought me some further testimony in that case, which I have the honor of herewith transmitting. — I also enclose Mr. Moore's letter for your perusal.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully
Y. ob. serv t .
S. B. Leonard

Berkshire January 10, 1840
Dear Sir,
I enclosed you on the 7 th ult. the Comptroller's certificate of the state of Connecticut of the service of Jesse Prentice as Sergeant in the War of the Revolution of 7 months and six days in 1775, and the identity of his widow Elizabeth Prentice so far as we were then enabled to prove. I now forward you further identity, which I think will obviate every doubt at the Pension Office.
In the declaration of the widow, a further claim was set forth for a pension of her late husband's services as Lieutenant in the year 1776 for one year and over.
She was not then enabled to forward any proof of the last named service, but she now forwards some, in the hope that it may be found on the records of the War Department, that he was at New Yorks and there transferred to Gen. Picton's Brigade as Lieut. on Commission and then marched into New Jersey, was there some part of his time and a part of the time in New Yorks in the year 1776.
We hope you will do what you can for the poor widow. I do hope, my dear friend, that by my often calling on you, I may not

weary you, but if I do, you have simply to certify the fact to me, and I will promise a reformation. Perhaps you may think that my importunity may weary somewhat, and yet after all, you will readily agree with me, that we ought to do all the good in the world that we can, and especially so, to the fathers of our country and their lone widows which are still surviving. But few of the latter class, are still in existence, and that few, who are entitled to the liberal views entertained by Congress, should not surely be disappointed in this, their last cheering hope.
If no records are to be found at the War Department of the services of her late husband, and the proof not satisfactory as to the service as a Lieut or ensign, a certificate of Pension is requested for the 7 months and 6 days in 1878 is desired by the widow. She is a lone needy widow, depending altogether on the charity of her friends for support.
I know her application is a deserving one, but no one can blame the Pension Dept. for being for being cautious in all their deliberations. Please remember me to my old friend Judge Dana, and accept my best assurances for your welfare.
Respectfully yours W. H. Moore
Hon. J. D. Leonard

State of New York } Tioga County } ss.
On this 30th day of September 1839 personally appeared before me Eli B. Gregory one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said county of Tioga, Elijah Belcher, a resident of Berkshier, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, depose and say, that he was present at the marriage of Jesse Prentice, to Elizabeth Belcher, that the said Elizabeth Prentice is now, the widow of Jesse Prentice, that there was no other person by the name of Jesse Prentice of the town of Stonington of the State of Connecticut where he enlisted in 1775 in the Revolutionary War, and that he has not a rational doubt, that the said Elizabeth Prentice is the identical widow of Jesse Prentice who did the service in the War of the Revolution as set forth in the Certificate of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut.
Elijah Belcher
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written.
E. B. Gregory J. Peace
State of New York } Tioga County } ss.
I certify that I am well acquainted with Elijah Belcher the above named deponent, that he is a credible witness, and that full faith and credit are due to his testimony.
Berkshier September 30th 1839
E. B. Gregory J. Peace

State of New York } Tioga County } ss.
I David Wallis, Clerk of the said County of Tioga, do certify, that Eli B. Gregory before whom the preceding affidavit of Elijah Belcher purports to have been taken, and who signed the certificate, was at the date of the same, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said county of Tioga. And that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit and certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature.
Witness my hand and seal This 2 d day of October 1839. David Wallis Ck.

Opened by mistake at Palen St
Free
Hon. J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions Washington City (D. C.)

Berkshire, Tioga Co. N.Y. April 13, 1843
Dear Sir,
Enclosed is the declaration of Elizabeth Prentice, to entitle her to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 3 d March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows, who have received pensions under the act of July 7, 1838.
Respectfully yours W. H. Moore
Hon. J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions

A 480 Declaration of Elizabeth Prentiss to obtain a Pension
Admit, Sergeant $36. of Albany Agency Send to W. H. Moore Berkshire Tioga County N. Y.

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3 d March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7. 1838.
State of New York } ss. of Tioga County } ss.
On this 11 th day of April 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber of the said county of Tioga a Justice of the Peace for the same, Elizabeth Prentice a resident of Berkshire, in the county of Tioga, aged seventy six years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3 d March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Jesse Prentice, who was a Sergeant and Lieutenant in that war, that he served in the capacity of Lieut in New York at the time the American troops were driven out. She cannot tell the regiment or corps in which he served. She would most respectfully refer the Commissioner of Pensions to the testimony adduced in granting her the five years Pension; and that the annual amount of the pension which she received under the act of July 7. 1838 is thirty six dollars.
She further declared that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on } the day and year above written before } N. H. Moore J. Peace }
Elizabeth Prentice
State of New York } ss. of Tioga County } ss.
I hereby certify that the above named declarant, Elizabeth Prentice, is personally known to me. April 11 th 1843
N. H. Moore J. Peace

State of New York ss. Tioga County } ss.
I David Wallis, Clerk of the said County of Tioga, do certify, That N. Folloore before whom the preceding affidavit and certificate purports to have been taken, and who signed the same, was at the date, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit and certificate, to be his proper hand writing and signature.
Witness my hand and seal This 12th day of April 1848. David Wallis Clk