Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26,898, for Benjamin Pittsley, Massachusetts

Massachusetts, n: 4260
Hannah Pillsbury, deceased, formerly widow of Benjamin Pillsbury -
who died on the 1st: of October, 1793, of Bristol (Co in the State of Mass): who was a private in the company: commanded by Captain Soper - of the Regt commanded by Col: Marshall in the Massachusetts line for 2 years -
Inscribed on the Roll of Boston at the rate of 80 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Vend 11th: July, 1841, day of her death.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of August, 1845 and sent to R. Baldwin, Boston, Mass: -
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd }
Recorded by William Stewart Clerk, Book C Vol. 1 - Page 62
Reps to Agt: by letter 2 amt: 45. -
Lt. R. Baldwin. Oct. 4. 1845

THE NEW TESTAMENT Of our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST,
Translated out of the ORIGINAL GREEK;
And with the former
TRANSLATIONS
Diligently Compared and Revised, By His MAJESTY's Special Command.
John Baker
Appointed to be Read in Churches.
EDINBURGH:
Printed by the ASSIGNS of ALEXANDER KIDD
MDCCCLXXV

Eliza Pigfley was born Decem r the 8 1780 1782 Thomas Pigfley was born Novem r  24 Benzeman was born October 23 1784 Mary was born January 20 1786 John was born April 12 1788 Jane was born June 8 1790 Alexander was born October 1792 28 Timothy was born September 13 1796 Lydia March 14 1798 Sarah was born May 3 1799 Benzeman Pigfley Deceased October 28 1796 in the forty first year of his Hannah Pigfley Deceased May 1 1797 in 47 year of her age
John the 22 1780 Benzeman Pigfley was born October 23 1784 to a son

2281. Hannah Pittsley da formerly moor of Benj. Pittsley Mass.
Act 4 July '36 & 3 March '37.
on Rolls. Marshalls leg. for 3 yrs - from '77-
adm? 2 yrs pri 80.
To Thomas Benjamin Mary - John - James & Alexander Pittsley only children R. Baldwin Boston

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss.
31 Mar 7/80 13 m
On this twenty eighth day of June A.D. 1837 personally appeared before Oliver Prescott of New Bedford Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Bristol, Hannah Pitsley a resident of Freetown in the said County of Bristol aged Seventy Seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836. and the act explanatory of said act passed March 3. 1837
That she was married to Benjamin Pitsley late of said Freetown deceased who was a private soldier in the war of the Revolution and then resided in said Freetown. She believes her said husband voluntarily enlisted wherein he entered the service of his country. She further declares that her said husband Benjamin Pitsley was in the service of his country three years in the state of New York at Tienderoga, Stillwater - Yellow Springs, Saratoga and Valley Forge in the Company commanded by Captain Amasa Soper, in Thomas Marshall's Regiment and Patterson's Brigade - for proof of these services she refers to the deposition of Jonah Smith & Thomas Wescott hereto annexed.
on Rules -
She further states that her said husband was again in the service of his country in the fall of the year 1781 as a minute man

in a Company Commanded by Captain Joseph Norton. At this time he was out two weeks - at Follen and in the vicinity of Rhodisland for poor fish service she refers to the deposition of John Lawrence hereto annexed; and for further proof after all the aforementioned services she refers to the Records recently bound the Secretary of war of the United States by virtue of a Resolve of the legislature of Massachusetts passed April 16 th 1836.
She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Pitsley on the tenth day of February in the year 1780 (seventeen Hundred and eighty) by Abner Lewis a Baptist Minister of the Gospel then settled in said Frutern, that her husband the aforesaid Benjamin Pitsley died on the first day of October in the year seventeen Hundred and ninety three. that she was afterwards married to Joseph Pitsley, who died on the fourteenth day of November in the year Eighteen Hundred and Twenty two and that she was a widow on the fourth day of July 1836 and has remained a widow ever since as will more fully

appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed - Witness Oliver Prescott her Hannah X Pitsley mark
Sworn to & Subscribed on the day and year first above written. before Oliver Prescott { Judge of the Court of Probate for Bristol County
I Oliver Prescott of New Bedford in the County of Bristol In the Court of Probate for said County hereby certify that Hannah Pitsley the aforesaid applicant cannot by reason bodily infirmity attend the same.
Oliver Prescott Judge of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Bristol ss. I Andrew Barrett Register of the Court of Probate in for said County, do hereby certify that Oliver Prescott, whose signature is affixed to the above certificate is the Judge of said Court —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of July Eighteen hundred & thirty seven - A Barrett

2281
Hannah Pittsley Benjamin Dorset Co. Mass.
A Bapst
2281- Hannah Pittsley formerly moow of Benjamin Pittsley Mass.
Act 4 July '36 & 3 march '37-
on Rolls. Marshalls ref. for 3 cars - from '77-
adm? 2 yrs pri 80.
To Thomas Benjamin Mary John - James Alexander Pittsley only children R. Baldwin Boston

Payment to be made at Boston
by F. Haven
Agent for paying pension- ers, in the Agency of
Massachusetts.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book 6 — Vol- ume 1 Page 62 by
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 4 July 1836. Hannah Pittsley, deceased, formerly the widow of Benjamin Pittsley, a private was entitled to a pension of $80 per annum, commencing on the 4 March, 1831 and ending on the 11 July, 1841, the day of her death; which will be paid upon the production of the proper vouchers to Thomas, Benjamin, Mary, John, James & Alexander Pittsley only children
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 27 th day of Aug t : one thousand eight hundred and forty-five.
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
Commissioner of Pensions.

Sharon Mass Oct. 1853
L.H.
A. Bassett
Taunton Mass.

Grafton Oct r 12 th 1839
I Alexander Pittsley of lawful age do testify and say that I was present at my Brother Benjamin Pittsley's marriage, he was married in Grafton Man. to Hannah Westcott and I personally saw them married, and I am very sure it was in the year 1740 My Brother Benja Pittsley was in the United States army with me and in the same Regiment and the same officers viz General Patterson, Col d Thos. Morris Capt Amos Soper Alex d Pittsley
Personally appeared Alexander Pittsley and made oath that the above affidavit subscribed by him was just and true before me Jacob Barney Justice of the Peace
for the fees of this letter you may send two dollars for affidavit justice fees and sending after justice and direct your letter to Jacob Barney of Orange to be left at Grafton Post office N.H.
State of New Hampshire Grafton County ss - I Nathan B. Folsom, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Jacob Barney is an actual justice of the Peace in & for said County, duly commissioned & qualified; that his commission was dated on the 7 th day of December A.D. 1838 & will expire on the 7 th day of December A.D. 1843, and that his signature above written is genuine - Given under my hand and the seal of said County this 20 th day of November A.D. 1839 N.B. Folsom Clerk

2281.
Mass.
Rejected Set to Bill Freeman 20 Mar. '40 do. to A. Bassett March 31 st 1840
act 4 July '36.

Reg
WIDOW, &c. 26898
File No. 24684
Hannah Pittsley formerly Wid of Benjamin Pittsley Brinker war
Act July 4 th 1836
Index: Vol 2 , Page 132
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Hannah Pittoley. Widow of Benjamin Pittoley
9611

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
June 30 1845.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Benj a Piggsey of Shrewsbury, is borne upon an account in the Army Books, as a private in the Majors' Comp y in Col. Marshall's reg t ; and there credited by his service from April 17, 1777 to Dec r 31, 1779, 32 months, 14 days; — and upon another account in the same, he is further credited by his service from Jan y 1 to March 13, 1780, 2 months, 13 days; — the name of said Benj a Piggsey is also borne upon a pay roll of Capt n Joseph Norton's Comp y in Col. John Halthaway's reg t , marched on the alarm to R.I. in 1780, from Aug t 4 th to 7 th 4 days. Capt n Norton's Comp y belonged to Shrewsbury.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence the accompanying copy of of said facts, the Commissioner's letter of March 31, 1840 was filed in this Office; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said letter, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowl- edge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sleeper; Secretary of the Commonwealth.
1 - put the 11

Pension Office March 31. 1890
Sir,
In the case of Mrs Hannah Nittley formerly widow of Benjamin Nittley dec d under the Acts of July 4. 1836 & 3 d March 1837 the service of her late husband in Marshalls Regt. of the Mass. line from 31 st of March 1777 to the 13 th of April 1780 is verified by the rolls - But they furnish no evidence of the alleged service of 2 weeks in 1881 under Capt. Joseph Norton nor even that there was an officer of that name in the Massachusetts Militia - It is alleged that he was mustered in February 1780 which was as you will perceive above while he was in service at Westpoint -
Her second marriage forfeited all claim under the Act of July 7. 1838. It is very clear from the statement of facts that her marriage took place after the expiration of the service & consequently that she is not entitled to a pension under the Act of July 4. 1836 -
Her claim is disallowed her papers placed in file -
J. R.

Hannah Pittsley W o 1 st of Benj. Pittsley late of Freetown dec d & afterwards of Joseph Pittsley late of same Freetown —
Benj. Pittsley was 3 Yrs. under Capt Amasa Soper Lt. Marshalls Regt. of Natterson Brigade — Dep s of Josiah Smith & Tho s Mattoat —
2 weeks at Fall River Early in 1787 under Capt Joseph Norton — (John Lawrence depon)
Marr d to Benj. Pittsley Feb. 10. 1780 by Amos Lewis a Baptist Minister Benj. Pittsley died Oct. 1. 1793 afterwards She was married to Joseph Pittsley Joseph Pittsley died Nov. 14. 1822

Boston, July 7 th 1845
Sir
I transmit herewith the certificate of the Secretary of this State, and court certificate the former, shewing the service of Benjamin Pittsley, or Piggley, in the army of the Revolutionary War, and the latter, shewing the time of the death of Hannah Pittsley, widow of said Benjamin, together with the names of her surviving children.
Be pleased to give this case the usual course of investigation, and transmit the result to me at this place.
Very Respectfully Sir I am your Obedient Servant Reuben Baldwin
James L. Edwards Esqr. Commissioner of Pensions. Washington.

Commonwealth of { Town of Middleborough, County of Massachusetts { Plymouth; one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight -
I Mary Pittsley do on oath declare; that I was acquainted with Benjamin Pittsley and Hannah Wetgate of Freetown and was at their Wedding when they were Married by Rev. Lewis, a Baptist minister, in February the tenth day A.D. one thousand nine hundred and eighty. Feb 10 th 1780 Mary her X Pittsley mark
Commonwealth of { Plymouth ss Massachusetts { Middleborough, May the nine- teenth day one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. Personally appeared Mary Pittsley a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by her signed
Before me Abijah Harvey { Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts - H. Lane Deputy with County ss. of Essex H. Lane Registrar of the County of Middle in the said County do hereby certify that Oliver T. Hovey whose signature is affixed to the within certificate is a justice of the peace in for said County - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said County this twenty third day of October Eighteen hundred and thirty nine -
Jacob H. Dowe

Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Plymouth County ss. I Jacob H. Lord Register of the Court of Probate in & for said County do hereby certify that Abiezer T. Harvey whose signature is affixed to the within certificate is a Justice of the Peace in for said County -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this twenty third day of October Eighteen hundred and thirty nine -
Jacob H. Lord

I Jabez Tabor of Fairhaven in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged sixty five years, do testify and say that the annexed document, I recently cut out of a bible handed me by Hannah Pittsley, alias, Pigsey, widow of Benjamin Pittsley late of Bristol in said County of Bristol purporting to contain the time of the births of their children and their names and deaths and the death of their Benjamin Pittsley, and she says the death of one Hannah Pigsey which was the first wife of her last husband Joseph Pigsey. on which document I have written my signature Jabez Tabor,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss June 20 th 1859. Then per- sonally appeared Jabez Tabor who has sub- scribed the above named deposition, and who is well known to me, and is a credible witness, and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition
Before me John Prescott Judge of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. I Anselm Barrett Register of the Court of Probate in for said County do hereby certify that Oliver Prescott whose signature is affixed to the within certificate is the Judge of said Court of Probate - In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this third day of October Eighteen hundred thirty nine - A Barrett

Hannah Pittsley and Widow of Benjamin Pittsley and
— Mother —
Benjamin
18

LAUNTON NOV 6
10
Mr. Newben Baldwin
Morton —

Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Bristol County ss. I Anselm Bassett, Register of the court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify, that at a court of Probate holden at Taunton in and for said County, it was satisfac- torily proved, that Hannah Pittsley late of Fairhaven in said County, deceased, (and who was the reputed widow of Benjamin Pittsley late of Freetown in said County) died on the eleventh day of July eighteen hundred and forty one, leaving six children and no more viz. Thomas Pittsley, Benjamin Pittsley, Mary Pittsley, John Pittsley, James Pittsley and Alexander Pittsley who are of age and still living —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said court this fifth day of November eighteen hundred and forty four —
A Bassett

ap. 11. 1840
Greentown Chs April 8
rec d ap. 11. 40
Free
26.
H Pittsburg
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Freetown Mass tt Town Clerks Office April 7 th 1840
To Hon S. L. Edwards Comr of Pensions
Dr Sir in answer to your enquiry (by your Letter of March 30 th ) in relation to the record of Marriage between Mr Benjamin Pittsley and Miss Hannah Westgate, I would say I have made an examination of our Town records and cannot find any records of such Marriage - nor do I find in the register of births - any record that recognizes their relation as husband and wife - our records appear regular from the Year 1759 up to this time -
Respectfully Your Obt Servt
Davis S. Barrows Clerk of the Town of Freetown

Feb 10. 1840
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Com r of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Taunton Mass. Feb. 1, 1840
Sir,
Accompanying this is the application of Hannah Pittsley, first the widow of Benjamin Pittsley, dec d . & afterwards the widow of Joseph Pittsley dec d . for a pension - It was returned, according to my recollection, for two reasons; first for further evidence of the marriage of the said Benjamin & Hannah - and 2 d . for further evidence respecting the alleged service under Capt. Joseph Norton in 1781 -
All the evidence of their marriage is now forwarded that ever can be, excepting what might be obtained by way of reputation - There is no record of their marriage to be found -
The alleged service under Capt. Norton, if rendered at all, must have been rendered in August 1780 - The roll will show -
Any communication which you may be pleased to make relative thereto may be made to me - Very Respectfully Yours &c. A Bassett
J L Edwards Esq Comm. of Pensions -

Oct 4. 1845
file with
Hannah Pillsbury
Oct 1836
No. 4260
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington  Oct 4. 1845  The bearer of this certificate is entitled to

Boston, Mass s , October 1 st 1845.
Sir
I respectfully solicit the decision of the Department in the following case—under the following circumstances. Viz. On the 21 st of August last, the Commissioner of Pensions issued a Pension certificate No. 4260+ in favour of Hannah Pittsley, widow of Benjamin Pittsley, both deceased, made payable to her surviving children—six in number, one of whom Viz. Mary Pittsley—wife of Benjamin  Abraham Pittsley has since died, & before the Pension certificate was received; It has therefore become a query in my mind to whom should the proportion of the Pension pay the deceased child be paid—Whether to the Husband as sole heir of his deceased wife's personal property, or her children, or to both conjointly. Be pleased to favour me with the decision of the Department, on the case referred to; Your early reply is requested.
Very Respectfully Sir I am your Obedient Servant Reuben Baldwin
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions. Washington.
+ Life Pension.

Boston. Mass s October 1 st 1845.
Sir
I respectfully solicit the decision of the Department in the following case - under the following circumstances, Viz. On the 21 st of August last, the Commissioner of Pensions Issued a Pension Certificate No. 42607 in favour of Hannah Pittsley, widow of Benjamin Pittsley, both deceased, made payable to her surviving children - six in number, one of whom Viz. Mary Pittsley - wife of Abraham Benjamin Pittsley has since died, & before the Pension Certificate was received; It has therefore become a query in my mind to whom should the proportion of the Pension pay the deceased child be paid - Whether to the Husband as sole heir of his deceased wife's personal property, or her children, or to both conjointly. Be pleased to favour me with the decision of the Department, on the case referred to; Your early reply is requested.
Very Respectfully Sir I am your Obedient Servant Reuben Baldwin
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington. + Life Pension.

I Thomas Wescott of Fruitstown County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts of the age of seventy seven years Testify and say that I was a Soldier in the war of the American Revolution six years and two months and Honorably discharged by General George Washington I was in Capt Amasa Soper's Company and Capt Stephen Libbels Company and in Colonel Marshals Regiment and in Patterson's Brigade and I was discharged in 1783
I knew Benjamin Pitney of Fruitstown and he was in my mess and in Amasa Soper's Company three years which was the time of his enlistment at Stillwater and Saratoga and Valcourge where we was stationed at that time according to the best of my recollection
Present Fairhaven Jun 21 st 1837
Jabez Dyer Susan L. Dyer
Thomas mark Wescott his
Beget 20 Fairhaven Jun 21 st 1837 Then the above Thomas Wescott personally appeared and made solemn oath to the with in deposition by him subscribed together with his answers to the Interrogations therein contained and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Thomas Wescott & that his testimony is entitled to Credit
Thomas Davis
Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of } Town of Freetown Massachusetts - } Bristol County ss June 13 1837
I Marcy Pitoley do on Oath declare that I was acquainted with Benjamin Pitoley and Hannah Westgate of Freetown and was at their wedding when they was married by Abner Lewis Baptist Minister in February 10 - 1780
make Marcy x Pitoley her
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss Freetown June 23. 1837
Marcy Pitoley a credible witness made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by her signed before me Thomas Davis Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } Town of Freetown Mass July 1 st — 1837
I Alden Hatheway do on oath declare that I am town clerk of the town of Freetown County of Bristol State of Massachusetts and that I have the custody of the Records of said town, and that I have thus far searched the Records of said town and cannot find the marriage nor the publication of Benjamin Pillsbury and Hannah Westgate married by Elder Abner Lewis about the year 1780 or 1781. I presume by mistake or neglect which is frequent the case in the old Records by not being returned
Alden Hatheway Jr
Bristol ss Then personally appeared Alden Hatheway subscribed to the above Certificate and made solemn oath to the above, a credible witness before me
Thomas Davis Justice Peace
Freetown July 1 st 1837

I Josiah Smith formerly of Middleborough now of Wairham in the county of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts of the age of eighty years Testify and say that I was a soldier in the war of the American Revolution all the war I was a soldier in Capt Amasa Soper Company and marched to the State of New Yorke to Sicautaregue and Still water and the Yellow Springs in Thomas Marshall Regiment and Patterson Brigade three years I knew Benjamin Pitney of Hoxton he was in Capt Amasa Soper Company and Thomas Marshall Regiment and Patterson Brigade in the State of New Yorke at Still water and the Yellow Springs three years that is to the best of my recollection Wairham May 23-1837
Josiah Smith
Plymouth. Wairham 23 May 1837 Then the above named Josiah Smith personally appeared and made solemn oath to the within discription by him subscribed together with his answers to the interrogatories therein contained and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Josiah Smith that he is of good character for truth and that his testimony is entitled to credit
Thomas Savery Justice Peace

I John Lawrence of Freetown in the County of Bristol & State of Massachusetts of the age of Seventy Six years. a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States do hereby testify & say that I was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and served at several times and in several places during said war. In the early part of the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty one I was in a Company of Minutemen commanded by Captain Joseph Norton of said Freetown. I was orderly sergeant and clerk of said Company. I think it was in the spring or in June of the year 1781. the Captain Norton's said Company was called over to guard the coast. We marched to Fall River in the vicinity of Rhode Island, and were there in the service guarding the coast two weeks.
I was well acquainted with Benjamin Ditsley of said Freetown. He belonged to said Company and went to said Fall River with us and was there on duty as a soldier two weeks. at the time above stated. He was from the same neighborhood that I was. John Lawrence

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss Free town June 29 1837
Then personally appeared the afore- named John Lawrence who is well known to me to be a credible witness, and made solemn oath to the truth of the fore- going deposition by him subscribed before me. Thomas Davis Justice Peace

I John Laurence of Freetown in the County of Bristol & State of Massachusetts of the age of Seventy six years. On oath testify and say that I am well acquainted with Hannah Pitsley widow of Benjamin Pitsley late of said Freetown deceased, who was a private soldier in the war of the Revolution. Said Benjamin Pitsley died at Plymouth — on the first day of October in the year Seventeen Hundred and ninety three (1793). His widow the said Hannah Pitsley afterwards married one Joseph Pitsley of said Freetown, who died on the fourteenth day of November in the year Eighteen Hundred & Twenty two. His widow the said Hannah Pitsley has not since been married. She was a widow on the fourth day of July 1836 and has remained a widow ever since. John Laurence
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. Freetown June 29, 1837 Then personally appeared the above named John Laurence who is a credible witness, & well known to me & made solemn oath to the truth of the fore- going affidavit by him subscribed. Before me Thomas Davis Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss. I Anselm Barrett Register of the Court of Probate in & for said County, do hereby certify that Thomas Davis is a Justice of the Peace in for said County and that the signature to the foregoing certificates purporting to be his are genuine —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fourteenth day of July Eighteen hundred & thirty seven —
A. Barrett