Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15226, for John Puffer, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Puffer, John Silence
No. 15226.
CONTENTS

8725
Massachusetts
John Puffer
of Weymouth in the state of Massachusetts who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Bailey of the Massachusetts line, for the term of one Year
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 1 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 of March 1819 and sent to Nahum Mitchell Esquire Bridgewater Mass.
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 $ 89.03 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sept 1819  48
$137.03
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Continued
Notification sent to John Puffer at Weymouth, Mass. 1820-26

John Duffer JR Weymouth 1 st ap l 1818 - private Bailey's reg t Massachu s Jan y 1 st One Year Further Evidence of service required

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
ss. On this first day of April A.D. 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Southern Circuit, personally appeared John Puffer of Weymouth aged seventy seven years, resident in the said Circuit, who being by me first duly cautioned according to law, on his oath made the following declaration, by him signed, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," viz. (See his Declara- tion marked A ).
(see also Micah Loys Declaration for further evidence!)

/ Luke Stark's, Elisha Kinings, and Caleb Gardner's depositions are now enclosed /
And I, the said Judge, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said John Puffer did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the com- mon enemy, for the term of nine months, on the continental establishment; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress, & is poor & needs the assistance of his country for support —
Nahum Mitchell
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
ss.
1818.
I HEREBY CERTIFY, That is one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Southern Circuit, consisting of the Counties of Plymouth, Norfolk, Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket in said Commonwealth—that the same Circuit Court of Common Pleas is a Court of record—that the signature to the above cer- tificate is the true signature of the said Judge, and that the seal thereunto affixed is the seal of the said Court.
} Clerk of the Judicial Court for the County of

John Puffer Weymouth. (A)
with many do etc the was in the which time as I have it. J. S. to before me Nahum

I John Puffer of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts in my twenty eighth year do hereby testify set forth and declare that I was a soldier in the war of the revolution and on the con- tinental establishment — that I enlisted in June in 1775 into Capt. William Reed's Company and Col. John Thomas Regiment, in the room of another soldier by the name of William Water, and went to Roxbury and served out the eight months service which ended in Janu- ary 1776. This was in the Massachusetts line. I then en- listed into the same company in the first of January afterward, and in Col. John Bailey's Regiment, for one year, and went to New York and served out the year, and then enlisted under the same Captain & served six weeks longer, in the same Regiment and in the same line. I enlisted only for six weeks the last time. And I then came home and enlisted into the waggon service in May 1780 under Capt. Mark Packard and went to the Southward and was at the Capture of Earl Corn- wallis. I do not know as we were attached to any regi- ment in particular. I served in the waggon service ten months, and I think a little more, and was then discharged and came home. I had no written dis- charge in any of these tours of duty — but in every case served faithfully according to my engagements
John Puffer
Sworn to and declared on oath
April 1. 1818: Before me Nahum Mitchell Judge

I John Puffer within named do testify and declare that Bristol er Gould and Blackman was in the waggon service with me during the whole time as I have within stated and served faithfully. John Puffer
Massachusetts ss.
Sworn to before me
Nahum Mitchell Judge
John Puffer Weymouth. (A)

John Puffer's Schule & Co
8735
27 Mar '19
6

SCHEDULE.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
County of Plymouth, ss.
On this Twentieth day of July 1821, before the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Southern Circuit, proceeding according to the course of the common law with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, having a power also of fine and imprisonment, and keeping a record of their proceedings, personally appeared in open Court, being a court of record for the said County John Puffer aged seventy two years, resident in Abington in said County, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. for the term of twelve months in Capt. Wm. Reed's Company in Col. John Bailey's Regiment and that he has received a pension certificate dated March 27 1819 and numbered 8725 in pursuance of his original Declaration made April 14 1818 and also takes and subscribes the following oath, viz.
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
That I am by occupation a farmer that in consequence of the infirmities of age the loss of both legs caused by a fall & a steer loaded with wood passing over my right leg I am unable to do any thing labour my family consists of myself wife named Silence aged sixty seven years she is unable to support herself I am indebted to sundry persons about $80. I have nothing due me Excepting wearing apparel & bedding I have no property except what is stated below before I received my pension I was supported partly by public charity. Schedule etc. seven old chairs 2 ax. tables crockery & iron ware 1 looking glass cost 17.50
John Puffer.
Sworn to, and declared, on the 20th day of July A.D. 1821 before
William Mitchell C Justice of Court
I, John B Thomas clerk of said Court, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is four dollars and sixty seven cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this twenty first day of July 1821.
John B Thomas Clerk of the Court for the County of Plymouth

Massachusetts 1336
Silence Puffer
widow of John Puffer
Mass
who died on the 3. April 1834 of Plymouth Co in the State of Mass.
who was a Private in the commanded by Captain Col. Bailey of the Regt. commanded by Col. Bailey in the Mass. line for 1 year
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 40 Dollars — Cents, per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834. 3 day of April 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21. March day of Aug. 1837 and sent to J. H. Lord Plymouth. Mass.
Arrears to the 14th of March '37. 240.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Ap. '37. 20.00
$260.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 — }
Recorded by D. Brown
Clerk.
Book A Vol. 2 Page 57

V1746
Silence Duffer widow of John Mass.
Married before '76 c
Island East Plymouth Mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Plymouth ss. On the seventh day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven personally appeared before the Court of Probate in and for said County now holder at Scituate  East Bridgewater Silene Puffer a resident of Abington in said County aged eighty five years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4 th 1835.
That she is the widow of John Puffer late of said Abington deceased, who was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution and for his said Services he was a Pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of 10 th March 1818.
She further declares that she was married to the said John Puffer on the _____ day of _____ in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy one at New Ipswich in the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire by — W m D r Esquire of New Ipswich in said County who was a Justice of the Peace for said County; that her husband the aforesaid John Puffer died at Abington on the third day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four and that she has remained a Widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof herunto annexed.
Silene Mr X Puffer marks

Sworn and subscribed by the said Silenus Puffer the day and year above written, and I certify that she is a credible person. —
Willis Wood Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Plymouth
Plymouth Y. I Jacob H. Lord Register of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Hon. Willis Wood is Judge of Probate for said County & that the above is his true & genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this tenth day of April A.D.
1837
Jacob H. Lord

Oliver the daughter of John Puffer and Silence his wife was born Sept. 16 th 1776
Mehitable daughter of John Puffer and Silence his wife was born August 17 th 1778
Hugh son of John Puffer and Silence his wife was born March 13 th 1781
Diana daughter of John Puffer and Silence his wife was born Dec. 26 th 1784
Silence daughter of John Puffer and Silence his wife was born Aug. 8 th 1791
John son of John Puffer and Silence his wife was born Feb. 8 th 1798
I John Nash Town Clerk of the Town of Abington do certify that the above certificates are truly copied from the Records of the Town of Abington
John Nash, Town Clerk Abington April 7 th 1837
Plymouth St. April 7 th 1837
Subscribed and sworn to before me, and I certify that said John Nash is Town Clerk of said Town of Abington
Osceul Thaxter Justice of the Peace
(Signature)

I Ephraim Whitman of Abington in the County of Plymouth aged seventy eight years do testify and say that I was acquainted with John Puffer late of said Abington a Revolutionary Pensioner - and with his wife Silena Puffer - during the Revolutionary War - and at that time while he was in the United States service - at his request I supplied his said wife with necessary provisions for a considerable time, for which he afterwards paid me - from that period down to the time of his decease I was considerably acquainted with them that they, at that time, lived together as husband and wife, had a family of Children - and were always so far as I know reputed to be husband & wife, and I have no doubt they were legally married. - Since the decease of John Puffer - his wife Silena has remained a widow.
Ephraim Whitman
I Hannah Pask of Abington in the County of Plymouth aged eighty five years do testify and say that I have been acquainted with John Puffer and his wife Silena Puffer for many years - before marriage her name was Silena Pask so that they have always lived together as husband and wife have raised up a family of Children - and have always so far as I know and believe been considered as having been legally married. Since the decease of John Puffer - she has remained and is now his widow. —
Hannah Pask

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Plymouth ss. March 6 th 1837. -
Then the above named Ephraim Whitman and Hannah Stark personally appeared and made oath that the above Depositions by them submitted are just and true in all their parts - and I certify that they are Persons entitled to full credit.
Before me Jared Whitman Just Peace
I John Nash Clerk of the Town of Abington do certify and say that by the Records of said Town - now before me it appears that John Duffer late of said Town, a Revolutionary Pensioner - died on the three day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
John Nash Town Clerk
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss. March 6, 1837.
Then the above named John Nash personally appeared and made oath that the above Deposition by him signed is just and true - and I hereby certify that his testimony is entitled to full credit.
Before Jared Whitman Just Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss. I Jacob H. Lord Register of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Jared Whit- man & Ezekiel Thaxter Esquires are severally Justices of the Peace in & for said County & that the signatures to the annexed affidavits purporting to be signed by them are their true & genuine signa- tures.
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand & the seal of the Probate Court for said County this eleventh day of April 1839
Jacob H. Lord

Mr. Raymond Beveridge Morgan, 411-B St. N.W., Washg. D.C.
} Card in 77-26942 Amos Puffer
In reply to your personal request of March 25 1915 , received for a statement of the military history of John Puffer a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
W. 15226
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     June 1775 to June 1776 Private William Reed John Thomas Mass.   Jan. 1, 1776 1 yr. 6 mos. " " John Bailey   May 1780 10 mos. Drummer Mark Packard ✓  
Battles engaged in, capture of Cornwallis.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, not stated.
Date of application for pension, April 1, 1818.  Widow allowed.
Residence at date of application, Weymouth, Mass.
Age at date of application, seventy-seven yrs.
Remarks: Soldier married New Spainich, N.H. 1771. Silence Jackson  He died Apr. 3, 1834 at Abington Mass., & she was all'd. pens. on her appl.  rec'd Mar. 7, 1837, while 85 yrs. of age & a res. of Abington Plymouth  Co., Mass. Children: Olive b. Sept. 16, 1776. Melitilla b. Aug. 17, 1778. Hugh b. Mar. 13, 1781.  Diana b. Dec. 20, 1784. Silence b. Aug. 8, 1791 & John b. Feb. 8, 1798.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Pay
WIDOW, &c.
1915 Apl. 3. Hist. to Raymond B. Morgan, card in W. 26942 Anno Puffer. 4
File No. 15226
Silence Puffer Widow of John Puffer Priv Rev. War
Act: July 4 th 1836
Index:—Vol. M , Page 144
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Aug. 21,
Mass
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
$40 per ann.

Plymouth August 15. 1837
Sir
I have before me your letter of June 10. 1837 in relation to the Claim of Mrs. Silence Puffer.
I am instructed in behalf of Mrs. Puffer to say that she professes no other evidence in relation to the 8 months service & if the Secy of War does not think her entitled to that in the computation of her pension, she wishes a Certificate may be forwarded to me as soon as practicable for the 12 months service which is verified & for which you say a Certificate will be issued on application
Yours with respect Jacob H. Lord

Probate Office
Plymouth April 14, 1837 Massachusetts
Dear Sir
I send three more applications for Pensions viz:
Mary Partridge Silence Puffer * Nathaniel Hodges
Please send the certificates addressed to Your Obt Servant J. H. Lord.
taken out J D D V

Elisha King & Caleb Gardner's Depositions

I do hereby certify that on the first day of March in the year 1819 Elisha Vining and Caleb Gardner both of Hington in the County of Plymouth personally appeared and made oath that John Puffen of Weymouth did serve in the year's service at New York in the year 1776 as a corporal in Capt William Reed's Company Col John Bayley's Regiment the said Vining and Gardner testify that they were in the same Company and Regiment with the said Puffen and that he served the Commission out. before me Daniel Lane Justice of Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Plymouth ss. March 1. 1819. I do hereby certify that the above named Elisha Vining and Caleb Gardner are credible witnesses, and that the said Daniel Lane is a magistrate of this County au- thorised to take Depositions and that the above is his genuine handwriting and signature.
Nahum Mitchell. Judge of the C.C. Pleas for the Southern Circuit of Ms.

Luke Nash's Deposition

I Luke Nash of Abington of lawful age to give evidence do testify and say that I was a private soldier in the war of the revolution and well know John Puffer of Weymouth, and know that he was a private soldier in the same war and enlisted into the first year's service of 1776 in Capt. Wm Reed's company & Col. John Bailey's Regiment, and served the whole year faithfully, and was honorably discharged at the end of the year. I served during the same term. His service was in the Massachusetts Line, and continental establishment. —
Luke Nash
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Plymouth ss. March 1. 1819. Before me personally came Luke Nash who is a credible witness and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition and subscribed the same in my presence.
Nahum Mitchell. Judge

I Ephraim H Farrar Town Clerk of New Hampshire in the County of Hillsborough & State of New Hampshire do depose & say that I have made diligent search in the Records of said Town & do not find any record of the marriage of John Puffin & Silence Jackson and I hereby certify that no such Record exists in the Town Records to my knowledge Ephraim H. Farrar, Town Clerk
I Samuel Lee Pastor of the Congregational Church & Society in New Hampshire, in the County of Hillsborough & State of New Hampshire. do depose & say that I have examined the Church Records & do not find any Record of the marriage of John Puffin & Silence Jackson & I hereby certify that no such record exists in said Church Records Samuel Lee
State of New Hampshire - County of Hillsborough - February 18 th 1837
Then the above named Ephraim H Farrar and Samuel Lee personally appeared & made oath that the above depositions by them subscribed are in their belief true
Before me John Preston Justice of the Peace
I Andrew Wallace Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire do certify that John Preston above named is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Hillsborough as above, and that the above signature, purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affix- ed the seal of said Court and subscribed my name, at Concord in said County, this twenty first day of February Anno Domini 1837.
A. Wallace Clerk