Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20004, for Benjamin Pratt, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Pratt, Benjamin Betty
No. 200054.
CONTENTS

1011. Massachusetts Betty Pratt widow of Benj n Pratt who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Sp ci . Corp t & Sergeant.
Reported
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 78 Dollars 48, Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of July 1848 and sent to Samuel Humphrey Weymouth Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 122 Vol. 2.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;"
State of Massachusetts } ss County of Norfolk }
On this twenty seven day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before me Honorable the Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Norfolk Betty Pratt, a resident of Weymouth in said County of Norfolk, aged eighty one 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 7 th 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;"
That she is the Widow of Benjamin Pratt late of Weymouth in said County deceased, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution. And that according to the best of her knowledge and belief the service of the said Benjamin Pratt as a soldier in the Revolutionary War was as follows to wit: That he served in Capt Jacob Gooch's minute Company so called, two weeks at least commencing in April 1775.
Also that he served in Capt Joseph Trufant's company at Weymouth and at Bould in one continued period of service eighteen months at least ending on the first of January 1777.
Also that he served in Capt Joseph Pools company from the first of January 1777 to the first of May a term of four months.
Also that he served in guarding Burgoyne's troops at Cambridge from November 1777 to May 1778 a term of six months. The Officers under whom he served she cannot name, but thinks he was some part of the time in Capt Silas Wild's company.
Also that he served in Capt Hingman's company about six months in guarding and fortifying posts in and about Boston in the latter part of the year 1778. She thinks a part of the time he served in Capt Benjamin Beals company and a part in Capt Samuel Ward's and in Ward's and Gulliver's.
Also that he served in Capt Nathaniel Belcher's company between three and four months in the year 1779. That he marched from Weymouth to Fairfield Conn. and from thence to New York, and was in the battle of White Plains.
vol 12-98-on 88
vol 256-109
say 3 1/2 ms
Sept 2. 22
17-79
for 24-109
25-25
17-79

3. 202. 11 Copy 3rd
Also that he served in Capt Theophilus Wilder's company Col Eben: Thayer's Regiment between four and five months in the year 1780. He marched from Weymouth to Roxbury and thence to Brighton and from thence to Rhode Island and there served out the period aforesaid.
The said Benjamin Pratt resided in said Weymouth when he entered upon each of the terms of service aforesaid.
She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Pratt on the second day of March in the year seventeen hundred and eighty three; that her husband the aforesaid Benjamin Pratt died on the twentieth day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated.
Butty for + Pratt mother
I swear to & subscribe on the day & year above written by the love Betty Pratt, who by reason of bodily infirmity is unable to attend Court to make her declaration before me & the seal of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk.
I Jonathan H. Cobb
Registrar of the Court of Probate for said County hereby certify that Sherman Leland is Judge of said Court of Probate & that his signature on this paper is genuine & true.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court of Probate this tenth day of September A.D. 1838
Jonathan H. Cobb Reg

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
NORFOLK ss. Ernest Sampson
I, JAIRUS WARE , Clerk of the Judicial Courts, being Courts of Record, within and for the County of Norfolk, hereby Certify that Samuel Humphrey Esquire,
is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk appointed, commissioned and qualified to discharge the duties of his office, and that his signature to the annexed certificate is genuine and true.
In Witness Whereof, I have subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth aforesaid at Dedham, this twenty eighth day of August A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight
Ernest Sampson Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of Norfolk & Town of Wey- mouth. — I Thomas C. Webb, Town Clerk of said Town of Weymouth, here- by certify, that the following is a true copy of the Records of said Town of Weymouth with the exception of the date, which is expressed in full figure figures; to wit:
Benjamin son of Samuel & Betty Pratt born May Twentieth Seventeen Hundred Fifty Seven. the date as Records in figures is May 20. 1757.
Attest Thomas C. Webb Town Clerk of Weymouth
I Thomas C. Webb above named do hereby say, that I hold the Office of Clerk of said Town of Weymouth, and that the above is a true extract from the Records of the Town, as certified by me, with the exceptions above named.
Thomas C. Webb Town Clerk of Weymouth
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. 2 August 18 th 1823. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace within and for said county of Norfolk, the above named Thomas C. Webb and made solemn oath that the above certificate and affidavit by him subscribed in my presence are true.
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. County of Norfolk and Town of Weymouth ss. I. Joshua Emery Jr. Pastor of the First church and Society in said Weymouth, hereby certify that the following is a true copy from the records of said church in Weymouth, with the exception of the date, which is expressed in fair legible figures - to wit. "Married by Rev. William Smith, March second, seven- teen hundred and eighty three, (March 2 nd , 1783)" Benjamin Pratt and Betty Dyer both of Weymouth." Attest. Joshua Emery Jr. Pastor of First Ch. in Weymouth.
I Joshua Emery Jr. above named depose and say that I hold the office of Pastor of the said church and society in said Town of Weymouth, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said church with the exception above named as certified by me.
Joshua Emery Jr. Pastor of First Ch. in Weymouth.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. August 14 th 1838. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace within and for the said county of Norfolk the above named Joshua Emery Jr and made solemn oaths that the above certificate and affidavit by him subscribed in my presence are true and correct. Samuel Humphrey Justice of the peace

We Luther Pratt of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk and state of Massachusetts aged fifty five years and William Pratt of said Weymouth aged fifty five years, testify and say that we were acquainted with Benjamin Pratt late of Weymouth in said County deceased from our youth to the time of his decease and also with Betty Pratt his wife now his Widow. The said Benjamin Pratt died on the twentieth day of September in the year 1818. We saw his remains after his decease and attended his funeral. The said Betty Pratt is yet living and remains the Widow of the said deceased and is now in the eighty first year of her age
Luther Pratt William Pratt
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss. August 11 th 1838. Then personally appeared before me the subscribers justice of the peace within and for the county of Norfolk the above named Luther Pratt and William Pratt and severally made solemn oath to the above affidavit by them subscribed in my presence is true. The said Luther Pratt and William are well known to me and are persons of good reputation for truth.
Daniel Humphrey, Justice of the peace

I Job Wash of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, aged eighty two years, testify and say that Benjamin Pratt late of Weymouth deceased who was near my age, was a soldier, and served as a private in the Revolutionary War in a company command- ed by Capt. Joseph Brufant eight months which term commenced in May in the year 1775: and closed with me in January 1776. The said company was stationed in Weymouth guarding Boston harbor. We both served in said company as private during the term aforesaid, and how much longer the said Pratt served in said company I cannot say. I left at the close of the eight months Job Wash
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. August 27 th 1838. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace within and for the county of Norfolk, the above named Job Wash and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is my true and correct statement. The said Job Wash is well known to me and is a credible witness. Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the peace

I Azariah Beal of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts aged eighty one years, testify and say that Benjamin Pratt late of said Weymouth deceased, who was about my age, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and to my knowledge served as a private in a company command- ed by Capt. Joseph Grafton, both when stationed at Weymouth and at Hull in guarding Boston harbor, and I think also that he served in Capt. Joseph Pool's company at Hull The length of the period that the said Pratt served in said companies I cannot state with certainty. I served in said Grafton's company as a private I think about one year and in half commencing I believe in the month of May or June 1775. Also the three first months of the year 1776 if not more in Pool's company. and the said Pratt I am satisfied was in each of these companies the whole time that I was and how much more I cannot say. Grafton left the service I think at the close of the year 1776. and Pool was chosen captain on Grafton's leaving. The said Pratt I think was a private through the whole service.
Azariah Beal
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss. August 9th 1838. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber justice of the peace within and for the County of Norfolk who being the above named Azariah Beal and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed in my presence is true and I certify that the said Azariah Beal is well known to me and he is a person of good reputation for truth, and appears to be a very conscientious man.
Daniel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace

I Samuel Bailey of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk and commonwealth of Massachusetts aged eighty years testify and say, that Benjamin Pratt late of Weymouth aforesaid deceased was a soldier in the United States service in the War of the Rebellion and served with me as a soldier in Capt. Nathaniel Belcher's company I think in the year 1879. Three months or more. We marched from Weymouth to Fairfield Conn. and thence to New York and served at White Plains and were in the battle at White Plains Col. Mackintosh commanded the Regiment. This service I well remember and know that the said Pratt was with me, and that he was about my age. Samuel Bailey
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County Ss. August 27th 1888. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace within and for the said county of Norfolk. The above named Samuel Bailey and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed in presence is true, and I certify that the said Samuel Bailey is well known to me and he is a person of good reputation for truth. Samuel Humphrey Justice of the peace

I Thomas Vinson of Deymouth in the county of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, aged eighty two years, testify and say that Benjamin Pratt, late of Weymouth, deceased, who was a little younger than myself, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and served as a soldier I think in a company commanded by Theophilus Wildes of Col. Ebenezer Thayer's Regiment, between four and five months in the year seventeen hundred and eighty, which term I think commenced in July or August of that year. I served during the said period as first Lieutenant of said Wildes company We mustered at Roxbury and marched to Brighton, and there received order to march to Rhode Island, at which place we served out the period aforesaid. The said Pratt served as a private in said company
Thos Vinson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. August 11 th 1838. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace within and for the said county of Norfolk the above named Thomas Vinson and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed in my presence is true and I certify that the said Thomas Vinson is well known to me and is a person of good reputation for truth. Samuel Whipple my Justice of the peace

I Luther Pratt of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged fifty five years do testify and say, that I have resided in the same house with Betty Pratt widow of Benjamin Pratt late of said Weymouth deceased who is now in the eighty second year of her age, for more than twenty years last past. She has for the whole of this period of time been feeble in health, and of late has been very feeble, so that she is unable by reason of weakness and age to visit her children who are not a mile distant from her. And it would have been for her impossible in August last or at any time since, to ride the distance of twelve or fourteen miles to attend court to have made her declaration for a Pension, And no Court of record has been held in the county of Norfolk since the time that she made her declaration nearer than the above mentioned distance.
Luther Pratt
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. May 10 th 1839. Then personally appeared before me the subscribed justice of the peace within and for the county of Norfolk, the above named Luther Pratt, and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed in my presence is true, and I certify that the said Luther Pratt is well known to me as a person of good reputation for truth.
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk I thereon Second Judge of the Court of Probate in & for said county hereby certify, that, according to the acts of my resolution &

belief the above is a true statement & the infirmity & condition of the said Betty Pratt, in the month of August last past, at the time she made her last action before me, to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress of July 7 th 1830. In witness whereof I the said Judge hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 18 th day of January AD 1839
J. L. Clegg

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
L. W. B. W. 20004.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
July 14th, 1899.
Madam:-
In response to your recent communication you are advised that Betty, widow of Benjamin Pratt , made an application for pension on August 22nd, 1838, at which time she was 81 years of age and residing at Weymouth, Mass., and her pension was allowed for the actual service of her husband as a private, corporal and sergeant in the Mass. troops, Revolutionary war, for a period of twenty-one months and six days. He probably enlisted at Weymouth, Mass. He served under Capt. Pool.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Miss Ellen R. Sawyer,
Wellesley Hills, Mass.
Benj. Pratt W. 20004

WELLESLEY HILLS, MASS.
To the Com. of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Some time since I wrote asking if there were any record on file at your office, of a pension having been paid to Benj. Pratt of Weymouth, Mass., a soldier in the war of the Revolution. Since that time I find that Betsey Pratt of Wey.
RECEIVED. MAY 25 1899 O. W. N. DIVISION

mouth, widow of Benj. Pratt, drew a pension for her husband's ser- -vice. Will you kindly inform me if you have any record to that effect and oblige
Yours Respectfully Ellen R. Sawyer.
May 21, 1899.

Mass
Rev. WIDOW, &c.
July 14 '99 Miss E. R. Sawyer Wellesley Hills
File No. 20004
Betty Pratt
Widow of
Benja. Pratt
Sergt Rev. War
Act: Feb 29 48
Index:—Vol. M , Page 142
[Arrangement of 1870.]

V
1888
Lit. Dr. J. Humphrey, Dec. 20, 1838
Act 7 July, 1838

Roles - Benjamin Pratt
  Jacob Gould - 75.  Vol. 12. 98-  on 8 days -  pre    Jos. Infant 76 -  Vol 25: 50kc -  12 - 0.  "    Jos. Pool 77 -  vol 37. 3 -  3. 15.  pre    Silas Wilds  24. 109  2 22.  Sept    Theo. Wilds 80 -  3. 262.  3. 11  Corpl.  

2069.
Massachusetts
Getty Pratt
widow of Benj n Pratt who was a Pri d Capt & Sgt in the Mass. line for 21 mo 6 dy
Recd Sept 23
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 78 Dollars & 48 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of Sept. 1843 and sent to Samuel Humphrey Aldermouth, Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 57.

let. to L. Humphrey - 28th: July '43
Massachusetts 3,278
Betty Pratt widow of Benjamin Pratt,
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 20 th Sep r 1818 of Norfolk in the State of Mass s who was a Pr. Co. & Sq. in the County commanded by Captain Infants of the Regt. commanded by _____ in the Mass s line for 21 mos 6 dys
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 78 Dollars 48 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of June '39, and sent to L. Humphrey, Weymouth, Mass s
Arrears to the 4th of March - $238.44
Semi-annual allowance ending 39.24
$274.68
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk, Book A Vol. 1 Page 120.

1255 Betty Pratt
Betty Pratt $78:48 per am
3278
Lemuel Humphrey Weymouth Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston August 7 th 1813
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Samuel Humphrey was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
: in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court, and that his signature is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
: M c A. Poles
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7, 1838, and the amended act of 23d August, 1842.
State of Massachusetts } ss. County of Norfolk }
On this first day of May in the year eighteen hundred and forty three personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Norfolk  Betty Pratt a resident of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk aged nearly eighty 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 3d March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Benjamin Pratt who was a private in the Army of the Revolution , and died at Weymouth aforesaid, which had been his place of residence, on the twentieth day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighteen ; that the Revolutionary services of the said Pratt were duly proved in the year 1838 . And also her marriage to him, his death, and her widowhood; and that for the services of the said Benjamin Pratt she received a Pension under the Act of Congress of July 7th 1838 . for five years, of Seventy eight dollars and forty eight cents per year
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Betty Pratt mark
Witness
Luther Poall Abizer Poall
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk ss.
Jonathan H. Cobb Register of
the Court of Probate for said County of Norfolk hereby certify that Samuel Humphrey of Weymouth is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County of Norfolk and that his signatures on these papers are genuine & true In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of said Court of Probate this eighteenth day of May A.D. 1843. Jonathan H. Cobb Reg. Ad.

We Luther Pratt of Dymouth in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged fifty nine years and Abigail Pratt of said Dymouth aged twenty five years do testify and say, that we well know Betty Pratt of Dymouth aforesaid, widow of Benjamin Pratt late of said Dymouth deceased, who is we believe nearly eighty six years of age, she is living and now in our presence, and remains the widow of the said Benjamin Pratt
Luther Pratt
Abigail Pratt
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. May 1 st 1813. Personally appeared the above named Luther Pratt and Abigail Pratt before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace within and for the County of Norfolk and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by them subscribed in my presence is true
Daniel Humphrey, Justice of the peace

ad 2069
admitted
Samuel Humphrey Weymouth Mass

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. Norfolk COUNTY, }
On this Seventh day of July personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid,
Betty Pratt a resident of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk aged about ninety one 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 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Benjamin Pratt who was a resident of said Weymouth , and who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War
and is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17th June, 1844, on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of seventy eight dollars and forty eight cents per annum.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day } Before me, and year above written, }
In presence of Luther Pratt  Samuel Humphrey Justice of the Peace. Elizabeth Huggins
I Certify, That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner, as she declares.
Samuel Humphrey Justice of the Peace.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. Norfolk COUNTY, }
I, Erroll Sampson Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court , of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Samuel Humphrey is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that his signature, above written, is genuine.
Given under my hand, and the Seal of said Court, this Eighteenth day of July 1840
Erroll Sampson
CLERK.