Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8,124, for James Perry, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Mass.
Perry, James Abilena
R 8,124
CONTENTS

Barre Washington County State of Vermont
August 17. 1858
I Ephraim Goodrich of Barre hereby depose & state that I am Eighty years of age. At the age of nineteen I went to live with Mr James Perry of Plainfield State of County of said I lived with him Seven years (During that time he was living with his first wife whose maiden name was Esther Sinkham They were married as I always understood from them in Middleboro State of Mass, which town was his native place At that place (Middleboro) I have often heard him say he enlisted in the Revolutionary army at that place One of the Officers under which he said he served was Sinkham I perhaps wrote that name more than others on account of its being his twice maiden name. I often heard him tell of incidents that happened while he was in service His wife Esther died in 1810 His Second wives name was Abigail Underhill at the time he married her she was then a widow He married her as I understood in Greensboro Vermont & lived with her till his death She is now a widow living in Salisbury Mass. State I have no interest in making this deposition witness Milo L. Templeton. Ephraim Ephraim her Goodrich marks
This day Ephraim Goodrich Deponent personally appeared before me & made oath that the above deposition was true & correct Barre August 17. 1858 Maynard French Justice of Peace

State of Vermont. } I Shubael Wheeler Deputy Clerk of Washington County } the County Court for the County of Washington in the State of Vermont, which is a Court of record, hereby certify that Maynard French Esq, whose signature to the foregoing Certificate is in his own proper hand writing, was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County aforesaid, duly qualified by the Laws of this State to administer Oaths for general purposes.
Given under my hand & the seal of said Court at Montpelier in said County this 20 th day of August A D 1858.
Shubael Wheeler Deputy Clerk

State of Vermont } Orleans County } Be it remembered that at Greensboro in said county on the 3 d day of September A D 1810 Mr. James Perry of Plainfield in the county of Caledonia - and Mrs. Abalena Underhill of said Greensboro were duly joined in Marriage By Samuel C. Crafts Justice of Peace
State of Vermont Town Clerks Office Craftsbury March 5 th 1858 I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy of Record. Joseph Scott Town Clerk

Feb 3 d 1880
Then Mr James Perry and Miss Esther Tinkham both of Middleborough was married by me
Chenitz Sprout Justice of the Peace
Middleboro Nov 19 th 1858
I Certify that the above is a true copy of the record
Attest Andrew M Eaton
{ Town Clerk of Middleboro
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me this 19 th day of November 1858
Wm. H. Wells,
{ Justice of the Peace

Grafton Wash Co. Vt Nov. 23, 1858
Hon Geo. C. Whiting
Dear Sir accompanying this you will find some additional evidence about the identity of James Perry App d for Bounty Land No 288,735
These documents go to show that James Perry (for whose widow we are trying to get Bounty Land) was a native of Middlebury Mass that he resided there & was there married during the Revolutionary war that he had been often heard to state that he served in that war
That he with his first wife subsequently removed to Vermont when his 1 st wife died that he afterwards married a widow Abigail Underhill with whom he lived till his death & that she is now living a widow in Bethbury Mass
Now Sir it seems that in absence of positive proof that this is sufficient with what precedes it to identify sd James Perry as the one whose services are filed on the records in the Secy's Office in Mass with the above remarks I submit the testimony for your examination
Yours Respectfully
Hon Geo. C. Whiting
Com r of Pensions Wash g D. C.
B. W. Marsh Atty for wid N. Perry

I Abigail Perry of the town of Fitchburg & State of Massachusetts hereby depose & state that I am the widow of James Perry that I was his second wife that during the life of my husband James Perry I often heard him speak of his first wife calling her Esther saying that previous to her marriage her name was Esther Finkham & that he married her in the town of Middleboro
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
WORCESTER COUNTY, ss.
I, Joseph Mason Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court , which is a court of record for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify that
Amasa Norcross Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the Certificate on the paper hereunto annexed, was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified and authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth to take the acknowledg- ment of deeds and administer oaths, that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity, and that his SIGNATURE to said CERTIFICATE is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court, this twenty seventh day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty- eight .
J. P. Mason
Clerk.

I Abilene Perry of the town of Fitchburg & State of Massachusetts hereby depose & state that I am the widow of James Perry that I was his second wife that during the life of my husband James Perry I often heard him speak of his first wife calling her Esther saying that previous to her marriage her name was Esther Finkham & that he married her in the town of Middleboro (sometimes spelt Middleborough) in the state of Massachusetts where he was born & brought up & that subsequently he removed to Plainfield in the State of Vermont where his wife Esther died (Died at Fitchburg State of Mass.
July 23 d 1858 Albert A. Nourse.
Abilene H. N. Perry Mum
This day Personally appeared before me Abilene Perry the (Depositor of the above Deposition) & made oath that the said Deposition was true & correct Fitchburg July 23, 1858
Amasa Nourse Justice of the Peace

James Perry 186 or 187 Original
B91 Mark Curtis Mr

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston,
18
Sir :
Be pleased to file a declaration in this office, agreeably to the accompanying regulations, and search will be made for the revolutionary service of and the result forwarded to your address. Particular attention is called to the second regulation.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

The following REGULATIONS, to be observed in the examination of the Revolutionary Rolls, have been rendered necessary under the rules which are established in the Pension Department at Washington.
1. Every application requiring search or certificate must be made to the Secretary, in writing, or by some person duly authorized by the claimant; and the signature to the application must be attested by a magistrate. 2. In all cases where the application is made by any person other than the claimant, a power of attorney, attested by a magistrate, authorizing such person to act in the claimant's behalf, must accompany the application. 3. The application must set forth, as fully as the circumstances of the case will allow, the residence and service of the soldier, and the names of the officers under whom he served: and no search will be made until after the filing of such written application.
"Regulations to be observed in the examination of the Massachusetts Revolutionary Papers in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth."
"The application must be made to the Secretary, in writing, by the claimant, or by some person duly authorized by the claimant, by a written power of attorney, attested by a magistrate. The signature of the claimant must in all cases be attested in like manner.
"The application must set forth, as fully as the circumstances of the case will allow, the residence of the soldier, &c., at the time of the service, and the names of the various officers under whom he served, as well as the nature of such service.
"The certificate of the Secretary must show that the search was made, after the filing of such application, by himself, or by one of his Clerks, alone, and must be accompanied by the original application of the claimant or of his attorney, and by a detailed statement, under the signature of the Secretary and the Seal of the State, of the circumstances which satisfied that officer of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
The following is an extract from a letter received by the Secretary from J. E. Heath, Esq., Commissioner of Pensions, dated March 19, 1852:—
"I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3d inst., accompanied by a copy of the Regulations now in force in your office in the examination of your Revolutionary Rolls: and, in reply to your questions, have to state that, in my opinion, the said Regulations could not be relaxed in any particular without serious injury to the Government and the rights of individuals justly entitled to the benefits of the Revolutionary Pension Laws. Indeed, even with those guards around your rolls, I am satisfied they are frequently used by unscrupulous individuals to sustain applications not embraced by the laws, and as a means of obtaining exorbitant fees."

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston. March 23 d 1858.
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 James Perry is borne on pay roll of Capt. Abishai Tinkham's Comp. Col. Ebenezer Sproat's Regt. from Dec. 8. 1776, 12 days and 64 miles, as private from Middleboro'. Also on pay roll of Capt. William Tupper's Comp. Col. Titcomb's Regt. from May 1. 1777 65 days and 80 miles travel, as private from Middleboro'. Also on pay roll of Capt. Isaac Wood's Comp. Col. Thomas Carpenter's Regt. from July 22. 1777 1 month 6 days, as private, from Middleboro'. Also on pay roll of Capt. Job Pierce's Comp. Col. Theophilus Cotton's Regt. for the month of Oct. 1777, 31 days as private from Middleboro'. Also on pay roll of Capt. Amos Washburn's Comp. Col. Nathaniel Wade's Regt. from June 22. 1778 25 days and 80 miles, as private from Middleboro'.

Also on pay roll of Lt. Ino Doty's Comp. Col. Ethan S. Sprouts Regt. from May 6. 1778, 3 days as private, on alarm to Dartmouth.
Also on pay roll of Lt. Ino Doty's Comp. Col. Sprouts Regt. from Sept. 6. 1778, 6 days, as private.
Also on pay roll of Capt. Edward Hammond's Comp. Col. Samuel Fisher's Regt. from Aug. 13. 1779 1 month 4 days, as private. Capt. Hammond was from Rochester, Town adjoining.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Oliver Warner.
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES,
Made by the Widow Abigail Perry of the party who rendered the service.
For the purpose of obtaining a Pension by Col Widow a resident of the State of Massachusetts County of Bristol Town of Berkley
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of James Perry in the war of the Revolution.
He was a native of the Town of Middleboro in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts
He enlisted from the Town of Middleboro in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts in the year 1776 as a private in the Company commanded by Captain Abisha  Brinkham (I think) in Col  E. Sprouts Regiment
and he served as follows,* viz:— According to My best memory & knowledge In Rhode Island on Blame in Dec 1776 under Capt  Abisha  Brinkham  Col  Ebenezer  Sprouts  Kept as private from Middleboro
Also in May & June 1777 Some 75 or 80 miles from home don't know where under Capt  Wm  Buffum  Col  Bitcomb  Kept as private from Middleboro
Also in July & August 1777 under Capt  Isaac  Howell  Col  Thos  Cotton Kept  Carpenter  Kept as private from Middleboro
Also in Oct 1777 under Capt  Job  Pierce  Col  Thos  Cotton  Kept as private from Middleboro
Also in June & July 1778 under Capt  Amos  Washburn  Col Matt  Walker  Kept  Kept as private from Middleboro
Also in May 1778 under Lieut  John  Doty  Col  Ebenezer  Sprouts Kept on Alarm at Barnstable as private
Also in Sept 1778 under Lieut  John  Doty  Col  Sprouts  Kept as private
He served at several other times I think but cannot now tell when or under whom he served
Perhaps the records will show
* Here describe, as fully as may be, the length of service, the rank, &c., of the claimant, or the capacity in which he served all other particulars known.

I was married to the aforesaid James Perry in the Town of Greensboro County of Orleans & State of Vermont on the 3 rd day of September A.D. 1810 and am now a widow My husband James Perry Died in Plainfield State of Vermont on the 19 th day of May A.D. 1841
I was married to chose S d James Perry by Samuel C. Crofts a Justice of the Peace
My Name before I was married to James Perry was Abigail Underhill & I was then the widow of James Underhill
This is the first Application that I have made for a Pension
He used to tell me that he served in the Revolutionary War
I am now 80 83 years old, and my memory does not enable me to state the services more fully than above stated. I hereby appoint B. W. March of Cabot County of Washington & State of Vermont my Attorney to prosecute my claim for said Pension
Witness my hand, this A. D. 1858
5 th day of March Abigail Perry
Signed by said Widow Abigail Perry in my presence & not sworn to this 5 th day of March 1858
Hollis F. Allen JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
We the undersigned Job. Hoyt and Susan B. Hoyt

Witness my hand, this A. D. 1858
5 th day of March Hibernia NY
Signed by said widow Abigail Perry in my presence & sworn to this 5 th day of March 1858
Hollis F. Allen JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
We the undersigned Job. Hoyt and Susan B. Hoyt residents of Craftsbury in the state of Vermont upon our oaths declare that the foregoing Declaration. was signed & acknowledged by Wid Abigail Perry in our presence and we know she is the identical person she represents herself to be & we further state that she is at this date of her declaration a widow at present residing in Craftsbury on a visit the town of St. Johnsbury  Craftsbury on the 19 th day of May 1841
Job. Hoyt Susan B. Hoyt
Craftsbury March 5. 1858
The foregoing Declaration & Affidavit were sworn to & subscribed before me on the day & year above written & I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons & the claimant the person she represents herself to be & that I have no interest in this claim
Hollis F. Allen Justice of the Peace
I Mindwell Scott upon my oaths declare that I was present & saw the marriage ceremony performed (which made James Perry & Abigail Underhill above named Husband & wife) by Samuel C. Crafts of Craftsbury Town Clerk of Craftsbury at that date a Justice of the Peace. at Greensborough County of Orleans State of Vermont on the 3 rd day of September 1810 1810 Witness my hand this 5 th day of March 1858
Mindwell Scott
Sworn to in presence of
Craftsbury March 5 th 1858
Hollis F. Allen Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont Orleans County S.S.
I, Norman W. Bingham Clerk of Orleans County Court which is a Court of Record do hereby certify that Hollis F. Allen Esq. whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing Certificate, was at the date thereof and now is, an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn and that as such officer as aforesaid he is fully authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments and administer oaths.
Witness my hand and official seal at Irasburgh in said County this 8th day of March A.D. 1858
Norman W. Bingham Clerk

Plainfield } State of Vermont Washington County } August 17, 1858
I, Daniel A. Perry of Plainfield State of Vermont Deprecant hereby depose that I am Forty five years old have always lived in Plainfield aforesaid My fathers name was Elijah & My Grandfathers name was James Perry I lived but a few rods from my Grandfather till his death of course was well acquainted with him & often heard him tell of serving in the army & tell of incidents that happened while he was out in service
I always understood him that his native place was in Middleboro State of Massachusetts
His first wife my Grandmother's Maiden name as I have often heard My father & Grandfather say was Esther Tinkham She died in 1810 in Plainfield aforesaid Massachusetts She died in 1810 in Plainfield aforesaid
After my Grandmother's death my Grandfather Perry Married a widow Abigail Perry in Greensboro
Underhill in Greensboro State of Vermont & brought her to Plainfield & lived with her till his death & she is now a widow living in the town of
Birchborough State of Massachusetts I was well acquainted with his Second wife Abigail & still am acquainted with her Furthermore state I have no personal interest in making this Deposition
One incident he related was that he with other soldiers in the army one night thought they would go out & get some apples They took a boat & crossing the water one of their guns was fired by accident & the report aroused the whole British lines & he with his party beat a retreat without their Apples
Daniel A. Perry
Daniel A. Perry the above deponent this day appeared before me & made oath that the above deposition was true & correct I certify that the deponent is considered a man of truth & veracity
Plainfield August 17, 1858 Eliza McIntire Clerk of Peace

State of Vermont. } I. Shubael Wheeler Deputy Clerk of Washington County } the County Court for the County of Washington in the State of Vermont which is a Court of Record, hereby certify that Eben Martin Esq whose signature to the foregoing Certificate is in his own proper hand writing, was at the date thereof, an acting Justice of the Peace within & for the County aforesaid, duly qualified by the Laws of this State to administer Oaths for general purposes.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 20 th day of August A.D. 1855. Shubael Wheeler. Depy Clerk

Plainfield Washington County State of Vermont
I, Elijah M. Perry (Deponent) hereby depose & state that I was born in 1809 in Plainfield in the State of Vermont which place is now my residence. My father's name was Elijah Perry. My Grandfather's name was James Perry. I was personally well acquainted with my Grandfather Perry till his death. I have often heard him tell of being in the revolutionary war for the most part as a scout or minute man. I think in all he served some 6 or 8 months. I always understood him to say that his native place was in the town of Middleborough in the State of Massachusetts. My Grandmother Perry's (My Grandfather's first wife) I have often heard my Father & Grandfather state) maiden name was Esther Binkham. I always understood that he married her in the town of Middleborough State of Massachusetts. She died in 1810 as I was often told.
After her death, My Grandfather Perry married a widow Abigail Underhill at Greensboro State of Vermont with whom he lived till his death. That the said Abigail is still a widow residing in the town of Pittsborough State of Massachusetts. I was personally well acquainted with his second wife Abigail. I furthermore state that I have no personal interest in making this deposition.
August 17, 1858
E. M. Perry
Elijah M. Perry deponent personally appeared before me this day & made oath that the above statement was true & correct. I hereby state that the deponent above is considered a man of truth & veracity.
August 17 1858
Ch. M. Austin
Justice of Peace

No 7007.
Abalena Perry Daughter of James. At.
Lt. B. W. Marsh. Apr. 28/58
8124
AW/53

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
8124 REJECTED
P. O. Malena Perry
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
30017 Recognized. _____ Contract
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18