Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 27,459, for Silas Phillips, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental
Phillips, Silas
N. 27,459
Mass.
Philips
Susannah
CONTENTS

9537 R
Massachusetts
Silas Phillips
of Easton in the state of Mass — who was a sergeant in the regiment commanded by Colonel Barley of the Mass — line, for the term of three years —
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 1 st of April, 1818 —
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th of Sept. 1819 and sent to Abraham Mitchell Esq. East Bridgewater, Mass
Arrears to 4th of Mar 1819 . 11m. 4d.  $89.03
Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4th Sept 1819  $48.00
$137.03
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
continued
Application sent 15th Feb 1820 to Sec of War for copy of Burial Fee Certificate, Mr of

Massachusetts 3015
Susannah Phillips of Bristol in the State of Mass a
who was a my in the commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the time for widow of Silas Phillips dec d late a Sergeant in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 120 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 day of Dec r . 1836 and sent to Bassett Taunton Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept-1836 $660.00 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Mar 37 60.00 $720.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by John Addison Clerk. Book A. Vol. 1 Page 64
let

Bristol ss. It is hereby certified that on the 6 th day of November A. 1777. Mr. Silas Phillips and Miss. Susannah Drake both of Easton in the County of Bristol were legally joined in Marriage, according to the laws of this State.
• P o Benjamin Pettingill Justice of the Peace
Recorded by Matthew Hayward Town Clerk
A true Copy of Record Easton County of Bristol ss. Attest Tisdale Harlow Town Clerk
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol County ss. November 1836 Then personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the peace within and for the County of Bristol the above named Tisdale Harlow to my knowledge the present town clerk of the town of Easton in said County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts and made solemn oath that he was the present town clerk of said Easton, and also made oath that the foregoing certificate is a true copy taken from the records of the town of Easton aforesaid for the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and seventy seven.
Depees P. Merrill Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Bristol

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. I Amos Barrett Register of of the Court of Probate in and for said county do hereby certify that Cyrus Sethwick Esq. before whom the within was sworn to, is a Justice of the Peace in & for said county & that the within signature purporting to be his is genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this twenty second day of November eighteen hundred and thirty six - A Barrett

I Silas Phillips of Easton in the county of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the sixty fourth year of my age depose set forth and declare that I was a soldier in the revolutionary war with Great Britain on the continental establishment and that I enlisted in April 1775 into capt d Abiel Mitchells company he was promoted to a Major then I was under capt d Francis Liscum and in Col t Walkers regiment and served at Roxbury near Boston eight months, and afterwards in 1776 I enlisted into capt d Ephraim Burns company and Col t Wards regiment and marched to New York and served therein twelve months in the same line and afterwards in 1777 I enlisted into the three years service under capt d Ephraim Burns company and Col t John Baileys Regiment and served there until the end in the same line which time I served faithfully and was honorably discharged but I have lost my discharge I held a Sergents warrant the three last years which I now exhibit. Asa Phillips and Benjamin Kingman were in the service with me. Silas Phillips
T. 18/ Sworn to April. 1. 1818

I further depose and say that I Am a citizen of the United States and hereby relinquish all claim to any pension there may be allowed me hereafter by the laws of the States. I further depose that I am reduced in my circumstances & stand in need of my country's assistance for support - Silas Phillips.
Silas Phillips Easton 35 m 16 d -

Silas Phillips Easton
Adm n
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS 1818
I hereby certify that the within is a true and correct copy of the original now on file in my office and of the whole thereof. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said office this 10th day of March, 1818.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
On this ss. 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 Silas Phillips of Easton aged sixty three 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 That he served in said war during the first three years as a private soldier in Capt Burrs Company and Col Baileys Regiment Massachusetts Line —
/See his declaration enclosed/
He is made up for 35 months & 10 days in the Massachusetts rolls —

And the said Phillips is reduced in his circumstances and needs the assistance of his country for support.
And I, the said Judge, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Silas Phillips 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.
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

Silas Phillips
N o 9537
April 1819.
Mount 15 Sep
1820
em
Sep 19

Commonwealth of Massachusetts -
Taunton July 20th. 1820.
A SCHEDULE. Of the property of Silas Phillips of Easton, in the County of Bristol
  VIZ Three Sheep 4. 50.   1 Shoat 5. 00.   1 ax 1.00. 1 hoe 20 1 Shovel 75 1. 95   6 old Chairs 1.50. 1 Table 67 2. 17   1 Chest 75 11 Spail pot 75 1. 50.   1 Small pot 50 3 Spiders 75 1 pot long 50 1. 75.   1 Meal trough 33. Crockery & earthen 75 1. 08.   1 Skillet 25 1 Teakettle 50 0. 75.   Cash on hand, none. $17. 72 
My family consists of myself, aged sixty six years; my wife aged sixty six years; & one Daughter aged forty three, an invalid & is drawn almost double with the Rheumatism. I can generally do half a man's work. My wife and daughter can do but little. I am a Labourer by profession.
Silas Phillips.
Property valued at $17. 72
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.
Silas Phillips.
Sworn to, and declared, on the seventeenth day of July A.D. 1820 before
James Sproat Clerk of the Court Middle Coy
I, James Sproat , clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts 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 seventeen dollars and seventy two cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this seventy eighth day of July 1820.
Ja. Sproat Clerk of the Court for the County of Bristol.

SCHEDULE.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
BRISTOL ss. Circuit Court of Common Pleas
On this seventeenth day of July 1820, personally appeared, in open court, being a court of record for the said county,
Silas Phillips, aged sixty six years, resident in Easton 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:
I served in Col. Ward's Regiment, Capt. Burt's Company. Also in Col. Bailey's Regiment in the Massachusetts Line.
The date of my original declaration before the Hon. Judge M. Mitchell was April 5. 1818. and my pension certificate is No 9537.
Property valued at $17.72
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.
Silas Phillips.
Sworn to, and declared, on the seventeenth day of July A.D. 1820 before James Sprout Clerk of the Court Middle Coy
I, James Sprout , clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the County of Bristol , 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 seventeen dollars and seventy two cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this seventy eighth day of July 1820.
Jas Sprout Clerk of the Court for the County of Bristol.

N o 651 3. sec.
Susannah Phillips
Bristol Co.
Mass.
Adm. d 2 years length 120. $
no deduction died in Dec r 1821
A. Barrett Esq ss of Taunton Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Bristol County ss -
On this Nineteenth day of October in the Year eighteen hundred and thirty six, personally appeared before Oliver Prescott of New Bedford in the County of Bristol aforesaid, Judge of the Court of Probate for said County, -
Susannah Phillips a resident of Easton in the County of Bristol aforesaid, aged eighty two eighty three years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the follow- ing declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 4. 1836 - That she is the widow of Silas Phillips late of Easton aforesaid, deceased, who was a Sergeant as she verily believes in the army of the Revolution - That the said Silas Phillips served eight months as she verily believes, as a private soldier or sergeant in a company commanded by Capt. Robert Fison of Taunton in the County of Bristol aforesaid at Roxbury and vicinity, in Seventeen hundred and seventy five - That said time of service ended in January 1776 - That he belonged to and resided in Easton aforesaid at the time he entered the service aforesaid and that he continued to belong to said Easton to the time of his death -
She further says and believes that the said Silas Phillips enlisted some time in Seventeen hundred and seventy seven as a sergeant in the Army of the Revolution

for the term of three years - That, during that time he served part of that time in a Company commanded by Capt. Ephraim Burr and a part of the time under Capt Alner Howard, but in what Regiment or Brigade she cannot now state - That he was at the surrender of General Burgayne at Saratoga in October 1777 -
She refers to the records, which relate to the services of Officers & Soldiers in the Army of the Revolution, recently loaned the Secretary of War of the United States, by virtue of a Resolve of the Legislature of Massachusetts, passed April 16. 1836 for evidence of the above services -
She further says that the said Silas Phillips was a Pensioner under the Act of Congress of March 18. 1818 - That his declaration made under said Act may be referred to for the purpose of ascertaining under whom he served during the three years above-mentioned -
She further says that she employed a person in 1833 to obtain the bounty granted to certain Officers & Soldiers of the Revolutionary War by virtue of Resolves passed by the Legislature of Massachusetts on the 27 th day of March 1833, a copy of which are hereto annexed; and that it was obtained -
She further declares that she was married to the said Silas Phillips, some time in the latter part of the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy Seven, but cannot name the particular time as she knows

of no record thereof - She was married as aforesaid by Benjamin Nottingill Esquire, then of Easton aforesaid but long since deceased - She well recollects that soon after the surrender of Burgoyne as aforesaid the said Silas Phillips came to Easton & we were then married and he returned to the army again - She further says that her husband the aforesaid Silas Phillips, died on the thirtieth day of February February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty one -
NOTICE
TO
SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
THE FOLLOWING RESOLVES , making grants to certain officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary War, were passed at the late session of the Legislature of Massachusetts, viz:
Resolved, That each non-commissioned officer and soldier of the Revolution, who enlisted for, and served a term of not less than three years at one time, who at the time of his enlistment was and now is an inhabitant of the present Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and who has not already received money or land under the provisions of previous Resolves, and each widow of any such officer or soldier, who was at the time of his decease an inhabitant of this Commonwealth, shall be entitled to and receive two hundred acres of land, to be selected from any of the lots not already taken, in either of the following townships, namely: Number four of the second range, Number two of the third range, in the County of Somerset, and Number two of the seventh range, in the County of Penobscot.
Resolved, That the Land Agent is hereby authorized to cause a survey of this land aforesaid, and to execute conveyances thereof to such of the officers, soldiers, and widows aforesaid, as shall elect to receive the same, and shall prove their claims to the satisfaction of the Land Agent, on or before the fourth day of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty-five.
Resolved, That to such of said officers, soldiers and widows, as shall so elect instead of the
grant of land aforesaid, there shall be paid, upon proof of their claims, as is before provided, out of the Treasury of this Commonwealth, the sum of fifty dollars, and the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Council, is hereby authorized to draw his warrant accordingly.
These Resolves passed 27th March, 1833.
To obtain the bounty named in the foregoing Resolves, it will be necessary, as there are frequently more than one person of the same name, for the claimant to file an affidavit in this office, stating the name of the soldier for whose services the claim is made, the place of his residence at the time of his enlistment, and also at the present time, if living; if not living, the place of his residence at the time of his decease, and also the name of his widow, and evidence that she is such, the number of the regiment, or name of the Colonel, and the name of the Captain of the Company in which he served. Also, evidence that he received an honorable discharge on leaving the army, and any further evidence that will aid in elucidating the claim. If the claim is established, it will be necessary for the soldier (or widow, as the case may be) to come to this office, or empower some person with sufficient authority to appear here and choose a lot of land, or take the money and give the necessary receipts.
GEO. W. COFFIN, Land Agent.
Land Office, Boston, March 30, 1833.

of no record thereof - She was married as aforesaid by Benjamin Nottingill Esquire, then of Easton aforesaid but long since deceased - She well recollects that soon after the surrender of Burgoyne as aforesaid the said Silas Phillips came to Easton & we were then married and he returned to the army again - She further says that her husband the aforesaid Silas Phillips, died on the thirtieth day of December 1821 - Sixteen hundred twenty one -
I Silas Phillips of Easton in the County of Bristol then Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged forty six years, do testify & say that I am the son of Silas Phillips late of said Easton, deceased & that my mother's name is Susannah Phillips an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress of July 4. 1836 - That my said father died on the 30 th day of December 1821 and that my mother has remained a widow ever since - Silas Phillips.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. October 19. 1836 - Silas Phillips a credible witness, made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed - Before me A. Brewster Just. of the Peace.

of no record thereof - She was married as aforesaid by Benjamin Nottingill Esquire, then of Easton aforesaid but long since deceased - She well recollects that soon after the surrender of Burgoyne as aforesaid the said Elias Phillips came to Easton & we were then married and he returned to the army again - She further says that her husband the aforesaid Elias Phillips, died on the thirtieth day of December eighteen hundred & twenty one - and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed - Witness A. Russell Isannah Phillips Mark
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day & year first above written - Witness - Oliver Prescott Judge of the Court of Probate for Bristol County
I Oliver Prescott of New Bedford in said County of Bristol, Judge of the Court of Probate for said County, which is a Court of Record - - - - - - - - - - do hereby certify that the aforesaid Isannah Phillips cannot from bodily infirmity attend the Court - Oliver Prescott.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. I Anselm Barrett Register of the Court of Probate for said County, do hereby certify that Oliver Prescott of New Bedford in said County Esquire is the Judge of said Court of Probate and that the signatures to the within certificates purporting to be his are genuine —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court of Probate this nineteenth day of October Eighteen hundred and thirty six — A. Barrett

I Subj Story of Boston in the County of Bristol from my wealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy three years, do testify and say that Silas Phillips late of Boston in said County of Bristol, deceased, was my Brother - I well recollect that the said Silas Phillips was in the three years service in the time of the Revolutionary War - That he was in the first three years service - That during said time my said brother came home and was married to Susannah Drake of Boston as far as I verily believe - I have no doubt in my mind but I was present at their said marriage, but am not willing to say that I positively recollect being present - I well recollect marrying the said Susannah when she had her first child - I also know that the said Silas & Susannah lived together as husband & wife so long as he lived - And I always recognized the said Susannah to be the wife of the said Silas Phillips during his life & I never heard that their marriage was ever questioned - I again say that I believe I was present

at their marriage, but am not willing to swear positively as to the fact -
I further say that soon after the marriage of the said Silas Phillips as aforesaid he returned to the service for which he had enlisted & my recollection is that his first child was born before he again returned from the service & was more than a year old before he returned from said service - I only recollect that he was at home but twice during said 3 years service -
I further testify and say that I well recollect Benjamin Pittingill Esquire late of Easton aforesaid, deceased & that he solemnized marriages -
Witness
A Basset
Sarah Story mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts To wit: ss. November 17. 1836. Sarah Story a credible Witness made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by her signed
Before me A Basset Just. of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. I Anselm Basset Register of the Court of Probate in for said County, do hereby certify that Anselm Basset before whom the said  foregoing affidavits were sworn, is a Justice of the Peace for said County & that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this seventeenth day of November Eighteen hundred & thirty six. A Basset

Reg WIDOW, &c.
File No. 27 4 59 Susannah Phillips Widow of Silas Phillips Sergt Rev War
Act June 7 th 37
Index: Vol. A , Page 129
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Ans' Anselm Barrett, Dec 3 d 1836.
Nov 9. 1836
The above was intended for Anselm Bassetts & was directed by Dr Crump to inform him of it by a memo. Enclosed with his  note a pension Cert RHOA

When was Silas Phillips bap d last p er ? at Mass. agency act 1818?
G.W.C.
Ques 30 th Dec r 1821 paid to that period Dec r 6. 1836 J.H.

Silas Phillips
N. 27,459
Cont'g Mass.

John Bailey Esquire, Colonel, Of the Second Massachusett Regiment, in the Service of the United States, To Silas Philips Serjeant GREETING.
B Y Virtue of the Power and Authority to me given, in and by the Delegates of the United States of North-America, in General Congress assembled, I do, by these Presents, (reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Courage and good Conduct) constitute and appoint you to be Second Serjeant, in a Company, of which Ebenezer Burr Esq; is Captain, in a Regiment, of which John Bailey Esq; is Colonel; raised for the Defence of the United States;---you are, therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Serjeant, in said Regiment. You are to observe and follow such Orders and Directions, as you shall, from Time to Time, receive from me, or other your superior Officers, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in pursuance of the Trust reposed in you; for which this shall be your sufficient Warrant.
Given under my Hand and Seal, at Rosebury this tenth Day of April
1777.
Almed. Hayward
John Bailey  Coe

Dec 1 TAUNTON NOV 28 MASS.
FREE
Wernah Phelps
Mrs Adolph 4 July 1876
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Taunton Mass. Nov. 26. 1836
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir
The within certificate of the marriage of Silas Phillips and Susannah Drake is to be appended to the declaration of Susannah Phillips for a pension — Yours Respectfully A. Basset