Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15187, for Nathaniel Pearson, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Pearson, Nathaniel Sarah
W. 15187
CONTENTS

Massachusetts.....121
Sarah Pearson, widow of Nathaniel Pearson, D r
who died in the year 1830" ————— of Essex co in the State of Masscts. who was a Sgt. & Lieut in the ————— commanded by Captain ————— of the Reg t . commanded by Col. Little in the Massachusetts time for { 8 Months Sgt. } { 3 Months. Lieut }
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 80 Dollars ————— Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of July, ————— 1837 and sent to Wm. Hoart, Newburyport, Massachusetts.
Arrears to the 4th of March, 37 = $480 : 00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. " 40 : 00
$520 : 00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d . }
Recorded by S. A. Elliott Clerk, Book A. Vol. 1, Page 65.

I hereby certify that—
In the Diary of my father the late Rev. Stephen Peabody of Atkinson N Hampshire, in my possession, on the 23 d of August 1775 after naming that application had been made to him to marry a couple, & Gov. Winthrop's license, & the way one was obtained for the purpose, is the following viz, "the couple came & I married Nathaniel Pearson to one of Colonel Gerrish's daughters both of Byfield."
The license is not in my possession & I presume not preserved.
Bucksport 3 d March 1837.
Stephen Peabody
State of Maine
Hancock Is March 3 d 1837 Then personally appeared the above named Stephen Peabody and made oath that the foregoing certificate by him subscribed is true.
Before me
Isaac M c Pond Justice of the Peace

1837
Sarah Pearson widow of Nathaniel.
Mass.
married Aug '75.
Rolls-
vol. 15. p. 8. Sergt 8 mo. '75.
vol. 20. p. 6. 13. 21. 25. 27. hon com d off. & dis.
9 Oct. 77 to fall 78
adm d ?
8 mo Sergt
3 a Lieut.
80 $
dis in 1830. no deduction
Wm Woart.
Newburyport Mass.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the 3 d Section, of the act of Congress of July 4 th 1836.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Essex County ss
On this thirtieth day of January, in the year of our Lord, One thousand Eight hundred and thirty seven, personally appeared before me the subscriber, a justice of the peace, and known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing declaration, and being first duly sworn, do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration was made by the said Sarah Pearson before me this day personally.
That she is the Widow of Nathaniel Pearson, who was late of Newbury aforesaid, now deceased, who was a private and Lieutenant, in the army of the Revolution, in the service of the United States, and who deceased at said Newbury July 1830.
Her evidence of which, she respectfully asks leave to refer to the papers and documents, which accompany this application, as well for evidence in support of the claim of said deceased to a pension under the act of Congress of the 18 th March 1818 and that of June 1832 as also her claim for the benefit of the act of July 1836, which she respectfully requests may be received in support of this application.
The said Sarah Pearson doth further, on her oath declare, that she was lawfully married to the said Nathaniel Pearson, at Atkinson, in the State of New Hampshire in the month of August, in the year 1775 by the Reverend Mr. Peabody, then of said Atkinson, by virtue of a license then obtained for that purpose; that said Nathaniel Pearson left the Army on furlough, and was at home for that purpose, and immediately returned to duty in said service - That by her said husband she had two children - viz. Nathaniel Pearson who is now living at Newbury in said county aged sixty three years, and Zilpah Davis wife of Oliver Davis, now living at said Newbury aged fifty years. That since the decease of her said husband the said Nathaniel Pearson she has not intermarried, but is at this time remaining the widow of the said Nathaniel, as will appear by the papers annexed.
Witnesses
Thomas G Dodge W. W. Oakes
Sarah Pearson her mark
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforewritten
Before me W. W. Oakes Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss. Personally appeared before the Honorable Daniel Appleton White Judge of Probate for said county - Sarah Pearson above named, and being duly sworn according to Law, made oath to the truth of the above written declaration by her subscribed, the said Sarah Pearson being by reason of extreme age and infirmity unable to attend Court subscribed this thirtieth day of June 1837. before
Sarah Pearson her mark
D. A. White Judge of Probate
W. W. Oakes

Nathl Pearson
Newbury Mass.
Inadmissible, not having served 9 months at any one period of enlistment on the Continental Establishment

I Nathaniel Pearson of Newbury, in the County of Essex, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on oath do testify and declare - That I served in the army of the United States in the war of the Revolution on the Continental establishment more than nine months -
I was held as a minute man and entered the service at the Battle at Lexington and after that Battle, enlisted in 1775 in Jacob Gerrish's company - Colonel Moses Little, Regiment and in General Greene's brigade in which I served nine months - afterwards in 1778 I was appointed and received a Commission as Lieutenant in Captain Sanborn's Company, in Colonel Jacob Gerrish's Regiment and served as such a further term of three months after which I left the service - I do further swear that by reason of my reduced Circumstances, I am in need of the assistance of my Country for support - I had a regular discharge from the Army but that discharge is lost
Nathl Pearson

I Oliver Goodrich of Newbury in the County of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do testify and say that I am knowing to the enlistment of Nathaniel Pearson with the Army of the United States in the war of the Revolution - he enlisted into the Company commanded by Jacob Gerrits in Colonel Little Regiment and in General Green's Brigade in 1775 - I was a soldier in the same Regiment and do know that said Pearson did his duty faithfully as a private soldier in said Company for the term of nine months - afterwards said Pearson held a Commission as Lieutenant in the Company commanded by Captain Samuel Hine (and I have always understood) (and do believe served as such) for the term of three months.
Oliver Goodrich
Essex ss. Newburyport March 30. 1818. Then Oliver Goodridge above named personally came and made oath to the truth of the above written affidavit by him subscribed before me W. Woart Justice of the Peace
Given under my hand & the seal of the said Court the fourth day of May in the year aforesaid
D. H. Pitts.

Olive Gundridge for N Pearson

We the subscribers do hereby Certify that Nathaniel Pearson who is now making application to the Secretary of War for a pension allowed by an act of Congress of the United States "to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war" is known to us, as a Citizen of the said United States, residing in Newbury --- and in need of assistance from his country for support.
Given under our hands at Newbury the the thirty first day of March in the year of our Lord 1810.
Joseph Stanwood Eben Hale Ebenezer Pearson Tristram Little Thomas Hill } Selectmen of Newbury
Moses Little Ebenezer P. Hingell Silas Wood } Overseers of the Poor for Newbury
then:
Given under my hand & the seal of the said Court the fourth day of May in the year aforesaid
D. H. Kimball

Certificate for Nathaniel Pearson of Newbury

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss: Daniel D. White, Judge of the Court of Probate of the Passumpsic County of Essex, do certify, that Nathaniel of Newbury in said County personally appeared on the third day of April A.D. 1810, and made the declaration aforesaid by him signed under oath before me. That the aforesaid affidavit of Oliver Goodrich was duly taken, as therein certified; & that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Nathaniel Pearson served in the revolutionary war, as set forth in his said declara- tion.
Given under my hand & the seal of the said Court the fourth day of May in the year aforesaid
D. D. White.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Nathaniel Pearson 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. F. 15-187.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr. 19, 1775. 9 mos. Ord Sgt. Jacob Gerrish Moses Little Mass   1778 3 " Pt Saml. Huse Jacob Gerrish      
Battles engaged in, Bunker Hill Residence of soldier at enlistment, not stated Date of application for pension, March 30, 1818. Residence at date of application, Newbury, Essex Co. Mass. Age at date of application, not stated
Remarks: He was atkinson, N.H. Aug.  1775. Sarah daughter of Colonel Gerrish, and died  at Newbury, Mass.  July 1830, she was allowed pension on an ap. of Jan 20,  1837 while 84 yrs old in rec. of Newbury, Mass.  Children: Nathaniel, aged 53 and Gilphah, wife of Oliver Davis,  aged 50 yrs. in 1837. Very respectfully,

Nathaniel Pearson Additional Proof

Additional Proof
In support of the declaration of Nathaniel Pearson, in his application made to the Honorable Daniel A. White on the 3 d day of April last, for the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 18 th of March previous for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war.
I Josiah Adams of Newbury, in the County of Essex Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Gentleman, on oath do testify and say - That I am well acquainted with Nathaniel Pearson, of said Newbury who has made application to the Government of the United States for a pension, and do know that he was a private in Colonel Moses Little's regiment in the war of the Revolution - said Pearson, enlisted in said Gerrish's Company Little of April 1775. I was in that year and in 1776 Clerk of said Regiment and well remember seeing said Pearson but cannot determine precisely at what time he was discharged - he was on duty in said Company and served faithfully the term for which he enlisted (and I feel satisfied was among the number of those who were not discharged until after the term of their enlistment had been expired more than a month) and who larryed by the special request of the commander in Chief - I have no doubt whatever in my mind that said Pearson served in said Gerrish's Company on the continental establishment - more than nine months in continuance. - I have no interest in said Pearson's application.
Essex ss. Nov 2 d 1818.
Josiah Adams
I Benjamin Pearson of Newbury aforesaid, on oath do testify and say that I do know that Nathaniel Pearson above named, was a Private in Captain Gerrish's Company in Colonel Little's Regiment in 1775 - he left Newbury in the month of April that year and I marched at the same time with him - I returned in a few days afterwards but said Pearson remained and entered said Gerrish's Company - I visited the army several times afterwards and saw him there - I am unable to say when he was discharged but having always lived in the neighborhood with him, from what I knew of his absence at the time and my knowledge of him, I have no doubt that he served in said Company more than nine months in continuance.
Essex ss. Nov 2 d 1818.
Benja a Pearson

I Thomas Lunt of Newburyport in the County of Essex aforesaid on oath do testify and say - that I do know the within named Nathaniel Pearson - (and do know that said Pearson enlisted in said Jacob Gerrish Company in April 1775 for eight months I was in the same Company with him (and while I was there the Commander in Chief General Washington requested the Soldiers who had enlisted for eight Months to remain with the Army until the recruits came in (and a considerable number did remain (and among them the said Nathaniel Pearson - I have no doubt of the fact that the said Pearson did duty faithfully in said Company in the year 1775 and 1776 more than nine months in continuance
Edes St Nov 14 1818
THOMAS LUNT
I Nathaniel Adams of Newbury aforesaid on oath do testify and declare that in the years 1775 and 1776 I was on duty in said Little Regiment and in Captain Jacob Gerrish's Company - (and do know that the within named Nathaniel Pearson was also a Sergeant in the same Company - we marched together from said Newbury - in April 1775. I remained with the Army by request of the Commander in Chief after the term of our enlistment expired until after the new recruits came in and being in the same company was in the habit of seeing said Pearson every day - I have no doubt whatever on my mind that said Pearson continued in the service with me (and was on duty more than nine months although I cannot now recollect the day of his discharge, but being confident that he was one of those that remained with the Army (and that he was on duty more than nine months in continuance - I have no interest whatever in his application. Edes St. Nov 5 1818
Nathaniel Adams
I Nathaniel Pearson within named, in addition to the declaration by me made on my application to the Honorable Daniel A. White on the third day of April last, and in explanation thereof do further testify and declare that on the nineteenth day of April 1775 I marched from Newbury aforesaid to join the Army of the United States (and immediately afterwards enlisted in Capt. Gerrish's Company, that I was with said Company doing duty as orderly Sergeant in the famous battle which was fought with the enemy on Bunker Hill - that I was afterwards stationed with said Company on Prospect Hill near Boston and remained constantly with the Army on that station doing duty with them, leaving it only once in February for a few days, until the last day of January or the first day of February 1776, when I had completed more than nine months duty in continuance. - that my continuing on duty with the Army was by the particular request of the Commander in Chief General Washington, and that

my term of more than Nine months as aforesaid was estimated from the time of my enlistment into the Continental Army at Cambridge, until I received my regular discharge - and is not calculated from the time of my engagement as a minute man. "I am now almost seventy two years of age - by sickness and repeated misfortunes - I am reduced and destitute that I am without any means to procure support for myself and family - but indebted to the liberality of friends for support from day to day"
Isaac Pearson
Essex ss. Nov 6 1818.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Essex ss. Town of Newburyport - Be it known by these presents, that on the second day of November, in the year of our LORD 1818, before me the subscriber, Notary Public for the County of Essex, by legal authority admitted to be sworn and a Justice of the Peace and Quorum, in and for said County residing therein personally came Josiah Adams and Benjamin Pearson, and severally made oath to the truth of the within written affidavits by them respectively subscribed and on the fourth day of the same November personally came Thomas Lunt and made oath to the truth of the within written affidavit by him subscribed and on the fifth of the same November personally came Nathaniel Adams and made oath to the truth of the within written affidavit by him subscribed. (And on the sixth day of November following personally came the above named Nathaniel Pearson, and made oath to the truth of the within declaration by him subscribed. - And the said Notary do further certify that the above named Josiah Adams, Benjamin Pearson, Thomas Lunt and Nathaniel Adams are all personally known to me, that they are credible witnesses and believed by me to be disinterested.
In testimony whereof I have also hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of Office this sixth day of November in the year of our LORD one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
W. Wash Not. Pub.

Daniel A. Write the Judge within named do further certify that Josiah Adams, Benjamin Pearson, Thomas Lunt and Nathaniel Adams the deponents within named, are credible and disinterested witnesses, and that the said Nathaniel Pearson, by reason of his reduced circumstances in life, is in need of assistance from his country for support.
Given under my hand and seal official this tenth day of Nov - AD 1818.
D. A. Write.
Nathaniel Pearson Additional Proof

I Stephen Adams, of Newbury, in the county of Essex, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Seventy Six years and upwards, on oath do testify, and say, that I have always lived in the immediate neighbourhood of Nathaniel Pearson, who was late a private in the army of the United States, in the War of the Revolution, now deceased, and with Sarah, his widow, (as I do know, that the said Sarah, who is now living at said Newbury - is remaining the widow of said Nathaniel Pearson, and has not intermarried since his decease - I have always known the said Nathaniel Pearson, and Sarah Pearson, as man and wife, they were married while the said Nathaniel was in the service he once held a commission as Lieut.
Stephen Adams
Essex ss March 7th 1837 - Then personally came Stephen Adams, above named, and made oath, in due form of Law, that the above written deposition by him subscribed, is true - I do also certify that the said Stephen Adams, is personally well known to me and is a credible witness.
W. W. Cranch Justice of the Peace
I Josiah Adams, of — Newbury, in the county of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Esquire, aged Seventy Six years and upwards - on oath do testify and say, that I have always lived in the immediate neighbourhood of Nathaniel Pearson, now deceased, who was late a private and also a lieutenant in the army of the United States, in the war of the Revolution, and with Sarah his widow, who is now living in said West Newbury - I do know that they were married Early in the Revolution, and I have known them since the year 1795; while said Nathaniel was in the service of the United States, and that she has not intermarried since his decease, she was a daughter of Col. Gerrish -
Josiah Adams
Essex ss March 7th 1837 - Then personally came Josiah Adams above named, and made oath, in due form of Law, that the above written deposition by him subscribed is true - I do also certify, that the said Josiah Adams is personally well known to me, and is a credible witness.
W. W. Cranch Justice of the Peace

I Stephen Peabody of Brooksport in the county of Hancock State of Maine of lawful age, certify that in the diary in my possession of my father the Rev. Stephen Peabody late of Atkinson State of New Hampshire, under dated 23 August 1775 is the following record to wit: "There came a man here for a licence — the couple came & I married Nathaniel Pearson to one of Col. Gernishes daughters both of Byfield." The licence is not in my possession. No such licences were preserved among my father's papers or effects after his death.
Stephen Peabody
Hancock Me June 27th 1857
The above named Stephen Peabody whose character for truth & veracity is good made oath that the above certificate by him subscribed is true before me
Samuel M. Pond Jus Poci
I, Joseph A. Deane, Clerk of all the Judicial courts within and for the county of Hancock, do hereby certify that Samuel M. Pond is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, and subscribed my name this tenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
Jos A Deane Clerk

Newburyport July 17 th 1837.
J. L. Edwards Esq re Commissioner of Pensions Sir
Allow me to return you herein, the application of Mrs Sarah Pearson, widow of Nathaniel Pearson deceased, now verified before the Hon. Daniel White Judge of Probate for this county, as required by your Department, whose Certificate is written on her original Declaration. — And also to inclose you herein the Affidavit of Stephen Peabody Esq re , attested before a Magistrate, with seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of Hancock, Maine. — Will you allow me also, in her behalf respectfully to refer you, to the Affidavits of Levi Adams, and Stephen Adams, both aged and respectable individuals, who state that they have always known the said Nathaniel Pearson and Sarah Pearson, as man and wife — and to the bond and disbursements, to his original application, in support of her claim for allowance for his service three months, at least as Lieutenant, in the Company commanded by Captain Samuel Huse — She is more particular in asking this pension, as by reason of her very humble circumstances in life, and advanced age, she is in need of the full amount of pension, which you shall consider proper to allow to her under the act, for the benefit of which this application is made.
With great respect I am Sir
Your m ost obed t Serv t
M c Lean

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
COUNTY OF ESSEX, ss. PROBATE OFFICE.
I Nathaniel Lord junior , register of probate for said county, hereby certify, that
William Woart Esquire, before whom the declaration hereto annexed of Sarah Pearson and the several affidavits hereto annexed of Stephen Adams and Josiah Adams purport to have been taken, is a justice of the peace for said county, duly qualified to administer oaths; and that the signature of his name to the certificate on each is his genuine signature.
as appears by the records in said Office.
Given under my hand and seal of office, this eleventh day of March, A. D. 1837.
Nath. Lord Jr.

1913, July 22. History to Fr. P. Allen Parsons.
Key WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15187
Sarah Pearson
Widow of Nathaniel Pearson Ex Rev. War
Act: July 4 th 1836
Index:—Vol. M , Page 122
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Nathaniel Pearson mass W. 15187

Massachusetts State } To Nath l Pearson Gentleman Essex } -----
Greeting
By Virtue of the Power to me granted by the General Assembly of this State in their Resolution of the Ninth of March last I do Reposing Special trust & confidence in your loyalty courage & good conduct Appoint you the said Nathaniel Pearson first Lieut of a company commanded by Capt Samuel Huse In the Regiment where of Jacob Gerrish is Coll you are hereby Required to March with said Company to General Heaths Head Quarters & give Obedience to all such Orders as you shall from time to time Receive from your Superior Officers -----
Given under my Hand in Newbury Port This 3 rd Day of April -- 1778
Jen s Silliman Brig t

Rev. War Sect. 2888

PRESIDENT CYRIL O. ASMUS
SECRETARY AND TREASURER P. ALLEN PARSONS
334 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK CITY
July 14 '13
Pension Bureau Washington D. C.
Gentlemen -
Will you be good enough to give me the Revolutionary War record of Nathaniel Pearson of Newbury, Mass?
Thanking you in advance I am Very Truly Yours
P. Allen Parsons