Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8731, for Zebulon Rhoads, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
or Rhoads, Zebulon Rhodes
R.8731
Relief
CONTENTS
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75- Hampshire
15623 Massachusetts
Zebulon Rhodes of Hampshire in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Ellis of the Regt. commanded by Col. Doot in the Mass line for 5 Mts 413 days Pmato 10 .. 429 .. Muscimum
And
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 58 Dollars-30-Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of July 1833 and sent Saml. Bell of Northampton Mass
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $114.60 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept. 29.15 $145.75
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by H. C. Adson Clerk, Book Vol. 2a Page 72

Zebulon Rhodes
22270

DECLARATION, IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS OF THE 7TH OF JUNE, 1832 STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. COUNTY OF HAMPSHIRE. }
ON this day of August 1832 personally appeared in open court, before Hon Samuel Hinckley Judge of the court of Probate of Wilbraham now sitting, Lebuleon Rhodes a resident of Granby in the County of Hampshire, and State of Massachusetts, aged seventy three years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. I was born at Sharon (formerly Stoneham) in the County of Norfolk, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts February 18. A.D. 1760 I do not know there is now any record of my birth - there was one in my father's family but what I saw in the possession of my sister Hannah Dows is more than twenty years since but I have not heard since nor do I know where she now resides - there may be such a record on the town records of Sharon as I have never been one 1st. In the latter part of the month of June A.D. 1776 I enlisted at Sharon for the term of six months in the Massachusetts State troops in a company commanded by Captain Aaron Gourd of Dedham - The name of the Regiment was Partidge if I am not mistaken - The Regiment was commanded by Col. Whitney - We embarked at Boston and were carried to Nantasket where we were stationed - There was one other company of Infantry and one of Artillery stationed with us - If I am correct in my recollection the name of the Capt. of Infantry was Reading When I had been at Nantasket about three months being returned I was sent home where I stayed about three weeks and in this time my mother died While I was at home our troops took a British vessel coming into the harbor as she came up against the fort British colours were hoisted at the fort & by a privateering vessel - a captain was sent in a large and took possession of her - she was condemned and had a share of the proceeds - I stayed at Nantasket until my period of enlistment had expired and was then discharged but I received no written discharge - Ebenezer Sumner, Sergt. Ebenezer Rhodes Daniel Rhodes Ebenezer Gourd David Gould Ebenezer Bullard Benjamin Bullard David Fairbanks & Amos Fairbanks were all members of the same company with myself in this service 2nd. In the month of June or July A.D. 1777 I was drafted at Sharon aforesaid for the term of three months in the Company of Capt. Sables in the Regiment of Col. Sproat in the Mass. State troops - I was a drummer - Being ill at the time I was drafted I had liberty to stay at home two weeks after which I joined the company then stationed at a place called Wadsworth's Newtown a few miles below Providence R. Island - From thence we moved down the river about two miles to a place then called Boston neck - our business
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the agency in the State of
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Before me Samuel Hinckley Judge of Probate We, Joseph Knight (a clergyman) residing in the town of Granby and Joshua Clarke residing in Granby hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Lebuleon Rhodes who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy three years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbor- hood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Before me Samuel Hinckley Judge of Probate And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Joseph Knight who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in Granby and that Joshua Clarke who has also signed the same, is a resident in Granby and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Samuel Hinckley Judge of Probate I, Samuel F. Lyman Register of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Lebuleon Rhodes for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 18th day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three Sam F. Lyman Register

was to watch a British Ninety Gun Ship - I think it was called the Somerset which lay in the River - While we were there a Providence ship called the Columbus attempted to pass the British vessel in the night - when opposite the British vessel opened a fire upon her but she ran past the Somerset. Two British vessels however coming up from Newport ran her ashore at Point Judith and there set fire to her just at night - I remained in the company at the Neck until my enlistment here expired and was discharged having served three months - Matthias Puffer, Elijah Johnson, Samuel Pearson, Daniel Drake, Philemon Teller, Spencer Bosomby, Spencer Billings, & Jonah Boyden were members of the same company but I think they are all dead.
On or about the first day of June 1778 I again enlisted into a company of Infantry commanded by Capt John Ellis of Medway Regiment - Griggs, Myly Sgt - Robbins in Col Thomas Poors Regiment I enlisted for eight months to serve as a pifer - we had no drummer I enlisted at Sharon the company was mustered at Medway and from thence we were marched by the way of Hartford Con. to Peekskill in the state of New York and from thence on an alarm to White Plains - We started from Peekskill just at night fall & marched all night till the next day - We stayed at White Plains three weeks or more and then were marched to West Point. Kosciusko was then at the fort and constructing the same - While we were at West Point Col Malcoms Regt of Continentals troops were there and we performed duty with them - When the river was frozen over we passed it and went down to Kings Bridge Ferry and then remained until my term of enlistment had expired and I was honorably discharged - I had no written discharge. Ebenezer Dullard, John Hattshorn, Samuel Rhodes, Joseph Morse, Elijah Lyon Corporal, Timothy Rhodes Sgt & Jacob Hart were all members of the same company - While we were at West Point a Regt of troops from South Carolina led by Hoggans came there but moved off on the approach of the cold weather on account of sickness as I understood. Making in the whole term of service seventeen months - After leaving the service I returned to Sharon where I lived about twenty years - from thence to Smithfield A.S. about two years - from thence to Granby Mass. about two years - from thence to Leyden Mass. about twelve years - from thence to Enfield Mass. about six years from thence to Pelham Mass about three years and from thence to Granby Mass where I now reside.
10 months as a pifer
17 months

State of Massachusetts } County of Hampshire } Yes
On this 23 d day of November A D 1854. before me Nathaniel Crosby Judge of Probate for the County of Hampshire aforesaid. personally appeared Joel Rhodes, aged 52 - years. a resident of the town of Pelham, in the County and State aforesaid, and made oath according to law, that he is a son and heir-at-law of Zelulus Rhodes & Relief Rhodes, both deceased, That the said Zelulus Rhodes was a Revolutionary Pensioner at the rate of $58.30 per annum, of the Massachusetts Agency. certificate No 15623, under the act of 7 th June 1832, That the said Zelulus Rhodes died on the 7 th day of September A D 1838, leaving surviving him the said Relief Rhodes, his widow, and the following named Children To wit; Joel Rhodes (the declarant) Dexter Rhodes, Huldah Marsh , , ,
, , , , and none other; And that there are now surviving Joel Rhodes (the declarant) Dexter Rhodes, Huldah Marsh , , , and none other. That the said Relief Rhodes made an application for

a pension some years since which was suspended for further proof and specification (as he is informed) That she, afterwards, on or about the 17 th day of May 1847, made a Declaration before Hemen Kenney Judge of Probate for the County of Hampshire aforesaid, for the purpose of obtaining whatever pension benefits she might be entitled to, and with a view of completing the proofs and require- ments of the case. That she also obtained a certificate of the services of said Zelida Rhodes, from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, but was unable to procure a certificate from the Town Clerks in the place where the rites of her marriage were solemnized, or from record or documentary evidence, relative to her marriage, And therefore never forwarded said Declaration & Certificate of service to the Pension Department,
That the said Relief Rhodes died on the 27 th day of December 1849, leaving surviving her the following named Children. To wit. Joel Rhodes, (the declarant) Dexter Rhodes, Huldah Marsh,
and none other. And that there are now surviving her the following named Children, and none other. To wit. Joel Rhodes, (the declarant) Dexter Rhodes & Huldah Marsh.

He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining whatever pension benefits he may be entitled to as a child and heir-at-law of the said Zebulon & Relief Rhodes on account of the military services of the said Zebulon Rhodes, or whatever such benefits they or either of them were entitled to, but died without receiving,
Attest as to Declarants signature
Collins Braley
Simon Cook
Joel Rhodes
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first hereinbefore written, and I hereby certify that I am satisfied that the Declarant is a son of the said Zebulon & Relief Rhodes. And that from evidence presented before me by David Cook of a resident of Petham, in the County of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts, and Giles Riden, of Petham, in the County of Hampshire, in the State of Massachusetts, that the said Zebulon left surviving children as in said Declaration mentioned, and none other; and that said children are all, over the age of twenty one years, and legally competent to act for themselves. And I further certify that the said Joel Rhodes is a rightful person entitled to full credit & relief, and that I am not interested or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case
Thomas Cook
Judge of Probate - for the County of Hampshire

State of Massachusetts } ss. County of Hampshire } ss.
I, William D. Gurney Register of Probate, within and for said County of Hamp- shire, do hereby certify that the said William D. Gurney before whom the foregoing Declaration, acknowledgment was taken was at the time of taking the same, a Judge of Probate for the County of Hampshire aforesaid, duly qualified and authorized to take the same, and that the signatures thereto pur- porting to be his, are genuine.
in my presence William D. Gurney

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
HAMPSHIRE ss.
I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that William Lloyd Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is, and ought to be given, to his acts and attestations, done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said William Lloyd and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine: also that the instrument hereto annexed, purports to be duly executed and acknowledged, according to the laws of this Commonwealth, for the purposes therein expressed.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, for said Commonwealth, this Twenty fourth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four
Clerk.

POWER OF ATTORNEY AND CERTIFICATE.
Know all men by these presents, That I, Joel Rhodes of the County of N Hampshire and State of Massachusetts do hereby constitute and appoint H. H. BOSTWICK, of Auburn, N. Y., my true and lawful attorney, irrevocable, for me and in my behalf, to prosecute my claim for whatever pecuniary benefits I may be entitled to as one of the Children of Zerulun Rhodes and Relief Rhodes, in account of the services of the said Zerulun Rhodes, in the Revolutionary war
and to receive such Certificate as may be issued, and to appoint one or more attorneys under him for the purposes aforesaid, hereby revoking any power of attorney which may have been heretofore given, and confirming all things that my attorney, the said H. H. BOSTWICK, may lawfully do in the premises.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty third day of November A. D. 185 4
Atta man Loukey Charles Griffin }
Joel Rhodes
Acknowledged before me the day and year last above written. And I certify that I am not interested or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case.
Atta man Loukey
Justice of the Peace.

27/4

State of Massachusetts
Hampshire County - On this eleventh day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred & forty seven Personally appeared before me Nathan Kenney Judge of Probate for the County of Hampshire, Relief Rhodes , a resident in Granby in said County of Hampshire aged eighty four years wanting three months, who being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oaths make the following declaration as now to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows," that she is the widow of Zebulon Rhodes who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, that her said husband served as a soldier in Capt. Aaron Guild's Company & Col. Whiting's Regiment & in Capt. Ellis Company & Col. Poore's Regiment, that he was a fifer, also he served under Capt. Samson as a Seaman, these services were done in the years 1776 & 1777 & 1778 as I have heard my said husband often say. I did not know my said husband till after the close of the Revolutionary war, & all I know of his actual service is what I have heard him say, he was a Pensioner at the time of his death. I have heard him say he was in several battles, & that he was drafted to go into the service

1. John P. Garrison Register of Probate
but at what particular place he served the Deposant is not sure, - She further declares that she was married to said Debutant Rhodes at Brookfield in the County of Worcester on the second second day of August in the year one thousand seven hundred eighty seven, that her husband the afore Debutant Rhodes died on the Seventh day of September in the year eighteen hundred & thirty eight that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January on thousand seven hundred & ninety four She further declares that she is now the a widow & that she has never before made any application for a pension
I now have the certificate of my said husband by which he drew a Pension dated July 1 st 1893 -
No. 15623
Signed by John P. G.
Acting Secretary of War
Attest
John P. Garrison
Abel P. Rhodes mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. Before me
John P. G. Judge of Probate

I Saml D. Lyman Register of Probate within and for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings before said Court in the matter of the application of said Relief Widows for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this Eleventh day of May A.D. 1857.
Saml D. Lyman Regt Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
March 1 18 17.
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 Lebulon Rheades , is borne upon several Pay Bills of Capt Warren Guild's Company in Col Whitney's regt at Hull, as a private from June 20 6. December 1 1778 including allowance of 40 miles travel, 5 Months and 13 days.
Upon a Pay Roll of Capt John Ellis's Company in Col Thomas Lord's regt for service at the North River, New York, as a Sifer from June 11 1778 to January 29 1779, including allowance of 11 days for travel, 7 Months and 29 days.
The name of Lebulon Roads is spelled,

borne upon a Pay Roll of the Brig Hazard Capt Simson Samson, as a Seaman from September 22 to December 1 1877, 2 Months and 8 days. No roll of Capt Saben.
The preceding is all the evidence of service of any one of the name of David Rhodes or Roads, shown by the military or Naval rolls in this Office.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the Commissioner's letter of Dec 30 1876. was filed in this Office; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said letter, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowl- edge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Peasey.
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

10 Pension Office, December 30th 1846.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the papers sent to this Office by you in the case of Relief Rhodes, widow of Betulou Rhodes, have been examined and filed under the Act of 7th July, 1838. Mrs Rhodes should make a declaration before a Court of record agreeably to the enclosed printed instructions.
The date of her marriage should be established by the certificate of the Town Clerk in the place where the rites were solemnized; or by some other record or documentary evidence; and the alleged service of her husband for six months in 1776 under Capt. A. Guild, of Col. McIntire's Regt., three months as Drummer in 1777 under Capt. Haby, Col. Spratt, and eight months as fifer under Capt. Eddy, of Col. Poore's Regiment, should be verified by the records in the State Department at Boston.
Hon. G. Ashmun, Chairman of Representatives
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, Your Hon. Servt. J. L. Edwards

State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire
On this Eleventh day of January AD 1855, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Dexter Rhodes, of Pelham in said County, aged 47 years, Who being duly sworn according to law, de- poses and says, the following is a true copy of the Records contained in the Family Bible of Zebulon and Relief Rhodes, To wit, "Otis Rhodes was born June 16 th 1794, Zebulon Rhodes Jr was born Jan 26- 1796, Washington Rhodes was born Oct 9 th 1798." Huldah Rhodes Was Born July 20 th 1803 Joel Rhodes Was Born September 17 th 1805 Dexter Rhodes Was Born Dec 2 1807 That the said Bible is the Family Bible of the said Zebulon & Relief Rhodes dec d . and has been ever since his recollection, of about forty years, last part, and that he is a disinterested witness.
Dexter Rhodes Sworn to and subscribed before me this twelfth day of January AD 1855, and I certify that the said Dexter Rhodes is a reputable person entitled to full credit and belief, and that I am not interested or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case Calvin D. Eaton Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts } County of Hampshire }
On this twelfth day of January AD 1855, before me the undersigned, Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Joel Rhodes of Pelham in said County, who being duly sworn, according to law, deposes and says, that the following is a true Copy of the original Record as kept in the Family Bible of Melchior Rhodes & Relief Rhodes, dec'd. To wit "Abiah Rhodes, was born June 16 th 1794." "Melchior Rhodes Jr was born Jany 26 th 1796." "Washington Rhodes was born Oct 9 th 1798." "Hulda Rhodes was born July 20 th 1803 Joel Rhodes was born September 17 th 1805 Dexter Rhodes was born December 2 nd 1807 and that he knows it to be their family Bible.
Joel Rhodes
Sworn to and subscribed, before me, the day and year first above written, and I certify that the said Joel Rhodes is a reputable person entitled to full credit and belief, and that I am not interested or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case. And that the above is a true Copy of the Records of births of the Children of said Melchior & Relief Rhodes as con- tained in an old Bible called the Family Bible.
Calvin D. Eaton Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts } County of Hampshire }
On this twelfth day of January AD 1853, before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Mary Whipple, of Pelham in the County and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, That she is 66 years of age, That she has been acquainted with Melzar Rhodes and Relief Rhodes deceased, and also with Melzar Rhodes Jr. their son, and has been so acquaint- -ed with them for the last twenty five years until their death, And that the said Melzar Rhodes Jr. would have been, if living at this time, about sixty years of age, according to her  her best judgement and belief, And that she is a disinterested witness.
Mary Whipple
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first above written. And I certify that I am not interested or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case. And that the said Mary Whipple is a reputable person entitled to full credit and belief
Calvin D. Eaton
Justice of the Peace

Clerk of the County of
Massachusetts State of New York , Hampshire County Clerk's Office, } ss.
I certify, that
Calvin D. Eaton
before whom the foregoing annexed Deposition and acknowledgment were taken, was at the time of taking thereof, Justice of the Peace, within and for said county, duly elected, and authorized to take the same; and that the signatures thereto, purporting to be theirs, are genuine.
According to my last knowledge & belief
In testimony whereof, I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of said County, and of the Court of Record thereof, this day of February A. D. 1855
And I further certify, that I am not intended or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case.
Clerk of the County of Hampshire County
[Handwritten signature]

Hon. G. Ashmun H. Rep
Within is the Deposition of Loammy B. Chamberlin, Declared at the Office of the War Department of the United States at Washington in claiming a Pension for Relief Rhodes widow of Solomon Rhodes deceased Taken & read by Clerk Doolittle first then
Hon. G. Ashmun H. Rep

Loammy B. Chamberlin of Belchertown in the County of Hampshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts wife of Calvin Chamberlin, of lawful age, now about twenty seven years of age do depose testify & say that Relief Rhodes now of Belchertown the widow of Zebulon Rhodes late of Belchertown deceased is my sister & is seven years older than myself, that my said sister & Zebulon Rhodes were married in the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty nine at Brookfield in this state, & that they lived together as husband & wife in this state till the time of his death about seven years ago, that said Zebulon Rhodes was a pensioner under the Laws of the united states & I was knowing to his drawing & receiving a pension for several years before his death, & that his widow, my said sister has a certificate of his pension in her possession, as follows. "War Department Revolutionary Claim. I certify that in conformity with the Law of the united states of the 7 th June 1832 Zebulon Rhodes of the state of Massachusetts who was a private in the army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Fifty eight Dollars & thirty cents per annum during his natural life commencing on the fourth of march 1831 & payable semi annually on the fourth day march & fourth day of september in every year given at the war office

of the United States this first day of July one thousand eight hundred & thirty three John Robb. acting Secretary
of war "
then
Examined & correctly signed
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions "
Loarnay B. Chamberlain mark
Commencement of Markham's
Hampshire, August 3 1846 The aforesaid Loarnay B. Chamberlain who is  personally known to me the subscriber to be a credible witness, appeared before me & was cautioned & examined & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition to which she has given her mark by a cross, she being unable to write her name, which Deposition is taken to be used at the War Office of the United in aiding in obtaining a Pension for Relief Rhodes widow of Ishbelon Rhodes late of Balderton in the County of Hampshire deceased who was a Pensioner.
before Mark Dootlittle Justice of the Peace

No 2270 Deborah Rhodes, Hampshire County Massachusetts
Decm 24 th 10 Mo 29 day Total 5 - 13  16 12
   \begin{array}{r} 13 \\ 11 \\ \hline 133 \\ 143 \end{array}    22  11  3.67  5 50  40.17      16.67  1.45  18.12  40.17  58.29    
Saml Wells Jr. Northampton Massachusetts -

BRIEF in the case of  Zebulon Rhodes  County of Hampshire  in the State of  Massachusetts  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 73 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Massachusetts State Troops   Years, Months, Days.     Enlisted In 1776 June - 5 13 private Gen. A. Guild, Col. Whitney,   Drafted June July 1777. - 3 - Drummer Col. Sable, Col. Sprout,   Enlisted June 1778 - 7 29 fifer Col. John Ellis, Col. Thos. Poor   16 12  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None stated  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Norfolk County Massachusetts  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditional, Documentary - Witness not certified (credible)  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? not properly attached 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Richd. Slegvater
Examining Clerk.

V No 1318 Relief Rhodod
Map Lt. Col. G. Ashm.
D. 30. 46
H. H. Bostwick, Jan. 29/55
" " Feb 10/55
H. H. Bostwick 22 o Feb. 1855.
H. H. Bostwick 12 Mar. 1855.
" " " April 11 1855
8731
act 7 July 1838

S 331 P. O. _____
Adolf Rhodes Service: _____
Enlisted: REJECTED _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____ _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____ _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
Secretary's Office, September 11 th 1832.
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 Zebulon Rhoads served under Viz     Dates Captains Col. Terms of service - Viz chickard Amt of   Service months days     1776 Aaron Guild Whitney five months and thirteen days at Nantasket -  Days mo Day mo Days  90 1 2 8 1 11 1776 Nov 26 5 13   1778 - John Ellis Sko Poor Seven months and twenty nine days 1779 Jan 29 7 29  
Edward D. Bangs. Secy  Sept 13. 12
13. mos 12 ds 3.   16. 12

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
HAMPSHIRE ss.
I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that
Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is, and ought to be given, to his acts and attestations, done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said
and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine: also that the instrument hereto annexed, purports to be duly executed and acknowledged, according to the laws of this Commonwealth, for the purposes therein expressed.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, for said Commonwealth, this _____ day of _____ in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty
Clerk.
of _____ in the county of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts, who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, that he is well acquainted with Joel Rhodes, Applicant for pension benefits on account of Zelulon Rhodes & Relief Rhodes. And that he was also well acquainted with the said Zelulon Rhodes and the said Relief Rhodes, and that he was so acquainted with the said Zelulon & Relief Rhodes before the year 1800, and ever since the year eight hundred and knows that from the first of his said acquaintance, the said Zelulon Rhodes and the said Relief Rhodes lived together as husband and wife, until the time of the death of the said Zelulon Rhodes, and that they were reputed so to be, and that he never heard it doubted that they were so. And that they raised a family of children, of which the said Joel Rhodes was acknowledged and reputed to be one.

State of New York  Massachusetts County of Hampshire J.S.
On this eighteenth day of November A.D. 1854, before me the subscriber, personally appeared
Leonard Tiley aged Sixty six years, a resident of the Town of Granby, in the County of Hampshire, in the State of Massachusetts, who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, that he is well acquainted with Joel Rhodes, applicant for pension benefits on account of Zelulon Rhodes & Relief Rhodes. And that he was also well acquainted with the said Zelulon Rhodes and the said Relief Rhodes, and that he was so acquainted with the said Zelulon & Relief Rhodes before the year 1800, and ever since the year Eighteen hundred and knows that from the first of his said acquaintance, the said Zelulon Rhodes and the said Relief Rhodes lived together as husband and wife, until the time of the death of the said Zelulon Rhodes, and that they were reputed so to be, and that he never heard or doubted that they were so. And that they raised a family of children, of which the said Joel Rhodes was acknowledged and reputed to be one.

And that he the deponent has always understood and verily believes that the said Zelulon Rhodes and the said Relief Rhodes were married about the year 1787.
And that he is a disinterested witness
Leonard Tribley
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first hereinbefore written, and I hereby certify that I am not interested or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case
William J. Patrick, Justice Peace

State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire
On this Eighteenth day of November, AD 1854, before me the subscriber, personally appeared Joseph G. Rice, aged Sixtyone years, a resident of the Town of Greenfield, in the County of Hampshire, in the state of Massachusetts, who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he is well acquainted with Joel Rhodes, applicant for pension benefits on account of Zebulon Rhodes and Relief Rhodes, and that he was also well acquainted with the said Zebulon Rhodes and the said Relief Rhodes before the year 1800, and ever since that time, and knows that from the first of his said acquaintance, the said Zebulon Rhodes, and the said Relief Rhodes lived together as husband and wife, until the time of the death of the said Zebulon Rhodes, and that they were reputed so to be, and that he never heard or doubted that they were so; and that they raised a family of children acknowledged and recognized as theirs, and that the said Joel Rhodes was one of the number,

And that he the deponent has always understood and truly believes that the said John Rhodes and the said Relief Rhodes were married about the year 1787.
And that he is a disinterested witness
Joseph G Price
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first hereinbefore written, and I hereby certify that I am not interested or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case
William J. Patrick, Justice Peace

State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire
On this eighteenth day of November AD 1854. before me the subscriber, personally appeared Roswell Tarbox aged Eight seventy years, a resident of the Town of Granby, in the County of Hampshire, in the State of Massachusetts, who being duly sworn, according to law, deposes and says, that he is well acquainted with Joel Rhodes applicant for pension benefits on account of the military services of Zerulon Rhodes & on account of Relief Rhodes, the widow of said Zerulon Rhodes, and that he was so acquainted with the said Zerulon Rhodes and the said Relief Rhodes, that the said Zerulon Rhodes died at Belchertown in the County of Hampshire in the state of Massachusetts, on the 27 th day of September 1838. and that he the deponent was present at his funeral, and that Roswell Tarbox is a disinterested witness.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first hereinbefore written. And I certify that the said deponent is a respectable person, entitled to full credit and belief, and that I am not interested or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case.
William Patrick, Justice Peace

as to the death of Zephaniah Rhodes State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire
On this Eighteenth day of November, AD 1854, before me the subscriber personally appeared
Isaac H. Sheldon, a resident of the Town of Granby, in the County of Hampshire, in the State of Massachusetts, aged Fiftythree years, who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, that he is well acquainted with Joel Rhodes, applicant for Pension Benefits on account of Zephaniah Rhodes and Relief Rhodes, and that he was so acquainted with the said Zephaniah Rhodes and the said Relief Rhodes. That the said Zephaniah Rhodes died at Belchertown, in the County of Hampshire, in the State of Massachusetts, on the 7 th day of September 1838, and that the de- ponent was present at his funeral, and that he is a disinterested witness. Isaac H. Sheldon
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first here- inbefore written, and I certify that the said deponent is a reputable person, entitled to full credit and belief, and that I am not interested in the result or concerned in the prosecution of this case
W. William J. Patrick Justice Peace

State of Massachusetts } ss County of Hampshire }
On this Eighteenth th day of November, AD 1854, before me the subscriber, personally appeared, Leonard Moody, a resident of the Town of Granby in the County of Hampshire, in the State of Massachusetts, Aged Forty six years, who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, that he is well acquainted with Joel Rhodes, Applicant for pension benefits on account of Zeruah Rhodes and Relief Rhodes and was so ac- quainted with the said Zeruah Rhodes & the said Relief Rhodes, That the said Relief Rhodes died at Granby in the County of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts, on the 27 th day of December 1849, and that I the deponent was present at her funeral; And that he is a disinterested witness.
Leonard Moody Sworn to and subscribed, before me, the day and year first herein- before written, and I certify that the said deponent is a reputable person, entitled to full credit and belief. And that I am not interested or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case. William J. Patrick Justice Peace

State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire
On this eighteenth day of November, AD 1854, before me the subscriber, personally appeared Lucius Perry, a resident of the Town of Granby in the County of Hampshire, in the State of Massachusetts, aged 77 years. Who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, that he was well acquainted with Zenas Rhodes and Relief Rhodes, on account of whom Joel Rhodes makes application for pension benefits. And is so acquainted with the said Joel Rhodes. That the said Relief Rhodes died on the 27th day of December 1849, at Granby, in the County of Hampshire, in the State of Massachusetts, and that he was present at her funeral; And that he is a disinterested witness.
Lucius Perry
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first hereinbefore written. And I certify that the said deponent is a reputable person, entitled to full credit & belief. And that I am not interested or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case. William J. Patrick Justice Peace.

Auburn, Me. Feby 14 th 1855
Hon D R Waldo. Com r of Pensions.
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 10 th inst relative to the case of Relief Rhodes. I would say that the Family Bible referred to is in Pelham. Mass. and I suppose that the expense of sending it to Washington would be considerable, and the parties interested, would I doubt not regret very much the surrender what must to them be held very sacred. If the testimony relative to the record is not considered sufficient, I presume more could be obtained upon the point. The amount at issue is but small, and the applicants are poor and I am desirous of putting them to as little expense as may be. If therefore the requirement can be dispensed with, I trust it will be. I have no doubt of the honesty and justice of the claim, nor do I think there is any ground for any suspicion of fraud.
Yours truly, H H Postrick

Auburn, W.Y. Feby 24 th 1855
Hon D r P Waldo, Com r of Pensions.
Dear Sir
I have this day written to Mr Joel Rhodes, requesting him to forward the Family Bible required by you in the case Relief Rhodes. And shall send him this letter to be mailed at the time the Bible is sent.
Yours truly
H W Castwick

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Zebulon Shutes of the State of Massachusetts who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution Fifty Eight dollars and Thirty cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this First day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Three
Acting John D. Slee Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

17
15623

Adams W. Ap. 3 rd , 1855
Hon d S t Paul Com te of Pensions
Dear Sir,
In reply to yours of the 12 th ult o , relative to the case of Relief Rhodes of Massachusetts, I would say that I am fully satisfied that the claim on her account is a just one, and that the parties interested in it are honest worthy people, and that no effort or intention of fraud ever entered their minds. The testimony submitted in the case, independent of the Record in the Family Bible would be considered sufficient in any of our State Courts to establish the fact that the marriage took place before the year 1800. I trust that the case may be reconsidered and a favorable decision arrived at.
I read you herewith the whole correspondence and papers in the case, from which I think you can come to no other conclusion than that the claimants are honest worthy people, and that your suspicions are unfounded and wrong.
Whether the case is allowed or not, please return the Family Bible to its owners, and that is to Joel Rhodes, Pelham, Hampshire Co., Mass.
Yours truly J. H. Bostwick

Melburn Wf. Jan'y 17 th 1853.
Hon d S t P Waldo Commissioner of Pensions.
Dear Sir.
Herewith I send proofs in case of Relief Rhodes widow of Benjamin Rhodes, with dec d . This case was made under the act of July 7 th 1838, and suspended for further proofs. It is claimed that there should be an increase of pension, and that the widow was entitled, from the date of the soldier's death to that of her death, under the Resolution of July 7 th 1838. Your Early attention to this case will confer a favor upon
Yours truly
H. H. Bastwick

Auburn, N.Y. Jany 31 st 1853,
Hon d S r Waldo, Com r of Pensions,
Sir,
Yours of the 29 th inst. is rec d . relative to the case of Relief Rhodes, widow of Solomon Rhodes. In which you state that according to the latter decisions and practice of the Department, there is nothing due on her account, under the act of July 7 th 1838.
Was she not entitled under the acts of July 2 nd 1848 & July 29 th 1848?
She was married before 1794. and survived until Dec 21 st 1849. and continued a widow.
Yours truly W H Astorick

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Rebecca Rhodes which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? No
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
†QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Petition of Relief Rhoads for a Pension
No 1318 Relief Rhoads Widow of Zebulon Mays Act 7 July 1838
Geo. Ashmun H. M.

To the Hon Senate and House of Representatives in Congress of the United States assembled. The subscriber Relief Rhodes would represent to your Honorable Body that she is the widow of Ishuron Rhodes late of Belchertown & County of Hampshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts deceased, that her said husband was a Pensioner under the Law of the United States, that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, that a Pension was granted to him as appears by a certificate signed by John Robb acting Secretary at War dated July 1 st 1833 No 15623 and her said husband drew the said Pension while he lived, that he died about nearly seven years since, your Petitioner did not then know the provision of Law in regard to Widows of deceased Pensioners, and is aged & very poor & needy. She states that she was married to her said late husband in the year eighteen hundred & ninety sixty & lived with him as his wife in several places viz. Brookfield, Granby Leyden, Pelham & Belchertown in Massachusetts up to the time of his death. She prays that a Pension may be granted to her, as the widow of her said husband who was a Pensioner, according to the Law in such case made & Provided. Belchertown, Mass ts , August 1 st 1846 her mark Relief Rhodes mark  In presence of Mark Footland

Relief Rhodes Joel Rhodes 6 Eaton

take the papers As far As I am concerned and to destroy them so that they may not be seen in the petition office Any more This is what I am requested to write we wish to have a certificate with the signature to certify to the proceedings
A part of the names of the children being in the some part not being exposed to dirt the bible is the same I told you About it the first time I wrote to you now now no man ever thought of the petition till you sent this has not been thought of for nearly nine years And now it is a recent manuscript. I do not wish to say or do Any thing wrong if I know it if you wish to satisfy yourself About my circumstances And reputation you can write to C D Eaton postmaster prehorn you can do As you like I am under no obligation to Any more
Joel Rhodes

Y
Albany Mar 30 1859
Dear Sir I have Recd your letter And I Am not able to execute the prooofs you require of me I Am sick And very poor I have had to borrow money to pay the expenses for to get this papers executed to the Amount of twelve Dollars etc And to see the expense to go to the places Book to where to where my father lived from town to town to hunt up the Residence for sake of gitting the name of forgery I shall give it up the Bible never has Ben Disputed here the owner request that the Comonishon will confer A favor to return it if he has got through with it I have no way to go to get the money to pay what I have Bowed I cannot pay my Doctors bill to the Amount of twenty five Dollars the widow did her own Business About the petition And how or what she proved I cannot tell As I moved to the state of the Ohio About lame back one year ago havin bin gone twelve years you may think what this means A recent monupatory I now of no such being sent to washington if the Commissioner is not asapse he have but one thing to do And that is to

take the papers As far As I am concerned and to destroy them so that they may not be seen in the pension office Any more This is what I am requested to write we wish to have a certificate with the signature to certify to the proceedings
A part of the names of the children being in the fore part not being exposed to dirt the bible is the same I told you About it the first time I wrote to you now now no man ever thought of the pension till you sent this has not been thought of for nearly nine years And now it is a recent manufacture I do not wish to say or do Any thing wrong if I know it if you wish to satisfy yourself About my circumstances And reputation you can write to C D Eaton postmaster prehorn you can do As you like I am under no obligation to Any more
Joel Rhodes

Auburn, Me. March 20 th 1855.
Mr Joel Rhodes, Pelham, Hampshire Co. Mass.
Dear Sir,
I have just recd a letter from the Court of Sessions, of which the following is a copy,
"Punian Office, 19 th March 1855,
Sir,
The Family Record in the case of Relief Rhoads, of Massachusetts has been received. The entries are of such recent manufacture that it cannot be received as Evidence.
I am Yours respectfully
Your Abt Servt
J P Waldo
Commissioner, "
What does it mean? Were the entries recently made? When? Can you procure a Certificate from the Record of the Town in which the oldest children were born. As to the date of their births?
Yours truly H H B Patridge

Pension Office, 12th March 1835.
Sir,
The family record in the case of Relief Khodes of Massachusetts, has been received. The entries are of such recent manufacture, that it cannot be received as evidence.
I am, respectfully, Your Wt. Servt.
L. Dorrance Commissioner.
H. H. Bataick, Esq. Waburn, N. Y.

Pension Office, 12 th March 1825.
Sir,
The family record in the case of Relief Khodes of Massachusetts, has been received. The entries are of such recent manufacture, that it cannot be received as evidence.
I am, respectfully, Your Wt. Servt.
L. D. Dutton Commissioner.
H. H. Battersick, Esq., Walton, N. Y.

Andover Wf. Feby 24th 1853.
Mr Joel Rhodes Pittsfield, Hampshire Co., Mass
Dear Sir,
The Commissioner of Pensions requires that the old Family Bible should be sent to him, so that he can satisfy himself by examination of the Record in it, after which it can be returned.
Please have it put up in stout thick paper, and sent through the Post Office, to "Howl S d P Waldo, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D c ". And at the same time mail the accompanying letter to him. There will be no postage chargeable on either, they will go free.
Please attend to it without delay.
Yours truly A A Foster

Anhew, Me. Feby 24 th 1855
Rev D P Waldo Com ee of Pensions.
Dear Sir
Since this was written to Mr Joel Rhodes, requesting him to forward the Family Bible required by you in the case Relief Rhodes. And shall send him this letter to be mailed at the time the Bible is sent.
Yours truly A H Castwick

Penins Office, 22 Feby. 1855.
Sir,
In reply to yours of 14 th inst. I would inform you that the evidence required in my former reports to you in the case of Philip Rhodes of Massachusetts, cannot be furnished with.
I am, respectfully, Chas. W. Dwart. Ag t Warden Commissioner.
W. W. Bortwick, Esq. Auburn N.Y.

Auburn, N.Y. Feby 14 th 1855
Hon d S t M c Waldo. Com r of Pensions.
Sir,
In reply to yours of the 10 th inst relative to the case of Relief Rhodes. I would say that the Family Bible referred to is in Pelham. Mass. and I suppose that the expense of sending it to Washington would be considerable, and the parties interested, would I doubt not regret very much the surrender what must to them be held very sacred. If the testimony relative to the record is not con- sidered sufficient, I presume more could obtained upon the point. The amount at issue is but small, and the applicants are poor and I am desirous of putting them to as little expense as may be. If therefor the requirement can be dispensed with, I trust it will be. I have no doubt of the honesty and justice of the claim, nor do I think there is any ground for any suspi- cion of fraud.
Yours truly, H. H. Fosterwick

Memor. Mt. 2nd Mar 1832-
Tenison Office, February 10 th 1855.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 31 st ultimo, relative to the case of Relief Rhodes, deceased, who was the widow of Zebulon, you are informed that, if you will the Family Bills referred to in the affidavits of Dexter Rhodes and Joel Rhodes, to this Office, we will then decide upon the admissibility of the claim of said Relief, under the Act of July 29 th 1848.
I am, respectfully, Your Hon. Sir,
D. P. Wales Commissioner.
H. H. Postwick, Esq. Auburn, N. Y.

Telham Feb 2 nd 1855
Mr H H Bostwick sir I have wrote a few lines to you that the papers that you sent for Execution ware maild at northampton by Samuel Wells Clerk of the court and I suposed that he wrote to you to the same Effect But I herd that he did not And I thought I would send a line to you to let you know that the papers ware maild the fourteenth of January And I want you to wright to me the same town as you has done I have appointed no Other Agent But you to see to this hopin that you would do as well for me As for yourself if there is any thing wanted you must let me here from you the other case I hav not been to on account of sickness
Let me here from you Assoon As convenient
Joel Rhodes

Telham Feb 2 nd 1855
Mr H H Bostwick sir I have wrote A few lines to you that the papers that you sent for Execution ware maild at northampton by Samuel Wells Clerk of the court and I suposed that he wrote to you to the same Effect But I herd that he did not And I thought I would send A line to you to let you know that the papers ware maild the fourteenth of January And I want you to wright to me the same town as you has done I have A printed no Other Agent But you to see to this hopin that you would do As well for me As for yourself if there is any thing wanted you must let me here from you the other else I hav not been to on Account of sickness
Let me here from you As soon As convenient
Joel Rhodes

Auburn, N.Y. Jany 31 st 1855,
Hon. J. P. Waldo, Com r of Pensions, Sir.
Yours of the 29 th inst. is recd. relative to the case of Relief Rhodes, widow of William Rhodes. In which you state that according to the latter decisions and practice of the Department, there is nothing due on her account, under the act of July 7 th 1838.
Was she not entitled under the acts of July 2 nd 1848 & July 29 th 1848?
She was married before 1794. and survived until Dec 27 th 1849. and continued a widow.
Yours truly W. H. H. Astorick

Copy from Mr. G. Jan 31st 1853
Pension Office, (115) January 29 th 1853.
Sir:
I have examined and filed the papers submitted by you as additional testimony in the case of Relief Rhodes, deceased, who was the widow of Zebulon, under the act of July 7 th 1838, and regret to state that there is no law in existence by which it is embraced. When the letter of Col. Edwards, of the 30 th of December, 1846, which accompanies the papers, was addressed to the Hon. J. G. Schuman, of the House of Representatives, it was the practice of this Office to admit widows' claims under the act of July 7 th 1838, without reference to the period of widowhood; but on the 6 th of March, 1850, Mr. Ewing decided that no widow could receive a pension under said act, unless she was such at its passage. His decision barred the claim of Mrs. Rhodes, who did not become a widow until the 7 th day of September, 1838. The decision of Mr. Ewing governed the action of this Office until the 3 rd of March, 1851, when Congress passed a joint Resolution which overruled Mr. Ew. decision, by declaring that the benefits of the act of July 7 th 1838, and the several acts supplementary to it, shall not be withheld from any widow whose husband died since the passage of either of said acts, if otherwise entitled to the same. That act, however, had exclusive reference to widows who were then living , and, of course, did not include the

of December, 1849. rejected.
The claim has, therefore, been
I am, respectfully, Your Obt. Servt., L. A. Malas Commissioner.
H. H. Portwick, Esq. Chuburn, N. Y.

of November 1849. The claim has, therefore, been rejected. I am respectfully
Adams Ms. Jan'y 17th 1855.
Hon. S. P. Waldo. Commissioner of Pensions.
Dear Sir.
Herewith I send proofs in case of Relief Rhodes widow of Belular Rhodes. both dec'd. This case was made under the act of July 7th 1838. and suspended for further proofs. It is claimed that there should be an increase of pension, since that the widow was entitled. from the date of the soldier's death to that of her death, under the Resolution of July 7th 1838. Your early attention to this case will confer a favor upon
Yours truly J. H. Bastwick

(Copy)
I, Samuel Wells of Northampton & commonwealth of Massachusetts aged sixty two years, Clerk of the Judicial Courts within area for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid in oath, depose and say, that I was well acquainted with Tether Rhodes late of Pelham or Granby in said County deceased, that said Rhodes acquaintance for several years to work as a balaer on the farm of my father at Greenfield in the County of Franklin & Commonwealth aforesaid, and that afterwards he and his family consisting of a wife and several children resided on a farm owned by my father at Leyden in said County of Franklin, this was forty five or fifty years since, according to my best recollection, I have often heard the said Rhodes speak of his being a soldier in the Army of the Revolution and in the name of the United States, I believe I also assisted him in procuring evidence to substantiate his claim for a pension, as such soldier in the Revolutionary Army, The christian name of his wife was I have forgotten, but I was frequently at their residence, while on my father's farm, and

Know that they lived together as man and wife And that the children called her mother, And further this deponent saith not.
Samuel Wells
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire
ss
On this 25 th day of October A.D. 1854, at Northampton in said County, personally appeared Samuel Wells signer to the foregoing affidavit and made solemn oath there according to the best of his knowledge and belief the facts therein stated are true.
J. F. Cenkay
Justice of the Peace
unsworn (County Clerk's certificate duly executed)

Wickham, Wf. Jan'y 4 th 1855
Mr Joel Rhodes, Pelham, Hamp. Co. Wf. Dabiu.
The papers sent by you were imperfect, in several respects. One in particular, not being signed by the deponents, I have prepared others, as suitable. send them for execution. Please have added the records of the births of the other children, as indicated by me on the papers. When complete, please obtain execution of the County Clerk's Certificate attached, and then return them to me.
As to the other cases mentioned, make a statement as to how long the soldier served, when he died. Whether he left a widow, and whether she is living, or when she died. The date of marriage, how many children living, how what state service was performed, and also what proofs there are of service and marriage and death. And I will examine each and report the result of my opinion.
Please let me hear from you soon.
Yours truly H. H. Poston

Original No. 100-11-1855
State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire
On this tenth day of January AD 1855, before me, the undersigned, a Notary of the Peace, within and for the County of Hampshire, personally appeared Elias Rhodes, of Belham in said County, aged 70 years, who being duly sworn according to law, a personal oath, the following is a true copy of a Record contained in the Family Bible of said Elias Rhodes. To wit, "Elias Rhodes was born June 10 th 1774, Hezekiah Rhodes Jr was born Jan 22 1796, Washington Rhodes was born Oct 9 th 1795 Muldah Rhodes was born July 21 st 1803, Joel Rhodes was born September 17 th 1805, Dexter Rhodes was born Dec 2, 1807
That the said Bible is the Family Bible of the late Hezekiah & Relief Rhodes deceased, and has been ever since his recollection, of about forty years, last per- sonal that he is a disinterested witness.
Dexter Rhodes
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10 th day of January AD 1855. And I certify that the said Dexter Rhodes is a reputable person entitled to full credit and belief. And that I am not interested concerned in the prosecution or result of this case. Calvin D. Cushing Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire
On this twelfth day of January A.D. 1865, before me the undersigned Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Joel Rhodes of Pelham in said County, who being duly sworn, according to law, deposes and says that the following is a true copy of the original Record as kept in the Family Bible of his wife Rhodes & Relief Rhodes, deceased. To wit: "Joel Rhodes was born June 16 th 1794," "Helena Rhodes was born Jany 26 th 1796," "Washington Rhodes born Oct 9 th 1798," "Helen Rhodes was born July 20 th 1803, Joel Rhodes was born September 17 th 1805, Sarah Rhodes was born December 2 nd 1807."
and that he knows it to be their family Bible. Joel Rhodes
sworn to and subscribed, before me, the day and year first above written, and I certify that the said Joel Rhodes is a reputable person entitled to full credit and belief, and that I am not in truth or error in the premises or matter of this matter. And that the above is a true copy of the Record of Births of the Children of said Helena & Relief Rhodes as con- tained in an old Bible called the Family Bible. Calvin D. Catlin Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts } ss County of Hampshire }
On this twelfth day of January AD 1853, before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Mary Whipple, of Pelham in the County and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, that she is 65 years of age, that she has been acquainted with deceased Abigail and Relief Rhodes deceased, and also with Nehemiah Rhodes Jr. their son, and has been so ac- quainted with them for the last twenty five years until deaths, and that the said Nehemiah Rhodes Jr. would have been, if living at this time, about sixty years of age, according to her best judgement and belief, and that she is a disinterested witness.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first above written, and I certify that I am not interested or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case, and that the said Mary Whipple is a respectable person entitled to full credit and belief.
Calvin D. Eastman Justice of the Peace

Massachusetts New Hampshire
was
,
a
mere
his one
5
New Hampshire
Count, Clerk's Certificate duly executed

Telham Dec 29 1854
M r H. H. Bostwick Dear Sir I Recd your letter in due time But hav not Ben able to attend to it so soon as I should on the account of being sick I have fixed these papers the Best that wee know Our Opisers of Justice here know But very little of the lands of the pention department Or how to form any thing as I supose you have here is the date of the Births of the Olis Children as it is in the Bible the Older child and the youngis I cant get any acquaintance about them that I know of Olis Rhodes and Washington Rhodes Jebulon Rhodes Jr lived not far from here forty or fifty miles died fourteen or fifteen years since ago I want you to attend to this as soon as you can ad let me no the Result there is severab cases here that you can have if you wish to attend to them and in form me in your letter if you wish to and that they wish me to Right to you to know what you would say to it and if this affidavit is not right you must send a blank to Bee filed to sute your purpose

The last part of the pension was paid By the widow does the pension Office grant any Certificate to the heirs after the balance due if any is paid up this is for information for my self Wright to me soon and tell me what to say to these Old pension folks about theres
Mr H. H. Bostwick Sir if these papers do not answer the purpose you must send a Blank to be filed to answer it Joel Rhodes

State of Massachusetts
County of Hampshire
Be it known that on the twenty ninth day of December A.D. 1854 before me the undersigned a justice of the Peace, in and for the county of Hampshire and State aforesaid, personally appeared Mary Whipple of Pelham in the county aforesaid and made oath according to law that I Mary Whipple am a woman sixty six years of age and that I have been acquainted with Nehelon Rhodes and Relief Rhodes Wife of Nehelon Rhodes and also with Nehelon Rhodes Jr and have been for twenty five or twenty six years last past until their death and Nehelon Rhodes Jr was son of Nehelon and Relief Rhodes and would have been if living now at this time about sixty years old according to my best recollection and belief And also that I have no interest in any claim for a pension connected with this or any affidavit of Joel Rhodes Sworn in, Subscribed and acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that the aforesaid Mary Whipple is a person of respectibility and credibility.
Calvin D. Eaton = justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts { County of Hampshire}
Be it known that on the twenty ninth day of December A.D. 1854 before me the undersigned a justice of the Peace in and for the town of Hampshire and state aforesaid, personally appeared Dexter Rhodes of Pelham in said county of Hampshire and made oath according to law, that the Bible containing the records of the births of Otis Rhodes, Lebulon Rhodes, Jr. and Washington Rhodes of which the following is a true copy " Otis Rhodes was born June - 16 th 1794 " " Lebulon Rhodes, Jr. was born Jan - 26 - 1796 " " Washington Rhodes was born Oct - 9 - 1778 is the family Bible and has been ever since my remembrance of about forty years last past, and also that I have no interest in any claim for a pension connected with this or any affidavits of said Rhodes
Sworn in, subscribed and acknowledged before me the day and year above written
Calvin D. Eaton - justice of the Peace
think of it if you succeed in this I wish you would send me back the certificate of the Secretary of war At Boston if it is not

State of Massachusetts } County of Hampshire }
Be it known that on the twenty ninth day of December AD 1854 before me the undersigned a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Hampshire and state aforesaid, personally appeared Joel Rhodes of Pittsfield in said County of Hampshire and made oath according to law, that the following is a true copy of the original record as kept in the family Bible, with the exception of the date , to wit: "Otis Rhodes was born June 16 th 1894" "Lebuleon Rhodes was born Jan 26 - 1896" "Washington Rhodes was born Oct 9 th 1898"
Sworn in Subscribed and acknowledged before me the day and year above written and I hereby certify that the above contains a true copy of the Records of the births of Otis Rhodes Lebuleon Rhodes and Washington Rhodes as contained in an old Bible called the family Bible,
Calvin D. Eaton justice of the Peace.
As you are recommending me to do what you think of it if you succeeded in this I wish you would send me back the certificate of the Secretary of War at Boston if it is not

Albany, Hampshire Co., Mass.
Dear Sir,
In reply to yours of the 25 th inst. I would say that the affidavits &c are all right, except that I wish to know the date of birth of the first children, and to get some affidavits bearing upon that point, going to show that the marriage took place before the year 1800 - or before the year 1794 if possible. If the dates of the birth of Miss Rhodes Washington Rhodes & Solomon Rhodes Jr. are contained in the Family Bible, I wish a Certificate of the same, in form of an affidavit as to its being a true copy, and so certified to be by the Justice, accompanied by affidavit of me or some disinterested person that the Bible from which it is taken is the family Bible; and such other affidavits as you may be able to get from old acquaintances of the oldest children - first born as to their belief of their age or time of birth, will be desirable. Yours truly, N. H. Burroughs
Was the time due Sept 4th 1835 amount before or since this date

Nov 25 1854 Febham November the 25 1854 H. H. Bostwick Esq Sir I have Attended to these papers According to the Best of my judgement And Belief And Supose them to Be done As you directed Exceptin the persons testerpieng to the Ages of the Children you will Se the Age of Joel Rhodes According According to the Best Recollection of the persons Before Judge Conkey And That my Sister is three years Older Then I Am And that my Brother is two years younger And the persons testerpieng laid this According to there Best Knowledgs And Belief But it was not put in to the declaration on the Account of my sending to you the old Record And the Officer under whoome the papers were executed Said That under these Circumstances that you could put this in According to your Own judgment As the Children are All over the Age of forty five years the three Remaining Children I do not no of any thing more than that I have do you can write to me As soon As you get this informing me As what you think of it if you succeed in this I wish you would send me Back the Certificate of the Secretary of war At Boston if it is not

1002 wicked by the pension Office As a memorandum of my father's services the privateer services of my father have often heard him say that the Pension department did not grant him pay for that on account of some objection to evidence on something.
Write to me As soon As you think Best Joel Rhodes
You will recollect the Bounty Land if any.

London. May 20 th 1884.
Jack Rhodes Esq. Pilham, Hampshire Co. Eng.
Dear Sir.
Yours of the 3 rd inst. is recd. Herewith I send a Declara- tion to be executed by you before a Judge; Also Proofs of the children & widow living together as husband & wife, before the year 1880, with comm to add whatever the persons testifying may know relative to the ages of the children &c; Also proofs of death of John Rhodes; Also Proofs of death of Relief Rhodes. being blanks to be properly executed before a Justice of the Peace or Judge. Said all to be properly certified by the County Clerks Certificate, that the officer before whom the papers were executed were duly authorized to take the same. If all are in the same County, one Certificate will suffice. If they are of different Counties, a Certificate will be required from each.
Yours truly P. H. B. B. B.

Did Zebulon Rhodes draw the last pay- due on his Certificate the 4 th day of Sept 1838? or has his widow or children drawn it? since?
N.H.B.

State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire } ss
On this 23 rd day of December A.D. 1856. before me Thomas Cushing Judge of Probate for the County of Hampshire aforesaid, personally appeared Joel Rhodes, age 52 years a resident of the town of Pittsfield, in the County and State aforesaid, and made oath according to law, that he is a son and heir at law of Deborah Rhodes & Abiah Rhodes, both deceased, that the said Deborah Rhodes was a Revolutionary Pensioner at the rate of $58.00 per annum, of the Massachusetts Agency, certificate No 03833, under the Act of 7 th June 1832. That the said Deborah Rhodes died on the 7 th day of September A.D. 1838, leaving surviving her the said Abiah Rhodes, his widow, and the following named children To wit: Joel Rhodes (the declarant) Dexter Rhodes. Muldah Marsh .
. and some others, and that there are now surviving Joel Rhodes (the declarant) Dexter Rhodes, Muldah Marsh . and none other. That the said Abiah Rhodes made an application for

A pension some years since which was suspended for lack of proof and qualification (as it is informed) that she, afterwards, on or about the 20th day of May 1845, made a declaration before Stephen Emery Esq. of Middlesex the County of Middlesex aforesaid. In the nature of obtaining a pension for services rendered she might be entitled to, and said a sum of completing the full and regular amount of the same. That she also obtained a certificate of the services of said Stephen Emery from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, but was unable to procure a certificate from the Town Clerk in the place where the rites of her marriage were solemnized, as far as documentary evidence, relative to her marriage. And therefore was presented said declaration & certificate of services to the Board of Pensioners.
That the said Robert Wilson will on the 27th day of December 1880 having arrived here the following children. To wit. First Robert (the same Robert Wilson Middlesex Marshal.
some other. And also there are now coming to the following names Chicago, and some other. Last, for the present, I am yours truly, Yours truly,

...the practice of... ...benefits he may be entitled to as a child and descendant of the said John & Abigail... in respect of the... ...the said John & Abigail... in respect of the... ...as a child and descendant...
Heathcote Heathcote Heathcote
Great Seal
Given to and acknowledged before me the day and year first hereinabove written. And I hereby certify that I am satisfied that the person who is a son of the said John & Abigail Heathcote... ...in the County of Hampshire, in the state of Massachusetts, who is ...the age of twenty-one years. And I hereby certify that ...I further certify that the said ...I am not interested or concerned in the... ...and of the...
Heathcote Heathcote

[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]
Certificate
Members
2
William Cooksey Charles Griffith
Free Rhododendron
William Cooksey

State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire
I saw S. Lyman Register of Probate, within and for said County of Hamp- shire. do hereby certify that the said before whom the foregoing Declaration, acknowledgment was at the time of making the same, a Judge of Probate for the County of Hampshire qualified and authorized to take the same. All the signatures therefor to be his are genuine. Dated Nov. 24, 1852.
in his my hand & seal of said Court Saml. H. Lyman Reg. of Probate

State of Massachusetts County of
On this eighteenth day of November 1884, before me the subscriber, personally appeared Bernard Tilly aged sixty six years, a resident of the Town of Granby in the County of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts. Who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he is well acquainted with Joel Rhodes. Affirming for pension benefits on account of Zebulon Rhodes and Abiah Rhodes. And that he was also well acquainted with the said Zebulon Rhodes and the said Abiah Rhodes before the year 1800. and ever since the year eighteen hundred that time. And knows that from the first of his said acquaintance, the said Zebulon Rhodes and the said Abiah Rhodes were together as husband and wife, until the time of the death of the said Zebulon Rhodes. And that they were reputed so to be. And that he never heard or doubted that they were so: And that they raised a family of children acknowledged and recognized as theirs. And that the said Joel Rhodes was one of the number.

William Patrick
And that he the deponent has always understood and is of the opinion that the said John Rhodds and the said Robert Rhodds were married about the year 1878.
And that he is a disinterested observer
Frederick Tilly
Sworn to and subscribed before me. the day and year first hereinbefore written. And I hereby certify that I am not interested or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case
William Patrick Justice of the Peace

[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]
date of January  [scribble] County of Hampshire [scribble]
On the Eighteenth day of November A.D. 1850, before me the undersigned, personally appeared Joseph G. Rice, [scribble] age sixty one years, a resident of the Town of Granby, in the County of Hampshire, in the State of Massachusetts, who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he is well acquainted with Jehiel Rhodes, deceased for some time past on account of Jehiel Rhodes & Relief Rhodes and that he was also well acquainted with the said Jehiel Rhodes and the said Relief Rhodes, and that he was so acquainted with the said Jehiel & Relief Rhodes before the year 1800. And has since the year that time and knows that from the first of his said acquaintance, the said Jehiel Rhodes and the said Relief Rhodes lived together as husband and wife, until the time of the death of the said Jehiel Rhodes and that they were reputed as to be, and that he was then in doubt that they were so. And that they had a family of children, of which the said Jehiel Rhodes was acknowledged and reputed to be one.

all that is the highest has always been and will be my belief that the good English Church and the good Bishop Butler are essential to the good life.
And that he is a virtuous man
Joseph G Price
There is a note attached before me to say that you have heretofore written, and I hope may still I am not interested or concerned in the formation or work of this Association
William J Patrick Fortin

State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss
On the Eighteenth of November.
1854. before me the undersigned personally appeared Isaac A. Sheldon a resident of the Town of Granby in the County of Hampshire in the state of Massachusetts. 55 years of age with being only man according to his deposition and says that he is well acquainted with the deceased. Affirmed for the reason that he is well acquainted with the deceased and that he was acquainted with the deceased at the time of his death. That the said Isaac A. Sheldon said at Belchertown in the County of Hampshire in the state of Massachusetts on the 8th day of September 1858. and that he at the time was present at the funeral and that he is a disinterested witness. Isaac A. Sheldon

Top of page with illegible scribbles
State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire
On this Eighteenth day of November
AD 1854. Before me the undersigned authority of the Russell Taylor age thirty eight years resides at the town of Granby in the County of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts, who being duly sworn, says that he is well acquainted with the late William J. Patrick Taylor inasmuch as the military service of Father Taylor & as soon as his late son, William J. Patrick Taylor, and that he was in company with the said William J. Patrick and the said William J. Patrick Taylor in the town of Taylor died at Pittsfield in the County of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts on the 10th day of September 1836. and that he the deponent was present at his funeral. And he is a disinterested witness. Russell Taylor
Given under my hand this 18th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four and of the Independence of the United States the 78th
William J. Patrick Taylor

State of Massachusetts July 14
Yes
In the second year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven, before me the undersigned, personally appeared Frederick Loring as witness of the town of Granby in the County of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts aged fifty four years. Who being only sworn according to his religion said says, that he was not acquainted with Johnathan Child and that Child on account of changed Child makes application for pension benefits. And is so acquainted with the said Johnathan Child. That the said Johnathan Child died on the 23rd day of December 1849. at Granby in the County of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts. And that he was present at her funeral. And that she is a disinterested witness.
Frederick Loring
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first hereinbefore written. And I certify that the said affidavit is a truthful report, entitled to full credit & belief. And that I am not interested or concerned in the question or result of the same. William J. Paton Justice Peace

State of Massachusetts County of
On the 18th day of March  January 1882 before me the subscriber, personally appeared Edward Moody  John H. Moody , a resident of the Town of Gravelly in the County of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts aged forty six years, who being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, that he is not acquainted with Joel Rhodes Applicant for pension benefits on account of John H. Rhodes and Relief Rhodes and was so acquainted with the said John H. Rhodes & the said Relief Rhodes. That the said Relief Rhodes died at Gravelly in the County of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts on the 25th day of December 1881. And that he, the deponent, was present at her funeral; and that he is a disinterested witness.
Edward Moody
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first herein before written, and I certify that the said deponent is a respectable person, entitled to full credit and belief. And that I am not interested or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case. William Patrick Justice Peace Accompanied with his signature and title as Justice of the Peace.

Copy of Declaration
State of Massachusetts
Hampshire County — On this Eleventh day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty seven personally appeared before me Ebenezer Barker Judge of Probate for the County of Hampshire. Relief Rhodes, a resident in Granby in said County of Hampshire, aged Eighty four years wanting three months, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows," that she is the widow of Ebenezer Rhodes who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, that her said husband served as a soldier in Capt Alarn Guilds Company & Col Whitmings Regiment & in Capt Ellis Company & Col Potts Regiment, that he was a fifer, Also he served under Capt Samson as a seaman, these services were done in the year 1776 & 1777 & 1778 as I have heard my said husband often say, I did not know my said husband till after the close of the Revolutionary war, & all I know of his actual

(77623)

Service is what I have heard him say, he was a pen- -tioner at the time of his death, I have heard him say he was in several battles, & that he was drafted to go into the service, but at what particular place he served the deponent is not sure. - She further declares that she was married to said Zebulon Rhodes at Brookfield in the County of Worcester on the second day of Au- -gust in the year One thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven, that her husband the aforesaid Zebulon Rhodes died on the 7 th day of September in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty eight, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place, previous to the first of January One thousand seven hundred and ninety four, to wit as above stated. She further means that she is now a widow and that she has never before made any application for a pension
I now have the certificate of my said husband by which he drew a pension, dated July 1 st 1833, No 15623, signed by John Roll Acting secretary of Nav.
Attest
Relief - Rhodes marks
Sam l F. Lyman,
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written before me. Nathan Conkey, Judge of Probate.

I, Samuel F. Lyman Register of Probate within and for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings before said Court in the matter of the Application of said Relief Rhodes for a Pension,
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said County this Eleventh day of May A.D. 1847. Samuel F. Lyman Regt Probate.

War Department.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the laws of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Hezekiah Rhodes of the State of Massachusetts who was a private in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Fifty Eight dollars and thirty cents per annum during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March 1831, and payable semi annually on the 4th of March and 4th September, in every year.
LS
Given at the War Office of the United States, this First day of July One thousand Eight hundred and thirty Three.
John P. Kirtland
Acting Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned
J. S. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Copy of Certificate
sent pursuant to the provisions of the act with other papers Jan'y 17th 1831

Payments to be made at Boston, Mass by the Pres t of U S Bank Agent for paying pensions in the agency of Mass.
(15623)
Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E Vol. 2 o page 72 by D D Addison. Clerk.

Copy Pension Office December 30 th 1846,
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the papers sent to this office by you in the case of Relief Rhodes have been examined and filed under the Act of 7 th July, 1838. Mrs Rhodes should make a declaration before a Court of record agreeably to the enclosed printed instructions.
The date of her marriage should be established by the certificate of the Town Clerk in the place where the rites were solemnized, or by some other record or documentary evidence; and the alleged service of her husband for six months in 1776 under Capt Algrid of Col Whitney's Regiment three months as a Drummer in 1777 under Capt Sabley 1 st Sprout and eight months as fifer under Capt Ellis, Poor's Regiment should be verified by the records in the State Department at Boston.
I have the honor to be very respectfully Your obed Servt.
Heard Glashman
J S Edwards.
Name of Representative
Copy of letter relative to the case

Nehawm Mass Oct 9 1854 H. H. Bostwick Esq
Dear Sir I have Received your letter And sit down to inform you of the description of our family As: nigh As: tradition have handed it down to me my Father was A poor man And Lived in different towns he Lived in Sharron near Boston till After the war then moved to Granby Hampshire to this State Lived there A while then moved to Franklin Co in this State On A farm Belongin to Col Samuel Wells of Greenfield This is the first place that I Remember of seeing my Older Brothers which have gone up and had left the Family of which there was three Otis Rhodes Webster Rhodes Jr my Fathers name Sake And Washington Rhodes These children are dead the information you wanted from the Old Acquaintance is Samuel Wells of Northampton Clerk of the court This is Over fifty years ago any information Father Back then this will be hard to find
Joel Rhodes

6th Nov 1838
family Zebediah Rhodes died in Belchertown Sept. 7th 1838 Aged 78
Relief Rhodes died in Granby December 27 th 1849 Aged 90 Hampshire Co Mass Six Children Otis Rhodes & Washington Rhodes & Zebediah Rhodes Jr These Children Are Dead Three Children Living 1 Hulda Rhodes was Born July 20 th 1903 This is the Oldest Child Living Joel Rhodes was Born Sept. 17 th 1805 Dexter Rhodes was Born Decm 2 nd 1807 Residence in Pelham Hampshire Co --- Mass there is a Record of these Children
Bible Records none of the marriage The Oldest Acquaintance is Samuel Wells Northampton David Church of Granby & Groot Rice Granby Ag 15 these persons it can be proved by them that they lived together as man and wife when I first came to this there were persons living that was to the wedding mothers Sister and her Husband But they are dead
the P ... you write again Joel Rhodes if this wont do

Family of Joel Rhodes, Rhodes died in Belcherstown
Auburn, Me. Sept 23 d 1854.
Joel Rhodes Esq. Care of K D Eaton Esq.
Dear Sir,
Yours of the 18 th inst. enclosing papers relative to the lease of Relief Rhodes. is rec d . In reply, would say that I am willing to undertake the care for one fourth of whatever amount there may be allowed by the Pension Department upon the claim. And in case I do not succeed I will charge nothing. Your furnishing such proofs as the nature of the case will admit, to be used by me, as my judgement may direct.
Now what I know of the case, I think that I can with skillful management obtain whatever amount Mrs Relief Rhodes was entitled to. To enable me to judge of what you can substantiate please answer the following questions. (Over)

1 st Is Mrs Rhoades, the widow, still living? 2 nd If not, at what date did she die? and where? 3 rd How many Children did she leave? & their names? 4 th How many are now living? and their names? 5 th What is the age of the oldest child? 6 th At what date did the marriage take place? 7 th Is there a Family Bible containing a Record of the marriage? and births of the children? 8 th What are the names, ages, and residence of the persons by whom it can be proved that they lived together as husband & wife? 9 th How far back does their acquaintance extend? 10 th Are there persons by whom the ages of the oldest children can be proved? 11 th If so, what are their names and places of residence?
Please answer these several questions expeditiously. And let me hear from you again soon. If it is a possible thing, I can obtain the Pension.
Yours truly H. H. Bastwick

Telham, Me Sept 18 th 1854
See page 16 claim Mr H. H. Bostwick
Sir I write you in relation to Reliph Rhoder = Joel Rhoades Son of Reliph Rhoades once undertook to get a pension and why he did not succeed he cannot tell himself = I send you enclosed in this all the papers he has in relation to the case; = They were married in Brookfield in this state about 25 miles from this place But Joel Rhoades tells me there is no record of their Marriage But they lived together as man & Wife a great many years - had several children and their living together for 30 or 40 years can be sworn to by several persons
After examining the papers if there is any thing more needed you will send a form of what you want and he will have it filled and and manage as you direct
Yours &c. C D Eaton From Joel Rhoades

Will. Plummer, Milner & Helen
Pelham Mass Sept 19 th
Miss H. H. Cayuga Auburn

Relief Rhodes. widow of Leclerc
He died Sept 7 th 1838.
She gained Dec 27 th 1849
She was not a widow at the date of the act of July 11 th 1838 and does not come under that act unless living March 3 rd 1857.
Entitled under the act of July 2 nd 1848 to a pension from March 4 th 1848 to act of July 29 th 1850 $58.30 amt drawn for arrears
Claims for 15 months & 18 days
Living on interest & for Widow's Pension, Disbursed for further service under act of July 7 th 1838 (claimed under resolution of July 7 th 1838) on previous claims
She died Dec 27 th 1849
$74.10 due under act of July 29 th 1850

I Samuel Mills of Northampton in the County of Northampton do hereby certify that the within copy is a true copy of the original which was of the substance of the following and was given under my hand and seal this 11th day of June 1841 I hereby certify that the within copy is a true copy of the original which was of the substance of the following and was given under my hand and seal this 11th day of June 1841 Samuel Mills

Small note - I believe also a note there is a reference to a letter from his father in a letter from his father in the first part of the letter and the date of the letter is I was greatly interested in the letter and I was greatly interested in the letter and I was greatly interested in the letter and I was greatly interested in the letter and I was greatly interested in the letter and I was greatly interested in the letter and I was greatly interested in the letter and I was greatly interested
Consequently, I have been thinking of the past On the 28th day of October 1862 at Washington, D.C. I was greatly interested in the letter and I was greatly interested in the letter and I was greatly interested in the letter and I was greatly interested in the letter and I was greatly interested in the letter and I was greatly interested in the letter and I was greatly interested in the letter and I was greatly interested
Yours truly, J. C. R.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
HAMPSHIRE ss.
I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that
Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is, and ought to be given, to his acts and attestations, done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said
and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine: also that the instrument hereto annexed, purports to be duly executed and acknowledged, according to the laws of this Commonwealth, for the use therein expressed.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, for said Commonwealth, this _____ day in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty
Clerk.

Hm. Lewis Cass Secy War Department Washington D.C.
Feb 15-
22270

Northampton Mass. Feby 11. 1833
Hon Lewis Cass Secy War Dept. & 3/ Sir
Enclosed are forwarded to your department the application & evidence of Mr. Lebelun Rhoades of Granby in this state for a Pension
Should the papers be incomplete or further evidence be required or a Certificate be granted Mr Rhoades requests that all returns may be addressed to me
Yours very respectfully Samuel Wells Jr

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Hampshire, do hereby certify that Sawin Gould Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that the signature thereto annexed purporting to be his, I know to be genuine.
IN testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this fifteenth day of February
A. D. 1833-
Sam F. Lyman Register of Probate.

I Ebenezer Gault of Ware in the county of Hampshire and commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age do testify and say that on or about the first of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty six I enlisted in the Massachusetts State service in a volunteer company, for the term of six months, said company was commanded by Capt Aaron Guithe of Dedham in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Lieut. Ebenezer Dean of Franklin in said County of Norfolk and Second Lieut. Moulton of Bolton in the county of Worcester and commonwealth aforesaid. Col. Whitney My place of residence at that time was Stoughtonham in said county of Norfolk (now Sharon) That I was and was well acquainted with Zebulon Rhoades of said Stoughtonham and knew that he enlisted in said company That we Marched to Boston in said Massachusetts and was carried by water to Nantasket at the entrance of Boston harbor south of the lighthouse where we were stationed together with other companies to guard the harbor. Said Rhoades continued in said service with me untill the first of December in the same year, when I was discharged. We took a British provision ship bound to Boston for which the soldiers had eight Dollars a piece, called prize money.
Ebenezer Gault
Hampshire ss. Ware August 14. 1832. Then personally appeared Ebenezer Gault and made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true to the best of his knowledge.
Before me Aaron Gault, Justice of the Peace