Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18766, for John Pierce, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Mass
Pierce, John Mary
N. 18766
CONTENTS
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9302
Massachusetts
John Pierce
of Franklin in the state of Mass who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Hazen of the Penn a line, for the term of six years. War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 2 d of May, 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 th of Sept r 1819 and sent to Jairus Ware Esq r Wrentham Mass s
Arrears to 4th of Dec r 1819. 10 mo. 3/31. 80. 77 Semi-ann. all ce ending 14 th Sept r 1819 48. 00
$128.77
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Discontinued X
Attorney General's opinion sent 2 d Sept r 1822, as above
Verification sent Oct r 20 th 1820 to Jairus Ware Wrentham, Mass s

John Pierce.
Adm l

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss. On this 2 d day of May A.D. 1818, before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the S d Circuit personally appeared John Pierce resident in said Circuit, who being by me first duly cautioned on his Oath made the foregoing declaration by him signed in order to obtain the provision made by the late Act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the U. States in the revolutionary War". And I the said Judge do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said John Pierce did serve in the revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration for many years on the continental establishment. And I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken & had before me to the Hon ble Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to directions from s d Act. And also a copy of the original Discharge of the Applicant.
James Ware Judge of y s Circuit court. Com: Pleas for y s S d Circuit.
I further certify from evidence rec d that the said Applicant is in reduced circumstances as he in his declaration hath shown.
James Ware

I John Pierce of Franklin in the County of Norfolk & Commonwealth of Massachusetts on Oath set forth & declare That I enlisted in April 1775 as a Soldier in Capt John Boyls Company Col Weston Regt. Mass: line for 8 months & served out my term in Roxbury near Boston & at the expiration thereof I engaged again for one year & entered into Capt Guilds Company in the same Reg t commanded by Col Weston but before my last term expired I enlisted in the close of the year at Albany during the War I was then transferred to the Light Infantry in a Company commanded by Capt Herring in Col Hazens Regiment. I remained in the same Company (tho' commanded by different Officers) and the same Regiment till the close of the War I was in the Battle of Brandywine Germantown and at the Capture of Cornwallis under Marquis D. L. Fayette . — I faithfully served my Country six years & eight months on the Continental establishment, and was discharged at the termination of the War at Head Quarters y t 13 th June 1783. Had a printed discharge which I delivered to one Adams who purchased the land that I was entitled to for services done in the War of the Revolution, but at the same time I took a Copy thereof which I now produce as further evidence of my having served in the Army of the Revolution as above, having no further evidence now in my power. And I further declare that I am now sixty one years of age of reduced circumstances in life & stand in need of the assistance of my Country for support. John Pierce

Copy Schedule the of John Pierce
9302
MS. B. 1. 6 v. 10 p. 15 April 1819

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
NORFOLK, ss.—CIRCUIT COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, SPECIAL SESSION, JULY 17, 1820.
On this twentieth day of July 1820 personally appeared, in open Court, being a Court of Record for said County, proceeding according to the course of the Common Law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a Record of its proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, John Pierce aged sixty four years, resident in Franklin in said County, of Norfolk , who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows: after serving in the eight months service in Capt John Boyd's Company & Col Gration's Regiment, I enlisted into Capt Guild's Company in the same Regiment for one year about the first of January 1776 and served that time, and before the expiration of said year I enlisted during the war at Albany into Col Warren's Regiment and was put into a light Infantry Company commanded by Capt Herring. Capt Boyd was the last Captain I served under. I was honorably discharged in New Jersey at the close of the war for which service a pension was duly granted me and a certificate issued dated April 14, 1819 numbered 9302.
And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons, engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Sworn to and declared, on the A. D. 1820 before
17 th day of July
James Ware Judge of the C.C.C. Pleas for S. Circuit
Moratio Townsend Clerk of the said Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule hereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value, of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is four dollars and seventy five cents. The amount of debt due from
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twentieth day of July 1820
Moratio Townsend Clerk.

A Schedule of the Property of John Pierce of Franklin in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, an applicant for a pension under the Laws of the United States of the first of May 1820 necessary clothing, beds & bedding excepted.
Real Estate
Half of two acres of land with a small house built thereon 200.00 5 1/2 acres of pasture and tillage 77 4 acres young wood land 101 One acre of tillage 30 408
I am by occupation a Cordwainer, have a wife aged fifty eight years and four Children one only lives with me aged ten years - I had one son who was out in a Privateer in the last war, and was a prisoner on board the Shannon when that vessel engaged was taken by the Chesapeake - he has since died -
I owe just debts to the amount of about five hundred and twenty dollars which I have no means of paying except from the real estate afore mentioned and my labor.
John Pierce

V 3720 Massachusetts
Mary Pierce widow of John Pierce who was a Priv. of Artill y in the Mass s Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 100 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of Dec r 1843 and sent to
Willis Fisher Franklin Mass s
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 51

Mary Piern
(977)
Mass.
Married at 7. July 38
Married in 1786
Died in 1829
about
2 years prior to death
180
S. Leland
Roxbury
Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk. On this 21 st day of August A.D. 1858, personally appeared, before Sherman Leland, Esquire, Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said County, Mary Pierce, a resident of Franklin in said County, aged 75 years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the Act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838, entitled, "an act granting half pay and pension to certain widows." —
That she is the widow of John Pierce late of Franklin in said County, deceased, who was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution, and served according to the best of her information and belief, seven years or a private in the continental Army of the United States from commencing about the first of January 1776 & ending at the close of the war, for which service a pension was granted him under the act of Congress of the 18 th of March 1818 & for an additional description of his service & the Office under which he served she respectfully refers to the declaration made by him at the time the pension was granted.
She further declares that she was married to the said John

Pierce on the seventeenth day of September in the year seventeen hundred and eighty six; that her said husband, the aforesaid John Pierce, died on the twenty seventh day of August one thousand, eight hundred & twenty nine and that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place pre- vious to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz, at the time above stated.
Mary Pierce
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year above written by the said Mary Pierce who by reason of bodily infirmity is unable to attend court to make her due avow
before me S. Lee and Probate
I Robert Gillmore of Franklin in the County of Norfolk & Commonwealth of Mass. do hereby certify & say that the said John Pierce was my uncle & died in the month of August 1829. I further certify & say that the said John Pierce was a prisoner of the United States, or a private in the Army & the Revolution under the act of Congress of March 18 th 1810 Robert Gillmore.
Norfolk 1/ August 20 th 1830 sworn to & subscribed by the said Robert Gillmore who is a credible witness
before me S. Lee and Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk
Town Clerk's Office Franklin August Seventeenth Eighteen hundred and thirty eight.
I Wilkes Gay Jr Clerk in the town of Franklin County and State aforesaid make the following extract from records of the town in my possession (made by Rev Nathaniel Emerson September Seventh nineteen hundred and eighty six) Married Mr John Pierce and Mary Gillmore both of Franklin. I certify that it is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows. September 7 th 1886 married Mr John Pierce and Mary Gillmore both of Franklin.
I Wilkes Gay Jr above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County town and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me
Wilkes Gay Jr Clerk of the town of Franklin County and State aforesaid
Sworn before me
Albert E. Daniels Just Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk. Jonathan H. Cobb Register of the Court of Probate within said County of Norfolk hereby certify that Sherman Leland is Judge of said Court of Probate & that Albert E. Daniels is a Justice of the Peace within said County of Norfolk & that their respective signatures to the papers herewith transmitted are genuine & true
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court of Probate this twenty fourth day of August A.D. 1838
Jonathan H. Cobb

I William Fisher & Franklin in the County of Norfolk a Commonwealth of Massachusetts age fifty five years Testify & say that I was well acquainted with the late John Pease & I am also well acquainted with the late Mary Pease. They lived together as husband & wife in good reports some time I can remember until the time of his death, which took place about nine years ago & the late Mary has since married a widower the name of the late John & his widow Mary Fisher
Worfield 18 th August 20 th 1830 I was to a subscriber by the late William Fisher who is a insolvent widower
As before me Helen P. Pease

John Pierce - Private.  Massachusetts.
Served 6 years to end of war - 1 st schedule, dated 17 July 1820 - contains no personal estate -
Half of two acres of land, with a small house, barn, &c. thereon $200.00 5 1/2 acres of pasture & tillage - 77.00 1 acres woodland - 101.00 1 acre of tillage - 30.00 24 Apr 1819 $ 408.00
Claimant states, without giving the names of the creditors, that he owes - $520.00
Claimant aged 64 years - by occupation a cordwainer - Wife 58, and now 10 years old, in family. - says nothing of their ability to la.
• Application made to be restored - rejected 2 Sept r 1822 -
2 nd Schedule, dated 24 Apr. 1821 - contains no real estate -
Bible & a few other books $ 3.00 Table & chest - 1.30 Set of shoemaker's tools - 2.00 $ 6.30
Claimant states no debts in second schedule - nor says anything about the property exhibited in first schedule. -
Family the same as in first schedule. -
3 rd Sched: dated 2 May 1823 Exhibits - $30.97 He owes a considerable amt. accounts for the decrease of property, &c. By sale of all his Real Estate
On the 23 rd Apr. 1821, to J. Pierce for $400 - the s. & p. debts to that amt. names of the creditors & the amt. to each, with an authenticated copy of deed , given - family the same - contraction of the cords in both hands - wife feeble. -
  Jairus Ware  31      Wrentham  70/21  4/30     Mafs.  774       6  22 80      8.80  45       80 50   

Massachusetts - 586
Mary Pierce, widow of John Pierce, dec.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 18. Mar. '18, and who died on the 27. Aug. 1829. of Suffolk in the State of Mass who was a P. Art in the Comp y commanded by Captain  of the Reg t commanded by  - in the 2 years line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass  at the rate of 100 Dollars - Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of Dec. '38, and signed S. Saltonstall Roxbury, Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. $ 250.00 Semi-annual allowance ending  50.00  $ 300.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by R. Burroughs Clerk. Book A Vol. 1 - Page 119.
W. T.ike 116 B 43

Rev  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18766
Mary Pierce Widow of John Pierce Briv. Rev. War
Act: Mar. 3 rd 1873
Index:—Vol. M Page 131
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Wrentham Ms Aug 17
Hon. John C. Calhoun
Secy of War.
Washington
(Pension office)
To mail
Aug 20 6 1822
John C. Calhoun

Wrentham (Mass) August 17 th 1822.
Hon Sec y of War.
Sir: I am importuned by Mr John Pierce to address you on the subject of a Pension. He was a revolutionary soldier and placed on the Pension list under the Act of 1818 but subsequently on the examination of the Schedule of his property was stricken from the Roll. Afterwards he disposed of his real Estate, with the proceeds paid his debt, and again made a Schedule of his little remaining Estate which with the accompanying Papers were forwarded to the War Department and can now I presume be found with his original Declaration &c.
I have told him that I have known of no instance where a Pensioner has been restored to the Roll who has been stricken therefrom on account of the magnitude of his property though he subsequently became poor, but he says he is informed it is so done in certain cases. JF

If this be correct, he requests me to ask that his papers on file may be examined and he again be be restored to the Pension list being now in a helpless situation. I also enclose a certificate at his request from the Selectmen of Franklin — I am personally acquainted with each of them and believe them to be men of veracity — If he cannot as the Pension laws now are be restored to the Roll, I should be pleased (if consistent) to be informed thereof, as soon as convenient, that he may be relieved from further anxiety on the subject.
I am Yours with
sentiments of respect
Jairus Ware

1336 Mary Pierce
$100 per an
Willis Fisher Franklin Mass

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 8 th March 1833 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7 th 1838
State of Massachusetts } County of Norfolk } ss
On this fifth day of August 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace of the County of Norfolk aforesaid Mary Pierce a resident of Franklin in said County of Norfolk aged Eighty years who being first duly sworn according to law Sath on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the third of March 1833 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of John Pierce who was a private in the Army of the Revolution in the Regt of Col. Hazen from Jan y 1 st 1779 to Dec 31 st 1780 (See certificate annexed) it also appears from a declaration of the said John Pierce made in 1820 and filed in the Clerk's office of Norfolk County that he served in Capt. Boyd's Col. Grafton's Regt 8 months in 1775 and part of 1776 Capt. Grafton subsequently in Col. Hazen's Regt light Infantry Capt. Hemenway Capt. Fry, his last Capt. was discharged in 1783 at X. Jersey discharge sent to war department with his Original declaration received a certificate No 9302 and the annual amount received by her as a pension under the act of July 7 th 1838 was one hundred dollars, she further declares she is still a widow, knows it and subscribed
on the day and year above written.
Mary Pierce
Before Willis Fisher Justice Peace
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Mary Pierce the signer of the above declaration and that she was a pensioner under the act of July 7 th 1838
Willis Fisher Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Sept: 1- 1843
I hereby C ertify, That
Willis Fiske of Franklin is now, & ever since 1841 has been a Justice of Peace for the County of Norfolk
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Jno A. Dole
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, August 22 1843
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 John Pierce of Wrentham is borne upon the books of Col Hazen as a private from January 1. 1779 to Dec 31. 1780.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this

Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone: and that said application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Jno A. Bolles Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Willis Fisher Esq
Franklin

To the Hon Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts The subscriber a resident of Franklin in said Commonwealth and Widow of John Pierce late of said Franklin deceased Respectfully requests you to furnish such evidence of the services of the said John Pierce as are borne upon the rolls of the Army of the revolution as are deposited in your Office which services it is believed were performed under Col. Rose was in light infantry was a sergeant believed to be under Col. Hovey
Franklin Augt 4 th 1823
Mary Pierce
Attest A. E. Daniels Justice of the Peace

Mr. William Lloyd 10 Oct. 5. Mr. Ennis Fisher (Reg.)
Copy of Deed Pierce to Pierce
Restored 3 Sep 1823

Norfolk, ss. Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I Horatio Townsend, Clerk of the Judicial Court within and for the said County of Norfolk, do certify that it appears from the records in my office, that Enos Wood Esquire is Register of Deeds within and for said County, duly elected and qualified as such, according to law, and that the signatures to the copy and certificate hereto annexed, are in the hand writing of the said Enos Wood.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County, this fifteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred twenty three.
Horatio Townsend Clerk
The third piece of four acres and a half be it more or less and bounded as will appear by a deed from William Adams to me dated the first day of November A.D. 1813 with a reserve of a leading way thro' the same - The fourth piece being one acre of Allage leucl and bounded as will appear by a deed from Asa Gowan to me dated the 17th day of January A.D. 1810.
15 1823. I Enos Wood do hereby certify that I am the Register of Deeds for said and did record a deed from John Pierce to John Pierce Jr and that this is copy Lib. 10 Fol. 53 with a
larger said thin king long led home March and red 95 mining

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS,
That I John Pierce of Franklin in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman
in Consideration of Four hundred dollars
paid by John Pierce Jun. of said Franklin Bricklayer,
the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said
John Pierce Jun. four tracts or parcels of land in said Franklin situated and lying on the Mount so called, the first piece being Half a house lot on which I now live with Half the buildings thereon - containing one acre three quarters more or less - and bounded as will appear by a deed from Ebenzer Metcalf to me dated the fifth day of March 1787. Also a deed from James Metcalf and Abijah Metcalf to me dated the 16 th day of March A.D. 1802 - The second piece of land - containing five acres and a Half more or less - and bounded as will appear by a deed from Dille Mann to me dated the sixth day of October 1795 - The third piece of land being chestnut wood land - containing four acres and a Half be it more or less and bounded as will appear by a deed from William Adams to me dated the first day of November A.D. 1813 with a reserve of a leading way thro' the same - The fourth piece being one acre of tillage land and bounded as will appear by a deed from Asa Gower to me dated the 19 th day of January A.D. 1810.
15-1822 Mrs. Foad do hereby certify that Sam the Register and also records a deed from John Pierce to John Pierce Jr. in words Lib. 40 Fol. 53 will appear Mrs. Foad

appeared by a deed from William Adams and his wife dated the 14th day of November A.D. 1813 with a reserve of a leading way thro' the same - The fourth piece being one acre of tillage land and bounded as will appear by a deed from Asa Gower to me dated the 19th day of January A.D. 1810.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Norfolk ss August 15 1821 - I Enos Foss do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Record thereof - as by the Records Lib. 70 Fol. 53
To Have and to Hold the afore-granted Premises to the said John Pierce Jr  his Heirs and Assigns, to his and their Use and Behoof forever. AND I do covenant with the said John Pierce Jr  his Heirs and Assigns, That I am lawfully seized in Fee of the afore-granted Premises; That they are free of all Incumbrances; That I have good Right to sell and convey the same to the said John Pierce Jr AND that I will warrant and defend the same Premises to the said John Pierce Jr  his Heirs and Assigns forever, against the lawful Claims and Demands of all Persons.
In Witness whereof, I the said John Pierce
have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this twenty third Day of April in the Year of our LORD One thousand eight hundred and twenty one
Signed, sealed, and delivered in Presence of us, James Adams  Sarah B Adams
John Pierce
Norfolk ss. April 23 1821. Then the above-named John Pierce acknowledged the above Instrument to be his free Act and Deed - before me,
James Adams
Just. of Peace.
Copied from Norfolk Records Lib. 70 Fol. 53 for Enos Foss Reg.

Norfolk, ss. Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I Horatio Townsend, Clerk of the Judicial Court within and for the said county of Norfolk, do certify that it appears from the records in my office, that Elias Wood Esquire is Register of Deeds within and for said County, duly elected, qualified as such, according to law, and that as to the copy and certificate hereunto the hand writs of the said
the said Franklin a being holdings and
Witnesseth, that I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this fifteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three.
all some names of March one and a deed ber 1795 containing
The third piece of land being one acre and a half, be it more or less and bounded as will appear by a deed from William Adams to me dated the first day of November A.D. 1813 with a reserve of a leading way thro' the same. The fourth piece being one acre of tillage land and bounded as will appear by a deed from Asa Gower to me dated the 19th day of January A.D. 1810.
To Have and to Hold the afore-granted Premises to the said John Pierce Jr his Heirs and Assigns, to his and their Use and Behoof forever. AND I do covenant with the said John Pierce Jr his Heirs and Assigns, That I am lawfully seized in Fee of the afore-granted Premises; That they are free of all Incumbrances; That I have good Right to sell and convey the same to the said John Pierce Jr AND that I will warrant and defend the same Premises to the said John Pierce Jr his Heirs and Assigns forever, against the lawful Claims and Demands of all Persons.
In Witness whereof, I the said John Pierce
have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this twenty third Day of April in the Year of our LORD One thousand eight hundred and twenty one
Signed, sealed, and delivered in Presence of us, James Adams } John Pierce Jr Sarah B Adams
Norfolk ss. April 23 1821. Then the above-named John Pierce
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Norfolk ss. August 15. 1821. I Elias Wood do hereby certify that I am the Register of Deeds for said County and in my capacity received this day, and due records a deed from John Pierce Jr and that this is a true copy of the Record thereof - as by the Records Lib. 70 Fol. 53 will appear. Elias Wood.

John Pierce
Franklin - Land certif. Given 31 July 1805
This may certify a that Mr John Pierce unquestionable was the within copy of American Army it has been lodged certificate in the Fisher, with whom acquainted, ever

By His Excellency George Washington Esq r . we Generals and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America. —
This are to certify that the bearer hereof, Sergeant John Pierce, from the State of Mass ts in Gen l Hazen's the Regiment, having faithfully served the United States, and six years & eight Months, & being enlisted for the War only, is hereby discharged from the American Army. Given at Head Quarters the 13 th of June 1783. —
By his Excellency's command, J. Trumball Secy.
G. Washington.
Registered in the Books of the Reg t .
Benj o M c Moore's, Adjutant.
The Above
has been honored with a Badge of Merit, for six years faithful Service. —
Copy
Moses Hazen Brig r General

5 N.B. The Subscriber having sold his right in the Land on the Ohio granted by Con- gress to Soldiers who enlisted during the late war delivered his original discharge to the purchaser
John Pierce

Franklin March 28 th 1801
This is to certify whom it may concern, That I have long been acquainted with Mr John Pierce of Franklin he being my near Neighbour. That to I have always understood that he was an enlisted soldier in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary war with Britain that he belonged to Col. Harns Regiment, & was considered as one of the quota of men which the Town of Franklin were required to raise for the continental service. That after his discharge from the Army in 1788 No far as I can recollect the my memory & so far as that I dare not be positive, yet cannot doubt of my seeing and reading his original discharge from the Army signed by General Washington and that the copy of that discharge to which this certificate is annexed is true & genuine and further the said Pierce having never received his Bounty as granted in 1776, applied to me being then a member of the General Court for assistance to obtain said Bounty, which was granted by a resolve of Court in the words following viz. Grant of Twenty pounds to John Pierce a soldier in General Harns Regiment Being for Bounty allowed in 1776 — March 16, 1784. On the petition of John Pierce a soldier in Brigadier General Harns Regiment praying for the Bounty of Twenty pounds, allowed by this State in the year 1776 to the non commissioned officers and soldiers who held enlist for three years, or during the war, which he never received Resolved that the prayer of the said petition be granted, and that the Treasurer of this Commonwealth be and he hereby is directed to pay out of the public Treasury to the said John Pierce the sum of Twenty pounds, in full discharge of the said Bounty. The foregoing is a true copy the resolve which I have in possession
Jabez Fisher
Brig: General

John Pierce
Franklin - Land certif. Given 31 July 1805
Franklin April 27. 1810.
This may certify all whom it may concern; that Mr John Pierce of this Town, a man of unquestionable veracity, assures me, that the within copy of his Discharge from the American Army is authentic, and that it has been lodged together with the certificate in the hand writing of Jacob Fisher, with which I am perfectly acquainted, ever since the year 1801.
Nathanael Common.

Certificate of John Ward & others in the case of James Pierce.

Roanoke April 1821
This may certify that at the request of Mr James Pierce, of Roanoke, County of Norfolk, who has a certificate for a Revolutionary pension, we have appraised his real estate according to the best of our judgment, at five hundred Dollars.
John Ward Joseph Davenport
Norfolk ss. Circuit Court of Common Pleas, April Term A.D. 1821.
Personally appeared before the Court, the above named John Ward and Joseph Davenport, and severally solemnly swore that the above certifi- cate by them subscribed is true.
Horatio Townsend Clerk.
This may certify that I have examined the case of Mr James Pierce, of Roanoke, in the County of Norfolk, a Soldier in the Revolutionary war, as it respects his bodily infirmities, and find that he has a Rupture of considerable extent, which renders it absolutely necessary for him to wear a very strong Springed Truss, and is also a great detriment to him as a laboring man.
December 16 th April 1821.
Elisha Hovey Phys.
Norfolk ss. Circuit Court of Common Pleas April Term A.D. 1821. Personally appeared before the Court, the above named Elisha Hovey, and made solemn oath, that the above certificate by him subscribed is true.
Horatio Townsend Clerk.
A true copy of two certificates filed in the case of James Pierce an applicant to be continued on the pension list whose declaration on oath was made before said Court at a Special Session on the fourteenth day of July A.D. 1820.
Atty.
Horatio Townsend Clerk.

Franklin August 28 th 1822
This may Certify to all whom it may Concern that we the Subscribers Selectmen of said Franklin are well acquainted with M r John Pierce of said Franklin and know that he served in the revolutionary war with Great Britain during the whole of the same and he went in as a Soldier for the Town of said Franklin and by the extreme hardship, Sufferings and Fatigues underwent in said war the Lord of his hands are so frustrated that some of his Fingers are so cracked that they Injure him very much about his usual labour which he is obliged to follow for the Support of himself and Family, and from the best Information and Evidence that we can get together with our own knowledge think he is a Poor man and possesses no property, and in our Opinion is justly entitled to the Pensions Granted by Congress to Poor Soldiers by their Acts of 1818 and 1820
Lewis Fisher Deer. Clerk W m Harding

Substitute of John Pierce
File these with the original papers.
James Ware Esq. Wrentham Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
NORFOLK, ss.—CIRCUIT COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, SPECIAL
April Term SESSION, JULY 4, 1821.
On this twenty fourth day of April 1821 personally appeared, in open Court, being a Court of Record for said County, proceeding according to the course of the Common Law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a Record of its proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, John Pierce aged Sixtyfive years, resident in Franklin in said County, of who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows:
after serving in the eight months service in Capt John Boych Company and Col. Grafton's Regiment, he enlisted into Capt Guild's Company in the same Regiment for one year, about the 1st of January 1776 and served that time, and before the expiration of said year he enlisted during the war, at Albany into Col. Hazen's Regt. and was put in the Light Infantry Company commanded by Capt. Herring. Cap. Pry was the last Capt he served under. he was honorably discharged in New Jersey at the close of the war, on the 13th of June 1783. a copy of his discharge is now in the War Department, accompanying his original declaration. He rec'd a pension for said service - etc. of his Certificate 9302.
And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons, engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
John Pierce
Sworn to and declared, on the twenty fourth day of April A. D. 1821 before me
Horatio Townsend Clerk
I, Horatio Townsend Clerk of the said Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule hereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value, of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is
Six dollars and thirty cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twenty fifth day of April 1821
Horatio Townsend Clerk.

Schedule of the property of John Pierce
Real estate — none
1 Bible and a few other Books 3.00 1 Table 1.00 1 Chest .30 1 Set of Shoemakers tools 2.00 $ 6.30
I am by trade a Cordwainer — can do but little business on account of ill health and a defect in one of my hands — Have a wife Mary Pierce and one son named Washington Pierce aged 10 years depending on me for support
John Pierce

Schedule to John Pierce
Sept. 19
authenticate a copy of this Deed. Con- veying away his property is required.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Norfolk. Court of Common Pleas April Term 1823-
On this second day of May 1823 personally appeared in open court, being a Court of record for said County, proceeding according to the course of the common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of its proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, John Pierce, aged seventy  sixty seven years, resident in Franklin in said County, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the revolutionary war as follows - After serving eight months, in Capt. John Boyd's Company and Col. Greaton's Regt. he enlisted in Captain Guild's Company in the same Regiment for one year, about the 1 st of January 1776, and before the expiration of said year, he enlisted during the war at Albany into Col. Hazen's Regt and was put into the light infantry company commanded by Capt. Herring. Capt. Boyd was last Captain he served under, he was honorably discharged at New Jersey at the close of the war, on the 13th of Jan'y 1783 - a copy of his discharge is now in the War Department accompanying his original declaration. He received a pension for said service under the act of Congress of March 18, 1818 - N o of his certificate 9302 - the declaration he makes and oaths he takes in order to obtain the provisions made by the acts of the 18 th of March 1818, & 1 st of May 1820 & 1 st of March 1823.
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby, to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act for certain persons engaged in the line and service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed the 18 th day of March 1818, and that I have not, a person in trust for me, any property or securities or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed. That since the exhibition of my first schedule,
the aff. c. m. d.
102

Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Norfolk ss. Court of Common Pleas April Term 1823-
On this second day of May 1823 personally appeared in open court, being a Court of record for said County, proceeding according to the course of the common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of its proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, John Pierce, aged sixty  seventy seven years, resident in Franklin in said County, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows - After serving eight months in Capt. John Boyd's Company and Col. Greaton's Regt. he enlisted in Captain Guild's Company in the same Regiment for one year, about the 1 st of January 1778, and before the expiration of said year, he enlisted during the war at Albany into Col. Hazen's Regt and was put into the light infantry company commanded by Capt. Herring. Capt. Boyd was last captain he served under, he was honorably discharged at New Jersey at the close of the war, on the 13th of Jan'y 1783 - a copy of his discharge is now in the War Department accompanying his original declaration. He received a pension for said service under the act of Congress of March 18, 1818 - N o of his certificate 9302 - the declaration he makes and oaths he takes in order to obtain the provisions made by the acts of the 18 th of March 1818, & 1 st of May 1820 & 1 st of March 1823.
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby, to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed on the 18 th day of March 1818, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed. That since the institution of my first schedule,
v. 19

  1/2 of two acres of land with a small house, barn &c thereon appraised at $200.00   5 acres of pasture and tillage 77.00   4 acres of young wood land 101.00   One acre of tillage 20.00   Amounting to 498.00 
I have been compelled to dispose of the same for the purpose of paying my just debts to John Pierce Junr of said Franklin on the 23 d of April 1821 for the consideration of four hundred dollars - I gave him a deed of the premises aforesaid on said 23 d of April 1821 and the said John Pierce Junr has paid a debt due from me the said John Pierce to the account to James Gillmore of said Franklin on note $250.
And has become obligated to pay to some of my other creditors the following sums viz    To Stephen Draper of Attleborough  118.    To Asa Fisher of said Franklin being part of the contents of a note I owed him  32    Amounting to the sum of the consideration paid me  400    John Pierce.
Sworn and declared on the second day of May 1823 before the Court Eben r Fisher Jr. Clerk pro tem.
I Horatio Townsend Clerk of the said Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule hereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of said Court, and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is thirty dollars and ninety seven cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this tenth day of May 1823
Horatio Townsend Clk

Schedule of the property now owned by John Pierce
  Real Estate none   1 Bible and a few other Books 3.00   1 Table 1.   1 Chest 1.30   1 Set of Shoemakers tools 2.00   1 Half acre 12.00   1 Pig 2.50   Part of a pew in Rev d Dr Common's meeting house - being half thereof 10.17   30.97 
I am by trade a Cordwainer, cannot perform but little business on account of ill health and the contraction of the cords in both my hands. I have a wife Mary Pierce 61 years of age in feeble health - and one son named Washington Pierce aged 11 years depending on me for support. I am now indebted to several persons in money to a considerable amount which I am unable to pay.  John Pierce

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Pierce, John GRADE Sergeant LINE Hazen's Regiment
WARRANT NUMBER 12601 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED August 10, 1789 To Richard Platt, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.