Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15157, for Sylvanus Parsons, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Parsons, Sylvanus Mary
W. 15-157 B.L.W.F. 11267-160-55
CONTENTS
[Ruled lines for entry]
[Ruled lines for entry]

95.4/5 at 3' March/55
April 24/55.
Mary Parsons widow Sylvanus Parsons private
Pensioner & Mass.
Private J. C. Putnam
Mass. Line
Revolutionary War.
Drap Feb 48-350
Ad. 160 acs Dec 150/55
Dodge
H Woodman
Boston
Mass
Vol P. page 6.

Verification sent July 28th 1820 to Joseph Dwight North Hampton, Mass
1881
Massachusetts
Sylvanus Parsons
Private
Massachusetts line - 1777 - 3 years
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass 19 at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 17 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 of July 1818 and sent to Sam Hinckley Esq  Northampton Mass
Arrears to 4th of Sept r 1818 Semi-annual period ending
4 Mos 18/30 — $36.80
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818 }
Not entitled
Decision confirmed by Secy of War 19 Feb 10 th 1821.
Washington Hampshire,

350
Massachusetts.
Mary Parsons, widow of Sylvanus Parsons Mass who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of June 1848 and sent to
M rs Ward Worthington Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 122 Vol. 2
Y. H. Ward 10 Sept 51 in act 10y 12 mos
Reported
to N. Woodman 27 May 52
Report Sec. Int.
Aug 23/52.
Let to N. Woodman 4 Jan 53

I Sylvanus Parsons formerly of Northampton now of Worthington in the County of Hampshire in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Testify that I enlisted as a soldier in the Continental establishment Massachusetts line May 5. 1777 in the Company of Capt. Goodale in the Regiment of Col. Rufus Putnam in Genl. Nixon's Brigade & I served as a soldier in said Company & Reg t untill May 1780 when I was discharged by Col. Putnam in the state of New York but I have lost my discharge, and I have never had any pension from the Government of any description whatever - And from my reduced circumstances I am in need of assistance from my Country for support.
April 17. 1818
Sylvanus Parsons
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire ss April 17. 1818 Sylvanus Parsons above named personally appeared before me the subscriber, Judge of the Court of Probate of Will s. being a Court of Record, in and for said County and being examined & cautioned to testify the whole truth made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the truth the whole Truth and nothing but the truth, and he being personally known to me I am of the opinion he is in reduced circumstan- ces and is a man of veracity & justly entitled to the benefit of the late Act of Congress, entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war "- Taken and had before me & I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court the day & year aforesaid.
Samuel H. Hinckley Judge of said Court

Mary Parsons Proof of Marriage
No 6

Hampshire County ss Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I Asaiah Parsons of Worthington in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy Years do hereby say that I am brother of the late Sylvanus Parsons of Worthington deceased who was a pensioner under the law of March 18. 1818. That in the year 1784 we lived on the same farm in Worthington and that in the Autumn of that year I was present at the Marriage of the said Sylvanus Parsons and Mary Webster by Nathan Eager Esquire
The deponent further says that he has resided in Worthington ever since. That his said brother died in November 1825 leaving the said Mary his widow and that she is now living and has remained the widow of the said Sylvanus Parsons ever since his death. Asaiah Parsons
Sworn & subscribed this 4 th day of October
1838 before me. And I certify that the
deponent is a man of undoubted veracity
William Ward Justice of the Peace

95415
APPLICATION OF
Widow of Sylvanus Parsons Revolutionary War
for a 160 acre warrant,
Act of March 3d, 1835.
WARRANT TO BE SENT TO HORATIO WOODMAN, Boston, Mass. AS WITHIN REQUESTED.

That the S Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, April 17, 1853
I Hereby Certify , That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed,
Edward C. Porter was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Hampshire
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; 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.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Declaration of Revolutionary Widow for Bounty Land
State of Massachusetts, County of Hampshire
On this eleventh day of April A.D. 1855 before me Edward C. Porter a justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Mary Parsons aged eighty eight years a resident of Worthington in said county who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the Bounty Land to which she is entitled under the act of Congress passed March 3 d 1855. that she is the widow of Sylvanus Parsons, who was a private in the Revolutionary War, and for the service of her husband aforesaid she now receives a pension at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum under the act of Congress passed February 2 d 1848. (Certificate No 350 and dated June 20 th 1848) For evidence of the services of her husband aforesaid this declarant refers the Department to the evidence on file in the Pension Office at Washington and requests the Land Warrant forwarded to her agent, Horatio Woodman of Boston. She further declares that she is now a widow; and that she has not received or made application for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress
Mary Parsons
Subscribed and sworn to before me this eleventh day of April A.D. 1855 and I certify that Mary Parsons is the identical person above named and described. I have no interest in this case
Edward C Porter justice of the Peace
State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire
We Betsey Sherman and Julia Sherman having been duly sworn depose and say that we are residents of Worthington in the county, that we well know Mary Parsons who now applies for Bounty Land that she is a credible and respectable person and that we have full confidence in the statements of her affidavit, executed and acknowledged in our presence, and that we are disinterested
Betsey Sherman
Julia Sherman
Subscribed and sworn to before me this eleventh day of April A.D. 1855 I certify that the deponents are credible, and that I have no interest in the case
Edward C Porter justice of the Peace

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
ss.
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Hampshire, do hereby certify that William Ward 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 sixteenth day of October
A. D. 1838
Samuel F. Lyman Register of Probate.

Rev. John H. Pirkle Affidavit

I John H. Bishop. Pastor of the church in the Town of Worthington do certify that Sylvanus Parsons deceased was, and his widow Mary Parsons is, a member of said church and that the following are true extracts from the records of the church of the Baptism of their children etc
"June 6. 1786. Rev d Mr Allen baptised the following children One for Sylvanus Parsons named Mary "
"July 13. 1788. Rev d Mr Spalding baptised a daughter for Sylvanus Parsons named Jerusha "
"Aug 1. 1790 Baptised a daughter of Sylvanus Parsons & his wife named Phebe / for Josiah Spalding "
"July 7. 1793. There was baptised a son of Sylvanus Parsons and his wife named Sylvanus for Rev d Mr Leland "
"June 5. 1796. Was baptised David Parsons for Sylvanus Parsons "
"June 23. 1799 Baptised a child for Sylvanus Parsons named Elizabeth "
"Oct 19. 1801 a child of Sylvanus Parsons was baptised Jonathan by Mr Woods "
"Aug 18. 1805 Sally daughter of Sylvanus Parsons was baptised "

"May 1 1808 Baptized a child of Syb and Parsons named Benjamin"
John H. Bisbee
Hampshire County ss.
Sworn & subscribed this 11 th day
of June 1839 Before me
Edward Lusk of the peace
I certify that the above deponent is the minister of the Gospel and is a credible Witness
Edward Lusk of the peace

V 2719. (no 5) Mary Parsons Mass abt July 38
2719 Mary Parsons Declaration abt July 38 m 84 a 25
m 84 a 25 adm? 2 yrs pri 80%
no deduction
W-Ward en V. Worthington Mass.

2719 Mary Parsons Declaration
act 7 July 38
m 84 a 25
V 2719. (no 5) Mary Parsons Mass. act 7 July 38
m 84 a 25
adm?
2 yrs pri 80%
no deduction
W. Ward v. Worthington Mass.

State of Massachusetts Hampshire County ss
On this 16 th day of October 1838 personally appeared before me Athanasia Conkey Judge of the Court of Probate for said County being a Point of Record. Mary Parsons of Worthington in said County aged Seventy One 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 made by the Act of Congress passed the 7 th day of July 1838.
That she is the Widow of Sylvanus Parsons who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and served as she believes about three years in that War that he was a pensioner under the law of March 18 1818. The evidence of which is herewith transmitted
She further declares that she was married to the said Sylvanus Parsons on the 25 th day of November 1784. That her husband died the 3 rd day of November 1825 and that she has remained his Widow ever since that period
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written
Mary Parsons
Before Athanasia Conkey Judge of Probate
I, Samuel J. Lyman Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County of Hampshire do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of Mary Parsons for a pension — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 16 th day of October A.D. 1838.
Sam l J. Lyman Reg t of Probate

No 2 Sylvanus Parsons 1881 July 1818
John Adams Washington
Sept 1818
And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States at the time of signing this my declaration, and that the facts and statements contained in the foregoing petition are true to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18th day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States the forty-third.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
HAMPSHIRE ss.
At a Special Session of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Western Circuit, begun and holden at Northampton, within and for the County of Hampshire, on Wednesday, the fifth day of July, and de die in diem to the sixth day of said month A. D. 1820:
PERSONALLY APPEARED, in open Court, being a Court of Record, within and for said County, created such by the Laws of the Commonwealth, Sylvanus Parsons , aged sixty two years, resident in Worthington 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: he served in the revolutionary war three years from May 1777 to May 1780 in Capt Woodalls Company & Col d Patnams Regt. that he is a Pensioner under the act of Congress of March 18, 1818 having applied therefor the 17 th April 1818 my Certificate is numbered 1881
he served in the revolutionary war three years from May 1777 to May 1780 in Capt Woodalls Company & Col d Patnams Regt. that he is a Pensioner under the act of Congress of March 18, 1818 having applied therefor the 17 th April 1818 my Certificate is numbered 1881
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 following schedule by me subscribed.
  171 Acres of land with a house & barn & barn $1700.00   One horse $48.00 two cows $32.00 four Yearlings $16.00 93.00   Three Calves $12.50. Twenty six sheep & lambs $19.50. Two hogs $5.00 37.00   One Iron Yoke two dish hoppers One Lea yoke 31.00   One shovel & tongs $1.00 One draw $3.00 4.00   Three tables $6.00 One Looking Glass $1.75 seven Chairs 3.00 9.75   One pocket knife 0.25 Three Candlesticks 0.75 1.00   Cookery Ware 2.00 One Plough 3.00 One harrow 2.00 7.00   One old axe two old hoes One old Sythe 2.25   Debts due from Parsons to Sally Parsons $82.00 Wm Parsons $14.00 Estate of Leah Parsons $295.00 1857.00   Darius Parsons $210.00 Wm Parsons $125.00 Fort Parsons $12.00 Simon Parsons $348.00   Desire Curtis $33.00 Ephraim Baldwin $29.00 Miss Stock $3.50 Lydia Curtis $11.50   Matthew Hagen $5.00 Sylvanus Parsons Jr $99.00 William Rea $26.00 1396.00 
My family consists of myself, my wife aged fifty three years and four Children viz Elijah aged 18 years Benjamin aged twelve years Betsey aged 21 years & Sally aged twelve years. I am by profession a farmer and am as well as men of my age generally, but I have raised thirteen Children the expense of which among other things has accumulated my debts to the amount of the schedule above amounting to the sum of thirteen hundred & ninety six dollars
Sylvanus Parsons

One Iron Kettle two dish kettles one Tea kettle
31. 00
Sworn to, and declared, on the sixth day of July 1820, before the said Court.
Attest, Josiah Dwight Clerk.
I, JOSIAH DWIGHT, Clerk of said Court, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule which follows it, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is eight hundred fifty seven dollars, and _____ cents.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this sixth day of July 1820.
Josiah Dwight
Ms. A. 9. 2

Massachusetts - 3837
Mary Parsons, widow of Sylvanus Parsons, who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 th Mar. '18 and who died on the 3 rd November 1825 of Hampden in the State of Massachusetts who was a P ar. in the Company commanded by Captain Allen of the Reg t commanded by Putnam in the Army line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 80 Dollars & Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of Aug t '39, as sent to W. Ward, Worthington, Mass.
Arrears to the 4 th of Mar. - $ 240.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 40.00 $ 280.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk, Book A Vol. 15 Page 120.

No 3 Sylvanus Parsons
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
HAMPDEN
At a Special Session of the Court of Common Pleas, held at Springfield, on Wednesday, the 10th day of March, 1840.
The foregoing was a true copy of the proceedings of said Court, in open Court, this 10th day of March, 1840, created each by the laws of the Commonwealth, and sworn to by me, according to law, this 10th day of March, 1840.
And I do hereby certify that I was a resident citizen of the United States, at the time of signing this certificate, and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or any other means, with intent thereby to violate the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to prohibit the importation of slaves into the United States," passed March 2, 1807; and that I have not, nor has any person in my interest, since that time, imported into the United States any such slaves, contrary to the said act.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
HAMPSHIRE ss.
At a Special Session of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Western Circuit, begun and holden at Northampton, within and for the County of Hampshire, on Wednesday  Monday the twentieth day of November the fifth day of July , and de die in diem to the twenty second day of said month A. D. 1820:
PERSONALLY APPEARED, in open Court, being a Court of Record, within and for said County, created such by the Laws of the Commonwealth, Sylvanus Parsons aged sixty two years, resident in Worthington 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:
That he enlisted for the term of three years on the fifth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & seventy seven in the State of Massachusetts in the Company commanded by Capt Allen & which immediately after he enlisted was commanded by Goodale in the Regiment commanded by Col Rufus Putnam in the line of the state of Massachusetts on the Continental establishment of that the date of the original declaration made by him made according to the act of Congress of the 18th of March 1818 is in or about the 17th day of April 1818. That the number of his Pension Roll (do not remember) it is dated July 28. 1818.
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 following schedule by me subscribed.
One Cow $12.00 One Sheep $12.50 One case of Wagon 3.00 Six Chains a fifty Cents 3.00 One rocking Chair 1.00 Nine Plates at 4¢ = 36¢ One set Cups & Saucers 20¢ One Pitcher 20¢ Two Tea sets 50¢ One Pewter Plate 50¢ One pot 75¢ One Milk bottle 50¢ One large d 1.00 One tin Pail 75¢ One pair Andirons 25¢ Shovel & Tongs 50¢ One pr Sad Irons 30¢ One Table $2.00 One d 50¢ = $40.00

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 following schedule by me subscribed.
One Cow $12.00 Ten Sheep $12.50 One cask of Whiskey 3.00 Six Casks of Whiskey 3.00 One Spinning Chair 1.00 Nine Plates at 4 c = 36 c One set Cups & Saucers 20 c One Pitcher 20 c Two Tea Sets 50 c One Pewter Plate 50 c One pot 75 c One Milk pottle 50 c One large 1.00 One tin Pail 75 c One set Andirons 25 c Shovel & Tongs 50 c One set Sad Irons 50 c One Table $2.00 One d c 50 c = $40.00
And the said Sylvanus further says that his occupation is that of a Schooner. That there are six Persons in his family including himself, his Wife aged fifty three Two Sons one aged eighteen the other thirteen & that the one aged eighteen has lately had a very severe fit of Sickness & has not yet entirely recovered. Two daughters one aged twenty one the other fifteen.
Sworn to, and declared, on the twenty first day of November 1820, before the said Court.
Attest, Josiah Dwight Clerk.
I, JOSIAH DWIGHT, Clerk of said Court, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule which follows it, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is Forty dollars, and One cents.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twenty first day of November 1820.
Josiah Dwight

John Stone no 9 Affidavit
John Stone

I John Stone of Worthington in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy Six years depose and say that I removed from Worcester County into this town in the year 1803. and on to the farm adjoining the farm of the late Mr Sylvanus Parsons. and have continued thereon to this day. that I knew internally the said Sylvanus from that time to his decease. that he then lived with his Wife Mary Parsons by whom he had a large family of children. That I have continued my acquaintance with his Widow Mary Parsons to this time. that she remains the widow of the said Sylvanus Parsons. and resides on the same farm on which her husband died on the portion assigned her as dower in her estate
Hampshire County ss June 20. 1839
John Stone
Sworn & Subscribed
Before me William Ward Justice of the peace
And I certify that the above deponent is a credible witness
W m Ward Justice of peace

No 14.
Rev. Widow's Application for increase pension Act July 1. 1848.
To be sent to Horatio Woodman. Boston. as within requested.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Hampshire County.
I, Mary Parsons being duly sworn according to law, depose and say, that I am the identical Mary Parsons to whom the within certificate of pension was issued, bearing date June 20. 1848, at the rate of $80 per annum. That I hereby surrender the said certificate, and pray to receive a new certificate at the rate of Ninety Six dollars per annum, under the provisions of the Act of July 1. 1848, — having been married to my late husband Sylvanus Parsons before 1794, and my said husband having in his life time received a pension of Ninety Six dollars per annum, and I pray that the said new certificate may be sent to Horatio Woodman Esq r Boston, Mass.
Hereto
Mary Parsons
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me by the above named Mary Parsons, this fourteenth day of May 1852.
E. H. Brewster Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, May 24 th 1882
I Hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation E. H. Brewster was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Hampshire.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and qualified; 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.
Amasa Walker Secretary of the Commonwealth.

no 4 Probate Order

Hampshire ss.
AT a Court of Probate holden at Northampton within and for said County, on the ninth day of May Anno Domini 18 26
ORDERED, that Mary Parsons Widow of Sylvanus Parsons late of Northampton in said County, deceased intestate, be, and hereby is allowed, out of the Inventory of the Personal Estate of said deceased for her own use, her wearing apparel, and such other articles as she may have occasion for, to the amount of One hundred Twenty five Dollars Cents , at the invoice prices, pursuant to the statute in such case provided, and that the same be not assets in the hands of the Administrator on said estate, who will charge the same in his account of administration.
Given under my hand the day and year aforesaid.
Samuel Hinchley Judge of Probate.
Copy attested  J. Wells

Eliska H Brewster (no 11
Affidavit

I Elisha H Brewster Town Clerk of the Town of Worthington in the County of Hampshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts do certify, that I have carefully examined the records of said Town and do not find therein any record of the Marriage of the late Mr Sylvanus Parsons to Mary Webster who was his acknowledged Wife & is his present Wife since Hampshire County ss Subscribed & sworn before me this 1 st day of June 1839 Elisha H Brewster
William Ward Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named Elisha H Brewster is Clerk of the Town of Worthington and has the custody of the Town Records and is a credible Witness William Ward Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire County ss. On this 3 rd day of May 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. Mary Parsons a resident of Northampton in the County of Hampshire aged Seventy six 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 made by the Act of Congress passed on the third of March 1843. granting Pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the Widow of Sylvanus Parsons for whose services during the Revolutionary War she was granted a pension under the Act of Congress of July 7. 1838. for five years from March 4 th 1836. which Pension Certificate was surrendered on the payment of the last half yearly payment at the Pension Agency at Boston. She further declares that she is still the Widow of the said Sylvanus Parsons
Mary Parsons
Sworn & subscribed the day & year above written Before me William Ward Justice of Peace
I do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Mary Parsons the above declarant, and know her to be the Widow of Sylvanus Parsons, and a pensioner under the act of July 7. 1838 as she states William Ward Justice of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Wamphshire ss. I Samuel H. Gurnee Register of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Hampshire do hereby certify that William Ward Esquire before whom the foregoing declaration was made was at the date thereof one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County duly and regularly appointed and that his signa- ture thereto and the subjoined certificate I know to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fourth day of May A.D. 1843.
Sam l H. Gurnee Regr of Prob.

Worthington June 20 th 1839
J. L. Edwards Esq
Upon a further examination of the case of the application of the Mary Parsons. I am unable to find any record of her marriage, and I enclose the affidavit of the Town Clerk to that effect. There was at that time no settled Minister in the Town, and at that time the Justices who solemnized Marriages were notoriously negligent of their duty.
Nor have I been able to find any other living witness of the marriage than Deacon Hezekiah Parsons the brother of the deceased, whose deposition you have with the application, who is a man of most undoubted veracity.
There are no records of the births of their children, (a fault too common,) altho they had thirteen, twelve of which I personally knew, but they were both members or communicants of the church, and I enclose the certificate of the Rev J. H. Birbe, our present Minister (who has the custody of the church records) of the baptism of such of the children as appear there.
I could send a Basket full of depositions proving every thing but eye witnesses to the marriage, but I have taken but two, Mr. Sarah Brewster, and Capt John Stone, both neighbors and intimate acquaintances of the family which I enclose.
I enclose also, an Order from the Probate

Court which had been preserved by Mrs Parsons which will prove to you that she was recognized by that Court as his Widow
I cannot but think that the evidence taken together will satisfy you of the justice of her claim
Yours Ob t Servant
W m Willard
Perhaps it may not be amiss for me to say that I have known this family forty three years. parents, and twelve of the children/One died young/ and that there is no more doubt of her being his Widow than that you are Commissioner of Pensions
W m Willard

Sarah H. No 7 Brewster Affidavit
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I Sarah H. Brewster of Worthington in the County of Hampshire & born in on the death of Dea- -chusett, deposited aged seventy years depose & say that I have resided in this town sixty seven years. That as early as the year 1784. I became acquainted with the late Sylvanus Parsons and Mary Webster who was afterwards his Wife and is now his Widow, that about the year 1784 She was at the Wedding Party of the said Sylvanus Parsons and Mary Webster. She was not present at the Marriage Ceremony which as She learned took place at her father's in the afternoon. but was present at the party in the evening at the house of Mr Parsons. when he introduced the s d Mary as his Wife. this deponent further says that she was well acquainted with the s d Sylvanus Parsons till his death and has continued so to this day with his Widow. who she knows is the same. and that She now resides on the same farm as when first married
Sarah H. Brewster
Hampshire County ss June 20. 1839.
Sworn & subscribed
Before me William Ward Justice of the peace
And I certify that the above deponent is a credible Witness.
William Ward Justice

Worthington Mar May 18. 1843
J. S. Edwards Esq Sir
Herewith I enclose the application of Mrs Mary Parsons the Widow of Sylvanus Parsons. for pension under the act of 1843.
I also enclose the application of Mrs Lydia Cottrell the Widow of Nicholas Cottrell for a pension under the act of 1838 &c. The Certificate of the Court of Probate for this County upon the Original Certificate of Nicholas Cottrell proves that he left a Widow whose name was Lydia. and the balance due to him was paid over to her by myself. There is no record evidence of the marriage. and as I can learn but one living witness of it Mr. Gresham Randall whose deposition I enclose Mr. Randall was one of the earliest settlers in this Town and resided here till within a few years when having lost his Wife who was the Sister of Mrs. Cottrell he removed to Northampton to reside with a daughter. It may not be improper for me to say that I have myself known Mrs. Cottrell as the Wife of Nicholas Cottrell. for forty seven years
I am Respectfully Yours O b Servant
William Ward

No 12 Mar - 1889 - Mary Parra
Admitted
M rs Ward Worthington Mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire County ss.
On this 25 th day of April 1848 personally appeared before me William Ward a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Mary Parsons a resident of Worthington in said County aged Eighty One 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 made by the act of Congress passed on the 2 d day of February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War
That she is the widow of Sylvanus Parsons who was a private of the Revolutionary Army and was a pensioner therefor under the Law of March 1818. at the rate of Eight Dollars per month and is the same Mary Parsons who has received a pension of Eighty Dollars per Annum under the Law of June 17. 1844 — And she further declares that she is still a widow Sworn to and subscribed on the day Mary Parsons and year above written
Before me William Ward Justice of the peace
I hereby certify that the above declaration is personally known to me and that the facts stated by her are true
William Ward Justice of the peace

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 Ward 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 Ward and believe his signature to said certificate
v n ii
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth, this Twelfth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 48 , Eight .
Clerk.

Coventry 1115
May 17 1848
J. L. Edwards Esq Sir
I enclose with this the application of Mary Parsons and Annie Brown. Widows of Revolutionary Soldiers for the continuance of their pensions under the Law of Feb. 2. 1848. Be pleased to enclose the certificate to my address. Very Respectfully Yours
William Ward

Increase under Joint Resolution Of July 1. 1848
Ovid N.Y. Oct 31. '51
Sir
I inclose declaration authenticated by a late Member of Congress
Respectfully Your Ob d Serv t
Abad Joy
Hon Jas. E. Heath Coun t of Put
See his name as a borrower at $96 per Annum on 152 page 1 Vol, of the 8 Vol,

DECLARATION.
State of Massachusetts } ss. On this 15 th day of October 1847 personally
County of Hampshire } appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for
said county Mary Parsons a resident of said county, who being first duly
sworn according to law, deposes and states that she is the widow of Sylvanus Parsons
deceased, who during his natural life was a Revolutionary pensioner under the act of Congress of 1818
at the rate of Ninety Six dollars
per annum, and that she is in the receipt of eighty dollars per annum
Now the object of this declaration being made is in order to open a claim at the same
rate of pension her husband received
claiming on the evidence filed in her late husband's case, and under the Resolution of Congress approved the 1st July 1848.
She further declares she is still a widow
Sworn and subscribed before me,
on this 15 th day of October 1847
Mary Parsons
Before me William Ward Justice of the Peace
I do hereby certify that Mary Parsons is well known to me, and that
she is the widow of Sylvanus Parsons who was a Revolutionary
Pensioner.
William Ward Justice of the Peace
By this I certify that I am well acquainted with William Ward
Esq. of Worthington in the district which I have represented and
here for a long time known him as a Justice of the Peace, and
have not the least doubt that he is so: The above is his genuine signature
Julius Rockwell
V.C.C.

Worthington Vt July 30 1857
Sir,
A self constituted Pension Agent of a Neighboring State has addressed Letter to two Pensioners in this place stating that they are entitled by Law to a larger sum than is now granted by their present Certificate, and that if they will confide it to him he will obtain an increase for a certain remuneration.
Your Bureau having issued a Circular heretofore saying that it was not necessary to employ such agencies but that upon application to your office all the information would be imparted necessary to obtain all the rights of applicants I now state the cases as they are and if they are entitled to increase and arrears shall be obliged if you will give me such information as shall enable them to obtain their just dues.
The first is the case of Mary Parsons Widow of Sylvanus Parsons. She is pensioned under the Law of Feb 2 1848 at the rate of Eighty Dollars p r ann. Her husband served during the Revolutionary War I believe 33 Years and he was a pensioner under the Law of May 18 1818 in the sum of $96. p r Ann. but was struck from the Rolls (as were many others) in consequence of having too much property in possession altho at the same time he was literally poor.
The other case is that of Eunice Brown Widow of Sushum Brown the husband was a pensioner under the Law of 18 May 1818 at the rate of $96. and continued thro life. The Widow was pensioned at the rate of $84. She deceased in August 1849 and her Certificate was surrendered when the last arrear of Pension was paid.
If there is arrear or increase of Pension due in these cases I suppose it must have arisen from some construction of the Laws different from what obtained when the Certificates were issued and shall be obliged if you will give me such information as shall lead to a correction if they are entitled to increase.
May I ask the favor of a reply to this whether they are entitled to increase or not. It seems to be rather hard for these old soldiers to be compelled to pay 25 to 50 p r c t of the petition to obtain the just due.
Most Respectfully Your Ob Serv t
J. H. Wash Edg
William Ward.

205 17 I was the Original agent thro whom most of the Pensions have been obtained in this immediate region since the Law of 1818 passed. and I should now regret to have the few now left to be obliged to go out of the State & pay heavy Commissions to get them outward
The Records of your Office will show. that both. Sylvanus Parsons & Jerhiah Brown were pensioned under the Law of May 18 1818 and also that the Widows were pensioned as I have stated

Sylvanus Parsons
Payable on the 4 th March & 4 th Sept r of each year, at the Branch Bank, U.S. at Boston, Mass —
Recorded H

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim
I CERTIFY, That in conformity with the Law of the UNITED STATES, of the 18 March 1818 Sylvanus Parsons — late a private — in the Army of the Revolution — is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Mass's Agency, at the rate of Eight dollars — cents per month, to commence on the 1 st day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen —
GIVEN at the WAR OFFICE of the UNITED STATES, this 28 th day of July — one thousand eight hundred and eighteen
J. C. Calhoun Secy of War

Boston Mass. June 1. 1852.
Sir, Mrs. Mary Ann Parsons, widow of Sylvanus Parsons, having applied for an increase of her pension from $80 to $96 per annum, under the provision of the joint resolution of July 1. 1848, has received in answer to her application the enclosed letter from the Commissioner of Pensions, dated May 27. 1852. rejecting her claim.
The resolution under which this claim is made, expressly provides that the widow "shall be placed on the pension rolls at the same rate which such officer or soldier received during his life time." (and not the rate at which he might now be placed on the roll) The husband received under provision of law, and by no error or mistake, a pension of $96 per annum, and as he never received, nor was entitled to receive a pension at any other rate during his life time, — therefore,
I respectfully appeal from the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions in this case.
I have the Honor to be, Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant,
Hon ble Alex. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Interior Washington City.

Department of the Interior Washington December 30 th 1852.
Sir,
I have examined the case of the widow of Sylvanus Parsons who claims an increase of Pension under the Joint Resolution of July 1. 1848 and have affirmed your decision rejecting the claim. The papers in the case are herewith returned.
I am very respectfully Your obedient servant Alex d H. H. Stuart Secretary
James E. Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

Pension Office May 27 th 1852
Sir,
In answer to the application of Mary Parsons, widow of Sylvanus Parsons for increase of pension. I have to inform you that her husband was pensioned under act of 18 th March 1818, but stricken from the rolls under act of May 1 st 1820, consequently, if living would, under existing laws, be entitled to $80, per annum, and no more; as Mrs Parsons is now in the receipt of the above amount per annum, she is entitled to no higher rate of allowance.
Her certificate is herewith returned
I am respectfully Your obed t Serv t J. D. D. D. Commissioner
H. Nooman Esq. Boston, Mass ts .

V
2719
Mail.
Sat. June 10th, May 7-39
act 7. July 3.

Newton Platter 50 c 1 Pot 75 c Iron Kettle 1.50 - 1 Tin Pail 75 c 1 pair And irons, old 25 c - Shovel & Tongs 50 c 1 Pr. Bed Irons 50 c - 1 Table $2, 1 do. 50 c
Total amt. $40-01
No mention of the disposal of the property exhibited in the 1 st Sched.
Isiah Dwight Doy North Hampton
Land Reg d Mass Regulation sent Apr 5 1823
Massachusetts
Sylvanus Parsons
Served from 1777 to '80
1 st Sched: dated July 1820.-
171 acres of Land with house & barn $1700- 1 horse $45 - 2 cows $32 - 4 yearlings $16- 5 calves $12 - 26 sheep & lamb $19 - 2 Hogs $5 - 3 Kettles $3 - Shovel & Tongs $1 - 1 Drawers $3 - 3 Tables $6 - Looking Glass $1 - 7 Chairs $3 - 1 Dish 25 c - 3 Candles 75 c - Crockery ware $2, 10 c - 3 - 1 harrow $2 - 1 axe - 2 hoes & 1 sythe $2.25.-
Total amt. $1,857.00
Indebted 1,396.00
age - 62 - wife 53 - 2 sons 18 - 13 yrs the eldest in a bad state of health. 2 Daughters 21 - & 15 yrs old.
application for Restoration rejected Feb y . 1821.
2 d Sched: made Nov r 1820.
1 Cow $12 - 10 Sheep $12.50 - 1 Cane Drawers $3 - 5 Chairs $3 - 1 do. $1 - 9 Plates 36 c - 1 Set Cups & Saucers 20 c 1 Pitcher 20 c - 2 Tea Pots 50 c - over

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15157
Mary Parsons Widow of Sylvanus Parsons Pri Rev War
Act: Feb 2 d 48
Index:—Vol. M , Page 112
[Arrangement of 1870.]

95415 Mary Parson
to Elizabeth
ad 100 no 11267
Winton August 3rd 1841 Washington City Pa

5 N. 267.
5
No Ans

No. 95415-
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Apr. 24 th 1855-
Sylvania Parsons dec-Pri.
Rev. War.
Mass Line
11267-160-55-
H. Woodman
Boston
Mass -

Worthington
Hampshire Co Mass
Dec 19 th 1855
J. Minot Esq
Dear Sir, Warrant No 11267 and bearing date December 3 d 1855 was issued to Mary Parsons (Widow of Sylvanus Parsons, private of the Revolutionary War) for 160 acres.
Mary Parsons above named died July 17 or 18 th 1855 I do not remember which, and she has no minor child, or children. Is the warrant good, and what ought to be done with it.
I obtained the warrant for her, and it now remains in my hands
Respectfully yours
Edward C Porter

Reported
Massachusetts 1389
Mary Parsons
widow of Sylvanus Parsons who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 th day of August 1843 and sent to William Ward Withington, Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1, Page 50.