Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25837, for John Nickerson, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
mass
Nickerson, John Deborah
W. 25837
CONTENTS

Massachusetts. 4422
Deborah Nickerson widow of John Nickerson who died in the month of Nov. 1801 of Barnstable, in the State of Mass. who was a Private in the Co. commanded by Captain Hedges of the Reg. commanded by Col. Freeman in the Mass. line for 6 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Boston at the rate of 20 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of Nov. 1821 and sent Benj. Lowell, Providence, R. I.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 46 $ 310. Semi-annual allowance ending — 10.
420.
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 o }
Recorded by L. H. Wood, Clerk. Book @ Vol. 1. Page 61.
Rep n Col. J. A. May, Cliz. Oct. 11 th 48.

D. L. ... D. L. ...

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Barnstable
On this ninth day of May A D 1845 personally appeared before me, Nymphas Marston, Judge of the Court of Probate within & for said County, Deborah Nickerson now resident in Yarmouth in said County aged eighty four years, who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 4 1836. viz That she is the widow of John Nickerson deceased who was a soldier of the Revolution, that early in the war in the 1775, he entered the service in Capt Joshua Grays Company under whom he served during the summer of that year as much as three months, according to her best recollection he also served under Capt Elisha Hedges also under Capt Clark, according to her best recollection he served as much as twelve months before and after their marriage but she cannot specify all his officers names - and she further declares that she was married to the said John Nickerson on the fourteenth day of December A D 1779 as will appear by the records of said Town

of Yarmouth a copy whereof is hereto annexed That her husband the said John Nickerson departed this life on the _____ day of December A.D. 1801, and since that period she has remained a widow Wherefore she requests that a pension may be allowed to her agreeably to the provisions of the act aforesaid.
Witness — Isaac Nickerson
Deborah her + Nickerson mark
Barnstable, In Yarmouth May 9 th A.D. 1845 Personally appeared before me the above named Deborah Nickerson & made oath to the truth of the above declaration by her signed and I further certify that from old age and infirmity she is now unable to attend court I also certify she is a credible person & her statements entitled to credit and that she signed with her mark, being unable to write her name
Nympha Mansfield — Judge of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Barnstable ss
I, Timothy Reed Register of the Court of Probate within and for the County

of Bawditch aforesaid hereby certify that the Hon ble Nathaniel Morison is the judge of said Court and that the signature on the next preceding page which purports to have been made by him is his genuine signature made in my presence
In witness whereof I have hereby set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this ninth day of May in the year of our Lord one thous- and eight hundred & forty five Dorothy Root Reg d Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
March 3 d , 1840.
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 Nickerson is borne as a private upon a pay Roll of Capt: Elisha Hodge, Col. Freeman, on the alarm at Dartmouth in Sept: 1778 — 3 days; — Upon a pay Roll of the six months men belonging to Yarmouth, employed in the Continental Service, from July 10 to Dec: 3. 1780 with allowance for 280 miles travel, 5 months 7 days and upon a Descriptive list of the same, marched from Springfield under Capt: Clark, July 19 th . The name of said Nickerson is not upon the rolls of Capt: Joshua Gray and the above is all the evidence of service shown by any of the records in this office.

177. 11
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 within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sawyer. Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Deborah Nickerson of Yarmouth in the County of Barnstable Common- wealth of Massachusetts do declare & say that I am the widow of John Nickerson who was a soldier of the Revolution & served in various companies & Regiments Among other services, he enlisted & served under Capt Clark at West Point. I believe also under Capt Fluke Hodge also under Capt Johnson Gray & I believe also under other Captains. Wherefore I hereby request the Secretary of State to examine all the Rolls in his office & certify the amount of service performed in above companies, & other things my hand This 22 nd day of Jany 1845
signed & Executed in presence of
Charles Thacher } Deborah her Nickerson mark
Barnstable ss Yarmouth Jan 4. 22 nd 1845
Then personally appeared the above named Deborah Nickerson and acknowledged the above instrument by her subscription, to be the truth, and her free act & deed
Before me Charles Thacher Justice of Peace

"Marriages solemnized by Rev. Timothy Alden John Nickerson to Deborah Studley married Decem. fourteenth seventeen hundred and seventy nine"
The above 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, "Decem. 14. 1779"
Attest, Simeon Crowell
State of Massachusetts Barnstable ss.
Yarmouth November 28. 1840. I, Simeon Crowell above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County, Town and State aforesaid and that the above are true extracts from the records of said Town with the exceptions above named as certified by me.
Simeon Crowell Town Clerk
Affirmed to before me, Simeon Crowell 3 d Justice of Peace.

I Thomas Gage of Pawtucket in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts on oath do testify & say that I am now eighty one years of age that during the war of the Revolution I resided in Yarmouth in the County of Barnstable I was Born in that Town and lived there until about thirty years ago and I do further testify & say that I was well acquainted John Nickerson of that town who Married Deborah Studley I knew them both well I also Remember Capt. Joshua Gray who was a Captain of a Militia Company During the war of the Revolution - Said John Nickerson was a private in his Company and I Remember that sometime in the year 1775 or in the early part of the war said John was drafted and went away under said Capt. Gray as a soldier and was gone several months but how long I do not Remember but he was absent as much as two or three months according to the best of my Recollection
Thomas Gage
Bristol ss In pawtucket April 24 th 1845 personally appeared before me the above named Thomas Gage and made oaths to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed I further Certify that he is personally known to me and he is a credible witness
William Fish } Justice of the peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston May 13 d 1843.
I hereby Certify, That on the twenty third day of November, eighteen hundred and forty, Simson Crowell I was, and is now a Justice of the Peace for the County of Barnstable, — and that William Dike of Pawtucket was on the twenty third of February, eighteen hundred and forty three, appointed for the term of seven years, a Justice of the Peace for the County of Bristol, — in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to their 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.
John G. Parry, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

6489
Deborah Wilkinson Mother of John
Map Po May 17, 1845.
a et 4 July 1834
m 79 c 06
levy. ————— -3
do 80. 5. 7
parolproof 76. 20
Alonzo Gano
Gano Jr
208
Benjamin Gano Esq Providence R.I.

I Bethiah Hallett of Smithfield in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island do hereby certify and say that I am now of Seventy Seven Years of age. That During the war of the Revolution I lived in Yeatman in the County of Bristol in the State of Massachusetts I was born and brought up in that Town and I further testify that I was well acquainted with John Dickerson, the Husband of Deborah Dickerson now His Widow and living in said Yeatman. I have a distinct recollection that in the year 1775 soon after the Battle of Bunkerhill said John Dickerson was Drafted in Capt Joshua Gray's Company of Militia. I well knew Capt Joshua Gray. both the said John Dickerson were near Neighbors to me and I have a distinct recollection that said John Dickerson went off in Capt Gray's Company and was gone until September when he came home on a furlough I recollect very well this circumstance. The Company went to the Army near Boston after his furlough but he returned again to his Company and stayed several weeks how long he was draughted for I do not know but I remember that he was gone from June 1775 to some time in the Autumn of the same year. In that he served as a private in said Capt Gray's Company.
Bethiah Hallett
Providence R.I. In Smithfield April 11 th 1845
Personally appeared before me the above named

Belinda Hallett was made Oath to the aforesaid Deposition by her Signa, and I further certify that she is a credible witness, and that her statement is entitled to full faith and credit. Said deposition was reduced to writing by me in her presence and Signa by her after it was carefully read to her. Leonard Hallett justice of the peace.

I Isaac Nickerson of Smithfield in the County of Providence & State of Rhode Island on oath do testify & say that Deborah Nickerson of Garmouth who has signed & sworn to the preceding declaration is my Mother, & the said John Nickerson was my father My father died in December 1801, and since then my Mother has remained a widow I was born in January St 1798 and I can just remember when my father was buried, Isaac Nickerson
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations,
Providence So, } ss In Providence, on this twelfth day of May, a. d. 1845, personally appeared Isaac Nickerson, subscriber to the foregoing, and made oath of the truth of the same, and I do certify that said Isaac Nickerson is a credible witness. Before me,
Samuel L. Knight,
Jus. Peace. 3

State of Rhode Island &c.
Providence &c. Clerk's office, Court of Common Pleas
I, John W. Smith, Clerk, of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Providence & State aforesaid, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Samuel Angell Esquire, before whom one of the foregoing affidavits was sworn, is a Justice of the Peace for the town of North Providence in said County, and that his aforesaid signature is genuine; (And that Garmahiel S. Dwight Esquire, before whom one of the foregoing affidavits was sworn, is a Justice of the Peace for the City of Providence in said County; and that his aforesaid signature is genuine; (And that said Angell & Dwight are by the laws of this State, authorized and empowered in their said capacity to administer oaths and take depositions.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court, at the City of Providence, this fifteenth day of May A D 1845.
John W. Smith clerk

I Bethiah Miller of Dennis in county of Barnstable, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged eighty five years, do testify and declare on oath that I was well acquainted with John Nickerson, formerly of Yarmouth, and husband of Deborah Nickerson now his widow, I lived in Yarmouth during the war of the Revolution, and said John Nickerson was a neighbor of mine, I have a distinct recollection that he went to the Army near Boston, I have often heard it said that he was in the Bunker Hill battle, but in what company I do not remember, but he was gone about that time as long as seven months.  Bethiah her X Miller mark  Stephen Scats } Witnesses to signature Seth Crowell }
Barnstable ss. April 17 th 1846 Then personally appeared the above named Bethiah Miller and made oath that the above declaration and affidavit, by her subscribed, is true —
Before me Seth Crowell, Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above named Bethiah Miller is a credible witness —
Seth Crowell, Jus. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Barnstable ss
I Dorothy Reed Clerk of the Courts within and for the County of Barnstable aforesaid hereby certify that Seth Grewell of Dennis in said County Esquire is a justice of the Peace in & for said County duly Commissioned and qualified and who, so on the seventeenth day of April last past is that by the laws of this Commonwealth he is authorized as such to ad- minister oaths in all Cases required by law & full faith & credit is due to his official acts, and that the within signature pur- porting to have been made by him is his genuine signature —
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court at Common- Pleas this twelfth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty six
Dorothy Reed Clerk as aforesaid

I Thomas Nickerson of Yarmouth in the State of Massachusetts, laborer, of the age of Sixty years and son of John Nickerson, late of said Yar- mouth deceased, on oath depose and say, that I was twenty years of age when my father died, and have often heard him speak of being in the Revolutionary war, I have heard him say that he belonged to Capt Joshua Gray's Company and served the time for which he enlisted, I think six months, I was dis- charged, I came home in company with Eben Matthews, Isaac Matthews, Prince Gage, Eben Gage & Warham Gage, I heard him say frequently say that he was at Dorchester and saw the British when they left Boston I have heard him say that he was dis- charged soon after the British left Boston. I have also heard him speak of other services in the war of the Revolution, & that he came home once on a furlough, & I further certify & declare on oath that I have no personal or direct no interest in my mother's obtaining a pension Yarmouth, July 28. 1845
Thomas Nickerson

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Barnstable County ss. On this twenty eighth day of July, in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and forty five the aforesaid deponent, Thomas Nickerson personally appeared before me the Subscriber, at Falmouth in said County, and he being first cautioned & sworn to speak the truth the whole truth, and nothing but the truth gave the foregoing deposition by him subscribed in my presence, and the same was by me reduced to writing in his presence, And of the truth of the State- ments in said deposition by him sub- scribed I am fully satisfied. Amos Otis Justice of Peace.

I Abigail Snow of Brewster County of Barnstable Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged ninety years to testify and say that during the war of the Revolution I lived in Yarmouth in said County was born and brought up there I married for my first husband James Nickerson of Yarmouth the Brother of John Nickerson who was the husband of Deborah Nickerson now his Widow and living in Yarmouth I further testify that I have a distinct recollection that in the early part of the war when the British were in possession of Boston the said John went off to Boston in Capt Joshua Grays Company how long he was gone I cannot recollect but he went off as a soldier in said Company he was there when the British left Boston
Abigail her Snow mark
Barnstable to Commonwealth of Massachusetts April fifteenth A.D. 1846 Personally appeared Abigail Snow the above named before me and made oath to the same I further say that I am acquaint- ed with her and that she is a credible witness
Before me George W. Higgins Justice Peace

I Thomas Gage of Pawtucket - in the County of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged eighty-two Do further testify & say relative to the services of John Nickerson formerly of Yarmouth. I had three brothers, Prince Gage, Ebenezer Gage, and Reuben Gage who are all deceased, and they all were in the service under Capt Joshua Gray at the time John Nickerson was at Dorchester & at the time the British left Boston and they came home with him. This according to my best recollection was in the first or second year of the war. Thomas Gage
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss. May 5. 1848 Then personally appeared the above named Thomas Gage and made oath to the truth of the above Affidavit by him signed. And further certify that he is a credible witness
Geo H Wheaton, Justice Peace

Delvinak Mepun

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston. May 7 th 1846
I hereby Certify , That on the sixth day of March eighteen hundred and forty one, George W. Higgins, and on the twenty eighth of January eighteen hundreds and forty one, Amos Otis, were severally appointed for the term of seven years Justices of the Peace for the County of Barnstable; and on the twenty third day of February eighteen hundred and forty three, George H. Wheeler was appointed for the term of seven years a Justice of the Peace for the County of Bristol,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to their 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.
W. G. Brown Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Rev y
WIDOW, &c.
File No.
2587
Deborah Nickerson
Wid of
John Nickerson
Brn Newber
Act:
July 1839
Index:--Vol.
6
Page
300
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No 6489
Deborah McKusen
Mono of John Map.
15 2
Set to B. Leoville June 23. 1845
300
" " Same Sept 6. 1845
10
" " " July 14. 1846
" " " Sept 5. 1846
do to Same Oct 16. '46
1836
act 4 July 1834

DOOR
|||||
3.66 99 4.65
x
2333 11

No 11489 Deborah Nickerson
Married Feb. 6. Mr. Lowell June 23. 1845 do to same Sept. 6. 1845 " same July 14, 1846. " same Sept. 5. 1846.
act # July 1836

Deborah Stickney wid of John S Map act 4 May 1836 $20 00 per Ann } 3
To what time was the last paid Pension Office G. B. L. Act 7 1848 } Paid per act 6 April 1838 to the 4 th March 1847 } 1
J. B. P.

April 18-1848
Amos Otis son of Deborah Nickerson wife of John

Yarmouth Port, (Mass) Apr 13. 1848.
J. S. Edwards Esq. Comm. of Pensions, Sir,
Mrs. Deborah Wick- son, widow of John Wickson, called on me to day to draw up the necessary papers in order for her to receive her pension from the Agent of the W. S. for paying pensions in Boston. She says her Son Isaac of Rhode Island assisted her in obtaining the "Back Money", but she could give me but little information. Will you in- form me whether a pension has been grant- ed to her, & if so at what rate per annum & up to what time it has been paid
Respectfully Yours
Amos Olin

Secretary's Office Boston Nov 23 1846
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 20th inst, relative to rolls of the 1776 Service, I have to inform you that there are but few rolls of Military Companies of that year remaining in my office, and these are mostly Ration and Quarters rolls, showing no Service.
There were considerably many Companies raised in Massachusetts in the year 1776 to serve in and out of the State, whose rolls of deposited in the Archives of this State are not all here now. I have received of individuals at different times, rolls and other papers relating to military services in the war of the Revolution, which would not otherwise have enabled claimants to receive pension.
Accompanying this is a certificate showing that Joshua Gray commanded a company in the year 1776, which I hope will be

of mail to you.
Respectfully, your obed. servant,
John E. Palfrey.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston; Novem 6 d 1846.
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 that Joshua Gray was commissioned a Captain in Col Gays reg t in February 1776, and that Daniel Bassett and William Chapman were also commissioned at the same time as Lieutenants with Josiah Miller as Ensign in this Company which I have reason to believe served at Dorchester Heights.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
H. G. Loring,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Providence Nov 25 1846
Sir
On the 16 inst I transmitted to you the Bethiah Hall's & Tazewell Snipe's affidavits, together with an additional statement of Deborah Nickerson widow John Nickerson relative to her claim for a pension. Both of these witnesses attested to the fact that John Nickerson did serve in Capt Joshua Gray's Company at the time the enemy left Boston in the Spring of 1776. The objection to the allowance of this claim has been, that the Rolls of Capt Gray's Co in the Secretary's office did not contain his name. The reply made to this was, that there were no Rolls of Capt Gray's Co in the Secretary's office after 1775, & that the Rolls of the Militia & other services were very deficient & incomplete in 1776. I now enclose a letter from the Secretary of Massachusetts, which fully cor- =roborates the statement of the deficiency of these Rolls in that year & also a further certificate from him showing that Capt Gray was commissioned in February 1778 & his belief, that his Company did serve on

Dorchester Heights, This fully sustains Andr Taylor who testified that he did serve in Capt Grays Company at that time & station & that John Dickinson served with him in same Company. This also corroborates the testimony of others Hallett Mrs Tripp Thomas Gage & one or two others, who have all testified to the fact that claimants husband did serve in Capt Grays Company at that time, As the Secretary of War has now confirmed the fact that the Rolls are deficient in 1876 & that Joshua Gray was a Captain of a Company in that war I have reason to believe no further disputes will be made to this claim & that Mrs Dickinson will be allowed for this service such an amount, as the evidence warrants. I pray the evidence now enclosed may be filed with that sent by me on 16 inst -
I am very Respectfully Your old son Benjamin
J. L. Edwards Esq

I Samson Frisb of Smithfield in the County of Providence & State of Rhode Island being now in the eighty first year of my age on oath do testify & say that I was borne & brought up in Yarmouth in the State of Massachusetts in that part of the Town of Yarmouth now called Dennis & moved from that Town to this about thirty five years ago, and I further testify that I was well acquainted with Capt Joshua Gray of said Yarmouth, he was a Captain of a Company in the war of the Revolution I have distinct recollection that in the fore part of the year A D 1776 Capt Gray went with his Company to Dorchester near Boston, I lived about two miles from Capt Gray at the time & what makes me remember the fact more particularly a quite a number of young men with whom I was acquainted went with him I remember also to have heard that soon after he went the enemy left Boston
I was also acquainted with John Dickerson the husband of Deborah Dickerson now his widow & remember that he went off with him I do not recollect how long he was gone Signed in Presence of Samson Frisb Sabins Allen Nick

State of Rhode Island
Providence in Smithfield Oct 26 th 1846 Personally appeared before me the above named Tazir Tripp & made oath to the truth of the above deposition by her signed. I further certify said Tazir is a credible witness
Sabin Allen Justice of the Peace
State of Rhode Island Providence Plantations
Providence ss
I Albert Greene, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Providence in the County of Providence in said State, do certify that Sabin Allen who has signed the preceding certificate, was on the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the Town of Smithfield in said County, duly elected.
In attestation whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and have affixed the seal of said Court, this 16 th day of November, A.D. 1846.
Albert Greene Clerk.

Providence November 16 1846
Sir
I received your letter of the 16 th inst respecting the claim of Deborah Stickson, and I sent it to Garmore for his perusal, and I now enclose her additional statement in reply. I also enclose a further affidavit of Bethiah Hallett & also a deposition of Fanny Trippe two very respectable old ladies, of the most unimpeachable character, who lived in the neighborhood of Capt Joshua Gray during the war of the Revolution, and were acquainted with his movements. If I did not know the fact that the records of service in 1776, in the archives of Massachusetts are incomplete (I do not know they are so in any other year) I would not press this claim any further. But I do know the fact & several original Bills which I have & one I transmitted in M rs Stickson's case prove it beyond all controversy. And not only do I know this fact, but it has been admitted by the Department in several instances — You observe in your letter that M rs Stickson stated, in her original declaration, that her husband served in Capt Gray's company in 1775. It is true she did so, but I trust her additional statement now enclosed sufficiently explains the reason, But the year can be of no importance

if the fact of serving in that company be true, That he did serve in that company is proved by one witness respectable & disinterested & of sound mind & memory who served with him, and the time when is stated in such a manner as to remove all doubt as to the year. He says it was the time the British evacuated Boston, this as history informs us was in March 1776. Here the witness altho' he may not remember the year, yet he remembers an important fact which conclusively shows & proves the year.
I also beg leave to call your attention to several facts set forth in Mrs. Hallett's affidavit now enclosed. Mrs. Hallett does not remember the year but says, it was "the first or second year of the war" that Capt Gray went off to Boston, and she relates so many circumstances about Hickerson being in that company as must I think satisfy any one of the truth of her statement. Fanny in Trapp also being a near neighbor to Capt Gray and distinctly remembers of his going off to Boston with his company in 1776, and what makes her remember particularly she was "well acquainted with quite a number of young men" who went off with him. This reason is natural & no doubt was true — allow me further to say in reply to the last clause in your letter, that the witnesses whose

affidavits were first transmitted did not, if I rightly remember, positively state that Hickson served in Capt Grays Company in 1775 but "in the first or second year of the war". But the year as before observed cannot be of consequence if the fact of his serving in this Company be true, and permit me to add that if disinterested testimony is to be relied upon in any case whatever it is true. It is not to impossible that so many witnesses should be mistaken. If there were any Rolls of Capt Grays in the Archives of Massachusetts in 1776 & his name was not borne upon them, a doubt might arise as to the correctness of this claim. But Capt Gray did serve in that year. Not only five or six witnesses assert the fact, but history also informs us that when the 8 months service in 75 was out & before the regiments were filled up for the year service the Militia of Massachusetts were called upon from every quarter to repair to stations near Boston to guard against the enemy, Capt Grays Company was one of them. for Israel Taylor says he was in that Company when he saw the enemy leave Boston. How can he be mistaken in this fact? Upon such testimony I rest the justice of her claim. With such accumulative evidence I think the Department must be satisfied that for the 20 days service being all that is wanted to make up the six months.
Respectfully, & c.
Benja Lowell
J. L. Edwards Esq.

I Abel Taylor of Falmouth in the State of Massachusetts aged ninety six years, do hereby depose and say that I was a soldier in Capt Joshua Gray's Company in the war of the Revolution, and was at Boston where the British were drove out of Boston in the Spring of the year 1776, I was also acquainted with John Matteson who was in Deborah Studley. The said John Matteson belonged to Capt Gray's com- pany and was with us at Dorchester near Boston, on that expedition, he did not belong to the same unit with me, and I have not a very distinct re- collection of him, but Capt Gray's company were all there or nearly all. I have a distinct recollection of seeing the British leave Boston, & soon after the British left Boston, our company being military were discharged & we came home. We were there several months previous to our discharge. Falmouth July 28. 1845. Abel Taylor

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Barnstable County ss. On the twenty eighth day of July in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty five the aforesaid defendant Amos Taylor personally appeared before me the subscriber, at Yarmouth in said County; and he being first cautioned I swore to speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, gave the fore- going deposition by him subscribed in my presence, and the same was by me reduced to writing in his presence. And I further certify, that the said Amos Taylor is a credible person, and of the truth of the statements in said deposition by him subscribed I am fully satisfied.
Amos Old Justice of the Peace

I Sarah Bray of Yarmouth in the State of Massachusetts, widow woman, aged eighty three years on oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with John Nick- son late of Yarmouth, and was present when he was married to Deborah Nick- son, now living in Yarmouth aforesaid. They were married at my grandfather's Samuel Murchant's house. I have a dis- tinct recollection that John Nickson went a soldiering in the war of the Revolution. I heard it said at the the time he came home on a furlough that he was under Capt Joshua Gray, I remem- ber from the circumstance that Joshua Brinsfield, whom I saw several times, told me that he came to look up the Sol- diers who were at home on furlough & that John Nickson was one of the said Soldiers
Sarah Bray
Yarmouth July 28, 1845.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Barnstable County ss. On the twenty eighth day of July in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and forty five, the aforesaid deponent Sarah Bray personally appeared before me the subscriber at Yarmouth in said County, and she first being cautioned & sworn to speak the truth, the whole truth & nothing but the truth gave the foregoing deposition by her Subscribed in my presence and the same was by me reduced to writing in her presence. And I further certify that the said Sarah Bray is a credible person, and of the truth of the statements in said deposition by her Sub- scribed I am fully satisfied.
Amos Olin Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston August 1 st 1843
I hereby Certify, That on the twenty eight day of January eighteen hundred and forty one Amos Otis was appointed a Justice of the Peace for the term of Seven years for the County of Barnstable
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.
John G. Palfrey, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Providence May 18 th 1846
Sir
In answer to your letter of the Sept 6, 1845 respecting the claim of Deborah Nickerson I herewith enclose further evidence which I hope will be satisfactory. The objection heretofore has been to the service in Capt Joshua Grays Company, the other services 5 months & 10 days having been admitted. As to this objection, there are now six witnesses all credible & disinterested, who testify that he did belong to & served in that company stationed at Dorchester near Boston from 3 to 6 months, terminating at the time the British evacuated that place. He went there the latter part of 1775 & served until March 1776 when the British evacuated. Israel Taylor testifies that he served with him in that Company. But he was 96 years of age when he gave his deposition, it could not be supposed therefore that his mind & memory were such as to enable him to be positive as to particulars, but he remembered the fact of his being there. All the other witnesses testify to his going & returning & are positive differing only as to the length of time he was gone. But can it be supposed on any

reasonable grounds, he was not there 20 days, all that is wanting to make up 6 months! As to the fact of his name not being on the Roll of that company now in Boston, it is well known and the fact has often been admitted by you, that the Rolls in 75 (except the 8 months service) and 76 are very deficient. It is also well known that since the pension laws were passed a great many original Rolls have been carried to Boston & deposited in the Secretarys office which were not there before. These Rolls are altogether defective during those years.
There is another fact to which I beg leave to call your attention. The affidavit of Thomas Nickerson & Thuma Gage, now enclosed, shows quite a coincidence. Thomas Nickerson says he has often heard his father say, when speaking of his services in Capt Gray's company, that he came home in company with Pierce Gage, Ebenezer Gage & Nathan Gage & Thuma Gage now states the same fact in his affidavit. They were all his brothers & went & returned with John Nickerson. This he well remembers & this circumstance confirms the evidence of both.
All I ask for Mrs Nickerson is that she may be allowed a pension for 6 months.

if the evidence will not justify any greater amount, she is poor & deserving and I cannot but expect she will be allowed a pension especially as she has established her claim by such plenary proof—
I am respectfully your obt servt Benja Cowell
J. L. Edwards Esq

Sir
Providence Aug 4 1845
In answer to your letter of June 23 rd ult. respecting the claim of Deborah Nickerson widow of John. I herewith enclose further testimony of his services. You observe that the testimony is not deemed sufficient to prove service alleged to have been done in Capt Joshua Grays Company - five months & 10 days as admitted. In addition to the evidence of Thomas Gage & Bethiah Hollett proving a tour of duty in Capt Grays company I herewith, the affidavits of Ansel Taylor & Sarah Bray two very respectable & disinterested witnesses - Ansel Taylor swears that he himself served in Grays Company at the time the British left Boston in 1776 & that John Nickerson was with them altho not belonging to the same mess his recollections are imperfect. This is not to be wondered at considering the extreme old age of the witness. There are now four witnesses who have testified to a tour of duty in Capt Grays company. It is true the Rolls in Boston do not show this service, But these Rolls are very

deficient, as respects the services of Militia in 1775 & 1776. This is a well known fact & is what has been repeatedly shown & admitted by you in other cases. It is understood that in many towns, perhaps most all, the Captains never returned the names , but the number of men & the amount of wages to be paid This was a common practice in those years - But at all events, for whatever cause, the Rolls in those years are very deficient. It is true the witnesses do not specify the number of months, but they all say "several months". This is rarely enough to cover the 20 days wanting to make up 6 months if no no more. The amount of service I leave trusting a pension for 6 months at least will be granted
Yours respectfully your att Servt Benja Forster
J. L. Edwards Esq

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston; Aug. 4. 1846
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 only Rolls of Capt. Joshua Gray's Company in this office, are those, viz — One for two days Service from April 20, 1775 And two others (for Sea Coast Service) from July 1 to November 1, 1775, and from November 1 to December 31, 1775, upon which the name of John Vickerson is Not borne.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Parris,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Providence Aug 7 th 1846
Sir
In answer to your letter of the 14 th title respecting the claim of Deborah Nickerson I herewith enclose the certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts of the service of Capt Gray, Company. You observed in your letter if it could be shown that no roll of his company is filed in the Secretary's office embracing the time when it was alleged her husband John Nickerson served the "term of six weeks, would be credited to claimant's husband". It will be seen that the Secretary's certificate does not embrace the time when the British evacuated Boston, March 17 1776, when Russel Taylor testifies he served with him, at Dorchester near Boston and saw the enemy leave the town. It is also proved by several other witnesses that John Nickerson was there upon that event took place. Altho they might have mistaken the year when that event did take place. The "Seal boat service" in '75 spoken of in Secretary's certificate was probably down on Cape Cod where Capt Gray hired. Hoping & expecting no further delay make take place but that a certificate may be granted - I remain very Respectfully
yo ur obed Servt Benja Conwell
J. L. Edwards Esq

Providence May 15 1845
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Deborah Nickerson widow of John for a pension under the act of July 4, 1836
I am Respectfully your obedt servt Benja Cowell
J. L. Edwards Esq

I Ansel Taylor of Yarmouth in the County of Barnstable & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do further testify and say relative to the services of John Nickerson; I reaffirm all the facts I stated in my first deposition, respecting my serving with him in Capt n Joshua Grays Company near Boston at the time the enemy left that town in March 1776, I believe it was, and I further testify that the reason I never applied for a pension myself, was be- -cause I did not serve long enough to obtain one, but I did serve in Capt n Joshua Grays Company as I have stated signed in present of Charles Thacher
Ansel Taylor
Barnstable ss. Yarmouth Sept. 14 th 1846
Then the above named, Ansel Taylor was examined, and cautioned, and he made Oath that the above instrument by him subscribed, to be the truth
Before me Charles Thacher Justice of Peace
I also certify said Ansel Taylor is a credible Witness - Charles Thacher Justice of Peace

William Bray of Yarmouth in the County of Barnstable and commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Eighty - years. do testify and say that during the war of the Revolution Capt n Joshua Gray commanded a Company of Militia and was in service of his country. I am confident he was in service not only in 1775, but also in 1776, how many times I do not know; I also testify that I am acquainted with Amos Taylor of said Yarmouth, he has always sustained a good character for truth & veracity. And his statements are entitled to full credit. Signed in presence of Charles Thacher William Bray
Barnstable ss, Yarmouth 23 rd Sept r 1846 Then the above named William Bray made Oath to the above instrument by him subscribed, to be the truth
Before me Charles Thacher Just I also certify said William Bray is a Pea credible witness - Charles Thacher - Just of Pea

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office Boston September 26 th 1826
I hereby Certify, That on the twenty seventh of April eighteen hundred and thirty three, Charles Thacher of Yarmouth, was appointed for the term of seven years, a Justice of the Peace for the County of Barnstable,
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.
John G. Sleeper, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Providence Sept 28 1846
Sir
I received your letter of the 5 th inst respecting the claim of Deborah Fishuson and I must be permitted to say its contents were quite unexpected. It was directly at variance with your letter of July 25 th respecting the same claim. In the latter letter you wrote me, her claim could not be allowed unless it could be shown that no Roll is filed in the Secretarys office which embraces the service of Capt Grays Company at the period referred to. (This period was the time when the British evacuated Boston when Asahel Taylor was in his Company as sworn to by him) If this be done you observe, "as the Department is apprised that service of a character similar to that which is alleged, was performed at that particular time, the term which extends to at least six weeks will be credited to claimants husband."
This has been done. On receiving your letter I immediately wrote to the Secretary of War for a certificate of what time the Rolls of Capt Gray, in his office did embrace as his former certificate did not do it, and it appeared by his supplemental certificate there were no Rolls of Capt Grays Company in his office after December 1775 —

From this fact, I had the fullest reason to believe his claim would be allowed. Ansel Taylor had sworn that he had served in Capt Grays with Nickerson in March 1776 & what made him more certain as to time, he testified it was at the time the enemy left Boston, he saw them leave Boston This was a circumstance in which he could not be mistaken and this was in March 1776. I now enclose another affidavit of Ansel Taylor in which he affirms the same facts. I also enclose another  an affidavit of William Bray who also was acquainted with Capt Gray & remembers of his serving with his company in 1776 & also testifying to the good character of Ansel Taylor, and I may be permitted to say in addition, that I am informed, that he now & has been for many years a worthy member of a Christian Church & notwithstanding his great age is in full and perfect possession of all his faculties. —
There are now six or seven witnesses who have all borne testimony that Capt Gray did serve this time and I ask can there be any reasonable doubt of it? It is true the Rolls in Boston do not show it, But the Rolls in Boston are very deficient of the Militia service in 1776 They are known to be so & admitted by you to be so in several instances, and I myself know them to be so for I have now in my possession several Rolls of Massachusetts Militia service in

that year, of which there is no trace in Boston as I am informed, & one of which, for that reason, I expect to forward to the pension office when the case is prepared. You may also recollect that in the case of William Grafton an original Roll of Capt Stephen Rich's company for service in '76 was forwarded, there being no record of it in Boston . But you observe that "Ansel Taylor is not a pensioner". But the reason of that is, he did not serve long enough as he testifies, to obtain one. In my mind however this fact gives additional weight to his testimony. His positive testimony is corroborated by several very respectable & credible witnesses, and is it reasonable to suppose that Capt Gray, Captain of a Militia Company & living in such an exposed situation as Cape Cod should not have served, except in 1775. The first year of the war? - I ask for nothing but what is right in her case. She is a poor old distressed woman, supported in part by charity as I believe and as the evidence is positive & credible I have a right to expect a pension will be allowed her
I am very Respectfully Your Obedt Servt Benja Forster
J L Edwards Esq

[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]
Yours truly John G.
Benjamin Cowell Esq.
Providence
R. Island

To the Commissioner of Pensions Sir Having received a letter from you to Benjamin Cowell Esq dated Oct 16 th 1846 respecting my pension wherein you observe that in my original application I alleged that my husband served in Capt. Gashua Grays Company in 1775, I now further declare that if I so stated his service, it was done according to my best recollection at the time, But it ap- pearing from most all the testimony of the witnesses that he served in that Company in 1776 I am led to believe that I was mistaken as to the year, But of this I am confident that he served in Capt. Grays Company and I claim the benefit of said service, I have always understood that my husband did a great deal of service during the war of the revolution, but it can- not be expected that, Old & infirm as I am I should be able to specify the times of all his services, There is now no person living but Ansel Taylor who served with him & he served with him in 1776, stationed at Dorchester near Boston in Capt. Grays

Company at the time as I believe when the enemy was in Boston
her Deborah X Nickerson mark
Barnstable ss, Yarmouth Nov: 4 th 1846 Sworn to and subscribed before me & I certify her statements are intitled to credit
Charles Thacher Justice of the Peace
The official character of Charles Thacher is entitled in another paper in this case. B C

Nashville 12 4 th Novr. 1846
Benj t Cowell Esq r Dear Sir
should I succeed in getting any more testimony, or further evidence, I will send it on, the old lady says that her husband & his brother, James, returned to gather from the war, and that his widow has of late obtained a pension. She lives in Brewster. Perhaps some information might be obtained from that source your O bt Servt
Charles Thach

I Bethiah Hallett now resident in Pardhicket in the County of Bristol, Massachusetts but lately resident in Smithfield Rhode Island aged eighty years on oath do further testify and say in reference to the services of John Nickerson formerly the husband of Deborah Nickerson. I was born and brought up in Yarmouth and was well acquainted with Capt Joshua Gray and was a near neighbour to him, and also acquainted with John Nickerson, who also was a neighbour, I have a clear and distinct recollection as I before stated that said John did belong to and served in Capt Joshua Grays Company and went off to Boston or a place near Boston in the first or second year of the war. It was that year however, that the British Troops evacuated Boston, and what makes me more certain, I remember well, that my uncle Elisha Howes came home, and came to our house and while sitting at the table I distinctly remember that he said John Nickerson was there in Capt Joshua Grays Company. I have also a distinct recollection, that after this, that John Nickerson brought some old wool yarn to our house to be woven into cloth, My Mother learned me to weave when I was about seven years old, and when I was about eleven or twelve, I wove this cloth for John Nickerson and I remember

he said it was for his wedding coat, and he took the cloth away and carried it to the Fulling Mill to have it dressed and he had it dyed a redish colour and after the coat was made I remember of seeing him with it on frequently and after he was married. He married Deborah Studley - I also remember that John Nickerson came home once on a furlough while he belonged to Capt Grays Company, I have said this was the first or second year of the war, which I do not distinctly remember, but it was the year and the time when the British evacuated Boston. And further the deponent saith not -
Bethiah Hallett
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol ss. October 26 th 1846
The above named Bethiah Hallett, well known to me to be the person, who signed the foregoing affidavit, personally appeared and after having said affidavit read and explained to her, the same having been written by me, made oath that the same was true according to her knowledge, belief and best recollection. She appeared to be of sound mind and is a credible witness.
Before me Apollos Cushman Justice of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston November 6 th 1846
I hereby Certify, That on the twenty second day of February, eighteen hundred and forty two, Apollos Cushman was appointed for the term of seven years, a Justice of the Peace for the County of Bristol.
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.
John A. Sleeper,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.