Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7667, for Ebenezer Nickerson, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Nickerson, Ebenezer
R7667
CONTENTS

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston February 16. 1844
I hereby Certify, That at the dates of the annexed attestations John Kenrick, Isaac Sparrow, Darius Weeks, and James Long were Justices of the Peace for the County of Barnstable,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; 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. Sleeper , Secretary of the Commonwealth.

35663
Ebenezer Nickerson Mass.
Act 7 June '32. See 7mo 87 Bad Claim -
Claimant was 9 years old 1775. the time the Rev. Rev. returned as chaplain to Dr. John Melanson
Ebenezer Nickerson is not found upon the map. Note see Secy Certificate.
7667

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Jan'y 18 th 1844
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 Ebenezer Nicholson is not found upon the rolls in this Office, but the name of Ezekiel Nicholson is found upon the roll of Capt. Abijah Bangs as a fifer for 31 days in Oct 1777 & the name of Samuel Gahoon is upon the same roll.
The name of Ezekiel Nicholson is also found upon the roll of Capt. Thos. Hamilton for 6 days and 7 days in Nov 1777.
There are no rolls of Capt. Wm. Page or Nathaniel Downs in this Office and the roll of Elisha Gifford & Capt. Geo. Litch does not bear the name of said Ebenezer Nicholson.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone: and that said application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Peabody, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I further testify certify that I have been personally acquainted with the above named Ebenezer Dickerson for more than forty years past and that he has always sustained a good moral character for truth
John Herrick Justice of the Peace

I, Josiah Sparrow of Orleans in the County of Barnstable State of Massachusetts of lawful age do testify and say, that in the year 1844 in the month of October I was with Ebenezer E. Peterson of Harwich County as fore d in the United States Service at a place called Dover Town in the State of Rhode Island, under the command of Capt. Abigail Bangs of Harwich Jesse Henry of Orleans Lieutenant The said Ebenezer E. Peterson was a musician in the Company with me one month under said Officer on a private Expedition and was legally discharged Josiah Sparrow
Barnstable ss 1 st January 1836 Then the above named Josiah Sparrow made Oath to truth of the above Deposition by him subscribed
Before me
Isaac Sparrow Justice Peace

Disposition of Judith Sparre

I Jonathan Small of Harwich in the county of Barnstable in the state of Massachusetts aged Sixtyone years do testify and say that on or about the year 1818 I was master of a Schooner called Bethiah & Betsy of S d Harwich that Gomaliel Cahoon of Harwich County & State aforesaid was one of my crew. I do further testify and say that during the above named voyage I heard the above named Cahoon say that he the said Cahoon was in the United States service during the whole Revolutionary war with Great Britain and said Cahoon further stated in my hearing that at several intervals Ebenezer Nickerson of Harwich County and State aforesaid was their Missioner and that the said Nickerson was a young man at that time, said Cahoon further stated that during the time that the above named Nickerson was Missioner they were in an engagement with the English army that during the engagement the said Nickerson become so much fatigued that he could not fife any more while that engagement lasted
Jonathan Small
Barnstable Fe y January 1 st 1844
Personally appeared the above named Jonathan Small and made oath that above declaration by him subscribed is true
Before me
Darius Weeks Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Barnstable ss I know all men by these Presents that Ebenezer Nickerson of Harwich in the county of Barnstable and State of Massachusetts Being 77 years of age and of sound mind and memory Do depose and say that in the year 1776 I volunteered as a munitioner under the command of Captain Benjamin Godfrey of Chatham in said County for seven months commencing duty April first day was discharged November second day of the same year during which term of time I was under the command of said Godfrey then under the command of Captain Thomas Hamilton of Chatham then the command of Captain William Gage of Harwich was stationed at different parts of the seaboard Vauska Island eastham Neck Harbour Chatham and several other places on the seaboard all of which service faithfully performed as a munitioner, in the year 1777 in the month of October I enlisted in the united States service During the Revolution war under the command of Capt Abijah Bangs of said Harwich and Jesse Henny of Orleans C o Lieutenant as a Munitioner I commenced duty and marched to Rivertown in the State of Rhode Island and continued on duty there one month during the engagement with the English tenders firing on the town after the expiration of the month was discharged and returned to Harwich when the year 1779 I enlisted with Capt Nathaniel Downs of Harwich then recruiting officer for the term of six months to go to R Island to guard the lines I marched and went on duty under the following officers Belonging to the Brig d Colonel John Sumner Major Clagon of Dartmouth capt d Elisha Gifford of Dartmouth Lieutenant Beman of Rehoboth I certify that during the last enlistment I suffered many hardships by sickness and stood at my post ready for duty at all times at the expiration of the six months I received my regular discharge and returned home My next service was three month on Board the united States Schooner on the Eastern Shoar commanded by capt d George Little in the year 1780 on three months - all of the above services faithfully performed I think my claim on my country is just I am needy and feeble the foregoing dates and officers names are as near as I can recollect under oath, under these circumstances I present my claim to the Hon ble commissioners my affidavit of my claim on the united States and grant me such a pension as is due me as in duty bound - & hereunto Affix my name and seal this twentysecond day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight Hundred and fortythree
Atto James Long Ebenezer Nickerson Franklin Nickerson
Barnstable ss Harwich November 22 nd - 1843 Personally appeared this day before me the above named Ebenezer Nickerson of said Harwich in the county above named and made oath in due form of law that the foregoing Deposition subscribed by him is just and true in all its parts to the best of his recollection after so many years - Before me James Long Justice of the Peace

We Seth Nickerson of Brewster and Oliver A. Nickerson of Chatham both in the county of Barnstable of lawful age to give evidence do depose and say that we are well acquainted with Ebenezer Nickerson of Harwich in said county and know him to be a man of truth we further know that he left his place of abode in said Harwich during the revolution any war with great Britain three or four times to join the army as a sapper once he told us that he was going a cruise in the United States Sloop that carried twelve guns with Capt George Little the commander was absent about three months then returned we cannot say where he went at other times that he was absent except guarding the sea coast one season we think about six or seven months
In presence of us Oliver Nickerson
James Long
Seth Nickerson
Oliver A. Nickerson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Barnstable ss May 29 - 1844
Personally appeared the above named Seth Nickerson and Oliver A. Nickerson and made oath that the declaration by them signed contains the truth according to their best recollection at this time
Before me James Long Justice of the Peace

Stephen Nickerson Deposition

I Stephen Nickerson of Harwich in the county of Barnstable and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being eighty-nine years of age of sound mind and memory do depose and say that I am a Brother to Ebenezer Nickerson of Harwich county aforesaid who has petitioned for compensation for services performed in the Revolutionary war with great Britain do testify and under oath that myself and the above named Ebenezer both lived at our mothers at said Harwich during said war our mother being then a widow myself being the oldest and my Brother Ebenezer the youngest of the family I further say that early in the month of March I think it was the second year after the war was declared myself and said Ebenezer volunteered or enlisted I cannot say which when called to gether to enter on duty the commanding officers formed three companies one commanded by Capt Benjamin Godfrey one by Capt Thomas Hamilton and the third by Capt William Gage of Harwich myself was under the command of Godfrey was stationed at a place called Dock harbour said Ebenezer was given under the command of Capt Hamilton and ordered to take their station at a place called Nauset in Eastham Capt Gage was ordered to take his stand at Chatham all the above named companies duty was to guard the sea coast from the enemy to prevent them from landing we kept our stations about three months at the above places then was stationed further west Hingham Falmouth Nauset Island Martha Vineyard and several other places as occasion called I saw my brother a number of times during our term of service myself and said Ebenezer served seven months it being the term of time for which we engaged we then were both discharged and returned to our mothers house in said Harwich soon after our return home they were listing men to go to Boston and Rhode Island I enlisted for two months to go to Boston and said Ebenezer for one month

we then were both discharged and returned to our mothers house in said Hanwich. Soon after our return home they were listing men to go to Boston and Rhode Island I enlisted for two months to go to Boston and said Ebenezer for one mon- th to go Rhode Island as a fifer I saw him when he marched with other saying to go to said place I believe he served his term I further say that he the said Ebenezer Nickerson I believe enlisted at two other times during said war absent from home I believe on duty in the United States service he told me where he had been the length of time of service &c the particulars I cannot recollect at this late period of my life the above Statement contains the truth as near as I can recollect after a lapse of time His Stephen Nickerson
after a lapse of time In presence of us who are witnesses Stephen His Mark Nickerson
James Long
John Pickens Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Barnstable 30 May 22 nd - 1844 Personally appeared the above named Stephen Nickerson and after a careful examination of the above statement by him subscribed contains the truth under oath according to his best recollection and knowledge.
Before me
James Long Justice of the Peace

Extract from the Record of Births in the Town of Harwich in the County of Barnstable and State of Massachusetts
Ebenezer Nickerson Born September the twenty fourth in the Year One Thousand Seven hundred sixty four
I John Allen do hereby Certify that I hold the Office of Town Clerk, of the Town of Harwich, and that the foregoing is a true Copy of the Record of said Town with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows September 24 th 1764
John Allen } Clerk of the } Town of Harwich
Barnstable 15 July 31 st 1845
Personally appeared the above named John Allen and made oath that the above certificate by him sub- scribed is a true copy of said Town records —
Before me                      James Long Justice of the Peace
I James Long one of the Justices of the Peace for the county of Barnstable in the state of Massachusetts hereby certify that the above named John Allen is Clerk of the Town of Harwich in said county

and that he was chosen at a legal Town meeting convened and held in said Town for that purpose on the third day of February A D 1845 as appears by the Record Book for said Town of Hanwich
Hanwich July 31 st - 1845
James Long. Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above is the signature of James Long and that he is a Justice of the Peace - Dec r . 12. 1845
Jos. Grinnell

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section EEL
November 12, 1929
Mrs. Rachel L. Nickerson 5 Madison Street West Medford, Massachusetts
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 7667, it appears that Ebenezer Nickerson was born September 24, 1764, in Harwich, Barnstable County, Massachusetts, as shown by the records of the Town Clerk of Harwich.
While residing in Harwich, Massachusetts, he applied for pension November 22, 1843, at which time he stated that he was seventy-seven years of age and alleged that he served with the Massachusetts Troops as follows:
From April 1, 1776, to November 2, 1776, as a musician in Captains Benjamin Godfrey's, Thomas Hamilton's and William Gage's Companies; from in October, 1777, one month as musician in Captain Abijah Bangs' Company; in 1779, six months in Captain Elijah Gifford's Company in Colonel John Turner's Regiment; in 1780, three months on board a United States sloop, commanded by Captain George Little.
His claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of the alleged service as required by the pension laws.
His wife is referred to, her name not given and there is no reference to children.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.

W 35,663
Ebenezer Nickerson Map
  Let to  Hon J. Grinnell  Ap. 30 45    " "  Same  May 14 "    " "  "  July 28, 45    " "  "  May 28 "    " "  "  Dec. 22 "    " "  "  April 17 49  
act 7 June 1832

Set to Dr J. Grinnell Apr 30. '44 " to Same June 14. '44 " to Same Feb 28. 1845 " to Same March 15 th 1845. " to Same May 28. 1845. " to Same Oct 22. '45

5 Madison St W Medford Massachusetts
Rev O
10568
September 19 1929
Bureau of Pensions
18 43
77
Washington D.C. 7 66
Gentleman
Have you any record of service of Ebenezer Nickerson born 1764 enlisted at age of fourteen Revolutionary war as a drummer boy
Thanking you in advance for any information I may receive
I am respectfully (Mrs) Rachel J. Nickerson

1929 Nov 12 Hist. to Mrs. Rachel J. Nickerson 884
1009
REJECTED
P. O. _____
Olney Nickerson
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
List of 1852 gms falling in reason for suspension. "Discredited by the Mass. rolls - no proof of service"
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

Hon J. Grinnell April 17. 49

254
Pension Office April 17 1849
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the affidavits of both Calhoun and Enno Rogers in the case of Ebenezer McKesson affirm no additional support to his claim.
These affidavits were not themselves in sense, their statements therefore cannot therefore be received as evidence of the several specified terms, all of which are discredited by the records of Massachusetts, alleged to have been prepared by McKesson.
Hon Jo Grinnell New Bedford Mass

Washington City March 6 th 1849
Sir
I enclose some additional evidence in the case of Ebenezer Nickerson who has filed an application for a Pension for services during the Revolutionary war - which I hope may be sufficient to authorize the grant of a Pension to this old patriot. I shall remain here until the 10 th Inst. after that time address me at New Bedford, Mass.
With great respect &c -
Your Mt. servant
Jos. Green
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm te of Pensions -

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston March 3 1819
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation James Soag was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Barnstable.
3
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.
M. Hall Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Seth Cahoon of Warwick in the county of of Barnstable and state of Massachusetts Being eighty four years of age this day do depose and say underneath that I have always lived in the same neighbourhood with Ebenezer Nickerson who has made application to General Government for allowance as compensation for services rendered by him in the time of the Revolutionary war with Great Britain as a soldier at one particular time during said war there was a call made for men to enlist as soldiers to go to guard Nihodiland as it was said to keep the enemy from landing at that place and the said Ebenezer Nickerson did enlist to go fifer and I suppose he went he was absent from home some time then returned home said he had been to said place served out his time of enlistment or engagement after a lapse of so many years I cannot say how how long time he was absent from home or how many times he did join the army during said war but I think several times say four or five times in all I think he went one cruise in as a ship of war I think as well and can recollect the last of my knowing any of joining the army he was at a place called Neck harbour in the said county of Barnstable to prevent the enemy from landing
Joseph B. Knowlton
His Seth X Cahoon mark
James Long
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Barnstable ss February 28 th 1849
Then the above named Seth Cahoon personally appeared and after being carefully examined and cautioned to testify the whole truth and nothing but the truth made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed before me the subscriber one of the justices of the Peace for the county of Barnstable
James Long

I Enos Rogers of Harwich in the county of Barnstable and State of Massachusetts Being eightyone years of age do depose and say under oath that I have always lived in the same neighbourhood with Ebenezer Nickerson who has made application to general government for remuneration for services rendered by him as a soldier during Revolutionary war with Great Britain have to say that I have been well acquainted with said Nickerson from my youth to the present time I will recollect that Nickerson was one of the soldiers that guarded the sea coast to keep the enemy off one summer the company that Nickerson was in had their station at a place called Peckharbour in said county of Barnstable he informed me that he had enlisted to join the army was going to fight after being absent from home sometime he returned home and called out the young men and boys of our place to assemble at the house of Mr. Edward Kendrick in our place we assembled according to notice then that had guns carried them those that not guns made them of wood in imitation of guns my self being young at that time carried a wood gun myself he was absent from home several other time on his return said he had been in the army he wore a coat that was called a soldier coat and I think he had a training every time he returned
enlist to fight the two in ...
Enos Rogers
1830

boys of our place to assemble at the house of Mr. Edward Kendrick in our place we assembled according to notice then that had guns carried them those that not guns made them of wood in imitation of guns my self being young at that time carried a wood gun myself he was absent from home several other time on his return said he had been in the army he wore a coat that was called a soldier coat and pipe I think he called us out and had a training every time he returned home from the army at Mr. Kendrick's house sometimes we exercised in the evening in a large room in said house the above statement is made according to my best recollection this day I cannot say in particular where he went except that enlisted for two months I think to go to Philadelphia
His
Enos Rogers Jr James Long
Enos X Rogers Mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Deputy Constable for February 28 th 1849
Then the above named Enos Rogers personally appeared and after being carefully examined and cautioned to testify the whole truth and nothing but the truth made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed before me the subscriber one of the justices of the Peace for said county of Barnstable James Long

Wm. Joseph Graham
Dec 22. '45
Wm. Joseph Grinnell A.R.

Sir
905 Pen off Dec. 22 45
I have the honor to inform you that the att. evidence in the case of Ebenezer Nicholson has been examined & filed. It shews that claimant was born Sept. 1764 and, of course was not 11 years old when Ebenezer Nicholson entered Capt. Thomas Hamilton's Company in June 75 whose service claimant  he would appropriate to himself. Claimant has made his declaration in which he set forth that he served in certain designated officers as a musician from a particular town. While it is known that the rolls, when the name & the Capt. the grade & residence are given, afford the most conclusive means of identifying a claimant with any service actually rendered. There is no service credited to the name in which his claim is asserted & the grade & locality of the soldiers named in the Seelys

certificates are not given
Hon. Joseph Grinnell A.R.

Pension Office
May 28 th 1845
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the additional evidence in the case of Ebenezer McKensen, has been examined and filed with the exception of the Town Clerk's Certificate which is herewith returned in order that it may be authenticated by the proper Officer.
The above Certificate shows that Ebenezer McKensen was born in 1761. Claimant in his declaration made in 1843, says he is 77 years old. If his own statement be true he was but 10 years old at the time he says he entered the Army, he will therefore be required to produce evidence that he was the individual named in the Town Clerk's, Certificate before it will be admitted that he was old enough to incur the responsibility or perform the duties of a soldier.
The Certificate of the Secretary of State shows that the name of Ebenezer McKensen is not found upon the rolls of the Revolutionary Service in his possession, but Ebenezer Nicholson

in Crete with service in 1776 under Capt. Hamilton and in 1777 for 31 days under Capt. Bangs, before Claimant can receive the benefit of the service named in that Certificate he will be required to produce my Clear and Satisfactory proof that he was the identical person who performed that service
May 28. 1845 Hon. J. Brinsmade
Hon Joseph Grinnell New Bedford Mass

New Bedford April 12 th 1875
Sir
I send you herewith the additional evidence required in the case of Ebenezer Nickerson applicant for a Pension for Revolutionary services, which I think must be sufficient to entitle him to a certificate —
With great respect &c —
Your obedt. servant
Jos. Grindle
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions —

Elijah Cobb of Brewster in the county of Barnstable and commonwealth of Massachusetts being seventyseven years of age do depose and say that in addition to my personal knowledge, it is and has been, a common report that Ebenezer Nickerson who has petitioned for remuneration for service rendered in the revolutionary War with with great Britain and that he was a sifer by sea and land in the defence of his country,
Witnesses
Caroline Cobb
James Long
Elijah Cobb
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Barnstable ss April 10 th 1845
Personally appeared the affiant the above named Elijah Cobb Esquire and after due examination of the above statement by him subscribed made oath that the same is true
Before me
James Long
Justice of the Peace for The county of Barnstable

I John Hennick of Orhans in the county of Barnstable, State of Massachusetts, aged Sixty three years, do testify and say, that I have been acquainted with Ebenezer Nickerson of Falmouth for more than forty five years, that I have conversed with him frequently and have heard him & others often say that he was in the service of the Revolution at different times, both by sea and by land and I further testify that to the best of my knowledge he has & does now sustain a good character for truth.
John Hennick
April 5 th 1845
Esq. Lang. Sir
if there was a magistrate present I should testify to the within you must make the best of it,
Yours J. Hennick

I Jonathan Small of Harwich in the county of Barnstable and Commonwealth of Massac- husetts being sixtyeighty years of age do depose and say under oath that it is and has been a common report as far as my information extends that Ebenezer Nickerson of said Harwich was a piper by land and sea in the revolutionary war with Great Britain that said Nickerson enlisted several times in the defence of his country
Caleb Small
Jonathan Small
James Long
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Barnstable ss April 4 th 1845
Personally appeared the above named Jonathan Small and after careful examination of the above statement by him subscribed made oath to the truth of the same
Before me James Long
Justice of the Peace for the county of Barnstable

I Tenson Calhoon of Warwick in the County of Barnstable and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being fifty six years of age do depose and say under oath that I have lived a neighbour and been acquainted with Ebenezer Nickerson of said Warwick county and State aforesaid who has petitioned general government for a pension for services rendered in the defence of his country in the revolutionary war with Great Britain
do further testify and say that for the last twenty years or more it has been a common report in this and the adjoining vicinity as far as my knowledge extends that said Nickerson was in the service of his country a musitioner by sea and land during the revolutionary war with Great Britain it is a common report in this vicinity that he was very young when he first went on duty
Ms James Long
Tenson Calhoon
Julia A Nickerson Commonwealth of Massachusetts Barnstable 10 April 2 nd 1845
Personally appeared the above named Tenson Calhoon and after careful examination of the above statement by him subscribed made oath that it contains the truth Before me
James Long
} Justice of the Peace for the County of Barnstable

Boston, March 20 th , 1845. I certify that both Dickersons Oliver & Dickerson, deponents in the case of Ebenezer Dickerson, applicant for a pension, are well known to me, as persons of unquestionable veracity. I was also acquainted with Stephen Dickerson, the other deponent now deceased, who also sustained a character for integrity as high as any man's.
James Long.
Boston, Secretary's Office of Chas. Matthews; March 20 th , 1845. Mr. Long, who signs the above certificate, desires me to add a line respecting his standing. He is a gentleman of high respectability.
(T. G.)

by, a magistrate in the County of Barnstable in this Common- wealth, Second member of the House of Representatives for the town of Harwich.
John G. Gay. Seal of the Court of Massachusetts.

Washington City March 5 th 1845
Sir
I have this moment received the enclosed Depositions in the case of Elvira Nickerson an applicant for a Pension. I hope they will be found to supply the defects in the evidence so that a pension may be granted.
With much respect &c.
Jos. Winnell.
J. L. Edwards Esq r . Comm r of Pensions -

Wm J. Grinnell Feb 28 '45

Sir
671 Genl. Off. Feby 28, 45
In reply to your enquiry to your enquiry I would inform you that Seth Bakers papers are not accor- -ding to the Books of this Office, on file - and that no papers have been recd. in the case of Ebenizer Nickerson since my letter to you of 14 June last
Hon. Joseph Grinnell J.H.R.

Mr. Attention M c Govern of the hand Mr. 15 1866
Feb 25 th 1875.
Col. Grinnell
J. L. Edwards & Co
born d on Pensions
Washington City
W. Bunnell 172

Washington City Feb. 24 th 1845
Sir
I am requested to call your attention to the case of Seth Maker claiming a pension for Revolutionary services. The application was made some years since say 3 or 4 - also to the case of Ebenezer Dickinson. I should be glad to be informed of the defects in these cases if any.
I take the liberty of reminding you that I have not rec d any answer to my letter of inquiry relative to Bounty land due Russell Lassahee, a musician in the army during last war. killed at Plattsburg and assigned to the Sec y of War and referred to you. as the session is so near its close I feel very anxious to inform the widow of P. L. of the facts in the case.
With much respect &c.
Your W th Servant
Thos. Grinnell
J. L. Edwards Esq r . Com r of Pensions
Answered M.S.

June 14. 1824

290 Pension Office June 14 44
Sir.
The additional testimony in the case of Ebenezer Nicholson claiming a pension under the act of June 7 th 32 has been examined and is herewith returned that the signatures of the witnesses may be properly authenticated on such deposition. It is proper to state that if the depositions were in proper form they would not be available as they are not sufficiently specific as to the time and duration of the service. Of the three brothers Stephen alone appears to be a pensioner and under the circumstances of this case it is desirable to have the testimony of others than such near relatives of the claimant. The present claimant appears to have testified on behalf of his brother Stephen when he procured a pension
Honble George Spruille 35663 H of R Act June 7 th 32

June 10 44
London
Countess of Wickham
Miss
Rev. Mr. Grindell
L. Edwards Esq. Lower of Purvis Washington City
John Grindell Esq.

Washington City June 7 th 1844
Sir
I have the honor to send you herewith the affidavits of Stephen Nickerson, Stephen Nickerson and Oliver A. Nickerson in sup- -port of the claim of Ebenezer Nickerson to a Pension as a Revolutionary soldier - which I hope may be sufficient to entitle him to this reward for his services -
With great respect &c - Your ob t servant Jos. Gannett
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions

Wm J. Stannell
Abt 30. '44
[Faint mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]

Sir
Pen H Age 30
687 44
I have the honor to inform you that the statement & proofs forwarded by Mr Long in behalf of Ebenezer Stickney - have been examined & filed He should make a declaration agree- -ably to the rules herewith enclosed The certificate of the Secy. audit, served to Ezekiah & Ebenezer Stickney which can not avail him without the most satisfactory proof of identity -
Enter Indeb Mass. June 32 act 7
Hon. Jos Grinnell H.R.

March 16 1844
Ebenezer N. Dorr
J
James Edwards Esqr. Agent of Pensions Washington City

Boston March 12 th 1844
J L Edwards Esq d a gent of Pensions
Dear Sir
Suffer me to call your attention to suffering humanity I refer to the case of Mr Ebeneser Nickerson whose papers I remitted to you by mail from this city some weeks since not hearing from you I venture to call your attention the first opportunity as he is soon in every sense of the word stand in need of the amount due him from the united States as a pension if he does not have it soon appearantly it will not benifit him personally in case further testimony is called for he wishes to be apprised of the fact
I am Sir your very obedient &c
James Long
N B I shall return to South Harwich County of Barnstable State Mass in a few days

Mar 11 '44
Col. Miley
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm. r of Pensions Washington City
Hon. J. G. Smith H.R.
Mr. John Fremont H.R. March 11/44

Washington City March 9 th 1844
Sir
The application of Eben c Nickerson for a Pension was forwarded by James Long Esq r . He says a few weeks since, from Boston I presume, as he is then attending the Legislature, tho' he may have sent them from Warwick, Barnstable Co. when he resides -
With great respect &c -
Your ob t serv t
J. H. Grinnell
J. L. Edwards Esq r . Comm r of Pensions

Mar 9 1844 Col Miley
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions Washington City
H. J. Grinnell D.D.
Mar 9/44
H. J. Grinnell H.R.
[Faint, illegible handwriting or bleed-through from the reverse side]

Washington City March 8 th 1844
Sir
I have just received a letter from James Long Esq r . Representative in the Legislature of Mass. from the town of Haverwick, asking my aid in procuring a Pension for Mr. Ebenezer Nickerson for Revolutionary services, may I ask your attention to the case and that you will inform me of the result of the application -
With great respect &c -
Jos. Grinnell
J. L. Edwards Esq r . Comm ee of Pensions

James L Edward Agn Commission of Pensions
Washington D C
Jan
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Boston Feby. 17 th 1846
James L Edwards log n commission of Pensions - Sir I enclose to your hon or . Papers of Mr Ebenezer Nicherson praying for such allowance for his service rendered in the Revolutionary war with great Britain as you may deem proper and just in the premises it is difficult to obtain all that could be wished at this late day Mr Ebenezer Eldredge a witness whom he relyed on is unable to give evidence by reason of sickness and mental derangement, you will find Mr Nicherson called on the papers in the secretarys office is called Ezekiel Nickelson is accounted for people of that place & age say that he passed or was called Ezekiel also that Mr Nick- erson and his connections or his sort of Nickerson were called may be proved beyond a doubt Nickelson untill within about forty or fifty years last past - I thought it useless to take any depositions to that effect there is not any doubts in the minds of the people in that section of the service rendered it said I think truly said he was very young the reason of his being called at that age was he was a first rate fifer and his a widow & poor with these few broken remarks I submit the case &c -
your obedient servant &c James Long
N.B. I am now in Boston shall remain here untill the Legislator rises if you write me during that period please direct your letter to Boston after which I shall return to South Harwich county of Barnstable State Mass -

Extract from the Regulations presented by the Second Comptroller of the Treasury, June 10th, 1833.
"In all cases of payments upon a power of Attorney, the Justice of the Peace or Magistrate before whom the power is executed, must have lodged with the Agent the certificate of the Clerk of some Court of Record, under seal of the Court that he is legally authorized to act as such ; and also a paper bearing his proper signature, certified to be such, by the Clerk of some Court of Record."
(Form of the Certificate alluded to above.)
Signature of the } Magistrate. }
James Long Justice Peace.
STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. Barnstable County. }
I, Timothy Reeds Clerk ( or Register ) of the Common Pleas Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that James Long Esq. is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified ; that his commission was dated on the sixth day of March 1841, and will expire on the fifth day of March 1848 and that his signature, above written, is genuine.
Given under my hand, and the Seal of said Court, this twenty fifth day of April 1844
Timothy Reeds CLERK.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston Feb 16. 1844.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation John Kenrick and Samuel Eldredge were Justices of the Peace for the County of Barnstable.
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; 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.
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I John Hernd of Orleans in the County of Barnstable aged eighty years - do testify & say that I have been personally acquainted with Ebenezer Nickerson of Harwich in said County for a great length of time, our first acquaintance commenced during the War of the Revolution; I then understood & believe that Mr. Nickerson served at several times in the Army of the Revolution, I well know that he was several times absent & returned again, and it was a common report that he was in the Army, serving in the capacity of a musician, we have been intimate for a great number of years, & Mr. Nickerson has frequently told to me his different services, in particular his expedition to Vineyard in the State of Rhode Island.
John Hernd
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Barnstable ss -
Orleans July 10th 1843 -
Personally appeared the above named John Hernd who being duly sworn made oath that the above declaration by him subscribed is true before me
John Kenrick Justice of the Peace
Harwich February 9 : 1844
I Samuel Eldridge have been acquainted with Mr. Ebenezer Nickerson more than fifty years and have at a number of times heard him tell of his services in the Revolutionary War of guarding the sea shore and the line of Rhode Island I believe that he did that service Samuel Eldridge
Testis of the peer

John Hanks Sister
I Samuel Eldridge me further testify and say that I have heard Mr. Micah Nickerson who was a soldier in the Revolution war say that Ebenezer Nickerson went to Rhode Island in the service of his country as a piper Samuel Eldridge } Testis of the peace
Harwich February 9: 1841

I James Long of Hanwich in the County, of Barnstable one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said county hereby certify, that I have been acquainted with Ebenezer Nickerson of Hanwich county and State of Massachusetts more than forty years have always considered him a man of truth I further say that it has been a common report with the people that lived at the time of the revolutionary war with Great Britain that the above named Nickerson was in service of his country as a part of drifter during said war and is entitled to a pension from the United States for his service.
James Long
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office, Feb. 12 th , 1846
James Long Esq. whose signature is above written, is a highly respectable gentleman, of the town of Hanwich in this State, but present a representative from said town in the Legislature.
John G. Peasey, Secretary

I Elijah Cobb of Brewster, in the county of Barnstable commonwealth of Massachusetts, do testify & declare.
That, in the year of our Lord 1777, being then in the 10 th year of my age, I was removed from my residence in the centre of Brewster, to that of a man in the SE part of said Town, then Harwich, for the intent of learning a trade — in that vicinity I formed my associates of Boys, and among them was one, some years older than myself, by the name of Ebenezer Nickerson, he was considered a very important acquisition to our society, as he was a Tifer, & had already been employed in that capacity, in an expedition against the British, who at that time were hovering about our coast. — I recollect perfectly well, that while I resided there, that Nickerson was frequently absent, on what was then termed, soldiering campaigns, and when he returned, would detail to us, his associates his wonderful experience &c &c. But where, they were made, or with whom, I cannot recollect at this late period of my life.
And I further testify, that I have known the aforesaid Nickerson through life, that he has always supported a fair character, for honesty & industry, but is now limited in the means of subsistence, and as amply deserving a pension as thousands who now enjoy that privilege. Elijah Cobb.

Suffolk ss. Jan y 27 th 1844
Personally appeared, Elijah Cobb, one of the Justices of the Peace, & of the Quorum, for the county of Barnstable, and made solemn Oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration, by him subscribed - Before me Wm. Tufts . Just Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston Jan'y 27 th 1844
I hereby Certify , That at the date of the annexed attestation William Tufts was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Palfrey; Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston February 16. 1844.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Samuel Eldredge was a Justice of the Peace in the County of Barnstable,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Palfrey, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Warnstable ss.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Know all men by these presents That we the undersigned of Warwick in the county of Barnstable and State of Massachusetts, do depose and say that we are intimately acquainted with Ebenezer Nickerson of Warwick in the county of Barnstable and State of Massachu- setts and have frequently heard Mr. Nickerson state his services in the war of the Revolution viz his seven months service to guard the Sea coast and five months service to guard the General Headquarters and also other services which he the said Ebenezer Nickerson performed during the war of the Revolution but more particularly the above named services which he performed as a musician, and we further certify that we have heard Soldiers of the Revolution who that is now dead say that the above named Ebenezer Nickerson performed the above named services and we further certify that the above named Ebenezer Nickerson is a man of truth and respectability, and in duly bequest we have hereunto affixed our names and seals this ninth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four
Warwick February 9: 1844
Seth Nickerson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Barnstable ss. Warwick February 9: 1844
Personally appeared the above named Seth Nickerson who being duly sworn made oath that the above Deposition by him subscribed is true
Before me Samuel Dudge Justice of the peace

Barnstable ss.
Commonwealth Massachusetts
I know all men by these presents that I Stephen Nickerson of Warwick in the county of Barnstable and State of Massachusetts, gentleman, being eighty eight years of age and of sound mind and memory, do depose and say, that Ebenezer Nickerson of Warwick in the county of Barnstable and State of Massachusetts enlisted in the war of the Revolution and went on duty to guard the lines at Rhode Island in the capacity of a musician in duty bound I have hereunto affixed my name and seal in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four.
death day of February years above named Franklin Nickerson Samuel Eldridge
Dated at Warwick the his Stephen Nickerson mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Barnstable ss
Warwick February 9: 1844
Personally appeared the above named Stephen Nickerson who being duly sworn made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true
before me Samuel Eldridge
Justis of the peace

New Bedford April 12 th 1845
Sir
I send you herewith the additional evidence required in the case of Ebenezer Nickerson applicant for a Pension for Revolutionary services, which I think must be sufficient to entitle him to a certificate —
With great respect &c —
Your O bt Servant
Jos. Grindle
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Comm ee of Pensions —

Pension Office May 28 th 1845
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the additional evidence in the case of Ebenezer McKensen, has been examined and filed with the exception of the Town Clerk's Certificate which is herewith returned in order that it may be authenticated by the proper Officer.
The above Certificate shows that Ebenezer McKensen was born in 1761. Claimant in his declaration made in 1843, says he is 77 years old. If his own statement be true he was but 10 years old at the time he says he entered the Army, he will therefore be required to produce evidence that he was the individual named in the Town Clerk's, Certificate before it will be admitted that he was old enough to incur the responsibility or perform the duties of a soldier.
The Certificate of the Secretary of State shows that the name of Ebenezer McKensen is not found upon the rolls of the Revolutionary Service in his possession, but Ebenezer Nicholson

in Crevecoeur with Service in 1776 under Capt. Hamilton and in 1777 for 31 days under Capt. Bangs; before Claimant - Can receive the benefit of the Service named in that Certificate he will be required to produce my Clear and Satisfactory proof that he was the identical person who performed that Service
Aug 28. 1845 Hon. J. Grinnell
Hon Joseph Grinnell New Bedford Mass

Sir
205 Pam off Dec. 22 45
I have the honor to inform you that the att. evidence in the case of Ebenezer Nicholson has been examined & filed. It shews that claimant was born Sept. 1764 and, of course was not 11 years old when Ebenezer Nicholson entered Capt. Thomas Hamilton's Company in June 75 whose service claimant  he would appropriate to himself. Claimant has made his declaration in which he set forth that he served under certain designated officers as a musician from a particular town. While it is known that the rolls, when the name & rank Capt. the grade & residence are given, afford the most conclusive means of identifying a claimant with any service actually rendered. There is no service credited to the name in which his claim is asserted & the grade & locality of the soldiers named in the Seelys

certificate not given
Wm. Lloyd Brecken
Dec. 22. 45
Hon. Joseph Grinnell A.R.