Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19921, for Thomas Nichols, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Nichols, Thomas Dolly
No. 19921
CONTENTS

Rept -
2154 Vermont, Montpelier Dolly Nichols, widow of Thomas Nichols who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Gen'l H'sgt.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 37 Dollars 82 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of Sept. 1848. and sent to
M. W. Cagwell. Montpelier Vt.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 78 Vol. 3.

11738 Declaration of Dolly Nichols widow of Thomas Re March 17. 1845.
VB
act 7 July 1838
m 82 C 18
Certificate of the Secretary 1775. 8 mo Private 1777 2 nd 7. Sergeant

State of Vermont } ss On this 6 Day of Washington District } March A.D. 1845
Personally appeared before the Probate Court before said Dolly Nichols of Barre in said District aged eighty four years Who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Provisions made by the acts of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and Pensions to Certain Widows, and the act of Congress passed March 3 d 1843 also the act of Congress passed June 17. 1844, That she is the Widow of Thomas Nichols who was a private Soldier in the revolutionary war, he enlisted from Worcester afterwards called Ward Massachusetts where he lived. He was in the Service eight months in 1775 at Dorchester and near Boston Massachusetts He was afterwards out about four months at Rhode Island but the year she does not recollect still her impressions are that it was in 1778 in the Spring, he took his brother Jonas Nichols place the first eight months at Dorchester in consequence of Jonas having a family and family and his husband the above said Thomas being a minor and living with his brother Jonas at the same time could the latter be spared from home,
And she further Declares that she was married to the said Thomas Nichols by Rev Mr Young of Worcester Massachusetts about the first of April in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty two prior to which her name was Dolly

Boyden that her husband the afore said Thomas Nichols died at the afore said Barre December 3 d 1800 that she has remained his widow ever since that period, and that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four AD at the time above stated Furthermore that she has not any family records
Dolly Nichols
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
Before me Lyman Briggs Regd Clerk Asa P. Spauling Judge the Prob. Court
State of Vermont District and County of Washington } This may certify that the foregoing are original proceedings had in the matter of the application of Dolly Nichols for a pension before the probate court held at Montpelier on this 6 th day of March A.D. 1845 for said District and County of Washington And I do further certify that it was most satisfactorily proved to said court that Dolly Nichols is the widow of Thomas Nichols late of Barre deceased and that the said Thomas Nichols died in Barre in said District on the 3 rd day of December A.D. 1800. And that the said Dolly Nichols now is and has remained the widow of the said Thomas Nichols ever since his death and do further certify that she is a woman of credibility. Respectability and a credible Witness In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said court on the day and year above written.
Attest Lyman Briggs Regd Clerk

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF VERMONT,
BY THE GRACE OF GOD,
FREE AND INDEPENDENT:
To all to whom these Presents shall come, or may concern,
Send Greeting.
KNOW YE, That Lyman Prigg Esq whose Official Signature appears to the foregoing proceedings of the Pr. Court for the District & County of Washington is duly appointed & qualified & now holds the Office of Register
of the Probate Court, for the County and District of Washington
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed in Probate Office at Montpelier in said District, this 6 day of March
A. D. 1845.
Attest, Asahel Spaulding Judge. Register.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF VERMONT,
BY THE GRACE OF GOD,
FREE AND INDEPENDENT:
To all to whom these Presents shall come, or may concern,
Send Greeting.
KNOW YE, That the Now Abel Spalding whose official signature is attached to the foregoing application now holds the Office of Judge of the Probate Court, for the County and District of Washington
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed in Probate Office at Montpelier in said District, this 6th day of March A. D. 1845.
Attest,
Lyman Briggs Judge Register.

FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.
MARRIAGES.
I Asaph Blanchard of Barre in the County of Washington and State of Vermont beged Seventy six years old depose and say that I have been acquainted with Thomas and Dolly Nichols from Seventeen Hundred and eighty five up to the time of the said Thomas Nichols death in eighteen Hundred They always lived together as Husband and wife from that period up to his death, when first I became acquainted with the afore said Thomas and Dolly Nichols we lived in Worcester afterwards called Edward Massachusetts, I lived with Jonas Nichols Brother to Thomas from the time I was 12 years old up to the time I was 20 years old. Jonas and Thomas Both lived in our Neighbourhood within half a miles distance of each other from the first time I saw them up to the time I was 22 years old. I then moved to Barre Vermont where I now live. They moved up to Barre

FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS.
BIRTHS.
Thomas Nichols Polly Nichols John Nichols James Nichols
Born October 4 th 1756 Born July 22 nd , 1760 Born November 18 th 1732 Born June 2 nd , 1785
I John Nichols of Pierce County of Washington and State of Vermont aged sixty two years Do depose and say that this Bible leaf here unto annexed was taken this day from my mother's Bible the record upon it of the births of my Father and mother also myself and my Brother James was set down

twenty nine or thirty years since as far as I can recollect, at the time I made this record I was out of health at that time I thought of setting down the marriages and the rest of the births. I have two other Brothers Varim and Thomas But I grew worse to that degree that I could not write very conveniently I continued out of health about three years, after which time it had always been neglected further more I would say that according to the instructions of my Father and Mother and all others that I should write things about my age. I was eighteen years old November the 18 th and my Father Died December the 3 d in the year eighteen hundred I was married when about twenty five years old, and when I had been married about eight years I had this turn of ill health I then made this record. Further more I would say that my Mother now I have no other family record except on the next leaf in the same bible the death of my Father is recorded thus. Thomas Nichols Died December the 3 d 1800. Aged 44. and I further say not
John Nichols
State of Vermont } At Bennington in the county of Washington Washington County } and State of Vermont on this 28 th day of May AD 1845 Personally appeared John Nichols the signer of the foregoing Deposition and made oath that the same was just and true before me
Joseph Dodge Justice Peace
I hereby certify that the above named John Nichols is a man of undoubted truth and veracity
Joseph Dodge Justice Peace

in the course of one or two years after which I have lived in Barre fifty four years last March. the aforesaid Thomas and I used to work with each other in Massachusetts some considerable, furthermore I would say that John Nichols the eldest son of the aforesaid Thomas and Polly Nichols was considerable of a boy I should think seven or eight years old when I left Massachusetts, I have always been ac- quainted with said John Nichols from a very small boy up to the present time and would say that he is a man that stands among the first class of men for truth and veracity and I further say not. Asaph Blanchard State of Vermont } Washington County }
At Barre in the county of Washington and State of Vermont Personally appeared Asaph Blanchard signer of the foregoing deposition and made oath that the same was just and true before me Asaph Cartier Justice of Peace on this 28th day of May A.D. 1845
Asaph Cartier Jus. of Peace
I hereby certify that Asaph Blanchard signer of the foregoing deposition is a man of undoubted truth and integrity
Asaph Cartier Justice of Peace

STATE OF VERMONT.
Secretary of State's Office,
Montpelier, May 29 th 1845 }
I certify that Joseph Dodge & Alvin Carter whose names are subscribed in their own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate, are and were at the date thereof, Justices of the Peace, within and for the county of Washington duly elected and qualified, and that to this official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of this office, at Montpelier, this the 29 th day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five.
Francis J. Merrill Deputy Secretary of State.

West Brookfield May 29 th 1845
Mr Edward Sir on receiving Yours letter of May 3 rd I went to Boston and have obtained the within record and 2 depositions I could have gotten two or three more nearly as full as Capt Blanchards. But concluding it not necessary I send you the within wishing you to be in mind that where the first child is born within 7 or 8 months after the marriage you will hardly ever find a correct family record if any at all I think the within sufficient to answer the deman- ds of your letter &c
Yours Most Obt &c
Orin Murray

ms. 1. 1 I Darius Bayden of Montpelier in the County of Washington and State of Vermont I aged 79 years August 22 day AD 1844 - Depose and say that Dolly Nichols widow the widow of Thomas Nichols late of Barre Rd is my Sister and further say that she was married to Thomas Nichols when I was about seven-teen years old, that I was present at their wedding said Marriage was solemnized by Squire Gurney at My Mother's house in Worcester Massachusetts about the first of April Seventeen hundred and eighty two when I was about 24 years old I am My wife, the above said Thomas & Dolly Nichols Moved from Worcester Mass to Barre Rd I came to Montpelier about 12 miles from each other said Thomas & Dolly lived together as husband and wife from the time of their Marriage in Mass up to the time of the Death of the above said Thomas Nichols in Eighteen hundred and 44 at Barre Rd further more the said Dolly Nichols My Sister has remained a widow ever since her husband's death. She lives with her son John Nichols at Barre Rd on the old place where she and her husband the above said Thomas Nichols lived before his death, and further say not Darius his X Bayden mark
State of Vermont, } On this 6th day of March A.D. 1844 Washington County, ss. } at Montpelier Personally appeared before me Darius Bayden the signer of the foregoing deposition, and made oath that the same was just & true Lyman Briggs Justice of Peace

I hereby certify that Darius Poyden the signer of the within deposition is a man of undoubted truth & veracity
Symon Briggs Justice of Peace March 6 1845
State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office Montpelier March 6, 1845
I hereby certify that Symon Briggs Esq., whose name is subscribed in his proper handwriting to the foregoing certificates, is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Washington, duly constituted and commissioned, and that full credence is due to the official acts and attestations of said Justice of the Peace, so authenticated.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of this office this 6 th day of March A.D. 1845.
Fernand F. Merrill Deputy Secy of State

I John Nichols of Barre in the county of Washington and State of Vermont aged sixty two years November the 18 th 1844, do depose and say that I am the eldest Son of Thomas & Dolly Nichols as I have always been told and as I well believe, that my parents moved from Worcester Mass to Barre Vt. when I was about 12 years old - that my Father the aforesaid Thomas Nichols died at Barre Vt December the third day in eighteen hundred - that my mother the aforesaid Dolly Nichols has remained a widow ever since my Fathers death - that from my earliest recollection my Father & mother the aforesaid Thomas & Dolly lived together as Husband & Wife and so continued up to my Fathers death - and further say not
John Nichols
State of Vermont Washington County, ss. }
Personally appeared John Nichols the signer of the foregoing Deposition and made oath that the same is just & true, in all its parts
Before me Lyman Prigg Jus of Peace
Montpelier March 6 1845
I hereby certify that the above named John Nichols who has subscribed the foregoing Deposition is a man of undoubted truth & veracity
March 6 1845
Lyman Prigg Jus of Peace

L. W. B. W. 19921.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS, WASHINGTON, D. C.,
December 9th, 1897.
Sir:-
Replying to your request for information concerning Eleazer Smith and Thomas Nichols, supposed to have been soldiers in the Revolutionary war, I have the honor to advise you that a very careful search has been made and from the data given the name of Eleazer Smith has not been found upon the Revolutionary war pension records on file in this Bureau
Dolly, widow of Thomas Nichols, made an application for pension on March 6th, 1845, at which time she was 84 years of age and residing in Washington District, Vermont, and her pension was allowed for the actual service of her husband as a private and sergeant in the Mass. troops, Revolutionary war, for a period of three years and five months; officers under whom he served not stated. He enlisted at Worcester, Mass.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Hon. S. W. Smith,
House of Representatives.

No 11738 Dolly Nichols Mother of Thomas
At to Prin Murray. May third 1848.
act 7 July 1838

9492
Vermont
Dolly Nichols
widow of Thomas Nichols
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 3 d Dec r 1800 of Washington - in the State of VT
who was a priv: Serjt - in the
commanded by Captain of the
the Massetts - commanded by in line for 8 priv 27 Serjt: -
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier
at the rate of 37 - Dollars 82
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of July 1845 and sent to Orrin Mur- ray, West - Brookfield, Vt: -
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by N. Stewart Clerk, Book 12 - Vol. 1 - Page 135.

No 11728
Dolly Nichols Mdm of Shura, Vt
act 7 July 1838
Adm?
8 mo pr. $21.66 2 " 7 d. Augt - 11.16 $37.82
Adm: act March 1843
and 17 June 1844
$37.82 per ann
Assin Murray
W. R. Brattle
Vt.

7153
Vermont
Dolly Nichols widow of Thomas Nichols who was a fr. Heigt: in the Massachusetts line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 37 Dollars 82 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of July 1845 and sent to Orrin Murray, West Brookfield Vt
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A 8-17th: June 1844. Vol. 2 Page 65.
Nov 7 54 - 17 June, 1844
letter to Mr. W. Caldwell Augst 28. 1848

Rev WIDOW, &c.
No. _____
19921
Dolly Nichols
Widow of
Thomas Nichols
Sergt New Mar
Act: _____
Feb 2 nd 48
ex:—Vol. _____
M
Page _____
861
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Dec. 9/97 - History to Hon - S. W. Smith House of Reps -
File
Inc

Mr. Col. Edwards Esq.
Sir
I have written since you the widow Delia Nichols case you will see by the certificates on the Department that the courts do not always understand how you wish the papers authenticated, the forms forms & regulations of the Department would oblige me much, at the time she made her declaration she did not know that her husband was a sergeant any part of the time he served, therefore she did not declare for a sergeant. I wish you would include the pay of sergeant the time specified in the certificate of his service in her certificate if granted if consistent with the regulations of the department if not you will please to direct me in the same, the letter from enclosed from the Town clerk of Worcester Massachusetts to A. Spear he was going to Boston last Nov. and I requested him to write to the Town clerk for the marriage of Thomas Nichols & Delia Bayden the letter her enclosed dated Worcester Nov. 26. 1844 Esquire Spear says is the answer, if it is not satisfactory. I wish you would write to the Town clerks Office as it will hasten the business, I herewith enclose her declaration also the testimony of Darius Bayden of Montpelier her Brother respecting the marriage, also the death & the testimony of John Nichols of Barre her son respecting the death &c and the letter from the Town Clerks Office at Worcester Mass stating that Mrs. Byers married a great many persons but the only second was that of a colored couple, further I doubt not respecting the case but that your Honor will come to the conclusion that the testimony in this case is sufficient to entitle her to a pension although the papers perhaps have not been made out as formal as they would have been had I have had forms by me, I doubt, notice but that you will do all in your power for the widow
West Brattlefield March 12. 1845
Yours Most Obt Servt Orin Murray
Vermont

Town Clerks Office Worcester Nov. 26. 1841.
Mr. A. Spear, Sir,
Your letter of the 23 rd inst. has been received, and I have made diligent search in the records of this town & I cannot find either the Intention of Marriage or the Marriage. Mr. Young married a great many persons, as I have been informed, but the only record of any marriage solemnized by him, is that of a colored couple. There is also a record from I have examined for a year or two, both before and after the time named in your letter, but cannot find any such name.
Yours Respectfully
R. H. Howland
Town Clerk
Patriciah Spear above and within named here by copy of that this letter was sent to me in answer to one inquiring for the records of the marriage of Thomas Stear Stearns to
Dolly Boyden.
Patriciah Spear Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
June 6. 1845.
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 Thomas Nichols is borne as a private from the town of Worcester, upon a return of Capt n Jonas Hubbard, Col. Jonathan Ward, in the 6 months service of 1778. Said return is dated Dorchester Oct r 7. 1778. also as sergeant from the same town, upon a pay Roll of Capt n Edmund Hoodges, Col. Josiah Whitney, service at Rhode Island from May 5. 1777 to July 6, including allowance for travel, 2 mos 7 days. There is no other evidence of service performed by any one of the same name who can be identified with the individual for whom service is claimed in the annexed declaration.

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.

Delia Nichols Request To the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to search the Rolls etc
500

Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office of the service of my husband Thomas Nichols who was a private in the revolutionary war he enlisted from the Town of Worcester Mass afterwards Ward this being his home nearly all of the time during the war he was in said war 8 months in the year 1775 near Dorchester and Boston and a year or two afterwards he was about 12 months at Rhode Island in said war as a soldier I cannot tell the name of his officers I am now eighty four years old my memory does not enable me to state my husband's services more fully than I have above stated.
I hereby constitute and appoint Orin Mumey my true and lawful attorney in the above
Witness my hand this 1 st day of November A.D. 1844 Polly Nichols
Signed by said Polly Nichols in my presence this 1 st day of November A.D. 1844 Joseph Dodge Justice of the Peace Barnes

Dolly Nichols ad
7/59
advised

Declaration
In Order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2 nd February 1848 State of Vermont
Washington County ss } On this Fifth day of July A.D. 1848 personally appeared before me William W. Cadwell a justice of the peace within and for said county of Washington
Dolly Nichols resident of Barn Aged Eighty seven years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2 nd February 1848. granting pensions to Widows of persons who served in the war of the Revolution That she is the widow of Thomas Nichols who was a private & Sergeant in the war of the Revolution; that she has been pensioned under the acts of Congress of the 7 th July 1838. 3 rd March 1843. and 17 June 1844. which she received at the Pension Agency at Montpelier Vermont at the rate of Thirty Seven \frac{82}{100} dollars per Annum.
She further declares that she is still a widow
In presence of John Nichols
Dolly her X Nichols mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written before me
William W. Cadwell justice of the peace

State of Vermont } Washington County p }
I Shubael Wheeler Clerk of the County Court of the County and State, aforesaid, do hereby certify that William W. Cadwell is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the 30th day of November 1847, and will expire on the 30th day of November 1848, and that his signature within written is genuine
Given Under my hand and the Seal of said County, this 15th day of July A.D. 1848.
Shubael Wheeler Clerk
State of Vermont } Washington County p } Montpelier September 6th 1848
This May certify that I am personally acquainted with Dolly Nichols signor of the within declaration and do know her to be the identical Person she therein claims herself to be
William W. Cadwell Justice of the Peace