Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26425, for James Rhoads, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Rhoads, James Lydia
N. 26425.
CONTENTS

6132. Vermont.
Lydia Rhoades, widow of James Rhoades, who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 5 th June 1827 of Westminster  Windham Co. in the State of Vermont. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Ferguson of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Mass ts line for 8 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier, at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 th day of April 1841, and sent to D. L. Furnam, Stratton, Vt.
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept: 1840. $ 119:97 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th March '41 13:33
$ 133:30
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by _____ Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2 Page 55.
Reported
Letter to A. S. Putnam 10. April '41.
Date of death not shown on agency book.

7075
Lydia Rhoads.
ps.
Act 7. July '35.
m. 8. d. 26
Vol 15. p. 93. on 8mo 75. from Strougham -

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 entitled an Act Granting half pay and pensions to certain widows
State of Vermont } District of Westminster } S S }
On this 29 th day of November I eighteen hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before the Probate Court for said District at a special court in said District Lydia Rhoads a resident of Grafton in said District & in the County of Windham aged seventy eight 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 July 7 th 1838 entitled An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows that she is the widow of James Rhoads formerly of said Grafton deceased who was as she often heard him say while living and firmly believes a soldier and she believes a private in the military service of the United States in the War of the Revolution. That from or near the time of her marriage to him until his death, she has often or near that time she has often heard him mention and firmly believes that he was engaged two or more terms in said service and that he had been in said service in the State of Rhode Island and in the vicinity of Boston and on Bunker hill at some times and stationed near there though not in the battles, and she has ever believed from or near the time of her said marriage to the present time that he was in said service according to his said statements, and she thinks she understood him that at the time he entered said service at each term he resided in Foxbury in this State of Massachusetts or in that vicinity, but as to other particulars as to manner of his affairs the length of his service or the places where he was stationed she cannot now state what she has heard him say respecting them with certainty. She the said Lydia Rhoads further declares that she was married to the said James Rhoads then of Marlboro New Hampshire at Swansea now then on the twenty ninth day of May in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one.

by the maiden name of Lydia Woodward by the Rev Mr Goddard - That her husband the afore said James Rhoads died at said Grafton his then residence on the fifth day of June in the year eighteen hundred and twenty seven - That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seven teen hun- dred and ninety four viz the twenty seventh day of May seventeen hundred eighty one as before stated. That she resided at the time she was married as aforesaid at Marlboro New Hampshire that she has never been married to any other person except said James Rhoads
Lydia Rhoads
She further declares that often near the time of her said marriage and since she has heard him say that he never got all his pay for his said services & that what he did get proved of but little value to him because the money turned out bad, and that she saw him give the minister for his fee for marrying him and her a bundle of bills which she then understood amounted nominal to one hundred dollars and was part of his pay for said services by said Rhoads in the Revolutionary received by him, the value of which one hundred nominal dollars he then estimated one dollar
Lydia Rhoads
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
Before David L Putnam Judge of Probate
I certify that the words - "she" "hell" "maternal" "N H" and by said Rhoads in the Revolution were interlined and the words viz "she has often" "her then residence" "hard" were cross- ed out and the word viz "Certainly" next before with some written on an erasure in the foregoing declaration all before the eyes of me
D L Putnam Judge
[Three sets of decorative flourishes or signatures]

State of Vermont District of Westminster, ss For The Probate District aforesaid I David L Putnam Judge of the Probate Court aforesaid in the absence of the Registrar of said Court without this State hereby Certify that the foregoing is the original Declaration made before said Court in the matter of the Applica- tion of Lydia Rhoads of Grafton in said District widow of James Rhoads deceased for a pension that my fore- going signature and seal in said Court is a court of Record & I am Judge thereof
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Grafton in said District this twenty ninth day of November A eighteen hundred and thirty eight
David L Putnam Judge
1075 Application for Pension under Act of July 7th 1838 Lydia Rhoads Grafton

6
W. Francis Whipple Boston —
Vincent —

May thirteenth nineteen hundred & eighty one James Charles and Lucia Woodart both of Nashua were joined together in marriage by Rev. Edward Goddard Clarke.
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record on the book of records of the town of Nashua Cheshire County New Hampshire with the exception of the date which is expres- sed on the record in fair legible figures & letters as follows.
May 20 th 1781
Henry Baxter } Clerk of the town of Nashua aforesaid
I Henry Baxter above named depose and say that I held the office of town clerk of the town aforesaid until lately and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town of Nashua with the exception as certified by me
Henry Baxter } Clerk of said town of Nashua
State of New Hampshire
Cheshire ss —
Sworn to before me
Thomas McEdward
Justice of the Peace
State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County ss —
Henry Coolidge
Clerk of the Superior Court of Judica- ture of this County and State aforesaid
I hereby certify that Thomas McEdward is an acting justice of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified: that his commission was dated on the 11 day of June 1836 and will expire on the 10 th day of June 1841 and that his signature above written is genuine.
Given under my hand & the seal of said Court this twenty third day of September 1839.
H. Coolidge Clerk

Lydia Rhoads Pension case Affidavit

I James Rhoads of Grafton in the County of Windham and State of Vermont being duly sworn depose, testify and say that I was of the age of fifty years the 14 th day of February last and am the son of James Rhoads deceased and Lydia Rhoads, that said James Rhoads died at said Grafton on the fifth day of June one thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven, that I was present and saw him expire, that he had resided at said Grafton and myself with him in the same house from my earliest recollection until the time of his death, that I recollect from the time I was a child up to the time of his death or near that time having often heard him mention being engaged in the Revolutionary service of the United States for several terms one of which he stated to have been in the first year of the war viz 1775. That on the 21 st day of March last I saw in the Secretary of State's office of Massachusetts at Boston the original order to the committee of clothing mentioned in the certificate of said secretary of State of the above date, which order purported to be signed by James Rhoads and others and being well acquainted with my father's genuine signatures, I fervently believe that the signature of James Rhoads to said order is my father's genuine signature in his own hand writing. That my mother and

his wife so reputed from my earliest recollection til his death, has resided in the same house with me in said Grafton ever since his death and I have never known or heard and do not believe that she has been married to any person since his death. That I have seen her this day living. That I have often heard my father say while living that during the time of his said services in said war his parents resided in Foxborough Massachu- setts but as to the intervals between said services and a period of time next preceding the same or the first term thereof I understood him he did not reside all the time himself at said Foxborough, and I cannot recollect as I understood him what town he resided in when he entered or then term of said services - in particular, but think I understood him that he resided at Foxborough or vicinity when he - terminated each term of said services
James Rhoads
State of Vermont
Windham County ss } Grafton 4 th May 1840
Then personally appeared James Rhoads whom I certify to be a credible witness and made oaths that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true
Before me Joel Whipple Justice of the Peace
I certify the word in - on first page 7 th line from bottom next to word mentioned is underlined before the execution hereof Joel Whipple Justice of the Peace

I also certify that in my foregoing certificate of the oath of James Rhoads the date to wit 4 th May 1840 is written on an erasure before the execution thereof —
Rob. Whipple
Justice Peace
State of Vermont Windham County Court Clerk's Office Recd June May 7 th A.D. 1840 I Marshall Miller Clerk of said Court certify, that Rob Whipple is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature hereunto written, as such, are genuine —
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of said Court the day and year above written —
Attest — Marshall Miller, Clerk

James Rhoads July 21 18 44 \frac{240}{144} 96
Lydia Rhoads widow of James Rhoads, Prns Cact 38 3/4
Elizabethton Feb. 25-52

Grafton
July 31-1849
Mr Wade Sir
It has been more than one year since we have heard from you we should like to know how you succeed in procuring a pension certificate for the heirs of M rs Lydia Rhoads whether you are like to get one or not.
We wrote you under date of Feb last but have not received any answer But I conclude you did not receive it
We should like to hear from you as soon as is convenient
James Rhoads
Not noted
Rev the heirs

Rev. and 1812 War Section.
January 13, 1925.
J. S. Wright, 367 Hillside Ave., Holyoke, Mass.
Sir;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 26425, it appears that James Rhoads, while residing at Foxborough, Massachusetts, in 1775 served eight months as a private in Captain Samuel Payson's Company, Colonel Joseph Read's Massachusetts Regiment. He died June 5, 1827 at Grafton, Windham County, Vermont.
Soldier married May 30, 1781 at Swansea, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, Lydia Woodard or Woodart, both of Marlboro, New Hampshire, she was allowed pension on her application executed November 29, 1838, while a resident of Grafton, Vermont, aged seventy-eight years.
Son James, born February 14, 1790, was alive in 1840. There is no further reference to children.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.

V 7078 R. I.
In let. to Hon. R. Hall
July 1, 1840.
For this letter see cl. from Court - N 24376.
act 7. July 38

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of James Rheads a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
W. 26425
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1775 ✓ Private Samuel Parson Joseph Peabody Mass.            
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Scituate, Mass. or vicinity
Date of application for pension, Nov. 29, 1838. Her claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Grafton, Windham Co., Vermont.
Age at date of application, she was seventy-eight years.
Remarks: soldier married at Swansy, N.H. May 30 1781 Lydia Woodard  both residents of Marlboro, N.H. He died June 5, 1827 at Grafton, Vt.  son James born Feb. 14, 1790 was alive in 1840. No other children's names stated.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

1917 Sept. 13. Hist. to F. H. Day, letter in M. 13850 Daniel Rhoads. P 1925 Jan. 13. Hist. to J. S. Wright. cont.
Rey WIDOW, & Co.
File No. 26.4.2.5
Lydia Rhoads widow of James Rhoads Priv. Rev. war.
Act: July 1 th 1838.
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 160
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Per

Ans. Jan. 13, 1927
BOARD OF HEALTH CITY OF HOLYOKE MASSACHUSETTS
J. S. WRIGHT HEALTH OFFICER
Jan. 14, 1927
The Commissioners of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Please advise me if one James Rhoads who was born in Foxborough, Mass. Jan. 24, 1751, married to Lydia Woodard, who was born in Leicester, Mass., Aug. 19, 1760. He was a soldier in the American Revolution and his first enlistment was from Foxborough, one of the Minute Men, so called. If James or Lydia were granted a pension. If so please send me a copy of the transcript and oblige.
Very truly yours,
J. Sidney Wright
J. Sidney Wright, 367 Hillside Ave., Holyoke, Mass.

J. S. WRIGHT HEALTH OFFICER
BOARD OF HEALTH CITY OF HOLYOKE MASSACHUSETTS
December 20 1924
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Mr. Washington Gardner, Commissioner.
My dear Sir:
Will you please send me the military history of James Rhodes who was born in Foxborough, Mass. January 21, 1751, and served in the Revolutionary War and after the war went to Marlboro, N. H. where he married Lydia Woodard who was born August 19, 1760 in Leicester, Mass.
Thanking you in advance, I am,
Very truly yours,
J. Sidney Wright J. Sidney Wright,
367 Hillside Avenue, Holyoke, Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, March 21. 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 James Rhodes is borne in "A Return of Captain Saml. Payson's Company of the 20 th Regt Commanded by Jos Read Esq" as a private belonged, to, or enlisted in Houghtonham. The only date to the above Return is of the death of a man who "was killed the 12 th July 1775". The name of James Rhoads is signed with 28 others to an order "to the Committee of Clothing" dated December 29 1775 "for Money due them for Coats. a Certificate on the back of the order says "these may certify that the Soldiers within named belong to Capt Samuel Payson's Company in Col. Joseph Read's Regt. Dec r 30. 1775". Royal Kellock, Lt " In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John F. Bigelow Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Preston Ky Supp d Free April 6 Hon J. L. Edwards Com r of Pensions Washington D.C. Old claim 3   12/12/80 Finch Dis  Rhodes

Grafton Windham Co Vt Apr 5. 1840
Sir
In reply to your letter of 1 st July 1840 to Hon. Hiland Hall M c in relation to the claim of Lydia Rhoads of this town widow of James Rhoads deceased for a pension under act of July 7 1838.
I have ascertained that Stoughtonham was for many years, an incorporated district, but not with all the powers of a town. About the close of the Revolution it was again incorporated with the full powers of a town, by the name of Sharon which joins Dedham Walpole & Foxborough.
But of this no proof has been obtained as on suggestion I suppose you will officially take notice of it as a geographical fact. - You will observe that the identity of her husband with James Rhoads of Stoughtonham is supported by proof as to the original signature to the order for clothing, as well as by his corroborating statements while living -
She has been unsuccessful in obtaining further proof of identity, and with these explanations her claim is submitted to you

determination
Very Respectfully (Yr Q. Ut. Subt) D. L. Putnam
Hon J. L. Edmuns Comm ee of Pensions

Sydia Rhodes Wid of James Vernal
Alt July 7 1838
Maria 1781
dieu 1828 7
8nd privat in Cape
Payson C. Mass
Militia $26.66/100
ann.
D. L. Putnam Esq. Grafton Vernal

Grafton Windham Co Vt April 21 1841
Sir
The certificate of pension of Lydia Rhoads is I notice made payable at Montpelier by A Spaulding Esq Agt which may be correct as Mr Spaulding may have been quite recently appointed. But as Mr Spaulding was appointed some time last season, as I understand, but held the office but a short time if indeed he ever accepted it, and Thomas Lowry Esq at Burlington was his successor, I incline to think it an error, and therefore enclose the certificate. Mr Lowry was the acting agent and the sole one for this State in March last —
Will you please send me the cuttings instructions for drawing the annuities of deceased pensioners, (who were widows) by children &c
Very Respectfully Your Obedt Servt O. L. Putnam
Hon L Edwards comr &c

Lydia Rhoads Application for a Pension Letter to War Dept

Grafton Windham Co H May 12 th 1840
Sir
I send herewith the declaration and evidence in case of the Application of Lydia Rhoads of this town for a pension under the Act of July 7 th 1838 which evi- dence consists of the certificate of the Secretary of State & Mass An extract of the record of the town of Swansea - duly authenticated, and the affidavit of Isaac Rhoads which with such other evidence if any as your office may afford is respectfully submitted to your conside- rations. You will if you please communicate the result to me Very Respectfully Yr Ob d Serv t D L Putnam
Hon d L d Edward Commissioner of Pensions

Yours
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Lydia Choate June 9 1838
Grafton Ct May 23 1838
7075 May 23 1838 War Dept Pension Office New Claim