Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14,174, for James Pike, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Pike, James
S 14174
CONTENTS
Carded

Libt Hn. J. Taliaferro Jan 27 '41
4906.
New Hampshire James Pike
of Concord in the State of N.H. who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain  of the  commanded by Col. Brigs in the N.H. time for 11  Months & Days
★ Mass. Line
Records corrected Sept 26, 1906.
Enrolled on the Roll of N.H. at the rate of 37 Dollars 10 Cents per annum to commence on the 2th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of June 1833 . and Subst. Geo. Brigs W. Mesmeth President Providence
Annuity to 2th of Sept 1832 $ 55.65 Semi-annual allowance ending 2 March 18.55
$74.20
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. F. McBlain Clerk, Book D. Vol. 11 Page 176 .

6900.
Declaration of James Pike of Franklin N.H. for a Pension, together with his proof

State of New Hampshire
County of Merrimack
On this twenty eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court before Hon. Borwell Stevens Judge of Probate in & for said county, said court being duly held at Concord in & for said county on the said twenty eighth day of August aforesaid James Pike a resident of Franklin in the County of Merrimack aforesaid aged seventy nine years and eight months and a half of a month, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 - That I was born in the Town of Hanover in the County of Rockingham in the State of New Hampshire, on the thirteenth day of December in the year of our Lord 1752 - That while young I removed with my parents to Haverhill Mass. and resided at that place at the time of the commencement of the Revolutionary War in 1775 - In the latter part of May 1775 I joined the army at Cambridge being a resident of said Haverhill as a Substitute for one Daniel Colby of said Haverhill, who had previously served for about 4 weeks - I was one of the Militia, or Provincials, as we were then called of the Massachusetts line - The names of the Regimental Officers or Staff of the Regiment to which I belonged were as follows viz - James Frye of Andover Mass. (Colonel) James Brickett of Haverhill Lt. Colonel

Daniel Hardy of Bradford Mass was my Adjutant of my Regiment - Stephen Foster of Boxford Mass was Lt. Master - The names of the officers of the company to which I belonged were as follows viz - James Sawyer of Haverhill Mass Capt. - Timothy Johnson of said Haverhill Lieut. Nathaniel Eaton of the same Haverhill 2 d Lieut. - Mitchell Whitcher of Haverhill Mass was the first Serg. Moses Haddleton of Haverhill 2 d Serg. John Baily was the 3 d Serg. and my Brother Simeon Pike was the 4 th - The aforesaid officers served in the manner & rank that I have stated previous to the Battle of Bunker Hill when I first joined the Army - I had served some days at Cambridge when orders arrived I think about 8 o o'clock in the evening of the 16 th of June 1775 that we must prepare for some expedition, and we soon com- menced our March and arrived at Breds Hill in Charlestown about ten o'clock same evening. The orders proceeded from Gen Putnam, to whose Division I belonged, and we were commanded by Gen Putnam when we went on to the Hill - Part of two other Regiments went on to Breds hill with us viz. Col. Prescott and Col. Bridge - After we arrived at the Hill I worked all night digging with a Shovel & preparing the entrenchment to protect us - we worked unresisted by the enemy during the night but in the morning

we were discovered by the enemy, and they commenced their fire upon us from Copp's Hill in Boston & from their Ship- ping &c. We however continued laboring until about noon, when the British landed on the neck, and com- menced their march to dislodge us - On that day the Company to which I belonged was commanded by Lt Johnson - Capt Sawyer was on Furlough at home. Col. Frye was also at home sick Lt. Col. Brackett was present when the battle commenced, but complained of sickness, and went off of the Hill - Altho thirty seven men of our Comp, including officers marched on the Hill, I do not recollect of any but the following names persons who were in fact in the Battle of the 17 th viz. Lt Johnson Lt Nath Eaton, Wm. Whitehead, John Cackle, Jack Jepson, Seth Wymans, Enoch Eaton, John Berry, Jos. Emerson, Nathan Ayers, Simeon Pike and John Eaton and myself - Wymans was wounded in the thigh - John Eaton & my Brother Simeon, who was older than myself was killed, when the British made their third & successful onset upon us - We were all stationed on the South East corner of the Fort or entrenchment - I was among the the last of the Americans, that retreated - Three of us started in company to leave from the entrench

ment - One was shot down, the other was shot in getting through a Rail fence near Bunker Hill. ~
A short distance from this place I was wounded. I was wounded by a Musket Ball, which struck me on my right shoulder blade. I was so disabled at the time, as to be unable to carry my gun farther, my arm dropping down, and was unable to raise it. Altho weary & faint I succeeded in reaching Cambridge the same evening, and was there placed in one of the Hospitals, under the surgical care of Dr. Thain or Kittredge when I remained for the next succeeding 19 days after the Battle, before I was able to leave the hospital - My Shoulder Blade was injured, though not badly fractured, the wound has ever since affected my health injariously not, however, preventing me from performing some labor, and again serving as a soldier in the army ~
I had a few days furlough allowed to me in consequence of my wound in July 1775, but soon returned to active duty, and continued at Cambridge, until the last of January 1776, when I was discharged

The term of our enlistment was nine months in the whole. Colby had served one month I received pay for the whole nine months I was paid by the State of Massachusetts for my services at the rate of six Dollars and four Shillings per month - We received no written discharges. I was discharged by being Thanked for my good behavior by Gen. Putnam. After the Battle of Breed's hill, I recollect at different times of seeing the following Officers who were stationed near Cambridge Winter Hill, Dorchester etc. viz - Our commander in Chief Geo. Washington. Gen. Sullivan, Gen. Heath - Putnam, Lee, - Maj Mifflin, Col. Stark Gen. Ward - Lt. Col. Robinson, Col. Prescott & Bridge, Col. Glover, Lt. Col. Johnson with Maj Lee etc. - The Headquarters was at Cambridge Gen Washington's quarters were at Cambridge common - About the middle of August 1776 I again enlisted as a private under Capt. Timothy Johnson of Haverhill, who had been my Lieutenant in the preceding Campaign. I served as a waiter under said Johnson for the term of three months and ten  four days - I was as before one of the Militia of the Massachusetts

Line - My commanding officers were as follows viz - Col. Gage well of the base
Mass our Colonel. - Lt Colonel not recollected I think his name was Stickney. Our Major's name was Bodwell of Methuen - Wm. Bacon of Bradford Mass our Adjutant. Lt Martin - Foster of Boxford - Johnson Capt - Nathaniel Kimball of Bradford Mass Lieut - Mr Herrick of Boxford 2nd Lieut Sergeants Peabody & Abraham Emerson - & Curtis, the other not now recollected -
Our Regiment was raised from the chiefly from Andover, Boxford, Haverhill and Bradford Mass - I then resided in said Haverhill - Our Regiment was connected connected with two other regiments, and the whole constituted a Scouting party being stationed in the rear generally, and at some distance from the main Army - My company was mustered at Haverhill Mass. Our Regiment was formed at Worcester Mass - From there we marched through Leicester, Spencer, Wilbraham, thence on to Hartford Conn through Weatherfield, to New Haven thence to Hartford Fairfield Conn.

we halted at Fairfield about 4 weeks from thence we marched to Wrights Mills at North Castle near Long Island where afterwards were stationed a short time at New Rochelle were then at the time of the Battle at White Plains - We were within sight of the enemy but were not engaged ourselves - afterwards returned to Wrights Mills aforesaid - When after three months & four  three days service we were discharged by General Lincoln about the middle of November 1876 Fort Washington was taken about the time I left the service - I received no written discharge from my service from any officers - I received my pay for my services before I left it the service while in the State of New York - I have resided in Goffstown  near 27 years  of the time  since I left the army also at Andover  at Andover New Hampshire, and for the last 3 years in that part of Franklin formerly Andover - the rest of the time  When Col. MacIntosh commanded one of the Regiments stationed near us also I think Col. Baldwin command

and the other — I now know of no surviving fellow soldiers, or officers who served with me during either of the aforesaid excepting Prince Johannet of Graftonstown N. Hampshire who served with me Regiments in the years 1775 & 76 terms of service. testifies there to Ezra George who
resided in the same house with me when at home at that time, and who assisted to take care of my family while absent, & who now resides in Franklin will sustain me in
some of my statements, Rev. Dr. Robertson Ebenezer Eastman
Ebenezer Blanchard, Edward Blagden Esq. Dr. J. P. Merrill, Josiah
Evans, Caleb Merrill Esq. George M. Phelps
Esq. & George W. Sumner. Geo. M. Kimball
and sundry others who are my neighbors
and acquaintances will certify as
to my character & standing as a citizen
my age, my general intelligence, my veracity,
Since I have no documentary testimony in
my possession, or in my power, that will
illustrate in any degree my claim
to the debt due from my country —
Nor do I know of any record of my age
now in existence, except the one in my possession

furnished to me by my parents, which records supports what I have already stated in relation to my age
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension, or annuity except the present, and declare, that my name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State -
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid Ja s Pike
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named Applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states - And the Court further Certifies, that it appears to them, that Rev. Otes Robinson of Salisbury N.H. who has signed the annexed certificate is a clergyman, resident as aforesaid, and is a credible person, also Edward Blodgett Esquire who has also signed the same is a resident in Franklin in same County and is a credible person

and that their Statement is entitled to credit
Boswell Stearns Judge of Probate
I Henry B. Chase Register of Probate for the County of Merrimack do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the Matter of the application of James Pike of Franklin N. Hampshire for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty eighth day of August in the year of our Lord 1832
H. B. Chase, Regr. of Probate.

1900
James Pike
Payable
11 Mo & 4 days
advised
$37.10
Return to Geo. W. Nesmith Franklin-Merrimack Co N. H.

BRIEF in the case of James Pike of Franklin County of New Hampshire in the State of New Hampshire (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 79  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     May In 1775 — 8 — Subst. to Col. Frye — Capt. Sawyer   Aug 1 '76 — 3 4 Waiter Col. Cogswell — Capt. Johnson  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Bunker hill  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Haverhill Mass,  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? 
Two living witnesses,
 8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
Right
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
H. C. Eastman
Examining Clerk.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
January 12, 1928
Harry L. Symonds Pawhuska, Box 1076 Okla.
Sir:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 14174, it appears that James Pike was born December 13, 1752 at Plaistow, Rockingham County, New Hampshire.
While a resident of Haverhill, Massachusetts, he enlisted and served as a private with the Massachusetts Troops, as follows-
From in May 1775 to the last of January 1776 in Captain James Sawyer's Company, Colonel James Frye's Regiment, and was in the battle of Bunker hill, where wounded in the right shoulder by a musket ball; from the middle of August  August 1776, three months and four days in Captain Timothy Johnson's Company, Colonel Cogswell's Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application

executed August 28, 1832, while a resident of Franklin, Merrimack County, New Hampshire.
It is stated that soldier in 1776 married the oldest sister of Ezra George, her name not given, nor are the names of any children mentioned.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

Feb 9-1901 Henry R. Foster, Denver Colo. 1928-Jan. 12-First to Harry L. Symonds
Rev. Foster
14174 INVALID.
File No. 14. 174
James P. Pike
Prim Rev: war
Act: June 7 th 1832.
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 297
[Arrangement of 1870.]

June 24, 1927.
The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
One James Pike, a Revolutionary soldier, received, as I have it, a pension, therefore I have no doubt you can give me his military record, which is necessary to submit to the D. A. R., in order for them to authorize a bronze marker for his grave. This I want to do as I suppose no one else will do it. James Pike was no relation of mine, but he was a respected neighbor of my grandfather and gt. grandfather, and is buried in the Symonds cemetery, North of Franklin, N. H., formerly Andover.
This James Pike was born in Haverhill, N. H. or Massachusetts, I am not sure which. His father was James Pike and his mother Ann George. James, the son, married Alice George and resided for a while at Goffstown (probably N. H.) then, before 1790, removed to Andover, N. H. and in that part of Andover which is now Franklin, and died there. The inscription on his grave stone reads: "Mr. James Pike, died Nov. 30, 1837. Aged 84 yrs. 11 mo. & 18 days." And his wife's: "Mrs. Alice, wife of James Pike. Died Oct. 8, 1837, aged 81 yrs. 7 mo. 20 days". It is said, and I believe on good authority, that James Pike was in the battle of Bunker Hill, and was wounded there. His brother, Simeon, was killed there and it is said that his father was also in the fight. If he was in a New Hampshire regiment I have no doubt it was either Stark's or Reed's, but he may have been in a Massachusetts regiment.
I will be obliged to you for a statement of his military service so I can have his grave marked as the grave of a soldier of Bunker Hill should be.
Sincerely,
Harry L. Symonds (Harry L. Symonds,)
Box 1076, Pawhuska, Oklahoma.

We the Robinson a Clergyman residing in Salisbury in the County of Wiltshire, and Edward Bladeth Esquire of Franklin in said County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Pike, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be more than seventy nine years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neigh- bourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & subscribed the twenty eighth day of August in the year of our Lord 1832
Rev. Robinson
Edward Bladeth

69 00
James Pike
Return to
Geo. W. Nismit
Franklin - Munroe Co.
N. H.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of James Pike which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? _____ IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? Yes Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? Yes XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: “Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.”

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡ QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

count at corner in said county on 28th. day of August A.D. 1832.
H. B. Chan, Reg. of Probate
Emma George
Off. Asst.
Aug 15. 1832
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the envelope]

I Ezra Gage of Franklin in the County of Merrimack in the State of New Hampshire, testify that at the commencement of the Revolutionary war in the year 1775 being then twelve years of age I resided in Haverhill Massachusetts and resided in the same house & family with James Pike now of Franklin in the County of Merrimack State of New Hampshire. I well recollect that soon after the war commenced said James Pike left his home for Cambridge and after Bunker Hill Battle I recollect he returned as he then laid on Furlough for a few days being disabled by the wound he received at said Battle. I saw the wound on his shoulder before it was healed. and have since - He returned & after staying a few days with his friends, & remained absent on

duty untill some time the next winter I think it was as late as some January before he returned to stay with us -
- He married my oldest Sister in the year 1776 soon after his return from camp - He continued to live in the same house after the marriage with my sister - Some time in the course of the summer of 1778.
James Pike again entered into the army as water to Capt Timothy Johnson of Haverhill Mass. and marched into the State of New York returned after an absence of a few months to his family again
My Father died in July 1775. soon after Bunker hill Battle - My oldest Brother Lewis was in the army

in that year - Since Pike had no other home except at my Father's house off while he was alive, and my Mother after my Father's decease during the years 1775- & 1776.
Attest George W. North Ezra his X mark George James not Baldwin
State of New Hampshire Merrimack Co. Franklin August 15, 1832.
Personally appearing the above said Ezra George made solemn oath, that the aforesaid affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth & nothing but the truth. Before me Geo. W. Nesmith Justice of the Peace

I H. B. Chase, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Merrimack, in the State of New Hampshire, do hereby certify, that George W. Nesmith, within named, is a Justice of the Peace in said County of Merrimack, that the within signature is genuine and that full credit may be given to his official acts as such.
Witness my hand and the seal of said Court at Concord in said County the 28th. day of August A. D. 1832.
H. B. Chase, Reg. of Probate.
Emma George
Off. Seal
Aug 15. 1832
August 15. 1832 I hereby certify that the within named Ezra Dorr who has subscribed to the within affidavit is a credible witness, and his testimony ought to be relied on George W. Nesmith Justice of Peace

August 15, 1832 I hereby certify that the within named Ezra Gove who has subscribed to the within affidavit is a credible witness, and his statements ought to be relied on
George W. Verrill Jr. Peace
Ezra Gove's
Affidavit
Aug 15, 1832
J. H. D. Chase, Registre of the Court of Probate for the County of Mendocino in the State of New Hampshire, do hereby certify that George W. Verrill within named is a Justice of the Peace in said County of Mendocino, that the within signature is genuine and that full credit may be given to his official acts as such Justice my hand and the seal of said Court at Concord in said County the 28th day of August A.D. 1832. H. D. Chase Registre of Probate

6900
NH
To Hon. Lewis Cass
Sept 18
Papers of James Pike for the Pension Office
Secretary of War Washington City

August 30, 1832
To the Hon Secy of War Sir
Indorsed is the application of James Pike of Franklin New Hampshire for a Pension, under the Act of 1832 —
— His time of service eleven months and a few days —
His Statement is long. I wrote it for him, and was circumstantial in detail. Supposing when I wrote his Statement, that he would find no Soldier, who served with him —
He has since found Prince Johannet who sustains him in part of his service viz. for the term of eight months —
Ezra George proves also that he was absent from home during said period and that he was wounded &c —
Also for the second period of 3 months

I have resided as a neighbor to Isaac Pike for the last ten years, and can safely aver that in point of intelligence and uprightness of conduct he is distinguished among the men of his age, or any other age, in the vicinity -
- Any communication in answer to this application may be addressed to me in Franklin. Neshannock County N.H.
Respectfully Yours,
Isaac W. Nesmith
Hon Lewis Cass

Disposition of Prune Johannis
Depo. of Prune Johannis of Goffstown N. H. to be used for the benefit of James Pike of Franklin N. H.

I Prince Johannet depose and say I am 83 years of age that in the year 1775 I served as a soldier in the Revolutionary army in the Massachusetts Troops in the Regiment commanded by James Faye as Colonel and James Brackett of Haverhill as Lieutenant Colonel in the company commanded by Captain David of Methuen, as captain and that I served for the term of eight months or more
That during the time that I served as a soldier and for eighteen years since I was well acquainted with James Pike now living in Franklin in the State of New Hampshire, and during said eighteen years I lived a near neighbor to said James Pike. That said James Pike served as a soldier during all the term aforesaid in the same regiment to which I belonged, and that he belonged to the company commanded by one James Sawyer of Haverhill as I think.
That said James Pike and myself both fought in the battle of Bunkers Hill, and both remained in said Regt. until the expiration of said eight months or more when we were dismissed and that I consider said James Pike to be a correct and upright man - Prince Johannet
State of New Hampshire } Goffstown August 27. 1832 Hillsborough ss } Personally appearing Prince Johannet and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him signed is just and true. before me
Jesse Carr Jus Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Prince Johannet, have lived near him for twenty years or more that he is a man of regular habits and of good moral character and entitled to full credit.
Jesse Carr Jus Peace

Section 2 James Johnson Dept. of Prime Minister of California N. H. Reserve for the benefit of James McLeod Franklin N. H.
State of New Hampshire. Secretary's Office Aug. 2 d 1832
I hereby certify that the within named Percy Earl is a Justice of the Peace for our County of Hillsborough, duly constituted and sworn, and his signature as such to be his genuine signature.
For testimony whereof I have hereunto set the Seal of the State. Ralph Metcalf Secretary.