Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26900, for David Peirce, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
or Pierce, David Pierce
W. 26900
Keziah
CONTENTS

Letl. Hon. Asaac Everett, Dec. 28. 1836. (Rejecting widow's claim.) Let John Bryant 11 th Sept 1819
atty Genl. opinion sent June 21. 1821
Motion for new trial - rejected Oct 20 1820.
No. 108 Vermont
David Pierce
of Windsor 6 o in the state of Vermont who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Ward of the Massachusetts line, for the term of 1 year
scribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 9 of April 1818
ertificate of Pension issued the 6 of Sep 1819 and sent to William Strong Esq r Judge of the County Court of Windsor County, Vermont
Arrears to 4th of Sep 1819. 16 mos 30. 134.92 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 March 1820. 48
$ 182.92
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Not paid

5018
Vermont. Montpelier
Reside Pierce deed David Pierce who died on the 6 th Jany 1822 of Windsor in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by Col Ward in the Mass line for St. Mo: 6 days
Ascribed on the Roll of Montpelier at the rate of 70 Dollars 37 1/2 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1 st day of March, 1831 & ending Aug st 5 th 1837
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of May 1837 and sent to John Bryant Acrears to the 4 th of Meriden Semi-annual allowance ending No. 14.
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd
Recorded by J. H. Weightman Clerk, Book 1. Vol. 2 Page 343

Nezia Pierce widow of David Pierce of Vermont dec d - certificate proof of her death and that she left three children

State of Vermont, } I, Thomas F. Hammond, Judge of the District of Windsor ss. } Probate Court in and for the District of Windsor aforesaid, hereby certify, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court, that Reria Pierce, widow of David Pierce, decd. died at Hartland in the county of Windsor and state of Vermont, on the fifth day of August, in the year, one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, and that she left three children, whose names are James Pierce, William Pierce, and Polly Davis, the two former now residing in Vermont, and the latter in New-Hampshire.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court and subscribed my name at West Windsor in said District, this twenty sixth day of November, in the year, one thousand eight hundred and forty nine
Thomas F. Hammond, Judge.

7605 1 Rozia Pierce of the deceased widow of David Pierce claimant for a pension - under the Act of 4th July 1836 for David Pierce's Declaration
(6 pages in the case)
John Bryant Agent Meriden NH

State of Vermont. } On this sixteenth day of November, A.D. District of Windsor, ss. } one thousand eight hundred and forty- nine, personally appeared before the Probate Court within and for the District aforesaid, James Pierce a resident of Hartland in the county of Windsor in said state, aged fifty two years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following Declaration in order to obtain for himself and William Pierce and Polly Davis, in the name and right of Kezia Pierce, deceased; the said declarant, and William Pierce and Polly Davis, being the children, and the only children, known or supposed to be living, of the said Kezia Pierce, deceased, who was, at the time of her death, the widow of David Pierce, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States under the Act of the 18th of March, A.D. 1818, at the rate of eight dollars per month, and continued in the receipt of such pension up to the time of his death, which took place on or about the sixth day of January, in the year, one thousand eight hundred and twenty two; The said declarant claiming as aforesaid under the Act of the 4th of July, 1836, she the said Kezia Pierce having been married to the said David Pierce prior to the expiration of his revolutionary services; claiming also, under the joint Resolution of Congress, "relative to evidence in applications for pensions", passed July 1st. 1848, he being in the receipt of a pension at the rate of eight dollars per month at the time of his death; and also claiming for the Revolutionary services of the said David Pierce as shown by the Certificate of the Secretary of State of Massachusetts, dated August 21st. 1849, issued on my application

dated on the 14 th day of July, 1849, both of which accompany this Declaration; and for other services as set forth and contained in the original Declaration of the said David Pierce, now on file in the Pension Department, that being "the evidence upon which such pension was granted": He further declares that the said Phebe Pierce, as he believes, did not apply for or receive a pension in her lifetime, for the only reason, as he believes, that for several years prior to her death, she was insane, and on that account incapable of making her Declaration; that he has heard his father, the said David Pierce, say, that he resided at Worcester in the state of Massachusetts at the time of rendering the revolutionary services aforesaid, from whence he removed to New Hampshire, and subsequently to Hartland, Vermont, where he was placed upon the pension List Roll of the Vermont Agency, and died as above stated; And he further declares, that in his belief, the said David Pierce was married to the said Phebe Pierce, her former name being Phebe Packard, at said Worcester, in the month of July, in the year, one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine; he further declares, that from his best means of knowledge he believes, that the said Phebe Pierce died at said Hartland in the summer or fall of the year, one thousand eight hundred and forty one, but that he did not live in Hartland at that time, and was not present at her funeral, And he further Declares that his Mother, the said Phebe Pierce continued the widow of the said David Pierce from his death as aforesaid, during the remainder of her life, and died a widow. James Pierce
Sworn to and subscribed by the said James Pierce, this 16 th day of November, 1849.
Before me,
Thomas F. Hammond, Judge.

State of Vermont, } I, Thomas F. Hammond, Judge of the Probate Court District of Windsor ss. } for the District of Windsor aforesaid, hereby certify, that James Pierce who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing Declaration, is a person of truth and veracity, and that his statements are entitled to full credit and belief. Thomas F. Hammond, Judge.
State of Vermont, } I, Salmon F. Dutton, Register of the Probate District of Windsor ss. } Court for the District of Windsor aforesaid, hereby certify, That, Thomas F. Hammond, before whom the foregoing Declaration of James Pierce, was sworn to and subscribed, is Judge of the Probate Court for said District of Windsor, which Probate Court is a Court of Record, and that the signature annexed to the foregoing Certificate of the oath of the said declarant, purporting to be the signature of him the said Thomas F. Hammond, is his own proper and genuine sig- nature. — In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said Probate Court, and subscribed my name, this nineteenth day of November, A.D. 1849.
Salmon F. Dutton, Register.

State of Vermont ss On this ninth day of April Anno Domini 1818, before Windsor County ss  me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the County Court within and for said Windsor County, personally appear David Pierce aged Sixty Five years resident in Hartland in said County, and for several years last past hath been a resident there, Who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War. That the said David Pierce enlisted in the fall of 1776 as he believes for one year in the Company commanded by Capt. Jonas Hubbard and Regiment commanded by Col. Ward - and Lieut. Col. Killen which he served accordingly until the fall then next. When his said term of service was fully completed, he was honorably discharged, at Pickett's Hill in the State of New York, but received no written discharge. That during said term of service the said Capt. Hubbard was wounded and afterwards died at Piconderoye when Lieut. Lyman commanded said Company the remainder of said term - (which he believes was of the Massachusetts line) - And that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support -
Sworn to and declared before me the day and year first above said
William Strong
State of Vermont ss I William Strong first Judge of the County Court within Windsor County ss  and for said County do certify. That it is appears to my satisfaction that the said David Pierce did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration against the common Enemy. And that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; and I now transmit the proceeding and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the direction of the aforementioned act of Congress -
In Testimony Whereof I hereunto set my name and affix the Seal of said Court this Twentieth day of August Anno Domini 1818 -
William Strong

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester ss.
City of Worcester. Jan y . 9. 1850
I certify that the following is a copy, of the record on the fifty sixth page of the Index to the third Volume of the Records of the late Town of Worcester; to wit: "Marriages". July two, Seventeen hundred seventy eight. David Pierce and Regia Packard, both of Worcester"; with the exception of the date, which is expressed on said Record in fair, legible figures, as follows; "July 2. 1778"
C. A. Hamilton,
City Clerk.
I, Charles A. Hamilton, above named, depose and say, that I hold the Office of City Clerk, in the City of Worcester aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the Records of the late Town of Worcester, with the exception as certified above.
C. A. Hamilton, City Clerk.
Worcester ss.
City of Worcester Jan y . 9. 1850.
Sworn to, before me.
William Garrison Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Worcester, p. I, Charles W. Hartshorn, Clerk of the Judicial Courts, of this Commonwealth for the County of Worcester, do certify that William Jennison whose signature is affixed to the certificate within written, is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting un- der the authority of this Commonwealth, and au- thorized by the laws of said Commonwealth to ad- minister oaths, and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity, and that I am ac- quainted with the hand writing of the said William Jennison, and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County, this ninth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- dred and fifty.
Chas. W. Hartshorn Clerk

172
David Pierce
Not noted
18198
March
1820

STATE OF VERMONT, } At a special term of the Supreme Court of Judicature, begun and holden WINDSOR COUNTY....ss. } at Woodstock in the County of Windsor, on the last Monday in July, Anno Domini eighteen hundred and twenty.
ON this Second day of August , 1820, being the third day of said term, personally appeared in open Court, (the same Court being a Court of record agreeably to the laws of this State, having the power of fine and imprisonment, &c.) David Peirce aged sixty six years, resident in South Berne in said County of Windsor, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath declare, that he served in the revolutionary war, as follows: in the fall of 1775 I enlisted into Ethan Allen's Company belonging to Col. Moulton's Regiment for one year and service my term out and was honorably discharged
that he made his original declaration on the ninth day of April 1818 has received a Pension Certificate, No. 14198 And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818;—and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. It consists of land with the appurtenances. Horse - 18. Calf - 2. Wagon & harness - 1. Sleigh and a number of farming utensils - household furniture together with money due to me worth according to appraisal $155.66. That I am owing to Allen Hovey $1,000. Leonard Davis 20.00. John Peirce 382.50. Simon Williams 800. Dunham & Hutchinson 7.00. Sumner & Page 8.75 and to sundry other persons amounting in the whole to $492.35. I am by occupation a farmer, am an infirm man and am unable to labor much, have a wife 64 years of age, a lame woman unable to labor but very little. I have one daughter Sarah Peirce aged 41 years, which is a chronic illness and very troublesome to take care of. David Peirce.
Sworn to and declared on the Second day of August 1820, before said Court.
Attest, Benjamin Swain Clerk.
STATE OF VERMONT, } I, Benj Swain Clerk of the Supreme Court for WINDSOR COUNTY....ss. } the County of Windsor, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court:—And I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is One hundred & sixty three dollars. 31 Cents
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, at Woodstock, this Seventh day of August 1820.
Benj Swain Clerk of the Supreme Court for Windsor County.

State of Vermont Windsor County ss.
On this 17 th day of November 1849 personally appeared before E. M. Stocker a Justice of the peace within and for said County of Windsor James Pierce a resident of Kent and in said County aged 52 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following supplementary declaration in order in the right of his late Mother Keriea Pierce to obtain the benefit of the act of the 4 th of July 1836 & Joint Resolution of the 1 st of July 1848 That when he made his original declaration before the Rural Probate Court for the District of Windsor on the 16 th Instant he was unable to state with much certainty the time of the death of his Mother Keriea Pierce who was the widow of David Pierce. That he has since on inquiry ascertained to his most entire satisfaction that her death took place in the month of August A. D. 1837 — James Pierce
Sworn and subscribed to on the day and year above written —
Before me E. M. Stocker Justice of Peace

I further certify that James Pierce the declarant is personally known to me and that he is a creditable witness.
Ebenezer Dyer Justice of Peace
State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office Montpelier December 3. 1849
I hereby certify that E. M. Atene, Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificates, is, and was at the date thereof, a justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windsor in said State, duly appointed and qualified, and that full credit is due to his official acts and attestations as such.
Given under my hand and the seal of this office this third day of December A.D. 1849.
Gerard F. Merrill Secretary of State

Woodstock Dec 2 d 1820
Hon! William Shong - Sir. I find that David Pease of
Hartland has return of a discontinuance of his Pension. The following is a copy of the Schedule of his property which was forwarded to the Secretary - To wit
  I have 58. acres of land with the appurtenances thereon - one horse one calf two Rigs Waggon and harness, Sleigh and a number of Farming utensils - articles of household furniture together with money due to me worth (that is) has been appraised at  $652 66    and that I am justly owing  492. 35     $1145 01    Which leaves a balance in my favor
I am by occupation a farmer I am an infirm man and unable to labor much - have a wife aged 64 years of age a poor woman unable to labor but very little - I have one daughter Sarah Pease aged forty one years which is a deranged person and very troublesome to take care of - (The person being severely maimed) David Pease to whom he was indebted when omitted
Duly certified that the total amount of said property is $1145.01
It appears to me that if the Secretary could see the said Pease, his family and property he would not hesitate in ordering his pension continued - and Mr Pease flatters himself that by your assistance the same may be accomplished
I enclose you the application of Calvin Dike for a transfer. He has been in the State of New York and he states that he was sick there for a long time and to pay his expenses there he was obliged to obtain a transfer of the payment of his pension from Vermont to the State of New York and now wants it placed back to Vermont - which is important to him, that the same should be done seasonably for him to receive his Pension here. The fourth of March next -
In a general time of health here - Yours in haste

Noziah Pierce dec'd
Windsor County Vt. pending blawm Act 4th July 1836
Jas Pierce. Supplementary declaration
John Bryant Agent
Mendow N.H.

Copy
"Pension Office
September 28 th 1850.
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the Clerk who wrote the letter of the 26 April last to Mr Bryant in relation to the case of Zeriah Pierce deceased did not advert to some important facts which change its character entirely.
The husband of Zeriah Pierce was evidently not the same man of whom the record from the Massachusetts State Department speaks. Her husband the Pensioner in his own declaration states that he served in Capt. Hubbard's Company under Col. Ward one year commencing in 1776 and was discharged after a years continuous service - The one to whom that record refers served three different tours in 1778 and 1779 amounting to 9 months 6 days but neither of them under Hubbard or Ward - She could have no claim then under the Act of 4 th July 1836 and she died before the passage of that of 7 th July 1838 - The claim cannot be allowed -
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J. L. Edwards
by B. Hoor
Hon. W. H. Hibbard House of Representatives

State of Vermont } Windsor County ss }
On this 11 th day of December 1850. Before E. M. Stocked a Justice of the Peace for said County personally appeared James Pierce of Hattand in said County who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following supplementary declaration. That he is one of the Children of David and Kariah Pierce late of said Hattand deceased. That his father the said David Pierce was a Massachusetts Soldier in the Army of the Revolution and at the time of his death a Vermont Pensioner of the United States under the act of the 18 th of March 1818 - That his Mother Kariah Pierce the Widow of said David Pierce lived to be entitled to a pension under the act of the 4 th of July 1836 her husband the said David Pierce having rendered several tons of Service subs- equent to her marriage to him which took place at Worcester Massachusetts the then place of their residence on the 2 nd day of July 1778. That as his Mother the said Kariah Pierce on account of deran- gement of mind made no application for a pension in her life he as one of her Children in her right asserted a claim in behalf of himself and her two other Children on the 16 th day of November 1849. to which claim reference is had in the original letter of the Commissioner of Pensions to the Hon. Henry Hibbard Member of Congress from New Hampshire of which the foregoing is a copy.

By which it appears that the Claim was disallowed for a reason therein stated, and a mistaken reason to us this declarant apprehends, for after having served the one year for which he was promised in Captain Hubbards Company in 1776. he knows of no reason why he might not afterwards have rendered three other terms under other officers in the year 1778 and 1779 and his most confident belief is that he did so serve, to wit. 3. mo. & 2 days under Captain Huntington in 1778. 5 mo. in 1779. under Captain Fish in 1779 & 1. mo. 14 days under the same Command ending Jan'y 1. 1780. as per the Secretary of Mammachetts Certificate now on file. That a reason why he so believes is that it was. always said by his parents, that his father who was at the time a resident of Worcester Mass. was several times engaged subsequent to his marriage which took place as aforesaid on the 2nd. day of July 1778. that he therefore hereby renewedly claims for the years service of his father under Captain Hubbard Col. Mands Regiment. together with the 9. mo. & 6 days. under Captain Huntington & Fish. He also renewedly claims the benefit of the joint resolution of July 1. 1848. and under the provisions of which, at the same rate his father received in his life time. to wit. Ninety Six dollars per annum, paying that

reference may be had to all the papers in the case, on a further consideration of the same together with the additional evidence that may hereafter be presented. The declarant would also further state as his belief that his eldest Sister Sally Pierce deceased was born at said Worcester in the time of the Revolution that he has caused a search to be made for a record of her birth there but without success.
James Pierce
Sworn and subscribed to on the day and year above named
Before me E. M. Stocked Justice of Peace I further certify that James Pierce the declarant is personally known to me and that he is a credible witness.
E. M. Stocked Justice Peace

I. Lucy Pierce of Rutland aforesaid aged upwards of 58 years do now say that I was well acquainted with the David & Keziah Pierce referred to in the foregoing declaration of James Pierce and have heard them both say that they were residents of Worcester Massachusetts through the Revolutionary War and were there married in July 1778. That after their marriage the said David Pierce was several times in the Revolutionary Service of the country. That their first child Sally was born in the Month of June 1779. That I was also well acquainted with their daughter the said Sally Pierce who died upwards of two years ago - and have heard her say when in life and health that she was born in Worcester Massachusetts in the time of the War of the Revolution, and that she then lived with her parents, David & Keziah Pierce till the war was over, after which they first removed to Acworth New Hampshire and subsequently to Rutland Vt. where the said David & Keziah Pierce both died, the latter as my recollection is in a state of derangement at the time of her death.
Lucy Pierce
State of Vermont } Sworn and Subscribed to this 11 th day Windsor County ss } of December A.D. 1850 -
Before me E. M. Stockwell Justice Peace

I further certify that Lucy Pierce the deponent is personally known to me and that she is a credible witness.
E. M. Stocker Justice Peace
State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office Montpelier January 10 th 1851
I hereby certify that E. M. Stocker, Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificates, is, and was at the date thereof, a justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windsor in said State, duly appointed and qualified, and that full credit is due to his official acts and attestations as such.
Given under my hand and the seal of this Office this 10 th day of January A.D. 1851.
Fernand F. Merrill
Secretary of State

David Pierce
This history not sent as the soldier did not live in Fitchburg or Leominster Mass
In April 1818 of Hartland, Windsor Co Vt aged 65 years where residing for several years last past
Enlisted in fall of 1776 at Worcester Oct 7 who was residing after one year under Capt Jonas Hubbard who rec'd a wound of which he died at Ticonderoga N Y & Lt Lyman Com'd the Compy in the Mass Regt of Colo Ward & Lt Col Millard & he was disch at Pechill march d to Dorchester, then to Hudson river
Wife in Aug 1820 aged 64 yrs & a daughter Sarah Pierce aged 41 years & discharged Joseph Walker of Worcester a witness to his service at Dorchester
James Pierce a son living in 1850 in Hartland Vt - Age stated Nov 1849 52 years
M d at Worcester July 2 1778 to Keziah Packard - she was discharged Mary Pierce He served 3 mos under Capt Huntington in 1778 + 5 mos with Capt Fisher in 1779
Sally Pierce born at Worcester June 1779 died about 1850 David lived for a time in Acworth N H then to Hartland where both died widow died Aug 5 1837 Soldier died Jan 6 1822
Service 1778 Prov. Genl. March 1778 Capt Harrington in May Recd Detachment of 5 mos from July 1 1779 Capt Fisher & Colo Tyler's reg t
W m Pierce & Polly Davis Children of David & Keziah Pierce with the above James known to be living

7605
Keziah Pierce decd widow of David
By Let J. Bryant, Apr 26/50 " Hon. H. Hibbard 28 th Sept 1850
July 4. 1836.

Hon. Horace Everett,
Dec. 28, 1836.
Sir:-
I have the honor to return you the ct of Town Clerk shewing that Mrs. Kiziah Peirce was mar. 2 July 1778 to David Peirce dec d and to inform you that the marriage was subsequent to the service of the decedent—
Letter in Benjamin Dake R. 26 25.

I Joseph Walker of Worcester in the County of Worcester, do on oath testify and declare, that in the Year 1776, I saw David Pierce (with whom I was personally acquainted) in service of the United States, in Col. Ward's Regiment, Massachusetts Line; to which place he had marched from Worcester when he enlisted, and from whence he afterwards marched to New York. I think I again saw him after his return and have no doubt he performed his service faithfully.
Joseph Walker
Worcester ss. June 14th 1819. Personally appeared the said Joseph Walker, who is known to me as a credible and disinterested witness, and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him subscribed.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
WORCESTER, ss.
I, ABIJAH BIGELOW, Clerk of the Judicial Courts holden within and for said County of Worcester, certify, that Edward D. Bangs Esquire, before whom the annexed affidavits have been made, is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly qualified for the purpose, acting under the authority of this Commonwealth, and that his name subscribed thereto is his own proper signature.
IN testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the County seal, this fourteenth day of June, A. D. 1819.
Abijah Bigelow, Clerk
Application of David Pierce (four affidavits before E.D. Bangs)

I Joseph Walker of Worcester in the County of Wor- cester, do on oath testify and declare, that in the Year 1776, I saw David Pierce (with whom I was personally acquainted) in service of the United States, at Dorchester in Col. Ward's Regiment, Massachusetts Line; to which place he had marched from Worcester where he enlisted, and from whence he after- wards marched to New York. I think I again saw him after his return and have no doubt he performed his service faithfully.
Joseph Walker
Worcester ss. June 14th. 1819. Personally appeared the said Joseph Walker, who is known to me as a credible and disinterested witness, and made solemn oath to the truth of the above Declaration by him subscribed in my presence —
Edw. D. Mansel. Jus Pacis

I Amos Pierce of Fitchburg in the County of Worcester, do on oath testify and declare, that in the year 1776, my brother, David Pierce, enlisted, to my personal knowledge, into Col. Ward's Regiment, Massachusetts Line, for the term of one year, and that he marched with the company with which he enlisted from Worcester where he enlisted, and at the end of his term he returned home having served, undoubtedly, his time out faithfully and been honourably discharged - Amos Pierce
Worcester ss. June 14 th . 1819. Personally appeared the said Amos Pierce and made solemn oath to the truth of the above declaration by him subscribed in my presence and I further certify that he is, to the best of my knowl- edge and belief a disinterested and credible witness.
Edw. D. Hanger, Justice of the Peace.

I Paul Gates of Worcester in the County of Worcester, do on oath testify and declare, that in the Year 1776, about October as I think. David Pierce, now of Hartland in the State of Vermont, enlisted at the same time with me into the continental service for one year; he was enlisted by Lieut. Kennedy, and belonged to Col. Ward's Regiment, of the Massachusetts Line. After having enlisted, I from some peculiar circumstances, was excused from service and did not march with him; but the next year I enlisted again into a different regiment, and then saw said Pierce in service at New York. I have no doubt he served his year out faithfully, and was honourably discharged. —
Paul Gates
Worcester ss. June 14. th 1819 — Personally appeared the said Paul Gates and made solemn oath to the truth of the above declaration by him subscribed in my presence. And I certify that he is known to me as a credible and disinterested Witness. — Col. D. Bangs. Justice of the Peace.

I Jeffry Hemenway, of Worcester in the County of Worcester, do on oath testify and declare, that I served in the Revolutionary Army and on the Con- tinental Establishment, and have obtained my Cer- tificate for a pension according to act of Congress. During my service I repeatedly saw and was acquaint- ed with David Pierce, now of Vermont, particular- ly at White Plains, and I know that said Pierce served for one year at least on the Continental Establishment. I was discharged about the time he was, he leaving the army about a week before me. I know that he served faithfully for the term for which he enlisted, and was undoubtedly honourably discharged, although he was in a different Regiment from mine.
Jeffry X Hemenway mark.
Att. Col. D Bangs.
Worcester ss. June 14th. 1819. Personally appeared the said Hemenway, (who is known to me as a credible and disinter- ested witness) and made solemn oath to the truth of the above de- claration by him subscribed in my presence; he affixing his mark, being so blind as not to be able to sign his name.
Col. D Bangs. Justice of the Peace.

Mendow NH May 28. 1849
Sir
As agent for the prosecution of the claim of the widow Roziah Pierce to a pension, permit me to state that her late husband David Pierce was a Windsor County, Vermont, pensioner under the act of the 18th of March 1818, and to ask the favour of a report of what service he claimed and was allowed under said act, in order that I may be enabled to determine under what act she was entitled and also whether he claimed and made proof of all the service he rendered or only that in the Massachusetts Continental line. A compliance with this request may save delay and expense and oblige
Yours Obl Servt John Bryant
Hon J. L. Edwards

7605
Keziah Pierce a V g
M a ried July 2. 1778 She died Aug 5. 1837,
July 4. 1836,

Menden N o 5 August 30. 1849
Sir
A reply to my letter written you on the 28 th of May last in behalf of those interested in the claim of Kezia Pierce dec d to a pension for the service of David Pierce who was a Vermont pensioner at the time of his death under the act of the 18 th of March 1818 would have been most thankfully received. and even now would much oblige the children of said Kezia Pierce dec d . - That letter informed you that David Pierce of Windsor County Vermont was a Vermont pensioner of the U.S. under the act of the 18 th March 1818. and contained a request to be informed for what service the said David Pierce claimed and was allowed a pension under said Act as they in they the children in the right of their deceased mother are desirous of claiming for the same and such other service as he rendered from the town of Worcester Mass having no means of ascertaining the amount of service for which a pension was granted him under said Act. - Under such circumstance I hope and trust it will not be inconsistent with the Rules of the Department to grant such request without the usual delay as in other cases.
Respectfully Yr Ob l Serv t G. M c Pheat
Hon J. L. Edwards

The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is, by the subscriber, who is a son of David Pierce late of Hartland in the state of Vermont, hereby requested to furnish evidence from the rolls in his office of the revolutionary service of my late Father the said David Pierce who, I believe was engaged in said service from the County and Town of Worcester in said Commonwealth but when & for what length of time, is unknown me, although for a part of his said service, a pension was granted him, under the act of the 18th of March, 1818; which pension he continued to receive till his death. I have there- fore, to request certified proof of all the service rendered the said Pierce it being designed for the benefit of my- self and the other children of his widow Rosa Pierce, in whose right they design claiming a pension under such act, as from said evidence they may seem to be entitled. Witness my hand, this 14 th day of July, 1849. James Pierce.
Signed in my presence Squire Warey Justice of the Peace by said James Pierce

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
August 21. 1849.
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 David Pierce is borne on a muster roll of Capt. Nathaniel Harrington's Co. of guards & Maj. Reed's detachment, at Worcester, from Nov. 31. 1778. 3 mos. 2 days service. wages
£6. 2. 8.
And on a pay roll of Capt. Thomas Fish's Co. Col. Nathan Tyler's Regt. as a private of Worcester, for service in R.I. from July 1. to Nov. 30 1779. 5 mos. and from Nov 30. 1779 to Jany 1. 1780. 1 mo. 4 days. 80 miles travel. at £16 pr. mo.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
W. L. S. D. Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Term out,
Elizabeth Pierce, do wife of David, Purdie Mass. Troops
She died July 4. 1836 21 months, 6 days joined $70:37 per Annu.
She was born March 4, 1831 and ending Aug 5, 1837. When she died,
Pay all to
James Pierce, William Pierce, + Polly Davis, only child then &c
So

We Freedam Densmore and Ephraim Davis of Hartland in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont of Lawfull age testify and say that we are near neighbours to Daniel Pierce of Hartland in said County and have been intimately acquainted and knowing to the circumstances and bodily strength and health of said Pierce for several years past, said Pierce owns between twenty and twenty five acres of poor hard land which with good cultivation will produce but little in proportion with common lands and that he has one Daughter dependant on him for support which is and has been insane for several years past said Pierce is very infirm in consequence of a lameness in one leg and a disability in his right hand which has rendered his leg and hand almost useless for labour said Pierce wife is also lame and unable to do but very little labour, and in our opinion will never be any better of her infirmities Freedam Densmore Ephraim Davis
State of Vermont } At Woodstock in said Windsor County } County this 30th day of January AD 1821 personally appeared Freedam Densmore and Ephraim Davis known to me to be creditable witnesses and made solemn oath to the foregoing affidavit by them subscribed John Lee Chief Judge of Windsor County Court

State of Vermont } Woodstock County Clerks Office Windsor County ss } February 3 d AD 1821 --
This Certifies that Aiken Luce is Chief Judge of the County Court within and for the County of Windsor, and that the within Signature is his --
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said County Court, and subscribe my name the day & year above --
Benj. Swan Clerk
David Jones profess

State of Vermont } District of Windsor } I Salmon F. Dutton Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Windsor aforesaid hereby certify that the most satisfactory evidence has been adduced to said Court that Abigail Maria Pierce who died at Hartland in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont on the fifth day of August 1837 was formerly the wife of David Pierce a Pensioner of the United States upon the Roll of the Windsor Vermont Agency under the Act of the 18th March 1818 and died on the 6th day of January 1822 and that she was at the time of her death, which happened as aforesaid on the 5th day of August 1837, the widow of said David Pierce, -
As. S.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at Barnstable, in the District of Windsor aforesaid, on this sixth day of June A.D. 1850. Salmon F. Dutton, Judge.

Post Office Mendon N.D. June 12 1880
Sir
I herewith send the further requisite certificate to be used in the case of Maria Pierce of the dec'd - Act of July 1836
Respectfully Y our Ob ed Serv t John Bryant
Box 2, L. Edwards

key WIDOW, &c.
26,900
File No. 24686
Keziah Pierce wid of David Pierce Pr. New Mar.
Act July 4 th 36
Index : Vol P , Page 132
[Arrangement of 1870.]

3 Neha Pierce of the dec'd Proof of the time of her death. -David Grows Affidavit -

I David Grew of Hartland in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged upwards of fifty six years depose and say that I have been a resident of Hart- land ever since my birth and that I have been consequently acquainted with many of its inhabitants and was particularly so with Maria Pierce who was reported to have been the widow of David Pierce late a Vermont Pensioner of the United States. That from the year 1836 to 1840 I was overseer of the Poor for the Town of Hartland and had charge of the Poor House - That when I entered upon the duties of the said overseer of the poor and took charge of the Poor House in eighteen hundred thirty six forty I found Mrs. Pierce an inmate thereof and she continued such inmate till her death which took place on the fifth day of August 1837 That I have before me a book containing a list of the names of the several persons who were then supported as paupers at the Poor's expense together with the record of the time of some of their deaths while under my charge among which I find a record of the time of the death of Mrs. Pierce which was made at the time with my own hand and from which I am enabled to state with certainty that she died at at the time above stated to wit, on the fifth day of August 1837 - I further state that my present recollection is that during the whole time

I had the care of the S d Hestia Pierce in the capacity aforesaid her mind was so deranged as to render her incapable of business -
David Groom
State of Vermont } Windsor County ss }
Sworn and subscribed to on this seventeenth day of Nov. 1849 before me -
Ward Colton Justice of the Peace
I further certify the deponent is entitled to full credit as a witness
Ward Colton Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office Montpelier December 3 d 1849
I hereby certify that Ward Cotton Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificates, was at the date thereof a justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windsor in said State, duly appointed and qualified, and that full credit is due to his official acts and attestations as such.
Given under my hand and the seal of this Office this third day of December A.D. 1849.
Fernand F. Merrill
Secretary of State