Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 852, Jonathan Bird, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Bird, Jonathan. Anna
P. 852
CONTENTS
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I Jonathan H. Cobb Clerk, of the town of Dedham in the County of Norfolk & Commonwealth of Massachusetts hereby certify, that I find the following entries in the record of Intentions of Marriages in said Town.
" Jonathan Bird of Roxbury and " " Anna Kingsbury of Dedham March 6 1773. "
a true copy Attest Jonathan H. Cobb Town Clerk Norfolk. Sworn to this twenty eighth day of January A.D. 1832 Before me Elias D. Ames justice of the Peace

Extract from the records of the 1st Parish in Watertown - Mass.
"1836 June 13. Jonathan Bird died, aged 84 years".
The above is a true copy from the records
Abel
Hastbrook Davis
Pastor of 1st Church.
Watertown
Oct 15. 1857
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss. Sworn to by the above Hastbrook Davis, on this 15th day of Octo- ber AD 1857. Before me, Elijah Clark. Justice of the Peace.

I Samuel Bird of North Shelburn in the county of Suffolk, and Commonwealth of Massachu- setts, Seventy eight years of age, do testify and say, that I have for the greater part of my life resided in the town of Roxbury in the county of Norfolk, and also in Watertown in the county of Middlesex, in said Commonwealth, that my fath- er name was Jonathan Bird, and as I have always understood from him, and from others, that he resided with his family in Roxbury aforesaid, at the commencement of the Rev- olutionary war, and was in the service of his country from that town, have repeatedly heard him state that he was under Capt Draper, and Capt Whiting, both of Roxbury, and also other officers, whose names I do not now recollect. I have often heard him say, that he was in service at Cambridge, when guarded by Burgoyne's troops, and was also in the service at the North River, in the State of New York, and from the best of my knowledge, my father with his family, resided in the south part of Roxbury, on a place owned by Capt Whiting, and from there removed to Doct Ezekiel Kingsbury's in Dedham, and from Dedham he removed to

Brookline, an adjoining town, and there he removed to Watertown, in the County of Middlesex, in said Commonwealth, where he resided until his death, and it was generally known and understood that he was a soldier in the Revolution; I also say that I never knew any other person of the name of Jonathan Bird.
Second Part
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Suffolk ss. June 29 th 1853. Then the above named Daniel Bird, known to me as a credible witness, appeared and made affidavit, that the foregoing statement signed by him is true, I also certify that I am in no way interested in the matter connected with the above statement.
Before me,
John F. Hemen Justice of the Peace.

38.506      Dec 23/32 Jonathan Bird, dec. d Mass.
June 7 th 1832.
Elijah Clark Brighton, Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. County of Norfolk ss.
On this eighteenth — day of December, eighteen- hundred , and fifty two, personally appeared in Open Court, before the Court of Probate in and for the County of Norfolk, aforesaid, Jesse Brid, a resident of Brookline in said County of Norfolk, being sixty five years of age, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration for himself, as well as for Samuel Brid, Daniel Brid, Anna Coburn, his Brother, and Sister, which declaration is made in order to obtain a Pension which was due Jonathan Brid, his late father at the time of his death agreeable to the provisions of the Law of Congress passed June, 7 th 1832, and the second Section of the Act of July, 4 th 1836. That the said Jonathan Brid, was at the commence- -ment of the Revolution, a resident & resident of Roxbury in said County of Norfolk, and that he there engaged and rendered services, first in the Company of Capt. William Draper, under Col: Heath, fifteen days, as private from April, 19, 1775, and that he then engaged and rendered eight months service as Corporal in the same year, in a Company command- -ed by Capt. Moses Whiting, under the command of General Heath, of Roxbury. That the said Jonathan Brid, rendered a tour of thirty five days service from March first 1778, on Long Island in Boston Harbor.

in the company of Lieut. Foster, in Col. Pierce's Regt. and that in the summer of 1780. he again engaged and rendered three months and ten days service in the State of New York, in the company of Capt. Samuel Holcomb in the Regiment of Col. Mayers, and it is the belief of deponent, that the said Jonathan Brid rendered the two last services herein mentioned from the town of Dedham, adjoining said Roxbury, and that he was also engaged carrying continental stores in the time of the Revolution. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever, to a pension or annuity, except the pension herein claimed, and declares that the name of the said Jonathan Brid was never placed on the pension roll of the United States. But that the said Jonathan Brid, repeatedly stated that he rendered his country service in the War of the Revolution, that he made some efforts to obtain a pension. but, by reason of his pecuniary circumstances, & not having the necessary information & assistance, he never made a formal claim for a pension, and deponent, hereby further declares, that it is his belief, that his father the aforesaid Jonathan Brid, resided in said town of Roxbury, the first part of the Revolution. that he also resided in Dedham, and Brookline, both of which towns are adjoining said Roxbury and in the County of Norfolk aforesaid, and afterwards removed to Watertown in the County of Middlesex, in said Commonwealth.
Jesse Gains

Subscribed and sworn to by the said Frederick Drid on the day and year above mentioned, before me J Leland judge of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss
I Jonathan H Cobb Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Norfolk hereby certify that Sherman Leland is Judge of said Court & that his signature above is genuine & true.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this eighteenth day of December A.D. 1832. Jonathan H. Cobb

Ex'r.
INVALID.
RECEIVED
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
Jonathan Bird
P. O. _____
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____

38.506 Jonathan Bird, do Mch
Mr E. Clark, May 23/53 Elijah Clark 10 th Sept 1853.
852
June 7, 1882.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
September 11 1851 .
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 Jonathan Bird is borne on a roll of Capt. W m Drape's Co. Col. Heath's Regt. Apr 19. 1775. from Roxbury, as private 15 days. —
On rolls of same service in 1775 in Capt. Moses Whiting's Co. General Heath's Regt. as corporal of Roxbury, on coat roll Dec r 30. 1775. —
On a pay roll of Lt. W m Foster's Co. Col. Pierce's Regt. on Long Island, (Boston Harbor) as private from Mar. 1778. 35 days. —
On a pay roll of Capt. Sam l Holden's Co. Col. Thayer's Regt. from Suffolk, (now Norfolk Co.) as a private from July 22. 1780. 3 mos. 10 days. —

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.
Deacon Walker Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Jesse Bird of Brookline in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age, Depose and Say, that I have good reason to believe that Jonathan Bird, late of Watertown in the County of Middlesex, in said Commonwealth who at his decease, entitled to a Pension from the United States in consideration of his services in the War of the Revolution, and I request for myself, and in behalf of my Brothers & a Sister, that the Secretary of this Commonwealth, to examine the Rolls and Documents in his office for proof of the Service of the said Jonathan Bird, who at the time of the Revolution resided in the Town of Dedham in Roxbury , in said County of Norfolk, and as I believe, may have been in service at the time of the Lexington and Concord alarm April 19, 1775, and may have been in the service in the eight Months Service of 1775 from Dedham, and that he may have been in the service at Dorchester Heights, in Col: Crafts, or Col: Prescotts Regiment and that he may have been in the service on Penikeseet Island, & at Red Bank Island, that he was engaged as a Teamster either with his own team, or in the service of the Army as a Teamster, for a short time, I have no knowledge of there being any other person by the name of Jonathan Bird, residing in Dedham or the neighboring towns at the time of the Revolution.
Jesse Bird

Middlesex.. ss..
August. 12. A. D. 1951
Subscribed to before me
Elizabeth Leland Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts—
Middlesex County—ss.
I hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been adduced to me to prove that Jonathan Bird late of Watertown in said County, died in said Watertown, on the thirteenth day of June in the year eighteen hundred & thirty six. That he was reputed & believed to have served as a soldier in the army of the Revolution—That he left no widow, but left the following named children Samuel Bird, Daniel Bird Anna Coburn and Jesse Bird, who are the only surviving children & heirs of said Jonathan Bird deceased.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this seventeenth day of December A.D. eighteen hundred & fifty two—
Y. P. D. Day Judge of Probate for said County of Middlesex—

Brighton. Mass. July. 18. 1853.
Dear Sir,
Your letter of date May. 28 th respecting the case of Jonathan Bridg has been received. and Sir, I beg leave to write a few words. which I trust in all fairness may be favourably considered. The first knowledge I had of this case was. that Mr Bridg. made some enquiry of Isaac Durd. Esq. about obtaining a pension. but as no one furnish- -ed him with cash to obtain his evidence & pay court fees &c. he never made a claim. The children recollect that their Mother formerly stated. that she had to take care of the farm they hired in Roxbury. while their father was in the service of the Revolution.
Your letter if I understand it. refers to a late rule of the Department. that where an Oath is required. it must be taken by some justice of the Peace. not interested. and he is to certify that he is not interested in the prosecution of the claim. This rule I noticed published in one of the Washington Papers. to commence January. 18. 1853. You will please to notice. that the evidence & papers in this case were all obtained and made up in 1832 & 33. long before that date. and probably before that rule was thought of. Therefore. I think it not hardly cor- -rect. to apply this late rule to this case of Jonathan Bridg.

And as the copy of record (on file) of his being taxed in Roxbury, it proves that there was but one of that name in that town and the Rolls shews you that he was in the service from that town, it should be known and considered, that all Polls, and estates were at that time taxed, and those only, excused who were in the three years service, or during the war, and then their estates, if any in the town would be taxed, Jonathan Brid, does not appear to have been in the continental line for three years, or during the war, although it is thought he was in the service much more than what has been claimed. Additional evidence is herewith enclosed,
Very Respectfully Yours Chas. St. G. C. Elijah Clark
Hon. L. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions Washington City, D.C.

Brighton, Mass Decem. 24 1852
Dear Sir,
I enclose to you herewith the claims of the children of Jonathan Brid, late of Watertown deceased. A Revolutionary claim for pension due at his decease.
Very Respectfully Obediently Elijah Clark.
Hon. J. L. Heath. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City, DC

We the undersigned, David Stone, and James Stone of Watertown, County of Middlesex, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age. Do. testify and say that we were acquainted with Jonathan Bird of said Watertown, we recollect that it was stated he came from the town of Dedham to Watertown, and we well recollect that he the said Jonathan Bird and Abijah Stone of said Watertown, often spoke about his being in the service of the Revolution, and it was considered and generally reputed that the said Jonathan Bird was a soldier in the Revolution. The said Jonathan Bird resided within one mile of our residence, at which place he died some years since and we knew him for thirty years before his death.
David Stone
James Stone
Middlesex ss. Watertown, July 18. 1853.
Then personally appeared David Stone, and James Stone, who are known to me as credible witnesses, and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by them subscribed, and I certify that I am in no way interested or concerned in the matter for which the above is taken. Before me, David Hunt J.P. Essex.

"March 20 th 1775 - The freeholders and Inhabitants of the Town of Roxbury being met at the Meeting House in the Easterly End of sd Town according to adjournment, voted, that the Sum of One hundred pounds be raised upon the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of sd Town for the purpose of paying their Minute Men".
March the 4 th 1776 -
At the Anniversary Town Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Roxbury duly warned the meeting was adjourned to Monday the 10 th day of this instant March -
March 10 th assembled according to adjournment voted. That the Sum of four hundred pounds, shall be raised on the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town to defray the necessary Charges arising with in the same the year ensuing -
July the 9 th 1776. -
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Town of Roxbury duly warned.
Voted to raise upon the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of sd Town the Sum of Six pounds, six shillings and eight pence in addition to the Seven pounds Bounty granted and allowed by the General Court, for the encouragement of each person that shall voluntarily enlist himself into the service aforesaid,
March the 3 rd 1777. -
At the Anniversary Town Meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the Town of Roxbury

duly warned —
Voted That the additional Bounty of Twenty four pounds, besides what the Continent and state has granted, be immediately raised on the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of the said Town and allowed to each man that has or shall engage for the Town of Roxbury, for three years or during the war, and for the present Quota of said Town, and all persons that have paid ten pounds as fines, that sum likewise be assessed and reimbursed to those persons that have paid them.
May 14 th 1777 —
at a meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Roxbury Voted That the sum of four hundred pounds be raised upon the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of the said Town for the aforesaid purpose of purchasing Fire Arms and an Ammunition Wagon with suitable Boxes for receiving and carrying of Cartridges —
at a meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Roxbury on the Eleventh day of September 1777, at the Easterly Meeting House in the said Town at two o'clock Afternoon — Voted That the Town grant and raise on the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of said Town in the usual manner the sum of two Hundred Pounds for the purpose of defraying the charge of the arms, Lead, flints and Gunlocks —

At the Anniversary Town Meeting of the free holders and Inhabitants of the Town of Roxbury on March the 2 d 1778. —
Voted That the Sum of Seven Hundred Pounds be raised on the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of Said Town the year ensuing to defray the necessary charges arising within the same. —
Roxbury Aug 6 th 1778.
At a Meeting of the free holders and Inhabitants of the Town of Roxbury on the 22 d day of December 1778. Voted to raise in addition to what was
raised in March last the Sum of one thousand Pounds in the usual Manner upon the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of Said Town
At the Anniversary Town Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Roxbury on the first day of March 1779.
Voted the Sum of Twenty five hundred Pounds be raised in the usual Manner upon the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of Said Town the year ensuing to defray the necessary charges arising within Said Town. —
At a Legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and other In- habitants of the Town of Roxbury March 6 th by adjourn- ment to March March 9 th 1780. —
Voted That the sum of Fifteen thousand Pounds be raised in the usual Manner upon the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of said Town the year ensuing to defray the necessary charges arising within the same.

I Joseph W. Tucker of Roxbury, County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Mass., Depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk of said City and that the fore- going three pages are a true copy of the Records of said City Joseph W. Tucker
Norfolk ss. Sworn to, before me on this second day of July A.D. 1853 and I hereby certify that I am in no ways interested in the matter appertaining to said Certificate.
Sam! Webster Justice of the Peace
Roxbury City March 1778. At a Meeting of the freeholders and Inhabitants,

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston July 16 th 1853 -
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Samuel Walker was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk, - John W. Ferriss was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk, and David Hart was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
W. H. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

City of Roxbury. County of Norfolk & State of Massachusetts.
Extracts from the Rate Rolls now among the papers in the City of Roxbury - viz:
Polls. Real Estate personal
  1773 Bird 1   1775 Jonathan Bird 1 £   1776 Jonathan Bird 1 9   1777 Jonathan Bird 1 92   Town rate for the encouragement of Soldiers   1777 Jonathan Bird Poll 1 Personal £ 9 " 
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy from the Rate Rolls of Taxes in the years above mentioned, and that there is no other name of Jonathan Bird on the Tax Roll of those years above named, and that no name of Jonathan Bird on the Tax Roll of said Town in the years of 1778, 1779 & 1780.
Attest Joseph W. Tucker City Clerk
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Norfolk ss. City of Roxbury Dec 4 1852 Then per- sonally appeared the above named Joseph W. Tucker and made oath that the certificate by him subscri- bed is true.
Before me.
Sam. Merrill.
Justice of the Peace

I Samuel Pond of Dedham in the County of Norfolk & State of Massachusetts being eighty seven years of age & upwards do depose and say, that I resided in said Dedham during the Revolutionary war and have continued to reside in said Dedham ever since. I was acquainted with Jonathan Bird first in Dorchester in said County where my father resided till 1775 when in the spring he removed to Dedham with his family including myself. I think said Bird lived in Roxbury when I first knew him. He used to come to our house in said Dorchester. He married a Miss Kingsbury of Dedham and lived in Dedham several years after the close of the Revolutionary war, and had two or three children there. Said Bird & family removed from Dedham to Watertown in the County of Middlesex and I recollect of calling on him there while he kept house in that place. I never ever knew any other person of the name of Jonathan Bird. I think said Bird lived

in Dedham during the later part of the war at Dect. Kingsbury, who was the father of his wife
Samuel Pond
Norfolk S.S. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Dedham December 25:1852
Then personally appeared before me the above named Samuel Pond who is of sound mind & memory & credible witness & made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true.
The word "him" on former page interlined before signing.
Ezra Wilkinson Justice of Peace

P. Peter Clark of Watertown in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Eighty three years of age. Do testify and say. I have resided in this town the principle part of my life. that I was well acquainted with Jonathan Briel who formerly resided in this town and died in this town near fifteen years since. I recollect that it was said he came from Dedham in the County of Norfolk when he came to this town. Mrs. Briel wife of the said Jonathan Briel died in this town some years before the death of said Jonathan Briel. I well recollect of hearing the said Jonathan Briel state that he was in the service of the Revolution and that he drove a team for the army in con- veying continental stores to New York.
Peter Clark
Middlesex ss. Watertown February 6. 1852. Then personally appeared Peter Clark, and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed. The word town being first interlined. and I certify that he is a person of sound mind and a credible witness.
Before me, Elizabeth Clark, Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, December 18 th 1852.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Ellis Stone, Ezra Wilkinson and Samuel Walker, were Justices of the Peace for the County of Norfolk - and Elijah Clark was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Amasa Walker Secretary of the Commonwealth.