Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18599, Jonathan Billings, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
mass.
Billings, Jonathan Sarah
W. 185-99
B.L. No. 34.526-160-55-
CONTENTS

Sarah Billings' Pension Application

State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss.
On this third day of September A.D. 1839. Personally appeared in open Court, before Sherman Leland, Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said County of Norfolk, Sarah Billings a resident of Canton in said County, aged seventy six 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 A.D. 1838. entitled "An Act granting half pay and Pensions to Certain Widows".
Viz. I Sarah Billings of Canton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being seventy six years of age, declare and say, that I am the Widow of Jonathan Billings late of said Canton deceased, who rendered Military Services to the United States in the Revolutionary War, which, according to my own recollection and the best evidence within my knowledge were performed as follows, viz--.
Eight months service as a Soldier in Capt William Bents Company & Col. Joseph Reed's Regiment at Roxbury and Squantum near Boston, that this term of service began about the first of May A.D. 1775, and ended near the first of January A.D. 1776. Vol 14. 13 on 8000-
Also Two months service as Soldier in Capt. Penniman's Company, and believed to be in Col. Lem. Robinson's, or Col. Wm. McCulloch's Regiment at Dorchester Heights and other places in the vicinity of Boston, that this term of service began about the first day of February A.D. 1776, and ended near the first of April the same year.
Also, Four months service as a Soldier in Capt. Bradley's Company and Col. Benjamin Gill's Regiment at Bennington, Still Water, Saratoga, Tarrytown and White Plains in the state of New York; and as I have always understood by said Jonathan Billings my late husband, and by other persons in the service with him, he the said Jonathan was in the principal Engagement or Battle with General Burgoyne's Army at Saratoga, in the month of October, in the month of October A.D. 1777, that this term of service began about the first of August A.D. 1777, and ended near the first of December the same year. Making fourteen months service--.
That not being able to furnish that direct Record proof of my marriage, that many others have the means to do, I would here state that I was lawfully married to said Jonathan Billings at Danvers in the County of Essex Mass. by Amos Putnam Esq. a Justice of the Peace of that place on or about the twentieth day of October A.D. 1780. That being married at a distance of twenty seven miles from that part of Houghton (now Canton) where we immediately began house keeping, I well recollect that said Justice Putnam gave to said Jonathan Billings my husband, a Certificate of our marriage by him, and that this marriage Certificate was kept in our possession for many years, that I distinctly remember, that on the occasion when about to embrace the Covenant of our Christian Church, and having our Children Baptized, I showed this Certificate of Marriage, to the Rev. Samuel Dunbar our then Clergyman, and believe it was satisfactory to him as to the matter certified, but soon after the death of my said husband, I removed to the house where I now reside, and do not remember to have seen the said Certificate afterwards. I have made diligent search, but have not been able to find it.
It may not be amiss here to state, that I had only two sons, active young men, on whom I had good reason to hope for what ever assistance I might need in my old age, and who were induced to enter the military service in the war of 1812. Their names were Benjamin Billings & Samuel Billings, who were taken sick and died in the Autumn of the year 1814.

Eight months service as a Soldier in Capt William Bents Company & Col. Joseph Reed's Regiment at Roxbury and Squantum near Boston, that this term of service began about the first of May A.D. 1775, and ended near the first of January A.D. 1776. Vol 14. 13. on 8000-
Also Two months service as Soldier in Capt. Penniman's Company, and believed to be in Col. Lem. Robinson's or Col. Wm. McIntosh Regiment at Dorchester Heights and other places in the vicinity of Boston, that this term of service began about the first day of February A.D. 1776, and ended near the first of April the same year.
Also, Four months service as a Soldier in Capt. Bradley's Company and Col. Benjamin Gill's Regiment at Bennington, Still Water, Saratoga, Tarrytown and White Plains in the state of New York; and as I have always understood by said Jonathan Billings my late husband, and by other persons in the service with him, he the said Jonathan was in the principal Engagement or Battle with General Burgoyne's Army at Saratoga, in the month of October, in the month of October A.D. 1777, that this term of service began about the first of August A.D. 1777, and ended near the first of December the same year, making fourteen months service.
That not being able to furnish that direct Record proof of my marriage, that many others have the means to do, I would here state that I was lawfully married to said Jonathan Billings at Danvers in the County of Essex Mass. by Amos Putnam Esq. a Justice of the Peace of that place on or about the twentieth day of October A.D. 1780. That being married at a distance of twenty seven miles from that part of Houghton (now Canton) where we immediately began house keeping, I well recollect that said Justice Putnam gave to said Jonathan Billings my husband, a Certificate of our marriage by him, and that this marriage Certificate was kept in our possession for many years, that I distinctly remember, that on the occasion when about to embrace the Covenant of our Christian Church, and having our Children Baptized, I showed this Certificate of Marriage, to the Rev. Samuel Dunbar our then Clergyman, and believe it was satisfactory to him as to the matter certified. That soon after the death of my said husband, I removed to the house where I now reside, and do not remember to have seen the said Certificate afterwards. I have made diligent search, but have not been able to find it.
It may not be amiss here to state, that I had only two sons, active young men, on whom I had good reason to hope for what ever assistance I might need in my old age, and who were induced to enter the military service of the United States in the war of 1812. Their names were Benjamin Billings & Samuel Billings, who after a fatiguing march from Sackets Harbour, both died of sickness, in the Autumn of the year 1814, at a place called French Mills, on the Canadian Frontier.
That I believe the said Jonathan Billings my late husband, performed the above described military services as a volunteer, that his legal residence or home, was at Canton aforesaid, and all the evidence and proofs I have to offer in aid of my claim, are herewith transmitted.
And I further declare, that my maiden name was Sarah Billings that I was lawfully married to the said Jonathan Billings on or about the twentieth day of October A.D. 1780, at Danvers as aforesaid. That my late husband the said Jonathan Billings died at sea on his passage from St Mary's River at the Port of Georgia, to Boston, on or about the fifteenth day of May in the year 1808, and that I have remained a widow ever since that period. That I was not married to him the said Jonathan Billings prior to his leaving the military service aforesaid, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four viz, at the time above stated.
Sworn to, and subscribed, on the day and year, first above written. Before
Sarah Billings
Before I Leavitt Judge of Probate

I James Swan of Shoughton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being of lawful age, hereby certify, that I hold the office of Town Clerk of said Town of Shoughton and have the custody and keeping of the Books and records of said Town - that I have made search and cannot find the entry of the marriage of Jonathan Billings and Sarah Billings on said records -
And I further certify, that at Page 43 on one of those Books of Records, I find an entry in the precise letters and figures and form following
66 Viz - Rachel Pratt Billings, Daughter of Jonathan Billings and Sarah his wife, Born February 13 1782.
Benjamin Billings, Son of Jonathan Billings & Sarah his wife, Born September 4 th 1783
James Swan Clerk of the Town of Shoughton
State of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss - September 2 nd 1839. James Swan above named Clerk of the Town of Shoughton, a credible witness, subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter by him certified in the foregoing Statement, is just and true.
Before me W m Collis Justice of Peace

4528.
Massachusetts
Sarah Billings
widow of Jonathan Mass who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 39 Dollars 78 ,
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of March 1848 and sent to
M c Ellis Dedham Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 7 Vol. 2
4528

204.556
Act 3rd Mon
Aug 21/83
Sarah Billings
wid of Jonathan Billings pr.
Capt
Ent Dis
170
War of the Revolution
Rev. Pensioner — under act Feb. 3 d 1848 — Certificate N o 4328 Reg. Vol. 2, Page 7.
Ad: 160 ac. July 11/52 B. G. [initials]
Horatio Woodman
Mass
Vol. B. 142.

State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk
On this twenty fifth day of April , A. D., 185 7 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, Sarah Billings aged ninety one years, a resident of Canton in said County who being duly sworn according to law, declared that she is the widow of Jonathan Billings deceased, who was a Pirate in the Company commanded by Captain in the Revolutionary War  commanded by
in the war with Great Britain, declared by the United States, on the 18th day of June, 1812, —that her said husband was drafted at Stoughton on or about the 10th day of March A.D. 177 for the term of nine months and continued in actual service in the said war for the term of nine months and was honorably discharged at Stoughton on or about the 10th day
of March A.D. 177 , as will appear by reference to the rolls, that he received no printed or written discharge, and that neither he nor she ever received or applied for, or is entitled to bounty land for any other service, except that she received for the same service, under the act of September 1850, a 40 acre warrant, No.
which she has legally sold and cannot return.  The Applicant now receives a Pension from the Government for the same service. Said Pension is numbered 4328 - is made payable at Boston and is recorded on the Roll of Pensioners under Act February 2 d 1844 Vol. 2. Page 7 =
She further states that she was married to the said Jonathan Billings in Wrentham on or about the year 1781 , by Amos Putnam  Justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Sarah Billings that her husband died at Sea on his passage from  Griffin  about the year  1801 , proof of which will be found on file with her pension application, that she is still a widow,— that she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act of Congress passed March 3, 1855, and that she prays that the certificate thereof may be sent for her to Horatio Woodman, Boston, Mass.
Witness Chas Endicott
Sarah x Billings Mark
Subscribed and duly sworn to, the day and year first above written. I certify that she is the identical person above described. I have no interest in the case.
Jud. will send a copy.  Chas Endicott
{ Justice of the Peace.
97 - 17 yrs old

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
NORFOLK ss.
I, EZRA W. SAMPSON, Clerk of the Judicial Courts, being Courts of Record, within and for the County of Norfolk, hereby certify that Charles Endicott Esquire,
was at the time of taking the above affidavit & now is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk aforesaid, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified to discharge the duties of said office, and that his signature to the annexed certificate is genuine and true.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth aforesaid at Dedham, this Seventh day of May A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five
Ezra W. Sampson Clerk.
998-7206

October 13, 1938.
Mrs. Dave Mosser Box 387 Winter Haven, Florida.
BA-J/ILL Jonathan Billings W. 18599 our
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to the husband of Sarah Billings, who received a pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War, and resided in Canton, Massachusetts, the name of said soldier not known.
The data which follow are found in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 18599, based upon service in the Revolutionary War of Jonathan Billings, whose widow, Sarah Billings, was a pensioner of Canton, Massachusetts.
Jonathan Billings resided at the time of the Revolutionary War in Stoughton (the part called later Canton), Norfolk County, Massachusetts. The date and place of his birth, his age, and the names of his parents are not shown.
Jonathan Billings enlisted and served as a private in the Massachusetts troops on different tours, shown as follows: from May 1, 1775, eight months in Captain William Bent's company, Colonel John Greaton's regiment, stationed at Dorchester; from February 1, 1776, two months in Captain Penniman's company, Colonel Lemuel Robinson's regiment; and from August 1, 1777, four months in Captain Bradley's company, Colonel Benjamin Gill's regiment, during which he was in the campaign against General Burgoyne, was at Bennington, Stillwater and in the battle of Saratoga.
Jonathan Billings married October 20, 1780, in Danvers, Essex County, Massachusetts, Sarah, who stated that her maiden name was Sarah Billings; she did not state the names of her parents, nor the date and place of her birth. They immediately moved to Stoughton, twenty-seven miles from the place of their marriage, and kept house there.
In October 1800, Jonathan Billings was sent by boat from Boston

to Georgia to procure live oak timber for the Navy Yard at Charlestown, Massachusetts; he, in company with others, left Cumberland Island on St. Mary's River in Georgia in May 1801, by boat to return to Boston, and while at sea Jonathan Billings became ill suddenly, died May 15, 1801, and was buried at sea.
Sarah Billings, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War on her application executed September 3, 1839, at which time she was aged seventy-six years. She had resided in Canton, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, ever since the death of her husband, Jonathan Billings. She was allowed bounty land under the Act of March 3, 1855 on account of his service in the Revolutionary War; she received 160 acres of bounty land on warrant #34526. She was living in Canton, Massachusetts, in 1855.
Jonathan Billings and his wife, Sarah, had four or five children; the births of two of those children were recorded in Stoughton as follows:
Rachel Pratt Billings, born February 13, 1782. Benjamin " " September 9, 1783.
Two of their sons, Samuel and Benjamin Billings, "active young men", enlisted in the War of 1812, and after a fatiguing march from Sacketts Harbor to French Mills on the Canadian frontier, died in the autumn of 1814, date not shown. They were the only sons of Jonathan and Sarah Billings. The names of their other children were not designated.
In 1848, Sarah A. Dars and Lemuel Taunt witnessed the widow's signature in Canton, Massachusetts; no relationship between them and the soldier's family was stated. James Dunbar and Betsey Endicott resided in Canton in 1855; they had been acquainted with the soldier.
If you desire information in regard to the location of the land which was granted on account of service of Jonathan Billings in the Revolutionary War, you should address the Commissioner, General Land Office, this city, and cite the following: bounty land warrant #34526, 160 acres, Act of March 3, 1855.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Next line In 1855 - James Dunbar + Betsey Endicott, residents of Canton stated that they had been acquainted with the sol. for 13 yrs. before his death. Chas. Endicott was J. of P. for Norfolk Co. Mass. in 1855. No rel. between these persons + the soldier's family. was stated.

1938-Oct. 13. Hints to Mrs. Dan Mosser. JLL
Pay WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18599
Sarah Billings Wid. of Jonathan Billings Priv. Rev. War.
Act: Feby. 2 nd  1/48
Index:—Vol. 84 , Page 64
[Arrangement of 1870.]

32,526
5
1600

2959 Massachusetts
Sarah Billings widow of Jonathan Billings who was a private in the Massachusetts Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 39 Dollars 18 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of Nov r 1843 and sent to
Wm Ellis Dedham Mass ts
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 8 Vol. 1 Page 37

Massachusetts 4382
Sarah Billings widow of Jonathan Billings, decd.
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 15th May 1801 of Norfolk in the State of Mass. who was a private in the com ny commanded by Captain Burt of the reg t commanded by Col. Beal in the Mass. line for 11 m. 28 ds.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 39 Dollars 78 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of Oct r 1839, & sent to William Ellis Esq. Needham, Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1839 $139.23 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 40 19.89
$159.12 { Act July 7, } { 1838. }
Recorded by J. M. Curley Clerk, Book 4. Vol. 1. Page 73.
Let to William Ellis 17 Dec '39 To same April 18, 1840

Dec 10
Gen. Mr. Frank Esg
U.S. Commr of Pensions
Wash
Washington City
Ball's Bluff

Dedham Mass. December 2 - 1839.
W m Crump Sir
I have recently received from the Pension Department, the Certificates of Nabby Morse, Chloe Drake, Sarah Billings, & Mercy Coburn; all of which appear to be satisfactory, except that of Sarah Billings, which is granted for "thirty nine dollars and seventy eight cents Per annum".
According to my recollection, the military services claimed for Jonathan Billings the late husband of said Sarah the claimant, were as follows viz -
 1775 - Eight months service as Soldier at Roxbury & Squantum, in Capt William Bent's Company & Col John Greaton's Regiment -.  1776 - Two months service as Soldier at Dorchester Hill, in Capt Penniman's Company, and Abner Crane Lieut - and whether in the Reg t of Col. William M c Intosh or that of Col. Lemuel Robinson does not now occur to mind -.  1777 - Four months service as Soldier at Stillwater, Saratoga &c. in the state of N. York in Capt Bradley's Company & Col. Benjamin Gill's Regiment -. 
and which amount to 14 Months service, and the Pension granted, appears to have been graduated on a term of less than 12 months service -.
I had supposed that the 14 Months claimed, was as well supported as any term could be, recollecting the fact, that the services of Benjamin Bussey, within a year last past, were readily admitted at the Pension Department, for 8 months rendered in the same Capt William Bent's Company A.D. 1775 - in which said Jonathan Billings services were rendered; also 4 months service of S Bussey was admitted, in the tour to Saratoga & N.Y. in the same Col. Benjamin Gill's Reg t when and where, said Jonathan Billings rendered his services claimed for, and being the same tour of service in which S Bussey served A.D. 1777 - and supported by the Testimony of John Sumner -.
Also the two months service of 1776 appears to be well supported by the testimony of Josiah Talbot, who served with the said Jonathan Billings in this tour of 1776 - . And if there is any doubts about this term of service, I think there is further evidence to sustain it if necessary -.
Under these circumstances I am desired to retain M rs Billings Certificate with a view to exchange it, if a mistake should be discovered with regard to the amount of service on which this Pension is graduated. If no mistake is discovered: I ask the favor to be informed, in which of the terms of service claimed for, is the two months loss? in order that I may be able to satisfy the claimant, that all is right as it is -.
Geo. W m Crump Esq. - Acting Com r of Pensions Washington City
Very Respectfully your Ob t Servant
W m Ellis

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
NORFOLK ss.
Erroll Sampson
I, JAMES WAGE , Clerk of the Judicial Courts, being Courts of Record, within and for the County of Norfolk, hereby Certify that William Ellis Esquire,
is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk aforesaid, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified to discharge the duties of said office, and that his signature to the annexed certificate
is genuine and true. & that Sherriff Leland is Judge of Probate for said County & that his signature to the annexed certificate is genuine and true.
In Witness Whereof, I have subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth aforesaid at Dedham, this Seventeenth day of September A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty
Erroll Sampson Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, July 19. 1843
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereto attached, William Ellis was a Justice of the peace for the County of Norfolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his 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.
Wm. A. DOLLES
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

2929 Sarah Billings Chain Pension Act March 3-1843
Please to report the result to the subscriber at Dedham Mass 11,
Wm Ellis
admd 39.78

State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss -
On this tenth day of April A.D. 1843 - Personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace, in and for said County, Sarah Billings, a resident of Canton in said County of Norfolk, aged Eighty years, who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed March 3 d A.D. 1843, granting Pensions to Certain widows of Officers and Soldiers, who served in the Revolutionary war -
Viz - That She is the widow of Jonathan Billings late of Canton in the said County of Norfolk dec d , who, as Private or Soldier, rendered military services to the United States in the Revolutionary war, and who died at Sea on his passage from Georgia to Boston, on or about the fifteenth day of May 1801. That She is the identical Sarah Billings who made application for a five years Pension under the Act of Congress of July 7 th A.D. 1838, and in the month of September A.D. 1839, transmitted to the U.S. Pension Department with her said application, the requisite proofs of said Jonathan Billings' Revolutionary services, and the proof of her lawful marriage to him the said Jonathan Billings her late husband deceas'd. That She subsequently received a Certificate granting her a Pension of $39.78 per annum for a term of five years from March 4 th A.D. 1836, that she received the amount of said Pension, ending March 4 th A.D. 1841, and at the receipt of the last payment thereof, She surrendered her said Certificate to the Agent of the United States for paying Pensions in Boston, in the State of Massachusetts - That She has not intermarried since the death of her said husband, but continues the widow of said Jonathan Billings dec d and is now Eighty - years of age -
Sarah Billings
Sworn to, and subscribed by the above named Sarah Billings on the day and year, first above written
Before W m Ellis Justice of the Peace
And I further certify, that the above named applicant Sarah Billings, is personally known to me to be the identical person who was pensioned under the Act of July 7 th 1838, as She has above stated -
W m Ellis Justice of the Peace

James L. Edwards Esq. Com te of Pension Washington City

Dedham Mass tt Sept r 14 th 1839 -
M c Edwards
Sir
Herewith is transmitted the Pension Application of Sarah Billings, of Canton Mass tt - in viewing this declaration it appears that in the eight months service in Capt Wm m Bent's Company 1775 - it should have been stated in Col. John Greaton's Reg t in stead of the Reg t of Col. Joseph Reed. It will be perceived there is no direct Proof forwarded of the eight months service claimed in Capt Bent's Company in 1775. There were several persons who recollected to have heard it stated by the Claimants husband or other persons that he the said Jonathan Billings served in the first eight months service, and some that recollects d Billings going into this service, but did not serve with him, therefore not wishing to multiply affidavits in circumstantial evidence, none of this character were taken, and furthermore it occurred to mind, that if the said Jonathan Billings did perform the eight months service in Capt Wm m Bent's Company as claimed in 1775, it would appear on s d Capt Bent's Roll in your department to which you referred, when the same term of Service in the same Company was allowed in another case, a little over a year ago. Should any further explanations be necessary in this case, you will have the goodness, as usual, to make it known to the subscriber as soon as convenient -
Respectfully your
ob t
servant
James L. Edwards Esq. Washington City
W m Ellis

James L. Edwards Esq. U.S. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

Dorchester Mass - Feb 7 th 19 th - 1840.
Mr Edwards
Sir
Some weeks since I received from Mr Crump a line in answer to my previous statement concerning two months service as Soldier rendered at Dorchester Hill or in that vicinity, by Jonathan Billings the late husband of Sarah Billings - the Claimant in this case, the amount of said Jonathan Billings Revolutionary Service as Soldier, admitted was eight months - in 1775 - & three months and 28 days at Saratoga in 1777 - and the Certificate received, graduated on this amount - It appeared that the two months claimed for February and March 1776 - was excluded for want of more satisfactory proof, but Mr Crump was pleased to state that "the claim is open for further proof" - and I herewith transmit - the deposition of John Eaton a man of sound mind and memory and I believe of undoubted character for integrity, and who acted in the service himself, his testimony goes far to establish the fact, that said Jonathan Billings did render military service to the Country in the months of February and March A.D. 1776 as set forth in the Claimants declaration, you have the testimony of Josiah Talbot in this case, which shows that he served during the two months in question with said Jonathan Billings near Boston in the Spring of 1776, but it seems by said letter that this service is not found on the Roll of Capt Penniman, although it is certain that said Capt Penniman did command a Company of Soldiers at or near Dorchester Hill in the Spring of 1776 - hence the said Jonathan Billings and Josiah Talbot might have been detached from some other Company where they were enrolled and have rendered a short tour of fatigue service under Capt Penniman who was not their regular Captain - Therefore as said Josiah Talbot is a Pensioner of the U.S. under the Act of June 7 th - 1832, and it is believed, was allowed for the identical 2 Months service at Dorchester Hill in 1776, the same as mentioned by said Jonathan Billings with said Talbot - I hope, if it be practicable, to examine said Josiah Talbot's declaration of 1832 - on your files, which it won't seem, must explain this two months service of 1776, claimed for said Jonathan Billings. It must show, who Lieut Abner Grane's Captain was, and the Regiment to which he belonged There is little doubt that said Jonathan Billings and Josiah Talbot rendered

rendered this two months service in the Spring of 1776— either in the Regiment of Col Robinson or that of Col Dyke— If the two months service claimed is allowed, the Certificate will be forthwith returned in Exchange for another before any payment has been made thereon—.
I am Sir very Respectfully your Obedt Servant
James L. Edwards Esq. Washington City—
Wm Ellis

John Eaton's deposition in aid of Sarah Billings' Claim

I John Eaton of Dedham in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being seventy five years of age hereby testify and say, that I was personally acquainted with Jonathan Billings late of Canton in said County dec - in the year 1776, and for many years afterwards. That I distinctly recollect and am am knowing to the fact, that said Jonathan Billings came up from the Camp near Boston with a number of other men as a fatigue party to procure wood and timber for the use of the Camp & Barracks. That I recollect that this wood and timber was taken from what was then called the Ewing lot about half a mile from my father's House, in a retired place in the southerly part of said Dedham, and this lot from which the timber was taken was called the Tory lot for many years afterwards, because as I have understood, the said Ewing left his property and went over to the Enemy or to England about that time. I well remember of seeing some of the men of the said fatigue party a hewing out square timber on the head land near where it grew; and I further say, that this party of men, and most of them the same men, came up and performed this duty at two different times, and according to my best recollection and belief, these soldiers remained on this fatigue duty about two weeks each time, and were both times under the command of Lieutenant Abner Crane with whom I was for many years afterwards well acquainted, and I well recollect, that said Jonathan Billings acted as a sort clerk or assistant to said Lieut Abner Crane on both these tours of duty. I also recollect the names of several other men of this fatigue party, among which was that of Jonathan Harrington, Daniel Tucker and Josiah Tabbat. That according to my recollection & belief, the first of said tours of service was rendered in the early part of February, and the second was near the middle of March in the year 1776, I remember that this party were on this duty when the news arrived that the Enemy had left Boston in the month of March 1776, and soon afterwards returned to Camp. - the reason that I know the above stated facts, is, because the said Lieut Abner Crane and Jonathan Billings and several others, quartered at my father's House, during the two tours of service aforesaid - and I also well remember that a man by the name of Jeremiah Gove came up from the Camp, and bought a quantity of Provisions to said Party, which they called rations - I do not remember to what Regiment the said fatigue party of soldiers belonged -
John Eaton.
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk - ss - February 18 th - 1840 - Then John Eaton a man of known respectability and a credible Witness, subscribed to, and made oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by him so subscribed, is, according to his best recollection and confident belief, true, in every part thereof -
Before me W m Ellis Justice of the Peace

2959
DECLARATION
• In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. Norfolk COUNTY, }
On this Sixteenth day of September 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid,
Sarah Billings a resident of Canton in the county of Norfolk aforesaid aged eighty four years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Jonathan Billings who was a resident of that part of Stoughton now Canton , and who was a private in the War of the Revolution . _____ and is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17th June, 1844, on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of thirty nine dollars and seventy eight cents per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sarah Billings
Sworn to and subscribed on the day } and year above written, }
Before me,
In presence of us
Samuel Gant Sarah C. Dara
Ysaa Glis } Justice of the Peace.
* Certify, That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner, as she declares.
Ysaa Glis } Justice of the Peace.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. COUNTY, }
I, _____ Clerk of the Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that _____ is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified ; and that his signature, above written, is genuine.
Given under my hand, and the Seal of said Court, this _____ day of _____ 18 _____
CLERK.
Note. the word "September" in the above document was inserted by me in the same place, where the word August had been erased. The word September was inserted before this document was signed or otherwise authenticated. Ysaa Glis

Dedham Mass tt — October 6 th 1848.
Mr Edwards.
Sir
A few weeks previous to the fourth of September last, I was informed by the U.S. Agent for paying Pensions in Boston Mass tt — that a declaration must be made and a new certificate obtained from the Pension Department, by the surviving Widows whose pensions were extended by the Act of Congress of February 2-1848, in preparation of the receipt of the first payment under said Act of Feb ry 2 d — consequently the declarations of three Widows were made, and are herewith transmitted — therefore I request that the respective Pension Certificates of Olive Dean — Elizabeth Horlow and Sarah Billings, may be forwarded to me at Dedham Mass tt as soon as convenient —.
I am Sir, your Obedient Servant —
J. L. Edwards Esq. Washington City —
W. Ellis

APPLICATION OF 204 586 Sarah wid of Jonas Billings Revolutionary War
for a 160 acre warrant,
Act of March 2d, 1855.
WARRANT TO BE SENT TO HENRY WOODMAN, Boston, Mass. AS WITHIN REQUESTED.

State of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk
We James Dunbar and Betsey Endicott having been duly sworn, depose and say, that we well knew Jonathan Billings who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
whose widow now applies for bounty land,—that we knew him for more than thirteen years before his death, which occurred at Sea on his passage from Georgia about fifty four years ago,—that we know that he died about that time because he went with a number of other persons to Georgia among whom was General Elijah Crane and that they brought the news of his death on their return, and that he never returned to Canton. We take the facts of his death from those persons who have all since deceased. Canton in said County of Norfolk that we are residents of that we have known his said widow from his death to this time, that she has remained unmarried,—that her declaration was signed and acknowledged by her in our presence,—that she is the identical person she represents herself to be,—and that we are disinterested.
J Dunbar
Betsey Endicott
Subscribed, and duly sworn to before me, this twenty fifth day of April A.D. 1855
Chas Endicott Justice of the Peace.
It is hereby certified that satisfactory proof has been exhibited before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, by the affidavits of James Dunbar and Betsey Endicott they have no pecuniary interest in the result of the above application; that Jonathan Billings is the widow, remaining unmarried of the late Jonathan Billings who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and that the said Jonathan Billings died at Sea on or about the year 1801
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty fifth day of April 1855 I have no interest in this case.
Chas Endicott Justice of the Peace.
* "We attended his funeral," or "were in the neighborhood at the time," or some equally good reason.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
NORFOLK ss.
I, EZRA W. SAMPSON, Clerk of the Judicial Courts, being Courts of Record, within and for the County of Norfolk, hereby certify that Charles Endicott Esquire,
was at the time of taking the above official oath is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk aforesaid, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified to discharge the duties of said office, and that his signature to the annexed certificate is genuine and true.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth aforesaid at Dedham, this Seventh day of May A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five
Ezra W. Sampson Clerk.

I Thomas French of Canton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being of lawful age hereby depose and say, that I was personally acquainted with Jonathan Billings and Sarah Billings his wife several years before the death of said Jonathan, that as I was informed by others, with said Jonathan Billings at the time of his death, he died at sea, on his passage on his way from Georgia to Boston, whither he had been after oak timber for the Navy, and which took place about the year 1800. And I further say, that during my acquaintance with Jonathan and Sarah Billings, they lived together as man and wife, and had a family of four or five children, that I have never heard the marriage of said Jonathan and Sarah Billings doubted by any, nor do I know of any reason to doubt that they were lawfully married and that so far as I have ever known or heard, the the said Sarah Billings is a woman of truth and veracity and that she still survives, and resides in said Town of Canton —
Thomas French
State of Massachusetts / County of Norfolk ss
September 2. 1839 Then Thomas French above named, who is an acting Magistrate in said County of Norfolk, and at this time one of the Senators in the Legislature of Massachusetts and a Credible Witness, subscribed to, and made oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by him so subscribed, is true —
Before me Wm. Ellis Justice of Peace

I Josiah Talbot of Sharon in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being Eighty two years of age hereby Testify and say, that I was personally acquainted with Jonathan Billings late of Canton in said County dec d - in the year 1776, and also with Sarah Billings who I believe, afterwards was the wife of said Jonathan, and I further say that I am knowing to the fact, that said Jonathan Billings performed soldiers duty for the term of two months at Roxbury and in that quarter in Capt Penniman's Company, Lieut Abner Crane, that this term of service began about the first of February and ended near the first of April in the year 1776, that I know these facts because I served as a Soldier in said Penniman's Company at Roxbury and vicinity with said Jonathan Billings, during the the two months aforesaid -
Josiah Talbot
State of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss.
August 28 th 1839. Then the above named Josiah Talbot long known to the subscriber as a credible Witness, subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing Statement by him so subscribed, is true -
Before me W m G. Ellis Justice of Peace

I John Sumner of Sharon in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being seventy eight years of age hereby testify and say that I was personally acquainted with Jonathan Billings late of Canton dec d . in the year A D -1777, that I am knowing to the fact that said Jonathan Billings served as a Soldier in Capt Bradley's Company and Col. Benjamin Gill's Regiment, at Bennington Still Water, Saratoga, and Ferrytown in the State of New York, according to my best recollection - the said Jonathan Billings was in one of the main Battles at Saratoga at a time when I was doing duty on the Piquet Guard of the same Company at a little distance - that this service began in the early part of August and ended about the first of December, at the White Plains above the City of New York, the reason why I know these facts, I served in said Capt Bradley's Company with said Jonathan Billings during the said campaign at Saratoga in the year 1777.
John Sumner
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss.
October 27 th 1838. Then personally appeared the above named John Sumner a credible Witness, and subscribed to, and made Oath that the above named matter set forth in the foregoing statement by him so subscribed, is true.
Before me W m Ellis Justice of Peace
The above erasure of the words, above named was done by me.
W m Ellis

6116 Sarah Bolling Passion declaration
act of July 38
m 80 d os.
206 14.12-75. Rent - 8 mo 17.17-77-Bradly. 3.28 no roll of Pennymen for 76-
Adm d
11 mo. 280 pr
$39.78
no deduction
Please to make report of this Application to the Subscriber at Dedham Mass
Yrs G Ellis

I Nathaniel Shepard of Canton in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being of lawful age hereby testify and say, that I resided a near neighbor to, and was personally acquainted with Jonathan Billings and Sarah Billings his wife, for ten or twelve years before said Jonathan Billings' death, that in the month of October A.D. 1800, the said Jonathan Billings with myself and a number of other men engaged under the direction of Gen c Elijah Crane and Capt George Jordan, to go a tour to the South for procuring live Oak timber for the Navy yard at Charlestown near Boston, and accordingly, our party ship'd at Boston and in a short time landed at Cumberland Island in the River St. Mary's, which I believe makes the boundary between the state of Georgia and the territory of Florida, at this Island and neighborhood we remained till the month of May following and procured the timber sought, that during our stay there said Jonathan Billings had several turns of Indigestion and toward the close of this service, he had a tumor on the leg which troubled him, we got our cargo of timber on board and sailed for Boston, and on the second or third day after we sailed, and according to my best recollection on the fourteenth day of May 1801, the said Jonathan Billings was seized with something like a fit of Palsy and suddenly died, I saw his remains committed to the Ocean, I recollect it was supposed this sudden attack was caused by some kind of medicinal materials he had been receiving of the Indians before we left the Island, we arrived in Boston Harbour about the first of June —. And I further say, that I know the fact, that said Sarah Billings has not intermarried since the death of her said husband, but remains the widow of said Jonathan Billings at the present time and yet resides in my neighborhood in said Town of Canton —.
Nath l Shepard
State of Massachusetts Norfolk County, S.S. September 2 d 1839, Then the above named Nathaniel Shepard a credible Witness, subscribed to, and made Oath that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by him is subscribed, is true. (Before me H. G. Ellis) Justice of Peace.

1307 THIRTEENTH STREET, SOUTH EAST LAKE ELBERT HILLS WINTER HAVEN, FLORIDA
16 August 1938 Winter Haven, Fla.
Bureau of Pensions -
Please give me all information you may have on Sarah Billings , a Rev. Pensioner. She resided in Canton, Mass. I want her husband's name, service etc. if you have it.
Yours very truly
Mrs. Dave Massee
Box 387
Winter Haven,
Florida.