Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,591, John Bowers, Continental (Mass.)

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental (Mass.)
Bowers, John Abiah
N 15,591
CONTENTS

13,982 L
Massachusetts
John Bowers
of Dacutt in the state of Massachusetts who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Parsons of the R. Island line, for the term of One Year
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 7 of April  1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 of July  1819 and just to Samuel Dana Esq. Colonel Massachusetts
  Arrears to 4th of  Mar 1819  87 43    Semi-ann. all'ce ending  Sep 1819  48 00    10 Mo 27 4      30 31        $135 43  
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Continued
Notication sent to Abraham Dyer Esq. Col 13. 1820. Cambridge Mass.

323 Massachusetts Abiah Bowes widow of John Bowes
who served in the Revolutionary R. A. war, as a Private
Recd. from $40 Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96. Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of Sept r 1850 and sent to
Hon H. Walden House of Reps
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 81 Vol. 2

John Bowers
76 — 1 1/2 ear
Varnum R. Island
Res?
Judge's certificate of indigence wanted
Admitted

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
BE it remembered, that on this Seventh day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen before me, SAMUEL DANA , Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Middle Circuit, (comprehending the Counties of Essex and Middlesex, in the Commonwealth aforesaid) comes John Burrem of Dracutt in said county of Middlesex and on oath declares, that he served in the War of the Revolution for the space of twelve months That on the first day of January in the year of our Lord, One Thousand, Seven hundred and Seventy six , he enlisted into the Army on the Continental establishment, in the Company of Capt. James Varnum , in the Regiment Commanded, by Col. James M. Varnum in Genl. Greene's Brigade , in the Massachusetts line in this Camp - as he did duty, at New York City , Long Island , and New Jersey one full year, when his term expired, and he returned to his residence in Dracutt - He is now Sixty years old , he is destitute of property altogether, & his ability to labor daily declines, so that
he stands in need of assistance from his country for his support, by reason of his reduced circumstances in life
Middlesex
Thus, made, subscribed, and sworn to, at Chelmsford the day and year aforesaid.
in said county of
John Burrem
Sam d Dana

To the Honorable JOHN C. CALHOUN, Secretary of the Department of War of the United States.
I, the undersigned Samuel Dana , Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Middle Circuit, (comprehending the Counties of Essex and Middlesex) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being a Court of Record, duly established by Law, Do hereby certify, That on the eighth day of April in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen — — Personally appeared John Bowers — — — — — and made and subscribed the declaration which is hereunto annexed. And at the same time he exhibited to me a Certificate signed James Varnum well known to me, to be the proper hand & writing of Capt. (now Col.) James Varnum, who served in the war of the revolution.
from which it appears to me, that the said John Bowers did serve in the War of the REVOLUTION, against the common Enemy, upwards of — — nine months.
Wherefore, in pursuance of the directions of an Act of Congress, made and passed the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," I have transmitted the said Declaration & the Certificate aforesaid to you the said Secretary, that such further proceedings may be had in the premises, as the said Act may require.
In testimony of all which, I have caused the Seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand within the said Circuit, the eighth — — day of April — — in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen. — — Sam: Dana
I Samuel Dana Chief Justice above described — Do further certify that John Bowers name in the annexed Declaration is a true man in reduced circumstances —
Sam: Dana

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
MIDDLESEX, ss.
At the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Middle Circuit, begun and holden at Concord, within and for the County of Middlesex, on the second Monday of June A. D. 182 0
Before the Hon. SAMUEL DANA, Esquire, Chief Justice,
and
WILLIAM WETMORE, and } Associate Justices STEPHEN MINOT, Esquires, } of said Court.
In open Court here, being a Court of Record for said Circuit, proceeding according to the course of the common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of its proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, John Bowers resident in
Chelmsford - in said Circuit, who is named in Pension Certificate No. 13987 now in his possession, of which the following is a true copy, to wit,
"WAR DEPARTMENT.....REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM."
"I certify that, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the "18th March, 1818, John Bowers late a  Private in the army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the "Pension List, Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of eight "dollars per month, to commence on the eighth day of  April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen "Given at the War Office of the United States, this fifteenth "day of July one thousand eight hundred and  nineteen
J. C. CALHOUN, Secretary of War,"
appears, and exhibits to the Court here a Schedule, subscribed by him, as follows, to wit,
SCHEDULE,
containing his whole estate and income, his necessary clothing and bedding excepted, to wit,
   2 Tables 1 00   2 Chairs 0 75   Crockery ware 2 00   Glass ware 0 10   Broken pots & skettles 3 00   Ruins, pots, & spovers 1 00   Old cashs & baucels 1 00   Churn 50 bread trough 50 1 00   4 dung hill fowls 0 80   Shovel & tongs 1 00   Brown earthen 1 25   Hoe scythe & axe 1 50   Candlestick & lamp 0 25   Lin ware 0 70   3 tea & table Spoons 0 12   Chest 1 50   Looking glass 0 75   $17. 27  

And the said John Bowers saith that he is sixty two years old and his occupation is that of a common day labourer, that he is able to do but little owing to his infirmities, he being affected with a ruptured Hernia.
That his family residing with him consists of a wife aged sixty two years weakly and not able to earn her living, and Mary Goodhue his wife's mother aged ninety five years that before he received his pension he was assisted by the town as a pauper.
That he served in the Revolutionary war as follows to wit he enlisted in December 1775 entered Capt James Varnum's company on the first day of January 1776 in Col James M c Varnum's Reg t Gen Green's brigade and continued in that company untill January 1777 when he was discharged having served out his full year for which he enlisted. John Bowers.

and at the same time he produces to the Court here the following Oath, taken and subscribed by him, before the Hon. Stephen Minot a Judge of said Court as aforesaid, to wit,
4 I, John Bowers do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, 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 eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, 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. So help me GOD.
John Bowers
Middlesex ss. C. C. C. P. June Term, A. D. 1820
Then the abovenamed John Bowers took and subscribed the aforeswritten Oath before me,
Stephen Minot Judge of said Court.
I, ABRAHAM BIGLOW, Clerk of the Court aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath, and 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
seventeen dollars twenty two cents
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, at Cambridge, in said County of Middlesex, on this 20th day of July 1820
Attr. Abraham Biglow

Abiah Bowers widow of John
Mass.
at 7 July 38
Means
married in 1777.
died in 1821
admiral
12 mo. pri
40 $
no deduction
Knowles & Locke
Lowell
Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex ss. Lowell.
On this seventeenth day of August in the year eighteen hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before the police court of Lowell in the county of Middlesex & commonwealth of Massachusetts, Abiah Bowers a resident of Dracutt in the county of Middlesex aforesaid, aged eighty 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. 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows": That she is the widow of John Bowers, late of said Dracutt, deceased, who was a private in the army of the revolution; he entered the service as I have heard him say for a year commencing after the first eight months

services, and he served one year; but the day month or year when he entered or when he left the service I cannot say; he served under Col. James Varnum I was told, but said Var- num was not a Colonel then and I do not know what his rank was; he lived in said Wra cutt when he entered the service and enlisted for the year's services; he enlisted as I was told & always understood, and was not drafted or a substitute; I do not know as he ever was engaged in any battle, except that he was on Long Island when the British troops were there, and was in some skirmishes there I think; I have no documentary evidence in support of the claim; in what I have above stated about his enlisting & service, I testify as to what I have heard from him, and believe; for I did not know much of him till after he came home having left the army. He was a pensioner under the first pension act of 1818 - I have not now his

pension certificate; I gave it to Miss Hamblett Esquire after my said husband's death, to enable him to get the arrear of pension and I have not seen it since & do not know where it is. She further declares that she was married to the said John Bowers in the year Seventeen hundred & seventy seven - , and as she thinks in December of that year and on a day set apart for Thanksgiving, but the day of the month she does not know and she does not know that any record of her marriage exists anywhere; that her husband, the aforesaid John Bowers died on the twenty sixth day of June in the year eighteen hundred & twenty one; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four - viz: at the time above stated. Abiah per Bowers X mark Signed & sworn to on the
to the said John Bowers

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before
Joseph Locke, Justice of the Police Court of Lowell.
Abiah Bowen (Declaration)
I, Albert Locke, Clerk of the Police Court of Lowell in the county of Mid- dlessex & Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts, hereby certify, that Joseph Locke Esquire abovenamed, was justice of a court of record, and that the sig- nature above is his genuine signature.
In witness whereof I put my name hereto, and the seal of said Court this twentieth day of August in the year eighteen hundred and thirty- eights.
Albert Locke, Clerk P.C.C.
748

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
His Excellency EDWARD EVERETT , Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth
To all whom it may concern:
Know Ye, That Albert Sockwell Esq. is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commission- ed, and that to his Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court: that the within Attestation is in due form, and by the proper Officer.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this Seventeenth day of August, A. D. 1838, and in the sixty third Year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor.
John C. Pickard Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Edward Everett

I, Rachel Abbott, of Dracutt in the county of of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age to testify, depose and say as follows: to wit: I am more than seventy six years of age, I was born in Dracutt and have lived there all my life; I knew John Bowers late of said Dracutt deceased, in his youth & till his death; I also knew Abiah Goodhue, of said Dracutt, now Abiah Bowers of said Dracutt, in her youth and have known her ever since.
I was present in the year seventeen hundred and seventy seven, in December I think, & on a day set apart for Thanksgiving, at the marriage of said John and Abiah; they were married by Rev. Saml Davis and at his house, after the sermon on Thanksg- iving day - by his house, I mean the minister's.
The brothers & Sisters of the parties were present at the marriage; and also the family of the minister, and they are all

dead. I do not know that any record of said marriage exists, and I never saw one of it, or knew of said Bower's keeping one. The Rev. Sam l Davis was the regularly ordained minister of Dracutt at that time, officiated as such, & preached on the day of the marriage in the meetinghouse of his parish.
I well remember said Bower's going to the revolutionary war: he was gone sometime, a year or so, and came back & was married in about a year as I think after his return.
I have heard him tell of being in the revolutionary war, & speak of being on Long Island, & wading in the water there upon a retreat - and that he then took cold & was sick, & carried into a barn which was used for a hospital.
Said Abigail & John lived together after their said marriage, till the death

of said John, & were the parents of eight Children, seven of whom are alive for aught I know.
Said John died in June 1821 and would have been now if living a little over eighty years of age I think.
Rachel Abbott
Middlesex ss. Aug 17. 1838
Signed & sworn to before me
Albert Looke, Justice of the peace
Middlesex ss. Aug. 17. 1838 I, Albert Looke, abovenamed, hereby certify that I have made due inquiry among the townsmen of the abovenamed Rachel Abbott, and am enabled to certify, & do hereby certify, that she is a credible person and that her statements are to be taken as true.
Albert Looke Justice of the peace

I, Nathl. Stickney of Dracutt in the county of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age to testify, depose and say as follows: to wit: I am deacon and clerk of the first congregational church in Dracutt aforesaid, and have the care keeping & custody of the records of said church. I have carefully examined the records aforesaid, and declare that I cannot find anything in said record that relates to the marriage of John Bowers late of said Dracutt deceased with Abiah Goodhue or with anyone else; and I further declare that there is no record of any marriage between 1765 & 1788 July - at this last date the record commences of marriages.
It appears by the said records that the Rev. Saml. Davis was minister of said church between the dates last aforesaid and that in 1788 a new

minister was ordained —
Mrs Abiah Bowers, widow of said John Bowers has not been married since the death of her said husband, and is a widow now.
Nath l Stickney
Middlesex ss. Aug. 17. 1838
Signed & sworn to before me,
Albert Locke, Justice of the peace
Middlesex Aug. 17. 1838 I hereby certify that Nath l Stickney above named is a credible witness & worthy of belief.
Albert Locke Jus. Peace.

I, Life Hamblett of Dracutt in the county of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Esquire, of lawful age to testify, depose and say as follows: to wit: I was administrator of John Bowers late of said Dracutt deceased. He died in June 1821, and was a pensioner under the act of 1818. I applied more than two years after his death at the pension office in Boston, to obtain the arrear of his pension & was told that his name had been stricken from the roll; in order to get it restored as as I think, I delivered his pension certificate to the pension agent in Boston, at any rate I for some reason delivered it to him and have not seen it since and do not know where it is. His name was restored and I got the arrear of pension. I have not any documentary evidence in my possession to prove said Bowers's service in the revolutionary war.

His widow Abiah Bowers now lives in said Dracutt, and has never been married since his death to any other person. I am a native of said (Dracutt. Life Hamblet
Middlesex ss Aug. 17. 1838
Signed & Sworn to before me, Albert Sohier, Justice of the peace

I, Henry Richardson, of Dracutt in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts, of lawful age to testify, depose and say as follows: to wit: I am town clerk of said town of Dracutt, and have the custody care & keeping of the records of said town; I have carefully examined said records and declare that they afford no evidence of any marriage having been solemnised bet- ween John Bowers, late of said Dracutt, deceased, and Abiah Bowers his present widow or any other person, nor is there any thing in said records relating to his marriage except that under date of Nov.  date of Nov. 29. 1777 it appears as follows: "Mr John Bowers Juner entered with me his intention of marriage with Mrs Abiah Goodhue both of Dracutt. (Dated at Dracutt November ye 29-1777- Entered by me William Wildreth. Town clerk". The above is the common form of entering the intention of marriage bet-

ween persons, in the town clerk's book, & was required by law to be entered.
I further declare that I have carefully searched the records of said Dracutt and cannot find the record of any marriage between the dates of February 13. 1773, & July 3 d 1788 - there is no such record.
Henry Richardson; Town Clerk of Dracutt
I further say on oath as aforesaid as follows there are a large number of entries of intentions of marriage before 1788, but no record of the solemnization of the contemplated marriages.
Henry Richardson; Town Clerk of Dracutt
Middlesex ss. Aug. 17. 1838
Signed & Sworn to before me
Albert Dockey, Justice of the peace.
Middlesex ss. Aug. 17. 1838 I hereby certify that Henry Richardson is a credible man & worthy of belief. Albert Dockey, Jus. Peace.

Lucy - 591 Abiah Bowers, widow of John Bowers, dec. who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 th Mar. '18 and who died on the 26 th June 1821. of Middlesex in the State of Mass ts who was a P vt in the Compy commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by _____ in the Mass ts line for 12 m ths
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 40 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1838
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of Sept 38, and sent to and received by Lock, Lowell, Mass ts
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept $ 100.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 20.00 $ 120.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk Book 4 - Vol. 1 - Page 70

571
Massachusetts Abiah Bowers
Widow of John Bowers who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 and who died on the 26. June 1821. of Methuen in the State of Mass. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain  of the Regt commanded by General in the Mass. line for
Inscribed on the Roll of Boston at the rate of 96. Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
In witness whereof Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of Sept 1836 and sent to Dear H. Waldo
Total amount, House of Reps $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by A. H. Wightman Clerk, Book 1 , Vol. 1 , Page 

3805 e
Massachusetts
Abiah Bowers
widow of John Bowers
who was a Private
in the Mass. line
Paid from $40
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of Sept r 1830 and sent to
Hon H. Waldo
House of Reps
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book W. Vol. 2 , Page 26

Massachusetts 3835
Abiah Bowers widow of John Bowers who was a Pirate in the Massachusetts line for 12 Mo
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of Fifty Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of December 1843 and sent to
Joel Adams Sewell Mass
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 Page 37

I hereby certify that John Bowers served in my company from the first day of January 1776 to the first day of January 1777
Draught, April 1818.
James Varnum
We the subscribers Selectmen of the town of Draught County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Mr. John Bowers of said Draught & that he is poor and in needy circumstances & is supported in part by the the said town
Draught June 24 th 1819
J. H. Loomis } Selectmen Levi Hamblin } of Phineas Coburn } Draught

Abrah Bowers
all
all
3835

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. Middlesex COUNTY, }
On this twenty ninth day of July 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid,
Abiah Bowers a resident of Dracut in the county of Middlesex aforesaid aged ninety 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 John Bowers who was a resident of Dracut 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 forty dollars and cents per annum.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Abiah Bowers mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day } Before me, and year above written, }
In presence of Hannah F Bowers
Joel Adams Justice of the Peace.
I Certify, That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner, as she declares.
Joel Adams, 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.

Payment to be made at
Boston
by
Franklin Warren, Esq.,
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
Mass.
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 6 Vol. 2
W. Rumphkin,
Clerk.
13. 172. 111.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848, Abigail Powny, of Massachusetts, widow of John Powny, who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Twenty dollars and _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the War Office of the United States this 29 th day of August, one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight.
W. L. Marcy
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions. B. H. S. Evans.

Lowell Aug. 20. 1838
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir - We enclose the declaration of Abiah Bowers for a pension and send Depons. accompanying.
She claims a pension for one year's service by Mrs. Bowers her husband, performed in " the year's service ".
Mrs. Bower's had a pension by the act of 1818 & we suppose the proof of his service exists in full on the records of your Department and that therefore we need not go into proof by Depositions.
Respectfully Your frd. & oblt. Servt.
Frances L. Stock
We suppose we shall hear from you in due time - we should like to get the pension ordered before the next pay.

4319
et
18. Sep 1843
Abiah Bowers
Oct 1843
Map
Hon. J. S. Edwards
Born?
Resides
$40 per annum
3535- 37
Washington City D.C.
Dear Sir
Laurel
Mass.

Massachusetts -
Lowell Sept. 15. 1843
Dr. Sir. Enclose the Declaration of Abiah Bower, of Dracut, Mass. and ask in her behalf a Certificate for a Pension, in due time -
I am obliged to ask in behalf of another Widow, whose husband was a Pensioner under the Act July 7 - 1832 - and died in December 1841, whether she is entitled to a Pension - As the husband died since the expiration of the five years Pension  right  and  to the widows, I supposed she could re- ceive a pension - but her friend are not satisfied that I am right, and wish an answer from the Pension De- partment -
I am, in great haste, your ob. Servt.
To the Hon. J. L. Edwards Secy. of Pensions
Job Sewell

Due to $96 per annum, deducting former pay at $40. per annum.
(106)
38 1138111 118
Rev. H. Walden 19 of R

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, September 21 st 1850.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Joel Adams, was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and qualified; 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.
R. H. Callan
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

STATE OF Massachusetts Middlesex } ss. COUNTY.
ON this 19 th day of September 1850, before the Subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Abiah Bowers and made oath in due form of law, that she is the widow of John Bowers who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution; that she is now receiving a pension from the United States, at the rate of forty dollars per annum, under the Act of 2 d February 1848 ; that her husband drew a pension at the rate of ninety six ; that she asks for an increase of her present pension, to which she may be found entitled under any and all of the Acts and Resolutions of Congress, which are applicable to her case; that she is a resident of Draught in said County, and is a widow, and is ninety two years of age.
Witness, Joel Adams
Abiah Bowers mark
Sworn and subscribed this 19 th day of September 1850
Before me,
Joel Adams
Justice of the Peace.
I CERTIFY, That I am personally acquainted with the above named declarant, and that she is the same person she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit.
Joel Adams , Justice of the Peace.
—The official character and signature of the Justice of the Peace must be certified to by the Clerk of the County Courts, or the Secretary of State.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15591
Abiah Bowers Widow of John Bowers Dea. Rev. M.
Act: Chh. D. 48
Index:—Vol. a , Page 44
[Arrangement of 1870.]

4319 Abiah Bowers Declaration
4319

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex County ss - On this seventh day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before me, Joel Adams of Lowell a justice of the Peace within and for said County of Middlesex in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Abiah Bowers, a resident of the town of Dracut in said County of Middlesex, aged eighty five years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following Decla- ration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3 d of March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons, who served during the Revolutionary War - That she is the Widow of John Bowers, who as a private rendered military service to the United States in the Revolutionary War, and who died at said Dracut about twenty two years ago - That she is the identical person, who by the name of Abiah Bowers made application for a pension under the late act of Congress of July 7. A.D. 1838, and transmitted to the United States Pension Department with her said application the requisite proofs of said John Bowers Revolutionary Service, and also proof of her lawful marriage to him the said John Bowers, her late husband, deceased - That she subsequently received a Certificate granting her a Pension of forty Dollars per Annum for five years from the 4 th of March 1838 to the 4 th of March 1843. That she received the amount of said Pension and upon 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 inter- married since the decease of her said husband - and -

and still continue the widow of said John Bowen deceased. - her Abiah X Bowers Attest. Life Hamblet mark
Subscribed and sworn to on the day and year first within written
Before me Jacob Adams. Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex County ss.
I Jacob Adams of Lowell a justice of the Peace within and for the County of Middlesex in the Common- wealth of Massachusetts do hereby certify that the above named Abiah Bowers is personally known to me to be the identical person as within repre- sented to be - Jacob Adams Justice of - The Peace Lowell Sept. 7. 1843

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston September 15, 1863
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Joel Adams was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex,
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.
John A. Bolles
Secretary of the Commonwealth.