Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8,127, Jabez Besse, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
or
Busse, Iabes Bessey. Sarah
NUMBER
W.8.127 B.L.Wt.26403-160-55-
CONTENTS

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
STATE OF MAINE, } ss. KENNEBEC COUNTY, }
ON this twenty fifth day of July A. D. 1832 personally appeared before the Hon. NATHAN WESTON, Jun'r, a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, of said State, Jabez Besse a resident of Wayne in the County of Kennebec and State of Maine, aged seventy years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year 1776 , with Captain Barrows and served in Col. Williams' regiment of the Massachusetts line or troops under the following named officers: viz. Barrows Capt. &
Genl. Heath
Genl. Putnam
Williams Col. That he enlisted in July 1776 for three months in said Company & Regiment, served at Roxbury near Boston, & after serving out the full term of his enlistment was discharged verbally at that place in October of the same year. That in May 1779 he again enlisted for six months in Capt. Sparrows Company & Col. Jacobs' Regiment of the same troops, that he served the greater part of this term in Providence R.I. in guarding the town & stores, & afterwards on Rhode Island, where he was verbally discharged after serving out the full term of his enlistment in December of the same year. That in May 1780 he enlisted for six months in Capt. _____ Company & Col. Putnam's Regiment of the same troops, that during this service, he served in New Jersey was present when Maj. Andrè was hung, afterwards went to West Point, & after serving out the full term of his enlistment was discharged at West Point in November 1780. The name of the Captain he does not now recollect one Gilbert was the Acting Capt. the regular Capt. being sick. —
And to the interrogatories propounded under the instructions of the department, he answers:
That he was born at Wareham, Massachusetts , in June 1762, where his age is recorded, & where his home was during his revolutionary services. That he afterwards removed to said Wayne where he has lived for about fifty years. That he enlisted into the service was not drafted or received as a substitute. That his discharge which he received from his latter service is now lost. That any of his neighbors will testify to his character for veracity & their belief of his revolutionary services.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency in any State.
Jabez Besse
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
Besse
Nathan Weston Jun
Just P. C.
And the said Judge does hereby declare his opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.
Nathan Weston Jun

Mr. E. B. Beman August 10, 1832
15th Oct 1832
State of Maine
I Ebenezer Beman, aged seventy nine years, upon oath testify and declare, that I know that my brother Iabez Beman enlisted in 1780 for six months in the continental service, and that he returned from the army at the end of his term.
Ebenezer Beman
Subscribed and sworn to August 21 1832, the deponent being a credible witness.
Nathan Weston Jun. Just S.P.C.
Iabez Beman 14384 Nathan Weston Jun. Just S.P.C.
State of Maine
I William Churchill of Kennebec county, aged sixty nine years, do upon oath testify & say, that having served in the same company regiment at the same time, I well know that the within named Iabez Beman served in Capt. Sparrow's company Col. Jacob's regiment from May 1779 to December of the same year as he has within stated. The said Beman is a man of veracity & entitled to full credit.
William Churchill
Subscribed and sworn to July 25 1832, the deponent being a credible witness.
Nathan Weston Jun. Just S.P.C.
State of Maine.
KENNEBEC, ss.—I, JOHN A. CHANDLER, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts held within and for the County of Kennebec, hereby certify that the Hon. NATHAN WESTON, Jun'r, before whom the within proceedings was had, is a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State; I also certify that the within contains the original proceedings of the said Judge, in the matter of the application of Iabez Beman for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court, this 15th day of October.
A. D. 1832,
J. A. Chandler

5 1205
Mrs. Bessie widow of Jabez Bessie who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 50. Dollars 00 —
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848 9 1/2 " " October 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of April 1853.
and sent to E. M. Norton, Augusta Me.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 157. Vol. 16 .
Date of widow's death not on AB.
V

11.500 Maine
Sabaz Besse
of Kennebec Co. in the State of Maine who was a P t in the Company commanded by Captain Barnes of the Reg t commanded by Col Williams in the Mass  11 under Draper
Died Oct 9, 1853 (A.D.)
15 Mo Private $30.00
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 50 c Dollars per per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of May 1833 and sent to  R. C. Vose Augusta Me
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 - 100.00 Sem-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept " 25-
$ 125.10
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. D. Sprague Clerk, Book C - Vol. 1 - Page 3

129.478/art. Nov. 3/55
Sarah Bessie 11/53-
Capt. Barron
Dear Williams
" " Jacobs
Portman
Cont May July 1776
his out
Ent. May 20 1880 - 1779
20 is Dec - 1119 Ont May 1780
Ont } May - 1780 Leis } Nov
Nov 1
29 July 48 - 1205
Me June 32-11506
Ad: 160000 May 22, 186 P. O. Box 100
Arturas Libby P Albion Me
Sett A. Sibley, Feb: 9 75 C
Vol. B 1 —93. —

Sarah Basse widow of Huby Basse for pension 2 o Sec. Act Feb. 3. 1853
3 3 3
Geo W. Morton Agent Augusta Maine,

Declaration. In order to obtain the benefits of the 2 d Section of the act of 3 d February 1853.
State of Maine.
Wernick County S. S.
On this twenty first day of October A. D. 1853 personally appeared before the Subscriber, Judge of the Court of Probate for the said County of Wernick, it being a Court of Record Sarah Besse a resident of Albion in said County of Wernick, aged seventy eight years, who being duly sworn accor- -ding 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 3 d February 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Jabez Besse who, was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States, under the act of Congress of June 7. 1832 at the rate of Fifty dollars per annum, that his pension was payable at the United States agency for paying pensions in the State of Maine, when his pen- sion was paid during his life to March 4. 1853.
She further declares that she was married to the said Jabez Besse in the town of Rochester - Mass  15 on the day of A. D. 1797 that her name before her said marriage was Sarah Allen that her said husband died in Albion, in the State of Maine on the ninth day of October 1853. that she is now a widow.
Witness D. Williams Franklin Fielder
Sarah her X Besse mark

Kennebec Co.
State of Maine Octo 21. 1853
The within named Sarah Pape personally appeared before me this day when this declaration by her signed by her mark was audibly and distinctly read to her & she then made oath that the same was true & correct according to her best belief & knowledge. Before me
Dan c Williams
Judge of Probate.
In addition to the foregoing certificate I certify that in consequence of the great age & infirmity of the Declarant the said Sarah Pape, she being wholly unable to appear in Open Court I went to her home in the town of Albion in said County of Kennebec & there administered the oath as above stated
Dan c Williams, Judge of Probate
State of Maine Kennebec County & ss. I Joseph Burton, Register of the Court of Probate, in and for said County, hereby certify, that on the 21 st day of October, 1853. Hon. Daniel Williams was sole Judge of said Court, and that his several signatures above are genuine
Witness my hand and the seal of said Court, this twenty fourth day of January A. D. 1856. J. Burton

Mr. Jabez Besse 3 d Born June 6 th 1761 Mrs. Sally Besse Born August 28, 1776 Their children are as follows
Births
Joshua " " August 16, 1798 Silvia " " July 28, 1800 Sarah " " September 24, 1806 Jabez " " December 6 th 1810 Betsey " " July 23 d 1814 William Stinson July 5 th 1818 Sarah Jane Hodges May 22 d 1831 The above Sarah J. Hodges a daughter of Sarah Besse was born in Wayne
The above is a true copy of record Attest J. K. Thorne Town Clerk of Wayne
Wayne Jan. 11, 1856

State of Maine
Kennebec County S.S. On this Nineteenth day of January 1856. personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Kennebec J. H. Thorne, known to me as the Clerk of the town of Wayne, in the State of Maine, and made Oath to the truth of the within Certificate subscribed by him
P. H. Warren Justice of the Peace

129,478
Claim of Sally Bessey TO BOUNTY LAND.
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
PRESENTED BY Antenor Libbey ATTORNEY, Albion MAINE.

BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
STATE OF MAINE, } ss. COUNTY OF Kennebec }
On this twenty eighth day of March A. D. one thousand eight hundred, and fifty-five personally appeared before me, Sisteras Libbey a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Sally Bussey alias Sarah Bussey aged seventy nine years, a resident of Albion in the State of Maine, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Isaac Bussey
that her said husband enlisted, & was called out or drafted at _____ in Massachusetts on or about the 1 st _____ day of July, _____ A. D. 1876 for the term of _____
She further states that she was married to the said Sabaz Bessey in Rochester  Massachusetts on the or about the 15 th day of January , A. D. 1798 by one Chadwick  that there is no public or private record of her said marriage a clergyman, and that her name before her said marriage was Sally Allen that her said husband died at Albion on the 9 th day of October A. D. 1853 and that she is now a
widow. She further declares that her said husband drew a pension for his military service in the Revolution for about twenty years before his death & that she has applied for a pension on his widow but is not yet notified of the decision of the Department on her application. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the BOUNTY LAND to which she may be entitled under the "Act approved March 3, 1855." She also declares that she has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor. And that her said husband never received any Bounty Land to her knowledge.
Sally F. Bussey Mink
We, Sam Robinson and Martha Robinson residents of Albion in the State of Maine, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed by her mark and acknowledged by Sally Bessy in our presence; and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Yarl Robinson
Martha Schüssler
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Artemas Libbey
Justice of the Peace.

POWER OF ATTORNEY.
Know all men by these presents. That I, Sally Bessy of Albion in the County of Kennebec and State of Maine, have constituted and appointed Artemas Libbey of Albion in the State of Maine, my true and lawful Attorney, irrevocably, for me and in my name, to prosecute and receive from the United States the Bounty Land Certificate, or Warrant, due me under existing Laws granting Bounty Lands for services rendered in the United States in the different wars, and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises, and an attorney or attorneys under him, for the purpose aforesaid to make, and at his pleasure to revoke, hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall in my name legally do, or cause to be done, in the premises.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 26 th day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty- five Witness: Martha Robinson  Sally Bessy  185
STATE OF MAINE, COUNTY OF Kennebec ss:—On the 26 th day of March 1855 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for said County and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her free act and deed.
STATE OF MAINE, } ss. COUNTY OF Kennebec
I HEREBY CERTIFY, that Artemas Libbey Esq. before whom the within declaration, affidavit, and power of attorney, were made and executed, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of the Supreme Jud. Court for the County aforesaid, this eighth day of May 1855 J. P. M. Stratton CLERK.

October 11, 1939
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. Roger E. Phelps 58 Hobart Street Hingham, Massachusetts
JABEZ BESSE W. 8127 BA-J/MLB
Dear Sir:
The data which follow in regard to Jabez Besse were obtained from the papers in the claims for pension and bounty land on file under W. 8127, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Jabez Besse (surname sometimes spelled Bessey) was born in Wareham, Massachusetts, June 6, 1761 or 1762 (both dates shown in the claims). The date of birth was recorded in the town records of Wareham. The names of soldier's parents were not given.
While residing in Wareham, Massachusetts, Jabez Besse enlisted about July 1, 1776, served as private in Captain Isaac Barrows' company, Colonel Williams' Massachusetts regiment, at Roxbury, Massachusetts, and was discharged about October 1, 1776. He enlisted about May 1, 1779, served as private in Captain Edward Sparrow's company, Colonel Jacob's Massachusetts regiment, stationed at Providence guarding the town and stores and afterwards on Rhode Island and was discharged about December 1, 1779. He enlisted in May, 1780, served as private under Acting Captain Gilbert in Colonel Putnam's Massachusetts regiment, was present at the execution of Major Andre and was discharged in November, 1780.
The soldier moved from Wareham, Massachusetts, to Wayne, Kennebec County, Massachusetts (Maine), where he was living when he was allowed pension on his application executed July 25, 1832, and where he had lived about fifty years. He died October 9, 1853, in Albion, Kennebec County, Maine.
Jabez Besse married in 1797, or January 15, 1798, in Rochester, Massachusetts, Sarah (sometimes called Sally) Allen, who was born August 28, 1775. The place of her birth and names of parents were not stated.

Soldier's widow, Sarah Besse, was allowed pension on her application executed October 21, 1853, at which time she was residing in Albion, Maine.
While still living in Albion, Maine, Sarah Besse applied March 28, 1855, for bounty land which was due, also, on account of the service of her husband, Jabez. She was granted one hundred sixty acres of bounty land on Warrant 26403, under the Act of March 3, 1855.
The following names of children of Jabez Besse and his wife, Sarah, are shown in the claims and they were recorded in the Town Clerk's Office of Wayne, Maine:
Joshua born August 15, 1798 Silvia " July 28, 1800 Sarah " September 24, 1806 Jabez " December 6, 1810 Betsey " July 23, 1814 William Stenson " July 5, 1818
The following family data appear also in the claims: "Sarah Jane Hodgs May 22, 1831. The above Sarah J. Hodgs a daughter of Sarah Besse was born in Wayne."
In 1832, soldier's brother, Ebenezer Besse, aged seventy-nine years, made affidavit in behalf of the soldier in Maine. In the same year, one Jabez Besse, 2nd, was a resident of Wayne, Kennebec County, Maine, aged sixty-seven years, and stated that he had formerly lived in Wareham, Massachusetts; no relationship was shown to the soldier of the same name. In 1855, one Prince Bessey, of Albion, Maine, stated that the widow, Sarah Besse, at the time of soldier's death was living with her daughter, but did not state the name of the daughter, her place of residence, nor his relationship to the family.
In 1832, one Andrew Sturtevant was aged seventy-two years and living in Fayette, Kennebec County, Maine. In the same year, reference was made to one Heman Sturtevant who served on one tour with Jabez Besse, but no relationship was stated to him nor to Andrew Sturtevant.
In 1855, one Sarah Robinson, aged forty-eight years, made affidavit that soldier's widow, Sarah Besse, was then living with her in Albion, Maine; her affidavit was witnessed by one Martha Robinson. In the same year, Martha and Jane Robinson, residents of Albion, Maine, testified jointly in behalf of soldier's widow. None of the three with surname Robinson stated any relationship to Sarah Besse nor to each other.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name of person paid and possibly the date of death of soldier's widow, Sarah Besse, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data: Sarah Besse, widow of Jabez, certificate No. 1205, issued April 1, 1856, rate $50 per annum, commenced October 9, 1853, Act of July 29, 1848, Maine Agency.
If you desire information relative to the location of the land granted Sarah Besse for service of her husband, Jabez, you should apply to the Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and furnish that official the number of the warrant, the acreage and date of the act under which issued.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

We Woodin Norris of Wayne in the County of Kennebec & State of Maine aged 770 years & Josiah Norris of the aforesaid County & State aged 67 years do upon oath testify & declare that it is our opinion Jabez Bese of said Wayne served in Roxbury Massachusetts 1776 three months in the States service, & six months at Providence & Rhode Island in the year 1779, States service, & six months in the United States service at West Point, New York State, year 1780
Woodin Norris Josiah Norris
State of Maine
Kennebec ss Sworn and subscribed to this 23 rd day of July 1832 the said Woodin Norris & Josiah Norris being credible witnesses
Before me Francis J. Bowles, Justice of Peace who is a notary of the Peace Nathan Winton Jr
I Andrew Sturtevant of Fayette in the County of Kennebec & State of Maine aged 72 years, do upon oath testify & declare that I am knowing of Jabez Bese of Wayne in the County of Kennebec, belonging to Col. Putnam's Regiment (United States service) year 1780
Andrew Sturtevant
State of Maine
Kennebec ss Sworn and subscribed to this 23 rd day of July A D 1832 the said Andrew Sturtevant being a credible witness
Before me Francis J. Bowles, Justice of Peace Francis J. Bowles Esq is a credible notary notary of the Peace. Nathan Winton Jr

I James Churchill of Readfield in the County of Kennebec and State of Maine aged 73 years do upon oath testify & declare that in the year 1776 1776 I was out in Capt. Isaac Barrows company in Roxbury Massachusetts three Months in the States Service in Colonel Williams Regiment. And also know that Jabez Besse of Wayne in the County of Kennebec and State of Maine was a Soldier in the Same Company and Regiment during the whole time of three Months — attest John Smith James Churchill mark
State of Maine Kennebec ss. Sworn and Subscribed to this 23 rd Day of July A.D. 1832. The Said James Churchill is a Man of good repute for truth and veracity — Before me
John Smith Justice of Peace John Smith Esq. is a Justice of the Peace Nathan Weston Jr.
I Jabez Besse 2 d of Wayne in the County of Kennebec and State of Maine aged Sixty Seven hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Jabez Besse of said Wayne — That he and I formerly resided in the town of Wareham in the State of Massachusetts & I remember that the said Jabez Besse was called into the Service of the Government and went with Nathan Norris, Heman Sturtevant & Seth Bates all of the same place. The said Jabez Besse was gone from home Six months & returned to Wareham together with the said Norris, Sturtevant & Bates. The year I cannot remember — The said Norris, Sturtevant & Bates are now deceased.
Jabez Besse 2 d
Subscribed & sworn to this eleventh day of Sept. in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Before me Moses Wing Esq. Justice of Peace Moses Wing Esq. is a Justice of the Peace and the deponent credible. Nathan Weston Jr.

STATE OF MAINE.
Kennebec County, ss.
AT the Supreme Judicial Court, begun and holden at Augusta, within and for the County of Kennebec, on the first Tuesday of October, A. D. 1832, and thence by adjournment on the 26 th day of March A. D. 1833.
PERSONALLY appears in open Court Sabez Bese by whom the annexed declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of June 7th, 1832, was made before the Hon. NATHAN WESTON, Jr. on the 25 th day of July A. D. 1833, and makes oath, in due form of law, that the annexed declaration, by him made and signed, is true.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states.
Nathan Weston Just. S. J. C.
I, JOHN ALPHONSO CHANDLER, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts held within and for the County of Kennebec, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Sabez Bese for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto affix the seal of said Supreme Judicial Court, and subscribe my name this 26 th day of July A. D. 1833.
J. A. Chandler

We Leonard Wing and Albin Wing both of Wayne, in the State of Maine, do depose and say that we were intimately acquainted with the late Iaber Besse who was for many years a resident of said Wayne, from which place he removed to the town of Albion, in the State of Maine a few years prior to his death, which took place about the year 1853. for many years he lived with his now relict widow Sally Besse as her husband in said town of Wayne, they brought up a family of children many of whom are now living, there is no doubt the said Iaber and Sally were joined in lawful wedlock and continued to live together even after their marriage together as husband & wife until his death. She is now living in the said town of Albion where he died and is still his widow. The said Iaber Besse was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States.
Leonard Wing Albin Wing
State of Maine.
Kennebec County S.S. On this Nineteenth day of January A.D. 1856 personally appeared Leonard Wing and Albin Wing they being reputable persons, and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by them subscribed. I have no interest in the claim. B.W. Varnum Justice of the Peace.

State of Maine - Kennebec County ss
I hereby certify that Bartlett W. Varnum Esq. before whom the annexed proceedings were had, was, at the respective dates thereof, a Justice of the Peace for the said County, duly authorized to administer oaths &c and that his signatures thereto are genuine
Witness my hand and the seal of our Sup. Jud. Court for said County this 24 th day of January A. D. 1856
Wm M Stratton { Clerk of said Court

State of Maine County of Kennebec
On this Thirtieth day of November A.D. 1865 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County Alfred Swift who being fully duly sworn decla- res that he was intimately acquainted with Isaac Bice and Sally wife of the said Isaac for more than fiftyfive years that they lived together as man and wife during all the time of his knowledge of them; and that their oldest heir (Joshua Bice) was fiftyseven years of age last August Alfred Swift
The foregoing declaration and affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiant to be a credible person
B. M. Farnum Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, November 22, 1832.
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 Iabez Besse is borne on "a pay roll of Capt. Edward Sparrow's Company, Col. Nathan Tyler's Regiment of New levies from the Massachusetts State for Service done in the State of Rhode Island," as having served from July 11 th 1779, to the 1 st Jan y , 1780, & was paid for five months & 23 days service, including time to return home,
And that there are no rolls of Capt. Burrows's Company in Col. Williams' regiment for 1776 to be found in this Office.
Edward D Bangs. Secy

Geoff Mortimer Esq Augusta Me

Augusta, Maine
March 24. 1856.
Sir,
Iabez Bapse now deceased, was a Revolutionary person of the United States, under the Act of June 7. 1832 at Fifty Dollars per annum, his pension was paid to him at the Agency in Portland Maine to March 4. 1853, he died in Albion, Maine, October 9. 1853, his widow Sarah Bapse rec d the pension due at the time of his death (from March 4. 1853 to Octo 9. 1853) paid at the same Agency. I herewith inclose papers in order to have his widow pensioned under the 2 d Sec. of the Act of February 3. 1853, She is now living in the town of Albion in the State of Maine.
It will be noticed that her declaration was asserted some time since, that the papers recently obtained accompanying it fully show the material facts in her case. Reliance can safely be placed in the truth of the statements made.
Very Respectfully
Your Ob dt Serv t
Geo W. Norton
Hon. G. M c Intosh Comm r Pensions Washington D.C.

Brief in the case of Sarah Beps Widow of Jabez County and State of Maine act 29 July 1848
Claim, ("original," or " for increase ")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Her husband was pensioned under the Act of June 7/1832 at $50 a year and drew October 9 1833
Marriage before 1800 probably records of births of children prior to that date (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Cohabitation, General reputation of marriage, her identity as the widow of the late pensioner, his death & her present widowhood providing credible witnesses,
Name and residence of Agent
Geo. N. Martin Esq Augusta Maine
Shuman D. Examining Clerk.

Sarah Bepo, Widow of Jabez Maine
(Wid. July 29/1848
$50 a year from 9 October 1833 when her husband died,
Co. of the Geo. W. Hooton Esq Augusta Maine

State of Maine } County of Kennebec } 88
On this 28 th day of March A.D. 1855 personally came before me Artemas Libbey a justice of the Peace within & for the County & State aforesaid, Jessamine Robinson aged forty years Sarah Robinson aged forty eight years residents of Albion County & State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law declares that she was  they were personally acquainted with Jabez Bisse late of Albion aforesaid deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, that she was  they are also acquainted with Sally Bisse now of Albion aforesaid widow of the late Jabez Bisse, that she has  they have been intimately acquainted with the said Jabez Bisse & Sally Bisse for thirty five years last past, That the said Jabez & Sally lived ever since she  they first knew till the decease of said Jabez them, live & cohabit together as husband & wife & had several children, that the said Jabez Bisse died at Albion aforesaid on or about the 9 th day of March A.D. 1853 that said Sally Bisse is his widow & has remained since the death of said Jabez & now is a widow & resides in her  the family, she  they further declares that the said Bisse is the identical Bisse who is now in the receipt of a yearly pension as the widow of said Jabez Bisse for his military services in the Revolution & that she has  they have no interest in her claim for Bounty Lands, Sarah & Robinson attest Martha Robinson mark

State of Maine County of Kennebec } ss
On this 7 th day of May A.D. 1855 personally came before me Nathaniel Libbey a Justice of the Peace within & for the County & State aforesaid Prince Bessey a resident of Albion County & State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law declare that he is personally acquainted with Sally Bessey alias Sarah Bessey a resident of Albion aforesaid widow of Jabez Bessey late of said Albion deceased, that he was well acquain- -ted with said Jabez Bessey, that he was a Revolutionary Pensioner for many years prior to his death that he resided in Wayne in this State when he first received a pension from the United States, that he has been acquainted with said Jabez Bessey & Sally Bessey for thirty years, that they lived & cohabited together in good repute as husband & wife from the time he first knew them till about one year prior to the death of said Jabez, when the said Jabez was supported by the town of Wayne as a pauper & the said Sally lived with her daughter that they were always reputed by their relations & acquaintances to be husband & wife legally married & that he never heard their marriage questioned that said Jabez Bessey died at Albion aforesaid on the 9 th day of October A.D. 1853, that said Sally Bessey has since remained & now is a widow & that he has no interest in her claim to Pensionary Land
Prince Bessey
The foregoing affidavit was signed & sworn to before me on the day & year first above written & I certify that I know the affiant to be a credible person & that I have no interest in said Sally Bessey claim to Pensionary Land Nathaniel Libbey Justice of the Peace

The affidavit of Sarah Robinson on the first page was signed & sworn to by her before me on the 28 th day of March A.D. 1855. I certify that I know said affiant to be a credible person & that I have no interest or claim in which said affidavit is taken to be used.
Estomas T. Hovey Justice of the Peace

FREE Sarah Beke and Gaberz June 32
Me 32 Washington D.C.
Mon Minute Gipstle Conner Panimus
For Pension 20 Sec. Act Feb 3. 1853.

No. 1441.
Sarah B. Bepe
Widow of James
Jan
28 29 1848.
Rev 26.403
160 acres

enry Muzk
Revolution Massachusetts WIDOW, &c.
1906 March 3 - History to TH A Macdonald. 1935 Dec. 16 - Hist to Andrew H. Burgess - MR 13 1936 Jan. 21 - Andrew H. Burgess Adv. how to obtain date of last day of serv. etc. MR 15 1937 Dec. 14 - Hist to Mrs. B.P. Hunt MR 18 1939 Oct 11 - Hist to Roger E. Phelps CD 10
File No. 8127 Sarah Basse Widow James Basse Prison Road
Act: July 29, 1844 Index: Vol. 21 , Page 50
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Boston 1/24/06
Pension Dept; -
Revolutionary Records,
Gentlemen -
I find from the History of Wayne Maine that Jabez Besse Jr. who died in that town Oct. 6, 1833 was a pensioner of the Revolutionary War; his was a six months enlistment from Wareham Mass. in 1778; Does your record contain anything about his parentage;

I understand from this same history of Wayne though it is not made very clear that his father was Jabez Besse Sr. of Wareham who also enlisted in 1778 besides serving many other times between 1775 & 1780; was he also a pensioner? if so, have you his record of parentage?
I should be very glad to get the foregoing and forward

any fee necessary to obtain it; it will probably supply some missing links in the family history which I am preparing
Yours
Henry A. Macdonald % Wright & Potter Ptg Co. State Printers Boston Mass.

Cicero Illinois. Dec. 5 1935.
The Bureau of Pensions.
51 11 West 23 rd. St.
Rev. War Records.
Gentlemen.
I wish to thank you for the Pen
sion Record. of Joseph P Marston. a Soldier of the Rev. War. as recd, Nov 6. 1935 for use in our Burgess Family Genealogy.
Will you please send the Service Record. of Jabez Besse , also a Soldier in the Rev. War. from Mass. and his Pension Record as based thereon. He was born in Wareham Mass. about 1845. and served in that War. from Wareham Mass. According to the Census of Pensioners. of 18 40. Page 10. He was living in Wayne Maine. ( My native town. ) age 75.
I hope that your records will show the date and place of his death . and other data of his family. I have found that he married Ruth Besse. and their eldest daughter married our Andrew Sturtevant. whose Rev. War Records you have supplied some time ago. for this History.
Thanking you in advance, and with appreciation of service.
Cordially Yours.
Andrew Holmes Burgess.
Historian. The Illinois Society. S. A. R. and Board of Managers. 1935.

Waterville Maine Nov. 29 - 1937
Director of Pension Washington D.C.
Dear Sir
I am very anxious to get information regarding (35d)  about Besse, Mass. Mil. private 72 Kennebec Co., also '40 about Besse Mass. Mil. private 75 Kennebec Co., Res. Wayne.
Can you give me the names of his wife & children.
Sincerely
(Dr. Granddaughter of Ephraim Besser) 9 Mar 7 1812 lived in Albin, Me Kennebec Co.
Mrs. B. P. Lurd 7 Park St Waterville, Maine.

58 Hobart St. Hingham Massachusetts Sept. 18, 1939
Veterans Administration, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
I would like to obtain a copy of the pension records of the following men, ancestors of mine who fought in the Revolutionary War.
1. Jabez Besse, born in Wareham, Mass. and in later life moved to New Sandwich, Lincoln County, Maine. 2. Jabez Besse Jr., son of the above. 3. Ebenezer Besse, son of Jabez Besse Sr., and who lived for a time at Wayne, Maine and removing about 1800 to Hallowell, Maine.
Not of these

Sincerely Yours. Roger E. Phelps.

December 14, 1937
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Mrs. B. P. Hurd 7 Park Street Waterville, Maine
JABEZ BESSE W. 8127 BA-J/MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the records of one Jabez Besse of Kennebec County in 1835, aged seventy-two years, and of Jabez Besse of Wayne, Kennebec County, in 1840, aged seventy-five years, both having served in the Massachusetts militia.
The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched and only one record of a Jabez Besse, under any spelling, found. That record follows as shown in pension claim, W. 8127, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Jabez Besse (surname sometimes spelled Bessey) was born in Wareham, Massachusetts, June 6, 1761 or 1762 (both dates shown in claim); the date of birth was recorded in the town records of Wareham. The names of soldier's parents are not shown.
While a resident of Wareham, Massachusetts, he enlisted about July 1, 1776, served as private in Captain Isaac Barrows' company, Colonel Williams' Massachusetts regiment at Roxbury, Massachusetts, and was discharged about October 1, 1776. He enlisted about May 1, 1779, served as private in Captain Edward Sparrow's company, Colonel Jacob's Massachusetts regiment, stationed at Providence guarding the town and stores and afterwards on Rhode Island and was discharged about December 1, 1779. He enlisted in May, 1780, served as private under Acting Captain Gilbert in Colonel Putnam's Massachusetts regiment, was present at the execution of Major Andre and was discharged in November, 1780.
The soldier moved from Wareham, Massachusetts, to Wayne, Kennebec County, Massachusetts (Maine).
Jabez Besse was allowed pension on his application executed July 25, 1832, while a resident of Wayne, Kennebec County, Maine, where he had lived about fifty years. He died October 9, 1853, in Albion, Kennebec County, Maine.

Jabez Besse married in 1797, or January 15, 1798, in Rochester, Massachusetts, Sarah (sometimes called Sally) Allen, who was born August 28, 1775; the place of her birth and names of parents are not shown.
Soldier's widow, Sarah Besse, was allowed pension on her application executed October 21, 1853, at which time she was residing in Albion, Maine, where she was still living in 1856.
The following names of children of Jabez Besse and his wife, Sarah, are shown and they were recorded in the Town Clerk's Office of Wayne, Maine:
Joshua Besse born August 15, 1798 Silvia " July 28, 1800 Sarah " September 24, 1806 Jabez " December 6, 1810 Betsey " July 23, 1814 William Stenson " July 5, 1818
The following item of family data appears, also, in the claim: "Sarah Jane Hodgs May 22, 1831. The above Sarah J. Hodgs a daughter of Sarah Bessee was born in Wayne."
In 1832, soldier's brother, Ebenezer Besse, aged seventy-nine years, made affidavit in behalf of the soldier in Maine. In the same year, one Jabez Besse 2nd was a resident of Wayne, Kennebec County, Maine, aged sixty-seven years, and stated that he had formerly lived in Wareham, Massachusetts; no relationship was shown to the soldier of the same name. In 1855, one Prince Bessey, of Albion, Maine, stated that the widow, Sarah Besse, at the time of soldier's death was living with her daughter, but did not state the name of the daughter, nor her place of residence and his relationship to the family.
In 1832, one Andrew Sturtevant was aged seventy-two years and living in Fayette, Kennebec County, Maine. In the same year, reference was made to one Heman Sturtevant who served on one tour with Jabez Besse, but no relationship was stated to him nor to Andrew Sturtevant.
In 1855, one Sarah Robinson, aged forty-eight years, made affidavit that soldier's widow, Sarah Besse, was then living with her in Albion, Maine; her affidavit was witnessed by one Martha Robinson. In the same year Martha and Jane Robinson, residents of Albion, Maine, made affidavit jointly in behalf of soldier's widow. None of the three with surname Robinson stated any relationship to her nor to each other.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

January 21, 1936.
Mr. Andrew Holmes Burgess 5111 West 23rd Street Cicero, Illinois.
BA-J/MHHP/ILL Jabez Besse W. 8127
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the date and place of death of Sally Besse, W. 8127, widow of Jabez Besse, Revolutionary War soldier, and Civil War records of David Hutchins Coburn and William Johnson Coburn who married Ellen Rosetta Coburn, the widow of his brother, said David, all residents of Maine, and a statement as to whether or not they all received pensions.
The date and place of death of Sarah or Sally Allen Besse is not shown in the papers on file in the claims for pension on file in the Veterans Administration.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and, possibly, the date and place of death of Sarah or Sally Besse, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, and cite the following data:
Sarah or Sally Besse, widow of Jabez Besse Certificate #1205 Issued April 1, 1856 Rate $50 per annum Commenced October 9, 1853 Act of July 29, 1848. Maine Agency.
Your letter has been referred to the proper division of the Veterans Administration for reply in regard to the Civil War soldiers.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

December 16, 1935
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Mr. Andrew Holmes Burgess 5111 West 23rd Street Cicero, Illinois
JABEZ BESSE W. 8127 BA-J/MLB
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Jabez Besse who was born in Wareham, Massachusetts, served from that place in the Revolution and in 1840 was residing in Wayne, Maine, his eldest daughter having married one Andrew Sturtevant.
You are furnished herein the record of the only soldier named Jabez Besse, under any spelling, found in the Revolutionary War records of this office. The data therein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 8127, based upon his service in the Revolution.
Jabez Besse (surname sometimes spelled Bessey) was born in Wareham, Massachusetts, June 6, 1761, or 1762 (both dates shown in claim); the date of birth was recorded in the town records of Wareham. The names of soldier's parents are not given.
While a resident of Wareham, Massachusetts, he enlisted about July 1, 1776, served as private in Captain Isaac Barrows' company, Colonel Williams' Massachusetts regiment at Roxbury, Massachusetts, and was discharged about October 1, 1776. He enlisted about May 1, 1779, served as private in Captain Edward Sparrow's company, Colonel Jacob's Massachusetts regiment, stationed at Providence guarding the town and stores and afterwards on Rhode Island and was discharged about December 1, 1779. He enlisted in May, 1780, served as private under Acting Captain Gilbert in Colonel Putnam's Massachusetts regiment, was present at the execution of Major Andre and was discharged in November, 1780.
The soldier moved from Wareham, Massachusetts, to Wayne, Kennebec County, Massachusetts (Maine).
Jabez Besse was allowed pension on his application executed July 25, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Wayne, Kennebec County, Maine, where he had lived about fifty years.

The soldier died October 9, 1853, in Albion, Kennebec County, Maine.
Jabez Besse married in 1797, or Jan. 15, 1798, in Rochester, Mass., Sarah (sometimes called Sally) Allen, who was born August 28, 1775; the place of her birth and names of parents are not given. No reference was made to any marriage of soldier other than to Sarah Allen.
Soldier's widow, Sarah Besse, was allowed pension on her application executed October 21, 1853, at which time she was residing in Albion, Maine, where she was still living in 1856.
The names of the following children of Jabez Besse and his wife, Sarah, are shown and they were recorded in the town clerk's office of Wayne, Maine:
Joshua Besse, born August 15, 1798 Silvia " " July 28, 1800 Sarah " " September 24, 1806 Jabez " " December 6, 1810 Betsey " " July 23, 1814 William Stenson " " July 5, 1818
The following item of family data appears also in the claim: "Sarah Jane Hodgs May 22, 1831. The above Sarah J. Hodgs a daughter of Sarah Besse was born in Wayne."
In 1832, soldier's brother, Ebenezer Besse, aged seventy-nine years, made affidavit in behalf of the soldier in Maine. In the same year, one Jabez Besse 2nd, was a resident of Wayne, Kennebec County, Maine, aged sixty-seven years, and stated that he had formerly lived in Wareham, Massachusetts; no relationship was shown to the soldier of the same name. In 1855, one Prince Bessey, of Albion, Maine, stated that the widow, Sarah Besse, at the time of soldier's death was living with her daughter, but he did not state the name of the daughter nor her place of residence, nor his relationship to family.
In 1832, one Andrew Sturtevant was aged seventy-two years and residing in Fayette, Kennebec County, Maine. In the same year reference was made to one Heman Sturtevant who served on one tour with Jabez Besse, but no relationship was stated to him nor to Andrew Sturtevant.
In 1855, one Sarah Robinson, aged forty-eight years, made affidavit that soldier's widow, Sarah Besse, was then living with her in Albion, Maine; her affidavit was witnessed by one Martha Robinson. In the same year, Martha and Jane Robinson, residents of Albion,

Maine, made affidavit jointly in behalf of soldier's widow. None of the three with surname Robinson stated any relationship to her nor to each other.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Widow File #8127. Jabez Besse. Rev. War.
L.M.H.
March 3, 1906.
Mr. Henry A. Macdonald, c/o Wright & Potter Printing Co., State Printers, Boston, Massachusetts.
Sir:
In response to your letter dated January 24, 1906 and received January 25, 1906, you are advised that the papers in the above noted claim show that Jabez Besse was born June 6, 1761 in Wareham, Massachusetts. He enlisted in July 1776 and served three months as a Private in Capt. Barrow's Co., Colonel William's Regt. Massachusetts troops; also from May 1779 to December 1779 as a Private in Capt. Sparrow's Co., Col. Jacob's Regt. Massachusetts troops and from May 1780 to November 1780, as a Private under Acting Captain Gilbert and Col. Putnam, Mass. troops.
His pension was allowed on an application executed July 25, 1832, at which date he was a resident of Wayne, Kennebec Co., Maine. He died October 9, 1853, at Albion, Kennebec Co., Maine.
He married Sarah Allon in 1797, at Rochester, Massachusetts. She was born August 28, 1775. Her pension was allowed on an application executed October 21, 1853, at Albion, Maine.

The following are the names and dates of birth of their children:
Joshua, born Aug. 15, 1798. Silvia, born July 28, 1800. Sarah, born Sep. 24, 1806. Jabez, born Dec. 6, 1810. Betsey, born July 23, 1814. William Stenson, born July 5, 1818.
Sarah J. Hodges, daughter of Sarah Besse, was born May 22, 1831. Jabez Bosse 2nd, aged sixty-seven years, and soldier's brother Ebenezer Besse, aged seventy-nine years in 1832, testified in the claim. The names of the soldier's parents are not given.
A careful search of the records of this Bureau fails to show that a claim was filed on account of the Revolutionary War service of any Jabez Besse other than the above.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

October 11, 1939.
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BA-J/ady Qu
Mr. Roger E. Phelps 58 Hobart Street Hingham, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter relative to soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
The records of the only Jabez Besse and the only Ebenezer Besse that are found on the Revolutionary War records of this office, all spellings of the names searched, are furnished you herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator