Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14311, Thomas Blake, Continental Mass

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Mass
Blake, Thomas Susanna
W. 14311
CONTENTS

2 Certs.
Inc.
Rev. Hon. C. Stet- son & pl 10/57-
168
Massachusetts
Susannah Blake widow of Thomas Blake who was a Mch R. M. Sgt. of Art'y in the Mass Line
Increased from $120: per ann
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 135 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Sept. 1844 and sent to
James Gregory Marblehead. Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 26.

Declaration.
to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of July 1838 entitled an "act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows"
State of Massachusetts
On this twenty sixth day of July in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & thirty eight personally appeared before the Honorable Peter O. Thacher Judge of the Municipal Court for the City of Boston in the county of Suffolk and said State Susanna Blake a resident of Boston in said county aged Seventy Three 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 1838 entitled an "act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows": That she is the widow of Thomas Blake who entered the service of the United States in the Army of the American Revolution, in the year 1776 as a private soldier and was in said army at the time it was stationed in Cambridge Massachusetts to the best of her belief. That he was afterwards at the battles of White Plains in the same year, and various other battles that took place between the British and Americans - that he was afterwards transferred to the Regiment commanded by Colonel Crane in which he acted as Quarters Master Sergeant from the year 1777 to the year 1780. That he came home that year and did not return back to the Army. She further declares that she has in her possession no papers nor documents which belonged to him relating to his service aforesaid such having been destroyed many years since.
She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Blake on the fifth day of August in the year seventeen hundred and eighty seven that her husband the aforesaid Thomas Blake died on the twenty third day of November in the year eighteen hundred and seventeen. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated.
Susanna Blake
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written, before me, Peter O. Thacher, Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
District ss. I certify that the within named Susanna Blake, by reason of age and bodily infirmity, is unable to appear in Court. I further certify that Herbert H. Stimpson and Edward C. Blake, whose affidavits are herewith annexed and sworn to before me, are residents in this City of Boston, and are persons of respectability, and that further due to their respective statements, are persons of credibility & worthy to be believed in a court of law.
Boston July 26 th 1838
Peter O Thacher, Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston —

I Herbert H. Stimpson of Boston in the County of Suffolk & commonwealth of Massachusetts on oath depose and say that I am well acquainted with the within Declarant Mrs Susanna Blake - that I have known her for many years past - that I have always understood her husband Thomas Blake served in the Revolutionary War - that I was well acquainted with him - that he has been dead many years & that his wife the aforesaid Mrs Susanna Blake has not married since, but is still living his widow. Herbert H. Stimpson
Sworn to before me on this 26 th of July A.D. 1838
Peter O. Thacher, Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston Justice of the Peace throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I Edward C. Blake of Boston in the County of Suffolk & state of Massachusetts on oath depose & say that the within Declarant is my Mother - that she was the wife of Thomas Blake who served in the Revolutionary War and who died at the time stated in the within declaration - that my mother the said Susanna Blake has not married since but is still living his widow Edward C Blake
Sworn to before me, on this 26 th Day of July A.D. 1838
Peter O. Thacher Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston Justice of the Peace throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Suffolk ss
I Thomas W. Phillips, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston hereby certify that Peter O. Thacher Esquire, its sole Judge of said Court & that the four signatures, on this sheet purporting to be the signatures of said Thacher, are his genuine signatures. Witness my hand & the seal of said Court hereto set this 26 th day of July A.D. Eighteen hundred & thirty eight. Thomas W Phillips, Clerk

Observe the notes at the bottom.
State of Massachusetts, } County of Suffolk }
*I, Edward G. Loring, Judge of Probate for said State & County
do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Susanna Blake was a pensioner of the United States, at the rate of one hundred & thirty five Dollars per year was a resident of Boston in the County of Suffolk in the State of Massachusetts, and died at on the twenty fifth day of September in the year 1846  that he left †
whose name and that Debbie Blake, Ellen Mary Churchman Mrs H. Stimpson, Henry Blake, & Edwin G. Blake are the only children of said Susanna Blake now living
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at Boston this twelfth day of October in the year of our Lord 18450
& the date was changed on her death from 1843 to 1846 before the proof was offered Edward G. Loring - Judge of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Suffolk ss.
Be it known that before me G. T. Bulfinch a justice of the Peace in for the County aforesaid duly au- thorized by law to administer oaths personally appeared Joseph Blake and made oath in due form of law that he is a son of the identical Susanna Blake (by her husband Tho: Blake deceased) late of Boston in said County deceased, who was the Widow of said Thomas Blake who held the rank of Quarter Master & Sergeant of Artillery in the Massachusetts line of the army of the Revolution - that said Susanna Blake was put on the list of pensioners of the United States on the 21st of September A.D. 1844 at the rate of $135.00 per year under the acts of July 7. 1838 &c, & that a certificate of pension was issued to her which cer- tificate has been surrendered to the pension Agent at Boston - and the said Susanna Blake resided at Boston for 40 or 50 years before her death, & remained a Widow - that she died on the 25 th day of August September A.D. 1846 aged 82 years
And the said Joseph Blake & other children of said Susanna have been informed that the said pensioner was entitled to an additional compen- sation under the acts of July 7 1838 & Mar. 3. 1843 & of June 17 1844, as the Widow of said Thomas Blake & he makes this application for himself & the other children praying that the claim may be ex- amined into, & if any thing shall be found due that it may be paid to said heirs of said Susanna Blake, her children, whose names are the said Joseph Blake; Henry Blake, Edw d Blake, (Subscribed & sworn to this — day of October A.D. 1850) Mrs Mary Churchill, Mrs. Harriet Stimpson, & these are all.
Joseph Blake
Subscribed & sworn to this 23 d day of August October A.D. 1850 & the line marked thus (—) was erased before signing date first altered by me to read October G. T. Bulfinch Justice of Peace and the date of her death to September 1846 G. T. Bulfinch Justice of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, October 23 d 1850
S hereby C ertify, That at the date of the annexed attestation George S. Bulfinch was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk,
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.
W. H. Cabot
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
City of Boston, July 24. 1838.
I the subscriber do hereby certify, that there appears in the Registry of marriages in the town (now city) of Boston the following record of marriages, viz: Thomas Blake & Susanna Stimpson married by Rev. Oliver Everett, fifth Aug d one thousand seven hundred & eighty seven. That it is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in full, legible figures, as follows: Thomas Blake & Susanna Stimpson, married by Rev. Oliver Everett, 5 Aug d 1787.
Samuel H. McCleary, City Clerk.
I Samuel H. McCleary, above named, depose and say: that I hold the office of City Clerk of the City of Boston, in the County of Suffolk and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of marriages of said City, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Samuel H. McCleary, City Clerk.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Suffolk Is. Boston July 24 th 1838.
Personally appeared the foregoing Samuel F. O'Leary and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing Certificate and Affidavit by him severally subscribed. Before me
George W. Adams Justice of the Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
SUFFOLK SS.
I George C. Wilde , a Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, for the County of Suffolk, do hereby certify that George W. Adams Esq. is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk that his commission bears date the eleventh day of April A. D. 1837 and expires on the eleventh day of April A. D. 1841 and that his signature above written, is his true and proper signature
In witness whereof, I have set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this twenty fourth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred thirty eight .
Geo. C. Wilde,
CLERK,

By  WIDOW, &c.)  cont.
File No. 14311
Suzannah Blake Widow of Thomas Blake Sergt. Rev. War.
Act: Mar. 3 d 1843
Index:—Vol. 4 , Page 67
[Arrangement of 1870.]

60 Massachusetts
Susannah Blake
widow of Thomas Blake
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 23 Nov 1817 of Boston in the State of Mass who was a 2 nd M ty of Art in the Co commanded by Captain _____ of the commanded by _____ in the Mass a line for 2 yrs. 2 nd M ty Sgt of Artillery
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass a at the rate of 135 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Increased from $120. per ann
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Sept 1844 and sent to James Gregory Marblehead Mass
Total amount, $ _____
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by P. L. Swann Clerk, Book _____ Vol. 1 Page 53
21. Sept Rev. See Coll.

Massachusetts 60.
Susannah Blake, widow of Thomas Blake, deceased,
who died on the 23 d of November 1817, of Boston, in the State of Massachusetts, who was a Quarters M r Sergeant of Arty. in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the reg t commanded by Col. Crane in the Massachusetts.
time for 2 years 2 d Master Sgt. of Arty.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts, at the rate of 120 Dollars and Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of August 1838, and sent to George W. Adams, Boston, Mass.
Arrears to the 4 th of March 1838, $240.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 11 Sept. " 60.00
$300.00
5 years pension { Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7, 1838, Section the 1 st }
Recorded by G. I. Rhodes Clerk, Book A , Vol. 1, Page 70.

Rep.
168.
Massachusetts.
Susannah Blake
widow of Thomas Blake who was a Quarter Master Sergeant of Artillery in the Massachusetts line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 120 Dollars ~
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th day of May 1843 and sent to
L. M. Stone Boston.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book S Vol. 1. Page 36.

77 — Mas.-av Susannah Blake widow of Thomas. Mass
Act 7. July 38.
Married 5 Aug 1787.
Holls. Crane -
2 nd W. Ser t . 1 Feb y 77 for 3 years - discharged 15 Aug y 80
Adm d 2 yrs 2 nd W. Ser t . of Attilla $120 — 1 st pay — no deduction
Geo. N. Adams.
Boston

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston July 25 th 1858.
I hereby certify, from the Books of the Army of the Revolution, it appears, that — Thomas Blake served as a Quarter Master Sergeant in Colonel Giane's Regiment from February 22 d 1777, to February 22 d 1780 — Thirty six months.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the day of the date above written.
John A. Bigelow Secy of the Army

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Suffolk County. } ss.
Be it known that on this 3 rd day of April A.D. of 1843 personally appeared before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, Susannah Blake a resident of Boston in said County and Commonwealth, aged about 78 or 79 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, on the 3 rd day of March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War;
That she is the widow of Thomas Blake who was a of antequity Quarter Master of the in the Revolutionary War and served as she verily believes as stated by her in her original declaration for a pension under the law of the 7 th of July 1838, to which declaration and the papers accompanying the same now on file in the War Department she would refer for a more particular statement of his services; for the proof of her marriage, identity, and the time of her husband's death.
She further declares that she was pensioned under said Act at the rate of one hundred twenty Dollars per annum, which amount she received from the 11 th of March 1836 to the 11 th of March 1841, at the Treasury in Boston, Massachusetts, and at the time of receiving her last payment, executed the Pension Certificate granted to her under said Act, to the Pension Agent at the said City of Boston, agreeably to the rules of the Department.
Said this declarant further alleges that she has not intermarried since the decease of her said husband, but is now and ever since has been the widow of said Thomas Blake deceased as will more fully appear by the proof hereto annexed.
And further she saith not
her Susannah Blake Mark
Witness L. M. Foss
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first

within written and I certify that the affiant is personally known to me to be the person within described.
Before me, (the date first altered and the words "of artillery" interlined)
T Bulfinch, Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
Secretarys Office - Boston April 24 th 1843
I hereby certify that Thomas Bulfinch and Franklin Haven are Justices of the Peace for the County of Suffolk (an Commonwealth of Massachusetts duly constituted and commissioned
Witness the Seal of the Commonwealth
Jno A Dole
Secy of the Commonwealth

I P. H. Stimpson of Boston, in the County of Suffolk, of lawful age on oath testify and say that I am well acquainted with Savannah Blake the applicant named in the foregoing declaration and have been for many years last past. I know that she was the wife and is now the widow of said Thomas Blake dec d . and is pensioned under the law of 1838. as stated by her,
Fred. H. Stimpson.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk County - } ss Boston, 3 d day of April 1840. Personally came Fred. H. Stimpson a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed
Before me
Franklin Hovey Justice of the Peace

House of Representatives Washington Dec. 23 rd 1850.
Sir,
I herewith enclose three applications for arrears of pensions, by the heirs of Law of Hannah Tufts - of Susannah Blake & of Abigail Story.
Will you have the goodness to inform me of your decision thereon when made,
Very respectfully
Your Ob t Serv t
Charles Stetson
To the Commission of Pensions Washington City. }

Mrs. Sarah M. Parker

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Feb 12 1814
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 Thomas Blake is found upon the books of Col. Crane's Artillery as Quarters Master Sergeant from Feb. 22. 1777 to Feb 22 1780 at 67/50 per Month, and is all that appears of said Blake, Service in this Office.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone: and that said application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Peabody Secretary of the Commonwealth.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal
dated the service.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston Feby 14 th 1844
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Henry Clarke was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk.
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 D. Sleeper, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I, Susannah Blake of Boston in the County of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts, do on my oath testify and declare, that I am in the Seventy ninth year of my age; that I am the identical Susannah Blake, widow of Thomas Blake, for whose services as a Quarter Master and Sergeant of Artillery in the Revolutionary War I have been pensioned to the amount of One hundred and twenty dollars per annum under the provisions of the law of July 7 th . 1838.
And I do further testify and declare, that I am still a widow and do now make this supplemental Declaration with the view of claiming such increase of my said Pension as the bounty of my Country and law and justice may afford.
Witnessed by
Rev. H. Stimson H. Stimson
Susannah + Blake mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss. Boston February 3 rd 1841 County of Suffolk
Then personally appeared the above named Susannah Blake, who is personally well known to me the subscriber as the Revolutionary Pensioner she describes herself to be, and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the above declaration by her subscribed.
Before me, Henry Clark , Justice of the Peace.

Marblehead, February 15th. 1844.
Honored Sir:
I am requested by Mrs. Susannah Blake of Boston - a Pensioner under the laws of '28 & '43, to forward to your Honor's Office a Supplemental Declaration of hers, made with the view of obtaining an increase of her present Pension.
It is asserted by her that her late husband was a Quarter Master , as well as a Quarter Master's Sergeant ; and it will be seen by the accompanying Certificate of the Secretary of this Commonwealth that her husband was paid at the rate of $11.25 per month, as a Sergeant merely, while he belonged to Col. Crane's Regt. of Artillery.
Her Pension Certificate is also herewith enclosed.
I am, with very great respect, Your Honor's humble servt.
James Gregory
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions. Washington, D.C.

act 7. July 38
$135 - deduct Payment to be made at what has been paid - Boston by H. Haven
also Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Massachusetts act 3 March 43
From new Certificate Payable on the 4th September and 2 nd 2 nd W. Serjt. 4th March. F. A. Miller
135 - Deduct what has been paid - Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A Vol. 1. Page 36
H. S. Evans, Clerk.
James Gregory Esq. Markedhead Mass.

War Department.
Widow's Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of March 3, 1843, Susannah Blake widow of Thomas Blake who was a Quarter Master Sergeant and died on the twenty third day of November 1817. is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of One hundred and twenty dollars and _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 4th March, 1843, and terminating on the 4th of March, 1844, unless the Pensioner should marry or die before the last mentioned date; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this twenty ninth day of May one thousand eight hundred and forty three
Anderson Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. S. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

James L. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

Boston, July, 26 th 1838
May 87.
James. L. Edwards. Esqr.,
Sir,
I herewith transmit to you certain Papers & documents in support of the claim of Mrs Susanna Blake whose husband Thomas Blake served in Col Cranes Regiment from 1777 to 1780 as a Quarter master Sergeant. The widow thinks he was in the Army previous, & once acted as Lieutenant. Will you be good enough to give her case an early - examination, and if entitled, trans- mit to me the certificate thereof and oblige very respectfully your Ob d Serv t
Geo. W Adams Counsellor at Law No. 63. Court Street

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, August 26 th 1857.
S hereby C ertify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Thomas D. Dinsmore was justified of the County of Suffolk.
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.
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
BLANE, THOMAS (CONT. MASS.)

Thomas Blake
Edg. A. S. Wilson Nov 1851

Claim of Act of
STATE OF Massachusetts } ss: COUNTY OF Suffolk }
Be it known, that on this
6 th
day of August
A. D. eighteen hundred and fifty one , before the
undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Edward C. Blake a resident of South Boston in said County, and made oath according to law that he is the  one of the children of the late Thomas Blake who was a Lieutenant and Paymaster , and of his widow Susanna Blake
who was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the Act
on the Massachusetts Roll
July 1838
at the rate of
Dollars per annum; that he has been
informed that the said Pension ought to be increased; that he is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence and arguments as his Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. before me, T. Bulfinch J. Peace.
Edward C. Blake
I, Thomas Bulfinch Justice of the Peace, do hereby certify that Edward C. Blake who has executed the foregoing affidavit before me, is a respectable resident of this County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
T. Bulfinch
J. Peace.
I, Clerk of the Court in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that before whom the foregoing affidavit was executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and his name thereunto subscribed, appears to me to be his usual signatures.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the County Seal, this day of A. D. 185 .
[COUNTY SEAL.]
Clerk.

POWER OF ATTORNEY:—Revolutionary Pension Claim.
Know all Men by these Presents, that I, Edward C Blake South Boston, in the State of Massachusetts do hereby constitute and appoint John M. Thayer J.D.D. Addison to be my true and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of Thomas Blake and Susanna Blake
for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or Increase of Pension, that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Agent to examine all the papers and documents of every description, in relation to said claim, that may be on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file any additional evidence or arguments that can be obtained; and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, which Certificate I wish made payable to ; to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
WITNESS my hand and Seal this 6 day of August A. D., 1851.
Edward C Blake [SEAL.]
Signed and Sealed in the presence of } }
STATE OF Massachusetts } COUNTY OF Suffolk } ss: 6 th
On this 6 th day of August A. D. 1851, before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Edward C. Blake and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal, the day and year aforesaid.
T. Dufield J. Peace. [SEAL.]
BLAKE, THOMAS (CONN. MASS.)