Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23580, Ebenezer Belknap, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Belknap, Ebenezer Polly
W.23580
CONTENTS

BELKNAP, EBENEZER
W. 23 58 o

4501.
Ap.
Vermont, Montpelier
Polly Belknap May widow of Ebenezer Belknap who was a Lt. & Captain in the Revolution
Let A. S. Pugh. Oct. 23 / 51 Hand & Dyers, etc. Nov 8 / 52
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 246 Dollars 44 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19. day of Jan. 1844 and sent to Wm. Haywood, Jr. Guildhall, Vt.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 9. Vol. 1. Page 31.

1346 Wid. P. Belknap Declaration
Ebenezer Belknap case Mar. 1882
m 92 d 1882
1885 Folly Belknap widow of Ebenezer It
act 7. July 38.
m 92. d 12
Vol. 24. 156. d 2 in 77. 4. 25 ms. 07 " 1:114:99. Capt. 78. 9 3,
adm d
4 mo. 25 ds d 2
9 u 3. Capt
246 44 100
no deduction
Hon. J. Fletcher Lyndon Vt

Declaration to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows- State of Vermont?
Essex County ss } On this 14 th day of November A.D. 1838 personally appeared before the Probate Court in & for the District of Essex in the County of Essex aforesaid Widow Polly Belknap a resident of Lunenburg in the County of Essex aforesaid aged Eighty one 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 Ebenezer Belknap, who was a Lieutenant  a Captain Captain in the Massachusetts line of the Army of the Revolution and that said Ebenezer Belknap served there  there as a Lieutenant and there  there as a Captain in the Revolutionary war according to the proof herewith transmitted -
She further declares that she was married to the said Ebenezer Belknap on the 19 th day of December AD 1822 in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety two; that her husband the aforesaid Ebenezer Belknap died at said Lunenburg on the 16 th day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twelve; 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. Sworn and subscribed on the day and year as above written before
Job Gleason — Judge of Probate for said District of Essex —
Polly Belknap
I Mr Hayward Register of the Probate Court in & for the District of Essex in the County of Essex and State of Vermont do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Widow Polly Belknap for a pension.
In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said Court & subscribed my name at Guilford in said County this 14 th day of November A.D. 1838
W. Hayward Register

I Reuben Groot of Lunenburg in the nine County of Essex & State of Vermont aged fifty eight years depon & say that Polly Belknap of said Lunenburg is my sister who has this day appeared before the Probate Court for the District of Essex in the State of Vermont & made her declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of July 7 th 1838 is my mother & on the 19 th day of December A.D. 1792 I was present at Marlborough in the State of New Hampshire & saw said Polly then Polly Rogers married to Ebenezer Belknap then of said Marlborough. Phineas Farnes Esq. of said Marlborough performed the ceremony. Said Polly lived with Ebenezer Belknap up to the time of his death. Said Ebenezer Belknap died at said Lunenburg on the 16 th day of March A.D. 1812. I was present & saw him die. Immediately succeeding the time of the marriage of said Ebenezer Belknap with my said mother I lived with said Ebenezer most of the time for four or five years & during that time I frequently heard said Ebenezer Belknap talk of having been out & served as a Captain in the Revolutionary War.
Predecease Grant
State of Vermont } At Guildhall in said County Nov. 14 th 1838 Then vs. County ss. } Reuben Groot personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed & I further certify that said Groot is well known to me & he is a credible witness. W. Maynard Justice of the Peace

Parker Grants Affidavit
State of Vermont, I William Gates Clerk of the County Essex County ss, Court within and for the County of Essex aforesaid do hereby certify that William Heywood Jr Esq whose name is subscribed to the within Certificate is a justice of the Peace in and for said County of Essex duly commissioned & qualified and that his name there subscribed is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court This 14 th day of Novr 1838
Wm Gates Clerk

Death of Polly Belknap, 18 Nov 1848
adm: appd
There is no claim, in this case, she left no child of her own, one of her former husband's by a former wife sur- vived, but, of course, this child can not claim under her
OX

State of Vermont County of Essex
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me that Polly Belknap was a revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of two hundred and forty six dollars and forty four cents per annum ($246.44) That she died in the town of Lunenburgh County and state aforesaid on the eighteenth day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty eight leaving surviving no children and that Stephen Adams is the administrator duly appointed as such upon the Estate of the said Polly Belknap deceased and that this certificate is made to obtaine pension to which the said Polly Belknap may have been entitled to
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official seal this seventh day of April eighteen hundred and fifty one
Donah Wentworth Judge of Probate
(seal)

Claim of Ebenzer Belknap and Polly his widow. Act, 1838 - 1843 + 44.
State of New Hampshire Cheshire County ss. Be it known that on this fourteenth day of November A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty one before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for said State and County, personally appeared Silence Collester — a resident of Marlborough in said County and made oath according to law that she is the daughter and only surviving child of the said Ebenzer Belknap who was a Revolution- ary Soldier; and whose widow Polly Belknap was a Pensioner at the rate of Two Hundred Forty Six Dollars + 44 cents per annum; that she has been informed that said Pension ought to be increased; that she is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension and makes this affidavit to be filed with such addition- al evidence and argument, as my said Agents may use in prosecuting said claim.
witness Relief S Tenny
Silence X Collester
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me George F. Starkweather a Justice of the Peace. And I do hereby certify that Silence Collester 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. George F. Starkweather Justice of the Peace.

Power of Attorney: Revolutionary Pension Claim. Know all men by these Presents, That I Silence Colleter of Marlborough in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire do hereby constitute and appoint Lyman D. Stevens, my true and lawful Agent and At- torney to prosecute the claim of Ebenezer Bel- knapp and his widow Polly Belknapp for any amount of Revolutionary Pension or Increase of Pension that may be due; and I hereby au- thorise 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 issue for said claim which certificate I wish made payable to myself; to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might 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 14 th day of November A.D. 1857.
Signed & sealed in presence of us. George F. Starkweather
her Silence X Colleter mark
Relief & Terry
State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County ss. On this 14 th day of November A.D. 1857 be- fore me a Justice of the Peace in and for said State and County per- sonally appeared said Silence Colleter and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year aforesaid. George F. Starkweather Justice of the Peace

December nineteenth Seventeen hundred and Ninety two, these certify that Cap. Ebenezer Belknap and Mrs Polly Royens both of Marlborough were joined in Marriage by me — Phineas Fossin D.D. Pastor
I certify that the above is a true copy of the records of the town of Marlbo- rough in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire with the exception of the date which is expressed in fair legible letters & figures as follows "December 19 th A.D. 1792" Cyrus Frost Clerk of the Town of Marlborough
I Cyrus Frost above named clerk and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County Town and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Marlborough with the exception of above named as certified by me — Cyrus Frost Clerk of the Town of Marlborough aforesaid
Cheshire ss October 24 th 1838
Subscribed and sworn to Before me William Boyden Just of Peace

Joseph Merrill 1912
John Atkinson Merrimack
State of New Hampshire Cheshire County ss.
I Henry Coolidge Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the County of Cheshire, certify that William Bordin was on the 24 th day of October instant and still is a Justice of the Peace in the County of Cheshire aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn and that his name within written is his genuine signature.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Keene this twenty sixth day of October anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
H. Coolidge Clerk

I Zedekiah Belknap of Weathersfield in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, now over eighty three years of age, do testify and say, that about sixty years since I resided in the town of Holden in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts some part of the time with my Brother Ebenezer Belknap of said Holden who soon after obtained a Captain's Commission in the service of the United States of America for three years my Brother Ebenezer Belknap turned out as a Volunteer with the number under his command called for by the Government and was in the service of the United States during the said term of three years
Zedekiah Belknap
Weathersfield October 27 th 1838
Sworn to before me.
Joshua Upham Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont } Windsor County ss }
I Benjamin Swann Clerk of Windsor County Court Do hereby Certify that Joshua Upham is a Justice of the Peace for said County, duly Commissioned and qualified, and that his Signature above written is genuine
Given under my hand and the Seal of the said County Court this twenty seventh day of October 1838.
Ben y Swann Clerk

BELKNAP, EBENEZER W. 23580
BELKNAP, EBENEZER W. 23580

We the Subscribers do hereby severally enlist our selves in to the service of the united states of America to continue in the service for the term of three years unless sooner regularly Discharged we engage to be under the command of the General officers officers of the united states of america which are or may be appointed and faithfully to observe & obey all such orders as we from time to time shall now receive from our officers & to be under such Regulations in every Respect as are or may be Provided for the army of the united states
Dated this 11 Days of April 1781, Ebenezer B. Knapp
North Kingstown Decem r 4 th 28 1778
Mr Commissary S r please Deliver one Gallon of Rum to John Winn the Bearer for my Use
Ebenezer B. Knapp Cap t

BELKNAP, EBENEZER
W. 23580

STATE of Massachusetts-Bay. }
The Major Part of the COUNCIL of New-England.
To Ebenezer Belknap Esq r .
Y OU being appointed Captain of the Reg t for the Defense of the New England States whereof Nathaniel Wade Esq r is Colonel
By Virtue of the Power vested in us, WE do by these Presents, (Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct,) Command — You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty in leading, ordering, and exercising said Company in Arms and Soldiers ; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline commanded to obey you as their Captain and you and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23580
Polly Belknap Wid of Ebenezer Belknap Legat Rev. war.
Act: Mch. 3 rd 1843.
Index:—Vol. A , Page 95
[Arrangement of 1870.]

The Major Part of the COUNCIL of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England.
to Ebenezer Belknap Gen: Greeting.
YOU being appointed First Lieutenant of a Company Commanded by Francis Wild in the Regiment of Militia whereof M c Denny Lieut. Colonel, detached from the Brigade in the Counties of Middlesex and Worcester, agreeable to a Resolve of the General Court of the Ninth inst. for reinforcement to the Continental Army, in the Brigade where John Hellowes Esquire is Brigadier
By Virtue of the Power vested in us, WE do by these Presents, (reposing Special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage and good Conduct,) Commission you accord- ingly.—You are therefore strictly and diligently to discharge the Duty of a First Lieut. in leading, ordering, and exercising said Company in Arms, both Inferior Officers and Soldiers; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline: And they are hereby commanded to obey you as their First Lieut. and you are yourself, to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from the Major Part of the Council or your Superior Officers.
GIVEN under our Hands, and the Seal of the said State, at Boston the twenty fifth day of October in the Year of our LORD, 1779
By the Command of the Major Part of the Council
John Avery Esq.
Aaron Wood
Gen: Powee M c Swain Artemas Ward Walter Spooner Moses Gill John Trimmer M c Daniel V. Cushing Oliver Prescott A. Fuller N. White J. Dymally Sam l Niles Jos. Pills
AN
OR
TR

STATE of the Massachusetts-Bay.
The Major Part of the COUNCIL of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England.
To Ebenezer Belknap Esq r
Greeting.
YOU being appointed a Trust Lieut in Capt. James Wilson Company and in a Regiment of Foot raised for the Defence of this and the other New-England States whereof Danforth Mayes Esq r is Col o
By Virtue of the Power vested in us, WE do by these Presents, (notwithstanding special Trust and Confidence in you for your Courage and good Conduct,) Commission you accordingly. — You are to be more carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Trust Lieut in leading, commanding, and exercising said Company — in All their Inferior Officers and Soldiers, and to keep them in good Order and Discipline, and they are hereby commanded to obey you as their Trust Lieut — and you the yourself, to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from your Col o and other your Superior Officers.
G I V E N under our Hands, and the Seal of the said State, at Boston the twentieth Day of June in the Year of our Lord, 1777.
By the Command of the Major-Part of the Council.
John Adams
Genl. Bowdoin A. Ward W. Spooner Jedidiah Preble Flushing John Whetcomb Isaac Tishler Palmer Benj. Austin H. Gardner W. Hopkins Saml. Dummer Genl. Edwards N. Cushing Oliver Preble
AN TR

Salt! Harb. I. W. Williams, + J. Glatch, Mar. 1. 1839.
James Letters 1 The long paper
St = 4501 Polly Stearns Ebenezer Let. A. S. Oct. 23/51 Mar. & Sept. June 4/52 L. D. Stevens Mch 29/53 (no claim) 500 paper marked OX 843-44

Vermont (B.D.) 1985.
Polly Belknap, widow of Ebenezer Belknap, decd.
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 16 th of March, 1812 - of Essex co. in the State of Vermont. who was a Lt. & Capt. in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Mass. _____ line for 4 mos. 25 days Lieut. 9 " 3 " Capt.
Inscribed on the Roll of Bellows Falls - at the rate of 246 Dollars 44 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of March, 1839 and sent to Hon. J. Fletcher, Lyndon, Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of March, 1839. $ 738.32 Semi-annual allowance ending 123.22
$861.54
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by J. S. Elliot Clerk, Book 4, Vol. 2 Page 35
Sett. to Reuben Grant Apr 23. '39 - do to W. Hayward Jr, Apr 30. 1839 Sett. to Hon. Isaac Fletcher February 29, 1840.
do. May 2 o 1840. Sett. to Cashman May 27, 1840.
John Kimball, Present } May 19. '42 } Sett. to Mr. Hayward Jr. 3 rd Nov. '42 -

How do the Stokeley's cases stand? Can they be taken up.
JEH
→

Genl. Heath
Will much oblige me if he can make it convenient to take up the case of my friend Sophia Sturtevant as he cannot long remain in city
With great regard
Yours, &c.
Jos H. Holmes
17 Jan 1852

To Hon S. H. Barrett Comm ee of Pensions
Washington D. C.
And to whom it may concern Know ye that I Stephen Adams of Lounsbury in the State of Vermont, Administrator of the estate and heir at law of Polly Belknap late of said Lounsbury deceased, do hereby constitute and appoint S. J. Niles of Washington City D. C. my true & lawful attorney for me & the heirs at law of the said Belknap. to examine any and all papers in the case of the claim of said Belknap for arrearages of Pension filed in the said Comm ee s office & to transact any & all business necessary to prosecute the claim. Please allow him to examine the papers in the case

filed in your office. Witness my hand and seal this the 17 th day of May 1862. Stephen Adams Heir of the Soldier
Witness } Stephen Adams L. B. Farnham Donald Becket

Ebenezer Belknap was a Capt n of a Company of Volunteers or Militia in the Revolutionary War going for
was a Lieutenant, Captain in the Massachusetts Line of the of the army of the Revolution Polly Belknap made an declaration the 14 th day of Nov 1835 in order to obtain a pension under Act of Congress passed July 7 th 1835. The said Polly died Nov 15 th 1847.

I Silas Collester of Marlborough in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire - depose and say, that Silence Collester is the only child of Ebenezer Belknap late of Sunenburg in the State of Vermont, deceased, and that Polly Belknap was the second wife of said Ebenezer, that she is deceased, also - That at the time an effort was made to get said Polly on to the Pension List Roll, one Stephen Adams came from At. to Marlborough to ascertain facts relating to the service of said Ebenezer, in the Revolutionary war, that I have received letters from some of the friends of said Polly in relation to the case, and had conversation with said Adams, at the time and assisted said Adams in procuring the Commission of Capt. Belknap, that it was not within my knowledge that there was evidence of the service of Capt. Belknap in the Archives of Massachusetts, that no mention of the fact was made by any one, nor do said letters intimate such fact. That I have the best reason to think that Polly Belknap did not know of the existence of such evidence, that Adams and one Grout made all the effort they could well make in behalf of said Polly, and that I have ever understood since, that that said Polly was not

Satisfied with the Amount of Pension she re- ceived. And that she did not receive all that she was intitled to on Account of the Services of her said Husband. Silas Collett
Subscribed and Sworn to this third day of July A.D. 1852 Before Me. George F. Starkweather Justice of the Peace,

Dec. 8/1852
Rel: claim of Polly Belknap decd. widow of Ebenezer
asks that claim of heir of Polly Belknap widow of Ebenezer Belknap for increase of pension under Act July 7. 1838 be taken up
Cole
Mail Book Ms. May
File with papers
S. J. Brown atty Present

Washington City, D.C. Dec. 7th 1852
Sir,
* Power of Atty. filed with the papers. 3.9.13.
I enclose a Power of Attorney* in the case of Polly Belknap, widow of Ebenezer Belknap, dec d whose heirs claim an increase of Pension under the Act of 7th July 1838, and the several acts supplementary thereto. Polly Belknap was inscribed on the Roll of the Montpelier, Vt. Agency, and drew $246.44 per annum. A transcript from the records of Massachusetts shows that she was entitled to about $50. a year more than she received, which transcript is now on file with the papers, and is supposed to be such " additional evidence " as is contemplated by the Secretary of the Interior in his decision of March 11. 1852, as sufficient to justify a re-opening  wherein he states of the case.
He says - "In all cases hereafter, where there has been a final adjudication of more than five years standing, I would advise the Commission not to disturb it, unless upon the most clear and satisfactory proof of the discovery of new evidence which would justify a court of Equity in granting a bill of review. "
Now here is record evidence to show that the Pensioner did not receive as much as she was entitled to, and the

affidavits of Silence Collier, and Silas Collier, filed in July last, shows as clearly as any thing can now be shown (the widows being dead) that she did not know of the existence of any proof that her husband had served a longer period than had been allowed, although she always expressed dissatisfaction as to the amount of time allowed.
I trust that this case may be speedily taken up on its merits, and the result be reported to me.
Respectfully &c J. F. Brown
Hon J. E. Heath Care of Pensions
The certificate of the Secretary of State of Massachusetts covers 7 months & 17 days, service as Lieutenant, and 9 mo. and 20 days as captain -
He was allowed for 4 mo & 25 days as Lieut. & 9 mo. and 3 days as Captain -

Polly Belknap w d
M Cole
April 16 1831.
Mr Pugh

State of Vermont } Essex County }
Know all men by these presents that I Stephen Adams administrator of the estate of Polly Belknap deceased widow of Ebenezer Belknap deceased who was an officer in the war of the revolution do hereby constitute and appoint S. A. & D. L. Peugh of Washington City D. C. my true and lawfull Attorneys for me and in my name to prosecute a claim to increase of pension to which the said Polly Belknap deceased was entitled & I hereby authorise my said Attorneys to have free access to any and all papers necessary to enable them to prosecute successfully my said claim and to do all lawfull acts in the premises and to receive any pension certificate that may issue in behalf of Myself for the aforesaid with power of substitution I hereby revoke all other powers of Attorneys by me made in the premises & declare this irrevokable In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 7 th day of April eighteen hundred and fifty one
Stephen Adams
State of Vermont }
Essex County ss
Personally appeared Stephen Adams the subscriber of the above instrument and acknowledged the same to be his free act and deed and made solemn oath is the truth of said instrument.
Before me Jonah Brooks Judge of Probate

Shelburne VT May 19
Free
May 22 1880 Ms Polly Bedell
Gen J. L. Edwards Pension Office City of Washington

Hon J L Edwards, Sir,
In relation to the case of Polly Belknap's Pension, I take the liberty of addressing you directly, instead of communicating thro' the medium of Mr Fletcher Mem. of Congress from Vermont — I have supposed you would do justice to this, as a cause of life time nature, liable to misunderstanding or misapprehension.
We have transmitted to you your letter to him on this subject of May 2 nd inst; in which you say, you cannot affirm the statement I make as a quotation from his Mr F. letter.
I enclose you his letter of March 4 1840 which contains the statement to which I referred unless there has been some misunderstanding; there are Documents in your office which prove that the husband of Polly Belknap served as Ensign and as you say in your letter to Mr F. that he served as Lieut in 1777 and as Capt in 1779 and for that service, the present pension was granted, it would seem that no allowance has been made for service as Ensign.
Again, in your letter dated May 1. 1839 you say "that the pension was allowed for 4 months and 25 Days service as Lieut. in Capt Williams Company in 1777 and for 9 mo. & 3 Days

as left in 1778 — In yours to Mr. F. the R. not you say that he served as Lieut in 1779 & as Capt in 1779 How can these conflicting statements be recon- -ciled? Is it not probable that a more than -rough & careful examination of the Documents in your office would reconcile these apparent con- -tradictions of Genl. Belknap as Ensign, Lieut & Capt in each capacity in these successive years?
It is hardly probable that he served as Lieut. in 1779 & did not serve in any capacity in 1778 & yet served as Capt in 1779. — If not in the service in 1778 how could he have been promoted as to serve in the same Army as Capt in 1779? — If the rolls show a service as Lieut in 1779 & Capt 1779 it would seem to follow necessarily that he must have been promoted & therefore continued in service thro' 1778 — The facts are most respectfully submit- -ted to your consideration, with the conviction that altho' the duties of your office are more ardu- -ous & perplexing and the instrumentality of numerous Clerks almost insufferable & hoping yet that you may find time to this subject Such thorough examination of papers in your office as will explain existing discrepancies and lead to an increase of Pension to the loss of Widow Belknap
Yours very respectfully J. H. Cushman

I Mary Gosen of Roxbury County of Cheshire State of New Hampshire being eighty one years of age last February, testify and say on oath that I was personally acquainted with Captain Ebenezer Belknap once resident in what is now termed Holden (formerly Chocksett in Massachusetts) then resident in Marlborough County of Cheshire, State of N. Hampshire, that he was in the Army in the time of the Revolu- tionary war, that he was a Captain as much as two and I think three years. My knowledge of his being in the army was derived from letters the said Belknap wrote while in the army to his friend which I from time to time perused, and from what I have heard him the said Belknap relate from time to time. I recollected when he came from the army he came to the place where I now reside in Roxbury to make us a visit dressed in his uniform and that he afterwards made it his home there for one year
Mary Gosen Cheshire Co. Roxbury Oct r 25 th A.D. 1838
Then the above named Mary Gosen personally appeared and made solemn oath that the above deposition by her subscribed is in her belief true.
Before me Enoch A. Dake, Justice of Peace
I hereby Certify that the above named Mary Gosen is a creditable witness
Enoch A. Dake, Jus. Peace.

Silence Collister of Marlborough County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire being Sixty Nine years old Last April testify and say on oath that I was personally acquainted with Captain Ebenzer Belknap of what was formerly called Chocksett in Massachusetts then resident in said Chocksett as he was my Father and my residing at Holm at the time he took his Commission that the soldiers called our residence a short time then they all started off to join the Army together and in about one year he came Holm on a furlough and stayed a short time and then my Father returned again to the Army I think he was in the Army as much as three years at this time of going out - I recollect his coming Holm dressed in his uniform and having him tell of accidents that befell him from time to time while he was in the Army Witness Charles Collister
Cheshire ss. Marlborough Oct 25 th A.D. 1838 Then the above named Silence Collister her mark personally appeared and made solemn oath that the above deposition by her subscribed in her belief true Before me William Boydell Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above named Silence Collister is a credible witness William Boydell Justice of the Peace

State of New Hampshire Cheshire County ss -
Henry Goodridge Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the County of Cheshire certify that Enoch A. Parker was on the 25 th day of October instant and still is a Justice of the Peace in the County of Cheshire of course duly commissioned and sworn - and that his name within written is his genuine signature
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Keene this twenty seventh day of October anno Domini eighteen hundred and thirty eight -
H. Goodridge Clerk

State of New Hampshire Cheshire County ss
I Henry Goodridge Clerk of the Superior Court of Judica- ture for the County of Cheshire certify that William Boyden was on the 25 day of October instant and still is a Justice of the Peace in the County of Cheshire afore- said duly commissioned and sworn - and that his name within written is his genuine signature In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Keene this twenty seventh day of October anno Domini one thou- sand eight hundred and thirty eight
H. Goodridge Clerk

Certificate of Sec'y of State of Mass.
Covering additional service -

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
February 4, 1852.
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 Ebenezer Belknap is borne on pay rolls of Capt. Francis Willson's Co. Col. Danforth Hovey's Regt., at R.I. as 1 st Lt. from June 27. 1777 Six months & Six days.
On pay rolls of his Co. in Col. Wades Regt. at R.I. as Captain. from March 14. 1778 to January 3. 1779. Nine months, 20 days. - belonged to Lancaster.
On a pay roll of Capt. Francis Willson's Co. Col. Dennis's Regt. to re-inforce Genl. Army at New York as 1 st Lieut. - from Oct. 21. 1779 one month & 11 days including 8 days to return home. Co from Lancaster & Holden.

State of New Hampshire Merrimack County, Town of Concord. The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office of the service of Ebenezer Belknap in the Revolutionary War as a Lieutenant and Captain by land.
It is my belief that he served as Lieut. in the year 1777; and as Captain in the year 1778; also that he served in the year 1779 but I am unable to state in which of the before named capacities; it supposed that he served in capacity of Capt.
I am duly appointed the Attorney of Silence Collester, the only surviving child of said Ebenezer Belknap, to act in the premises; and my infor- mation does not enable me to state any thing further, which would be material to the search required.
Witness my hand this thirtieth day of January A.D. 1852.
L. D. Stevens.
Signed in my presence by { said L. D. Stevens.
Arthur Fletcher Justice of the Peace.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
William H. Wells Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Polly Belknap Vt 8 43
Ex Sylvester & French Dec 20-1857

Know all men by these Presents That I Lyman D. Stevens of Concord in the County of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire, Attorney of Si- lence Coalester do hereby constitute and ap- point French & Sylvester to be my agent and substitute in prosecuting the claim of the said Silence Coalester to an Increase of the pension of Polly Belknap, for me and in my stead to prosecute said claim; and I hereby give to my said substitute full power and lawful authority to do all things that I might lawfully do were I personally present, hereby ratifying and con- firming all that my said substitute may lawfully do in the premises.
Witness my hand and seal this 12 th day of Dec. 1857.
Signed & sealed in presence of J. C. Abbott.
L. D. Stevens.
State of New Hampshire Merrimack ss. Dec. 12, 1857. Then personally appeared the above named Lyman D. Stevens and acknowledged the foregoing instrument to be his free act and deed.
Before me
Jesse Albro Justice of the Peace.

Certificate of E. Lewis Belknap Service N. R.
J. Fletcher. H. R.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, October 22 d 1838
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 Eben r Belknap private in Capt. Wood's Company Col. d Baldwin's Regt t from Westborough, is borne on an account in the "Army Books" in this Department, and is credited by his service from August 22 d 1777 to 31 st December 1779, being 28 months and 8 days at 60 s pr. Month
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John O. Bigelow
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Permit me to ask a re-examination of this case, as soon as conven- ient S. J. Bowen Dec. 7. '52
Case Examined -
DEC. 7th 1852.
Cal
S. J. Bowen Atty. Present

Know all men by these Presents: That I Lyman D Stevens of Concord State of New Hampshire Agent and Attorney of Silence Colester only claimant to the Pension of Polly Belknap deceased, do, by virtue of the authority conferred on me, hereby constitute and appoint
S. L. Bowers
of Washington City D.C. my true and lawful substitute for me and in my stead to prosecute the claim of the said Polly Belknap to an increase of her pension: and I do hereby give to my said substitute full power to do all things necessary and lawful in the prosecution of said claim as fully as I could do; hereby revoking and annulling all former powers of substitution by me heretofore given in this case.
Witness my hand and seal this Second day of December A D 1852. Signed, sealed & delivered
in presence of us,
Jesse Groves
Theo. French Jr.
Lyman D. Stevens.
State of New Hampshire
County of Merrimack ss. Be it known that on the second day of December 1852 personally appeared the above named Lyman D. Stevens and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Substitution by him subscribed to be his free act and deed.
Before me. Jesse Groves Justice of the Peace

Concord N.H. Aug. 20, 1852.
Sir,
I was duly appointed attorney for Mrs. Silence Colester, only surviving child of Ebenezer Belknap, to prosecute the claim of her mother in law, Polly Belknap, for increase of pension on account of the services of the said Ebenezer.
The evidence of my appointment is now on file in your office.
A letter from your office dated June 8 th 1852 is before me in which you state that "it is necessary, before it - the case - can be reopened, that satisfactory evidence, showing that Mrs Belknap did not know of the existence of testimony among the archives of Massachusetts which would prove her husband's service at the time she applied for her pension, should be filed in this office."
In answer to the above requisition I beg leave to make the following statement.
At the time when Mrs Belknap applied for her pension, the Rolls of Mass were in the Department at Washington and have

since been removed and deposited in the office of the Secretary of State in Boston Mass.
The precise date when the Rolls were removed from Washington to Boston I am not able to give but of that fact I suppose you have evidence in your office.
The only evidence of Belknap's service was contained in the Rolls of Mass. and the service lately filed in your office is the same as that formerly reported except that the terms are longer and there is one month & 11 days additional service. This difference arises doubtless from the error of the Clerk which made the examination in the first place.
Mrs Belknap was always dissatisfied with the amount of service for which she was pensioned; as her husband had often told of being out longer; but as she did not know how or where to obtain other evidence the case rested on the decision of the Department until her death. The forgoing is the statement of Mrs. Colester, and I advised her to make a new search of the Rolls in Mass. which I knew were in the office of the Secretary. I made application as Attorney and the result is now on file in your office.
I have stated the case fully as I believe it to be a just claim and one about which you would have no hesitation.

in allowing when the facts were brought to your notice
An early decision in this case is respectfully solicited.
Your Off Servt L. D. Stevens.
Hon. J. E. Heath Committee of Pensions Washington D.C.

54
Washington
Dec. 14. 1852
S. A. Pugh.
Appeal from the decision of the Comr of Pensions in the case of Polly Belknap —
Ref d to the Comr of Pensions for a Report.
Sent into 3 Jany 14/53 3

Washington City D.C. 14 th Decr. 1851
Hon. A. H. H. Stuart Secretary of the Interior } Sir
I respectfully appeal from the decision of the Comm. of Pensions in the case of Polly Belknap widow of Ebenezer, of Vermont Pension Roll, and request that the papers be sent to your office for final action.
I am very Respectfully Yours S. J. Mayhew

22 Guildhall 17 April 16 Belknap free
22 Hon J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington

Linsborough Vermont 15 Ap. 1839
Dear Sir.
Some time in the month of Dec. last there were papers transmitted to the Pension Office for the Widow of Capt. Ebenezer D. Knapp, who was an officer, and a Soldier in the Revolutionary War - the Papers were forwarded by William Heywood Esq. of Brattleboro - And as the Widow has not returned - I wish you to have the goodness to inform me as soon as may be
Yours with Esteem
Reuben Grant

case of Polley Belknap
Please inform me how the case stands O. A. French
John B. Allen Esq. Wadsworth Colty J. D. Chap 221 L. 57
Adm. evi: filed by French & By Chester Feb: 9 th 52.

Concord May 22 1852
Friend Wilson, I have waited a long while to hear from Messrs French & Sylvester in regard to the case of Polly Belknap which is a claim for increase of pension. They told me that the case would come up in eight weeks from the time the additional evidence was filed, which time has long since passed & I have written them but as yet get no answer.
Will you have the goodness to say to them that I am anxious to hear from them as I shall expect them to give early attention to the case inasmuch as I have agreed to give them three times the usual fee for their services.
Yours truly in haste C. S. Stevens

28 30 Gerald Hall St. April 25 th
Free
1985 Hon. J. L. Edwards Comm. of Pensions Washington D.C.
10

Guildhall let April 24. 1839
Hon J. L. Edwards -
Sir; I am requested to write a enquire in to the situation of said Polly Bellknap's application for a pension whose papers I forwarded to you last fall. As nothing has been heard from the matter the old lady feels anxious about it - Please inform me whether there has been any decision upon it
I am Respectfully your obedt servant
W m Heyward Jr

Hon J. S. Edwards
2281 N. Paul St. Chicago

Guildhall Jan'y 4. 1839
Sir, I forward herewith the decl n & papers for the purpose of procuring wid. Polly Belknap to be inscribed on the Pension Roll.
I have to request that any communication upon the subject may be addressed to me at Guildhall etc.
I am Respectfully your ob d Serv t -
Hon J. L. Edwards Secy of Pensions
W. Heywood

Feb 26
Mad
W.
J. L. Bennett Esq.
Home of Burroughs
Washington D.C.
See Smithsonian MS
H. N. Williams No 2

House of Rep. Feb. 25th 1839.
J L Edwards Esq
Dear Sir. When last at your Office I left a memorandum in query as to the situation of a Petition of Widow Grout for a pension - I find now I was mistaken in the name & that her name is Belknap & was forwarded to your department some two or three months since - If you can inform me the state of her application you will much oblige me & yours very respectfully
J. W. Williams

Concord N.H. April 28 1852.
Gentlemen,
Yours of the _____ in relation to the case of Simon Beard was duly received. I have made a thorough search in the office of the Secretary of State and can find only 3 months + 16 days service.
The children must be mistaken in their statement to me and the case is worthless —
I have been applied to several times by the heir of Polly Bellbrook & know what the result of the application for increase is, & in order that I may be able to quiet her, I wish you would write to me whether the case has been up before the Council.
You will excuse me for calling upon you at this time for a report in that case, as I have no anxiety about it as I know it will receive proper attention, but the heir seems to be impatient of delay & I wish to have something to satisfy her.
Very Respectfully Your Obed Servt L D Stevens

Washington July 7 1852
Sir,
I filed a few days since a power of attorney of Polly Diknap wid. of Capt Ebenzer Lockhart an executor of her dec d husband's estate, who died in Vermont. where he made a the new residence. Capt Diknap alleged in his declaration that he served as a Lieut. in June 1777: a Capt in 1778. (as) again a Lieut. in 1779. He was allowed for service in 1777 as Lt 4 mo 25 days. (as) a Capt in 1778 9 mo 3 days: in all 13 mo 28 days.
The certificate of the Secy of State herewith enclosed shows a service as Lieut. in 1777 6 mo 6 d " Capt " 1778 9. 20 " Lieut " 1779 1. 11 17. 7
By this it will appear that there is due an increase of something like $50, in ann. Please examine (as) report to us
I'm Respectfully Francis T. Sylvester
Q. A. H. Smith Esq
P.S. The power was not filed as stated above - it's now filed

Polly Belknap da o Mrs of Eliza. W.
let. 20 dec 57
French & Sylvester

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Office of the Secretary of State.
I, JESSE A. GOVE , Deputy Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Geo H. Sturtevant is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Cheshire duly commissioned and qualified, and duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer oaths, take the acknowledgment of Deeds, &c. His commission was dated on the fifth day of July 1850 and will expire on the fifth day of July 1855.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the State, this 13th day of December 1851.
Jesse A. Gove
Deputy Secretary of State.

July 16/52 New evidence be examined in claim of Polly Bel- knapp, widow of Ebenezer Belknapp.
July 16/52
Kisby
As the evidence of the qualification of the Justice of the Peace before whom these were sworn is already on-file with the papers it was con- sidered unnecessary to procure it again.
P. B. French

I Silence Galester of Moorborough in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire depose and say that I am the only surviving child of Ebenezer Belknap, deceased, who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution: that I have heard him tell about his service in the war & that after his death, when my Mother in law, Sally Belknap, now deceased, applied for a pension, she could not find as much service as my Father used to say that he performed. I know from my personal knowledge that my Mother in law, Sally Belknap, did not know that there was evidence in the archives of Massachusetts, which would prove her husband's service: that all sources from which evidence was likely to be found were resorted to & that my said Mother always believed that she did not receive all that she was entitled to on account of the services of her husband: that since my Mother's death, it was suggested to me that possibly the evidence of my father's service, might be found in Massachusetts & search was made & the evidence now in the Pension Office at Washington, was there found.
That I am now eighty three years of age but recollect distinctly the facts which I have

Stated before.
Witness John B. Brown
Silence her X Colister mark
Subscribed and sworn to this twenty sixth day of June 1852 Before me George F. Starkworthy Justice of the Peace.
July 10/52 New evidence
the examined in claim of Polly Bel- mark; witness of Ebenezer Bellmark.
July 16/52
Kings
As the evidence of the the qualification of the Justice of the Peace before whom these were sworn is already on file with the papers it was con- sidered unnecessary to reproduce it again. J. P. Bellmark

1861 Wid Polly Belknaps Declaration
$ 246:44 per a
Wm Heywood, Jr. Gailshall Vt.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3 d of March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7 th 1838.
State of Vermont } On this 10 th day of July A.D. 1843 Essex County ss } personally appeared before me W m Heywood Jr a justice of the peace in & for the County of Essex aforesaid Polly Belknap a resident of Lemington in said County of Essex aged Eighty six 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 3 d of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Ebenezer Belknap who was a Lieutenant & Captain in the Massachusetts line of the Army of the Revolution & that he served as a Lieutenant & Captain in the Revolutionary War as shown by the proofs sent with her declaration made Nov 14. 1838 to obtain a pension under the act of July 7 th 1838 and that she drew a pension under said last named act of $24.66 per annum. That she was married to the said Ebenezer Belknap on the 19 th day of December A.D. 1792 & that her husband the said Ebenezer Belknap

died at said Lemmings on the 16 th day of March 1812 - The further declares that she is still a widow.
Polly Balthrop
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me W m Heywood justice of peace
Essex ss I W m Heywood a justice of the peace in & for the county of Essex do certify that I am well acquainted with Polly Balthrop above named & she is the same person who drew a pension under the act of July 7. 1838 & that I assisted her in making out her declaration & in having her name placed upon the pension roll under said act & I further certify that she still remains as- survived - Witness my hand at Lemmings in said county July 10 th 1843 W m Heywood justice of the peace
State of Vermont } I William Heywood notary public Essex County ss } in & for the county of Essex aforesaid do hereby certify that W m Heywood is a justice of the peace in & for said county of Essex duly comm- issioned & qualified that his comm- ission means after Nov r 9 th 1842 and shall expire Nov r 30 th 1843 & the signatures above purporting to be his are genuine -
Witness my hand & official seal at Guildhall in said county July 14 th A.D. 1843 -
W m Heywood Notary Public

State of Vermont } I Allen Gould Clerk of the County ss } Court within and for the County of Essex aforesaid do hereby certify that W m Hymans is a Justice of the peace in & for the County of Essex duly commi- ssioned & qualified; that his Commission hereby dated Nov r 9 th 1842 and will expire Nov r 30 th 1843 and the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine —
Witness my hand & official seal at Guildhall in said County of Essex this 13 th day of Nov r A.D. 1843
Allen Gould Clk

Polly Belknap
Oct 43

STATE OF Vermont COUNTY OF Essex } ss.
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me Jonah Brooks Judge of Probate for the District of Essex in the County of Essex and State of Vermont
that Polly Belknap  and widow of Ebenezer was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $ 246 per annum and that she died on the eighteenth day of November eighteen hundred and forty seven leaving surviving her no children, that her said husband ( Ebenezer Belknap ) died leaving one only child surviving him, whose name is Silence according to my best recollection and that the said child is now surviving and is
the only surviving child of the aforesaid. Ebenezer Belknap and that Stephen Adams is the administrator on the estate of the said Polly Belknap deceased
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this Twenty first day of August one thousand eight hundred and fifty. one
Jonah Brooks Judge of Probate

State of Vermont } County & District of Essex ss } I Jonah Brooks Register of the Court of Probate in and for said District of Essex do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Polly Belknap deceased widow of Ebenezzer Belknap was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of Two hundred forty six dollars and forty four cents per annum was a resident of said district of Essex and State of Vermont and died in the town of Sturtevant in said District on the eighteenth day of November A D 1854 that she left one step- child whose name is Silence Colister and who is the only surviving child of the said Ebenezzer Belknap.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed seal of said Court this 8 th day of December A D 1857.
Jonah Brooks Register of Probate for said District of Essex

Belknap Ebenezer Mass. W. 23580.
A mutilated pay roll of Capt. Ebenezer Belknap's co. Col. Nathl. Wade's regt Mass. State troops 1878 - 1879.
has been removed from the case to be forwarded to the War Dept.
aw.
Oct. 5, 1912.
Sent to War Dept. Jan. 16, 1913.