Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1,606, Thomas Calnan, N.H.

SERVICE
N 14
Calnan, Thomas Sarah
NUMBER
R. 1606
CONTENTS
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19.084
New Hampshire.
Thomas Calnan
of Stratham in the state of N. Hampshire who was a Private in the Regt commanded by Captain South of the regiment commanded by Colonel Rice in the N. Hampshire line, for the term of 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of New Hampshire at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 5 th of August 1823
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th of Sept 1823 and sent to you: S. Moulton Esq. Center Harbour, N.H.
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1823 8. 2 Semi anl. all'ce ending March 1824 48
27 3/4 / 30
6.96
1. 6
8. 02
$ 56: 2
{ Revolutionary claim, Acts March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820. }
March 1. 1823

Thomas Calnan

State of New-Hampshire.
Strafford, ss. 1 COURT OF Sessions
ON this fifth day of August 1823, personally appeared in open Court, (being a court of record for said county of Strafford so constituted by the laws of the State of New-Hampshire,) Thomas Colman resident in said county, aged sixty five years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18th of March, 1818, and the 1st of May, 1820, that he, the said Thomas Colman enlisted for the term of two years — on the May — day of in the year 1779 in the State of New Hampshire in the company commanded by captain Asa Senter in the regiment commanded by colonel George Reed in the line of the State of New Hampshire on the continental establishment; that he continued to serve in said corps until Octr 1781 — when he was discharged from the said service, in Chesapeake in the State of that his name has been placed on the pension list, and it ought to be continued on account of his property.
And, in pursuance of the act of the 1st May, 1820, I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled, "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
3 Worsted combs, 2 wheels, 4 chairs, 2 old tables, hollow ware $1.50, 1 Shoate —
My family is myself, wife aged sixty five years both of us worn out with age and infirmities and totally unable to support myself without the aid of private or public charity and that he is in such indigent circumstances as to be unable to support himself without the assistance of his country —
his Thomas X Colman mark

That, since the exhibition of my first schedule, the following changes have been made in my property.
Articles sold Names of the persons to whom sold. Time of sale. Amount of money, or description of property, received in return.
Bay
Sworn to and declared on the fifth day of August 1823 before said Court
I, A. Peirce , Clerk of the Court of Sessions for said county of Strafford , do hereby certify, that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said Thomas Calnan did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one engagement, on the continental establishment. I also certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is thirteen dollars and fifty Cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this sixth day of August 1823
A. Peirce Clerk of the Court of Sessions for the County of Strafford

Widow balun

Declaration
State of New Hampshire Strafford ss,
On this fourteenth day of August 1838 Personally appeared before the court of Common Pleas now in session at Gilmanton in the county aforesaid Sarah Calman a resident of the town of Meredith in said county aged seventy eight 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 7th 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;" That she is the widow of Thomas Calman who was a soldier of the of the war of the Revolution of the New Hampshire line and obtained a certificate as a pensioner under the act of Congress of March 18th 1818 She further declares that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place on the 19th day of November 1781 That he died the 31 of January 1832 That she has never been married since his decease
Attest H. B. Gagnell.
Sarah her + Calman mark
Subscribed and sworn to before the Court aforesaid on the day and year above written
Attest H. B. Gagnell, clerk.

State of New Hampshire Shafford county ss
I Francis Cogswell clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings before said Court in the matter of the application of Sarah Calnan for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this fourteenth day of August A.D. 1858 - Attest H. Cogswell, clerk.

Certificate of Marriage of Thomas Calnan & Sarah Putnam

Extract from the records of the Town of Candia in the County of Rockingham and state of New Hampshire — Under the head of Marriages solemnized by the Rev. Joseph Prince a minister of the Gospel in said Town is the following entry, viz, Thomas Calhoun was married to Sarah Patten the eighteenth of November seventeen hundred and eighty one. P Abraham Emerson Clerk of said Town of Candia, depose and say that the foregoing is a true copy of the record with the exception of a part of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows viz, Thomas Calhoun was married to Sarah Patten the eigh- -teenth of November 1781 by Parson Prince —
Abraham Emerson Town Clerk of Candia P Abraham Emerson above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of the said Town with the exception aforesaid as certified by me
Abraham Emerson Town Clerk of Candia
State of New Hampshire
Rockingham County ss } Candia Decem r 29 th 1842
Subscribed & sworn to by the above named Abraham Emerson
Before me
M c C. Russell Notary Public
Moses C. Russell Notary Public Certify that Abraham Emerson above named is well known to be a credible witness that he is entitled to full credit & that to my knowledge is Town Clerk of said Candia
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Notary Public
Moses C. Russell Notary Public

State of New Hampshire
Shafford ss. I Winthrop A. Marston, Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Shafford, hereby certify that evidence has been produced and filed in the office of the Registry of Probate for said County, - which satisfactorily proves that Sarah Calnan widow of Thomas Calnan late of Meredith (who died in said Meredith, then in said County of Shafford A.D. 1833) deceased a revolutionary soldier, deceased - remained the widow of said Thomas until her decease; that said Sarah Calnan died on the sixteenth day of March A.D. 1841 - And that John Calnan, Robert Calnan, Polly Clark, Samuel Calnan, Betsy Calnan and Margaret Turner are all and the only children of the said Thomas and this wife Sarah Calnan, both deceased, who were living at the time of the death of said Sarah Calnan, widow as aforesaid -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Probate, this Second day of December Anno Domini 1842
W. A. Marston, Register of said Court

111111 REJECTED
P. O. Sarah Calman
Widow of Thomas
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Negroes  The printed list of 1862 gives cause of rejection as Resenlisted: follows;
"Fraudulent her husband obtained a pension in 1823, on forged papers."
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

3159
Sarah Calnan,
N. H.
Act 7 July, 1838.
t. to James Gordon June 14, 1839
Augt. 26 - ditto - ditto to
W. C. Russell Mar 30. 43
1606

Sept 11 Dear Br. Webb Sept 4th 3
MS Adolphus Rhoda Witham
Dear Br. Webb Yours Y. S. Edwards Sept 11/1830
Yrs J. H. Spencer Post Master
Washington City D.C.

Ware Bridge Vt. Sept 4th 1839
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir the communication from the Q st of Aug 26 th respecting the papers of Rhoda Witham Widow of Nathan Witham requesting explanation of the Declaration of Nathan Witham in 1820. that he had no family. I presume Sir that the enclosed affidavit of Rhoda Bagley will be satisfactory — Judge Gah of Gilmanton madely offers his certificate that he was acquainted with said Rhoda Witham & that he made the papers & drew the means of pension after the decease of D o Nathan Witham which will be soon forwarded — I also have rec d a letter from the D o Clerk of Salisbury saying that their marriage is their records — James Gordon
I also rec d this day a communication from the Q st re- pecting the Sarrah Calman papers which much surprised me!!! I think however that your conjectures must be wrong. I was personally acquainted with Thos Cal- man deceased lived within 1/2 mile of him & prepared the executed the papers for the Will (after his decease) for the means of pension — I think have often heard him speak of his being in the Army, it is possible that the declaration of the Widow should have set forth that Thos Calman belonged to the Massachusetts line if so you will learn the fact by reference to the Books of that state. I will write immediately to the Secretary & learn if J. H. Pillsbury & James Smith were Magistrates at that time — I was acquainted with James Dockham

of Meredith I know him to be a pensioner & think he would not swear falsely Robert Pollard I did not know Jon a L. Moulton of Canterbury how is still alive I am acquainted with him I will make enquiries & write again hoping that you will find your conjectures groundless & will send the Poor Widow Calman a Certificate
Respectfully Yours Affec ly
James Greville

Rochester N.Y. Feb y 27 th 1843 Mr Edwards
Sir. Herewith is transmitted the Claim of the Heirs of Sarah Calhoun Wiggins of Thornton Calhoun late of Thornton a Revolutionary Soldier for a pension if consistent with the laws The said Sarah died in March 1841. as will ap- pear by reference to the inclosed papers.
I am very respectfully
Yor ob d Serv t
W. C. Russell
J. S. Edwards Esq s Washington City

Sir
a communication from the Dept of June 14 is now before me which gives me to understand that the name of Thomas Calman is not on the continental Roll of New Hampshire & before a final decision of the claim of Widd Sarah Calman the Dept wished the hand writing & signature of Capt Asa Lunt of about the year 1823 I have sent to Windham & learnt that Capt Lunt has been dead about 10 years & the family had all gone from W. I could only obtain his hand writing of 1815 & signature also. signature of 1828 & 29 which you will see by the enclosed I should have done this business & sent a communication at an earlier date but for the fact that I was sick with a fever on the 1st of yours & am only now able to sit up & write in this imperfect manner —
I hope that the enclosed will be satisfactory to the Dept & I receive a certificate before the 4th of Sept as the old Mrs Calman is very infirm & needs what little may be her due under the Acts of July 4th 1838. I am in
Yours J G Edwards Comm d of Pensions
your most obed t servant James Gordon
Wars Bridge Aug 7th 1839
P.S. accompanying the communication from the Dept about Refund to was the certificate for Widd Betsy Morgan

State of New Hampshire
Secretary's Office Concord Aug. 27. 1823
I hereby certify that John H. Pillsbury Esquire of South Hampton is a Justice of the peace for the county of Rockingham in said State duly appointed and commissioned and that to his acts and attestations as such, faith and credit are due and to be given in Court of said State —
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said State on the day of the date hereof
Sam l Grafton K. Secretary

I Asa Sester of Windburn in the county of Rockingham & state of New Hampshire. Do here by say that Thoms Colman served as a private soldier in the Company under my command in the army of the Revolution George Root Colonel second Regiment N. Hampshire line and that he performed his duty as a faithful soldier for the term of two years.
July 24 th 1823
Asa Sester
Rockingham ss Then personally appeared the above named Asa Sester & made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is just & true.
Before me John H. Pillsbury

V o 3159 Sarah Calnan wid of Thomas N.H. Ad July 7 1838 Mama 1781 died 1832
J. P. Gordon (Maurice Bragi) N.H.

State of New Hampshire
Office of Secretary of State, June 5-1839
I hereby certify that William Sumner is an acting justice of the Peace in and for the County of Rockingham, duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the 26 th day of June 1837 and will expire on the 26 th day of June 1842 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine. That James Gordon is an acting justice of the Peace in and for the County of Strafford, duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the 11 th day of June 1836 and will expire on the 11 th day of June 1841 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine. — In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said State.
Josiah Stevens, Secretary of State

Wood-land
To be sold at private sale. Two small lots of wood-land containing five or six Acres each, part of a wood-lot recently advertised by George W. Senter lying about 100 rods from the western end of Olney Pond — likewise 30 or 40 cords of wood cut into cord wood or not, about 50 rods from said Pond on the above said direction engine of Wintham Dec. 5 th 1815. — Isa Senter

I James Dockham of Meredith in the county of Hartford & State of New Hampshire, aged sixty two years - depose & say, that I was a private soldier in the army of the Revolution in company com- manded by Asa Lutee Captain, George Reed Colonel second Regiment N. Hampshire line - that soon after the battle of Trenton I became well acquainted with Thomas Colson a private in said company, well known here & there & did in said company & Regiment for more than two years - I ever understood that he faithfully performed his duty as a good soldier in said company - July 14 th 1821 - James Dockham
Beet Pollard Strifford Is. - ..... July 14 th 1921 -
Then personally appeared the above named James Dockham & made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is just & true — Before me James Smith Justice of the Peace

I Joseph R Mead and Mary Mead of Meredith in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire of lawful age testify and say that Thomas Calnan with his wife Sarah Calnan came into this neighborhood about the year 1818 we have been personally acquainted with them until the death of said Thomas Calnan (who was a revolutionary pensioner) and died the year 1832 we further testify and say that Sarah Calnan the widow of said Thomas Calnan is still living within half mile of us has not been married since his decease
Joseph R. Mead Mary Mead
State of New Hampshire Strafford (ss)
August 21 st A.D. 1838
Subscribed and sworn to
Before me James Gordon Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above named Joseph Mead and Mary Mead are credible witnesses
James Gordon Justice of the Peace

Joseph R & Mary Anna App.
2159
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

Shofford fr.
State of New Hampshire
I Francis Cagwell clerk of the Superior Court for said County hereby certify that James Gordon is a Magistrate as within and that I believe the within signatures purporting to be his are genuine -
Witness my hand and Seal of said Court this 26th October 1838
F. Cagwell, clerk.

I Joseph R Mead and Mary Mead of Meredith in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire of lawful age testify and say that Thomas Calnan with his wife Sarah Calnan came into this neighborhood about the year 1818 we have been personally acquainted with them until the death of said Thomas Calnan (who was a revolutionary pensioner) and died the year 1832 we further testify and say that Sarah Calnan the widow of said Thomas Calnan is still living within half mile of us has not been married since his decease.
Joseph R. Mead Mary Mead
State of New Hampshire Strafford (ss)
August 21 st A.D. 1838
Subscribed and sworn to
Before me James Gordon Justice
I hereby certify that the abovenamed Joseph Mead and Mary Mead are credible witnesses
James Gordon Justice

Thomas Calnan was Married to Sarah Patten the eighteenth day of November one thousand seven hundred and eighty one by Pearson Priest
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Marriage of Thomas Calnan to Sarah Patten with the exception of the date which is expressed in the record in fair legible letters and figures as follows (Thomas Calnan was married to Sarah Patten the eighteenth day of November 1781)
Samuel Sargent Jr. Town Clerk I Samuel Sargent above named do hereby say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the towns of Candia and Canton of Rockingham & State of New Hampshire and that the above is a true copy extracts from the records of said Town with the exception above named by me Samuel Sargent Jr. Town Clerk
State of New Hampshire Rockingham ss } October 25 1838
Subscribed and sworn to Before me
Wm Turner Justice Peace
I hereby certify that the above Deposition is the Town Clerk of Candia and a com- petent witness Wm Turner Justice Peace

Rockingham ss State of New Hampshire
I A. D. Hitt Clerk of the Judicial Courts within and for said County hereby certify that William Turner Esq who has subscribed the within certificates is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, and the signature purporting to be his is in my belief genuine
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of our Superior Court of Judicature this third day of November Anno Domini 1838
A. D. Hitt Clerk

State of New Hampshire Grafton County ss
On this twenty- first day of February A.D. 1843 Personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate now sitting in and for said County John Calnan a resident of Campton in the County of Grafton & State of New Hampshire Aged fifty two years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the vested rights to the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7 th A.D. 1838. That he is the Son of Thomas Calnan & Sarah Calnan his Widow. That the said Thomas Calnan enlisted as a soldier into Captain Asa Senter's Company & Col. George Pierce's Regiment of the New Hampshire Line in May A.D. 1779. & served until October A.D. 1781. two years & five months as will more fully appear by reference to his papers on file to establish his pension from the fifth day of August A.D. 1823, to the twenty eighth day of February A.D. 1833. He further declares that his Father Thomas Calnan & his Mother Sarah Patten were married on the eighteenth day of November A.D. 1781. And that his Father Thomas Calnan died on the twenty eighth day of February A.D. 1833. And that his Mother Sarah Calnan remained his Widow to the day of her death which took place on the sixteenth day of March A.D. 1841. as will more fully appear by reference to the proof herunto annexed.
John Calnan
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
Before me Walter Blair Judge of Probate.
I certify that the word "first" in the top line was inserted before signing Walter Blair Judge

I certify that John Galnan the within applicant is a reputable person for truth & veracity
Walter Blair Judge
State of New Hampshire
Grafton ss. I Samuel Sewany Register of the Court of Probate within and for said county do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of the heirs of Sarah Galnan for a pension. and that the signatures of the Judge of Probate to the foregoing certificates are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Probate this twenty first day of February A.D. 1843 -
Samuel Sewany Register

This indenture of lease made this fourth day of May Anno Domini 1829 by and between Issa Senter of Windham in the County of Rockingham Esq d on the one part and Gilman Thing of said Windham yeoman on the other part Witnesseth Witnesseth
That said Issa Senter hath let, leased and to farm let and by these presents doth let, lease and to farm let, for the term of one year from the first day of April last past and until the same shall be full and complete, all his homestead farm in said Windham unto said Thing all said Senter's homestead farm in said Windham excepting the buildings thereon; and said Senter on his part agreed that said Thing shall have quiet possession of said leased premises until the first day of April next without let hindrance or molestation; that he will find one half of all seed which it may be necessary or proper that said Thing should use on said farm; that said Thing shall have one half of all the crop which may be raised on said farm excepting the corn and oats fodder and may carry the same away, excepting the the corn and oats fodder which said Thing is to use at the barn of said Senter, that is his half thereof, and the said Senter to find him barn room; and said Senter further agrees to find barrels to secure his part of the cyder when required thereto by said Thing - and he further agrees that said said Thing shall have the pasturing of one pair of oxen more than his half -
And said Thing on his part agrees that he will for and during said term carry on said farm in a good and husbandlike manner; that he will deliver to said Senter, one half of all the crop raised thereon at the proper season of harvesting the same, that he will deliver the hay in the barn, the potatoes in the cellar or else where about the farm as said Senter may direct, the corn in the chambers or in any of said Senter's buildings where he may appoint and other grains in the same manner, that he will make the cyder in the proper season and deliver said Senter's half at his house if said Senter shall find casks, that he will pick the winter fruit from the trees and deliver said Senter's half at any of his buildings where he may direct -
And it is mutually agreed by the parties that each shall turn into the pasture, their cattle and keep an account so that if one of them has more than the other, after taking out one pair of oxen for said Thing, he shall account for the same and pay the other therefor
In witness whereof the parties have hereunto set their hands and seals in presence of Isaac Nyeard
Issa Senter Gilman Thing

I hereby acknowledge that Maj d A. Senter & myself have settled respecting the Farm which I had of him for one year from 1 st Aug t last and have this day exchanged leases with him, and this day promise to clear the farm of all Incumbrances.
Gilman Shing
Oct r 3 rd 1823
Leads
Senter to Shing

I Isaac W. Gourd of Windham in the state of New- Hampshire depose and say that I saw Major Issa Luntus sign his name to the paper hereto annexed, which I signed as a witness, and having done business for and with him, frequently since 1820, and having certified, as a Magistrate, his semiannual declarations for the purpose of obtaining his pension from the United States, usually until his death and seen him sign his name thereto as well as to other papers, I have no doubt that the other papers hereto annexed is signed by him and has the usual appearance of his hand writing, when he was in health, and the order on Andover Bank I have no doubt was signed by him
Isaac W. Gourd
State of New-Hampshire
Rockingham county ss Be it known that on the 29 th day of July A. D. 1839 I saw W. Gourd personally appeared before me Robert Beartley a justice of the peace in and for the county of Rockingham and signed the above affidavit and made oath in due form of law to the same before .
Before me
Robert Beartley
Justice of the Peace
ANDOVER BANK.
100 DOLLS. CTS. Oct. 30 th 1828 PAY to Capt. John Baldwin or Bearer, One Hundred dollars cents, TO THE CASHIER. Issa Luntus

James Gordon June 14, 1839
O. C.

Report of War Pension Office June 14 1839
Sir
In the examination of the N H continental rolls, I do not find the name of Thomas Calmar upon them. His claim was allowed under the act of March 18, 1818, upon the testimony of witnesses, and among them. His name should however appear on the roll, if he served as he then alleged. It might facilitate the final decision of the claim of his widow, Sarah Calmar, if you could procure the signature of Asa Sester, who was his Captain, and who lived in Mendham in 1823. His handwriting and his signature of about that date can be obtained. I do not know whether Capt
Sester is still living or not, Mr Sam Godee Waver Bridge N H
D. Day July 7 1838 3159

W. C. Russell
Mar. 30. 1843

Pen H
March 30
43
Sir
The papers enclosed in yours of 27 ult in the case of Sarah Calnan dec? have been filed under the act of 7 July 38 - You will see by the enclosed copy of my letter to James Gordon Esq. of 26 Aug 39 that her husband's proofs of service are discredited & her claim rejected
M. C. Russell Esq. Rochester N.H.

Dept of War 507 Pioneer Office Aug 26 1839
Sir I have rec d your letter of the 7 th inst ant , enclosing certain papers bearing the signature of the late Maj Ara Sexton.
The object in requesting you to furnish it was for the purpose of a comparison with that attached to an affidavit found in the papers of the late Thos Colman.
It seems that Mr Colman's claim was admitted upon what purports to be an affidavit of Ara Sexton, and the testimony of Jas Dockham and Robert Pollard of Mendon, a man was not born on the rolls of the N.H. line. It is now apparent that the signature of Ara Sexton in the affidavit of 1823, was a gross forgery. It purports to have been taken before J. H. Pillsbury. The person

Certificate for Mr Colman was sent to Mr John S. Moulton, Center Harbor, N.H.
By whom the fraud was committed is unknown to the Dept; and it is now very clear that Mr Colman was never entitled to a penny and of course his order cannot now be allowed one
The affidavit of Lockhart and Pillard was made before "James Smith Justice of the peace." dated July 14 I will thank you to make some inquiry touching this matter and let me know the result. Yours
James Gordon Esq Attean Bridge N.H.
OC July 7. 1830 V 3159