Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,819, Noah Bumpus, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
or Bumpus, Noah Perry,
W.20,819
Mercy
CONTENTS

Letl. Abrahm White - to to widow - Dec 24 - 1836 - do. Hon. V. B. Burdell - to do - May 5 - 37 - do. V. El. White, June 17. 1837 -
Thomas Simon White Stationed at Fort 1820, 10
9539
Massachusetts.
Noah Perry
of Wareham in the state of Mass who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Putnam of the Mass - line, for the term of six years
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 18 Dollars per month, to commence on the 1st of April , 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 20th of April 1819 and sent to Sarah Mitchell, Esq  East Bridgewater, Mass
Arrears to 4th of Mar 1819. 17 1/2 m. 85.56 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 1st  Apr 1819. 48.00
$133.56
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Continued

4.280 Massachusetts.
Mercy Bumpus, dec'd. widow of Noah Bumpus alias Perry who served in the Revolutionary
war as a Private
Increased from $80.00
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 — Dollars —
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848 / 1 st July 1848. and 4 th September 1852.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 d day of June 1853.
and sent to
H. H. Bostwick
Auburn New York
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 244. Vol. 1. 2

Noah Perry Wareham
15 Apr 1777 - War
Adm o

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
On this 88.  12 th day of April A.D. 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Southern Circuit, personally appeared Noah Perry of Wareham — aged  years, resident in the said Circuit, who being by me first duly cautioned according to law, on his oath made the following declaration, by him signed, in order to obtain the provision made by the late 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," viz. — That he served in said war from 1777 to the close of it as a private soldier in Capt. Benson's Company and Col. Rufus Putnam's Regiment & Mass: Line.
/See his said Declaration enclosed/
He is made up for 32 months & 10 days on the Massachusetts records for the first 3 years service —

The said Perry is poor and needs the assistance of his country for support —
And I, the said Judge, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Noah Perry did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, on the continental establishment; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
Nahum Mitchell
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
ss.
1818.
I HEREBY CERTIFY, That is one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Southern Circuit, consisting of the Counties of Plymouth, Norfolk, Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket in said Commonwealth—that the same Circuit Court of Common Pleas is a Court of record—that the signature to the above certificate is the true signature of the said Judge, and that the seal thereunto affixed is the seal of the said Court.
} Clerk of the Judicial Court for the County of

Noah Perry
Wachum
32 m 16 -

I Noah Perry of Wareham in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts do testify and declare say that I enlisted into the service of the United States in the year 1777 for during the revolutionary war and was under the command of Col d Joshua Benson and Col d Rufus Putnam's Regiment and General Nixon's Brigade, under the Continental establishment and served as a Soldier until the close of the war, and do further testify and say that I am reduced in my circumstances and stand in need of the assistance of my Country for support and am desirous of obtaining a Pension under the late act of Congress, and am a Citizen of the United States.
April 14 th - 1818
Noah Perry
Sworn to and signed April 14. 1818.

Stock Brandy
9539
Typewriter
Con

SCHEDULE.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
County of Plymouth
ss.
On this seventeenth day of July, 1820, before the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Southern Circuit, proceeding according to the course of the common law with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, having a power also of fine and imprisonment, and keeping a record of their proceedings, personally appeared in open Court, being a court of record for the said County Noah Perry, aged sixty two years, resident in Wareham in said County, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. for the term of Eight years as follows. in the Company of Capt. Joshua Benson in Col. H. Pitkin's Regt. & in Capt. Soper's Co. 1st Regt. Mass. Militia. and that he has received a pension certificate dated 20th April 1809 and numbered 9539 in pursuance of his original Declaration made 14th April A.D. 1818 and also takes and subscribes the following oath, viz.
of Capt. Joshua Benson in Col. H. Pitkin's Regt. & in Capt. Soper's Co. 1st Regt. Mass. Militia. and that he has received a pension certificate dated 20th April 1809 and numbered 9539 in pursuance of his original Declaration made 14th April A.D. 1818
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 28th 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.
I have neither any Real or personal estate I am a common labourer by occupation my family consists of my wife Mercy aged 53 neither of us able to contribute much towards supporting a family one daughter Mercy aged 20 years and one son Solomon aged 13 years neither of them are able to support themselves I owe sundry persons apvances of one hundred dollars Noah Perry.
Sworn to, and declared, on the 17th day of July A.D. 1820 before Nahum Mitchell a Justice of the Court.
I, M B Thomas clerk of the said Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is nothing dollars and cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this twentieth day of July 1820
M B Thomas Clerk of the Court for the County of Plymouth

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol } ss
On this twenty third day of January in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty seven Personally appeared before me Abiathar White a Magistrate in and for Said County of Bristol Mercey Perry of Taunton County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts aged Seventy seven years and upwards who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 or to obtain the arrearage which would have been paid to her husband had he applied under said act while living.
That She is the widow of Noah Perry who was a Private and Sergeant in the war of the Revolution that according to the best of her Recollection he Enlisted in the Service of the United States in the Spring or Summer in the year 1775 and Continued in Said Service Untill the Autumn in the year 1783 when he was discharged that he Served at Boston, at Quebec at Tienderga at West Point at York Town in Virginia and at other places, that he was in the Battle at Quebec, and when Burgoyne was taken and in the Battle when Cornwallis was taken, that while he was in the Vicinity of West Point in the Spring in the year 1781 She thinks he was Raised to the Office of Sergeant in a Company Commanded by Capt. Joshua Bensen in the 5 th Regiment Commanded by Col. Putnam, it is possible it was before or it might be after that he was at home on a furlow in January 1778 (and at other times when they were married) that he drew a pension of Eight dollars per month under the act of the 18 th of March 1818 Said Pension Commenced on or about the 14 th day of April 1818 that he the Said Noah Perry lived in the Town of Wareham in the County of Deymouth and State of Massachusetts at the time he applied for Said Pension. that She has no documentary evidence to support her Claim.
She further declares that She was married to the Said Noah Perry on the tenth day of January in the year 1778 that her husband the aforesaid Noah Perry died on the fourteenth day of December 1836 and that she has Remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by Reference to the Proof hereunto annexed
Sworn and Subscribed on the day and year above written her Mark Mercy X Perry
Before me Abiathar White Justice of the Peace

I the Said Justice do hereby declare my opinion that the above named Applicant is the widow of the Said Noah Perry, and that she was married at the time she states in her declaration, that the Said Noah Perry was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as before stated that he died at the time mentioned in Said declaration and that Mercy Perry his widow has not been married since that period In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year aforesaid
Abiathar White Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol County ss
I James Spratt Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the Said County of Bristol Certify that Abiathar White is a Justice of the Peace now in Commission in and for Said County, and that the Signatures purporting to be his attached to this declaration, and also the signatures purporting to be his attached to the affidavits of Jonathan Johnson Bradford Burt, and Peter Adams are his genuine signatures
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Affixed the Seal of Said Court this twenty-eighth day of January Eighteen hundred and thirty seven
J. Spratt Clerk

State of Massachusetts County of Plymouth
I Wm. H. Whitman Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the County of Plymouth aforesaid, do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been presented before said Court by William Boston and Hannah Boston residents of the Town of Wareham in the County and State aforesaid, that Mercy Bumpus the widow of Noah Bumpus (alias Noah Perry) died on the 4th day of September 1852, and that she left surviving her the following named children, and none other. To wit, Jonathan Bumpus, Sarah Bumpus and Olive McAlpine all of Wareham in said County of Plymouth and that there are now surviving the following named children, and none other. To wit Jonathan Bumpus Sarah Bumpus and Olive McAlpine and that they are all over the age of twenty years, and competent legally to act for themselves.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand, and the seal of said County, and of the Court of Record thereof. this 22 nd day of May A.D. 1853.
Wm. H. Whitman Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of Plymouth County

Rep
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 20819
Mercy Bumpus
widow of
Noah Bumpus  alias
Dis. Rec. War  Perry
Act Feb 2 d 48
Index: Vol. A , Page 106
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Set. H. H. Bastwick, Dec. 8/51
4280
Massachusetts
Mercy Bumpus widow of Noah, Bumpus alias Perry. who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of Mch 1849 and sent to
G. J. Bulfinch Boston Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 4 Vol. 2,

Rep
163
Massachusetts.
Mercy Bumpus
widow of Noab Bumpus alias Perry who was a private in the Company.
in the Massachusetts line for 16. years.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80. 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 J. A. Lord
South Street Plymouth Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1. Page 36.

868.
Massachusetts.
Mercy Bumpus widow of Noah Bumpus, alias Perry who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 and who died on the 14 th Decr 1836 of Plymouth Co in the State of Mass ts who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain of the Regt commanded by Col Putnam in the Mass. line for 6. years
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836. & ending 14 th Decr 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of March 1843 and sent to Elizab th Clarke, Brightton, Mass.
Arrears to the 4 th of Semi-annual allowance ending
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by F. J. Evans Clerk, Book A. Vol. 1. Page 71.
Reported
A new certificate was issued this case under the opinion of the Attorney General of the 2 d Sep 1842, which was given in consequence of the Resolution of Congress of the 16. Aug 1842.

868 Massachusetts
Mercy Bumpus widow of Noah Bumpus alias Perry.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 and who died on the 14th December 1836 of Plymouth, in the State of Mass.
who was a Private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt. commanded by Col. Putnam in the War. time for 6 years
Inscribed on the Roll of _____.
at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day of March, 1836 14th December 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of Nov. 1835 and Serial No. 16. Lowell Plymouth Mass.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1835 $180.00 Semi-annual allowance ending Mar. 31, 40.00
$220.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by Book A.
N. H. Adair Clerk, Vol. 1st Page 41

Rejected
ans. Hon. N. B. Borden (May 5. 3) - do. to A. White May 29. 1837 - do to same June 17. 1837 - do to. Hon. N. B. Borden, Jan 4. 1838

Brief in the case of Mary Brumner widow of Noah
County and State of Mass act J Res 1 July 1848
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Her husband was pensioned under the Acts of 1838 & 1842 at $50 a year. The Joint Resolution of July 1 1848 gives the widows of Pensioners, the same amount as was recd. by them, - she was pensioned under the Acts of 1838 & 1842 at $80, the children claim the benefit of the above Joint Resolution and they are entitled to $50 a year.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
From 1 July 1848 to her death 6 Feb 1852 Declaring $80 under 2 d Field 1848
Maurice L. Smith Examining Clerk.
Name and residence of Agent H. B. Burrough Esq Albany NY

Mrs. Bumpus widow of Noah Bumpus, aka. Perry map
Wed July 1/848 $90 a year from 1 July 1848 to 4 Feb 1852 when she died
Pa, to Joseph P. Hayden adm or for Jonathan Bumpus! then Bumpus & Olive McAlpine
children P 3 Deduct $80 a year end Feb 2/48
Cert to H H Burhnick Esq Auburn NY

Uncle
June 20/55
My son
Mercy Bumpus dead 4 Oct 1852 found in full
Pen Off. June 20 1855
Sir
Please inform me when Mercy Bumpus of Mass. 2 Feb 1848 $80. was last paid.
R. J. Atkinson 3 Court St
Very Respectfully S. C. Cole Chig Ch.
Niplet
--

Auburn N.Y. June 13 th 1855
Dear S r Waldo. Law of Pensions.
Sir,
Herewith I send the papers required in the case of Mercy Pumpus, widow of Noah.
Your early attention to the case will confer a favor.
Yours Truly W m H. Bastinick

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
PLYMOUTH SS.
I, JOSEPH S. BEAL , Register of Probate for the County of Plymouth, within said Commonwealth, do hereby Certify, that at a Probate Court holden at
Scituate in and for said County, on the first Tues- day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty five,
Joseph P. Hayden of Wareham in said County, Esquire, was duly appointed Administrator on the Estate of Mercy Bumpus late of said Wareham, Widow, deceased,
and took upon himself that trust by giving bond as the law directs, and still continues in the exercise of said trust.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and the Seal of the Court of Probate for said County, this sixth day of June in the year eighteen hundred and fifty five.
Joseph S. Beal

Asheboro. N.C. Nov 22 d 1857.
Dear S r P Waldo, Comm r of Pensions.
Sir,
Herewith I send Power of Attorney in the lease of the heirs of Mrs Mercy Perry, widow of Noah Perry dec d . It is claimed that Noah Perry rec d $96 pension per annum until the date of his death, in the month of December 1836. That Mercy Perry his widow, commenced drawing pension some years after at the rate of only $80 per annum. That she drew no back pension, but was entitled to back pension, from the time of his death to the time she commenced drawing.
That her pension was suspended at intervals, and renewed from time to time until the date of her death on the 4 th Sept 1852, and that there is due the pension for those intervals in which she did not draw, and the difference between the amount per

Annun which he drew, and the amt per annum which she drew, of $8 per month, during the whole time to which she was entitled to draw pension,
I suppose that she was entitled to the same amount per annum that her husband drew, from the date of his death to the date of her death,
If it appears that there is any thing due the heirs, please state what is required, to enable them to obtain the same,
Your early attention to the case, will much oblige them, and
Yours truly A. W. Posthumus

POWER OF ATTORNEY AND CERTIFICATE.
Know all men by these presents, That I, Olive McAlpine of the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts do hereby constitute and appoint H. H. BOSTWICK, of Auburn, N. Y., my true and lawful attorney, irrevocable, for me and in my behalf, to prosecute my claim for whatever pension benefits I may be entitled to, as a child of Noah Perry, and Mary Perry his widow, both deceased, on account of the military services of said Noah Perry in the Revolutionary war
and to receive such certificate as may be issued, and to appoint one or more attorneys under him for the purposes aforesaid, hereby revoking any power of attorney which may have been heretofore given, and confirming all things that my attorney, the said H. H. BOSTWICK, may lawfully do in the premises.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Seventh day of November A. D. 185 7
Joseph P. Hayden Sarah A. Lee
} Olive McAlpine
Acknowledged before me the day and year last above written. And I certify that I am not interested or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case. And that I am satisfied that the said Olive McAlpine is a child of said Noah & Mary Perry, deceased.
Joseph P. Hayden
Justice of the Peace.

STATE OF Massachusetts
Plymouth County Clerk's Office.
of the Supreme Judicial Court —
I hereby certify that Joseph P. Hayden before whom the annexed Deposition  acknowledgement was taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county and State aforesaid, duly elected, and authorized to take the same, and that the signature thereto purporting to be his , is genuine.
Supreme Judicial
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of said county, and of the Court of Record thereof, this eighth day of November 185 4 . And I further certify that I am not interested or concerned in the prosecution or result of this case.
Wm V. Whitman Clerk of said
Supreme Judicial Court County Clerk, of Plymouth County.
LOATH OR RELOATH AND CERTIFIED

29743
Pension Office December 6/37
Sir.
Please certify whether within named period was paid under a subsequent certificate from 4 th March 1836 to 11 th December 1836, the date of her husband's death?
Very respectfully Your Ob. Servt
J. Gale Chief Clerk
R. J. Atkinson Esq. 3 d Auditor Treas. Dept.
1 Mar 45
A certificate of pension was issued to Mercy Rumphius, on the 1 st March 1833, granting her pension from 4 Mar 1836 to 11 Dec 1836, when her husband died. Said Certificate is on file in this office.
Richd. Johnson Circulator

Pension Office December 4. 1854.
Sir
Mr. Randall
Please certify the payments made to the within named pensioner - particularly setting forth the several dates - and the time of her death.
Very respectfully Your obedt. servant J. Cole Chief Clerk
Third Auditor, Treasury Department.
Mercy Burns. died 4 Oct 1852, pd in full to her death. She was pd fr. 14 Sept. 1836 to 11 Mar. 1839 at one payment. afterwards semiannually to her death.
Robt. Stevenson Auditor

Plymouth Mass.
April 12. 1843
Dear Sir
I enclose the Applications of the following Widows for renewal of Pensions under the Act of March 3. 1843 viz:
Lucy Bangs of Plymouth Hannah Bangs of Wareham Mercy Bangs of " Thankful Gurney of Rochester
Their Certificates may be forwarded to me
Yours &c J. H. Lord
J. L. Edwards Esq Washington D. C.

M. Bumper
aa
163
Chicago
1881

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston September 16 th 1848
I hereby Certify , That at the date of the annexed attestation Seth Miller Jr was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Plymouth,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; 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. D. Callahan
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. Plymouth COUNTY, }
On this fourteenth day of September 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid,
Mercy Bumpus a resident of Wareham in the county of Plymouth aforesaid aged eighty four years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of
Noah Bumpus who was a resident of Wareham when he entered the service and who was a private in the War of the Revolution
and is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17th June, 1844, on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of eighty dollars and cents per annum.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Mercy Bumpus her mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day } Before me, and year above written, }
In presence of
Stephen Chubbuck
Seth Miller Jr
Justice of the Peace.
* Certify, That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner, as she declares.
Seth Miller Jr
Justice of the Peace.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. Plymouth COUNTY, }
*,
Clerk of the
Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that
Seth Miller Jr is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly qualified; and that his signature, above written, is genuine.
and the Seal of said Court, this

State of Massachusetts Plymouth County, ss
On this fourth day of April in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty three, personally appeared before me Beth Miller Jr one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County of Plymouth, Mary Bumspus a resident of Wareham in the County aforesaid in the State of Massachusetts aged seventy seven years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3 March 1831, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolution any War. That she is the widow of Noah Bumspus alias, Perry, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, but she cannot tell in what Regi- ment he served. That she received a pension of Eighty Dollars per annum under the Act of July 7th 1838
She further declares she is still a widow sworn to & subscribed on the day and year above written Mary her Bumspus mark
Before me Beth Miller Jr Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named Mary Bumspus is well known to me to be the same person, who was a pension- er under the Act of Congress of June 7th 1838
Beth Miller Jr Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth ss. I Jacob H. Lord Register of Probate for the County of Plymouth do hereby certify that Seth Miller Junior Esq is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly Commissioned & qualified & that the within is his true and genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the Seal of the Court of Probate for said County this twelfth day of April in the Year Eighteen hundred and forty three
Jacob H. Lord

Noah Perry Map. act March 18, 1838 to what time paid?
Pen. Offic.
Nov 2, 1838
Since 14 th Dec. 1836
to that period
OH

Sir
Probate Office
Plymouth Mass
Aug 30. 1838
I send you herewith the applications of the following persons for Pensions under the Act of July 7. 1838 viz:
Mercy Bumpus Bethiah Clark Ruth Gannet Mercy Lumbard Averick Thomas Betty Joel Deborah Briggs Priscilla Morton Phebe Leonard
Any communications in relation may be made to your Obedient Servant
J. H. Lord James L. Edwards Esq Com. of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Plymouth
Clerks. Office August 29 th , 1838.
I John B. Thomas, Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County of Plymouth aforesaid hereby certify, that it appears of record in this Office, that on the sixteenth day of February in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven, Noah Burnham Junior of Wareham in the County of Plymouth and Mary Burnham of Plymouth in the County of Plymouth were married at Rochester in the County of Plymouth by David Wing Esquire, a Justice of the Peace for said County of Plymouth.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for the said County of Plymouth, on the day and year aforesaid.
John B. Thomas

North Dighton April 13 th 1837
Sir I would say that the removal of our public papers has caused trouble to some widows, who claim a pension, and others who are entitled will not be able to establish their claim, without the assistance of those papers or rolls, as I have been informed that (from the pension office) that unless the Regiment and officers can be designated (in which the soldier served) no examination of the rolls can be made, this in some cases cannot be done as there is but few soldiers left and some of those few have nearly lost their reason, there is two cases in which I ask your assistance in behalf of the claimants. The first is the case of Benjamin Norton deceased, he served one year in the Revolutionary Rhode Island Line of which there is living proof. He then enlisted (in the spring of 1777) for a three years campaign and served about one half of that time and then hired a man to take his place, he served in one of the Massachusetts Regiments but which of them and what officers he served under cannot as yet be ascertained after the most diligent search, I am doubtful whether there is a man living who can testify to those facts. If you will be so good as to examine the proper rolls and give me the necessary information or tell me what method to take in order to establish the claim you will confer a favour on those concerned.
The second is the case of Mrs Mercy Perry under the second section of the Explanatory act of March 3 rd 1835 I think she is entitled to a pension, her papers have been sent to the pension office in order to obtain some arrearage due to her husband for his service as a sergeant (they were sent on last winter) I have just been informed that her petition and the proof accompanying it, which was sent to Congress has also been transmitted to the pension office. She is anxious to know whether anything more will be required to establish her claim. Should a declaration be required she is anxious to know whether her husband was discharged on the third day of November 1783 or before there is witnesses who will testify that he served until the close of the war on general furloughs, but do not so distinctly recollect the precise time (he was discharged) she is very poor and cannot pay any expense) unless this fact can be ascertained no one will be willing to advance money to pay the court fees upon such an uncertainty. If you will be so good as to give me all the necessary information respecting those cases you will much oblige me and do a great favour to the needy. I think that the date of his discharge may be easily ascertained from those papers transmitted.

transmitted from this State to the Pension office
I am requested to ask if Service will be allowed which was performed under a Captain who was not Commissioned A Certain man informed me that he and twenty or thirty others volunteered into the Service (when the English was on Rhode Island) and served in a number of Campaigns but was under no officers only those chosen by themselves and of their own number he wishes to know whether a pension will be allowed for such Service if Proof can be made of it
Can the widows of a man who served six months or more but did not serve but one week in a short Campaign after he was married get a pension
does the third marriage prevent a widows from claiming a Pension providing she was married to her first husband before his term of Service Expired and that she was a widow on the 4 th day of July 1836
In a case where a widow have died since March 3 rd 1837 which had a Claim under the act of that date and have left Children by both husbands, must the Children which she had by both husbands claim or only those she had by the husband for whose Service the claim is due
I sent a Communication to the Pension office about the middle of last month asking a number of questions I should be pleased to know whether it has arrived. I have sent one since and have received an answer
if you will be so good as to answer the foregoing Enquires you will oblige your Ob t Servant
Abiathar White
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington
P.S. Since writing the above I have received an answer to the Communication above named in part A. White

North Dighton
May 24 th 1837
Sir
Please be so good as to inform me what Class of widows are included in the 2 d Section of the Supplementary act of March 3 d 1837. Please make a very plain statement as I cannot find any one who understands it; since it appears by your report to Mr. Orde that it was misunderstood in the case of Mrs. Perry.
Please inform me if any thing is to be allowed Mrs. Perry for her husband's service as a Sergeant her papers were sent to the Pension office last winter if her case does not come under the Supplementary act of March 3 d 1837 or if it does she wishes her papers which were presented to the Senate Returned, if it do she wants them to make proof before the Court (as one of the witnesses is dead) and if it does not she wants them to present before Congress again.
I wrote about six weeks ago to know if the Massachussetts Rolls could be examined in the case of Benjamin Norton deceased, the Parties concerned are very anxious to have an answer. in case the Rules of your office does not permit them to be examined they wish to apply to the proper authorities of this state for assistance to establish their or her claim.
I should be pleased to hear from the papers of Mrs. Anne Robinson
Some explanation respecting the service of Nathaniel Rose and Samuel Hood will soon be forwarded
From your O bt Servant Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Alexander White

PS
Proof Can be obtained that Benjamin Norton Served in the first three years Service in one of the Massachusetts Regiments, but in which and in what Company and how long he served is not known and unless access can be had to the Massachusetts Rolls the Proof (it is presumed) cannot be made
Yours A. White

North Dighton
Sir
June 12th 1837
I once more take the Liberty to address you Upon the subject of Mrs Mary Perry's Claim, and however Unimportant and unnecessary it may seem to you, it is of importance to her to know the Exact State of her Case and the Situation of her papers, and if she has no Claim under the present Law, or if she has a Claim for her husband service as a Sergeant she wishes her papers Returned, i.e. She wishes those that I sent you in February last to obtain arrearage due for his Service as a Sergeant Returned to me, in order to have the proceedings before a Court of Record (as you observe) the Rules requires. She says that the important witnesses in her Case are now dead, and it is not known that any is now living who can satisfy the Court, as her Case is fully stated in those papers and the Rolls and Evidence is in your possession, and as you show a willingness (in your Circular) to give advise in such Cases, you would confer a great favour on the Claimant to Return her papers and State whether it is advisable for her to bring her Case before a Court of Record or to drop it. She will apply if her husband served but one year as Sergeant.
The papers transmitted from the Secretary of the Senate's office she wishes Returned there again in order to prosecute her Claim before the next Congress. (as it appears from your letter to the Hon. N B Borden that the 2 d Section of the Explanatory act of the 3 d of March 1837 does not Entitle a widow to any Pension whose husband died Subsequently to July 4 th 1836. The meaning of that Section and the Class of widows it includes I have not yet been able to ascertain, among others to whom I have applied for information I have applied to our former Venerable Judge of Probate who has done much business in the Pension Line and is acquainted with every description of Soldiers as he served nearly through the Revolutionary war himself.
I have

I have also applied to the Pension office but it seems you decline answering me, Could I be informed the Exact meaning of the aforesaid Section and the Class of widows which it includes, it would be of importance to me and much benefit those who have a Claim under its Provisions. I do not wish to burden you with an unnecessary Correspondance, but it Certainly appears to me that Justice Requires that Some attention Should be paid to the foregoing Cases
our Hon. Representative has no doubt of a favorable action on the petition of Mrs Mary Perry, if it is brought before Congress next Session, it was not brought before Congress last Session for the want of time, it was not presented or sent to the Hon. Mr Borden until the last of the Session, and it was transmitted to the pension department at my instigation. Under (as you observe) my erroneous impression that she was then Entitled under the act of March 3 d 1837 I can put no other Construction upon that act now and that is the reason why I wish an Explanation upon it But if her papers cannot be disposed of as above or before Requested, and if her important witnesses are dead as she states it appears her Case must be hopeless, however just her Claim may be I am Sir your Obt. Servant
Hon J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington
Abiathar White

Washington City Dec 30 th 1837
Dear Sir
The Secretary of the Senate informs me that the petition and accompanying papers of Mary Perry, which were presented to Congress at the last Winter Session, have been transmitted to the Pension Office. As no pension has been allowed, you will oblige me, if it is not inconsistent with the rules of the office, by transmitting them back again, as a reference of them has been ordered by the Senate
I am Sir with great respect
Your obedt Servant
Hath d B. Borden
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Plymouth, ss.
On this eleventh day of January, eighteen hundred and sixty three, Personally appeared before Me, Seth Miller Jr., a justice of the Peace in, and for the County of Plymouth. Mary Bumpus, a resident of Wareham in said County, seventy seven years of age, who being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the amount of pension which she claims from the fourth of March 1836, to the fourteenth day of December A.D. 1836, from which period she has been already paid under the act of the seventh of July 1838, and the declarant further alleges that she is still the widow of Noah Perry Bumpus who was a private in the Revolutionary War, that her pension was allowed at the rate of eighty dollars, per annum and was paid to her at the agency at Boston in the State of Massachusetts, and further she saith not,
her Mercy Bumpus mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before Me, Seth Miller Jr. Justice of the Peace Plymouth County ss. Wareham January 11 th 1843 I hereby certify that the above named Mercy Bumpus who subscribed the above declaration by making her mark in my presence is well known to me, and that she is the widow of Noah P. Bumpus alias Perry, and she formerly received a Pension from the United States
Seth Miller Jr. Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office January 15, 1843.
I hereby certify that at the date of the within attestation Seth Miller Jr. was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Plymouth.
Witness my hand and seal of the State
John P. Dingley
Secretary of the Commonwealth

Office of the Secretary of the Senate of the U. S. April 3. 1837
Sir,
Having been informed by the Hon: Nathl. B. Borden that the case of Mary Perry is embraced in the Exploratory Pension Act of last Session, and that the papers were desired in behalf of the petitioner for the purpose of being transmitted to you, I have the honor now to enclose them.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your obedient Servant.
Albany Brekint
Secy.
The Commissioner of Pensions.

North Dighton December 19 th 1836
Sir
By the Request of Mrs Mercy Perry I would ask for Some information Respecting her Case; her husband (Noah Perry) was a pensioner under the act of 1818 he died the 14 th day of this month; a few months before he died he told me that he served as a Sergeant two years or more but being poor and freindless he had made no application under the act of 1832 but he was about doing it when he was taken sick and died; his widow says that she was married to him before his term of Service Expired. I should be pleased to know (if it can be proved to your satisfaction either from his former declaration or from the muster Rolls or from the testimony of Respectible persons that he did serve as a Sergeant) if you are at liberty to grant to his widow what would have been allowed him had he applied for it in his lifetime. If she can prove that she was married before her husbands term of Service Expired will the act of July 4 th 1836 allow her a pension for life. If you will be so good as to answer the above questions and give Some directions how to proceed in the affair you will confer a favor on a poor widow and much oblige your obedient servant
Abiathar White
P.S. I am very anxious to hear Something respecting Mrs Sarah Drows Declaration which was sent to the office last September Yours & c
Hon.
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington District of Columbia

Bradford Burns Affidavit

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County } ss
I Bradford Burt of Taunton in Said County of Bristol yeoman of lawful age on Oath testify and Say that Noah Perry late of Said Taunton deceased died on the fourteenth day of December 1836 and Left a widow Viz. Mercy Perry who is Still living that the Said Noah Perry was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, and was a near neighbour to me at his death that his widow is Still a near neighbour to me and Remains Unmarried
Bradford Burt
Bristol ss
January 23 rd 1837
Then the above named Bradford Burt a Credible Person appeared and made Oath in due form of Law that the above affidavit by him signed is true Before me
Abiathar White Justice of the Peace

157 Mercy Perry.
widow of Noah
Mass.
Peter Rolens Affidavit

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol } ss
I Peter Adams of Taunton County of Bristol State of Massachusetts yeoman being Ninety-five years old and upwards on Oath Testify and Say that I knew Noah Perry late of Taunton deceased that I was acquainted with him in the Spring or fore part of Summer in the year 1781 in the vicinity of West Point in the State of New York that the said Noah Perry was then in the Service of the United States and served as a Sergeant in a Company Commanded by Capt Joshua Benson in the 5th Regiment Commanded by Col. Nutman, that he marched from the State of New York to York Town in the State of Virginia and after Cornwallis had surrendered he again Returned to the State of New York and served there until the autumn in the year 1783 when he was discharged
his Peter Adams Mark
Bristol ss
January 23 d 1837
Then the above named Peter Adams a Credible Person Appeared and made Oath in due form of Law that the above Affidavit by him signed is true Before me Abiathar White Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol } ss
I Jonathan Jonson of Treetown in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman being Seventy eight years old, on oath testify and say that I was acquainted with Noah Perry late of Taunton in said County deceased that I saw him married to Mercy Bumpus in the year (I think) of 1777 or 1778 that I have been acquainted with them since until his death which took place the fourteenth day of December 1836 that Mercy Perry his widow is still living and lives in said Taunton; that the said Noah Perry was a pensioner.
Jonathan Jonson
Bristol Is
January 26 th 1837
Then the said Jonathan Jonson a credible Person appeared and made oath in due form of law that the above affidavit by him signed is true
Before me
Abiathar White Justice of the Peace

Mercy Bumpus declaration (102) widow of Noah Bumpus alias Noah Perry.
admitted P 80.
J. N. Lord Plymouth.

State of Massachusetts, Plymouth County ss
Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838 intitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. On this third day of August, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before me William Ward Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Plymouth in the State of Massachusetts being a Court of Record Mary Bumpus
a resident of Wrentham in the County of Plymouth aforesaid aged Seventy 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 1838 intitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Noah Bumpus who who while in the service of the United States, was known in the army and had used the name of Noah Perry (bad of Wrentham deceased deceased) who was a private soldier in the Continental army of the revolutionary war — a proof of whose services is now among the records, in the Department of War at the City of Washington — and at the time of his decease was a pensioner under the provisions of the Act of Congress passed

Mark eighteenth — in the year eighteen hundred and eighteen.
She further declares that she was married to the said Noah Bumpus Jr.
on the sixteenth day of February in the year seventeen hundred and eighty seven. That her husband the aforesaid Noah Bumpus Jr.
died on the fourteenth day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty six; 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. —
Mary J Bumpus widow
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year within written. before me; And I further certify that the Declarant is a credible person but from age & infirmity of body is unable to travel a second bond to make her declaration.
William Wood

Plymouth Y. I Jacob H. Lord Register of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Hon. Willes Wood is Judge of Probate for said County & that the foregoing is his true & genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of the Court of Probate for said County this seventeenth day of August 1838.
Jacob H. Lord

I William Fearing of Wareham in the County of Plymouth, of lawful age to give evidence; do testify and say that I was acquainted with Noah Bemus, otherwise called Noah Berry late of Wareham in said County deceased, and that it has been the common report, and understanding that when he the said Noah enlisted into the Army of the Revolution he enlisted by under under the name of Noah Berry he was also afterwards known by both names sometimes, calling himself Noah Bemus, and sometimes Noah Berry. I also know his Widow whose name is Mercy, who has never been married since his decease, she is now living in said town,
Wm Fearing
State of Massachusetts Plymouth County, ss. August 25 th , 1838 Then the above named William Fearing, whom I certify to be a credible Witness; made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true. Before me Seth Miller Jr, Justice Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss. I Jacob H Lord Register of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Seth Miller Junior Esq: is a justice of the Peace in & for said County & that the signatures to this & the annexed affidavits purporting to be signed by him are his true & genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of the Court of Probate for said County this twenty ninth day of August 1838.
Jacob H. Lord

I Isaac Benson of Middleborough in the county of Plymouth in the eighty first year of my age, do testify & say that I knew Noah Bumpus otherwise called Noah Perry, before the Revolutionary War, When he the said Noah was a boy, his name was then Noah Bumpus, his father died when he was a boy & the family being poor, the town of Wareham, put him out & he used to leave his Master, and come to Ware- ham, and his master would come after him, Some time in the first part of the Revolutionary War, the said Noah was missing from this county, and some time afterwards I enlisted into the service of the United States & was in the Army in the State of New York & in New Jersey. I went into the service at the time with Noah Bumpus the brother of Noah, who told me that Noah was in the Army, & when I joined the Army, I found the said Noah who, was enrolled by the name of Noah Perry, & he told me the reason that he had changed his name, and said that he did it so that his former master could not find him, the said Noah I think served in Col. T. Joshua Benson's company I cannot recollect in what Regiment, according to my recollection the said Noah served during the war, after the war he was called Noah Bumpus and also by his Revolutionary companions Noah Perry, and that the said Noah Bumpus otherwise called Noah Perry was one and the same person.
State of Massachusetts Plymouth County
Isaac Benson August 27th 1835. Then the above named Isaac Benson, whom I certify to be a credible Witness made oath, in due form of law, that the above deposition by him subscribed is true.
Before me Seth Miller Jr. Justice Peace