Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14514, Gersham Coming, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Maas
Coming Gershon Comings or Gershon Comins or
W. 14514
CONTENTS
Rhoda

4,983
Massachusetts Roll
Gershon Coming
Massach s Line
Private
4
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 13 th of April 1812
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th of Dec r 1818. and sent to Rev d Lovett Pres d of the Presbytery Greenfield Mass.
Arrears to 4th of Sept r 1818. 4 M th & \frac{22}{30} — 35:46 Semi-ann l all ce ending 4 th March 1819 — 48: —
83:46
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Three years.
Lovett Franklin P st
[Faint handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

1823 Massachusetts Rhoda Comings widow of Maj Gershom Comings who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private Entered from 1840 Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March , 1848.
1 st of July " Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of May 1852 and sent to
Hon G. T. Davis Wap R
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 27 Vol. 2
RT

Gershon Coming True Wigglesworth's Mopst Reg 1777 to 80
see Row
Correct

I Gershom Corning a Citizen of the United States resided in the Town of Acworth in the County of Franklin in the State of Massachusetts, and I do hereby declare that I have belonged to the Army of the United States in the late Civil War. In the year 1861 I enlisted for three years, & served during that term. The Company in which I served was commanded the first part of the time by Capt. Bliss & still of Col. Mayhew's Regiment of the Mass- achusetts Line. Afterward Capt. Bliss was killed at Manassas the Company was under different commanders, & the Regiment changed its name by the name of the 13th Massachusetts Regiment. In the year 1864 I was honor- ably discharged. But I do not know what has become of the Discharge that I received. As by reason of my advanced age and circum- stances in life I am in need of assistance from my Country for support. I date the 13th day of April A.D. 1878
Gershom Corning
State of Massachusetts
Franklin April 13th A.D. 1878. The above named Gershom Corning made affidavit that the foregoing Declaration by him subscribed is true
Before me John Hewitt, Judge of the Court Circuit of Common Pleas

I, Russell Field Esq. of Inverness opened Testify & say that the before named Gerrish Comins is a poor man & in need of assistance for his support Dated the 21 st Day of April A.D. 1818
Russell Field
Sworn to the day & year last aforesaid — Before me Jonk. Leavitt, Judge of Court
I, the Secretary of the Department of State, do hereby certify that the Subscribed Judge of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Western Circuit in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which includes the County of Franklin aforesaid, do hereby certify that from the testimony aforesaid, it appears to my satisfaction that the before named Gerrish Comins served in the Revolutionary War against the Common Enemy as he has set forth in his Declaration aforesaid and that by reason of his reduced circumstances in life he is in need of assistance from his country for support.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of the Court aforesaid this thirteenth day of April A.D. 1818
Jonk. Leavitt

4,183
Gershom Lomins
Em March 1819.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
FRANKLIN ss.
At a Special Session of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Western Circuit, began and holden at Greenfield, within and for the County of Franklin, on Monday the tenth day of July, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty, et de die in diem to the fifteenth day of the same month,
PERSONALLY appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record, within and for said County of Franklin, established as such by the Constitution and Laws of said Commonwealth, Gershom Comins aged sixty years, resident in Leverett 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:
I entered the service February A.D. 1777 for the term of three years in the company commanded by Capt. Bleisdell, in Col. Wigglesworth's regiment, in the Massachusetts line, and served in the same, until my enlistment had expired; and was discharged at the Highlandman West Point.
My certificate is dated December 19 th A.D. 1818 The pension to commence April 13 th 1818 and is numbered 4983.
I am by occupation a labourer, but am unable to work, much of the time, by reason of my age, and extreme rheumatick affections.
My family consists of myself and wife, Rhoda, aged 56 who is also very feeble, and my child Lyman aged sixteen who is very sickly, both whom are entirely dependent on me for support;

and 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.
Gershon Coomins
Sworn to and declared, on the tenth day of July A. D. 1820, before the said Court.
Attest, E. Alvord CLERK.
I ELIJAH ALVORD, Clerk of the aforesaid Court, do hereby 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 sixty four dollars and forty five cents
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this fifteenth day of July, 1820.
E. Alvord CLERK.

Schedule of the estate of Gershom Comins of Leverett, County of Franklin & State of Massachusetts applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of May 1. 1820
Real estate _____ 0.00
Personal estate
   1 Stear H. — one year old heifer 4.  15.00    1 Sheep 3, — 1 Hog & 3 Pigs 6.50  9.50    1 Ox yoke, 83 — 1 Chain 1.12  1.95    1 Plough 4.50 — 1 Case of Drawers 4.25  8.75    2 Tables 4.50 — 6 Old Chairs 2.00  6.50    1 Brass Kettle 1.25 — 1 Pot, 75  2.00    1 Stew Kettle, 50 — 1 Tea Kettle, 60  1.10    1 Dish Kettle, 50 — Iron Shovel & Tongs 1.33  1.83    2 Pewter Platters 1.40 — 1 Looking Glass 1.67  3.07    1 Iron Bar 1.75 — Crockery-ware 2.50  4.25    Knives & Forks 1.50 — Loom with harness 9,  10.50    Total  $64.45   
Gershom Comins

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol.
On the twenty first day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty, personally appeared Elias H. Babb Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Bristol, Rhoda Cummings a resident of Spanner in said County aged seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to law dith on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1818 entitled an Act granting half pay once per annum to certain widows.
That she is the widow of Gershon Cummings late of Scituate in the County of Franklin in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts deceased, who was a private and sergeant in the army of the United States and a pensioner of the United States under the Act of 1818. She is not certain that her husband received or

Sergeant Warrant, but he was called Sergeant and she understood that he did that duty. His next place was Linton in some County of Dorset and he went into the same from that place. She believes at the same time in the adjoining town of Spurton. She knew that he was much in the service, and she thinks he was in the first three years service and she drew the money therefrom from the State of Massachusetts as his widow. That she cannot specify his services nor his officers but refers to the rolls in the War Department and to the ordinary police in Lintonshire case.
She further declares that she was married to the said Gershon Cummings at some Spurton by the Rev. Joseph Pope on the tenth day of October in the year eighteen hundred eighty one; that he purchased the office Gershon Cummings died at some Linton on the thirteenth day of November in the year eighteen hundred and forty four and she then drew the balance of the funds from him, as his widow. That she was not

marriage to him prior to his leaving the Service, but that the marriage took place prior to the first day of January in the year nineteen hundred and nine prior to his at the time above stated
I am to your service the day before also until here Rhoda + Comings mark
Before me
McBatten Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Sussex

I Lewis Mearis of Spencer in the County of Worcester and state of Massachusetts, Clerk of said town of Spencer, do testify and say that the following extract is a true transcript from the records of said town, viz,
" October the tenth, Seventeen Hundred and eighty one, Gershorn Comings,, " of Leicester and Rhoda Hewton of Spencer were married,, " My Joseph Pope Clerk,,
And I hereby certify that it is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows;
" Oct y e 10 th 1781 Gershorn Comings of Leicester and Rhoda Hewton " of Spencer were married. My Joseph Pope Clerk,,
I Lewis Mearis above named depose and say: that I hold the office of Clerk in the town, county and state aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me
Worcester, August 17. 1838.
Lewis Mearis
Clerk of the town of Spencer for the year 1838
Then the above named Lewis Mearis personally appeared and was sworn to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed, and I further certify that the said Lewis Mearis is a person of truth and veracity. Before me James D. Dyer Justice of the Peace

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14574
Rhoda Comings
Widow of
Jeremiah Comings
Priv. Rev. War
Act: Feb 2 d 1848
Index:—Vol. A , Page 148
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1823 Massachusetts. Rhoda Comings, widow of Gershon Comings who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Reported
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 6 day of Sept. 1848. and sent to
J. L. Shurtleff Shutesbury Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 26 Vol. 2

V 4464 Massachusetts
Rhoda Comings widow of Gersham Comings who was a private in the Mass ts Line
Instructions under the Act of 1844 sent to J. L. Smallidge, Aug. 20 th 1844. Shutesbury. Mass a
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the Eighteenth day of Jan y 1844 and sent to
J. L. Smallidge Shutesbury Mass ts
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. / Page 38

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

Spencer, Mass., August 22. 1838.
Please to transmit the papers to me when completed and oblige yours
James Draper,
James L. Edwards Esq.

Washington, May 19, 1877.
Hon. James E. Heath, Com'r of Pensions,
I have the honor to enclose herewith the pension certificate of Rhoda Comings, with the request that if she be found on examina- tion entitled to an increase of pension, a new certificate of pension & arrears be made out and sent to me for her. I am very truly respectfully &c.
J. T. Davis.

Payment to be made at Boston by
Franklin Haven Esq
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Massachusetts
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 26 Vol. 2
Geo. H. [unintelligible] Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1843, Rhoda Comings. widow of Yershan Comings. who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty dollars and  cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1843, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the War Office of the United States this 6 th day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.
E. F. Masde. acting Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions. By H. S. Evans

Brief in the case of Rhoda Cummings. Franklin County and State of Mass; act 2 Feb 1848
Claim, ( "original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
See under the Joint Resolution of July 1, 1848.
Name and residence of Agent
Rev G. T. Davis W of N
J. C. C. Examining Clerk.

Massachusetts - 523
Rhoda Comings, widow of Gershom Comings, Decd.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 Mar. 1818. and who died on the 13 th Nov r 1824. of Worcester co. in the State of Massachusetts - who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Blair Dell of the Reg t - commanded by Col. Wigglesworth, in the Mass s - line for 2 years private
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 80 Dollars  Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of Sep- tember 1838, and sent to Gov. Draper, Spencer, Mass s .
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1838 - $200:00 Semi-annual allowance ending Mar '39 = 40:00
$240:00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by S. E. Allis Clerk, Book A Vol. 1, Page 79.

United States of America
State of Massachusetts County of Franklin ss
Be it known that before me Joseph S Smallidge Esq. in & for the County aforesaid personally appeared Rhoda Cummings and made oath in due form of law that she is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of the 3 rd of March 1843 on account of the Revolutionary services of her husband the late Cyrus Hemen Cummings at the rate of $80.00 per Annum that she now makes this affidavit for the purpose of drawing a pension under the Act of Congress passed on the 17 th day of June 1844 entitled An Act to contain the pension of certain widows - that she has not intermarried but continues to be a widow that she now resides in Leavitt in the County of Franklin and Commonwealth of Massachusetts & has resided there for the space of forty two years past and that previous thereto she resided in Spencer
Rhoda her Cummings mark
Sworn to & subscribed This 13 th day of August 1844 In presence of Mary Cummings
Before me Joseph S Smallidge Justice Peace
I certify that the above named official is personally known to me and that she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing affidavit
Joseph S Smallidge Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Franklin. ss.
I Henry Chapman, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Franklin, do certify, that Joseph L. Smallidge Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on this paper, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within, and for said County, - duly commissioned & acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith & credit is and ought to be given to his acts & attestations done in that capacity: & that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Joseph L. Smallidge Esquire, and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth, this 13th day of August A.D. 1814.
H. Chapman. Clerk

779
Rhoda Coming d widow of Gershom.
Mass.
act. 7. July 28 5 years
Marr d in 1787. died in 1824
adm d 2 years pri
50 $
80 $
no deduction
Jas Draper Spencer Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Worcester, ss.
I, Charles G. Prentiss, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do certify, that Mr Barton is the Judge of said Court, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signatures to the papers hereto annexed are his genuine signatures.
I further certify, that James Draper is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature to the paper hereto annexed is his own genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of said Court, this twenty first day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and thirty-eight.
Chas. G. Prentiss, Register.

Daniel Caper of Spencer in the County of Hampshire and State of Massachu- setts, do desire and say, that my wife is a daughter of Gershom Cuming and Rhoda Cummings his wife. My father Cummings was re- puted to be a friend and Sargent in the army of the Revolution and he was a pioneer of the United States. The latter part of his life he bought him a little place some time in the town of Leavitt in the County of Franklin where two of his children still live. At the time of his death, which happened about on the thirteenth of December in the year eighteen hundred and thirty twenty four, I and my wife went up to the funeral, and his widow the said Rhoda Cuming has now been married since and is now in my family.
Daniel Caper
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire ss. Aug. 20. 1838. I here formally affirm Daniel Caper who is known to me as a

[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page, mostly illegible.]
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page, likely from the letter body.]
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

Rhododendron rubiginosum Pursh
aa 4464
admitted
L. L. Small Shutesbury Mass

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 2d. February, 1848, Entitled an act making further provision for surviving Widows & Soldiers of the Revolution - Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin County } ss On this fifth day of August, 1848, personally appeared Rhoda Comings a resident of Leominster in the County of Franklin aforesaid, before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County 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 Ephraim Comings who was a resident of Leominster and who was a private in the War of the Revolution - and is the lawful person who draws a pension under the Act of 17th June 1848 on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum - She further declares that she is still a Widow -
Sworn to and subscribed on the day Rhoda Comings and year above written } Before me Joseph Smallidge Justice of the Peace in presence of Eliza Comings
I hereby certify, that the declarant is personally known to me, a widow & a pensioner as she declares - Joseph Smallidge Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss Franklin County }
I Henry Chapman Clerk of the Common Pleas Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Joseph Smallidge Esq. is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that his signature, above written, is genuine
Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this seventeenth day of August 1848
H. Chapman, Clerk

State of Massachusetts } ss
County of Franklin }
On this eighteenth day of July
A 1843 Personally appeared before me Joseph S Smallidge Esquire one of the Justices of the Peace in & for the said County of Franklin Rhoda Cummings a resident in Leominster in said County Aged seventy seven 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 third day of March A 1843 granting pensions to widows of Persons who served in or during the Revolutionary War: That she is the Widow of Gershon Cummings who was a private in the Continental Army in the last three years service the name of the Officers & Regiment or Corps in which he served she does not recollect that she received a pension of the annual amount of Eighty dollars under the Act of July 7 th A 1838 She further Declares she is a widow
Sworn and Subscribed in the Day & year above written
Rhoda Cummings mark
Attest Benjamin G. Ghasier
State of Massachusetts
County of Franklin }
July 18 - 1843 Then personally appeared
Rhoda Cummings who is personally known to me and is a credible person and made oath to the truth of Declaration by her above subscribed
Before me Joseph S Smallidge Justice of the Peace I Benjamin G. Ghasier of Leominster in the County of Franklin depose and say that I am personally acquainted with Rhoda Cummings who has subscribed the above Declaration & know her to be the real wife of Gershon Cummings and that she drew a pension under the Act of July 7 A 1838 & that she is still a widow
Benjamin G. Ghasier
State of Massachusetts
County of Franklin }
July 18 - 1843
Then personally appeared
Benjamin G. Ghasier who is a credible person and made oath to the truth of the above Deposition by him subscribed
Before me Joseph S Smallidge Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Franklin. ss.
I Henry Chapman, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Franklin, do certify, that Joseph L. Smallidge Esquire — whose signature is affixed to this paper, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of The Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned & acting under the Authority of this Commonwealth: & that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts & attestations done in that capacity: & that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Joseph L. Smallidge, and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth, this 29th day of July in the Year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty three.
H. Chapman. Clerk