Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1,724, John Combs, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Combs, John or Coombs
N. 1724
B.L.W. 14622-160-55-
Dorothy
CONTENTS
son of Harpwell the he d. in Dec 1842 or 1843

Maine 21 555
John Coombs
of Cumberland in the State of Maine who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt _____ commanded by Col. Parney in the _____ line for 16 months Mass.
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 53 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of Sept 1833 and sent to Mrs. _____ Portland Maine
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 $133.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4th March 1834 - 26.67 $160.00
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded By _____ Clerk, Book E Vol. 1st Page 8

2283.
Maine
Dorothy Coombs widow of John Coombs
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Mass Spine
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 53 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 " day of Oct r 1853 and sent to
John Ayer North Pownal Me
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 3 Vol. A
Rev 8 m 58-102416

102.416 { Act Mar 8/54 April 27/55
for J.M. Ayer Dec 15/55
Dorothy Leona's Adm Maine John Leona's Adm Pension
under act July 18/43
Private
Large handwritten signature/initials Dept of Pensions
Revolution war
She Sep 53-2283
ad. 100 acs Jany 16/56 Hedge
Large handwritten letter M
John M Ayer North Pownal Maine
Vol. 10-12-

N o 5709.
John Coombs
Application for a pension
May 1832
unjust
P. 6,
Rolls
N. 70 -
Page 184 Scammon
N. 76. Line n

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
MAINE DISTRICT SS.
At a Special District Court of the United States begun and holden at Portland, within and for said District, on the first day of August A. D. eighteen hundred and thirty- two before the Honorable ASHUR WARE, Judge of said Court.
On this first day of August aforesaid, personally appeared in open Court before said District Judge John Coombs a resident of Harpswell in the county of Cumberland in said Maine District, aged seventy six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th, 1832. That he
entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated: viz That early in the spring of the year 1775. at said Harpswell he enlisted in a Company of Militia in the State service commanded by Capt. Lauber - Isaac Snow was Lieut: & Kingbury Cartman orderly Sergeant. That he was sent with said Company to that part of Falmouth, now called Portland, to be mustered. That they were then mustered, & then joined to Col. Phinney's Regt. - That he with said Company was then ordered back to the mouth of New Meadows river near Brunswick to a small fort, called fort Higgins , and served there as a guard to keep the enemy from going up the river. That he served there and in that vicinity till Falmouth was burnt in October. - That then they were called to help build a fort on Falmouth neck - now Portland, where he continued about three weeks, and was then ordered back to fort Higgins , where he served till Christmas, & was discharged. That in May 1778 he again enlisted in the Company commanded by Capt. Abraham Tyler , and marched to Fishkill , and joined Col. Poor's Regt. and served there eight months the time for which he enlisted. - That he enlisted as a Volunteer & served as a private. That he was born in Brunswick in the year 1756. That he has no record of his age. That he lived in Harpswell when he entered the service, & has always lived there since the revolution. - William Coombs served with him in the service.
has stated
he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on any pension roll of any agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the agency in the State of.
John Coombs
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Before,
Ashur Ware
U. S. Judge for the District of Maine.

I William Coombs of Harswell aged 79 do testify and say that in the year 1775 John Coombs who has subscribed the foregoing declaration was a private soldier in Capt. Larrabee's Company of Militia, and served at Falmouth, Fort Higgins on New Meadows River, for eight months I was discharged - That I served with him in the same Company for the same time - William Coombs
Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid before Adam Wan { U.S. Judge for the District of Maine
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatives prescribed by the War Department) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states
I, John Mussey Clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine District, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Coombs for a pension. And that Robert P. Durlaph Esquire who took the annexed deposition is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Cumberland
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twelfth day of August A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty- two
John Mussey { Clerk of the U. States District Court for Maine District.

Personally appeared John Coombs before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Cumberland - who being duly sworn deposeth & saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, as to the particular days he enlisted or was discharged, but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades viz in the year 1775. he served eight months as a private and altho' said service was at different places, it was one continued service from the time he enlisted in April till he was discharged in December of that year. And that he served also, eight months in the year 1778. and first of the year 1779 as a private making sixteen months service in all: And for such service I claim a pension.
John Coombs
Cumberland County ss, August 20 th 1833.
Subscribed & sworn to before me Joseph Pope, Jus. Peace
Maine District ss
District Clerk's Office August 31. 1833
In testimony that Joseph Pope is a Magistrate as above attested the signature thereto purporting to be his is genuine. I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office the day & year last above written.
John Maisey Clerk U.S. Court

Dorothy Combs Revolutionary claims.
John Ayer, at North Pownal Maine , is the agent in this claims. May 3, 1853.

Declaration for a Revolutionary Pension, under the act of Congress, passed on the 3 d of February, A.D. 1853. —
United States of America,
Maine District, S. S. —
On this 13 th day of April A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty three, personally appeared before The Hon. Ashur Ware Judge of the U. S. for, and within the District of Maine, it being a court of record, in open court Dorothy Coombs, widow of John Coombs, that she is now a resident of Harpswell in the County of Cumberland, and State of Maine, aged 69 years, who first being sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by The act of Congress passed on the 3 d day of February A.D. 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war, that she is the widow of John Coombs, who was a Revolutionary soldier & pensioner of the U. S. at 56 dollars per annum, and drew his pension at the agency of Maine at Portland; She refers the Commissioner of Pensions to the original declaration and papers on file in the pension department, for evidence of his service, and also to the papers annexed for proof of her identity in her claim, — She further swears that she was married on the tenth day of May A.D. Eighteen hundred and twenty one, to the said John Coombs, that he died in December the not day A.D. 1842. That she was not married to him prior to January, 1800, but at the time above stated, — She further swears that she is now a widow, — She hereby respectfully claiming a pension to commence on the 4 th of March A.D. 1848, — If the law gives a pension in the same manner to those of your declarants class over
Dorothy Coombs

as it does to those whose claiming under the act of July 29 th , 1848, their pension must commence on the 4 th of March 1848. In so far as your declaration is entitled to any, for that is, in my opinion, the particular object in punishing her class in the same manner as those married before that date, The therefore requests that John Ayer be recognized as her agent, and also, any, who he employs to aid him, in the Premises at North Berwick, Me.
Respectfully
Ashe Wren
Scratch X Coombe more
Lynd Wren to inform me this 12 th of April 1853
Ashe Wren
United States of America Maine District p.
District Clerks Office
I hereby certify that Honorable Ashur Wren before whom the foregoing proceedings were had is Judge of the United States in and for Maine District and that the several signatures thereto purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said District Court this third day of May in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and fifty three
Wm. P. Noble Jr Clerk
U. S. Dist. Court. Maine

I Robert Pennell Town Clerk of Harpswell in the County of Cumberland & State of Maine on oath testify and say that I was legally chosen and sworn for said Town Clerk's office of Harpswell on the twelfth day of April A.D. 1852 That I have in my custody the Books of Records of Marriages of said town that in one of said Books I find the following entry viz. —
Married by Isaiah Snorr Esqr, John Coombs and Dolly Dinslow May tenth One Thousand Eight hundred and twenty one
I Robert Pennell the aforesaid Town Clerk of Harpswell on oath testify and say that the foregoing extract of the record of the marriage of John Coombs & Dolly Dinslow is a true transcript from the Original Record with the exception of the dates which are expressed in said record in plain legible figures as follows, May 10 th 1821 instead of writing and it appears that said record was made by Joseph Eaton Town Clerk.
A true copy
Attest —
Robert Pennell
Town Clerk of Harpswell Maine
State of Maine
County of Cumberland ss, March 26 A.D. 1853 Then personally appeared the above named Robert Pennell who is town clerk of Harpswell and made oath in due form of law that the above extract & affidavit by him subscribed is true, Before me
Paul Randall Justice of the Peace

United States of America Maine District p.
District Clerks Office
I hereby certify that Paul Randall before whom the foregoing proceedings were had is a justice of the Peace in and for Cumberland County in the State of Maine as it appears by his signature here- unto annexed.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said District Court this third day of May in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and fifty three
Wm. J. Noble Jr Clerk
U. S. Dist Court Maine

102.416
John M. Atyer Agent North Berwick Maine

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed on the 3 rd day of March A.D. 1855, - granting Bounty Sums to widows of soldiers of the war of the Revolution, -
State of Maine,
Cumberland county, S.S.
On this twenty second 22 day of March A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me a justice of the Peace, within and for the county and State aforesaid Dorothy Coombs aged seventy one years a resident of Harpswell in the county & State of Maine aforesaid, - who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of John Coombs, deceased, who was a private, and soldier of the Revolutionary war, and a pensioner of the U. States, paid at agency of Maine at Portland, and that she was pensioned under act of Feb 3 rd 1853, and that her pension was granted at 53. dollars and 33. cents per annum, and that she has received the same, and that her certificate is dated on the fifth day of October A.D. 1853. Recorded on roll of Pensions in Vol A, Page 3. - That she is a widow, and is now unable to take care of her self, & requests that her claim be allowed, as soon as possible and that no delay be made, & be allowed, and acknowledged in its turn, she further states that for proof of identity she over

refers to her former papers and declaration by which she was pensioned and that any communication may be directed to John M. Ayer at North Pownal Me, and she states that she was married to said John Coombs on, or about the tenth day of May, A.D. 1821, that she believes that he died about December 1842, she swears that she is now a widow, and by virtue of the act of 30 March instant, A.D. 1855, she claims 100 acres of bounty land, and that her claim be granted, & to forward the warrant therefor to said John M. Ayer, at North Pownal Maine. — And that her pension certificate is not issued issued. — Also, that she never before made application for bounty land, & never received any. — Witness.
Mary J. Hersey Joseph S. Coombs
Dorothy her Coombs mark
We Joseph Coombs and Mary Jane Hersey residents of Haverwell and in the county of Lumberland, and State of Maine upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by the aforesaid Dorothy Coombs, in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements, that the applicant is the person she represents herself to be and is a widow, Witness, A. Waterhouse.
G. J. Waterhouse
Mary J. Hersey Joseph S. Coombs

State of Maine, County of Cumberland, S.S. March 22 d , A.D. 1855, The foregoing affid- avits, and declaration were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day of the year above written, & I certify, that I know the affiants to be credible persons, and credible witnesses, and that the claimant is the per- son she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in the claim, and that I do know her the declarant to be a widow
As Waterhouse Justice Peace
Maine District ss. Office of the Clerk C. C. U. S.
I Geo. F. Emery, Clerk of the Circuit Court of the United States for Maine District, certify that As Waterhouse at the time of making the foregoing signatures purport- ing to be his, and all of which are genuine, a Justice of the Peace for the County of Cumberland in the State of Maine, duly commissioned & qualified and fully authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgements.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official Seal this 21 st day of April 1855
Geo. F. Emery } Clerk Circuit Court } U. S. for } Maine District
4 words interlined before signing & sealing Geo. F. Emery Clerk

5709 John Lamb's Main
March 16 Months
53332 10666 26.67 133.33
Mursey Egg Portland Me

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
25 July 33
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Coombs
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted in April 1775 for eight months I served till Decr 25. 1775. 8. Private Col. Phinney 77. Mansfield William Coombs, deposition who served with me the first eight months - John Dunning's Deposition who served with me the last eight months -   Enlisted in May 1778 for eight months I served till into Jan y 1779. 8. Private Col. Poor - How long did he serve under his first Enlistment  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this                      day of                      personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of                      in the county of                      and State, Territory or District of                      aged (c)                      years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)                      , with                      and served in the                      (e) regiment of the                      line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. (L) This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                      of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                      for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of                      &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the                      and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with                      , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the                      and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the                      and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,                      Clerk of the Court of                      do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this                      day of                      &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John Combs a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Ap. 1775 8 mos Pvt. Nathan Sarrabee Phiney Mass.   May 1778 8 mos. Abraham Syler Thomas Poor      
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, _____
Date of application for pension, Aug. 1, 1832. His cl. was allowed
Residence at date of application, Harpswell Cumberland Co. Me.
Age at date of application, He b. - 1756 in Brunswick -
Remarks: Sol. mar. at Harpswell Me May 10 1821. Dorothy or Dolly Dinslow. He died in Dec. 1842 or Dec 30. 1843. She was al pens. on her ap. 20 Apr. 13. 1853 while res. in Harpswell Me. aged 69 yrs. It is not stated whether they had children (or whether he had another wife) Respectfully,
Commissioner.
This in answer to your letter, do not send it out again.

Pension Office Aug 29/53
Sir
Please report time of last payment to, or death of within named pensioner
Respectfully &c.
H Burt Esqr. S. Cole 3 and Col. Coombs Present
John Coombs, Act 32, $53.33 p. an. — Died 30 th Dec 1843. Paid to his death.
F Burt Auditor.

May 13. 1853
App t of Dorothy Coombs widow of John Coombs.
Maine 32
21555
Act. W th Eng: 1853
Rowy:
Allowed $ 53 33 / 100 per an Jan. Feb 8 - 1853
John Ayer North Berwick Maine.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business

John Combs. Mr act 7 June 1832 f 53 39 per annum
To what time was he last paid?
Pension Office March 13 th 1847
E. C. A.
Died 30 th Dec r . 1843 paid to his death
W. S. Lyon

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No.
1724
Dorothy Coombs
Widow
John Coombs
Br. Rev. War
Act:
Feb. 3, 1853
Index:—Vol.
A
Page
143
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1905 August H. West & Alice M. Munroe

No 2618.
Dorothy Coombs widow of John. me.
Let to pro. Ayer
July 29. 1853 Let to agt. Aug 31/53 Gury
Act Heby 3/53

✓ 14.522
S Mrs. Camp

Pension Office July 29 th 1853
Sir,
The claim of Mrs Dorothy Combs widow of John Combs for a pension under the Act of Congress passed Feb. 3. 1853 is suspended to enable you to obtain the certificate of the court, duly authenticated, that the Dorothy Combs who, on the 18 th of April A. D. 1853 made her application for a pension in open court, is the identical widow of John Combs who was a Revolutionary soldier, and a pensioner of the United States. If the court cannot do this, the identity must be proven by the testimony of two witnesses who must be certified to be credible by the subscribing Judge or Magistrate. see enclosed circular.
John Ayer. Esq. North Parnal Maine
Very Respectfully J. M. [?] Commissioner

Aug 24 th 1853.
L. P. Waldo Esq
I believe that I have complied to the within letter, & if not, please to direct me, —
per order J. A. Gyn
N. Pownal
Me

Brief in the case of Mrs Dorathy Coombs widow of John Cumberland County and State of Maine act of Feb. 3 - 1853
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a pensioner under the act of June 7, 1832 at $ 53 33 / 100 per annum
Private & paid to his death
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by record
Death " " Auditor's report.
Identity " " credible witnesses.
Name and residence of Agent
John Ayer Esq r North Pownal Maine
Examining Clerk.
L. H. Gray

Rev mch
Phippsburg, Maine
July 10, 1920.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
I am desirous of getting a copy of the Pension Record issued to John Bloom of Maine, who enlisted July 9, 1775 in Capt. Nathaniel Lamb's company and served on the sea coast in Cumberland County 6 months and seven days. He also served in Capt. Abraham Tyler's company, Col. Thomas

Poor's militia regiment, which marched to North River, N. Y. He enlisted May 30, 1778 and was discharged Jan. 29, 1779.
I am particularly anxious to know if the record shows that a pension was paid to his first wife, Maria Brown, and if the date of their marriage is given. Thanking you in advance for any information you may be able to give me concerning this John Coombs, born Nov. 11, 1748 I remain
Respectfully yours
Alice M. Minott
Phelpsburg, Maine.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston.
January 9 th . 1856.
I Hereby Certify , That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of John Coombs is borne on pay roll of Capt. Nathaniel Larabee's Comp. Sea Coast service from July 9. 1775 6 mos. 7 days as private. Also on pay roll of Capt. Abraham Tyler's Comp. Col. Thomas Povey's Regt. from June 1. 1778 1 month 3 days as private.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
By J. W. D. Secretary of the Commonwealth.

To the Secretary of Mass. Boston, It is respectfully requested, that evidence be given of the Revolutionary service of John Coombs of Harpswell, who was a pun- sioner of the U. S. — It is believed that he was a resident of Harpswell, or that vicinity in the time of the Revolution. —
I do not know under what officers he served, but suppose that he served under Col. Plummer & Poor, but what year I am not able to say. —
The evidence is respectfully asked for by the attorney in the case & sent to A. Watrous North Portland Maine
A. Watrous Attorney for this purpose One dollar Office fees is herewith enclosed. —

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
PENSION OFFICE,
Dec 15
1855.
Sir:
The claim of Dorothy Coombs for bounty land under the act of the 3d of March, 1855, No. 102,416 has been examined and suspended.
The revolutionary service of Jno Coombs the husband of the applicant, does not appear of record in this office. (Service under Col's Phinney & Poor)
The 3d section of said act requires a service of "FOURTEEN DAYS" to be established by "RECORD EVIDENCE."
Upon the production of such evidence of service, the claim will be favorably considered.
Very respectfully,
J. MINOT,
Commissioner.
Mrs M. Ayer Coy North Pownal Maine.

Additional in the Revolutionary claims of Dorothy Coombs widow of John Coombs deceased, pensioner, of Maine .
J. Ayer agent North Pownal Me

We Mercy Holbrook and Olive Coombs of lawful age both of Brunswick in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine, on oath Depose testify and say, that We was well acquainted with John Coombs who was a revolu- tionary pensioner of the U.S. and was well acquir- -ted with his wife, that his wife's name before their marriage was Dorothy Dinslow, that they were married about 1821 in the spring, and lived as husband and wife, and had children, that her said husband died about Dec. 1842, leaving Dorothy Coombs his wife a widow, who is the widow of said John Coombs the pensioner, who has not intermarried since her husband's death in Dec 1842, and that she is now a widow to our certain knowledge. — Mercy Holbrook Witness. Goffrey G. Hemenway Adaline Coombs Olive Coombs
State of Maine County of Cumberland S. S. August 17 th . 1855. Then personally appeared the above named Olive Coombs who is known to me to be a credible witness and made oath in due form of law that the above by her signed is true Before me, George M. Hemenway Justice of the Peace

Maine District for Office of the Clerk U.S.D.C.
I Geo. F. Emery Clerk of the Circuit Court of the United States for Maine District hereby certify that George W. Hannan who signed the within certificate was at the time of so signing a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Cumberland fully authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgments - He was commissioned as such in March last and his commission will not expire till March 1860; And the within signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & official seal this Twenty Second day of August 1853
Geo. F. Emery } Clerk Circuit Court } U.S. for } Maine District

John Canale
The summing of Treasurers in the County of Cumberland and State of Maryland aged seventy nine years on with

I John Dunning of Freeport in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine aged seventy nine years on oath do say, that I entered the service of the United States (the militia) with John Coombs of Kennebec in said State in May 1778. under the following named officers and we served as herein stated. viz. Thomas Poor was Colonel of the Regiment - Our Company officers were Abram Tyler Captain. Hart Williams 1 st Lieutenant. We both continued as soldiers in the service eight months after we joined our Regiment at Freshkill, which was in June 1778. - John Dunning
Cumberland ss.
July 17 th A.D. 1832.
Personally appeared John Dunning and made oath to the truth of the foregoing Affidavit.
Before me
Robert P. Dunlap Justice of the Peace .
This may certify that John Dunning the aforesaid Deposition is a true and good character, and that I should believe him upon his oath.
Robert P. Dunlap
Maine District ss
District Clerk's Office April 30. A.D. 1833
In testimony that Robert P. Dunlap is a Magistrate as above and that the signatures thereto purporting to be his are genuine I have hereto set my hand and seal of office the day and year last above written.
John Nufsey Clerk U. S. Courts

I Joseph Sisey Pension clerk in the Pittsfield Maine Agency do certify that John Coombs name is on the Books of this agency, that by the book it appears that he died on the 30th day of December 1843. and was paid to that day
Pittsfield Sept 17. 1853
Joseph Sisey

John Coombs 30 Dec 1843
Pension Office August 31, 1853
Sir,
The additional evidence, original papers, with the auditors report, in the case of Mrs Dorothy Coombs, has been examined, and must be again suspended.
Circumstances render it indispensable, that the time of the death of the husband, be clearly proven.
Very Respectfully W. Cole Acting Commissioner
John Dyer Esq North Parnell Re

Additional evidence in the case of Mrs Dorothy Coombs widow of John Coombs a Revolutionary pensioner of the W. S. under act of Feb'y 3 d 1853.
Per order
John Ayer North Pownal Me

We William Coombs & Abigail Coombs both of Harpswell, in the county of Cumberland and State of Maine, aged 72 & 68 years, on oath Depose and say, That we were well acquainted with John Coombs who was a Revolutionary prisoner of the U. S. at 50 dollars and 50 cents per annum. That we lived a neighbor to him for thirty years and more. That he married with Dorothy Dinslow. That he died on the thirtieth day of December, eighteen hundred and forty three, to our certain knowledge. That we saw him after his death. That his wife Dorothy Coombs is his his widow. That she has not married since her said husband, (John Coombs) death, and is now living a near or neighbor to us, a widow.
Witness A. Thurston.
William Coombs
Abigail Coombs
State of Maine
County of Cumberland, S.S. September 26th, A.D. 1853. Then personally appeared, the above named William & Abigail Coombs personally known known known to me to be credible witnesses, and made oath to the truth of the foregoing, by them signed Before me, Geo. W. Hannadill Justice of the Peace.

Maine District for Office of the Clerk U. S. D. C. U.S. I Geo. F. Smiley Clerk of the Circuit Court of the United States for Maine District, hereby certify that George W. Nunna will who signed the preceding certificate was, at the time of signing the same, and still is, an acting justice of the Peace within & for the County of Cumberland, duly commissioned & qualified, fully authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgments. He was commissioned in March last, and his said signature is genuine -
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix my seal this twenty ninth day of September A. D. 1853
Geo. F. Smiley } Clerk Circuit Court } U. S. for } Maine District

We Joseph S. Coombs & Lucy E. Coombs both of Harpswell in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine, both of lawful age husband, & wife, On oath Depose testify and say, that we were well acquainted with John Coombs who was a pensioner of the U. S. and his wife Dorothy Coombs that they lived as husband & wife until his death which was about December, 1842, that we saw said John Coombs after he was dead, that his wife Dorothy Coombs is still living, and has not remarried since his death, and that she is still a widow to our certain knowledge. —
Joseph S. Coombs, Lucy E. Coombs,
State of Maine, Co. of Cumberland, S. S. March 7 th . 1853.
Then personally appeared the above named Joseph S. Coombs & Lucy E. Coombs well known to me to be a credible witness and made oath in due form of law that the above testimony by them subscribed is true.
Before me, A. H. Waterhouse a Notary Public & a Justice of the Peace. —