Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7660, Abiathar Dean, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Dean Abiathar Nichols Wealthy Former widow
R 7660
CONTENTS

I Apollos Dean a resident of Freetown in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged eighty two years on the 18th day of April last past, on oath depose and say, that I have resided in this town upwards of fifty years, and previous thereto I resided in Taunton in said County. with That my fathers name was Ebenezer Dean who resided in Taunton so long as I knew him until he died in 1819 in the 90th. year of his age — Abiathar Dean son of said Ebenezer, was my brother — Said Abiathar died in Berkley in said County near as I can recollect about 55 years ago and that he was about forty years of age when he died — Inos Dean late of said Taunton deceased was my brother — I was somewhere about 30 years of age when I removed from Taunton to Freetown a distance of 5 or six Miles from where my father died — I well recollect of hearing that my brother the said Abiathar Dean was married to Wealthy Crane of Berkley — After my brother Abiathar died his widow married Philip French of Berkley aforesaid whom I knew & was particular acquainted with — After Philip French died the said

Wealthy married James Nichols of Bennington Vermont — James Nichols first wife married my wife's father's sister — There were six male children of my father Ebenezer Dean viz Ebenezer Dean, who died many years ago say about 40 yrs ago Abiathar Dean as above mentioned Enos Dean who died about nine years ago — Levi Dean who died about 10 or 12 yrs ago — Apollos Dean, this affiant — and Gaius Dean who died about — years ago —
I further depose and say that I have often heard my father talk of being in the service in the war of the Revolution & that he went to Rhode Island as Capt of a company in the time of the Revolution — I have often heard my brothers Ebenezer Dean, Abiathar Dean & Enos Dean relate anecdotes which took place while they were in the Revolutionary War — I have heard my brother Enos Dean say that he was a Penniner for services rendered in the Revolutionary War —
I further depose and say that I never knew any person by the name of Abiathar Dean, other than my brother aforesaid —
Rhoda Douglas, whose affidavit has been taken, as I am informed & believe, is my sister —
I further depose and say that my brother Ebenezer Dean told me he served on board the Brig Hazard, commanded by John

Forster Williams —
No. 2. "Eighty" "Dean" "which took place" all interlined before signing —
Apollo Dean
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Bristol County ss June 26. 1852 - Apollo Dean, a credible witness, made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him signed before me A. Basset, Just. of the Peace —
Heirs of P. P.
July 2 - 1852
I am well acquainted with the abovenamed Apollo Dean and have entire confidence in his statement — Onis Howland

I Rhoda Douglass of Freetown in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Ninety two years on the 15th day of June 1852, on oath depose and say that my father's name was Ebenezer Dean who resided in Freetown from the time I knew him to the time of his death —
He had six Male children — The Males were, Ebenezer Dean
Abiathar Dean
Enos Dean
Levi Dean
Appollon Dean & Gaius Dean —
All are dead except Appollon Dean —
I well recollect that my father the said Ebenezer Dean Sen r was a Captain in the Militia — He left home for Rhode Island two or three times during the war of the Revolution — and was absent once a long time, say one or two months or more — I well recollect that my brother Abiathar Dean went one or more campaigns with my father — I have heard my father and my brothers Ebenezer, Abiathar & Enos, severally say they served  were in the war of the Revolution — I lived with my father until after Peace with Great Britain, in said Freetown —

I never knew any person by the name of Abiathar Dean while I lived in Taunton excepting my brother aforesaid —
I was was present at the marriage of my brother Abiathar Dean & Wealthy Graves — after his decease she married Philip French. And after the death of Philip French she married James Nichols —
My brother Ebenezer told me that he served on board the brig Hazard capt. Williams —
Witness
Rhoda Douglass
Prudence H. Dean
John Dean
A. Barrett
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County ss. June 21. 1852. Rhoda Douglass a credible witness made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by her signed — Before me A. Barrett Just. of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts ! Bristol County ss - On this fourth day November Eighteen hundred & fifty one personally appeared before Oliver Prescott of New Bedford in said County, Judge of the Court of Probate in & for said County, Widow Nichols of Berkley in said County aged Eighty five 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 provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 7. 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay Pensions to certain Widows: and all subsequent Acts relating to widows, who are entitled to pen- sions." That she is the widow of Abiathar Dean formerly of Taunton, but resident of Berkley in said County, deceased who was a Soldier in the War of the Revolu- tion, and served as she verily believes as stated in the Certificate of the Hon. Amasa Walker, Secretary of the Commonwealth aforesaid dated October 24. 1851, which certificate is hereto annexed and referred to -
She further says that she was not aware that she was entitled to a pension until within some two or three months past

and then through the means of her son John Dean —
She further declares that she was married to the said Abiathar Dean on or about the — day of — Seventeen hundred & eighty one that her husband the aforesaid Abiathar Dean died on the twenty third day of April seventeen hundred and Ninety six seven —
That on the twelfth day of May eighteen hundred and five she was married to Philip French of Berkley aforesaid who died on or about the — day of — eighteen hundred and —
That afterwards on the first day of September eighteen hundred and twenty two she again was married to James Nichols of Bennington in the State of Vermont, to which place she removed and lived with him until he died viz. on the — day of — eighteen hundred & forty one — And that in January eighteen hundred & forty two she removed to said Berkley the place of her Nativity where she has ever since resided — She further says that she now has four children living, by the said Abiathar Dean viz. Prudence Pout, Tryphena Dean, John Dean and Silas Dean —
She further says that she was not married to the said Abiathar Dean prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January eighteen hundred viz. at the time above stated —
Witness My Hand
Wealthy
Her Mark
Nichols

Sworn to and subscribed the and year first above written on this sheet — Before me Oliver Prescott
I Oliver Prescott Judge of the Court of Probate in for the County of Bristol in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby certify that Wealthy Nichols, the above named applicant for a pension cannot by reason of bodily infirmity attend the Court.
Oliver Prescott
Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Bristol County ss — I Henry Williams Register of the Court of Probate in for said County do hereby certify that the Hon. Oliver Prescott whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificates at the date thereof was the Judge of said Court —
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & the Seal of said Court this Sixth day of December Eighteen hundred and fifty one —
Henry Williams Register
"at the date thereof" interlined before signing
Henry Williams Reg.

I Walter D. Nichols of Berkley in the county of Bristol in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts depose and say, that I am Clerk of said Town of Berkley and have the custody of the records of said Town — In one of the record books of said Town, I find the following viz. "Intentions of Marriage between Abiathar Dean & Wealtha Crane both of Berkley interred September twenty-ninth seventeen hundred eighty one —
"Attest Sam l Fobey Town Clerk"
That the above 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 viz.
"Sept 29 th 1781"
I further depose and say that I have not been able to find any record of the Marriage of the said Abiathar Dean and Wealtha Crane on the record books of said Berkley —
I further depose and say that I find on another book of records of said Town, of which the following is a copy viz — "May twelfth eighteen hundred and five Philip French and the wid. Wealtha Dean were joined in Marriage by Rev d Thomas Andros
"Attest Apollos Fobey T. Clerk"
That the same is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures thus "May 12 th 1805" —

I further depose and say that on another record book of said town of Berkley there is the following record viz — "September first eighteen hundred and twenty two James Nichols of Wennington, State of Vermont "and Wealtha French of Berkley were joined in Marriage "by Adoniram Crane Justice of the Peace "Attest Adoniram Crane T. Clerk"
And that the same is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed on said record thus "September 1 st 1822" in fair legible figures —
I further depose and say that I have this day been into the public burying ground in said Berkley & there found a monument erected, as I was credibly informed, at the grave of Philip French, deceased, by which it appeared that said French died May 25. 1818 — Hanton Dec. 5. 1851
Walter D. Nichols
Commonwealth of Massachusetts —
Writ of County ss — December 5. 1851. Walter D. Nichols a credible witness made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him signed —
Before me A. Mallett Just. of the Peace

7660

Rev. Oct 18th 1861 Library of the War Dept Washington D.C.

See Oct 21/22 Case of the Library of the Congress Washington D.C.

for and Hon. James  Mr.  Buffington Member of Congress Washington — D.C.
Nov. 1838
Silas Hickson Washington Pennsylvania

REJECTED
7660
P. O. Worthy Nichols
Service: former widow Abriathar Dean
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

Wealthy Nichols - for, wid. of Abialhar Dean - Mfs - Oct 1858
Hon J. Buffinton - Dec, 16 th 1858 - (Geddes - Ly -

Wren of Puff:
Washington Feb 14. 1852
Hon James E Heath Commr of Pension
Sir
Herewith I forward the application of Wealthy Nichols for a pension which I hope you may find it convenient to adjudicate at an early day.
I have the honor to be very
Truly
Yours Olin Howland

Gauntton Mass. Nov. 11. 1852
Sir,
I write this at the request of Mrs Wealthy Nichols W o of Abriathar Dean dec d who in 1851 forwarded her application for a pension to Hon. O. Fowler late Representative in Congress — afterwards, say in June or July 1852 additional testimony in the case was forwarded to Mr Fowler who acknowledged the receipt thereof — About ten days previous to the adjournment of the last session of Congress I wrote to Mr Fowler in relation to the claim from which no answer has been rec d — Mr Fowler's death unquestionably prevented his answer —
Will you therefore be pleased to inform me the state of the application, that I may communicate the same to Mrs Nichols —
Very Respectfully Yours &c. A. Bassett
Hon. J. E. Heath Commissioner of Pensions Washington —

18.
Taunton Mass
Oct 4/52
A. Bapitt
Rel: to the application of Wealthy Nichols Widow of Nathan for a Pension
Acted & referred to the Commission of Pensions for and. Sent into 3 Oct 6/52 3
Rec Oct. 6. 1852.

Nantucket Mass. Oct. 4. 1852
Sir,
Some time since the application of Martha Nichols widow of Abiathar Dean for a pension was forwarded to the Hon. O. Fowler — afterwards further evidence was required which was forwarded some little time before his decease — Will you please advise me the result of the case — I expected to have heard from Mr Fowler on his return; but his decease prevented it — Yours Respectfully J. Massett
Secy of the Interior Washington D.C.

Yours of Recd?
Washington July 2 nd / 1852
Wm Lloyd & Heath - Com ee of Pension
Sir
In your letter to me, June 24 th , you state that in the case of Wealthy Nichols, an applicant for a Revolutionary Pension, proof is needed of identity identity.
Herewith I forward the proof, and ask, most respectfully, for a decision of the case. —
I have the honor to be Sir,
Orin Fowler

for service
Lawrence
Mrs Clark widow of Sanf d Clark served in Col. Boston Regt. New York. Mass. Rhode Island levy Rev. War —
N.Y. maps or Rhode Island ?
Sister Mabel Caleb Bates
Edw. D. 6th. any  mutab. any,
//
Hon Mr. Putnam -
(over)
W. S. St. Bage

Altha Dean was a Rev. Soldier and has app d for bounty land or pension.
Hon. Mr. Burlingame
May

I, Edmund Anthony, now a resident of New Bedford, in the County of Bristol, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged forty three years, on oath depose that I formerly resided in Taunton, in said County, that I was Clerk of said town of Taunton six or seven or more years, that I was clerk of said town during the year 1838; that on the twenty third day of September, 1838, the building in which were the town records were then kept, was destroyed by fire - All the old records have never since been seen, and in all probability they were destroyed by fire. There was no record book of transactions of the town left prior to the year 1800.
Edmund Anthony
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol County ss June 28 A.D. 1852
Then Edmund Anthony the above named, who is well known to me and is a credible witness. Made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed.
Before me Oliver Prescott Justice of the Peace

I James D. Ellis of Taunton in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on oath, testify and say that I have been annually chosen Clerk of the Town of Taunton for six years last past & now have the custody of their records — Francis Munroe was Clerk of said Town for the year 1845 — Edmund Anthony now of New Bedford in said County, was the Clerk of said Town for several years previous to 1845 — That in September 1838 a large number of buildings in Taunton aforesaid were destroyed by fire — Among the number was one occupied by Edmund Anthony the then Clerk of said Town — and I have often been informed & believe that all the old records of said Town were destroyed by that fire — No records of said Town ever came to my possession of a date previous to 1800 —
James D. Ellis
Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Bristol County ss. June 26. 1852 — James D. Ellis made oath to the truth of the above statement by him signed —
Before me A. Gassett Just. of the Peace —

Affidavits to be appended to and made a part of the case of Wealthy Nichols for a pension —

I Enos W. Dean of Taunton in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged forty nine years last March, on oath, depose and say, that Enos Dean late of said Taunton deceased was my father - That he was a Pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of 1832 for services rendered in the war of the Revolution - That he died on the twelfth day of January 1843 - That my Grandfathers name, on the male side was Ebenezer Dean, who died in 1819 - My Grandfathers male children were Ebenezer Dean, Abiathar Dean, Enos Dean, Levi Dean, Apollos Dean & Gaius Dean - All of whom have died, except Apollos Dean who is still living - I do not recollect of ever seeing my uncle Abiathar Dean -
I further depose and say that I have heard my Grandfather Ebenezer Dean say that he served as Capt. of a Company in the war of the Revolution at Tiverton in the State of Rhode Island and that his son Abiathar Dean was a soldier under him at that time: but how long the service was I do not recollect, if I ever heard - I have also heard my father say that his father Ebenezer Dean and his sons Ebenezer Dean and Abiathar Dean, served in the war

of the Revolution—
I further depose and say that I knew Samuel Dean and Joshua Staples, both of said Taunton deceased that they were pensioners under the United States— I have heard them both say that my grandfather Ebenezer Dean and his sons Ebenezer Dean, Abiathar Dean and Enos Dean, served in the war of the Revolution— I never knew any person by the name of Abiathar Dean in Taunton or elsewhere, excepting my uncle the above named—
Enos B Dean
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County ss. June 26. 1852 Enos W. Dean made oath to the truth of the above statement by him signed— Before me A. Bassett, Justice of the Peace—
I also certify that I have been personally acquainted with the above named Enos M. Dean for more than fifteen years last past and that he sustains a good character for truth and that his statements may be relied upon as correct — A. Bassett Justice of the Peace

I Job Godfrey of Taunton in the county of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged eighty two years last July, in oath, depose and say that I have resided in said Taunton about eighty years - I knew Abiathar Dean son of Ebenezer Dean of said Taunton - said Ebenezer Dean was called Capt. Ebenezer Dean and resided in Taunton between two and three Miles from my place of residence - said Abiathar Dean removed to Berkley a town adjoining said Taunton - I also knew another Abiathar Dean who was a son of George Dean of said Taunton - I went to school with this latter Abiathar Dean in his early days - He was probably about my age, and too young to have served in the Revolutionary war - Further depose & say that I never knew any other person in said Taunton by the name of Abiathar Dean, other than the two above mentioned -
Job Godfrey
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County ss. June 23. 1852 - Job Godfrey, a credible witness, made oath to the truth of the above statement by him signed -
Before me A. Bassett Just. of the Peace -

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
District 11.
I, Samuel Sprague, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that O. Priest, V. A. Darius, Esqrs. whose signatures are affixed to the foregoing Certificates are, and were on the day of the date thereof, Justices of the peace in the said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, at Taunton, this twenty ninth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three.
S. Sprague

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol.
I John S. Brayton, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, within and for the County of Bristol aforesaid, do hereby certify that A. Bassett Esquire before whom the several annexed affidavits were made, was at the time when they were severally taken a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Bristol aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that all his official acts as such are entitled full faith and credit. And I am acquainted with his hand writing and know that his several signatures thereto are genuine.
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal, this Eighth day of February, in the year Eighteen Hundred and fifty nine.
John S. Brayton, Clerk.

I wealthy Dean of Taunton in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy seven years last September do depose and say that I was born in said Taunton & have always resided therein. That I was born in a house standing on the side of a road called "Howells Lane" leading out of Dean Street, so called — I resided where I was born until I was sixteen years of age, was about that married and then removed to a house on Dean Street where I have ever since resided — My husbands name was George Dean — His fathers name was also named George Dean — That this latter died about 40 or 45 years ago — My husband had a brother named Abiathar Dean . This Abiathar Dean I knew from my earliest recollection — He was a feeble person & studied and practiced physic until he removed to the westerly part of Massachusetts where I have been informed & believe he died about fourteen years ago — My husband, would have been eighty nine years of age about this time had he been living — The said Abiathar Dean was six or seven years younger than my husband — I further depose and

say that I never heard that Abiathar Dean aforesaid was in the service in the Revolu- tionary War - He must have been too young for that business - He was a very feeble man so long as I knew him -
Witness "Leah Dean"
Her Wealthy Dean mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol ss Arrears Dec 24. 1852 - Wealthy Dean a credible witness made oath to the truth of the above statement by her subscribed
Before me A. Massett Just. of the Peace

Mehitable Hall of Taunton in the County of Massachusetts aged eighty six years of age on the 15th of November 1852 depose and say that I have lived on Dean Street so called, in said Taunton for sixty six years last past — I knew George Dean Senior — I also knew his sons George Dean and Abiathar Dean — George Dean the younger married Wealthy Dean — I am well acquainted with Mrs Wealthy Dean the widow of George Dean the younger, who is in my opinion a credible Witness — I further depose and say that I never knew or heard that Abiathar Dean the son of George Dean the elder was ever in the service in the war of the Revolution — This Abiathar Dean was some years younger than myself — He was a Doctor — after some years he removed to the westward as I have been informed I believe — Witness
Ebenezer Dawes      Mehitable +      Her mark      Hall
County of Massachusetts M Bristol County ss. November 24. 1852 Mehitable Hall a credible witness made oath to the truth of the above statement by her signed — Before me A. Bassett Just. of the Peace

Oliver Soper of Taunton in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy years the 9th day of December 1852 depose and say that I have resided in said Taunton ever since my birth and on the same place where I now reside — I have always resided about a Mile Southerly of Dean Street in said Taunton — and about two and a half Miles North Easterly of where Capt. Ebenezer Dean resided while I knew him as herein after mentioned — I further depose and say that I was well acquainted with Ebenezer Dean who resided in said Taunton while I knew him — His son Ebenezer J. married my sister — His other children were Abraham Dean , Enos Dean, Levi Dean, Apollos Dean, Gaius Dean, Rhoda Dean mrs Rhoda Douglass and three other daughters, one of whom was married Rachel married Saml. Gusher — said Ebenezer Dean sen r resided at or near a place called Cotty in said Taunton. I never knew Abraham Dean who it is said resided in Dean Street in Taunton — I knew all the children of Ebenezer Dean sen r  above named who resided at or near a place called Cotty in said Taunton — It is reputed that

Abiathar Dean son of Eben Dean Sen r was in the service in the Revolutionary War, but under whom or how long, I cannot say — Oliver Soper
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Mittl ss. Nov. 30. 1852. Oliver Soper a credible witness, and made oath to the truth of the above statement by him subscribed
Before me Albussetts Just. of the Peace —

I Silas Dean of Taunton in the County of Bristol in the Com th of Massachusetts aged fifty eight years, depose and say that my Mother Wealthy Nichols late of Berkley in said County, deceased, who was an applicant for a pension on account of the services of my Father Abiathar Dean deceased, and who was my mother's first husband, died on the twenty ninth day of November eighteen hundred and fifty two, leaving three children and no more viz. Wissphene Dean , John Dean and myself who are all living and of age —
Silas Dean
Com th of Massachusetts Bristol County ss. January 6 th 1853 Silas Dean a credible witness made oath to the truth of the above statement by him subscribed — Before me A. N. D. Mawson Just. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
October 24. 1851.
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 Abiather Dean is borne on rolls of 8 mo. service in 1775. in Capt. John Kings lev. Col. Walker's Regt. as a private of Taunton, from May 3 rd . _____
On a pay roll of Capt. Matthew Randall's lev. Col. Marshall's Regt. as private, from June 27. 1776. Six mo. 6 days. _____
On a muster roll of Capt. Eben r Dean's lev. Col. Carpenter's Regt. as private. from Sept. 1777. 1 mo. 4 days. _____
On a roll of Capt. John Shaw's lev. at R. I. Oct. 1777 7 days. & on an alarm at Liverton, Aug 2. 1780. 8 days. as private. _____
On a pay roll of Capt. Jonathan Shaw's lev. Col. Daggett's Regt. as private from Sept. 1. 1778. 12 days. _____ The foregoing service was all performed from Taunton and

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

To Amasa Walker Esq. Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts —
Sir,
Abiathar Dean late of Berkley in the County of Bristol, who was my first husband, was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution —
I have reason to believe he served eight Months at Roxbury under a Capt King in the early part of the War —
He served at other times during said War.
That he resided as I believe in Taunton in the time of said War —
Therefore, please forward me a certificate of the services of the said Abiathar Dean in the War of the Revolution as may be found in your Office —
Witness Ephraim French. Wealthy Mr Nichols Mary
Berkley October 7 th 1851 Then the above named Wealthy Nichols made declarations of the above facts and subscribed her name thereto before me Ephraim French Justice Peace

No 14 605 Wealthy Nichols,
for widow of Abiathar Dean.
Mass.
July 7. 1838.
Her own Father, H. G. Phelps

I Aboda Doreglass of Freetown in the County of Bristol and County of Massachusetts aged ninety one years on the 15th. day of June last past, do depose and say that Abiathar Dean late of Berkley in said County dec d was my brother — Ebenezer Dean was the name of our father — Before & during the Revolutionary War we lived in Freetown — After said War, my brother went to Berkley to reside, where he married & ever after during his life, resided in said Berkley — The said Abiathar Dean married Wealthy Crane of said Berkley some time in the winter season of 1781-2 — I was present and saw them married — I think & believe Benjamin Williams Esq r married them — He has long since deceased — The said Abiathar was not far from two years older than myself — I well recollect he was absent in the early part of the Revolutionary War and at other times during said War and it was said & I believe he was in the Army of the Revolution — He told me he served at Roxbury near Boston the first eight months service there — And I often heard my father & brother talk about the War — They both served more or less in it —

My brother the said Abiathar Dean died in Berkley aforesaid in April 1797. leaving the said Wealthy his widow After the decease of the said Abiathar his widow married Philip French of said Berkley - He died - After the death of said French she married James Nichols of Bennington H. where she removed as it is said and resided until some time in 1841 or 2 when it is said said James Nichols died - The said Wealthy Nichols then returned to Berkley some time in the year 1842 where she has resided ever since, & has not been married to my knowledge or belief since the decease of said Nichols -
Witness
Rhoda Douglass
Prudence H Dean
A Barrett
John Dean
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County ss. December 4. 1851. Rhoda Douglass made oath to the truth of the above statement by her signed - Before me A Barrett Just. of the Peace And I certify, that after diligent enquiry & suitable information, the above named affiant is a respectable person & credible witness - A Barrett J.P.

"She came to my house" interlined before signing J. Dean
I John Dean of Berkley in the County of Bristol in the Com th of Massachusetts aged fifty nine years last January do testify and say that Abiathar Dean late of Berkley aforesaid deceased, was, as I have always been informed and believe, my father and that Wealthy Nichols now residing with me in Berkley is my mother. — My father the said Abiathar Dean died on the twenty third day of April Seventeen hundred and Ninety Seven, as now appears on the monument erected at his grave in the public burying ground in said Berkley — Some few years after the decease of my father my mother married Philip French of said Berkley and after the decease of said French my mother married James Nichols of Bennington, Vermont — That soon after their marriage they left Berkley for Bennington Vt — On the tenth day of January 1842 she came to my house where she has resided a great part of the time ever since and she has not since that time been married & is still living and a widow —
I further testify & say that I was not aware and did not know that my mother was entitled to a pension for the services of her first husband in the Revolutionary War until within a few months past —
John Dean

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Norfolk County ss. December 5. 1851. John Dean a credible witness, made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him signed — Before me A. Barrett Just. of the Peace

I Silas Dean of Taunton in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged near fifty seven years do testify and say that I have always understood and been informed and believe that Abiathar Dean late of Berkley in said County, deceased, was my father and also that Wealthy Nichols, now living & residing in said Berkley is my mother — I have but a very imperfect recollection of ever having seen my father as it is said he died about the time or soon after I was two years of age — After the decease of my father my mother married Philip French of said Berkley and after his death, she married James Nichols of Bennington, Vermont — Soon after this last marriage said James Nichols with my mother went to Vermont where they resided until his death — During the time of their residence there, I visited them once — After his decease, I went to Bennington, took my mother and brought her to my house in said Taunton where she resided for some time & then she went to reside with my brother John Dean in Berkley aforesaid where she now resides — I arrived in Taunton with my said mother on or about the fourth day of January eighteen hundred & forty two — I further testify & say that my mother

The said Wealthy Nichols has not been married since the decease of said James Nichols, to my knowledge or information & is still living and a widow — Silas Dean Taunton Dec. 5. 1851.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Bristol County ss. Dec. 5. 1851 Silas Dean made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement by him subscribed —
Before me A H Bassett Just of the Peace — Said Silas Dean is a credible witness A H Bassett Just Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts —
United States v. A. James Sprout, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Andrew Barnes, Esq., whose signature is affixed to the foregoing and annexed certificates, is a Justice of the peace in & for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, at Taunton, this tenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two. — A. H. Sprout

I, Fanny Nichols of Bennington, in the County of Bennington, and State of Vermont, aged Sixty Two Years, depose and say that my Father, James Nichols, late of said Bennington, died on the 29 th day of November, A.D. 1841, at Bennington, aforesaid. I further depose and say that some time in the year 1822, my said Father went to Berkley in the State of Massachusetts and returned with a female whom he called his wife, and said that her name before he married her was Weltha French; - they lived together as husband and wife until his decease as above stated. - After his decease her son Silas Dean came to Bennington and carried her away. And further saith not.
Sworn and subscribed, Fanny Nichols this 7 th day of January , A.D. 1852, before me,
Calvin Ellinwood Justice of the Peace
I certify that the deponent is a credible person
Calvin Ellinwood Justice Peace

I, William Haswell, of Bennington, in the County of Bennington, and State of Vermont, aged Sixty One Years, depose and say that I was well acquainted with James Nichols, late of said Bennington, de- ceased; - that he died at Bennington, on or about the 29 th day of November, 1841, - I further depose and say, that some time in the year 1822, according to my best recollection, said Nichols went to Massachusetts, and returned with a female, whom he introduced to me as his wife, and said that he married her at Berkley, Massachusetts, and that her name before said marriage was Weltha Nichols . - That they lived to- gether as husband and wife until the decease of said Nichols as above named; - and after the death of the said Nichols, Mr. Silas Dean, a son of the said Weltha by a former husband, came to Bennington, and

she returned with him to Massachusetts with the intention of taking up her future abode with her children at Taunton and Berkley, since which time I have visited her at her son's house in said Berkley, for the purpose of closing a settlement between her and the Nichols heirs which I accomplished. — And further saith not
Sworn and subscribed Wm Haswell this 7th day of January AD 1852, before me
Calvin Ellinwood Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named deponent is a credible person
Calvin Ellinwood Justice Peace
State of Vermont, } Bennington County, ss. I, Samuel H. Blackmer, Clerk of the Court for Bennington County, certify that Calvin Ellinwood is a Magistrate within and for said County, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name at Bennington this 7th day of January, AD 1852.
S. H. Blackmer Clerk