Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11,998, Silas Church, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Church Silas
NUMBER
8,11998
carded
CONTENTS

81
March
4668
Massachusetts
Silas Church
of Wrentham in the State of (Mas) who was a Corp t in the company commanded by Captain  of the reg t commanded by Col Doolittle in the (Mas) line for 9 (Mas)
Inscribed on the Roll of (Mas) at the rate of 33 Dollars  Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 th day of Jan y 1833 and sent to  J G Kendale (St of Reps)
  Arrears to 14th of Sept 1832  $49.50.    Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 (Mas) 33  16.50     $66.00  
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J H  Clerk, Book  Vol. 25 th Page 43.

Silas Church
Militia
Massachusetts:

DECLARATION, in order to secure the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
COUNTY OF WORCESTER, ss. - Silas Church
ON this sixth day of Sept in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court, before Nathaniel Paine, Judge of Probate, at a Probate Court - now sitting in Silas Church a resident of Templeton in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Eighty 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 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.
He states that he was born in the Town of Bolton & County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the year 1751. has no knowledge of any record of his age. That he lived at Templeton when called into service, and has continued to live there ever since - That he voluntarily entered the service - That he never received any written discharge - That he enlisted as a soldier in the Revolutionary War in the month of April 1775 for the term of Eight Months, into a Company of Militia, commanded by Capt. Jonathan Holman of Templeton, and Regiment commanded by Col. Ephraim Doolittle of Petersham. - Holden of Princeton was Lt. Col. John Brooks of Petersham was Lieutenant of the Company - That he was appointed and served as a Corporal in said Company during the Eight Months. That he was ordered to Rendezvous at Cambridge near the College's and arrived there in April. was stationed at Lechmore's Point during Bunker Hill Battle. saw the burning of Charlestown. was not in any Battle - assisted in the various Fortifications. Genl. Ward was Commander in Chief the first part of the campaign, was there when Washington came on to take command of the Army. frequently saw Genl. Lee & Putnam & Gales - That he was dismissed the latter part of December 1775 or first of Jany. 1776. and returned immediately home.
8 months
That in the latter part of the month of September 1777. he entered as a volunteer into the service of the United States for the term of Thirty days, into a Company, commanded by Capt. Jonas Wilder of Templeton. Moses Smith of Barre was Lieutenant. Col. Jonas Wilder of Templeton commanded the Regiment - That he marched with his Company from Templeton by the way of Deerfield and Hoosick Mountain to Bennington in Vermont, from there marched to Saratoga; crossed the North River two or three times. Marched to Fort Edward, made a short stay there, during the Armistice - from there marched down on the western side of the River near Genl. Burgoin's Army in a line of Battle - Genl. Stark of New Hampshire was Commander in Chief of the Militia - Was present at the surrender of Burgoin's Army to Genl. Gates. Saw Genl. Gates in company with Genl. Burgoin after his surrender, and several other Officers - was in no General engagement, but frequently when the Bells were whistling about his ears - That he served the whole term of his enlistment and was dismissed at Saratoga. and returned immediately home - has no documentary evidence of his services - but there are people living who can testify to his service.
1 month
He states that Richard Sawtell and Stephen Knowlton can testify as to his services in the Revolutionary War -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Before Nathaniel Paine Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester
Silas Church

We Charles Wellington a Clergyman residing in the Town of Templeton and Atkinson Lee (Barnstable) residing in same Town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Silas Church who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be Eighty years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 25 th day of August 1832 Before Sam d Lee, Jus. Peace
Charles Wellington Atkinson Lee
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 mentioned applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Charles Wellington  from the Court who signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the Town of Templeton  North M ly and that Atkinson Lee who has also signed the same is a resident in the same Town and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
NATH d GAMES Judg s of Probate for the County of Worcester
I Theophilus Wheeler Reg d Clerk of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Silas Church Justice of the Peace in & for said County in good and just & that the signature is his signature. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court of Probate this Sixth day of September in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty two.
Theoph l Wheeler Reg d of the Court of Probate in & for the County of Worcester in Massachusetts

I Silas Church of Templeton in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Do. Testify and say that I entered the as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, into the Company commanded by Capt. Jonathan Holman of Templeton, Regiment commanded by Col. Ephraim Doolittle Massachusetts Militia. That I served as a Corporal in said Company during the whole time of my enlistment which was eight months, viz from April 1775 to Jan'y. 1776. That our company was stationed during the eight months at Cambridge and its vicinity Silas Church Templeton July 26. 1832
I Richard Sawtell of Phillipston in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Do testify and say that the above affidavit submitted by Silas Church is to my own personal knowledge just and true: having myself served as a soldier in the same Regiment with said Church, and having had constant intercourse with him while we were stationed at Cambridge and its vicinity Richard Sawtell. Templeton July 26. 1832 -
Worcester ss. July 26. 1832. Then personally appeared the above named Silas Church and Richard Sawtell and made solemn oath that the Affidavits by them respectively signed as above are just and true. Before me. Samuel Lee. Jus. Peace
I hereby certify that full faith and credit ought to be given to the testimony of Richard Sawtell the above Deponent - and I further testify that in consequence of infirmity he could hold a Pen to write his name and that at his request (he holding the top of the pen) I wrote his name to the above declaration Samuel Lee. Jus. Peace

11473
Silas Church
Templeton a Post Town in County of Worcester Mass

I Silas Church of Templeton in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, now more than eighty years of age. Do testify and say, that I did the latter part of September in the year 1777 volunteer as a militia man for thirty days in the army of the United States. Josiah Wilder of Templeton was Captain of the company. Col. Jonas Wilder of Templeton commanded the Regiment. We marched from Templeton to Bennington, from thence to Saratoga - watched the North River several times - from thence we marched to Fort Edward where we made a short stay during the armistice. Then we marched down on the westerly side near Genl. Burgoyne's Army - Genl. Stark of New Hampshire was our Commander in Chief - I was present at the Surrender of Genl. Burgoyne's Army - I was in no general engagement but frequently where the bullets were whistling about my ears - I further say that I served out the time for which I volunteered my service - Silas Church July 26. 1832
I Stephen Knowlton of Templeton in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts now seventy years of age. Do testify and say, that the above affidavit subscribed by Silas Church is to my personal knowledge just and true. Having myself been a soldier in the same company with said Church during the same campaign - Stephen Knowlton July 26. 1832
Worster July 26. 1832. Then Personally appeared the above named Silas Church and Stephen Knowlton and each made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by them respectively subscribed - Before me Samuel D. Jewell
I hereby certify that full faith and credit ought to be given to the testimony of Stephen Knowlton the above deponent Samuel D. Jewell

Silas Church
11/4/73
Cash paid 9 Months
adm
33 11/4/73
Hon: J. G. Kendall
HR

11473  BRIEF in the case of Silas Church  County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? —  3. How old is he? 80  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     April In 1775 Enlisted 8 Corporal Gen. Capt Jonathan Holman, Col Ephraim Doolittle, Lt Col Holden, Gen Ward, Gen Washington, Capt Josiah Wilder, Col James Wilder, Gen Stark.   Jan 1st 1776 — returned immediately   Sept 1777 vol — 30  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Templeton in Worcester County No  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Witnesses and traditionary  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? — correct. 
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. Waugh Examining Clerk.
Jany 22 d 1833

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section AWF/eel
October 4, 1929
Lillian G. Moore  more Montague Michigan
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.11998, it appears that Silas Church was born in 1751, in Bolton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
While residing in Templeton, Massachusetts, he enlisted and served with the Massachusetts Troops as follows:
From in April, 1775, eight months as corporal in Captain Jonathan Holman's Company, Colonel Ephraim Doolittle's Regiment; from the latter part of September, 1777, thirty days in Captain Josiah Wilder's Company in a regiment commanded by Jonas Wilder and was at the surrender of Burgoyne.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 6, 1832, at which time he was residing in Templeton, Massachusetts.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name of person paid and possibly the date of

death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Silas Church (S.11998), you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., citing all of the following data:
Silas Church, Certificate No.4668, issued January 25, 1833, rate $33.00 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Massachusetts Agency.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.

Rev. Silas Church
11.998 ✓ INVALID.
File No. 11.998
Silas Church Corp Rev. War.
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 66
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1929-Oct 4. Hush to Ellian S. Morse and morse

Montague, Mich. July 15, 1929
U.S. Commissioner of Pen- sions
Washington D. C. Gentlemen:
I have an ancestor one Silas Church who fought in the Revolution- ary War as Corporal under Joshua Hilder - both from Templeton.
I should like to learn if he was placed on the Pension roll - or not and when. Also, have you recorded the date of his death?
I trust that you can give me this information.
Yours truly, Lillian G. Morse.

Theophilus Wheeler Esq. at the Probate Office Worcester

Simpton Sept. 12, 1832
Theophilus Wheeler Esqr.
Sir) Please deliver the bearer Capt. Silas Church Pension papers which I left in the Probate Office —
Respectfully yours &c
for Asahel See
Dexter Gilbert

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Silas Church which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? — IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned 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? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? 
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? 
witnesses
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? yes
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 6
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 the 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.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
‡ QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.