Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15,398, Alphens Davis, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Davis, Alphus
S 15,398
CONTENTS
Carded

1137 New Hampshire
Alpheus Davis of Cohasset in the State of Mass who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Eames of the Regt commanded by Col. Davenport in the Mass. Militia line for 12 mo. from 1777
Inscribed on the Roll of New Hampshire at the rate of 40 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Feb y 1833 and due the 14 th Edward
Arrears to 14th of Sept 1832 60 00 Semi-annual allowance ending March 1833 20 00
$ 80 00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by H. H. Sylvester Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1 Page 1571

Declaration of Alpheus Davis of Nelson Bishop Co N.H.
No 9021

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, COUNTY OF CHESHIRE.
On this Eighth day of August 1832 personally appeared in open Court. Before the Reverend Aaron Matson Judge of Probate for said County of Cheshire
now sitting, Alpheus Davis a resident of Nelson in the county of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire aged 71 years last November 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.
 1 st Volunteered for service on the 1 st July 1777 in Capt. Earls Company Col. Dummerth Knapp Reg t went to Boston  Providence - thence to Boston  where  he  was  dismissed there, duty at Providence was quitted  2 nd entered the service again in April 1778 at Rutland Mass guarding the prisoners taken with Burgoyne under Capt. Nathan Harrington 3 months  3 rd served under Capt. Adams  Hovey guarding the prisoners at Rutlands 3 months more, in the winter, cannot tell the year nor the Regiment - all in Massachusetts militia 
Born in Rutland, Mass - in the year 1760 - expects that there is a record of his birth there. - Resided in said Rutland when he entered the service each time. - never received any written discharge. - has lived since the Revolution in Rutland aforesaid until twenty seven years when he moved to said Nelson - has lived there up to this time - volunteered in all the services - In his first service was under the command of Genl. Spencer - no continental officers or troops at Rutland when he served. - Col. Stephen Harrington of Keene formerly of said Nelson , and William Parker can testify as to my veracity.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Alpheus Davis
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
before me Aaron Matson Judge of Probate

We, Stephen Harrington of Kennebec formerly of Nelson in the County of Piscataquis, and William Parker of Roxbury, formerly a part of Nelson. —
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Alpheus Davis who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ninety one years 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.
Stephen Harrington William Parker Register
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Anson Matson Judge of Probate
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 Stephen Harrington and William Parker who have signed the preceding certificate are residents as stated above and are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit
I, Asa Parker Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Piscataquis do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Alpheus Davis for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this eighth day of August A.D. 1832 —
Asa Parker { Register of The Court of Probate

9021
Alpheus Davis
Yrs
12 Mos
M.C.E.
One of the witnesses not called to be credible
Nov 19 1832
adm
$20-
Rev. A. Hubbard
PR
Wm. Edward, Keene, Cheshire Co N.H.

9021
BRIEF in the case of  Alpheus Davis of Nelson  of Cheshire Co. in the State of New Hampshire  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? _____
3. How old is he? 71
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.     1 July '77 Jan 17 _____ 6 _____ private Capt Earl Col Danforth   Apr '78 _____ 3 _____ " Capt. N. Harrington Key   don't recollect year _____ 3 _____ _____ Capt Adam Henry - don't recollect Colonel  
5. In what battles was he engaged? none
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? _____ Rutland Mass
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? 3 living witnesses
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? _____
no Cerynians Certij
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
W. C. Easton Examining Clerk.

Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., Aug 20, 1892
Miss
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Alpheus Davis a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will please find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau.
815398
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     July 1777 6 Priv Earl Danforth Key Mass   Apr 1778 3 " Nathan Harrington _____ "   Not rem. 3 " Adam Henry _____ "  
Battles engaged in,
None mentioned
Residence of soldier at enlistment,
Rutland Mass
Date of application for pension,
August 8, 1832
Residence at date of application,
Welson NH
Age at date of application,
71 years.
Remarks:
His pension was allowed. H.
Very respectfully,
Miss Desha
Commissioner.
Miss Lucy M. Cowan Warren, Warren Co. Pa.

15398 INVALID.
File No. 15398
Alpheus Davis
Pri Rev war
Act: June 7 th 32
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 428
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1892 Aug 30 His to Miss Desha Bureau H.
Jan. 16 - 1893 Hist Miss Lucy M. Con Warren. Warren Co Pa.

I Samuel Garfield of Langdon, in the County of Sullivan and State of New Hampshire, Do testify and say that I was personally known to Alpheus Davis, having served in the War of the Revolution and as far as I can recollect as follows viz in the year 1777 six months at Bunker Hill under the command of Colonel Lark also in the year 1778 three months at Rutland and Manchester under Capt Nathan Harrington, the said Alpheus Davis at the time belonged to the town of Rutland Massachusetts Samuel Garfield
State of New Hampshire
Cheshire ss
Attestat July 11 19 1832
Personally appeared Samuel Garfield and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is in his own true
Before me Walter Tufts justice of the peace

Cheshire J. Aug. 15. 1832
I Salma Hale clerk of the Judicial Court in sd County certify that Walter Tufts is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County - and I believe that the foregoing official signature is in his own hand writing - In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of our Superior Court of Judicature.
S. Hale Clerk
Mr. Alphus Davis
I certify that Saml Garfield who has subscribed & sworn to the within deposition, is a credible witness. -
Walter Tufts Justice of the Peace
Cheshire J. Jan'y 1. 1833 - I Salma Hale - clerk of the Judicial Court in sd County certify that Walter Tufts is a Justice of the Peace in & for sd County - & I believe that the foregoing is his signature. In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the Seal of our Superior Court of Judicature.
S. Hale Clerk

Who of Grace Davis. -

I Isaac Davis of Roxbury in the County of Cheshire aged 77 next February, testify and say that I formerly lived in Rutland Massachusetts that Alpheus Davis was in Rutland at the time of the Revolutionary war, now of Wilson in said County of Cheshire, served in the army with me during said war, in Captain Adam Henry's Company of Massachusetts Militia three months, guarding prisoners at said Rutland the year I can't tell - I think in 1778 or 9 - I also know that said Alpheus Davis served at another term under Capt Harrington guarding prisoners at said Rutland - saw him on duty but don't know how long he served in said company - I also knew at the time that he went on service to Rhode Island - knew that he was absent on that service, but can't state how long - think it was six months
Isaac Davis State of New Hampshire Cheshire ss - August 2 d 1832 Subscribed & sworn to Before me Thomas M. Edwards Justice of the Peace I certify that Isaac Davis is personally known to me and is a credible witness - Thomas M. Edwards Jas. Pease
Cheshire ss. Aug. 3. 1832
I Salma Hale, clerk of the Judicial Courts in said County certify that Thomas M. Edwards is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County - & that the above signatures of his name are in his own hand writing. In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of our Superior Court of Judicature
S. Hale

Dep o for Alpheus Davis by G Phillips

I Gideon Phillips of Rosbury in the County of Chester & State of New Hampshire - of Lawfull age do Testify and Say that I lived in Rutland in the County of Worcester, - and State of Massachusetts Some part of the time during the Revolutionary war & that I was at that time I have been since well acquainted with Alpheus Davis then of said Rutland & now of Nelson in Chester County & State of New Hampshire - & I further say that the said Davis served as a Soldier guarding prisoners in Capt Adam Henry Company I think in the year 1778 three Months
Gideon Phillips
State of New Hampshire
Chester ss July 25 th 1832 Subscribed and sworn
Before me
Deputate Newcomb Jus. Peace
I certify that Gideon Phillips the above deponent is a credible witness
Deputate Newcomb Jus. Peace
Chester ss. August 3. 1832
I Salma Hale, Clerk of the Judicial Court in said county certify that Deputate Newcomb is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County & I believe that his name herein above subscribed is in his own hand writing In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of our Superior Court of Judicature
S. Hale

9021 Alpheus Davis
Th. M. Edwards Keene Cheshire Co NH

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Alpheus Davis 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? No XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No 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? [A large horizontal line is drawn below the question.] 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? No. A. Davis not so. 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? Yes
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 affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
†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.
whf X
X Garfields depo for a Davis is supposed to have been the one objected to & is now corrected

2 weeks
Dear Sir
There are in the records or rather among the papers in your department some papers belonging to Alphens Davis my great-grandfather, who was in the revolutionary army he lived near Cape Cod, Mass. I want to get the date of his enlistment, name of his company or whatever they were called then, and if possible the length of his time of service.
Would like them if possible within two weeks

such information should be sent to Mrs Willis Cowan, Warren Warren Co., Pa., as that is my home and I leave this place for Warren today
Yours respectfully
Lucy M. Cowan
Watkins, W.H. May 21 st 1892

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Davis, Amos GRADE Corporal LINE Massachusetts
WARRANT NUMBER 4053 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Mar. 25, 1790 to — not shown —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.