Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,357, Ebenezer Clapp, Continental Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Continental Mass.
Clapp, Ebenezer Smith, Elizabeth (Former widow)
A. 15,357 B. L. Wt. 18394-160-55-
CONTENTS

143786 act 3 March / May 22/55 X
Elizabeth Smith formerly - widow Ebenezer D. Laph
Sergeant Pensioner - Mass.
Mass Hoop
18394 if
Revolutionary War.
Rev: 160 acs, Mch: 13/56
Mass Feb 48
Woodman Boston Mass
Vol. C-149. -

Reprinted
May 29/49
3471
Massachusetts Elizabeth Smith widow of Ebenezer Clapp who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
at the Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 91 Dollars 77 , Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of May 1849 and sent to
E. J. Bulfinch Boston Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 136 Vol. 2

APPLICATION OF 143786
Widow of Ebenezer Colapp Revolutionary War
for a 1600 Roro warrant.
Act of March 22, 1855.
WARRANT TO BE SENT TO LESLIE WOODMAN, Boston, I st AS WITHIN REQUESTED.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, May 19, 1855.
I Hereby Certify , That at the date of the attestations hereunto annexed, Charles Hamant was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

1900 State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk
On this Seventeenth day of May , A. D., 185 5 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, Elizabeth Smith aged ninety three years, a resident of Medfield in Massachusetts who being duly sworn according to law, declared that she is the widow of Ebenezer Clapp deceased, who was a in the Company commanded by Captain  Sergeant in the Revolutionary War  commanded by in the war with Great Britain, declared by the United States, on the 18th day of June, 1812, —that her said husband was drafted at on or about the day of A.D. 18 for the term of and continued in actual service in the said war for the term of and was honorably discharged at on or about the day of A.D. 18 , as will appear by reference to the rolls, that he received no printed or written discharge, and that neither he nor she ever received or applied for, or is entitled to bounty land for any other service, except that she received for the same service, under the act of September 1850, a 40-acre warrant, No. which she has legally sold and cannot return.  The applicant now receives a Pension from the Government for the same service; said Pension is numbered 3471, is made payable at Boston and is recorded on Roll of Pensions Vol. 2 nd Pg. 136
She further states that she was married to the said Ebenezer Clapp in Pautucket on the day of 18 by  _____  Stacy Grafton a Justice of peace and that her name before her said marriage was Elizabeth Bullard  that her husband died at Walpole, Mass on the 28 th day of September 1809 , proof of which will be found on file with her Pension application, that she is still a widow,— that she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act of Congress passed March 3, 1855, and that she prays that the certificate thereof may be sent for her to Horatio Woodman, Boston, Mass.
Elizabeth Smith
Subscribed and duly sworn to, the day and year first above written. I certify that she is the identical person above described. I have no interest in the case.
Charles Hamant
{ Justice of the Peace.
Elizabeth B. Hamant, Justice of the Peace, Medfield, Mass. A.D. 1855.

State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk
We John W. Adams, and Clarissa Ellsworth having been duly sworn, depose and say, that we well knew Ebenezer Clapp lived a Soldier in the Revolutionary war whose widow now applies for bounty land,—that we knew him for more than forty six years before his death, which occurred at Walpole Massachusetts about years ago,—that we know that he died about that time because of his widow subsequently married Anna Smith who died at Medfield that we are residents of Saint Medfield that we have known his said widow from his death to this time, that she has remained unmarried,—that her declaration was signed and acknowledged by her in our presence,—that she is the identical person she represents herself to be,—and that we are disinterested.
John W. Adams
Clarissa Ellsworth
Subscribed, and duly sworn to before me, this Seventeenth day of May A.D. 1855
Charles Hamant Justice of the Peace
It is hereby certified that satisfactory proof has been exhibited before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, by the affidavits of John W. Adams and Clarissa Ellsworth of the said county and state, who are personally known to me, who are entitled to credit, and who swear that they have no pecuniary interest in the result of the above application; that Elizabeth Smith
is the widow, remaining unmarried of the late Ebenezer Clapp who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, as I truly believe and that the said Ebenezer Clapp died at Walpole (as I believe) on or about the twenty eighth day of September A.D. 1809 that she subsequently married Anna Smith who died in said Medfield, that she is now a widow
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this Seventeenth day of May 1855 I have no interest in this case.
Charles Hamant Justice of the Peace
"We attended his funeral," or "were in the neighborhood at the time," or some equally good reason.

Declaration of Elizabeth Smith for Pension under the Act of June 7 th A.D. 1832, & the Act of Aug t 23 rd A.D. 1842 -
L
Please to direct the result as usual, to the Subscriber at Dedham, Massachusetts -
Yrs W. G. Ellis

State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss. On this fourth day of October A.D. 1842 personally appeared in open Court, before Sherman Leland Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Norfolk; Elisabeth Smith a resident of Medfield in said County, aged seventy nine 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 provision, made by the Act of Congress passed July 7 th A.D. 1838, entitled an "Act granting half Pay and Pensions to certain Widows" together with the provisions of the Act of August 23-1842, amending the aforesaid Act.
Viz. I Elisabeth Smith of Medfield in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being seventy nine years of age declare and say. That I am now the Widow of Amos Smith late of said Medfield dec d to whom I was lawfully married October 23-A.D. 1831. and who died at said Medfield March 22 A.D. 1838, said Amos Smith was my second husband. And I further declare and say, That I was the Widow of Ebenezer Clap jun r . my first husband for a term of twenty four years previous to my marriage to said Amos Smith. That said Ebenezer Clap my first husband, rendered military services to the United States in the Revolutionary War; that according to what I have often heard my said first husband relate in his life time, and the best evidence within my knowledge these military services were performed as follows viz—
Ten days Service as Soldier, at Cambridge, in Capt. Jeremiah Smith's Company—beginning April 19 th A.D. 1775—and usually called the Lexington alarm—
Eight months service as Soldier at Roxbury, in Capt. Seth Bullard's Company and Col. Joseph Reed's Regiment. That this service began near the first of May 1775, and ended on the last of December the same year.
Twelve months service as Sergeant, at Dorchester Heights, Mass ts , at New York City, Long Island, West Chester and White Plains in the State of New York, in the Company of Capt. Samuel Payson and said Col. Joseph Reed's Regiment. That this term of service began and ended with the year A.D. 1776. And the said Ebenezer Clap took part in a Battle with the Enemy, at the above mentioned West Chester, in this Campaign of 1776.
One month and seven days Service as Sergeant, at Little Compton & Rivertown in the State of Rhode Island in Capt. Oliver Clap's Company, Col. Benjamin Harves Regiment, in the month of October and part of November A.D. 1777.
Eleven months service as Soldier or Sergeant at Rhode Island in the Company of Capt. Nathaniel Morse, or Capt. Luke Howell, Col. Ward's Reg t Gen l John Sullivan's Brigade. beginning about the first of July A.D. 1778.
That said Ebenezer Clap jun r . my first husband, belonged to, and resided in the Town of Walpole in said County of Norfolk Mass ts and never had any permanent residence or home but within that Town. That I believe the said Ebenezer Clap jun r . performed the aforesaid military services as a Volunteer, and never received any Pension or gratuity from the United States nor from any State. That beside the aforesaid military service, my said first husband, rendered several tours of Naval service against the common Enemy in the Revolutionary War. after the year 1778. and in the course of this service, suffered a term of twelve months imprisonment at Halifax Nova Scotia, but what Officers he served under or on board of what ships this service was performed is such as entitles it to consideration with the aforesaid terms of military service I am unable to determine, and trust a just cause will be taken in relation thereto. And herewith transmit the best proofs in aid of my claim, I have been able to procure.
And I the said Elisabeth Smith further declare and say, That my maiden name was Elisabeth Bullard, that I was lawfully married to the said Ebenezer Clap jun r . on or about the first day of May, A.D. 1778—by Ephraim Starkweather Esq. a justice of the Peace and acting magistrate; of the Town of Rehoboth in the State of Massachusetts, where my marriage was duly consummated. That I had a record of my marriage to said Ebenezer Clap jun r . entered on a blank leaf in my family Bible, and also a record of the birth of our children which for near thirty years remained entire on said blank leaf, but which was afterwards lost out of said Bible, and can not now be found, and this is the reason I can not determine the precise day I was married to said Ebenezer Clap jun r . at Rehoboth. I have sent to said Town of Rehoboth but could not there find the exact day of my marriage sought, as will appear by some of the papers herewith transmitted. That said Ebenezer Clap jun r . my first husband, died at Walpole aforesaid, on the thirtieth day of August A.D. 1807—and that I remained the widow of said Clap, till my marriage to said Amos Smith at the time above stated. That I was not married to him the said Ebenezer Clap jun r . prior to his leaving the service aforesaid, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, Seventeen hundred and ninety four. viz. at the time above stated.
Sworn to and Subscribed, on the day and year, first above written. Before me Elizabeth Smith J. Leland Judge of Probate

Eight months service as Soldier at Roxbury, in Capt Seth Bullard's Company and Col. Joseph Reed's Regiment. That this service began near the first of May 1776, and ended on the last of December the same year.
Twelve months service as Sergeant, at Dorchester Heights, Mass ts , at New York City, Long Island, West Chester and White Plains in the State of New York, in the Company of Capt. Samuel Payson and said Col. Joseph Reed's Regiment. That this term of service began and ended with the year A.D. 1776. And the said Ebenezer Clap took part in a Battle with the Enemy, at the above mentioned West Chester, in this Campaign of 1776.
One month and seven days service as Sergeant, at Little Compton & Tiverton in the State of Rhode Island in Capt. Oliver Clap's Company, Col. Benjamin Warves Regiment, in the month of October and part of November A.D. 1777.
Three months service as Soldier or Sergeant at Rhode Island in the Company of Capt. Nathaniel Morse, or Capt. Luke Howell, Col. Ward's Reg t Gen l John Sullivan Brigade. beginning about the first of July A.D. 1778.
That said Ebenezer Clap jun r . my first husband, belonged to, and resided in the Town of Walpole in said County of Norfolk Mass ts and never had any permanent residence or home but within that Town. That I believe the said Ebenezer Clap jun r . performed the aforesaid military services as a Volunteer, and never received any Pension or gratuity from the United States nor from any State. That beside the aforesaid military service, my said first husband, rendered several tours of Naval service against the common Enemy in the Revolutionary War, after the year 1778. and in the course of this service, suffered a term of twelve months imprisonment at Halifax Novascotia. but what Officers he served under or on board of what ships this service was performed I have been unable to ascertain; and whether character of this Naval Service is such as entitles it to consideration with the aforesaid terms of military service I am unable to determine, and trust a just cause will be taken in relation thereto. And I herewith transmit the best proofs in aid of my claim, I have been able to procure.
And I the said Elizabeth Smith further declare and say, That my maiden name was Elizabeth Bullard, that I was lawfully married to the said Ebenezer Clap jun r , on or about the first day of May, A.D. 1788 by Ephraim Starkweather Esq. a justice of the Peace and acting magistrate; of the Town of Rehoboth in the State of Massachusetts, where my marriage was duly consummated. That I had a record of my marriage to said Ebenezer Clap jun r entered on a blank leaf in my family Bible, and also a record of the birth of our children, which for near thirty years remained intire on said blank leaf, but which was afterwards lost out of said Bible, and can not now be found, and this is the reason I can not determine the precise day I was married to said Ebenezer Clap jun r . at Rehoboth. I have sent to said Town of Rehoboth but could not there find the exact day of my marriage sought, as will appear by some of the Papers herewith transmitted. That said Ebenezer Clap jun r . my first husband, died at Walpole aforesaid, on the thirtieth day of August A.D. 1807 - and that I remained the widow of said Clap, till my marriage to said Amos Smith at the time above stated. That I was not married to him the said Ebenezer Clap jun r prior to his leaving the service aforesaid, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, Seventeen hundred and ninety four. viz. at the time above stated.
Sworn to and Subscribed, on the day and Year, first above written
Before me
J. Selawick Judge of Probate
Elizabeth Smith

I, Joshua Stetson Junr. of Walpole, Massachusetts being Clerk of the Town of said Walpole, hereby certify, that I have made diligent search and examined the Books and Records of Marriages, Also the Records of Intentions of Marriage by Publication, and the Records of Births, in my possession: And on the Records of Intentions of Marriage by publication, Vol. 1., I find an entry in the precise words, figures and form following, viz.
"Ebenezer Clap Jr and Elizabeth Bullard both of Walpole, were Published Jan'y ye 6 th 1788 22 "
And I further certify, that on due search of said Records of Marriages I do not find any entry of the marriage of said Ebenezer Clap Jr and Elizabeth Bullard, and believe they must have been married in some other town. And I further certify that on the said Records of Births Vol. 2., on page 1., and on page 8., I find two entries in the precise words, figures and form following, viz.
"Lewis Clap the son of Ebenezer Clap and Elizabeth his wife was born Decr. ye 27 th 1789, at 10 o'clock A.M. 22 "
"Clencey Clap the daughter of Ebenezer Clap and Elizabeth his wife, was born July ye 1 st 1793, at 10 o'clock A.M. 22 "
Walpole Mass. October 6., 1842. The above extracts are a true copy of Records in my possession.
Joshua Stetson Jr, Town Clerk of Walpole.
I, Joshua Stetson Jr. above named of Walpole in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, depose and say, that I hold at this time, the Office of Town Clerk in the Town, County and State aforesaid, and that the above are true extracts from the Books of Records of said town of Walpole as above certified by me. — Joshua Stetson Jr, Town Clerk of Walpole.
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss.
October 6 th A.D. 1842, Then personally appeared the above named Joshua Stetson Junr. Clerk of the town of Walpole, a credible witness, and subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter by him certified and set forth, in the foregoing Certificate and Deposition, is just and true in all parts thereof.
Before me — W. G. Gellis Justice of the Peace.

CLAPP, EBENEZER (CONT., MASS.) W-15357

By Joseph Read, colonel of the 13 th Regiment of Foot Raised by Order of the Honorable the Continental Con- gress of the thirteen United States of America
To Ebenezer Cap Greeting
By Virtue of the Power and Authority given to me by the Honorable the Continental Congress Aforesaid, Reposing Special confidence in your courage and good conduct. I Do, by these Presents constitute and appoint You the said Ebenezer Cap, to be a 3 rd serjeant in the 13 th Regiment of Foot now under my command - You are therefore to discharge the duty of a 3 rd serjeant in a company of said Regiment commanded by Captain Samuel Wayson, and Carefully and diligently to Observe and Obey all such orders as you shall from time to time Receive from Your Superior Officers and you are to be faithfull in all duty put to You as a 3 rd serjeant whereof this shall be your sufficient Warrant
Given under my Hand this 16 th Day of December 1776
41
Joseph Read Colonel

✓ 18.394.
J Mrs. A. A. A.

8457
Let to Mrs Ellis Oct 13. 40
out 7. July 38 23 adg 42

6837.
Massachusetts
Elizabeth Smith formerly widow of
Ebenezer Bliss, dec d who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 30. Augt 1807 of Norfolk in the State of Mass who was a Pri t : in the Company commanded by Captain Bullards of the Regt. commanded by Col. Reed in the Continental Mass. line for 20 mos. 9. ds
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass a at the rate of 67 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Oct. 1842, and sent to Wm Ellis Esq r , Dedham, Mass:
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841.
Semi-annual allowance ending Oct. 23 d Aug. '42
338, 30
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Theo. S. Woodbury Clerk Book A Vol. 1 Page 132
Reported
Letto Wm Ellis Nov. 18. '42 same Dec 1. 1842

For Report see letter to P. Atgl. Dec. 15. 42
Massachusetts, N o 6837.
Elizabeth Smith formerly widow of
Ebenezer Clapp dec d
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 30 th August 1807. of Suffolk, in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Bullard of the Regt. commanded by Col d Reed in the H. Y. line for 9 m. 16 ds. for 12 m. Sergeant
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 91. Dollars 77 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th of March, 1836. Increased from $ 67.66.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 th day of December 42 and sent to Wm Ellis Esq. Needham Mass
Arrears to the 4 th of March 1841.
Semi-annual allowance ending
458.85
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Miss Moody Clerk, Book A Vol. 1 Page 132

3026
Massachusetts
Elizabeth Smith formerly widow of Ebenezer Clapp who was a private in the N. York Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 91 Dollars 77 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of Nov r 1843 and sent to
W Ellis Dedham Mass s
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 8 Vol. 1 Page 52

Gene. Smith '75 - Vol 13 p. 93 - on 9 days Seth Bullard 75 - Vol 14 p. 33 on 1 st May - 6 mo. Oliver Clab 77 - Vol 1 p. 122 not on Capt. Nathl. Moore Vol 21 p. 84 & 85. Subscription sold for 3 mo & 21 days - sold in money not entered.
Luke Howard issue of '79 not on nor Vol 78.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15357 Elizabeth Smith Former Widow of Ebenezer Clapp Rev Rev War
Act: Feb 21 1848
Index:—Vol. M , Page 222
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Thurs Feb. 2, Mass.
Pop. Dr.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston September 2 1848
I hereby Certify , That on the twentieth of February eighteen hundred and forty four Charles C. Sewall was appointed to the term of seven years a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
William Lloyd Deputy. Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Open New Certificate
9 mo 16 d, Pri 12. Sergt
$91.77
Deduct if any
Wm Ellis Dedham Mass
Payment to be made at Boston Mass by T. Haven Esqr
Agent for paying pension- ers, in the Agency of
Boston
Payable on the 4th March and 4th September in each year. application
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A, Vol. 1 Page 132 by
Theo. Moody Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Five years' Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, 23 d August 1842, Elizabeth Smith, formerly widow of Ebenezer Clapp, deceased who was a Private in the Revolution and died on the 30 th day of August, 1807 is entitled to receive five years' pension at the rate of Sixty seven dollars and Sixty Six cents per annum, commencing on the Fourth day of March 1836; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 28 th day of October one thousand eight hundred and forty two,
John C. Spencer Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

James L. Codwards Esq. U.S. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Mr Edwards
Dedham Mass 11 Oct 7 th 1842.
Sir. Herewith is transmitted the Application of Elizabeth Smith of Medfield Mass, for a Pension or allowance for the Revolutionary services of Ebenezer Clap her first husband dec d . with regard to any personal testimony to sustain the ten days service claimed for the Lexington alarm it is supposed that no one is now to be found among the living to testify - This term was inserted from the Claimants recollection and a few words and figures found on the remains of an old minute Book or memorandum in the hand writing and name of said Ebenezer Clap dated April 19 th 1775.
The traditional evidence of Aged People acquainted with said Ebenezer Clap in those days, seems to be, that said Clap the Claimants first husband, rendered several months military service at Rhode Island, the same year (1778) that General John Sullivan had an engagement with the Enemy on Rhode Island, but the Claimant having no Rolls of that service, has not been able to procure any positive proof of that term of 1778 claimed for, and hopes the Rolls in the War office will confirm that term if was rendered.
If it were required, much Evidence might be adduced to establish the fact of the Claimants good moral character from her youth up.
Any further Explanations in this matter that may be thought necessary, will be promptly furnished if practicable. Please to make return of the result of this Claim to the subscriber at Dedham Mass.
I am Sir very respectfully,
Your Ob st Servant
Agassiz
James L. Edwards Esq. Washington City -

James L. Edwards Esq. Washington City

Dedham Mass ts Dec r 8 th 1842.
Mr Edwards
Sir
Yours of December 1 st is rec d , by which I am glad to see that the additional proofs last forwarded in the case of Elizabeth Smith "are satisfactory to shew that she is entitled to the addition of Sergeants pay for the 12 months service of 1776, and of one month and 7 days as private under Captain Clapp in 1777 in Rhode Island " and I herewith return the Certificate of 28 th of October last, (and on which no payment has been made) in exchange for another you may please to send me, embracing the aforesaid additional allowance —.
I am Sir very respectfully your Obe d Servant
James L. Edwards Esq. Washington City
W. G. Ellis

James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Dedham Mass. 11. October 24 th 1842
Mr. Edwards
Sir Your favor of Oct r 13 th is received, by which it is perceived you admit the Revolutionary services of Ebenezer Clap jun r dec d , the first husband of Elizabeth Smith. viz. 9 days service at the Lexington alarm, in 1775, 8 months service of 1775, and 12 months service in 1776, and remark, "in the case of Elizabeth Smith, the most satisfactory proof is required as to the date of the death of her last husband". The date of the death of said Amos Smith was explicitly stated by said Elizabeth Smith the claimant (from her family Records) in her declaration pending. And the Deposition of Mrs Ellinwood in the case, stated from personal knowledge, that said Amos Smith died in the month of March 1838, and that said Elizabeth Smith his widow, had not since intermarried, but remained the widow of said Amos Smith at the present time &c. As the above proof is precisely the same as heretofore forwarded and accepted, in all other cases as to the death of either the first or second husband of the applicant and not now acceptable; it is presumed that there is either some new regulation on this point of proof, of which I am not informed, or that a part of the testimony of Mrs Ellinwood escaped notice. Therefore I herewith transmit a transcript of the Medfield Records to establish the same fact, and hope it will be satisfactory. if not, I will endeavor to procure the same proof in such form as may better meet the regulations of your Department.
It also appears by your letter, that the name of Ebenezer Clap jun r is not found on the Rolls of Capt. Oliver Clapp as claimed, for five weeks service at Little Compton R.I. in 1777. Elijah Thompson's testimony is clear and explicit in relation to this term of service, and can be further sustained if necessary, by other credible Witnesses, who served at the same time at Little Compton R.I. in what has been called the "Secret Expedition" of "One month and seven days" in September & October 1777. Said Thompson and others have stated, and are willing to testify if required, that said Ebenezer Clap jun r was in service at R.I. at the very time that John Day of Walpole their Townsman was killed when on board a Boat, by a shot from the Enemy in the night time. And this event has been again and again proved in other cases, to have taken place on the waters or sound between Newport and Little Compton R.I. in the month of October. 1777.
It is very possible, and perhaps probable, that if said Ebenezer Clap jun r was not enroll'd in Capt Oliver Clapp's company from Walpole, he might have served in another company of Col. Benj t Hawes Regiment and been on daily duty with some of his Walpole friends in the same service, and the most rational conclusion I trust will be, that said Ebenezer Clap jun r did render the

Since weeks service at R.S. in 1777 as claimed — With regard to the three months service in the year 1778, I can only say as in my former Note, that the concurrent traditional statements from respectable sources, here , go to establish a strong probability at least, that said Ebenezer Clapp seni — served as Soldier or Sergeant at Rhode Island, the term of three months, the same Autumn 1778, that General John Sullivan had a Battle with the Enemy at Butts Hill in that Quarter, and that this service was rendered in the Regiment of Col. Tyler or that of Col. William M c Intosh. But having no Rolls here of that Service of 1778, I know not of any positive proof that can be made by the Claimant to establish that term of service, therefore, if no satisfactory proof can be found on the Rolls in your Department to sustain this service claimed for 1778, it must remain suspended till some other proofs transpire to confirm it —.
James L. Edwards Esq., Washington City.
I am Sir, very Respectfully, Your Ob st Servant —
W m G llis

Dedham Mass n November 26 th 1842.
Mr Edwards
Sir
Your favor of the 18 th Instant is received, by which it appears in the case of Elizabeth Smith, that more satisfactory proofs are requisite to establish the years service as Sergeant, of Ebenezer Clapp & her first husband in the year 1776, wishing only to do, what justice seems to require in this case, I briefly state, that when the claimant made her declaration, her statements from memory, and the testimony of Josiah Hall appeared so conclusive, that said Ebenezer Clapp did serve eight months as private in Capt. Bullard's company in 1775, and 12 months as Sergeant under Capt. Sam l . Payson in 1776, no search was made by me at that time for documentary proofs of these terms of service. — since I received your last; search has been made and said Ebenezer Clapp's Sergeant Warrant found, and herewith transmitted; It seems singular however that this warrant is dated "16 th day of December 1776" — only fourteen days before the years service ended; and in examining the Revolutionary Journal of said Ebenezer Clapp j , I find an entry, under the date of January 6 th 1776 in the well known hand writing of said Ebenezer Clapp, in these words and form viz z "On the sixteenth Day of December I enlisted for another year under the command of Capt. Sam l Payson" — and it would seem still more singular; as said Clapp enlisted into the years service Dec r 15 th 1775, and his warrant bearing date just one year afterwards viz z Dec r 16 th 1776, if the latter date had not particular reference to the former, or that the latter was intended to agree with the time of enlistment, and that 1776, was inserted by mistake for 1775. — It is well known that Col. Joseph Read and other Officers in the first eight months service, made preparations by enlistments &c. as early as November, for the years service of 1776.
Also, I herewith transmit, the deposition of Elijah Barden as further proof that said Ebenezer Clapp served one month and seven days as claimed under Capt Oliver Clapp at Little Compton R.I. A.D. 1777. That after Barden has authenticated his deposition, I inquired of him what occasioned the said Clapp's remarks about their Captain Hat, alluded to therein, said Barden answered that this tour at Little Compton was the first service & Capt Oliver Clapp had rendered, at a distance from home or among experienced military Officers, that he had often moved his Hat when he met commissioned Officers of his own grade or even Lieutenants or Ensigns; when usage and propriety required no such salute but to Superiors. — It would seem, that both the Deponents would not be mistaken with regard to the five weeks service of said Ebenezer Clapp at R.I. in 1777. — might not said Clapp have marched to Little Compton with these Deponents, and then have been ranged out and attached to some other company, in Col. Hawes Regiment, in the in the same daily service? —
I will only add, if the additional evidence herewith transmitted, should, or should not, sustain any of the additional service to which it refers, I ask the favor to be informed of the fact, as early, as may be convenient, that I may return the certificate, or otherwise.
James L. Edwards Esq. Washington City
I am Sir, very Respectfully your Obe t Servant
W m Gellis

I, Isaac Fiske of Medfield, in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being Clerk of said Town of Medfield, hereby certify, that I have examined the records of deaths in said Medfield, on the record book in my possession, and I find on Page 263, an entry in the precise words, figures, and form as following viz. "Deaths in Medfield 1838" top of Page.
"Amos Smith Died March 22 d . A g . 76 years"
The above extracts are a true copy of record in my possession) Isaac Fiske { Town Clerk of Medfield
I Isaac Fiske above named, depose and say, that I hold at this time, the office of Town Clerk in the Town, County and State aforesaid, and that the above are true extracts from the Book of Records of said town of Medfield as above certified by me. And I further say, that I well recollect said Amos Smith before his death, and know the fact, that his widow, Elizabeth Smith, is still living, and resides in said Medfield.
Isaac Fiske { Town Clerk of Medfield
State of Massachusetts } County of Norfolk S.S. } October 28 th A.D. 1842. Personally appeared the above named Isaac Fiske, Clerk of the town of Medfield a credible Witness, and subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter by him certified and set forth in the above statements by him so subscribed, is just and true, in every part thereof. Before me - W m Ellis Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office October 21, 1842. I hereby certify that the within named William Ellis is a justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk, in Commonwealth aforesaid, duly appointed and commissioned and that to his acts and attestations full faith and credit are to be given.
Witness the Seal of the Commonwealth the date above written
66.66.
John P. Bigelow
Secy of the Council

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston November 23 d 1842
I hereby C ertify, That William Ellis is a justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
before the deponent subscribed or affirmed
Wm Ellis

I Elijah Barden of Walpole in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being eighty three years of age, hereby testify and say, that that I was personally and intimately acquainted with Ebenezer Clapp, late of said Walpole die, during the Revolutionary war, and till his death, which according to my best recollection took place more than thirty years ago, - And I further say, that I distinctly recollect and know the fact, that said Ebenezer Clapp performed the duty of Soldier or Sergeant. I believe he was a Sergeant, - for a term of five weeks at Little Compton in the State of Rhode Island, In the Company commanded by by Capt Oliver Clapp and Lieut. Timothy Mann and Col. Benjamin Haines' Regiment, that this term of service was performed in the fall of the year and I believe in the months of September & October. A.D. 1777. one anecdote of said Clapp at said Little Compton occurs to mind, which was as follows - one day while in this tour of duty at Little Compton - our Regiment for view, formed a hollow square and when an officer, I believe a Captain passed; our Captain, Oliver Clapp, he, took off his hat to the passing officer: on this occasion, I distinctly recollect, that said Ebenezer Clapp standing near me, said these words viz. "If I had a nail, I would nail our Captain's hat on" - that The reason I know the facts above stated is, I served as Soldier in said Oliver Clapp's Company at Little Compton with said Ebenezer Clapp, in the aforesaid tour of military service of 1777.
Elijah Barden
State of Massachusetts ) County of Norfolk ss November 23 d A.D. 1842. Then personally appeared the above named Elijah Barden, and subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by him so subscribed, is true, and I further certify, the above named Elijah Barden is a man of apparent sound mind and memory and is long known to the subscriber as a credible Witness -
Before me, W m Ellis Justice of the Peace
Note The word "that" in the second line from the top & the word "by" in the eleventh line from the top, were erased, and the words "that" & "in" on the second & third lines from the bottom were inserted, by me, before the deponent subscribed or otherwise authenticated the foregoing Deposition -
W m Ellis

11 Nov 1842
Go 6.
Eliz. Smith
Commissioner of Pensions
James J. Edwards Esq.
F.R.F.V.
Washington City
Ms.

Dedham Mass Nov. 7 th 1842
Mr Edwards
Sir
In the case of Elizabeth Smith formerly the widow of Ebenezer Clap dec d , I have just received from your Department her Certificate for $67.66. per annum, from March 4 th 1836 22 which appears to be erroneous, unless I misunderstand your admission by letter to me of "October 13 th 1842 22 ". Said Elizabeth in her declaration claims for the three first terms of service of said Ebenezer Clap, viz. "Ten days service as Soldier at Cambridge from April 19 th 1775 in Capt Jeremiah Smith Company" — "Eight months service at Roxbury as Soldier in Capt Seth Bullards Company in 1775. &c" — "and 12 months service as Sergeant etc. East Chester, New York &c in Capt Samuel Payons Company beginning and ending with the year A.D. 1776 22 ". Your admission by said letter, Oct 13 th 1842 22 is thus. "She rolls verify the following terms of service, — 9 days in April 1775, under Capt Jeremiah Smith, and 8 months months under Capt Bullard in 1775." — "The proof of the 12 months service in 1776, is satisfactory 22 ".
The allowance to said Elizabeth Smith as appears by s d Certificate, is graduated on 20 months and 9 days service as Soldier or private, without regard to 12 months of said term, being in capacity of sergeant.
If there is an error I wish it to be rectified before any thing further is done in this case, and will return the Certificate for another, as soon as informed on the point in question. I had supposed there was no doubt with regard to the 12 months service as Sergeant, claim'd for said Ebin Clap in 1776, both from the ready recollection of that circumstance by the Claimant & by Josiah Hall's testimony in the case, or by the aforesaid admission, and therefore did not look for further proof to sustain that fact. If the years service as Sergeant is not to be sustained and allow'd by the proofs in the case, we shall look for some further proofs; and if obtain'd, forward them forthwith.
I am Sir, very Respectfully Your Obed t Servant
James L. Edwards Esq. Washington City
W m Ellis

Eliz. Smith
aa
3026

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss.
Norfolk COUNTY, }
On this Twenty sixth day of August 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, Widow a resident of Medfield in the county of Norfolk aged Eighty four years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Mr. Ebenezer Clapp who was a resident of Walpole, Norfolk Co and who was a Sergeant in the War of the Revolution and is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17th June, 1844, on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of Ninety one dollars and Seventy eight cents per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day } Before me,
and year above written, }
In presence of,
Eliza A. Stone
Chas. C. Sewall
Justice of the Peace.
I Certify, That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner, as she declares.
Chas. C. Sewall, Justice of the Peace.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss.
COUNTY, }
I, Clerk of the Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that his signature, above written, is genuine.
Given under my hand, and the Seal of said Court, this day of
18
CLERK.

2842
Elizabeth Smith's Claim Pension Act, March 3 rd 1843.
Please to report the result to the subscriber at Dedham Mass. — W m Ellis
admd
91.77

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7, 1838, and the amended act of 23d August, 1842.
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk } ss.
On this Twenty eighth day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty Three personally appeared before the Subscriber a justice of the Peace, in and for said County, Elizabeth Smith a resident of Medfield in the County of Norfolk aforesaid aged Eighty years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Amos Smith late of said Medfield dec d , who was her second husband, that she was previous to her marriage with said Smith , the widow of Ebenezer Clap of Walpole in said County dec d , that for the Revolutionary services of said Clap her first husband, as Private and Sergeant, she made application for a five years Pension under the Acts of Congress of July 7 th 1838. and August 23 d 1842. and forwarded her application with the requisite proofs of said Clap's Revolutionary services, and of her lawful marriage to him the said Clap ; to the U.S. Pension Department at Washington City, in the early part of October A.D. 1842. and on the twentieth day of December 1842. she received her certificate granting her a Pension of $1.77 per annum, for a term of five years. From March 4 th A.D. 1836 to March 4 th A.D. 1841. And that she subsequently received the amount of said five years Pension, and at the same time, surrendered her Pension Certificate to the U.S. Agent for paying Pensions in Boston in the State of Massachusetts .
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Elizabeth Smith
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written before me, and I further certify, that from personal knowledge, the matter set forth by Elizabeth Smith in the foregoing statement, is true
W. Ellis Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, July 19 1843
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereto attached, William Ellis was a Justice of the peace for the County of Norfolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Wm. A. Doolittle
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I James C. Starkweather of Paucton formerly a part of the town of Rehoboth in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts, manufacturer, being of lawful age hereby certify and say, that I well remember my grand father Ephraim Starkweather Esq of this place who died about thirty five years ago. That from various papers in my possession, and other documents, I am satisfied that he the said Ephraim was an acting Magistrate in said town of Rehoboth for many years before his death. That from information from various respectable people of his acquaintance, I fully believe that he the said Ephraim Starkweather did, on many occasions, in his capacity of Justice of the Peace, Unite several persons in the bonds of matrimony by marriage. And being enquired of for record evidence of such marriages by him consummated can only say, that so far as I know, the Records and papers of said Ephraim Starkweather Esq; came into the possession of my late father Oliver Starkweather dec. and subsequently into my possession, and that after diligent examination of said papers, I can not find any records of Marriages whatever among them. And that whatever marriages might have been consummated and recorded by said Ephraim Starkweather Esq. my belief is, the records thereof, were either lost or destroyed before the said papers came into my possession.
James C. Starkweather
State of Massachusetts } Bristol County ss - September 28 th 1842. Then personally appeared James C. Starkweather a credible witness, and made oath that the matter by him certified and declared in the foregoing statement, and by him subscribed in my presence is just and true in every part thereof. Before me - Aspillas Cushing Justice of the Peace

Rehoboth, Mass September 29 th 1842. Sir In answer to your enquiries, I have examined the ancient town records of Rehoboth in my possession and am not able to find a record of the marriage of Ebenezer Clapp Jr. and Elizabeth Bullard therein, to which I am willing to testify if required. These ancient records of marriages in the books in my possession are somewhat irregular and much worn by time. Your humble servant Asaph Bliss } Town clerk of Rehoboth William Ellis } Dedham Mass.
The above is an original letter from Asaph L. Bliss Clerk of the Town of Rehoboth to the subscriber
W. Ellis

I Josiah Hall of Walpole in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being eighty eight years of age hereby testify and say, That during the Revolutionary War and afterwards, I was personally and intimately acquainted with Ebenezer Clap Jun r of said Walpole, dec d . That I am knowing to the fact, that said Ebenezer Clap Jun r served as Soldier at Roxbury near Boston in Capt n Seth Bullard's Company and Col. Joseph Reed's Regiment That this term of service began on or about the first day of May A.D. 1775 and ended on the last day of December the same year, and I further depose and say, that I know the fact that Ebenezer Clap Jun r performed one years service as Sergeant at Dorchester Heights Mass s at New York City, Long Island, West Chester, and White Plains, in the State of New York, in Capt n Samuel Payson's Company and said Col. Joseph Reed's Regiment, that this term of service began and ended with the year A.D. 1776. and the reason why I know the above stated facts are because I served as Soldier, with said Ebenezer Clap Jun r both in said Capt n Seth Bullard's Company during the said eight months service in 1775, and in said Capt n Samuel Payson's Company during said years service of 1776.
That I call the said Ebenezer Clap, Ebenezer Clap Jun r , because he had a father then living of the same name who was a Colonel some part of said war, but whether said Clap was stiled Ebenezer Clap, or Ebenezer Clap Jun r on the Rolls of said eight months service and years service, I do not recollect,
That according to my recollection and belief the said Ebenezer Clap Jun r married Elizabeth Bullard a daughter of the aforesaid Capt n Seth Bullard soon after the close of said war, and I have no reason to believe but said Clap and Elizabeth were lawfully married, for I know the fact that they kept house and lived together as man and wife, for a term of sixteen years or more before the death of said Ebenezer Clap Jun r  They resided but little more than a mile from my residence, that I was often at their House, and remember that they had two or three Children, and I should think that the said Ebenezer Clap Jun r died at said Walpole between thirty and forty years ago, That by common report, the said Elizabeth Clap, the widow of said Ebenezer Clap Jun r , has within a few years, been married to a second husband at Mansfield in said County by the name of Smith who has also deceased, and that said Elizabeth still remains his widow and resides at Mansfield.
Josiah Hall
State of Massachusetts Norfolk County S.S. — October 6 th A.D. 1842. Personally appeared the above named Josiah Hall, a man of sound mind and memory, and long known to the subscriber as a credible Witness, and subscribed to, and made Oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by him so subscribed, is true in every part thereof.
Before me W m Gellis Justice of the Peace
Note. The words "They resided" in the Eleventh line from the bottom of this Deposition, were inserted by me before the same was signed and sworn to, by the deponent W m Gellis

I Elijah Thompson of Walpole in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being seventy nine - years of age hereby testify and say that I was personally acquainted with Ebenezer Clap jun r of said Walpole dec d , in the year A.D. 1777 and for many years afterwards; - That I am knowing to the fact, that said Ebenezer Clap jun r rendered military services in the capacity of Sergeant, for a term of five weeks at Little Compton in the State of Rhode Island, in the Company of Capt n Oliver Clap and Col. Benjamin Hawes Regiment and that this service was performed in the Autumn of the year A.D. 1777, And the reasons why I know the above facts are because I served a musketeer in said Capt Oliver Clap's Company for the same term of time with the said Ebenezer Clap jun r at the time and place aforesaid. That according to my best recollection and belief the said Ebenezer Clap jun r , not long after the close of the Revolutionary war, married to Elizabeth Bullard a young woman of my acquaintance, and that the said Ebenezer kept house with his wife the said Elizabeth till the time of his death. I have no means to determine the exact time of said Ebenezer Clap's death, but the  think he died, rather more than thirty years ago -
Elijah Thompson
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss
October 6 th 1842, the above named Elijah Thompson long known to the subscriber as a credible Witness, personally appeared, subscribed to and made Oath that the matter set forth in the foregoing Statement by him so subscribed is true -
Before me.
W m Ellis Justice of the Peace
Note - The word "the" in the last line but one in the above affidavit was erased, and the words "think he" inserted, by me, before the same was signed by the deponent or otherwise authenticated -
W m Ellis

no 8454.
Elizabeth Smith formerly widow of Ebenezer Clapp Mass.
act 7 July 38
23 Aug. 42
vol 13. 93-75 pri. — 9
14. 33 — " — 8. 0
witnes 76 — 12 —
admd
20. 9. 27 pri
$ 67.66
Please to report the result of this claim, to the subscriber at Dedham Mass te .
Yours " (glly)

To whom it may concern
I Clarissa Ellinwood of Medfield in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being forty nine years of age hereby Testify and say, that I was personally acquainted with Ebenezer Clap and his wife Elizabeth Clap at the time said Ebenezer Clap died at Walpole in said County, and where they then resided, I should think said Clap died some what over thirty years ago, that some time after the death of said Ebenezer Clap, his widow Elizabeth Clap, removed to, and has for more than twenty years last past resided in said Medfield, That within the last fifteen years, the said Elizabeth Clap married a second husband by the name of Amos Smith at said Medfield, that according to my best recollection the said Amos Smith died in the month of March or April A.D. 1838. And I farther say, that I know the fact, that said Elizabeth has not intermarried since the death of s d Amos Smith her second husband, but remains, at the present time, the widow of said Amos Smith dec d and resides in s d Town of Medfield.
Clarissa Ellinwood
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss
October 6 th 1842. The above named Clarissa Ellinwood personally appeared, subscribed to and made Oath, that the matter set forth in the foregoing statement by her so subscribed is true, and the said Clarissa is a credible witness —
Before me W m Ellis Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. County of Norfolk.
I Jonathan H. Cobb Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Norfolk, as aforesaid hereby certify that Sherman Leland is Judge of said Court of Probate - that William Ellis is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County of Norfolk, & that Apostolus Cushman is a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Bristol, and that their several respective signatures on the paper annexed are genuine and true. —
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand at the seat of said Court of Probate this seventh day of October A.D. 1842.
Jonathan H. Cobb Reg d of Prob.