Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3146, William Dexter, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Depter, William Lowe, Betsey
W. 3146.
Former widow
CONTENTS

Massachusetts 3872
Betsy Lowe, formerly widow of William Dexter
who died on the 4 th December 1776 1786 of Worcester Co, in the State of Massachusetts who was a Surgeon's Mate in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Mass. line for 8 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 100 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of April 1843 and sent to Isaac M. Barton, Worcester, Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1843 1920:00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep. " 80:00 $ 2000:00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3. 4 3 March 1837 }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book C, Vol. 1, Page 59
Reported Atto Judge J M Barton June 13:43 " Jas Gregory Aug 16:44 " " June 15 '47

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Worcester.
On this twenty sixth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three, personally appeared before me Nathl. Brewster judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Worcester. Betsey Low a resident of Leominster in said County aged eighty 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 4. 1836, and the Act explanatory of said Act passed March 3. 1837. That she was married to William Dexter on the seventeenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four, and that her said husband was a soldier in the service of the Continental Congress, and was present at the battle of Bunker Hill, and was taken prisoner by the British, and remained in captivity until the following July, when he was exchanged and returned to his home in the town of Marlborough in the County of Middlesex, where this declarant then lived at her father's house in the neighboring town of Shrewsbury, and she did not see her husband after he first went into the service till sometime in the month of June. He again returned to the Army near Boston, and was at Com-

bridge at the time of the Battle on Brandywine Hill, taking care of the wounded. When our first Aid was here I was very sick, and my husband was up the day after, but he continued in the service till the nine months are out some time the next winter. I have my husband's original commission as Surgeon, made, and annex it to this declaration, but I have no other documentary evidence of his service.
Soon after he got through with his service at Boston he went with the Army to New York, and I believe he was then the Chief Surgeon of the Regiment but I am not certain, and I am unable to state whether he continued attached to the Regiment recommended by General Howe. But I know he was gone in this service three months and returned after being weather in the summer of 1776. Soon after his return, or in December 1776 we went to Haverly House in Middlesex, and he did not go into the service any more. Before that time I had continued to live at my father's in Shrewsbury.
She further declares that she was married to the late William Dexter on the seventeenth day of February in the year nineteen hundred and sixty four, as she hath above stated; that her husband the aforesaid William Dexter died on the fourth day of December in the year nineteen hundred and eighty six. That she afterwards, to wit on the sixteenth day of October in the year nineteen hundred

ninety five was married to Edward Low who died on the fourteenth day of February in the year eighteen hundred twenty three since that she was a widow on the 10th of July 1836, and still remains a widow, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annex- ed.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written
Before me
Robert G. Low
John M. Burton Judge of probate Court of Probate

Extract from the record of Marriage. William Dexter of Marlboro' and Elizabeth Bouker of Shrewsbury - July seventeenth, seven- teen hundred seventyfive.
By Rev d Joseph Sumner.
I, Job C. Stone, Clerk of the town of Shrewsbury, in the County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts, Certify 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 -
William Dexter of Marlboro' & Elizabeth Bouker of Shrewsbury - July 17. 1775.
Job C. Stone, Town Clerk of said Shrewsbury.
I, Job C. Stone above named, depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk in the town, County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true Extract from the records of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Job C. Stone 3
Worcester ss. Jan y , 28. th 1843
Then personally appeared the above named Job C. Stone and made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true. Before me
Henry Snow Jus. Peace

I Lydia Dexter of Linton in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do affirm and say that I am a former daughter of the late Doctor William Dexter and Betsey Dexter now Betsey Low his widow. I now live with my dear Grandmother Low, and she has now been married since the death of her last husband which happened on the fourteenth day of February A.D. 1923.
About twenty years ago, I am unable to state the precise time, I escape from the nursery in her old family Bible, the proper parts annexed and marked (A) indicating the time of the birth of herself and her first husband; their marriage, and the birth of their four children. And I have reason to believe that the facts therein stated are in every respect true. The old Bible once owned since I have not seen for a good many years, and the same I believe are occasionally lost.
Lydia Dexter
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Worcester ss. January 26. 1923 I am to be, since de- ceased who is a person of truth
My name
Am M. Blodgett Judge. Public

(a)
William Dexter born April 14 th 1755 Betsey Bunker born August 21 st 1753
United in Marriage Feb 14 th 1775
Eliza Dexter born Oct 30 1775 Lydia Dexter born Feb 28 1777 Sally Dexter born Oct 14 1778 William Dexter born Dec 29 1779
Copied from the family record
1042 1753 9
1042 1753 89

The Congress of the Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay
To William Dexter Gentleman
Greeting
Being informed of your Skill in Surgery and reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Ability and good Conduct do by these Presents constitute and appoint you the said William Dexter to be Surgeons Mate of the Regiment of Foot whereof the Hon ble General Ward is Colonel, raised by the Congress aforesaid for the Defence of said Colony. You Are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Surgeons Mate to the said Regiment in all Things appertaining thereto Observing All such Orders & Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from the Colonel of said Regiment or any other your Superior Officer according to Military Rules and Discipline established by this Congress for which this Shall be your sufficient Warrant.
Watertown 28 June 1775
By Order of Congress
Jas. Warren President
I am Sirman Secy

WIDOW, &c.
Reg.
1
No. 3146
Betsy Fowe
(Formerly) Widow
William Deyter
Imp. Mate Mass. Line
Act: July 4. 1886.
Index: — Vol. _____, Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]

May 8 1843
Miss B. L. Lorde
FREE
Edwards Lugin Cousin of Patricia Washington D.C.

Concord May 6. 1843
J. L. Edwards Esq.,
Sir,
The Certificate for the pension of Deborah Love under the act of July 4. '36 since March '37 was duly received. I wish you to inform me whether in making up the service of her late husband Dr. Dexter, anything was allowed for his alleged New-York Service, or whether the applicant was allowed for the first 8 months service only. Judging from the amt. of the pension 160.00 I suppose only eight months were allowed, but I am not certain, and I wish to be advised of the fact, with a view of making some further enquiry as to the N. York service, if it has not allowed.
Does not the Staff roll of General Leavitt show a service of Dr. Dexter in New York, in the year 1776?
Yours very Respectfully
Wm. M. Barlow

Betsy Lowe formerly Widow of William Dexter } Map. Act 4 July 1831 p 1160 2 pm
To what time was he last paid?
Pension Office June 12 th 1847 }
G. B. A Paid to 1 st Sept. 1846 1847

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, January 27. 1843.
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 William Dexter is borne on a Return of the Names of the Company and Staff Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Private Men in Captain Josiah Fay's Company in the 32 Regiment, as a Staff Officer from Shrewsbury. The "Return" is dated October 7th 1775. and being filed with the 8 Month Rolls of 1775 - is supposed to be one of them.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John H. Bolles Secretary of the Commonwealth.

8789 Betsy Lowes formerly widow of William Dexter Act 4 th July '36
Admitted 8 mo Surgeon's male $160 per An.
E
Ira M. Barton Worcester Mass ts

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston January 31 st 1843
I hereby Certify, That Ira M. Barton is judge of Probate - that Charles M. Wilder - George R. M. Withington - Horatio G. Henshaw - and Henry Snow are Justices of the Peace for the County of Worcester - and that Nicholas B. Proctor is a justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex.
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court, and they have been in Commission the month last past.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John A. Pillsbury Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Austin Flint of Leicester in the County of Worcester Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age, on oath do testify & say, that I know Doctor William Dexter before the revolutionary war as a medical Student, with my father, Dr Edward Flint of Shrewsbury, that he was Surgeon's mate with my father in the war of the Revolution, and saw him with his regiment in Dorchester in August or September of the year One thousand seven hundred & seventy five, and always believed that he served in the Army eight months. I know also his wife before her marriage with him as Elizabeth Bowker. Leicester January 28 th 1843
Austin Flint -
Worcester ss. Jan'y 28, 1843 Personally appeared the above named Austin Flint & made solemn oath the above statement by him subscribed is true before me Horatio G. Henshaw for Peace
Leicester ss Jan'y. 30. 1843 I certify that the above named Austin Flint, Dr Austin Flint, is a man of truth. Rev M. Barton Judge Sub.

This thirtieth day of January, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & forty-three, I Asa Packard of Lancaster, in the County of Worcester, & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Clerk, Testify & say, I was Pastor of the Church, & Minister of the Gospel in the town of Marlborough, in the County of Middlesex & the same Commonwealth, from March, eighteen hundred & forty-five to March eighteen hundred & eighteen. During my ministry in Marlborough aforesaid, I did marry the widow of Doct. William Dexter of that town (I visited him in his last sickness) to a M c Low of Leominster in this County
Asa Packard
Worcester St. January 30. 1843.
Then Personally appeared the above named Asa Packard who is personally known to me and made oath that the above statement by him subscribed is true.
Before me
G. R. Withington
Justin G. Brannan
Subscribed. Jan'y 30. 1843. I Certify that the Rev. Asa Packard, the deponent above named is a man of truth.
Mr. M. Nathan Judge Probate.

I Nancy B. Richardson of Leominster in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do here by say that I am the daughter of the late Edward Loom and that he died on the fourteenth or fifteenth day of February A.D. 1823. I was his daughter by his first wife. He afterwards married the widow of Doctor William Dexter, who is still living, and has never been married since the death of my father.
Nancy B. Richardson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Leominster. Feby. 26. 1823 I am to be sincere de- fendant who is a friend of truth
My son
Edward Richardson Pub.

I Elnathan Dexter of Linton in the County of Linn and State of Massachusetts, do hereby certify that I am the oldest son and heir of the late Dr. William Dex- ter. I was born on the 30th of October 1775, and my father died on the fourth day of December 1786. After my father's death, my mother, Mary Dexter married Edward Lowe. Mr. Lowe died about twenty years ago, since my mother has remained a widow ever since his death.
I met my father once he was always afraid to have been an officer in the Army of the revolution.
Elnathan Dexter
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Witness my hand. 26. 1843. I swear to be a true affidavit who is a man of truth.
Ref no 1
W. M. Boston (Publ.)

Extract from the record of Deaths in the town of Marlborough, County of Middlesex and Commonwealth Massachusetts.
"Doct r William Dexter died December fourth seventeen hundred and eighty five in the thirty first year of his age."
I Lambert Bigelow, Clerk of the town of Marlborough in the County of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, certify 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 "December 4 th 1885" Marlborough January 30 1843 Lambert Bigelow. Town Clerk of said Marlborough
I Lambert Bigelow above named, depose and say, that I hold the Office of Clerk in the Town County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true Extract from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me Lambert Bigelow
Middlesex ss January 30 th 1843
Personally appeared the above named Lambert Bigelow, and made oath that the above declaration by him subscribed, is true
Before me
William B. Boston Justice of Peace

The subscriber, Town Clerk of the town of Marlborough, in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do certify, that I have examined the records of Marriages for said town, and among the entries beginning the year 1692 the following is in regular chronological order, of which I make an exact copy, excepting the figures to wit
"Edward Low & Betty Dexter married October thirteenth seventeen hundred and ninety five" I further certify that the record instead of being written out in words as above, has the following figures to wit "October 13 th 1795." I further certify, that in the margin opposite to the record are the following figures, to wit "904" which is the number of the entry in the Book in which this marriage is recorded Marlborough January 30. 1843 Lambert Bigelow, Town Clerk of said Marlborough
I Lambert Bigelow above named, depose and say that I hold the Office of Clerk in the Town, County, and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true Extract from the records of said town, with the exception above named as certified by me
Lambert Bigelow
Medaless 30 th January 1843 Personally appeared the above named Lambert Bigelow and made oath that the above declaration by him subscribed is true
Before me
Nicholas B. Weston Justice of Peace

Extract from the record of Deaths.
"Edward Low died at Westminster Feb. fourteenth eighteen hundred twenty three Recorded by Jos. G. Rendall Town Clerk."
I Luke Lincoln Clerk of the town of Westminster in the County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts, certify that the above Extract 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. "Edward Low died at Westminster Feb 14 th 1823. Recorded by Jos. G. Rendall Town Clerk." Luke Lincoln Town Clerk of said Westminster
I Luke Lincoln above named depose and say that I hold the office of clerk in the town, County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me. Luke Lincoln.
Worcester ss January 30th 1843. Personally appeared the above named Luke Lincoln and made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true. Before me Charles W. Wilder Justice of the Peace

Concord Feby. 1. 1843
J. L. Edwards Esq r
Sir,
In the case of Mrs. Low for a pension under the Acts of 369 37, you will find no evidence of the last three months service set forth in her declaration, but if you have the rolls of the Regimental Staff, after the Army move from Boston to N. York, you will probably find the name of Dr. Dexter, the applicants first husband, in whose right the Claims. As immediate action in her case is very desirable, we let the three months service rest, for the present. Upon the documentary evidence in your Office, there is no such evidence as to be found there, you will please issue a Certificate forthwith for the eight or nine months service, which is proven beyond doubt by the evidence furnished in the case.
You will perceive a discrepancy between the month stated in the declaration and in the copy of the family record, as the time of the first marriage, and the month appearing from the town record.

The mistake arose probably in copying the original family record; the copyist writing July or Jly for July or Jan. How- ever that may be, you will perceive, that a large part of the record was rendered after the marriage, and that the ap- parent breach her own family within the Acts of July '36 and March '37. The rea- son the act did not apply before she informs me was, that some of her neighbors told her that her second marriage would be her right; - they not being aware of the passage of the Act of '37.
I am very Respectfully
Wm. M. Preston

Marblehead, June 2 o 1847.
Honored Sir:
On the 25 th of January, 1844, I had the Honor of forwarding to the Pension Office a Supplemental Declaration of Mrs. Betsey Low, of Leominster in the County of Worcester, in this State, claiming an increase of her Pension ($160 under the law of July 4 th 1836.) through the alleged additional services of her first husband. Dr. William Dester, Surgeon's Mate of the Army of the Revolution.
Her Pension Certificate accompanied the Declaration, and as she has since deceased her Executrix is desirous of obtaining the Certificate in order to obtain the arrears due thereon. The object of this communication therefore is, very respectfully to solicit the return of the Certificate to the undersigned, at as early a day as the convenience of the Department will allow, in order that it may be delivered to the Executrix as desired.
James L. Edwards Esq.      I am, with very great respect, Commissioner of Pensions,      Your Honor's humble servt. Washington, D.C.              James Gregory

Marblehead, January 28th. 1846.
Honored Sir:
I am requested by Mrs Betsy Low, of Leominster, in this State, to forward to your Honor her accompanying Declaration and Pension Certificate, with the view of claiming an increase of her Pension.
It will be seen by her affidavit — on the same sheet with her Declaration — that Doctor Dexter, her first husband, must have served a full year at least in the Revolution, and it is earnestly hoped that the Records of the Department will confirm the truth of this statement.
I am, with very great respect, Your Honor's humble servt, James Gregory
James L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.

Apr 19, 1843
J. L. Cur.  Betsey Low  msfs. Edwards Esq.
Commission of Peers Washington D.C.

Concord, Mass. April 17. 1838
Dear Sir,
On the first day of February last, I forwarded to your Office the declaration of Henry Low for a pension under the Act of July 4. 1836 & March 3. 1837, since which time I have not heard of it. If the declaration was not received please inform me of the fact by return mail. If it was received, I would respectfully ask an early action upon it, as the applicant is very aged, and poor, and his claim has been long deferred from his neglect to make an earlier application.
I am Respectfully &c
Wm. M. Bartol

Casey Atwood

I, Betsey Low, of Leominster in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, do on my oath testify and declare, that I am in the Ninety first year of my age: that I am the identical Betsey Low who was formerly the widow of William Dexter, for whose services as a Surgeon's Mate in the Revolutionary War I have been Pensioned to the amount of one hundred and sixty dollars per annum - under the law of July 14th, 1836, and the act of March 3 d 1837, amendatory thereto.
And I do further testify and declare, that I am still a widow, and do now make this supplemental Declaration with the view of obtaining such increase of my said Pension as the bounty of my Country and law and justice may afford. Witnessed by Sophia Dexter W m Perry Betsey Low
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss. Leominster, Jan. 13 th , 1844. County of Worcester ... }
Then personally appeared the above named Betsey Low, who is well known to me the subscriber as the Revolutionary Pensioner she describes herself to be, and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the above Declaration by her subscribed -
Before me, W m Perry, Justice of the Peace.
(Another affidavit of Mrs Low, describing the length of (Dexter's) Revolutionary Services, will be found on the inside of this sheet.)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston January 20 th 1844
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation William Berry is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester,
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 G. Palfrey; Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Betsy Dow of Leominster, County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts, Widow, and formerly the wife of Capt. William Dexter a Surgeon's Mate in the Army of the Revolution, testify & on oath declare, that on the 17 th February 1775. I was married to said Doctor Dexter who was then a Minute Man. At the time of the "fight at Concord", my said husband immediately joined the Army as Surgeon's Mate for eight months, which term he fully served out; and it was sickly, he staid over a Month longer, and I think soon after this he again joined the Army, and went with it to New York, where I am positive he staid three Months, and think it was four Months. The time when my said husband first entered the Army was in April 1775, being two Months next after our Marriage, which was at the time of the "Concord fight," as aforesaid.
Signed, sealed & sworn to this 13 th day of Jany 1844.
W m Perry
Betsy Dow
Betsy Dow
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of Worcester ss. Leominster January 13. 1844.
Then personally appeared before me the sub- scribed justice of the Peace in and for said County of Worcester, the above named Betsy Dow, who is well known to me as a person of veracity, and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the above decla- ration by her subscribed.
W m Perry, Justice of Peace