Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1,921, Abel Child, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass
Child, Abel Polly
NUMBER
R. 1921
CONTENTS

No 14,971 Folly Child 90 na of Abel, Vt July 7. 1838
Annah Spear, West Randolph Vt Nels N. unfurn Folly Child Will

State of Vermont } With a Probate Court Randolph District } held at Randolph in
Said District on this third day of November AD 1857 Personally appeared John G. A. Spear of Bra- intree in the county of Orange and State of Vermont Administrator of the Estate of the late Widow Polly Childs, late of Bridgewater in the county of Windsor in said State deceased who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the Acts of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows That she the said Polly Childs was the widow of Abel Childs who was a private in Capt. Root's Company in Col. Brook's Regt at Dorchester 5 days March 4 1776 also in Capt. George Minot's Company Col. Russell's Regt from August 6th 1777 3 months and 25 days also in Capt. Edward Leach and Sons Company Col. Thomas Root's Regt from June 25 1778 7 months & 11 days from Concord or vicinity. She further declares that the said Polly Childs was married to the said Abel Childs at Lincoln in the county of Windsor (Mass) in February 1780 prior to that her name was Polly Lewis and that the said Abel Childs died at Rockbridge on the 25 day of July 1831 and the Polly Childs died on the second day of June 1848 leaving six children now surviving her viz: Anna Berry, Martha Perkins, Ruth Bishop, Clara May, Sarah Root and Daniel Childs that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1794 at the time above written.
J. G. A. Spear Administrator Sworn to and subscribed the second year above written
State of Vermont } Randolph District } J. P. Barron Judge of Probate

within and for the District of Randolph above said here by certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the case of J. G. et Spear administration of Polly Child for a pension as administrator her said estate for the benefit of her surviving children
In testimony whereof I have unto set my hand and affixed the seal of said board at said Randolph in said district this third day of November A.D. 1851 Philander Pinn, Judge
State of Vermont } At a Probate Court Randolph District ss } held at Randolph in said District on this third day of November 1851 Satisfactory evidence was exhibited to said board that Polly Child, widow of Abel Child, died on the tenth day of June May one thousand eight hundred and fifty eight and she left the following children surviving her viz. Anna Berry Martha Perkins Ruth Bishop Clara Nyell Harriet Nutt and Daniel Child and further certify that J. G. et Spear of Braintree Orange County in said District is the administrator of the estate of the said Polly Child duly appointed and hath given good and sufficient bonds for the perfor- mance of said trust and he is acting in said capacity In testimony whereof I have unto set my hand and affixed the seal of said board at said Randolph in said District this third day of November A.D. 1851 Philander Pinn, Judge

Abel Childs was Born in Lincoln April 10 in the State of Massachusetts in 1750 and was married to Polly Lewis at Concord Mass in 1780 by Rev Mr Dingley of Concord Massachusetts he served in the Rev war from the town of Lincoln in the State of Massachusetts He served under Captain
and Colonel & think 7002 one camping was out the year 1778 and in the following Battles
and was at the following places he was at the taking of Beryune at crown point New York was out the year 17
and 1780
and 1781
he applied for a pension in the year 1832 and his papers was arranged and made by and one now and he died at                     on the day of 1833

and she died on the June 2 day of May 1844 at Bridgewater
who did your father's pension business
were his papers at Washington
on 61 where
Mother applied for a pension to judge parner of Woodstock 7 or 8 years ago father did not draw any he was out 18 months and a half at 3 times

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, Decm. 23 1851.
W hereby C ertify. That at the date of the annexed attestation Abel Wheeler was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and qualified; 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.
Nathan Walker Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Henry C Chapin Clerk of the town of Lincoln Massachusetts depose and say that the following record is upon the record Books of this Town February tenth one thousand seven hundred and eighty
Abel Childs of Lincoln and Polly Lewis resident of the said Town their intentions of marriage hath been duly Published in Lincoln and certificate given
Pr. me
Elijah Pierce
Town Clerk
The above is a true copy of Record with the exception of the date which is written in fair legible figures —
Feby 10th 1780.
I further testify that I have made diligent search for the record of the above marriage but cannot find it in the records of this office
Henry C Chapin
Town Clerk of the Town of Lincoln
Upon the records of Births in this Office I find the following viz; Abel Child son of Isaac Child and Hannah Child his wife was Born April 10th day A.D. 1757.
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of Record as found on the first Book of Records belonging to this Town. Page. 30.713. Henry C Chapin Town Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, October 26 th 1851,
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Geo: M. Brooks was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex
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.
T. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Town Clerk's Office. October 14. 1854.
Concord, Middlesex County, State of Massachusetts.
Excerpt from the Record of Births in this Office.
Abel Child son of Abel and Polly Child was born January 28 th A.D. One thousand seven hundred and eighty one.
Also, Anna Child daughter of Abel and Polly Child was born June 22 d A.D. One thousand seven hundred and eighty four.
A true copy of Record
Attest. Geo. D. Dwywood. Town Clerk.
I hereby certify that I have made diligent search of the records in this office, where I suppose it possible that the name of Abel Child might appear, and find no other record of this name except as above stated.
Geo. Dwywood. Town Clerk.
I Geo. Dwywood above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of said Concord, and the above is a true copy of record, and the above certificate of the absence of record is true.
Geo. Dwywood.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex County ss. Concord, Oct. 14. A.D. 1854. Then personally the above named Geo. Dwywood and made oath in due form of law, that the same is true, before me. Geo. M. Brooks Jus. of the Peace.
I the above named Geo. M. Brooks certify that I am not the agent of Polly Child or heirs for a pension or concerned in its prosecution.
Geo. M. Brooks

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, January 15 th 1855.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation James L. Chapin was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex
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.
Levi Mead Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Simsbury Massachusetts County of Middlesex ss Town Clerks Office Jan. 1. 1835
I Henry C Chapin Town Clerk of the Town of Simsbury depose and say that the following is found on the Records of this Office Abel Child the son of Isaac and Hannah Child Born April 10th day A.D. 1757 February 10th A.D. 1780
Abel Child of Simsbury and Polly Lewis resident of said Town their intentions of marriage hath been published and certificate given for me Abijah Pierce
Town Clerk
Patty Child Daughter of Abel Child and Polly his Wife Born the 29th of March 1786
Nancy Child Daughter of Abel Child & Polly his Wife was born Nov. 9th. 1787
A true Copy of Record Henry C Chapin Town Clerk
I further say I hold the office of Town Clerk aforesaid and the above is a true Copy of Record. and I have made dili- gent search to find the name of Abel Child and the above is all I can find on the Records in this Office prior A.D. to 1800. Henry C Chapin

State of Massachusetts. Middlesex ss Lincoln Jan. 1, 1855. Subscribed and sworn to by the said Henry C. Chapin before me James D. Chapin Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am not the agent for Polly Child or heirs for a pension, or concerned in its prosecution. James D. Chapin Justice of the Peace

STATE OF VERMONT.
Office of the Secretary of State, Montpelier, October 28 th 1851 }
I certify that Isaac S. Belcher Esquire, whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county of Windsor, duly elected and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are, and ought to be given.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of this Office, this twenty eighth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one.
Jerrand F. Merrill
Secretary of State.

I Joshua Davis of Stockbridge in Windsor county and state of Vermont aged 68 years before me Say that Abiel Childs died in my neighborhood on or about the 15 day of July  June one thousand eight hundred and thirty one I got his coffin and was at his funeral he left his widow with two daughters then maiden women one of them Ruth Childs married John Bishop of Bridgewater and the other Clarissa married Caleb Stuyell of said Bridgewater in said County and his She moved away from here to Bridgewater and the mother Polly Childs the wife widow of said Abiel Childs went with her and there she died some three years past with the said Caleb Stuyell & wife Clarissa
Joshua Davis
State of Vermont } Stockbridge August 5 th Windsor County } At 1851 Then personally appeared Joshua Davis signor of the above affidavit and made oath in due form of law that the same is true before me I also certify that he is a credible witness
Isaac S. Belcher Justice of Peace

STATE OF VERMONT, } The Probate Court for the District of District of Randolph ss. } Randolph to John G. A. Spear Esq of Braintree in said District Greeting.
Whereas, Polly Child late of Bridgewater in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont deceased, having while she lived, and at the time of her death, goods, chattels, rights, credits or estate in said District, hath lately died intestate, whereby the power of granting administration of all and singular the goods, chattels, rights, credits and estate of the said deceased, and also of hearing, examining and allowing the account of such administration, doth appertain unto said Court. and whereas Clarissa Angell a Daughter of said deceased hath in writing requested that you be appointed Administrator of said Estate
The Court aforesaid doth, therefore, by these presents, ordain, constitute and appoint you administrator of all and singular the goods, chattels, rights, credits and estate aforesaid, and doth hereby grant unto you full power and authority to administer all and singular the goods, chattels, rights, credits and estate of the said deceased, which to her while she lived and at the time of her death did appertain, and the same well and faithfully to dispose of according to law
also, to demand, collect, recover and receive all and singular the rights and credits of said deceased. And having accepted said trust, and given bonds conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties thereof in the form prescribed by law, you will make and return to the Probate Court within three months, a true and perfect inventory of all the goods, chattels, rights, credits and estate of the deceased, which shall come to your possession or knowledge, or to the possession of any other person for you: and administer according to law
all her goods, chattels, rights credits and estate, which shall, at any time, come to your possession, or to the possession of any other person for you; and of the same pay and discharge all debts, and charges, chargeable on the same, or such dividends thereon, as shall be ordered and decreed by the Probate Court: and render a true and just account of your administration to the Probate Court within one year, and at any other time when required by such court: and perform all orders and decrees of the Probate Court, by the Administrator to be performed in the premises.
In testimony whereof, I do hereby affix the seal of said Court at Randolph in said District this fifth day of August Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty one
Philander Pease, Judge
State of Vermont, Randolph District, Nov. 10. 1853 I Philander Pease Judge of Probate for the District of Randolph do certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Original Letter of Administration granted by me in the Estate of Polly Childs, late of Bridgewater deceased Philander Pease, Judge

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
November 28 th 1853. Forme Certificate dated June 14. 1851.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that The name of Abel Child is borne on pay roll of Capt. John Hartness Comp. Col. Brooks Regt. from March 4. 1776 at Dorchester 5 days. Also on pay roll of Capt. Capt. George Minot's Comp. Col. Buttrick's Regt. in Continental Service, Northern Department, 220 miles from home. from Aug. 16. 1777 3 Mos. 25 days. Also Isaac Hove & Bristol Hove were in said Capt. Minot's Comp. Also on pay roll of Capt. Edward Richardson's Comp. Col. Thomas Povey's Regt. Service rendered at North River, N.Y. 220 miles from home, from June 25. 1778. 7 Mos 11 days. Timothy Hove was private in said Company. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
T. M. D. [Signature] Secretary of the Commonwealth.
5- 25- 3- 11- 11- Mos.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
June 16. 1857.
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 Abel Child is borne on a pay roll of Capt. John Hartwell's Co. Col. Brooks Regt. from Concord as a private, 5 days, at Dorchester. March 24. 1776.
On a pay roll of Capt. George Kennebec Co. Col. Bullard's Regt. as a private, from Aug. 6. 1777. 3 mos. 25 days.
On a pay roll of Capt. Edward Richardson's Co. Col. Thomas Poor's Regt. as a private from June 25. 1778. 7 mos. 11 days. ————— a part of all the above was floored.

The Secretary of the common Wealth of Massachusetts is here by requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office of the service of my father Abiel Childs in the war of the Revolution he served from the Town of Concord & Lincoln in Middlesex County in said Massachusetts several times supposed in the whole about two years heard him speak of Col Poor
I am Now 65 years old and my memory does not enable me to state more fully my fathers service than above stated
Witness my hand this 30 day of March 1851
Signed by Abiel Martha Perkins in my presence
Martha Perkins
Ebenezer Berry } Justice of the Peace
Return this to your most obed Servt Ebenezer West Randolph V.P.

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

I Serrepta Dole of Stockbridge in the county of Windsor and State of Vermont aged 41 years Testify and depose and say that I was well acquainted with Abel Child, who died in said Stockbridge about 23 years ago, I think in early life he lived in Lincoln Massachusetts some time prior to his death he talked about his being a soldier when a young man. he claimed to have served a considerable time in the War, and having the small Pox in the army in the Hospital and being very sick and his face being pitted there. he said many died, their flesh being rotten on their bones before death he claimed to have been in one or more Battles with the Indians and said the balls went whizz by his head and some struck the trees near him, he also claimed to have been at the taking of an Army by a large River, I think he called it the North River he said, he ought to have a pension and served as much as some had that was drawing one, it was talked that Congress was trying to pass an other law that would entitle said Child to one, he seemed very anxious about it. he was soon taken sick, and claiming the latter part of it, when very sick he said he should not live to ever be benefitted by a pension, he was a poor man and a shoemaker. had a large family a part of the time I am convinced that he often used to speak of the Battles of Barnington and the taking of Burgoyne. I am confident that he claimed to be in or near those events. I have heard him tell those war stories many times
Serrepta Dole

man and a shoemaker. Had a large family a part of the time I am convinced that he often used to speak of the Battles of Barnington and the taking of Burgaine. I am confident that he claimed to be in or near those events. I have heard him tell those war stories many times
Serepta Dole
STATE OF VERMONT, } I, NORMAN WILLIAMS, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor, in the Windsor County, ss. } State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Leonard Ainsworth
was, at the date of the paper writing to which this is attached and still is, a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, in and for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of deeds, and that his signature to the certificate below is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name, and affix the seal of said Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 10 th day of December A. D. 1853.
Norman Williams, Clerk.
State of Vermont Windsor County ss
Stackbridge December 2 - 1853 personally appeared Serepta Dole signor of the above affidavit and made ath in due form of law that the same is true before me. I certify that she is a credable and respectable witness and full credit should be given to her testimony, I further certify that I am not the agent in the case of the children of Polly Child deceased for a pension or consencel in the prosecution
Leonard Ainsworth J.P. of the Peace

Suspended Pension Claim
To be replied to
Mrs. Harriet Nott
Royalton Vermont

Declaration of one of the heirs of Abel & Polly Childs in relation to a claim (supposed suspended) for Revolution- ary service
State of Vermont } County of Windsor }
On this seventeenth day of March A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty-five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for said County Harriet Nott the wife of Simeon Nott now residing in the town of Royalton in said County who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is a reputed daughter of the identical Abel and Polly Childs in whose right a pension has been claimed and is supposed suspended. And that she is directly interested in that claim
She states that one Arunah Spear of Ran- dolph Vt. is supposed to have made out papers and to have filed certain evidence in support of said claim at the Pension Office some two or three years since. and that the said Arunah Spear is supposed not to be attending to the claim with diligence,
She therefore respectfully asks to be informed whether that claim for the Revolutionary service of Abel Childs made by his children and filed by Arunah Spear of Randolph Vermont can now be allowed. by should further evi-

dence be required She wishes to be informed what proof will be required as She is inclined to do what is not being done by the Attorney appointed and to revoke the authority given him by the Children of the aforesaid Soldier and Widow
She states that the heirs of her Parents who were living at the time of the making of said application are still living and anxious that said claim may be allowed. And She respectfully asks that the same be examined and replied to her at Royalton Vermont Harriet Nott
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first before written. And I certify that the above named Harriet Nott is a respectable resident of this town of Royalton and is entitled to credit and belief.
Daniel W. Willy, Justice of the Peace.

STATE OF VERMONT.
Office of the Secretary of State,
Montpelier, March 14 th 1855. }
I certify that David N. Wells Esquire, whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand-writing to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county of Windsor duly elected and qualified, with full power and authority under and by virtue of the laws of said State to administer oaths and take depositions, and acknowledgments of deeds, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are, and ought to be given.
Given under my hand and the Seal of this office, this 14 th day of March, A. D. 1855.
Geo. R. Thompson Deputy Secretary of State.
Note.— Said Mr. Spear may have substituted an Attorney; if so the Claim was probably filed by some one from Boston Mass. — Claim by Heirs of Polly Child, late of Barnard Windsor Co. Vermont —

A Spear Eg
West Randolph
Vermont

West Randolph Vermont Jan 24 1856 Hon L P Welds home of Pensions
Sir
In answer to your letter in relation to the claim of the Shellness of Polly the widow of Ethel Child dated November 20 1854 would say I much regret that you did not carefully examine the whole testimony of the case from which it appears that the identity is most clearly established. Polly or Nancy Perkins her daughter who was born in Lincoln March 29 1786 she signed the Request for the first search tells the town he served from one of Col Poor this is in part identifying him for it is to be born in mind that the Revolutionary records of services in the Secretarys office in Mass is kept in private from the publick at the request of your department and they give no records of services except what they think was performed by the soldier named in the request
Again the witnesses state clearly that Child claimed to be at the taking of Banzaine and being in service with a soldier by the name of Stone and being on the south River. Joshua & Polly Davis could not have stated those facts if they had not learnt the history from Child himself it was impossible for them to have known that it appeared of Record Their evidence is so clear to be doubted in the least. It could not be possible that they could guess the name of the soldier out with him and the never where he served
Again the Dying statements of Child should have great weight such has had the greatest sanction in courts of justice the complaint of the declaration is useless for it is a matter of form only in this case

The Statement of Joshua & Polly Davis Enock & Lucia Harrington and Septa Dole was all made and certified and forwarded to the Secretary of Mass - Sachett, and there was used in his office to call out the subsequent search of his genealogical records and you have in aggregate measure made him a judge of identifying it is clear that he believed that Clement's father performed the very service he describes in said search or Supplementary Search of Nov. 28 1853 from birth companions in 77 & 78 was on the north river again it is in evidence that his captains were from the same region the Town clerks of Lincoln & Concord both state that other child the claimed one is the only one of that name in said towns the Honorable Samuel Hovey Wheeler & Fish all agree to the same I would humbly ask what can be clearer that said child is fully identified the reputation of the Hon. Samuel Hovey is beyond all question has never recalled of but one other child no man of respectability in his region would dare to jeopardize his character in disputing his integrity In your letter of Feb'y 27 1854 it is required that it be shown that said child lived in Concord & Lincoln at the time said service was rendered in 1777 & 78 the records show him in Concord from 81 to 84 yet Mr. Hovey says that he can find no one in that town that ever knew him how then is the requirement of course to prove an utter impossibility the statements of these credible witnesses sets this thing at rest and the that there was

but one Abel child that could prove for me that he was either in Concord or Lincoln. The town Records in both towns show that he had children born there subsequent to 1780 all of which goes to show he was a moving poor man. Martha or Polly Perkins was born in 86. She signed the request for a search. She states the town and the name of Col Prior. This is as much as could be expected of a Daugh- =ter who & soon worked away from home most of her time after she was about 10 years old until her marriage.
The statements of the 5 Vermont Witnesses are all in point and are the sayings of that child that they heard from his mouth and note the where. Therefore I humbly submit to your honor that this case taking the whole case is estab- =lished beyond a rational doubt from the only and best kind of testimony the nature of the case will admit =it I am your most Obed Servt Nathan Spear
As you have the minutes from which the request for a Search was made to Secretary of War 1829 A. Spear
The character of most of the witnesses is highly sustained.

I ever considered Abel Child a Man of truth and veracity
Polly Davis
State of Vermont } at Stockbridge this 8 day of Windsor County } November A.D. 1853 personally appeared Joshua Davis and Polly Davis and made oath in due form of law that the foregoing affidavits by them severally subscribed contain the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Before me, I, hereby certify that they are well known to me to be credible and respectful witnesses, and full faith should be given to their testimony. I further certify that I am not the agent of the children of Polly Child deceased, or interested in the result of their claims for a pension or annuity in the prosecution
Leonard Ainsworth Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above affidavit of Joshua Davis apart of the seventh and all of the eighteenth and a part of the nineteenth lines was written by mistake, and erased before signed being the following words to wit, Abel Child was out under Capt Minot from May 6 th 1777 - 4 months, was erased also on the fifteenth line in Polly Davis Affidavit the word Burgoin was erased and the words Bermington taking of Burgoyne was interlined before signing
Leonard Ainsworth Justice of the Peace

I Polly Davis of Starksburg in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont Aged 70. years desire testify and say that I was well acquainted with Abel Child and family for from 10 to 15 years before his death which I think he died in 1830 my Father Christopher Smith lived with us consid- erable and he was a Revolutionary war soldier and Abel Child often come to our house he and my Father used occasionally tell about their being in the Revolutionary war, I am sure that said Child claimed to have been in a Battle with Indians and the balls striking the trees and whistling about him he said it was in a swamp one time it is my strong impression he claimed to be in the Battle of Burmington  Burington and taking of Burgoyne  at Bennington I am sure he claimed to have been a considerable on the South River and some of his Service he claimed that several Men was with him and tolled their names all of which I have forgotten except one and his name was Hoad, said Childs claimed to have had the smallpox in the army and was quite sick he was some fitted with it up to his death, It was reported that Congress was a trying to pass another pension law Child assevered very anxious about it and said that passed. That he should get a pension this talk was but a short time before his death and he claimed to have done as much as others who received a pension

Joshua Davis of Stark being in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont Age 71 years say I was for several years well acquainted with Abel Child prior to his death in 1830 lived near him several years often heard him talk about his being a soldier in the revolu- tionary war was out at the time Burgoyne was taken he claimed that he had served as much time as some others had that was drawing a pension and he ought to have one as much as they, he spoke about being on the North or Hudson River spoke about a Mr. Hoar, being out with him there was reports about that Congress was going to pass another pension law said Child claimed to have strong hopes of getting a Pension before long Abel Child was out under Capt. Morris from May 6 th 1777 - 4 months the said Child claimed to have been in battle with the Indians in a swamp the balls whistled through the trees said Child said that he had the small Pox and was very sick at the time which pitted his face very much I consider Abel Child a man of truth and veracity as much so as any man in town
Joshua Davis
to have served as much as others who drew a pension
lover

State of Vermont } at Stockbridge this 3 day Windsor County } of November AD 1853
personally appeared Emory Hemingway and Lucinda Harrington and made oath in due form of law that the foregoing affidavits by them severally subscribed contain the whole truth and nothing but the truth
Before me I hereby certify that am well to me known to be credible and and respectable witnesses and full faith should be given to their testimony I further certify that I am not the agent of the children of Polly Child deceased or interested in the result of their claim for a pension or annuity in the institution
Leonard Ainsworth Sec y of the Board

I Lucinda Harrington of Stockbridge County Windsor and State of Vermont Aged 51 years depose testify and say that that I was acquainted with Abel Child for many years before his death I have heard him several times speak of being in the Revolutionay war he claimed to have been near some large River in a battle near some large River it my impression it was North River also he claimed that if a certain act pass that Congress that he should be intitled to a pension as much as others, in the time of his sickness and just before his death I heard him say that he shald not live to get his pension
Lucinda Harrington
I Enoch Harrington of Stockbridge County of Windsor and State of Vermont Aged 53 years depose testify and say that I was acquainted with Abel Child who died about 1830. heard him say that he was out in the taking of Burgain in the Revolutionay war
Enoch Harrington

STATE OF VERMONT, ss. 3, NORMAN WILLIAMS, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor, in the Windsor County, ss. State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Leonard Ainsworth
was, at the date of the paper writing to which this is attached and still is, a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, in and for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of deeds, and that his signature & the papers hereto attached are is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name, and affix the seal of said Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 22 d day of November A. D. 1853
Norman Williams,
Clerk.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, December 13 th 1831
W hereby Certify. That at the date of the annexed attestation Mel Wheeler was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and qualified; 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.
Alvan Walker Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of Massachusetts Middlesex County. ss. Lincoln Dec 11 th 1857 Subscribed and sworn to in due form of law by the within named Edmund Wheeler and Elijah Sisk before me I certify that they are worthy and credible Witnesses
Abel Wheeler Justice of Peace

I Edmund Wheeler of Lincoln in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts aged 81 years depose and say that I remember the home of the child in early life of this town as I suppose her sister used to come to my fathers I feel sure that there was such a man althe my memory of him is faint I have heard him spoken of in ancient days I think he must have left her soon after the close of the war and know of no person now left in the region whose he left that can know any thing about him being so young to rec- ollect of him I have never heard of but one of that name in this town or Concord nearby. Capt John Hart- well and Col Stearner Brooks was of this town and Col Brooks gives my Father a Capt Minot line in Concord nearby my wife and Elijah Fiske are the only per- sons that could have a knowledge of him about here or in my knowledge. Edmund Wheeler
I Elijah Fiske of Concord above named depose and say I concur in the above affidavit of Edmund Wheeler and concur in his statement in relation to the child and the absence of living witnesses about him in this region and concur in his statements in relation to his leaving this country am 82 years old. Elijah Fiske

The undersigned was born in Lincoln Mass a in the year 1770. I lived in that town, excepting the years 1783, 4, & 5 until 1790. From the last date to the present time he has frequently visited said town & continued an acquaintance with its inhabitants generally. In 1805 he became an inhabitant of Concord & has continued his residence in the latter town to the present time. The towns of Concord & Lincoln are adjacent towns.
Before 1790 the subscriber knew an inhabitant of Lincoln whose name was Abel Child. He removed from said Lincoln when the subscriber was quite young, probably before 1790, but the particular year cannot be ascertained. The undersigned has no recollection of more than one man of the name of Abel Child. His attention was called to this subject several months since & he has conversed with several persons concerning it but he has heard of but one person of that name. The subscriber knows no present inhabitant of Concord who was acquainted with said Abel Child, excepting himself.
Samuel Hovey.
The Hon. Commissioner of Pensions of U. States. Concord. Mass a 20. Oct r 1854.

I Polly Davis of Stockbridge County of Windsor & State of Vermont depose & say that in addition to my Affidavit before Leonard Linnworth Esq. made on about the third day of October last past further depose and say that the said Abel Childs claimed to have been born and brought up in the town of Lincoln Mass, and when about eighteen years old he went to Concord in said State of Mass, to learn the Shoemakers trade, where he lived until some time after he was twenty one years old with a Mr. Knowlton of whom he learned said trade Polly Davis
I Joshua Davis of Stockbridge in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont depose & say that in addition to my Affidavit made on or about the third day of October last past before Leonard Linnworth Esq. further depose and say that the said Abel Childs claimed that when he was about eighteen years old went to learn the Shoemakers trade of a Mr. Knowlton who then resided in Concord Massachusetts with whom he lived until sometime after he became twenty one years of age, and that he was born and brought

up in the Town of Lincoln near by - he also claimed that when he removed back from said Concord to said Lincoln they had a Rat Bill against him in S d Concord upon which he was taken back from Lincoln & committed to jail in S d Concord, and that the old gauntlet, often, in referring to said circumstances became mor or lip excited. Joshua Davis
State of Vermont, } At Stockbridge in said County Windsor County } this 15 th day of September A.D. 1854 Joshua Davis & Polly Davis personally appeared before me and made oath in due form of law that the foregoing affidavit by them subscribed contained the truth & nothing but the truth - I hereby certify they are credible witnesses, and that I am not the agent of the applicant in said case or concerned in its prosecution
Before Me J. K. Kimball Justice Peace

STATE OF VERMONT,
Windsor County, ss.
I, NORMAN WILLIAMS, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor, in the
State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
John H. Kimball
was, at the date of the paper writing to which this is attached, and still is, a
Justice of the Peace
in and for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of deeds, and that his signature
Forcynine
is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 21 st day of September A. D. 1854.
Norman Williams Clerk.

State of Vermont District of Randolph ss. }
At a Probate Court holden at Randolph within and for said District on the 10 th day of August A.D. 1854. Satisfactory evidence was exhibited to said Court by the testimony of Stephen Luce, Sophia Luce, and Sarah B. Witherton all of Braintree in Orange County and State of Vermont, and Joseph W. Perkins, Vanness Perkins and Sarah Pierce of Barnard in Windsor County and State aforesaid, who are all certified to this Court as being credible witnesses, and whose testimony is now on file in said Court, that Abel Child died in Stockbridge in said Windsor County on or about the 15 th day of July A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty one, and that he left a widow whose name was Polly Child; and by the testimony of the last three witnesses that the said Widow Polly Child died in Bridgewater on the 10 th day of May A.D. one thousand eight hundred and forty eight, and that she left the following children now surviving her viz. Anna Berry, Martha Perkins, Ruth Bishop, Clarissa Angell, Harriet Nott and Daniel Child.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court at Randolph this 10 th day of August A.D. 1854.
John B. Hutchinson. Judge

J. Dunhor

I Samuel Dunbar of Bridgewater in the county of Windsor and State of Vermont aged 48 years depose and say that Sally Childs widow of Abel Childs and mother of Ruth Bishop and Clarissa Stuyell died on the tenth day of May one thousand eight hundred and forty eight and find the same charged on my Book of accounts in substance for making her coffin as follows Saburn Stuyell Dr May 12 1848 to Making a coffin for widow Sally Childs and delivering the same $4.50
She was an aged lady I think 90 years old and had lived with Saburn Stuyell several years
Samuel Dunbar
State of Vermont } Bridgewater Sept 4 th to Windsor County ss } 1851 personally appeared Samuel Dunbar signor of the above affidavit and made oath in due form of law that the same is true before me I certify that he is credible witness
Ebenezer Clement justice of the Peace
STATE OF VERMONT, } I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor, ss. } ty of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that
Ebenezer Clement
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 31 st day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and that his signature foregoing — is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 4 th day of September A. D. 1851.
Norman Williams Clerk.

West Randolph Vermont Dec 27 1851 J. B. Heath Comr of Pensions Sir
I here with submit to your care the Pension claim of the Heirs of Widow Polly Child widow of Abel Child by J. G. A. Spear Administrator
I would simply state that some over 11 mos is claimed as his service he was born a poor man up to his death and had 2 other children older than only mention in the papers one not heard from for 35 years the other about 20 years and if not dead one in parts unknown and none not been heard from
It appears that in Lincoln & Concord that no trace of evidence can be obtained beyond the enclosed
I would beg your attention to the Declaration of Leonard Hoar a Lincoln pensioner under the act of 1832 who I learn was in one or more towns a soldier in the same company with Abel Child once in 1777 also the Declaration of Sydia Weston Widow of Daniel Weston he was most likely in the same company one or more See the Mass St Roll of 1833-4 page 197 which I hope will clearly identify him all of which is submitted for your allowance I am Sir your most obed Servt
Wadsworth Spear
111 mos 10 days

West Randolph Vermont May 5 1853 Hon D P Waldo Comr Pensions Sir
I sent to your office in about January 1852 the papers of the base of Betty Child by her administrator J G St Spear for her first children and have not since heard from said papers I have since written a request to the Department to know the state of said claim but no answer
Please as soon as may be inform me the condition of said claim I am Sir your most M st Servt
Annah Spear

West Randolph Vermont Aug 29 1853
Hon L P Waldo
Sir
In answer to the within would inform the Department that the case of Polly Child the widow of Abel Child was not for Land Bounty under the act of 28 Sept 1850 but for a Pension for
Revolutionary Service under the act of July 7 1838 and further state the papers of her case was forwarded to that office December 27 1851 and was there received? and my letter of May 5th 1852 not being answered is a tacit admission that the papers was received and not then examined and there is no doubt but they were duly received at a proper search will reach them
Those papers was forwarded by me for J. G. H. Spear Administrator of Polly Child Widow of Abel Child I have had several such notices that certain papers was not on the files but they was always found when sent by me a close search at the right place is requested (I have full copies of the papers) I am your most obt servt.
Travus Spear

Pension Office
Augt 22 d 1853.
Sir
In reply to your letter under date the 9 th Augt 1853, You are informed that the Application Polly Child, wid: of Abel Child, for pension bounty under the act of Sept 28 th 1850, cannot be found on file in this office.
Very Respectfully
J. Cole
A Spear
For Comr
West Randolph
Vermont
Answered on the other side
L. B.
Over

West Randolph Vermont Feb 16 1854 Hon L P Waldo Comr of Pensions Washington D C Sir
I hear with send you the additional evidence as required in the claim of Polly Child widow of Abel Child arrested over two years past. The letter of the 7th Sept last from your office was written by a clerk in a spirit that your honor reorganizes being of a dangerous character unprofitable to remark upon.
The only question of doubt is the identity of this soldier with this widow. The testimony of Samuel Wheeler and Saph Fiske is entitled to full weight and credit as far as it goes being in no sense strained they show there was but one Abel Child and town records show the same. Also that the officers under whom Child served belonged to that immediate vicinity. They both show the absence of other aged persons that could have known Child. This seems to make the next best kind of evidence relevant which is the sayings of Child how he deemed to have served. The statements of Joshua Davis, Polly Davis, Lucinda Harrington, Sarah Harrington and Serepha Dole all seem to establish that material fact that Child claimed similar services and all recollect that among the name of persons with whom he served was the uncommon name (for this region) of Stone no doubt, but this name would longer remembered by our people than in your city being rarely put on individuals here again his speaking of the Battle of Bennington and the taking of Burgoyne (the main travel at that time from Concord to Still water was through Bennington) again Child claimed services in said war on his dying bed when hopes of living was past viewing himself as in the presents of his God.

Statements made by dying persons are considered in courts of justice of the highest authority and full credit given them again they tell the events and places of Service. The Secretarys late Supplementary certificate clearly shows these statements to be true he was on the North River and the taking of Burgoyne and a soldier by the name of Stone was with him in this Service 220 miles travel allowed him to return home the next years campaign was at or near the same place and a soldier by name of Stone was with him It is clearly proved that this is the same Peter Buel than in named again it appears clearly that he claimed to have served as much as others had that was was drawing a pension it is also clear that his Service was not the kind embraced in the acts of 1818 Again the character of these witnesses are fully stated by Justice Leonard Tinsworth a man of years and high standing with whom the Hon Jacob Golosner late Postmaster General is well acquainted and have it from high authority that his statements are reliable The required papers from the Probate Court are here with And the claim is as fully sustained as the nature of the case will permit and from the best testimony obtainable I am your most obed Servt Nathaniel Spear
Remarks,

State of Vermont } John B. Hutchinson Judge of Probate Randolph District ss } for the District of Randolph aforesaid.
Hereby certify that it appears by the records and files of said Court of Probate that John G. A. Spear was on the 5th day of August A.D. 1857 appointed Administrator on the estate of Polly Child deceased on the request of Clarissa Angel, and the said John G. A. Spear accepted the said trust and gave bonds for his fidelity therein in the sum of $ 600. with S. M. Flint surety and the said John G. A. Spear is still administrator as aforesaid and further certify that said surety on said bonds is sufficient for the amount therein specified.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court and subscribed my name this 20th day of January A.D. 1854.
John B. Hutchinson, Judge

West Randolph Vermont Nov 14 1854 Commissioner Pensions Washington D C Sir
I herewith forward additional evidence in support of pension claim of Sally Child the widow of Abel. The certificate of the Probate court is in full compliance of the requirements of your office.
The statements Cyrus Perkins forward & his wife all tend to show that Abel Child lived in Concord from about 1775 to 1779 and the Record shows he had a child born there Feb 1781 & if he made up his time of absence in service his appointment would not have closed until 1779 he was a tracent Laborer and he would naturally make his home with his parents in Lincoln where the records show him at his establishment in Feb 1780 then his home was in Concord for some years up to 1784 or 5 then he moved to Concord Lincoln and the Hon Samuel Hoar knew him his history of Child is here with
He never knew of but one person of that name or has ever heard of but one
The high standing of the Hon Samuel Hoar who was a representative in congress in 1836-7 &c is very universally known I think to your Honor to the President Secretary of State and Attorney General & others all of which I submit while I am your obed Servt
Abner Cook

I Cyrus Perkins of Barnard in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged Seventy six years upon oath do hereby testify and say
That I became acquainted with Abel Child while he resided in Woodstock, in this state some fifty years ago and more particularly acquainted with him & wife Polly Child, in Rochester in this State
In about eight or ten years after my acquaintance with him at Rochester he removed to my house in Barnard, in this state, where he continued to reside for about one year, at which time he removed from my house to a place nearby where he resided some eight months when he again occupied my house where he continued to reside for the term of about three months.
During the period of his residence at this place he often spoke of Lincoln Mass as being the place where he was born, and that he resided at that place in early life, and at the age of about 19 went to Concord Mass to work as an apprentice to the shoemaking business. While there claimed to have enlisted in the Revolutionary war and during his services he claimed to have had many skirmishes with the Indians and was at Dorchester height at the building of the Fort & was in the Battle of Bennington and at the taking of Burgoyne - that he had the smallpox while in the army and was very sick and his face was somewhat pitted up to his death. He also claimed to have rendered service up the Northe River & murdered

service under Captain Hartwell & Captain Miscoe and that a man by the name of Hoar & I think a Parrie served with him
Cyrus Perkins
State of Vermont, At Barnard in said Windsor County ss } County this 11 th day of April AD 1854 Cyrus Perkins personally appeared before me and made oath in due form of law that this affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth, and nothing but the truth, & hereby certify that he is a credible witness and that I am not the agent of the applicant in said case or concerned in its prosecution
Before Me Chauncy E. Raymond Notary Public
STATE OF VERMONT, } I, NORMAN WILLIAMS, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor, in the
Windsor County, ss.
State of Vermont, do hereby certify that Chauncy E. Raymond was, at the date of the paper writing to which this is attached, and still is, a
— Notary Public —
in and for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowl- edgment of deeds, and that his signature Foregoing — is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 21 st day of September A. D. 1854
Norman Williams, Clerk.

To Commissioner of Pensions Sir Abel Child was a man & a shoe maker as I learn Martha Perkins loved out mostly after about 10 years old could give but a small account of her father David I wrote to her Sister Clarissa Stuyvesant and enclosed the within blank which she filled up as you can see from which the request for a pension was made Deborah Stuyvesant her husband was some sick at the time and was very sick until the last of July and died then assignments was made to buy the claim in good faith I don't doubt of former offend in the old lady life time they are well blessed with poverty and houseless & honest I learn I give it as my opinion there is not the least fraud or dishonesty in this claim and am of the opinion that all of them would not make one range in intellect or description. It is hard to trace his many removals years & c A. Speed
history

Abel Childs died 15 July 1831
Polly Childs died 10 May 1848, Married 1780,
Asa Berry 1 - Martha Perkins 2 - Ruth Bishop 3
Clarissa Angel 4 - Warriet Nott 5 - Daniel
Childs 6
John G A Spear Adm. ($6000 Bond)

Ahel child d o
15 July 1831
Polly child d o
10 May 1848
Anna Berry 1 Martha Perkins 2 Ruth Bishop 3
Clarissa Angell 4 Harriet Scott 5 Danhilde 6
Mr. S. A. Spear advice

Cyrus Perkins Same place
Stephen Luce Sophia Luce Vachel to Methuen
Joel Perkins Vachel Pease Polly Davis Esther Davis
Joel Alpean
Adon
Sam Dunbar Edmund Wheeler
Mitnepas

Polly Child, Jan. 3, 1852,
Nathaniel Briggs, d. Nov. 22, 1857
Mr. Darn or Dean, Bethel Vt.
Perry, Royalton, Vt.
Hosmer, Rochester, Vt.

I may be agreeable to the Department to be informed of the removals of Abel Child Born in Lincoln in 1757 went to Concord in 1775 to Lincoln in the fall of 1779 to Concord in 1780 at his marriage to Lincoln 1785 to Nelson Wn about 1792 to Mansfield to Nelson to Mansfield to Woodstock 1794 to Pomfret to Rochester in 1812 to Limerick to Providence to Stock bridge Vt and died in 1831

Every child now living except Harriet Nott are extremely poor and each additional bill of expense is heavily a burden on them
A. Mear
Clara see August & Ruth Bishop have benefited much on the support of the mother
A. Mear

14.971
Polly (Chil) and
Vert
A. Spear Sept 7 1853
" " Feby 27 1853
" " Nov 20 1852
" " Feby 8 1853
Harriet Dott May 3 1855
Yon Sol n Foot Feb 12. 1857
1921
July 7 1838

South Charlestown June 30 - 1857.
Sir,
I have to ask the favor of a copy of the testimony on file in the Pension Office in the case of Polly Child, widow of Abel Child, of Barnstable for pension under the act of 1838 - I will be greatly obliged with my grateful respect I am Mr. Col. Sir
Solomon Root
Hon. G. C. Whiting } Com. of Pensions }

Woodstock (Vt.) Nov. 19. 1853.
Sir, I have been personally acquainted with Leonard Hinsworth, Esq. of Stockbridge in the County of Windsor Vermont, for more than thirty years past. He is a gentleman of integrity and his statements reliable. J. Holloman
Now Commissioner of Pensions

REJECTED
1921
P. O. _____
Polly Childs
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18