Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,996, James Chesley, Navy N.H.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Navy N. H.
Chesley, James Elizabeth
N 15996
CONTENTS
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing.
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing.

49031 Alto Hampshire James Chesley
of Strafford in the State of N H who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded by Col Mooney in the N H line for 13 (Mch) 12 Days
Inscribed on the Roll of N H at the rate of 44 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of Jan'y 1833 and sent to Bartlett Dover N H
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $66.99 Semi-ann. allowance ending 1 st Jan 33 22.33
$89.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by G H B Blair Clerk, Book D - Vol. 1 st Page 148.

843 New Hampshire Elizabeth Chesley widow of James Chesley
who died on the 6 th February 1836 of Rockingham in the State of New Hampshire who was a pr t Marine in the comp y commanded by Captain _____ of the reg t commanded by Col. Mooney in the N.H. line for N.H.
Inscribed on the Roll of New Hampshire at the rate of 44 Dollars 67 1 / 2 Cents per annum, to commence on the 6 th day of March February 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of May 1837 and sent to Carnars B. Nealley P.M. Sec. N.H.
Arrears to the 1 th of Sep r 1836 $ 25.81 Pemi-anl. allowance ending 4 March '37. 22.33
$48.14
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by Sam l Boyd Clerk, Book _____ Vol. _____ Page 26

11725

State of New Hampshire      Probate Court for said County held at County of Strafford ss } Dover on the seventeenth day of September A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of Probate for said County James Levesque a resident of Barrington in said County aged eighty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th . 1832.
That he entered the service of United States as a marine on board the United States Ship Ranger in December 1778 at Portsmouth New Hamp. and immediately went on board said Ship lying in Pepperell Cove in Portsmouth Harbor where said ship remained a month or more before she sailed. Said Ship was commanded by Capt d Thomas Simpson of said Portsmouth, Elijah Hall first Lieut. Ezra Green Surgeon, — Mansford, Sailing Master, Boatswain Philip McKean. In January as nearly as he can recollect 1779 he sailed in said Ship from said Portsmouth on a cruise of six months, during which time, the Ranger cruised off the Capes of Virginia and Bermuda, and captured the Georgia Fleet of Merchantmen of eight or nine sail and brought them to the eastern ports of the United States — that he was put on board the Iason an English Ship of fifteen guns and arrived in here at Boston, having been absent for more than six months in said service, when I was discharged in June of 1779.
In the year 1780. in April he enlisted in Dover New Hamp. under Capt Caleb Hodgdon of said Dover in a Militia company command- ed by him, for the term of six months and served in said company at Gt Island in Portsmouth Harbor where he was con- stantly employed in building a Fort on that Island during the term of his enlistment. The other officers of said company I cannot remember — The Regiment to which said company belonged was commanded by Col — Moony — the Lt Col. and Major not recol- -lected.
In Dec r — 1775 I enlisted at Durham New Hamp. in a Militia Com py commanded by Capt Thomas Bartlett of Nottingham

in New Hamp. - Said Samuel Gray - the insomuch not recollects - he marched from said Durham with a Company commanded by Capt. Alphaes Chesley of said Durham through Hamble Mass. to Winter Hill near Boston where he joined Capt Bartlett's Company - which belonged to the Reg. t commanded by Col. Ench. Poor, Lt. John Mc Duffer and Major Joseph Colley That he enlisted in said Company for the term of six weeks after the expiration of which time, he was dismissed at Winter Hill where said Company was stationed during the six weeks of his service - At the time of the several terms of enlistment, he resided at Durham New Hamp. where he was born, and returned there after the expiration of said terms of service - That he now resides in Barrington New Hamp where he has resided for more than forty years.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency in any State.
Parrolls Chesley
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
And the said Court do hereby declare its opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and did the service as a mariner as stated in the foregoing declaration.
Daniel C. Atkinson Judge of Probate
I James Bartlett, Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Stafford do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Chesley for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this seventeenth day of September A. D. Eighteen hundred & thirty two -
James Bartlett Reg.

Enclosed are the Papers of the Widow of James Chesley Elizabeth Chesley a Soldier in the War of the Revolution, please to return the result of this case to Edward B. Malley Post Master See New Hampshire — to April 13. 1837
J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions
Eliz Chesley wid of James W. C.
Allow a pen sion manum $44.66 per ann con g 6 Feb. 1836

State of New Hampshire. Rockingham County. Jr.
In this Sixth day of April A.D. 1837 personally appeared before the Subscribers one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Rockingham aforesaid, Elizabeth Chesley, a resident of the Town of Nottingham in said County, late a resident in Barrington in the County of Strafford, and State aforesaid Widow of James Chesley a Revolutionary Pensioner late of Barrington aforesaid deceased. Aged Seventy Seven Years. Who being first 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 th 1836. That she is the Widow of James Chesley late of Barrington deceased who was a Soldier in the Army of the Revolution, and served at New Castle in the State of New Hampshire six months, and at Cambridge for about three months, but his Officers on the time of his service saw not till but knew it was before, November 1778. That in November 1778. he enlisted aboard the Privateer Ranger and went to sea and returned in May following. I don't recollect who commanded the Privateer but know that Doctor Ezra Green was Surgeon aboard said Privateer. The further states that she was married to said James Chesley by the Reverend Samuel Witchings a Minister of the Gospel at sea in said County of Strafford on or about the middle of November 1776. and that her husband the aforesaid James Chesley died on the Sixth day of February 1836. and that I have no the Pension from September 4 th 1835. to the time of his death and that she has remained a Widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof herunto annexed.
Elizabeth her Chesley mark.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Before Bradbury Bartlett a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
I certify that Elizabeth Chesley who subscribed the above is a person of good character, and entitled to full belief, and the reason of her making this declaration before me is on account of her great age and debility not being able to attend in Open Court. Bradbury Bartlett Judge of the Court of Common Pleas.

State of New Hampshire Rockingham ss I J. B. Ditt Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County hereby certify that the Hon. Bradbury Ditt who has subscribed the within certificates is a Judge of the said Court of Common Pleas for said County duly qualified, and that full faith and credit should be given to all his official acts as such, and that the signature thereunto purporting to be his is in my belief genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this tenth day of April Anno Domini 1837
J. B. Ditt Clerk

I Joseph Chesley of Barrington in the County of Stafford and State of New Hampshire of lawful age testify and say that I am a son of James Chesley of said Barrington, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, and deceased the 6 th day of February A.D. 1836. I was born in August 1779 and have always lived at home with my Father and my mother Elizabeth Chesley, from my birth until my Fathers death, and have often heard them say that they went to Lee in the fall of 1776 and were married by Parson Hutchins of the Parish of Lee, and that I was not born until my Father came out of the service between two and three years after their marriage, have often heard my Father tell of his services in the Revolutionary war, at Newcastle, and at Cambridge, and in the Ship Ranger. In which vessel he said he enlisted for a six months cruise, he was put aboard a prize and did not arrive home until after the period of the cruise was up. If I remember right I think he said the Ranger was commanded by Capt. Thomas Simpson, and the Surgeon was Doctor Ezra Green - said he came home in May, before I was born in August in the year 1779 - which was his last service in the War - I have often heard my Mother say that she was married to my Father before she was 18 years old - I have taken due pains and made thorough enquiries to find the record of my Mothers marriage to my Father, but cannot, nor can I learn that the Rev. Mr. Hutchins ever kept any record of the persons that he joined

in Marriage —
Joseph Chesley
State of New Hampshire
Stratford Jan 8. In April 7 th A.D. 1837
Then subscribed and sworn to Before me
Edward B. Kealey Justice of the Peace
Stratford ss I certify that I am well acquainted with Joseph Chesley who subscribed the foregoing Affidavit and that he is a credible person —
Edward B. Kealey Justice of the Peace
Affidavit of Joseph Chesley

Affidavit of Asa Chesley -

I Asa Chesley of Barrington in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, of lawful age testify and say that my Father James Chesley of said Barrington who was a Revolutionary Pensioner deceased the 15 th day of February A.D. 1836 — and that my Mother Elizabeth Chesley the first and only wife of my Father is now living, and that she was married to my Father as I have always, heard them say — previous to my Father's going into the Revolutionary service — My Mother's age is as nigh as I can recollect 77 in her 78 th year — Asa Chesley
Strafford ss. See Feb. 8 th 1837 Subscribed and Sworn to before me, Edward B. Kealey, Justice of the Peace
Strafford ss. See Feb. 8 th A.D. 1837 — I certify that I am well acquainted with Asa Chesley the Deponent aforesaid, and that he is a credible person —
Edward B. Kealey, Justice of the Peace

I Sarah Chesley of Lee in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire Aged 74 years, was well acquainted with James Chesley late of Barrington deceased, and his wife who was Elizabeth Hill, and now the Widow of James Chesley - I knew them from my childhood having lived in their immediate Neighborhood - Mr. James Chesley was a Cousin of mine, and was married to Elizabth Hill by the Rev. Samuel Hutchins, then Minister of the Parish in Lee, before the Revolutionary War, I heard of the death of my Cousin Chesley about a year ago - and his Widow Elizabeth Chesley survives and is now living at Barrington where her late husband deceased
Witness
Edw. B. Kealey
Sarah Chesley mark
Strafford ss. Lee February 8 th 1837 Subscribed and Sworn to before me, Edward B. Kealey Justice of the Peace
Strafford ss. Lee Feb. 8 th 1837 I certify that I am well acquainted with Sarah Chesley the Deponent of said and that she is a credible person -
Edward B. Kealey, Justice of the Peace

State of New Hampshire
Rockingham ss
I J. Bartlett Scott Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County hereby certify that Edward B. Kealley Esq is a magistrate within & for our County of Strafford personally known to me as such, and that his signature to this, and the foregoing annexed affidavits is in his own hand writing
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this tenth day of April Anno Domini 1834
J. B. Scott Clerk
Affidavit of Sarah C. Cushing

11,725
James Chesley
M c E
OWATS & MARIN 13 Mo & 12 ds
Adm
13 Mo & 12 days
$ 44.66
James Bartlett
Adm
M c H

12, 125
BRIEF in the case of  James Chesley of Barrington  Strafford Cy  in the State of  N.H.  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? _____
3. How old is he? 82
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Dec: 78 - to June 79 more than 6 _____ _____ Marine Gen. U.S. Ship Ranger - Capt. Simpson   80. _____ 6 _____ private Capt. Hodgdon - Col. Mooney   Dec 75 - _____ 1 12 " Capt. Bartlett - Col. Root  
5. In what battles was he engaged? None mentioned
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Durham N.H.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?
4 living witnesses
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
Right
Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
W.C. Easton
Examining Clerk.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15-996
Elizabeth Chesley Wid. of James Chesley Priv Rev War
Act July 4 th 186
Index: Vol. 2 , Page 131
[Arrangement of 1870.]

To what time was James Chesley of Stafford 6 o M c paid with the Ar d of June 7 1872.
H. B. L.
Died 6 th February 1836. Paid (arrears) 1 st 9 r '36.

11,725
James Chesley

B R I E F objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of James Chesley which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? Yes IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
No
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
No
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
[Handwritten flourish]
XIV. †If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
My
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?
[Handwritten flourish]
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
[Handwritten flourish]
XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
[Handwritten flourish]
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
No as to 2. 5. 6. 7
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡ QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Joseph Lathens affidavit in James Chesley's case

I Ezra Greene of Dover in the State of New Hampshire aged eighty six years testify and declare that I was Surgeon of the American armed Ship Ranger which sailed from Portsmouth New Hampshire in the service of the Continental Congress in the year one thousand seven hundred & seventy  seventy nine under the command of Thomas Simpson commander - I further testify that I have this day had a conversation with Mr James Chesley of Barrington in said state who states & declares that he served as a marine on board said vessel for more than six months and from his recollection of the officers, and a great variety of circumstances relating to the cruise of said vessel & which are also well remembered by me I have no manner of doubt that said Chesley was on board said vessel on said cruise Ezra Green
State of New Hampshire
Strafford ss. July 28 th 1832. Then the abovenamed Ezra
Green personally appearing made oath that the above affidavit by him signed is true before me Asa Freeman Justice of the Peace
I James Buellett, Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Strafford do hereby certify that Asa Freeman whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Strafford, and that the signature of said Justice is genuine. In witness whereof I have hereunto caused the official seal to be affixed this 17 th day of September 1832
James Buellett Reg

I Josiah Durgin of Lee in the County of Stafford and State of New Hampshire aged seventy six years do testify and say that I served in a Militia Company at Great Island in New Hampshire commanded by Captain Elijah Dunbar for the term of six months, And I perfectly well remember that James Chesley then of Durham in said County was there a private in the Company commanded by Captain Caleb Woodson of Dover, I have been ever since well acquainted with said Chesley — Josiah Durgin.
State of New Hampshire
Stafford ss. } On July 11 th 1832 Then Josiah Durgin personally appeared and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is just and true —
Before me Edward B. Keally Jus: of Peace
Stafford ss. } On July 11 th 1832 I hereby certify that the above named deponent is a credible person —
Edw. Bowdoin Keally Jus: of Peace
205 of New Hampshire
James Chesley of Durham in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire do hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit of Josiah Durgin is just and true to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.

I Robert Hill of Nottingham in the county of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire aged Seventy three years testify and say that while I was an apprentice under the age of twenty one years I went with Captain Abijah Pinkham of Barrington County of Strafford and State aforesaid to Great Island or New castle in Piscataqua harbor in the State of New Hampshire I staid there I think about six weeks or two months with the Company that went from Barrington under the command of my then Master Captain Pinkham aforesaid, and worked on the fort in Piscataqua harbor - and am fully impressed in the belief that I saw James Chesley then of Durham now of Barrington there a soldier while I was at Great Island. and afterwards I enlisted into a Militia Company commanded by Captain Alpheus Chesley of Durham in said County of Strafford and marched to Winter Hill in Massachusetts where I served six weeks during the term of my enlistment and perfectly remember that James Chesley aforesaid was then a private in the Company commanded by Captain Thomas Bartlett of Nottingham and his Lieutenant was Samuel Gray of said Nottingham, I have been well acquainted with said Chesley from my boyhood until the present time ————— Robert Hill
State of New Hampshire, Strafford ss. See July 18. 1832 then

Robert Peir personally appeared and made solemn oath that the within affidavit by him subscribed is just and true Before me
Edward B. Kealley Jus: of Peace
Stratford Jb. July 18. th 1832 I hereby certify that the above named deponent is a credible person —
Edward B. Kealley Jus: Peace
State of New Hampshire
Stratford Jb. I James Bartlett, Register of the Court of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Edward B. Kealley whose name is subscribed to the three fore- going certificates is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Strafford and that the signature affixed to the same is the genuine signature of said Justice.
In witness whereof I have hereunto caused the official seal to be affixed this 17 th day of September 1832.
James Bartlett Reg
Robert Peir Affidavit in this case

Affidavit of Abigail Chesley

I Abigail Chesley of Barrington in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire Widow of Ebenezer Chesley who was the Brother of James Chesley late of Barrington deceased a Revolutionary Pensioner, Testify and say that I am eighty two years of age, and have been well acquainted with said James Chesley and his Wife Elizabeth Chesley from my Youth, have lived within about a mile of them for the term of sixty five years - They were married before James Chesley went out in the Revolutionary War, but how long before I cannot tell - I lived in the House with his Wife when he was out a privateering, and perfectly well recollect when he came home, that he brought with him a Roll of Bed blankets, a roll of Linen Shirting and a New Saddle - Elizabeth Chesley Widow of said James is now living about a mile from where I reside in Barrington aforesaid, and has always lived with her husband James Chesley from the time they were married until his decease, which was about a year ago -
Witness Edw. B. Nealley Joseph Chesley
Abigail her _____ Chesley Mark
State of New Hampshire Strafford To. }
Barrington February 11 th 1837 Sun
Subscribed, and Sworn to, Before me,
Edward B. Nealley Justice of the Peace
Strafford To Barrington February 11. 1837 I certify that Abigail Chesley the Deponent aforesaid is a credible person Edward B. Nealley Justice of the Peace

Willey Hill of Lee in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire aged seventy seven years, was well acquainted with Mr. James Chesley late of Barrington in said County a Revolutionary Pensioner, who deceased about a year ago. I have been acquainted with said Chesley from my childhood, - never at any time living more than three miles apart - was out in the Revolutionary War with him at Winter Hill - said Chesley was married as I understood before he went into the service, he lived with a Woman that he called his Wife before he went into the Army, and continued to live with her as his wife, having six or seven children by her, until February A.D. 1836 - when he deceased - his Widow whose name was Elizabeth Hill before he married her, and now Elizabeth Chesley, still survives, and is living in said Barrington, where her husband deceased. Very Sincere
State of New Hampshire, Lee February 8 th A.D. 1837 - Strafford ss. } Personally appeared Willey Hill who subscribed the foregoing Affidavit and made solemn oath that the same is just and true - Before me, Edward B. Nealley - Justice of the Peace
Strafford ss. Lee Feb. 8 th A.D. 1837 - I certify that I am well acquainted with Willey Hill the deponent aforesaid, and that he is a credible person Edward B. Nealley - Justice of the Peace