Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23891, Peter Crane, Continental Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Mass.
Crane, Peter Elizabeth
W. 23891
CONTENTS

See lett to Hon Wm Jackson H.R. apt. 8. 1836.
See lett to Hon Wm Jackson H.R. apt. 8. 1836. 60. 12 2. 00 8. 88 71. 00 U.S.C. sent the on July 10/21, to Hon J
5.353
Massachusetts
Peter Crane,
Adjutant, —
Massachusetts line. 1776-9 mo.
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on the 7 th of May, 1878.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 of Jany 1879 and delivered to Hon. M c Fuller House of Rep s . U. S.
Arrears to 4th of Sep r 1878  \frac{25}{31} & \frac{4}{30} mo. $78.78
Semi-ann. all ce ending 4 Mar: 1879.  $120. —
$198.78
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Not enlisted — Canton, Norfolk Co. —
Hon. J. Fuller
H.R.

Peter Crane
Nov 14. 13 - Portland 1 75
Admitted, as Adjutant
Wm. T. Fuller H. of R.
 11111  71  0  25/71  1  1  24  6.45  1.06  $31.51 

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Norfolk ss.
On this seventh day of May 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Southern Circuit, personally appeared Peter Crane.
aged sixty five years, resident in
the said Circuit, who being by me first duly cautioned according to law, on his oath made the following declaration, by him signed, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war."
I Peter Crane of Cohasset in the County of Norfolk & Commonwealth of Massachusetts a resident citizen of the United States on oath sit forth and declare that I served in the war of the American Revolution the term of seven months. I entered said service in September 1775 and did the duty of orderly sergeant in Capt. William Bent's company & Col. Green's Regt. until January 1776 and in the same company and Regt. called No. 24 Mass. Line I performed the duty of Sergeant Major until August 3 d 1776 and from January to August 1776 I performed also the duty of Adjutant for one Nathan Rice Adj. of 2 d Green's Regt. in consequence of Rice's ill health. On the 20 th of July 1776 I was ordered by a Genl. Order the northern army was brigaded & Adj. Rice appointed Brigade Major to the 2 nd Brigade commanded by Col. Read, & on the 3 d of August in the same year I was appointed Adj. by a general order of Genl. Gates vice Adj. Rice promoted, and on the same 3 d of August I was appointed Ensign in said Capt. Bent's Company in the room of Ensign Killpatrick promoted, that I faithfully performed the duties of Adj. until said Regt. was disbanded in February 1777. That I did the duty of Brigade Major to the 1 st Brigade from the said 3 d of Aug. to the end of the campaign except from Oct. 20 th to Nov. 15 th 1776 & I did the duty of Adj. in the 24 th Regt. as aforesaid more than nine months, and I did the duty of Brigade Major more than five months & have rec d pay as such Adj. and Ensign six months all of which service I performed on the continental establishment.
and I have no additional evidence respecting my said services except the affidavits hereto annexed. And I further declare that I am reduced in my circumstances in life and stand in need of assistance from my country for support. Peter Crane
And I, the said Judge, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Peter Crane did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, on the continental establishment; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress. And I further certify that the P. Applicant, from said evidence, is in reduced circumstances & as he has sworn in his declaration.
Guinus Ware
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
ss. 1818.
I HEREBY CERTIFY, That is one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Southern Circuit, consisting of the Counties of Plymouth, Norfolk, Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket in said Commonwealth—that the same Circuit Court of Common Pleas is a Court of record—that the signature to the above certificate is the true signature of the said Judge, and that the seal thereunto affixed is the seal of the said Court.
Clerk of the Judicial Court for the County of

Copy Scotsbk No. of Peter Crane
W Edward J. 6. 6.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
NORFOLK, ss.—CIRCUIT COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, SPECIAL SESSION, JULY 17, 1820.
On this Seventeenth day of July 1820 personally appeared, in open Court, being a Court of Record for said County, proceeding according to the course of the Common Law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a Record of its proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Peter Crane aged sixty seven years, resident in Canton in said County, of Norfolk who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows: I served
as Adjutant of the twenty fourth Regiment, in the Massachusetts Line commanded by Col John Greaton that was applied for a pension on the second day of May 1818 and that the number of my pension certificate was 5,353.
And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons, engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Peter Crane
Sworn to and declared, on the Seventeenth day of July A. D. 1820 before
Samuel Ware Judge of the Court Pleas for the circuit
I, Horatio Townsend Clerk of the said Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule hereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value, of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is four thousand and seventy one dollars and eighty one cents. The debt does not exceed.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twenty first day of July 1820
Horatio Townsend Clerk.

Schedule of the property of the subscriber both real and personal
  2 1/2 acres of meadow worth would rent for five dollars this year 100.   twelve acres of land much worn worth 60   16 3/4 acres of land worth this land although I value at the above sum would not rent for ten dollars per year 200   Personal estate two Cows 35   house hold furniture worth 12.. 31   Books &c. in the house 11 - 00   Out door moveables Black smith, tools corroded with 15 years rust being unable to work 21 - 00   1 pig worth 1 50   1/2 Pen in L. t. see sy. above note one watch 15 
That I owe upwards of four hundred dollars and that there is nothing due me to any amount that can be collected that my family consists of myself aged 67, and very infirm, my wife aged 63 and not very healthy, my father in law aged 91 and totally unable to help himself, and my daughter Abigail Crane 26 and able to maintain herself  Peter Crane

Letts War Pension Co 17 June 52
Reputed
2741. Increased Massachusetts.
Elizabeth Crane dec d widow of Peter Crane who was a priv. Ensignt Adjt t in the Mass. line
Increased from $76.00
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 115 Dollars 83
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. Vend 2 nd Decem r 1845, when she died.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th day of May 1850 and sent to
Hon. A. Fowler House of Reps
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 27
Payable to only surviving children Nancy Kuhn, Margaret Fuller Betsey Crane & Abigail Crane

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th of July 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"
State of Massachusetts ss County of Norfolk. On this twenty eighth day of July in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before the Hon. Judge of the Court of Probate, Norfolk before me at Hingham in and for said County.
Elizabeth Crane a resident of Canton in the County of Norfolk & said State aged Eighty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain Widows":— That she is the widow of Peter Crane late of Canton deceased; That said Crane acted as Adjutant in the Revolutionary War for nearly two years to the best of her recollection, during a part of which time he performed the duties of Major as she was informed, as will more fully appear on reference to the papers and documents on file in the War Department which papers & documents were forwarded as proof in support of his claim to a pension under the acts of 1818 & 1820, which pension he continued to receive at the rate of twenty dollars per month until his name was stricken from the pension list in 1821 in consequence of the amount of his property.
She further declares that she was married to the said Peter Crane on the fifth day of November in the year Seventeen hundred & eighty two that her husband Peter Crane died on the eighth of December in the year Eighteen hundred & twenty one; 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 Seventeen hundred and ninety four viz: at the time above stated
Sworn to & subscribed on the day Elizabeth Crane and year above written before me
I Herman Selander Judge of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk.
I Jonathan H. Cobb Register of the Court of Probate within & for the County of Norfolk & Commonwealth of said hereby certify that Sherman Leland is Judge of said Court & that his signature with here is genuine & true.
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court of Probate this twenty eighth day of July A.D. 1835.
Jonathan H. Cobb Reg. of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
City of Boston July 25 th 1838
The subscriber do hereby certify that there appears in the Registry of marriages of Christ Church in Salem Street in said Boston the following record of marriage to wit, Marriages by Rev. Mr. Sewes, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty two, November fifth, Peter Crane and Elizabeth Mises. That it 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:
"Marriages, 1782"
"Nov 5. Peter Crane and Elizabeth Mises."
William Crowell
Rector of Christ Church Boston.
I William Crowell, Rector of Christ Church in said Boston, do hereby say that I am Rector of said Church, in said City of Boston and County of Suffolk and state - aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of marriages of said Church with the exception above named as certified by me
William Crowell
Rector of Christ Church Boston.
Sworn before me
George W. Adams
Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
SUFFOLK ss.
I George C. Wilde, a Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, for the County of Suffolk, do hereby certify that George W. Adams Esq is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk that his commission bears date the eleventh day of April
A. D. 1837 and expires on the eleventh day of April
A. D. 1844 and that his signature above written, is his true and proper signature
In witness whereof, I have set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this twenty eighth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred thirty eight.
Geo. C. Wilde,
CLERK,

97 - Mas. ar)
Elizabeth Crane widow of Peter
Mass. married Nov. 1782 died July 38
Capt Bent 75 vol. 14. p. 13 not on -
no rolls for 76 -
adm d . 7 mo. 3 ds. Seryt $35.50 4 - 2 ds. Ensign ddf t 40.00 75.50
no deduction
E. Fuller Esq. Cambridge Mass.

Cambridge, Mass. July 20. 1880
I, George W. Dunn, of Cambridge in the County of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, do hereby certify that I know the within named Elizabeth Crane, wife of the late Peter Crane, officer in the army of the Revolution, as I am informed and firmly believe that she was, and that I know that Mrs. Elizabeth Crane, since the death of the said Peter Crane, has never married again but has remained, and still is, a widow. In testimony of which I hereby set my hand this twenty sixth day of July in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and thirty Eight.
Geo. W. Dunn
sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me.
Henry M. Chamberlain, Justice of the Peace
I, Eugene Teller of Cambridge in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on oath depose and say that I am well acquainted with the within declarant Mrs. Elizabeth Crane - that I have known her for many years past - that I have always understood that her husband Peter Crane was an officer in the

army of the Revolution and for some time received the pension of an officer - that I was well acquainted with him, that he has been dead many years and that his wife the aforesaid Mrs Elizabeth Crane has not married since but is still living, his widow -
Eugene Fuller
Sworn to before me on the twenty sixth day of July A.D. 1838 Henry M. Chamberlain Justice of the Peace
The above named George H. Kim and Eugene Fuller are persons of veracity and their testimony in a Court of Justice would be worthy of credit -
Henry M. Chamberlain Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Simsbury, July 26. 1838
I hereby certify that the above named Henry M. Chamberlain is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex. Witness my hand & the Seal of the State
John P. Bigelow Seal of the Commonwealth

Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Suffolk ss. 2. Jan. 1830
I certify that it has been made to appear, to my satisfaction, that Peter Crane late of Canton in the county of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, deceased on the sixth day of December in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twenty one, leaving the following named children, viz. Margaret Fuller now of Manchester in the state of New Hampshire, widow, Betsey Crane now of said Canton, widow, and Abigail Crane now of said Manchester, singlewoman.
It has also been made to appear to my satisfaction, that said Peter Crane left a widow Elizabeth Crane, who deceased on the second day of December in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty five, the being a widow before her marriage with said Peter, and having issue by said former marriage, a child still surviving, namely Nancy Peabody of Cambridge

in said commonwealth of Massachu- setts, widow:
And it appears, to my satisfac- tion, that said Margaret Fuller, Betsey Crane and Abigail Crane, are the only surviving children of said Peter; and that said Margaret, Betsey, Abigail and Nancy are the only surviving children of said Elizabeth wife of said Peter.
Geo. T. Bigelow
{ Associate Justice of the Court of Com- mon Pleas
I hereby certify that the above signa- ture is the genuine signature of the Hon- orable George T. Bigelow, and that said Honorable George T. Bigelow is one of the Associate Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the commonwealth of Massa- chusetts, duly constituted and qualified for said office.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed

the seal of said court this second day of January in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty.
Joseph Willard
{ Clerk of said Court of Common Pleas

June 1, 1940
Mrs. Margaret F. Eliot Women's City Club Forty Beacon Street Boston, Massachusetts
BA-J/AWF Peter Crane W. 23391
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Peter Crane, born December 22, 1752, served in the Revolutionary War from Canton, Massachusetts.
The data which follow were obtained from claim for pension, W. 23891, based upon service of Peter Crane, in the Revolutionary War.
The date and place of birth of Peter Crane, and names of his parents were not given.
Peter Crane enlisted sometime in September, 1775, in Captain William Bent's company, in Colonel John Greadon's Massachusetts regiment, and served as follows- Orderly sergeant from the time of enlistment until sometime in January, 1776, as sergeant major and adjutant until August 3, 1776, on which date he was appointed adjutant and ensign and did the duty of Brigade Major until he left the service in February, 1777.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 7, 1818, at which time he was sixty-five years old, and a resident of Canton, Norfolk County, Massachusetts.
He died December 6 or 8, 1821, in Canton,

Massachusetts.
Peter Crane married November 5, 1782, in Christ Church, Salem Street, Boston, Massachusetts, Elizabeth Wiser, a widow. The date and place of her birth, names of her parents, and name of her former husband were not stated. Peter Crane referred to his father-in-law, in 1820, as aged ninety-one years old , name not given.
The widow, Elizabeth Crane, was allowed pension on account of the service of her husband, Peter Crane, on her application executed July 28, 1838, at which time she was living in Canton, Massachusetts, aged eighty-two years. She was living there in 1843. She died December 2, 1845, leaving the following children-
Margaret Fuller, a widow of Manchester, New Hampshire, in 1850, name of her husband not given; Betsey Crane, a widow of Canton, Massachusetts in 1850, name of her husband not given; Abigail Crane, a single woman of Manchester, New Hampshire in 1850; she was born about 1794; Nancy Kuhn, a widow in 1850, of Cambridge, Massachusetts; she was daughter of Elizabeth, by her first husband.
Timothy Fuller, Member of the House of Representatives from Massachusetts, was well acquainted with Peter Crane, in 1821. Eugene Fuller, son of said Timothy Fuller, was living in 1838, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and was well acquainted with the family of Peter Crane. It is not shown that they were related to the daughter, Margaret Fuller.
George Kuhn was a resident of Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1838, and in 1843, he gave his address, Custom House, Boston, Massachusetts, no relationship to Nancy Kuhn given.
The papers on file in these claims contain no further discernible family data.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

1929- Sept 27, Hist to Mrs. Philip Marquand, M.E.E. 1940- June 1- Hist to Margaret J. Elist. ass
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23891
Elizabeth Crane
wid. of
Peter Crane
Adjt. Rev. war.
Act: Mar. 3 rd 1843. June 17 th 1844.
Index:—Vol. A, Page 186
[Arrangement of 1870.]

To what period was Peter Crane, a pensioner on Mass. roll, act 18th Mar. 1818, last paid?
Pension office Apr. 8. 1836.
Paid to L. Moore 1820 as appears by the Books in the Q tr Comp. Wollery Office
Jas. Manahan Clerk

43.
Increase
Massachusetts.
Elizabeth Crane dec d
Widow of Peter Crane who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 8 December 1821 of Norfolk Co in the State of Mass. who was a pr. En d in the Company commanded by Captain Bent of the Reg t commanded by Col Greaton in the line for
Inscribed on the Roll of Boston at the rate of 115 Dollars 83 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th day of May 1857 and sent to Mrs A. Fowler N.H.
Increased per $ 76.06
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Chase clerk, Book Vol. 1 Page 535

Let. to E. Fuller, Sept. 14, 1838. Same, Sept 26. 1838.
Massachusetts 113.
Elizabeth Crane,
widow of Peter Crane , deceased, (late pensioner), who died on the 8 th of December 1821, of Norfolk Co. in the State of Massachusetts , who was a Serg. Ensign and Adjt. in the company commanded by Captain Bent , of the regiment commanded by Col. Greaton , in the Massachusetts line for . 7 months & 3 days, Sergeant, 4 months & 2 ds. Ensign & Adjt.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts , at the rate of 7/6 Dollars 6 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th day of August, 1838, and sent to E. Fuller, Esq. Cambridge, Massachusetts .
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838, $152.12 Semi-annual allowance ending 11 Sept. 4. 38.03
$190.15
5 years pension. { Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7, 1838, Section the 1 st }
Recorded by Book A,
G. J. Rhodes Clerk, Vol. 1, Page 79.

2741.
Massachusetts
Lt to Hon. G. V. N. Lee May 2/50
Elizabeth Crane widow of Peter Crane who was a Sgt. Ensign Adjt. in the Mass line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 76 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of Nov. 1843 and sent to Geo. Huhn Esq. Custom House Boston Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1. Page 39.

To
J. L. Edwards Esq. ( Comm: of Pensions;)
I have authorised Mr. D. D. Addison, of Washington City, to endeavor to procure an increase of my pension. You will therefore please let him have access to the papers on file in your office, in support of my claim, under the acts of July 7. 1838 &c.
When the claim is increased, the amount found due, I request may be made payable to myself, or to my order, by the agent for paying pensions in the City of Boston, Mass.
Recd. J. F. Fuller for Estate of Elizabeth Crane.
Partly interested

Washington City D.C. Oct 10 th 1849.
Sir, Sir -
I am requested (as you will perceive from the enclosed letter) by the parties interested in the late Mrs. Elizabeth Crane, of Mass ts late a pensioner under the Acts of 1838, &c, to ask a re-examination of her claim with a view to an increase of pension.
In order to enable me to procure the additional evidence necessary in support of this claim to an increase, I have respectfully to request that I may be furnished with a statement of the service, as set forth in Mrs. Crane's declaration, on file in your Office -
I am, Very respectfully W. M c G. H. H. Addison
To. J. V. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

Boston 28 th July 1843
Sir
Enclosed please find the Declaration of Elizabeth Crane of Court- St. Mass. - widow of the late Peter Crane, de- ceased, together with the certificate of the Secretary of this Commonwealth.
In forwarding the certificate from the Pension office, please direct to George M c Lean Esq. Custom House, Boston.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pension Washington
Yr Obige Yrs very respfy. Geo. M c Lean

Boston. Aug 31. 1838
J. S. Edwards Esq
Dr Sir.
I received from the pension office the enclosed certificate about which I wish to trouble you by asking two or three questions, not only applying to this individual case, but interesting to numerous other soldiers or their widows in this vicinity who are about to apply for a pension under the last act. The soldier, in whose favor the within certificate is, had hard hard duty from one to two years in the army of the Revolution as an officer, and drew the pension of an officer for a time, namely $240 per Year. It was expected by his friends that the pension drawn under the act of 1838 would be a pro rata sum, probably $200 or not far from it. The certificate fixes the sum at $76.08 which it seemed to me must be a mistake or deduced from some calculation the principles of which I am not acquainted with.
Will you look over the enclosed certificate and see if it be accurate, and if so, inform me on what principle the pensions under the present pension act are graduated? I should not give the Department this trouble if only this individual case were concerned but as many other persons are interested in your answer, I would request that you would reply as speedily as possible.
Respectfully your obedt servant Eugene Feller
Please address "E. Feller - Cambridge - Mass."

Boston Mass. Sep 20.
/838-
J. L. Edwards Esq
Dr Sir,
I forwarded about three weeks since a certificate of the Pension to be received by the widow of M ary Peter Crane of Norfolk City Mass. desiring that said certificate might be examined and if there was an error in the amount of the pension as I thought there must be, that it might be corrected and desiring that the Certificate might be returned in any event, & desired to be informed of the principle on which under the recent act, the sum had been reduced from the former amt. of $240. to $76.08. and if the reduction was to be universal - This re-examination I requested as I was informed by gentlemen in this quarter that mistakes of this kind had in some instances been made and, on representation, corrected by the Department. Since that time I have received no reply and would request that the certificate be enclosed to me as soon as possible. I should likewise be glad of the information alluded to. Respectfully Eugene Fuller

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston July 28. 1843
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Ellis Ames was a justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Jno. A. Pillsbury
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7, 1838, and the amended act of 23d August, 1842.
State of Massachusetts } ss. County of Norfolk }
On this sixth — day of July in the year Eighteen Hundred & Forty Three personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace of the County of Norfolk in said State, Elizabeth Crane a resident of Canton in the County of Norfolk aged eighty seven years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Peter Crane , late of said Canton deceased, who was a Sergeant Ensign & Adjutant in the year 1776 in Colonel John Greaton's Regiment of Massachusetts Troops of the Revolutionary Army for which service the said Elizabeth has received a Pension from the United States of $76 and upwards, per ann. under the act of July 1838.
She further declares that she is still a widow. Elizabeth Crane
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts , I also certify that the said Elizabeth Crane is personally well known to me and that full faith & reliance may be placed in her statement as a credible affiant.
Ellis Ames Justice of the Peace

Washington 4. Feb. 1821.
The Hon ble Secretary of War,
Sir,
Permit me to lay before you a statement in relation to a person heretofore on the list of revolutionary pensioners, which being very peculiar, you were so good as to say, some time since, should have your personal attention.
Major Peter Crane of Canton, Mass. was adju- tant of a regiment in the revolution, & as such made application under the act of March 1818, & received his pension. I have known him per- sonally about twelve years, during which time, tho' a blacksmith, he has been wholly unable to work at his trade. Having a few acres of land he has however done light work in cultivating it, & with his best efforts & the utmost temper- ance & economy he has never been able to maintain himself his wife & daughter, with their assistance, but has constantly incurred

some debts from year to year, till a few years ago, he was obliged to sell most of his land including leaving only a few barren & rugged acres & a little woodland. When he obtained his pension it seemed to be the only resource & prevent the sacrifice of what remained, which would be of much less value from its situation to any other person than to him. By retaining it, if he could labor personally, it would furnish some articles necessary in a family, which if purchased would require considerable portion of his pension.
During most of the last Spring, Summer, & autumn past he has been entirely confined by an accumulation of diseases, of which dropsy in the feet & legs was the most prominent, accompanied with a constant & consumptive cough. For some weeks he had frequently two doctors & constantly one, & his life was despaired of during a great part of the time. He has been somewhat relieved since I left home, but I understand that there is very little probability of his continuing many

months, much less of his recovery.
His expenses have been very considerable for doctors, & for necessaries in his family, while the attention of his wife & daughter were necessary in taking care of him. & I have no doubt that his unavoidable debts incurred within a year past are more than the the value of his land & every article he possesses.
These must be paid & many of them soon. In the hope that his pension may be secured he has prevailed on some of their creditors to suspend their suits, but I understand several of them have actually sued him. If the pension is allowed & paid in March next it may probably save him from absolute beggary, otherwise he must suffer his land to be taken & must rely on charity.
Permit me to say he is a man of worth, & whom his country has no cause to regret having attempted to relieve.
Most of these facts are within my personal knowledge - the Policy of the Dept. of State in a notice of Canton & has known Maj. Crane from childhood. He was at Canton last autumn & knows his circumstances & his situation. Other evidence can be obtained from the most unquestionable sources to satisfy the Department of the verity of these particulars if required.

The short interval before the next semiannual pay- ment of pensions obliges me to beg the favor of an early perusal of this letter, & I will have the honor to wait upon you at the office within a day or two; — hoping that under such circumstances as I have stated it will not be thought necessary to withhold the pension for the purpose of the actual sac- rifice of a little land, without which the pension- er must be a helpless mendicant. —
I am Sir, with very great respect, your most obed t Servt.
Timothy Fuller
Mr. Bowditch

War Department, N o 5.353 PENSION OFFICE,
21 Feby 1821.
SIR,
You are hereby informed that the Secretary of War does not, on account of the amount of your property, consider you entitled to a Pension under the Acts of the 18th March, 1818, and 1st May, 1820; and has, therefore, directed your name to be stricken from the Pension List.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards
To Mr. Peter Crane, of Canton, Norfolk Co. Mass ts Care Hon Mr. Fuller, H. Rep s .
J

Increase Elizabeth Crane de widow of Peter, Massachusetts,
increased from $76.06 to $115 83 / 100 per 10 / 12 from 4 March 1836 to 4 March 1841, from 4 March 1843 to 2 nd Decr 1845 when she died, leaving Nancy Kuhn Mayant Hull, Betsy Crane, & Abigail Crane, deducting what has been paid,
increased as Adf.
Hon. B. Fowler A. R.

James L. Edwards Esq
Cambridge Mass. July 29.
1838
Sir.
Accompanying this are the documents necessary, as is believed, to substantiate the claims of the within named Mrs Elizabeth Crane to a pension under the recent act of the 7 th July 1838. The Evidence was made out according to the specifications in a form received from you by a gentleman in Boston a few days since.
Knowing that the Department must have a great many applications to attend to, we can only request that as early an attention may be given to us as possible.
I find among the papers of my father the Hon. T. Fuller, formerly of H. of Representatives from Mass. a communication from you in 1821, notifying him, as the agent of the within named Peter Crane, that his pension was discontinued in consequence of his possessing an amount of property, which as the Law then stood disqualified him from receiving a pension. His widow has been prevented from applying for her husband's pension by the state of the Law (just altered) which excluded those married after their husband's term of service had expired. I enclose the document referred to, thinking it may assist the Department

in their researches after the other evidence on the files.
Very respectfully
Your ob't servant
Eugene Fuller
Please address "E. Fuller
Cambridge
Mass."

Home of Pres t .
Washington City D.C. April 4 th 1850.
Dr. Sir.
Enclosed is a Certificate of Court shewing the date of Mrs. Elizabeth Crane's death, and the names of her surviving children - Mrs. Crane was placed on the Mass ts pension roll, under the act of July 7 th 1838. at the rate of $76 66 / 100 pr. an. but her husband, Peter Crane, having served for upwards of 17 months as Orderly Sergeant & Adjutant, they claim that their Mother was entitled to a much larger rate of pension. Peter Crane, their father, was allowed a pension under act 1818. for 9 months service as Adjutant, which service alone would entitle them to an increase to $180 pr. an; and the remaining service of 8 months as Sergeant would entitle them to $40 more, which together makes $220, to which amount they claim an increase -
I request that the Certificate of increase may issue without delay -
Yours truly Olin Storer
Col. N. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions

MRS. PHILIP MARQUAND THE LITTLE BRICK HOUSE CURZONS MILL, NEWBURYPORT, MASS. TELEPHONE 49-W
Recd
Pension Commissioners Washington D. C. — Dear Sir
Wishing to join the D. A. R. through my Great Grandfather Adjutant Peter Grane , I was advised to apply to you by Mr Cook, secretary office of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I quote from his letter "As Peter Grane who served as an Adjutant in the Massachusetts Line was receiving a pension in 1820, the Pension Commissioner, Washington, D. C. can give you an

abstract of the service claimed by him in his application and other data as well."
If you can send me the information as described above or any other that you may have I shall be very much obliged to you
Sincerely Yours
Margaret Fuller Margrave
June 25 th 1929
Newburyport - Mass.

WOMEN'S CITY CLUB OF BOSTON FORTY BEACON STREET
April 18, 1940
Dear Sirs:
Will you kindly let me know whether a Revolutionary pension was ever paid to Major Peter Crane, of South Canton, Mass., or to his widow, Elizabeth Wisner Crane, of Canton? Major Crane (b. 22 Dec. 1752, d. 6 Dec. 1821) served in the Revolution, and was major and adjutant in the 24th regiment of Massachusetts, under Col. John Greaton. His wife, Elizabeth Wisner (Wisier or Wiser), was born about September 8, 1755, married him Nov. 5, 1782, & died Dec. 2, 1845 in South Canton. They were survived by three daughters,

WOMEN'S CITY CLUB OF BOSTON FORTY BEACON STREET
Betsy Crane, Abigail Crane, & Mrs. Margaret Crane Fuller, who was my great grandmother.
For genealogical purposes I would like to have any information that you can get from the pension records for me. I am especially desirous to learn the birthplace and exact date of Elizabeth Wisner's birth, and the names of her parents. As the Major left an estate of only $245.87, it seems likely that he was living on a pension.
I shall be glad to pay for a copy of your records if it will not

WOMEN'S CITY CLUB OF BOSTON FORTY BEACON STREET
be too expensive.
Very truly yours, (Mrs.) Margaret F. Eliot

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
MHB/HMM
September 27, 1929.
Mrs. Philip Marquand The Little Brick House Curzons Mill Newburyport, Massachusetts.
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 23891, it appears that Peter Crane enlisted in September 1775, in Captain William Bent's Company, Colonel John Greaton's 24th Continental Regiment and served as follows: as orderly Sgt
(As Orderly Sergeant from the time of his enlistment until January 1776; as Sergeant Major and Adjutant until August 3, 1776 on which date he was appointed Adjutant and Ensign and did the duty of Brigade Major, until He was discharged in February 1777.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 7, 1818 at which time he was aged sixty-five years and a resident of Canton, Norfolk County, Massachusetts.
In 1820 he stated that his family consisted of his wife, aged sixty-five years and his father-in-law, aged ninety-one years; their names are not given; and his daughter, Abigail, aged twenty-six years.
He died December 6 or 8, 1821 in Canton, Massachusetts.
The soldier married November 5, 1782 at Christ Church in Salem

Street, Boston, Massachusetts, Elizabeth Wiser, a widow.
She was allowed pension on her application executed July 28, 1838, at which time she was a resident of Canton, Massachusetts, and was aged eighty-two years. She died December 2, 1845, leaving the following children:
Margaret Fuller - A widow of Manchester, New Hampshire, in 1850, name of husband not shown Betsey Crane - A widow of Canton, Massachusetts in 1850, name of husband not shown Abigail Crane - A single woman of Manchester, New Hampshire in 1850. d about 1794
Nancy Kuhn, daughter of said Elizabeth by her first marriage was a widow in 1850 and then resided in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She name of her husband is not shown.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.