Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5,029, Samuel Copeland, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Copeland, Samuel
S. 5029
Carded.
CONTENTS

2847
Massachusetts
Samuel Copeland
of Bristol in the State of Mass who was a Sgt 1st in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] of the Regt commanded by Col Walker in the [blank] line for 10 days at [blank] 11 1/2 D 10 c
Inscribed on the Roll of [blank] at the rate of 5.2 Dollars 88 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th day of Dec 1832 and sent a Biddle Bristol Co. Jan 10th 1833
Arrears to 14th of Sep r 1832 $ 82.32 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Mar 33 27.44 $109.76
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J H [blank] Clerk Book 9 Vol. 2 nd Page 43.

3982
Sam. Copeland
C.2 o

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, } BRISTOL, ss. }
At a COURT of PROBATE holden at Taunton - in and for said County on the twenty eighth day of August . By Draft one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, before the Honorable HODIJAH BAYLIES, Judge of the Probate, &c. for said County, personally appeared Samuel Copeland a resident of Norton in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged eighty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832, make the following declaration.
That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers and served as hereinafter stated; to wit: under Seth Gilbert who was a Lieutenant & ensign George Makepeace , I volunteered at the alarm which was given of the Lexington Battle and marched to Roxbury near Boston on the 20 th of April 1775 and there served under the above officers about two weeks , and at the expiration of said term I was verbally discharged by my officers. I will state further particulars of my service in my answer to the fifth interrogatory.
and further declares as follows, in reply to the interrogatories propounded by the Secretary of War; to wit:
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
Ans. That he was born in Norton in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts in the year one thousand seven hundred and fifty .
2. Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it? There is a record of my age in the office of the Town clerk of Norton a certificate of which is herewith annexed -
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live? Ans. Norton
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom? Ans. I was never drafted, I always enlisted voluntarily

5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service.
months 5 1 I cannot state the particular day but know it was the first part of the month of May in the year 1775 that I enlisted into a company commanded by Captain Macey Williams of Boston for eight months. I was appointed a Sergeant in this company. I have now got my warrant which is signed by Col. Timothy Walker, and which is is herewith annexed. Our Regiment was called the 22 nd Regiment of the Colonies troops and we were stationed at Roxbury & Dorchester during this campaign which is near Boston. At the close of our term I received a verbal discharge from my officers & returned home. I refer to Thomas Danforth's affidavit to prove this my eight month campaign.
I also enlisted into a company commanded by Israel Snow I am not quite certain about the time but think it was in the year 1777. I marched from Boston to a place called Fall River in Mass, & from thence to Swanton in R.I. and there served one month the other company, & Regimental officers I have forgotten. At the end of the term I was verbally discharged by Captain Snow & returned home. I refer to Elijah Eddy's affidavit to the prove this campaign - over

I again volunteered in said Israel Drows company, and marched to a place called Little Compton in the State of Rhode Island, and there served one month in said company. I cannot certainly tell the time that I performed this service but think it was in the year 1778. It was in Sullivan's Expedition -
I have no documentary evidence to prove this my last month's service, neither have I any documentary  documentary evidence to prove my first half month's service, at the commencement of the war and there is no living witness that I know of, by whom I can prove these services. I must therefore rely & depend on my own statement respecting them, as confirmed and supported by the Rev. Pitt Clarke and Cromwell Leonard
when I was stationed at Roxbury, I frequently saw Generals, Washington, Ward, Putnam, Sullivan, Thomas, and many other officers whose names I do not now recollect.
The troops in which I served were generally called Massachusetts State troops, but some times united colonies troops.
I have no documentary evidence to prove this my last month's service, and it did not then clearly occur to me that I had rendered other service than what was then stated, but one month's  was recollection of serving one other campaign which was of one month I was stationed near the Island of Rhode Island under Captain Isaac Hoadges - & I believe Col. George William's Regiment - I refer to an ancient roll of said Captain Hoadges which is annexed to Elijah Eddy's declaration, which I expect will accompany this declaration.
Samuel Lapsland witness May 30 th 1750
True copy of record. Attest John Mearr Town Clerk
Newton August 24 th 1832

6. Were you a Soldier or an Officer? if a Soldier, did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and, if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? if an Officer, did you ever receive a commission, and if so by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? I was a Soldier, I never had a written discharge, I never had a commission & never held any office in the army other than that of Sergeant.
7. State the names of the persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the Revolution. I refer to the Rev. Pitt Clarke and Samuel Linnard & Jacob Shepard all of Norton in said County of Bristol —
And the said Samuel Copeland — doth further declare that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State, or (if any) only on that of the agency of the State of  Samuel Copeland
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
H. Baylies , Judge of Probate.
WE Pitt Clarke — a Clergyman — residing in Norton — and Jacob Shepard — residing in the same Town — hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Samuel Copeland — who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be about Eighty two years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Pitt Clarke, Jacob Shepard Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. H. Baylies , Judge of Probate.
AND the said Court do hereby express are their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certify that it appears to them that Pitt Clarke — who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman — resident in the Town of Norton — in said County of Bristol, and that Jacob Shepard — who has also signed the same is a resident in said Town and is a credible person, and that their — statement is entitled to credit.
H. Baylies , Judge of Probate. Judge of Probate.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } BRISTOL, ss. }
I Anselm Bassett — Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Samuel Copeland — of Norton — in said County, for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court the day and year first above written.
Anselm Bassett

Jane Copeland Norton Bristol Co Mass
10 Mo Int 1 Do 14 days Rent
Adm
$24.88.
A Babbett Bristol Co Mass.

BRIEF in the case of Samuel Copeland (born of Bristol Co in the State of Mass) (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? open Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 82 Years  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.     In 17 75 Apr 14 private Lieut S Gilbert   May 8 - Sergt Capt M Williams, Col S Heald   77 - 1 - " " J Brown -   78 - 1 - " Dr Dr   1 - pat Col Hodges. Col S Williams  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Boston  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living Witnesses. Traditional evidence.  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Defective. Time of 1st term not defined. 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. H. S. Blair Examining Clerk.

Rev. and 1812 War Section.
Ans
October 6, 1926
Alice F. Copeland 15 School St Dexter, Me.
Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 5029, it appears that Samuel Copeland was born May 30, 1750 at Norton, Bristol County, Massachusetts.
At the alarm of the battle of Lexington, he marched to Roxbury, April 20, 1775, and served two weeks under Lieutenant Seth Gilbert.
He enlisted in May 1775 and served in Captain Macey Williams' Company, Colonel Timothy Walker's Massachusetts Regiment, was appointed sergeant, August 23, 1775 and served eight months.
In 1777, he served one month in Captain Israel Trow's Company, and in 1778, served one month in Captain Israel Trow's Company, and was in General Sullivan's Expedition to Rhode Island.
He also served one month in Captain Isaac Hodges'

Company, Colonel George Williams' Regiment, no dates stated.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 28, 1832, while a resident of Norton, Massachusetts.
There is no data on file as to family.
The above noted Samuel Copeland is the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

Saml. Copeland Warrant
u
8 1/2 inches

By Timothy Walker Esqr Colonel of 22 Regiment of the the United Colonies Troops raised in Defence of the America Liberty To Samuel Copeland Greeting By Virtue of the Power and Authority from the Thirteen United Colonies in North America To me given Reposing Special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty Courage and good conduct I do by these Presents constitute and appoint you the said Samuel Copeland to be a Serjeant in the 22 Regiment of foot under my Command you are therefore Carefully to Discharge the Duty of the said Serjeant in a Company of said Regiment Commanded by Mary Williams Esqr In said Regt you are therefore Carefully to observe and obey all such orders as you shall receive from your Superior officers and you are to be faithful in all Duties Put to you as Serjt where of this your Sufficient warrant Given under My hand this 23 rd of August A D 1775 Consented to Mary Williams Capt
Timothy Walker Col
S. File 5029.
Samuel Copeland Mass.
54.

Oct. 30-1902 Alice F. Copeland Dexter Me.
1926 Oct 6 - Hirt to Alice F. Copeland - see letter in Eliphalek Taylor S.33771-aug.
Revway
5029
INVALID.
File No. 5029
Samuel Copeland
Sgt. Riv War
Act: June 7 th 1832.
Index:—Vol. M, Page 74
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Q. 7. 8. 2
Dexter Me. Sept 10, 1902.
Pension Dept.
Washington D. C.
Can you give me any record of Eliphalet  Taylor of Sanford Me. who was in the war of Revolution, going to Boston Apr. 1775, ? also of Joshua  Taylor of Sanford Me. who went with him?
Do records give age at time of enlistment? I would like to find ages of both and see if possibly Joshua was father of Eliphalet.
I would like the same record of Samuel  Copeland of Wash-

ington N. H. with age if given who was in the war of Revolution too.
Yours Respectfully Alice F. Leopland, Deer, Maine.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Samuel Copeland 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? 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? Yes XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  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?  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? Yes And is the official character and signature of the magistrate certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? Yes 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? Yes XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
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.

I William Copeland of Mansfield in the county of Bristol & State of Massachusetts being Eighty four years of age do hereby testify & say that I have been well acquainted with Samuel Copeland of Norton for more than Seventy years, And that he the said Samuel Copeland did volunteer in the army of the American Revolution on the 20 th day of April 1775 & marched to Roxbury near Boston and there served under Lt. Seth Gilbert & ensign George Makepeace about two weeks as a soldier.
Dated Norton August 1832 W m Copeland
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol } ss. Before me, one of the Justices of the Peace County } within and for the county of Bristol personally appeared William Copeland Subscriber to the above affidavit and made oath that the same is true in all its points - In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & quality this 20 th day of August A D 1832 Corn d Leonard Justice of Peace

I Elijah Eddy of Norton in the county of Bristol & State of Massachusetts, being eighty years of age do hereby testify & say that I have been well acquainted with Samuel Copeland of the same Norton for more than sixty years and that he the Copeland served as a Sergeant in the Army of the American Revolution in a company with me, said company was commanded by Israel Frow of said Norton & the other company & Regimental officers I have forgotten I think it was in the year 1777 our campaign was one Month and we were stationed at a place called in Mass.  Salisbury & also at Tiverton in Rhode Island & we were called State Troops of Massachusetts.
Dated at Norton August 20 th 1832
Elijah Eddy
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol } ss. Before me, one of the Justices of the Peace county } within and for the county of Bristol Personally appeared Elijah Eddy Subscriber to the above affidavit and made oath that the same is true (according to the best of his knowledge & belief) in all its parts - In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & quality this 20 th day of August A D 1832 Cromwell Leonard Justice of Peace

I Thomas Danforth of the Town of Norton in the County of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts being seventy one years of age do hereby testify and say that I have been well acquainted with Samuel Copeland of said Norton for more than sixty years and that he the said Copeland served as a Sergeant in the united Colonies Troops one Campaign of eight month in the war of the American Revolution in the year 1775 in a Company commanded by Capt. Macey Williams and in Col. Timothy Walkers Regiment and that we were stationed in the Towns of Roxbury & Dorchester near Boston in said State and that I served in said Company during said Campaign - Thomas Danforth Dated
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss Before me one of the Justices of the County Peace within and for the County of Bristol Personally appeared Thomas Danforth Subscriber to the above affidavit and made oath that the same is true in all its parts. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and quality this 13 th day of August A.D. 1832. Cromwell Leonard Justice of Peace