Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5031, James Conant, Continental Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Mass.
Conant James
83031
CONTENTS
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing.
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing.

2161 Massachusetts
James Conant
of Oakhaw in the State of Massachusetts who was a Sergeant in the Company commanded by Captain Lyman — of the Regt. commanded by Col. Vees in the Massachusetts line for 3 Years
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 120 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Novem- ber 1832 and sent to G. Folsome of Worcester, Mass. Present
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $180.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar '33 60.00
$240.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Lin. C. Stiles Clerk, Book D Vol. 2 Page 43
Recd. to Hon. L. Lincoln Apr. 22. 1836.

DECLARATION, in order to secure the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
COUNTY OF WORCESTER, ss.
ON this sixth day of September , in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court, before Hon Nathl Paine, Judge of the Court of Probate, now sitting, James Conant , a resident of Oakham , in the County of Worcester , and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy seven 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 7th 1832.
THAT he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
That he was born Sept. 3, 1755, at Bridgewater, County of Plymouth, Commonwealth aforesaid, as appears by the Records of said town. He resided about sixteen years there, and then removed to Oakham, where he has resided ever since. That he served in the Army of the Revolution four years & eight months, the last three years in the capacity of Sergeant. He enlisted first at Oakham for eight months, in April, 1775, under Capt. Hazleton, Lieut. Geo. Black, Ens. Stewart Black - Regt of Col. Fellows - Served at the time at Roxbury & Dorchester. He again enlisted for one year, at Dorchester, in Jany, 1776, under Capt. Sole, Lieut. Smith & Ens. Smith - Regt of Col. Whiting - he served at the time in Boston & its vicinity, and at Princeton, when he was virtually dismissed. In September, 1777, he again enlisted at Oakham, for three years, Company of Capt. Lyman, Lieut. Cogswell, & Sheldon - Regt of Col. Lee - He served out the whole term for which he enlisted chiefly in Pennsylvania & New Jersey; was engaged in several battles, among which was that of Monmouth. He was discharged at Orangeburg, N. J. Sept. 1, 1780 by Col. Cobb, of Taunton. He retained the discharge for several years after the war, but it is now lost.
The evidence of his services is now at Washington, to which he refers. He has drawn a Pension under the Act of 1818, and is now induced to relinquish the same that he may be entitled to the additional compensation for his services as Sergeant.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Nathl Paine Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester
James Conant

We
a Clergyman residing in the residing in
and hereby
certify that we are well acquainted with
who has subscribed and sworn
to the above declaration, that we believe him to be
years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the
neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above mentioned applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that who signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that
who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Nathl Farns Judg of Probate in the county of Worcester
I Theophilus Wheeler Register or, Clerk of the Court of Probate for Worcester County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Conant for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Probate Court this sixth day of September in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty two.
Theophilus Wheeler Reg: of said Probate Court in Massachusetts

James Conant 382 June 1818
Not Ent
Entered
Entered the ... System to ... on the ...
THE JAPANESE ... (Clerk of the ... Court ...)
... and ... ... and ... ... and ...

Schedule of the Estate of James Conant of Oakham in the County of Worcester, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Applicant for a Pension under the Act of Congress of May 1. 1820.
  156 acres of Land and Building thereon - - - - - $2500.-   1 horse $30.- 2 oxen $55.- 1 cow $15.- - - - - 100.-   2 - two year olds $30.- 1 Yearling $7.- two hogs $8.- - - - - 45.-   1 cart Wagon & harness $23.- 2 Ploughs & 2 Chains 5.- - - - - 28.-   2 hoes and 2 Shovels $1.25 - 1 ax, beetle and wedge, $1.25 - - - - - 2.50   2 scythes & whetling 2.- 4 Pitchforks $1.17 4 Rakes 67 - - - - - 3.84   1 saddle & Bridle 7.50 1 pr. Steelyards $1.- - - - - 8.50   1 desk & 1 chest 6.- 9 Chairs 4.50 1 trap Kettle $2.- - - - - 12.50   Iron Man $8.75 Pewter Ware $1.50 Glass Man $1.50 - - - - - 9.75   Earthen Ware $1.75 Wooden Ware $1.- 3 tables & stand $5.- - - - - 7.75   1 Looking Glass $1.50 10 Panels $5.- - - - - 6.50   1 Warrand. $1.50 - - - - - 1.50   $2725.84 
My Real Estate is subject to the incumbrances mentioned in the annexed certificate of the Register of Deeds for the County of Worcester; and I have not in prospect any means of redeeming my estate; - besides which, I owe debts to the amount of $325.83. My occupation is that of a Farmer, but I am not able to labour on account of a severe Rheumatism. My family consists of the following persons: - my wife named Dorothy is 64 years of age and is deranged and unable to labour - I have a son named Charles aged 21 years who works for me - another son, named John aged 19 years, who has been unable to labour or even take care of, or dress himself for more than 3 years, having what the Doctors call a Necroticus, which has destroyed the bone of his left arm, which has been taken out. His right thigh bone is also out of the socket, and he has a burning sore on his thigh - I have also residing in my family, and at work for me, the widow Susannah Sperry aged 59 & her son Caleb Sperry aged 14 - and I have with me also a Grandson aged 8 years Harvey Conant. - These are all the persons in my family, and the above is a true representation of the state of my property and affairs. -
James Conant

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. —
Worcester ss. Registry of Deeds, I certify that there appears on Record in this July 10 th 1820. } Office the following incumbrances on the Real Estate of James Conant lying in Oakham in said County viz. —
A Mortgage to the State Bank on Boston, on which there appears to be due dated May 12. 1813 Principal & Int — } 213. 33
A Mortgage to S. F. Dickinson dated June 13. 1818 on which is due Prin. & Int — 390. 06
A Mortgage to Geo. Fay dated Jan. 22 nd 1819, on which appears to be due — 761. 43
$1364. 82
This last mortgage appear seems to have been made to Geo. Fay, apparently for the purpose of discharging a prior mortgage made by James Conant to Elijah Conant, Nov 21. 1815 — for the same consideration, and reconveyed by a Quitclaim deed from Elijah Conant to James Conant at the date of James Conant's mortgage to Fay.
O. Fiske, Regt.
Copy of Certificate annexed to original Schedule
Attest
Abijah Bigelow, Clk.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
COUNTY OF WORCESTER, ss.
ON this tenth day of July 1820,
personally appeared in open Court, before the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, being a Court of Record, within and for said County of Worcester, established as such by the laws of said Commonwealth, James Conant aged sixty four years, resident in Oakham , in said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as
follows: April 1775, Enlisted in Capt. Magill's Company, Col. Fellows Regt. till the 1st Jan. 1776, when I was discharged at Dorchester in the State of Massachusetts - the same day enlisted in Capt. Barnes Company in Col. Ward's Regt. for one month, but re-enlisted in Capt. Scott's Comp. in Col. Whitcomb's Regt. for one year and was discharged Jan. 1, 1777, at Tienderoga - Sept. 1777 Enlisted in Capt. Symans Company in Col. Lee's Regt. for 3 years, but in the winter of 1778 I was by arrangement put in Capt. Scott's Company in Col. Henry Jackson's Regt. - in 1780 was with Capt. Scott's Company, arranged into Col. Ogden's Regt. in Major Genl. Marquis De la Fayette's Division - on the 1st Sept. 1780, was discharged at Crangtown in the state of Jersey, by Lt. Col. Cobb, then commandant of Col. H. Jackson's Regt. I was in the Battle at Springfield under Genl. Gates 1778, 28th June 1778, I was in the Battle at Monmouth under Genl. Howe 24th Augt. 1778, I was in the battle on Rhode Island under Genl. Sullivan. My Pension Certificate No 782: - My original declaration was made Oct. 15, 1818.
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.
James Conant.
Sworn to and declared, on the tenth day of July, 1820 before the said Court.
Attest, Abijah Bigelow, cler.
I, ABIJAH BIGELOW, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, holden within and for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the 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 Two thousand seven hundred twenty five dollars and eighty four cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this tenth day of July 1820.
Abijah Bigelow Clerk of the Court for the County of Worcester.

State Seal James Conant
[Faint, illegible handwriting]
Sergeant's Warrant to James Conant 1778 in the Continental Army
61

Henry Jackson Esq., Commandant of the 11 th Reg t of Massachussetts Inf try of the United States of America.
(To) James Donant Greeting.
I Reposing especial trust & Confidence in your patriotism, Values, conduct, & fidelity, DO, by virtue of the powers vested in me, constitute & appoint you to be first Lieut t of the Light Infantry Company in the Reg t under my command. you are, therefore, to pay strict & diligent attention to discharge the duty of first Lieut t by doing & performing all manner of things thereinunto belonging: And I do strictly charge & require all under your command to be obedient to your Orders, as first Lieut t and you are to observe & follow such orders & directions from time to time, as you shall receive from me, or any other your superior Officers, according to the rules & discipline of war, and this is your sufficient WARRANT.
Given under my hand this 1 st Day of July 1778. A. M c D o N o 11 th Reg t Mass s Inf try

Arizona
Exchequer bills payable on demand at the rate of 5 per cent per annum, dated 1 st March, 1823, dated
Retired March 28, 1825 Com & August 6 th 1824 Gentle A. Bigelow Worcester, Mass
see letter 21 Oct. 1824 to
Abraham Bigelow Esq.
Forster. May 1844. The letter from the Comr. of the Secy to H. Brougham requires that the names of the persons elements statement and that of the select man relation has in part be account for - Blundell property is valued at £ 2725 84. in but it is encumbered with mortgages (according to 1 st schedule) amounting to £ 64 84 10 d . £ 2725 84 10 d - £ 64 84 10 d = £ 2661 00 00 As on the The certificate of the Select men states that claim ants property is encumbered with debts to nearly the amount of £ 2725 84 10 d An explanation is received and filed within stating that the  being select man cents private  being your worth - mortgage had been given on the property for £ 1000. in fresh money deposited statement in last schedule ment with select man could have mortgage for £ 1000. was given in full money pay. but  the  property  was  encumbered  with  debts  to paid debt due to some creditors.

CONANT, JAMES (CONT, MASS.)
5-5031

Rev War
5031
INVALID.
File No. 5031
James Conant Sgt Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1832.
Index:—Vol. M , Page 74
[Arrangement of 1870.]

782
Massachusetts Roll
James Conant,
Private
See's Reg't Mass. 1777 - 3 years -
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 15 th of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th of June 1818 and sent to Hon. Edward Bangs, Worcester, Mass.
Arrears to 4th of Sept r 1818
Semi-annual
4 months 20/30 - $37.33
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Discontinued.
Oakham Worcester Co.

Polification sent to, Abijah Bigelow Esq r 19 th Sep. 1820.
Worcester Mass.

Massachusetts
James Conant, pris- 1802-1818
Served 3 years from 1777.
1 o Sched: dated 10 July 1820.
Real Estate $2500. - Personal 225.84
Total $2,725.84
Sched. under act Mar. 1823. (Made 18 th Apr. 1823) Personal Property - $444.44.
Claimant aged 67 y rs a Farmer unable to labor - wife 67 y rs . Deranged - son 21 y rs unable to dress himself or perform any labor. Another son aged 11 y rs . -
accounts for the decrease of property &c.
Mortgage on 63 acres of land to secure payment to Bank for $500. dated 24 th May 1813. -
Mortgage on aforesaid land & 27 acres of other land dated Oct. 18. 1815 to Elijah Conant to secure the payment of $700 Another to Geo. Gay, dated Sept. 13. 1820, including in the whole of the aforesaid land, for $1000.
Execution upon 30 acres, dated Sept. 23 rd 1810 for $830.
Deed of Warranty of 24 acres of land to Silas Bullard, dated June 27. 1821, for $575.25
Deed of 50 acres to Joel Bullard dated Augt. 17. 1822, for $100
Deed of 50 acres to Joel Bullard, dated 3 rd March 1823, for $140.
see Certificate to, by Register
Personal property to the amt. of $171.25 sold to pay his debts (creditors & to whom sold given) Susp?
see letter 19 June 1823, to Abijah Bigelow Esq. Worcester. Sept. 1818.

Schedule of Same Covenant Copied from the original by Thos. B. Adair, on the 10 th Jan y . 1822, and sent to the Hon. James Noble, Senate, U. S.

Massachusetts Roll.
James Conant, Private - Rev.
Enrolled June 1. 1818 Dropt July 1820.
Restored March 28. 1825.
Application was made for pay from April 1823 to August 1824, and refused. See letters to Sett Lee, Esq. of Barre, Mass. dated 4 th Nov. 1825, and to Hon. John Davis, H. R. April 15. 1828.

Supplement.
[see letter within from Mr. Edwards.] James Conant, (the Applicant,) in open court, in Sept. term 1823, in his affidavit states, that the articles for which he was indebted to Messrs. Bowman & Withersall, were expended & consumed for the use of the family - And that the sum of $75 paid to him by Silas Bullard, was expended for assistance in sickness, & for the necessary support of the family. States that the sums of money, as mentioned in said Bullard's affidavit, (now herewith sent) & paid in consideration of the deeds of conveyance as therein expressed, were the respective sums actually paid by the P. Silas. - [all the supplementary documents are relating to the conveyance of property, a nature of debts, &c. are certified on the 4 th of Sept. 1823.] - The original letter from Mr. Edwards to Mr. Bigelow, requiring certain affidavits, &c. is with these papers. Silas Bullard states, that on the 28 th April 1821, he purchased at Sheriff's sale, the right in Equity of said Conant to redeem certain mortgaged premises. The mortgage had not been recorded, & P. Bullard  Conant relinquished his right therein to P. Conant, in consideration of receiving from him a deed for 24 acres of land, as noticed on the 2 nd page of the brief. States that he don't think the mortgagees

can ever be redeemed by the P. Conant. - The deeds (as per brief,) made in the name of Jacob Ballard, the son of the said Silas, was so made by the di- rection of the father - the consi- deration money , however, was due to the said Silas Ballard. - Said Jacob Conant had been indebted to P. Silas Ballard since Sept. 1819, in the sum of $119.31 - with interest. It was for this money that the deed (as per Brief) of 6 1/2 acres of land was given. All the other debts which had been due to P. Ballard, a few which the the land had been deeded to him, by Conant, were of long standing - Ballard states, that Conant, has for several years, been in indigent circum- stances. -
Joseph Bowman swears that Appli- cant had been indebted to the firm of Bowman & Witherell, in the sum of $109.01, for goods bought prior to Feb'y 1820 - note taken for the money - Judgment obtained the following year for balance due. F.P.O. 91. - a right of equity of redemption in land sold to make the money -
Two Physicians state on oath the 29 th Aug t 1823 - that since 1817 Appli- cant has had to support a crippled son - & that the wife of applicant has been deranged for some years. -
The town assessors state (30 th Aug t 1823) that for several years last past, applicant has been exempted from a Poll tax, in consequence of bodily infirmity.

ah 18
for Canaan map
June '68
2161
Dear Lincoln
Dear Lincoln AR
James L. Edwards Esq. Chairman of Pensions
City of Washington DC

House of Representatives April 16 1850
Sir
I take leave to ask your attention to the enclosed papers, presenting the case of an old soldier of the Revolution. I presume he lost his Pension upon the grounds suggested in your Letter addressed to the Hon. Mrs. Brigham, (written) but that he is entitled to be restored under the Act of 1832. I take it for granted, from the Letter of Capt Casson, that he has not been reinstated, and I hope, that he may be now entitled, by relation to the provisions of the Act, to the arrears of pension from that time.
With assured respect
Your obed Servant
Wm Lincoln
James G Edwards Esq Chair of Pensions

James Bonant, Calham, Worcester b'g Walts

The Hon. John B. Baldwin - Secretary of War -
Sir -
I have to crave your indulgence once more, in introducing the case of James Bonant of Oak- ham, in Worcester County, Mass s an applicant for restoration to the pension list - I hope I shall not be considered as impertinent, in again calling your atten- tion to this subject, as nothing but a sense of duty to my employer, and his very anxious solicitude respecting the final decision on his application, would induce me to trespass on your time, after the many trials which have been made, in order to prove the per- fect fairness of his claim, and the absolute necessity he has for the friendly aid of his country. —
The Documents last forwarded to the Pension department, were presumed to contain all the evi- dence required by the Secretary of War, as stated in the letter from J. L. Edwards, Esq s previously received - and it was hoped no further defect would be discovered - but that his case would be considered as coming fairly within the letter and spirit of the several laws regulating such pensions - But, unfortunately for him, the last letter from Mr. Ed- wards, dated the 26 th of April last, has put such a blight on his prospects, that he feels as though for him there remained no hope . In that letter Mr. E. remarks, that "the Secretary of War has directed him

him to state to said Leonard, that his name cannot be restored to the pension list, as he has not satisfactorily accounted for the decrease of his property."
Notwithstanding this almost death blow to the poor man, he has been advised by his friends to solicit a new hearing of his case; and I am requested to address you, Sir, on his behalf - He has called on me this day, and in obedience to his desires, I most respectfully beg leave to request, that a reinspection of the whole case respecting his claim may be granted him, through your kind indulgence, & the particular defects pointed out, in such manner that he may know wherein the difficulty lies, that, in case any link in the chain be wanting, he may have the opportunity to furnish it. He feels confident that it is within his power to substantiate his claim, to the perfect satisfaction of the Honorable Secretary, if the indulgence be granted him, of having the defects minutely pointed out - and as he feels it to be almost, if not altogether, a case of life or death, to him and his family, he most humbly prays that this indulgence may be granted, and he allowed one more chance of removing any doubts which may still be entertained, respecting the validity of his claim; - and if any person has undertaken to interfere in this case, to his prejudice, by communicating facts adverse to his claim, he is very desirous of being informed thereof, that he may meet his enemy, on even ground , and have the privilege of answering any allegations made against him.
I am, Sir, very respectfully, your most obedient, and much obliged servant.
Worcester, Mass'tts } June 14. 1824. }
William Garrison

I hereby certify that I took possession of that part of the farm of James Conant of Waltham in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts which was mortgaged to the State Bank in Boston and afterwards mortgaged to me I took possession on the 28 th day of March A D 1823 George Gay
Worster J. April 14 th 1823
Personally appeared the above named George Gay and made oath to the truth of the above certificate of him subscribed before me James Allen Jus. Peace

WORCESTER NOV 8
FREE
Rec d Nov. 12. 1824
Hon. John C. Calhoun, Secy of War,
Washington.
Pension Office.

Worcester November 8 th 1824.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir, I did not receive your letter of the 21 st ult. relative to the claim of James Conant, until a few days since, and regret that a further difficulty has occurred respecting the granting him a pension.
You observe - "Before a decision can be had, the cause of the difference in the claimant, and the Selectmen's statements, must be satisfactorily explained. In his first schedule he swears that his property was worth $2725. 84/100 and the Register of Deeds stated that his estate was encumbered by mortgages to the amount of $1364. 84/100 - and yet the Selectmen state that his property was under incumbrances to nearly the full amount."
On looking back to the first application of Mr. Conant, I find it was sworn to July 10 th 1820. that his estate, real and personal, was then appraised at, and estimated by the Court to be worth $2725. 84/100 - the real at $2500 - I find also that the Register of Deeds then stated the incumbrances on the real estate by mortgages to be $1364. 82 - I find also, which you do not mention, that Conant then stated, that he owed other debts to the amount of $326. 83/100 -
On looking to the second application of Conant I find it was sworn to April 18 th 1823. nearly three years after the first, and I apprehend that the statement of the Selectmen to which you allude, refers to a period subsequent to that of July 10 th 1820. If this be the fact, then the difference is readily to be accounted for by looking at the papers accompanying the second application, and the other papers since forwarded, you will find that on September 13 th 1820. he made a mortgage to George Fay for $1000 - and also that a number of other conveyances were made by him subsequent to, and before the date of his last application, and also the affidavit of said George Fay that on the 23 rd March 1823. he took possession of the land mortgaged to him &c.
If, therefore, I am correct in my apprehension, that the certificate of the Selectmen was made at a period subsequent to July 10. 1820. the cause of the difference is fully explained, and they might well say it was incumbered to nearly the full amount.
But even if this were not the case, and the Selectmen did make an erroneous statement; if Mr. Conant, at the same time, stated his property at its full value, as I verily believe he did, and if he has since satisfactorily accounted for the disposition

of the balance of it, I cannot see how an erroneous statement of the Selectmen, admitting it to be so, ought to prevent him from having a pension.
I have made the above statements, without consulting Mr. Conant, as he lives at some distance, is advanced in life, and I believe poor, hoping it may prove satisfactory. If it should not, before a decision is made against him, I wish he may have an opportunity to answer for himself.
I would beg leave also to refer you to a letter, and the papers enclosed, which I forwarded a month or two since, the exact time I do not recollect, and to the statements I then made. That statement, as well as the present, have been made from motives of compassion. A short time previous to the former statement I saw him in the gaol in this place, confined for a small debt, and after staying the time required by law and notifying his creditor of his intention to swear out, that he might oppose it, if he could, he did swear out, which he could not have done, if he had fraudulently concealed or conveyed away any of his property, without subjecting himself to be convicted of, and punished for the crime of Perjury, which it ought not to be presumed he would do.
I am, Sir, very respectfully,
Your Obedt. Servt.
Abijah Bigelow.

James Conant. Documents for the pur- pose of giving an earlier commencement to his pension. —
Returned to Parliament.
ans d 4 Nov. 1825
Hon. James O'Connell Esq. at M rs . Stephens Lane.
FREE
Rec d 2 Nov: 1825.

Worcester October 29. 1825.
Hon. James Barbour Secy of War, Sir,
At the request of Mr. James Conant I enclose a petition, the object of which, I believe is, to have his pension commence from April 1823. instead of August 1824. The petition was drawn by Seth Lee Esq. of Barre, and as he requests it, I wish the answer may be directed to him.
I am, Sir, with much respect, Your obedt. Servt. Abijah Bigelow.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Sept 19 1832.
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 James Conant served in Col. H. Jackson's Regiment in the Massachusetts Line of the Continental Army from Sept. 1. 1777 to Sept. 1. 1780, as a Serjeant. The name of his Captain from Sept 1. 1777 to Dec. 31. 1779 is not stated. From Jan 31. 1780 to Sept. 1. 1780, he is described as belonging to Capt. Scotts Light Company.
Edward D. Bangs, Secy of Commw th .

State of Massachusetts —
I James Conant — a Citizen of the United States, now resident at Dukham in the County of Worcester — in the State aforesaid, do on oath testify and declare, that in the War of the Revolution, on or about the first of May Seventeen Hundred & Seventy five —
I entered and was engaged in the land — service of the United States on the continental establishment, and served accordingly from that time to the first of January then next being a term of eight months —
as a private Soldier — against the common enemy, without any interrup- tion or absence: that I belonged to Capt Simon Haseltens Company Col. Fellows Regiment during said term — In January Seventy Six I again entered the same service in Capt Moses Soles Company in Col. Whitemans Regiment in the Massachusetts Line & served in the same without interruption one year — In September 1777 I again entered the same service for three years in Capt. Simmons Com. joining the Col. Leeds Regiment & served without interruption all of said term and that I left the service on in September Seventeen Hundred & Eighty being honorably discharged from the same but have lost my Discharge — and that, by reason of my reduced circumstances in life and poverty, I stand in need of assistance from my country for support, being now of the age of Sixty two years — very infirm and unable to support my family without assistance — In 1779 I was transferred from said Regiments to Col. Henry Jackson's Regiment, where I found the residue of my three years service — I was in the battle at Springfield Jan. 23rd; Monmouth Battle under Gen. Lee, and Rhode island under Gen. Sullivan — beside several others.
And I hereby relinquish all claims to every pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the United States, if any may be or hath been so allowed.
James Conant
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on this 15 th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen pursuant to a law of the United States, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," made and passed on the 18th of March, A. D. 1818, personally appeareth before me,
Judge of C. C. Comm. Pleas, Worcester County Edward Bangs James Conant
the abovenamed James Conant and after due examination and caution to testify and declare the whole truth, he maketh oath to the declaration aforesaid, and subscribes the same in my presence; and, on examination du- ly made by me the said Judge, it appeareth to my satisfaction that the said declaration is true:
Given under my Hand and the Seal of said Court, the day of the date aforesaid.
Edward Bangs

I Thomas Flint of Rutland in the county of Worcester, declare on oath that in the three years service of the within named James Conant I served with him in the same company and Regiment and know that he served all that time faithfully Thomas Flint
Worcester ss. April 15. 1818. Personally appeared the above named Thomas Flint and made solemn oath to the truth of the above declaration by him subscribed Before me, Edu. D. Bangs Justice of Peace
James Conant Rutland 15 April Correct Copy

Payable on the 4 th March and 4 th Sept r of each year at the U. S. Branch Bank in Boston
$120 per ann
Drop here from old Roll
Recorded James G. Grafton

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I CERTIFY, That in conformity with the Law of the UNITED STATES, of the 18 th of March, 1818, James Co- -nant _____ late a Private in the Army of the Revolution _____ is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of _____ Eight dollars _____ cents per month, to commence on the 15 th day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
GIVEN at the WAR OFFICE of the UNITED STATES, this _____ 1 st day of June one thousand eight hundred and eighteen
J. C. Calhoun Secretary of War

James Bonant. Last Schedule. —
due: cap. 3 for H. & J. Bonant Dec. 6. 1872

James Conant, to State Bank, mortgage to secure the payment of $500, bearing date May 24 th , 1813, This mortgage covers sixty three Acres & sixty eight rods of land situated in Oakham in the County of Worcester, Recorded in Book 186, Page 200 — — — — —
James Conant, to Elijah Conant, mortgage to secure the payment of $700, bearing date October 18 th , 1815 This mortgage includes the land in the above mentioned Deed & 27 Acres of other land situated in said Oakham, Recorded in Book 190 Page 630 — — — — —
James Conant, to George Gray mortgage to secure the payment of $1000, bearing date Sept. 13 th , 1820, This mortgage covers all the land mentioned and described in the above said deeds, Recorded in Book 221, Page 570, —
Samuel G Dickinson vs. James Conant Execution — This Execution extended upon 36 Acres and 156 rods of land situated in said Oakham, and by the Appraisers appraised at the sum of eight hundred and thirty dollars. Exec d levied Sept. 23 rd , 1816 — Recorded in Book 203, Page 132 —
James Conant — to Silas Ballard, Deed of warranty, conveying "about twenty four rods of land with the buildings thereon," situated in said Oakham — Consideration $575, 25 — Recorded in Book 223, Page 562, bearing date June 27 th , 1821 —
James Conant to Joel Bullard, Deed of warranty, conveying six Acres & one half land situated in said Oakham, — Consideration one hundred dollars, bearing date August 17 th , 1822, Book 220, Page 492 — — — — —
James Conant, to Joel Bullard, deed of warranty conveying "by estima- tion fifty Acres of land situated in said Oakham," — Consideration $140, bearing date March 3 rd , 1823 — Recorded in Book 232 Page 134 — — — — —
Worcester ss, Registers Office Ap r 17, 1823, —
I hereby certify that the above mentioned Deeds are Recorded in this Office in the manner above stated — Abel D. Ward, Reg d

A Schedule of all the property shewn to us by James Conant of Oakham in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, appraised by us the subscribers on the fifteenth day of April A.D. 1823—
  1 Plough 1.75  — 2 Hoes. 50  — 2 Shovels. 83  —  3.08    2 Axes 1.00  — Beetle & wedges. 60  — 4 Forks. 50  —  2.10    4 Rakes .33  — 1 Saddle & bridle 3.50  — pair Steelyards 1.00  —  4.83    1 Desk 5.00  — 9 chains 1.00  — Iron ware — 6.66  —  12.66    Glass ware. 60  Earthen ware 2.00  — pewter & tin ware 2.00  —  4.60    Wooden ware 1.75  1 Wheelbarrow .75  — 1 Iron-bar 1.50  —  4.00    3 Tables 5.00  — 1 Looking-glass 1.50  — 10 Barrels 4.00  —  10.50    1 Light stand. 42  — Knives & forks. 25  — 2 Chests 1.00  —  1.67     $ 43.44    1 Grindstone — 1.00  $ 44.44  
Elias Partridge Fredk A. Prescho.
Worcester ss. April 15. 1823 Personally appeared Elias Partridge and Frederick A. Prescho and made Oath that they had faithfully and impartially appraised the property contained in the above schedule according to their best skill & judgment
Before me Sam l Minter Just. Peace

DECLARATION,
In order to be restored to the Pension List, under the Act of the 1st March, 1823.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of WORCESTER, ss.
ON this 18 th day of April 1823, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record for the County of Worcester, James Conant resident in Oakhamp in said County, aged 67 years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the Acts of Congress, of the 18th March, 1818, and the 1st May, 1820, that he, the said James Conant enlisted for the term of one year on the first day of January in the year 1776 in the State of Massachusetts in the Company commanded by Captain Moses Soul in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Whitecomb in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the
Continental establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps until 1 st Jan y 1777 when he was discharged at Ticonderoga in the State of New York - on the first of Sept 1777 he enlisted for the term of three years into a company in said State commanded by Capt. Syman in the regiment commanded by Col. Lee in the same line on the same establishment. he continued to serve in said corps having been transferred to Col. Jackson's Regt. and afterwards to Col. Ogden , until Sept 1 st 1780 when he was discharged from the said service, in Orange town in the State of New Jersey ; that his name has been placed on the Pension List, and dropt therefrom on account of his property.
And, in pursuance of the Act of the 1st May, 1820, 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. That, since the exhibition of my first Schedule, the following changes have been made in my property: - all the lands & real estate I ever owned are mentioned & have been conveyed as certified in the certificate of the Register of Deeds for the County of Worcester hereto annexed - this schedule contains a full and true account of all I ever owned and the disposition made of it - The lots conveyed to Joel Bullard were to pay a debt I owed him - The lot conveyed to Elias Bullard went to pay a debt due to the house of Bowdoin & Washburn in New Braintree - that to Samuel F. Dickinson has become
Sworn to, and declared, on the eighteenth day of April A. D. 1823, before the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court of said Commonwealth for said County of Worcester
Attest Abijah Bigelow Clerk.
I, Abijah Bigelow Clerk of the Court aforesaid, do hereby certify, that it appears, to the satisfaction of the said Court, that the said James Conant did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding Declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one engagement, on the Continental establishment. I also certify, that the foregoing oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Records of the 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 forty four dollars and forty four cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this eighteenth day of April 1823.
Abijah Bigelow Clerk.

his by operation of law - Geo. Fay is in possession of that conveyed to him which is subject to his own claim & those of the Bank & Elijah Conant, being the same premises - I am not therefore in possession of any real estate, nor can I ever redeem that in the hands of Fay, having no means of raising any money for that purpose - My horse was sold to Dr McFarland for $ 30. Aug. 1 st 1821 to pay his bill as Physician - My oxen were sold to Luke Stone in May 1821 to pay a debt due him of $ 60 - one cow was killed and consumed in my family - two two years old, & one yearling heifer were sold to Susannah Spooner for $ 37. to pay a debt due to her in the spring of 1821 - two pigs we used as provisions $ 8 - Cart & waggons I sold to Charles Conant for $ 23, in March 1823, who paid that amount for me to Harding P. Woods & Co & Bowman & Wetherell - My plough is worn out & of no value - two chairs I sold for wood in the winter of 1822 to Charles Conant - Scythes & tackling worn out - My Brass kettle I sold to Lucy Conant in part of what I owe her for $ 2 - Nov 1822 - My harrow I sold for to Charles Conant in winter of 1822 at $ 1.50 for wood - The property I have on hand is shewn by the schedule hereto annexed -
James Conant
I have a wife 67 years of age who is past labor being in a state of derangement - John Conant my son 21 years of age unable to dress himself or perform any labor, and has been so for a number of years. Harvey Conant 11 years of age, my second son child, all of whom are dependent on me for support - I am a farmer by occupation but am past labor by reason of age & infirmity
James Conant.

James Conant Salisbury, Worcester, Mass
Additional evidence, in support of his claim for a pension.
from April, 1823, to August, 1824.

Hon. James Blair Secretary of War Washington

Dedham State of Massachusetts June 30. 1824
To the Hon. James Barbour Secretary of War,
James Conant of said Dedham a Soldier in the Army of the revolution, begs leave humbly to represent, that in conformity with law of the U.S. passed March 1818, his name was put on the pension roll, as will appear by the certificate of the Secretary of War dated June 1 - 1818 No. 782, that he removed his pension till Mar. 4 - 1820, that by virtue of the act of May 1820 his name was struck from the pension roll in that on the 18th of April 1823 - he made a second schedule of his property authenticated according to said act - and immediately communicated it to the office of the Secretary of War, by which it will appear that the whole of his property then amounted to $44,444 only, that said Schedule was accompanied, by proper evidence and vouchers as will appear by the papers in the case
Said Conant begs leave further to represent that it would seem his name ought to have been restored, immediately, to the Pension roll, and the only reason why it was not, is apprehended to be a false communication (as supposed) made by Joseph Tobey

(an avowed enemy of the said Comte), as appears by a letter from the War Department to Abijah Biglow Esq. dated Oct. 21. 1824, a copy of which is herewith com- municated, the receipt of which said Letter, induced said Comte to prop other widower, which he was, on the eve of communicating, when he received a certificate from the War Department dated March 28, 1825, notifying him that his name was that day returned to the list of pensioners and that "his allowance as a pensioner would commence from the 6 th of August 1824, the day on which the widower was closed." It will therefore appear that the widower on which his name was returned to the pensioner list, was closed more than two months before, the letter referred to requiring some explanation - was dated -
Your Petitioner begs leave further to state, that from proceedings & delay in the War Office he has been deprived of his pension from April 1823 to August 1824, which he thinks is unreasonable - He therefore prays, that the Hon. Secretary will carefully examine the subject, and the papers herewith communicated as well as those already in the office - and he has no doubt that the Hon. Secretary will order that the payment of his pension shall commence from the time his proper application arrived at the War Office, which must have been the 10 th part of May 1823. It will appear evident from the papers herewith presented.

That said Conant has been under very peculiarly sad circumstances. And he would further state that by reason of his name not having been restored to the position there at the time he thinks it ought to have been, he has been obliged to to live upon Charity or bread it - that he now owes nearly $200 which he is unable to pay.
It is exceedingly mortifying to an old soldier who has fought & bled to obtain independence for his country - that he should be so dependent that he cannot pay his honest debts. incurred for the support of himself & family James Conant
P.S. It is requested that an answer may be sent to S th Lee Esq. of Borne in the County of Worcester

War Department, Pension Office, October 21, 1824.
Sir.
The case of James Bonark has been examined - It is doubtful whether his name can be restored to the Pension List. Before a decision can be had, the cause of the difference in the claimants and the Selectmen's statements must be satisfactorily explained. In his first schedule he swears that his property was worth $2725, 84/100, and the Register of Deeds stated that his estate was incumbered by mortgages to the amount of $1364, 84/100. and yet the Selectmen state that his property was under incumbrances to nearly the full amount. The statement of a gentleman in Oakham is such as to create strong doubts as to the claim.
I am, very respectfully,
Yr. ob d serv t
J. L. Edwards
Abijah Bigelow, Esq.
Worcester, Massachusetts.
A copy - Attest
Abijah Bigelow, Esq.
(forward)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester County, ss.
I, Abijah Bigelow, clerk of the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Worcester, Do certify, That James Allen, Nathaniel Houghton, and Rufus Putnam, Esquires, are Justices of the peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified by the authority of this Commonwealth, as such Justices: that full faith and credit are to be given to all their acts and doings as such Justices, and that their names, subscribed to the certificates hereto annexed are in their own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, this eighth day of July, Anno Domini 1825.
Abijah Bigelow, Clerk.

We the subscribers, Selectmen of the town of Oakham, at the request of Capt James Conant of said town, hereby certify, that said Conant is now and has been for one year last past in a state of poverty, and to that extreme of poverty that in July last past he was committed to the gaol in Worcester for the sum of eleven dollars and some few cents, where he remained for the term of thirty days, when he was out, leaving the expense of his board to be paid by the town of Oakham, amounting to the sum of eight dollars and fifty cents. Since his return from gaol he has been admitted by the town, and furnished with many articles of provisions as other paupers of the town; and from his age and infirmities together with the extreme ill health of his wife (she has been insane for many years) they must soon become extremely burdensome to the town.
N.B. The subscribers further certify that Francis A. Prentiss and Elias Portridge, the men who appraised the property of the above named Conant are men of judgment and respectability.
Crocker Nye } Selectmen Washington Allen } of Charles Adams } George Fay } Oakham.
Worcester ss. March 19 th 1825 — Personally appeared, Crocker Nye, Washington Allen, Charles Adams and George Fay, above named, and made oath that the above certificate by them subscribed is true according to their best belief.
Before me James Allen Jus. Peace

I Joseph Forbes of Oakham in the county of Worcester, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age, do testify and say - That I do not know any thing about the property of James Canant of Oakham in said county real or personal, except, that which I learned from hearsay or report - I do not know that said Canant holds any real estate by deed, or any personal estate by possession of any description whatsoever - I do not know whether, he has any property or not - I have heard it said, that said Canant's real estate was mortgaged to the State Bank or Samuel H. Dickenson, to a considerable amount, how much, I do not know - I know said Canant and his family, which consists of himself and wife - said Canant is about sixty nine, his wife is a feeble woman, and has not been for years able to aid him, in obtaining a livelihood - I do not know, that he owes much, I do not see him - He lives, about forty rods from me - further the disponent South not - Question by James Canant -
Do you know of any persons communicating any information directly or indirectly to the Secretary of War, respecting the property of the said Canant's

Ans I do not know of any persons making any communication refer to that subject by directly or indirectly.
Question by the same - Have you not had a difficulty or dispute with me at a former time -
Ans I do not know that we have had any lawsuits; we had some words respecting the ploughing up the side of the high way by Joseph Dole
Wenatchee February 26. 1925
I certify that the above named Joseph Dole, upon a summons issued by me, at the request of James Leonard, personally appeared, and made oath, to the foregoing deposition by him sub- scribed before me -
Nathaniel Houghton Jus

I certify and say, that at the time the said Joseph Parker testified before me - as aforesaid; the said James Garank asked him, if he had written or caused any other person to write to the Secretary of War, - to which the said Parker replied, he had taken counsel and that he was not, obliged to answer as to his writing upon the subject -
Nathl Baughton Jr Pa

James Conant Salisbury, Worcester, Mass ts
Additional evidence, in sup- port of his claim for a pension.
from April, 1823, to August, 1824.

I James Conant Jr of Oakham in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawfull age do testify and say, that I was helping James Conant of Oakham and County aforesaid plow a piece of ground on the side of the Sixth Massachusetts turnpike Corporation two years ago last fall, and Joseph Fobes late postmaster of Oakham came to us and asked the said Conant what business he had to plow there the said James Conant answered him the said Fobes that the directors gave him leave so to do said Fobes said to said Conant you lie you lie the directors never gave you leave to plow it and you have no business to do it said Conant said they did give him leave said Fobes said you lie you are a liar
James Conant Jr
Worcester ss, March, 15, 1825.
Then James Conant Jr will know to me to be a credible witness personal appearance and made oath to the foregoing deposition by him subscribed before me
James Allen for Me

I Jonas Reed of Rutland in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawfull age do testify and say that I gave James Conant of Oakham leave to plow up a piece of ground on the side of the Sixth Massachusetts turnpike bopper- =ation between two years ago last fall Jonas Reed { One of the Directors of said Turnpike
Worcester ss. March 12. 1825 Subscribed & sworn to before me Rufus Putnam Justice of the peace I certify that the said Jonas Reed is a person of good reputation as to veracity Rufus Putnam Jus. Peace

I, James Conant, of Dedham, in the County of Norfolk & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on oath, do testify and say, that I became indebted to Samuel F. Dickinson in consequence of being one of the Proprietors of the Hatfield Bridge in 1812, and being concerned in the Hatfield Bridge Lottery, which terminated unfavourably. The debt to Dickinson was originally much larger than the amount of the mortgage to him, such payments having been made, previous to the time when the mortgage was given. The amount of the mortgage was originally $366.33: the interest which has accrued thereon has increased the amount due to Dickinson to more than $450.00. The money obtained at the State Bank in Boston, for which the mortgage was given, was received by Dickinson at the Bank, and appropriated to his own use, in payment, in part, of debts due to him, and money paid by him in discharge of debts, which I had contracted, particularly a debt due to Levi Lincoln, Esquire. No part of the money came into my hands. -
The mortgage to Gay was made under the following circumstances. - In 1819, I was indebted to one Elijah Conant, in the sum of seven hundred dollars, which debt was contracted many years before, and the consideration for which was, money advanced by the said Elijah, at sundry times, in payment of debts due from me. The said Elijah held a mortgage upon my real estate to the amount. In 1819, the said Elijah claimed the amount due to him. Not being the means to pay it, I persuaded George Gay, to advance the said sum to Conant, and gave him a mortgage for that sum, to wit, $700.00. - On the twenty third day of Sept. 1820, I was further indebted to said Gay, on account for goods purchased at his store. I was also indebted to my physician, & to other individuals, in all, to the amount of $350.00. Gay assumed

those debts, I discharged the mortgage, and received from me another mort- gage for the sum of $1000.00. which was then justly due to him. — The last letter from the Pension Office to the Clerk of the Courts, in this County, contains an intimation, that I have not mentioned how much the Right of Redemption is worth. It is further mentioned that "it can not be supposed, that property which worth $2,500 has been disposed of for $1,264, the amount of the mortgages." I cannot ascertain how the last result is obtained, unless some mistake has occurred in my former declaration to the War Department, through inadvertency. — The amount of the debt to Gay, and the interest, due and unpaid, thereon, at the time possession was taken by Gay, in March last, is eleven hundred & fifty dollars, be- sides the previous mortgage to the State Bank & the interest thereon, due and unpaid, amounting to $220.00. The amount of Bowmer & Whitnell's judgment and the costs was $87.00. It will therefore be perceived that the amount of the debts, with which the land belonging to me has been incumbered & is still loaded, is $1911.00, exclusive of the sales to Bullard. The right of Redemption of any part of it, I do not consider to be of any value: real estate having fallen in value, so that no one would now give the sum at which my estate was appraised. — I further testify and say, that I have been in debt ever since I have been a freeholder, & been obliged from time to time to obtain the aid of friends to enable me to keep possession, so long of the of the estate I purchased. For several past years, I have been infirm, poor labour, and have been burdened with infirmity and expensive sickness in my family. My wife is unable to afford me any assistance in the sup- port of my family: on the contrary is a subject of charge and expense. My actual poverty is known to all, who know me. & numerous attestations to the truth of this statement can be obtained, if such evidence is required. — If, in any previous Declaration, an inadvertent error has occurred, (of which I am not aware) it must be attributed to the difficulty I am under, through infirmity & age, to relate the history of transactions, which took place many years since. — I have endeavoured, in this additional Declaration,

To ascertain with precision, from a careful reference to my papers, all important dates and facts. - If further evidence is wanted, upon suggestion thereof, it shall be furnished.
James Conant
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester ss. Court of Common Pleas, at Worcester, December Term 1823.
James Conant, above named, personally appeared in open Court, and made solemn oath to the truth of the statements contained in the above affidavit by him signed. Attest. Abijah Bigelow, Clk.

The undersigned Selectmen of the Town of Oakham, in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachussetts, do hereby certify that James Covert, of said Oakham, is in indigent circumstances, infirm, and unable to provide for the comfortable subsistence of himself & his family. We do further certify that we have the fullest assurance that the said James Covert has not conveyed away the property, of which he was formerly possessed, for the purpose of rendering himself a subject for publick or private charity; but that the same has been expended in the payment of just and honest debts, and in the maintenance of his family.
Oakham, Dec. 2. 1823.
Charles Mearns } Selectmen Cooker Nye } of Washington Allen } Oakham George Gray }

I, George Fay, of Ashburn, in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby certify, or oaths do testify and say that, in the month of January, 1819, James Conant, of said Ashburn, being indebted to one Elijah Conant to the amount of seven hundred dollars, to secure which certain land of the said James had been mortgaged to the said Elijah, requested me to assist him in paying the debt aforesaid, as payment had been demanded. In compliance with said request, I advanced for the said Elijah Conant the said sum of seven hundred dollars. The said Elijah then released his right to said land to the said James, and the said James mortgaged the same to me for the payment of said sum. Afterwards, on the twenty-third day of September 1820, the said James, being further indebted to me for goods purchased at my store, and owing to his physician and to other individuals, a considerable sum, I paid said debts and received from the said James Conant another mortgage for the sum of one thousand dollars, which was the amount then due to me from the said James, at the same time discharging the mortgage which was first given to me by the said James. In the month of March, 1823, no part of the interest upon the debt to me having been paid, and the interest upon the mortgage, preceding mine, to the State Bank not having been paid by the said James for between nearly two years, I took possession of the land mortgaged to me as aforesaid and still retain possession thereof. I further testify

and say that I do not believe that the said land can be sold for much, if any thing, more than the amount of the incumbrances upon it, and that I should prefer receiving the amount of my claim upon the land to retaining it in payment of the debt due to me from the said James George Fay.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worster ss. C. C. Pleas. December Term 1823. George Fay, personally appeared in open court, and made solemn oath, that the above affidavit by him signed is true. Attest. Abijah Bigelow, cler.

Pension Department.
March 1823, Mass:
James Conant.
Sept. 1818
Elijah Bigelow. Worcester Mass:
John L. Sullivan
Weymouth Mass
Washington
via carrier
Rec d Aug. 31. 1826
20

Worcester August 26. 1824.
Hon. John C. Calhoun, Secy at War, Sir,
I regret to have to request a reexamination of the claim of James Conant to be restored to the Roll of Pensioners. But as he really appears to be a poor man, and it is his particular desire, that I should, I beg leave, in his behalf, to request that it may be done, and that the evidence herewith enclosed, in connection with that already forwarded, may be carefully examined.
I find by looking back to the Schedule annexed to his application made in July 1820. that the amount of it was $2725. 84. the real estate being then valued at $2500. 00. the said Conant, however, then stated, and produced a certificate of Oliver Friske, then the Register of Deeds, for said County of Worcester, that it was encumbered with the following Mortgages, viz.
 1. A Mortgage to the State Bank, dated May 12. 1813. on which there appeared to be then due, principal & interest — $213. 33.  2. A Mortgage to Samuel F. Pickerson, dated June 13. 1818. on which there appeared to be due — 390. 06.  3. A Mortgage to George Fry dated Jan. 22. 1819, on which appeared to be due — 761. 43.  $1364. 82
And he further stated that he then owed other debts to amount of — 326. 83 $1691. 65
The interest on the above from July 10. 1820. the time the above application was made, to April 18. 1823. the time he made the last application would be. } 281. 44
To which add the difference in the appraised value in July 1820. $2500. & the sum for which it was sold to Luther Spear Jr. in April last $1900. — } 600. 00. $2573. 09
which deducted from the amount of his first Schedule $2725. 84. would have left him but the sum of — $152. 75 without allowing him any thing for his support since July 10. 1820.
It may, perhaps, seem strange, that an estate valued in July 1820. at $2500. 00. should be sold in April 1824. for $1900. 00.
But this is not an unfrequent or uncommon thing, and more particularly, as in this case, when an estate is encumbered with mortgages, and the Mortgagor has no ability to redeem it. If he does not redeem in three years after the mortgage

obtains his possession, he looses his estate entirely. Purchasers know this very well, and generally take advantage of it. Besides, the value of real estate is very fluctuating, depending upon a variety of circumstances, and I have no doubt that real estate, in Oakham, has fallen considerably since 1820.
From the above facts, connected with the statement of the Selectmen of Oakham made under oath, and which is herewith enclosed, I am fully satisfied that he is very poor.
I am, Sir, with much respect,
Your Obedt. Servt.
Abijah Bigelow.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester ss. I Abijah Bigelow, Clerk of the Judicial Courts, holden within and for the County of Worcester, do certify that Daniel Gilbert, James Allen, Samuel Minter, Seth Lee, and Nathaniel Houghton are Justices of the Peace, within and for the said County of Worcester, duly qualified to act as such, and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to their acts as such Justices, and that their signatures to the Certificates by the depositions hereunto annexed, are in their own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, this twenty sixth day of August, in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four. Abijah Bigelow, Cld.
The depositions annexed are those of Nathl. Houghton, Benjamin Clark, Phinehas Haywood, Charles E. Field, Crocker Dye, George Fay and Washington Allen, Selectmen, of the Town of Oakham / Lucy Conant, Charles Conant, and Asa Walker. Attest. Abijah Bigelow, Cld.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester ss. I Abijah Bigelow, Clerk of the Judicial Courts, holden within and for the County of Worcester, do certify that Artemas Ward, Esquire, is the Register of Deeds within and for the County of Worcester, that he is the proper Officer to make out and certify copies of all deeds, recorded in his Office, and that

his certificate to the truth of the copies of the deeds of James Conant to Samuel Fowler Dickinson, of said Dickinson to John Hubbard, of John Hubbard to said Conant, of said Conant to Luther Spear Junior, and of Silas Bullard to said Conant, are made in due form, and his signatures thereto are in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, this twenty sixth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four.
Ebenezer Bigelow, Cler.

James Conant to Luther Spear.

I know all men by these presents that I James Conant of Oakham in the County Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman in consideration of one thousand one hundred dollars paid by Luther Spear Junr, of Milton yeoman in the County of Norfolk, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge do hereby give grant sell and convey unto the said Luther Spear his heirs and assigns, a certain piece of land lying in said Oakham situated and bounded as follows viz beginning at the corner of the wall neare Joseph Tobes, on the South side of the turnpike thence Easterly by said turnpike road to a town road thence Southerly partly by said town road and Amasa Maynards land to a stake and stones at the town road leading from William Robersons to Oakham Meetinghouse thence Westerly partly on said road and partly by land of William Roberson seventy rods to a stake and stones thence Northerly thirteen rods to a stake and stones thence Westerly by W m Robersons land thirty seven rods to a stake and stones thence Northerly partly by W m Robersons land and Joseph Tobes land to the first mentioned corner, estimated at ninety acres be the same more or less with the buildings thereon. — Also another piece of land on the North side of the turnpike beginning at the Southwest corner of Capt, Silas Bullard wall thence Westerly by said turnpike fifty six rods to a town road thence Northerly by said town road thirty one rods to Thaddus Partridges land thence Easterly by said Partridges land fifty two rods to a stake and stones on Silas Bullard line thence South by said Bullards land twenty six rods to the first mentioned corner estimated at ten acres be the same more or less with the buildings thereon, — I have and to hold the aforegranted premises to the said Luther Spear Junr, his heirs and assigns to his use and behoof forever and we do for ourselves & our executors and administrators covenant with the said Luther Spear Junr, his heirs and assigns that we are lawfully seised in fee of the aforegranted premises that they are free of all incumbrances, except a mortgage to the State Bank for two hundred dollars and twenty two dollars entries due to the Bank aforesaid that we have good right to sell and convey the same to the said Luther Spear Junr, and that we will warrant and defend the same premises to the said Luther Spear Junr, his heirs and assigns forever against the lawful claims and demands of all persons, — In witness whereof I the said James Conant together with Dorothy Conant wife of me the said James Conant who signs in testimony of a relinquishment of her right of dower in the premises we have hereunto

at our hands and seals this second day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty fore
Signed sealed and delivered
In presence of us
James Conant (seal)
Dorothy Conant (seal)
Silas Bullard Worcester ss April 2 d 1824 Then the above John Conant named James Conant acknowledged the above instrument to be his free act and Deed
Before me James Allen Just of Peace Rec. Ap. 3, 1824 En d & Exam d By, Art s Ward, Reg d
The foregoing is a true Copy of Record, Recorded in the Registry of Deeds Book 237, Page 33.
Attest, Art s Ward, Reg d .

Know all men by these presents that I Silas Bullard of Oakham in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman in consideration of one hundred & seventy three dollars and forty nine cents paid by James Conant of said Oakham Gentleman the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge do hereby give grant sell and convey unto the said James Conant his heirs and assigns a certain piece of land situated and bounded as follows and lying in said Oakham, beginning at the Southeast corner on the Turnpike by the Garden set of to Samuel F Dickerson thence North 9° E. three rods and six links thence South 81° W. seven rods and four links thence South 8° E. 3 rods and 10 links to the Turnpike aforesaid thence 27 rods & 4 links to the first mentioned corner containing about twenty four rods with the buildings thereon, — To have and to hold the aforegranted premises to the said James Conant his heirs and assigns to his use and behoof forever, and I do further for myself my heirs executors and administrators covenant with the said James Conant his heirs and assigns that I am lawfully seised in fee of the aforegranted premises that they are free of all incumbrances that I have good right to sell and convey the same to the said James Conant and that I will warrant and defend the same premises to the said James Conant his heirs and assigns forever against the lawful claims and demands of all persons, — In witness whereof I the said Silas Bullard I have hereunto set my hand and seal this second day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four, — Silas Bullard (seal)
Signed sealed and delivered in presence of us { Silas Bullard acknowledged the above instrument to be his free act and deed before me Joel Bullard { James Allen Jus, Place Nancy Bullard { Recd. April 3 d 1824 End. Exam. By. Atty. Ward Reg r
The above is a true Copy of Record, Recorded in the Registry of Deeds, Book 239, Page 68. Attest, W. B. Ward, Reg r .

Know all men by these presents that I James Conant of Oakham in the County of Worcester Gentleman, in consideration three hundred Sixty six dollars paid by Samuel F Dickinson of Amherst in the County of Hampshire Esquire, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge do hereby give grant sell and convey unto the said Samuel Fowler Dickinson his heirs and assigns the following tract of land lying in Oakham aforesaid, bounded and described as follows That is to say beginning at a stake & stones by the Northerly side of the Turnpike road leading by my dwelling House at a corner of Silas Bullards land thence South seventy eight degrees west nineteen rods & twelve links by the turnpike road aforesaid thence North nine & an half degrees East Three rods & six links, thence South eighty one and an half degrees West seven rods and four links thence South eight degrees East Three rods & ten links to the turnpike road aforesaid thence South eighty one degrees West thirty six rods by the Turnpike aforesaid to a town road, then North two degrees an half East thirty one rods by the town road aforesaid thence North eighty six degrees East fifty two rods & twenty links thence South fourteen degrees East twenty six rods & sixteen links to the first mentioned corner containing nine acres & one hundred & fifty six rods. To have and to hold the aforegranted premises to the said Samuel Fowler his heirs and assigns to his and their use and behoof forever and I do covenant with the said Samuel Fowler his heirs and assigns that I am lawfully seised in fee of the aforegranted premises that they are free of all incumbrances that I have good right to sell and convey the same to the said Samuel Fowler and that I will warrant and defend the same premises to the said Samuel Fowler his heirs and assigns forever against the lawful claims and demands of all persons. Provided nevertheless that if the said James heirs executors or administrators pay to the said Samuel Fowler his executors administrators or assigns the sum of three hundred & sixty six dollars & thirty three cents in three years with interest annually then this deed as also a certain note bearing even date with these presents given by the said James to the said Samuel Fowler to pay the same sum at the time aforesaid shall be void otherwise shall remain in full force. In witness whereof the said James together with Dorothy my Wife in token of her release of dower in the premises have hereunto set our hands and seals this thirteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Signed sealed and delivered in presence of us
James Conant Dorothy Conant

Laban Murray of Worcester ss June 13 th 1818 then the above named James Tho s Conant } Conant acknowledged the above instrument to be his free act and Deed Before me Samuel Muxter Jr. Just. of Peace Rec d . June 16 th 1818 Ent d & Exam d . By V. Fiske Reg d
The foregoing is a true Copy of Record. Recorded in the Registry of Deeds Book 212, Page 235, Attest, Art s . Ward, Reg d .
Know all men by these presents that I Samuel Fowler Dickinson within named for the sum of three hundred dollars paid me by John Hubbard of Amherst aforesaid Physician to hereby remise release assign & convey to him the said John all my right title interest in and to the premises within described. To have and to hold the same to him the said John his heirs & assigns to his & their use forever and I the said Samuel Fowler hereby covenant with said John his heirs and assigns that I do hereby convey to him & them all the right title and interest which I ever had in and to the premises & that free from the claims of all persons holding or claiming under me. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & seal this first day of June in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & twenty two, — Samuel F. Dickinson Seal Signed sealed and delivered in Hampshire ss Aug t 15 th 1823 then in presence of Samuel F. Dickinson signed to the above acknow- Joseph Montague } ledged the above as same to be his act and Deed Edward Dickinson } Before me Sam l Foster Justice of the Peace Rec d . April 3 rd 1824 Ent d & Exam d . By Art s Ward, Reg d
The above is a true Copy of Record, Recorded in the Registry of Deeds Book 236, Page 542. Attest, Art s . Ward, Reg d .
Know all men by these presents that I John Hubbard of Amherst in the County of Hampshire Physician in consideration of two hundred dollars to me paid by James Conant Oakham in the County of Worcester Gentleman do here- by remise release and assign to him his heirs and assigns the within mortgage and all my right and title to, and interest in the premises within described. — To have and to hold the same to him the said James his heirs & assigns to his & their use forever. In witness whereof I have hereunto

set my hand and seal this twenty ninth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four.
Signed sealed and delivered John Hubbard (seal)
in presence of us Hampshire ss March 29 th 1824 Personally appeared John Hubbard subscriber to the above and acknowledged the same to be his free act and Deed
Before me Nathan Conkey Jus Pacis
Rec d April 3, 1824 En d & Exam. By Art s Ward Reg r
The foregoing is a true Copy of Record, and is Recorded in the margin of the record of the aforesaid Mortgage Deed
Attest Art s Ward, Reg r

I Luther Spear junior of Milton in the County of Norfolk & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age, do testify and say that I am a disinterested witness in relation to James Conant of Oakham in the County of Worcester and State Commonwealth aforesaid, that I purchased a farm of the above named James Conant in said Oakham on the 2 d day of April last past, containing one hundred acres with the buildings thereon be the same more or less, for which I paid the said James Conant nineteen hundred dollars, and paid for the same in the following manner (viz) paid to George Fay twelve hundred & thirty dollars & seventy one cents, and to John Hubbard two hundred dollars, Also to Elias Bullard one hundred seventy three dollars & forty nine cents also paid the said James Conant seventy three dollars & thirty cents. Also the incumbrance of a mortgage deed, on said land to the State Bank in Boston to secure the payment of two hundred twenty two dollars & fifty cents which said mortgage I took upon myself to pay and forever exonerate the said Conant from any breach of covenant. —
Luther Spear junior
Milton August 25 - 1824
Norfolk ss Milton August 25 - 1824 Then the above named Luther Spear junior made solemn Oath that the above certificate is true before me John Ruggles Justice of the Peace
Norfolk ss: Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I Horatio Townsend, Clerk of the Judicial Courts, within and for said County of Norfolk, do certify, that John Ruggles, is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said County duly commissioned by the Executive Authority of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and that the signature to the Certificate on the paper above is in the hand writing of the said John Ruggles.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this twenty fifth day of August, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, Eight hundred and twenty four.
Horatio Townsend Clerk

WORCESTER ss. Asahel Bellows
To Nathan Hemenway, Jr. Under Keeper of the Gaol at Worcester.
WE the subscribers, two of the Justices of the peace for the said County of Worcester, and each of us of the Quorum, hereby certify, that James Conant a poor prisoner, confined upon Execution for debt in the Gaol at Worcester aforesaid, hath caused Anson Bates the Creditor at whose suit he was so confined, to be notified according to law, of his the said
Conant desire of taking the benefit of an  the act entitled an act, for the relief of poor prisoners, who are committed by Execution for debt; that in our opinion the said James Conant hath not any estate, real or personal, sufficient to support himself in prison except the goods and chattels by law exempted from attachment and execution; and that he hath not conveyed or concealed his estate, with design to secure the same to his own use, or to defraud his Creditors; and that we have, after due caution to the said Conant administered to him  him the oath prescribed in the  an act entitled an act in further addition to an act entitled an act for the relief of poor prisoners who are committed by Execution for debt. Witness our hands and seals this Sixteenth day of August Anno Domini 1824
A. Trow lopp y Attest Asahel Bellows Debt or Gaoler
Oliver Fiske
Joseph Wheeler
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester ss. Jahiah Bigelow , Clerk of the Judicial Courts, holden within and for the said County, do certify that Asahel Bellows , is Under keeper, or Deputy Gaoler, of the gaol in Worcester in said County, that he is the proper Officer to certify copies of all papers relating to prisoners in said

gaol, and that the above certificate is in his own proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, this twenty sixth day of August A. D. 1824.
Abijah Bigelow, Clerk.

Delectum of Cakham
Certificate
1824

We the subscribers, Selectmen of the town of Oakham in the county of Worcester, do hereby certify, that James Conant of said Oakham, in our opinion, has been a man of very small property (if any) for several years past; his real estate has been under Mortgages & other incumbrances to the amount of near the full value. and we are satisfied that The said James Conant was committed to Gaol on an execution, last July when the Debt was only five Dollars and eleven cents, and the town of Oakham was called upon, and did pay the said Conants board, while he remained in Gaol in consequence of his inability to pay the expenses himself. He is unable to labor much in consequence of ill health. His wife has been out of health for several years. He has one son, who is unable to labor in consequence of lameness, and great expenses have arisen to the said James Conant in consequence of sickness some years past; and it is our opinion, that the said James Conant has not any property to the amount of fifty Dollars; and we are satisfied, that he has not transferred any of his property to any person, except to pay his honest Debts.
Oakham August 23 rd 1824.
Brooks Dyer George Gay Washington Allen Selectmen of the town of Oakham
Worcester ss. August 23 rd 1824. Personally appeared Brooks Dyer, Washington Allen and George Gay above named, and made oath, that the above statement by them made, and to which they have set their names, is just and true.
Before me Samuel Chaplin Justice of the Peace

Lucy Canant
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I Lucy Conant of Oakham in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawfull age to give evidence do testify & say that I am a disinterested witness in relation to James Conant of Oakham in said County and that I have rec d fifteen dollars in part for my labour of said James Conant since the month of June 1922 Oakham April 13, 1924. Lucy Conant
Worcester ss. August 23 rd 1924 - Personally appeared the above named Lucy Conant and made oath, that the above declaration by her signed is just and true -
Before me Samuel Moxley Justice of the Peace

I Charles Conant of Oakham in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of law- -full age to give evidence do testify & say that I am a disinterested witness in relation to James Conant of Oakham in said County and that I have received twenty four dollars & fifty cents of said Conant for finding wood & provision since the first day of April, 1823 Charles Conant
Oakham Apr. 13. 1824
Worcester ss. August 20 th 1824 - Then personally appeared the above named Charles Conant and made oath to the truth of the above declaration by him subscribed before me
James Allen Jus. Peace

I Asa Walker of Barnes in the County of Hampshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age, do testify and say, that I am a disinterested witness in relation to James Canard of Belchertown in said County and have never been dollars of said Canard, in part of my say that against said Canard for destroying said Canard's family from 3416 to this time
Barnes April 17 th 3424
Asa Walker
Hampshire April 17 th 3424
Then the above named Asa Walker personally made oath to the above declaration by him subscribed, and that the same is true.
Before me Daniel Gilbert Esq. Judge

Esq. Houghtons & Clarkes Rev.
North

I Nathaniel Houghton of Barn in the County of Worcester a commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age, do testify & say; That I am a disinterested witness in relation to James Garrant of Oakham in said County and have recd six dollars of said Garrant in full of my demand against him, which is about half of said demand.
Barn May 1 1824 Nathaniel Houghton
Worcester ss May 1, 1824 Then the above named Nathaniel Houghton personally appeared and made oath to the above declaration by him subscribed and that the same is true before me
Seth Lee Justice
I Benjamin Clarke of Barn in the County of Worcester a commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age, do testify & say, That I am a dis- interested witness in relation to James Garrant of Oakham in said County & have recd five dollars of said Garrant in full of my demand against him it being about half of said demand.
Barn May 1 1824
Benjamin Clarke
Worcester ss May 1, 1824 Then the above named Benjamin Clarke personally appeared and made oath to the above declaration by him subscribed and that the same is true Before me
Nathaniel Houghton Justice

Charles E. Field & Phinehas Heywood
Declaration
S
Miss B. ...
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I Phinehas Hayward of Barre in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age to give evidence, do testify and say, that I am a disinterested witness in relation to James Carrant of Oakham in said County, and that I have received of the said James Carrant Eight Dollars in full for work done for said James since the year 1823 -
Phinehas Hayward
Barre May 1 - 1824 -
Worcester ss. Personally appeared the above named Phinehas Hayward, and made oath, that the the declaration by him made, to which he has signed his name is just and true
Before me Samuel Mipton Just. Peace
I Charles E. Field of Barre in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age to give evidence, do testify and say, that I am a disinter- ested witness in relation to James Carrant of Oakham in said County, and that I have received of the said James Carrant two Dollars in part pay for goods sold him and for necessaries for his family in the 1822 -
Charles E Field
Barre May 1 st 1824 -
Worcester ss. August 28 - 1824 - Personally appeared the above named Charles E. Field, and made oath, that the declaration by him made, and to which he has subscribed his name is just and true -
Before me Samuel Mipton Just. Peace

James Conant.
Applicant for Pension.
Additional Evidence.
Last evidence received dated 6 th August, 1824.

James Conant applicant for a pension. Massachusetts - Worcester County.]
Additional evidence - as required from War office.

I, James Conant, of Dedham, in the County of Worces- ter, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, gentleman, on oath do testify and say. That the articles for which I became in- debted to Messrs. Bourn and Metherell, as stated in the affi- davit of Joseph Bourn, accompanying this affidavit, were expended & consumed in the support & sustenance of myself & family. That the sum of seventy-five Dollars, paid to me by Si- las Bullard, as stated in the affidavit of the said Silas, also accompanying this affidavit, was expended in procuring assistance in sickness, & in other necessary expenses of my family. All other facts & circumstances relative to my present situation & property are stated in the Declaration made by me on the 10th. of April, 1823, & was afterwards, forwarded to the War Department. In obedience to the requisition of the Department of the 13th. of June, 1823. I now make this addition- al Declaration, accompanied with the required evidence.
James Conant
I, James Conant, do further, on oath, testify & say & say that the respective sums mentioned in the affidavits of Silas Bullard, accompanying this affidavit, as having been paid in consideration of the conveyances named therein were the sums actually paid by the said Silas. & that no more was in any manner appropriated to my use.
James Conant
Worcester ss. Court of Common Pleas, at Worcester, September Term 1823. Then James Conant personally appeared and made oath that the above statements by him made were true. Attest. Abijah Bigelow, Clerk.

I, Silas Bullard, of Lebanon, in the County of Worcester, to Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Gentlemen, on oath, do testify to say, that on the twenty-eighth day of April, 1821, I purchased at a Sheriff's sale the Right in Equity, which James Jones, of said Lebanon, had to redeem certain mort- gaged real estate situated in said Lebanon, which Right in Equity was sold to satisfy a judgment in favor of Messrs. Brown & Wetherell against the said Jones. It gave there for the sum of one hundred & sixty-five dollars, or about that sum; a part of which, about ninety dollars, was appropriated to the payment of the debt due to the said Brown & to Wetherell, & the residue, to wit, about seventy-five dollars, I paid to the said Jones; Afterwards, to wit, on the twenty-seventh day of June, 1821, the Deed of said Right in Equity not having been recorded, the said Jones conveyed to me about twenty-four rods of land with buildings thereon, in consideration of the relin- quishment by me of the Deed of conveyance of the said Right in Equity. My inducement to make the exchange was, my belief that the land, the Right to redeem which I had pur- chased, was not worth more than the incumbrances upon it, though the said Jones was of a different opinion. The mortgaged land, I believe, has not been redeemed, & I do not think it will be. On the seventeenth day of August 1822. The said Jones was indebted to me for money several years previously advanced to him to enable him to discharge a debt, in the sum of one hun- dred & nineteen Dollars & thirty-one cents to the interest thereon

From Sept r 16, 1819 to the said seventeenth day of August 1822, (Having security for said sum, by a joint promissory note, signed by the said James & another individual, I had delayed collect- ing the same) on which seventeenth day of August 1822, upon my demand of payment of the said James for his security, the said James conveyed to me six acres & a half of land, as appears by the record thereof, in the Registry of Deeds in said County, in payment of said note, & endorsed thereon the sum of one hun- dred dollars, which was the full value of said land. By my request the Deed conveying the said last-mentioned land was made to my son, Joel Bullard, I having previously settled my estate, & intending that the proceeds of said note, & all other my estate, not otherwise disposed of, should become the prop- erty of the said Joel. On the third day of Dec r 1823, I obtain- ed a conveyance from the said James consisting of another tract of land of about fifty acres, of inferior quality, & of little value, which conveyance for the reason before mentioned, I directed to be made to the said Joel Bullard. The consideration paid for the last mentioned tract of land was the residue of sum due to me on the note of one said, & more than seventy dollars due to me by the said James, on account for rent of the place on which the said James live, & for necessary arti- cles of family consumption, the produce of my farm, the said James having been for several years past in indigent circumstances. The conveyances before mentioned are all the conveyances of land, which I have at any time received of the said James.
Silas Bullard
Worcester ss. Court of Common Pleas, at Worcester, September Term 1823.
Silas Bullard personally appears, and makes oath, that the above statement by him signed is true.
Attest. Abijah Prigelow, (cl.)

I, Joseph Bournes, of New Braintree, in the County of Worcester, do hereby certify that for many years previous to the 23 d day of February, 1820, James Bournes of Ashburnham, in said County, was in the practice of purchasing goods, principally for family consumption, at the store belonging to said firm: that from time to time settlements by note or otherwise took place; that on the day before mentioned, as appears by the books of said firm, the balance due from the said James to the said firm on note & account, was one hundred & nine Dollars & eighty-one cents, for which the said James then gave his promissory note; that the whole of said debt of one hundred & nine dollars & eighty one cents accrued in the usual course of dealing at a country store, principally from purchases made by the said James several years previous to that time; that, in the autumn of 1820 I found it necessary to commence an action against the said James, to obtain security & payment of the balance then due & unpaid upon said note; that in the following year, the said firm obtained judgment against the said James for, I believe, the sum of eighty dollars & ninety-one cents, to satisfy which judgment & defray incidental charges, the right in equity of the said James to redeem certain mortgaged real estate, upon which he then lived, was soon afterwards sold, and the said judgment was satisfied from the proceeds.

Whereof. I further testify to say that the dates & sums before mentioned are obtained, principally from the books of said firm. & in part from other sources, the accuracy of which I do not doubt, also not being to state those particu- lars from recollection. Joseph Bowman
Worcester. Court of Common Pleas. September Term 1823.
I certify that the above named Joseph Bowman personally appeared in Court and made oath to the truth of the aforesaid affidavit by him signed.
Abijah Bigelow, Clerk.

The undersigned, Assessors of the Town of Ashland, in the County of Worcester, to Commonwealth of the Massachusetts do hereby certify, that for several years last past, James Borel, of said Ashland, has been exempted from the payment of a poll tax, on account of bodily infirmity.
August 30th. 1823—
Washington Allen
Brooks Nye
William Crawford Jr.
for cen

We Charles Adams of Oakham in the County of Worcester and James W th Farland Jr of Rutland in said County Sur- geons and Physicians, testify and say that we are well acquainted with the family of James Conant said Oakham and have occasionally attended upon them in sick- ness for several years past, that in the Spring of the year 1817 John Conant a son of the said James Con- ant was affected with a Necrosis in his left arm & right thigh, by which the bone in the arm was so far destroyed that we were obliged to take it out from the Shoulder to the elbow, and the hip was dis- located and sores produced, in consequence of all which the said John has been unable to do but very little business, and not enough to support himself, and probably will never be well enough to maintain himself, and we further testify that the said John has resided with his father during his sickness and, as we believe, has been supported at the expense of his father, And we further testify that the wife of the said James Conant has been in a state of mental disarrangement, most of the time, since the Spring of 1817. James W th Farland Jr Charles Adams.
Worcester ss. August 29 th 1823 Then James W th Farland Jr & Charles Adams subscribed and made oath to the truth of the above written affidavit, before me Rufus Putnam Justice of the peace
Worcester ss.

I, Joel Bullard, named in the preceding affidavit, do oath, do testify and say, that the conveyances of real estate, mentioned in said affidavit, as being here made to me, are all the conveyances of real estate which I have at any time received of the said Mary Boston, & that the transfer was made in the manner therein stated.
Joel Bullard
Worcester ss. Court of Common Pleas, at Worcester, September Term 1823.
Joel Bullard personally appears and makes oath that the above statement by him signed is true.
Attest. Abijah Bigelow, Clerk.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester ss. In testimony of the truth of the foregoing certificates, by me subscribed and hereto annexed, I have caused the seal of the Court of Sessions for said County, being a Court of Record, to be hereto affixed, this said fourth day of Septem- ber, anno Domini 1823.
Abijah Bigelow, Clerk.