Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12627, Theophilus Crocker, Mass. R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass. R.I.
brocker Theophilus
S 12627
carded
CONTENTS

20.903
New York
Theophilus Crocker
of Genesee Co. in the State of New York who was a Private in the Camp commanded by Captain Wade of the Regt. commanded by Col. Bailey in the Mass. line for a full term
Mass. R.R. Records completed
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Oct. 1831 and Sutto Wm Mitchell Orphan
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 35 $ 200 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1 M 36 40 $ 240
Revolutionary Claim, Recd June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Col. W. D. Miller Clerk, Book E Vol. 1. Page 73

I Mercy Davenport of Buffalo in the state of New York depose say that I am in the seventy fourth year of my age - that at the commencement of the Revolutionary war I lived with my father Theophilus Crocker in Middlebury Ms. at which place I well recollect that my brother Theophilus Crocker junior enlisted as a soldier & went into the service at Nantasket, Rhode Island & that subsequently while my father lived in New Salem Ms. my said brother was in the service as a soldier at several different periods of the revolutionary war and that his last enlistment as I understood was for three years which time of ser- vice had not expired when the war ceased; but what particular service he was in other than above stated, or what officers he served under, is not now within the recollection of this deponent. And further this deponent saith not. Mercy Davenport
Subscribed & sworn to this 29 th day of August 1832 before me H. C. ... CP

State of New York
Genesee County ss. On this 15 th day of October 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Genesee now sitting, Theophilus Crocker a resident of the Town of Bethany in the said County of Genesee and State of New York aged Seventy one years and upwards, who being duly sworn according to Law, doth, on his oath, make the following affidavit declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. To wit

Dukes County
p. 3
On this
day of September 1832
personally appeared before me Isaac Wilson Esquire first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Dukes. Theophiles Knapp of the town of Wethersfield in the said County of Dukes and State of New York aged Seventy one Years and upwards, who being duly sworn according to Law, doth on oath  affirm make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed March 1832. In wit.
That he was born in the town of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts on the 17th day of August 1761. That he resided at that place with his Father until the last of February or first of March 1776. when he obtained permission of his parents to go and see the Army near Boston; On the evening of the 24th day of March 1776 volunteered his services as a Soldier in a company of ash solo volun.  grass men commanded by Captain Moses Wade, to go on to Dorchester Heights; Next morning at the point opposite the Castle on returning, saw the Warrants of Land placed about the fort to arrest the British Troops, and the Breast work of Hay bales across the Neck: Marched on to the Heights, remained there through the night; returned to the Camp the next day: about the latter part of March Enlisted in the company of — commanded by Captain Turner and as he believes in Col. Baileys Regiment the Regiment name was Dukes; remembers that the British Fleet was drawn past the light house about the time that General Washington entered Boston: A Bomb Battery was soon after placed on Pattucks Island below the Castle in Boston Harbour, which threw their Bombs at the British Fleet a number of days and nights, before the Fleet sailed for Halifax; Soon after this Fleet sailed we were ordered on a new  new Island, where we built a breast work near the channel opposite the light house: Here a number of the Cannon left by the British on Castle William, dismounted with the Horses broken off were brought by the Americans, remounted and Stationed on a Redoubt which we built on Nantasket; after this we were kept upon guard and fatigue, building a fort upon Nantasket Heights, the remaining part of the season: The following circumstance is distinctly recollected. During the summer of 1776. after the British Fleet had sailed for Halifax, three sail of British Vessels one supposed to be an armed Vessel

convoying the two others which were transports laden with Ammunition, Clothing, and some recruits for their Army; It assured that these vessels had not been apprized that the French Fleet had sailed; As they passed  passed the Fort we hoisted British Colours until one Transport had passed and the other had got opposite the Fort the Armed Vessel remaining behind, when we hoisted American Colours, fired upon the Transports and took both of them; the Armed Vessel escaped; In this affair I received Four Dollars of Continental Money as my share of the prize: On the last of November 1776 I received a regular Discharge signed as I believe by the Col. or Captain Hovey  Hovey who gave it to me.
I then returned home & found that my Father (Theophilus Brock) had gone to Rhode Island upon an alarm to guard  guard against the British then upon Rhode Island: At the request of my Mother I immediately went to that place to take the place of my Father, and he returned home, I found him near Doulants Ferry in Scituate: I continued there about three months, in the Militia Service under the command of Capt. Joshua White: was cantoned during the greatest part of the winter of 1776 & 77 in the town of Bristol, R.I. We kept a guard on Bristol point.
In the month of March 1777 I enlisted in the Rhode Island "Eight Months Service" under Capt. Dyer but was soon attached to the Company of Capt. Samuel Phillips in Col. Cushing's Regiment: the Major's Name was Barton, afterwards Genl. Barton; Valentus under Maj. Barton at the time to go and take the British General Howe, but when we were about to embark for this purpose, Maj. Barton refused to let me go on account of my age: during the season of 1777 I volunteered under Capt. Phillips in a private Expedition against a British guard then stationed on the Island but after a sharp Skirmish our Captain having been wounded the enterprise failed.
In this service I remained about a year, and then in March 1778 I received a Discharge from Col. Cushing; I then returned home and immediately enlisted for Eight Months as a recruit to join the Army at the South; We marched from Middleborough  Scituate to Springfield Mass. under a Lieutenant whose name I do not now recollect: From Springfield we marched to Fishkill in the State of New York where we were detained five or

We marched from Red Bank to Springfield Mass. under a Lieutenant whose name I do not now recollect: From Springfield we marched to Fishkill in the State of New York where we were detained five or
six weeks: From that place we marched to East Town on the Forks of the Delaware; From there we marched and joined the Army at Monmouth: On the morning before the battle of Monmouth, the the Sun of an Invalid who could not go; I was I was placed near the right wing of our Army and was immediately commanded to take care of the wounded. This was on the 28th day of June 1778, on the day following was ordered to attend with the Surgeon in taking care of the wounded, and assisted to dress the wounds of Col. Weston, was in attendance with the Surgeon while dressing the wounds and amputating the limbs of the wounded Soldiers. was attached at this time to the company of Capt. Cady in Col. Wallis 7th Col. Bedford Regiment and in General Patterson's Brigade. We marched from Monmouth to Brunswick New Jersey and arrived there in the same month  month of July; From this place in the month of July we marched to Kings Ferry and from thence to White Plains, where we encamped until General Patterson's Brigade with some other Brigades was ordered to march to Rhode Island; on our march for Rhode Island I was taken sick and unable to do further service: was discharged at at Hartford before reaching Rhode Island, having served in this campaign about eight months. This sickness continued a long time and I was unable to join the Army again for three years.
In the year 1781 or 2 I again enlisted for half the time for three years with one William Perry who agreed to serve the first half of the time on account of my continued ill health: On the first day of August 1782 I relieved the said Perry; at Westchester Those who had enlisted during the war having been discharged on the 17th day of June previous, I joined the Army under Captain White, who said that he would not erase the name of Perry but would retain me in his place under the name of Perry, as he then considered the war closed.
I remained with the Army at Westchester until the 1st of January in the Battalion commanded by Major Sumner: the Regiment having been broken up was stationing a part of the time as a guard at Kingsbridge near New York: After the British troops had evacuated New York we marched to that city under General Washington, and remained there until December. From New York was ordered to West Point where I was discharged by the General

The several discharges which I have mentioned I always carried home and delivered to my father for safe keeping, but they have since been lost.
I have a Record of my own and of my family aged in a Book kept for that purpose which is now at my residence. That I have no documentary evidence of my said services, I lived at Shutesbury, Hampshire Co. Ma. at the close of the war I lived there after the war about 20 years or upwards. From thence I moved to Pembroke, Genesee Co. N.Y. when I resided about 20 years or upwards, From thence I moved to Bethany in Seneca County of Genesee, where I have since resided & where I now reside. I received 4 written discharges, the first from Capt Turner, the second from Col. Topham, the third from Col. Baily or Bradford, the fourth from Capt White, I think I recd a verbal discharge, Capt Joshua White. My written discharges were all lost. Col. Samuel Huntington, Nathaniel Brown are residents of my present neighborhood, to whom I am known and who can swear testify as to my character for veracity, and their belief of my services as a soldier of the revolution - I know of no other person than Abner Reckord whose affidavit herewith is accompanied whom testimony I can procure, who can testify to my said services.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any state. J. H. P. Cook
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court
Timothy Fitch Clerk
We Nathaniel Brown a clergyman residing in the town of Bethany and Samuel Huntington Residing in the town of Pembroke in the County of Genesee do hereby state that we are well acquainted with the above brother who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that all he knows him to be seventy one years of age that he is believed in the neighborhood - when he resided to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Nathaniel Brown
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court
Timothy Fitch Clerk
J. H. P. Cook

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 said Applicant Above named was a Revolutionary Soldier And served at the States, And the Court further Certifies that Nathaniel Brown who has signed the preceding Certificate is a residing  Straggler residing in the Town of Bethany in said County of Genesee And that Saml Humphrey a resident of the Town of Pembroke in said County is a credible person And that their statement is entitled to Credit.
Isaac Wilson
James Saggatt
William Mitchell
Genesee county
I Timothy Fitch Clerk of the court of common Pleas of the county of Genesee do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Theophilus Crocker for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this fifteenth day of October 1832
Timothy Fitch Clerk
False, three said of British Vessels one supposed to be an armed Vessel

Application of Theophilus Crocker

State of New York Seneca County ss.
Abner Pickard of the town of China in the said County of Seneca being duly sworn, doth depose and say, that he was born in the town of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts; that he is now sixty nine years of age and upwards. That he is well acquainted with Theophilus Crocker of Bethany in the County of Seneca aforesaid; that he has been well acquainted with the said Theophilus Crocker from his earliest recollection, that he was a child brought up in the same neighbourhood with the said Crocker; that during the year 1777 in the latter part of the month of March he this deponent enlisted into the service of the United States in a company commanded by Capt Samuel Phillips, then stationed at Howlands Ferry in the town of Scituate in the State of Rhode Island: That when he then enlisted the said Theophilus Crocker was a soldier in the said company: That he this deponent remained in the service under the said Capt Phillips one year; that the said Theophilus Crocker was a soldier in the said company during the said year; that the said Crocker received his discharge a few days before this deponent who was then out of health: And this deponent further saith that he enlisted into the service of the United States in the month of April 1778 he this deponent enlisted for eight months, under a recruiting sergeant whose name he does not now recollect:
That the said Theophilus Crocker had enlisted a few days previous to this: That they the said deponent and the said Crocker marched in company some time in the month of May to join the Army which then lay at Valley Forge: that they marched by the way of Fitchhill, where they were detained some time: From that place they proceeded on to join the Army, and joined it at Monmouth: that on the morning of the Battle of Monmouth they went to the Battle Ground for the purpose of joining the right wing of the Army, but were both ordered to assist in taking care of the wounded; that they, this deponent and the said Crocker remained with the Army and in a few days marched for Brunswick in New Jersey: From that place they marched to White Plains: From thence through Danbury to Fairfield in the State of Connecticut, where this deponent was discharged: that the said Crocker was there taken sick during the summer of 1778. after the British fleet had sailed for New York, three sail of British Vessels one supposed to be an armed Vessel

That they were both discharged in Seneca having served during the last mentioned campaigns about eight months:
And this deponent further saith that, before he enlisted into the service of the United States, he well knew the said Grocker, and then understood and was informed, that he was in the Army of the Revolution before he this deponent enlisted under Captain Phillips in Rhode Island. And further this deponent saith not.
Sworn and subscribed October 15th the 20th day of August 1832 before me in open court Timothy Fitch Clerk Plaintiff of Seneca County N.Y.
Abner Peckham
He Nathaniel Brown and Christopher ... Residing in the County of Genesee hereby testifies that he is well acquainted with the aforesaid Grocker who has
Clerks office Genesee County N.Y.
I Timothy Fitch clerk of said county before whom the foregoing affidavit of Abner Peckham was taken do certify that I am acquainted with the said Abner Peckham & that he is a credible person & that his statement is entitled to credit
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of my said office This twentieth day of June 1833
Timothy Fitch Clerk

18107
Theophilus Crocker
adms
c. i. g.
William Mitchell Bethany Genesee Co New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Theophilus Crocker Genesee Co New York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     March 1776 Vol no time priv Captl Wade Col C Dorchester heights Middleborough Plymouth County Mass- ts   1776 enlisted given priv Sumner Bailey   1776-77 Substitute " 3 " priv White Pallock, Island Sturton Living witness as to part-   March 1777 1 " priv Lyon Phillips Col Stephen Maj Barton Isle Hill part 2 d volume   1778 " 8 " priv White Monmouth   1782 " 4 " priv White G t Washington New York  
aga Myers
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ 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 that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
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 named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons --one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

April 14, 1917
Mrs. F. G. Maxfield, 122 N. Cross Street, Sycamore, Illinois.
Madam:
In response to your letter of the second instant, you are advised that a careful search of the records of this Bureau fails to show a claim for Revolutionary War pension or bounty land on file for any Samson Mason, or for any Theophilus Crocker other than the pensioner of that name, S. File No. 12,627 , of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Troops, whose history was sent you February 8, 1917.
The only data relative to soldier's father, Theophilus Crocker, found in the claim, is that during the Revolution, he resided at Middleborough and New Salem, Massachusetts, that he had a daughter, Meroy Davenport, aged 73 years, and a resident of Buffalo, New York in 1832, and that when his son, Theophilus, was discharged in November, 1776, he found that his father had gone to guard the lines near Howland Ferry, in Tiverton, Rhode Island, that he took his father's place and his father returned home.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

1913 Apr. 7. History to Mrs. A. F. Luvick. Fr.  1917 Feb. 8. History to Fr. Mrs. Mary H. Maffield.  1917 Apr. 14. To Mrs. Maffield - Only Thyphylus Crocka in files etc. etc. (See carbon) Fr.  1919 Aug. 4. History to Mrs. Lewis 6 Denmark 7130 Howard Ave - Chicago Ill. (see her letter in file v. Tackels M18113) and  1924 Nov. 28. Hist. to Les. Mr. Robb 120 Broadway N.Y. City. Letter in file. Cas Munu W7101.
Howland 12.6.27 INVALID.
File No. 12.6.27
Thyphylus Crocka Pr. Robb
Act: June 20th 1824
Index: - Vol _____, Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]

State of New York Seneca County } Personally appeared before me the the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for the said County of Seneca. Nicholas Grackler who being duly sworn answered to said Deponent and Saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear posit- ively as to the precise length of his Service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the Periods mentioned below: and in the following Grade - I served in the Company commanded by Capt. Turner - in Col. Badgys regiment (as I believe) in the Massachusetts Militia - not less than in the year 1776, as a private Soldier not less than Seven months - This Deponent had ever believed and now believes that he performed eight months Service in the year 1776 1776 but is confident that it was not less than Seven months - in the latter part of the year 1776 and forepart of 1777 I served three months in Capt. Joshua White Company as a private Soldier the Colonels name I do not recollect in the years 1777 and 1778 I served as a private Soldier in the Company commanded by Capt. - Dyer and Philips in Colonel Dophams Regiment in the Rhode Island Service - at least one year - That in the year 1778 I served in Captain Eddys Company in the regiment commanded by Col. Bradford or Col. Bully and which I cannot recollect - in General Patricks brigade of Continental Troops as a private Soldier at least Eight months - I served in the year 1782 in Gracklers Whites Company in the Battalion commanded by Major Sumner who had formerly commanded the Company in this Service I was engaged as a private Soldier at least four months - making in the whole of my Service during the war of the revolution the time of two years and ten months which time I actually served as a private Soldier and for which time I claim a pension and further Saith not Subscribed and sworn This 5 th day of June 1800 Before me a Not Public Justice Nich. Grackler

State of New York } I Timothy Fitch Clerk of the said Genesee County ss: County of Genesee do hereby certify that In a Wait before whom the foregoing affidavit of Theophilus Crocker purports to have been taken was on the day of taking the same a Justice of the peace in & for the said County of Genesee & that full faith & credit are to be given to his acts in that capacity; and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing and signature of the said Justice & verily believe that the signature of the said Justice subscribed to the said affidavit is his genuine signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name & affixed the seal of my said office This 20 th day of June A.D. 1833
Timothy Fitch Clerk
27
CROCKER, THEOPHILUS (MASS., R.I.) S-12627

Theophilus Crocker Abbeville
1870
1870
1870
Donal Dymo-pri 8078
CROCKER, THEOPHILUS (MASS - R.I.) S-12627
Secretary of War Washington City
Sir
Please to make such inquiries in relation to the within application as from its merits you may think proper. William Mitchell of Bethany French County New York I have not the 12 th August 1837 Seal of the Province of New York knowing whereof I have hereunto set my name & affixed my

Mr. John Lovell
Abolition
18/10
1937
18th Dec 1841
Donated By Mrs. Frie  8/11/88
CROCKER, THEOPHILUS (MASS - R.I.) 5-12627
Century At War Washington City
11
Plan to make such relief in relation to the western abolition as from its merits you may think proper to William. Note of Brother Simuel Lunt New York I have herewith set out my views in relation to the 19th & 20th of June 1837. I hope you will be able to send me a letter on the subject.

J. Clary Jr.
I J. Clary the Justice of the Peace before whom the foregoing affidavit of Mary Davenport was taken To certify that the said Mary Davenport who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing affidavit is a person of truth and that full faith and credit ought to be given to her testimony
5th June 1833.
J. Clary Justice Peace
State of New York Onondaga County, ss.
I Votah P. Maynard Clerk of said
County do hereby certify that Joseph Clary Esq. before whom the above affidavit was sworn to by whom the above certificates were made was, at the time of making the same a Justice of the Peace in said County duly elected & sworn as such & that I am acquainted with his handwriting & hereby believe the signature "J. Clary" subscribed to the same to be his genuine handwriting and signature in testimony (over)

Rev. S. Sec. m.
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Will you advise me of any information you may have of the Elder Theophilus Crocker, father of Theophilus Crocker, Elder Theophilus's wife was Lucinda, to them was born 5 sons, 2 daughters, He lived to be 92 years old, was in all the war of the Rev, and drew a pension as long as he lived. This is about all I have of him but would like more data, Would also like record of Dawson Mason who married Harriet Hale, served in Battle of Bunker Hill.
Very respectfully
Mrs. F. G. Maffield
Apr. 2, 1917
122 N. Cross St., Sycamore, Del.

To these was born 5 sons and 2 daughters, I think Theophilus Crocker lived in Mass. and came into Western New York state in its early settlement.
I am very desirous of obtaining the dates which I know are on the pension rolls in Washington,
Very respectfully
(Mrs.) Mary Hooker Mansfield 122 N. Cross St.,
Sycamore, Ill.
Jan. 27, 1917.

Rev. Ser. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir; -
Will you kindly give me any information you may have on your Rev. records of one
M. 18,113 Alexander Lockels Born June 15, 1755 - a farmer in Western New York State, Wyoming Co., Died Aug. 7, 1842 Married Apr. 16, 1788 to Phoebe Howard Born Nov. 26, 1764 died?
S. 12,627 also Theophilus Crocker, born? Lived to be 92 years old, was in all the War of the Rev., and drew a pension as long as he lived. His history is in "History of the Early Ministers of Western New York." He was known as Elder Theophilus Crocker of Great Meemow, was a mighty man in scripture. His wife's name was Lucenda (?).

Mar. 30, 1913.
United States Pension Bureau, Washington, D. C.
Please let me know if you can find on the Revolution Pension List the name of Theophilus Crocker Born in 1761 Died 1853.
I want to become a Daughter of the Revolution, and know the above to be a fact but want to prove it. Theophilus Crocker was my great grandfather. Any information you can give me regarding

2. him. will be gratefully received,
Thanking you in advance, I am.
Yours truly, Mary Patterson Quick. 310 N. Church St. Rockford, Ill.

In reply to your request of _____, received for a statement of the military history of Theophilus Crocker a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S. F. 12627.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Mch. 4. 1776 to Nov. 1776 Pri. Amos Wadsworth " Mass.   1776 3 mos. Sumner Bailey   Mch., 1777 1 yr. Joshua White " Mass.   1778 8 mos. Dyer Topham R. D.   Aug. 1, 1782 4 " Samuel Phillips Bradford Mass.   Eddy   White May Sumner Mass.  
Battles engaged in, Monmouth
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Middleborough, Mass. with wife
Date of application for pension, Oct. 15, 1832 His ch. was al.
Residence at date of application, Bethany, Genesee Co., N. Y.
Age at date of application, B. Aug. 17, 1761, at Middleborough, Plymouth Co. Mass.
Remarks: It is not stated whether he was ever married.
Soldier's father Theophilus Crocker also served in the Rev. guarding the lines near Howland's Ferry R.D. in 1776. Soldier had a sister Mercy Davenport aged 73 years and a res. of Buffalo N.Y. in 1832.
Very respectfully,
This re-arranged by Act. in 1919
16-28546
1840 res. not on rec.
Commissioner. OK