Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15018, Isaac Davis, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Mass.
Davis, Isaac.
W. 15018
Leighton, Hannah
Former widow
CONTENTS

And Dec 22 1841 30
Massachusetts.
Wannah Leighton, formerly widow of Isaac Davis, dec'd who died on the 14th of March in the State of Massachusetts, who was a Captain in the ... commanded by Captain ... of the ... commanded by ... in the ... line for ... Mass. June 12.08.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 80 Dollars ... Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of March, 1841, and sent to Hon. Mr. Carpenter, East Cambridge, Mass.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept: 1840 $ 160:00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar:41. 40:00 $ 800:00
Act March 2. 1841 Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the ...
Recorded by ... Clerk. Book ... Vol. ... Page 59.
Reported set to Hon J Bell (Rev War) Mar 18. 1841.
Dead Paid at the Treasury under the Act of April 1838 from 4. March to 2. Dec 1841. Age Notified 2. Oct 1841
Paid as above from the 2nd to the 22. Dec 1841. Age Notified 6. Dec 1841

26 th Cong g 2 nd Sess } S 69.
Petition of Hannah Brighton, widow of Isaac Davis who was killed at the battle of Concord in 1775 for relief.
1838 Jan 29. referred to the Com. on Pensions. Feb 15 repd S 231
1839 Jan 3 rd Referred to the Com: on Pensions " " 4. Bill reported S. 165
1839 Dec. 31. Referred with Bill S. 118, to the Com: on Pensions 1840 Jan 16. Bill reported 1840 Dec 16 Referred to the Com: on Pensions " " 17 Bill reported S. 69
Mr. Webster (17) Mr. Pierce White
Hannah Brighton Pol.

To the Senate & House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled
The Petition of Hannah Leighton of Acton in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, widow respectfully represents,
That on the nineteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & seventy five, she was the wife of Isaac Davis, who was the Captain of a company of minute men, raised in that town, and who was killed on that day in advancing at the head of his Company, which was in the front of the militia, at the North bridge in Concord. Though the conduct of Capt. Davis on that occasion has been honorably mentioned in History, yet she asks leave to state some particulars, which, till lately, have never been published, & which are substantiated by the Depositions of two of his company —
As soon as the alarm was given, which was about day break, Captain Davis lost no time in preparing for the march, and went directly with his company, a distance of 14 miles, to the scene of action. When he arrived within sight of the bridge, about nine o'Clock, he found that between four & five hundred of the militia had collected there from Concord and the vicinity, & he immediately joined the Officers, who were consulting whether they should pass the detachment of the enemy, which guarded the bridge, & attempt to save the village from the fires which were seen to be kindling, & the public stores from the ravages of the enemy. As soon as he had time to learn the subject of the consultation, Capt. Davis returned to his company; & though he received no orders, & was the junior of other Captains present, he said to his company "I haven't a man that's afraid to go, March ". On which he advanced with his company toward the bridge, with

Major Buttrick and Colonel Robinson at his side, and the other Companies followed. When Capt. Davis arrived within a few rods of the bridge, a single shot followed by a volley from the enemy wounded wounded one of his musicians; on which the Americans fired by order of Major Buttrick, & the fire was returned. Two only of the Americans were killed - These two were the husband of your Petitioner & Abner Hosmer a member of his Company. The enemy retreated immediately to the village, without pursuit. There was no further firing on either side, & the enemy were no further molested till after they had left the village, two hours afterwards. During that time, no one assumed any command or gave any orders. The detachment of one hundred men, who had been destroying the military stores at Col. Barretts, were permitted to repass the bridge unmolested, and return to the village. —
From these facts, your Petitioner affirms that her husband was the principal efficient cause of all that was done at Concord before he fell; & that nothing was done afterwards, while the British remained at the village. Of the value of such services to the American cause, she does not pretend to judge; nor can any one, but herself & children, know their loss.
The circumstances under which Captain Davis left his family in the morning were distressing. He had four children, from one to ten years of age. They were all sick -- some of them with a dangerous disorder. He was strongly attached to them, & had a presentiment that he should not return. He well knew his danger; but he was a stranger to fear, & had determined to meet the enemy. Between him & his company there was strong attachment & unlimited confidence. When he had ordered the company to be formed at the door of the house, & all things

were ready, he turned to his wife as if to take leave. But his heart was too full for words. He could only say; "Take good care of the children"; and immediately, with firm step & voice, he was on the march for Concord —
Although your Petitioner has since been twice married, she has been a widow many years, & has lived a long & chequered life. At the age of ninety two, she is without the means of comfortable living, & has long been indebted to the kindness and charity of friends, & especially a grand-daughter of Captain Davis, who is herself a widow, & but poorly able to spare her charities. —
Your Petitioner cannot expect to continue much longer. She will soon be beyond the need of the necessaries of life. She has a desire to have the means of rewarding liberally the kindness of her friends; & to leave something to the descendants of her first  the husband. of her youth ; nor will she deny her wishes that such measures may be adopted by Congress, as shall honor the memory, & do justice to the character of the husband of her youth. She therefore respectfully prays that such sum may be granted to her, as to the justice & liberality of Congress shall seem proper.
Hannah Leigh Estlin

The Intention of marriage between Isaac Davis & Hannah Brown both of Acton were entered October 7 th AD 1764
Isaac Davis & Hannah Brown both of Acton were married by the Rev d John Swift October 24 th 1764
Samuel Jones Jr with Hannah Davis both of Acton were married by the Rev d Moses Adams July 30 th 1782
Francis Leighton of Westford & Hannah Jones of Acton were married by the Rev d Moses Adams Nov r 21 1802
A true copy of Records in the Town of Acton County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Acton June 30 1838 Joseph W. Tuttle Town Clerk of Acton
Middlesex ss June 30 1838 Then personally appeared Joseph W. Tuttle and made oath that he was Town Clerk of said Town & the above certificates by him subscribed were just & true Before me Francis Tuttle Justice of Peace

I Hannah Lighton of Acton in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Do testify and say that I am ninety two years old. That my Original name was Hannah Brown. That on the 24th day of October 1764 I was Married to Isaac Davis by the Rev. John Swift who was the Stated ordained Minister of said Acton at that time.
My husband Isaac Davis was left of the Minute company in Acton and on the 19th of April 1775 and was the first person that fell in the engagement with the British on that day, at Concord I further testify and say that on the 30th of July 1782 I was Married to Samuel Jencks of said Acton by the Rev. Moses Adams Stated Ordained Minister of said Town.
That on the 21 day November 1802 I was Married to Francis Lighton of Westford by the Rev. Moses Adams of said Acton Hannah Lighton.
Acton June 30 1838
Middlesex ss June 30 1838. Then the Above named Hannah Lighton who has long been known to me as a respectable & credible woman, made Oath that the foregoing Affidavit, by her subscribed, is true according to her best knowledge and belief.
Before me Francis Suttle Justice of the Peace

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
August 17 th 1843.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The adm n : of Hannah Leighton, dec d , a Pensioner on the Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of eighty Dollars and  Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th July 1836, has been paid at this Department, from the 2 nd of Dec. 1841, to the 22 nd Dec. 1841.
Respectfully, yours,
 Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

Rev. and 1812 War Section.
November 13, 1924.
Frederick B. Noyes, Congregational Manse, 33 Pleasant St., Leicester, Mass.
Mr;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 15018 , it appears that Isaac Davis , while a resident of Acton, Massachusetts, was Captain of a Company of Minute Men and on the Lexington Alarm, April 19, 1775, marched to Concord and was killed in the engagement at North Bridge that day.
Soldier married at Acton, Massachusetts, October 24, 1764, Hannah Brown, who survived him, with their four children, aged from one to ten years, names not stated.
Hannah Davis married July 30, 1782, Samuel Jones of Acton, Massachusetts, and on November 21, 1802, she married Francis Leighton of Westford, Massachusetts. There is no further mention of these two men on record.
In 1838, widow Hannah was ninety two years old, and

a resident of Acton, Massachusetts. She was allowed pension on account of the services of her husband, Captain Isaac Davis, by a Special Act of Congress, approved March 3, 1841. She died December 22, 1841.
A granddaughter of Isaac and Hannah Davis is referred to as a widow in 1838, no name stated, and there is no further family data on file.
If you wish photostat copies of her original petition to Congress, the same will be furnished you at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty five cents extra for certification, if that is desired. The number of pages to be copied is three.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau, by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Ref
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15018 Hannah Leighton Widow of Isaac Davis Captain Her War
Act: March 15th 11
Index: Vol. 9 , Page 429
[Arrangement of 1870.]
June 27/95 Hist to Miss Annie O. Bailey, 60 Linné St., Newburyport, Mass. ms. B.
Nov 12/96 wid found h- Chas Wheeler Arlon Centre Mass. May 12-1897-History-to Mr. Charles D. Ward- 702. St. Nicholas-avv. New York City N.Y.
1908 June 12. Hist to Mrs. E. M. Morgan. f
1921 June 20. Photo copies mailed to Rev. John B. Hill aw.
1924 Feb 18 Hist. Mrs. Walter Caldwell-aw.
1924 Nov. 13 Hist to Frederick B. Noyes-also wd cost of photo-aw.

Hannah Leighton - Massachusetts roll: Act March 2: 1841. $80 per Annum Con d . 4 March 1831. [on roll Act July 4, 1836]
Send Certificate to H n W. Parmenter East Cambridge, Massachusetts.

IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
DECEMBER 17, 1840.
Mr. WHITE, from the Committee on Pensions, reported the following bill; which was read, and passed to a second reading.
A BILL
An act Granting a pension to Hannah Leighton.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of War place the name of Hannah Leighton on the roll of revolutionary pensioners, and pay her a pension at the rate of eighty dollars a year, from the fourth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-one, during her life.
Approved, March 2 nd , 1841.
A true Copy from the Roll in this Office. Dept. of State, March 3 rd 1841.
J. L. Martin Clerk

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
July 21 st , 1843.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the 3d section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pen- sion agents, The adm rs of Hannah Leighton, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of eighty — Dollars and cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th July 1836, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1841, to the 2 d Dec: 1841. Respectfully, yours, Another payt made to Dec r 22 1841 at date of death
J. Sewell acting Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

25 th Congl 2. Sep r
Petition of the widow of Isaac Davis, who was killed at Concord in 1775 - for relief.
1838 Jan. 3 rd referred to the Com s on Pensions
Widow File 15018 Isaac Davis.
Mr Webster (19)

To the Senate & House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled
The Petition of Hannah Leighton of Acton in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts widow, respectfully represents —
That on the nineteenth day of April in the year seven- teen hundred & seventy five she was the wife of Isaac Davis, who was the Captain of a company of minute men, & who was killed, on that day, in advancing, at the head of his company, which was in the front of the militia, at the north bridge in Concord. Though the conduct of Capt. Davis has been honor- ably mentioned in History, yet she asks leave to state some particulars, which have never been published till lately , & which are substantiated by the depositions of two of his company.
As soon as the alarm was given, which was about day break Capt. Davis lost no time in preparing for the March and went directly with his company, a distance of six miles, to the scene of action. When he arrived in sight of  near the bridge, about nine o'Clock, he found that between four & five hundred of the militia had collected there from Concord & the vicinity, and he immediately joined the Officers who were consulting whether it they should pass the detachment which guarded the bridge and attempt to save the village from the fires which were seen to be kindled, & the public stores from the ra- vages of the Enemy. As soon as he had time to learn the subject of the consultation, Capt. Davis returned to his com- pany, & though he received no orders, & was the junior of other Captains present, he said to his company, " I haven't

a man that's afraid to go, march. " On which he advanced with the company toward the bridge, with Major Buttrick & Col. Robinson at his side, and the other companies followed. When he arrived within a few rods of the bridge, a shot from the enemy wounded one of his musketeers, on which the Americans fired by order of Maj. Buttrick, & the fire was returned. Two only of the Americans were killed & one only of the enemy. Those two were the husband of your Petitioner & Abner Hosmer one of his company. The enemy retreated immediately to the village without pursuit. There was no further firing on either side, & the enemy were no further molested till they had left the village, two hours afterwards. During that time no one assumed any command or gave any orders; & the detachment of one hundred men, who had been destroying the military stores at Col. Barrett's, were permitted to pass the bridge unmolested & return to the main Village.
From these facts your Petitioner affirms that her husband was the efficient cause of all that was done before he fell, & that nothing was done afterwards, while the British remained at Concord. Of the value of such services to the American Cause, she does not pretend to judge; nor can any, but herself & children, know their loss.
The circumstances under which Capt. Davis left his family in the morning were distressing. He had four children from one to ten years of age. They were all sick - some of them with a dangerous disorder. He was strongly attached to them, & had a presentiment that he should not return. He well knew his danger; but he was a stranger to fear, & had determined to meet the enemy. His attachment to his company, though of a different kind, was equally strong, & their confidence in him was without bounds. When

he had ordered them  it to be formed at the door of his house, he turned to his wife as if to take leave. But his heart was too full for words. He could only say, as he turned toward the door "Take good care of the children"; & immediately, with firm step & voice, was on the march for Concord.
Although your Petitioner has since been twice married, she has been a widow for many years last past, & has lived a long & chequered life - at the age of ninety two, she is without the means of comfortable living, & has long been indebted to the kindness & charity of friends, & especially of a granddaughter of Capt. Davis of her youth, who is herself a widow and but poorly able to spare her charities.
Your Petitioner cannot expect to continue much longer. She will soon be beyond the need of the necessaries of life. But Her desire to reward the kindness of her friends, is her principal motaine motive for this application. She therefore respectfully prays that such sum may be granted to her as to the justice & liberality of Congress shall seem proper.
Elizabeth Lee 1832

Washington March 3. 1841
Sir
A Bill has passed Congress granting a Pension to Hannah Leighton of Acton Massachusetts. Will you inform me when and where this will be payable?
I am very respectfully
Yours obedt Servt
Wm P. Armstrong
Hon. Joel A. Poinsett
Secy of War

Warrington Jan. 22. 1838
Dear Sir,
I learn from yours of the 16 th that my letter to you of Dec. 9 th , enclosing the Petition of Hannah Leigh-ton, was not received. I also forwarded to you a Pamphlet containing depositions to support the facts stated in the Petition, supposing they might be satisfactory evidence.
I now forward another Petition, & also another Copy of the Pamphlet, & desire that, if other or evidence is wanted, that you will give me notice. I shall also send a Copy of the Pamphlet to Mr. Davis that he may have the facts, & render such assistance as he may think proper.
Mrs. Leighton is a very worthy old lady, and has been known to me as my father's neighbor from my earliest recollection. I had occasion, as you will see, to investigate the short history of Capt. Davis military services, & feel confident that all that is stated concerning him is strictly true.
Very truly & Respectfully Yrs
Josiah Adams

Framingham Dec. 9. 1837
Hon. D. Webster
Dear Sir,
It affords me great satisfaction to have any agency in forwarding the enclosed Petition to your care.
It is from a very worthy Old lady who was my father's friend & neighbor from my earliest recollection.
It seems to me that there are few if any widows living who have so strong a claim on the bounty of the Country -
I forward you a pamphlet which contains two Depositions to prove the facts stated in the Petition. If other or more formal evidence is wanted by the Committee please let me know and it shall be furnished -
Most truly your friend
Isaac Adams

Full name of soldier: Capt. Isaac Davis
Place of residence before service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Acton - Mass.
Place of residence after service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Fought in Revolution at Battle of Lexington - Killed!
Date of death (as near as possible):
Christian name of widow:
Don't Know
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
Want to know - & her name
Remarks:
Want to know who she was; to find out her children if possible
Your name and address:
Mrs Charles D. Ward 702 St. Nicholas Ave. New York City.

James Jesse Isaac
Yrs rec.
Some time since you sent me about my Grandfather Daniel Davis of Bradford, Mass, enlisted Aug. 14, 1777. we have been trying ever since to find his fathers name because he also "went to war" we think he enlisted about the same time his name was James Davis of Bradford or Haverhill, Mass, will you tell me what you can of him? he had besides Daniel a son Jesse who also enlisted and a son Isaac who never was heard from can you

tell me about Isaac Davis who fell at Acton whose monument is at Concord where did he enlist from or where could I learn anything about him I am very anxious as I want my Certificate filled out in the Daughters of Revolution.
Yours
Annie Davis Bailey 60 Lime St.
Upper side door
Newburyport Mass.
Can you make an exception in my case in regard to time as my mother is 92 yrs. old, and is quite anxious.

D Acton Mass April 1894 W H Lockorn
Grandma
I was advised to write to you for information concerning Hannah Leighton's affairs What she received from U.S. Government for services of her Husband Capt. Isaac Davis who was slain in Concord fight April 19 1775 - She received $50 per year from 1838 till her death - 1842 from State of Massachusetts She also received about the same time some from U.S. Government
Very Truly
Charles Wheeler
Acton Centre Mass

per So. Herr Berlin, Ky., June 4, 1908. The Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir,
Can you give me any information regard- ing the family of Capt. Isaac Davis, who was killed at the North Bridge, Concord, Mass. April 19 1775, during the first en- gagement of the American and British troops? I wish to find out if possible if he left any children and if so their names. The information is for D. A. R. work and

will be very gratefully received
Yours very respectfully Mrs. E. H. Morgan.

Name Isaac Davis Date June 20, 1921 Mass Troops No. W15018 War Rev.
Photographic copies wanted of 5 pieces, consisting of 6 pages.
Remarks:
W. E. Wilson J. H. Wood Chief Record Div.
Serial 4985 No. _____
Law Clerk.

BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
JUN 18, 1921. 19 _
Chief of Land Division Sir:
I have this day received from Rev John B. Hill draft No. Cash for $1 35 / 100 requesting post-office addresses as per letter herewith.
Copies mailed by Land Div not June 20 1921 AW
Very respectfully,
O. J. Randall Chief of Division. JPH

✓ Lawyer Cash $1.35 from Rev. John B. Hill of Lynn Ave., Queens, N.Y. for copies of 6 pages from Claim of Hannah Lighton, former wid. of Isaac Davis, M. 7. 15018 + 3 pages from Claim of Timothy Mills, S. 7. 2862 -
No receipt desired -
Pay to Jan 17/21
$1.35

MRS. WALTON BERNARD CALDWELL
BOX 234
MATOAKA, W. VA.
Jan. 16, 1924.
Dept. of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Rev. War Section.
Dear Sir:-
Do you have any record of the Revolutionary War services of the following.
1. Robert Chaffin (Chapin) Esq. of Acton Mass. 2. Capt. Isaac Davis of Acton Massachusetts 3. Ezekiel Davis Sr. of Acton " 4. Ezekiel Davis Jr. of Acton Massachusetts 5. Silas Clark of Ashfield Massachusetts
The residences as above given were the residence of the above during the Revolution. Silas Clark had a daughter Sarah Clark, who married Adam Mc Nutt (also has Rev. record) and they

MRS. WALTON BERNARD CALDWELL
BOX 234
MATOAKA, W. VA.
moved after the Rev. to Clanton Co. Pennsylvania. Do not know if Silas moved or not.
Thanking you for the favor I am
Yours very truly
Mrs. Walton Caldwell

Congregational Manse. 33 Pleasant St. Leicester. Mass. Nov. 8. 1924.
Commissioner of Pensions. Washington. D. C.
Dear Sir:—
Will you please send me any information respecting a special pension granted to Mrs. Hannah Leighton of Acton. Mass. and secured by the aid of Daniel Webster. The beneficiary was the widow of the first officer slain in The Revolution. and his name is inscribed on a bronze cannon in Faneuil Hall. Boston State House. — Captain Isaac Davis . The hero of Concord Fight. Congress has made an appropriation for the 150 th anniversary celebration of his battle near  April 19 th .
I think the pension was granted sometime in the forties of the last century, but would like the date, and any other facts, which I could use in a paper, I am to give before The Worcester Historical Society. Faithfully yours
Frederick Brooks Noyes. Pastor of Cong. Church. Leicester Mass.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
awf February 18, 1934.
Mrs. Walter Caldwell, Matoaka, Box 334, West Va.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 15018, it appears that Isaac Davis, while a resident of Acton, Massachusetts, was Captain of a Company of Minute Men and on the Lexington Alarm, April 19, 1775 marched to Concord and was killed in the engagement at North Bridge that day.
Soldier married at Acton, Massachusetts, October 24, 1764, Hannah Brown, who survived him, with their four children, aged from one to ten years, names not stated.
Hannah Davis married July 30, 1782, Samuel Jones of Acton, Massachusetts, and on November 21, 1802, she married Francis Leighton of Westford, Massachusetts. There is no further mention of these two men on record.
In 1838, widow Hannah was ninety two years old and

a resident of Acton, Massachusetts. She was allowed pension on account of the services of her husband Captain Isaac Davis, by a Special Act of Congress, approved March 8, 1841. She died December 22, 1841.
A granddaughter of Isaac and Hannah Davis is referred to as a widow in 1838, no name stated, and there is no further family data on file.
X You were furnished on December 3, 1933, the history of the only Ezekiel Clark, found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau, owing to a lack of clerical force available for such a purpose, it is not the practice of the Bureau to send the same history twice to the same person.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to any Robert Chaffin, (Chapin), or to Silas Clark as described by you,
Respectfully,
Commissioner.