Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5,027, William Copeland, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Copeland William
S.5027
carded.
CONTENTS

2911- Massachusetts William Copeland of Mansfield in the State of Mass who was a Lieutenant in the company commanded by Captain [blank] of the Regt commanded by Col French in the Mass line for 5 Mos Lieut 2-29 D Private }
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 76 Dollars 54 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of Dec 1832 and sent a Ballet Tawton Mass
Arrears to 14th of Sept 1832 $115.81 Semi-ant. allowance ending 11 Mar 33 38.27 $154.08
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J H M Blair Clerk, Book D- Vol. 2 nd Page 43.

1983
Lieut. M c Copeland C.L.
end of p
This from Said Box Frank

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, } BRISTOL, ss.
At a COURT of PROBATE holden at Taunton in and for said County on the twenty eighth day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, in adyt. before the Honorable HODIJAH BAYLIES, Judge of the Probate, &c. for said County, personally appeared William Copeland a resident of Mansfield in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged eighty four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832, make the following declaration.
That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers and served as hereinafter stated; to wit: that  I volunteered on the night of the 19 th of April 1775 as soon as the news of the Lexington Battle reached Norton, the Town where I then resided I marched from said Norton to Roxbury near Boston and there I served as a Soldier under Lieutenants Seth Gilbert and Ensign George Metcalf, I will state further particulars of my Service in my answer to the fifth interrogatory and further declares as follows, in reply to the interrogatories propounded by the Secretary of War; to wit:
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
March 20 th old style Ans. That he was born in Norton in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts in the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty eight
2. Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it? ans. there is a record of my age in the office of the Town Clerk of Norton
3 Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live? ans. I was living in Norton when I was called into service, I have lived in the Towns of Norton & Mansfield ever since the war. I now live in Mansfield
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom? ans. I was never drafted, I always enlisted voluntarily. I was never a Substitute

4. How were you called into service ; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom? ans. I was never drafted, I always enlisted voluntarily. I was never a Substitute
2 weeks 5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served ; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service. I served About two weeks at my first engagement and was then discharged verbally by my officers & returned home. I refer to Samuel Copeland's the affidavit to prove this my first service.
months I enlisted in the month of February 1776 for two months into a company commanded by Israel Root of my native Town, & Lieutenant Zebulon Field & Ensign Tabor were our other company officers. I marched from Norton to a place called Winter Hill near Boston, our Regiment was commanded by Col. French, I was present when the British evacuated Boston on the 17 th of March and at the expiration of my term, which was in April, I received a verbal discharge from my officers and returned home. I refer to Nathaniel Britton's affidavit herunto annexed
And in the month of June 1776 I engaged as a recruiting Officer and after I had obtained the number of recruits that were called for I marched them to Col. Ephraim Lane in said Norton where we were mustered, we then marched to Attleborough and joined other troops, and proceeded on to our place of destination, which was New York, over

end of I marched from Said Norton I received my Commission as 2 d Lieutenant which is hereunto annexed - we then proceeded on through New Haven in Connecticut & soon after our arrival at the City of New York we were ordered out of the City a little distance. we were marched to various places on the Hudson river we were at White Plains near the time of the Battle but were not in the engagement I was in the Regiment commanded by Col. Gane & Major Paine of Rehoboth was our Major & we were in Gen. Fellows Brigade I well recollect Col. Holman's and Col. Smith's Regiments for they were a part of our Brigade. I very well recollect Gen. Washington at this campaign he was often with our officers. This campaign, was five months and at the expiration of our term we received a verbal discharge from my Superior Officers and returned home. I refer to Elisha  the Hodge's affidavit to prove the length of this my third campaign.
after this I turned out at an alarm & served as a private about half a month & marched to Tiverton in the State of Rhode Island it was in the year 1777 and were there stationed to guard the shore at that time. I refer to Samuel Capeland affidavit to prove this service
The troops in which I served were called Massachusetts State troops, except my third campaign, we were then under Continental officers as I suppose we were or recruits for the continental service
William Capeland was born March 20 th 1747-8 A true copy of Record West John Lucas Town Clerk Norton Aug 29 th 1832

6. Were you a Soldier or an Officer? if a Soldier, did you ever receive a discharge from the service to whom was it given, and what has become of it? if an Officer, did you ever receive a commission, when was it signed, and what has become of it? Ans. I was a Soldier at the battle of the war but I received a written discharge, I afterwards have annexed my commission to this my declaration was signed by John Stearns
7. State the names of the persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the Revolution.
To the Rev. Pitt Clark of Norton Adjoining Mansfield and Cromwell Leonard of said Norton - - The Rev. Mr. Briggs the Minister in Mansfield being too unwell to attend the Court -
And the said William Copeland doth further declare that he hereby claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and that his name is not on the Pension of any State, or (if any) only on that of the agency of the State of
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
H. Baylies, Judge
WE Pitt Clark - a Clergyman - residing in Mansfield and Cromwell Leonard - residing in the same certify that we are well acquainted with William Copeland - who has subscribed the above declaration; that we believe him to be about Eighty four years of age; that he is reputed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Pitt Clarke from Leonard H. Baylies, Judge
AND the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after rogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Pitt Clarke - the Clergyman - resident in the Town of Norton - and that Cromwell Leonard who has also signed the same is a resident in said Town and that their statement is entitled to credit.
H. Baylies, Judge
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } BRISTOL, ss. }
I Anselm Bassett - Register of the Court of Probate in and for said Court that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Copeland - of Mansfield in said County, for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court the day written.
Anselm Bassett

3983.
William Copeland Mansfield Bristol Co Mass
5 M rs . Lent 28 th 29 th Day Pmt
Alms
$76.52.
J. Barrett Bristol Co Mass.

BRIEF in the case of  William Copeland  of Bristol Co  in the State of  Mass  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? open Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 84 Years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 1775 - Apr - - 14 P- Gen. S. Gilbert   76 Feb - 2 - - Col Trout Col French   76 June - 5 - 2 Lieut Col Lane Major Paine   77 - - - 10 P- Col Henry  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Bristol  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living Witnesses Traditional Evidence - Documentary proof  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Defective as to length of Service not being defined 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
G H McBlain Examining Clerk.

Information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. William Copeland Sur. File 5-027
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr. 19, 1775 2 weeks Pvt. Lieut. Seth Gilbert Mass.   Feb. 1776 1 mo. Israel Trow French "   June 1776 July 12, 1776 noncommissioned officer under Ephraim Lane   July 12, 1776 5 mos. 2nd Lieut. Samuel White Simson Coary   1777 1/2 mo. Pvt. in an alarm at Leicester R. I.  
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Norton Mass.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 28, 1832 His el. was al-
Residence at date of application, Hanfield Bristol Co. Mass.
Age at date of application, born at Norton Bristol Co. Mass. Feb. 20 1748 Old Style  since year 1740.
Remarks: No data as to family.

I Samuel Copeland of Norton in the county of Bristol & State of Massachusetts being Eighty two years of age do hereby testify & say that I have been well acquainted with William Copeland for a great number of years and that he the said William Copeland of Mansfield did enlist & volunteer as a soldier in the Army of the American Revolution on the night of the 19 th of April 1775 & served at and about Roxbury under Lt. Seth Gilbert & Ensign George Makepeace for two weeks. Dated at Norton August 20 th 1832 Samuel Copeland
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol { ss. Before me, one of the Justices of the Peace county } within and for said County of Bristol personally appeared Samuel Copeland subscriber to the above affidavit and made oath that the same is true in all its parts — In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and quality This 20 th day of August A 1832 Ebenezer Leonard Justice of Peace.

I Nathaniel Britton of Raynham in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts being eighty two years of age do hereby testify & say that I have been acquainted with William Copeland now of Mansfield but formerly of Norton for a great number of years and that he the said Copeland served as a Soldier in the Army of the American Revolution in a company commanded by Israel Snow of Norton, & Benjamin Field was our Lieutenant & our Ensign was Saker his first name I do not recollect, we were stationed at a place called Winter Hill, and also at Roxbury & Dorchester near Boston & it was in the forepart of the year 1776 we were present when the British evacuated Boston - I served in the same company at the same time, & we were called Massachusetts State Troops (so called).
Dated at Taunton 28 th August 1832
Nath: Britton

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol } ss. Before me one of the Justices of the County } Peace within & for the County of Bristol personally appeared Nathl Britton Subscriber to the within affidavit & made oath that the same is true in all its parts — In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & quality this 28 th day of August. A D 1832 Cromt. Leonard Justice of Peace

I Elijah Hodges of Norton in the county of Bristol and State of Massachusetts being eighty years of age do hereby testify and say, that I have long been acquainted with William Copeland of Mansfield, and and that he the said Copeland served five months as a Lieutenant of a company to which I belonged in the Revolutionary war. in and near the city of New York in the year 1776 -
Dated at Norton August 24 th 1832
Elijah Hodges
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol } ss. August 24 th 1832 Elijah Hodges made County } oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed.
Before me Cromwell Leonard Justice of Peace

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Copeland  which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?  IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? Yes
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Yes
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? Yes
And is the official character and signature of the magistrate certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
 EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.”

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
†QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

955
W.R. & NA. APR 18 1904 FILES. B.
115 Third St., Lowell, Mass. Apr. 13, 1904, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
Will you please send me a statement of the military history of my great grandfather, William Cokesand, a Revolutionary soldier, and proof of the fact that he rec'd a pension. This is to be used to obtain membership in the D. A. R.
He was born March 20, 1748, in Asbur, Bristol Co. Mass. and applied for a pension in Aug. 1832, being then a resident of Mansfield Mass.
Very respectfully,
Stella J. Allen.
115 Third St.

115 Third St.,
Lowell, Mass. Apr. 3, 1904.
Commissioner of Pensions. Washington D. C.
Dear Sir,
I wish to receive proof that my great grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War, and received a pension for his service, that it may be used in obtaining membership in the "Daughters of the Revolution".
He was William Copeland (sometimes spelled Copland ) of Mansfield, Mass.
The family record says that he "volunteered as one of the minute men" afterwards joined the Colonial Army and continued in service as a Lieutenant seven months. He received a pension for several years

before his death." A grand daughter now living personally recollects that he re- ceived such a pension. I trust that you will be able to furnish the necessary proof of the fact and some detail of the service. The Mass. roll of Revolutionary soldiers gives only this imperfect record. Copland, William, Boston, Private. Capt. Leitch Gilbert's (2nd Boston) co.; Col. John Dag- gett's regt.; which marched in response to the alarm of April 19, 1775; service 10 days; said Copland marched April 19, 1775 - also Copland, William, Capt. Israel Trask's co., Col. Isaac Danks (Bristol Co.) regt.; marched to Rhode Island on the alarm of Aug. 1, 1780; discharged Aug. 7, 1780; service 9 days; roll dated Boston. Vol III page 989.
An early reply will greatly oblige
Yours respectfully,
M. Leslie Allen.

Apr. 9, 1904 - His to M. Berlie Allen Lowell mass
Apr. 19, 1904 His to Stella J. Allen Lowell mass
1909 Mar. 15. His to Aunt D. R. Booth. V.L.M.
Rev May ✓
5027
INVALID.
File No. 5027
William Copeland Lieut PW War
Act: June 9 th 1832
Index: —Vol. m, Page 74
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Fort Bayard, New Mexico,
February 11, 1909.
The Commissioner of Pensions, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C.
Sir:-
The purpose of this letter is to respectfully request any information which the records of your office may contain regarding the military services performed during the War of the American Revolution by the following men:-
(1) Isaac Booth husband of Deborah (Hurlburt) Booth, (2) Joseph Booth " " Sarah (Chandler) Booth, (3) Johnathan Copeland " " Esther (Chapman) Copeland, (4) William Copeland " " Sarah (Smith) Copeland.
I do not know whether or not the names of any of these men or their widows or minor children were ever borne upon the pension rolls, but the names of their wives have been given above in order to facilitate such a quest, if it should appear that the desired information could be obtained thereby.
It is known that the four men above mentioned were all living during a part if not the whole of the Revolutionary War; also that they were all residents before said war of the State of Connecticut, and it is believed that most if not all of them resided in Connecticut several years after its close. It is therefore probable, and family tradition

supports the surmise, that their service was rendered in connection with Connecticut troops. There is a possibility that one or more of them may have enrolled with Massachusetts organizations, or possibly in the Continental Army.
This information is desired for the completion of a family history and also to establish the eligibility of the undersigned for membership in the National Society Sons of the American Revolution. Specifically what is desired is to establish first, the fact that military service was performed during the Revolution by these men; second, their rank, company or regiment of which they were members; third, inclusive dates of service, mention of any battles, engagements, expeditions or other definite services participated in either by the individuals or by the organizations to which they belonged.
Any of the above or similar information which you can furnish will be gratefully received. Suggestions as to where or how these facts may be learned if not recorded in your office will also be considered a favor.
Very respectfully,
O. R. Booth 1st. Lieut., U.S. Army, Retired.

Retired.
1st. Lieut., U.S. Army,
[Handwritten signature]
Very respectfully,
Office will also be considered a favor.
or how these facts may be learned if not recorded in your
turnip will be gratefully received. Suggestions as to where
Any of the above or similar information which you can
belonged.
by the individuals or by the organizations to which they
expeditions or other definite services participated in either
the dates of service, mention of any battles, engagements,
company or regiment of which they were members; third, incus-
during the Revolution by these men; second, their rank,
plan first, the fact that military service was performed
American Revolution. Specifically what is desired is to estab-
signed for membership in the National Society Sons of the
history and also to establish the eligibility of the under-
This information is desired for the completion of a family
organizations, or possibly in the Continental Army.
that one or more of them may have enrolled with Massachusetts
connection with Connecticut troops. There is a possibility
supports the surmise, that their service was rendered in
J.C. IF 31616 - Co. We - " 5027 - Mass N. 21.
[Handwritten initials]

Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay.
The Major Part of the COUNCIL of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England,
To William Copland Gentleman — Greeting.
YOU being appointed Second Lieutenant in Captain Samuel White's Company in Colonel Simeon Clegg's Regiment said Regiment to be raised in the County of Plymouth and the County of Bristol for the Continental Service according to a late act of Court — By Virtue of the Power vested in us, WE do by these Presents, (reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct,) Commission you accordingly. — You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Second Lieutenant in leading, ordering, and exercising said Company in Arms, both Inferior Officers and Soldiers; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline: — And they are hereby commanded to obey you as their Second Lieutenant and you are yourself, to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from your Superior officers
Jeri Powell N. Greenleaf W. Sporrer Caleb Cushing H. Cushing John Whetcomb Jabez Fisher B. White Wm Phillips Benjamin Dan Davis A. Sewall D. Hopkins S. Holten Jos. Cushing
GIVEN under our Hands and the Seal of the said Colony, at Watertown the Twentieth — Day of July — in the Year of our Lord, 1776.
John Stearns } Committee
By the Command of the Major Part of the Council.
John Lowell D. Secy

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Copeland, William GRADE Private LINE New York
WARRANT NUMBER 6944 and Ht. 14041 ACREAGE 100 " 100 ISSUED Nov. 26, 1792 to not shown
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.