Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22, 892, Wells Davis, N.H.

SERVICE
NUMBER
N. 76.
Davis, Wells Abigail
W. 22,892
CONTENTS

Letter to Mr. Greenlee of 2 Nov 1837.
25/0.
New Hampshire
Wells Davis
Memorandum in the State of N H who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain of the Regt commanded by Col Stark in the N H line for 8 Mos
Inscribed on the Roll of N H at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th day of Nov 1832 and Sept 16 West Concord N H
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $39.99 Pensional allowance ending 4 March 13.33
$53.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J H McBlain Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1 st Page 157.

1465
New Hampshire Concord
Lt Col Payt Concord new
Abigail Davis N.H. widow of Abner Davis who was a Private in the N. Hampshire line
Rep Aug 74
for 8 months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars & 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of August, 1843 and sent to
Wm Alkest Concord N.H.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1. Page 15.
38.

11197
Wells Davis
Dea
8 Months
11.6.6
Alm
$26.66
J. C. West Concord N.H.

11,677
BRIEF in the case of  Wells Davis of Weimar County of Merrimack in the State of New Hampshire (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 79  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. As a Gen.     29 April In 1775- 8 Private Capt. Hutchins Col Stark  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Bunker hill  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Weimar N.H.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Documentary evidence  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? all right 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
A. G. Easton Examining Clerk.

1824
Abigail (Davis ~ 1843)
$26:66 per ann
Wm West Concord N.H.

State of New-Hampshire.
Office of Secretary of State.
I, Josiah Stevens, Jr., Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Wm West is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Merrimack duly Commissioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the 18 th day of June 1840 and will expire on the 18 th day of June 1845 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said State this 28 th day of April 1843
Josiah Stevens Jr Secretary of State.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain Widows who have received pensions under the Act of July 7, 1838.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Concord { ss. On this Twenty fifth — day of March — 184 3 . Personally appeared before William West — a Justice of the Peace — in and for the County and State aforesaid, Abigail Davis — , a resident of Tilton — in the County of Merrimack and State aforesaid, aged 86 — years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3d day of March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Wells Davis — who was a private — during the Revolution in the New Hampshire Continental line —
is entitled to a That she was  has not pensions under the act of 7th July, 1838, which she received at the rate of Twenty six dollars and 66 cents per annum, being the sum received by her late husband under the act of 7th June 1832. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me.
Abigail Davis Mark
Wm West, Jus. of the Peace
I, certify that the above named declaration is personally known to me, That she is a credible witness whose statements are entitled to full credit.
Wm West, Jus. Peace

Wells Davis Warning 11.177
11.177
Deciphered text from the reverse side of the page, appearing as bleed-through. It includes the word "DECISION" at the bottom right and various other faint words and phrases.

Merimack Co.,
State of New Hampshire
Concord Sept 21 st 1832.
I Joseph Low Notary Public within and for said State do hereby certify that I have this day examined the company records of Capt Gordon Hutchins formerly of said Concord who was a Captain in the Army of the Revolution. which records are now in the possession of Mr Abel Hutchins of said Concord a son of the said Gordon Hutchins & that it appears by said records that Wells Davis of Warner in the State & County aforesaid enlisted into said Hutchins Company the 29 th day of April A D 1775 aged 22 years as a private that the Lieut. was Joseph Soper and the Ensign was Daniel Swinnon in Col o John Stark's Reg t ; and that there is nothing in said records to show that the said Davis did not serve as a faithful soldier, and further that this examination & certificate are made for the purpose of establishing the claim of said Davis to a Pension under the Act of 7 th June 1832 & agreeably to his declaration for that purpose made before the Court of Probate for the County of Merimack in said State on the 28 th day of August A D 1832.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my Notarial Seal at Concord in the State & County aforesaid this Twenty fourth day of September A D 1832
Joseph Low Notary Public
May 5. 1875

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State of New-Hampshire, } ss. County of Merrimack
On this 28 th day of August personally appeared before the Judge of the Court of Probate for said County Wells Davis, a resident of Warner in the County of Merrimack and State of New-Hampshire, aged Seventy nine 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 1775 with Capt Gordon Hooten and served in the Col o . John Stark's regiment of the New Hampshire line, under the following named officers :
That he enlisted at Warner in the County of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire in the month of April 1775 after the Battle of Lexington for eight months under Capt. Gordon Hooten of Concord New Hampshire. Lt Joseph Soper and Ens. Daniel Livermore in Col o . Stark's Regt in New Hampshire Militia & marched to Medford near Boston Mass. Stayed there until Bunker Hill Battle. Then marched to Bunker Hill and in that Battle. after the Battle marched to Winter Hill and served out the eight months for which he enlisted and was honorably dismissed by Gen. Sullivan. had no written discharge
He hereby relinquishes every claim 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.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Witness W m West
his Wells Davis Mark
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
Boswell Stevens Judge of Probate
I H. B. Chase, Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Merrimack do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of the said Wells Davis for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Court, this 28 th - day of August, A.D. 1832.
H. B. Chase, Register of Probate

10,063
Abigail Davis Sutton 1878

Declaration.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.
I JOSIAH STEVENS, JR. Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Sarah Westburn is an acting Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Merrimack duly Commissioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the eighth day of Jan y 1833 and will expire on the twentyeighth day of Nov r 1844 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said State this twentyfourth day of May 1843
Josiah Stevens Secretary of State.
(ad surety sure, cents, for annu.)
Am proof of Senior reference of the even office
She further declares that she was. MARRIED, to the aforesaid, Wells Davis , in the Month Sept r or October — A.D. 1778.
as will appear by proof annexed
That her husband the aforesaid, Wells Davis =

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th of July 1838. granting half pay and pensions to certain widows.
State of New Hampshire
Meetsmuck ss } On this Eighth day of April 1843. Personally appeared before me. Aaron Whittmore, a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. in and for the County and State of aforesaid.
Abigail Davis a resident of Sutton in the County of Merrimack and State of aforesaid. Aged 86 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838. "entitled an act granting half pay and pension to certain widows."
That she is the widow of Wells Davis, who was a private in the Revolutionary war, in the New Hampshire continental line.
That he was a pensioner under the act of Congress of 7 th Jan 1832, at the rate of Twentyfive Dollars and Sixtyfive cents, per annum.
For proof of service refer me to the war office
She further declares that she was married, to the aforesaid, Wells Davis, in the Month of Sept or October A.D. 1778.
as since appeared by proof annexed
That her husband the aforesaid, Wells Davis =

- Died, on the 14 th day of December 1841.
as will appear by proof annexed
That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous, to the first day of January seventeen-hundred and ninety four, viz at the time above stated.
She further declares that she has never married since the death of her above named husband, and still remains a widow.
Subscribed to me this _____ day of _____ in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and _____ Witness my hand and seal this _____ day of _____ in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and _____ Edmund S.D. Crosway Abigail F. Davis
Aaron Whittmore
{ Justice of the court of common Pleas for the county of State opening }
I certify that the above named Abigail Davis is a credible witness, whose statement are entitled to full credit. That the above declaration was taken at the dwelling of the applicant she being unable to appear in court from bodily infirmity.
Aaron Whittmore { Justice of the court }

State of New Hampshire
Merrimack ss } Town Clerks, Office Warner N. Hampshire May 17-1843
I Edmund S P Ordway a resident of Sutton in the county of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire of lawfull age.
I testify and say that I have been well acquainted with Wells Davis late of Sutton, husband of Abigail Davis who has signed the annexed declaration for many years past, and know that the said Davis died, - on the 14 th day of December 1841.
And further testify that the above named Abigail Davis has never married since the death of her above named husband and still remains a widow.
Edmund S P Ordway
State of New Hampshire
Merrimack ss } April 8 th 1843. Sworn to and subscribing before - }
Aaron Whittermore { Justice of the court of C Pleas etc
I certify that the above named Edmund S P Ordway is a credible witness and his statement is entitled to truth.
Aaron Whittermore { Justice of the court
State of New Hampshire May 17 1843 Personally appeared Ira Harvey above named and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true before W. West Vice Poer

State of New Hampshire
Merrimack ss } Town Clerk, Office Warner N. Hampshire May 17-1843
I, Ira Harvey of Warner in the county of Merrimack and State aforesaid. — Depose (and say, that I hold the Office of Town Clerk of Warner aforesaid. —
That I have the records of said Town of Warner in my possession, That I have examined the records of the said Town of Warner, — and cannot find, any record on said Town Books of the Marriage of Wells Davis and Abigail Sawyer now Abigail Davis
— That I have held the office of Town Clerk of Warner aforesaid from March 1842 to the present time. —
— That I have examined the records of said Town from 1775 to 1820
— That the records do not afford any evidence of the Marriage in question at the designated period or at any other time — except the following viz, —
— That the records do show on the register of Births on records (and so far recognizes the above mentioned Wells Davis & Abigail Abigail Davis as man and Wife, that they had a Daughter born unto them as follows viz —
{ Anna, Daughter of Wells Davis and Abigail his Wife was Born October the thirteenth day, one thousand seven hundred and eighty two. —
That the records do not appear regular and full, but very irregular, (and do not raise the least presumption, against an alleged Marriage within the Town of Warner which is not found therein. —
I Ira Harvey, further testify that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town of Warner, under the head of Births (and among others in fair legible words as above stated. —
Ira Harvey
{ Town Clerk of Warner
Merrimack ss } State of New Hampshire
May 17 1843
Personally appeared Ira Harvey above named and made oath that the above extract by him submitted is true before
W. West Vice Pres.

I Anna Hoyt a resident of Warner in the County of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire, aged 81 years.
I testify and say, that I have lived in Warner forever since I was about nine years old. That I have been well acquainted with Wells Davis, late of Warner, & Abigail Davis his wife, who was Abigail Sawyer, before married to my Sister, ever since a child,
And further I testify and say that I saw Wells Davis, and Abigail Sawyer, many Wicked of Wells Davis of whom who has signed the annulment declaration. Sawfully joined in Marriage, by the Rev Mr. Kelly then Minister of Warner, at my Father's House in Warner - forenoon, in the fall of the year, about the Month of September in the years A.D. 1777, or 1778. cannot precisely state which of the years above named
That they have, ever since the time of their Marriage here State lived together as man and wife in all his Death, and have had a Family of Children born unto them, Witness Sally Hoyt Anna  her Anna F. Hoyt Mark
State of New Hampshire Merrimack ss } Personally appeared Anna Hoyt above named May 17 th 1843 } made oath, that the above affidavit by her subscribed is true, Before me.
W m West Justice of the Peace
I certify that Anna Hoyt above named is a credible Witness, whose statements are entitled to full credit
W m West Justice of the Peace

State of New Hampshire.
Office of Secretary of State.
I, Josiah Stevens Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Wm M c A is an acting Justice of the Peace, and for the County of Wight duly Commissioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the eighteenth day of June 1840 and will expire on the eighteenth day of June 1845 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said State this twentyfourth day of May 1843.
Josiah Stevens Secretary of State.

MMNF am
April 22, 1926
Walter J. Davis White Pine Mine, MICH.
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 22892 it appears that Wells Davis while a resident of Warner, Merrimack County, New Hampshire enlisted April 29, 1775, served 8 mos. as a private in Captain Gordon Hutchins' Company, Colonel John Stark's New Hampshire Regiment, was in the battle of Bunker Hill, length of service eight months. use as above length of service
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 28, 1832 while a resident of Warner, New Hampshire aged seventy-nine years. He died December 14, 1841.
Soldier married in September or October 1778 in Warner, New Hampshire, Abigail Sawyer. She was allowed pension on her application executed March 25, 1843 while a resident of Sutton, Merrimack County, New Hampshire aged eighty-six years.
They had children, Anna born October 13, 1782 is the only name given.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.
Anna Hoyt sister of widow

7447. 982
New Hampshire, Concord.
Abigail Davis, widow of Abel Davis
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 14th December, 1841 of Merrimack in the State of New Hampshire who was a Private in the A. H. Line Company commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded by Col. Starke in the A. H. line for 8 months.
Rep 19 July
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord at the rate of Twenty Six Dollars & 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19th day of July, 1843 and sent to Wm West, Concord N.H.
Whole amount due $ 133.38
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Thomas Sumpter Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 1 Page 62 .

Hon. J. L. Edwards Commr. of Pensions Washington, D.C.

Sir
Concord May 31 st 1843
I herewith transmit to the Department the Declaration of Abigail Davis , widow of Welb. Davis , for a pension under act of 3 rd March 1843
When examined please to return the result to me, at Concord M c . P. Office
I am very Respectfully yours
O. S. Smith
Hon. S. G. Edwards Commr. of Pensions
W m West Atty for claimant

Act Feb. 7. 1838
Abigail widow of Wells Davis $26:66 per on act 1838
To Hon. West C. M.H. Edwards - Census of Bensims Washington D.C.

Sir
Concord N.H. May 25 th 1848.
I, herewith transmit the declaration of Abigail Davis, to the Department. Widow of Wells Davis, for a pension under the act of Congress of the 7 July 1838.
When examined please to return the result to me at Concord N.H. P Office.
I am very
Respectfully your
Obt Servt
Hon J. L. Edwards - Chairman of Finance
W m West, Atty for claimant

111179
Mr. De Silva
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original document.]

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Willy Davis 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? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?  No
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  No
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?
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?  No to all but 3 & 4
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.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Wells Davis 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. W. F. 22,892.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr. 29, 1775 8 mos. Pri. Gordon Hutchins John Stark N. H.          
Battles engaged in, Bunker Hill. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Warner, Merrimack Co. N. H. Date of application for pension, Aug. 28, 1832. His cl. was al. Residence at date of application, Warner, N. H. Age at date of application, 79 yrs. He died Dec. 14, 1841.
Remarks: Soldier mar. at Warner, N. H. in Sept. or Oct.,  1778, Abigail Sawyer. She was al. pen. on her ap.  ex. Mch. 21, 1843 while a resident of Sutton, Merrimack  Co. N. H., aged 86 yrs. Children referred to, only name  stated being that of Anna, born Oct. 13, 1782.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

White Pine Mine Mich. 2/2-26 Dept. of Interior. Washington D.C. Dear Sirs:
Will be pleased to have you send me a copy of the record of Wells Davis, private in the war of the revolution. Enlisted at Warner N.H.
Yours Truly, Walter J Davis.

Rev. Sec H 1
Deount Miss. Sec. 3 rd 1917
U. S. Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I will be pleased to have you send me an abstract of service of Wells Davis. Warner N. H. who served in the Revolutionary army and was pensioned.
I want this information in order that my son who is now in the army, may join the Sons of the Revolution.
Yours truly,
W. L. Davis.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
1917, Dec. 10. History to W. J. Davis. LW.
1921, Sep. 22 - Hist. to Walter J. Davis. W. J. Davis
File No. 22892
Abigail Davis
Widow of Wells Davis
Dis. Rev War
Act March 31. 48
Index: Vol A , Page 172
[Arrangement of 1870.]