Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11,283, Thomas Henshaw, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Henshaw, Thomas
N. 11,283
Meriam
B.L.H. 18004-160-55
or Miriam
CONTENTS
..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....

cir F. Hall Feb 26/56
140.574 Ack March 3/56
Ray 21/56
Miriam Henshaw wid of Thomas Henshaw POB
Privilege
Mpls. Militia
Revolutionary War
Braps Feb 53-4248
Ad. 160 acc Mar 6/56
(Dodge)
Vol. No. 135.
Franklin Hall 39 State St. Boston Mass

4.248 Massachusetts. Miriam Henshaw, widow of Thomas Henshaw
who served in the Revolutiona-
ry war, as a private
Mass
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 33 Dollars 33.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 16 th day of June, 1853. and sent to
Franklin Hall 39 State St. Boston Mass:
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 48 Vol. A
Reg 3 m 58-140575
(32)

15.01A
Massachusetts
Thomas Washburn
of Brookfield in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Tilden of the Reg t commanded by Colonel Hovey in the Mass line for 10 months
Mr. C
72 Brookfield
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of - 33 Dollars - 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of May 1833 and sent to Hebbins Brookfield Mass
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $66.66 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. 16.67 $83 33
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by U. Adams Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 2 a Page 32

Declaration, in order to secure the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Worcester, p.
On this 14 th day of August in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred thirtytwo, personally appeared in open court before the Hon. Nathaniel Paine Esq., Judge of the Probate of Wills &c for the County of Worcester Thomas Henshaw of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832. I entered the service of the United States under the following officers and served as herein stated. I was born in Brookfield in the County of Worcester aforesaid on the eighth day of May in the year of our Lord 1761; there is a register of my age upon the records of the town of Brookfield aforesaid; I was living in said town when I was first called into the service of the U.S. and have been a resident of said town all the time since the war, and am now a resident of said town. The first time that I served in the Revolutionary army, I enlisted at Brookfield for the term of six months to go to Providence R.I. in General Spencer's private Expedition I belonged to Col. Danforth Keyes Reg't Mass. Militia (St. Col. Brigade) Capt. Nelson's Company, The Lieutenants were Belknap and Cullen, Benj. Felt was Adjutant. I marched about the first of July 1777. through Worcester, Grafton & Mendon to Providence R.I. after a day or two marched down on the west side of the River to Oldport's Newtown, and staid four weeks. Marched back to E. Greenwich crossed Warwick neck, to Warren, and thence down the east side to Tiverton. Here we staid two or three weeks, expecting orders to go over to the Island; the next marched twice down to the water, making a point of embarking to go over, but the boatmen were fired upon by the British from their battery on the Island, - again marched up the bay and crossed over to Warren, and down the east side to Bristol Mills, to look out that the British did not come over and plunder. About this time a Thanksgiving was observed on account of the taking or capture of the Northern army, two or three days previous to which, three British men of war were in sight below - we then lay opposite and in sight of Newport. It was thought the British would sail directly to Providence and attempt to burn it, on account of the observance of a Thanksgiving - the troops marched as quick as possible up to Providence, and staid till the first of January 1778. and I was dismissed there at that place. William Rice was a soldier in the Company with me his deposition accompanies this declaration - Caleb Allen and Jacob Allen of Haverbridge in said County were in the same Reg't Benj. Jennings of Brookfield a pensioner was also a soldier in the same Company and a non-commissioned officer part of the time.
The second term of duty that I performed in the War, was at Brookfield Mass. - I enlisted for one month in the Mass. Militia, and served under Lieut. Daniel Bell. Here, on guard of a quantity of Military Stores that were then kept in a school house in said town, the guard consisted of twelve soldiers selected - divided into three parties of four each, and we perform a guard of 24 hours alternately - each man furnished his own provisions. Capt. Speaks was here had left town, having resided here previously, the guard or part of the stores had also been removed, and the enlistments, which had before been for 6 months at a time were only for one month because it was expected that the residue of the stores would be removed with in that term of time - This guard was kept here two years or more, St. Lumb of Charlton had command of it from time to time, I have not witness to this service - This service was in the Spring of 1779.
I enlisted a third time in the Massachusetts Militia in Sept or October 1779 for three months to go to the state of New York. I belonged to Capt. Joseph Richardson's Company, I was or duly sergeant, - March through Springfield and Great Barrington, to Claverack NY, here we staid a week or two, and marched to Colonel Schuyler's about five miles above Albany and staid till my term expired and was then dismissed. I received two months pay for the Massachusetts Militia at this time. I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the army of any state.
Sworn and subscribed to the day and year aforesaid Thomas Henshaw Before me N. Paine Esq. Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester

We Micah Stone a Clergyman residing in Brookfield in said County and Simeon Draper residing in said Brookfield, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Henshaw who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and that we believe him to be seventy one years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed to the twenty eighth day of Aug A.D 1872. Before me Herman Stebbins Jus. Pauc. Micah Stone. Simeon Draper
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above mentioned applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to that the said Henshaw cannot produce in Court, without too much expense and convenience to him the nearest Clergyman, but that the said Simeon Draper & Micah Stone who have subscribed the above certificate, are residents in the town of Brookfield aforesaid, that the foregoing statement is entitled to credit, also that the said applicant could not produce in court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him two respectable persons, one of whom should be the Clergyman of Brookfield aforesaid, and that Herman Stebbins Esquire before whom the foregoing and several affidavits were made and sworn to, is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Worcester, and that his commission expires none to be his own but he has a writing. NATHL PAML Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester
I Theophilus Wheeler, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the Application of Thomas Henshaw for a pension. I further certify that Herman Stebbins is a Justice of Peace within & for said County and that he signed the affidavits annexed to the affidavits. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office.
This seventh day of September August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty two — Theophilus Wheeler Reg of said Probate Court in Massachusetts

Thomas Henderson
10978
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Worcester Aug. 7 th 1832 } p.
I, William Rice of Brookfield in said County aged 78 years being duly sworn do testify and say that, I was a soldier in the Revolution as Army - Massachusetts Militia from July to December 1777 inclusive, in General Spencer's private Expedition in Rhode Island - That I belonged Col. Danforth Keyes Reg t and Capt. — Wilson's Com- pany - that I served six months in said year, and that Thomas Andrews of Brookfield in the County aforesaid, was also a soldier in the same com- pany, and in the same mess with me  me  Andrews Andrews during more or all the time, and that we both served the  the same term of time - subscribed and sworn to the day and year above written. W m Rice
Worcester p. Aug. 7 th 1832
Personally appeared Andrews .
Rice and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed before me
Alman Stebbins for Pains
I hereby certify that William Rice is a credible person who has submitted the above affidavit. Alman Stebbins

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Worcester. ss. I Benjamin Jennings of Brookfield in the County of the Aug. 18 th 1832 said, a United States Pensioner, of lawful age, first being duly sworn do testify and say that I was a Soldier in the United States Army Massachusetts militia in the Revolutionary war, that I was in Gen. Spencer's private Expedition in Rhode Island, from July to Decem- ber, 1777. — I belonged to Col. Davenport's Rys Regt. & Capt. Wilson's Company, and served six months during the year aforesaid — That Thomas Hanchett of Brookfield aforesaid was a soldier in the same Company, and performed a tour of six months duly at the same time that I did, and further the de- ponent saith not.
Benjamin Jennings mark
Attest Herman Stebbins
Worc. ss. Aug. 18 1832. Personally appeared the said Benjamin Jen- nings and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him sub- scribed before me Herman Stebbins Just Peace
I hereby certify that the said Benjamin Jennings, who has subscribed the above affidavit affidavit is a credible person. Herman Stebbins

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 3 p. Worcester County. 3 p.
On this sixth day of June A. D. eighteen hundred and fifty four, personally appeared in open court, before the subscriber, Judge of Probate within and for said County, Miriam Henshaw, a resident of Brookfield in said County, aged 68 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 2 d section of the Act of February 3 d 1853:-
That she is the widow of Thomas Henshaw dec d , who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and a pensioner under the act of 7 June 1832 at the rate of $ 33.33 per annum on account of his services in said war, & for proof thereof she refers to the papers on file in the Pension Office with his application under said law.
She further declares that she was married to said Thomas Henshaw on the sixth day of May, eighteen hundred and thirty five; - that her name previous to her said marriage was Miriam Hitchcock; - that her said husband died on the seventh day of June, eighteen hundred and forty eight, that she was not married to him prior to the second day of January

eighteen hundred, but at the time above stated. She further declares that she was a widow on the third day of February, 1853, and has been ever since, and that she has appointed Franklin Hall, of Boston, her true and lawful attorney for her and in her name to prosecute her claim for a pen- sion under the above named act. Meriam Henshaw Attest.
Benj (P) Henshaw The Pinicula
Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged the day and year above written, before me. & I hereby certify that I have no interest in the claim of declarant to a pension and am not concerned in its prosecution.
The Pinicula — Judge of Probate for Worcester Co.

Extract from the records of the Town of Sturbridge, County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts.
May Sixth Eighteen Hundred and thirty five Thomas Wenshaw of Brookfield & Mrs Miriam Northcock of Brookfield were Joined in Marriage by Joseph S Blake longing ecclesiastical Minister of Sturbridge
I, David R. Porter, on oath depose & say that I hold the office of Clerk in the Town County and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows, viz: May 6 th 1835 Daniel R Porter { Town Clerk of Sturbridge
Worcester ss. May 10 th 1853. Sworn to & sub- scribed before me, & I certify that I have no interest in the claim of Miriam Hruskam to a pension and am not concerned in its prosecution
Benj O Hyde Justice of the Peace.

I Amasa Blanchard of Brookfield, in the County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts, on oath testify & say that I was formerly Sexton of said town of Brookfield; - that I was acquainted with Thomas Henshaw, late of said Brookfield, dec d , who was a Revolutionary soldier & a pensioner of the United States on the Massachusetts Roll; - that said Thomas Henshaw died in said Brookfield on the seventh day of June, eighteen hundred and forty eight, and his funeral was attended by me in my official capacity. I further testify & say that I am acquainted with Miriam Henshaw, the widow applicant for a pension, and that she is the widow of the identical Thomas Henshaw above named, who was a Revolutionary soldier, and a pensioner of the United States, as aforesaid. Amasa Blanchard
Worcester ss. June 7 th 1854. Sworn to & subscribed before me, & I certify that Amasa Blanchard, above named is personally known to me, that he is a resident & was Sexton of Brookfield, and is a credible witness. I further certify that I have no interest in the claim of Miriam Henshaw to a pension & am not concerned in its prosecution.
Oliz Hemenway Justice of the Peace.

I, Samuel C. Smith now of the City, and County of Worcester a State of Massachusetts, but late of Brookfield, in the same County, do Oath do testify and say, that I was for several years well acquainted with Thomas Henshaw, late of said Brookfield, deceased, and who was a Revolutionary Soldier and a Pensioner of the United States on the Massachusetts Roll; that said Thomas Henshaw died in said Brookfield, on the seventh day of June, eighteen hundred and forty eight, and I was present at his death. I further testify, and say that I am acquainted with Miriam Henshaw, the within Applicant for a Pension, and that she is the widow of the identical Thomas Henshaw above named, who was a Revolutionary Soldier, and a Pensioner of the United States, as aforesaid.
Samuel C. Smith
Worcester ss. June 8 th 1854. Sworn to and subscribed before me, and I certify that Samuel C. Smith above named, is personally known to me, and is a credible witness. I further certify that I have no interest in the claim of Miriam Henshaw to a Pension, and am not concerned in its prosecution.
John H. Matthews Justice of the Peace

I, David Hitchcock of Worcester in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age, in oath testify and say that I was acquainted with Thomas Henshaw, late of Brookfield, in said County, dec d , who was a Revolutionary soldier & a pensioner of the United States, and died on or about the seventeenth day of June 1848; that I am acquainted with Miriam Henshaw, the within applicant for a pension, and that she is the identical person she represents herself to be in the foregoing declaration, viz, the widow of Thomas Henshaw, above named, who was a Revolutionary soldier & pensioner as aforesaid. I further testify & say that said Miriam Henshaw is now and has been a widow ever since the decease of her said husband in 1848. David Hitchcock
Worcester ss. June 6 th 1854. Sworn to & subscribed before me, & I certify that said David Hitchcock is personally known to me, that he is a resident of Worcester and a credible witness. I further certify that I have no interest in the claim of Miriam Henshaw to a pension & am not concerned in its prosecution.
The Honorable. Judge of Probate

STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS,
COUNTY OF Worcester.
} ss.
On this twelfth day of May one thousand eight hundred and fifty- five personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Miriam Henshaw aged sixtyone years, a resident of Brookfield in the County and State aforesaid, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Thomas Henshaw who was a private in the war of the Revolution, and continued in actual service in said war for the term of at least fourteen days, and was honorably discharged from said service; for proof of which facts, she refers to the evidence on file in the Pension Office, upon which a Pension was granted her said husband under the Act of 7 June. 1832.
She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Henshaw on the sixth day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty five ; that her name, before her said marriage, was Miriam Hitchcock ; that her said husband died on the seventh day of June one thousand eight hundred and forty eight at Brookfield and that she is still a widow; and for proof thereof she refers to the evidence on file with her application for a pension under the 2 o Section of the Act of February 3. 1855.
Her Pension Certificate is dated The sixteenth day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifty four
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act approved March 3, 1855, and has appointed Franklin Hall, of Boston, her true and lawful attorney for her and in her name to prosecute her claim.
SIGNED AND SEALED IN PRESENCE OF
Miriam Henshaw
TWO WITNESSES.
Benjamin D. Ely Eaton Hitchcock

140.5-744
Filed by Franklin Hall. 39 State St. Boston.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, May 17, 1855.
I Hereby Certify , That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed,
Benjamin D. Hyde was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

AFFIDAVIT OF TWO WITNESSES.
WE, Eaton Hitchcock and Caleb Nichols residents of Sturbridge in the County and State aforesaid, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by the above named Miriam Henshaw in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
We further declare that we were well acquainted with the said Thomas Henshaw and Miriam Henshaw his wife (now his widow) during the life time of the former, and knew them to live together as husband and wife and to have been so generally reputed. That her said husband, the said Thomas Henshaw died at Brookfield on or about the seventh day of June 1848, and that she is still a widow, and that we they have no interest in this claim.
Eaton Hitchcock
Caleb Nichols
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Benjamin D. Deyele JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.

10978 Thomas Henshaw
Plat 10 Mts
Heman Stebbins Esq. Brookfield Mass

BRIEF in the case of Thomas Wentworth of Brookfield in the State of Maine (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? in Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 71 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.     July In 1777 6 — Purser Gen. Col. Wilson Col. Briggs   Aug 1779 1 — " Col. Ballard   Oct 2 nd 1779 3 — " Col. Richmond  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Brookfield Maine  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Richard Latt Examining Clerk.

her WIDOW, &c.
File No. 11283
Miriam Henshaw Wid of Thomas Henshaw Pris Rev. War
Act: Feby 3 d  1863
Index:—Vol. a , Page 325
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Rec. St. 7 th Jan. 48.
[Signature] " 

140875
Meriam Henshaw
and Thomas
FREE
July 53 - Dec 18
Boston
Hon. J. P. Munroe
Commission of Resigns.
Washington D.C.

1800A
S
Miss Anne

June 12 th 1852
No. 4774 Miriam Denshaw,
wid: of
Thomas. Worcester Co.,
Mass:
act 153 $33. \frac{33}{100} per An. Com: Feb: 3, 1853.
Rev
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
Pension Office, Official Business.
Franklin Hall. 39. St. H. COURTSHIP

map 132 Miriam Henshaw wid Thomas
15011
Logan
W. H. Waldo Esq. Nov 12/54
1000 Essex St. Boston. Washington St.
FPW

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, June 9 th 1854.
I Hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Thomas Rinnicutt was Judge of the Court of Probate - and Benjamin D. Hyde, Otis Hayden and John H. Mat- thews were justices of the Peace for the County of Worcester.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
W. U. Mayhew
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Auditor's Office 13 th June 1854.
Sir,
Please certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid, on the date of his death.
Very Respectfully,
S. 7 June 48 D. M. Lewis
55. 33
Gloucester.
"B. B. H."
Francis Burt Esq., Third Auditor, Treasury,

Thomas Henshaw, act 1832. $33.3 per m. Died 7 June 1848.
paid,
F. Pratt Executor

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, March 1. 1856.
W hereby Certify, That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Thomas Henshaw is borne on list of soldiers who performed service in the 3 rd Regiment of Brookfield 2 mos. 20 days.
Signed "June 30. 1778" by "Iona King Chairman".
of a Committee appointed to ascertain the amount of service performed by soldiers in that Iowa.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
J. D. Witt Secretary of the Commonwealth.

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
PENSION OFFICE,
Feby 26 th
1856.
Sir :
The claim of Heinans Henshaw for bounty land under the act of the 3d March, 1855, No. 140.574 has been examined and suspended.
The revolutionary service of Thomas Henshaw the husband of the applicant, does not appear of record in this office.
The 3d section of said act requires a service of "FOURTEEN DAYS" to be established by "RECORD EVIDENCE."
Upon the production of such evidence of service, the claim will be favorably considered.
IT SHOULD BE OBSERVED, that the recorded action of this office, admitting a revolutionary soldier to the list of pensioners upon parole proof, is not considered "record evidence" of service within the meaning of the act aforesaid. In all applications for bounty land under this act, the papers of the soldiers, or their widows, who have applied for or received pensions, as well as the rolls in this office, are carefully examined for record evidence of service, before this circular is issued.
Respectfully,
J. MINOT, Commissioner.
Franklin Hall Esq. 39 State Street Boston Mass.
Thomas Henshaw Brookfield Worcester Co.

rief in the case of Miriam Harrshaw, Widow of Thomas, Worcester County and State of Mass: act 3. Feby. 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was assassinated under the act of 1 st June. 1832.
Recorded evidence of marriage.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Franklin Hall Esq r , 39 State Street, Boston. Name and residence of Agent
J. C. B. [unintelligible] Examining Clerk.

39 State St. Boston June 9. 1854.
Sir,
Enclosed herewith, I transmit the application of Miriam Henshaw, widow of Thomas Henshaw, dec d , for a pension under the 2 d section of the Act of 3 rd Feb. 1853. Her husband, at the time of his decease, was a pensioner under the act of 7 June 1832 at the rate of $ 33.33 per annum.
I am, Sir, most respectfully
Your obed t serv t
Franklin Hall
L. P. Waldo, Esq., Commission of Pensions, Washington, D. C.