Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 24318, Abel Greenwood, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Mass.
Greenwood, Abel Sally
W 24318
CONTENTS

Reports
407 Massachusetts Sally Greenwood widow of Abel Greenwood who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private & drummer
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 37 Dollars 12
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of June 1848 and sent to
Elijah Clark Brighton Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 52 Vol. 2

15.958 M. A. C. M. S. M. S. M. S.
Let Hon W m Jackson 8 March 1836
Abel Greenwood
of Middlesex in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Hill of the 8th Regt commanded by Col. Whitney in the Mass line for Boston Harbor H is 40 days Summer
Cambridge
78
Middlesex
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 37 Dollars 12 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of Aug 1833 and Heirs Joseph (Adm. Farningham)
Arrears to the 1st of March 1833 $ 4.24 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1833 $ 18.56 $92.80
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Henry A. D. S. M. Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 2 Page 29

We the subscribers hereby declare and certify that Abel Greenwood of said Framingham has long been known to us, and that he sustains the reputation of a man of veracity.
Charles Train { a clergyman of Framingham
Elias Temple { Selectman & Town Clerk of Framingham
Middlesex ss.
August 30 1832. Personally appeared Charles the Rev. Charles Train & Elias Temple and made oath that the foregoing declaration by them subscribed is true before me & I certify that they are all credible witnesses — Josiah Adams { Justice of the peace

I Oliver Leland of Holiston in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy two years do hereby come say that I served in the war of the Revolution, and do further testify and declare, that Abel Greenwood who now lives in Framingham in said County served as a Soldier in that war, that he was a private Soldier in the Company of Capt. Joseph Welch, in the Regiment of Col. Samuel Buttrick, that sometime in August A. D. 1777 he was drafted, then an inhabitant of said Framingham, and marched from said Framingham in said Company to Winston then to Patten in the State of New Hampshire then then he marched to Stillwater in the State of New York, and there joined Gen. Gates' Army, and was at the capture of Gen. Burgoyne's Army at Saratoga, and there marched to Albany, then to White Plains and there continued until the term of enlistment expired, which was a period of four months, - and I further testify that said Greenwood served as a Drummer during the whole period of four months; and that I the said Leland was with said Greenwood, during the whole period aforesaid, in said Company, was dismissed at the same time with him - Oliver Leland
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Middlesex to wit: Augt. 27 th A. D. 1832 Personally appeared before me the Subscriber a justice of the Peace within and for said County, Oliver Leland who subscribed the above deposition, and made solemn oath that the same is just and true in all its particulars according to the best of his knowledge and belief and I further certify that the said Oliver Leland is a credible person Elias Butland justice peace

I Isaac Smith of Holliston Mil. Co. Mass. aged seventy nine years testify that I was a Private in the Revolutionary war as by my application for a pension will appear - In August 1777 I enlisted with Abel Greenwood now of Framingham, who was a drummer, into a company commanded by Capt. Joseph Wick Winch of Framingham in a Regiment commanded by Col. Samuel Bullard of Sherburne - We marched first for Bennington, where we found many wounded British & Hessian in a meetinghouse; we next went to Pickett & Stillwater & joined the army of Gates & were present at the capture of Burgoyne's army; then to Albany & White Plains where we remained till my term had expired which was four months I know that said Greenwood was with me the whole term, for his drum & my fife were never separated  Isaac Smith
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Shrewsbury ss. August 29. 1832. Personally appeared Isaac Smith & subscribed the foregoing deposition & made solemn oath that the same is true before me - & I certify that said Smith is known to me personally as a respectable man and a credible witness
Josiah Adams { Justice of the Peace

I Richard Richardson of Ashley in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged eighty years, do depose and say, that I served in the war of the Revolution as by my Declaration on file in the Pension Office, will appear:
And I do further testify and declare that Abel Greenwood who now lives in Framingham New County Mass served as a Soldier in that war,
that he was a private Soldier, in the Company of Capt. Josiah Whitney Regiment, in which Company, he  he served. L. Hill in Colo.
I well remember Abel Greenwood who had a Brother Moses in the same service and they were both Carpenters. I was drafted in the year AD 1776 and was ordered to Nantasket and was first immediately employed as an Artificer, and well remember that we were ordered to take down Pleas Barracks on Cambridge which were carried down, and again ordered at Nantasket. Abel Greenwood was sent from Nantasket with me, to Cambridge to take down the Barracks, which service, I was appointed to perform by Col. Whitney, and I well remember that we raised a Skirt about which we had much merriment said Greenwood being one of the party, I was drafted for six months, but actually served eight and nearly half a month, I saw the said Greenwood who worked as a Carpenter under my direction, and I believe he labored eight months with me. Rich Richardson
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
County of Middlesex to wit August 21 st
AD. 1832.
Personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for all the Counties in said Commonwealth
Richard Richardson -- who subscribes the above deposition and made solemn Oath, that the same is just and true in all its particulars, according to the best of his knowledge and belief. Sam l Dana

I David Brewer of Framingham (Mass.) testify & say that I am eighty years old; I was a Captain in the Revolutionary war in the ser- vice of the State as will appear from my ap- plication for a pension. I took the command of a company of Infantry in Framingham by order of the State Executive & marched for Ivintown in Rhode Island, on the first day of July seventeen hundred & eighty. Abel Greenwood was a member of the company & went with me as a drummer to Ivintown - We served as much as ten twenty days - I think more - but I cannot state the exact time - said Greenwood went & returned with me - My Lieutenant had been detached before & was not in my com- -pany - my Ensign's name was Mellen but I cannot remember that he was with me - Col Abner Perry of Hollis- ton of commanded the Regiment David Brewer
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Middlesex ss. August 29. 1832. Personally appeared David Brewer and subscribed the foregoing affidavit & made oath that the same is true before me - And I certify that said Brewer is personally known to me as a credible witness & character in all respects. Josiah Adams Justice of the peace

Abel Greenwood
14873
Claims for 20 days
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six.
James Fiske Myr. 20/36
the day of January

A DECLARATION , in order to secure the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Middlesex COUNTY OF Middlesex , ss.
ON this thirteenth day of August in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and thirty two County personally appeared in open Court, before the Probate Court for said now sitting Abel Greenwood a resident of Framingham in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy six 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 7th 1832.
THAT he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
I was born at Holliston in the County of Middlesex (Mass.) on the twenty fifth day of December  seventeen hundred & fifty five but there is no record of my birth on the town books or elsewhere that I know In April or May seventeen hundred seventy six I enlisted into the State Service for six months in the capacity of Carpenter , & served out that term at Nantasket - about half the time as a carpenter & the remainder as a private soldier. My officers were Col. Whitney, Capt. Hilly , & Lt. Richard- son. In August seventeen hundred & seventy seven I was drafted as a Drummer  drummer in the militia for three months , and served four months in that capacity. I was at Still water, & was in the battle there; in a few days after we retreated to Saratoga & I was there present at the surren- der of Burgoyne's army. The Regiment was commanded by Col. Samuel Ballard of Sherburne , who was taken sick & was succeeded by Col. Brown . The company was com- manded by Capt. Joseph Winck of Framingham , Lt. Abel  Trick of Hopkinton & Lt. Trick of Natick -
In July or August  seventeen hundred seventy eight I enlisted between twenty & thirty days as a Drummer & served one month  one month as a drummer in the service of the state. I was stationed at Sivertown in the state of Rhode Island - My officers were Capt. David Brewer of Framingham , & Capt. James Mellen of Framingham was the Brigadier & we had no Lieutenant - Alma Perry was the Col. - John Frembridge was Lieut. Col. & Rev. Broad of Natick was the Major -
Oliver Deland & Isaac Smith both of Holliston were with me in the second term of service & their affidavits are annexed - Richard Richardson was with me in the first term & his deposition is annexed. He is however mistaken
as to one or two particulars - My brother's name was not "Moses" but James ; & I served but six months and as above stated - Capt. David Brewer above mentioned is still alive & his deposition is annexed
I was living in said Framingham when I

by Col. Samuel Boutland of Sherburne, who was taken sick & was succeeded by Col. Brown. The company was commanded by Capt. Joseph Winck of Framingham, Lt. Dike of Hopkinton & Lt. Dike of Natick -
In July a  between twenty & thirty days as a drummer as a  seventeen hundred seventy eighty I enlisted & served as a  as a  for  in the service of the state. I was stationed at Silverstown in the state of Rhode Island - My officers were Capt. David Brewer of Framingham, & Capt. James Miller of Framingham was the Ensign & we had no lieutenant - Almon Perry was the Col. - John Frenchbridge was Lieut. Col. & H. B. Broad of Natick was the Major -
Oliver Deland & Isaac Smith both of Holliston were with me in the second term of service & their affidavits are annexed - Richard Richardson was with me in the first term & his deposition is annexed. He is however mistaken
as to one or two particulars - my brother's name was not "Moses" but James; & I served but six months and as above stated - Capt. David Brewer above named is still alive & his deposition is annexed relative to the third term -
I was living in said Framingham when I entered the service at each time & have lived there ever since - I never had any written discharge & have no documentary evidence whatever - I have stated all the material facts within my recollection, & know of no other survivors who can testify as to any facts other than those mentioned by me & by said deponents -
I have annexed also the affidavits of certain persons relative to my character for truth & also refer to the Hon. Jos. Maynard, & further Belknap Esq. both of Framingham
He hereby relinquishes all claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. Abel Greenwood

We Charles Train a Clergyman residing in Framingham — Josiah Adams residing in said town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abel Greenwood who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy six years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Charles Train
J. P. P. Fay  Wrob
Josiah Adams
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above mentioned applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Charles Train who signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in Framingham and that Josiah Adams who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
J. P. P. Fay  Wrob
Isaac Fisher Clerk of the Court of Probate aforesaid
do hereby certify
The foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abel Greenwood for a pension. I also certify that Josiah Adams , Ebenezer Wallcut & Samuel Dana whose signatures are set to the depositions hereto annexed are just and true to the best of my knowledge. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this thirteenth day of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty two.
Isaac Fisher  Myr  Wrob
Claim for No. 20 copy
Abel Greenwood 14873

Sally Greenwood
2970 Sally Greenwood of Abel Neapackmets,
papers admitted P. & S. 1870 $37 \frac{12}{100}
Isaac Fiske East Cambridge Mass

State of Massachusetts Middlesex County ss.
On this thirtieth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared in open Court, before the Honorable Samuel G. Fay, Esquire, Judge of the Court of Probate, in and for said County of Middlesex, now sitting, Sally Greenwood, a resident of Framingham in the county of Middlesex, aforesaid, aged seventy seven 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, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Abel Greenwood who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution and served, according to the best of her knowledge and belief as is herein stated, viz. That the said Abel Greenwood served six months in 1776 in a Company, which, she thinks, was commanded by Capt. Hill, and that he served in companies commanded by Capt. Winch, Capt. King and Capt. Brewer, in Col. Whitney's and Col. Bullard's Regiments; and that the said Abel Greenwood always resided in Framingham in said county of Middlesex when he went into the service; and that she the said Sally Greenwood has no documentary evidence in support of the claim; and that the said Abel Greenwood was a pensioner and he received his Pension certificate under the Act of the 7th June 1832 which was dated on the tenth day of August 1833, and entitled him to receive thirty seven Dollars and twelve Cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the fourth of March 1831, which sum he continued to receive up to the 4th of September 1837, and then she the said Sally Greenwood received the amount that was due from the said 4th day of September to the 29th day of November following that being the day of the death of the said Abel Greenwood; and that she the said Sally Greenwood thinks that there was affidavits of persons of known respectability accompanying his declaration to prove the service of the said Abel Greenwood, reference being had to said affidavits and declaration to show the time and particulars of his service; and that the said Abel Greenwood resided in Framingham, aforesaid at the time he obtained his Pension Certificate. And she the said Sally Greenwood further declares that she was married to the said Abel Greenwood on the thirtieth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty; that her husband, the aforesaid Abel Greenwood

Greenwood died on the twenty ninth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven; that she has not been married since the death of the said Abel Greenwood but now remains his widow; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four viz. at the time above stated.
Lally Greenwood
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before
J. P. P. Day judge of Probate for the County of Mid

I, Abel Greenwood of Framingham in the county of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Yeoman, of lawful age, do testify and say that Abel Greenwood -- late of Framingham aforesaid a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States, deceased, died on the twenty ninth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven and that Sally Greenwood who was for a long time the wife of the said Abel Greenwood has not been married since his death but now remains his widow. — Abel Greenwood
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex ss. October 30th 1838. Then the above named Abel Greenwood, who is known by me to be a man of truth and a credible witness personally appeared and made solemn oath that the above affidavit, by him subscribed is true. — before me, Matthew Metcalf Justice of the Peace for said County of Middlesex.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Malden for I Isaac Fiske Register of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Middlesex hereby certify that Samuel D. Drey is the Judge of said Court & that his signature written on the annexed Paper is genuine; — I also certify that Matthew Metcalf Esquire is Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly commissioned & qualified & that his signature written on the annexed Paper are genuine. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this thirteenth day of October in the year Eighteen hundred & thirty eight Isaac Fiske

I, Elijah Fitch of Hopkinton in the county of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Gentleman, do certify that there is on the church book of the church in the First Parish in said Town of Hopkinton containing the entries of marriages by the minister of said First Parish, the following record, viz. "One thousand seven hundred and eighty, November thirtieth, Abel Greenwood and Sally Homer were married;" that this is a true copy of the records with the exception of the date which is expressed on the records in fair legible figures as follows viz.
1780 Nov r 30th. Abel Greenwood and Sally Homer were married.
I, Elijah Fitch above named, depose and say that I hold the offices of oldest Deacon and Clerk of the Church in the First Parish in the county, town and State aforesaid, and have the charge of the Records of said Church, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Church with the exception above named as certified by me.
Elijah Fitch Clerk.
Sworn to before me this eighteenth day of September A.D. 1838
Matthew Metcalf, Justice of the Peace for said County of Middlesex.

The applicant in this case hopes that any objections in regard to the short term of 20 days  before , for which he claims, will not affect the remainder of his case -
In regard to the "prison" "between 20 & 30 days", he never expected to be allowed for more than 20, & it was so marked on the outside of the application. He considers himself as having sworn positively to more than 20 days, & that it was less than thirty; - the prison number he has no means of ascertaining, but he asks for nothing beyond what he has testified with certainty - He is a very poor & honest old man & needs all that can be allowed him -
It will be seen that he has produced (what was not required) evidence of his character for truth -
June 14 th 1877
Josiah Adams for the applicant

14873
Abel Greenwood Mass
Print 6 Months
From 4 per day
10 - 20
M
125
20
13.17 2.45 17.12
Josiah Adams Framingham Mass

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Abel Greenwood  Security of Middlesex Mass
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enl'd 1776 1 6 Infantry Capt Brig  Whitney 71 years   Enl'd 1777 4 Drumt. Col Whitney Col Bullard Capt Finch Middlesex County Mass Traditionary Evidence   Enl'd 1780 time not correctly stated 20 Drumt. Capt Brewer Col Houbridge Living my life up to all the service  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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

Reg
WIDOW, &c.
File No. _____
24318
Sally Greenwood
wid of
Abel Greenwood
Dis. New Mar.
Act: _____
Feb 2 nd 48
Index:—Vol. _____
A
Page _____
292
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Abel Greenwood Mar 3 rd Mass on the roll
James J. Edmands Esq. Dear Sir,
H. W. Jackson AR

House of Reps March 27/51
James L. Edwards Esq
Dear Sir
I confess that I have doubts as to the propriety of troubling with an examination of this case — but the earnestness of the parties seems to render it necessary. By stating the grounds on which Mr Pennie is $37.12 per An. instead of a larger sum you much oblige
Very respectfully your
Obedient Servant
William Jackson

Abel Greenwood Chap. Act of June 1832 to what time paid
Pen: Office
Since 29 Nov 1837 p d to that period 114
May 4, 1839

Massachusetts
Sally Greenwood D:
widow of Abel Greenwood D: Dec'd who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832 and who died on the 29 November 1837 of Middlesex Co in the State of Mass: who was a private in the Comp: - commanded by Captain Hill - of the Regt: commanded by Col: Whitney in the Mass - line for - 6 months, private 4 - do & 20 days drummer
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass - at the rate of 37 Dollars 12 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day of March, 1836 30th: November, 1837
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of May 1839 and sent to Isaac Fiske, Coast Cambridge, Mass:
Airs to the 14th of March 1839 $46.39 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept: - 18.56
$64.95
{ Act July 7, } { 1838. }
Recorded by M c Stewart Clerk, Book A - Vol. 1 - Page 90

Rep.
179.
Massachusetts.
Sally Greenwood
widow of Abel Greenwood who was a private & drummer
in the Massachusetts line.
16. months private 4 " & 20. days drummer
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 37. Dollars 12 1/2 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th day of May 1843. and sent to
Elisabeth Clark Brighton Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1. Page 43.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Middlesex, ss.
On this day personally appeared Sally Greenwood, a resident of Framingham in said County, aged eighty six 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 2 nd February 1858, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Abel Greenwood, who was a private, and a fifer drummer in the Massachusetts Militia, and that she has received annually a pension of thirty seven dollars and twelve cents per annum under the act of the 17 th June 1844. and she further declares that she is still a widow.
Sally Greenwood mark
Witness: Nancy Knowlton
Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year above written. and I hereby certify that the declarant above named, is personally known to me, a widow and a Revolutionary pensioner as she declared the amount per annum & sum total before signing.
Before Me,
Elijah Clark, Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston June 9 th 1848
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Elijah Clarke was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex,
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.
W. G. Sullivan,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Elijah Clarke Justice of the Peace Middlesex
John D. Sleeper
179

486

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. County of Middlesex ss.
On this Seventh day of April, eighteen hundred and forty three, Personally appeared before me, Eliza Clark, a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Middlesex. Sally Greenwood a resident of Nopkinton in the County of Middlesex, aged eighty one 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 third of March 1831 granting pensions to widows of persons who served in the Revolutionary War. That She is the Widow of Abel Greenwood who was a Corporal in the Militia Service, and that She has received a five years pension at the rate of thirty seven dollars and twelve cents per annum, under the Act of the seventh of July 1838, which was paid to her at Boston Massachusetts. And She further declares that She is still a widow.
Sally Greenwood
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, Before Me, Eliza Clark, Justice of the Peace
Middlesex ss. Nopkinton April Seventh A D 1843 I hereby certify that Sally Greenwood, who has signed the above declaration and made oath to the same, is personally known to me to be the same person who has received a pension under the Act of 1838, for services rendered in the War of the Revolution by her husband Abel Greenwood, and She is reputed to be a person of credibility and veracity and the word "one" in the seventh line from the top was interlined previous to signing making oath. Eliza Clark (Justice of the Peace)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston April 15. 1893
I hereby Certify, That Elijah Clarke is now, and was at the date of his attestation a justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; 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.
Jno A Bolles Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Sally Greenwood Mass.
act 7. July 38
$37.12
from 4 march 36 to 29 Nov. 37
Elijah Clark Brighton Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Middlesex. ss.
On this Twentieth day of February eighteen hundred and forty three, Personally appeared before Me. Calvin Shepard a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Middlesex, Sally Greenwood, a resident of Hopkinton in said County, an adjoining town to Framingham, where she formally resided eighty years of age, who being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the amount of pension which she claims from the fourth of March 1836, to the thirtieth day of November in the year A.D. 1837, from which period she has been also pay paid under the act of the seventh of July 1838, and the declarant further alleges that she is still the widow of Abel Greenwood who was a Corporal or drummer in the Revolutionary War, that her pension was allowed at the rate of thirty seven dollars, and twelve cents, per annum, and was paid to her at the agency at Boston in the State of Massachusetts and further she saith not.
Sally Greenwood Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. Before Me.
Calvin Shepard Justice of Peace Middlesex ss. Hopkinton Feb. 20th A.D. 1838 I hereby certify that Sally Greenwood who has signed and made oath to the above declaration is well known to me to be the widow of Abel Greenwood deceased, and that he was a Revolutionary Pensioner up to the time of his decease.
Calvin Shepard Justice of Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Secretary's Office February 21. 1843
I hereby certify that at the date of the within attestation Calvin Shepard was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex.
Witness the Seal of the State.
Geo. A. Dole
Secretary of the Commonwealth

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex County ss June 3 d 1833 I hereby certify that Richard Richardson, whose affidavit was taken before me, relative to the Revolutionary services of Abel Greenwood, some time in August last, is well known to me, to be a credible witness.
Samuel Dana Jr. Judge for said County of Middlesex
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Middlesex ss. I. Gannett Register of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Middlesex hereby certify that the Papers herewith annexed contain the original Proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Abel Greenwood for a Pension,
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of said Court this twelfth day of June A.D. 1833 Gannett the Reg

Unionville, Va. February 24
— free
Hon. William Jackson Member of Congress City of Washington D.C.

Unionville February 23 d 1836.
William Jackson Esq: Sir I have been examining into the case of Abel Greenwood a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, but I have not been able to discover where the difficulty lies, therefore I cannot remedy it. According to Mr. Greenwood's account the proof of the time of his service is sufficient. He says that a Mr. Richardson who was in the same Company with him testified that he served eight months in Capt. King's Company and Col. Whitney's Regiment at Nantasket; and that Isaac Smith and Oliver Seland both testified that he served four months at the taking of Burgoyne in Capt. Winch's Company and Col. Bullard's Regiment; and that David Brewer testified that he served twenty days at Rhode Island in said Brewer's Company which would give him a little over forty two Dollars per year and his pension certificate is for thirty seven Dollars and twelve Cents per year. Mr. Greenwood fell down stairs and hurt him very badly a few days ago so that I have not been able to obtain as much information from him as I should if he had been well; he does not recollect very particularly about his own declaration which he made to obtain his pension and I expect the difficulty is in that, for his children tell me he did not recollect the term of his service very particularly at the time he made the declaration to obtain his pension, and felt afraid he should testify to more service than he actually performed. If convenient I wish you would look at the papers and inform me where the difficulty is and if I can remedy the difficulty I will; the amount is small to be sure which he claims but he is very poor and he thinks if it is but little it will be a great help to him. I have examined the pay rolls in the Secretary's Office in Boston and found part of his service there, but some of the pay rolls are lost and I could not find but a part of his service, which I thought would be of no use. When I found a pay roll of the Company he served in I found his name as he stated. Mr. Greenwood's Pension Certificate is numbered 15.958 and recorded in Book E. Vol. 2. Page 29 by D. D. Addison. If after examining the papers at Washington you think there is a prospect of obtaining any thing more I will do all I can to assist the old gentleman when I can find where the difficulty is, and if there is no chance to obtain any thing more I wish you to write to that effect to pacify him.
Yours Respectfully Matthew Metcalf

2743 Massachusetts
Sally Greenwood widow of Abel Greenwood
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 1832 and who died on the 29. Nov. 1837 of Middlesex Co. in the State of Mass. who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Hill of the regt. commanded by Col. Whitney in the Mass. line for
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 37 Dollars 50 12 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. & end 29 th Nov. 1837
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of March 1843 and sent to Elijah Clark, Brighton, Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of Semi annual allowance ending
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book A. Vol. 1. Page 90.
A new certificate was issued in this case under the opinion of the Attorney General of the 2 o Sept. 1842, which was given in consequence of the Resolution of Congress of the 16 th of August 1842.
Reported