Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25799, Joel Howe, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Howe, Joel Esther
W. 25799 B.L.H. 15410-160-55
CONTENTS
[Ruled lines for contents entry]
[Ruled lines for contents entry]

Massachusetts
Joel Howe
of Concord in the State of Mass who was a Pirate in the company commanded by Captain  of the Regt commanded by Col Taylor in the Mass time for 6 Mo.
Mil
73 March
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 20 Dollars  Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of Mar 1833 and first James Draper Spencer Mass
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1833 $ 210  Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Feb " 10 
$50 
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J H  Clerk Book  Vol. 2 nd Page 31.

4.41,7
Massachusetts
Esther Howe widow of Joel, Howe who served in the Revolution-
ary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 9th January 1854  30th February 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 7 th day of August 1854. and sent to
James Draper Spencer Worcester Co Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 118 Vol. a
Ms. A. 9. 2. 11. 107. 63

C. J. Draper Jan 9/86
Vol. No. 54.
117. 763. May 4/86 St. Maris Esther Howe of Joel Howe Fri Map: M.H. 18 St. Maris
Rev. War.
AD: 180 ac, Feb: 8/86 Deed rel. B.H. 18
St. Maris Mass

9904 Sub Howe
Prwab
6 Mns
AM
$20-
James Draper E Spencer March

89904  BRIEF in the case of Isaac Howe County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? _____  3. How old is he? 71  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.     Sub. In 1779 1780 July more than 3 _____ Private Capt. Fish, Col. Tyler, Lieut. Coburn   _____ 3 _____ do. Lieut. Parker, Col. Rand  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Worcester City. Mass.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional & witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct 
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. Waugh
Examining Clerk.
Feb. 9. 1833.

On this seventh day of July in the year eighteen Hundred and fifty four personally appeared afford before the subscriber, Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, Esther Howe a resident of Spencer in said County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, aged seventy three years who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed February the third in the year eighteen Hundred and fifty three that she is the widow of Joel Howe who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, that he served a part or all of his said service in the company commanded by Captain Fitch, in the Regiment commanded commanded by Colonel Nathan Tyler, and received a pension of twenty Dollars per annum, under the act of Congress passed June the seventh in the year eighteen Hundred and thirty two.
She further declares that she was married to the said Joel Howe the fourth day of January in the year Eighteen Hundred and one and that her said husband, the aforesaid Joel Howe died on the ninth day of January in the year eighteen Hundred and fifty four. She further declares that she is now the widow of the said Joel Howe and that she has never before made any application for a pension.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Before me
Thos. W. Williams } Judge of Probate }
Esther X Howe mark
And I further certify that I have no interest in the result of the above application, and am not a kin or friend of counsel in relation thereto. Thos. W. Williams.

Memphis. July 7. 1854 I further certify that the said Esther Howe, by reason of age & bodily infirmity is unable to appear in open Court.
Thos. Shinnick. Judge of Probate

On a 15 th July 1854 I further certify that the said Estlin Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
WORCESTER COUNTY, ss.
I, Joseph Mason Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court having jurisdiction of all causes matters and things cognizable by a Supreme Court of Probate for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Thomas Kinnicutt on the seventh day of July was and still is Judge of Probate
a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth, to take the acknowledgement of deeds, and administer oaths, and that his signature to the certificate of
hereunto annexed is genuine
Given under my hand, and the seal of said Court , this fifteenth day of July , in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty- four
Jo. Mason Clerk.

I Edward C. Dyer, Clerk of the town of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts depose and say, the following are extracts from the Records of said Town
January fourth eighteen hundred and one Joel Howe & Esther Mearns both of Spencer were married by me Benjamin Drury Just. Peace
Joel Howe died January fifth eighteen hundred and fifty four.
That it is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows.
" January 4. 1801. 29
" January 9. 1854. 29
I Edward C. Dyer, above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town 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 above named as certified by me.
Edward C. Dyer Town Clerk of Spencer
Worchester J. June 13. 1854
Sworn before me
James Draper Justice of the Peace

I Edward G. Dyer, Clerk of the town of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts depose and say, the following are extracts from the Records of said town
January fourth eighteen hundred and one Joel Howe & Esther Mearis both of Spencer were married by me Benjamin Drury Just. Peace
Joel Howe died January fifth eighteen hundred and fifty four.
That it is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows.
" January 4. 1801. 29
" January 9. 1854. 29
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
WORCESTER COUNTY, ss.
I,
Joseph Mason
Clerk of the Judicial Courts
for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify, that James Draper on the thirteenth day of June A.D. 1854 was and still is
a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth, to take the acknowledgement of deeds, and administer oaths, and that his signature to the certificate of oath upon the deposition of Edward G.
Dyer
hereunto annexed is genuine
Given under my hand, and the seal of said County, this fifteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.
Jo. Mason Clerk.

17-163

No. 1. Declaration
To be made by the widow of a deceased person who has not had a land warrant.
State of Massachusetts } County of Worcester } ss
On this twenty seventh day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Esther Howe aged twenty four years a resident of Spencer in the State of Massachusetts being who duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Joel Howe deceased, who was a Private in the Revolutionary War, and continued in actual service in said War for the term of six months as she believes in the State of Rhode Island, for the widow of which and the time and place of his enlistment and discharge and the officers under whom he served she hereby refers to the documents filed in the Department of the Interior by which she receives a pension under the act of February 3. 1853.
She further states that she was married to the said Joel Howe on the fourth day of January A.D. one thousand eight hundred and one by one Benjamin Drury a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid at said Spencer and that her name before her said marriage was Esther Morris, and that her said husband died at said Spencer on the ninth day of January A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty four, and that she is now the widow of the said Joel Howe and has never married since his death.
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 she hereby requests that the warrant when issued may be sent to James Draper Esquire of Spencer in the State of Massachusetts.
Esther her X Howe mark
State of Massachusetts } County of Worcester } ss
The above declaration was subscribed and sworn to before me on the day and year first above written. James Draper Justice of the Peace I further certify that the word "being" was interlined before the signing thereof by me James Draper Justice of the Peace

We Dennis Ward and Otis Howland residents of Spencer in the county of Worcester and state of Massachusetts upon our oaths declare that the within declaration was signed and acknowledged by Esther Howe 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.
Dennis Ward
Otis Howland
State of Massachusetts County of Worcester } ss
The foregoing affidavit was sworn and subscribed before me on the twenty seventh day of April A. D. 1855, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, and that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
James Draper Justice of the Peace

I Edward C. Dyer town clerk of the town of Spencer in the county of Worcester and state of Massachusetts, hereby certify that the following are true extracts from the records of said Spencer, viz.
" Joel Howe and Esther Mearns both of Spencer were married " " January the fourth one thousand eight hundred and fifty one " " By me, January 4th. 1851 Benjamin Druery Just of the Peace "
" Joel Howe died January the ninth one thousand eight hundred " " fifty four "
I certify that they are true copies of the record with the exception of the dates which are expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows.
" January 4th 1851. "
" January 9th. 1854. "
I Edward C. Dyer above named do hereby certify that I hold the office of town clerk in the town, county and state aforesaid and the above are true extracts from the records of said town with the exception above named as notified by me.
Edward C. Dyer { Town Clerk of Spencer
State of Massachusetts
County of Worcester } ss April 27. 1855
Sworn before me
James Druery Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above words " January 4th. 1851, " were erased by me
James Druery Justice of the Peace
hundred and fifty-five. in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
J. Mason Clerk.

I Edward C. Dyer town clerk of the town of Spencer in the county of Worcester and state of Massachusetts, hereby certify that the following are true extracts from the records of said Spencer, viz.
" Joel Hove and Esther Mason both of Spencer were married " " January the fourth one thousand eight hundred and fifty one " " By me, January 4th. 1851 Benjamin Duley Just of the Peace "
" Joel Hove died January the ninth one thousand eight hundred " " fifty four "
I certify that they are true copies of the record with the exception of the dates which are expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows.
" January 4th 1851. "
" January 9th. 1854. "
I Edward C. Dyer above named do hereby say that I hold the office of town clerk in the town, county and state aforesaid and the above are true extracts from the records of said town with the exception above named as notified by me.
Edward C. Dyer { Town Clerk of Spencer
State of Massachusetts
Cor. T. 80 April 27. 1855
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
WORCESTER COUNTY, ss.
I, Joseph Mason
Clerk of the
Judicial Court
for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify that
James D. Dyer
the twenty seventh day of April A.D. 1855 was and still is
a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth, to take the acknowledgement of deeds, and administer oaths, and that his signatures to the certificates of oath upon the declaration and affidavit
hereunto annexed are genuine.
Given under my hand, and the seal of said County, this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.
J. Mason Clerk.

(Declaration, in order to secure the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Worcester.
On this sixth day of September in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty two, personally ap- peared in open Court before NATHAN DEMPSEY Judge of the Court for the County of Worcester now sitting, Joel Howe a resident of Spencer 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 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States un- der the following named officers and regiments herein stated. That sometime in the month of June A.D. 1779. my brother, Hedy Howe entered into a company of Massachusetts Militia, commanded by Capt. Fitch in the Regiment commanded by Col. Tyler, and the name of the Lieutenant was Coburn; my said brother marched to Providence in Rhode Island, where he remained nearly three months, and then, sometime in the month of September of the same year, according to a- greement, I went to Providence, he returned home and I took his place as a private soldier in said com- pany and served in that capacity the remainder of the term, that is more than three months, the term of enlistment being six months for both of us. I was sta- tioned a part of the time in the town of Providence, then was marched to Bristol, and then went to Newport on the Island of Rhode Island. We entered Newport the next day after it was evacuated by the British troops, and remained there the re- mainder of the time. I was discharged about the last of Decem- ber the same year, being the time of the hard winter so called.

In the this tour of service our troops were employed in guarding the coasts from the depredations of the British troops. Also, the said Joel Howe, sometime in the month of July A.D. 1780, entered into another company of Massachusetts Militia, commanded by Lieutenant Parker in the Regiment commanded by Col. Prank. I entered the service aforesaid as a common soldier, and marched from said Spencer to Glens Falls, New York, where we drew our provisions, from thence was marched to West Point where we were stationed the remainder of the time being three months and was there honorably discharged. While we were at West Point, guarding the Forts &c. the plot of Arnold was discovered and Andre was taken & executed. There was no captain to the company, there being an alarm about the time of our marching. He was called to another part of the country and never came to our company again, I do not recollect his name but believe it was Groot. I was born at Newton Mass. (December 7, 1760, removed to Leicester with my parents when I was about ten years of age, thence removed to Spencer when I was fourteen years old and have lived there ever since, and was at the time of all my enlistments aforesaid. I suppose the record of my birth is on the town clerk's book in the town of Leicester aforesaid. Have never received a written discharge. Have no document to prove my services, but rely on the annexed depositions. Refer to Jonas Mearns Esq. Joshua Mearns, Abner Howland and Sylvester Luther, some of my neighbors who can testify to my character for truth.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension as anist except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. I Joel Howe sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Before NATHAN HALE Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester

Worcester ss. September 3. 1832.
We Levi Packard a Clergyman residing in the town of Spencer and William Pope Esq. residing in said town of Spencer hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joel Howe who intends to apply for a pension under the late act of Congress, 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 the day and year aforesaid. Before me James Dyer Just. Peace.
Levi Packard William Pope
And the 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 used as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Levi Packard who signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the said town of Spencer and that William Pope Esq. who has also signed the same is a resident in the said town of Spencer and is a creditable person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
NATHL GAMES Judge of Probate for the county of Worcester ss
I Theophilus Wheeler Registrars clerk of the court of Probate for Worcester county do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Joel Howe for a pension & that James Dyer before whom the annexed affidavit was made is a justice of the peace in the said county in full commission & that he signed his testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Probate.
This sixth day of September in the year of our Lord one hundred and thirty two.
Theophilus Wheeler Reg r of said Probate court in Massachusetts

Ray
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25799 Esther Howe wid of Joel Howe Dis Rev War
Act Feb 3d 53
Index: Vol. A , Page 352
[Arrangement of 1870.]

5
15710
Neo Lewis

No. 4879
Esther Howe, Mil: of,
pole
Set: top! Draper, July 20/54.
Alt/53.

Rec. No:
9 Jan 1921 "B. B. T. S." 

L. P. Waldo Esquire Washington
Col
Spel
How
D. b.

Rev. Mr. D. D. Root Barnesville July 19th 1841
Q. Q.
Sal. depe. Spencer. Woodstock Mass.

July, 19 th 1854,
Esther Howe. wid: of Joel. Wooster Co;
Map: Act/53 $20. per An: Com: July 19 th 1854.
Rev.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. Pension Office, Official Business
Genl. Draper, Spencer, Mass.

Revenue Office, August 3, 1854.
Sir. Please certify the time to which the within manifestation was paid with date of his death.
Very Respectfully,
L. Orms
Commission
$20
20 4 083
"Bates"
Francis Burt Esq. Hon. Auditor. Leasing

Publ. Office,
Sept. 11. 3. 1854
Sir:
Please certify the time
to which the western manuscript
was first published in the
very respectfully,
Yours sincerely,
J. Prévost
St. John's, N.B.
$20 4 0 8 3
$20
"Ry. Co."
James Smith, Esq.
St. John's, N.B.
Jack Horne, Act 1832. $20 per annum, paid to 4 Sept 1853.
Samuel L. Rind Actg 3rd Secy.

Spencer (Mass) February 4, 1856 Josiah Minot Esquire
Dear Sir, Agreeable to your letter of the 18th. ult. I have procured by the request and signature of Mrs. Esther Howe from the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts, some account of the services of her husband, Joel Howe in Revolutionary War as private soldier. It appears by the certificate of the Secretary, that in this case as a great many others, that all the rolls containing the services of the soldiers in the war of the revolution were not returned to his office. It is well known that many of the rolls were kept by the commanding officers and never returned and are now irrecoverably lost. Not enough is returned in the case of Joel Howe to procure the bounty land to Mrs. Esther Howe his widow. Yours with respect.
James Draper for Mr. Esther Howe,

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston.
January 30. 1856.
We 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 Joel Howe is borne on pay roll of Capt. Daniel Grew's Comp. Col. John Rand's Regt. Company commanded by Lt. Thomas Parker, from July 24 th to Oct. 9 th 1780. 4 mos. 18 days. Travel included, as private.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
H. D. Will
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Aug. 29

Application for certificate of Revolutionary services made by the widow of the party who rendered the service.
State of Massachusetts, County of Worcester town of Spencer The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the rolls in his office of the service of Joel Howe deceased in the war of the Revolution. He was a native of the town of Darton or Leicester in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts. He enlisted in the town of Spencer in the County and State aforesaid in the year 1779 as a private soldier in the company commanded by Captain Fitch in the Regiment commanded by Col. Taylor, also he enlisted in the year 1780 in the company commanded by Lieut. Parkin in the Regiment commanded by Col. Round, and the services in both instances was performed in the State of Rhode Island, and all this is according to the best of my memory.
Witness my hand this twenty fourth day of January A.D. 1856.
Signed by said Esther Howe in my presence - James Draper Justice of the Peace
has Esther Howe mark
To be called for by Dennis Ward.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Isaac Howe 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? yes XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? 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? XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which 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 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 shewn 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.
†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 authenticates 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 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.
☞ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

Brief in the case of Esther Howe, widow of Joel, Wooster County and State of Mass: act 3 d Feby: 1883.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase" )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the act of 7 th June, 1832,
Record evidence of marriage
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Col. Draper. Esq., Spencer,
Name and residence of Agent Wooster Co.,
Mass:
"B. B. Sturtevant" Examining Clerk.

Spencer (Mass) July 28. 1854
Le. P. Waldo Esquire Commissioner of Pension Sir. I herewith transmit my own affidavit certifying the identity of Esther Flann as the widow of the identical Joel Flann who was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States Yours respectfully
James D. Dyer

I James Draper of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, a Justice of the Peace aged Seventy six years, do depose and say, that I have been acquainted for more than fifty years with Joel Howe late of Spencer aforesaid, deceased, who was a soldier of the war of the Revolution and a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States; that I knew him and also Esther Mason of said Spencer, at the time of their marriage, and have known them both ever since personally, and that Esther Howe who now applies for a pension is now the widow of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
WORCESTER COUNTY, ss.
I, Joseph Mason
Clerk of the Judicial Courts
for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify, that William Pope on the twenty fifth day of July A.D 1854 was and still is
a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth, to take the acknowledgement of deeds, and administer oaths, and that his signature to the certificate of oath upon the affidavit of James Draper
hereunto annexed is genuine,
Given under my hand, and the seal of said day of July hundred and fifty-four
Spencer, this twenty seventh, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
J. Mason Clerk.

I James Draper of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, a Justice of the Peace aged seventy six years, do depose and say, that I have been acquainted for more than fifty years with Joel Howe late of Spencer aforesaid, deceased, who was a soldier of the war of the Revolution and a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States; that I knew him and also Esther Morris of said Spencer, at the time of their marriage, and have known them both ever since personally, and that Esther Howe who now applies for a pension is now the widow of the identical Joel Howe who was a revolutionary pensioner of the town, county and state aforesaid.
James Draper
Worcester ss: Spencer July 25 th 1854,
The above sworn to before me, and I can further say that the above named deponent is a gentleman of truth and veracity,
William Pope Justice of the Peace.

Spencer, Mass, July 17. 1854 L. A. Waldo Esquire Commissioner of Pensions. Dear Sir,
I transmit herewith the application of Esther Howe, widow of Joel Howe late a Revolutionary Pensioner, for a Pension under the act of Congress passed February 3. 1853. The evidence for the support of her claim you will find in the files of your Department. When the certificate shall be granted be good enough to transmit the same to my address in Spencer Mass, and in so doing you will much oblige the applicant and myself. yours with respect
James Draper

9904

I Joseph Garfield of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts being about seventy four years of age do testify & say that Joel Howe of Spencer aforesaid sometime in the month of July A.D. 1780, did enlist into a company of Militia commanded by Lieut. Thomas Parker in the Regiment commanded by Col. Rand. Said company was raised by the State of Massachusetts for the service of the United States. The said Howe marched from Spencer aforesaid to Claverick in the State of N. York, from thence he marched to West Point, where he staid the remainder of the term being three months, & while stationed there the Plot of Arnold was discovered and Andree was executed. The reason that I know that the said Joel Howe served as aforesaid is that I was with him in the same company during the same term. Joseph Garfield
Worcester ss. } Then the above named Joseph Garfield August 11. 1832 } personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Worcester and was sworn to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed.
James D. Dyer Just. Peace
Worcester ss. } This may certify that the within August 25. 1832 } named Joseph Garfield and Frederick Howe Esqr. are men of truth and veracity and entitled to full credit.
James D. Dyer Just. Peace

I Levi Baldwin of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts being seventy seven years of age do testify and say that I was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and and in the year 1779 I was in Col.  Col. Jacobs Regiment company of Ma- litia, and sometime in the month of October or November, while I was stationed at Newport, in the state of Rhode Island, I saw Mr. Joel Hove several times who was also a soldier in another company, but what company he served in, and how long he served I do not now recollect, but I do know that he served sometime as aforesaid, and I have good reason to believe he served the full time of thru months. And further your deponent saith not.
Levi Baldwin
Worcester ss. } September Sept. 3. 1832 } Then the above named Levi Baldwin personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Worcester and was sworn to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed.
James Drape Just Peace
Worcester ss. } Sept. 3. 1832. } This may certify that I am acquainted with Levi Baldwin the above named deponent and hereby testify that he retains a good character for truth and veracity.
James Drape Just Peace

I Frederick Howe of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts Esquire being sixty eight years of age do testify and say that, sometime in the month of September A. D. 1779. Joel Howe of said Spencer, marched from said Spencer in order to join the American forces in Providence in the State of Rhode Island, he was gone from home until the last of December the same year when he returned being gone three full months. I am brother to the said Joel Howe and lived in the same family with him during said time and am well knowing to his going from home to enter the army aforesaid and well recollect his returning home again, and have no doubt he performed the services as above stated.
Frederick Howe
Worcester ss } Then the above named Frederick Howe August 25. 1832 } Personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Worcester and was sworn to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed.
James D. Dyer Just Peace