Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4664, Oliver Harris, Continental Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Mass
Harris, Oliver Nehitable
R. 4664
CONTENTS

Dead. See letter Dec. 29. 1834 to Hon. Mr. Jenkins on H.R. to Wm. Whitaker Nov. 16. 1840.
2009.
Massachusetts
Oliver Harris
of Dana in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Drum company commanded by Captain of the regt commanded by Col Rea in the Mass line for 1 Year 11 Ds Private & 8 Mos Drummer
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 70 Dollars 54 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 th day of Nov 1832 and sent to Holson of Worcester. now present
Arrears to 14th of Feb 1832 $105.80 Semi-annual allowance ending 21 Mar 33. 35.20
$141.00
{ Revolutionary El. Act June 7. 1812
Recorded by I H C 436 Book 2 Vol. 2 Page

Follow the rolls
Admitted
1882 In the County of ... of the ...

State of Massachusetts, Worcester County, ss. I, Oliver Harris — a Citizen of the United States, now resident at Dana, in the County of Worcester, in the State aforesaid, do on oath testify and declare, that in the War of the Revolution, or in the month of April, 1775.
I entered and was engaged in the land — service of the United States on the continental establishment, and served accordingly from that time to the first day of January, A.D. 1777, when I was regularly discharged at Peekskill in the State of New York, but no certificate was given to any of the company at that time or since as a musician & soldier against the common enemy, without any interrup- tion or absence: that I belonged to Capt. Moses Knapp's company in the Regiment commanded by Joseph Reed —
and that I left the service on the first day of January aforesaid, and that, by reason of my reduced circumstances in life and poverty, I stand in need of assistance from my country for support, being now of the age of sixtyfour years, having a wife and children to maintain —
And I hereby relinquish all claims to every pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the United States, if any may be or hath been so allowed. Oliver Harris
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on this seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, pursuant to a law of the United States, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," made and passed on the 18th of March, A. D. 1818, personally appeareth before me, Isaac Parker, Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of the State aforesaid, the abovenamed Oliver Harris and after due examination and caution to testify and declare the whole truth, he maketh oath to the declaration aforesaid, and subscribes the same in my presence; and, on examination du- ly made by me the said Judge, it appeareth to my satisfaction that the said declaration is true.
Given under my Hand and the Seal of said Court, the day of the date aforesaid.
Isaac Parker C.J.

Theophilus Wheeler of Worcester Esq do hereby say that I have been acquainted with the within named Oliver Harris Esq, for many years, that he has been for a long time a magistrate in this county, and has always sustained a fair reputation, and I have no doubt full faith may be given to his declaration.
Theophilus Wheeler
17 th April 1810.
Personally appeared the above named Theophilus Wheeler a magistrate of this county & Register of Probate, and having subscribed the above affidavit in my presence made oath to the same before me
Isaac Parker J.P.C.
Oliver Harris - Dana.

Oliver Harris
5407
Dana
Jan'y 19
Not Will
Presented and destroyed on the
copy of
1835
the said Court on this
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of
the said Court
That the total sum in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule
to the said Court, and to the several persons interested, was truly estimated from the
best of my knowledge and belief for the County of Worcester, to wit: the sum of
ABRAHAM BIGELOW, Clerk of the Circuit Court of

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
COUNTY OF WORCESTER, ss.
ON this eleventh day of July 1820, personally appeared in open Court, before the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, being a Court of Record, within and for said County of Worcester, established as such by the laws of said Commonwealth, Oliver Harris aged sixty six years, resident in Dana, in said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: in May 1775, I enlisted in the 8 months' service and continued in service till Jan. 1777 - Capt. Moses Knapp's Company. Col. Jos. Reed's Reg't. Mass. Line. I made application for a pension on the 17th day of April 1818, and my certificate was dated the 19th January 1819 - No 5,407;
and I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me, nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Oliver Harris
Sworn to and declared, on the eleventh day of July 1820, before the said Court.
Attest, Abijah Bigelow Clerk
I, ABIJAH BIGELOW, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, holden within and for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, is eight hundred sixty five dollars and eighty two cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this eleventh day of July 1820.
Abijah Bigelow Clerk of the Court for the County of Worcester.

Dana July 3. 1820 This may certify to all whom it may concern, that the bearer of this Oliver Harris Esq r of Dana, has such an affection of his liver and lungs, and has had for some years past, as to render him, in my opinion unable to perform hard labour.
Joseph Giddings Physician
Worcester Jp. July 4. 1820. Then Doctor Joseph Giddings the above named personally appeared, and made oath that according to his best of his skill and judgment, the above certificate is true.
Before me. Stephen Johnson Justice Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I the Subscriber Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the County of Worcester certify that the above is truly copied from the original affidavit annexed to the declaration of Oliver Harris above named. I further certify that Stephen Johnson Esquire whose name is above written is a justice of the Peace for said County of Worcester duly qualified to act as such, and that the original  above certificate as well as his signature thereto, are in his own proper handwriting.
Abijah Bigelow, Clerk.

Schedule of the Estate of Oliver Harris of Dana in the County of Worcester, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Applicant for a Pension under the Act of Congress of May 1, 1820.
Home Farm with the Buildings, (under a Mortgage for $350.) 50 acres by deed more or less } 545.00
  Stock { Piece of Woodland 10 acres $40. - 1 other piece of land 17 acres 40 - 80.00   one horse 48 pr. small oxen 45 1 horse 18 1 cow 14 - 125. -   2 yearlings 102 mery sheep 5 goats 12 71 hogs 10 - 32. -   a one horse Wagon & harness $10. - a two horse do 10 - an old sled 50 20.50   an old cutter Breching Sleds 2. - an old horse plough 75 2.75   Farming { Harrows, caps, spin $4 - 2 old axes $1. - 2 Hay forks $1. - 6.00   Draught chain, 75 2 old yokes 1.25 Flail, 25 2.25   Utensils { Horse chains & collar 75 Axe saws 25 Steelyards, 75 1.75   an old saddle Bridle 2.90 four old Rakes, 40 3.30   an old scythe and tackle 70 Grindstone & crank 3. - 3.70   Broad axe and adze 1.25 - handsaw, 50 set of Pod-augurs, 50 2.25   Cooper adze and drawing knife $1. - Jointer & planes 75 1.75   Shop { Anvil $6. - Sikehorn $1.08 Bellows $2. - Box tools, 75 9.75   3 old hammers and 3 pr of tongs 1.25 Punches & old Iron, 50 1.75   Tools { 2 Bells & Stock 75 Iron square 1. - an old gun $1. - 2.75   an old desk $2. - table 1. - 7 old chains $1.25, Lantern, 12 4.37   Household { an old clock & case 8. - 1 old sluice tongs, 50 2 Ranges & hooks 1.50 10. -   Lamps & handlesticks, 40 Iron war $3 - old pails 60, Hat, 25 4.05   Furniture { Crockery Ware $1.50 Glass war $1. - Tin Pan, 25 3 old wheels 1.25 4. -   Hand Pillows, 10 3 old Baskets, 40, old drawers $1. - 1.50   Looking Glass, 30 3 old meal Bags 60 - 9 old Knives & forks, 50 1.40   $865.82 
I further state that in addition to the mortgage on my farm I owe to several creditors rising of one hundred dollars. Deducting mortgage from land leaves its value $275. - My occupation is that of a Blacksmith & my health is so bad that I am unable to labor hard. My family consists of a wife named Mehitable, aged 64 whose health is good - 1 daughter named Sophia, aged 37, whose health is good, but owing to a defect of vision is unable to do much labour.
Oliver Harris

X 7449 Mehitabel Harris. Oliver Mass.
act 7. July 38.
m 81 d 40
4664

No 7449 Nehitabel Harris Pension Papers
§ 1.25

State of Massachusetts, Franklin ss.
On this fifteenth day of September 1840, personally appeared before the Court of Probate of the said County of Franklin,
Mehitabel Harris a resident of Wendell in the county of Franklin and State of Massachusetts, aged eighty four years, who being first 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: That she is the widow of Oliver Harris who was a private in the army of the Revolution, and pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of June 7. 1832, whose certificate was dated the fourteenth day of November 1832: and numbered 2009, and for proof of his services she refers to the testimony now on file in War Department, on which said certificate was issued. She further declares that she was married to the said Oliver Harris on the fourth day of April — sixteen hundred and eighty one. that her husband the aforesaid Oliver Harris died on the ninth day of January 1840, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof herunto annexed.
her Mehitabel X Harris mark.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written, before R. E. Newcomb Jud. Prob.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin ss.
I Isaac Newton 2 Register of the Court of Probate Pro tem in and for said County of Franklin, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Mehitable Harris for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Court this fifteenth day of September A.D. 1840
Isaac Newton 2 Reg. Probate Pro tem
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin ss.
I Richard E. Newcomb Judge of Probate within and for said County do hereby certify that in consequence of the death of Elijah Alword late Register of Probate for said County, Isaac Newton 2 has been legally appointed and qualified as Register of Probate until another shall be appointed as the Constitu- tion requires, and that he is the proper certifying officer of said Court and that his signature to the fore- going certificate is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this fifteenth day of September A.D. 1840 R. E. Newcomb J.

On this fifteenth day of September 1840, Before me the sub- scribed a justice of the Peace in and for the county of Franklin personally appeared Elias Harris & Lucy Harris — who on their oaths depose and say that Oliver Harris a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States died on the ninth day of January 1840, and that Mehitable Harris is the widow of the said Oliver Harris, and remain unmarried.
Elias Harris
Lucy Harris
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Franklin County ss. Sept. 15. 1840. Then the above named Elias Harris and Lucy Harris — subscribed and made oaths to the truth of the foregoing affidavits, before me, and I further certify that they are persons who sustain good character for truth
William Whitaker , justice of the Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin ss.
I Dan Wells Hoard Clerk of the Judicial Courts within and for our County of Franklin, do hereby certify that William Whitaker of New Salem in said County, Esquire, is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County regularly appointed and qualified according to law; and that his official signature to the above certificate is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this seventh day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty.
Dan Wells Hoard Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester, ss.
I, Joseph G. Kendall, clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify that the Laws of said Common- wealth, heretofore in existence, required that Justices of the Peace for said County should certify to the clerk of said Courts the mar- riages by them solemnized, for the purpose of having the same entered of record - and that I find on the records of marriages in the town of Hardwick, in this County, as returned and certified by "Paul Mandell, Justice of the Peace", and recorded in this office, by Joseph Allen, a former clerk of said Courts, the following entry, to wit - "List of Marriages by the subscriber, viz." "Oliver Harris & Mehitable Shaw, both of Hardwick, "April 4th, 1781," in plain legible words and figures. —
The above marriage is certified in a list of marriages by said Mandell, from April August 24th, 1780, to March 20, 1783. —
In testimony whereof, I hereto set my name, and affix the County Seal, at Worcester, this fifteenth day of August, in the year 1840. —
— Jos. G. Kendall, Clerk —

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
4664
P. O. _____
Melitable Harris
Service: widow of Oliver
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: REJECTED _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.

Rev. Man
5452
INVALID.
File No. 5452
Oliver Harris
Brit Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. M , Page 159
[Arrangement of 1870.]

7449
Mass.
Rejected
see let to W m Whitaker Nov 16. 1840.
act 7 July 38

Wadsworth Dec. 26 - 1818
Sir -
I herewith transmit the papers of Maria Hemmenway & Darling with the addi- tional proof
I am Sir Respectfully Your Obt Servt
Mr Daves
Hon. J. C. Calhoun
Sir at war -

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington
D. C. —

North New Salem, Franklin County, Mass.
November 7, 1840
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com. of Pensions,
Dear Sir, I enclose the papers relating to the application of Mehitable Harris for a pension, and hope that they may be acted upon as soon as may be, as she is old and infirm and cannot long be expected to live.
Respectfully Yours &c
William Whitaker
P.S. about one year since the application of Doreas Lyon for a pension was transmitted to your office; we have not yet heard any thing respecting it. Will you have the goodness to inform me whether the papers have been received, and if so, what disposition has been made of the case.
W. Whitaker

5407. Massachusetts H
Oliver Harris Private
in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 17 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 of Jan'y 1819 and sent to Mr John Davis Worcester, Massachusetts
  Years to 4th of Sep r 1818.  4 mos 18 / 30  36. 80    di-anl. all'ce ending 14 March 1819.   48     $ 84.80  
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
6719.31 Discontinued
Regulations under March 1823, sent to A. Hobart, R R-2, Jan. 1824 See letter May, 11, 1829 to W. Jennings
Pension sent Nov 3 1820 to Abijah Briggs Worcester Mass

1 year 11 days Parish 8 Months Annual
$70.50
Application of New Hand

The undersigned applicant humbly represents that on the nineteenth day of April A.D. 1775 then in Wrentham in the County of Norfolk and Colony of Massachusetts Bay, at the news of Lexington battle, furnished myself with arms &c and joined Capt. Oliver Donds company and Col. Smiths regiment (Batt.) of Wrentham aforesaid, and marched to oppose the enemy but did not arrive in time to engage them, and that I remained in said Capt. Donds company until the first of May following, but I can find no person now living by whom I can prove this Volunteer service, - and that on the first of May A.D. 1775 I enlisted in Capt. Moses Knapp's company in Col. Joseph Read's regt. for eight months and served as a drummer during that term, the reason why this was not mentioned in my first application for a Pension was, that it was considered of no importance, but the evidence will be found in the rolls of the army in the continental line - likewise that on the first of Jan'y 1776 I again enlisted in the same company and regiment for one year, and was dismissed from said company at Duke's hills on the first day of January A.D. 1777, - I further state that I have been on the Pension rolls and was struck therefrom and that the evidence of my serving one year and eight months is now in the War Department, and that when I first made application for a Pension I lived in Dana in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts where I still reside.
Oliver Harris
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Worcester ss. On this 28 th August A.D. 1832. Oliver Harris personally appeared in open Court before NATHL Paine Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester now sitting and made to the truth of above declaration by him subscribed. NATHL Paine Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester
Theophilus Wheeler Register of the Court of Probate in the County of Worcester in Massachusetts do hereby certify that the foregoing are the original proceedings of said Court of Probate in the matter of the application of Oliver Harris for a Pension formerly on the Pension list.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Probate Court this 28 th day of August A.D. 1832 - Theophilus Wheeler Reg. d of Probate for the County

I, Abijah Pratt Esq. of Sax- bury, County of Norfolk & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do testify and say that Oliver Harris Esq. of Dana, County of Worcester & Commonwealth aforesaid, was in the Continental Service as a musician and soldier without any interruption or absence in the Company commanded by Capt. Moses Francis, and Regiment commanded by Colonel Joseph Head, from January first A. D. 1776 to January first A. D. 1777. When we were dismissed at Peekskill Hill, which I testify, being myself with him in in the said Company.
Saxbury Nov. 12. 1818.
Abijah Pratt
Saxbury Nov. 12. 1818.
Hearingly appeared the above named Abijah Pratt Esq. a disinterested man & a man of veracity unquestionable, and having subscribed the above deposition in my presence, made oath to the same before me. Wm. Fergus, Justice Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss. I Horatio Townsend Clerk of the Judicial Courts situate within & for said County of Norfolk, certify, that William Payson Esquire before whom the within affidavit has been made, is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County, duly qualified for the purpose, acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that his name subscribed to the within attestation, is his own proper signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the County seal this thirteenth day of November Anno Domini 1818.
Horatio Townsend

I John Phillips of Mansfield, County of Bristol, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, yeoman, do testify and say that Oliver Harris Esq. of Durdal, County of Worcester in Commonwealth aforesaid, was in the continental service of the United States, as a division and soldier, without any interruption or absence, in the company commanded by Capt. Moses Greenleaf Regiment commanded by Colonel Joseph Reed from December D. 1775. to December D. 1776. which I testify, being with him in the same company during said time, found him in said company when parted and left him there when I was discharged. John Phillips.
Heaborough, Nov. 12, 1818. Personally appeared the above named John Phillips, a disinterested man, of respected veracity, and having subscribed the above deposition in my presence, made oath to the same before me. W m Penson, Jus. Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss. I, Horatio Townsend Clerk of the Judicial Courts held within & for said County of Norfolk, certify that William Payson Esquire before whom the annexed certificate within affidavit has been made is a justice of the Peace within & for said County duly qualified for the purpose, acting under the authority of this Commonwealth and that his name subscribed to the within attestation, is his own proper signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the County seal this thirteenth day of November Anno Domini 1810 Horatio Townsend
and very truly J. Mayhew Esq. the Secretary

Oliver Harris. 1 March 1823
Maps.
(March 1809)

The following is a schedule of the Estate of Oliver Harris Esqr of Dana in the county of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts appraised by us the subscribers this 19 th Day of February 1829 as follows (vis)
Real Estate _____ $ 540.00
Personal
  1 pair of Oxen one of them lame 35.00   1 cow & calf 18.00. one old Horse 5.00 23.00   5 Sheep 5.00 1 Heifer 5.00 10.00   2 old Waggons 11.00 cutter & Harris 3.50 14.50   2 old ploughs 2.00 4 old Rakes 40 hay Forks 1.00 3.40   1 sled 25 Harrow tops and pin 3.50 chains 1.75 5.50   2 old Axes 60 Sheetyards 75 broad Axe & Adze 1.25 2.60   set of pad Augers 50 Handsaw 50 saddle 1.25 2.25   coopers Adze and drawing knife 1.00 Screw 67 1.67   Bits and Stock 75 square 1.00 jointer & 2 plains 75 2.50   Compass 12 gun 1.00 old Sickle 10 scythe & tackling 70 1.92   Grindstone 2.25 Anvil & Bickham 5.00 7.25   Bellows & 4 Hammers 2.75 Box & Socks 75 3.50   Pincers & old Screw 50 0.50   Old Desk 2.00 Bible 1.00 Geography 75 3.75   other Books 3.00 Table 1.00 Gold chains 1.25 5.25   Lantern 12 Clock 6.50 old Shovel & Song 50 7.12   2 old Cranes & Hooks 1.50 Lamps & candlesticks 40 1.90   Screw Ware 3.00 old pails 40 flat Screw 25 3.65   Crockery Ware 1.50 Glass Ware 1.00 Tin pan 05 2.55   3 old Wheels 1.25 hand Bellows 25 Baskets 50 2.00   old Drawers 1.00 Looking glass 30 Meal Bags 40 1.70   9 Shovels & Forks .50   6 1/2 Bushels of Hay 5.42 7 Do of Corn 5.25 10.67   2 Bushels of Oats 67 15 Cwt of English Hay 5.62 6.29   27 Cwt Stock Hay 6.75 200 Pork 10.00 16.75   Potatoes & Parsnips 2.75 cyder Barrels & cyder 67 3.42   old Meat Barrel .17   $ 719.31 
Thomas H. Smith
William Warren

Worcester ss February 19th 1829 Then personally appeared Thomas H. Smith and William Walker two disinterested freeholders in the county of Worcester and made solemn oath that they have appraised all the estate of Oliver Harris Esq. of Dana in the county aforesaid at the true value thereof in Money according to their best skill and judgment agreeable to the within schedule by them subscribed before me Ephraim Whipple Justice of the Peace
  Amount brought over _____ $719.31   An old ox yoke and irons _____ 1. -   Old surveyor's Instruments _____ 5. -   $ 725.31   Oliver Harris

DECLARATION.
In order to be restored to the pension list, under the act of March 1, 1823, drawn up in conformity with the regulations of the War Department of the 26th December, 1828.
County of Worcester, ss.
On this fifth day of March 1829, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester, the undersigned Oliver Harris — , a resident of said County, who being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say, that he is the same person who served in the Revolutionary War in the company — commanded by Captain Moses Knapp of the regiment commanded by Colonel Joseph Reed — of the Line of the State of Massachusetts that he received a pension under the act of March 18, 1818, but his name was dropt from the pension roll on account of the amount of his property, which was valued at less than $960, and he now applies to be restored in consequence of the regulations of the War Department of the 26th December, 1828, having at this time the following named property, being worth no more than the sums below mentioned. He also swears that he has before applied to be restored, but his claim has been rejected, on account of the amount of his property.
Schedule. annexed.
Oliver Harris
Worcester, ss.
Sworn to, before me, the fifth day of March, in the year 1829. —
William Jennison, Justice of the peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester County, ss.
I, Majah Bigelow , clerk of the court of Common Pleas for the said County of Worcester, do certify, that Ephraim Whipple , and William Jennison , Esquires, named in the papers hereto annexed, are Justices of the peace in and for said County, duly qualified and authorized to administer oaths and affirmations. —
In testimony whereof, the seal of said court is hereunto affixed, this fifth day of March, Anno Domini 1829. —
Majah Bigelow, Clk.