Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21376, Benjamin Holden, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Holden, Benjamin Abigail
W. 21376
CONTENTS
[Ruled lines for entries]
[Ruled lines for entries]

1842 Burlington Vermont Abigail Holden widow of Benjamin Holden
who died on the 20 Sept 1783 of Washington in the State of Vt. who was a Private in the Company, commanded by Captain Black of the ————— commanded by ————— in the Mass a line for 8 mos 10 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington at the rate of 27 Dollars 77 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of March 1838 and Rent Mathew Slaver Present
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838 $194.39 Semi-annual allowance ending Sept. — 13 88
$208.27
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d . }
Recorded by H. H. Addison Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2 o . Page 37

Eli Holden of Barre in the County of Washington aged 61 - years do testify & say that I am knowing to the death of my father Benjamin Holden who died on the 20th day of Sept. A.D. 1785 that I was present at the time of his death & well remember the circumstances of the same, & the particular day of the month & year is designated by the family record in the bible kept at that time & in possession of my Mother - I also know that my Mother Abigail now is & ever since has been the widow of said Benjamin Benjamin Holden, - and has never been married since his death. —
* Record "Benjamin" interlined before signing by me J. Merrill Justice of Peace Sworn to before me June 21. 1837 alliteration made by me before J. Merrill Justice of Peace signing - att. J. Merrill Justice of Peace
Eli Holden.
Peter Johnsonott of Barre in the County of Washington State of Vermont do testify & say that I have known Abigail Holden of Barre for more than 12 years past & that she has always remained a widow & reputed to be the widow of Benjamin Holden of Barre Mass - deceased & she has never been again married since I knew her —
Peter Johnsonott
Sworn to before me June 21. 1837
J. Merrill Justice of the Peace
I also certify that I am well acquainted with the said Eli Holden & Peter Johnsonott & and that they are both men of good reputation and are credible witnesses —
J. Merrill Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont } Washington County } I, Joshua G. Neil Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Washington do certify that Joshua G. Neil is a Justice of the Peace duly appointed & qualified under the Authority of this State and that his name to the within is his own proper hand writing —
In witness whereof I have hereunto Set My hand this 21 st day of June A. D. 1837
At Joshua G. Neil Clerk
Affidavits of Eli Holman & Peter Johnson

V 2254
Abigail Holden widow of Benjamin Vt.
Married in 1770 died in 1783 Capt M c Plack, roll Age 20. 75 8 mo. 10 d. Vol. 14 p. 10. $27.77 Pension Comy 4 Mar 2 1831.
M c Leaver Esq Pursu

Benjamin Holden and Abigail Bacon were joined in Weslstock November 1, 1770 by Rev. Josiah Dana Minister
A true copy of Record as Recorded on the Town Book Barre, Massachusetts
Attest Lyman Sibley Town Clerk
Barre May 31. 1837
Worcester County ss May 31. 1837 Personally appeared the above named Lyman Sibley and made oath to the truth of the above copy Before me Nathaniel Houghton Justices of the Peace

John Wootan Son of Benjamin Wootan and Abigail his wife Born July 10th. 1772 Lucy Wootan Daughter of the same born March 21. st 1774 Eli Wootan Son of the same born November 22. nd 1775 Josiah Wootan Son of the same born March 10th 1778 Jesse Wootan son of the same born August 21. 1779 Joe Wootan son of the same born May 24. 1781 Jonas Wootan son of the same born February 24. 1783
(A true Copy of the Record)
Attest Lyman Sibley Town Clerk
Barre Massachusetts May 31. 1837

Declaration . In order to obtain the benefit of the Third Section of the act of Congress of the 4 th July 1836 and the Act explanatory thereto of March 3 d 1837-
State of Vermont } Washington County ss. } On this 4 th day of April A.D. 1837 personally appeared before the undersigned a Judge of the County Court within and for the County of Washington aforesaid Abigail Holden of Barre in said County of Washington aged 84 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 4. 1836 & the Act of March 3 d 1837 in explanation & in addition thereto; That she is the widow of Benjamin Holden late of Barre in the State of Massachusetts deceased, a Revolutionary Soldier in the Army of the Revolution. That he was a minuteman for some time previous to the battle of Lexington, that when the Alarm was given he marched with his company but did not get there until British had got into Boston. He then returned having been absent about 8 days. And immediately enlisted for eight months being last days of April or first of May 1775 into the Company commanded by Capt Aaron Holden in Col. William Dickinson's Regiment. That he immediately joined the Army was stationed at the Colleges in Cambridge a part of the time. was in the Battle of Bunker Hill, served out the full term of his enlistment & was discharged & returned home -
That in 1776 he again enlisted, she believes for six months, in June or July, in the Company commanded by said Capt. Aaron Holden, but cannot remember the Regiment. Said Company was in, joined his Company & marched to Ver Ticonderoga, as a private in the Massachusetts Troops, both Services.

after having served about five months, he being Sick and unable to do duty, was discharged & I brought home still Sick, - These facts I distinctly & very clearly remember - She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Holden November 1 st 1770 - That her hus- band the said Benjamin Holden died the 20 th of September 1783; and that she has remain- ed the widow of said Benjamin Holden ever since that time, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof herewith exhibited - In presence of - Abigail Holden -  Mark Wm Martin Ira Holden
Sworn to & subscribed before me the day & year above written - William Martin Judge
I further certify that said Abigail Holden is unable to attend Court by reason of bodily infirmity, but her mind appears clear and her recollections of the events of the war distinct & remarkably intelligent for a person of her age. -
Certified this 1 st day of April A.D. 1837 - by me William Martin judge of Washington Court
State of Vermont Washington County ss. 3.
I Joshua V. Neil clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Washington aforesaid do hereby certify that Hon. Wm Martin is a Judge of the County Court within & for the County of Washington aforesaid duly appointed & Commissioned & acting as such and that his name to the above as such is his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 8 th day of May. 1837 - Joshua V. Neil Clerk

Apr 22 '99 J A Holden Glens Falls N.Y.
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 81.376
Abigail Holden Widow of Benjamin Holden Brn Rev War
Act: July 4 th 1836
Index: Vol. 1 , Page 352
[Arrangement of 1870.]

V
111 2000 2777
Letter J. G. Vail 31 July 1887 " " H. C. Hall Nov 12 1888

Montpelier Vt. July 18. 1837
J. L. Darnes Esq.
Sir,
I send you the papers of Abigail Holden for a pension.
The result of the examination thereof, you will please send to me, when a decision shall be made therein. —
I am respectfully yours
J. H. Rail

free
FREE
inwards
Washington City Prisoner of Pensions
D. M. Nail

21. February 1838
Sir.
I received the enclosed through the Post Office this morning. and as they relate to the business of your office they are respect- fully referred by Your obedt Servant J. Scane
To S r L d . Edwards Esq honour d & P er vious Washington

164 Henry The Falcon Scott Gelman
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commission of Pensions Washington City

Montpelier Vt. Feby. 15, 1838-
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir, on Enquiry in the Vicinity where Benjamin Holden lived, Husband of Abigail Holden now a widow whose declaration for a pension is now in your Office, I learn the Company, when first Organized was for a while commanded by Capt. Buckminster, or Buckingham - after ward a Col. - There was also John Black, & John Patrick - Said to have been Officers in said Company - And it is possible said Aaron Holden was not Capt until after said Benjamin Holden's service expired. -
I state these facts in Explanation of my mother's declaration, that a further Examination of her Claim may be had. -
Aaron Holden was a Capt & she supposed he commanded the Co. while her husband was in the Service. -
I am respectfully your Obt. Servt -
E. W. Holden
address your answer to J. P. Dail Montpelier Vt.

I, Josiah Bacon of Barre, County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, and of the age of Eighty Three years do hereby and say that in April or May in the year 1775 Benjamin Hooten of Barre, Massachusetts enlisted into the Army for eight months and served in a Company commanded by Capt. Aaron Hooten and in Col. William Buckminster's Regiment, and that I was in the same Company and that we first marched to Cambridge and from there said Company marched to and was in the Battle at Bunker Hill, and that Benjamin Hooten served eight months in the Army and returned home to Barre. I also state that in 1776 said Hooten again enlisted into the Army and marched to Tyconderoga, and served under Capt. Aaron Hooten, and served about five months and returned home to Barre sick.
Witness Hiram Tisk
Josiah Bacon
Worcester 3d May 31, 1837 Then the above named Josiah Bacon appeared and made oath that the above statement by him subscribed is just and true.
Before me Lyman Sibley Jus. of Peace.
I hereby certify that for several years past I have been acquainted with the above named Josiah Bacon and that he is considered a man of truth and veracity.
Lyman Sibley Jus of Peace

A Tilly Mead of Barn in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts of the age of eighty years do testify and say, that I am well acquainted with Abigail Holden the Widow of Benjamin Holden formerly of Barn in said County - That in the year of 1793 I employed her to keep my house in said Barn, (as I was a single man) and she lived with me, for the term of 20 years, she had a number of children, who visited her, at my house while she was the keeper of the same and one of them worked for me in the cabinet-business - by the name of Jonas Holden, I have no doubt, that she was the wife of said Benjamin as she always said so; and the children, also so spoke, and confirmed the declaration of the Mother, as is common in all such cases - Said Abigail always said, her husband served in the Revolutionary war - & in the Battle of Bunker hill - and from the declaration of others, I have no doubt he was - Also at Tyringham - she left me & moved to Windsor Vermont. Tilly Mead
Worster Jy May 31, 1837 Personally appeared the above named Tilly Mead and made oath to the truth of the above statement.
Before me. Lyman Sibley Jus. of Peace Worster Jy May 31, 1837 I hereby certify that Tilly Mead above named is a man of truth and veracity Lyman Sibley Jus. of Peace

I Peter Fessenden of Barre in the County of Worcester, and State of Massachusetts of the age of 75 years do testify and say, that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Holden of said Barre did he lived in the same neighborhood with me in said Barre - I remember of said Holden marching with the minut- men to Bunkerhill Battle, under- Capt Beecherminster. I also remember said Holden coming home out of the Army, from the west, sick with the fever and ague and had been gone five Months. I do not know the time he enlisted for - I do know that he was married and that his wife's name was Abigail and that they had a large family of children - after said Holden died his widow lived in said Barre, kept the Tavern of Silly Road for 20 years
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Peter Fessenden Worcester County ss - June 1, 1837
Then personally appeared the above named Peter Fessenden and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed before me. I certify that said Fessenden is a person of truth and veracity -
Nathaniel Haughton Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester, ss. I, Joseph G. Kendall, clerk of the court of common pleas for said county of Worcester, do certify, that Lyman Sibley and Nathaniel Houghton, Esquires, are Justices of the peace in and for said county, and that their certificates to the Depositions hereto annexed, are in their own proper hand writing, and by them subscribed.
In testimony whereof, I hereto set my hand, and affix the seal of said court, at Worcester, this first day of June A.D. 1837.
J. G. Kendall. Clerk