Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 18,885, Ebenezer Holmes, Continental New York R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental
Holmes, Ebenezer
S18885
New York
R. I.
Carded.
CONTENTS
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Dr. Cir. to R.D. Pen. Off. Aug. p. 1834
Transf d the Massachusetts from 4 th Mar. 31 - Aug. 29 th 1834
Then R.D. Pen. Off. Letter of July 16 1834 sent to the Comptroller to the Department to make the necessary transfers
71 Pistol
24387 Abraham Astor
Edward Holmes
Bristol, in the State of R.I.
was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Basworth of the Rigs t commanded by Col. Coarey in the R.I. and N.Y. and Continental for 6 Mon private Infantry 3 " " Artillery
Rescribed on the Roll of the rate of 32. Dollars 50 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of May 1834 and sent to John Coops Esq r Portsmouth R.I.
Appears to the 4th of Mar. 1834 $97.50 Semi-ann. allowance ending 1 st Sep r " 16.25 $113.75
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by George Taylor Clerk, Book 4 Vol. 2 Page 112
70 6 2 36

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Bristol
In this tenth day of January - 1834 personally appeared in open court before the judge of the of the Court of Probate - in the County of Bristol, now sitting, Ebenezer Holmes a resident of Swansea in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts, aged Seventy one years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7. 1832. That he entered the services of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
In the month of March 1778 I lived with my Father in Bristol in the State of Rhode Island, which was then a garrisoned town, and my Father's house was then taken, by the Officers for the public use, and several Officers quartered in our Chambers, and among them was one Doctor Wadsworth, whom I believe was a Surgeon of the Army in Col. or Col. Shubrick's Crary's Regiment of the Rhode Island State line - With him I volunteered to be his waiter, and continued to serve him as waiter in the public service till August 1778, for at least five months - During this time and in May 1778 the enemy planned a strong expedition, against Bristol and to destroy the boats in Nickemuit River, which is an inlet from Mount Hope Bay, between Bristol and Warren - They attacked the Town, and partially destroyed it, and in the action that ensued I fully bore my part, from the first attack, till the enemy were routed, and driven on board of their shipping at Bristol ferry. In August 1778 he was discharged by Doctor Wadsworth at Bristol aforesaid - and immediately thereupon, volunteered at S d Bristol, for one month into a Company, in Col. Livingston's Regiment, of the Continental troops, and was marched on to Rhode Island and was in the Battle fought there - he cannot remember his company officers - but remembers to have seen at this time Genl. Greene and Genl. Lafayette - after his time was out he was discharged at S d Bristol - He then in September 1778 enlisted as a volunteer into Capt. Bosworth's Company of Artillery for three months, at S d Bristol, and was stationed all of his time at upper fort on the high land at Bristol ferry, he does not know who had the command over Capt. Bosworth, but thinks Col. Crary had of the State line In December 1778 he was discharged at said fort in Bristol after having served out his time.
In February 1779 he belonged to the Militia company of S d Bristol, then under the command of Capt. Wm. Shrop, of which company Jonathan Dimond and Joseph Reynolds were Lieuts. - The

members of this company, had been in the public service, doing duty by turns, for one month at a time, from the time that the enemy took possession of Rhode Island. In Feb y . 1779 it became his turn to serve, in the guard service one month, he was stationed at the fort at Bristol ferry under Lt. Simonds - he again served in the months of April and June 1779 at the guard Posts in S d Bristol, at Mount Hope Point and at Little's Narrows under Lieut. Reynolds - in August 1779 one month in Bristol Town under Capt. Throop and in October 1779 one month, at Mount Hope Point under Lt. Reynolds - said company belonged to the Regiment of Col. Nathan Miller - during these said services, one half of our said company of militia, were on duty at a time, but not all of us at one Guard Post, and we were sometimes moved from one Guard Post to another during a month's service - all the aforesaid services were performed in S d Bristol, except the time I was in Col. Livingston's Regiment on Rhode Island in August 1778.
Owing to old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot be precise, as to the days on which my services aforesaid began and ended, but according to my best recollection, I served not less than the periods of time aforesaid. And all in the grade of a private - Namely - five months under Doctor Mads worth in Col. Crary's Reg t  or Col. Sherburne's from March to August 1778 - one month in Col. Livingston's Reg t in Aug t . 1778 - three months in Capt. Bosworth's Company of Artillery from Sept. to Dec. 1778 - and five tours of one month each in Capt. Throop's Company, from Feb. to October 1779 Making in all fourteen months for which he claims a pension. And he further declares that during all that time he was in actual military service and not engaged in any civil business or pursuit, and received pay therefor
And he further declares that he was born at said Bristol in the state of Rhode Island on the 6 th day of January 1762 and that he hath a record of his age - That he lived at S d Bristol when he was called into all the services aforesaid, when he continued to reside until about thirty eight years ago, when he removed to S d Fswanzey, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where he hath since resided and still doth live - That he never received any written discharge from any of S d services but was verbally discharged by his commanding officers - That he has no documentary evidence of any of said services That there is no clergyman living in his neighborhood or vicinity, but he refers to Theophilus Luther & Nath Linn Esq s citizens of S d Fswanzey and his neighbours.

who testify to his character for veracity, and to their belief that he was a soldier of the revolution - And also to the accompanying deposition.
He hereby relinquishes every 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.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and Year aforesaid
H. Baylies, Judge of Probate
Ebenezer Holmes
We Theophilus Luther & Isaac Sisson - residing in S t Swanzey, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ebenezer Holmes, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be seventy one years of age, that he is respected and beloved, in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and Year aforesaid
H. Baylies, Judge of Probate
Isaac Sisson Theophilus Luther
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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states - And the Court further certify that it appears to them, that Theophilus Luther & Isaac Sisson who have signed the preceding certificate, are residents in S t Swanzey, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
H. Baylies, Judge of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss. I Anselm Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County of Bristol do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Ebenezer Holmes for a pension - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this tenth day of January Eighteen hundred & thirty four - Anselm Bassett

"Ebenezer Holmes, Son of Capt. William Holmes & Ruth his wife was born January 21 st 6 th 1763"
Town Clerk's Office, Bristol R.I. April 22 d , 1834 I certify the above to be a true copy from the Record in this Office.
Witness, W m Throop Town Clerk

I 18885
INVALID.
No. 18,885
Ebenezer Holmes
Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 182
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Aug 23 rd R. J. agency
fe
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Yours truly J. L. Edwards

Providence Bank Providence August 19 th 1834
Sir
Yours of the 16 th inst t is received. Ebenezer Holmes. Private at the rate of $32 50 / 100 per Annum on the Roll of this Agency has never been paid his Pension here Yours of the 7 th July on the same subject was received and replied to on the 11 th ult o as above -
I am respectfully Your. obt. Serv t
W m A. Grinnell President by W m B. Snow Cashier
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

Portsmouth R.I. April 25. 1834
Sir. I herewith enclose the declaration of Ebenezer Holmes of Swanzy, in Massachusetts, for a pension, under the act of Congress of June 7th. 1832. — Any further communication on the subject Please to make to me at this place. —
I have the Honor to be, with great respect, Your humble & obedt. Servant —
John Cross
Hon. James G. Edwards Court of Pensions W. City

I Thomas Church of Bristol in the County of Bristol and state of Rhode Island, &c, of lawful age, on solemn oath declare - That during the war of the Revolution I was well acquainted with Ebenezer Holmes of Swanzy, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and now an applicant for a pension under the late act of Congress - Said Holmes at that time lived in this town and we were Neighbors - During the occupancy of Rhode Island by the British army in the War of the Revolution, our Militia of this Town, under Capt. Wm. Throop, were in the public service in guarding the shores by turns - I remember S d Holmes belonged to, and served in said Company at that time - but I am unable to say how long, he served in the public service - I also remember that during the war aforesaid, and while this was a garrisoned town, the House of said Holmes father was occupied by the officers of the Army - And that S d Holmes father and family were great Liberty men - That he had, as near as I can remember one or two sons (brothers to said Ebenezer) who died in the revolutionary War, in the Continental Army - I further say not - Thos. Church
The State of Rhode Island &c. Bristol ss. At Bristol April 25 th 1834
Personally came Thomas Church, the abovenamed Deponent and made solemn oath to the truth of his foregoing deposition, and subscribed the same before me.
And I further certify, that said deponent is personally and well known to me, and sustains a good character for truth and veracity. Wm. Throop Justice Court C. Pleas.

I William Diman of Bristol in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island, of lawful age, being duly sworn declare - That I have been acquainted with Ebenezer Holmes of Swanzy in the State of Massachusetts for more than Sixty years, who is now an applicant for a pension - In the time of the war revolutionary, while the English Army were on Rhode Island, said Holmes was a young man and resided in this Town with his father - at that time, this, was a garrisoned town - I was at that time a soldier - and recollect to have seen said Holmes doing duty as a soldier in Bristol and at the ferry - but I do not know how long he served - or in whose Company he served in - as he did not belong to our Regiment - I further say not -
Yours his X Diman mark
State of Rhode Island Bristol ss. At Bristol April 25 th A. D. 1834 Personally came William Diman, the abovenamed Deponent and made solemn oath to the truth of his foregoing Deposition, and subscribed the same, before me.
And I further certify that said Deponent, is personally known to me and sustains a good character for truth and veracity
W. Throop Justice Court C. Pleas.

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Washington.

Bristol, R. Island June 28th 1834.
A. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir
Enclosed I send you the application of Ebenezer Holmes, for the purpose of transferring the payment of his pension from the pension office in this State to that of Massachusetts.
Mr. Holmes was a Native of this place, his revolutionary services were performed here, and he resided in this Town till about the year 1795 - when he removed into Swaney in Massachusetts, about Twelve miles distant from this, he is a cripple and without any connections, and on making his application for a pension, was obliged to resort to the place of his nativity, to procure the necessary proof of his services, from his former friends.
By referring to his papers in your Office, you will find that his Declaration was drawn here, and the affidavits to substantiate it were taken here also, but the application made and granted at the Court of Probate in the County of Bristol, Massachusetts - where he resided, and his pension certificate was made payable here, in this State. On the receipt of his certificate, he came to this Town, and made a power, for receiving his pension, the payment of which was objected, on account of his residence being in Mass. t - since that time I have been at the pension Office, and Mr. Hodges the pension Clerk informs me that there is no other method to be pursued, but to make application for the payment of his pension in Massachusetts, where he resided.
In making the application for a transfer, I have followed the advice and directions of Mr. Hodges, and hope the same will be acceptable, and be granted, and if so, you will please to return the same to me.
Yours most respectfully
Wm. Snoop -
N.B. I also enclose to you Mr. Holmes's certificate, thinking you may need it, for some purpose.
as before W. Snoop -

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Washington.

Rhode Island
Ebenezer Holmes
27387
Transfer

State of Massachusetts, County of Bristol ss.
On thir twenty fourth day of June 1834 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace, for the said County of Bristol, personally appeared Dener Holmes, who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company of Capt: Wm Throop, Regiment of Col: Peter Church in the service of the United States. that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Rhode Island, where he formerly resided, his application for a pension was drawn there, where his Attorney resided also, but his said application was passed and granted in this County, before the Court of Probate, as will appear by reference to his papers, where he has resided for the last forty years, and where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension, to be payable in said State of Massachusetts.
Sworn and subscribed to, the day and year aforesaid - before me
John Mason Justice of Peace
John Mason Justice of Peace
I the subscriber hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Dener Holmes the subscriber to the foregoing certificate and know that he is the same person who has had a pension granted him, from the United States, at the Agency in the State of Rhode Island as a Revolutionary Pensioner. The date of his certificate is "Sixth day of May, One thousand eight hundred and thirty four". and Number 27387. and issued by the Hon: Sec- tary of War.
George Austin
State of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss. At Swansea the twenty fourth day of June 1834
The above certificate, signed, and sworn to before me, and I certify that the signer George Austin is a person of veracity, with whom I am well acquainted.
John Mason Justice of Peace
State of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss. Clerk's Office, Court of Common Pleas for said County
I hereby certify that John Mason, whose signature is affixed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificates, is a Justice of the Peace for said County, duly commissioned under the seal of said State and engaged thereon according to law.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our said Court thir twenty fourth day of June A. D. 1834 -
Jas Sproat Bly
fee $0.50 -

20711
Ebenezer Holmes. Bristol 60
Adm
13 Mon mi
Cap. Bosworth
Adm. Ciarly
John Croft Esqr Portsmouth N.I.

I David Mansfield of Bristol in the County of Bristol and State of Rhode Island &c. Aged Seventy eight years under solemn Oath depose, that I have known Thomas Holmes, now residing in Swansea, State of Massachusetts but formerly of this Town for the last sixty years. the said Holmes now being an applicant for a pension.
During the war of the Revolution said Holmes was in the Militia service in this Town, to my recollection much of his time, our Militia here were in the guard service for three years or upwards while the British held Possession of the town of Newport and the Island on which Newport is situated, and each man served half his time. He was on said Island in 1778 in the expedition under General Sullivan in August - in Col. Livingstone's regiment. David Mansfield
State of Rhode Island &c, Bristol ss. At Bristol Dec 11th. 1833. Personally came David Mansfield, the abovenamed Deponent and made solemn oath to the truth of his foregoing deposition and subscribed the same, before me. —
And I further certify that said deponent is personally well known to me and sustains a good character for truth and veracity.
Wm Shroop Justice Court C. Pleas.
State of Rhode Island &c. Clerk's Office, Court of Common Pleas County of Bristol.
I hereby certify that Wm Shroop, whose signature is affixed, in his own proper hand writing to the taking of the foregoing Depositions of Thomas Church, Wm Dimain and David Mansfield, was at the time and is now Chief Justice of the Court aforesaid, duly commissioned under the Seal of said State, and engaged thereon according to Law.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our said Court this twenty fifth day of April A D 1834 - And of American Independence the fifty eighth.
Wm Shroop