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Jonathan Thomas - Revolutionary War Pension

Jonathan Thomas, my 5th great grandfather, was born in 1739 in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. Long known for his hunting and woodlore skills, he joined the New Hampshire Volunteers in military service during the Revolutionary War. He served as a sergeant in Captain Jeremiah Clough's Company under Colonel Poor. In his old age, Jonathan found himself in a difficult financial position and requested a pension from the government for his military service during the war. Jonathan was one of the sixteen Sanbornton men who rushed to the defense of Charlestown after the battle of Bunker Hill. He continued in the service of his country until 1781.

Created 01 Dec 2007

Pension File Number

Where: Washington D.C.

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Page 1

As with all records of this nature, a file number is created to contain the supporting documentation.  The pension application for Jonathan Thomas is S35655.

Updated 01 Dec 2007 (Created 01 Dec 2007)

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Affidavit of Need

19 May 1818

Where: Freedom, Maine

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The initial document to start the pension application process.  It states the Jonathan was a "poor man and very needy of help".  It is signed by John Brown and Nathan Randall, Selectmen of Freedom.

Updated 01 Dec 2007 (Created 01 Dec 2007)

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Proof of Residency and Military Service

27 May 1818

Where: Kennebec, Maine

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Chief Justice, Nathan Weston certified that Jonathan Thomas was a resident of Freedom, Kennebec County, Maine and that Jonathan swore before him that he was a "private soldier in the war of the revolution, against the common enemy for more than nine months."  Jonathan's signature is found on the document.

Updated 01 Dec 2007 (Created 01 Dec 2007)

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Testimony of Personal Knowledge

2 Sep 1818

Where: Sanbornton, New Hampshire

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William Taylor's testimony that he had personal knowledge of Jonathan's service in the Revolutionary War, confirming that he served from June 1775 through December 1776.

Updated 01 Dec 2007 (Created 01 Dec 2007)

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Testimony of Personal Knowledge

20 Jun 1819

Where: Sanbornton, New Hampshire

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Philip Hunt's testimony that he had personal knowledge that Jonathan Thomas served in Captain Jeremiah Clough's Company in Col. Enoch Poor's Regiment starting in June 1775 and continued serving until December 1776.

Updated 01 Dec 2007 (Created 01 Dec 2007)

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Jonathan Gage Supporting Statements

22 Jan 1819

Where: Washington D. C.

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House Representative Jonathan Gage wrote two statements supporting the credibility of William Taylor's written testimony as well as other documents enclosed in Jonathan Thomas' pensions application.

Updated 01 Dec 2007 (Created 01 Dec 2007)

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Pension Payments in Arrears

10 Jul 1820

Where: Washington D. C.

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Certificate 6663 states that the government was arrears in pension payments to Jonathan in the amount of $74.35 as of 4 Mar 1819.  

Updated 01 Dec 2007 (Created 01 Dec 2007)

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Justice of Common Pleas Certificate

27 May 1820

Where: Kennebec, Maine

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Proof of need was required from pensioners.  Jonathan Thomas appeared before Justice Nathan Weston, stating that he had no property or other holdings of any value.  The justice notes that Jonathan was 80 years old at the time and had served in the army for one year and six months.

Updated 01 Dec 2007 (Created 01 Dec 2007)

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Value of Property and Estate

20 Jun 1820

Where: Kennebec, Maine

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As required by law, applicants had to prove their lack of financial viability.  John Davis, clerk for the Kennebec Circuit Court certified that Jonathan had no debts receivable nor property of any value.

Updated 01 Dec 2007 (Created 01 Dec 2007)

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A Descendants Family History Quest

24 Nov 1934

Where: Oakland, California

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In 1934, Fred Morse, a descendant of Jonathan Thomas sent a letter to the U. S. Pension Department inquiring about any information on his ancestor. He stated that Jonathan was a Sergeant in the military, and died in Jun 1824. He goes on to say that Jonathan was a "scout (hunter) through the woods of Maine".

Updated 01 Dec 2007 (Created 01 Dec 2007)

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Pension Office Reply

15 Dec 1934

Where: Washington D. C.

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A. D. Hiller, Executive Assistant to the Administrator of military pensions replied to the letter from Fred Morse.  The letter states that Jonathan was born in Hampton, New Hampshire although the date and name of his parents was not shown.  It goes on to say that Jonathan "enlisted for military service in June 1775 and served about seven months as sergeant in Captain Jeremiah Clough's Company, Colonel Enoch Poor's New Hampshire Regiment.  He reenlisted in January 1776 and seved as sergeant in Captain Jeremiah Clough's Company, Colonel Enoch Poor's Regiment in various skirmishes and was discharge the last of December 1770".

Updated 01 Dec 2007 (Created 01 Dec 2007)

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Where's My Answer?

14 Dec 1934

Where: Phillipsburg, Kansas

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Impatient to receive a reply to his inquiry about Jonathan Thomas, J. Fred Morse wrote a second letter to the U. S. Pension Commission asking for any information they had regarding his ancestor.   The reply from the Commission was sent on 15 December and thus the letters crossed in the mail.

Updated 01 Dec 2007 (Created 01 Dec 2007)

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