Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5285, Elijah Gould, N.H.
Page 1

(3-1776)
Service   Number
Gould, Elijah
W5285
Freelove
BL Wt 19771-160-55
Page 2

Certificate of Pension issued the 30th of November 1818 and sent to B. M. Atherton Agent Brattleborough Windham Co Vt

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818 5 mo. & 1/30
Semi-anl all'ee ending 4th March 1819
3 yrs 1777
Revolutionary claim Act 18th March 1818
34.93
48
$82.93
Page 3

5.494
Vermont Court
Freelove Gould
widow of NH Elijah Gould
who served in the Revolutionary war as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 dollars - cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.

Certificate of Pension issued 4th day of October 1855 and sent to L. G. Mead
Brattleborough VT
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under (illegible)
Page 4

154.242
Act Mar, 3/53
May 31/53
Freelove Gould
Widow of
Elijah Gould, Priv.
Revo. War
Private
Col. Reid
N H. Line
Rec. Pension
H Lely 534 5494
Ad. 160 rcd Mar 3/56
Dodge
L. G. Mead
Brattleboro Vt.
Vol G 96
Page 5

Elijah Gould
B. M. Atherton Agent
Admitable on the Testimony of the Judge or others of the illegible illegible illegible of the applicant.
The judge will certify to his knowledge thereof or to the credibility of those illegible illegible.
Admitted
Page 6

State of Vermont
Windham Ss
On the twenty fourth day of April 1818 before me the subscriber illegible illegible Judge of the Hon. County Court within and for said County of Windham personally appeared Elijah Gould age fifty eight years resident in Brattleborough in said County, who being by me first duly sworn according to illegible doth on his Oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congrys entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war."  That the said Elijah Gould enlisted about  the month of May 1777 at Nottingham West in New Hampshire as a soldier for three years in the company commanded by Captain Bell in the Rigiment of Col. Hale afterwards of Col. Reid of the New Hampshire Line.  That he continued to serve in the said camps until the expiration of his said Term when he was discharged from Service at Westpoint in New York.  That he was in the battles of Hubbardton in the retreat from Ticonderoga  in all the battles at the "taking of Burgoyne" also in the battle of Monmouth where he was slightly wounded.  Also in the battle of Horse Neck.  Also in the engagement with the Indians in the Haudenosaunee Country under Gen. Sullivan.  And that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support.  and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services that his discharge is by reason of the lapse of time worn out and destroyed. 

Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid.  Elijah Gould

Gilbert Denison, Afst Judge of the County Court
Page 7

I Gilbert Denison Judge to as aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Elijah Gould did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy for nine months on the Continental establishment and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
Brattleboro Windham County
23 April 1818
Gilbert Denison Afst. Judge of the County of Courts

I hereby certify that the above is the true and Official Signature of the Hon. Gilbert Denison Esq aforestated or said Judge of the Windham County Court.

Witness my hand, and the Seal of the said Court at the Clerk Office Brattleborough Windham County Vermont this 25th day of April A.D. 1818.
Attest
James Elliott, Clerk.
Page 8

I Gilbert Denison Judge as aforesaid do certify that I am and for several years have been acquainted with the aforesaid Elijah Gould.  And that he is by reason of his reduced circumstances in Life in need of assistance from his country for support.
Given under my hand at Brattleborough aforesaid this twentieth day of Nov. A.D. 1818
Gilbert Denison afstd Judge of the County Court
Page 9

Elijah Gould
677
to be transf. from Vermont 
to New York
Entered
Cont.
Page 10

State of New York
County of Saratoga
On this 22nd day of August 1821 personally appeared in open Court, in the Court of Common Pleas of the said County, the same being a Court of Record for the said County, proceeding according to the course of the common law with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of its proceedings and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Elijah Gould, aged sixty two years, resident in the said County, in the State aforesaid, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary was as follows:  for the two of three years in the company commanded by Capt. Bell in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Hale who was succeeded by Colonel Cy Reid in the line of the State of New Hampshire. 
That his original declaration was made on or about the twenty fourth day of April 1818 and that his Pension Certificate is numbered 4177 and dated 30th day of November 1818.  And I 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.
Elijah Gould 
Sworn to and declared on the twenty second day of August 1820, before me in open court.
Thomas Palmer, Clerk
Page 11

A schedule of the Real and personal state of Elijah Gould, the pensioner in this affidavit hereto illegible illegible his necessary clothing and bedding excepted.  Made in perseverance of the act written mentioned.  
Real Estate - I have none
Personal estate I have
4 teaspoons worth 2.00
5 tablespoons  2.00
1 iron kettle and 1 skillet .88
1/2 doz table knives and forks  .50
1/2 platter 20
2 bowls 12 oz  12 1/2
1 broad axe 1.50
1 illegible 50 cts 1 smoothing plane 37 1/2  87 1/2
1 pair illegible  50
1 iron square and one illegible 1.00
$9.92
The said Elijah Gould is by occupation a miller, he is totally disabled from providing it his family residing with him  illegible of his wife 
Sally Gould aged sixteen years able to support herself, His daughter named Sophia aged four unable to support herself and a son named Henry Gould aged two years unable to support himself. In illegible whereof I have I hereunto subscribed my name this twenty second day of August 1820.
Elijah Gould
Sworn in open court
Thomas Palmer, Clerk
Page 12

State of New York
Saratoga County Ss: Elijah Gould came before me.  Thomas Palmer Esquire one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said county state made solemn oath that he is the same Elijah Gould to whom the original Certificate in his possession was given of which I certify the following to be a true copy.
War Department
Revolutionary Claim
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the Eighteenth day of March 1818.  Elijah Gould late a private in the Army of the Revolution is inscribed on the Pension List Roll of the Vermont Agency at the rate of eight dollars per month to commence on the 24th day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Given at the War Office of the United States this 30th day of November one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen
J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
That he now resides in the Town of Hadley in the County of Saratoga State of New York he therefore requests that his name be transferred from the Roll of Vermont to that of the New York Agency.
Elijah Gould
Subscribed and Sworn
before me the 24th 
day of February 1821
Thomas Palmer Justice of the 
Peace in office the County of Saratoga
Page 13

State of New York
Saratoga County ss: I Samuel Freeman Deputy Clerk of the said County of Saratoga do certify that Thomas Palmer whose name is described to the Jurat of the written affidavit was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Saratoga.  Duly commissioned to work acting under the authority of this State &  County within is his signature
Witness my hand & seal of office the 1st day of March 1821
Samuel Freeman
Page 14

154.242
Page 15

State of Vermont
Windham County, Ss  On this 12th day of May A.D. 1855 personally appears before me a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Windham appeared Freelove Gould aged 72 years a resident of Brattleboro in the State of Vermont.  Who being duly sworn to alluding to same declares that she is the widow of Elijah Gould late illegible Brattleboro deceased.  Who was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution and a Revolutionary Pensioner under the Act of 1818 drawing a Pension of $96 per annum and that her said husband was originally present on the pension list Roll Vermont.  Afterward moved to Hadley in the State and was placed upon the New York Roll and then drew his Pension till his death in A.D. 1825, I think.  That she was married to the said Elijah Gould in  the summer of A. D. 1811 at her father's house Illegible Brattleboro  by Rev. William Wiles then the settled Minister of said Brattleboro.  That she has applied to the Town Clerk for Brattleboro to get a Certificate of the illegible of Marriage but finds there is no record in his office of it.  That she has a record of it in her family Bible but the house of which she lived was burned up and this Bible burnt in it. That she said husband died at Hadley New York in the year 1823 or 1825.  And that she is still a widow.  She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act approved March 1885.
Freelove Gould
Page 16

We George H. Salisbury & Perrin Simonds, residing in Brattleboro in the State of Vermont upon our oath declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Freelove Gould in our presence and that we believe from the presence and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents to be.
G H Salisbury
Perrin Simonds
The foregoing declaration and affidavit and applicant were sworn to subscribe before me on the day and year before written.  And I certify that I know the affidavit to be curable persons that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that she is intent in this claim.
L. G. Mead, Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont
Windham, S.S.
I Royall Tyler, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that Larkin G. Mead was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the certificate thereon written is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, etc.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough, this 12th day of May 
Amno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.
Royall Tyler, Clerk.
Page 17

Freelove Gould
Declaration for Pension
Wid
Elijah
Boynton
May 30, 1855
Filed by
A H Laurence
Washington DC
Page 18

State of Vermont
County Windham.  On the 11th day of May A.D. 1855, personally appeared before me Royall Tyler, Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Marlboro in said County of Windham, being a Court of Record, in the Court.  Freelove Gould a resident of said County aged 72 years, who being first duly sworn according to same, on her oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the pensions made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3rd day of February A.D. 1853, granting pensions to Widows of Persons who served during the Revolutionary War.  That she is the widow of Elijah Gould late of said Brattleboro who was a Revolutionary Pensioner and is cited on the Pension List.  Roll Warrants and  afterward moved to Hadley in the State of New York.  That his name was transferred to the New York Roll and drew a Pension in said State of New York.  At the time of his death, which she believes was in the year 1823 or 1825, having no written record of it; proof of which death may be in the Pension Office.  For the purpose of obtaining illegible of Pension.  That he was pensioned in Brattleboro under the Act of Congress 1818, and drew a pension in $96 per annum.  And she further declares that she was married to the said Elijah Gould in the summer of the year 1811 by Rev. William Wiley, then the settled Minister of Brattleboro. that her husband illegible illegible and that she was not married illegible to the 2nd day of January A.D. 1800; and that she is still a widow.  She further declares that she has recently appealed to the town clerk of said Brattleboro for a copy of the record of her said marriage but found there is no record of marriage in his office
Page 19

She further says she had a record of her said marriage in her family Bible but that her said Bible was destroyed by the burning of her home in which she lived.
Illegible
Illegible
Freelove Gould By Mark

Sworn to & subscribed this day and year illegible illegible written before the Court aforesaid, as written by my hand & official seal.
Royall Tyler, Judge of Probate for the District of Marlboro
Page 20

See letter to J. A. Arthur
Nov. 10. 1831
do May 11 1832
to Albany Agent
Transfer from New 
York to Albany
3 July 1832 for
4 March 1832 and 
not sent to T. W. Olcott Albany

July 24 1833 Duplicate Certif
js and sent to M. W. Blin
illegible of Ticonderoga on the
25th July 1833
11
8
88
293
32
24.55
Apl 1821
Notification sent to illegible
Esq Balston illegible
Duplicate Certificate issued 16 January 1826
and sent to Hon. Silas Woodhouse of Representatives
Page 21

Brattleborough VT Sep 3
Free
The Commission of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Freelove Gould
and
Elijah
Duplicate
Page 22

Brattleborough VT
Free
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C. 
Freelove Gould
and
Elijah
Duplicate
Page 23

Free
The Commissioner
of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Feelove Gould
and Elijah
Sep 28 Brattleborough VT
In Triplicate
Page 24

5764
Freelove Gould
Widow of
Elijah
Sent to A. G. Lawrence illegible 7/11/53
L. G. Mead July 23/53
Same Sep 6 1853
Same Sept 17 1853
illegible
Page 25

Samuel Cole Esq
Chief Clerk of the
Pension Office
Washington DC
154.242
Page 26

19.77
Illegible
Page 27

Pension Office
June 4 1855
Sir,
Please certify the time of which the within named pensioner was paid or the date of his death.
Very Respectfully
L P Waldo
Commissioner
R J Atkinson, Esq
Third Auditor Illegible
Auditor
Page 28

Elijah Gould of Albany, Act 1818, paid to 4 March 1842.
Robt J Atkinson
Auditor
Page 29

Revy Widow, &c.
File No. 5285
Freelove Gould
Widow
Elijah Gould
Privt Rev War
Act: Feb 3d 1853
Index: Vol. A, Page 279
Arrangement of 1870
Page 30

Brief in the case of Freelove Gould Widow of Elijah
County and State of Vermont
act 3d Feb 1853
Claim, ("original")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Her husband was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 & 1820 at $96 a year.
Marriage proven by an eye witness
Cohabitation, general repute of marriage, her identify as the widow of the pensioner, his death then proven widower proven by credible witness.
Thornton Triplett
Examining Clerk

Name and residence of Agent
L. G. Mead Esq
Brattleborough Vermont
Page 31

Freelove Gould
Widow of Elijah
Windham Vermont
Act of 3d Feb 1853
$96 a year from the 
illegible of the Act
Cert to 
L G Mead Esq
Brattleborough Vermont
Page 32

Suffolk County Ss be it remembered that on the eight Day of January 1829 before one came Timothy Conklin being duly sworn faith that he well knows Elijah Gould to be the same person described in the above affidavit.
Timothy Conklin
Sworn and subscribed
before me on the Day and Year above written
Moses Rolph one of the judges
of the Court of
Common Pleas
in the County
aforesaid
I certify that Timothy Conklin the Defendant in the above affidavit is a man of veracity January 8 1829
Moses Rolph, Judge
Page 33

Silas Wood Esquire
Member illegible
City of Washington
illegible
Jan. 16. 1829
Page 34

State of New York
County of Suffolk
ss. I, Josephy R Huntting do hereby certify that, Moses Rolph whose name is subscribed to the Appelation Affidavit and endorsed thereon, was the day of the date of the said Afficient Judge in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized by law to take the proof and acknowledgment of Deeds, and discharges of Mortgages, &c.  And further, that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Judge and verily believe that the signature of Moses Rolph subscribed to the said Affidavit is the proper hand-writing of the said Judge.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County, the Fifth day of January 1824
Joseph L Huntting

signature must
has never received a formal certificate, but has drawn his pension on a mere notification, as was the case in a few instances many years ago, he should leave out the above words in italics, and insert, in lieu thereof, "but has never received a formal certificate, and now wishes to obtain one."
The pensioner's oath must be supported by the evidence of another person as to identity.  The person must swear that he well knows him to be the same person described in the above affidavit.  The magistrate must certify the deponent is a person of veracity.  This oath must also be authenticated by the certificate of the proper officer, under his seal of office, setting forth that the officer before whom the affidavit may be made is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, or Notary Public, as the case may be.  When a person acting as an Agent or Attorney for a Pensioner, loses the certificate, the affidavit of that person is also required, which must be authenticated as above.
Page 35

Application for a New Certificate.

County of Suffolk ss.
On this eight day of January 1829, before me, the subscriber, personally appeared Elijah Gould who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Bell in the regiment commanded by Colonel Mead in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New York that he received a certificate of that fact, under the signature and seal of the Secretary of War:  which certificate, on or about the fifteenth day of September 1827, at or near Ticonderoga in the State of New York aforesaid he lost and that he has not been able to find it since that time.
Elijah Gould
Sworn and subscribed to, before me,
the day and year aforesaid.
Moses Rolph one of the 
Judges of the Court of Common
Pleas in and for the County of Suffolk

NOTES. The last four blanks are left for the applicant to set forth the time, place, and manner of the loss or destruction of the original certificate.
The oath to be taken before a duly qualified magistrate, whose official character and signature must be properly authenticated.
If the pensioner has never received a formal certificate, but has drawn his pension on a mere notification, as was the case in a few instances many years ago, he should leave out the above words in italics, and insert, in lieu thereof, "but has never received a formal certificate, and now wishes to obtain one." 
The pensioner's oath must be supported by the evidence of another person as to identify.  The person must swear that he well knows him to be the same person described in the above affidavit.  The magistrate must certify that the deponent is a person of veracity.  This oath must also be authenticated by the certificate of the proper officer, under his seal of office, setting forth that the officer before whom the affidavit may be made is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, or Notary Public, as the case may be.  
When a person acting as an Agent or Attorney for a Pensioner, loses the certificate, the affidavit of that person is also required, which must be authenticated as above.
Page 36

Transfer
T. W. Olcott
Albany
July 3.
Page 37

State of New York
Essex County
On this eleventh day of June 1832 before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, for the said County of Essex, personally appeared Elijah Gould who declares on oath that he is the same Elijah Gould who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Capt Bell in the New Hampshire Regiment Commanded by Col. Reid in the Revolutionary service of the United States that my name was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of New York in the Pension District payable at the City of New York from whence he has lately rumored that he now resides in the State of New York in the Pension district payable at Albany where he intends to remain and wishes his pension to be payable there in the future.  The following are the reasons for removing from Long Island to Ticonderoga in the County of Essex aforesaid that he has resided in Ticonderoga for seven years that he went to Long Island in 1829 on a visit along his friends where he remained until the Act of 1831 then he returned to Ticonderoga which place has has considered his residence for seven years and that he now intends staying at Ticonderoga aforesaid.
Elijah Gould This Mark
Sworn & subscribed to before me this day and year aforesaid
Richard D Arthur Justice of the Peace

I Malcom A Mygatt do solemnly swear that the  person who has taken the above oath is the person described in the affidavit.
M A Mygatt
Sworn and Subscribed
before me this 19th day of 
June AD 1832 
Rich D Arthur Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above Malcom A Mygatt is a person of veracity. June 19th 1832
Rich D Arthur Justice of the Peace
Page 38

State of New York
Essex County ss:
I Leonard Stow Clerk of the said county do certify that Richard D Arthur whose name is subscribed to this found often within affidavit and before whose the same purported to here has sworn his oath this day of the date of the same petition often found in and for said County and that I am well acquainted with his said county and easily believe his name is subscribed to the said affidavit and also to the Certificate of the Candidate often within named Malcom A. Mygatt to be his proper hand illegible writing & signature.     
Withof my hand and seal of offices this 20th day of June 1832.
Leonard Stow Clerk
Page 39

Elijah Gould
Application for a 
New Certificate
Page 40

Application for a New Certificate
State of New York
County of Essex
SS:  on this 13th day of June 1833 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace illegible the said County of Essex personally appeared Elijah Gould who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Bell in the regiment commanded by Colonel George Reid in the war of the United States; that his name was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of New York that he received a certificate of that fact under the signature and seal of the Secretary of War which certificate on or about the tenth day of October last he petitioned with other papers to Mr Melaneton W. Blin for the purpose of procuring the money due thereon from the Pension agent in the City of New York; that since that time he has not seen said certificate.  But on said Blins returning from said City he was informed by him that he had lost said certificate and this Deponent has no doubt that it is lost.
Elijah Gould His Mark
From this 15th day of 
June 1833 before me
Rich D. Arthur Justice of the Peace

As the said Justice hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Elijah Gould who has submitted and sworn to the whose affidavit that he is a man of trust & veracity and that his affidavit is entitled to full faith and credit.  June 15th 1833
Rich D Arthur Justice of the Peace
Page 41

State of New York
County of Essex
SS:  On this 15th Day of June 1833 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Essex personally appeared Thomas Douglas who on his oath declares that he is well acquainted with Elijah Gould who is   subscribed in and who has subscribed and sworn to the within affidavit and that he well knows him to be the same person subscribed therein by the name of Elijah Gould.
Thomas Douglas
Sworn this 15th day of June 1833 before me.
Rich D. Arthur Justice of the Peace

And I the main Justice hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Thomas Douglas who has subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit; that he is a man of truth and veracity.  That his affidavit is entitled to full faith credit.  June 15th 1833
Rich D. Arthur Justice of the Peace

State of New York
County of Essex
S:  On this 15th day of June 1833 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace and for the said County of Essex personally appeared Melaneton W. Blin who on his oath declares that he on or about the tenth day of October last received of Elijah Gould whose affidavit is hereto
Page 42

amend his Pension Certificate referred to in his said affidavit and he took the same with other paper to the City of New York for the illegible of housing from the Pension Agent resident there the money due thereon, and while in the said city on or about the fifteenth day of October last this Deponent lost said certificate and the other papers above mentioned.  This Deponent immediately made search for said certificate but could not find the same nor has he seen it since and he has no doubt but that the same is lost and further this Deponent is well acquainted with the said Elijah Gould and well know him to be the same person described in the amended affidavit sworn to by him I further that he is the same Elijah Gould from whom he received the Pension Certificate which this Deponent lost in the City of New York and who was entitled to Pension truly.
Sworn this 15th day of
June 1833 before me
Melancton W. Blin
Rich D. Arthur Justice of the Peace

And I the said Justice hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Melancton W. Blin who has submitted and sworn to the above affidavit that he is a man of truth & veracity & that his affidavit is entitled to full faith and credit.  June 15th 1833.
Rich D Arthur Justice of the Peace
Page 43

I Leonard Stow Clerk of the County of Essex aforesaid do hereby certify that Richard D. Arthur before whom the within affidavit & entitled Cates purport to have sworn & taken is a Justice of the Peace in and for Essex County and that the signatures subscribed to the said affidavit and certificate purporting to be his signatures illegible of illegible his genuine signatures.  Testimony whereof I have herein illegible to illegible my and  illegible of office this 19th day of June A.D. 1833
P. Morse, Deputy Clerk
Page 44

Ticonderoga NY
June 26
illegible Certificate illegible
Lewis Cass Esq
Secretary of War
Washington
Page 45

Lewis Cass Esq
Secretary of War
Ticonderoga 25th June 1833
Dear Sir, I forward you the Papers in Relation to Elijah Gould; Pension Papers and think that they are made out in due form according to directions received from the War Department in relation to said papers and shall be pleased to have you return as soon as possible The warrant &c
In haste your Old Friends
M. W. Blin illegible
By Thos. Douglas
Page 46

Brattleboro
March 29 1855

Dear Sir
Elijah Gould formerly of Brattleboro and was a Revolutionary Pensioner drew his pension the this place for a few years bout the year 1820 and then moved to the State of New York where he died.  He was probably illegible in the Pension List Roll of New York.  His aged widow now lives here.  Will you please see if his name is not on the List of known Pensioners for Vermont.  All who served with him are dead but some of the old people knew of his having a pension.  Is not his widow entitled to his Pension since his death and $160 illegible.
Yrs Resp
L. G. Mead
Page 47

Brattleborough Mar 30
Free
The Commissioner of 
Pensions
Washington DC
Elijah Gould
NH Act 18 May 1818
Page 48

I Hollan Pettis of Brattleboro in the County of Windham and State of Vermont aged 70 years depose and say that Freelove Gould of said Brattleboro is my sister; her maiden name having been Freelove Pettis.  I was well acquainted with Elijah Gould late of said Brattleboro, deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner & who died at Hadley in the State of New York A. D. 1825.  I believe the said Elijah Gould & my said sister Freelove were married at my father's house in said Brattleboro in the summer of illegible 1811. I think I was present at their wedding saw and heard the marriage ceremony.  They were married by Rev. William Mills then the settled clergyman of Brattleboro.  The said Elijah Gould and said Freelove lived together in said Brattleboro as man & wife illegible brought up a family of children who now live in Brattleboro illegible who are believed to be legitimate.
Hollan Pettis
State of Vermont
Windham County Vt - May 7 1855
Sworn and subscribed illegible and I certify that the said Hollan Pettis is a illegible.
L. G. Mead Just of Peace
Page 49

State of Vermont
Windham, S.S.
I, Royall Tyler, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that Larkin G. Mead was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signatures to the three certificates thereon written are genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, laws of this State to take acknowledgements of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough, this 12th day of May Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty five.
Royall Tyler Clerk
Page 50

I, Henry Allen, of Brattleboro in the County of Windham, State of Vermont aged 72 years, on oath say that I am illegible acquainted with Freelove Gould.  The widow of Elijah Gould formerly of Brattleboro & who I have understood & believe was Revolutionary Pension & died in the State of New York.  I have known said Freelove, since I was a child.  Her father, in her unmarried days lived, but a short distance from my Father.  Her maiden names was Freelove Pettis.  In the year AD 1811I think the said Freelove was married to the said Elijah Gould at her father's home in Brattleboro by Rev. William Wiley, a settled Clergyman residing Brattleboro.  I was at her wedding illegible & heard the marriage ceremony performed.  I further say the said Freelove & Elijah lived together in Brattleboro as man & wife till, said Elijah moved to New York.  That several children that they brought up.  Who now live in Brattleboro & vicinity and are accepted three legitimate children.  The said Freelove was living in Brattleboro & is still a widow.
Henry Allen
Windham Cty State of Vermont May 9th 1855.  Subscribed sworn to the aforesaid and I certify that the said Henry Allen is a credible witness.
L. G. Mead Jus Peace
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I, Joseph Steen, Brattleboro Vt aged 58 years on oath say that I have lived in Brattleboro since my birth.  That I was well acquainted with Elijah Gould & Freelove Pettis, when they were unmarried.  That they were reported to have been in Brattleboro about the year 1811 by Rev. William Wily, then a settled minister in Brattleboro.  That they lived together in Brattleboro, many years as man & wife and brought up a family of children & I never heard a doubt expressed that they were legally married.  The said Elijah was a Revolutionary Pensioner.  That said Elijah went from Brattleboro to Hadley in the State of New York.  He remained a few years, leaving his family in Brattleboro & when he died about the year 1825.  I recollect the time when said Elijah Gould died.  When the news reached Brattleboro said nothing with the family who were then my neighbors upon the subject.
Joseph Steen
Windham County State of Vermont SS May 9, 1855.  Subscribed and sworn to before me and I certify that the said Joseph Steen is a credible Witness.
L. G. Mead Just Peace
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Pension Office
Sept 1855

Sir,
I desire some explanation in relation to the case of Freelove Gould, widow of Elijah, of Vermont, before an allowance can be made.
She declares she was married to him in 1811.  In 1820 he declares that he then had a wife named Sally.  He died after March, 1842, but she alleges in her declaration that he died in 1823, or 1825.  It is remarkable if she lived with him these 17 years between 1825 and 1842, that she should have forgotten the fact.  Is there no record of the marriage?
I am very respectfully
Your Obit. Servt.
Grinnot
Commissioner
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Illegible Sept 12 1855

D Sir
I have now pleasure in forwarding the required explanation of Mrs. Gould's case.  You will see she did not live with him.

Husband from 1825 to 1842.  That he absconded leaving her his brother supporting the children.  Taking with him Sally, who was not his wife.  But with whom he lived.  The error of dates arose from Mrs. Gould's conferring with Mr. Steen.  Who, being an illegible man & an old individual.  She supposes and recollects the time of her husband's death, better than the mistakes in dates was only to her reliance upon his illegible recollection.
Mr. Steen & Mr. Willis are two of our oldest and most reputable illegible & whose veracity is above suspicion.  I beg leave & refer you to Mr. Willard J Willard Hotel Washington for this claimant.
Very Respectfully
L. G. Meade
The illegible illegible illegible certify if required or to his diligent illegible for illegible of their marriage.  illegible fact that may of Rev. Wm. Wiley marriages of that date and not illegible the testimony of others who illegible attended their marriage illegible be had.
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but I suppose the Rule is always complicated with if the illegible of the two witnesses illegible finished.
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Brattleboro
July 17 1855

Dear Sir,
In May last, I forwarded to your care Declarations of Freelove Gould for Pension under Act Feb 1853 and application for Bounty Land, under illegible March last.  I forwarded these to you.  Not that there was any difficult questions in the case.  But, that they might take the right direction in illegible any unnecessary delay or the old lady is very old & feeble & a Pension next year would probably be of very little use to her.  I have not heard whether these papers were received.  Please notify me by return mail if they are received & if so whether they will be acted on soon.  I had supposed the Pension care could be acted on soon, or there cannot be a crowd of this class illegible, or this date.
Very illegible
L. G. Mead
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State of New York
County of Essex
I Palmer M Baker of Ticonderoga in the County of Essex and State of New York of lawful age being duly sworn do depose and say that I was well acquainted with Elijah Gould late of this place deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner.  That I am a merchant and was in the habit of drawing his pension & furnishing him with necessaries from my store.  That I have frequently seen his pension certificate.  He formerly lived in Brattleboro Vt and was transferred from the Vermont agency to the New York Pension agency.  The said Gould died in Ticonderoga in April A.D. 1842 and is buried here.
Palmer Baker 
Subscribed and sworn to before
me this 28 day of August 1855
Wm A. G. Arthur Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Essex County Ss:  Wm. E. Calkins of Ticonderoga in said county of lawful age being duly sworn depose & say that I was well acquainted with Elijah Gould mentioned on the foregoing affidavit of Palmer M. Baker.  That he died in the month of April A.D. 1842 and know that he is buried in Ticonderoga aforesaid.  That I have heard from said Gould and others that he formerly lived in Brattleboro in the State of Vermont.  That he has seen the pension certificate of said Gould in his possession and that upon the
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back thereof was endorsed a memorandum of his transfer from the Vermont agency to the agency for paying pensions at Albany in the State of New York.  That he has no interest in this claim  & is not concerned in its prosecution.
Wm E. Calkins
Subscribe & sworn before
me this 28 day of 
August A.D. 1855
Wm A G. Arthur Justice of the Peace
Essex County  I hereby certify that the foregoing affidavits of Palmer M. Baker & Wm E Calkins were subscribed & sworn before me on the day & year above stated that I know the  affeants to be credible persons that I have no interest in this claim and its use nor are concerned in its illegible.  That the word certificate in affidavit.
W Culkins was interviewed before illegible 
Wm A. G. Arthur Justice of the Peace
Wm A. G. Arthur
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back thereof was enclosed a memorandum of his transfer from the Vermont agency to the agency for paying pensions at Albany in the State of New York.  That he has no interest in this claim & is not concerned in its prosecution.
W E Calkins
Subscribed & sworn before
me this 28 day of
August A.D. 1855
Wm A G Arthur Justice of the Peace
Essex County  Ss: I hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit is of Palmer M Baker& Wm A G Calkins was subscribed & sworn before me on the day & year above stated, that 

State of New York
Essex County, SS. I E. A. Adams, Clerk of said County, and also Clerk of the County Courts in and for said County, (the same being Courts of Record,) Do Certify that William A G. Arthur Esquire whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed Affidavits was, on the day of the date of the said certificate of proof or acknowledgement, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, dwelling therein, duly qualified and authorized by law to take the proof and acknowledgement of deeds, &c., and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe the signature to said certificate of proof or acknowledgement to be genuine, and that the said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of New York.
In Testimony Whereof, I have subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this Twenty eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five
E A Adams Clerk
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illegible 1825 illegible but in 23.  Illegible
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Additional testimony to be used in application of Wid. Freelove Gould for Pension under Act of July 3 1855
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Brattleboro Vt
Sept 3 1855

Dear Sir,
The claims of Freelove Gould for a pension under Act of July 1853.  A widow of Elijah Gould is suspended because the old Lady does not  state the precise time of her husband's death.  I have pleasure in forwarding the discussed proof of the time Elijah's death & his identify as the husband of Freelove Gould formerly of Brattleboro.  The old Lady is quite old and infirm & illegible the time of her husband's death. I hope there will be no delay in illegible this Certificate as she has but a few days to enjoy it.
Your very truly
L. G. Mead
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L. G. Mead
Page 63

State of Vermont
Windham, S.S.
I, Royall Tyler, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that R. W. Clarke was at the date of the paper writings to which is attached, and now is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signatures to the four certificates thereon written are genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgements of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough, this 27th day of September Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five
Royall Tyler Clerk
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I, Joseph Steen of Brattleboro in the County of Windham & State of Vermont. Aged 58 years being under oath, do depose today that I was acquainted with Elijah Gould formerly of Brattleboro, and Freelove Pettis of said Brattleboro, previous to their marriage.  I also know that they lived together as husband & wife, and had a family of children four in number, and never heard there was any doubt of their lawful marriage.  I also know that said Elijah left his wife & family and absconded with an unmarried girl by the name of Sally Barnes, the daughter of James Barnes, and went west into the State of New York, and there lived with the above named Sally Barnes.  After he went into the State of New York, I know nothing of him, except by report.  The four (4) children he left here, were cared for, and supported by their mother, with assistance from her friends.  I also say Mrs. Gould is a woman of weak mind and limited information.  And that about the time she made her application for a pension, as widow of Elijah she came to me, and enquired if I could fix the time of his death, I told her, I should think (as I had no date or means of recollection) that it occurred about years 1823 or 1825.
I further say that Elijah Gould never came back here, or lived with is wife after he left her, as above stated.
Joseph Steen
Subscribed and Sworn to at Brattleboro, County of Windham and State of Vermont, this 26th day of September AD 1855
Before me
R W Clarke Justice of the Peace
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I, N. B. Williston of Brattleboro in the county of Windham, State of Vermont.  Aged 58 years being under oath, do depose and say that I was acquainted with Elijah Gould & wife Freelove when they lived here as husband and wife and that the facts relative to then and his leaving her as set forth in the foregoing deposition of Joseph Steen are true.
N. B. Williston
Subscribed and Sworn to as Brattleboro County of Windham and State of Vermont this 26th day of September AD 1855
Before me R W Clarke Justice of the Peace

The Chs C Frost aged 50 years and Willard Frost aged 51 years at Brattleboro County of Windham State of Vermont on oath say that we have lived in said Brattlelboro from our birth and were well acquainted with Elijah Bould formerly of said Brattleboro and Freelove Pettis who married said Gould.  They lived for several years as man and wife near our Father's house in Brattleboro.  Had four children and we never heard or doubted that they were legally married.  After this, the said Elijah was reported to have had improper intercourse with Sarah Barnes an unmarried Girl living in this place.  They absconded together and were said to have lived together in adultery in the State of New York.  Said Elijah never returned to live with his wife and family afterwards.
Chas C. Frost
Willard Frost
Windham State of Vermont this 26th day of September AD 1855
Before me R. W. Clarke Justice of the Peace
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I Lydia Knight of Brattleboro in the County of Windham and State of Vermont aged sixty two years testify and say that I have known Freelove Pettis now the said Freelove Gould of said Brattleboro for more than fifty years now last past.  I also know Elijah Gould, deceased, formerly of said Brattleboro.  I lived near said Freelove's father and know that said Freelove was married to said Elijah Gould.  I was present at her wedding with said Elijah at her father's house.  They were married by the Rev William Wiley who was then the only settled minister of the Gospel in said Brattleboro.  The said Freelove and Elijah then after said marriage lived together as man and wife in said Brattleboro for several years having a family of children.  Said Elijah then left his family in Brattleboro and went to the State of New York with one Sally Barnes of said Brattleboro with whom I understood he afterward lived.  Said Elijah never after that returned to said Brattleboro to live with his family.  I recollect that Hollau Pettis, Henry Allen, Cynthia Dickerman all others were present at the wedding of the said Elijah and Freelove.
Lydia Knight
Subscribed and Sworn to at said Brattleboro County of Windham State of Vermont this 26th day of September AD 1855.  Before me R. W. Clarke Justice of the Peace
I further say that I am personally acquainted with each of the forgoing deponents that they are all credible witnesses and that I have no interest in this claim.
R W Clarke Justice of the Peace
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I Joseph Steen of Brattleboro in the County of Windham & State of Vermont, aged 55 years on oath say that I have resided in said Brattleboro from my childhood to this time and am now one of the Selectmen of town.  I have known Freelove Gould from Brattleboro when illegible & since her marriage with Elijah Gould her late husband.  He was a Revolutionary Pensioner who afterward lived & died in the State of New York.  I know said Elijah Gould & Freelove lived together as man & wife for many years in my immediate neighborhood & never heard it doubted illegible that they were living married & I believe they were.  Tho I have learned from the Town Clerk of the town of Brattleboro there is no record of their marriage in the illegible.  Soon after said Elijah was placed upon the Pension List for Vermont said Elijah Gould ran away or absconded from Brattleboro with one Sally Barnes an unmarried girl the daughter of James Barnes living near this village with whom I have always understood & believe he lived in adultery in the State of New York until the time of his death leaving his wife Freelove Gould with four children in the town dependent upon her own labor for support.  Elijah Gould never again returned to his family in Brattleboro.  Mrs. Freelove Gould is quite aged and very much broken down in strength & mind
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When she was about to make her declaration for a Pension, last spring, she applied to me to assist her in fixing the time of her marriage & the death of her husband.  The time of the marriage I could recount, but the time of her Husband's death I fixed in 1823 or 1825 and she relying on my reflection (which seems to have proven incorrect) she illegible those dates in her Declaration.  As Elijah Gould after absconding with said Sally held in correspondence with his wife, family, or neighbors here.  And I will only arrive at the date of his death from my illegible illegible of the time in which I then thought I first hear of it.  I have no more doubt of the legal marriage of Elijah & Freelove that I have of any of my neighbors.  I know the person who swore they were present at their wedding & know them to be perfectly credible witnesses.  I know too that many marriages of the date of theirs are not to be found in our town books.  Mrs. Gould's mind is feeble & in case of fixing any distant date and be confused to rely much of the reflections of others.
Joseph Steen 
Windham County
Sept 11 1855
Subscribed & Sworn to 
Before me L. G. Mead Just Peace
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I Nathan B. Williston of Brattleboro aged 58 years  on oath say that I have resided more than 44 years in said Brattleboro & have traded here on as a merchant for 36 years past.  I was well acquainted with Elijah Gould the Husband of Freelove Gould now residing here and know the said Elijah & believe lived together in the town as man & wife, many years & had a Family of children, who are now amongst us.  I traded with Elijah & Family & believe they were married as much as I believe any of my neighbors were whom I did not see married.  Soon after said Elijah was placed on the Pension List.  He absconded from said Brattleboro with a girl named Sally Barnes with whom I have always since learned & believed he lived in adultery in the State of New York.  I will attest all the circumstances of the illegible.    Said Freelove was left with the children to support them as she best could.  Said Gould leaving no property here.  Mrs. Gould is now living here very old, infirm, & destitute.
Nathan B. Williston
State of Vermont illegible
duplicate illegible
Sept. 11, 1855 Before L. G. Mead  Just. Peace
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I Nathan B. Williston of Brattleboro aged 58 years  on oath say that I have resided more than 44 years in said Brattleboro & have traded here on as a merchant for 36 years past.  I was well acquainted with Elijah Gould the Husband of Freelove Gould now residing here and know the said Elijah & believe lived together in the town as man & wife, many years & had a Family of children, who are now amongst us.  I traded with Elijah & Family & believe they were married as much as I believe any of my neighbors were whom I did not see married.  Soon after said Elijah was placed on the Pension List.  He absconded from said Brattleboro with a girl named Sally Barnes with whom I have always since learned & believed he lived in adultery in the State of New York.  I will attest all the circumstances of the illegible.    Said Freelove was left with the children to support them as she best could.  Said Gould leaving no property here.  Mrs. Gould is now living here very old, infirm, & destitute.

State of Vermont
Windham, S.S.
I, Royall Tyler, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that Larkin G. Mead was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signatures to these two certificates thereon written was genuine; that the said writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough, this 11th day of September Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty five.
Royall Tyler Clerk