Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,070, Joseph French, N.H.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
N.H.

French, Joseph  
Polly

NUMBER
W. 23,070

CONTENTS
Page 2

17560R
New Hampshire
Joseph French
of Warren in the state of New Hampshire who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Long of the New Hampshire line, for the term of One year.
Inscribed on the Roll of New Hampshire at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 11 of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 of June 1820 and Sent to Ezra Bartlett Esq. Haverhill, NHre
Arrears to 4th of March 1820 - 182:36
Semi annual allowance ending 4 September 1820.   48  $230:36
22 20/30/6/31
Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.
Continued.
Page 3

4255
Concord New Hampshire
Polly French widow of Joseph French N.Y. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private Increased from $80 per an:
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the first day of July, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the seventh day of January 1857 and sent to Hon. A. Tuck
Ho of Rep.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 71 Vol. 1 [or page 11 vol. 1]
Page 4

10,895
Dr French
Declaration of Polly French Widow to Joseph French
Polly French
N.H.
Act 7 July 38
m 90. d 43.

Hon. J.H.Reding
H.R.
Page 5

State of New Hampshire Grafton ss.
On this Fifteenth [circled] sixteenth day of October Eighteen hundred and
forty three personally appeared before the Judge of
Probate of the County of Grafton aforesaid, Polly French
a resident of Warren
in said County aged Seventy four
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 Congress
passed July 7th A.D. 1838 entitled An act granting
half pay and pensions to certain widows. That she is
the widow of Joseph French, who was a private in
the Army of the Revolution and who was inscribed
on the Pension List Roll at the rate of Eight dol
lars per month. She further declares that the
was married to the said Joseph French on the
first day of April Seventeen hundred and ninety,
that her husband the aforesaid Joseph French died
on the seventeenth day of September eighteen hundred
and forty three; that she was not married
to him prior to his leaving the service but that the
marriage took place point
previous to the first day
of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four
Viz: at the time above stated
Poley Junch
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written
Before Walter Blair Judge of Probate
Page 6

I hereby certify that the within named Polly French
is unable by bodily infirmity in consequence of a
severe attack of Influenzia to attend in open Court
she living more than fifteen miles from the place
of holding any court, accordingly the within
declaration was taken at the dwelling in Warren
I also certify that the word "sixteenth"" in the foregoing
declaration on the first line, & the words "New Hampshire Agency" on the twelfth line were inserted before signing

Walter Blair Judge of Probate
for the County of Grafton
State of New Hampshire
Grafton p. 
I Samuel Swasey Register of the
Court of Probate for said County hereby
certify that Walter Blair is Judge of Probate
for said County of Grafton [illegible] in commission
and that the above signature of the said
Judge, and also his signature at the bottom
of the preceding page are both genuine that
said Judge's Commission was dated July 2d
A.D. 1841 and will expire October 1st A.D. 1866
Given under my hand and the seal of said
Court of Probate this twenty fourth day of
October A.D. 1843.
Samuel Swasey Register
---
Page 7

State of New Hampshire Grafton Co.
Warren October 12th A.D. 1843
I Russell K. Clement of
County and State aforesaid Clerk of the
town of Warren depose and say that the ful
wing is a true copy of the record in this Office
the marriage of Joseph and Polly French with
exception of the date which is expressed on the
record in fair legible figures, the first day
of April seventeen hundred and ninety-1790)
Joseph French & Polly Batchelder
both of Warren were lawfully married to
each other the first day of April Seventeen
hundred and ninety by me
Obadiah Eastman Justice Peace
me
Russell K. Clement, above named, depose and
say, that I hold the Office of Clerk in the
Town, County and State aforesaid and that the
above is a true extract from the record of
said town, with the exception above named by
me
Russell K. Clement
after ss. October 12th A.D. 1843
Clerk of
the town
Sworn to and subscribed before
of Warren
David C. French Justice of the Peace
Page 8

I hereby identify that the wards October 12th A.D. 1845 in the bargaining certificate were drafted by mt by first writing and scratching out through mistake and afterwards writing as it now is.

David C. French, Justice of the Peace

State of New Hampshire
Grafton County set-
I Nathan B. Felton, Clerk of the Court of Governor Pleas of the County & State aforesaid, di hereby certify that David C. French is an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said county duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was duted on the 21st day of May AD 1983, and will expire on the 21st day of May AD 1844, and that his three signature above written (on the first, third and fourth pages of this sheet) are genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County the eighteenth day of October AD, 1848.
N B Felton, Clerk
Page 9


Page 1
State of New Hampshire Grafton ss.
Warren October 12th AD. 1843
We Moses. H. Clement and Moses C. Abbott of Warren
aforesaid, of lawful age, depose and say, that were ┃
knowing to the death of Joseph French late of Warren ┃
aforesaid, that he died on the Seventeenth day of
September A.D. 1843 we know that he is dead and
[illegible] we assisted at his death and funeral
Moses H. Clement
MosesC. Abbot

Sworn to before me the day and year above
mentioned
David C. French Justice of the Peace ┃
The word (we) entertined in the second line of the body of ┃
the above deposition was interlined before signing
David C. French Justice of the Peace
Page 10

Joseph French
Ref for and of Magistate
of the scribility detentioness
of Witnesses -
Adm D
22 June 1820
Page 11

State of New-Hampshire
Grafton SS.)
On the eleventh day of April 1818 before me the subscriber, on of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for said County personally appears Joseph French aged 58 years, resident in Warren in the said State, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitles "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war:" That he the said Joseph --- enlisted in the month of August AD 1776 in the State of New Hampshire in the company commanded by Captain Timothy Clement of the Regt. commanded by Col. Pierce Long, N. Hampshire line; that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States, until the month of August 1777 - , when he was discharged from service in Stillwater State of New York; [unintelligible]

I, Ezra Bartlett Judge of of the Court of Common Pleas as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Joseph French on indigent circumstances as stands in need of assistance as did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy; 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. 

June 15th, 1820
Ezra Bartlett
Page 12

I Gordon Burley of Dorchester in the County of
Grafton in the State of New Hampshire being
fifty eight years of age do testify and say, that the month of August 1776 I inlisted into the army of the United States in the Company commanded by Captain Mark Wiggins in the Regiment command by Col Pierce Long in the New Hampshire line, and very soon after my enlistment I joined the
Regiment at or near Portsmouth, soon after I joined the regiment I became acquainted with Joseph French
who was a soldier in the Company Commanded by Capt. Timothy Clement in the same Regiment, we
hath intested for one year, and I am well known
that the said Joseph French is the same man who is my presents, and times - Warren in said
County and is applying for a pension for the
aforesaid service, and that he the said French faithfully served said Regiment on savior, and was honorably
disposed with the Regiment some time in the month of August 1777 at a place called Stillwater in the State
New York. I further testify that I have no intent
the application of the said Joseph French for
pension
Canton N.H. June 12, 1820
Gordon Burley
Grafton ss. State of Newhampshire
June 12, 1820 the Gordon Burley signer of the
above affidavit personally came before me
made oath that the same is just and trueand

and I hereby certify that I have long been
able with
with the said Burley and that he is acres
ness and that full faith & credit is to be seven
to his testimony Daniel Blandell
Page 13

I Gourdon Burley of Dorchester in the County
Grafton in the State of New Hampshire being
in the fifty-eight year of age do testify and say that
in the month of August 1776 I enlisted into the
service of the United States in the company commanded
by captain Mark Wiggins in the Regiment
commanded by Colonel Pierce Long in the
New Hampshire line, and very soon after my enlist,
ment I joined the regiment at or near Portm
outh soon after I join the Regiment I became 
acquainted with Joseph French who was enlisted as a private soldier
in the company commanded by Timothy Clements, in 
in the same Regiment, we both enlisted for the term
of one year, and I am well knowing that the
said Joseph French is the same man who is
now applying for a pension, and that he faith-
fully served in said Regiment, at the place where
we joined the Regiment, and at Mountindepen
dence and on the retreat before General Burgains
army the full term of one year, when some
time in the month of August 1777 at a place 
called Stillwater in the State of New York the
said Regiment with said French, amongst the
west was honorably discharged, by our discharge
being read at the head of the Regiment, and I
further testify that I have no interest in the appl-
ication of the said Joseph for his pension
Dorchester January 13th, 1820 Gordon Burley
Page 14

State of New Hampshire
Grafton Then Gourdon Burley subscriber to the
deposition upon the other side appeared and swore
solemn oath that the same is just and true
before me
Dorchester January 13th, 1820
Joseph Burley Justice Geo
State of New Hampshire
Grafton
Court Common Pleas Clerks Office
This certifies to whom it may concern that Joseph
Burley Esquire whose name appears above is a Justice of the
peace within (illegible) (illegible) County of Grafton duly qualified
to the office that full faith & credit is and ought
to be given to his land as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
my name and affixed the Seal of
said Court this 15th day of January
Anno Domini 1820
Geo Woodward Clerk
Page 15

I Daniel Blaisdell of Canaan in the County of Grafton in
the State of New Hampshire being fifty eight years of age do
testify and say that in the month of August 1776 I enlisted into the
service of the United States in the company commanded by Captain
Timothy Clements in the Regiment commanded by Colonial
Pierce Long in the New Hampshire line, and very soon
after my enlistment I join the Regiment at or near
Portsmouth soon after I join the Regiment I became
who now is living in Warren (illegible) County
acquainted with Joseph French who was also enlisted
as a private soldier in the same company, we both
enlisted for the term of one year and I am well knowing
that the said Joseph French is the same man who is
now applying for a pension, and that he faithfully
Served in said Regiment at the place where we
join the Regiment, and at Mountindependence and
on the retreat before general Borgains Army the full
term of one year when some time in the month
of August 1777 at a place called Stillwater in the
State of New York the said Regiment with said French
among the rest was honorably dismissed by our
discharge being read it the head of the Regiment
And I further testify that I have no interest in the
application of the said Joseph for his pension
Canaan Jan 5th 1820
Daniel Blaisdell
Page 16



State of Newhampshire
Grafton ss
Then Daniel Blaisdell subscriber to the
Deposition upon the other side appeared and
made solemn oath that the same is just and
true before me Thos H Pettingill - Justice Peace
Jan 7 th. 1820
I hereby certify that Daniel
Blaisdell subscribed to the
Deposition upon the other side is one of the Justices of the Court of
pleas for the County of Grafton, State of Newhampshire
and that his testimony is entitled to full faith and credits
Thomas H.
Pettingill Justice Peace
Jan 7 1820


Grafton ss
State of New Hampshire
Court Common Pleas Clerks
This certified to whom it may concern that Thomas H. Pettingell Esq Whose name appears above is a Justice of the Peace within afore the county of Grafton afores?
duly qualified to take affidavits & that full faith & credit is and [illegible] be given to his [illegible] as such
In testimony where of I have hereunto put my name + official the seal of paid court this 15 th day of January Anno Domini 1820 Geo Woodward Clerk
-
Page 17

Joseph French 

17.560

Sept. 1820

Continue
Page 18

District of New Hampshire
County of Grafton
         At the Court of Comman Pleas
holden at Plymouth in said county of Grafton being
a court of record for said county on the eleventh day
of July in at the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and twenty-
                                Personally appeared in open Court
Joseph French aged sixty years the 10th day of Decem-
ber last past resident in Warren in the county of
Grafton aforesaid who being first duly sworn
according to law doth on his Oath declare that he
served in the revolutionary war One year as follows
Vis a private soldier in Capt Timothy Clements com-
pany Col. Pierce Longs regiment in the New Hamp
shire line.  his Original declaration is dated eleventh
day of April 1818 has received a pension & his pension
certificate is numbered 17,560.
                             And I do solemnly swear
that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the
eighteenth day of March 1818.  And that I have not since
that time by gift sale or in any other manner dis-
posed of my property or any part thereof with intent
so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provis-
ions 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
March 18th 1818. And that I have not nor has any per-
son 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.  I further declare that I am by occupa-
ion a laborer and depend on my labor for support
I have a wife of 50 years old out of health & unable to per-
form much labor for 15 years past I have four children
with me Vis Mehitable aged 21 unhealthy & has been
Page 19

For 3 years totally unable to contribute to her own
support David aged 18 years of a slender constitution
Reuben aged 15 healthy and John aged 13 years also healthy
but they all look to me for support
Joseph French
I further state that the underwriter is a just & true
schedule of the property of which I hold possession (illegible)
One Cow upon leave worth 16..00
One calf worth 2 
Small Shoats worth 4..00
farming tools worth 6..
fell articles of house hold stuff worth 6..00.
Total amt $34..00.
Joseph French
We the undersigned being the Selectmen for the
town of Warren do hereby certify that we are well
acquainted with the above named Joseph French
and believe the above to be a just valuation of
his property Joseph Patch June Selectmen
Nathl. Clough of
Warren
Grafton fs Warren July 10th,1820
Then the above named Joseph
Patch dun & Nathl Clough I made Solemn Oath
that the above certificate by them subscribed is just
and true before me Abel Merrill Just Peace
Sworn to and declared before the Honorable
Ezra Bartlett & Esquires Justices of
Danl. Blaisdell said Court
on this eleventh day of, July in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and twenty 
Geo. Woodward Clerk
Page 20

Grafton ss.
State of New Hampshire
I George Woodward Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas for said county do hereby certify that the
foregoing oath and schedule thereto an
next are truly copied from the record of said court
I 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 thirty four dollars
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & affixed
the seal of said Court in this
eleventh day of July in the year
of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and twenty -
Geo Woodward Clerk
by
to
Page 21

September 6, 1939
BA-J/MCS
Joseph French, W.23070

Miss Charis Strong
2716 Broadway Avenue
Evanston, Illinois

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your request for information relative to Joseph French who served in the Revolutionary War and received a pension while living in Warren, Grafton County, New Hampshire.

The data which follow were taken from papers in file in the pension claim, W.23070, based on the military services of Joseph French.

Joseph French was born December 10, 1759.  The place of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown.

He enlisted in New Hampshire in August, 1776, as private in Captain Timothy Clement's company in Colonel Piers Long's New Hampshire regiment and was discharged in August, 1777. He enlisted February 18, 1778, and served until January 4, 1779, as private in Captain Samuel Dearborn's company in Colonel Stephen Peabody's New Hampshire regiment and it was stated that he enlisted in this service from Epping, New Hampshire.

Joseph French was allowed pension on his application executed April 11, 1818, at which time he was living in Warren, Grafton County, New Hampshire.

Joseph French died September 17, 1843.
 
This soldier married in Warren, New Hampshire, April 1, 1790, Polly Batchelder and both were residents of Warren.

As the widow of Joseph French, Polly French was allowed pension on her application executed October 16, 1843, while living in Warren, New Hampshire, aged seventy-four years. She was living there in 1848.

Made no mention of service in 1781 shown on report from Office of Secretary of State, N.H. as this may belong to another Joseph French.

MCS
Page 22

In 1820, Joseph French referred to the following children: Mahitable, aged twenty-one; David, aged eighteen, Reuben, aged fifteen; and John, aged thirteen.

In 1850, David C. French and Ruth B. French served as witnesses for the widow, Polly French, relationship not shown.

There are no further data relative to family.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 23

6625
Concord
New Hampshire

Polly French
widow of Joseph French
who was a Private
in the N.H. Line
Increased from $40 p. ann
Inscribed on the Roll at a rate of 80 Dollars 00 
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 
25 day of June '45
and sent to  D. C. Churchill, Lyme, N.H.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
June 17, 1844
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2 Page 15

2 Cents Increased
1 act 1838
1 " 1843 & 1844
rep
See Set to June 25 '45
Page 24

Concord
6625
New Hampshire
---
Sally French
widow of Joseph French
who was a Private in
the N.H. Line,-
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
40 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 17th [crossed out 4th] day of [crossed out March] Sept, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
24 day of Jany 45
and sent to
Hon. J. R. Reding
[illegible] of [illegible]

Act of March 3, 1843.
and June 17. 1844
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2
Page 13

Let to
Hon J.R. Reding
Feb 15, [illegible]'45
Let to D. C.
Churchill June 2d 45
[illegible] 25 Mon 45
No 27
March 15, 1845
March, 1843
joint resolution Jan 23d 1845,
certificate issued under act 7th 
July, 1838, & for arrears under act
3d March, 1843 
March 15, 1845 }
Page 25

V Rejected

Letter to Hon. J.H. Reding. May 1844
Page 26

9090
New Hampshir
Polly French
widow of Joseph French
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818
and who died on the 17 September 43
of Grafton Co in the State of N.H.
who was a private in the
commanded by Captain of the
---
commanded by Col. Long in
the N. H. - line for 12 mos.
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord
at the rate of 40. Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of
March 1845 and Hon: J R Reding
Total amount,
$200.00
Act July 7, 1838
Recorded by Nelson Clerk
Book D
Vol. 1
Page 29
Clerk,
---
990
New Hampshire
-
Polly French
widow of Joseph French
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818
and who died on the 17 September 1843
of Grafton Co in the State of NH
who was a pri
in the Co
commanded by Captain of the
commanded by Long in the N. H.
line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Concord
at the rate of
80 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day
of March 1836. Inceased from $40 p-annum
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of
June 45 and sent to
D C Churchill
Lyme
Total amount$ NH
Act July 7, 1838.
Recorded by F L Swann Clerk,
Book
D
Vol 1 Page 29
Page 27

4255
New Hampshire Con
Polly French
widow of Joseph 
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars --
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 
12 day of Mch 1849
and sent to David C. French Warren N.H.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioner under Act
February 2, 1848, Page 71 Vol. 1
Page 28

Haverhill, N. H. 14th June, 1820

Sir,
The accompanying paper in the case of Joseph French were returned to me for the purpose of obtaining the certificate of the Magistrate of the creditability of disinterestedness of the witnesses.  The affidavit of the Hon. Daniel Blaisdell,  which is in his own hand writing, disclaims any interest which he has in the success or non-success of the applicant in this application, and the Magistrate before whom this affidavit was taken, Thomas H. Pettingill Eq. certified as the credibility of Judge Blaisdell.

The affidavit of Gordon Burley is taken anew before Judge Blaisdell with his certificate of the credibility of the deponent; and the deponent states his own disinterestedness, having been, as I am informed, placed on the pension list for services performed in the same Regiment with the applicant.

I am, respectfully, 
Your Abut. Juror
Ezra Bartlett

Hon, John C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Page 29

(page 1)
Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3rd of March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows
State of New Hampshire
Grafton Co
On this twenty second day of August AD 1844 personally appeared before me Walter Blair Judge of Probate for the county of Grafton Polly French a resident of Warren in said county of Grafton aged seventy five years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 3rd of March AD 1943 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Joseph French who was a private in the Revolutionary Army and inscribed on the pension list roll of the N. H. agency of the rate of eight dollars per month; who died on the seventeenth day of September AD 1843. That the declarant is entitled to receive a pension at the rate of eight dollars per month from said 17th day of September AD 1843 to the 4th day of March 1844 under the act of March 3rd 1843 aforesaid and she further declares that she was married to said Joseph French on the seventieth day of first day April seventeen hundred and ninety that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the
Page 30

(page 2)
marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1794 viz at the time above mentioned and that she is still a widow.
Polly French
Sworn and subscribed to the day and year above written before me
Walter Blair Judge of Probate
I certify that in consequence of bodily infirmity caused by general debility & weakness the said Polly is unable to attend court the distance being about fifteen miles to the nearest place of court. I also certify that the words "seventieth day of" in the third line from the bottom of the first page of the above declaration was struck round before signing.
Walter Blair Judge of Probate
Page 31

(page 3)
State New Hampshire Grafton Co. January 1st 1845
I Isaac Merrill of lawful age depose and say that I am Clerk of the town of Warren in the County and State aforesaid; and that there is on the records of said Town of Warren, in a fair and legible hand writing a record of the marriage of Joseph and Polly French in the follow words Viz. Joseph French and Polly Batchelder both of Warren were lawfully married to each other the first day of April seventeen hundred and ninety.
Obadiah Eastman Justice Peace
At time Copy, attest Isaac Merrill Town Clerk
A true copy of Record
attest
Isaac Merrill Town Clerk
Isaac Merrill Clerk of Warren aforesaid depose and say that the above is a true extract of the Record of the marriage of Joseph and Polly French as appears on the records of said Town of Warren excepting the words Seventeen hundred and ninety which is written in fair and legible figures 1790.
Isaac Merrill Town Clark of Warren
Sworn to, and subscribed before me the day and year above written
David C. French Justice of the Peace
State of New Hampshire Grafton Co January 1st 1845
We Moses H. Clement and Moses C. Abbott of lawful age depose and say that we were present at the death of Joseph French late of Warren in said County a Revolutionary Pensioner, and know that he died on the seventeen day of September A.D. 1843.
Moses H. Clement
Moses C. Abbot
The words (we) in the 4th line from the bottom was interlined before signing.
Subscribe and sworn to the day and year above written before me
David C. French Justice of the Peace
Page 32

State of New Hampshire
Grafton Co
I Samuel Swasey Register of the Court of Probate in the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Walter Blair is the acting Judge of Probate in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated July 2nd A.D. 1841. And will expire on the first day of October A.D. 1866. And that his two signatures above written (on the "page 2" of this Sheet) are genuine.
I also hereby certify that David C. French is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated the 20th day of May A.D. 1844, and will expire on the 20th day of May A.D. 1849, and that his signature above written (on "page 3") is genuine.
Given under my hand & the seal of said Court of Probate this 3rd day of January A.D. 1845.
Samuel Swasey Reg
Page 33

J. L. Edwards Born of Pensions
Page 34

Haverhill October 31st 1843
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions-- Dear Sir you have inclosed a Certificate of marriage of Edward Pollard
and Polly Walcot of Barnet Calliconia County State of Vermont - Also a Declaration of the Widow Polley French to establish her claim for a Pension.
The widow Lydia Brown of Warren N.H. widow to John Brown, for whom I recd a Pension
Certificate for 1843-- says she has a Balance
due her for arrearage of Pension for 5 years. I renote you concerning the arrearage of Pension due Olive Putnam of Newbury Vt. She states that a sum is due her and desires you to look into the case and whatever may be found due forward to me. I wish you to search the records & see what is due of the five years Pension to the following widows and send me the balances due. Viz-Sarah Ladd widow of Jonathan Ladd - Hannah Martin 
 widow of Peter Martin - Sally Ladd widow of Joseph Ladd - Nancy Carleton widow of Jesse Carleton -- Abiah Knight widow of Moses Knight & Jane Currier widow of Thomas Currier - Nancy Bixby widow of David Bixby - Sarah Glenney
widow of Isaac Glenney - Polly Hackett widow of John Hackett - and if any further is wanting to prove their claims you will be so good as to inform me. I am Sir with due respect, yours sincerely
Nathaniel Rize
Page 35

Warren January 25th 1844
Dear Sir
On receiving your letter I went to the administrator of the Estate of Nathl Rix late of Haverhill and looked for his files for the papers relative to Mrs Polly French pension claim. I would not find them there. I learn from the Clerk of the County Probate Court that he certified to the signature of the Judge some time about the 20th of October last, and that Mr Rix carried the papers from his office about that time, and he probably forward them if at all, soon after that time; the last record that he kept of communications to your relative to pension is dated Oct 25th /43.
The act under which Mrs French asks a pension
was the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838.
Mr. Rix was also engaged in obtaining the bounty land due a Mr William Whiteman, a soldier in the last war Wm Whiteman learned from a communication from you to Mr Rix dated Sept 5th 1843 that his claim was not sufficiently established to entitle him to land: he has since obtained the affidavit of his Commanding Officer relation to his faithful services, which I herewith enclose to you with his declaration.
It is the request of Mr Whiteman and
Mrs French (since the death of Mr Rix) that I should enquire after their claims. Any thing that is not right or if any thing more is wanted to establish their claims, information from you will be thankfully and respectfully received
Your Obedient Servant
Daniel C. French
Hon. 
J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pension
Page 36

Widow Polly French
Page 37

Declaration
In orhttps://catalog.archives.gov/images/misc/drag.pngder to obtain the benefits of the resolution of Congress of the
23rd January 1845

Whereas the act of the 30th of April 1844 prohibited me from drawing
a pension for the same period during which my husband
was a pensioner, I now make the following statement-
under oath to obtain the benefits of the resolution above men
tioned.  I am the widow of Joseph French who was
a private in the war of the Revolution; I have drawn a
pension at the rate of forty Dollars per annum from
the 17th day of September 1843 and now ask for the amo
unt due me from the fourth day of March 1836 to the 17th
day of September 1843 when my former pension com
menced.
Polly French [Signature]

Sworn to and subscribed before me, on this 15 day of Feb
unary in the year 1845 at Warren in the County of Grafton
David C. French [Signature] Justice of the Peace

I certify that the declarant is personally known to me and that she is the
same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit
David C. French [Signature] Justice of the Peace

I N.B. Felton Clerk of the Court Common Pleas for the County of Grafton
& State of New Hampshire do hereby certify that D.C. French
who has signed the foregoing is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Grafton
in the State of New Hampshire and that the above is his signature.

In testimony whereof I have sworn to subscribed my name
and affixed by seal of Office this 21st day of February 1845 at Hav
erhill in the State of New Hampshire
 {Seal}                                                    N. B. Felton Clerk
Page 38

Hon. J. R Reding
Washington DC
Page 39

Lyme N H Feb 22d 1845
Friend Reding
Sir
Pardon me for again troubling you. I wish you to present this application of Polly French and
process a certificate if you can before you return if possible which however I do not expect you will be able to do. You have not stated whether or not you received the papers I sent you in the case of Nath Rix children as to the death of their mother their names 
will you write me and say whether you recd them
what you did with them
your truly
D. C Churchill
Page 40

State of New Hampshire.
Secretary of States Office, I Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that
upon the Pay Roll of Capt. Samuel Dearborn Co. in
Col. Stephen Peabody's Regt. is borne the name of Joseph French as a private, for ten months & eighteen days, from Feby 18th, 1778 to Jany 4th, 1779. I further certify that upon a paper entitled "Six months levies
to reinforce New Hampshire line at West Point in 1781" is borne the name of Joseph French, time in service, four months & fifteen days.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand &
affixed the Seal of said State, this 18th, day of March 1845.
Thomas P. Treadwell
Secretary of State
Page 41

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commr. of Pensions
Page 42

Lyme, NH April 5, 1845

Dear Sir
At the request of Polly French of Warren NH widow of Joseph French late of said Warren deceased, I herewith forward testimony for the purpose of getting her pension increased to $80.00 per annum (instead of $40.00 for which I understand she has lately received a certificate).
I am aware that the Department require a full copy of the from the New Hampshire records, but as it will be attended with an extra expense of $6.00 or $8.00 to procure full copies of the rolls on which the name of Joseph French is borne - it occurred to me that the certificate of the Secretary of State and the additional testimony of Joseph Fellows identifying that Joseph French with {illegible} Peaboddy's Regiment in which it appears that Joseph French served 10 months and 18 days the Department wants grant the increase of $40.00 per occurrence without further testimony as to the 4 mo. & 15 days is necessary in addition to the 10 month & 18 days is satisfactory {illegible}. If anything further is required to establish this issue {illegible} please inform me - please state on the receipt of this (if {illegible} whether or not you wish her present certificate returned

I have the {illegible} to be very respectfully yours {illegible}
DC Churchill
Page 43

Hon J. L. Edwards, Washington, D.C.
Page 44

Lyme NH June 19th 1845
Sir
I have at length obtained the accompanying Pension Certificate of Polly French under the act of March 3rd 1843 and June 17 1844 and forward the same for the purpose of having her pension increased from 40.- to 80.00 per annum agreeably to your instructions of June 2nd 1845.
I have the Hon to be very 
Respectfully your obt Servant
D C Churchill

Hon J L Edwards
Commr of Pension
Washington D.C.
Page 45

Warren N.H. September 13th 1848
My Dear Sir
I enclose to you the Declaration of Polly French to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of Feb 2nd 1848 making further provisions for servicing widows & soldiers of the Revolution 
You will have the goodness to forward her certificate of inscription on the Pension List Roll to me as soon as convenient.
Your Obt. Servant
David C. French
Hon. J.L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 46

State of New Hampshire Grafton Co
Before me David C French a Justice of the Peace for the County of Grafton and State aforesaid appeared Polly French and an oath made the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Joint Resolution of the first of July A.D. 1848
That she is the widow of Joseph French who was a pensioner under the Act of the 18th of March 1818 at ninety six dollars per annum.
That she has received a pension under the act of February 2nd 1848 at the rate of eighty dollars per annum and she asks an increase of her pension to the same amount received by her husband, and all arrearages to which she is entitled by any existing [illegible]
Polly French
Witnesses David C. French
Ruth B. French
Nov. 1 1840
I certify that Polly French is personally known to me to be the person she represents herself to be, and is a credible person
David C. French Justice of the Peace

I certify that David C. French whose certificate & [illegible] signature is above written is a Justice of the Peace for [illegible] County of Grafton, and that his Commission is dated May 24, 1849, & continues five years thereafter.
Amos Tuck, Member of Cong. 1st Dist. N.H.
Date of Commission 24 May 1849 Died Sept 17 1843
Page 47

Warren N.H.
Dec 29
Hon J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
[illegible] 10

Dec 26 48,
Polly French
Widow of Joseph Died Declaration
David French
4255 
NH. 48-
Page 48

Warren N.H. December 19 1848
Sir
I enclosed to you some three or four months since an application, or declaration for Polly French widow of Joseph French who was a private in the army of the Revolution, for the benefit of the last act of Congress running and granting pensions to Widows, &c.
I have not received any return from you . When I forwarded the papers I thought her pension certificate which expired on the 4t of March inst was returned. I have today learned that it was not returned, and [illegible] know but that may be the reason why her declaration has not been returned, I now enclose it to you. Will you have the goodness to forward her certificate as soon as convenient or write me, if any thing is wanting to establish her claim to a pension
Respectfully Your obt. Servt
David C French

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Com. Pensions
Page 49

Warren N.H.
Feb 12
Free
J.H. Johnson M.C.
Washington D.C
July 20 48
Hon J H Johnson
House of Reps
File 4255,48
NH
Page 50

Warren N.H.
February 11th 1849
My Dear Sir
Some four or five months since (if I [illegible] right) I sent to the Hon. J.L Edwards Commissioner Pensions, the Application of Polly French widow of Joseph French, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, for a renewal of her Pension Certificate according to the last acts of Congress duly executed, not receiving any return; some two or three months after I found that her original certificate was not returned. I enclosed it to Mr. Edwards wishing him to attend to it as soon as convenient. I have not yet received any return. I saw Judge Churchill of Lynne, a few days since, and inquired of him what could be the reason that no attention had been made to the application, he thought it must have been laid by and forgotten. Polly French was a pensioner by the former acts of Congress at the rate of $80.- per annum 
I wish you to have the goodness to enquire into the issue; see Mr. Edwards and mention the reason, if any, why her certificate is not renewed and inform me as soon as convenient, and [illegible]
your obt servant
David C. French
Hon J.H Johnson
Page 51

House of Reps
Feb 28, 1845.
Sir - Accompanying you in review the application of Mrs French, together with the letter of Judge Churchill - relative to the same
[illegible]fully yours
John R Reding
Page 52

Payment to be made at Concord New Hampshire by Hon Isaac Hill, Agent for paying pensioners, in the agency of Concord, New Hampshire, payable on the 4th September and 4th March

Recorded in th pension office, in Book A Vol. 2 Page 15
F.L. Swann, Clerk
Page 53

War Department.
Widow's Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of March 3, 1843, and June 17. 1844. Polly French of New Hampshire, [blank line] widow of Joseph French, [blank line] who was a Private died on the - 17 - day of September 1843, -
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Forty, - dollars and - cents per annum,
17. September, 4th March 1843, and terminating on the 4th of
the Pensioner shall marry or die before the last case the Pension is not payable after the time
Given at the War
this 24
one thous
Countersigned
J
Co
Page 54

In to $96 per anum [illegible] former pays at
$80 per annum, Com'y 1 July 1848
Hon A. Tuck
14 of R
Page 55

Exeter N.H. Nov. 4, 1850

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm. Pensions

Dear Sir,

I send you this application of Polly French for an increase of pension and for arrearages, and the benefit of the Joint Resolutions of July 1, 1840 - 
Please print new certificates to me -
Respectfully, 

Amos Tuck
M. C.
Page 56

Payment to be made at Concord N Hampshire by Hon. Isaac Hill, agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Concord, New Hampshire payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A Vol. 2 Page 15
F. L Swann, Clerk.
Page 57

War Department.
Widow's Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of March 3, 1843,
and June 17-1844
Polly French, of N. Hampshire-
widow of Joseph French,-
who was a Private-
and died on the 17"- day of September 1843,
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty,- dollars and- cents per annum, commencing on the 4th March, 1843, and terminating on the 4th of March, 1848, unless
the Pensioner shall marry or die before the last mentioned date; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death.
Increased from $40 per annum. Payments at that rate to be deducted.
Given at the War Office of the United States,
this 25" day of June, one thousand eight hundred and forty five
Z Bancroft
Acting Secretary of War.
Countersigned.
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
[Illegible seal in lower left]
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Pensioner: Polly French
Dates

    The creator compiled or maintained the parent series, Case Files of Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Applications Based on Revolutionary War Service, between ca. 1800–ca. 1912.

Access: Unrestricted
Page 58


No 10895
Polly French
Widow of
Joseph French
NH
Act 7 July 1838
Rejected
Admd. 3 March 1843 and
17 June 1844
1 year private
$40 per ann
from 17 September 1843
No. act 1843- 6916
"        " 1844 - 393
Hon. J. R. Redding
House of Reps
Page 59

Payment to be made at Concord by Issae Hill Ex. Agent for paying Pesioners, in the Agency of New Hampshire.

Payable on the 4th September and 4th March.

Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 71 Vol 1.
Signature (Leo John King?)
Clerk
Page 60

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2, 1848,
Polly French
widow of Joseph French 
who was a Private in the revolutionary war,
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum, commencing on the
4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior
this 12th day of March
one thousand eight hundred and
forty nine.
T. Ewing
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. G. Benet
for Commissioner of Pensions
[Illegible seal in lower left corner]
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Page 61

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled ""An Act making further provision
for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution.
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
County of Grafton ss.
ON THIS Seventh day of September 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Polly French a resident of Warren in the County of Grafton aged seventy nine years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War: That she is the Widow of Joseph French who was a Private
in the Army of the Revolution; that she drew a
Pension under the act of June 17" 1844, at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum
Polly French
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written- Before and I know that her declaration  is true
David C. French Justice of the Peace.
I FURTHER CERTIFY, That the above Declarant is personally known to me. and I know that her
declaration is true
David C. French Justice of the Peace.
The words (under the act,) were interlined before signing
David C. French Just. Peace
State of New=Hampshire.
Grafton COUNTY, SS.
I Jonas D. Sleeper. - Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that David C. French is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the Twentieth
day of May 1844 and will expire on the Twentieth day of May 1849 and that his signature above written is genuine.
Given under my hand, and the seal of said County, this Thirteenth day of September 1848.
Jonas D. Sleeper CLERK.
John F. Brown, No. 1, Ayer's Block, Concord, 
N. H. [Illegible seal in lower left corner]
Page 62

Polly French
N.H.
Acts 38. 43. & 44
increase
2 yrs pri
$80. deduct
what has been paid.
D. C. Churchill
Lyme
N. H.
Page 63


I Joseph Fellows of Piermont in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire, aged 83 years, depose and say that I was a Private Soldier in the Revolutionary War in Captain
Giles Company in Colonel Peaboddy's Regiment. I inlisted at Plaistow N.H. under Captain Gile in the year 1778 for one year, and went to Rhode Island and served my time out. Joseph French late of Warren in said County deceased, was also
a Private Soldier in the same Regiment during the same time I was well acquainted with said Joseph French while in the service, he was not a member of the same Company that I belonged to. I think he belonged to Captain Dearborn's Company, but am
not certain as to that. Said French went from the town of Epping N.H. I have lived for more that fifty years last past a neighbour to said French previous to his death; he lived in Warren, I in Piermont, and I know him to be the same Joseph French who served with me in said Colonel Peaboddy's Regiment, and he was the husband of the Widow Polly French who
now resides in Warren and who I understand is a Pensioner.
I am also a Pensioner
Joseph Fellows
State of New Hampshire Grafton County ss. Piermont
March 3rd 1845 Sworn to and subscribed by the above named Joseph Fellows before me. I further certify that he is well known to me, he is a respectable person, and a credible witness
David C. French Justice of the Peace
Page 64

State of New Hampshire
Grufton County set.

I Nathan B. Felton, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that David C. French is our acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the 20th day of May A.D. 1844, and will expire on the 20th day of May 1849 and that that his signature above (within) written is genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 4th day of April AD 1845
NB Felton Clerk
Page 65

CHARIS STRONG
2716 BROADWAY AVENUE
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
July 23, 1939
Veterans Administration
Revolutionary and 1812 Section,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs:
my great-great grandfather,
Joseph French, received a pension
while living in Warren, Grafton Co.
New Hampshire for services rendered
during the Revolutionary War. Will you
kindly send me any information you have concerning him or his family.
Very truly yours,
(Miss) Charis Strong
[In round stamp] RECEIVED JUL 25 1939
MAIL SUB-DIV Reader No. 12
VETS ADM [Arrow indicating time: 1:45]
Page 66

1939. Sept. 6. List to
Miss Charis Strong WCS
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23070
Polly French
Widow of
Joseph French
P[illegible] Rev War
Act Feb 2d 48
Index : Vol A. Page 255
[Arrangement of 1870.]