Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17749, John Babcock, Conn.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE  NUMBER
Conn.  Babcock, John W.17749
Edgerton, Lydia
or Egerton

CONTENTS
Former widow
Page 2

[crossed out] Letter to Pen Agent Bellam Falls and J. A Werig 1st Oct 1838.
Do. to H. F. March, June 15, 1840
Same July 16th 1840.

Date of death not on [illegible].
Page 3

Vermont (Windsor) 1984

Lydia Egerton, formerly widow of John Babcock, decd Conn. who died in the February, 1778; of Caledonia Co in the State of Vermont who was a private in the compy commanded by Captain P. Brigham of the ~ commanded by ~ in the Connt. line for 6 mos. 20 days private

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont (Windsor) at the rate of 22 Dollars 20 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of April, 1838 and sent to David Coburn, Plainfield, Washington Co. Vt.

Arrears to the 4th of March, 1838 = $153.40
Semi=annual allowance ending 4. Sept. - 11:10
$166.50

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the 3d}

Recorded by J. A. Elliot Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 2 Page 36.
Page 4

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the 3d section of the act of 4th July 1836 and by the 1st section of the act of the 3d March 1837
State of Vermont
Caladonia [Caledonia] County Ss } Cabot July 11. 1837

On this 11th day July 1837 personally appeared before me Marius O Fisher one of the assistant justices of Caledonia County Court Lydia Edgerton a resident of Cabot in said County of Caledonia & State of Vermont Aged 80 years and being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration - in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4. AD 1836 & the act explanatory of said act passed March 8. 1837 That she was married to John Babcock of Andover in the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut in January 1774 that her husband the said John Babcock enlisted as an armorer under Capt. Paul Brigham of said Andover in March 1777 at which time he lived at said Andover that he departed for the service about the [illegible] of May 1777 & continued in the service till the battle of Germantown where he was taken prisoner and carried to Philadelphia where he died in prison in February 1778. She further declares that she was married to the sd John Babcock in January 1774 & that her husband the said John Babcock Died in Philadelphia as she was informed & verily believes in Feb. 1778 - That she was Married to John Edgerton Sept. 18. 1781 who died March 8. 1813 and that she was a widow on the 4th of July 1836 and still remains a widow as will more fully appear by reference to the proofs hereunto annexed - & that she has no documentary proof in relation to the services of said John Babcock unless they are to be found in the archives at Washington as her husband died a prisoner and his papers were never returned to her, neither has she to the best of her knowledge any record proof of her marriage with the said John Babcock nor does she know of any person living who can testify to the same.
her
Lydia X Edgerton
mark

Sworn To & subscribed the day & year above written
Marius O Fisher {Assistant Justice of Caladonia [Caledonia] County Court
Page 5

[illegible] H [illegible] Cabot in the county of [illegible] that John Derman & [illegible] in the said town [illegible] that we are well acquainted with and have been for about thirty five or forty years with Lydia Edgerton who has testified & sworn to the above declaration, that we believe her to be of the age of 80 years that it is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where she resides that she was the wife of the above named John Babcock & that she was legally married to him previous to his first term of service and that the said John Babcock and [crossed out] that the said Babcock served as a soldier or armorer, was taken prisoner & died as above set forth that she was afterwards married to the said John Edgerton who died as above set forth & that she was a widow on the 8 day of July 1836 & still remains a widow.
Moses Stone
John Derman
Lee [illegible] Stone
(I say so far as by genl. information & about 20 years acquaintance } Hector McLean

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Marius O. Fisher Assistant Justice of Caledonia County Court

And the [illegible] assistant Justice aforesaid hereto declares his opinion after the investigation of the matter that the above named applicant was the wife of the above named John Babcock that she was Married to him before the expiration of his last term of service, that he served in the army of the revolution, was taken prisoner & died as above stated & that all the facts in the above declaration are true & the said Justice further certifies that it appears to him that Levi H Stone who signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in said town of Cabot & that Moses Stone John Derman Hector McLean who have also signed the same are residents of said town of Cabot and [illegible] and that their statement is entitled to credit & the said Justice further certifies that the said Edgerton by reason of age & bodily infirmity is unable to appear in Court
Marius O. Fisher

I Marius O. Fisher assistant Justice aforesaid hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings before me on the matter of the application of Lydia Edgerton for a pension. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official signature this 11 day of July A.D. 1837

Marius O. Fisher { Assistant Justice of Caledonia County Court
Page 6

I Elisabeth Bills of Columbia in the County of Tolland & State of Connecticut aged Eighty Seven years testify & say that in the year 1774 I lived in the same neighborhood with Lydia Reynolds & was intimately acquainted with her - that in the winter of the same year she was married to John Babcock who then lived in the same neighborhood as was reported & believed - that they lived together in the situation of husband & wife till he the said John went into the service of his country & died - I lived in about a half a mile & was intimate & tho not present at the wedding have no doubt of their marriage & am as sure of it as I can be of the marriage of any persons that I did not see married & further the Deponent saith not
Dated Columbia 13th Oct 1837 ~
Elisabeth Bills

State of Connecticut
County of Tolland } Ss Columbia

Be it known that before me Leonard Hendee a Notary Public for said State came Elisabeth Bills & subscribed the foregoing Deposition & made solemn oath to the truth of the same & I hereby certify that she is a person of truth & that her testimony is entitled to full credit
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my seal of Office at said Columbia this 13th day of October 1837.

Leonard Hendee Notary Public
Page 7

Feby 15. 1840

f

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Washington
D. Columbia

1984
Lyd. Egertn
Vt. 1836.
Page 8

Cabot Caledonia Co. Vt July 6 1840

Sir

Yours of the 15 June to H. F. March is before me and in answer I would say that I have followed a Pedlars [Peddler's] life for some years past that during most of the year 1839 I was confined by sickness in Cabot where the following facts are communicated to me Viz
That Mr Egerton a revolutionary soldier died even after the close of the revolution leaving a Widow and 2 Children that the Sd Widow in a few years after was married to Mr Egerton by whom she had 8 Children & that Mr Egerton is since dead - that she is now known in Cabot by the name of Wid. Egerton but that she by the advice of friends has applied to the Pension Department for a Widows Pension for 5 years from March 4 1836 to March 4 1841 under the claim of her being the Widow of the aforesaid Mr Babcock and stating that she has lived a Widow having never been married since the death of Mr Babcock - And that on this claim she has received and is still receiving a pension from Government
Now if I rightly understand the act for the benefit of Widows above alluded to the marriage of the Widow after the death of her husband the soldier of the revolution to a second husband destroys her claim to the Widows Pension under the above act. But if I am wrong I ask your pardon for having troubled you and would like to be informed of it There are many in Cabot who wish this fraud (as they term it) to be brought to light but dare not do it for fear of the resentment of her friends who are some of those in high standing  in society
Please direct as before to  H. B. Marsh
which name you will please keep from the [illegible] S. Reading Vt
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Washington D.C.
Page 9

March 16, 1935
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

JOHN BABCOCK
W. 17749
BA-J/MLB

Mrs. Susie Thompson Moreland
2955 Stafford Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Babcock who served in Captain Paul Brigham's company from Connecticut.

The record of John Babcock follows as obtained from pension claim, W. 17749, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

The date and place of soldier's birth and names of his parents are not given.

While residing in Andover, Windham County, Connecticut, he enlisted March 14, 1777, served as an armorer in Captain Paul Brigham's Connecticut company, was taken prisoner in the battle of Germantown, carried to Philadelphia and died in prison there in February, 1778.

John Babcock married Lydia Reynolds in January, 1774; at the time of their marriage they were both residents of Andover, Connecticut.

Soldier's widow, Lydia Babcock, married September 18, 1781, John Edgerton or Egerton, who died March 8, 1813.

Lydia Edgerton or Egerton was allowed pension on account of the Revolutionary War service of her former husband, John Babcock, on her application executed July 11, 1837, at which time she was aged eighty year and a resident of Cabot, Caledonia County, Vermont.

It was stated that John Babcock and his wife, Lydia, had two children, and that Lydia and John Edgerton or Egerton had eight children, but no names were given.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 10

Rev
WIDOW, &c.

File No. 17749
Lydia Egerton
Widow of 
John Babcock
Pri Rev War.

Act: July 4th 36
Index:--Vol. A, Page 211
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1924, Jan. 28, Hist to Leslie E. Babcock, UW.
1935, Mar. 16 - Hist to Mrs. Susie Thompson Moreland - MLB.
Page 11

V
See let. to David Coburn
August, 7. 1827
Page 12

2360 V
Lydia Edgerton
formerly
Widow of John Babcock
Vt.
V
No 2360

admd.
6 mo. 20 days pri
$22.20

no deduction -

David Coburn,
Plainfield,
Washington Co
[illegible]
Vermont.
Page 13

State of Vermont
Caledonia County } I Samuel B. Mallock, Clerk of the County Court of the County of Caledonia aforesaid, do hereby certify that the Hon. Marcus O. Fisher is one of the Assistant Justices of the County Court aforesaid duly commissioned & qualified: that his commission was dated the 13th day of November AD 1836 & will expire on the last day of November A.D. 1837. and that his several signatures to the foregoing are genuine ~ Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this 12th day of July AD 1837 ~
Sam. B. Mallock
Clerk
Page 14

Claim adtt
Jan 25

2360 Jan 31
Vt.
4 July '36.
3[illegible] fee

J L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

Lydia Edgerton
formerly widow
of John Babcock
D. C.
Page 15

H F March.
July 16. 1840
[illegible]

Record V 30 Page 155
Page 16

Pension Office
July 16. 1840

Sir,
I have received from letter of the [illegible] in relation to the case of Lydia Egerton, formerly the widow of John Babcock. It does not appear from the papers on file that any fraud has been committed. Her pension was granted under the Act of July 4. 1836, and not under the act of July 7. 1838. The former law does not exclude the widow from its benefits, on account of her second marriage, provided the marriage to her first husband took place before the termination of his revolutionary service.

H. F. March, Esq.
South Reading
Vermont.
Page 17

H. F. March
June 15 '40
G C

Record V 50 Page 93
Page 18

Pension Office
June 15. 1840

Sir,
On the margin of an old news paper which was received at this office two days since, I find the following remarks: "The widow Babcock [crossed out] "Pension Fraud. The widow Babcock, alias Egerton, of Cabot, Caledonia County, Vt. was married to Jno. E. more than 50 years since, and is now the widow E. Address H. F. March, So. Reading, Vt." I will be obliged to you if you will inform me in what the fraud consists in this case. If there has been any forgery or perjury, the facts should be communicated to this office without delay.

Mr. H. F. March,
S. Reading,
Vert.
Page 19

1. Oct 1838
J A Wing
G. C

Record V 47 Page 301
Page 20

War Department
Pension Office
Oct. 1, 1838

Sir,
The Pension Agent at Bellows Falls has this day been directed to pay the amount due Lydia Edgerton - [for]merly widow of John Babcock, deceased, private, at the rate of #22 20/100 per annum, commencing on the 4th of March 1838. - the time to which she was last paid by the Pension Agent at Windsor - on the production of the proper voucher.

J. A. Wing, Esq
Plainfield,
Washington Co. Vert.
Page 21

Departt. of War
Pension Office
Augt 7. 1837

Sir.
I have examined the declaration of Mrs. Lydia Edgerton, formerly the wife of Jno. Babcock decd., and not finding the proof of the date of her marriage satisfactory have placed her papers upon our files
The claimant alleges that she was married in Jany 1774, of this fact no proof has been offerred [offered] other her own oath. Record evidence will be required of to be found; under what head may be embraced town, parish records, family registers, or other written memoranda, made at or near the time of the marriage. Of the service of Mr Babcock, there is no record to than [illegible] or of the time of his death: whether he died while a prisoner, or after his discharge. It appears from the Cont. rolls that he enlisted on the 14th March 1777. and that he was made a prisoner on the 4th of Oct of the same year
Page 22

should the date of [crossed out] marriage as stated above be satisfactorily established, the widow may secure a certificate for six months and 20 days services by her late husband as a private

I am

David Coburn
August 7, 1837
[illegible] O. C.

David Coburn,
Plainfield,
Washington
Vermont.

Mr Jas A. Wing W:
Plainfield
Vt.
Jno Coburn Esq
Present
Page 23

Plainfield
Nov 1

Jun 6.
[illegible]
Addl pff
Lydia Edgerton,

J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 24

Plainfield Washington County
Vermont Oct 25
1837

Dear Sir
Enclosed is the Deposition of Elizabeth Bills in relation to the Marriage of Lydia Edgerton formerly Lydia Reynolds to John Babcock I think it must be full as satisfactory Evidence as the records in the family bible I have ascertained that the witnesses to the Marriage are all dead and the Hendee who took the Deposition says that he has searched the records of the town for proof without success-
Please let me know if the proof is sufficient on this point as soon as convenient
Yours Respectfully,
David Coburn

J Edwards
Commissioner of
Pension
Page 25

Pittsburgh Pa.
March 10 /35.

[stamp, mostly illegible]
MAR 12 1935

Veterans Administration
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir: I was advised to write to your "Bureau," for the information that I am very anxious to obtain: I would like to have the names of "John Babcock's" Parents, and of his wife (if he had one) who was from Connecticut, and was a private in the Revolutionary War. He was a private in Captain Paul Brigham's Company. 8th. Connecticut Regiment, commanded by Colonel John Chandler. He enlisted Mar. 14 1777. for 3 years; was reported on the company muster roll for September 1777, dated Oct. 19. 1777, "Missing 4" and was reported on the company muster roll for Oct. & Nov. 1777 - dated Dec. 4. 1777, Prisoner 4th. Oct."
I am a member of the D. A. R. Pittsburgh Pa. Chapter and need the proff [proof] of the my relationship to the said "John Babcock" in order to obtain a Bar. my mother was a Babcock of New Haven, Conn. hopeing [hoping] to hear from you soon, I remain
yours sincerely
Mrs Susie Thompson Moreland.
2955- Stafford St. Pittsburgh Pa.
Corliss branch.
Page 26

[stamp] PENSION
DEC
U. 20 S.
1923
OFFICE.
Page 27

Dec. 18. 1923.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear sir:
I request that you forward me at the earliest practical date what information you have as to Private John Babcock who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
I am desirous of joining the Sons of the American Revolution and was referred by the H. G. of the [illegible] to you for information as to said John Babcock's parents & children. [illegible] to their records he enlisted from [illegible] in Capt Paul Bingham's Co. 8th Conn. Regt. in 1777 and was a prisoner Oct. 4th 1777
Would you also send me what informa- [information]
Page 28

you have of parents & children of any Babcocks in the Revolution who enlisted from Conn., R.I. and Dutchess County, N.Y.
Thanking you in advance [illegible] and awating an early reply
I am
Respectfully yours,
Leslie Edwards Babcock
Captain F. A. (D. O. L.)

25 Welton St
Princeton University,
Princeton, N. J.
Page 29

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.

January 28, 1924.

Leslie E. Babcock,
25 Wilton St., Princeton Univ.,
Princeton, N. J.

Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in pension claim W.17749 it appears that John Babcock, a resident of Andover, Connecticut, enlisted in March 1777, served as an armourer in captain Paul Brigham's Connecticut Company, was captured at the battle of Germantown and taken to Philadelphia where he died in prison in February 1778.
He married in January 1774, Lydia Reynolds. The names of their two children are not stated.
She married on September 18, 1781, John Edgerton who died March 8, 1813.
The widow, Lydia, was allowed pension on account of the services of John Babcock on her application executed July 11, 1837, while living at Cabot, Caledonia County, Vermont, aged 80 years.
Owing to the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, this Bureau is unable to report to you relative to a number of soldiers of the Revolution.
Respectfully,

Commissioner