Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25029, for Stephen Smith, New Hampshire
Page 1

(3—1776)

Smith, Stephen
Abigail

SERVICE
Mass?
N.H.

NUMBER
W.25029
B.L.W. 5071-160-55


CONTENTS

res of Newbury Mass & moved to Sanbornton M.H. during Rev. & died there July 27, 1824

I believe this soldier served in Mass. troops and then moved to Sanbornton, N.H. and served in the N.H. troops. I think he is the same man whose affidavit appears in support of Joseph Smith's (S.43163) claim, as of Sanbornton, N.H. in 1818. I think possibly he is the man reported "deserted" Feb. 3, 1778 in Mass. Soldiers & Sailors, as that is the year he moved to N.H. and entered service there. (mstf)

Note:
The widow was erroneously allowed pension as the widow of Stephen Smith, last 127 46 who rendered the Mass service, and was alive in 1828 in Grafton N.H. so have separated Her his claims. She stated that her husband died in 1814 and it is also stated that he was not pensioned. The names of the children are different in each case also
Page 2

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
22 day of Feby 1819
and sent to
Hon. C.H. Peaslee
H of R

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 130 Vol. [illegible]
Page 3

36.639

(Act ma 3/33
Reic apl 3/33

Abigail Smith
wid of
Stephen Smith, Private

C. apr — —
C. apr — —

War of the Revolution
Private Col Sittle's Regt
N.H. Troops

U.S. Pensioner 
Acs of Feb 2d 1848

Begnton
Adssd 160 acs Aug 23/55
Dodge

5071 iss Aug 25/55

A.D. Stevens
Con esa
NH

Ra. N.


Wt
Feby 48 - No 3964


Vol S1. page 145.
Page 4

[illegible] 6

Sandbornton N.H.
Nen, 4 —

Hon. Israel H. Kelley
Concord
N.H.
Page 5

Sanbornton April ye second one thousand seven 
hundred ninety four the birth of the children of 
Henry Smith are as follows

Thomas Smith born April ye twenty first AD, 
one thousand seven hundred ninety one

Joseph Smith born Jan ye twenty third AD
one thousand seven hundred ninety three

Joseph Smith died March twentieth AD
one thousand seven hundred ninety six 

Hannah Smith born June twenty seventh
one thousand seven hundred ninety five

Joseph Smith born July twelfth AD
one thousand seven hundred ninety seven 

Nathan Smith born May fourteenth
one thousand seven hundred ninety nine 

John Smith born May twenty eighth
one thousand eight hundred one 

Hezekiah Smith born July ninth
one thousand eight hundred three 

Josiah Smith born July tenth
one thousand eight hundred five 

Huldah Smith born July nineteenth
one thousand eight hundred seven 

Isaac Smith born Nov nineth AD
one thousand eight hundred nine 

Elmira Smith born Dec Ninth
one thousand eight hundred eleven

Sara Smith born March twenty seventh
one thousand eight hundred fourteen 

Gamaliel Smith born Feby fourteenth AD
one thousand eight hundred sixteen 

Lydia Smith born May twenty seventh AD
one thousand eight hundred eighteen
Page 6

I Walter H. Sleeper hereby certify that I am Town Clerk of Sanbornton, State of New Hampshire that I hold the records of said town. That the foregoing is a true copy of the records with the exception of dates which are in fair legible figures as follows

Sandbornton April ye 2 1794 the Birth of the children of Henry Smith are as follow
Thomas Smith Born April ye 21st AD 1791
Joseph Smith Born Jan. ye 23d. AD 1793
Joseph Smith Died March 20th AD 1796
Hannah Smith Born June 27th 1795
Joseph Smith Born July 12th AD 1797
Nathan Smith Born May 14th 1799
John Smith Born May 28th 1801
Hezekiah Smith Born July 9th 1803
Josiah Smith Born July 10th 1805
Huldah Smith Born July 19th 1807
Isaac Smith Born Nov. 9th AD 1809
Elmira Smith Born Decr 9th 1811
Sara Smith Born March 27th 1814
Gamaliel Smith Born Feby 14 AD 1816
Lydia Smith Born May 27th AD 1818


I further certify that I have made diligent search and can find no word of the marriage of Stephen Smith and Abigail Hancock, nor the birth of any of theur children in the records of said town of Sanbornton

Walter H. Sleeper Town Clerk of Sanbornton



State of New Hampshire Belknap ss March 4th 1844

Personally appeared the above named Walther H Sleeper (who is Town Clerk of Sanbornton and a credible sitness) and made oath in due form of law that the above certificate by him subscribed is true

Before me Henry P. Lane Jus. Peace
Page 7

Levi Prescott. Born
March 14th AD. 1770

Mirriam Prescott. Born
February 26th AD 1775

Married May 12th AD 1794



Richard Prescott. Born
August 14th AD 1796

Daniel Prescott Born
February 4th [illegible]

Betsy Cross [illegible]
May 26 [illegible]
Page 8

I Mirriam Prescott of Sanbornton N.H. seventy years old last February, depose and say, that Stephen Smith and his wife Abigail (who was Abigail Hancock of Northfeild N.H.) came to him very nearest neighbor in said Sanbornton in the month of October 1798 and continued to him so over twenty three years, that when they were here in 1798 they had three sons living - to wit - Jacob, William and George, They had lost twins born after Jacob and before William, they died soon after born without name - I am enabled to fix the the time of their coming to live here by the birth of my two sons, I know that I had lost one son when they moved here and that my second son was born in February after they moved here and that my second son w as born ion February 1799 - Betsey Cross was not my daughter, whe was a child we took.

I futher. depose, that the leaf from my family bible, hereto annexed is my family record and was made over thirty years ago, and has been in my posession untill taken from the bible to be annexed hereto - Stephen Smith was always poor, became unable to support himself & family and was supported by the town of Winthrok Dearborn at the time of his death - my husband will have been dead there years next October

I never had but two children - to wit - Richard and Daniel, whose births are recorded on the bible leaf hereto annexed. The word - Smith - was - were [illegible] before dsigned and sworn to - 

Mirriam Prescott
X
her mark

Witness
Bartlett Hill
Richard Prescott
Page 9

State of New Hampshire
Belknap County ss. June 21st 1845

Personally appeared within named Merriam Prescott (who is well know to me as a credible witness) and made oath in due form of law that the within affidavit by her subscribed was true - the bible leaf was taken from her and annexed thereto by me

Bartlett Hill Justice of the Peace



State of New Hampshire
Merrimack ss —

I Stephen C. Badger Clerk of the Superior Court, Judicature of the County and the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Bartlett Hill is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Belknap, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the fourth  day of January 1841, and will expire on the fourth day of January 1846 and that his signature above written is genuine; Given under my hand and the seal of the said County this twenty third day of June 1845. —

S.C. Badger Clerk
Page 10

10811


Act '43-8574
Act '44  478

10811

Abigail Smith
Widow of Stephen

NH
Deds Feby 44
Act 7 July 1838
& joint resolution
admd
2 yrs pri

$80

Also act 43.044
$80



Hon. Franklin Pierce
Concord N.H.
Page 11

State of New Hampshire
Secretary of State's Office,

I, Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Nathaniel Rogers is an acting Judge of the court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Carroll duly commissioned & qualified; that his commission was dated on the 4th day of Jan'y 1841, and will expire on the 12th day of Decm. 1856. And that Henry P. Lane is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Belknap duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 4th day of June 1842, and will expire on the 14th day of June 1847. And that Asa P.. Cate is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Merrimack, duly commissioned & qualified; that his commission was dated on the 24th day of June 1842 and will expire on the 14th day of June 1847. And that Israel W. Kelly is an acting Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Merrimack duly commissioned & qualified; that his commission was dated on the 9th day of Jan'y 1843, and will expire on the 9th day of Jan'y 1848 and that the signatures of Nathaniel Rogers, Henry P. Lane, Asa P. Cate & Israel W. Kelly to the annexed instruments are genuine.

Given under my hand & the Seal of said State this 11th day of April, A.D. 1844

Thomas P. Treadwell
Secretary of State
Page 12

State of New-Hampshire
Carroll County ss..

On this twenty seventh day of February eighteen hundred and forty four personally appeared before me Nathaniel Rogers a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Carroll Abigail Smith a resident of Moultonborough in the County of Carroll aforesaid aged eighty four years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay on pensions to certain widows"

That she is the widow of Stephen Smith, formerly of Newbury Massachusetts, but late of Sanbornton N.H. deceased, who was a private in the War of the Revolution as follows - - Viz -

She believes that her late husband Stephen Smith was a private in 1775 and 1776 in a Regt commanded by Col Little in the Massachusetts troops

That in 1776 he was a private in a Regt commanded by Col Bedel to guard the frontiers in the New-Hampshire troops.

That in 1776 he was a private in a Regt. commanded by Col Nichols in the New-Hampshire troops - how long he served at any of times above mentioned the days not [continued]
Page 13

[continued]

remembers, nor the names of his other officers that he served under - 

She further declares that she was married to the said Stephen Smith at Northfield N.H. on the seventh day of June seventeen hundred and ninety three, by Charles Glidden Esquire - 

She has no record of her marriage to the said Stephen Smith nor of his death but that he died on the 27th day of July 1824. as near as she can remember at Wintrhop Scanborn's in Southampton N.H. and left her his widow and she has continued his widow eversince. that she was not married to him previous to his leaving to go service but the marriage took place prior to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four to wit - not the time above stated - 

Abigail Smith
X
her mark

Witness
Jeremiah C Smith




Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written within - 

Before me
Nathl. Rogers - 
A Judge of the Court of common pleas for the County of Carroll. N.H.

I hereby certify that the above named Abagail Smith by reason of age and bodily infirmity is unable to attend Court and for that reason the above decliration was taken at her place of residence in Moultonborough N.H.

before me
Nathl. Rogers as above
Page 14

I Jeremiah C. Smith of Moultonborough N.H. aged forty years, depose and say, that I am the eighth child of Stephen and Abigail Smith. was born at Sanbournton N.H. My father the said Stephen Smith died at said Sandbournton on the 27th day of July 1826 and she still continues to be his widow and resides in Moultonbourough N.H.

Jeremiah C Smith



State of New-Hampshire
Carroll County ss. Februay 27th 1844

Personally appeared Jeremiah C. Smith who is a credible witness, and made oath in due form of Case, that the above affidavit by him subscribed was true - 

Before me
Nathl. Rogers
{Judge of Court of C. Pleas
for the County of Carroll
Page 15

I, Bitsey Danforth of Northfield N.H. aged seventy seven years last fall, depose and say,  that Abigail Handcock who married Stephen Smith of Sanbornton was my sister. I did not attend the marriage, but she and others told me they were married in June and this to me in the summer of the same year that the present meeting house in this town was built. I know they then commenced living together as husband and wife and that they continued so to live together from the summer said  meeting house was built to the time of his death - he died many years ago and left my sister - the said Abigail his widow and she has continued his widow ever since his death - 

In the seventh line at the commencement was made to read - was told - and the  - bans - was erased - and the word - she - was unterlined before signed and sworn to - 

Bitsey Danforth
X
her mark

Witness
I.W. Kelly
Simon Gilman



State of New-Hampshire
Merrimack ss. February 21st 1844

Personally appeared Bitsey Danforth, (who is a credible witness) and under oath in due form of law, that the above affidavit by her subscribed was true.

Before me.
Israel W. Kelly Justice Peace
Page 16

I Lydia Kezer of Northfield N.H. aged eighty seven years last monoth, depose and say, that Abigail Handcock, who married Stephen Smith of Sanbornton was my sister.

I did not attend her marriage, but know that hey were married ate Northfield by Charles Glidden Esquire in the summer of the same year that the meeting house was built in Northfield and they then commenced house keeping and lived together as husband and wife from that summer to the time of his death (which took place a great many years ago) he left her his widow and she now remains his widow and resides in Moultonborough N.H.

Kydia Kezer
X
her mark

Witness
Charles Gibson
I.W. Kelly - 



State of New-Hampshire
Merrimack ss. February 22nd 1844.

Personally appeared Lydia Kezer (who is a credible witness) and oath in due form of law, that the above affidavit by her subscribed was true - 

Before me
Israell W. Kelly Jus Peace



I certify, that in the above affidavit the word - that - was erased and the word - marriage - was interlined before signed and sworn to - 

Israel W. Kelly Jus Peace
Page 17

I Peter Wadleigh of Northfield County of Merrimack State of New Hampshire aged sixty five the second day of next month depose and say that I was born and brought up in this town. I commenced living with Charles Glidden Esquire formerly of this town, deceased, in March 1797 or died in 1811. I was well acquainted with his manner of doing his business, and sed to assist him in doin his writing. I never knew him to keep any record of marriages - 

I married his daughter and after his death I assisted in examining all his records and papers. No record of marriages was found amongst them and never heard of his keeping any.

The present meeting house in this town built with wood, was built in 1793. There has been no other meeting house in this town since except a brick meeting house, which was built about fifteen years ago - 

The following words and figures were interlined before signed - to wit - in March 1797 - was - has - adden.

Peter Wadleigh



State of New-Hampshire
Merrimack ss. March 2d 1844 - 

Personally appeared Peter Wadleigh, who is a credible witness, and made oath in due form of Care, that the above affidavit by him subscribed was true.

Before me
Israel W. Kelly Jus. Peace
Page 18

(Copied from Northfield records - )

State of New-Hampshire
Rockingham ss.

This is to notify and waver the [illegible] & inhabitants belonging to Northfield that are qualified to vote in town meeting to assemble themselves together on the seventh day of March next ensuing at the house of Capt. Stephen Harris in said Northfield at one of the clock on the afternon of sd day then and there when not,
1st. To chose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2. To choose a Tow nClerk for the year ensuing.
4. To see if the parish will argue to build a meeting house in sd. parish.
5. For the Town (if agreed) to choose a convetter to say where said meeting youse shall stand or be built.

Given under our hands & seal 
this Ninetheenth day of February 
Anno Domini 1793.

{Substruen for Northfield.

A true copy.

Daniel Hill Town Clerk.

A true copy of the record.

Attest B.B. Brown Town Clerk Town Clerk

At a legal annual meeting holden & for the parish of Northfield on Monday the seventh day of March Anno Domini 1793. Noted as follows 
1st. Capt. Edward Blanchard Moderator.
2. Daniel Hill, Town Clerk
16. Voted to build a meeting house in said Northfield
(Turn over)

[continued]
Page 19

[continued]

(Brought over)

17th A committee of three men, Col. Gaubney Esquire Harber I Captain W. Cuillis to pitch on a place where the meeting house stands.

19. Voted the Selectmen should call on the committee out of town.

(Report of locating committee)

We the subscribers being appointed by the parish of Northfield as a committee to agree upon a certain spot of ground for them to build a meeting house. We have carefully examined the situation of said parish & find the most convenient spot to be on Esq Charles Gliddens land near his gate, a little North of Captain Stephen Haines dwelling house and grounds we have set two stacks for the front of said house on or near as is most convenient.

Northfield March 20th 1793.

Samuel Gunby
David W. Crillis
William Harper



A true copy from the record.
attest. B.B. Brown Town Clerk



State of New Hampshire
Rockingham ss.

This is to notify & warn all the fore holden & inhabitants of Northfield to assemble & meet at the meeting house in [continued]
Page 20

[continued]

said Northfield on Monday the 16th day of this instant December at one of the clock in the afternoon.

1st To choose a moderator to govern said meeting

2 To see what method they will proceed in for finishing the meeting house.

Given under our hands & seal this 2d. day December 1793.

Edmund Hosedoce}
Charles Glidden}
Samuel T. Gilman}
Selectmen for Northfield

A true copy from the record.

Attest. B.B. Brown Town Clerk



I B.B. Brown depose and say, that I hold the office of Clerk of the town of Northfield N.H. and have in my keeping the books of record belonging to said town and, that the foregoing are true copies from the same examined by me - 

I further depose, that I have made diligent search and examination of said records for the marriage of Stephen Smith of Sanbornton to Abigail Hancock of said Northfield but have found no such record. neither do I find the record of any marriage resolved or having been solemnized by Charles Glidden Esquire formerly of said Northfield. but for marriages our surrounded on t he books and the above not being found, furnishes as presents their [continued]
Page 21

[continued]

evidence that it did not take place - the word - [illegible] - was interlined before signed and sworn to - 

Benjamin B. Brown Town Clerk



State of New-Hampshire
Merrimack ss. April 9th 1844.

Personally appeared B.B. Brown who is Town Clerk of Northfield N.H. and made oath in due form of course that the foregoing copies & extracts from the records of said town are true - and that his affidavit by him subscribed is also true - 

Before me
Asa P. Cate
Jus. Peace
Page 22

State of New Hampshire
Secretary of State's Office,

I, Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Asa P. Cate is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the State of New Hampshire duly commissioned and qualified. His Commission was dated on the 24th. day of June 1847. That Bartlett Hill is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Belknap duly Commissioned and qualified. His Commission was dated on the 4th day of Jan. 7. 1841. and will expire on the 4th. day of Jany. 1846. That Richard Pinkham is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Merrimack duly Commissioned and qualified. His Commission was dated on the 21st day of December 1842. and will expire on the 21st day of Decm 1847. And that Peter Wadleigh is an acting Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Merrimack duly Commissioned & qualified. His Commission was dated on the 25th. day of November 1844 and will expire on the 25th. day of Novm. 1849.

Given under my hand & the Seal of the State, this first day of March A.D. 1845

Thomas P. Treadwell
Secretary of State
Page 23

I Walter H. Sleeper depose and say that I am Clerk of the town of Sanbornton N.H. and have the books or records belonging to said town in my possession, that I have made diligent search on the said records for the marriage of Stephen Smith and Abigail Hancock, but find no such record, nor do I find any record of the births or deaths of any of their children, there is but few marriages, birts or deaths recorded previous to 1797 —

Walter H. Sleeper



State of New Hampshire
Belknap County ss. May 27. 1845

Personally appeared Walter H. Sleeper who is Clerk of Sanbornton aforesaid, and made oath in due form of law. That the above statement by him subscribed is true —

Asa P. Cate Jus Peace
Page 24

Sanbornton
Bridge N.H.
Jan 27 }



Isaac W Kelly Esq
Concord
NH
Page 25

I William Smith of Sandbornton County of Belknap, State of New Hampshire, aged forty eight years las March (1844) depose and say that I am one of the Children of Stephen Smith formerly of said Sandbornton deceased, my Mothers name before married was Abigail Hancock of Northfield N.H. I never saw or knew of any record kept by my Father or Mother, or any one of our family, of Marriages, Births or deaths in any of the familys, nor do I believe such record was ever kept or made by any one of them. It was always said by my Father and Mother that they were married at Northfield by Charles Glidden Esq in 1793 - The first child a son named Jacob Smith, who is now in the Almshouse in said Southampton, he is not of common capasity to give an account of any thing to be ruled upon in relation to this matter or any other subject. The next to Jacob was twins and died soon after they were born. I was the next born and have always called my age to accord with the above statement to wit 48 years in March 1844 — My Father never kept any book of accounts to my knowledge - or belief.

William Smith



State of New Hampshire
Belknap ss. January 8th 1845

Personally appeared William Smith who is well known to me as a credible witness and made oath in due form of law that the above affidavit by him subscribed was true 

Before me
Bartlett Hill Justice of the Peace
Page 26

William Smith & 
[striken] Afft.
Page 27

I Dorothy Dinsmore of Northfield in the County of Merrimack State of New-Hampshire aged seventy one years and over Depose and say that I can well remember the first couple I saw married was Stephen Smith of Sandbornton and Abigail Hancock of Northfield N.H. They were married at a tavern house in said Northfield where I was then living before Charles Glidden Esquire in the summer of the same year that the Meeting house was built in said Northfield I also saw the meeting house raised - It the first wedding I had present at and the first meetinghouse I had then seen raised - I well remember both took place in the same summer —

Dorothy Dinsmore
X
Her Mark

Wintess
Morrill S. Moore
Peter Wadleigh



State of New-Hampshire
Merrimack ss February 26th 1845

Personally appeared Dorothy Dinsmore who is well known to me as a credible witness and made oath in due form of Law that the above affidavit by her subscribed was true

Before Me
Peter Wadleigh Justice of the Peace

I certify that t he interlined words - can - said - and letter in and the word was stricken out was all done by me before signing and sworn to

Peter Wadleigh Justice Peace
Page 28

H.P. Lane
Afft, &c. - to wit.
Dorothy Dinsmore,
Walter H. Sleeper &
William Smith -
Page 29

I, Henry P. Lane a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Belknapp, State of New-Hampshire do hereby certify, that the affidavit of Lydia Smith of Sanbornton, to be used in the application of Abigail Smith for a pension, for the services of her late husband, Stephen Smith, in war of the Revolution, was written by me in the presence of the said Lydia at her dwelling house, I afterward went to the Clerks office and took a copy from the record of the births of her children by Henry Smith, her late husband, who was a brother to Stephen Smith above named.

I do not know or believe, that at the time of her making the affidavit she had any knowledge of what the record would show, in relation to the dates of the births of her children by the said Henry Smith - said she had never seen the record, and all we knew was, that her husband used to tell her that he had their births recorded on the town books - said affidavit was taken by me in Feby. 1844 —

Henry P. Lane



Merrimack ss Feby 28 1845 

Personally appeared the above named Henry P Lane and  made oath that the above affdavit by him subscribed is true, and that I consider him a credible witness

Richard Pinkham Justice of the Peace
Page 30

I certify, that the words - tho - & husband - were interlined before signed in the written certificate.
Page 31

Lydia Smith Afft.
Page 32

I Lydia Smith of Sanbornton New Hampshire aged sixty nine years last June depose and say that my husbands name was Henry Smith. he died September 25th 1842. he was the brother of Stephen Smith they were formerly of Newbury Massachusetts they moved to Sanbornton N.H. in the time os the Revolutionary war, Stephen Smith married Abigail Hancock of Northfield N.H. they were married by Charles Glidden Esquire of Northfield aforesaid in the summer of Seventeen hundred ninety three - The common report in the family has been eversince my first aquaintance in it that three brothers were soldiers in the Revolutionary war at the same time before they came from Newbury to Sanbornton to wit - Joseph Smith, Stephen Smith and John Smith, and that Stephen was out as a soldier after he came to Sanbornton — I know the time that Stephen Smith married Abigail Hancock by the birth of my second son Joseph Smith who was born in the month of January 1793 and was about six months old when the said Stephen Smith came to our house with his wife the said Abigail, in the summer of 1793 and said they were married by Charles Glidden Esquire at Northfield the day before. They then went to house keeping and lived [continued]
Page 33

[continued]

together in relation of husband and wife within forty rods of where I then lived, and continued so to live together untill the time of his death and she was left his widow and still continues his widow and resides in Moultonborough N.H. - I have no family records of the births of my children by Henry Smith but believe the births are recorded on Sanbornton town records

Lydia Smith
X
her mark

Witness
Henry P. Lane
Hanah Smith



State of New Hampshire
Belknap ss March 1st 1844

Personally appeared the above named Lydia Smith (who is a credible witness) and made oath in due form of law that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed was true

Before me
Henry P. Lane Justice Peace
Page 34

[name stricken]

Abigail Smith
36639
Page 35

form of Declaration
To be made by the widow of a deceased person who has not had a Land Warrant.

State of New Hampshire
County of Carroll } ss.

On this twenty sixth day of March A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Abigail Smith aged about ninety six years, a resident of Moultonborough in the State of New Hampshire who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Stephen Smith deceased, who was a Private in the Revolutionary War is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum in conformity with Act of Febuary 2nd 1848,

[stricken printed text]

She refers for proof of the facts herin stated to the testimony on file in the pension office in support of her claim under the aforesaid act

[stricken printed text]

She further states that she was married to the said Stephen Smith in Northfield on the [blank] day of [blank] A.D. by one Charles Glidden Justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Abigail Hancock that her said husband died at Sanbornton on or about the tenth day of June A.D. 1823 and that she is now 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 3, 1855."

Abigail Smith
X
her mark
Page 36

WE, John Goodwin and Otis F. Roger residents of Moultonborough in the State of New hampshire upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Abigail Smith in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is. the identical person she represents herself to be.

John Goodwin
Otis Roger

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and. that I have no interest in this claim.

Reuben Smith Jr Justice of the Peace.
Page 37

State of New Hampshire

Secretary's Office, Concord,
March 31, 1855.

I hereby certify, That on the date of the annexed attestation Reuben Smith, Jr. was a Justice of the Peace for the county of Carroll —

in the said State, duly commissioned and qualified; and t hat to his acts and attestations, as such full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
affixed the Seal of the State, the 
date above written.

John L. Hadley
Secretary of State.
Page 38

Revy WIDOW, &c.

File No. 25029
Abigail Smith
Wid of
Stephen Smith
Priv. Rev. War

Act Feb. 2nd. 1848
Index: Vol L, Page 226

[Arrangement of 1870.]


This woman's pension claim was erroneously adjudicated - 
She was allowed pension as the Widow of Stephen Smith
lest. 12446 [illegible] Mass. he was alive in 1828.
her husband died in 1824.
Page 39

[checkmark]

5071

160 Acres
Page 40

1087[illegible]

J.W. Kelly Sept. 13 - '44 /
"                Apl. 25 - '45 /
"                May 27 - 45 /
"                 Aug. 1 - 45 /
"                 Nov. 11 —

Hon H. Pierce Feby 13. '46 /
Page 41

No. 36639
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855

Received April 3, 1855

Stephen Smith
Rev. War

Warrant No: 5071-160-55


S.D. Stevens
Conera
N.H.
Page 42

PENSION OFFICE,
March 17 1855.

Sir:
Please report service from the rolls, Su discharge.

Very respectfully,
CH Rhett
Hon
FOR COMMISSIONER.
3
Auditor.
Page 43

Winthrop Dearborn & wife afft.
Page 44

I Winthrop Dearborn of Sanbornton N.H. aged sixty six and I Mary Dearborn of Sanbornton aforesaid wife of Winthrop Dearborn Depose and say that Stephen Smith who married Abigail Hancock of Northfield died at our house in Sanbornton NH. about nineteen or twenty years ago he and his wife Abigail lived at our house about two years together he used to tell much of living in the war of the revolution but his officers names or where he served do not recollect. he and his wife were both supported by the town of Sanbornton while they were with us. the Selectmen proposed to get him a Pension but he said they would not let him have the money and he would not have one, he would not humour him that he was intitled to one and could get one but would not

Winthrop Dearborn
Mary Dearborn

Witness 
H.P. Lane



State of New Hampshire
Belknap ss March 1st 1844

Personally appeared the above named Winthrop Dearborn and Mary Dearborn  (who are credible witnesses) and made oath in due form of law that the foregoing affidavit by them subscribed was true

Before me
Henry P. Lane Jus Peace
Page 45

Application for certificate of Revolutionary Services. By the Widow -

State of New Hampshire
Carroll County ss.
Town of Moultonborough

The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish widows of the service of my late husband Stephen Smith, formerly of Newbury Massachusetts and afterwards of Sanbornton N.H.

It is my belief that he enlisted at Newbury Massachusetts and served in 1775 and 1776 in Col Littles Regt. in the Massachusetts troops - the Captains name I do not remember - 

He removed from Newbury Mass to Sanbornton N.H. some time 1777 - enlisted in 1776 and served  as a private in a Regt commanded by Col Bedel to guard the frontiers in the N.H. troops.

In 1780 he again enlisted in the N.H. troops and served in a Regt. commanded by Col Nichols - 

I do not remember any other facts [illegible] to the service required, can only state generally, that we were married on the seventh day of June 1793. that he died on the 27th day of July 1824 - and left me his widow and I am still a widow - 

I state the terms of his service grom my recollection of his statements after I was married to him - 

[continued]
Page 46

[continued]

I am eighty four years old and reside in Moultonborough N.H.

I have empowered Israel W. Kelly to act. in the business as my attorney - 

Witness my hand t his twenty seventh day of Febuary 1844.

Abigail Smith
X
her mark

Witness
Jeremiah C Smith
Nathl. Rogers - 

Signed in our presence by the said Abigail Smith.

[illegible]

Nathl. Rogers,
{Judge of the Court
of Common Pleas for
the County of Carroll.
Page 47

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
[illegible]

[state seal]

Secretary's Office, March 26 1844

I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of t he Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Stephen Smith is borne upon the Eight months rolls as a private from Newbury in the Company of Capt Jacob Josiah, Col Moses Little, from April 24 to Aug 31. & is upon the Oct return, & Cert rolls for the year 1775 in December

These are the rolls of Col Littles regiment in 1776 in this office



This service is that of the Rev. War pensioner Cert No 12446 ( Cont. Mass who was alive in 1828. in Thornton N.H.
Page 48

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone: and that said application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal
of the Commonwealth, the date above written.

John G. Palfrey;
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 49

Concord N.H. April 11th - 1844.

Sir.

I was forwarded the declaration and proofs in the application of Abigail, widow of, Stephen Smith - asking a pension under the act of 1838 - 

Stephen Smith was of Newbury Mass but removed Sanbornton N.H. 1777 or 78 - 

She declares, that their marriage took place on the 11th day of June 1793 before Charles Glidden Esquire at Northfield  - in this she is supported by Bitsey Danforth & Lydia Kezer, that the marriage took place in the summer of the same year, that Northfield Meeting house was built and the record from the Town books of Northfield shows that at the annual meeting here in said Northfied on the 7th of March 1793 and vote passed to build a meeting house and a committee was chosen to fix on the spot where it should stand. which committee made their support on the 20th. of March 1793. and that a meeting was convened to be held in the Meeting house in Northfield on the 16th day of September 1793 - also Peter Wadleigh appt.

The affidavit of Lydia Smith, widow of Henry Smith, that they were married in the summer 1793. (which she knows by her second son, Joseph Smith being about six months old when they went to housse keeping near by his residence) who was born in January 1793 - Sanbornton [continued]
Page 50

[continued]

records there, that her second son Joseph Smith was born January 23rd. 1793 - 

Jeremiah C. Smith, Winthrop Dearborn and Mary Dearborn say that Stephen Smith died at Sanbornton July 27th 1824 or nineteen or twenty years ago & left the said Abigail his widow & that she still continues his widow - 

The Mass records show that Stephen Smith was in Col Littles Regt. the eight months service 1775 -  that no rolls of Col Little Regt. for 1776 are to be found in the Secretaries Office, (it is thought that something in the War department at Washington if so hope that she will be benefited by the evidence that may there appear - 

This case is submitted to your consideration - hope the above brief may aid you sine in the examination of the papers - 

Israel W. Kelly


Hon J.L. Edwards
Coms. of Pensions
Washington D.C.

P.S. It would be convenient to Mrs. Smith to receive her pension at the Concord agency if proper -
Page 51

Concord N.H. March 7th 1845

Sir:

With this you will receive additional proof in relation to the Marriage Stephen Smith and Abigail Hancock - to wit - His certificate of Henry P. Lane the Justice, who took the affidavit of Lydia Smith, who fixed the marriage in the summer of 1793 by the age of her second son, who was about six months old when they were married and went house keeping within a few rods of her residence - The records of Jan [illegible] there that son to have been born in January 1793.

The affidavit of Dorothy Dinsmore, who was present at the marriage, that it was in summer of the same year, that Northfield Meetinghouse was built - they were the first couple she had then seen married and the meeting house the first she had then seen raised and that both took place in the summer of the same year.

The affidavit of William Smith, that no record was ever kept by any of the family - 

The certificate of Walter H. Sleeper Town Clerk of Sanbornton where they lived and where Stepehn Smith died, that no record is found [continued]
Page 52

[continued]

of the marriage, or of the births or deaths of Stephen Smith's family - 

I hope this will be satisfactory and that a certificate will be forwarded as soon as can be with convenience to you - She is in need of every thing to make her comfortable.

I am with great respect
Your Obt Servant
Israel W. Kelly



Hon. J.L. Edwards
Coms of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 53

I.W. Kelly
April 25th 1845
Page 54

Pension Office
April 25th 1845

Sir,

The additional evidence in the Case of Abigail Smith adds nothing to the proof already on file. Several of the witnesses state they [illegible] the marriage in this case took place in 1793 that being the year in which the meeting house in Sanbornton was built: but they shew no fact connecting that building of that meeting house with the marriage of Mrs Smith shewing  that they took place in the same year. If William Smith can shew by record evidence that he is the second son and that he was 49 years old last March, it will strengthen the proof now presented. The witnesses should show by record evidence that they are not mistaken in the facts to which they testify

I.W. Kelly, Esq
Concord
N.H.
Page 55

Concord N.H. May 17th 1845

Sir,

The answers to yours of April 25th 1845: I have to state that William Smith can produce no record evidence of his age, or that he is the second son of Stephen and Abigail Smith - 

The applicant (Abigail Smith) must rely upon the evidence as now upon your files. she can produce no stronger proof - to wit - The affidavit of Lydia Smith, fixing the marriage & commencement of house keeping in her immediate neighborhood in the summer, when her second son - Joseph - was a babe about six months old - the Tavern records of Sanbornton, there that child to have been born in January 1793 - the affiant was the widow of Henry Smith, brother of Stephen Smith - She is not living.

That Kezer and Mrs Dinsmore that the marriage took place in the summer of the same year that Northfield Meeting house was built and the copy of Northfield records there the meeting house to have been built in 1793 - no stronger evidence can be found to fix the marriage - 

The old lady and the witnesses are believed [continued]
Page 56

[continued]

to be correct in their testimony by all the elderly people that I have enquired of and they are not a few - 

Allow me to hope that the evidence will be re examined and a certificate granted - 

I am with great respect
Your Obt Servant
Israel W. Kelly



Hon J. L. Edwards
Coms of Pension
Washington D.C.
Page 57

I.W. Kelly
27. May 1865
Page 58

Pen Off 520
May 27. 45

Sir

The evidence in the case of Abigail Smith is wholly insufficient to establish the alleged dates of the marriage in 1783 with the requisite precision  - The [illegible] of one witness that the marriage took place the year a certain meeting house was built & of another upon the year of the birth of her 3rd child are uncorroborated by any fact which connected the marriage with those incidents. With such testimony it will be pointless to [illegible] the claim upon this dept which could not admit it upon any administrative rule which it would be justified in adopting - 

Israel W. Kelly Esq
Concord
N.H.
Page 59

Concord N.H. June 23rd. NHS.

Sir

I now forward the affidavit Mrs Prescott, accompanied by her family record, shewing that Stephen Smith came to be her nearest neighbor in October 1790 - that they brought those children with with them and had lost two before they came - four births in five years and four months - 

I am informed that Mrs Prescott can state, that George, the youngest was nine months old when they came to be her neighbor in October 1790. If the last part would add favor to the other part of the affidavit it can be furnished - she is enabled to fix the time of their coming by knowing that her second son - Daniel Prescott - was born the next February after the Smith came into her neighborhood - others are nearly to testify, that they had their children, sans, and had lost twins when t hey came and that George was older than David Prescott - I do not with to urge improper or weak testimony on your department, but am obliged to forward such as can be obtained, no client record evidence being found or kept by the Smith family - An early answer to this (if satisfactory, or if not satisfactory, whether any and what of the above mentioned additional will be considered as adding thereto) will be thankfully [continued]
Page 60

[continued]

received, as the old lady is feeble and needs many thinks by way of making her comfortable, which she will not otherwise be furnished with - 

I am with great respect
Your Obt. Servt
Israel W. Kelly



Hon J.L. Edwards
Coms of Pensions
Washington D.C.

P.S. The foregoing relates to the application of Abigail, Widow of Stephen Smith, for a pension under the act of 1836 - 

I think they could hardly have had more births allowing the old lady to be correct in her statement, that she was married in June 1793 - there would be but thirteen months to a birth -
Page 61

I.W. Kelly
Augt 1. '45
Page 62

Pension Office
August 1st1 1845

Sir,

The additional evidence in the case of Abigail Smith has been examined and filed.

Individuals who are unable to write their names cannot claim the particular date of an event which transpired more than fifty years ago with sufficient accuracy to testify to it the only witness whose testimony is furnished by you at this time signs her affidavit with a cross. And moreover her acquaintance with  Stephen and Abigail Smith did not commence until after 1794 she could not swear therefor that they were married prior to that date. The evidence of marriage must be clear and direct depose Mrs Smiths Claim can be allowed

Israel W. Kelly Esq.
Concord
N.H.
Page 63

Sanbornton 
Pauper Line
Page 64

State of New Hampshire.   Strafford ss

The following is an account of the expences of the paupers in the town of Sanbornton for one year ending March 27. 1824  Their several ages & the cause of their being unable to support themselves

[list of names & reasons, followed by ages & expenses]    Ages    Expenses

David Morrison by reason of old age — 92, $30.—
Wife of D. Morrison — 55

Wid. Betsy Bean old age sickness — 92, $70.—

Wid. Elizabeth Robinson old age — 78, $27—

William Pearsons a Cripple from an infant — 41
Wid. of sd Pearsons — 37
Huldah Pearsons daughter of sd Pearsons — 9
Edmund Pearsons Son of do —7, $37.50
March Pearsons — do — 5
John Pearsons — do — 3
William Pearsons — do — 1

Ephraim Hunt residing in Boscawen with age
his wife & family but chargeable to this town
a weak minded man & having sickness — 60, $11.83

Betsy Rowin a weak minded woman — 52, $25.50

Lydia Bean Sickness — 55, $2.—

Samuel Fifield Intemperance — 61, $16.92
Wife of S Fifield — 60

Wid. Molley Fifieldl old age — 86, $37.—

Samuel Sanborn Distraction — 54, $26.60

Apphia Gilman Distraction — 38, $34.50

Jacob Smith a weak minded man — 30, $1.—

Betsey Cap being left without Father or Mother — 7, $14.—
David Cap do — do — 9, $1.—

Benjamin Darling living in Thornton (age)
with his wife & family but chargeable to this
Town a weak minded man — 50, $11.—

Turn over

[continued]
Page 65

[continued - pauper roll of town of Sanbornton, N.H.]

[list of names & reasons, followed by ages & expenses] Ages Expenses

John Brown old age  — 66, $24.50

William Smith old age — 70
Wife of sd Smith — 65, $50.—

Bradbury Smith Inabilitys out of health — 54
Wife of sd Smith — 48
Betsey C. Smith daughter of sd Smith — 11, $28.—
Wm. M. P. Lee Smith Son of sd S —5
Sally M. Smith do — 3

Sally Call with an Illegitamate Child
age of sd Sally — 20, $13.75
age if Child — 1

Sally Calley her husband asbsconded with
three Children — 23, $43.—
Mary Ann — 7
Rufus — 5
Mary — 3

Judah Gale Sickness — 55
Wife of said Gale — 50, $12.—

The method we have taken is to bind out children for one year or more some familys are kept

Widow Sarah Brimhall old age. — 70, $21.—

Wid. Anna Calley old age — 53, $12.—

Stephen Smith Intemperance & sickness — 64
Wife of sd Smith — 58, $85.—
Abigail Smith daughter of sd Smith sickness — 13

Ebenezer Gove — 10, $5.50

William Terrey lameness — 40, $6.—

David Robinson do - do — 48, $3.—

Winthrop Durgin weak minded man — 46, $1.25

Hannah Smith Sickness — 18, $12.37

Sally Ohan Sickness — 30, $11.10



The method we have taken is to bind out Children for one year or more some familys are kept [continued]
Page 66

[continued]

[text from previous page: The method we have taken is to bind out Children for one year or more some familys are kept] together and have what support is wanting & some are put out at private bargains

Chase Perkins
Saml. Clark
Saml. Dustin
Overseers of the Poor of Sandbornton



State of New Hampshire
Secretary of State's Office,

I, Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true copy of the original now on file in this office.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the State, this 6th day of October A.D. 1845

Thomas P. Treadwell
Secretary of State
Page 67

Concord N.H. October 6th 1845

Sir.

With this you will receive the copy from the Office of the Selectmen of Sanbornton N.H. therein the names, ages and expenses of the several paupers in the town of Sanbornton for the year ending 27th. March 1824. & the cause of their being unable to maintain themselves, upon this list on the eighth line from the bottom on the sixth page is the name of Jacob Smith, who is shown to be the son of Stephen & Abigail Smith by the affidavit of Chase Perkins Esquire who made out that list - I also inclose a copy of the same list from the Secretaries Office signed by all the Selectmen of said Sanbornton 

After the first copy was taken, supported by the oath of Mr. Perkins, he said a similar list was returned to the Secretary's office and would probably be found there. I should not have troubled you with both copies but for the oath of Perkins identifying Jacob Smith as the son of Stephen & Abigail Smith - 

The name of Jacob Smith will be found on the first page of [illegible] copy sixth line from the bottom - This shows Jacob Smith to be thirty years of age when the list was made - 

May I hope for a certificate in the case soon after this evidence is received - 

I am with much respect
Your Obt. Servant
Israel W. Kelly



Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comms of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 68

State of New Hampshire

Witness ss

The following is an account of the expenses of the paupers in the Town of Sanbornton for one year ending March 27, 1824 Their several ages and causes of their being unable to support themselves

[names and reasons for support] Ages Expenses

David Morrison — 92, $30.—
By reason of old age 
Wife of said Morrison — 55

Wid. Betsy Bean — 92, $70.—
old age

Wid. Elisabeth Robinson — 78, $27.—
age

William Persons — 4, $37.50
a cripple from his birth 
Wife of sd Persons — 37
Huldah Persons daughter of sd Persons — 9
Edmund Persons son of sd Do — 7
March Do — 5
John Do — 3
William Do — 1

Ephram Hunt — 60, $11.83
residing in Boscowen (age) 
with his wife and family but chargeable to this
Town weak minded man & sickness in his family

Betsey Rowen — 52, $26.50
weak minded woman

Lydia Bean — 55, $2.00
Sickness

Samuel Fifeld  — 51, $16.92
Intemperance
Wife of said Fifeld — 50

Wid. Molley Fifeld — 86, $37.—
old age

Samuel Sanborn  — 54, $26.50
distraction

Aphia Gilman — 38, $34.50
distraction

[mark of notation] Jacob Smith — 30, $1.—
weak minded man

Betsey Cass — 7, $14.—
being left without Father or Mother
David Cass Do Do — 9, $1.—

Benjamin Darling — 50, $11.—
living in Thornton with (age) 
with his wife and family but chargeable to this town a weak minded man

John Brown — 66, $24.50
old age

William Smith — 70, $50.00
old age
Wife of said Smith — 65

[continued]
Page 69

[continued]

[names and reasons for support] Ages Expenses

Continued

Bradbury Smith — 54, $28.—
Inability and out of health
Wife of said Smith — 43
Betsey G Smith daughter of sd Smith — 11
W.M.P.L. Smith son of sd Smith — 5
Sally M Smith do do — 3

Sally Call — 20, $13.75
with an Illigitimate child age of sd  Sally
said Child — 1

Sally Galley — 23, $43.— 
her husband absconded with three children 
Mary Ann —7
Rufus — 5
Mary — 3

Judah Gale — 55, $12.—
Sickness
Wife of sd Gale — 50

Wid Sarah Brimhall — 70, $21.—

Wid Anna Galley — 63, $12.—
old age

[mark of notation] Stephen Smith — 64, $85.—
Wife of sd Smith — 58
Abigail Smith daughter of sd Smith — 13

Ebenezer Gove — 10, $55.—

William Tenney — 40, $6.—
lameness

David Robinson — 48, $3.—
Lameness

Winthrop Durgin — 46, $1.25
weak minded man

Hannah Smith — 18, $12.37
Sickness

Sally Chase — 30, $11.10
Sickness

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy in words and figures of an original paper in the Selectmens office in the town of Sanbornton N.H.

Walter N Sleeper one of three Selectmen of Sanbornton

October 3. 1845



State of New - Hampshire
Belknap ss. October 3rd. 1845.
Personally appeared Walter H. Sleeper and made oath in due form of law that the copy and filing on this paper true as certified by him above - 

Before me
Israel W. Kelly Justice Peace

Account of the Over
1823
Page 70

I Chase Perkins of Sanbornton N.H. depose & say that I was one of the Selectmen of said Sanbornton and made the foregoing list of paupers at the time it purports to have been made. And that Jacob Smith named therein is the Son of Stephen Smith & Abigail his wife, who was Abigail Hancock of Northfield N.H. before marriage — that the said Jacob Smith is now in the Almshouse in said Sanbornton & is a person of insufficient capacity to maintain himself - or to give any accounty of any occurence or business transaction

Chase Perkins



State of New Hampshire
Belknap ss. October 3rd 1845

Personally appeared Chase Perkins and made oath in due form of law, that the above affidavit by him subscribed was true - (I certify that he is a man of the best character for truth & veracity) -

Before me
Israel W. Kelly Jus Peace..
Page 71

State of New-hampshire.
Office of Secretary of State.

I, Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Israel W. Kelly is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the State of New Hampshire duly Commissioned and qualified. His Commission was dated on the 3d day of Jany. 1843 and will expire on the 3d day of Jany. 1848 and his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.

Given under my hand and. the Seal of the State, this 6th day of October 1845.

Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of State.
Page 72

145

Pension Office
Nov. 11th 1845,

Sir,

The additional testimony in the case of Mary Smith has been examined & filed.
This is really Abigail & Stephen Smiths claim.

The certified copies of the pauper list from the Town of Sanbornton in 1824, which are relied on to prove the age of Jacob Smith cannot be records as satisfactory evidence in this case. Smith is said to be a weak minded man, and if he gave his age to the selectmen, very little confidence from their own showing, can be placed in his statements. Besides it was not material to the select men to base his age precisely - an approximate estimate would have answered their purpose as well. They state no fact whichenabled them to enter his age at 30 years.

It still remains for Mary Smith to prove that her marriage took place prior to 1 Jany 1794 with precise & definite evidence 

Israel W Kelly Esq.
Concord
N.H.
Page 73

I, Joseph Woodman of Sanbornton N.H. and for many years a Selectman of said town — depose and say, that I was well acquainted with Stephen Smith formerly of this Town deceased, and also with his wife Abigail, who was Abigail Handcock of Northfield before married. They were town paupers for many years before his death, his children by said Abigail were born, first Jacob Smith, next twins that died in infancy - next William Smith, who is the identical person named in the indenturer William Colby on the one part and Broadstreet Moody, John Taylor and Joshua Selectmen of Sanbornton N.H. on other part, a copy of which indenturer is this day certified by Walter H. Sleeper, and of the Selectmen of said Sanbornton the present year

the word and and the words after the word Sanbornton and before the word the were all made before signed - Jacob Smith the oldest child was always of weak mind, he is now a tenant of the alms house in this town.

Joseph Woodman



State of New-Hampshire
Belknap ss. October 3rd 1845 - 

Personally appeared Joseph Woodman above named (who is a reliable witness) and made oath in due form of law that the above affidavit by him subscribed was true - 

Before me,
Israel W. Kelly Jus. Peace
Page 74

This indenture made this day between Joshua Lane, Bradstreet Moody & John Taylor present Selectment & overseers of the poor of the Town of Sanbornton in the County of Strafford & State of New Hampshire on the one part & William Colby of sd Sanbornton Gentleman on the other part interested that we the sd Joshua, Bradstreet & John in our said capacity of overseers of the poor do just & bind unto the said William Colby, William Smith a pauper & son of Stephen Smith of said Sanbornton untill the said William Smith shall arrive to the full age of twenty one years, that is to say from the fifteenth day of March next for & during the term of thirteen years, said term to be compleated & ended — during which term the said apprentice his said master shall faithfully serve, & lawful commands every where obey, he shall not absent himself from his said masters service without his leave, but in all things behave himself towards his sd master as a faithful apprentice ought to do during said term, And I the said William Colby do engage to find and provide for the said apprentice good and comfortable victuals, drink, clothing, washing and lodging during said  term in sickness & in health. And within the said term to give him an opportunity of being taught to read, write & cypher so as to be able to keep common accounts, and at the expiration of the said term to give to the said William Smith two good suits of common cloathing and sixty five dollars to which agreement I the said William Colby bind myself my heirs executors & administrators in witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands & seals t his fourth day of September one thousand eight hundred & four —

William Colby ss

Bradstreet Moody
Joshua Taylor
Jonathan Lane
Selectmen as overseers  of poor ss

Witnesses
John Lane
Benja Colby

[illegible]
October 13, 1845 a true copy of original

Walter H Sleeper
one of the Selectmen of Sanbornton
Page 75

I Walter H Sleeper depose and say that I am one of the selectmen of Sanbornton the present year, and that the written is a true copy of an original paper on file in the Selectmans office in said town

Sanbornton [illegible] October 3. 1845
Walter H Sleeper



State of New-Hampshire
Belknap County ss. October 3rd. 1845.

Personally appeared Walter H. Sleeper (who is on of the Selectmen of said Sanbornton), and made oath in due form of law, that the foregoing was true.

Before me
Israel W. Kelly Jus. Peace
Page 76

State of New-hampshire.
Office of Secretary of State.

I, Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Israel W. Kelley is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the State of New Hampshire duly Commissioned and qualified. His commission was dated on the 9th day of Jany. 1843 and will expire on the 9th day of Jany. 1848 and his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.

Given under my hand and the Seal of the State, this 26th day of Decm. 1845
Thomas P. Treadwell 
Secretary of State.
Page 77

Concord N.H.
Oct 26, 1845

My dear Sir —

The affidavit and indenture herewith inclosed in support of the claim of Mrs Abigail Smith widow of Stephen Smith has been placed in my hands to be forwarded to you. I have examined minutesof the testimony now on the files of your office relating to this case and the conviction upon my own mind is so sturdy, that I must beg your attention again to the Evidence —

The service of the husband is admitted. The only question as I understand it, is wwhether the marriage took place prior to January 1794.

The marriage was solemnized at Northfield in this County before Charles Glidden a Justice of the Peace long since deceased.

It appears from the affidavit of Peter Wadleigh son in law of said Glidden at his decease no record of the marriages solemnised by him. Upon the Town records of Northfield there is no record of this marriage nor is there any family record — The father was very dipirated — the family poor & ignorant — Thus [illegible] we must [illegible] to widow of a lower grade.



P.S. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you at Washington before the close of the session —

[continued]
Page 78

[continued]

and if I do not greatly mistake it wold be difficult to concern how the fact that a marriage took place prior to 1794 (or to be made out more clearly than in the present casein the absence of [illegible] now widowed — 

1 both of the applicant to the month & year of the marriage

2 The affidavit of Mrs Lydia Smith, in connection with the copy of the record of the Town of Sanbornton showing the date of the birth of the son refered to in her affidavit.

3 The affidavit  of Mrs Dinsmoor (a very respectable woman) to the fact that the marriage & the building of the Meeting House in Northfield took place the same year. It was the first marriage she had ever attended. It was the first Meeting House erected within her knowledge in that, then New County  — Both matters likely to make a deep impression upon her mind and likely to be a [illegible] connected by aparation. So we it seems perfectly natural & I have not a doubt of her comethys  — 

4 The affidavit of Mrs. Merriam Prescott, Mrs. P. do not  at this time write her hame, but I have taken pains to ascertain her character & learn that she is an estimable woman, intelligent truthful and posesed of a very dear family Bible her evidence strikes me as a very satisfactory character. There can be no doubt that the order of the children was, Jacob, The Twins, & TH – The whole current of evidence goes to establish t his ‚ If then Mrs Prescott gains credit with you the Marriage must have been prior to —94. To the other evidence on file I have not time particulary to allow [continued]
Page 79

[continued]

As your letter to Mr Kelly of Apl 25. 1845 you say, "If William Smith can show by record evidence that he is. the second son and that he was forty nine years old last March, it will strengthen the evidence near presented." - It has I think been satisfacting shown that there is nowhere seen written of the births of their family. That William was the second son cannot be shown because it was not the fact - If William Smith testifies that he was 49 years old last March I think he was mistaken in stating his age or mistaken in the impart of the affidavit signed by him - He was probably 48 years old last March & consequently born in 1797. I inclose herewith a copy of the indenture executed in Sept 1804 from, which it appears that William was 8 years old March 15 1805 I also inclose the affidavit of Joseph Woodman Esq one of the most intelligent and respectable men in the Town of Sanborn, to the fact of the order of the births of the children and to the identity of William Smith.

You will not now be disposed to question the facts that William was He then birth and that he was born in 1797 March - Do not these two facts alone so strongly to prove that the marriage took place prior to January, 1792.

## Regarding them as established birth three years and ten months lapsed between the time of the marriage as alleged in the declaration and birth of William who was the fourth child & third birth —

to forward it to me, with the highest respect,
Your [illegible] servant
Frankl. Pierce
Page 80

[the following two paragraphs are identical to the previous page]

As your letter to Mr Kelly of Apl 25. 1845 you say, "If William Smith can show by record evidence that he is. the second son and that he was forty nine years old last March, it will strengthen the evidence near presented." - It has I think been satisfacting shown that there is nowhere seen written of the births of their family. That William was the second son cannot be shown because it was not the fact - If William Smith testifies that he was 49 years old last March I think he was mistaken in stating his age or mistaken in the impart of the affidavit signed by him - He was probably 48 years old last March & consequently born in 1797. I inclose herewith a copy of the indenture executed in Sept 1804 from, which it appears that William was 8 years old March 15 1805 I also inclose the affidavit of Joseph Woodman Esq one of the most intelligent and respectable men in the Town of Sanborn, to the fact of the order of the births of the children and to the identity of William Smith.

You will not now be disposed to question the facts that William was He then birth and that he was born in 1797 March - Do not these two facts alone so strongly to prove that the marriage took place prior to January, 1792.

Taken with all the other evidence it seems to me that there cannot be a reasonable doubt, Believing fully in the justice of the claim myself I urge it [illegible] more earnestly upon your notice - If you conclude to grant a certificate or that you will please to forward it to me.

With the highest respect,
Your [illegible] Servant
Frankl. Pierce
Page 81

Concord January 26, 1846

My dear Sir,

Your letter of the 13th inst stating that the William in the case of Mrs Abigail Smith is deemed satisfactory to establish the date of the marriage before January 1794 was duly viewed — Agreeably to your instruction I inclose herewith evidence that she is now living and a widow.

Will you have the goodness to sd the certificates to me as soon as practicable — 

Your friend & Sen
Franklin Pierce


Com J.L. Edwards
Washington 
D.C.
Page 82

[illegible] F Pierce
Jany 13, '46
Page 83

278

Pen Off
Jany 13 46

Sir

The indenture enclosed in yours of 26 ult in the case of Abigail Smith is deemed satisfactory to establish the date of the marriage before Jany '94 but before certificates can be made out for her under the acts of 7: July 39 & 3 March '43 with its continuation by Act of 17 June 44 it will be necessary to show that she is now alive or if dead the day of her death & names ofd surviving children

Hon Franklin Pierce
Concord
N.H.
Page 84

Affts. of M. Smith Jr. Esq
[illegible] W.H. Smart
Page 85

State of New-hampshire.
Office of Secretary of State.

I, THOMAS P. TREADWELL, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Israel W. Kelly is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Belknap duly Commissioned and qualified. His Commission was dated on the 9th day of Jany. 1843 and will expire on the 9th day of Jany. 1848 and his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.

Given under my hand and the Seal of the State, this 26th day of Jany. 1845.

Thomas P. Treadwell 
Secretary of State.
Page 86

I, Reuben Smith Junior of Moultonborough N.H. depose and say that I am a neighbor and live about one mile from George Smith son of Stephen Smith & Abigail his wife who was Abigail Hancock of Northfield N.H. before she was married to the said Stephen Smith -  and know that the said Abigail Smith, widow of said Stephen Smith late of Sanbornton is living and resides with her son the said George Smith and is still a widow - 

Reuben Smith Jr - 



I, William H. Smart of Meredith N.H. practising Physician depose & say that I am frequently in that part of Moultonborough where George Smith lives and know that his mother, mentioned in the above affidavit of Reuben Smith Jr. resides with him and is still a widow

William H. Smart



State of New-Hampshire
Belknapp ss. January 23rd, 1846 — 

Personally appeared the above named Reuben Smith Jr. (who is a Justice of the Peace, and William H. Smart Physician, and made oath in due form of law that the above affidavits by them severally subscribed was taken - 

Before  me
Israel W. Kelly
Jus Peace
Page 87

State of New Hampshire
County of Carroll ss.

On this twenty ninth day of September 1840, personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Abigail Smith, a resident of Moultonborough in the County of Carroll aged eighty nine years, who being first duly sworn according to laws, 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, 1840, granting provisions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.

That she is the widow of Stephen Smith who was a private in the War of the Revolution and died on the 27th day of July 1824, and that she is the identical Abigail Smith which has been pensioned under the Acts of July 7, 1838, March 3d. 1843, and 17th June 1844, at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum, and has received her pay at the pension agency at Portsmouth, State of New Hampshire - She further declares that she is still a widow

Abigail Smith
X
her mark

Witness
Reuben Smith Jr.
Jona. Capp
Page 88

Sworn and subscribed on the day and year within written - 

Before me
Jona Capp Justice Peace

I further certify, that the aforesaid deponent is personally known to me

Jona Capp Justice Peace
Page 89

[seal affixed]

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Office of Secretary of State.

I, Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Jonathan Capp is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Carroll duly Commissioned and qualified, and duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths, take the acknowledgement of Deeds, &c. His Commission was dated on the 30th day of June 1846 and will expire on the 30th day of June 1851 and his signature, as such, to the annexed instrument is genuine.

Given under my hand and the Seal of the State, this 4th day of October 1845.

Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of State.
Page 90

In the Case of Abigail Smith the oath of the marriage approaches so near the time limitation of the act of 1838 that none but the dearest and most satisfactory evidence will be deemed sufficient. If proof of a higher grade cannot be procured, of which the Department must be entirely satisfied. that fact may possibly be established by a family record, in which the ages of their children are requested, kept by some branch of the family. The testimony already adduced appear in itself very plausible, but it does not establish the relation of husband and wife between the parties at a date prior to the 1st January 1794 with the absolute certainly required in the rules.

The service of her husband is satisfactory.

this was the evidence adjudicating they did not notice that her husband died in 1824. 
& the pension was active in 1828.

Israel W. Kelley Esq
Concord N.H.

Pension Office
Sept. 13, 1844
Page 91

Concord N.H. October 4th. 1848

Sir

With this I forward the declaration of Abigail Smith, widow of Stephen Smith, for the extension of her pension for life according to the provisions of the Act of Congress of February 2d. 1848 - 

Very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
Israel W. Kelly



Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commsr. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 92

7693  Portsh.

New - Hampshire

Abigail Smith
widow of Stephen Smith
who was a Private
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars —
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the
22nd day of April 1846
and sent to 
Hon. Franklin Pierce
Concord
N.H.

[Act. of March 3, 1843.]
& 17 June, 1844.

Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2  Page 21.
Page 93

9967.

New-Hampshire

Abigail Smith
Widow of Stephen Smith
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1828
[notation: not the pensioner.]
and who died on the 27th July, 1824
of Carroll. Coun. in. the State of N.H.
who was a Private in the Compy
commanded by Captain Garth of the
Regt commanded by L. Sittle in
the Mass line for 2 years,

Inscribed on the Roll of Portsmouth
at the rate of 80 Dollars — 
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 22nd day of 
April 1846 and sent to Hon.
Franklin Pierce, Concord.

[illegible]
Total amount, $400.00

[Act July 7, 1838.]

Recorded by Tho. Sumpkin, Clerk,
Book D Vol. 1 Page 41



Repor the
Joint Reso.
23rd Jany '45