Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,621, Increase Blethen, Mass.
Page 1

(8--1776)

SERVICE       NUMBER
Mass.   Blethen, Increase     W. 23,621
or Blithen
Isabella

CONTENTS
Page 2

5.860 re-instate
Maine
Increase Blethen
or Phillips -- in the Dis of Maine
who was a private in the regiment commanded by
Colonel smith of the Massachusetts
line, for the term of three years

Inscribed on the Roll of Maine
sent the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 22d of April 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 26th of Jany 1819
and delivd to R. C. Vose Esqr

Arrears to 4th of Sep 1819 -- $35-46
Semi-anl. all'ce ending to Mrch 1819  48
4 mo 13/30.    $83.46

{Revolutionary claim,}
{Act 18th March, 1818}

Discontinued
[Illegible]

[Left-hand side of page]

Seti. James Starr, Apl
18th. '39

Reinstated Augst. 11th. 1820

[In faint print]
Notification sent to R. C. Vose Esqr. Augusta, Maine
13 July 1890
Page 3

2001
Maine
Isabella Blethen
Mass
widow of Increase Blethen
who was a Private
in the Mass line
for 2 years
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
16th day of Sept. 1843
and sent to 
Geo W. Morton
Augusta
Maine
[Act of March 3, 1843]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1   Page 2
Page 4

I Increase Blethen of Phillips in the County of Somerset,
and district of Maine aged Sixty years, a resident citison
of the United States desiring to obtain the provision made
By the Law of Congress intitled "and act to provide for
[illegible] & naval Service of the united States
Certain persons ingaged in the revolutionary war" and
To be placed upon the pension list for the districk of
Maine do on oath testify & declare that I enlisted at
Dearborn in the districk of Maine & State of Massachusetts for the
Term of four months which time I served out I then enlisted
at Cambridge in Massachusetts in March 1777 for the term of three years in
Capt. [illegible] [illegible] company of Infantry in Col. Wiggleworth's
Regement in Genral. Gloved Brigade in the Massachusetts
line on the Continental establishment in the war of the
Revalution and did Military duty until about March or Aril 1780 at which time I
was Honorably discharged I was at the battle of Monmouth
and Taking of Burgoyne. I was discharge at Fishmills: and in the year
1782 My house was burnt & My discharge was in it, by Reason
of My reduced circumstance in life I am in need assistance
from My country for support
Increase   his X  Blethen
mark
Page 5

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Second Eastern Circuit
On the twenty second day of April, A.D. 1818
the aforesaid Increase Blethen, having been duly
cautioned and examined, made oath to the
truth of the foregoing declaration by him
signed Before me, Josiah Stebbins, a Judge
of the G.G.G.P. for said Circuit.
Page 6

I Jacob Whitney of Phillips in Maine, testify ad
say that Increase Blethen named in the annexed
affidavit, was reputed to have enlisted for three
years with my two brothers: they all were absent,
except two of them having a furlough the three
years. We often heard from them in the army,
and at the end of their terms they returned.
I have no doubt said Blethen was in the three
years service.   Jacob Whitney

I George Roberts of Kingfield, in Maine, was
in the three years' service mentioned in the 
certificats of Increase Blethen annexed hereto.
He was in the service the same three years.
I often saw him, and we were together in
the battle of Monmouth.
George Robarts
Page 7

Apr. 22. Vose.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Second Eastern Circuit
ON the twenty second day of April. A.D. 1818,
the aforesaid Jacob Whitney and Geroge Robarts
having been duly cautioned and examined
severally made oath to me the truth the several affidavit
aforesaid as by them [illegible] signed Before me,
Josiah Stebbins,
a Judge of the C.C.C.P. for said Circuit.
Page 8

Copy  State of Maine.  431
KENNEBEC COUNTY, ss.
ON this Seventeenth day of June , 1820
personally appeared [scratched out: before] in open Court before [scratched out Justice of]
the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset
being a Court of Record for said Counties, proceeding according to the course of the common
law, having original jurisdiction, unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and
having the power of fine and imprisonment Increase Blithen aged
Sixty two years, resident in Philips in the County of Somerset
within said Circuit, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he
served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. in the Company commanded by Captain
Blasdell and Regiment commanded by Colonel Wigglesworth
of the line of the State of Massachusetts upon the Continental Establishment, for
the period of three years was at the taking of Burgoyne
at the battle of Monmouth and at the battle
at Rhode Island
that his original declaration was made before Judge Stebbins on the
Twenty second day of April 1818; that he is now on the Maine
Roll, and that his pension certificate is numbered 5860. And I, the said Increas
Blithen do further solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States
on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not
since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part
thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of
Congress, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service
of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one
thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any
property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is
contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
witness Asaph Nichols    Increase  his X mark   Blithen

The following is a Schedule of my whole estate and income, necessary clothing and bedding
excepted, viz: The right of Redressing sixty acres of land
with a log tree manor and a bar partly finished
of the value of fifty dollars. Two acres of the value
of thirty dollars, one yoke of three year old steers
of the value of thirty dollars, Two [illegible] the
value of five dollars, six sheep and six lambs
of the value of twelve dollars, Two swine of the
value of six dollars, old household furniture
of the value ten dollars besides necessary [illegible]
old farming tools worth three dollars, I have no
debts due me that can be collected and I owe
as much as fifty dollars besides what is due
on my land which is about one hundred
and twenty dollars. The income derived
from the above deducting the interest of the
money I owe does not exceed fifteen dollars
a year,
Page 9

My occupation had been that of a farmers;
but from age and infirmity am able to do
but little labor. My family at home consists
of myself my wife Isabella aged fifty five
years, my daughter Esther aged nineteen
years, my son Increase aged sixteen years
a very feeble person; my daughter Isabella
aged fourteen years, a very weakly child able
to do no work, my daughter Amelia aged
twelve years and my daughter Opha aged
seven years. Except the foregoing and my
necessary beding and clothing I have no
Estates or income whatever.
Witness Asaph Nichols.   Increase  his X mark  Blithen

Subscribed sworn to and delivered
both the oath and schedule on the
Seventeenth day of June 1820
Before me
Nathan Weston Js
CJ. C.C.C. Pleas
A true copy
Attest John Davis CH

Maine
Robert C. Case, Augusta
Page 10

431

State of Maine.
John Davis Clerk, for the County
of Kennebec of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for
the second Eastern Circuit, embracing the counties of Lincoln, Kennebec
and Somerset, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and
the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the
said court; and that the original was exhibited in open Court; and I
do 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,
including debts due to the declarant therein stated, is One hundred
forty five dollars and      cents and deducting therefrom
the amount of what the declarant owes, as set forth in said Schedule, the value of said property
in the opinion of said Court, is ninety five dollars
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said 
Court, on this Twentieth day of June 1820.
John Davis Clerk of said Court for the County of
of Kennebec


properties or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is

[Left hand side of page illegible seal]
Page 11

October twenty sixth seventeen hundred and eighty four
Increase Blifen and Isabella Whitney were married
by me   John Merriel Esq.
I certify the above is a true copy of the record of
the marriage of Increase Blifen and Isabella Whitney
from the records of the town of Topsham in the county of
Lincoln and State of Maine with the exception of the
date which is expressed on the record in fair legible
figures as follow viz. "Oct.26.1784. Increase Blifen &
Isabella Whitney were married by me. John Merriel Esq."
G.T. Bicknell Town Clerk.

I B.T. Bicknell above named, depose and say,
that I hold the office of town clerk for the townof
Topsham in the county of Lincoln and State of Maine
and that the above is a true extract from the records
of the said town with the exception above named as
certified by me.
B.T. Bicknell, Town Clerk

State of Maine.
County of Lincoln ss   On the tenth day of April 1843
Personally appeared B.T. Bicknell above name,
and made oath to the truth of the above certificate 
by him subscribed before me.
John H. Thompson Justice of the Peace

State of Maine
Kennebec ss   I the undersigned Clerk of the Jus. Courts for said County
of Kennebec do certify that John H. Thompson & George W.
Morton, whose genuine signature are affixed hereto
are Justices of the Peace for the counties of Lincoln and
Kennebec respectively. Witness my hand & seal of
the Sup. Jud. Court this 21st April A. D. 1843
A. R. Nichols

[Bottom left side of page illegible seal]
Page 12

#4052
Isabella Blithen
Increase
widow of [crossed out: Jacob]
Me.
Act 7. July 38

[Left side of page diagonally] 4052

[Right side of page diagonally] James Starr Agent
Jay, Maine
Page 13

State of Maine
Franklin County ss
On this fourth day of
December A.D. 1838...Personally appeared before
the Court of Probate in and for said county, Isabella
Blethin of Phillips in said County of Franklin, aged
seventy three years, 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
an act of Congress passed on the seventh day of July 1838
entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain
widows" that she is the widow of Increase Blethen late of
Phillips, who was a private in the army of the Revolution
in the Massachusetts line, that her husband was a pensioner
under the act of March 10,1819, and she refers to the
evidence furnished by him on his original application
for the proof of his services.
She further declares that she was married to
the said Increase Blethen on the twenty sixth day of
October in the year of our Lord Seventeen hundred
and eighty four; in an unincorporated place called Little River in the
County of Lincoln by John Merrill Esquire as Justice
of the Peace in and for said County of Lincoln that
her husband the aforesaid Increase Blethen died on
the fourteenth day of September a.d. 1838 that she
was not married to him prior to his leaving the service
but the marriage took place previous to the first day
of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz,
at the time above stated.    Isabella Blethen
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written
Before Thomas Parker Judge of
Probate Franklin County
Justify that the [illegible] and unincorporated place called Little River was written
before sworn to and subscribed    Thomas Parker Judge of Probate
Franklin ss. I the subscriber Register of the Court of
Probate in and for said County of Franklin hereby certify
that Thomas Parker before whom the foregoing proceedings
were heard is Judge of the Court of Probate aforesaid,
I also certify that the foregoing contains the original
proceedings of said Judge in the application of
(over)

[Bottom left side of page illegible seal]
Page 14

Isabella Blethen for a pension. I further certify that
Joshua Randall Jr whose proper signature is affixed
to the Deposition hereunto annexed is a justice of the Peace
within and for said county duly appointed & qualified
and that full faith and credit are due to his acts as such,
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed [crossed out: and affixed]
the seal of said courts this fourth day
of December in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred & thirty eight.
Thomas A. Boardman {Register of Probate for the County of Franklin
Page 15

Extract of the Records of the Town of Topsham
Marriages
Date
Year
1780  Mens Names   Womens Names
Februy 27  Thomas Brierhurst to Susannah Gardner
AD 1704 Marriages
Octr 3. Jonathan Baker to Margarett Dunlap
DO 20. Increase Blifen to Isabella Whitney
1788
Septr 3.  Philip Calb to Hannah Whitten
The above Marriages returned by
John Merrill Esqr. to me
Robt Hunter Town Clerk
I hereby certify that the above is a true abstract
from the Records of Marriages Now in my
possession and is a part of the list of Marriages
returned by John Merrill a Justice of the Peace
for the County of Lincoln
O.E. Frost Clerk of the Town of Topsham
I Obadiah E. Frost above named depose
and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk
of the Town of Topsham in the County of 
Lincoln, State of Maine, and that the above
Page 16

is a true extract from the Records of said
Town
O. E. Frost Clerk of the Town of Topsham
State of Main
Lincoln County ss. Town of Topsham Main
to and subscribed this nineteenth day of 
December, 1838
Before me Nathl Green Justice of the Peace
Page 17

X 4052
Rejected
Setc James Starr,
Apl. 15 '39

act 7. July 38.
Page 18

[Left side of page] Hirst to
Denver Colo 

[Right side of page] June 5. 1904
Henri r. Foster

Rev.
Widow, &c.
File No. 23621   Om
Isabella Blethen
Wid of
Increase Blethen
Priv Mass Line
Act Mar 3rd 1849
Indes:--Vol. A, Page 69
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 19

Increase Blethen
Phillips, ssr. Col. Smiths
Mass Reg. 1777 to 1780

April 22 1818

Admitted
Page 20

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
To the Honorable the Secretary of the Department of War of the
United States.

I the subscriber, being a Judge of the Circuit Court of Common
Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, comprising the 
Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, do hereby certify to your Honor,
that Increase Blethen, a citizen of the United
States, now resident in Phillips, in the said
County of Somerset, in the District of Maine, on the 
Twenty second day of April, A. D. 1818,
made application to me to receive his declaration under oath, and such other evidence, as was in his power to produce; and
transmit the same, and the proceedings had thereon, to your Honor; that he might be placed on the pension list of the United
States, agreeably to the provisions of an Act, 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 18, A. D. 1818, which declaration, and the other
evidence produced by said applicant are hereunto annexed.
And I do further certify to your Honor, that after a full examination of the said applicant, and a careful consideration
of the evidence in the case, it appears to me that the said applicant did serve as a private
in the war of the revolution, against the common enemy, upon the continental establishment, for more than nine months, as
stated in his declaration aforesaid; and that from is reduced circumstances he needs the assistance of is country for his
support.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREBY, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the said Court to be hereunto affixed,
this 27th day of July in the year of our LORD one thousand eight hundred
and eighteen.
Josiah Stebbins.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

KENNEBEC, ss.
I the Subscriber, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts, held within the said County of Kennebec, hereby certify that the
Honorable Josiah Stebbins, Esquire, before whom the annexed proceedings were held, is a Judge of the Circuit Court
of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, comprising the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and
Somerset; and that by the direction of the said Judge, I have affixed unto this certificate bearing is signature, the seal of
the said Court tin which he presides.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand"--Dated at Augusta, in said County of Kennebec, this
twenty seventh day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen
John Davis
Page 21

Refd May 26

7288
Maine
Isabella Blethen
widow of Increase Blethen
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818,
and who died on the 14th September, 1838,
of Franklin Co in the State of Maine
who was a private in the _________
commanded by Captain ________of the 
Regt commanded by Col. Smith ___in
the Masstts ___ line for [illegible]

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

Certificate of Pension issued the 25th -- day of
May 1843 and sent to George
Mortan, Augusta, Maine

Total amount,   $400.00
{Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Call Stewart --- Clerk,
Book A Vol. 1  Page 3
Page 22

Increase Blethin
Page 23

COMMONWEATHL OF MASSACHUSETTS.

SECRETARY'S DEPARTMENT, July 6th 1818

BY THIS I CERTIDFY, That it appears by public, official documents
remaining in this Department, that Increase Blithen
served us a Soldier in Capt. Smart's Company, and
Col. Smith's Regiment, (being one of the Regiments
in the Massachusetts Line, and on the Continental Establishment.) in
the American Army, in the War of the Revolution, from April 1 --
1777 to 9th April 1780, being three
years and 2 [illegible] [crossed out: months]

Alden Bradford
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Page 24

EDWARD KENT,
GOVENOR OF THE STATE OF MAINE.
TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE [RESENTS,
GREETING.

KNOW YE, That Nathaniel Greene _____ of
Topsham, in the County of ___ Lincoln, ____ Esquire,
whose name is borne upon the paper hereunto annexed, was, on the twentieth
day of ____ June, A.D. 1834, appointed and Commissioned,
and in the ninth day of August, A.D. 1834, qualified
as a Justice of the Peace & of the [illegible]
within and for our said County, and that he is still in
commission, _________

Edward Kent

and that 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 caused the Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand at AUGUSTA, this twelfth day of December, in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty - eight, and in the sixty third
year of the Independence of the United States of America.

BY THE GOVERNOR.

Saml Benson  Secretary of State.
Page 25

Jayelle}   jfm
Dec. 17}

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Pension Office

City Washington D. C.
Page 26

Jayelle. Dec.r 15

J. L. Edwards Esq.r

Dear Sir 
The Declaration
of Isabella Blethen, widow of Increase Blethen dec.d
who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the
United States, under the act of March 18, 1818.
accompany this for the purpose of obtaining
a pension. you will see that in the coppy of
the record of their Marriage certified by the
Clerk of the Town of Topsham, his name is then
spelled Blifen, whithin the error was made
by the Justice who solemniced the Marriage on
the Clerk in recording the same it is not
known, the Deposition of Jacob Whitney Esq.r
annexed to her declaration & presume will
be satisfactory evidence to you that Increase
Blethen was the same man that is calld on
the record Increase Blifen, much more
testimony might have been sent to establish
that fact, but it would have been attended
with considerable trouble to have previewed it,
Therefore I have omitted taken it, believing
what is sent will be sufficient--
I am sir with due
Respect your Most
obt. Servt.
James Starr

P.S. Please enclose
the Certificate
of Pension to
Mrs. Blethens
to me--
Page 27

Jay Me. Decr. 15 1838

J.L. Edwards Esqr.
Dear Sir
The Declaration
of Isabella Blethen, widow of Increase Blethen, deceased,
who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the
United States under the act of March 18, 1818
accompanys this for the purpose of obtaining
a Pension; you will see that in the copy of
the record of their Marriage certified by the
Clerk of the Town of Topsham, his name is there
spelled Blifen, written that error was made
by the Justice who solemnized the Marriage on
the Clerk in recording the same it is not
known. The Deposition of Jacob Whitney Esq
annexed to her declaration & presume will
be satisfactory evidence to you that Increase
Blethen was the same man that is call'd on
the record Increase Blifen, much more
testimony might have been sent to establish
that fact, but it would have been attended
with considerable trouble to have previewed  it.
Therefore I have omitted taken it, believing
what is sent will be sufficient.
I am sir with due
Respect your Most
obt. Servt. [Obedient Servant]
James Starr

P.S. Please enclose
the Certificate
of Pension to
Mrs. Blethens
to me
Page 28

8970
Isabella Blethen

Me
Act 7. July '38
m 84 d 38

adm.d
2 yrs pri
80$

Gov W Morton
Augusta
Maine
Page 29

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th
July, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay
and pensions to certain widow." and an act to
amend the same approved August 23 1842

STATE OF MAINE
Franklin County, ss.
On this twenty eighth day of March A. D., 1843
personally appeared before the Court of Rebate for the County of
Franklin in the State of Maine in open court being
a court of Record Isabella Blethen
a resident of Phillips in the County of Franklin and
State of Maine, aged Seventy Seven 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 the Act of Congress, passed July 7th, 1838, entitled
"An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;" [crossed out: That she is the
widow of] And an act to amend the same approved August
22, 1842. That she is the widow of Increase Blethen who
was a pensioner of the United States under the act
of Congress of March 18, 1818 that he was pensioned
at the rate of eight dollars per month which was paid
to him at the agency in Portland in the state of
Maine up to the fourth day of September 1838, and
that she defers to the declaration made by him of his service in the War of the Revolution supposed
to be in possession of the war department

She further declares, that she was married to the said Increase Blethen
on the "not reported" day of November in the year seventeen
hundred and eighty four; that her husband, the aforesaid Increase
Blethen died on the Fourteenth day
of September 1838 in Phillips State of Maine; that
she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place
previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz. at the time
above stated, she also further states that her maiden name 
was Isabella Whitney, and that her marriage was
solemnized in the town of Lisbon

Witness Thomas Parker     Isabella [her X mark] Blethen

 Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before
Thomas Parker Judge of
Probate County of Franklin
Page 30

STATE OF MAINE

Franklin ss.
I the subscriber Register of Probate Court for said County hereby CERTIFY,
That the Hon Thomas Parker before whom the proceedings
were had, is the Judge of said court for Franklin County, Maine
I also CERTIFY, That the foregoing contains the original proceedings of
the said Judge in the matter of the application of
for a pension.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the
seal of the said Court, this Twenty eighth day
of March A. D., 1843
S. Cram
Register
Page 31

I Nathan Whitney of Augusta in the County
of Kennebec, and State of Maine aged seventy one
years and whereas, do depose and say that Increase
Blethen who was a revolutionary pensioner of the
United States was the husband of my sister Isabella,
 that I have always understood the said Increase Blethen
and my said sister Isabella Whitney were married
in an unincorporated place adjoining the town of
Topsham which has since been incorporated into a town called Lisbon about the year 1784, even after
their [illegible] marriage they lived together as
husband and wife till his death, she was the wife
of his youth and since his death has lived 
unmarried, the said Blethen died about the year
1838 in the town of Phillips in the State of Maine
even after their marriage they lived together as
reputable persons retaining good character in this
neighborhood where they lived and brought us a
large family of children.
Nathan Whitney

State of Maine
Kennebec County B.
on this nineteenth day of
of April 1843 Personally appeared Nathan Whitney
to me well known as a reputable person and
made oath to the truth of the above affidavit
by him subscribed
before me
Geo W Morton Justice of
the Peace
Page 32

Augusta, Maine
April 29th 1843

Sir 
I herewith enclose a declaration 
of Mrs Isabella Blethen the widow of Increase Blethen
for the purpose of having here claim to a pension
by [illegible] of the Acts of July 7. 1838 & established
[illegible] her papers are deemed suffices to allow her
claim. I would respectfully request you, to
send me a certificate for her.
Very respectfully
Your Obd Servt [Obedient Servant]
Geo W. Morton

Jame L Edmands Esq
Comm of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 33

2207
Isabella Blethen

$80 per anm

Go W Morton
Augusta
Maine.
Page 34

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March, 1843, granting Pensions
for one year to certain Widows who have received Pensions under the Act of July 7, 1838.

STATE OF MAINE,}
County of Franklin ss.} On the nineteenth day of June
A. D. 1843, personally appeared, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in the
County of Franklin and State of Maine, Isabella Blethen
a resident of Phillips in the County of
Franklin aged seventy eight 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 provisions made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3d March,
1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Increase Blethen who was a Private during the Revolutionary War; that she was
pensioned as the widow of the said Increase Blethen at the
rate of eighty dollars and cents per
annum, under the Act of July 7, 1838, which was paid to her at the agency in
Portland in the State of Maine. She further declares 
that she is still the widow of the said Increase Blethen having
remained unmarried ever since his death.
Witness                    Isabella [her X mark] Blethen
Elijah Toothaker
Thomas Sargent

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written,
Before me,   Charles Church Jr   Justice of the Peace.

I certify that the declarant is personally known to me to have been pensioned under the
Act of July 7, 1838, and is the reputed widow of Increase Blethen
deceased, and has remained unmarried ever since his death.

Charles Church Jr. Justice of the Peace.
Page 35

State of Maine,
Kennebec County, S.S.
I the subscriber Clerk of all the Judicial
Courts, held for and within the said County of Kennebec,
do herby certify that Charles Church Jr is a Justice
of the Peace in within stated and that the written
signatures purporting to be his on genuine.
Witness my hand and the seal of the
Supreme Judicial Court of Maine
the twenty third day of June A. D. 1843
A. R. Nichols
Page 36


Augusta, Maine.
June 24. 1843

Sir
I herewith enclose declarations of
Isabella Blethen, Mary Burbank, Dorcas Ricker, Mary
Temple, Eunice Sawtell and Mary Wells in order to
have their respective claims to a pension under
the Act of March 3. 1843 allowed and respectfully
you if satisfactory to transmit to me such
certificates as you issue in similar cases.
Very respectfully
You Obt Srvt [Obedient Servant]
Geo W. Morton


James L. Edwards Esq
Commr of Pensions
City of Washington
D. C.
Page 37

ESTABLISHED 1873.
HENRI R. FOSTER,
REAL ESTATE, INSURANCE, LOAN AND COLLECTION AGENT.
NORARY PUBLIC IN AND FOR THE CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER.
POST OFFICE BLOCK.

No. 2405 DUNKELD PLACE, DENVER, COLO May 14 1904

Bureau of Pension
Washington D C 
Will you kindly give me the
military record of Increase Blethen who was a
soldier in the Revolutionary War. As a pensioner
he was a resident of Philips-Franklin Maine
Yours Rpty [Respectfully]
Henri R. Foster



23621

[Stamp] OLD WAR & NAVY
MAY 20 1904
FILES.

[Stamp] PENSION
U  A MAY 18 1904  S
OFFICE
Page 38

I Jacob Whitney of Phillips in the County of
Franklin of lawful age depose and say
that I was acquainted with Increase 
Blethen fifty nine years ago and have had
an acquaintance with during all the 
time since until he died. I was with
him when he died. He died in said
Phillips on the fourteenth day of September
last past said Increase Blethen was a
Revolutionary Pensioner. Said Blethen at
the time of his marriage resided in an
unincorporated place adjoing  Topsham
then called Little River now a part of
Lisbon. He was married to Isabella Whitney
at said Little River on the Twenty sixth day
of October in the year of our Lord one thousand
seven hundred & eighty four (1784)
by John Merrill Esquire of Topsham a
Justice of the Peace for the County of Lincoln.
His name was then Blethen although generally
pronounced and sometimes written Blefin.
He was the same person a Revolutionary
Pensioner who died in said Phillips
Sept. 14. 1838 & he was left now residing
in said Phillips the aforesaid Isabella
Whitney to whom he was married as
aforesaid, his widow. I was acquainted
with said Increase Blethen before
he went into the army, had two Brothers
out in the service with him & I was knowing
that he went into the army in the
Revolutionary war. I was present when
he was married as I had before stated 
& also I was present when the 
business was done at the time he got
his name entered on the Pension List
Page 39

At the time of said Blethen's marriage Little
River was an unincorporated place & the
publishment & of persons residing there was
 then made in Topsham & their marriage
recorded in Topsham. The difference in
the spelling of said Increase Blethen's
name in the record of his marriage
it being written as I am informed
Blifen instead of Blethen must be a
mistake in the record. In regard
to the identity of his person & also
that of Isabella Whitney who is now
left his widow I know them can
be no mistake. And further your
Deponent saith not.
Jacob Whitney

Franklin ss. Dec 3. 1838. When the above named
Jacob Whitney Esq. who is, as I hereby
certify, a man of undoubted truth &
veracity, subscribed & made oath to the
truth of the above
Before Me
Josua Randall Jr
Justice of the Peace