Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 27,640, Elias D Trafton, R.I.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
R.I.

Trafton, Elias D
Crandall, Lydia T.
(Former widow)

NUMBER
W.27.640
B.L. Wt .39483.-160-55_

CONTENTS
Page 2

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

2576
Rhode Island
====================
Elias D Trafton
of Providence in the State of RI
who was a Drummer in the company command
by Captain [blank]     of the regt commanded
by Col Tapham in the RI
line for 2 years
====================
Inscribed on the Roll of RI
at the rate of 88 Dollars - Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
====================
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of Sept
1832 and sent Benja
Cowell Providence RI
====================
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832   $132-
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar.33. 44.-
====
$176-
====
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832 }
Recorded by J H McBlair, Clerk
Book I Vol. 3rd  Page 135.

[right side, on edge]
176542
176542
Page 3

Elias T Trafton
F! 8668
Page 4

'36
Elias D. Trafton further maketh oath in addition & explanation of the declaration by him made July 18th 1832 in the Dist. Court of the United States that, upon further recollection he remembers that he enlisted in Capt. Trafton's company as a drummer in April or May 1778 & in Col. Toshanes regiment & as he has stated & that he continued to serve in said capaicty [capacity] in said Regiment untill [until] October or November 1780 he cannot say certainly which of said months- He served between April 1778 & November 1780 two years & seven months at least for which he claims a pension as a drummer and he further declares that the reason why he did obtain a Clergyman was, that he produced living witnesses to his services, whose depositions are hereto annexed & certified to be credible witnesses.
[signature] Elias D. Trafton

Rhode Island District &c
In Providence Nov. 19 1832
Personally appeared before me the above named Elias D. Trafton & made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed.
[signature] Berya Cowell
Commissioner Dist. Court for R.I. Dist.
Page 5

State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations
Secretary's Office July 21, 1832
I Certify that Levi Haile whose signature is annexed to the foregoing certificate is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Warren in the County of Bristol in said State, duly elected and commissioned, as appears of record in this office.
Witness [signature] Henry Bowen Secry.
Page 6

I Jonathan Bushee, of Warren in the County of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations engaged according to law do testify and say, that in the year seventeen hundred seventy seven I enlisted in Colonel Topham's Regiment raised by said State of Rhode Island in the war of the Revolution, and that I served in said Regiment fifteen months at the expiration of which time I again enlististed [enlisted] in said Colonel Topham's Regiment and served twelve months; and I do further testify and say that in the year seventeen hundred seventy eight Elias D. Crafton now residing in Providence in said State of Rhode Island enlisted in Captain Philip Taften's Company in said Colonel Topham's Regiment for twelve months service; and that said Elias D. Trafton served out said twelve months in said Regiment.
[signature] Jonathan Bushee

The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Bristol sc. in Warren, December the 30th A.D. 1830.
Then the above named Jonathan Bushee personally appearing & being duly examined and sworn gave the aforegoing deposition which was reduced to writing by me in his presence & was by him subscribed in my presence.
Attest [signature] Levi Haile Justice of the Peace

And I hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with the above named Jonathan Bushee, that he is a credible person, and that his statement is entitled to credit.
Attest [signature] Levi Haile Justice of the Peace
Page 7

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
Lemuel H. Arnold
Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
Be it known that the name "Henry Bowen," to the aforewritten attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who, at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed, at Providence, the twenty first day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two and of Independence the fifty-seventh.
[signature[ Lemuel H. Arnold
BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S COMMAND
Henry Bowen
Secry.

[illegible State Seal affixed at left]
Page 8

I John Hunt of Taunton in the county of Bristol Commonwealth of Massachusetts subscriber, do testify and say, that Elias D. Trafton of Providence in the State of Rhode Island, served as a Drummer in Capt. Philip Trafton's company in the Regiment commanded by Col. Topham during nine months in each of the years 1779 & 1780 in the war of the Revolution making eighteen months service in the whole. The above statement is made from my recollection of the service performed by said Trafton which was within my personal knowledge.
[signature] John Hunt

Bristol ss. January 1. 1831
Then the above named John Hunt signed and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit.
Before me
[signature] Jacob Chafton
Justice of the Peace
Page 9

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. 
I, James Sproat Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Jacob Chapin Esq. whose signature is affixed to the within certificate is a Justice of the peace in & for said County, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this twenty fourth day of July in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & thirty two.
[signature] Jas. Sproat
Page 10

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Rhode-Island District, sc.
County of Providence
On this 13th day of July A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, being a special District Court of the United States within and for said District, now in session-- Elias Dayton resident of Providence in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 65 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 Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, viz.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That he was born the 11th day of November 1766 at Barington R. I. but has no record of his birth-- he lived there at the time of his enlistment & since, the war has lived in Swansey Mass - now lives in Providence R.I. he enlisted as a drummer at Howlands Ferry in the Spring of 1778 in Capt Philip Traftons Company & Col Tophams regiment of Rhode Island State troops and served on Rhode and untill after the French troops landed there in theSummer of 1780 and was then honourably discharged - General Rochambean commanded the French Land Forces that landed at Newport in 1780

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid [signature] Elias D Trafton
witness [signature] Blewell Clk

We, [blank] a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and [blank] residing in [blank] hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] years of age, that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionory Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that John Hunt & Jonathan Bushee who have testified for said applicant are as they stat and credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, BENJAMIN COWELL, Clerk of said District Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Chas D Trafton for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 17 day of September 1832
[signature] Benjamin Cowell
Page 11

[left side]
Let B. Cowell Jr 25/56


[right side]

176.542 / Act Mar. 3/55
June 23/55
Cordelia Trafton
-
Cordelia Trafton Widow heir 

Elias V. Grafton minor child

Elias D. Trafton Pri [Private]

Col. Jno Tapham
R I . Vols [Rhode Island Volunteers]
S
No. 39.483 isd [issued] Sept 4/66

✓Rev War
Pensioner formerly
R. I. June 32 - 2576
Ad: 16 Acre, Aug. 27/56
[signature] Boynton
R

Benj. Cowell
Providence
R. I.
Page 12

I James Barney resident of Hyde Park in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being duly sworn according to law on oath do depose and say
That I am (79) seventy nine years of age and was in and about the year 1850 the Pastor of the 5th Congregational Church in the City of Providence R I. That as such, I solemnized Marriage between Mr Benjamin Crandall and Mrs Lydia T Trafton, both of the City of Providence on the First day of August 1850 - they having been published according to law
That I have no interest in the Claim of Mrs Lydia T Crandall for pension
[signature] James O. Barney

State of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk. ss
At Hyde Park in this 8th day of October 1874 Before me personally appeared
Page 13

James O Barney to me known, who on solemn oath declared the statement by him within made  and subscribed is true. And I certify the affiant to be respectable and credible and the person he represents himself to be and that I have no interest in said Claim.
[signature] Charles Sturterant
Justice of the Peace.

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I, Erastus Worthington, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court within and for the County of Norfolk, the same being a Court of Record and Common law jurisdiction, do hereby certify that Charles Sturtevant, whose signature, subscribed to the foregoing affidavit, I believe to be genuine and true, was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace within and for that County, duly commissioned and qualified, having full power and authority to administer and certify oaths, and that full faith and credit are due to his official certificates.
Witness my signature and the seal of said Court, this twelfth day of October AD. 1874.
[signature] Fastus Worthington Clerk.

[illegible Court Seal affixed above]
Page 14

B. Crandall
Page 15

State of Rhode Island
County of Presidence, ss
On this twentieth day of June AD 1855 personally appeared before me Henry L Know a Justice of the Peace within said County Benjamin Crandall of the City of Procidence in said County who being duly sworn according to law makes the following declaration as the next friend & in behalf of Cordelia Tate who is a minor under the age of twenty one & daughter of Elias Trafton late of said City deceased and Lydia F Trafton his wife who since his death has again married, & is now the wife of me the said Benjamin.
And the said Benjamin further says and declares that the said Elias Trafton was married to the said Lydia Ten the twenty second day of May, 1835, by the Rev'd William Phillips a Minister of the Gospel, and that the said Elias D. departed this life on the sixth day of April AD 1848 and since his death, I have married his widow & she is now my lawful 
wife
Page 16

And the said Benjamin further says that the said Elias D. Trafton was a pensioner of the
United States at the time of his death for his services in the war of the Revolution & drew a pension at the agency for paying pensions in the City of Providence for his services in Col John Topham's Regiment of Rhode Island Troops as he has always understood and believed
That he served over fourteen days in said Regiment & he believes in Capt Pattons Company and
and was honorably discharged
He makes this declaration as the next friend of said Cordelia Trafton for the purpose of  obtaining the County land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3 1855
He also declares that she the said Cordelia has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress nor made any other application therefor
[signature] Benjamin Crandell
Page 17

We James Smith and Jonathan B Sisson residents in the City of Providence in said State upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed & acknowledged by said Benjamin Crandall the next friend of Cordelia Trafton in our presence and that we believe from the appearance & statements of the applicant that he is the identicle
person he represents himself to be
[signature] James Smith
Witness ss June 20 1855 [signature] Jonathan B. Sisson

The foregoing declaration and affiants were sworn to and [illegible] before me the day and year aforewritten; and I Certify that I knew the affiants  to be [illegible] [illegible] that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.
[signature] Henry L Bowen
Justice Peace
Page 18

I hereby certify that Mr. Elias D. Grafton & Mrs. Lydia G. Weatherbee both of this city were lawfully united in marriage by the Subscriber, May Twenty Second Eighteen Hundred & Thirty Five, as appears by my records.
[signature] Wm Phillips
Minister of the Gospel

Providence R. I.
May 21st 1855.
County of Providence ss Providence May 21 1833 Signed and affirmed to before me by the Rev'd William Phillips, Known to me as a Minister of the Gospell
[signature] Sylvester Hartshorn
Justice of the Peace
Page 19

I Stephen Johnson of Warren in the County of Bristol, State of Rhode Island aged sixty five years do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Elias D. Trafton formerly of Providence who was a soldier of the Revolutionary army and a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death said Elias D. Trafton departed this life on or about the sixth day of April One thousand Eight hundred & forty eight (1848) I was at his funeral, he died in Swansey Mass. I also remember he left one Daughter who was and is a minor child.
[signature] Stephen Johnson

Bristol sc.
Warren June 14, 1855
Signed and sworn to before me and I further certify that I am acquainted with said deponent and that he is a respectable and creditable witness and that I have no interest in the subject matter
[signature] Nath'l P. Smith, Public Notary
Page 20

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Rush County fc }
I M. T. Bennett Clerk of the Supreme Court in and for the County and State aforesaid, do certify that on the 14th day of June AD 1855 Nathl CP. Smith Esq was a Public Notaryn in and for said County of Bristol, duly commissioned and qualified as such and by law is duly authorized to adminster oaths and that the signature of his name to the within acknowedgement was made by his own proper hand 
In witness whereof I herewith set my hand and the seal of said Court this 18th day of June AD 1855
[signature] M. T. Barnett
Clerk Supreme Court

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]
Page 21

Cordelia Trafton
176. 542
Page 22

I Henry Armington of Providence in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island a PractisingPphysician of lawful age do testify and say that I was acquainted with Elias Trafton late of Providence deceased and also acquainted with Lydia Trafton his wife I attended her in my professional capacity at the birth of her youngest child Cordelia Trafton, it appears by my Books that said Cordelia was born on the twelfth day of January Eighteen hundred and forty two the said Cordelia is now living, the said Elias D Trafton was a pensioner of the United States as I have always understood and believe, after his death the said Lydia Married Benjamin Crandell and she is now his wife
[signature] Henry Armington

County of Providence, Providence May 21 1855
Signed and sworn to before me, and I further say that the said Henry Armington is known by  me as a practicing Phisician and is a credible witness
[signature] Sylvester Hartshine Justice of the Peace
Page 23

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
---
PROVIDENCE SC.
CLERK'S OFFICE, COURT OF COMMON PLEAS,
PROVIDENCE June 21st A.D. 1855
I, Amasa S. Westcott Clerk of the COURT OF COMMON PLEAS of said State, within and for the County of Providence:
DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Sylvester Hartshorn was on the 21st day of May A.D. 1855. &  Henry L. Bowen was on the 20 day of June A.D. 1855 Justices of the Peace for said County of Providence  duly appointed and qualified, and authorized to administer oaths and take depositions and the acknowledgement of deeds and other instruments, and that the signatures to the annexed Certificate, purporting to be theirs are genuine.

IN ATTESTATION WHEREOF, I hereto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, the day and year above written.
[signature] Amasa S. Westcott Clerk.

[illegible Court Seal affixed upper left]
Page 24

[left page]
Oct 19/74 Rejected as the claim was not filed within
three years of the time the right accrued. And prior
to the completion of the claim Claimt had remarried.
Atty notified White

Nov 4/74 Letter to Pitman
Quary[sp] Seq. Act July 4/64
Seq. 4712 Act June 22/74

Nov 20/74 Letter to Pitman 
as per slip inside White

1875 Jan. 8-Rep. to Sec'y
copy herewith.

[right page]
[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

- 7.357
Revolutionary War
No. [blank]
ACT OF JULY 14, 1862.
Lydia T. Crandall
former widow of
Elias D. Trafton
Drummer
Revolutionary War
Discharged ______________, 186__.

Received October 15 1874
J. Talbot Pitman
Providence
R. I.
Page 25

Revolutionary Widow
Application of
Lydia S Crandall
late widow of
Elias D Trafton
late Drummer in the Army
of the Revolution
---
with 

Affidavit of Marriage of Claim't E D Trafton
Affidavit of death of Trafton
Affidavit of marriage of Claim't to Crandall
Cert of death of Crandall
Duplicate requirements
J Talbot Pitman Atty
Providence
R I

[upside down date stamp]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
OCT 15 1874
PENSION OFFICE.
Page 26

State of R Island
County of Providence sc
On this 6" day October 1874 personally appeared before me a Clerk of W S District Court for Rhode Island District Leora T Crandall a resident of Warren in the County of Bristol and State of R Island aged Seventy years who being duly sworn makes the following declaration in order to obtain the pension provided by the act of Congress approved February 3d 1853 and in accordance with Section 3 of the Acct of Congress approved August 5. 1854. Chapter 267
That she was the widow of Ellias D Trafton late a [illegible] in the Revolutionary War and as such he was allowed and received a pension of Eighty eight dollar per year that she married said Elias D Trafton on the 22d ["1835" lined thru] of May 1835 and he died on or about Sixth day of April 1848 That she afterwards on the 1st day of August 1850 she was again married to Benjamin Crandell and on the 8th day of July 1873 the said Benjamin Crandall died -
That by reason of her marriage to said Benjamin Crandall she was deprived of the pension to which she would have been entitled had the remained the widow of said Elias D Trafton. but as she is now a widow and no longer under Cevature[sp] she claims such pension to be due her from said 8th day of July 1873
She also declares that she has remained a widow ever since the death of said Benjamin Crandall and that she has not in any manner been engaged in or aided or abetted the rebellion in the United States, and she hereby appoints J Talbot Pitman of Providence RI her lawful Attorney with power of substitution and authorizes him to present and prosecute this claim
Page 27

all that may be necessary to be done in the premises -
My Post Office Address is Church St. Warren PO. Rd Island
[signature] Lydia Crandall

Also personally appeared before me Jacob Silloway of No 69 Arnold Street and Alfred Mason of No 159 South Main Street both in the City & County of Providence and State aforesaid to me well known as credible persons, who being duly sworn declare that they were present and saw said Lydia J Crandall sign her name to the foregoing declaration and that they have every reason to believe, and do know, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and know that said Elias D Trafton recognised said Applicant as his lawful wife- that the said Elias J Trafton died. That the said applicant married Benjamin Crandall and that said Benjamin Crandall died on the 8th day of July 1873; and that they have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim and that she remains a widow
[signature] Jacob Tilloway
[signature] Alfred Mason

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 6" day of October 1874 And I hereby certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in theprosecution of this claim, and that the contents of the above were made known and explained to applicant and witnesses before signing
[signature] Henry Pitman
Clk US District RI Dist
Page 28

RI
Cert. 7.357
Lydia T. Crandall

File No. 2,7640

OLD WAR

File
Page 29

7[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

7357
SPECIAL EXAMINATION
DIVISION.

OK

Department of the Interior,
PENSION OFFICE,
Boston, Mass. Dec 14 1885

Postmaster at
Bristol, R.I.

SIR:
You are requested to inform me at your VERY EARLIEST CONVENIENCE whether the pensioner Lydia T Crandall (?) is living or dead; and, if dead, the EACT DATE OF DEATH; if living whether REMARRIED; and, if so, the EXACT DATE thereof and whom to.

Her last known address was at your place in Sept, 1884

Your reply ON THE BAC  OF THIS SHEET, forwarded to me in the inclosed addressed official envelope, will be appreciated.

Very respectfully,
[signature] J A Davis
Special Examiner.

(4597─5 M.)
Page 30

Post Office Bristol R. I.
December 16 1885
Dear Sir
Lydia T Crandall Died in this 
Town September 11th 1884 age 80 years
6 month & 10 Days
Yours Respectfully
John R Peane
Postmaster

J H Davis
Special Examiner
Boston Mass

[right side, on edge]
["Dependent" lined thru]
Wid
Cert. 7,357  AR
Lydia T Crandall 
Not[sp] 1812 WLC
Wrong
Page 31

No. 8,668
Elias D. Trafton of
Providence R.I.
Drummer
2 years
The requirements to the 4
5 -11. 12 & 16 ques's [questions] not
Complied with-
Nov 6 1832
Admitted
$88.
Benj'a Cowell
Providence R .I.
Page 32

Brief in the case of Elias D. Trafton of the County of Providence in the State of R. Island
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3. How old is he? 65 years

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period. 
In 1778 spring to the summer 1780. the Witnesses fix a time

Duration of Service. Years, Month, Days. [blank]

Rank. As a 
Drummer

Names of General and field Officers under whom he served. Gen.
Col. Topham, Capt Trafton

5. In what battles was he engaged? none

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Swansey Mass.

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? living witnesses

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
no certificate of Clergyman or other s

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
[signature] Levin Bell
Examining Clerk.
Page 33

Providence July 21 1856
Sir
I have received your letter of the 25 Ulto respecting the claim of Cordelia Trafton minor child of Elias D. Trafton for Bounty Land No 176542, Agreeably to your direction the former widow of Elias D Trafton has waived all right to the claim & further evidence is also herewith enclosed that Cordelia Trafton is the only Minor child of said Elias D Trafton.
I have therefore to request that a warrant may be issued to her heir.
I am very Respectfully your
Obt Servt
[signature] Benja Cowell

Hon J. Minot
Page 34

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 27.640 
Lydia T. Crandall
formerly Widow of
Elias D. Trafton
Drummer. Rev. War
Rhode Island, Vo[ls]
Act: Feb. 3- 1853
Index:─Vol. 1, Page [blank]
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 35

Hon J Minot [right] FREE
Commish'r of Pensions
Washington DC

additional evidence No 176542, Bounty Land

[right side, on edge]
176542
Cordelia Trafton 
Minor Child
[illegible initial]

[signature]Boynton
Page 36

39.483

⎬
[illegible name]
Page 37

[printed form, blanks filled be hand]

13.089 [circled]
Massachusetts
====================
Elias D. Trafton
of Mass'tts Dist in the State of Massach'tts
who was a private in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Topham of the R. Island
line, for the term of 2 years
====================
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on
the 17th of June 1819
====================
Certificate of Pension issued the 26th of July 1819
and sent to Nahum Mitchell, Esq.
East Bridgewater Mass.
====================
["Arrears to 4th of" lined thru]
Portion of
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sept. 1819. 
2 14/30 . 4/31 20.76
====
$21.76
====
{ Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818 .}
R
Page 38

7th Sect Act July 4 1864 provided that on the remarriage of a widow rec'g [receiving] a pension shall terminate & shall not be renewed should she again become a Widow
Under this section the office decided that in the application of a [?] under act prior to July 14 1862 that after her remarriage & again becoming a widow was not entitled & May 13 1869 the Secy Interior affirmed the decision.
Only the laws in force at the time of the adjudication of a claim for a pension can determine the rights of an applicant & none existent at time of application & repealed prior to adjudication can have any bearing on the case.
Secy Interior May 14th 1869
Page 39

General
Will you be so kind as to send me a copy of the decision of  the Secretary Jan 7 1873 in the case of Mrs. Perkins, widow of Drury Ham. Rev. War to use in the claim of Mrs. Crandall as widow of Elias D. Trafton.
Very respectfully
[signature] Lewis C. White

I comply with your request above cheerfully, but, please hereafter get the case in which opinion you want is filed, and copy therefrom; we are much pressed with copying here.
Jan. 30, 75
F. E. H.
Page 40

Case of[sp] Wm. Moore
with decision of Secy,
Jan. 8 1875 ─
Page 41

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

Burch
(No. 2) Rev War

Widows' Division.
Number of pending claim, ~~~
Nature of pending claim, Cerif.[sp] Widow
Soldier, Elias D. Trafton
Pensioner, ~

Certificate No. 2576
Last Agency, R. I.
Cause of termination, Died
Date of termination, April 6 1848
[signature] Lewis C. White Examiner.

Feby 1, 1875, Room No. 40

FINANCE REPORT.
Accounts examined up to ______________________
Pensioner paid to __________________, 18 __.
Objections, ______________________
___________________________,187__.

___________________________
Clerk.
Page 42

[blank printed form, handwritten note at bottom]

WIDOWS' DIVISION.
Claim No. __________
Soldier __________
Returned, __________, 187__.
to __________, Ex'r.
Errors, __________ 
__________ Reviewer.

[handwritten note]
Rejected .
---
After recording
objection, please
send to Mr White
Newfield
Oct 20.74
Page 43

Certificate of Indigence
Page 44

I hereby certify from evidence received that I am satisfied that the within named Elias D. Trafton is in indigent circumstances in life, and stands in need of support from his Country.
[signature] Jarius Ware Judge &c.

June 17, 1819.
Page 45

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

33 819
Revy INVALID
File No. 33,819
Elias D Trafton
Pri Rev War
Act: 18" March 18"
Index:─Vol. 2, Page 425
[ Arrangement of 1870. ]
Page 46

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

No. 7357

Revolutionary War Rhode Island
====================
Lydia T Crandall formerly
Widow of Chas D Trafton RI
Rank Drummer
Company Revolutionary War
Regiment R. I. Vols
====================
Rate per [illegible] $88.
Commencing 8 July 1873
Ending ______________________
====================
Certificate dated 19 Febry 1875,
and sent 18 Febry 1875.
Payable at Providence Agency
Talbot Pitman Attorney
Sec # 15
====================
Act ["of 4th July, 1862." lined thru
Acts 3 fey 18531853- 27 July 1863
and 22 June 1874
Book A. Vol. ______ Page 50

[signature] Wallereen Clerk.
Page 47

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

DEATHS Registered in the City of Providence, R. I.

[Table Follows]
DATE OF DEATH. 1873 July 8
NAME OF THE DECEASED. Benjamin Crandall
AGE, 75 Years, 3 Months, 24 Days.
PLACE OF DEATH. Street and Number R.57 Randall st
WARD. 1
SEX. M
COLOR. W
CONDITION. M
[/End Table]

for the Year ending December 31st, 1873.
[Table follows]
OCCUPATION. Jeweler
PLACE OF BIRTH. Providence
PARENTAGE. A
NAMES OF PARENTS. Joseph & Mary W.
DISEASE OR CAUSE OF DEATH Apoplexy
[/End Table

CITY REGISTRAR'S OFFICE
Providence, Oct. 10 1874 

[date stamp] 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
OCT 15 1874 PENSION OFFICE.
[/date stamp]

I,  Edwin M. Snow City Registrar of the City of Providence, State of Rhode Island, hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the record of the Death of Benjamin Crandall, as reorded in Book No. 13, Page 95, of the Records of Deaths in said City of Providence.
Witness my hand and the seal of said City.
[signature] Edwin M. Snow City Register.

[illegible City Seal afixed at left]
Page 48

Revolutionary War
Lydia T Crandall
Widow of
Elias D Trafton
Drummer

Letter asking under what 
Act of Congress Claiment 
Rejected.
Page 49

Providence R I October 29 1874

Hon J H Baker
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 21st ult by which I am informed that the claim of Lydia Crandall for pension as former widow of Elias D Trafton Revolutionary war is rejected as the Claimant remarried subsequent to the soldiers death and there is now no law by which she can be allowed a pension.
Upon the presumption that the claimant is under the Pensions of the act of February 3d 1853 and of section 3 of Act of August 5 1854 in relation to pensions, entitled to the pension by her claimed - I would respectfully ask under what section of what Act were these provisions repealed - so as to bar her claim.
I am very respectfully
Your Obed Servt
[signature] J Talbot Pitman
Atty of L T Crandall
Page 50

L. C. W. 40

[printed letterhead, handwritten letter]

Department of the Interior.
PENSION OFFICE.
washington, D.C. _______________18__
Sir
The claim of Lydia T. Crandall for pension as former widow of Elias D. Trafton, Revolutionary war, is rejected under section 19 act of March 3d 1873, as no claim was filed within three years of the soldiers death and prior to the completion of the claim the claimant had remained.
Very respectfully,

Commissioner

[signature] J. Talbot Pitman Esq.
Providence,
R.I.
Page 51

Providence Nov 9 1832

Sir
I herewith return the application of Elias D Trafton with an additional declaration explanatory of his former one & answering all the objections which were sent in a printed form.
I am respectfully your
Obt Servt
[signature] Benja Cowell

To
J L Edwards Esq
Page 52

Cordelia Trafton
Page 53

I Lydia T Crandall of the City of Providence in the State of Rhode Island & formerly the widow of Elias D Trafton a soldier in the war of the Revolution do hereby by these presents relinquish & waive all right to a Land Warrant in right of the survices of my former husband the said Elias D. Trafton under the act of Congress of March 20 1855, & I hereby request that one may issue to my daughter Cordelia Traften by the said Elias D. who is a minor & the only minor child of the said Elias D. my former husband
Witness my hand & seal this Seventeenth day of July AD 1856
Executed in presence of 
[signature] Edwin Metcalf ⎬ [signature] Lydia T Crandall

The State of Rhode Island &c. County of Providence ss.
In Providence this 14th day of July A.D. 1856 before me personally appeared Lydia T. Crandall well known to me to be the person described in the above Instrument signed by her and acknowledged the same to be her free and voluntary Act and deed, hand and seal.
[signature] Edwin Metcalf Justice of the Peace

[illegible Seal affiixed at left]
Page 54

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
PROVIDENCE, SC.

CLERKS OFFICE, COURT OF COMMON PLEAS,
PROVIDENCE, July 21st A. D. 1856

I, Amasa S. Westcott Clerk of the COURT OF COMMON PLEAS of said State, within and for the County of Providence:
DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Edwin Metcalf is and was on the 19th day of July A.D. 1856 a Justice of the Peace for said County of Providence duly appointed and qualifed, and authorized to adminster oaths and take depositions and the acknowledgement of deeds and other instruments, and that the signature to the annexed Certifcate, purporting to be his, is genuine.

IN ATTESTATION WHEREOF, I hereto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, the day and year above written.
[signature] Amasa S. Wescott Clerk.

[illegible Court Seal affixed above left]
Page 55

I Alfred Mason of the City of Providence in the State of Rhode Island, aged Forty Five years do testify and say that I was intimately acquainted with the family of Elias D. Trafton, and with Lydia T. Trafton, his wife now Lydia P. Crandall, she having again married since his death. And I further testify and say that ["Fedelia T" lined thru] Cordelia Trafton is the only minor child now living by the said Elias D. Trafton and Lydia his Wife, and she is their only child now living.
[signature] Alfred Mason

The State of Rhode Island & County of Providence, sc.
In Providence this nineteenth day of July A.D. 1856 before me personally appeared Alfred Mason and made solemn affirmation that the facts stated in the foregoing deposition signed by him are true. And I further certify that he is well known to me and is a credible Witness.
[signature] Edwin Metcalf Justice of the Peace.
Page 56

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

Dead No. 7357
ENSION CERTIFICATE OF
Lydia trandall
27,640
====================
Payable Quarterly
on the
4th of March, June, September & December,
of each year by the
U.S. Pension Agent
at Providence R. I.
====================
TRANSFERRED TO
_________________________ Agency.
FROM __________________
____________________
Commissioner.
====================
TRANSFERRED TO
_________________________ Agency.
FROM __________________
____________________
Commissioner.
====================
NOTE - No sale or transfer of any kind of the
whole or any part of the Pension payable by
virtue of this Certificate is of any legal or
binding force against either the Pensioner
or the United States.
====================
[signature] John William Wallasec Clerk.
Page 57

No. 7357 Revolutionary War

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
DEPARTMENT of tht INTERIOR
bureau, Engraving & Printing.
PENSION BUREAU
[Image of a woman holding a flag with a plaque behind her with "WIDOWS PENSION." written on it.]

It is hereby certified that in conformity with the laws of the United States Lydia T. Trandall former Widow of Elias D. Trafton who was a Drammer R. I. Vols  Revolutionary War is entitled to a pension at the rate of Eighty eight dollars per
annum to commence on the 8th day of July 1875 and to continue during her widowhood.
Acts of February 3d 1853 - July 27th 1868 and June 22d 1874

Given at the Department of the Interior this Twelfth day of February one thousand eight hundred and seventy five and of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety ninth
[signature] B R Cowen
Acting Secretary of the Interior.

Countersigned
[signature] J. H. Barrett
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 58

No Number Revolution Widow

Lydia Crandall
as widow of
Elias D Trafton
Dummer


Letter with reasons
asking for recorded order[sp]
of decision rejecting claim

A

J Talbot Pitman Atty
Providence R I
Return to Room 40
L. C. Waite

[date stamp, left side]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NOV -9 1874
PENSION OFFICE.
Page 59

Claim for Pension. Revolutionary War
Lydia T Crandall widow of Elias D Trafton Drummer

Providence November AD 1874

Hon J H Baker
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I would respectfully ask that the decision under date of October 21. 1874. rejecting this claim, may be reconsidered for the following reasons
By the (3) Section of Act of August 5. 1854 (ch 267) it was enacted. That the act approved Feby 3d 1853 entitled "An act to continue half pay to certain widows & orphans shall not be so construed as to deprive any widow from the benefits therein granted for the services of her husband though she may have married again Provided however, that the Applicant is a widow at the  time of making the claim. Provided such party shall not receive pension during coveture"
Under these pensions the applicant makes her claim.
It is rejected on the ground that there is now no law by which she is entitled to the pension viz that the right granted by Act 1854 is Annulled or taken away by Sec 7 of Act July 4. 1864 and Section 4713 East of June 22, 1874
Section 7 of July 4 1864 (ch 247) reads as follows
Page 60

"And be it further enacted. That on the remarriage of any widow receiving a pension such pension shall terminate and shall not be renewed should she again become a widow"
It is urged that in Mrs Crandall's case she was not a "widow receiving a pension" at the time she remarried - And her condition was not therefore such as this above pension was intended to affect.
By reason of her having remarried before August 5, 1854 was was not entitled, so long as she was not a widow but was under Coverture, nor until she was such could she make any substantial claim - She could not as the law stood on the 4th of July 1864 be receiving a pension.
This act was supplementary to the act of July 14 1862 and the provisions of the original Act applied only to Pensions arising out of the War of the Rebellion and to none other. The widows to which this section refers, are those who were made such since March 4 1861 by said War & as such Receiving Pension
Section (3) of August 5. 1854 is not inconsistent with any Pension pension in this act, in my belief of it and is therefore not repealed byn the act of July 4. 186.4

The Act of June 22 1874 is entitled "An Act to Revise And consolidate the Statutes of the U States in force on the 1st day of December AD 1873"
This title alone, does not in my view of the Con-
Page 61

[continued from previous page] -struction of Statutes, make such the affect of an act without some provisions under the enacting words stating clearly and fully what the act does intend - if there should be no such enacting words and any existing law had been overlooked in the version, its provisions must still remain in force.

And this appears to be the view of the Pension Office in basing the rejection in part of the 7th Section of Act of July 4, 1864, viz that the Act of July 4 1864 and upon the same ground any other act is still in force when ever it may happen that the Act of June 22 1874 has failed to enunciate a provision with the same definiteness and clearness that the original one did.

The 4713 section of this act (also made the ground of the rejection) applies as I understand it to all cases in which the cause of the disability or death originated in the service prior to Marc 4, 1861

Mrs Crandalls case is clearly not embraced by these provisions, her husband Elias D Trafton did not receive a pension for any disability the cause of which originated in the service, nor is her claim founded on his death the cause of which so originated - he received it for services in the War of the Revolution
Page 62

I cannot understand here the rejection can be sustained on the ground that her claim is barred by this section - or by that of Sec 7 of the July 4/64

As an additional reason for a reconsideration I would direct the attention of the Officials Section 4743 of the Act of Pension, and which seems to have been entirely overlooked in making the decision This seciton seems to be intended to embrace the substance of Sec (3) of Act of Aug 5/54 - It provides for placing on the Pension Rolls of any "woman who may have been the widow of such officer or Soldier" of the revolution "and upon proof by her that she was married to any such office or soldier and that she is a widow"

Submitting that above and requesting that if the decision is not reversed that a direct answer to the grounds taken above, maybe made upon which I can form the grounds for an appeal

I am very respectfully 
Your obedt Servt
J Talbot Pitman
Atty for L T Crandall
Page 63

Moore
Trask
Recorded
July 17 79
Page 64

Copy 
FEL

Department of the Interior
Pension Office
Washington, D. C. Jan 7 1875

Sir:
I return, herewith, the papers which accompanied a final report of the 28th ult. upon the appeal of CC Tucker Esq from the rejection of the claim for pension of Mrs Maria Perkins, formerly widow of Drury Ham Revolutionary War.

It appears from your report that your office has always construed section 7 of the Act of July 4, 1864, as prohibiting the payment of pension to a person who had been the widow of a soldier, from, and after the date of re-marriage Section 4743, of the Revised Pension Land applies specially to Revolutionary War cases and should therefore govern the claim under consideration. It is as follows:
"In all cases where a pension has
Page 65

been granted to any officer or soldier of the Revolution
in his lifetime, the evidence as seen which such pension
"was granted shall be conclusive if the service of such
"officer or soldier in the application of any widow, or
"woman she may have been the widow [underlined] of such officer
"or soldier for a pension, and upon proof by her that
"she was married to any such officer or soldier, and 
"that she is a widow, she shall thereupon be placed
"upon the pension roll at the same rate  that
"such officer or soldier received during his lifetime."
The words which I have underscored in the
foregoing Section appear to admit of another
conclusion that that, "any woman who may have
been the widow" of any officer or soldier of the Rev-
olution who was pensioned in his lifetime, and
 "is a widow" shall be entitled to a pension upon
the evidence on file in the claim of such officer or 
soldier.  Mrs. Perkins having been the widow of
Page 66

officer of the Revolution who had received a pen
sion in his lifetime, and being a widow now the
requirements of said section are fulfilled in her
case, and she is therefore entitled to a pension.
The pensions of Section 4743 are not in
harmony with those of Section 4708, which prescribed
that the pension of a widow shall cease if she
remarries.
It should be borne in mind however, that the latter 
section is but a re-enactment of Section 7 of the
Act of July11, 1864, which is one of the acts passed
since the 4th of March 1861 granting pensions on
account of the late rebellion and that the former
applies only to widows of the Revolutionary War.  It is
probable that there shall be but few cases to which
the pensions of Section 4743 will apply but however
that may be its language will in my opinion 
only admit of the instruction heretofore given
Page 67

to it.
The name of Maria Perkins will be placed on
the pension rolls and she will be paid a pension
at the same rate that Captain Ham, received during
her lifetime
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant
(signed) C. Delano
Secretary

The Commissioner
of Pensions
Page 68

Jan. 8, 75
Sir,
I have the honor to return,
herewith, the appeal of J. Talbot Pitman,
Providence, R. I., in the case of Mrs.
Lydia O. Crandall, former widow
of Elias D. Trafton, Drummer,
Revolutionary War, with statement
that said claim will be adjudicated
in accordance with the Departmental
decision in of[crossed out] the case of Mrs. Maria Perkins,
former widow of Drury Ham, on the
7th instant.
Yr. Obt Servt,
Act'g Com'r.
To the Hon. the
Sec'y of the Interior
Page 69

Lydia T Crandall While in a visit to his son 
in Swansea died on or about the sixth day of April
1848 and was buried in said Swansea.
That I know these facts because I was a neighbor
of all the parties, and am still living within
a few rods of where Mrs. S. P. Trafton now resides.
That I have no interest in said claim
Betsey Chace
when solemn oath 
State of Massachusetts
County of Brristol
At Swansea on this 9th day of October
1874 Before me personally appeared Sophronia
P. Trafton and Betsey Chace and each
when solemn oath declared that the statement by
him or her signed is true.  Also I [illegible] the aforesaid
to be respectable and credible and that I have no
interest in said claim.
William Mitchell
Justice of the Peace
Page 70

Please certify the authority of Mapuhote

I, Sophronia P Trafton of Swansey in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts being duly sworn according to law do depose and say
That I am the widow of Elias D Trafton the son of Mr Elias D Trafton. That Mr Elias D Trafton was a pensioner of the United States and the husband of Mrs Lydia T Crandall That he came to Swansey on a visit to his son and while here died on or about the sixth day of April 1848 and was buried in said Swansey
That I have no interest in the claim of Mrs Lydia T Crandall for pension
Sophronia P Trafton

I Betsey Chace of Swansey in the County of Bristol and state of Massachusetts being duly sworn according to law do depose and say
That Mr Elias D Trafton the husband of Mrs

[stamped]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE
OCT 15 1874
Page 71

[stamped]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE
OCT 15 1874

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

I, Simeon Borden, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court within and for the County of Bristol, the same being the highest Court of record in the said Commonwealth, do hereby certify that I am acquainted with the handwriting of William Mitchell Esqr and that his genuine signature is subscribed to the annexed affidavit, that at the date of said affidavit he was an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified, having full power and authority to administer oaths and affirmations, and that full faith and credit are due to his official certificates.

Witness my signature, and the seal of said Court, this twelfth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy four.
Simeon Bordon
Clerk.
Page 72

[stamped]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
PENSION OFFICE
OCT 15 1874

21541

I William Phillips of the City and County of Providence and State of Rhode Island being duly sworn according to law on oath do depose and say
That I am Seventy three years of age and was on and about the year 1835 Pastor of the Third Baptist Church in said Providence That on the 22d day of May 1835, as such I lawfully [illegible] the marriage Mr Elias D Trafton and Mrs Lydia T Weatherbee in said Providence.
That I have no interest in the claim of Mrs Lydia T Crandall for pension, or other demand on the United States.
William Phillips

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence ss
At Providence on this 8th day of October 1874 Before me personally appeared William Phillips who on solemn oath declared that this Statement by him above made & subscribed here And I certify the affidavit to be respectable and credible and the person here presents himself to be & that I have no interest in said claim
(For and with [illegible] whole in copy of [illegible])

Francis A Greenleaf
Notary Public
Page 73

Elias D Trafton
Rhd Yoranditime
Col Toppins Beane
1779-1781
17th June 1819

Admitted upon the evidence provided 

Admitted
Page 74

Bristol
Seventeenth day of June 1819
Elias D Trafton
not possible to read further
Page 75

Elias D. Trafton
Elais D. Trafton
Jairus Ware
Page 76

Duplicate Agreement
Between
J. Talbot Pitman,
and
Lydia T Crandall

Dated October 6, 1874
Page 77

DUPLICATE AGREEMENT

It is hereby understood, contracted and agreed by and between J. Talbot Pitman, of Providence, Rhode Island, Claim Agent, and Lydia T Crandall of Wagren in the County of Renslet and State of R Island late widow of Elias D Trafton late a Drummer of Company [blank] of the [blank] Regiment of Volunteers; inn teh Revolutionary War
That said Pitman undertakes, for the consideration below mentioned, the preparation and prosecution of the Application of said Lydia T Crandall for a Pension from the United States, and to conduct the same to a determination;
That the said Lydia T Crandall in case of the successful prosecution of said Application, shall pay said Pitman, as the Agent and Attorney, out of the monies due under the Pension Certificate so obtained, and in accordance with the provisions of the 10th Section of the Act of Congress defining Pension Agents' duties, passed July 8, 1870, the sum of Twenty five Dollars; and shall also pay (as they accrue) the Magistrate's and other outside expenses necessary in the prosecution of the matter.

Signed in duplicate, and dated at Providence aforesaid, on this 6th day of October 1874.

Witnesses:
Alfred Mason
Clariah Mason

J Talbot Pitman
Lydia T Crandall

[stamped]
APPROVED at
[illegible] DOLLARS
[illegible] COMMISSIONER

State of Rhode Island,
County of Providence sc.
At Providence, on this 6th day of October 1874, before me personally appeared the said Lydia T Crandall to whom the above contract was read, and signed and acknowledged the same to be her free act and deed.
John F Lonsdale
Notary Public
Page 78

WAR OF THE ROVOLUTION
2d Sec Act of [torn away] 37853 and 
Act of July 27 1868, and June 22 1874 and subsequent acts.

PNV
7357

WIDOW'S PENSION.
(Original without increase)
Lydia T Crandall late, widow of Elias D Trafton 
Rank, Drummer
Company, Revolutionary War
Regiment, R.I. Vols.
Residence, Providence County, and State of R. I.
Post Office, Church Street Warren, Bristol Co. R.I.
Attorney, J Talbot Pitman, Providence R. I.
Fee, $15 as per schedule.
contract and material evidence filed July 8, 1870.
Rate of Pension, $88 per year commencing July 8, 1873, the date of death 2d husband, and ending [blank] 18[blank], the date of [blank]

Payments on all former certificates covering any portion of the same time to be deducted.
Admitted, February 1st, 1875 Lewis C White, Examiner.
Approved, February 2, 1874, DAS Merrifield, Reviewer.
[blank] Chief of Division

DATES SHOWN BY PAPERS.
Enlistment, April, 1878
Muster into rank, April, 18[blank]
Discharge, July, 1880
Death, April 6, 1848
Invalid app. filed, Nov, 1832
Invalid last paid to [blank] 18[blank]
Widow's app. filed, October 15, 1874
Claim completed, October 15, 18[blank]
Marriage to soldier, May 22, 1835
Re-marriage of claimant, August 1, 1850
Death 2d Husband July 8, 1873
Cause of Death, Old age,
Place of death, Swansey Mass

INCIDENTAL MATTER.
Pension allowed to soldier under act of June 1832. Pension is now allowed to the widow under sec 4743 act of June 22 1874 and Decision of Secretary filed herewith.

ALLEGATIONS OF CLAIMANT.
Prior marriage of herself or soldier, None
Children of soldier, None
Loyalty, Alleged.
Page 79

Revolutionary War
Widow's Brief No. 1.

Claim No. --
Soldier, Elias D Trafton
Lewis C White, Ex'r
Room No. 4B
Ad. Jan 30/75
Page 80

The marriage of Elias T. Trafton to Lydia T. Weatherbee
May 22 1835 Shown by affidavit of minister
Death of soldier. April 6 1848 Proved credible witness
Remarriage
Benjamin Crandall and Lydia T. Crand [lined out] Trafton Aug 1 1850
Shown by afft of officiating minister
Death 2nd husband July 8 1873 Shown by Public Record

Records of invaled claim shows service almost two years
and permitted under Act of 1832 at $88 per annum.
Pension allowed now to widow at same rate from July 8 1873
Page 81

Rev. War.
WIDOW'S BRIEF No. 1.
Claim No. ~
soldier, Elias D. Trafton
Lewis C. White Ex'r.
Room No. 40
Rejected Oct. 19/74
Rejected.
White.
Page 82

Revolutionary War  Act of Feby 3 1858, Act Aug 3 1854
Lydia T. Crandall
late widow
Elias D. Trafton            Drummer
                                    Rev. War
Providence R.I.
Church Street, Warren, Providence Co. R.I.
J Talbot Pitman, Providence R.I. 

Rejected Oct 19 1874-Elias C. Whiite
Rejected Oct 20, 1874 LSS Merrifield

Widow's app. filed, Oct. 15 1874
Marriage to soldier, May 22, 1835
Deatth, April 6, 1848
Remarriage of claimant, Aug. 1 1850
Death of 2nd husband July 8, 1873

Rejected under section 19 Act of March 3rd 1873
Claim was not filed within three years of the time the right
accrued and prior to completion of the claim the claimant had
remarried.  Atty notified.
Prior marriage None
Loyalty Alleged
Page 83

The marriage of Elias D. Trofton to Mrs Lydia T. Weatherbee
May 22 1835.  Shown by appt of officiating minister.
August 1" 1850.  Shown as above.
Page 84

Affidavit as
Evidence of Service
Page 85

I Jonathan Busher of lawful age do testify and say
that Elias d Trofton of Swansey Massachusetts served one year
in Col. Toppins Regiment in the revolutionary war and
Rhode Island line namely from March 1779 to March
1780 and was honorably discharged.  I served with him 
in the same regiment                         his
Swansey May 25th 1819        Jonathan X Busher
                                                          mark

Bristol fs May 25th 1819 the above named Jonathan
Busher personally appeared and made oath to the
truth of the above deposition by him 
subscribed and the deponent is in my opinion
a credible witness
before me John Mason Justice of the Peace

Bristol fs June 17. 1819 The above is the hand
writing of John Mason Esquire who is a Jusstice
of the peace for the county of Bristol duly commissioned
so as such.
Jainus Ware
Page 86

I Ebenezer Reed of Wellington and of lawful age do testify and
say that Elias D Trofton of Swansey [Swansea] Massachusetts served one
year in Col. Toppins Regt. in the revolutionary war and
Rhode Island line namely from March 1779 to March
1780, and was honorably discharged.  I lived with him
in the same regiment
Swansey May 25 18879          Ebenezer Reed

Bristol fs May 25th 1879, The above named Ebenezer
Reed personally appeared and made oath to the
truth of the above deposition or testified by 
him subscribed and the deponent is in my
opinion a credible witness
before me John Mason Justice of the Peace

Commonwth of Massachusetts
Bristol fs June 17. 1817 I hereby certify that John
Mason Esq above named is a Justice of the Peace for
said county of Bristol, duly commissioned as such
and that his signature above is his hand writing
James Ware Judge