Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16813, John J Atkins, Continental Mass.
Page 1

SERVICE                                       NUMBER
Continental   Atkins John J  or         W. 16813
Mass.             Priest John
                                Abigail
Page 2

                     10.966 [or 944 unclear]
New Hampshire
_____________________________________________
John Priest
Sutton in the state of N Hampshire
Colonel Sheldon of the Continental
for the term of six years
______________________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of New Hampshire
at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 30 of April 1818
______________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 of May 1819 And sent to Joshua Darling, [illegible]
Hillsboro, N. H.
_________________________________________________
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 [figures unclear]
Semi-anlo. all'ce ending 4 Sept. 1819  40.00
                                            $129.29
       {Revolutionary claim,
          Act 18th March, 1818}

             Continental
Hillsborough County

[Written vertically on left side of document:]  Certification sent to Joshua Darling [illegible] July 3 1820
Page 3

John Priest's Affidavit on application
 for a Pension
                 N. H.
Sergeant Major
Col Sheldons Regiment
    1776 -- 6 years 
                    Roll
30 April [illegible]
Corp Zeley 78
pri 18 Dec.  g-

Admitted.
Page 4

To the Honorable Joshua Darling, one of the associate judges of the Court of Common Please, for the first District in the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire.
   I John Priest of Sutton in the County and State aforesaid, testify and say, that I enlisted into the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war, in the month of April or May and [illegible] 1775 for the term of eight months and served in Capt Jesse Patridge Company in Col. Finney's Regiment in Massachusetts line during said eight months as a private solider -- and about the close of said time I again enlisted into the service of the United States in the Continental establishment for and during the Revolutionary War, and served as a private and Sergeant Major in Capt N. Mc Craft's and Capt. John Webb's Company of Cavalry in Col Elisha Sheldon's Regiment and General Count Polaski's Corps of Cavalry until the close of the war aforesaid and received an honorable discharge at Reading, Connecticut sometime in the month of June 1783. Signed by the said Col. Sheldon which was destroyed by fire the second year after. I further testify and say that I am [illegible] and by reason of my reduced circumstances in life
stand in need of assistance from my country ... 
                                      John Priest
April 30,1818              
State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough SS.                     

April 30, 1818 -- And personally appeared the
                      above named John Priest and made & swore an oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is just and true
Before me    
Associate Judge of the Ct. Co. Pleas
 Joshua Darling                  
1st District in the County
of Hillsborough State of
     New Hampshire
Page 5

I Joshua Darling Judge [unclear what is intended] as aforesaid do certify that is appears to my satisfaction that the within named John Priest did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy for [illegible] months in the Continental establishment -- and I now [illegible] the proceeding and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary of War pursuant to a late act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Cause and naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War. I further certify that the said John Priest (now known by an act of the Legislature) by the name of John Atkins, is in reduced circumstances in life and stands in need of aid from his country for support.
   Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this 30th day of April Anno Domini 1818.  Joshua Darling
State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough         Mour Eastman Clerk of the Court of Common [illegible] the First District in Hillsborough County New Hampshire, do certify that the Hon. Joshua Darling is a Judge of said Court that the above is his signature of that [illegible] and hereto office is the seal of said County -- Mour Eastman, Clerk
Page 6

John Priest
   10966
       Continental



C
22 May '19
Page 7

TO the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas, now sitting at Gloskinton within and for the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire.
  July 11 1820
John Priest aged 64 years resident in Bradford in said County, comes into Court, and, in pursuance of an Act of Congress, passed on the 1st day of May, 1820, brings with him, and in his proper person, exhibits to said Court a Schedule by him subscribed, containing his whole estate, and income, (his necessary clothing and bedding excepted) as follows: 
    Cow                   $14.00
    2 Pigs                    2.00
    House Furniture  10.00
                                _______
                                 26.00

                      John Priest

   And the said John Priest in pursuance as aforesaid, produceth to said Court the following oath, by him duly taken and subscribed, viz:
   I John Priest do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 10th of March, 1818, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent to 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 18th day of March, 1818; 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 marked, and by me subscribed.
                                John Priest
Page 8

   And the said John Priest doth here in Court further declare on oath, that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows, viz. that enlisted in Capt Craft Company in Colonel Elisha Shildons Regiments in Connecticut line and served six years and four months and was honorably discharged.

That the date of his original declaration in order to obtain a pension is the 30th April 1818, And the number of his pension certificate is 10.904. That his occupation is that of a laborer. That the number and names of his family residing with him, and their ages and capacities to contribute to their support, are as follows, viz. a wife 57 or age in health & 4 children, Abigail aged 14, Betsey 12, Lydia 9, Hitty 6 years all in health
                       John Priest
   Wherefore he prays the opinion of the said Court as to the value of the property contained in the said Schedule and that the same together with a copy of the premises be duly certified, to the Secretary of War.
   Sworn and declared before the Hon. J. Darling & J. K. Smith Justices of said Court the 11th day of July 1820
                           M Eastman Clerk
     Hillsborough ss] Court of Common Pleas. July 11th 1820.
   The aforesaid Schedule and oath, and the above declaration, duly subscribed and sworn by the said Priest having been by him exhibited in person and presented to the Court, and the same being seen and considered:
   It is the opinion of said Court, that the value of the property, contained in said Schedule is D & C.
   Wherefore the Court order that a copy of the premises with the proceedings thereon, be duly certified, to the Secretary of War.
          Attest,           M Eastman    Clerk
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Hillsborough ss. I M Eastman Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the said County of Hillsborough being a Court of record, do certify, That the foregoing Schedule and oath and declaration annexed, with the proceedings and opinion of the Court thereon, are truly copied from the records and files of said Court.
   In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court the 11th day of July 1820.    M Eastman    Clerk.
Page 9

                    No 5874
Abigail Atkins widow of John J. Atkins alias John Priest
                       A  A
a d [anna domino] 7 July 38

m 90. & 37--
Sheldon's Regt War from 77 1July 78 Corp. rec. to pri. 18 Dec 79---
   [illegible]
1 mo. 12th Dragoon
22.               18-- Corpl. Cavalry
_______________
107.52
Died 14 March --37
[illegible] com: 15 March 37
Albert Baker
             Hillsborough
                  N. H.
Page 10

Declaration
Abigail Atkins
Page 11

State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough County SS.
     On this third day of July in the year eighteen hundred & thirty nine, formally appeared before the Judge of the Court of Probate held at Francistown within and for said county on the third day of July in the year aforesaid, Abigail Atkins, a resident of Hillsborough in said county of Hillsborough, aged seventy-two 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 pension made by the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pension to certain widows;" that she is the widow of John Priest, otherwise called John J. Atkins, who was a Sergeant Major in the Army of the Revolution, & became a Pensioner under the act of March 18, 1818, on the Roll of the New Hampshire agency.
   She further declares that she was married to the said John Priest by the name of John J. Atkins on the twenty-first day of March in the year seventeen hundred & ninety; that her husband, the aforesaid John Priest, otherwise called John J. Atkins, died on the fourteenth day of March in the year eighteen hundred & thirty seven, 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, to wit: as the time above stated.
Attest  Stephen Wood Abigail Atkins [her mark]
   Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written, in open Court
              Luke Woodbury -- Judge of said Court

State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough County  ss.
I Andrew Wallace Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature of the county and state aforesaid do hereby certify that Luke Woodbury is acting judge of the Court of Probate of Wills & in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the First day of January 1836 and will expire when he shall have arrived at the age of Seventy years provided he shall be of good behaviour during said term and that his signature above written is genuine.
   Given under my hand and the Seal of said county, this thirty first day of July 1839.
                      A Wallace Clerk
Page 12

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
   OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.

I Josiah Stevens, Jr., Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Albert Baker is acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Hillsborough duly Commissioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the fourth day of September 1827 and will expire on the fourth day of September 1842 and that his signature to the annexed instruments is genuine.
   Given under my hand and the Seal of said State this tenth day of June 1839.
   Josiah Stevens    Secretary of State.
Page 13

I William Graves of Washington, State of N. Hampshire, a Revolutionary Pensioner, aged eighty-two years, depose & say, that at the commencement of the Revolutionary War, I lived in Stove, State of Massachusetts, & was acquainted with John Priest, who lived in the town adjoining. I knew him familiarly. I joined the army in 1775, when the British came out to Concord. Priest did not join it till after that time. From the time I joined the army, I never saw Priest till the year 1778, when I met with him in Rhodeisland, where we both served in the campaign under Ser Sullivan. He did not belong to the same regiment with me, but was in the same campaign, & I think served as Sergeant Major. Soon after I left the army, I came to Washington, N. Hampshire. After the campaign in Rhodeisland, I did not see Priest, till about thirty years ago, when he came into this neighborhood, where he resided till his decease. For what reason, I do not know, but when he came to New Hampshire he called himself John J. Atkins, & was generally known by that name, till his death. His children went by the name of Atkins, & he left a widow, Abigail Atkins, with whom he lived
Page 14

at the time I first saw him in New Hampshire, & continues to live, till his decease, & by whom he had several children. He died two years ago, this last March. He drew a Pension under the Act of 1818, by the name of John Priest. He was known by this name of John Priest, during the war, but between that time & the time of his marriage with Abigail Rowel, for reasons best known to himself, he is said to have changed his name. Such has been the surname in this neighborhood. Abigail Atkins, his widow, has not been married since his death. I know him well before & since the Revolution, and cannot be mistaken.             
                                     Wm Graves

State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough A. D. April 1. 1809. Sworn and subscribed the day & year above mentioned, before me.
            Albert Baker, Justice of the Peace.

I Albert Baker, magistrate aforesaid, certify & say, that the above named William Graves is a man on unquestionable veracity. He is a member of Rev. David Gage's church of
Page 15

Washington, & holds the office of Deacon in that church. He is somewhat decrepit from age, but his memory & apprehension are apparently unimpaired. I have no doubt, from my acquaintance with him, of the truth of the above affidavit.
             Merit Baker. Justice of Peace
Hillsborough April. 1. 1809.

    I, John B. Emerson of Hillsborough, depose & say, that about thirty years ago, I became acquainted with John Priest, otherwise called John J. Atkins. He married Abigail Rowell, daughter of Job Rowell of Hampstead. I have frequently been at Rowell's house, and was well acquainted with him & his daughter. Abigail Rowell's husband was generally known by the name of John J. Atkins, after I became acquainted with him, though often called by the name of Priest, having changed his name, as was reported. After he obtained a pension, he lived in my house, one season, & I went with him, & know that he drew his money by the name of John Priest. Priest died two years ago last spring, I think, & left a widow, Abigail Atkins, who is the same person, that, by the name of Abigail Rowell, married John Priest by the name of John J. Atkins, & will remain a widow, never being since married -- one often my acquaintance with him, Priest, or Atkins, was esteemed an honest man.
                        Jon B Emerson
Hillsborough S S. Sworn & Subscribed before me this 2nd day of June A. D. 1809.
                   Merit Baker  Justice of Peace
Page 16

I Albert Baker, magistrate officer, certify that the said John B. Emerson lives a neighbor to me & is a man of unquestionable veracity.   
                      Albert Baker Justice of Peace
Hillsborough June 1 1809
Page 17

Mathematical figurings. No transcription needed.
Page 18

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.

I Josiah Stevens, Jr. Secretary of the State aforesaid, do herby certify that James Knight is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Rockingham duly Commissioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the 26th day of September 1825 and will expire on the 26th day of September 1840 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
  Given under my hand and the Seal of said State this fifth day of July 1839.
     Josiah Stevens    Secretary of State.
Page 19

"Marriages by Edmund Mavers [illegible], March twenty first, seventeen hundred & ninety, John Johnson Atkins to Abigail Rowell."
    A M Merrill             Clerk of the town
of Hampstad in the county of Rockingham & State of New Hampshire, certify that the above is a true copy of the record of a marriage in the book of Records of said town of Hampstead kept for that purpose, with the exception of the oath which is expressed on the record in fair legible [illegible] as follows, viz:  "March 21st, 1790, John Johnson Atkins to Abigail Rowel." 
                    A M Merrill         Town Clerk
I, A M Merrill above named, depose & say that I hold the office of town clerk in the town, county, & state aforesaid & that the above is a true extract from the records of said town of Hampstead with the exception above named, as certified by me.
                      A M Merrill         Town Clerk
         State of New Hampshire.
Rockingham County  A. D. April 2. 1839.
     Sworn & subscribed the day & year above written.
                       Before Me
James Knight   Justice of the Peace
Page 20

Report            Hampshire Court
                  Abigail Atkins
widow of John J Atkins
alias John Priest
who served in the Revolutionary 
1857              war as a [illegible]

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
              Dollars   52
cents per annum
this 11th day of March, 1848

Certificate of Pension issued the
             day of July 1848
and sent to
                   Saml h Hayer
                   Hillsborough
Page 21

to be sent to Hillsborough
Page 22

State of New Hampshire
Sullivan County                 ss.

On this thirtieth day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before Hon. John L. Putnam Judge of Probate for said county of Sullivan at a Probate Court holden before him at Claremont in said County, in open court, and said Probate Court being a Court of Record, Mehitable R. Smart of Washington in said County, aged forty one years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of  the provisions of the act of the 7th June 1832:  That she is one of the children and heirs at law of John Priest -- who was a Sergeant Major in the war of the Revolution, that said John Priest was a pensioner of the United States under the Law of March 18. 1818. until his death which took place in Hillsborough in the county of Hillsborough and State aforesaid on the fourteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven; That he left a widow Abigail Priest who was a pensioner at the rate of $107.50 c per annum, who died on the first day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two, and the following are the
Page 23

the only surviving children of said soldier to wit: Job Priest of Bradford, New Hampshire, Sally Emerson of Hillsborough, New Hampshire, Lydia H. Glyd of Providence Rhode Island, Betsy H George of Stoneham Massachusetts Abigail Rives of said Stoneham and the subscriber Mehitabel R. Smart of Washington New Hampshire, and she claims for herself and in behalf of the other surviving children aforesaid, the difference between the father aforesaid might have received under the law of June 7th 1832 and the amount he did receive vis. $96.00 under the law of March 18.1818. from the fourth of March eighteen hundred and thirty [illegible], to the fourteenth of March eighteen hundred and thirty seven when he died, and for proof of the service of their said father of such a length of time as to entitle him to a pension of $107.50 per annum she would refer to the documents on file at the Pension Office at Washington in the cases of their said father and mother respectively.
  And she does hereby constitute and appoint Arthur McArthur of Livington Maine her true and lawful attorney with power of substitution to prosecute her claim, to receive the cirtificate when issued and to do all other acts necessary and proper in the premises.
                         Mehitabel R Smart
Witnesses
Albro Blodgett
Samuel C Moulton
Page 24

Subscribed and sworn to before me on the day and year first above written and I certify that I believe the said declarant to be of the age above stated, and to be the identical person whom she represents herself to be, and from the evidence produced I believe the statement she has here made to be true. I have no interest whatever in this claim.
     John L. Peterson Judge of Probate.

   State of New Hampshire
Sullivan Co.
I, Henry G. Carleton Register of Probate for said county of Sullivan hereby certify that Hon. John L. Putnam is Judge of the Probate Court for said County of Sullivan which is a Court of Record, and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Probate Court this 30th day of May A.D. 1855.
       H. G. Carleton    Register of Probate
                                   for Sullivan Co.
Page 25

State of New Hampshire
County of Sullivan   SS        On this 26th day of December in the year one thousand and eight hundred and fifty five before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for the aforesaid County and State personally appeared Nathaniel Smith of the town of Washington who being duly sworn according to law on his oath declares that he is the identical person named in the annexed certificate of the Register of Probate for the aforesaid County and that he is the adminstrater of John Preist, decd. [deceased] who was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $96.00 per annum under the law granting Revolutionary pensions passed on the 18 March 1818 -- that the said John Priest served as a sergeant as set forth in his declaration under the last mentioned act -- that the said John Priest died fourteenth day of March in the year eighteen hundred and thirty seven leaving a widow
Page 26

who died and was pensioned as set forth in the declaration of the children of John Priest under act of Jun 1. 1832 to which it is made as a suplementary [supplementary] declaration made for the benefit of the last mentioned act.
   And I hereby appoint Arthur McArthur of Livingston, Maine, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to demand and receive from the Commissioner of Pensions the certificate or draft for the pension to which I may be entitled under the last mentioned law, as administrater [administrator] of John Priest
                                 Nathaniel Smith
Sworn to subscribed by the said Nathaniel Smith whom I certify to be adminstrater [administrator] of the estate of John Priest, dec.' [deceased] who was when living a Revolutionary Pensioner and I further certify that
Page 27

I have no interest as agent, attorney or otherwise in the claim of the children or [illegible] of John Priest.
             Martin Chase    Justice of the Peace

State of New Hampshire
County of Sullivan ss   On this 26th day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty five before me the subscriber appeared Elijah Blanchard and David Cooper both of whom I certify to be respectable and credible witnesses and who being sworn say -- they were present and saw Nathaniel Smith, admt. of the estate of John Priest, make the foregoing declaration by signing & making oath to the same and that they believe the same is true.
                         Elijah Blanchard
                               D Cooper
Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year herein mentioned before me and I certify that I am disinterested.
                   Martin Chase    Justice of the Peace
Page 28

State of New Hampshire
County of Sutmount  ss
   G. W. Gilnion Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County, certify that Martin Chase Esq who took the written acknowledgment was date a Justice of the Peace written and for the said County, duly qualified and authorized to take acknowledgements and that his signature thereto is genuine
     Given under my hand and the seal of this
      Court this 27th day of December A D 1855
                           G. W. Gilnion  Clerk
Page 29

Rev.
    WIDOW, & c.                 Feby - 16 - 1
                                          Geo. B. Rogers
No. 16.813
    Abigail Atkins
     widows of
John J. Atkins alias John Priest
           Corp Rev War
Act Feb 20..48
Vol. A, Page 21
   [Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 30

903
Manchester N. H.    Rev WIDOW, &c.

No. 16.813
   Abigail Atkins
           widow of
John J Atkins alias John Priest
        Corp Rev War
Act Feb 20.. 48
Vol. A, Page 21

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 31

Report

For papers under act 1863 see within.
New Hampshire 4422
Abigail Atkins
widow of John J. Atkins, alias John Priest
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818
and who died on the 14. March 1837
of Hillsboro Co. in the State of N. Hampshire
who was a Pr. & Corpl. in the company commanded by Captain Craft & Webb of the Regt. commanded by Col. Sullivan in the Conn. line for
_______________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord
at the rate of 107 Dollars 52
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. & end 14th, 1837/
_________________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of July 1863 and sent to Hon. F. Pierce, Concord, N. H.
___________________________________________
Whole amount due..........$
   [Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. Brown          Clerk,
Book A. Vol 1. Page 33.
Page 32

                         204                Reported
New Hampshire, Concord
Abigail Atkins
widow of John J. Atkins, alias, John Priest
who was a private and Corporal of Dragoons
in the Connecticut live fan
1 month 12 days private
22 months 18 days Corporal
__________________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 10 Dollars 52 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
______________________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 31st day of May 1843. and sent to 
        Hon. Franklin Pierce
                 Concord
                       N. H.
__________________________________________________
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1. Page 14
Page 33

                                            4422
New Hampshire
___________________________________________
Abigail Atkins
widow of John J. Atkins, alias John Priest
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818
and who died on the 14 March 1837
of Hillsboro Co. in the State of N. Hamp.
who was a priv & Corp in the Con commanded by Captain Craft O. Webb of the regt commanded by Col Sheldon in the Connecticut line for 1 m 12 ds priv
22 m 18 ds Corpl            ss Dragoons.
__________________________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord, N. H.
at the rate of 107 Dollars 52 cents per annum,
to commence on the 14th day of March 1827.
________________________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 22nd day of October 1839, & sent to Albert Baker,
      Hillsboro N. H.
______________________________________________

Attests to the 4th of Sept. 1839 $212.05
Semi-annual allowance ending      53.76
   4 Mar '40                                      ------
                                                    $265.81
                            Act July 7, 1838
Recorded by D McCurdy Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 1. Page 33.
Page 34

                         33.332
New Hampshire            Concord
John Priest dec'd [deceased]
              in the State of
who was a private & corporal in the Dragoons commanded by Captain ---- of the ----
commanded by ----- in the Revolution,
line for
Increased from $96
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord
at the rate of 107 Dollars 52 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 183[unclear].
and end 14th of March 1837.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of January 1856 and sent to A McArthur
                           Livington, Me.
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending
Deduct from payments at the rate of $96 per annum, under act 18th March 1818.
                      Revolutionary Claim
                       Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by G. T. Getty               Clerk.
Book A [unclear]. Vol 1. Page 65.
Page 35

Abigail Atkins
for wid of John Priest
  NH [illegible]
  [to] Hon Josiah Minot
Commiss. of Pensions
Washington D C
Page 36

[Stamped:]
 Limington Me

Abigail Atkins wid
John J. Atkins alias
John Priest
   N. H.  [illegible]

Hon. Lourin P Waldo 
Comm. of Pensions
   Washington D. C.
Page 37

Abigail Atkins
for wid of Jno priest
   NH

[To:] Hon Josiah Minot                Free
          Commis. of Pensions
             Washington D.C.
Page 38

Jn. Priest  N. H. act 1818   when last pd?
                         [illegible initials]
18 Oct 39
     pd. 4 March 1837
                  JH
Page 39

                            Livington Me Sept 12 1833
Sir
   Enclosed I forward additional evidence in the case of the children of John Priest for increase Revolutionary pension under law of June1, 1832.
             I am very Respectfully
                    Your obedient Servt. [servant]
                        Arthur McArthur
Hon. Jonah Minot
   Bureau of Pensions
     Washington D C
Page 40

Admit under June 7 1832 at $107.52 deducting $96 recd. under 1818 & 1820, to now from 4 Mch 1831 to 14 March 1837 when he dies.

Pay to Nathanl. Smith [illegible] for the benefit of Job Priest -- Sally Emmerson, Lydia H Guild, Betsy N George, Abigail Rines and Mehitable Smart and any other children who may be alive.
Page 41

John Atkins
    alias
John Priest
Page 42

I John Harvey Jun. of Sutton in the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hamp. depose and say that I well know John Priest alias John Atkins of the same Sutton who has applied for a pension from the Government of the United States for services performed in the War of the Revolution and know that he is poor and in indigent circumstances and stands in need of support from his county. Sutton August 26 1818
                          John Harvey Jun.
State of New Hampshire
County of Hillsborough      August 26th 1818
                   Personally appearing the above name John Harvey Jun. made solemn that the facts set forth in the above affadavit [affidavit] were just and true.
        Before me Jon Harvey Justice of the Peace
Page 43

John Priest alias
Atkins. ____
Page 44

I Jonathan Harvey of Sutton in the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire depose & say that I well know John Priest alias John Atkins of the same Sutton who has applied for a pension from the government of the United States for services performed in the War of the Revolution and know that he is poor and in indigent circumstances and stands in need of support from his County --
Sutton          August 26th 1818
                           Jon Harvey
State of New Hampshire
County of Hillsborough        August 26th 1818
                    Personally appearing the above named Jonathan Harvey made solemn oath that the facts set forth in the above affadavit [affidavit] were just and true
            Before me Bradbury Bailey. Justice of 
                                             the Peace
Page 45

Brief in the case of John Priest dec.d [deceased]
  County and State of New Hampshire
   act June 7 1831
__________________________________________________
Claim, (for increase)
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
He was pensioned under the act of 1818 & 1820 at $96 a year, which is the highest rate of pension that can be allowed under these acts for any character & length of service under the grade of a commissioned officer. He really served 1 month & 22 days a private & 22 mos. & 18 days as a Corporal of Dragoons, which entitled the soldier in his representations to a stipend of $107.52 a year under the acts June 7 1832. ---- His widow Abigail Atkins was allowed a pension at the last mentioned rate under the acts 1838, 1863, 1866 & 1848, but the officer neglected to give to her the increase [illegible] her husband at his death. His children now claim that the arrears are, and the difference between $96 & $107.52 should be paid them. They have complied with the requirements of the office as to proof of [illegible] heirship, & the appointment of an administrator & they are entitled to the difference.

Name and residence of Agent
Arthur McArthur Esq
Limington Maine
Thorton Liplett, Examining Clerk
Page 46

John Priest dec.d [deceased]
    New Hampshire
MOO  June 7 1832
$107.52 a year
from 4 Mch [March] 1831 to 14 March 1837 when he died
Deducting $96 a year rec. under the Acts of 1818 & 1820.
__________
Pay to Nathanl Smith Adm, Job Priest 1, Sally Emmerson 2, Lydia H Guild 3, Betsy N George 4, Abigail Rines 5, & Mehitable Smart 6 -- or any of them or any other children who may be alive.

Sent to
    Arthur McArthur Esq
      Limington Me
Page 47

Limington Me. Jany 2 1837 [not clear about year]

Sir
    In accordance with your letter of the 6th October 1835 in the case of the children of John Priest for Revolutionary Pension, I herever the form war & you the appointment of an administrator on the estate of said John Priest and [illegible] a [illegible] declaration by said Admin.
             I am, Respectfully
                        Your Obd. [obedient] Servant
                           Arthur McArthur
Hon Josiah Minot
Commissioner of Pensions
  Washington D. C.
Page 48

State of New Hampshire.
                 Hillsborough County, SS.
           Probate Office, Dec. 7th 1855.
   I, Wm. Wetherbee, Register of Probate for said County, hereby certify, that at a Court of Probate, held at Manchester in and for said County, on the sixth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five Nathaniel Smith of Washington in the County of Sullivan was duly appointed and commissioned administrator on the estate of John Priest late of Hillsborough in the county of Hillsborough deceased he giving in bond in the [unclear, perhaps 'penal'] sum of five hundred dollars that he has accepted the trust, and given bond pursuant to the Laws of the State; that he remains at the present time administrator as aforesaid, and that full faith is due to his legal acts in that capacity.
  In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal Official of said Court, this 7th day of December in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty five.
     Wm. Wetherbee, Register of the Court of Probate, Hillsborough Co.
Page 49

State of New-Hampshire.
      County of Hillsborough, SS.
       Probate Office, Dec. 7th 1855.
I, William C. Clarke, Judge of Probate for said County, hereby certify, that Wm. Witherbee, whose name is subscribed to the fore-going Certificate, is the Register of Probate for said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, and that his said Certificate is in due form.

Given under my hand, this 7th day of December A. D. 1855.
         Wm. C. Clarke   Judge of the said
                                   Court of Probate
Page 50

[Not possible to transcribe as the writing is done on the underside of this document]
Page 51

State of New Hampshire
   Hillsborough County        ss.
On this sixteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty three, personally appeared before me, Samuel H. Ayer, a Justice of the Peace for said County of Hillsborough, Abigail Atkins a resident of Windsor, in said County of Hillsborough, aged seventy five 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 pension made by the act of Congress passed on the 3rd March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war -- that she is the widow of John J. Atkins, sometimes called John Priest, who was a Sergeant Major in the army of the Revolution, that she is unable to give a particular account of the services of the said Atkins but reference for the same may to had to the declaration and evidence files by the said Abigail Atkins in the Pension office of the United States, in order to obtain a pension under the act of July 7, 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" -- that the said Abigail Atkins receive under this act of July 7, 1838, the annual amount of pension of one hundred and seven dollars and fifty  two cents -- that the said John J. Atkins served in the army of the Revolution by the name of John Priest [name underlined] -- she further declares that she is still a widow      Abigail [her mark] Atkins
  Witness Saml. H. Ayer, 
               Joseph Lewis
                Mehatibel B. Smart
Page 52

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written,
                           Before me
                            Saml. H. Ayer
                           Justice of the Peace
State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough ss.
   May 16, 1843
             I certify that the said Abigail Atkins the aforesaid declarant is personally known to me -- that she is a person of truth and veracity, and I believe the foregoing declaration to be in all respects true.                Saml. H. Ayer
                                    Justice of the Peace
State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough ss.
    May 16, 1843
               I certify that all interlineations, alterations and erasures in the foregoing declaration certificate were made previously to the signing of the same by the said Abigail Atkins.
                          Saml. H. Ayer
                      Justice of the Peace
Page 53

State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough County         ss
I Perley Dodge Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature of the county and state aforesaid, do humbly certify that Samuel H Ayer is an active Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was [illegible] on the fourteenth day of June 1842 and will expire on the thirteenth day of June 1847 and that his signatures above written are genuine.
               Given under my hand and the Seal of
                said county this twentieth day of May 
                           1843
                             Perley Dodge Clerk.
Page 54

State of New Hampshire
      Hillsborough ss.
On this fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty three, at a Court of Probate holden at Francistown, within and for said county of Hillsborough, personally appeared before me, Luke Woodbury, Judge of the Court of Probate of Wills for said County, Abigail Atkins, a resident of Windsor, in said County, aged seventy five years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, in open Court, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the seventh day of July, A. D. 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;" That she is the widow of John J. Atkins, sometimes called John Priest, late of said Windsor, deceased, who was a Private and Corporal of Dragoons in the army of the Revolution -- that said John J. Atkins served in the army of the Revolution by the name of John Priest -- that for proof of the services rendered by the said John J. Atkins, while in the army of the
Page 55

Revolution, she refers to evidence furnished by her in order to procure a pension under said act passed July 7, A. D. 1838 -- that she drew a pension under said act passed July 7. A. D. 1838, amounting to one hundred and seven dollars and fifty two cents per annum, which commenced on the fourteenth day of March. A. D. 1837, being the time of her said husband's decease, and continued to the fourth day of March. A. D. 1841 -- that under the construction given to the act of July 7, A. D. 1838 and the act of 23rd of August, A. D. 1842, she believes that she is entitled to the arrears of pension from the fourth day of March, A. D. 1836 to the fourteenth day of March, A. D. 1837, the date of her said husband's decease.
   She further declares that she was married to the said John J. Atkins in the month of March, in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and ninety -- that her husband, the aforesaid John J. Atkins, died on the fourteenth day of March in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty seven; 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, in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz; at the time above stated -- that for proof of her said mar-
Page 56

-riage and of the time of her said husband decease, she refers to evidence furnished for the purpose of procuring her said pension --
Attest
   Leml. N Pattee      Abigail X Atkins [her mark]
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me --
                Luke Woodbury Judge as aforesaid
I, Lemuel N. Pattee Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Hillsborough do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proccedings [proceedings] in the matter of the application of Abigail Atkins for a pension
                    Lemuel N. Pattee Register
     State of New Hampshire
Hillsborough County  sct.
I, Lemuel N. Pattee Register of the Court of Probate of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Luke Woodbury is an acting Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the first day of January 1836; and under the constitution of this State, has several years yet to continue. That said Court of Probate is a court of Record within and for said county, having an unlimited Jurisdiction in the settlement of estates, and that the signature of said Luke Woodbury above written is genuine. Given under my hand and the seal of said court this twelfth day of July 1843.
    Lemuel N. Pattee   Register
Page 57

Concord N. H.
    July 17, 1843
Dear Sir
    I inclose [enclose] herewith the application of one Abigail Atkins for arrears of pension under the act of July 7, 1838
          With much Respect
           Your friend & Servant
             Frank Pierce

Hon. J. L. Edwards
    Washington
            D. C.
Page 58

No 5874  Aug 10
  N H
July 7, 1838

Abigail Atkins

[The following is written vertically, beginning in the upper right of the document shown:]  Hillsborough MA,  
Aug 5

Hon. J. L. Edwards                       Free
  Comm. of Pensions
     Washington
             D. C.
Page 59

Hillsborough July 21. 1834.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
      Sir, I send, enclosed, the [two illegible words -- sorry] by Abigail Atkins, applicant for a pension. You will please direct the certificate to me.
             Respectfully,
               Your obt. servt. [obedient servant]
                  Albert Baker
Page 60

Abigail Atkins.
   [illegible two words], Act 1838
     for arrears
   from 4 March 1836
    to 14 March 1837

Hon. F. Pierce
  Concord
     N. H.
[the above words written over the following;]
   J. L. Edwards
   Commis. of Pensions
    Washington, D. C.        FREE
Page 61

1322 May 29 '43

[illegible]  at
N. H.
Mar 3 1843

[Written vertically:]
Hon. J. L. Edwards
   Coms. of Pensions
      Washington 
         D. C.                     FREE
Page 62

Concord N. H. May 26 1843

Dear Sir
   I inclose [enclose] herewith the declaration of Lucy McNeil Abigail Atkins and Mary Gould under the act of March [illegible] 1843. And early answer will be very agreeable to the applicants [illegible] & greatly oblige.
             Your Friend & Servant
                   Frank Pierce

Hon. J. L. Edwards
   Comms. of Pensions
          Washington 
                       D. C.
Page 63

Admitted




Saml. H. Ayer
  Hillsborough
    N. H.
Page 64

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled "An Act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
County of Hillsborough ss.
On this fourteenth day of July, A. D. 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, Abigail Atkins, a resident of Windsor in the County of Hillsborough aforesaid aged eighty one years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War:  That she is the widow of John Atkins alias John Priest who was a Sergeant Major in the army of the Revolution, that she was a pensioner, and received a pension, under the act of the 17th of June 1866, at the rate of one hundred and seven dollars and fifty-two cents per annum and for evidence of the Revolutionary services of her said husband she refers to testimony heretofore furnished and on file in the War Department.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Signed in presence of us --
          Samuel H. Ayer
           Abigail Rines
           Mehitable R. Smart

Abigail X Atkins [her mark]
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written -- before me
     Saml. H. Ayer    Justice of the Peace
 I further certify, that the above Declarant is personally known to me.
      Saml. H. Ayer      Justice of the Peace

State of New Hampshire.
Hillsborough County, SS.
   I, Perley Dodge, Clerk of the Court of Common Please, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Samuel H. Ayer is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the Nineteenth day of June 1848 and will expire on the eighteenth day of June 1858 and that his signature above written is genuine.
       under my hand, and the seal of said County, this 19th day of July 1848
        Perley Dodge              CLERK
Page 65

State of New Hampshire
  County of Sullivan
Court of Probate
  In open Court
Present -- John L. Putnam Judge
             Henry G. Carleton  Register
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before the said court, which evidence is hereto [illegible], that John Priest, who as certified, was a revolutionary soldier of the United States, died on the fourteenth day of March one thousand and eight hundred and thirty seven; that the surviving and only surviving children of said soldier, are as follows: Mehitabel R. Smart, Job Priest, Sally Emerson, Lydia W. Guild, Betsey N. George and Abigail Rines.
   In testimony whereof I have hereunto by order of said Court, set my hand and official seal of my office this 29th day of August, one thousand eight hundred and fifty five.
             H. G. Carleton
                     Reg Probate
Page 66

State of New Hampshire
                 Sullivan           ss
On this tenth day of August, A. D. 1853, personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, William P Greenleaf and Asaph Wilson, who are to me well known and who are creditable witnesses, and who being by me duly sworn, depose and say that they were each well acquainted with Mrs. Abigail Priest, that they knew her for many years previous to her death, that they were well acquainted with Mr John Priest, her late husband, that said John Priest died on the fourteenth day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, and that the following named are the only surviving children of the said soldier vis. Mehitable R Smart, Job Priest, Sally Emerson, Lydia H Guild, Betsey H George, and Abigail Rines
                       Wm P Greenleaf
                         Asaph Wilson
Witness -- Sarah C. Healy
                  Langdon Healy
Sworn to and subscribed before me this tenth day of August A. D. 1855
  Langdon Healy   Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the petition now on file in the Probate Office
        H. G. Carleton    Register  --Prob. Crt.
Page 67

Limington July 11th 1855
Sir,
   I herewith forward you the application of John Priest for increase and arrears of Pension under 2nd Sect. of Act July 4 1836.
                   I am very respectfully
                       your Obt. sevt. [obedient servant]                      
                           Arthur McArthur

Hon. Loren P. Waldo
   Comm. of Pensions
        Washington 
                 D. C.