Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 696, Joseph Beckford, Mass.
Page 1

SERVICE
Mass

Beckford, Joseph
or Bickford

NUMBER
R696
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State of Maine
County of Hancock Ss
On this eighth day of May AD 1833 personally appeared, in open Court before the Court of Probate now setting in Ellsworth in said County of Hancock, Joseph Beckford a resident of Gouldsboro in the County of Hancock & State of Maine aged seventy five 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 7th AD 1832  That he entered the service of the United States - the first place as a Volunteer, in the Militia Company at Sullivan in said County under the command of Captain Daniel Sullivan.  He enlisted in said Company in the Spring of 1775 he thinks in the month of April.-  John Bean was Lieutenant there was no Ensign - The company was principally employed in preventing the English from getting thickets & wood from French in our Bay for thier supply in Boston at which place the there were _ They had got a sloop half loaded which our Company took away from them _ He was in the service at that time three months.  He next enlisted as a volunteer under Capt Eleazer Crabtree in said Sullivan in June of the same year  While under Capt Crabtree was engaged guarding the Coast from Gouldsboro Harbour to Bageradence[?]. (now Castine) [illegible] Islands & finally to Townsend - One[?] Hinekly was Lieutenant under Crabtree, & Henry Dyer was Second Lieutenant to the best of his knowledge - There was another Company of Volunteers in the same service which came from a place called New Meadows New Brunswick (Me). Does not recollect the Captains name - Both Companies were under the command of a Col Cargill, who was also from Gen Meadows as he understood _ He served at this time six months - Had no written discharge.  He again in May 1776 entered the service
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as a volunteer under Capt Sullivan the time that he first served under, and was engaged in the same service as at first - John Bean & James Bean were Lieutenants under him & an English Privateer came in while in service at that time & got aground.  We exchanged some shots, but she was to far from the shore for our guns to do any damage.  He does not recollect any other incident which happened at that time - He was in the service at that time six months.  He had no written discharge - And cannot now recollect the precise day he left, but it was sometime in November & after the weather had got to be pretty cold __ He has no documentary evidence of his service he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service under Capt Sullivan _ but he knows of two persons [illegible] Mr Ephraim Haynes of Trenton & Mr Caleb Maddocks of Ellsworth who served with him under Capt Crabtree & who are now living & the testimony of whom he shall endeavor to procure to accompany this application_ He further states that he was born at Harpswell County of Cumberland Maine in the year 1757- has no record of his age but it may be recorded where he was born, but does not know whether it is or is not - was ten years old when he came to Gouldsboro where he was residing at the time he entered the service & where he has lived ever since the Revolutionary war and where he now resides -  There is no Clergyman in Gouldsboro or Sullivan the town adjoining, but James Simpson of Sullivan & Elisha Clark of Gouldsboro are acquainted with him & can testify to his character for veracity & to thier belief of his services as a soldier of The Revolution. Said applicant hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a Pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the Agency
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of any State to his knowledge or if any only in that of the State of Maine.

Said Applicant thinks of another incident which he will state - When his term of service with Capt Eleazer Crabtree expired, Capt Crabtree wanted to go to Head quarters & there, being no vessel going the applicant with four others took him in a boat to Townsend_ the names of the four were Jeremiah Tracy, John Harmon, Josiah Walker & Ichabod Maddocks all of them now dead as He things _ they Landed Crabtree at Townsend & he was there discharged with the rest & returned to Gouldsboro -- [signed on right] Joseph Bickford

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Before me __ [signed] J Nelson Judge of the Court of Probate

We James Simpson of Sullivan & Samuel Shaw  & Elisha Clark residing in Gouldsboro in the County of Hancock hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Beckford who has subscribed & sworn to the above declarations, That we believe him to be seventy five years of age & that he is respected & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution & we concur in that opinion  We also declare that, there is no settled clergyman residing in Gouldsboro or Sullivan
[signed on right] James Simpson
Samuel Shaw
Elisha Clark
Subscribed & Sworn to the day & year
aforesaid Before me
[signed] J Nelson  Jedge of the Court of Probate
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And the said Court hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & Served as he states.  And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that James Simpson who has signed the preceeding certificate is a resident of Sullivan & that Samuel Shaw & Elisha Clark who have also signed the same are residents of Gouldsborough, & are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to credit, & that it appears to them that there is no settled Clergyman residing in Gouldsborough or Sullivan
[signed] J Nelson  Judge of the Court of Probate

I Hez Williams Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Hancock aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Brickford for a pension --And that Job Nelson is Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Hancock aforesaid, & that the Signatury annexed purporting to be his are genuine
[seal affixed on left]
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this Eighth day of May A.D. 1833 _
[signed] Hez Williams  register of the Court of Probate
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Certificate of Court 
of death of
Joseph Bickford
Names of heirs and
appointment of admin [?]
Page 7

State of Maine
County of Hancock SS.
At a Probate Court held at Ellsworth in said County on the sixth day of February 1856, before the undersigned, Judge of said County, upon the application to said Court, by the children of Joseph Bickford, late of Gouldsborough in said County, deceased, for letter of administration, to be granted upon the estate of said Joseph Bickford, it was satisfactory established, shown and provided by the testimony of Nathaniel Johnson, Nathaniel Pendleton, and Stillman Guptill the two former well known to me, and the latter favorably reported of and all of whom I believe to be credible and respectable witnesses_ that the said Joseph Bickford was a reputed Revolutionary Soldier, and late an applicant for a Revolutionary Pension; and that he died at said Gouldsborough in said County on the twenty eighth day of July A.D. 1841, leaving no widow him surviving but leaving 10 children, nine of whom are now living; that one Eben Bickford has, since died; that the names of the nine living children, are Ruth Rice, Benjamin Bickford, Louisa Noonan, Joseph Bickford, Joshua Bickford,
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Abigail Tracy, Hannah Guptill, Lucretia Rand, and John R. Bickford, that the said nine last named children are all now living, and the only living children of said Joseph Bickford, deceased.

And the undersigned farther states, that the said Nathaniel Johnson has been duly appointed Administrator of the Estate of said Joseph Bickford, that he has filed a bond, with sufficient sureties, in the period sum of three hundred dollars, and that he was appointed upon the petition and application of Ruth Rice, Louisa Noonan, Joshua Bickford, Joseph Bickford, and Benjamin Bickford, children of the said Joseph Bickford, deceased.

In witness whereof I hereunto affix the seal of said Court, and subscribe my name, this sixth day of February in the year of our Lord 1856.  

Parker Tuck
Judge of Probate for Hancock County
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29.005
Joseph Bickford
Maine

[? smudged text]

13 Fb 1835
Let. Benj. H. Baldwin April 7, 1856
offer
Proof of Service

Hon. L. Davis
Ho. of Rep --
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[?] 24th 1833

Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been exampled and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will shew what is necefsary to be done.  Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

[chart]
A Statement, shewing the Service of Joseph Bickford, [?]

Period when the service was rendered | 
Duration of the claimant's service. | 
Years. | Months. | Days.

Rank of the claimant.  | Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. |
Age at present, and place of abide when he entered the service. |
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
[end chart]

The witness which he has adduced prove [illegible] service in 1776. Nine months since he alleges to have performed in 1775.  This appears doubtful, and will require the most direct proof to substantiate, in, If he was in a regular organized Corps, called out by competent authority, he can procure direct proof by applying to E. D. Bangs, Secty of the State of Mass, which is indispensably necessary. -

I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,
James L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular
places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general
classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1.
The Regular Troops.
2.
The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4.  Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,
in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.

State, Territory or District of
County of
} s.s.

On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory, or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and serviced in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; 9and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in wchi he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [pointing hand icon] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank]. 

Sworn to an subscribed the day and year aforesaid.  
A.B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.

I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) 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 residents, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

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 Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.  And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C. D. who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and taht their statement is entitled to credit.

I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, int he matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia. 

1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. {To a Solider. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates. 

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. 

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of  the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. 

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such a evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the Deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.

[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. 

[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. 

[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 

[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 

"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:-For [blank] year [blank] months, and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]. For [blank] months and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the Militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. [underline] It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; [/underline] the particular place or places where the service was performed; [underline] that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent  authority; [/underline] that he was either in the field or in garrison; [underline] and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.[ /underline]

[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.

[g] The opinion of the Court is always required. 

[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.

[I] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 

Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses  who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
[pointing finger symbol] The notes from [a] to [I] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by not [j] applies to continental troops only.

[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.

[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.

[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 13

John Bickford married in 1773 in Lee, New Hampshire, Jemima Furnald or Furnall, of Nottingham, New Hampshire. The date and place of her birth and names of parents were not stated. She died April 8, 1848, at the home of her son, Abram Bickford, in Stow, Vermont, where she made her home after the death of the soldier.

John Bickford and his wife, Jemima, had nine children, all born in Nottingham, New Hampshire; their names follow:

Abram Bickford, born March 31, 1774; in 1849 still of Stow, Vt.

Molly " date of birth not stated
Sarah or Sally " " " " " "
John " born August 2, 1780, attending school in Nottingham N. H. in 1798, and died prior to 1849
Thomas " date of birth not stated
Keziah " in 1849, the wife of W. Little and living in Ill.
James " date of birth not stated
Elinor " " " " " "
Nancy " in 1849 aged fifty-five years and living in Hyde Park, Lamoille Co., Vt., when she signed Nancy McKinstry (the given name of her husband not shown).

The only surviving children in 1849 were Abram and James Bickford, Keziah Little and Nancy McKinstry.

Abram Bickford, while residing in Stow, Vermont, applied March 24,1849, for the pension which was due his mother, Jemima, at the time of
her death, on account of the service of her husband, John Bickford. Abram Bickford applied in behalf of himself and the other surviving
children named above. The claim was allowed.

In 1849, one W. A. Little, of Thorn Creek, Crete, Illinois, referred to the soldier's son, Abram Bickford, as "Uncle Abram". He made reference, also to a "Mrs. Little and Desdemonia", but did not state his relationship to them,

********

JOSEPH BICKFORD
R. 696
You are furnished herein the record of Joseph Bickford as found in pension claim, R. 696. based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

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Page 14

February 12, 1936

xxxxxxxxxxx

Mrs. Mary A. Birchfield
127 South Street
Daytona Beach, Florida

John Bickford, W. 23610
Joseph Bickford, R. 696
BA-J/MLB

Dear Madam:

The records of John and Joseph Bickford are furnished you, as follow:

JOHN BICKFORD
W. 23610

The data herein were obtained from pension claim W. 23610, based upon service of John Bickford in the Revolutionary War.

John Bickford was the son of Thomas Bickford. The date and place of birth and name of the mother of this soldier were not given.  It was stated that he was about twenty-one years older than his first son, Abram, born in 1774.

While a resident of Nottingham, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, John Bickford enlisted May 8, 1775, served as private in Captain Henry Dearborn's company, Colonel Arnold's detachment from Colonel Stark's regiment, for the Expedition to Canada, and was discharged September 1, 1775.  He enlisted August 10, 1776, served as private in Captain Joseph Chandler's company, Colonel Wyman's New Hampshire regiment, length of tour not stated.  He enlisted December 5, 1776, served as private in Captain Benjamin Sias' company, Colonel David Gilman's New Hampshire regiment, and was discharged March 15, 1777.  He enlisted September 20, 1777, and served as private in Captain Enoch [illegible]'s New Hampshire company, length of tour not shown.  He enlisted July 15, 1780, and served until December 5, 1780, and while stationed at West Point, witnessed the execution of Major Andre, names of officers for that tour not given.  He served also at West Point from August 2, 1781, until December 11, 1781, as a private, names of officers not designated.  It was stated that he serve a part of his time under Captains Nathan Sanborn and Demeritt or Merritt. no further details being given.

The soldier moved in 1799 from Nottingham, New Hampshire, to Stow, Lamoille County, Vermont, where he died in September, 1811.
Page 15

John Bickford married in 1773 in Lee, New Hampshire, Jemima Furnald or Furnall, of Nottingham, New Hampshire. The date and place of her birth and names of parents were not stated. She died April 8, 1848, at the home of her son, Abram Bickford, in Stow, Vermont, where she made her home after the death of the soldier.

John Bickford and his wife, Jemima, had nine children, all born in Nottingham, New Hampshire; their names follow:

Abram Bickford, born March 31, 1774; in 1849 still of Stow, Vt.

Molly " date of birth not stated
Sarah or Sally " " " " " "
John " born August 2, 1780, attending school in Nottingham N. H. in 1798, and died prior to 1849
Thomas " date of birth not stated
Keziah " in 1849, the wide of W. Little and living in Ill.
James " date of birth not stated
Elinor " " " " " "
Nancy " in 1849 aged fifty-five years and living in Hyde Park, Lamoille Co., Vt., when she signed Nancy McKinstry (the given name of her husband not shown).

The only surviving children in 1849 were Abram and James Bickford, Keziah Little and Nancy McKinstry.

Abram Bickford, while residing in Stow, Vermont, applied March 24,1849, for the pension which was due his mother, Jemima, at the time of
her death, on account of the service of her husband, John Bickford. Abram Bickford applied in behalf of himself and the other surviving
children named above. The claim was allowed.

In 1849, one W. A. Little, of Thorn Creek, Crete, Illinois, referred to the soldier's son, Abram Bickford, as "Uncle Abram". He made reference, also to a "Mrs. Little and Desdemonia", but did not state his relationship to them,

********

JOSEPH BICKFORD
R. 696
You are furnished herein the record of Joseph Bickford as found in pension claim, R. 696. based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

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Page 16

Joseph Bickford was born in 1757 in Harpswell, Cumberland County, Massachusetts (Maine). The names of his parents not stated. When
ten years of age, he moved to Gouldsboro, Hancock County, Maine.

The soldier married about March, 1780. His wife, whose name was not given, died July 14, 1831.

Joseph Bickford applied for pension May 8, 1833, while a resident of Gouldsboro, Hancock County, Maine, and alleged that while living in
said Gouldsboro, he volunteered in April, 1775, and served three months as a private in Captain Daniel Sullivan's Massachusetts company, stationed at Frenchman's Bay; that he volunteered in the same year and served a tour of six months as private in Captain Eleazer Crabtree's company, Colonel Cargill's Massachusetts regiment, engaged in guarding the seacoast; that he again volunteered in May, 1776, and that he served six months
as private in Captain Daniel Sullivan's Massachusetts company, and that
he was discharged in November, 1778.

His claim for pension was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of service of six months which was the requirement of the pension law.

Joseph Bickford died July 28, 1841, in Gouldsboro, Maine, and was survived by children named as follow. Their ages, places of residence, except one and given names of the husbands of the daughters were not stated. All of the children were living in 1856, with the exception of Eben who died date not shown:

Eben Bickford
Ruth Rice
Benjamin Bickford
Louise Noonan
Joseph Bickford, who in 1855 was a resident of Gouldsboro, Maine
Joshua Bickford
Abigail Tracy
Hannah Guptill
Lucretia Rand
John R. Bickford

Reference was made in the claim to one Stillman Guptill, his relationship to Hannah Guptill, soldier's daughter, not designated, nor any details concerning him.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

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Page 17

Additional evidence

Hon J Minot
Comr of Pensions
Washington DC

Postage marked:  Ticonderoga - Aug 4
Page 18

[illegible]
Joseph Bickford,
Mass 696

[crossed out] Let. B.H. Baldwin Apr 7/56

[crossed out] Let Sam May 15/56

[crossed out] Let. Same June 24/56

[crossed out] Same Aug 12/56

June 7, 1832.
Page 19

Ex'r. INVALID
No. 696

[crossed out] Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1876.

[stamp, vertical] REJECTED

Joseph Bickford
P.O. Bickford
1852 List of Rejected + Suspended Claims shows following clause of suspension:
"Suspended for reference to 8 months' walls of 1775."

Service: _______, 18
Enlisted: ______, 18
Discharged: _____, 18

Application filed: : _____, 18

Alleges: _____

Re-enlisted:  _____

________

Attorney:  _____
P. O. _____

1938, Feb. 12 - Hist. to Mrs. Mary A. Birchfield [illegible] W. 23616 of John Bickford, [illegible]
Page 20

Washington March 12th, 1856

Hon J. M[illegible]
Court of Pensions } SS.

Sir,

I beg leave to file herewith a Power of Attorney and additional evidence in the case of Joseph Bickford whose claim under the Act of June 7th 1832 filed from [underlined] Maine [end underline] is suspended.  The Certificate of the Secy of State of Mafsachusetts herewith filed shews 4 months and 15 days service in Capt. Crabtree's Co in 1775. and it appears to be admitted by the Office that six months service is found in 1776 by the testimony of [underlined] Moses Butler [end underline] Cal;eb Maddocks and Ephraim Haynes. Which will  make ten months 15 days service clearly from of no more and for this I ask that a Certificate ma be issued.  I also enclose herewith a certificate of the Probate court of Hancock Co Me containing the date of the death of said Bickford as shown by the witnefses brought before said Court as also a certificate of the apppointment of Nathaniel Johnson administrator with a bond of $300 - and the names of the now living children.  I would [assert? illegible] that  Mrs. Nathaniel JOhnson mailed to your office on the 28th of Feby 1856 a family bible of the
Page 21

oldest Son of Joseph Bickford, the Claimany, which will tend to confirm the evidence showing his death. He (I would especially ask that when said Bible shall be examined that it may be sent to Nathaniel Johnson East Sullivan Maine).

Respectfully, 
Benj. H. Baldwin
Page 22

Joseph BIckford
Page 23

I Caleb Maddocks of Ellsworth, County of Hancock & State of Main do testify & say that in May or June 1776 I was a soldier in a column team Company under Eleazer Crabtree of Sullivan that at the same time  knew on Joseph Bickford of Gouldsboro who was in the same company.  We were engaged in guarding the coast from Gouldsboro [illegible] to Fox Island. There was another company with us & we were under the command of one Col Cargill I believe. [illegible] Bickford was there. I should think the whole season about six or eight months. It was cold weather when we were discharged. I am seventy eight years of age.

Caleb Maddocks

Hancock [illegible] 10th 1833

Subscribed & sworn to before me a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Hancock & I certify that the said Madocks is a man of credibility. 

Jos. A. Wood
Justice of the Peace

State of Maine
Hancock

I, H. E. Z. Williams Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Hancock aforesaid do hereby certify that Joseph A Wood is a Justice of the Peace, within aforeseaid County & that the above signature purporting to be his, is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this twelfth day of Dec. A. D. 1833 - 

H. E. Z. Williams Register of the Court of Probate.
Page 24

Moses Butler
[illegible]
Page 25

I, Moses Butler of Hancock in the County of Hancock & State of Maine do testify & say that I am a Revolutionary War Pensioner. That I served a part of the time under one Capt Daniel Sullivan of the town of Sullivan in 1777 - I knew Mr Joseph Bickford now residing in Gouldsboro in the County of Hancock, as a soldier under said Daniel Sullivan and knew of his serving, I should think, about eight months, but I cannot at this period recollect exactly how long. I have no doubt it was either six or eight months.

Moses Butler

Hancock Jan 8th 1835. There personally appeard the above named Moses Butler & [illegible] a oath to the above deposition by him subscribed & I can testify that said Butler is a man of respectable standing & a man of credibilty.

Joseph A Wood
Justice of the Peace
Page 26

B. H. Baldwin
Aug 12
Page 27

Pension Office, August 12, 1856

Sir.

At your request I have examined the declarations and proofs in the cases of Moses Butler and Caleb Maddox, who were witness in the application of Joseph Bickford, and do [carat] not find that they strengthen the claim of the latter for pension under the act of June 7, 1838.  Butler claims service in Sullivan's company in 1778 = Bickford was certainly not in service at that time - Maddox [scribble out mistake] claims service in Crabtree's Company [carat] in 1776, but the duration is uncertain, and he was not pensioned for it.

You are familiar with the [carat] general objections & the admission of this claim. They have not been obviated by a re-examination in connection with your suggestions.

Very truly,
[illegible, 2 letters]

Benjn" H. Baldwin Esq
Washington, D. C.
Page 28

Additional Evidence
[line]

Joseph Bickford
Act June 7, 1832
Maine. Suspended

B. H. Baldwin
Atty
Washington DC
Page 29

Washington Aug. 4th 1856

Hon I Minot
Court of Pensions } Sir

In pursuance of your letter of June 24, 1856 I have obtained from the Secy of State of Mafs a farther certificate in the case of Joseph Bickford of Maine under the act of June 7th 1832.  I do not file this certificate has having any weight in the favor of the claim, but simply to show that I have complied with your requisition -

I now fall back upon the proof already on file, (both [illegible] and record /- and submit the following reasons why the claim should be allowed for at least 6 months of more -

In the first place Mr Bickford made his claim very soon after the law pafsed and gave a very particular detail of his service and of his officers, which statements have been in part corroborated by the second evidence furnished. and none of which statements have been contradicted.

If I remember correctly, there are three affidavits on file from their Commander, or persons who are at least in a situation to know the facts stated. Showing as appears by a [?] on the papers that Claimant
Page 30

performed six months service in Capt Sullivans Co Mass Mil in 1776. The names of these three witnefses are [underline] Moses Butler (who was a pensioner under the act of 1832 in Hancock Co Me), [underline] Caleb Maddocks (whose application under act of 1832 from Maine is suspended) and [underline] Ephraim Haynes (a pensioner under the act of 1818 in Hancock Co Me). The office (by the Memorandum alluded to before / service to admit that 6 months service was proved in 1776 and their cause of rejection was (as appears by the extract of the letter of the office furnished me in your letter of April 7, 1856) that as there was full rolls of Capt Crabtree's Co in 1775 on file at Boston, that evidence should be addressed from such rolls, and that "the Company of Capt Sullivan in "which he [illegible] to have served causest be recognized as we "permanent service" as stated [illegible] proof "from the Secretary's Office is produced"

This last requirement had relation simply to furnishing evidence of the existence if the Company of Capt Sullivan.  This fact as far as related to the year 1776, we have been unable to show for the reason assigned by the Sec'y of State of Mafs in his Certificate of Oct. 1855. Which is, that nearly all the records of Military Service of
Page 31

that year have been lost and destroyed.  It appears however that there was such a company in the year 1777 and for some time after.

In a former letter to your office, I asked you to examine the papers on file in your office of these witnefses who have testified for Claimant. 

In your letter of May 15/56 herewith enclosed marked A I think you mean to say that the papers of the witnefs Haybes do not allude to the service by himself under Captain Sullivan.  

It is true Mr. Haynes applied under the act of 1818 and would not mention his militia service.  But your letter also states that there are no papers of the other two witnefses - I beg leave to call your attention to the fact that Moses Butlet was a pensioner under the act of 1832 in Maine (Hancock Co - and Caleb Massocks applied under the same act from Maine & was suspended.

I now as that the papers in the two last cases be examlined, and if they not not agree with the testimony in Claimant's case, I have nothing further to say.  If they do agree I ask for an allowance of six months service in all.  

Respectfully, Benj. H. Baldwin
Page 32

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Secretary's Office, Boston

July 28th 1856

I hereby certify, That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the REvolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that by a careful examination of the rolls in this office there is no evidence of service for Joseph Beckford than that given on certificate of Oct. 8th 1855, in Capt Eleazer Crabtree's Comp of Sea Coast Service, stationed at Frenchman's Bay for 4 mos. 15. days in 1775 from August 26, 1775.

The Joshua Bickford in Capt Sullivan's Comp is not a "clerical error" but truly "Joshua Bickford".

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

Francis de Witt
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 33

Jany 10 1776. The board of Council ordered a warrant to be drawn in favor of Capt. Crabtree for the service in the above certificate of [illegible] 558.S.S.2.

And on Jany 11, 1776 The said council ordered a warrant drawn in favor of Capt. Eleazer Crabtree for billeting his Company stationed at said Frenchman's Bay [illegible] 385.S.S.

and I find no other warrant on sea coast service for Capt Crabtree until 1779.

N. Lyman [illegible]
Clerk of Pensions
Page 34

Pension Office
June 24, 1836,

Sir:
The certificate of the Secretary of Massachusets filed by you in reference to the service of Capt. Sullivan do not meet the objectives of this office to the [illegible] of the claim of Joseph Beckford, them being no [illegible] under which he served under that officer in 1776.

In one of the certificates filed by you, the Secretary of Massachusetts on [illegible] dated Mry 30 stated that a Joshua Bickford served under Capt Sullivan on certain [illegible] in the months of July, September and October 1777.  It is possible that [illegible] committed a clerical error and intended to show the name of Joseph.  If so, the
Page 35

aggregate surrendered in said north, in the service admitted, may bring the claim within the presences of the pension laws for Joseph and his declarated alleged he left the service in 1776, he may have made a year.
Page 36

Pension Office
June 24. 1836

Sir,
The certificate of the Sec'y of Mass filed by you in reference to the services of Capt Sullivan do not remove the objections of this office to the admission of the claim of Joseph Bickford, there being no reliable evidence whatever that he served under that Officer in 1776.

In one of the certificates filed by you from the Sec'y of Mass & dated May 30th it is stated that a [underlined name] Joshua Bickford served under Capt. Sullivan on certain alarms in the month of July, September & October 1777. It is pofsible that he may have committed a clerical error and intended to have given the name of [underlined] Joseph. If so, the aggregate served rendered in said months with the service admitted may bring the claim within the Pension Laws for tho' Joseph, in his declaration alleged that he left the service in November 1776, he may have made a mistake as to the year.

B. H. Baldwin Esq.
Present } [illegible]
Page 37

Washington June 6th 1856

Hon I Minot
Court of Pensions

Sir.

Your letter of May 15/56 further suspending the claim of Joseph Bickford of Maine under the Act of June 7 1832 is Rec'd. From the loss of Military rolls relating to the year 1776 (as appears by a letter from the Office of the Dept of State of Mafs herewith enclosed) it is impofsible for me to show the duration of service of Capt Daniel Sullivan's Co in 1776 and must rely upon the testimony of the witnefses who have testified [carat] to that Service.  I do not know as the witnesses belonged to Capt Sullivans Co or that they so state in their affidavits in Claimants Case.  I presume their testimony will be deemed sufficient if they were in Service [underlined] at the [end underline] Same time, and in the same regiment with that of Claimant.

I enclose herewith a Certificate from the Sec'y of Mass showing rolls of Capt Sullivans Co for 1777 and that on there alarms in that year Claimants name is found. The length of service not stated. And may have been so short that Claimant did not allude to it in his declaration.

If upon re examination, the claim cannot be allowed for 10 M & 15 days. I am willing to accept an allowance for 6 months.

Respectfully
Benj. H. Baldwin
Page 38

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Secretary's Office, Boston,
May 30th, 1856.

I Hereby Certify, That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Daniel Sullivan is borne on roll of Capt. Sullivan's Comp. Col.  Benjamin Foster's Regt on there different alarms [illegible] in July, Sept and Oct. 1777, Joshua Bickford served in said services.

Also Capt Daniel Sullivan was in the Bagaduce Expedition with a company of Volunteers in 1779.

Also as Capt in Col John Allen's Regt at Frenchman's Bay in 1780. No other service.

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

Francis De Witt
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 39

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
Boston, May 30th 1856

Sir:

I do not find the name of Joseph Bickford other than as per [crossed out] Cife [end of cross out] Certificate of Oct. 8, 1855. I do not find the name of Daniel Sullivan as Capt earlier than 1777. The most of the service for the year 1776 is lost from this office.  We have none of the [underlined] Continental Line service, and but little of what is called "military" or "state military service" for the said year 1776.

Very respectfully, 
N/ Lyman Strong
Clerk of Pensions

Benjn H. Baldwin Esq
Ticonderoga
New York.
Page 40

May 10/ [illegible]6
B. H. Baldwin
Present
Page 41

Pension Office.
May 15, 1856.

Sir.

In reply to your letter of the 21st [illegible] that the [illegible] in a  

[illegible]

Joseph Beckford, who is on the Pension Roll, & Ephraim Hayes, who herein makes no allegiance other to service under order Captains Sullivan & Crabtree in 1775 and 1776.  The Secretary of Mafs 

[illegible]
Rolls a Sullivan's company in the office.  

then was a Capt Sullivan & the [illegible] of Sullivan in [illegible] said years and

[illegible]
Page 42

May 30

Letter of Pen Office
May 15/56
Page 43

A

Pension Office 
May 15, 1856

Sir,

In reply to your letter of the 21st [illegible] you are informed that the only witness in support of the claim of Joseph Beckford, who is on the Pension Roll of Capt Hayes, who, however, makes no allusion whatever to service rendered under Captains Sulliven & Crabtree in 1775 & 1776. The Sec'y of Mass states that there are no Rolls of Sullivan's Co. in his office.  He may, however, be enabled to show whether there was a Capt Sullivan of the Town of Sullivan in service in said years.  Those long have served. If so, his certificate might, perhaps [illegible] the objection other admission of the Claim of Beckford.

Very Resp [illegible]
S. Cole for Court

B. H. Baldwin
Present }
Page 44

Washington April 21st 1856

Hon I Minot
Court of Pensions

Sir, I have received your letter of the 7th inst (herewith enclosed) in the Case of Joseph Bickford whose claim filed from Maine under the act of June 7, 1832 is suspended.

Claimant alleged in his declaration made in 1830, that he served in 1775 under Captain Crabtree and in 1776 under Captain Sullivan Mafs Mil.  The 6 months service claimed in 1776 under Capt Sullivan was proved by the affidavits of Moses Butler, Ephraim Haynes, & Caleb Maddocks.  These two first witnefses have been placed on the Pension Roll under the act of 1832. Maine Agency, and their own declarations probably would show whether they testified correctly in the case now under consideration.

I have examined the papers on file in this case and judge pen a memorandum which is made from the papers, that the 6 months in 1776 was virtually admitted.  The memorandum is as follows

"The witnefses which he has adduced prove
"but 6 months service in 1776. Nine months
"service he alledges [sic] to have performed in 1775,
"This appears doubtful, and will require the most
"direct proof to substantiate it.  If he was in
"a regular organized corps called out by 
"competent authority he can procure direct proof by
"applying to E. D. Bangs Sec. of Mafs which is indispensably necefsary"

This, [underlined] "direct proof" as stated in the above Memorandum
Page 45

seems to have reference to the Service under Capt Crabtree in 1775, which does not appears to be proved by the witnefses.  The letter of suspension a fraction of which is copied into your letter of the 7th States that full rolls of Capt Crabtrees Co are to be found in the office of the Secy of Mafs & therefore Claimant must apply there for testimony showing his service in 1775. This I have done.  The Secretary also certifies that there are no rolls of Capt Sullivan. For this last service then in 1776 of 6 months we must rely upon the testimony of the witnefses already on file.  The requirements of the office have been completed with as far as it is pofsible to do it.  The Statements of Claimant about his service in 1775 under Capt Crabtree are corroborated by the rolls as would be undoubtedly his statements as testified to by the witnefses, if any rolls of Capt Sullivan could be found.

I ask that the case may be examined with reference to the papers on file in the cases of the Witnefses Moses Butler and Ephraim Haynes.  This is the best testimony that can now be produced, and I hope will be considered sufficient to establish the claim in connexion [sic] with the Certificate of the Sec'y of state filed by me showing 4 months & 15 days service in Capt Crabtree's Co in 1775

Respectfully
Benj H Baldwin
Page 46

Copy letter of Pen Off
Ap 7/56
Page 47

Pension Office April 7, 1856

Sir.

I have received and examined the papers adduced by you in support of the Claim for Pension in virtue of the service of Joseph Beckford in the Revolutionary war.  The following extracts of a letter written at the time he applied for an allowance will show that you are mistaken as to the ground of disallowance

"Joseph Bickford claims to have served in Capt
"Crabtrees Company in 1775. There are full rolls of
"that company during that year in Mr Bangs office
"as his certificate shows.  If Mr. Bickford belonged
"to it he certainly can produce better proof of his 
"service than the vague statements of the Witnefses
"The Company of Capt Sullivan in which
"he claims to have served cannot be recognized
"as a permanent service as stated unlefs proof
:from the Secretarys Office is produced"

Respectfully
S., Cole 
for Court

Benj H. Baldwin
Present

Copy
Page 48

B. H. Baldwin
April 7, 1856
Page 49

Pension Office, April 7, 1856

Sir.

I have received and examined the papers adduced by you in support of the Claim for Pension in virtue of the service of Joseph Beckford [crossed out text] in the Revolutionary war. The following extracts of a letter written at the time he applied for an allowance will show that you are mistaken [crossed out text] as to the ground of disallowance

"Joseph Bickford claims to have served in Capt
"Crabtrees Company in 1775. There are full rolls of
"that company during that year in Mr Bangs office
"as his certificate shows. If Mr. Bickford belonged
"to it he certainly can produce better proof of his
"service than the vague statements of the Witnefses
"The Company of Capt Sullivan in which
"he claims to have served cannot be recognized
"as a permanent service as stated unlefs proof
:from the Secretarys Office [crossed out text] is produced"

Benj H. Baldwin Esq
Present }

I am, &c
&c
Page 50

Pension Office, April 7, 1856

Sir.

I have received and examined the papers adduced by you in support of the Claim for Pension in virtue of the service of Joseph Beckford [crossed out text] in the Revolutionary war. The following extracts of a letter written at the time he applied for an allowance will show that you are mistaken [crossed out text] as to the ground of disallowance

"Joseph Bickford claims to have served in Capt
"Crabtrees Company in 1775. There are full rolls of
"that company during that year in Mr Bangs office
"as his certificate shows. If Mr. Bickford belonged
"to it he certainly can produce better proof of his
"service than the vague statements of the Witnefses
"The Company of Capt Sullivan in which
"he claims to have served cannot be recognized
"as a permanent service as stated unlefs proof
:from the Secretarys Office [crossed out text] is produced"

Respectfully,
S. Cole
For Court

Benj H. Baldwin Esq
Present
Page 51

Certificate of Secy of Mafs of Service of Joseph Bickford
4 Mo 15 days
Page 52

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
[seal]

Secretary's Office, Boston,
Oct. 8th 1855

I Hereby Certify, that from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Joseph Beckford is borne on pay roll of Capt Eleazer Crabtree's Comp. doing duty on Sea Coast, Lincoln County, from Aug 26th 1775 4 months 15 days, as private. Ebenezer Hinkley was Lieut.

The service of Capt Daniel Sullivan for the years 1778 & 1779 do not appear on file in this office.

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

E. M. Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 53

Washington Sept 29/55.

Hon Secy of State of 
Massachusetts

Sir. I enclose herewith a power of attorney from one of the sons of Joseph Bickford deceased an applicant for a pension under the act of June 7. 1832.  Mr. Bickford alledges [sic] in his declaration that he entered the service [crossed out "at"] in Hancock County Main in April 1775 and served there under Capt Daniel Sullivan.  John Bean was the lieutenant.  Again enlisted same year thinks in June under Capt Eleazer Crabtree - Hinckley was lieut.  Hen Dyer was 2nd lieut. Served at this time six months. In May 1776 he volunteered in Capt Sullivan's Co (John & James Bean lieuts) and served six months.  Moses Butler, Caleb Maddoxks and Ephraim Hynes testify to their knowledge of six months service.  Will you please certify to such evidence as appears in your office.  I enclose one dollar for your fees.

Respectfully, Benj H Baldwin.
Page 54

I Ephraim Haynes of the Lawful age of ninty [sic] one years do testify and say that I am acquainted with Joseph Bickford of Gouldsborough in the State of Maine that he the said Joseph Bickford and myself were enlisted in the States Service under Eleazer Crabtree, we served under him the term of six months and then were discharged. While we were under the command of said Eleazer Crabtree the British took possession of Bagaduce New Castine.  This I am confident of from the following circumstance we were at [illegible] island in Penobscot Bay. We went to [illegible] by order of [illegible] Colonel Cargill to take an English brig but she being so situated and armed we could not success in capturing her.  He was from Bagaduce to [illegible] afterward for the British troops.  The date of the year I do not now remember.

Ephraim X Haynes
his mark

Atty Nicolas Thomas Jr
to Ephraim Hanes mark
Hancock: [illegible] on the twenty first day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three the aforesaid deponent was examined coutoned [?] on seven afreeable to law to the deposition aforesaid by him subscribed token at the request of Joseph Bickford and to be used in a Court of [illegible] to be holden before the Hon Jab Nelson Esq Judge of Probate, on the said deponent being so [illegible] as to be unable to travel or attend at said court is the court of taking this deposition and I certify that said Haynes is a man of credibility.  Nicholas Thomas Jr Justice Peace
Page 55

State of Maine
Hancock }

I H E Z Williams Register of Probate for the County of Hancock aforesaid, do hereby certify that Nicholas Thomas Jr is a Justice of the Peace in aforesaid County & that the forefoing signature purporting to be his is genuine -

[illegible] where I have here unto set my hand & seal of Office this twelfth day of Dec. A. D. 1833

H E Z Williams Register of the Court of Prob.
Page 56

Joseph Beckford
Act of Pens 1832
Suspended - filed
from Maine

Benj H Baldwin Atty
Washington DC
Page 57

AFFIDAVIT AND POWER OF ATTORNEY.

REVOLUTIONARY PENSION CLAIMS.

Ste of Maine
County of Hancock } ss.

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on this third day of September A. D. 1855, I, Joseph Bickford, of Gouldsboro [illegible] do make known and declaring I am the son and heir-at-law to Joseph Beckford {crossed out] who was [end of crossed out] the son ["wife" crossed out] of Joseph Beckford a Revolutionary Soldier who served [blank] years under the command of [blank] in the forces raised in the State of [blank], and that he and his wide were married about the month of March, A. D. 1780, that he died about the month of July, A. D. 1841, and that his said wife also died about the month of July 14th, A. D. 1831, and that a pension of [wavy line, crossing out the blank] dollars a year was drawn by said  [wavy line, crossing out the blank] on account of said services, and so continued until the year A. D. 18[blank], since which time nothing has been received by either, or the heirs of either of said parties.

And that claimant is now [blank] years of age; and it is understood and believed that there are arrearages of Pension and other claims due for said services.  NOW THEREFORE, the true intent of all this is to qualify and irrevocably appoint and empower ["CORDIAL STORRS, JR." crossed out, and written above is:} Benj. H. Baldwin, of Washington, District of Columbia, [blank] as my true and lawful Attorney, with power of substitution to investigate and substantiate, [crossed out phrase: "demand, and receive the avails of,"] said claim or claims, and to say and do all things relative thereto, as amply as I might do; hereby rarifying every thing said or hone by said Attorney, or his substitute in virtue hereof; ALSO, revoking all Powers of Attorney, or other authority previously given for such purposes.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, day and date first above named.

ATTEST:  [?] Johnson  

Joseph Bickford
Page 58

February 12, 1936

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mrs. Mary A Birchfield
127 South Street
Daytona Beach, Florida

BA-J / [illegible]: MLB

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of John, Solomon and Joseph Bickford of New Hampshire or Massachusetts (Madbury city by you, perhaps meant for Medbury, Massachusetts) and the War of 1812 records of a John Bickford, Solomon, David, John and Moses Emerson and John Matthews or Mathias.

It is regretted, indeed, that it is impossible to comply in full with each request for soldiers of the Revolutionary War and War of 1812, no matter how great the desire to do so.  The demand for such information is great and the trained clerical force available for that research work is limited.

The record of a John Bickford and of a Joseph Bicklford are furnished you herewith which, it is hoped, will aid you somewhat in your research.

It is regretted that your letter could not have been answered sooner.

Very truly yours


A. D. Miller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator