Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,699, for Abel Peirce, Massachusetts
Page 1

(8-1776)

SERVICE
Mass.

Peirce, Abel
or
Pierce,
             Sally

NUMBER
W. 15,699

CONTENTS
Page 2

Abel Peirce 2
Declaration
Copy of Record 

Pierce, Abel
Mass W15699
Page 3

Revolutionary Claim, under Act of Congress, May 1, 1820. 
STATE OF VERMONT} Supreme Court July (illegible) Term 1820
Franklin COUNTY, SS.} On this 13th day of July
1820 personally appeared in open Court, being the Supreme Court [of state, struck out] for the County of Franklin and a Court of Record for said County.   having the Power of fine and Imprisonment Abel Peirce 2nd.
aged 63 years, resident in  Georgia in said County, who being duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath, declare that he served in the revolutionary war, as follows: --
I enlisted I think in the Spring of 1776 in the years Service in Captain Whites Company & Col Whitcombs Regt in the Massachusetts line served untill my time was about out & enlisted at West Point for three years & was annexed to Col Putnam Regt Capt Moses Compy in Massachusetts line Served my time was out & was discharged my first declaration is dated 29th Decr 1818 & Pension Certificate numbered 11130 

And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day 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 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 annexed, and by me subscribed. Real Estate about 60 acres of land [Struck out - in Georgia) & the Improvements in Georgia, Personal Property [illegible] 3 Cows, 1 heiffer 2 years old, & Sheep 3 Small Swine Plough & dragg 1 Iron 4 Pail kettle [illegible] 6 old chairs Shovel tongs a few Small articles of [illegible]  Cracker knives & forks [illegible] debts to the amount of about 40 dollars & have no debt due to me. I am by occupation a farmer but am almost worn out with hard labor & not able to do much of any work my Wife Sally aged 57 is a Cripple by the [illegible] of her hands. I cannot perform much labor my Daughter Hart aged 14 years lives with me & is in tollerable health my oldest son Thomas is of age & for himself but [illegible] with me at present my Son Judson E Peirce is of age being 23 years old he lives with me & [illegible] my farm for which  indebted to him more than 100 dollars my Daughter Betsey aged 19 years is for herself but lives with me & helps in the care of the family
 Abel Pierce 2nd
Page 4

Sworn to and declared on the 
13th day of July 1830
Before the Court Horace Janes Clerk

STATE OF VERMONT,
Franklin County, ss.
I Horace Janes Clerk of the Supreme Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is seven hundred fifty dollars Ball free from debt five hundred dollars and no cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court, on this 19 day of July 1820
Horace Janes Clerk
Page 5

4204
Vermont Poultney
Sally Pierce 
Widow of Abel Pierce [sic], 
who served in the Revolutionary War, as a Drummer 
Mass.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 88 Dollars 
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of March 1849 and sent to Wm Bridges 
St Albans Vt

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 
February 2nd, 1848, Page 79, Vol. 3

Lets to Wm Bridges April
 6, 1850 also to J. S.
Gattaker same date.
Page 6

11130
Vermont R
Abel Peirce 2d
of Georgia in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Putnam of the Massachusetts line, for the term of three years

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 29 of December 1818

Certificate of Pension issued the 25 of May 1819 and sent to Wm Brayton Esqr St. Albans Vermont.

Arrears to 4th of March 1819 2 7/31 | 17.80
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sep 1819 t mo, | 48.
[total] | $65.80

Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818

Not Entitled


Notif'n sent to Horace Janes St. Albans
Vt 16 Oct 1820
Page 7

The New
TESTAMENT
Of our Lord and Savior
JESUS CHRIST, 
Newly translated out of the
ORIGINAL GREEK;
And with the former
TRANSLATIONS
Diligently Compared and Revised,
By his Majesty's Special Command
Appointed to be Read in Churches
EDINBURGH:
Printed by the Assions of Alexander Kincaid, His Majesty's
MDCCLXXXV.
Page 8

Thomas Peirce born the [illegible] December in the year of our Lord 1787
Betsey Peirce born [illegible] 7th Decem AD 1790
Arthur Peirce born
preceding the 29 AD 1792 Tues
Abel Peirce Born
7 August 1795
Judson Curtis Peirce
and Sally Peirce born
the 4th October
in the 1797
Betey Pierce April 30th
AD 1800
Harriot Pierce born
May 9th 1894
Sally Pierce Died
September 13 1813
Page 9

I Thomas Pierce of Georgia in the County of Franklin & state of Vermont aged fifty two years on the fourth day of December last, do depose, testify & say that I am the son of Abel Pierce 2d & Sally Pierce, that my Father Abel Pierce 2d was a pensioner of the United States, and the above named Sally is the widow of the sd Abel. And I further certify tat the family record hereunto annexed is the record of the family of the sd Abel & Sally and the only record to my knowledge that they ever had. I have lived with my father & mother the above named Abel & Sally from my infancy to the present time and know of no other family record by them kept.
Thomas Pierce
Sworn to & subscribed this 4th day of August AD 1840
Before me Wm Bridges Justice of the Peace
I further certify that the above named deponent is a credible witness.
In testimony whereof I have affixed my name and seal of office the day & year above written
Wm Bridges Judge of Probate
Page 10

7694
Sally Pierce
Vt
Act 7 July '38
m 88
on Rolls
3 years Drummer.

Wm Bridges Esq
St Albans Vt
Page 11

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838, entitled an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows"

State of Vermont
Georgia District ss
Be it known that on the 4th day of August 1840, at St Albans in said District personally appeared before the Court of Probate, Sally Pierce a resident of Georgia in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont, aged eighty years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838. granting half pay & pensions to certain widows.

That she is the widow of Abel Peirce 2d who was a Drummer in the army of the Revolution, & served in the Massachusetts line of the army four years and was honorably discharged, which discharge she has often seen, and believes it was sent to the War Department some years since, at the time when her said husband applied for his pension
Page 12

She has often heard her sd husband say tat he enlisted in the early part of the war & continued therein four years and served as a Drummer. Has often heard him mention the names of Capt White Colonels Putnam & Whitcomb, officers under whom he served & the names of many others which she does not now recollect. That her sd husband was a pensioner of the United States for a short time and was then droped [sic] from the Roll.

She further declares that she was married to the said Abel Peirce 2d in the month of Jany or Feby 1788, seventeen hundred and eighty eight, that her husband the afsd Abel Pierce 2d dies on the fourteenth day of April, 1825; 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 & ninety four viz at the time above stated
Sally Pierce X her mark
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written
Before me 
William Bridges Judge of Probate

The applicant wished to qualify her statement in regard to the service of her sd husband, and that is in relation to his serving as a
Page 13

Drummer. It is her impression that he served as such, but is not positive. That he was a Drummer she is positive but whither he served in the army in that capacity she is not certain, but is impressed with the belief that he did.
Sally Pierce X her mark

Sworn & subscribed
the day & year afsd
Before me Wm Bridges Judge
Page 14

Abel Pierce's
Revolutionary Claim
Abel Pierce, of Georgia 
Privt Col Putnam's
Regt Mass: line for
three years

On Rolls
Admitted
Page 15

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss
On this 29th day of December A.D. 1818 before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature within & for the State of Vermont, personally appeared Abel Pierce aged sixty years, resident in Georgia in the County & State aforesaid, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late 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"  That he the said Abel Pierce in the spring of the year 1776 enlisted in Westminister [sic] in the State of Massachusetts in the company commanded by Captain White of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Whitcomb of the Massachusetts line of the American revolutionary army on the Continental establishment; that he continued to served in said corps until the 1st day of January A.D. 1777, when at Ticonderoga in the State of New York, he again enlisted, in the company commanded by Captain Norse of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Rufus Putnam being the 5th Regiment of the Massachusetts line on the continental establishment of the American revolutionary army for term of three years, and at the time of said enlistment he received a furlough for three months at the expiration of which at Worcester in the State of Massachusetts he joined said Regiment and continued to served in said corps, or in the service
Page 16

of the United States until the 19th day of December A.D. 1780, when at West Point in the State of New York he was discharged from service, that he was at the taking of Burgoyne and the army under his command, and was in the battles immediately preceeding; [sic] and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services
Abel Pierce

Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid
William Brayton Judge Supreme Court Vt

I William Brayton, one of the Judges of the Supreme court within & for the State of Vermont as aforesaid, do certify that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Abel Pierce did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in said preceding declaration, against the common enemy for the full term of nine months (and more) at one period of service on the continental establishment that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; and also that the Court, of which I am Judge as aforesaid, is a court of record, and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the secretary of the department of war, pursuant to the Act of Congress
Page 17

described in the foregoing declaration.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand this 29 day of December AD 1818
William Brayton Judge Sup Court
State of Vermont

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss.
I Horace Janes, Clerk of the Supreme Court of the State of Vermont within & for the County of Franklin, do certify, that the Honorable William Brayton, Before whom the foregoing declaration of Abel Pierce was made, was, at the making thereof, and at the date of his said certificate, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature within & for the State aforesaid, duly qualified as such by the authority of this State, and that his name before written is his own proper signature; and also that the Court aforesaid is a Court of record. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 29th day of December A.D. 1818
Horace Janes Clerk
Page 18

Exemplification of 
Judgment &c
Laurence Brainard
vs
Abel Peirce
Page 19

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss
St Albans Jany 5th 1825
then personally appeared before me Abijah Stone one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Franklin Abel Pierce resident in Georgia in sd Franklin Count aged sixty seven years who being first duly sworn acording [sic] to law doth on h is oath depose & say that the eighty acres of land stated in his declaration in order to obtain a pension under the laws of the United States is the same identical land described in the writ & declaration of Lawrence Brainerd and by Virtue of which writ and declaration and the Judgment of the County Court at their Sept term 1824 the sd Brainerd on the 15 December 1824 removed me from the premises
Abel Peirce
Subscribed & sworn before me the day & year above said
Abijah Stone Jus Peace
Page 20

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss
St Albans Jan 5th 1825
I Horace Janes Clerk of County Court & Notary Public in said County do hereby certify that Abijah Stone Esqr of St Albans is a Justice of the Peace in sd Count duly appointed by the Legislature of this State and that the foregoing certificate is signed by him in his own proper handwriting
In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the Public seal of my office
Horace Janes
Page 21

St Albans (Vermont) Jany 5 1825

Hon. J.L. Edwards;

Sir, in my declaration of the 30th of April 1823, as a soldier of the Revolution in Col. Putnam's Regiment in the Massachusett's line I stated that I was once on the Pension list and my certificate was numbered 11,130. I further stated that since the exhibition of my former schedule, I had been obliged to mortgage my farm on which I resided containing 80 acres of land lying in Georgia in the County of Franklin, to Mr. Lawrence Brainerd of St Albans in said County, to secure the payment of five hundred and fifty dollars with interest from the 10th Sept. 1821 payable in three years from the said 10th Sept. 1821.

I would further state that on the 13th Sept 1824 two days after the mortgage became absolute as I had not and could not pay the debt or any part thereof, Mr. Brainerd ejected me from the farm and at the County Court in Sept. Term 1824 Judment [sic] was recovered against me in favor of Mr. Brainerd and on the 29th day of Novr Mr. Brainerd took out his Execution on the Judgment, and the Sheriff on the 25th Decr 1824 removed me and my effects from the farm, and put Mr. Brainerd into possession of the same.

I have procured the evidence from the records and enclose them As I am not deprived of ever means of support except from my daily labor and my Health is such tat I cannot do but little i Hope that I may be placed on the pension list as soon as it can be done consistent with the duties of your office
Abel Peirce
Page 22

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss
To all persons to whom these presents shall come or may concern Greeting 
Know ye that we having inspected the files and records remaining in the Clerks Office in said County do find there a certain Original writ process Judge Record [illegible] of possession and return thereon in the words and figures which follow that is to say
Page 23

STATE OF VERMONT
Franklin County ss.
To the Sheriff of Franklin County, his deputy, or either of the Constables of Georgia in said County - Greeting.
By the Authority of the State of Vermont, You are hereby commanded to attach the goods, chattels, or estate of Abel Peirce of Georgia in the county of Franklin To the value of seven hundred dollars; and him notify thereof according to law: and for want thereof, to that the body of the said [blank] if he may be found within your precinct, and him safely keep, so that you have before the county court, next to be holden at St Albans within, and for the county of Franklin on the last Monday save one of Sept next - Then and there in said court, to answer to Lawrence Brainard of St. Albans in said County in a plea that to the said Lawrence Brainard Plaintiff the said Abel Peirce defendant under the seizure and peaceable possession of the following described tracts peices [sic] or parcel of land with the appurtenances lying and being in Georgia afsd to wit being lot no. one hundred and seventy six in said town of Georgia bounded on the west by lot occupied by John Winters south by the lot occupied by Ebenezer Boyden it being the same land now occupied by said Abel Peirce which tract or parcels of land the said Lawrence Brainard on the 11th day of Sept 1824 was well seized and possessed in his own right in fee [illegible] continued thereof possessed untill [sic] the 12th day of September 1834 when the said Abel Peirce without law or right & contrary to the will of the said Lawrence Brainard thereinto entered & ejected & expelled & removed the said Lawrence Brainard there from & ever since that still doth keep out the said Lawrence Brainard from the premises taking the whole profits to himself

The damage of the said Lawrence Brainard as he say the sum of seven hundred dollars; for the recovery of which and the quiet and peaceable possession of the premises together with Just acts the sd Laurence bring suit. 
Hereof fail not, but of this writ, with your doings thereon, make due return according to law.
Dated at St Albans in the county of Franklin the 13th day of Sept in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four
Horace Janes Clerk
Seth Wetmore recognized to the defendant in the sum thirty dollars, as surety for cost of prosecution as the law directs.
Before me Horace Janes Clerk
Page 24

I hereby confess service on this writ the same as though served by a proper office 13th Sept 1824
Abel Peirce

Lawrence Brainard
vs
Abel Peirce
Franklin County Court September Term AD 1824

Action of ejectment to recover the seizen and quite and peaceable possession of the following described tracts peices [sic] or parcels of land with the appurtenances lying and being in Georgia afosd to wit being lot No one hundred and seventy six in said town of Georgia bounded on the west by lot occupied by John Winters south by the lot occupied by Ebenezer Boyden it being the same land now occupied by said Abel Peirce as per writ and declaration on file dated September 13th 1824 demanding in damages seven hundred dollars. This action was commenced at the present Term of the Court the Plff appears in Court by his Atty Wetmore and the defendant though three times Solemnly called to come into court does not appear but makes default. Whereupon the court here do consider that the Plff recover of the defendant the seizure and peaceable possession of the premises demanded in his declaration with the appurtenances together with one cent damage and his cost taxed at six dollars twenty eight cents whereof the Plff may have his Execution and writ of Possession
A True Record
Attest Horace Janes Clk
Page 25

STATE OF VERMONT,
Franklin County, ss.

To the Sheriff of Franklin County, his Deputy, or either Constable of Georgia in said County...Greeting.
Whereas Lawrence Brainard of St Albans in said County by the consideration of the County Court holden at St Albans within and for the county of Franklin on the last Monday save one of September Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and twenty four recovered judgment for his seizen and peacable possession of certain tracts of parcels of land and appurtenances in Georgia afsd against Abel Peirce of said Georgia who had unjustly withheld, put out, or removed the said Brainard from his possession thereof: And also at the said Court recovered judgment for one cent damages, and the further sum of six dollars twenty eighty cents for costs in said suit, as appears of Record: - Which lands, or messuage and tenement, is described as follows, to wit: being lot No one hundred and twenty Six in said Town of Georgia bounded on the west by lot occupied by John Winters south by the lot occupied by Ebenezer Boyden it being the same land now occupied by said Abel Peirce
0.01
6.28
6.29 [sum total]
[0.]75
7.04 [total]

Therefore, By the authority of the State of Vermont, You are hereby commanded that, without delay, you cause the said Brainard to have possession of and in said messuage or tenement tracts or parcels of land, with the appurtenances and privileges. You are also commanded, that of the goods, chattels, or lands of the said Peirce within your precinct, you cause to be levied and the same being disposed of as the law directs, paid and satisfied unto the said Brainard the aforesaid sums of Six dollars and twenty nine which to the said Brainard was adjudged for his damages and costs, with seventy fie cents more for this Writ, and thereof also to satisfy yourself for your own fees: And for want of goods, chattels, or lands of the said Peirce to be shewn unto you or found within your precincts, to the acceptance of the said Brainard to satisfy the sums aforesaid, you are commanded to take the bod of the said Peirce and him safely keep, until he pay the full sums above mentioned, with your fees, or that he be discharged by the said Brainard or otherwise by order of law. Hereof fail not, and make due return of this writ to me, with your doings thereon, within sixty days from the date.
Dates at St Albans in the county of Franklin the 29th day of November Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and twenty four
Horace Janes Clerk.
Page 26

Rec'd Decr 15th 1834
J Weeks Sheriff
Franklin County ss
December 25th 1834 then I repaird [sic] to the dwelling house of the within named Abel Peirce and by virtue of this writ of Possession I removed the said Abel Peirce & his effects out of Possession of the premises within described and on the same day I caused the within named Lawrence Brainard to have peaceable possession of the within described premises
Attest J Weeks Sheriff
Travel 10 m 60
Attend 34
[total] 94

Returned into Office Decr 28th 1834 possession given of the premises and unsatisfied as to the damages & cost
All which we have caused by these presents to be exemplified and the seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed 
Witness the Honr Zerah Willoughby Chief Judge of said Court at St Albans this 29th day of December AD 1824
Attest Horace Janes Clerk

Exemplification of
Judgment &c
Lawrence Brainard
vs
Abel Peirce
Page 27

14 Apl 1825
Vermont
pn 88
Abel Peirce 2d privt
served 3 years from 1776
1s Schedule dated 13th July 1820
About 60 acres of land & Improvements - 1 horse 1 cold, 3 cows, 1 two yr old heifer 8 sheep 3 small swine, some farming utensils & a few articles of furniture valued by court at $570.00
Owes about $402.

Schedule under Act 1st March 1823 dated 30th April 1823.
1 cow, 1 two yr old heifer 16 sheep 2 small hogs, some farming utensils and a few articles of furniture valued by court @ $51.-
Accounts for decrease of property as follows & the 80 acres of land has been mortgaged to secure a debt due from claimant to Lawrence Brainerd for %550.- a note was given him for this sum dated 10th Sept 1821, payable in three years, with interest. states that the land is not worth so much. Copy of Mortgage deed exhibited; and an affidavit of sd Brainerd stating that the claimant became indebted to him for more than 100 in cash which he paid for claimant thereby liberating him from jail, the balance of the debt due him from claimant was for goods for family's use and delivered to other persons by his order. the account commenced in the spring of 1819, states that claimant is still indebted to him $110 which has been contacted since the execution of the aforesaid mortgage. states that he would much rather have the $550 than the land. that he has no reason to believe claimant will be able to pay him & that he shall be obliged to take the land. A statement has been since exhibited that the mortgage has been foreclosed and the land taken possession of by the mortgagee. Copy of Judgment and execution exhibited. Old mare & colt & cow sold for $65 to pay two executions in favor of N. B. Wells and B. Swift.
Claimant aged 65 occupation a farmer cannot labor wife aged 59 has lost her right hand not able to labor.
see letter March 30th 1825 to Claimant St. Albans
VT
(Sep '19)
[illegible] evidence Jan 5 1825
[following note is overwritten on above paragraph]
Not satisfactory It does not appear what goods were furnished by Brainard nor does it appear that they were applied to Pierces wife
Page 28

Vermont
Abel Peirce, 2d private, served 3 years from '76 
1st Schedule, dated July 1820
Real Estate
60 acres of land. Not allowed
1 horse, 1 colt, 3 cows, 1 heifer 8 sheep 3 small swine, farming utensils a few articles of household furniture valued by court $750.-
Owes $402.-
Schedule under act 1st Mar 1823, dated 30th Apl 1823
 1 cow, 1 two year old heifer 16 sheep 2 small hots, a few farming utensils and old household furniture valued by court 51
Account for decrease of property by giving a mortgage deed to secure a note held against him, for $550.- authenticated copy of deed exhibited, dated 10th Sept. 1821 
Sold mare and colt for $45 to pay off an execution 
two cows for $38 to pay of [sic] an execution in the sheriffs hands. hog killed and used in family.

Claimant aged 65, occupation a farmer, cannot labor, wife 59, lost right hand

see letter Sept 17 1823, to 
Horace Janes,
St. Albans
Vt
4 Sept 1819
Page 29

7694
Vt
Suspended
Let to Wm Bridges
March 19th 1841

Act 7 July '38
Page 30

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss
Georgia
April 12 1825 then personally appeared before me Seth Wetmore, Justice of the Peace for the whole State Ebenezer Boydon of Georgia in said Franklin County aged fifty four years who being by me sworn according to law deposes & saith that Abel Pierce 2d of said Georgia whom it is said was a Revolutionary Soldier, and Thomas Pierce a son of said Abel Pierce 2d [illegible] a neighbor to me & I have been personally acquainted wit the said Abel & Thomas about twenty years last past. that about five years since the said Thomas Pierce, commenced building & erecting in the town of Georgia a Grist Mill, at the time he began to build his mill It is my opinion that the whole amount of Thomas Pierces property did not exceed four hundred dollars; for want of means & [illegible] & calculations the said Thomas Pierce long before he had accomplished or finished his grist mill became involved & [illegible] his Father the said Abel Pierce 2d endeavored to assist him the said Thomas by credit or by becoming obligated for his son Thomas. the said Abel in the opinion of the deponent not being any better qualified than his son to carry on so large a concern as building the said mill soon became himself involved in debt. about three years since. The deponent, purchased the said grist mill of said Thomas Pierce for one thousand dollars & paid the several creditors of the said Thomas, the full amount of the purchase money. that the sales of the mill are not sufficient to pay all the Creditors of Thomas and that in the opinion of the deponent the said Thomas is now indebted to several Creditors at best three hundred dollars & in the opinion of the deponent without any means of paying the same or any part of the same. the deponent further saith that he has been informed and believed the same to be true that
Page 31

that in consequence of the said Abel Pierce  rendering the assistance to his son Thomas to enable him to finish the said Grist mill that the said Abel Mortgaged his farm to Mr. Lawrence Brainard merchant of St Albans. The amount of the Mortgage goes to Mr. Brainard the deponent does not know but has been informed was now about four hundred dollars including interest & cost which is about what the farm then mortgaged is worth in money. the deponent considers that Abel Pierce is also destitute of property & now sick & wholly unable to perform any labor & as he has lost his farm by the mortgage the deponent knows of no estate of said Abel Pierce
Ebenezer Boydon
The words "& is not sick & wholly unable to perform any Labor" was [illegible] before the oath was administered
Seth Wetmore Jus Peace
Subscribed & sworn before me this 12 day of April 1825. I hereby certify that the deponent is a creditable witness I further certify that I have been acquainted with the deponent for twenty years. he has always sustained the character of a man of probity & the strictest integrity. his testimony where is is know gains full faith & credit
Seth Wetmore Just Peace
Page 32

at the time the said Lawrence Brainard ejected the said Abel Pierce from the said farm. the deponent has no knowledge of the said Abel Pierce or Thomas Pierce ever dually or individually making any bargain or contract with the said Brainard [illegible] to sd farm [illegible]. the said Brainard ejected the sd Pierce from the farm the deponent, considers that the said Abel Pierce 2d & Thomas Pierce nor either of them have any means to repurchase the farm or any other farm. that they are both destitute of property in the opinion of the deponent the deponent further saith that he has understood & he believes the same to be true that in consequence of Thomas Pierce building & erecting a grist mill in Georgia & Abel pierce 2 assisting the sd Thomas was the cause of their misfortunes & the reason why they both became this involved in debt & the loss of the farm
Sebastian Brainerd
Subscribed & sworn before me the day & year abovesaid & further certify that I have been personally acquainted with the deponent about Six years. He is a creditable witness. always known his residence in this town [illegible] a good character
Seth Wetmore Jus. Peace

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss
St. albans April 15th 1825
I Horace Janes Clerk of the County Court in the County of Franklin afsd do hereby certify to all whom it may concern that Seth Wetmore Esqr of St. Albans afsd is one of the Executive Council of the State of Vermont and by virtue thereof a Justice of the peace fore the whole State and that the foregoing Certificates are signd [sic] by him in his own proper hand writing In testimony whereof I have hereunto signd my name & affixed the Public Seal of said Court
Horace Janes Clerk
return to be made to Mr Abel Pierce St Albans Post Office
Page 33

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss
St Albans April 15th 1825 Then personally appeared before me Seth Wetmore Justice of the Peace for the whole State of Vermont Sebastian Brainard of St Albans in said Franklin County aged twenty two years who being by me sworn according to Law depose & say that he has resided with Mr. Lawrence Brainard Merchant of St. Albans, about six years and now resided with him in the capacity of Clerk and assistance in dealing out goods in the regular line of trade. that the deponent was knowing & on examination of the said Lawrence Brainards book finds that the furnished & supplied one Abel Pierce 2d & his son Thomas Pierce goods from time to time till on the 10th day of September 1821. The deponent finds from examining the book the said Brainard & Abel Pierce & Thomas Pierce then made a settlement. that there was due from them a ballance [sic] of two hundred & seventy eighty dollars & thirty cents to said Brainard. the deponent, then understood & believes the same to be true that the said Lawrence Brainard being [illegible] of having his debt secured so due & owing from the said Abel & Thomas Pierce did pay & agreed to pay for them & their several Creditors which on the deponent than understood was passing other sums of money but the exact amount the deponent did not then nor know does he know but then understood & verily believes the same to be true that the amount which the sd Brainard then paid together with the aforsd sum of two hundred & seventy eighty dollars & thirty Cents made up five hundred & fifty Dollars, which last sum the said Abel Pierce 2 second the said Brainard by executing a Mortgage of his the said Abel Pierce 2 farm lying & being in Georgia in the County the deponent has no knowledge of the said Abel Pierce or Thomas Pierce or any person for them was paying the aforesd sum of five hundred & fifty Dollars, or any part thereof. but verily believes from the deponents knowledge of the sd Brainard business that there has not been any part of it paid but that the same with the interest was due at the
Page 34

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss
At Albans
April 15th 1825 then personally appeared before me Seth Wetmore Justice of the Peace for the whole State of Vermont Sebastian Brainard of St Albans in said Franklin County aged twenty two years who being by me sworn according to law depose & say, that he has resided with Mr Lawrence Brainard merchant of St Albans about six 6 years and now resided with him in the capacity of Clerk and ajutant [sic] in dealing out goods in the regular line of trade. that the deponent was knowing & on examination of the said Lawrence Brainards book finds that he furnished & supplied one Abel Pierce 2d & his son Thomas Pierce goods from time to time till on the 10th day of September 1821. The deponent finds from examining the book the said Brainard & Abel Pierce & Thomas Pierce then made a settlement. that there was due from them a ballance [sic] of two hundred & twenty eight dollars & thirty cents to said Brainard. The deponent then understood & believes the same to be from that. the said Lawrence Brainard being [illegible] of having his debt secured to [illegible] & owing from the said Abel & Thomas Pierce did pay & agreed to pay for them & to their several creditors which as the deponent then understood was passing other sums of money  but the exact amount the deponent did not then or now does he know but then understood & verily believes the same to be true that the amount which the sd Brainard then paid together with the afsd sum of two hundred   & twenty eight dollars & thirty cents made up five hundred & fifty dollars, which last sum the said Abel Pierce 2 second the said Brainard by exceeding a mortgage of his the said Abel Pierce 2 farm lying & being in Georgia in this County. The deponent has no knowledge of the said Abel Pierce or Thomas Pierce or any person for them was paying the aforesd sum of five hundred & fifty Dollars, or any part thereof. But verily believes from the deponent's knowledge of the sd Brainard business that the same, with the Inerest was now at the
Page 35

at the time the said Lawrence Brainard ejected the said Abel Pierce from the said farm. The deponent has no knowledge of the said Abel Pierce or Thomas Pierce ever dually or individually making any bargain or contract with the said Brainard [illegible] A sd farm since the said Brainard ejected the sd [ illegible] from the farm The deponent considers that the said Abel Pierce 2d & Thomas Pierce nor either of them have any means to repurchase the farm or any other farm. that they are both destitute of property in the opinion of the deponent the deponent further saith that he has understood & he believed the same to be true. that in consequence of Thomas Pierce building & [illegible] a grist mill in Georgia & Abel Pierce 2 assisting the sd Thomas as the cause of their misfortunes & the years [illegible] they both became then involved in debt & the loss of the farm
Sebastian Brainerd
Subscribed & sworn before me the day & year aforesaid I further Certify that I have been personally acquainted with the deponent about six years. he is a creditable witness. always [illegible] his residence in this town [illegible] a good character
Seth Wetmore Just Peace

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss.
St Albans April 15th 1825
I Horace Janes Clerk of the County Court in the County of Franklin afsd do hereby certify to all whom it may concern that Seth Wetmore Esqr of St Albans afsd is one of the Executive Council of the State of Vermont and by virtue thereof a Justice of the peace for the whole State and that the foregoing Certificates are signd  [sic] by him in his own proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto signd my name & affixed the Public Seal of said Court
Horace Janes Clerk

return to be made to Mr Abel Pierce St Albans Post Office
Page 36

Copy Mortgage Deed
Abel Peirce
to Lawrence Brainard
Rec'd for Record Georgia
Sept 14th 1821 & Recorded
at length in 8th Book of 
Deeds Pages 203 & 204
attest J Hinckly Junior
Town Clerk
Page 37

Declaration in order to be restored to the pension list under the Act of the 1st March 1823.
State of Vermont
Georgia District ss
Be it Remembered that at a Probate Court holden at St. Albans in ad for the District of Georgia on the 30th day of April 1823
Present Seth Wetmore Juge [sic] Personally appeared in open Court being a Court of Record for the District aforesaid (being expressly made a Court of Record by the laws of the State of Vermont by which said Court is curated refrence [sic] being had to a certain state law of this State passed November 15 1821 entitled an "Act constituting Probate Courts and defining their Powers; and regulating the settlement of testate and intestates estates, & the Guardianship of minors and insane persons It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont That the Probate Courts respectively shall be courts of record. Shall have a seal and shall appoint a register of said court, with the power of removal who shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of his duty and shall keep a true and fair record of each order sentence and decree of said Court, and record all things proper to be recorded and on the legal fees being paid, shall give true and attested copies of the files, records and proceedings in said Court, which shall be legal evidence in all courts of law and equity and that certificates of Probate Administration or of Guardianship attested b the Register of such Court may be produced or given in evidence, in any Court in this State. and shall be as effectual as any probate, or letter of Administration or of Guardianship made out in due form of law"
Abel Pierce 2d resident in Georgia in said District aged 65 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818 & the 1st May 1820 that the said Abel 2d enlisted in the Spring of the year
Page 38

1776 in the State of Massachusetts for the term of one year & in the company commanded by Capt White in the Regiment Commanded by Col. Whitcomb in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the continental establishment and served my time nearly out when I again enlisted at Ticontaroga [sic] in my first & 2d Declaration is was by mistake said to be at West Point for the term of three years in the company commanded by Capt Morse in the Regiment Commanded by Col Putman [sic] on the Continental establishment in the line of the State of Massachusetts that he continued to serve in said Corps untill [sic] May 1780 when he was discharged at West Point which discharge was sent to the War Department with my first application for a Pension, that his name has been placed on the Pension list and dropt [sic] therefrom on account of his property. That his declaration is dated December 29th 1818 & his pension Certificate is numbered 11130

And in pursuance of the act of the 11st May 1820 I do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 & that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress entitled and Act to provide for Certain persons engaged in the land & naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War passed March 18th 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 annexed and by me subscribed. 1 Cow one 2 year old Heifer. 16 sheep 2 small Hogs, 1 Plough 1 Drag 1 Four pail Iron Kettle 1 Small pot 1 Broken Spider 1 small Iron kettle 6 old chairs 1 old shovel & tongs a few articles of crockery ware kives [sic] & forks &c of little value. I am owing in small debts about one hundred dollars & have not the means to pay them
Abel Peirce 2d

Since the Ehibition [sic] of my first schedule the follow[ing]
Page 39

[follow]ing Changes have been made in my property (to wit) the Eighty acres of land mentioned in my first schedule I have been under the necessity of giving a Mortgage Deed to secure a note which Laurence Brainerd holds against me for five hundred and fifty dollars dated September 10th 1821 with Interest payable in three years from date the Interest to be paid annually, which is more than said land is worth (a Copy of which deed is herewith sent) I am owing the said L Brainerd 112 dollars besides the 550 aforesaid the personal property contained in my first schedule is not now owned by me is as follows (to wit)

1 old Mare & Colt Sold to Thomas Page at private sale Sept 1821 for 45 dollars in money to pa an Execution then in the hands of the Sherriff [sic] against me in favor of N B Wells

one cow sold to Daniel Clark at private sale Oct 1820 For twenty dollars to pay an Ex in favor of B Swift in the hands of the sherriff

1 Cow sold to Samuel Campbell at private Sale Oct 1820 for 18 dollars to pay the same execution last mentioned

1 Hog killed to eat up in the family

I am by Occupation a farmer but my Constitution is broken down & I cannot labor my wife Sally aged 59 years has lost her right hand and of course is not able to labor I have no children that depend on me for support unless in case of sickness nor have I any one to assist me in supporting me & my wife & we are not able to support ourselves
Sworn to & declared on the 30th day of April 1823 
Before the Court att J Janes  Register Abel Pierce 2d
Page 40

State of Vermont
Georgia District ss
I Charles W Wetmore Register of the Probate Court de hereby certify that the foregoing oath and schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the record of said Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property is fifty one dollars. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 19th day of July AD 1823
Charles W Wetmore Register

State of Vermont
Georgia District ss
I Seth Wetmore Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Georgia & State o Vermont; do certify that on the 20th day of April 1823 Jonathan Janes Esqr was the Register of this Court. since which 30th of April aforesaid the said Janes deceased. And that Charles W Wetmore is duly appointed Register of this Court, & the foregoing is his signature. full faith & credit is to be given to his attestation. In witness whereof I have affixed the seal of this Court & signed my name this 19 day of July 1823
Seth Wetmore Judge
Page 41

Know all men by these presents, That I Abel Peirce of Georgia in the County of Franklin and state of Vermont in consideration of the sum of eight hundred dollars, received to my full satisfaction, of Lawrence Brainard of St Albans in the county of Franklin and State of Vermont the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, have given, granted, bargained and sold, and by these presents do give, grant, bargain, sell, alien, release, convey and confirm unto the said Lawrence Brainard heirs and assigns forever, a certain piece of parcel of land, situate, lying, or being in Georgia in the County of Franklin & State of Vermont & described as follow (to wit) being lot No one hundred & seventy Six in said Town of Georgia Bounded on the West by Lot occupied by John Winters, South by the lot occupied by Ebenezer Boyden - meaning to convey te same land where I now live.

To have and to hold the above granted and bargained premises, with the privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging, to the said Lawrence Brainard heirs and assigns, to his and their own proper use, benefit, and behoof forever. And I the said Abel Peirce for myself my heirs, executors and administrators, to covenant to and with the said Lawrence Brainard his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, that at and until the ensealing of these presents that I am well seized of the premises in fee simple; that I have good right and lawful authority to sell and convey the same to the said Lawrence Brainard in manner and form aforesaid; that they are free of all incumbrances; [sic] and that I will warrant and defend the same to the said Lawrence Brainard his heirs and assigns, against all lawful claims and demands of any person or persons whatsoever.

Provided nevertheless, That if I the said Abel Peirce myself my heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, shall well and truly pay, or cause to be paid to the said Lawrence Brainard his heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, a Certain promisory [sic] Note for five hundred & fifty dollars & payable three years from date with Interest, Interest to be paid yearly & dated [illegible] September 10th 1821 then this deed to be void; otherwise to be and remain in full force and effect.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 10th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one
Abel Peirce (Seal)

Signed, sealed and Delivered, in presence of 
Joseph Webster
Page 42

the this deed to be void; otherwise to be and remain in full force and effect.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 10th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one
Abel Peirce (Seal)
Signed, Sealed, and delivered, in  presence of 
Joseph Webster
Abijah Stone

State of Vermont, Franklin county ss.
September 10th 1821
Personally appeared Abel Peirce the signer and sealer of the above written instrument, and acknowledged the same to be his free act and deed ---Before me, Abijah Stone Justice Peace

I Laurence Brainard of St Albans in the County of Franklin & State of Vermont do hereby Certify tat the above is a true copy of a Deed given to me by Abel Peirce to Secure teh payment of a Note I hod against him for Five hundred & fifty dollars dated Sept 10th 1821 & payable as above Stated & I further Certify that said Note was give for a Bona fide debt that is due to me from said Peirce  - more than one hundred dollars of which was for Money I paid for him on a debt on which he had been Committed to Jail & the remainder was for goods I had let him have fore his families use & delivered to other Persons by his order, which amount Commenced in the Spring of the year 1819 & has been running on ever since & I further State that the said Abel Peirce is not Indebted to me in the sum of one hundred & ten dollars on a debt Contracted Since the Execution of the above Mortgage & I further State & declare that I had much rather have this money for my 550 dollar note than to have the land Mortgaged. & that I have no reason to Expect that Mr. Peirce will be able to pay me, I fear & Expect I shall be obliged to keep the land. I further Certify that above is same Abel Pierce that has been struck from the list of Pensioners
Laurence Brainerd
Page 43

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss
Town Clerks Office in Georgia this 11th day of August 1823 I do certify the within to be a rue copy of Record
Attest
Ira Hinckley Jr Tn Clerk


State of Vermont
Georgia District ss
I Charles W Wetmore Register of the Probate Court for the District of Georgia do Certify that b the Laws of this state the attestation & certificates of town Clerks are [illegible] in our Courts of Law and Equity without official seal of Office that Ira Hinckley Jr is the Town Clerk for the town of Georgia. & the annexed Certificate is in his own proper hand writing & that he is the proper certifying Officer for all conveyances of Real Estate in sd Town I further certify that he has no seal of Office. In testimony whereof I have set my hand & affixed the seal of this court. This 11 day of August AD 1823
Att Charles W Wetmore
Register

D 22 D

Abel Pierce
declaration
Copy of Record &
Copy of Mortgage
Page 44

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss
Town Clerks Office in Georgia this 11th day of August 1823 I do certify the within to be a rue copy of Record
Attest
Ira Hinckley Jr Tn Clerk


State of Vermont
Georgia District ss
I Charles W Wetmore Register of the Probate Court for the District of Georgia do Certify that by the Laws of this state the attestation & certificates of town Clerks are [illegible] in our Courts of Law and Equity without official seal of Office that Ira Hinckley Jr is the Town Clerk for the town of Georgia. & the annexed Certificate is in his own proper hand writing & that he is the proper certifying Officer for all conveyances of Real Estate in sd Town I further certify that he has no seal of Office. In testimony whereof I have set my hand & affixed the seal of this court. This 11 day of August AD 1823
Att Charles W Wetmore
Register

D 22 D

Abel Pierce
declaration
Copy of Record &
Copy of Mortgage
Page 45

Copy
Mortgage Deed
[illegible]

I hereby certify that the within named Abel Pierce is the same Person that was formerly a Pensioner Called Abel Pierce 2d & has been dropt from the Pension Roll
Jonathan Janes Just Peace
Page 46

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838, entitled an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows.

State of Vermont
Georgia District ss
Be it remembered that at a Probate Court holden at the Probate office in St Albans, in said district, on the 18th day of June AD 1841.

Present Hon William Bridges Judge. Personally appeared Sally Pierce a resident of Georgia in the County of Franklin and State afsd aged eighty one years, the 3d day of January last, who being duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838, granting half pay and pensions to certain widows.

That she is the widow of Abel Pierce 2d who was a Drummer in the army of the Revolution, and served in the Massachusetts line of the army four years, and was hon'y discharged. She further states that she has often seen sd discharge, and believes it was sent to the War Department some years since when her sd husband applied for his pension. has often heard her sd husband say that he enlisted in the early part of the war. and continued therein four years and served as a Drummer. Has often heard him mention the names of Capt White Col Putnam & Whitcomb officers under whom he served, and the names of many others that she does not now recollect; that her sd husband was a pensioner of the United States, for a short
Page 47

that time, ans was then droped [sic] from the Roll.

She further declares that she was married to the sd Abel Pierce 2d in the month of January or February 1788. that her husband the afsd Abel Pierce 2d died on the 14 day of April 1825. She was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz at the time above stated.
Sally Pierce X her mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year above written
Before me William Bridges Judge of Probate

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss
I Joseph H. Brainerd Clerk of the County Court in & for the County of Franklin aforesaid do, (in the absence of the Register of the Court of Probate in & for the Probate District of Georgia which is coextensive with the County of Franklin aforesaid) certify that William Bridges is Judge of the Probate Court aforesaid for the year ending November 30th A.D. 1841. that the signature above affixed purporting to be his, is genuine. & that the above named Sally Pierce personally appeared in open court, being the Probate Court aforesaid, and made oath to the above & foregoing declaration, and subscribed the same in my presence.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name officially, and affixed the Seal of the County Court aforesaid at St Albans in said County of Franklin this eighteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty one
Joseph H Brainerd Clerk
Page 48

I, Esther Robinson, of Bennington, in the Count of Bennington, and State of Vermont, aged Ninety years, do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Abel Pierce & Sally Weeks previous to their marriage, which according to my best recollection took place in the year 1788 or 1789. And I further testify that the said Sally lived with me in the summer of 1788, and was married to the said Pierce as I think shortly after. I was well acquainted with the said Abel Pierce and Sally his wife for many years after their marriage; they frequently visited at our house. I was not present at their marriage; and further the deponent saith not.
Esther Robinson X her mark
In presence of 
Wm Haswell
Page 49

Esther Robinson X her mark
In presence of Wm Haswell

Sworn to and subscribed in Probate Court, this 6th day of January one thousand eight hundred & forty one.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed my seal of office at Bennington, this 6th day of January, AD 1841
Wm Haswell, Register
I certify that the above named deponent is a credible person
Wm Haswell, Register

I, William Haswell, of Bennington, in the County of Bennington State of Vermont, depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County, Town & State aforesaid, and by virtue of said office, have the custody of the Records of said Town. And I further say that I have made diligent search for a record of the marriage of Abel Pierce and Sally Weeks, but can find none.  I further say that the record of marriages from the year 1762 to the year 1800 is very imperfect.
Wm Haswell, Town Clerk
Sworn to this 21st day of January AD 1841, before me,
John T Robinson Justice Peace

State of Vermont 
Bennington District
I Wm Haswell Register of the Court of Probate for said District certify that John T. Robinson is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 21st day of January AD 1841
Wm Haswell, Register
Page 50

State of Vt Franklin Co
St. Albans Feby 9th 1841

Sir

I herewith trasnsmit the declaration of Mrs. Sally Pierce & evidence in support of the same, can [?] will have the goodness to examined the same, and [unclear] answer to the subscriber

I have [unclear]
with one respect 
your [unclear]
Wm Bridges

Hon J L Edwards 
Court of Pensions
Page 51

Declaration

State of Vermont
Franklin County |

On this 22 day of September, 1848, personally appeared before the subscribing authority a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Franklin aforesaid Sally Pierce, a resident of Georgia, in the county of Franklin v. state of Vermont, aged eighty eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, oath [?] 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 2nd February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.

That she is the widow of Abel Pierce 2, who was a Drummer in the war of the Revolution, and was attached to the Massachusetts line of the army, and served four years, and was honorably discharged as she had heard her husband say; believes his discharge was sent to the war office when he attained his pension. She does not know to what Regt he was attached;  has heard him repeatedly mention the name of Col Putnam, Capt. White, & Col Whitcomb, & believes he served under said officers. The s [sic] Sally received a pension of eighty eight dollars, under the act of July 7, 1838, and the acts subsequent thereto. 

She further declares that she is sill [sic] the widow of the said Abel Pierce 2d, has not been married since his death. 

Sally Pierce (her mark "X")

Sworn to & subscribed the day and year above written before

William Bridges Justice of the Peace

Signed in presence of us

Thomas Pierce
Nancy Howard [sp?]
Page 52


I hereby further certify that I have been personally acquainted with the within named Sally Pierce, for ten years past, and that she is the widow of Abel Pierce 2 deceased, and is the same person who drerd [sic?] a pension under the act of 1838, and acts subsequent thereto.

William Bridges Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss |

I, Joseph M. Brainerd Clerk of Franklin County Court, do hereby certify that William Bridges who has affixed this name to the above and foregoing is a Magistrate, duly authorized by hand to administers oaths, and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto sot [?] my hand, and affixed the seal of the court [?] of St. Albans, in [?] county, this 23 day of September, 1848.

Joseph M. Brainerd Clerk
Page 53

Sally Pierce 
Wid of Abel 2nd
[?]
Act July 7. 1838
Married 1788
d. 14 April 1825

Alloco [sic] Drummer 2nd
$88 per ann. Mass. line

William Bridges Esq
St. Albans Vt.
Page 54

State of Vermont Franklin Co
St. Albans June 22d 1841.

Sir

[?] of the 19th March last on the subject of Mrs. Sally Pierce's application was only recd [?] in answer. Mrs. Pierce's declaration dated August [?] 4th, 1840, was not taken in open court at the Probate office, but at a private dwelling, on account of her age and infirmary [?]. 

You will please examine the enclosed and return your answer to your off-
sent the inscribed
Wm. Bridges

Hon J L Edwards
Court of Pensions
Page 55

Suspended under [?]
March 1823

See letter to Horace Janes [Jones? unclear]
July 21 1823
Page 56

2053.

Vermont Burlington
Sally Pierce [sic]
widow of Abel Pierce [sic]
who was a Drummer 
in the Mass line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 88 Dollars ---
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 22nd day of Sept. 1843 and sent to 
Wm. Bridges
St. Albans
Vt

{Act of March 3, 1843}
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 page 29.

[unclear] 22
Page 57

6055
Burlington, Vermont
Sally Peirce
widow of Abel Pierce dec a [sic]
who was a pensioner under the act of 1818 [sic]
and who died on the 14th April 1825
of Franklin Co. in the state of Vt.
who was a Drummer in the Conpy [sic] commanded by Captain White of the Regt. commanded by Colo Putnam in the [?] line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington Vt. at the rate of 88 Dollars --- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2nd day of July 1841 and [?] Wm Bridges St. Albans Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $440.00
Semi-annual allowance ending [note: this line stricken]

$440.00
{Act July 7, 1838.}

Recorded by D D Addison Clerk
Book A Vol. 2d Page 52.

Reharted [sic] July 1841
Page 58

Affidavit exhibited by Eben Bayden who states that about 5 years ago claimants son commenced building a mill thereby becoming much involved in debt, that claimant assisted his son by becoming his accurity, [sic] and thereby involved himself in debt, states that about 3 years ago he purchased the mill of Thomas Pierce son of claimant for $1000 and paid several creditors of said Thomas the full amount of the purchase money, but that some of the creditors still remained unpaid, states that claimant was obliged to mortgage his farm to secure debts which he had contracted principally on his own account, that he owes on the mortgage about $700, which is as much as it is worth, that claimant is destitute of property and is wholly unable to perform any labor, affidavit of Sebastion Brainard exhibited stating that he has resided with Laurence Brainard six years who is a merchant, that he is a clerk in his store, that he supplied Abel Pierce 2d & h is son [illegible] goods from time to time till 10th Sept 1821, that there was then due from them a balance of $278.30 that Laurence Brainard paid several of claimants creditors who were pressing for payment, sums of money amounted to about $270, in the whole $550, which in was accrued to 2d Brainard by a mortgage given by claimant, there the amount was due at the time claimant was ejected from the farm by sd Brainard States that claimant nor his son have any means of repurchasing the farm that they are destitute of property, states that Thomas Pierce's building is [illegible] and claimant assisting him is the cause of their misfortunes, & of their becoming involved in debt. 

Not satisfactory

See letter to claimant
April 27 1825
Page 59

Rev
Widow, &c.
File No, 15699
Sally Peirce
Widow of Abel Peirce
Drummer, Rev. War
Act Feb 20 48
Index: Vol. M [?], Page 131
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 60

Abel Peirce a [unclear] of the 5th Massachusetts Regiment in consignee of General orders is hereby Discharged [unclear]
United States
Given Under My Hand [?] Point
This 19th Day of December 1780
Rufus Putnam Col
Page 61

The Commisary of stores on the Litchfield Point requested to furnish the barner [sic] with provition [sic] to carry him to West Point
December 19th 17[illegible]
Rufus Putnam Colo
Page 62

2079
Declaration of Mrs. Sally Peirce
for a Pension

$88 per ann. [note: annum]

Wm. Bridges
St. Albans, 
Vt.
Page 63

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3rd March, 1843, granting pensions for One Year to certain widows who have received pensions under the Act of July 7. 1838.

State of Vermont
District of Georgia ss. |

St. Albans June 14th, 1843
On this day personally appeared before the judge of the Court of Probate in and for the district aforesaid Sally Peirce a resident of Georgia in the County of Franklin, aged eighty two years, who being full duly sworn, according to laws, doth on her oath, brake [sic] to the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the pension made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3 March, 1843, granting Pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.

That she is the widow of Abel Peirce 2nd who a Drummer [unclear] in the Army, and served under Capt. White, & Cols. Putnam & Whilcomb and was honorably discharged; which discharge she had herself seen and also that she received Eighty Dollars per annum under the act of July 7. 1838.

She further declared that she is still a widow.

From to and inscribed on the day and year above written before me

Sally [?] Peirce 

William Bridges Judge of Probate

A[?]
E. L. Jones
Page 64

State of Vermont
District of Georgia ss. [sic] | St. Albans June 14th, 1843.

I William Bridges judge of the Probate Court in and for the district aforesaid, do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Mrs. Sally Peirce widow of Abel Peirce 2nd late [sic] of Georgia in said district deceased.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal and inscribed my name at St. Albans in said district on the day and year above written.

William Bridges, Judge.