Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 400, Benjamin Horn, New Jersey
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
New Jersey

Horn, Benjamin
Bradford, Margaret

NUMBER
W.400
B.L.Wt. 21.829-160-55

(Former widow)
---------------------------------
CONTENTS
____________________________
____________________________
Page 2

Reg 5 m SS- 161736

5.330
New Jersey
-------------------
Margaret Bradford, for yr
widow of Benjamin, Hom,
who died on the [blank]
of [blank] in the State of [blank] 
who was a Lieut; in the [blank] commanded
by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded
by [blank] in the Revolution 
N.J. line for 2 years
Increased from $240
------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Trenton
at the rate of 320 Dollars 00 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1831.
------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of
June 1855 and Sent to J.J. Coombs
------------------------
Arrears to the 4th of [blank]
Semi-annual allowance ending   Present
                                                        --------
                                                        --------
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act July 4, 1836, }
{Section the [blank] }

Recorded by G.T. Getty Clerk,
Book D. Vol. 2    Page 364

Sept 14 1855
Page 3

161.736
Act March 3/35
June 7./35
------------------
Margaret Bradford
formerly widow of
Benjamin Horn
Horn
N.C., Lieut:
-------------------
N.J. Contl. line N Jersey mil
21.829 md apl. 12/56
-------------------
aged 92 years

Revolution
-------------------
Pensioned Act July 4, 1836
AD:160 AC Apl. 8 / 56
-------------------
N.J. July 36 --- 350
-------------------
M/M
-------------------
J.J. Coombs
Present
-------------------
Vol. H2.-58.-
Page 4

From the original
"Book of Records of
marriages by Jedediah
Swan, Justice of the
peace for the County
Essex-1778"--

Filed by J. J. Combs Esq
and returned this day to
that gentleman.

WGL
May 7. 1855
Page 5

Copy from the Record of Marriages kept by Jedediah Swan J.P. Commencing in the year 1778, referred to in the deposition of Phebe Darby, in the case of Margaret Bradford
formerly widow of Benjamin Hom.

"1780, March 22, I married Lieut. Benjamin Horn to Margaret Stanberry in presence of Doct. Jonas Stanberry & others."

Examined and found a true copy
May 7th 1855

L P Waldo Commissioner
Page 6

161.736
-----------
Act of 1855.
DECLARATION FOR WIDOW.
Who has never received Bounty Land.

Claim of
Margaret Bradford
formerly Widow of
Benjamin Horn
----
Rev. War
----

FILED BY

J. J. Coombs
Page 7

MAGISTRATE' S CERTIFICATE.
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that I believe the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim. I further state that I know said claimant to be now a widow.
Elisha Runyon  J. P.

COUNTY CLERK' S CERTIFICATE.
STATE OF New Jersey }
COUNTY OF Essex  } ss.
 I hereby certify that Elisha Runyon Esq., before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavits were made, is and was, at the time of taking
the same, an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature above is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office, this Seventeenth day of May -  1855.

J.J. Terhune Clerk
of the County of Essex N.J.
[seal affixed at left]
Page 8

DECLARATION FOR WIDOW
Who has never received Bounty Land.

STATE OF New Jersey }
COUNTY OF Essex, } ss.
On this 16th day of May 1855, personally appeared before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Margaret Bradford, aged 92 years, a resident of Scotch Plains, in the County and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she was formerly the widow of Benjamin Horn, 
deceased, who was a Lieutenant in the ['company commanded by Capt.' crossed out] Continental
line of ['in the Regiment of' crossed out] New Jersey----- ['commanded by Col.' crossed out] --
in the war ['with' crossed out] of the Revolution.
That after the death of said Benjamin Horn, she
married on Joseph Marsh, and after his death she
again married one Joseph Bradford, who died in 1846, since which time she has not again married
That her said husband entered the service of the United States ['at' crossed out] previous to the year
['on or about the' crossed out] 1779 ['day of' crossed out] and served till ['18 , for the term of' crossed out] August 1780, --- and continued in actual service in said war for the term of at least fourteen days, when he was 'omitted' in August 1780 ['and was honorably discharged from said service' crossed out] as will appear by the Muster Rolls of said line['of said company, not having any knowledge of the manner of her said husband's discharge' crossed out].  She further states that she was married to the said Benjamin Horne in
the County of Essex, State of New Jersey, on or about the 22d day of March 1780, by Jedediah
Swan, a Justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Margaret Stanberry, that her said husband died in 1798- ['on the [blank]
day of [blank] 18__' crossed out], and that she is still a widow. She is now in receipt of a pension under the Act of 4th July 1836, on the N. J. Pension roll, and she refers to the papers, in said case for evidence in support of this claim

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act approved March 3, 1855, never having received Bounty Land under this or any other act, nor made any other application for Bounty Land except the present; nor did her said
husband, Benjamin Horn, ever receive my Bounty
Land, so far as she knows or believes.  J. J. Coombs Esq is hereby authorized to prosecute this my claim and to receive any warrant that may be issued hereon.
Margaret Bradford {seal}

AFFIDAVIT OF TWO WITNESSES.
We Joseph S. Darby, and Cooper Parse
residents of the County and State aforesaid, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by the above Margaret Bradford, in our presence; and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.

And we further declare that we are well acquainted with the said Margaret Bradford and know her to be  ['his wife (now the widow) during the life time of the former, and knew them to live together as husband and wife, and to have been so generally reputed. That her said husband, the said' crossed out] now a widow ['died at' crossed out] and the same person ['on the' crossed out] who ['day of' crossed out]  has lately [18 , and she is still a widow; and that they have no interest in this claim' crossed out] 
obtained a pension, as former widow of said Benjamin Horn, and that we have no interest in this claim }
Joseph, S. Darby (SEAL)
Cooper Parre [SEAL.]
*If no public or private record of the marriage exists, or can be procured, state the fact in the declaration, after the word widow; and in such case, such other evidence, such as the testimony of persons who knew the parties in the lifetime of the husband, and knew them to live together as husband and wife, and to be so reputed, will be admissible.

If a public or private record exist, an authenticated copy thereof must be furnished; if it be a private record, the authenticated copy thereof must be accompanied with the affidavit of some disinterested person, proving the genuineness of the original, and that the copy certified is a true and correct copy of it.

A certificate from the clergyman or magistrate who solemnized the marriage is not competent evidence, unless the genuineness of the
certificate be proved, and the person who gave it be shown to have been authorized to solemnize marriages.
Page 9

James G. Berret
Present
Page 10

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of
Congress approved July 4th 1836, and of such other acts or Resolutions as may be applicable to her case.

State of New Jersey }
Essex County, } ss. On this Fourth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty one personally appeared, before me, Henry D Hedden one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Essex aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Margaret Bradford, a resident of Essex
County in the State of New Jersey, aged
eighty-seven years on the fourth of April last, who being by me duly sworn on her oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Provision made by the Act of Congress of July 4th 1836 and of such other acts or Resolutions as may be applicable to
her case. The said Margaret Bradford further declares that her maiden name was Margaret Stanbery and that she was married to Lieutenant Benjamin Horn in the presence of Dr Jonas Stanbery and others March 22nd 1780 by Col.  Dr. Jedediah Swan, Judge and Justice
of the Peace, and that they lived very happily together during the space of eighteen years when the above mentioned Lieut. Horn died viz. till October 1798.

And the aforesaid Margaret Bradford
Page 11

still farther declares that her husband
Lieutenant Benjamin Horn served until the close of the war of the Revolution, and that her second and last husband Joseph Bradford
died May fifth 1846 in the eighty-second year of his age. And furthermore she declares that she has never heretofore made application for a
Pension, but is confident that she is fully entitled thereto.

Margaret Bradford

Sworn and Subscribed
before me this 4 day
of March A D 1851
Henry D Hedden
Justice of the Peace
-----
In the Presence of
Joseph M. Osborn
Page 12

Margaret Bradford
formerly widow of
Benjamin Horn
---------
N.J. Act 1836, sus.

Supplemental decln.
& addl evidence

J. J. Coombs
Atty
Page 13

State of New-Jersey.
I, THOMAS S. ALLISON, Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify, that
Elias Kirkpatrick Esquire, before whom the within affidavits were taken, was, at the time of the doing thereof, a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Essex
in said state, duly commissioned and sworn; that full faith and credit are to be given to his official attestations, and that the signatures thereto are in the proper handwriting of the said
Elias Kirkpatrick Esq

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office, at Trenton, in said state, this fifth day of May A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five.

Thos S. Allison
Secretary of State.
Page 14

State of New Jersey }
Essex County } ss.
On this 4th day of May, A.D. 1855, before me Elias Kirkpatrick, a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County,
personally appeared Margaret Bradford, a resident of Scotch Plains, in said County, who being duly sworn according to law, on her oath
makes the following declaration, for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the
act of Congress passed the 4th of July 1836,
and of any other act or resolution to the
benefit of which she may be entitled
by law, viz:

That she is now the widow of Joseph Bradford, deceased, and was formerly the widow of Benjamin Horn, who was a Lieutenant in the Continental line of New Jersey, in the war of the Revolution. She was married to the said Benjamin Horn on the 22d day of March 1780, in the same village or neighborhood where she now resides, by one Jedediah Swan, who was a
Judge and Justice of the Peace. She is enabled to fix the date of said marriage, by the fact that she was born on the 4th day of April 1763, and she knows she was married in March immediately preceding her 17th birthday. Also, by reference to the original record of her
marriage, kept by the said Jedediah Swan, which she has just inspected, she further states that her maiden name was Margaret Stanberry, and that the
Page 15

family record hereto annexed, was cut from
in ancient family bible which was in her father's family as long ago as she can remember. Said record is in the handwriting of her elder brother, Dr. Jonas Stanberry, and was written by him when a young man. Said Dr. Jonas Stanberry emigrated to Ohio many years ago, and was the
father of the Hon. Wm Stanberry and Henry
Stanberry Esq. now both of Ohio.

She further states that she first became
acquainted with her first husband, Lieut Benjamin Horn, when he was stationed with
the American Army at Morristown, about
twelve miles from where she then resided,
and still resides. The way she first became
acquainted with him was as follows: While
the army was at Morristown, one Capt. Piatt,
who was stationed there, courted and married
a widow Smith, formerly a Miss Shotwell, who was her neighbor and associate, and the said Benjamin Horn was a friend and associate of said Capt. Piatt, and often came Scotch Plains
with said Capt. Pratt, after his marriage and so became acquainted with this declarant.  Said Capt. Piatt's widow received a pension for his services.  She cannot say how long her husband had been in the service previous to her marriage, nor whether he was ever in the service in any other grade than that of Lieutenant. From old age, her memory has become somewhat impaired, and she cannot now recollect what she may have heard
her husband said in relation to his ser-
Page 16

Names & ages of the Family of Recompence
Stanberry Esqr Deceased

Margret Stanberry was born July 25th AD 1729
Phebe Stanberry was born February 23 AD 1747
Rhoda Stanberry was born April 5th AD 1752
Samuel Stanberry was born June 26 AD. 1754
Sarah Stanberry was born August  22 A.D. 1756
Recompence Stanberry was born Sept 23d 1758
Jonas Stanberry was born Jany. 25 1761
Margret Stanbery Jun. was born April 4. 1763
Anne Stanberry was born Decemr. 22 1767
Jacob Stanberry was born June 8th 1772

Scripsit April 8th 1780
By Jonas Stanberry
Page 17

vices. Nor can she state when her said husband finally left the service. She however knows that he did not leave Morristown, or the vicinity, when the army moved from that point, but remained at home with her after the army left the vicinity; from which fact she supposes that his connexion with the army ceased about the time that the army left Morristown.  Nor can she now remember how he left the army, whether by resignation or otherwise, but was always under the impression that he remained in the service as long as there was any occasion for his services in this vicinity.  If she has heretofore stated that her husband remained in the service till the final close of the war, that statement cannot be strictly correct, as she knows that although he was in service at the time of her marriage yet his connexion with the army did not continue, after his marriage, a very long time, or longer than the army remained at Morristown or vicinity.
She further states that her first husband, the said Benjamin Horn, died in the month of October 1798, and that on the 15th day of February 1800, she married her second husband Joseph Marsh, who died in October following; after which [several words crossed out] on the 12th August 1805 she married Joseph Bradford, who lived until the 5th day of May 1846, when he died, in the eighty-second year of his age; since which time she has remained a widow never having again married since the death of said Joseph Bradford.  She
Page 18

further states that she made a declaration with the view of obtaining a pension four or five years ago.
She hereby appoints J. J. Coombes Esq of Washington City, her attorney to prosecute her said claim. [signed] Margaret Bradford
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first above written.  And I do hereby certify, that it has been satisfactorily proved before me, by the testimony of Joseph S Darby and Phebe Darby both credible witnesses of said County, that the above named Margaret Bradford is now the widow of Joseph Bradford deceased, and was formerly the widow of Benjamin Horn, who was a Lieutenant in the war of the revolution, or so reputed to be.  That the said Benjamin Horn died more than fifty years ago, and the said Margaret afterwards married one Joseph Marsh, & after his death she again married one Joseph Bradford, who died in 1846 leaving her again a widow, since which time she has not again married.  I do further certify that from age and infirmity it would be impracticable for the said Margaret Bradford to go to the County and to make her declaration before a Court of record.  I further certify that I know said Margaret Bradford to be a lady of the highest respectability, and that she retains her mental faculties in a remarkable degree for a person of her age.  That the foregoing declaration was carefully read to her in my presence, and she appeared
Page 19

to understand its contents fully.  Inter. lined in five places before being signed.
[signature] Elias Kirkpatrick Judge of the Court of Co pleas of Essex County
Page 20

State of New Jersey Essex County ss.  May 4th 1855
Joseph S Darby makes oaths and says, that he is 49 years of age, and has been all his lifetime acquainted with Margaret Bradford who has made the declaration hereto annexed.   That he has always known (by reputation) that she was formerly the widow of Benjamin Horn, a Lieutenant in the American Army in the Revolutionary war, and who died more than fifty years ago, after which she married one Joseph Marsh, and after his death, one Joseph Bradford, with whom this affiant was reasonably well acquainted, said Joseph Bradford died in 1846, since which time said Margaret has never again remarried, but still remains a widow.  [signed] Joseph S. Darby
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year first above written [signed] Elias Kirkpatrick Judge
Page 21

State of New Jersey Essex County, ss.
Phebe Darby, of said County, being duly sworn according to law, on her oath states, that she is now 70 years of age, that she was acquainted with Benjamin Horn, who was the first husband of Margaret Bradford, and knew said parties when they were living together as husband and wife.  That said Benjamin Horn was always reputed to have been a Lieutenant in the war of the Revolution, and that he died more than fifty years ago, after which the said Margaret was married to one Joseph Marsh, and after his death to one Joseph Bradford, who also died five or ten years ago, since which the said Margaret has not again married, but still remains a widow.
She further states that she knew Jedediah Swan, deceased, who was in his lifetime a Judge and Justice of the Peace, and that the record [two words crossed out] now present before her showing the marriage of said Lieut Benjamin Horn, and Margaret Stanbery, on the 22nd of March 1750, is in the hand writing of said Jedediah Swan deceased.  She was acquainted with his hand writing, having often seen him write he having been the uncle of this affiant, and she was brought up in his family. [signed] Phebe Darby
Sworn to and subscribed before me the 4th day of May 1833. [signed] Elias Kirkpatrick Judge
Page 22

[form with handwritten entries]
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No.  400 Margard Bradford formerly widow of Benjaman Horn Lieut. Rev. War.
Act:  July 4, 1836
Index:--Vol  A , Page  80
(Arrangement of 1870.)
[checkmark]
Page 23

[form with handwritten entries]
5.330
New Jersey
Margaret Bradford formerly widow of Benjamin Horn who died on the [blank] of [blank] in the State of [blank] who was a Lieut. in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the Revolution line for 18 months
Increased to $320
Inscribed on the Roll of Trenton at the rate of 240 Dollars -- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of May 1833 and sent to J J Coombs Present
Arrears to the 4th of [blank]
Semi-annual allowance ending [blank]
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the [blank] }
Recorded by [signed] G. T. Getty Clerk
Book D. Vol. 2 Page 364.
Page 24

No 7.713
Margaret Bradford formerly wid. of Benj. Horn
N.J.
Act of 4th July 1836
Letter to Jos G Berrit June 18th 1857
Page 25

I return the enclosed record for the purpose of showing the date of Capt Piatt's marriage, and shall ask leave to withdraw it again to return it to the owner  J. J. C.
Page 26

21.829
[signature illegible]
Page 27

New Jersey Roll
Margaret Bradford who was the widow of Benjamin Horn, who was a Lieut. New Jersey Line.
An Act July 4, 1836
2 years Lieut. 
$320 per Ann.
Com March 4, 1831
[illegible] former payments at @240 per Ann
Page 28

Margaret Bradford, formerly wid. of Benjamin Horn.
N.J. Act 1836.
Book of Marriage Records kept by Jedediah Swan - on file in the case. [signed] J. J. Coombs Aug 22nd / 55
Page 29

New Jersey Roll
Margaret Bradford, who was the widow of Benjamin Horn, who was a Lieut. in Line of New Jerey.
An Act July 4, 1836
18 months Lieut.
$240 per Annum
Com March 4, 1831.
Page 30

Filed by Col Berrit
Page 31

Know all men by these presents, that I Margaret Bradford of the County of Essex in the state of New Jersey, in and by my letter of Attorney bearing date December the 20th 1851 did make and appoint and constitute George H. Monsarrat & Co. -- my attorney for the purpose of obtaining a pension for me.
Now for various good causes and considerations I have hereby revoked, countermanded, annulled, and made void and by these presents do revoke, countermand, and make void the said letter of Attorney and all power and authority thereby given to the said George H. Monsarrat & co.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand seal this nineth day of February one thousand eight hundred and fifty two. [signed] Margaret Bradford
Sealed and delivered in the presence of Cooper Parre
[signed] Amos S. Miller M.D
Page 32

State of New Jersey Essex County ss
Before me Henry D Hedden a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized by Law to administer Oaths personally appeared Phebe Darby aged 74 years a resident of said County who being by me duly sworn according to Law on her Oath doth depose and say that she was intimately acquainted with Jedidia Swan who was a Justice of the Peace in the County of Essex aforesaid duly qualified by the Laws of the State of New Jersey to perform marriages, and that this deponant is familier with the hand writing of the aforesaid Jededia Swan and this deponant on her Oath saith that the said Lieutenant Benjamin Horn and the said Margaret lived together as man and wife up to the time of the decease of the said Benjamin Horn and this deponant on her Oath further saith that it was the Common report that the said Benjamin Horn was a Revolutionary Soldier, and this deponant on her Oath saith that the aforesaid Margaret Bradford is the widow of the said Benjamin Horn.  [signed] Phebe Darby
Sworn and subscribed before me this Fourth day March A. D. 1857 [signed] Henry D Hedden Justice of the Peace in the presence of Aron Miller Osborn
Page 33

State of New Jersey Essex County ss
Before me Henry D Hedden a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorised by Law to administer oaths personally appeared Joseph Cole a resident of said County aged eighty five years and made oath in due form of Law that this deponant was and has been acquainted with Benjamin Horn & his wife Margaret for at least sixty years and that Margaret Bradford is the widow of the aforesaid Benjamin Horn and also that this deponant always understood that the said Benjamin Horn was a soldier of the Revolutionary War  [signed] Joseph Cole
Sworn and subscribed before me this 4th day March AD 1837 [signed] Henry D Hedden Justice of the Peace in the presence of Joseph M. Osborn
[next line is cut off]
Page 34

[Min Horn.

Brief in the case of Margaret Bradford formerly widow of Benjan. 
Essex County and State of New Jersey
act July 4th 1836.
----------------------
Claim, (" original " or " for increase.)

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.

In this case, it is shown that Margaret Bradford, the claimant, whose maiden name was Stanberry, "was married to Lieutenant Benjamin Horn," on the 22d of March, 1780, by Jedediah Swan, a Justice of the Peace, of Essex County New Jersey, by the production of the original record of marriages kept by said Swan. It is also shown that Benjamin Horn died October 15, 1798, and that on the 5th day of February 1803, his widow

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

married Joseph Marsh, who died in the month of October following, and that on the 12th of August, 1805, she again married Joseph Bradford, who died May 5, 1846, and that she
is now a widow. The first husband [Benjamin Horn] who is clearly identified, is credited with 18 months service as a Lieutenant in Colonel Elias Dayton's regiment of the New Jersey Line, commencing February 1st 1779, and ending August, 1780, when he was omitted. The claim is, therefore, embraced by the Act of July 4th 1836. The parties are of the highest respectability, and the Commissioner concurs in the opinion that the claim should be allowed.

Name and residence of Agent
J. J. Coombs
Present-

Examining Clerk.
Ogden Niles
Page 35

[Benjamin Horn.

Brief in the case of Margaret Bradford, formerly widow of

Essex County and State of New Jersey
act July 4th 1836.
-------------------
Claim, (original, " or "for Increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

This claim was admitted on the 8th ult for 18 months service as a lieutenant in the 3d regiment of the Continental Line of New Jersey, commencing February 1, 1779 and ending
August, 1780, for the reasons which accompanied the brief in the case, and which is sent herewith. A further and more thorough
examination of the case has satisfied the Commissioner and myself that the claimants first husband (Benjamin Horn) was also the
party of his name who is borne on the roll of the 4th Regiment of

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

the New Jersey Line, as an ensign, on the 3d of December, 1776, as a second lieutenant on the 1st of June, 1777; and as omitted January, 1779, at about which time there was a reorganization of the Continental Regiments of the several States, and which fact alone would explain the omission in January, and the reappointment
in February, 1779.  But, apart from that fact, the claimant states that she became acquainted with Benjamin Horn as early as the time of the marriage of Capt. Piatt to the widow Smith, and that Horn was then in the service. Piatt's widow was pensioned for two years service of her husband as a captain in the Line of New Jersey; and on referring to her papers, it appears

Name and residence of Agent
Examining Clerk.

that she was married to said Piatt on the 14th of June, 1778, the
Page 36

...date being sustained by the certificate of Jedediah Swan, Esq., who performed the marriage ceremony, dated 29th of February, 1881, and which certificate confirms the genuineness of the record of said Shaw, filed to sustain the date of the claimant's marriage to Horn - as the date in said certificate is a true transcript of the marriage of Pratt therein. These facts clearly connect Horn with the service rendered prior to February 1, 1779, and are deemed sufficient to authorize the admission of the claim for two years service as a lieutenant, instead of eighteen months, for which it was originally allowed.

The original certificate has been returned and cancelled.

s/ W. Ogden Niles, Examiner

s/ J.J. Coombs, Present
Page 37

Washington, May 14, 1855

Sir:

Enclosed I have the honor to present a supplemental declaration, or affidavit, of Mrs. Margaret Bradford, formerly widow of Benjamin Horn, (of N.J.) aperting her claim for an increase of the pension lately allowed her under the Act of 4th July 1836. That she is entitled to a pension of $320 per annum, is to my mind perfectly clear, and I have no doubt whatever that it will be equally clear to your mind on Examination.

The abstracts of the New Jersey Continental rolls in your office show, the service of Benjamin Horn, as follows.:

1st "Benjamin Horn, Ens(ign in) Anderson's Co(mpany) Dec. 3rd 1776. 2nd Lie(tenant) Wade's Co(mpany) June 1, 1777, Mitchell's Co(mpany) '78. Omitted Jan. 1779."

2nd "Benjamin Horn, Lie(tenant) Lloyd's Co. Feb. 1. 1779, omitted Aug. 1780."

As the widow has been allowed...
Page 38

...a pension for this last mentioned service from Feb. 1, 1779, to Aug. 1780, the only question that can arise as to her right to an increase is, whether all this service was performed by the same man, or by two men of the same name. There is not the slightest circumstance in the case tending to show that there were two men by the name of Benjamin Horn, holding the rank of Lieu(tenant) at different times in the Continental Line of New Jersey. On the contrary, every circumstance in the case tends strongly to prove that there was but one.

When Mrs. Bradford's former declaration was made, it was not known that the rolls contained any of evidence of service, except from said 1st of Feb. 1779 to Aug 1780. Yet she incidentally stated a fact in said declaration, showing clearly that she must have been acquainted with her husband, Benjamin Horn, in the service, prior to said 1st of Feb...
Page 39

...1779, for she says she became acquainted with him about the time that Capt. Pratt courted and married her neighbor, Mrs. Sarah Smith. The same record
which proves the marriage of the claimant to Horn in August 1780, contains also a record of the marriage of Capt. Pratt (then a Lieut.) and Mrs. Sarah Smith, in Dec. 1778. In her supplemental declaration herewith presented, Mrs. Bradford has given a more full statement of the circumstances of her first acquaintance with said Benjamin Horn. But independent of these circumstances it is to my mind perfectly clear that the Benjamin Horn who was commissioned Lieutenant 1st Feb. 1779, is the same man who was commissioned as an Ensign Dec. 3rd 1776, and as a Second Lieutenant June 1, 1777. The promotions were regular. 1st Ensign, next 2nd Lieut., and last 1st Lieutenant. There is no laps in the service, but it is continuous from Dec. 1776 to Aug 1780. It is not at all probable that, in 1779, a man...
Page 40

...would have been commissioned 1st Lieutenant, who had not previously served in a lower grade. The army was then full of Ensigns, and 2nd Lieutenants, who were ready for promotion whenever vacancies occurred.

In short, to assume that this service was rendered by two different men of the same name, is not only to assume a fact of which there is not a particle of evidence, but which is contrary to every rational inference and deduction to be drawn from the evidence in the case. On the former examination of the case, this claim for the service prior to Feb. 1779, was simply waived for the time being, no adverse decisions having been made upon it, and I presume none will be made.

If this claim for an increase is allowed, I will return Mrs. Bradford's present certificate.

Very respectfully your Obe(dient) Ser(vant ),
s/ J.J. Coombs

Hon L.P. Waldo, Court of Pension
Page 41

Washington, May 7th 1855

Sir:

Enclosed I have the honor to present the supplemental declaration of Margaret Bradford of N.J. formerly widow of Benjamin Horn, under act of 1836, accompanied by additional evidence.

The New Jersey Rolls show the service of Benjamin Horn, as st. from 1st July 1779 to August 1780, - one year.

I herewith present the original marriage record of the Justice who performed the marriage ceremony, showing that it took place the 22d March 1780.  Said record also identifies the Benjamin Horn with declarant's first husband
in the most satisfactory manner, as he is styled "Lieut, in said record.

Said record is private property, and I only got the privilege of bringing it here, by a promise to return it. I therefore respectfully ask, that after examining it, and
Page 42

taking a copy of so much as restates to this case, you will permit me to withdraw it, and return it to the owner.

Very respectfully
Your obt servt
J. J. Coombs

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comr of Pensions
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State of New Jersey Essex County ss:
On this 10th day of May 1855, before me, Elisha Runyon, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Margaret Bradford of said County, who being duly sworn, on her oath states, that she was formerly the widow of Benjamin Horn, who was a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary war and on account of whose Revolutionary service she has lately been allowed a pension.  That in making her declaration before Judge Kirkpatrick about a week ago, she stated that she was unable to say when her first husband, Benjamin Horn entered the army, or how long he had been in the service when she was married to him.  She is still unable to give very positive statement upon said points, but she is able to state positively that she became acquainted with the said Benjamin Horn as early as the time of the marriage of Captain William Piatt and Mrs. Sara Smith, and that said
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Benjamin Horn was in the service at Morristown when she first became acquainted with him; that he used to come down to Scotch Plains, dressed in his regimentals, accompanied by a
waiter, with said Capt. Piratt where he was courting said Sarah Smith.  That the said Sarah Smith, (who was a widow, and whose maiden named was Shotwell, lived a very near neighbor
to this affiant, when she was married to said Capt Piatt, and this affiant was at the wedding.
She cannot say exactly how long said Capt
Piatt and said Mrs. Sarah Smith were married, previous to her own marriage to said Benjamin Horn, but she knows it was more than a year,
and she is informed that there is a record of said Marriage now in Washington, kept by Jedediah Swan Esq. who married them.

She makes this explanatory affidavit, for the purpose of enabling J. J. Coombs Esq her attorney to apply for an increase of her pension.

Margaret Bradford

Sworn to and subscribed before
me, the day and year first
above written.
Elisha Runyon Justice of the peace
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State of New Jersey Essex County ss.
I, James J. Terhune, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, do hereby certify that Elisha Runyon, whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this 11th day of May A.D. 1855 [signed] J. J. Terhune Esq
[seal attached to the left]
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Washington 20 March 1851

Hon Jas E Heath
Commr of Pensions

Sir,

I herewith present the application of Margaret Bradford, widow of D. Benjamin Horn claiming
Pension under the act of Congress approved 4 July 1836 on account of the Revolutionary services  of her said husband -

I am
With great respect
Yr. obt servt
James G. Bunt
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Washington June 9th 1855
Sir:  Before starting to the West, a few weeks ago, I presented the claim of Margaret Bradford, of N. J. formerly widow of Benjamin Horn, for an increase of pension under act of 4th July 1836, which claim I am informed you now have under consideration.
Mrs. Bradford had previously been allowed, for the service of her first husband, Benjamin Horn, from the 1st of Feb. 1779 to the 1st August 1780.  I claim that the evidence on the rolls, is clear and conclusive, that said Benjamin Horn served more than two years as a Lieut. and consequently that said widow is entitled to a full pension of $320 per annum.
The rolls of the N. J. Continental line show service by Benjamin Horn, as follows:
1st "Benjamin Horn, Ens Anderson's Co 12/2/2 [?] -- Dec 3, '76--
2d Lt. June 1, '77. Wade's Co -- Mitchells Co. '78--
Omitted Jany. '79
2d "Benjamin Horn, 1st Lt. Loyd's Co. Feb. 1. '79, omitted Aug '80.
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As the widow is identified with the Benjamin Horn who served from Feb '79 to Aug. '80, by the most indubitable proof, the only question that can arise is, whether the Benjamin Horn, who served as Ensign from Dec. '76. to 1st June '77, and as 2d Lieut. from the latter date till January 1779,  is the same man who served as 1st Lt. from Feb. 1. 1779, till August 1780.

There is no evidence tending to prove that there were two Lieutenants in the Continental line of N.J. by the name of Benjamin Horn.  It is very clear,however, that the only ground upon which the service prior to Feb. 1. 1779 can be rejected, is the assumption that there were two men of that name, one of whom immediately succeeded the other, in the rank of Lieut, in
said line. This would not only be an assumption of a fact of which there is no evidence, but
it would be an assumption of a highly improbable state of facts. For you must assume, that
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one man by the name of Benjamin Horn entered the service as an Ensign in 1776, was promoted to the rank of 2d Lt. in 1777, and continued in that grade till Jany. 1779, when he suddenly retired, and was immediately [underlined] succeeded [underlined] by another man [underlined] of the same name [underlined] in the next higher grade, in the regular line of promotion.  You must assume that the Benjamin Horn, [underlined] who had entered as an Ensign in the beginning of the war, been promoted to the rank of 2d Lt. and was in the true position to claim promotion to the rank of 1st Lt suddenly stepped aside to make room for his duplicate, [underlined] who had never been in any previous service.  I beg leave to suggest, that this is a state of facts altogether too improbable to be assumed, [underlined] without a shadow of Evidence. [underlined]  It is highly improbable, that at so late a date in the war as Feb. 1779, a young man who had seen no previous service, should have been commissioned a first [underlined] Lieut. - when the army was
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full of Ensigns and second Lieutenants ready for and entitled to, promotion.
The facts are, no doubt, that Benjamin Horn was omitted in Mitchell's Co. in Jany. 1779 because said company had been reduced by the expiration of the terms of its men; but immediately [underlined] found opportunity to re-enter, in the next higher rank, in Loyd's Company.
Is the fact that he was omitted [underlined] in January 1779, at all inconsistent [underlined] with the fact of his subsequent service?  I think not.  An examination of the Continental rolls of New Jersey will show you that there is nothing peculiar [underlined] in his case, in this respect.
On almost every page of the volume you will find similar instances of officers and men, who are marked "omitted" at a particular date, and
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subsequently shown to be his service, till
"omitted," "discharged," or "resigned" at a later
date.

By running over a few pages of the volume, I took note of the following similar cases:

In Col. Spencer's Regt
"John McEwen, Ens. Weatherby's Co. Appt May 12, '79.
omitted July '79. Mustered Jan. '80.

"James Walling-- Omtd. Oct. '79 - Mustered Jany. '80.
"Michael Hequathy. Omit Jany. '79 - Mustered
March, Dischd Nov. 1, 1780."
"Timothy Higgins - Omit July '77. Mustd Aug.
Dischd May 1. '78.

In Col. Dayton's Regt.
"James Matthews - Omit Nov. '78 Mustered
May '79 - Omit Aug. '80.
"Thomas Gibson - Omitd May '78. Gifford's
Co. omitted Aug. '80
"Jacob Sickle, Corpk, Hannigan's Co. Apptd Feb. 1. 1777.
omitd May '79. Mustd Aug. 80

If necessary, I might refer to scores of like cases, which can be seen by referring to the rolls. I presume it will hardly be assumed, that in all
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these cases, the service before and after the first "omission" [underlined] was rendered by two different men [last three words underlined] of the same name [last two words underlined]. Yet there is the same ground for assuming such to be the fact, as in Horn's case.
There is one other point to which I respectfully beg leave to call your attention.  Mrs. Bradford, in her declaration, although unable to state when her husband entered the service, incidentally [underlined] mentions a fact that conclusively shows that she knew him, in the service, prior to his first "omission" on Jan 7. 1779.  She says she first became acquainted with him, at the time that Capt. Wm Piatt was courting her near neighbor, Mrs. Smith, whom he married - said Benjamin Horn being the friend and associate of Capt. Piatt, and coming into the neighborhood with him when he was paying his addresses to said Mrs. Smith.  Now the same record [last two words underlined] which shows the marriage of
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the claimant to Benjamin Horn, in March 1780, shows also the marriage of said Capt. Piatt and Mrs. Sarah Smith, on the 14th Dec. 1778- which date is previous to the first "omission" of Benjamin Horn, on the rolls.  From this it is clear
that the Benjamin Horne who was in service in Dec. 1778, is the same man who served in 1780.

I beg have further to remark, that when this claim was admitted a few weeks ago, the claim for service prior to 1st Feb. 1779, was waived by me, with the express understanding that the claim would be reviewed when more time could be had for an investigation. There has been no adverse decision upon the claim I now present.
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Since writing the foregoing, I have examined the proceedings of the Society of the Cincinnati of N. J. which, in my opinion, sheds further light on the point under consideration.  It does not appear that said Benjamin Horn ever united himself with said Society - but in the volume I find a list of the officers who served in the Continental line of N. J. which contains the name of Benjamin Horn, and of but one [last two words underlined] of that name.
Commencing on page 78 - is a "List of the Field Officers, Captains and staff, of the four Regiments raised in New Jersey to serve during the war, as arranged in November 1776 and Feb. 1777, composing the Jersey
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Brigade, commanded by Brig. Genl. Wm Maxwell."
In this list the names of subalterns [underlined] is not given, and consequently the name of Ben'n Horn does not appear.  But on page 82, I find the following: "In 1780 the said four Regiments were reduced to three, and arranged as follows: (Here follows a list of the Field Officers, Captains and Lieutenants of said three Regiments, and in the list of Lieutenants in the third [underlined] Regiment, is the name of Benjamin Horn.) [name underlined]
This is important, as it shows that the three Regiments organized in 1780, were made up by a reorganization [underlined] of the four [underlined] Regiments
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first organized in 1776.  The inference is, that the Benjamin Horn who was a Lieut in the Third
Regt in 1780, is the same man,  who was first an ensign, and afterwards a 2d Lt. in one of the Regiments organized in 1776.

Francis A. Dickens Esq has the book above referred to, and if you desire to see it, will doubtless permit me to bring it to your office.

Very respectfully
Your obt sevt
Hon L. P. Waldo
Comr of Pensions.

Margaret Bradford
formerly widow
of Benj Horn

Brief

J. J. Coombs
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Payment to be made
at Trenton
by P. Dickinson Esq
Agent for paying Pensioners, 
in the Agency of
New Jersey

Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book D. Vol.
2.  Page 364 by
G.T. Getty Clerk.
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[illegible initials in upper left - LP perhaps]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Margaret Bradford of New Jersey, formerly widow of Benjamin Horn, who was a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War, is entitled to receive two hundred and forty dollars and [crossed out] -- cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th March 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 3th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this Eighth day of May one thousand eight hundred and ["thirty" crossed out] fifty-five [signed] R McClelland Secretary of the Interior.
Examine and Countersigned.} L. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions.
[written across the certificate:] Canceled L P Waldo Comr June 15. 1855