Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 540, Martin Diggins, Conn.
Page 1

Service:  Conn
Diggins, Martin
Lydia P.
Number: W 540
B. L. Wt. 9187-160-55
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Increase      No. 1863
New Hampshire/Concord
Lydia P Diggins
widow of Martin Diggins
who served in the Revolutionary
Conn.
war, as a private.
Inscribed on the roll at the rate 
of 96 dollars 00 cents
per annum, to commence on the 27th July1868 (Decd payments made since)
Certificate of Pension issued
8th day of March 1869
and sent to Geo Bryant, Meriden, Sullivan Co., N H

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853 & July 27, 68
Page 158 Vol 26
J N Smith
Page 3

73.658 Act Mar 3   /55
                April 16  /55L 
Lydia P Diggins, widow
of Martin Diggins, Pri.
Col. Eno
A. Troops
Revolutionary Pensions
No. 9187
Act: 160 A Cy, Oct 23/55
L Boynton

Josiah L. Hawkins
Felchville, Vermont

Vol D. 86
Page 4

Image not found
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Martin Diggins's Declaration

State of Vermont
District of Windsor 

On his seventeenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court before the Probate Court for said district, now sitting, said could being a court of record by the laws of this state, Martin Diggins, a resident of Weathersfield in said district, in the county of Windsor and state of Vermont, aged seventy two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served herein as stated.
That in the year 1776 he resided in East Windsor in the state of Connecticut, in the summer, the exact time he cannot recollect, he volunteered for the term of three months in the company commanded by Capt. Roswell Grant of said East Windsor, and Samuel Tudor of the same place was Lieutenant, that he marched from there to Providence in the state of Rhode Island, and from thence to Bristol in Rhode Island, where he was stationed and served the said term of three months.  That he served as waiter to Lieutenant Tudor during the said three months, at the end of his term he was dismissed without any written discharge and returned home.
In the year 1777, being the year that Burgoyne surrendered, his father Oliver Diggins, then living in said East Windsor, was drafted for the term of three months, to serve in a regiment of the Connecticut militia commanded, he thinks, by Colonel Cook, in a company commanded by
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Capt. Biddell of East Hartford, and he entered the service as a substitute for his said father Oliver Diggins, and marched immediately to Stillwater in New York and joined the army there under General Gates, and Gen. Arnold, recollects serving them both.  That he was in the battle at Stillwater between the Americans and British forces under Burgoyne.  Capt Biddell in that battle had his leg shot off by a cannon ball,  and died.  Recollects also that a Capt. Wadsworth of Hartford, a Captain of another company in the same regiment, was shot [illegible] near the breast in the battle, and the declarant and three other soldiers carried him to the camp for the wounded, and he also died.
Immediately after this battle, the declarant was taken sick of the camp distemper, as it was then called, and was carried down to Lansingburgh, where he staid till he got well and having served as substitute for his said father, the term for which he was drafted being three months, he was permitted to go home, and had no discharge in writing.
The said Diggins further says that in the spring of 1778 at said East Windsor in Connecticut, he again entered the service under the same Capt. Roswell Grant of East Windsor, Erastus Hills and Albert Wolcott of the same town went as soldiers in the same company; the company assembled at Hartford, Conn. and marched to Newhaven, and from thence into New Jersey, where the declarant was taken out of that by [illegible] Steuben and put into a company of infantry by our Capt. DeNike, a Dutchman, and a Lieutenant Taylor, and joined to the troops under Gen. LaFayette
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Recollects that LaFayette gave to the soldiers, and the declarant among the rest, each a black feather, with red top, to put in their caps, and to the under officers a hanger.  That he served six months and was discharged.  Recollects there was snow on the ground at the time, and that he has lost his discharge.
He further declares that in 1780 being the year that Maj. Andre was hung, at said East Windsor, pretty early in the spring, according to his present recollection, he enlisted as a minute man for nine months, to serve under the same Capt. Roswell Grant of East Windsor, in a regiment commanded by a Colonel Enos, that after enlisting, marched to White Plains and was stationed there, the principal [illegible] of the time.  Recollects that Erastus Hills, Joseph Newbury, Aaron Grant, were of the same company and served with him.  That he was regularly dismissed from said service with the rest of the company, but thinks his discharge was not in writing.  
He further says that during a part of the above nine months, he served at West Point, building a fort.
He further declares that at another time and according to his best recollection in the summer of 1779, at said East Windsor, he was drafted for the term of three months, to go to Springfield, Mass. to assist in building a laboratory.  That he went to said Springfield and served the said three months.  Does not recollect any of the  officers names that were there and it is his impression there were no regular officers, but the work was conducted by an overseer.
He has no documentary evidence and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service.  He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares
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that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any state.
He was born at East Windsor in the State of Connecticut on the fifth day of May 1760.  He has a family record of his age in his house, where he dwells in said Weathersfield.
He was living in East Windsor in the state of Connecticut when called into the service.  He removed from East Windsor aforesaid to Weathersfield in the County of Windsor and state of Vermont in the year 1781, where he continued to live about twenty years, and then removed to Pawlett in the county of [illegible] in the state of Vermont where he continued to live about three years and then removed to Hartford in the state of New York, where he continued to live one year, and then removed to Weathersfield aforesaid again, where he has continued to live ever since.
He states the names of Jacob Kaskell and John Boynton, as persons to whom he is known in his present neighborhood, and who can certify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a Soldier of the Revolution.
Martin Diggers
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Reuben Washburn, Register

We, Jacob Haskell and John Boynton, residing in the town of Weathersfield in the county of Windsor and state of Vermont, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Martin Diggins, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy two year of age; that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Jacob Haskell
John Boynton
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
Reube Washburn, Register
I, Dexter Bates, a clergyman residing in the town of Springfield in the county of Windsor and state of Vermont, hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Martin
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Diggins who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that I believe him to be seventy two years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood, where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that I concur in that opinion.
Dexter Bates 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Reuben Washburn, Register

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories, prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Dexter Bates, who has signed one of the preceding certificates, is a clergyman resident in the tow of Springfield, in the County of Windsor, and state of Vermont, and, that Jacob Haskel and John Boynton, who have also signed the other of the said certificates are residents in the said town of Weathersfield, and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Jabez Proctor, Judge
I, Reuben Washburn, Register of the Probate Court within and for the district of Windsor in the state of Vermont, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Martin Diggins for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have herewith
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set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this seventeenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Reuben Washburn
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Lydia P, Diggins
Claim
Under Act Feb 30,1853
J Q Hawkins
Attorney
Reading
Vermont
Page 12

State of New Hampshire
County of Sullivan District

On this second day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three, personally appeared before the Hon. the Probate Court for the County of Sullivan, Lydia P Diggins, a resident of [illegible] in the county of Sullivan and state of New Hampshire, aged sixty nine 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, approved February 3, 1853 entitled "An act granting a pension to certain widows &c.
Martin Diggins, deceased, who was a Revolutionary soldier and a pensioner at the rate of seventy two dollars per annum and originally received his pay at the [illegible] Agency, but subsequently at the New Hampshire agency.
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I, Henry C Baldwin, Register of Probate for the county of Sullivan, in the state of
New Hampshire, hereby certify that the written named Jonn S Putnam was, at the time of the execution of the within paper, Judge of Probate for said county of Sullivan.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set the seal of said court, at Newport, this 27th day of April AD 1853.
Henry E Baldwin, Register
Page 14

Know all Men by these Presents, that I, Lydia of Cornish in the county of Sullivan of New Hampshire and the widow of Martin Diggins, deceased who was a Revolutionary Soldier, do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Henry H Shafferd of Weathersfield in the county of Windsor and state of Vermont, my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name to examine into and prosecute any claim for a pension &c., against the general Government, which may be due me by virtue of my deceased husband's service in the Revolutionary war, and the several acts of Congress, relative thereto, and to receive the certificate of pension, &c., when issued by the Department.  I hereby confirm whatsoever my said attorney may do or cause to be legally done, either in person or by substitute, in the prosecution of said claim, except drawing money in my favor.  I hereby revoke any other authority I may have given to any other person or persons, in the premises whatsoever.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirty first day of March AD 1853.
Signed in presence of us,
Phoebe Jane Taft          Lydia P Diggins
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I, Seth Damon, of Weathersfield in the county of Windsor and state of Vermont, aged sixty four years, testify and say that I was well acquainted with Martin Diggins, late of Walpole, New Hampshire, deceased.  I further say that the said Martin Diggins died at said Walpole in the month of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty six cannot state the precise day of his death.  I further say that I was present at the marriage of the said Martin Diggins to Miss Lydia P. Taft at Weathersfield aforesaid, which took place from the best of my recollection in the year 1828.
I further say that the said Lydia P Diggins, formerly Taft, is now living and a resident of Cornish, New Hampshire, and is still a widow.
Seth Damon

State of Vermont,
Windsor County
At Weatherfield the 16 day of May AD 1853 personally appeared the above named Seth Damon and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed.  I further say that he is well known to me as a man of truth and a credible witness.
Josiah Q Hawkins, Master in Chancery

State of Vermont,
Windsor County SS
I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the Court of Chancery for the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that Josiah Q. Hawkins is a Master in Chancery, in and for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of deeds, and that his signature, foregoing, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court of Chancery, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 13th day of June AD 1853.
Norman Williams, Clerk
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73,658

Lydia P  Diggins
Claim for county land
under Act March 3, 1855

Josiah Q Hawkins
Attorney

[illegible] Vermont
Page 17

FORM OF WIDOW'S DECLARATION FOR BOUNTY LAND

State of Vermont
County of Windsor} ss. On this 19th day of March A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid. Lydia P. Diggins, aged seventy one years, a resident of Weathersfield in the State of Vermont, who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of the identical Martin Diggins, deceased, who was a Revolutionary soldier, and a revolutionary pensioner of the State of Vermont, as to her said husbands military service she cannot speak particularly and report to her said husband's declaration now on file at the pension office for particulars. She further states that she is the identical Lydia P. Diggins who is a revolutionary pensioner of the State of Vermont at rate seventy dollars per annum under act Feb. 3d 1853.
She further states that she was married to the said Martin Diggins in            , on the third day of December A. D. 1828 by one Rev. [last of line is topo faded to read], and that her name before her said marriage was Lydia Taft, that her said husband died at Walpoll N. H. on the twenty third day of February A. D. 1846 and that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3d, 1855.
She also declares that she has not received a warrant for bounty land, under this, or any other act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor.
She requests this certificate when issued forwarded to Josiah Q Hawkins of Fetchbill Vermont.

Lydia P. Diggins

We Elliot Braddish and Sa,mFellows residents of Weathersfield in the State of Vermont upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Lydia P. Diggins 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.

Elliot Braddish
Sam Fellows

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 the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.

John Spafford Justice Peace
Page 18

State of Vermont
Windsor County, ss.} I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court of the County of Windsor, in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that John Spafford was, at the date of the paper writing to which this is attached, and still is, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowledgements of deeds, and that his signature foregoing is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribed my name and affix the seal of said Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 7th day of       A. D. 185   .

Normal Williams Clerk
Page 19

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER

No Pensioner will be transferred to a State without he or she is a permanent resident therein, or to an Agency without their residence is within the district. The official character and signature of the acting Magistrate must be certified to. If personally known to the Pension Agent, or the certificate is on file at the Agency, his certificate of official character is sufficient.

State of New Hampshire, County of Sullivan, ss:
On this 8th day of June, 1867, before me, a Justice of the Peace, personally appeared Lydia P. Diggins, a resident of Cornish in said County who, being duly sworn. declareth that she is the same person whose name was placed, on the 12th day of September, 1853, upon the list of *Army pensions, at the rate of seventy Dollars per annum, from the 3d day of February, 1853.
That said Lydia P. Diggins was last paid at the Pension Agency of St. Johnsbury Vermont to the fourth day of March, 1867, but now desires and applies for the payment of said pension at, and the transfer of her name to the roll of, the Pension Agency at +Concord New Hampshire, as she intends to reside in said Cornish during her natural life.

Lydia P. Diggins

Sworn and subscribed to before me, the say and year aforesaid.

George Bryant Justice of the Peace
*Insert "Army" or "Navy"
+Insert the reasons for requesting the transfer.

EVIDENCE OF IDENTITITY
State of New Hampshire, County of Sullivan, ss:
I, George Bryant a Justice of the Peace, in the County above named, do hereby certify that I have the most satisfactory evidence, *viz: The affidavits of Daniel Chase and Benjamin K. Chase known to be respectable, who testified that Lydia P. Diggins, who has this day appeared before me to take the oath of identity, is the identical person named in the pension certificate, which she has exhibited before me, numbered 1863, and bearing the date at the Department of the Interior the 12th day of September, 1853, and signed by R McClelland Secretary of the interior.
Given under my hand at Cornish, N.H. this 8th day of June, 1867.

George Bryant Justice of the Peace

N. B.- When the pensioner is personally known to the Agent, and he will certify to his identity, the annexed form may be dispensed with. The number of pension certificate is sometimes on the back of it.
*Here state what the evidence is-whether personal knowledge, or the affidavits of respectable persons, giving their names.
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State of New Hampshire, County of Sullivan, ss:
I, Lyman J. Brooks, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that George Bryant is a Justice of the Peace, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 9th day of November, 1866, and will expire on the 9th day of November, 1874; and that his signature above written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County, this 18th day of June, 1867.
Lyman J Brooks, Clerk
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1863
Lydia P. Diggins
act Feby 3/53
app for transfer
from St Johnsbury Vt
to Concord N.H.
M.7

Ref June 28/87

Filed by George Bryant
Meriden
NH
Page 22

I John Diggins of Weathersfield in the State of Vermont of lawful age being duly sworn do depose testify and say that I was well acquainted with Martin Diggins late of Walpole New Hampshire deceased the above names Martin Diggins was my Father. I further say that he died at Walpole New Hampshire in the months of February A.D. 1846 and I attended the funeral of Martin Diggins and I further say that he left a widow by the name of Lydia P. Diggins who is still alive and still his widow Lydia P. Diggins was my Mother in Law I was not present at the marriage of but heard of it at the time. I further say the said Martin and Lydia P Diggins lived together in wedlock as husband and wife and it was so reputed. I am not interested in the bounty land asked for by the said Lydia P. Diggins.

John Diggins

State of Vermont
Windsor County ss.} At Weathersfied, Personally appeared John Diggins and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed and I testify the sad John Diggins is well known to me to be a person of truth and veracity and a credible witness.
Napoleon B Roundy Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Windsor County, ss.} I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor, in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that Napoleon B Roundy was, at the date of the paper writing to which this is attached, and still is, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowledgements of deeds, and that his signature foregoing is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribed my name and affix the seal of said Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor. this 7th day of April A.D. 1855.
Norman Williams Clerk
Page 23

Martin Diggins
Vermont

Admitted
Private
21 months
40
30
----
$70

Hon: H. Hubbard
Ho: of Reps
Page 24

BRIEF in the case of Martin Diggins of Weathersfield Cty of Windsor in the State of Vermont.
(Act 7th June, 1832)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or oa Judge?  Court

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

3. How old is he?  72

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

Period: In 1776
Duration of Service: 3 months
Rank: Waiter
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served: Capt Grant

Period: 1777
Duration of Service: 3 months
Rank: Pri
Names of General and Field Officers under 
whom he served: Capt Biddell, Col Cook, Genls Gates & Arnold

Period: 1778
Duration of Service: 6 months
Rank: "
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served: Cap D Nike, Genl Lafayette

Period: 1780
Duration of Service: 9 months
Rank: "
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served: Capt Grant, Col Enos

5. In what battles was he engaged?  Stillwater

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?  East Windsor, Connecticut

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

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication, and if so, in what respect?  correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

Jas Wilson Examining Clerk
Page 25

Rev. War Section

Sept. 11, 1923

Mrs. C. S. Passmors,
25 W. Granite St.,
Butte, Mont.

Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim  W. 540, it appears that Martin Diggins was born May 5, 1760 at East Windsor, Conn. and while residing there, he enlisted in the Summer of 1776 and served as a private 3 months in Captain Roswell Grant's company of Connecticut troops. In 1777, he was a substitute for his father, Oliver Diggins, and served 3 months in Captain Biddell's company, Colonel Cook's regiment.
The Spring of 1778, he enlisted in Captain Roswell Grant's company, shortly after he was transferred to a company of infantry commanded by Captain DeNine under General LaFayette and served 6 months.
The summer of 1779 he served 3 months, officer not stated, and early in the spring of 1780, he enlisted and served 8 months as a minute man in Captain Roswell Grant's
Page 26

company, Colonel Enos' regiment. He was in the battle of Stillwater.
He was allowed pension on his application executed Sept. 17, 1832 while a resident of Weathersfield, Windsor Co., Vermont. He died at Walpole, New Hampshire Feb. 23, 1846.
He married at Weathersfield, Vt. Dec. 3, 1828, Miss Lydia P. Taft, she was allowed pension on her application executed April 3, 1853, while living in Cornish, Sullivan Co., N. H., aged 69 years. In 1856, she was residing in Weathersfield, Vt., with her son, name not stated.
In 1855, John Diggins, of lawful age and a resident of Weathersfield, Vt., stated that Martin Diggins was his father. There is no further family data on file.
This Bureau is unable to furnish the history of a soldier of the Revolution, unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made on account of his services and a careful search of the records fails to show such a claim on account of the services of any Oliver Diggins.
Respectfully,

Acting Commissioner
Page 27

Pension Agency Montpelier Vt
Oct 4/43

Sir
Martin Diggins a pensioner upon the Roll of this agency under the act of 7th June /32 at the rate of 70 $ pr yer was last paid on the 4th Mch 1843.

Th. Reed [unk 3 words after]

To J L Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Page 28

Pension Office
Montpelier Oct 10, 1843

J L Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Sir- Martin Diggins was paid by me up to the 4th March 1843.

Respectfully
Th: Reed
Pen Agt
Page 29

Payment to be made at 
Concord by
Geo. Minot Esq.
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the
Agency of New Hampshire
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March

Recorded in the Pension office on the
Roll of Pensioners under act February
3d, 1853, Page 14, Vol. A

H R Weightman Clerk
Page 30

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WIDOW'S PENSION

I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853, Lydia P. Diggins widow of Martin Diggins who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension lost at the rate of Seventy dollars per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension if not payable after the time of such marriage.

Given at the Department of the Interior, this twelfth day of September one thousand eight hundred and fifty three.

B McClelland
Secretary of the interior

Examined and Countersigned
L P Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 31

Pension Agency
Concord N.H. Aug 3, 1834

Sir
Lydia P. Diggins widow of Martin a pensioner at the rate of $70 per annum has been paid at this Agency to the 4th day of March 1854.

Very respectfully your obedt srvt
Geo. Minot Agent

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
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Q     TRANSFER LETTER     Q
->If a pensioner has re-enlisted, has been suspended or overpaid, or anything else is known which should be communicated, note it in this transfer letter.

PENSION AGENCY
July 4th 1867

Sir:

Yours of the June 26 instant is received, notifying me of an application for a transfre from the Agency by Lydia P Diggins widow of Martin Diggins a pensioner under the act of 3d Feby 1853.
You are informed that she was last paid to March 4 1867, at the rate of Seventy dollars       cents per annum.

Iam, very respectfully,
E C Redington Pension Agent

To Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Page 33

Meriden, N.H. June 19, 1867

Sir,
Enclosed herewith please find the application of Lydia P. Diggins for the transfer of her name from the Vermont, to the New Hampshire Pension Agency at Concord.
Of consistent with the rules of the Office please send me notice of the transfer on receipt. So doing the old lady will be sure of receiving her Pension at Concord on the 4th of September next.

Respectfully, your obt. servt,
George Bryant
Agent for Mrs Diggins

Hon. Joseph H. Barrett
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, 
D. C.
Page 34

Increase       1863
Brief in the Case of Lydia P Diggins, widow of Martin Diggins Rev. War. Cornish Flat

Sullivan County and State of New Hampshire Concord
Act 2d Sec Feb 3, 18?3
In act July 27, 1868

CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF EXHIBITED,
A pensioner in the roll of New Hampshire at $70 pr annum. She has returned her certificate, & claims increase as provided by Act of July 27, 1868.
Personal identity & continued widowhood [unk]

Admitted Jany 21, 1869 to a pension at $96 pr annum to commence July 27, 1868 and deducting all payr price

W. E. Trask
Examining Clerk

Name and residence of Agent
George Bryant
Meriden
Sullivan Co
N Hampshire
Page 35

Brief in the case of Lydia P. Diggins widow of Martin
Sullivan County and State of New Hampshire
act 3d Feby 1853

Claim, ("original")

Proof exhibited, (if original)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the act of 7th June 1832,
Parole proof of marriage

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



S C Boynton
Examining Clerk

J. Q. Hawkins Esq
Reading
Vermont
Name and residence of Agent
Page 36

Pension Office
6th Sept 1853

Sir,
Please certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid or the date of his death.

Very respectfully
S. Cole
Acting Commissioner

Martin Diggins, act 32
$70.00 pr an- Died 23d
Feby 1846, Paid to his death

F. Burt
Auditor

Francis Burt Esq
Third Auditor Treasury
Page 37

Meridian N. H. Jan. 15, 1869

Sir,
Enclosed I send Mrs Lydia P. Diggins Pension Certificate, also proof of her continued widowhood.

Respectfully your obt. servt.
George Bryant
Atty for Lydia P. Diggins

Hon. Chris C. Cox
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 38

We Daniel Chase and Benjamin K. Chase residents of Cornish in the County of Sullivan and State of New Hampshire, depose and say that we have been shown Hon. Commissioner of Pension's letter addressed to George Bryant Esq. Agent for Lydia P. Diggins, widow of Martin Diggins, under date of November 27, 1868, wherein (said letter) it is stated that "in the claim for increase of Pension under sec. 13 act of July 27 1868 of Lydia P. Diggins, proof that she is still a widow is required."
We further depose and say that we have been acquainted with said Lydia P. Diggins for five years past, that during that period to the present time she has remained a widow, and that we are disinterested.
Daniel Chase
Benj K. Chase

The State of New Hampshire
SULLIVAN COUNTY, ss.}
I, LYMAN J. BROOKS, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of New Hampshire, a Court of Record, within and for the County of Sullivan, hereby certify, that Enoch F. Chellis whose name is subscribed to the annexed certificate, was, at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Sullivan, duly commissioned and sworn, and authorized by law to administer oaths and take acknowledgements of deeds; that the signature to the said certificate, purporting to be his, is, in my belief, genuine.
In testimony whereof, U have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this 13th day of January A. D. 1869.
Lyman J. Brooks, Clerk
Page 39

We Daniel Chase and Benjamin K. Chase residents of Cornish in the County of Sullivan and State of New Hampshire, depose and say that we have been shown Hon. Commissioner of Pension's letter addressed to George Bryant Esq., Agent for Lydia P. Diggins, widow of Martin Diggins, under date of November 27, 1868, wherein (said letter) it is stated the "in the claim for increase of Pension under sec. 13 act of July 27, 1868 of Lydia P. Diggins, proof that she is still a widow is required."
We further depose and say that we have been acquainted with said Lydia P. Diggins for five years past, that during that period to the present time she has remained a widow, and that we are disinterested.
Daniel Chase
Benj. K. Chase

State of New Hampshire
County of Sullivan, ss.} Sworn to and subscribed before me this 15th day of December 1868, and I certify that the affiants are credible witnesses and that I am disinterested.
Enoch F. Chellis Justice of the Peace
Page 40

Meriden N.H. Oct. 31, 1868

Sir,
Enclosed I send the application of Lydia P. Diggins for increase of Pension.
Respectfully your obt. servt.
George Bryant
Atty. for applicant

Hon. Chris C. Cox
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 41

9187
160 [unk]

Pens act 3d Feby Vt
Boynton
Page 42

No 2944
Lydia P. Diggins
wid: of
Martin
N.H.
Let to J. Q. Hawkins
Aug: 25 1853

act 3d Feb: 1853
Page 43

Butte Mont.
July 23-23

U.S. Pension Bureau
Wash DC

Dear Sirs
Can you give me any data in regard to Martin Diggins (Dickins) a Rev. soldier who d at Weathersfield Ver- Feb 23- 1846- Mar
Abigail- probably in Conn.
also Oliver Diggins (Dickens) in Conn- about 1735 at Weathersfield Ver. 1819 he was a soldier of the Revolution.

Thanking you in advance I am yours
Mrs Chas. S. Passmore
25 W Granite St
Butte
Mont
Page 44

Butte Mont
July 23-23

U.S. Pensions Bureau
Wash D.C.

Dear Sirs
Can you give me any data in regard to Martin Diggins (Dickens)_ a Rev. soldier who d at Weathersfield Ver- Feb 23 1846-mar Abigail b probably in Conn.
Also Oliver Diggins (Dickens) b in Conn- about 1735 d at Weathersfield Ver. 1819 he was a soldier of the Revolution.

Thanking you in advance I am yours
Mrs Chas. S. Passmore
25 W. Granite St
Butte
Mont
Page 45

Revy WIDOW, &c.

File No. 540
Lydia P. Diggins
widow
Martin Diggins
Pri. Rev. War

Act: Feb. 5, 1853 &c
Index:- Vol. A, Page 183
[Arrangement of 1870]


1923 Sept. 11- Hist to Mrs C. S. Passmore-aws
Page 46

1863 New Hamp.
Vermont
Lydia P. Diggins
widow of Martin
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 70 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on 3d February 1853

Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of Sept 53 and sent to J. Q. Hawkins
Reading
Vermont

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d/53 Page 14 Vol. a
E.-2-3
1832


1854 July 31 Cer. to P. Agt
Augt 5 transferred from
Concord to Montpelier fr: 4 March 185? & [unk] J Q Hawkins

1837 July 9th Transferred to Concord NH for 4 Mch 1867
Page 47

State of Vermont
Windsor County ss.} On this nineteenth day of July A.D. 1854 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Windsor, personally appeared Lydia P. Diggins, who on her oath, declares that she is the identical person named in a pension certificate dated September twelfth AD 1853 at rate seventy dollars per annum as the widow of Martin Diggins who was a private in the Revolutionary war, and that her name was placed on the pension roll of the state of New Hampshire, from whence she has lately removed; that she now resides in of Weathersfield County of Windsor and State of Vermont, where she intends to remain and wishes her pension to be there payable in future.
The following are her reason for removing from Cornish New Hampshire to Vermont, she has resided with her son in said Cornish who has recently sold his farm and removed to said Weathersfield she is in low circumstances as to property and dependent upon her friends for a support in advanced age save the aid of her said pension; and makes a permanent residence with her said son.

Lydia P. Diggins

State of Vermont
Windsor County ss.} On the day and year above written personally appeared Lydia P. Diggins & made oath to the truth of the foregoing application y her subscribed. I further certify that she the identical person
Page 48

named in the above described certificate and a pensioner as above set forth & that she is well known to me as a person of truth and a credible witness.
Before me J. Q. Hawkins Justice Peace

State of Vermont
Windsor County, ss.} I, NORMAN WILLIAMS, Clerk of the County Court of the County of Windsor, in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that Josiah Q. Hawkins was, at the date of the paper writing to which this is attached, and still is, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowledgements of deeds, and that his signature foregoing is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 24 day of July A.D. 1854.
Norman Williams, Clerk
Page 49

Lydia P. Diggins

widowhood
certificate
Nov 27/68

Geo. Bryant
Meriden
Sullivan Co
N.H.

Lydia P. Diggins
Hatch
Conner
Act of 1853
Page 50

State of New Hampshire}
County of Sullivan} ss

On this first day of October A.D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty eight, personally appeared before me Shepherd L Bowers Register of the Court of Probate, within and for the County and State aforesaid Lydia P. Diggins, aged 85 years, a resident of Cornish in the State of New Hampshire, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares, that she is the identical Lydia P. Diggins to whom was granted Pension Certificate No. 1863. payable at Concord N.H. at the rate of 5 5/6 dollars per month issued under the Act of February 3, 1853; that she makes this declaration in order to secure the increase of her Pension to which she is entitled under the thirteenth section of the act of July 27, 1868.
She hereby constitutes and appoints George Bryant Esq of Meriden N.H. her true and lawful attorney for her and in her name to prosecute her claim for increase of her Pension
My Post Office address is as follows: Cornish Flat. N.H.
Lydia P. Diggins.
Page 51

me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Lydia P. Diggins sign her name to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
Enoch F. Chellis
Daniel Chase

Sworn to and subscribed before me this first day of October A. D. 1868; and I hereby certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the Court this first day of October 1868.
Sheppard L. Bowers
Register of Probate
Page 52

Application for a transfer

County of Sullivan SS
On this second day of August 1843 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Sulivan personally appeared Martin Diggins who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company Commanded by Captain Roswell Grant in the Connecticut line (the regiment and name of the Colonel he does not now recollect) in the service of the United States: that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Vermont from whence he has lately removed. that he now resides in the State of New Hampshire where he intends to remain and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Vermont to New Hampshire.. He not long since gave up to a connexion of his what little property he possessed, for her support the remainder of his life. His said conexion residing in Cornish N.H. to which place he consequently removed and there now resides
Martin Diggins

Sworn and subscribed to before me}        John Bryant
the day and year aforesaid}                       Justice of the Peace
Page 53

I George W. Taft of Cornish in the County of Sullivan and State of New Hampshire depose and say that Martim Diggins who has taken the foregoing oath is the person described in the affidavit.
George W. Taft

Sullivan SS
Sworn to and subscribed this 2d day of August 1843 
Before me  John Bryant Justise of the Peace

I further certify that George W. Taft the above deponent is a person to be relied on for veracity
John Bryant Justice of the Peace
Page 54

Lydia P. Diggins
claim having been
suspended for proof
additional affidavits

J.Q. Hawkins
attorney
Reading
Vermont
Page 55

typed postcard imaged on top of page 56 John Diggins deposition

STATE OF VERMONT
Windsor County

I, NORMAN WILLIAMS, Clerk of the Court of Chancery, for the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that Josiah Q. Hawkins is a MASTER IN CHANCERY, in and for said County, duly qualified to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of deeds, and that his signatures to the annexed papers - four in number - are genuine.

In [word partially blocked by the seal] onn whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court of Chancery, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 30 day of August A.D. 1853
Norman Williams
Clerk
Page 56

I john Diggins of Weathersfield in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont testify and say that I am well acquainted with Lydia P. Diggins now a resident of Cornish New Hampshire. I further say that she is the widow of the identical martin Diggins who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the state of Vermont and New Hampshire. I further say that the said Lydia P. Diggins name before her marriage to the said Martin Diggins was Lydia P. Taft, and that she is still a widow. I further say that the said Martin Diggins died at Walpole New Hampshire on the 23rd day of February A.D. 1846 and that the said martin Diggins for a number of years previous to his death I am credibly informed and verily believe received his pay at the New Hampshire Agency
John Diggins

State of Vermont}
Windsor County Ss}
At Weatherfield this 29th day of August 183 personally appeared before me John Diggins and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed I further certify that he is a man of truth and a credible witness
J Q Hawkins Master in Chancery
Page 57

I Clark Preston of Weathersfield in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont testify and say that I am well acquainted with Lydia P. Diggins now a resident of Cornish New Hampshire. I further say that she is the widow of the identical Martin Diggins who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the State of Vermont, and that the said Lydia p. Diggins name before her marriage to the said martin Diggins was Lydia P. Taft. I further say that I was present at the time of the marriage to the said Lydia P. Taft to the said martin Diggins which was n said Weathersfield and I think in the month of December A.D. 1828 but cannot state the precise day of said marriage and that the said Martin Diggins and Lydia P. Diggins have lived together as husband and wife and were so reputed and that she is still a widow. I further say that the said Martin Diggins died some years since but cannot state the particular day of his death.
Clark Preston

State of Vermont}
Windsor County Ss}
At Weatherfield this 29th day of August 183 personally appeared before me Clark Preston and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed I further certify that he is a man of truth and a credible witness
J Q Hawkins Master in Chancery
Page 58

I Martha Preston of Weathersfield in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont depose and say that I am well acquainted with Lydia P. Diggins now a resident of Cornish New Hampshire. I further say that she is the widow of the identical Martin Diggins who was a revolutionary pensioner of the State of Vermont and that the said Lydia P. Diggin name before her marriage to the said Martin Diggins was Lydia P. Taft. I further say that I was present at the time of the marriage of the said Lydia P. Taft to the said Martin Diggins which was in said Weathersfield, and I think in the month of December A.D. 1828 but cannot state the precise day of said marriage and that the said Martin Diggins and Lydia P. Diggins lived together as husband and wife in the lifetime of the said Martin and were so reputed and that she is still a widow. I further say that said Martin Diggins died some years since but cannot state the particular day of his death
Martha (her X mark) Preston

Attest} J Q Hawkins
            Henry H Stafford


State of Vermont}
Windsor County Ss}
At Weathersfield this 29 day of August 1853 personally appeared before me Partha Preston and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by her subscribed I further certify that she is a woman from my acquaintance with her a person of truth and a credible witness.
J. Q Hawkins Master in Chancery
Page 59

I J. Field Chilson of Weathersfield in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont depose and say that I hold the office of town clerk in the town of Weathersfield aforesaid and that I have made diligent search throughout the records in said office for the marriage of Martin Diggins to Lydia P. Taft and cannot find the same and verily believe that said marriage has never been recorded in said office. 
J. Fieeld Chilson Town Clerk

State of Vermont}
Windsor County Ss}
At Weathersfield this 29 day of August 1853 personally appeared before me J. Field Chilson and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed. I further certify that he is a man well known to me as a man of truth and a credible witness
J. Q. Hawkins Master in Chancery