Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24,664, Ephraim Briggs, R.I.
Page 1

(3-1776) SERVICE
R.I. Briggs Ephraim  W.24.664
                   Nancy
Page 2

14.497
New York
Ephraim Briggs
of Erie in the State of New York
who was a private in the comp commanded
by Captain Johnson- of the Regt commanded
by Col Green in the R Island
line for 13 Months 20 days

Inscribed on the Roll of N York
at the rate of 45- Dollars 53- Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March,1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of May
1839- and Sent to V.K. Hall
Buffalo  N York

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833.                $91.06
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4th Sep 1833...22.76
                                                                        $113.82
            {Revolutionary Claim,}
             {Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by George Taylor Clerk
Book E. Vol. 4 Page 45

                          Dead
Paid at the Treasary Funds
He Act 6. April 1838, from
4. Sep 1842, to 13 Jany 1843
Agt Notified 25 Oct 1844
Page 3

1003
I, New York Albany, Nancy Briggs widow of Ephraim Briggs RI who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 45 Dollars 53 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued this 29 day of July 1848 and sent to E.O. Shepard [illegible] [illegible]
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 9, Vol.4.
Page 4

Declaration
State of New York
Erie County [illegible]. On this 13th day of August 1844 personally appeared before me Bela H. Colgrove a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Erie Nancy Briggs a resident of the Town of Sardinia in said County aged Eight five 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 entitled "an Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" and of all other acts of Congress amending the said act passed since the passage of the said act. That she is the widow of Ephraim Briggs late of the Town of Sardinia deceased who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was also a revolutionary pensioner and received, as nearly as she can recollect forty five dollars per annum, that the pension certificate has been sent to Washington and the Deponent has received the balance of pension due her Husband at the time of his death. She further declares that she was married to the said Ephraim Briggs on or about the twentieth of October in the year Seventeen hundred and seventy eight, in the Town of Coventry in the State of Rhode Island, that he Husband the aforesaid Ephraim Briggs died on the thirteenth day of January 1843, that she was not married to him prior to his first service, that he returned home from service, and they were married that the marriage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz. at the time and place above stated. The Deponent further says that she believes her husband was in the service some short campaigns or tours of service after they were married. The deponent [illegible] state anything in particular about the service
Page 5

of her said Husband or the names of the Officers under whom he served--

Nancy Briggs

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written--before Bela H. Colgrove a Judge of the Court of Com. Pleas in and for Erie County

Erie County [illegible]
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Nancy Briggs and have been acquainted with her for many years and that she is not from bodily infirmity able to attend court

Bela H Colgrove a Judge of Erie County.
Page 6

20396
Ephraim Briggs
Erie county
New York

V.K. Hall, Buffalo N.Y.
Page 7

WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office.
183[?]

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

A Statement, shewing the Service of Ephraim Briggs Erie county New York.
[table] Period when the service was rendered.
Enlisted 1775
substitute 1776
Drafted 1777
d 1778

Duration of the claimant's service.
Years.
[blank]
Months.
8
3
1
Days.
20
15
15

Rank of the claimant.
private

Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Captain Johnson
Capt Whitman
Capt. Roy

Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Colonel Green
Col Cook,
Col Waterman

Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
[blank]

Country through which he marched.
Jamaica plain
Prospect hill
Wawik[?]
Tivertown

Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
79
Kent county
R. Island

Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
tradition
one witness proves 2 first towns, & Another the 3. town [/table]

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

W.D. no. Rolls[?]
Page 8

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:

This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded form the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.

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

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of [blank]
County of [blank] }ss.

On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a0 before [blank] A.B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.

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

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

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

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

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

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 9

3

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declaration s above provided, according to the nature of his case.

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

1. Where and in what year were you born?

2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?

3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?

4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?

5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.

6. To a Soldier. Did you receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?

7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of Revolution.

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

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.

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

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

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

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
----
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.

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

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

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

Mode of authenticating papers.

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

Proof of Service.

[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.

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

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

[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 10

[bracket] Declaration of a Revolutionary Soldier who served in the MILITIA, to obtain a Pension under the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. [/bracket]

State of New York
Erie County, ss.

On this 7th day of December 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Common Pleas, now sitting at Buffalo, in said County, Ephraim Briggs a resident of Sardinia in the County of Erie and State of New York, aforesaid, aged 79 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 as herein stated That he was born in the Town Cranston in the County of Providence in the State of Rhode Island on this 13th day of May in the year 1753. He has no record of his age and knows of none. That he was living in Town of Coventry and County of Kent in the State of Rhode Island when he was first called into the service and before the War was over he moved[?] into the town adjoining, Called Foster, in the County of Providence and there lived until the War was over, and then moved back again to Coventry in the County of Kent, where he has lived until about 3[?] years since when he moved into the Town of Sardinia and County of Cui[?] aforesaid where he now resides. And this deponent further says that until the first of May in the year 1775, he enlisted into the Sate Troops (he thinks)
Page 11

of Rhode Island, at Coventry where he then lived for Eight months, and under the following officers, in Captain Edmund Johnsons Company, in Colonel Christopher Greens regiment, and in General Farnums[?] Brigade. And one Josiah Gibbs[?] was Luiet.[?] of the Company, and Augustus Mumford was adjutant of the regiment, and Isaac Johnson (he thinks) was orderly sergeant he cannot tell  the names of any more of the officers who was out at that term. Immediately after he enlisted at Coventry as aforesaid he joined his Company then and marched to a place called Jamaca Plain, about one or two miles west of Roxbury in Massachusetts when they made a stand and staid until the battle of Bunker Hill in Term, when they marched to Prospect Hills, when they joined the regiment and remained  there until his turn was out, about the first January in the year 1776 when he was discharged, he cannot tell whether he had a written discharge. That he was not in any battles. That there was a company of rifleman come[?] to Prospect Hill which he was there from the south he thinks Virginia but cannot tell who commanded them or what they were called.

He thinks that there was other regiments at Prospect Hill at the time but he cannot tell the names of them. That when he was there he saw Generals Washington Green Putnam and Lee. That he was employed a part of the time in working on the fort and [illegible] in doing duty as a [illegible] soldier.

And this deponent further says that in the year 1776, about the first of September he went as a substitute for[?] but the name of the man he cannot remember, for whom he went, into the Militia of the State of Rhode Island for Three months, and served in Captain Rueben Whitmans Company in Colonel Cooks regiment, and one John Spencer was Luietenant, he does not remember any more of the officers names. That he [illegible] his Company at Warwick in Rhode Island, and marched immediately for New Port, where they remained some time, and until the
Page 12

British came up the river when they retreated back
from New Port and after the British landed they
retreated off of the Island into Tiverton where they
remained until his time was out and he was discharged
by his Captain and returned home. He was dismissed verbally.
That he served the full term of three months. He was
he was not in any battle - He returned home about the
first of December. That he served in the Capacity of
a private solder, during this time
And this deponent further says that in the year 1777
about the the first of October, he was drafted into a company
of Militia of Rhode Island for one month, in Captain
William Roy's Company in Colonel John Watermans regiment 
in what was called Spencer’s expedition against
Rhode Island, that he don’t remember any more
of the officers names. That he was drafted at Coventry where
he then resided, and there found the company and
marched for Tivertown where he he thinks he joined
the regiment, that he remained at Tivertown during the
full term of one month, and was verbally dismissed
and returned home. That he was employed
during this time in guarding the shore opposite
an Island. Had not any battle during the time.
That there was some of the Massachusetts regiments at
Tiverton during the time but who commanded them
he cannot remember.
And he further says that in the year 1778, about the
first of August he was drafted to go into Sullivans 
Expedition on Rhode Island for twenty days, that
he cannot remember any of the officers who 
commanded the company. That he went to New Port
Page 13

and was there his twenty days; that he was employed
during the time in [illegible], standing guard
and besieging the place. That when his twenty days [illegible] 
he has verbally dismissed and returned home
and that in belonged to the first Division. That he
lived in Coventry. That the enemy fired some
Cannon shot, but had no battle-
That in the fall of this year 1778 or the [illegible] fall and
this deponent is not positive which he was drafted in a Militia
Company to go to Warren in R. I. for 15 days for the purpose
of guarding the shore, and cannot remember any of the
officers. That he served the time out in guarding the shores and
was verbally dismissed and returned home. That he was drafted in
Militia company to go to Putter Womb Neck to guard the place
for 15 days that he served the time out at that place and was verbally 
dismissed and returned home, Does not remember any of the officers
and had no battles during the time. And served all of the
above tours as a private soldier, and thinks he never received
a written discharge.
And this deponent further says that he resides in the
Town of Sardinia at almost the farthest extremity of  Erie County 
from Buffalo & more than 30 miles from where this
Court is held & that he could not without great expense & 
inconvenience to himself & his witnesses produce persons from
his neighborhood to testify to his character & services & [illegible]
Certificate required by the War Department. That part of the
distance from Sardinia to Buffalo in through an Indian
Reservation and that the road is now almost impassable and that
he has therefore obtained the annexed certificate & affidavit 
of Elder Whitman Metcalf a clergyman resident in
his neighborhood in Sardinia aforesaid and of Elihu Rice
[from underlying page] of And Common Pleas
Page 14

and was there his twenty days; that he was employed
during the time in [illegible], standing guard
and besieging the place. That when his twenty days [illegible] 
he has verbally dismissed and returned home
and that in belonged to the first Division. That he
lived in Coventry. That the enemy fired some
Cannon shot, but had no battle-
That in the fall of this year 1778 or the [illegible] fall and
this deponent is not positive which he was drafted in a Militia
Company to go to Warren in R. I. for 15 days for the purpose
of guarding the shore, and cannot remember any of the
officers. That he served the time out in guarding the shores and
was verbally dismissed and returned home. That he was drafted in
Militia company to go to Putter Womb Neck to guard the place
for 15 days that he served the time out at that place and was verbally 
dismissed and returned home, Does not remember any of the officers
and had no battles during the time. And served all of the
above tours as a private soldier, and thinks he never received
a written discharge.
And this deponent further says that he resides in the
Town of Sardinia at almost the farthest extremity of  Erie County 
from Buffalo & more than 30 miles from where this
Court is held & that he could not without great expense & 
inconvenience to himself & his witnesses produce persons from
his neighborhood to testify to his character & services & [illegible]
Certificate required by the War Department. That part of the
distance from Sardinia to Buffalo in through an Indian
Reservation and that the road is now almost impassable and that
he has therefore obtained the annexed certificate & affidavit 
of Elder Whitman Metcalf a clergyman resident in
his neighborhood in Sardinia aforesaid and of Elihu Rice
[from underlying page] of And Common Pleas
Page 15

Esquire & Mr. Jonah Goodrich Junior before Ezra Nott Esq
& that they with others in his neighborhood can testify 
to his character for truth & Veracity &
their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution
and this Deponent further says he has no documentary, 
or other evidence to prove his services except
that hereto annexed that of Benjamin Sweet Benjamin Grund
& Joseph Rice whose affidavits he has procured but which he understands must 
be sent back to the officers administering the oaths for proper certificates and 
authentication and must thereafter go to Mr. England before they can  be annexed.
And knows of no other persons whose testimony he 
can procure that can testify to any part of his
services other than the persons above named.
That the first term of service heretofore stated he was a
volunteer and entered the service as such and the second term as a
substitute for some person whose name he cannot recollect and
that the other terms of service he was drafted.
That there are before stated all the continental officers, state
Militia Regts he can recollect
Never received any written discharge
That Elder Whitman Metcalf and Josiah Goodrich &
Elihu Rice & Ezra Nott Esquires are persons residing in
his present neighborhood who can testify to his character for
Smith & Veracity & their belief of his services as a soldier of the
Revolution. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever 
to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his
name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn & subscribed this 7th day
of December 1832
Ephraim Briggs his X mark
Noah P. Mayers Clerk
of Crt Common Pleas
Page 16

Erie County
State of New York} Ss
We Whitman Metcalf a Clergyman residing
in the Town of Sardinia and
Elihu Rice residing in the same place hereby
certify that we are well acquainted with
Ephraim Briggs, that we believe him to be
Seventy nine years of age; that we believe him
to be a man of truth and veracity, that he is
reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where
he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution
and that we concur in that opinion.
Whitman Metcalf
Elihu Rice
Sworn and subscribed this 4th Day 
of December in the year 1832 Josiah Goodrich
Ezra Nott Justice
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the
investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented
by the War Department that the above named applicant Ephraim Briggs
was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further 
certifies that it appears to them that the said Ephraim Briggs could not with
out too great expense and inconvenience produce his witnesses in Court to [illegible]
the certificate of the War Department and therefore permit him to annex the
foregoing certificate from before a Justice of the peace
And the Court further certifies that it appears to them from the
personal knowledge of some of the number of the Court that Whitman 
Metcalf who has signed & sworn to the foregoing certificate
is a most worthy clergyman resident in the town of Sardinia in
County of Erie & that Elihu Rice & Josiah Goodrich who
have signed the same are credible persons and that their &
each of their statements are entitled to credit.
I Noah P. Sprague Clerk of the said Court of Common
Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original
proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application
of Ephram Briggs for a pension. And I the said Noah P.
Page 17

Sprague further certify that Ezra Nott Esq whose names
appear to the date of the foregoing certificate & affidavit
of Whitman Metcalf Elihu Rice & Josiah Goodrich 
was on the day of the date thereof a Justice 
of the peace of the said County duly elected & sworn 
& authorized to act to act as such & that the signature 
to let said Jonah purporting to be his is the genuine
signature of the said Justice.
whereof I have hereunto set
my hand & seal of office this Seven
day of December in the year of
one Lord one thousand Eight Hundred thirty two
Noah P. Sprague Clerk
of Erie Common Pleas
[seal]
[illegible]
Ephraim Briggs
[illegible]
Ephraim Briggs
20396
Page 18

AWF
Om
Rev. and 1812 War Section
September 15, 1924.
Edith Liles,
Concord,
Mass.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 24664, it appears
that Ephraim Briggs was bron [born] May 13, 1753 in Cranston,
Providence County, Rhode Island.
While residing at Coventry, Kent County, Rhode
Island, he enlisted May 1, 1775 and served eight months
as a private in Captain Edmund Johnson's Company, Colonel
James M. Varnum's Rhode Island Regiment.
He enlisted September 1, 1776 and served three months
as a private in Captain Reuben Whitman's Company, Colonel
John Cooke's Rhode Island Regiment.
He enlisted October 1, 1777 and served one month as a
private in Captain William Roy's Company, Colonel John
Waterman's Rhode Island Regiment, and was in Spencer's
Expedition.
He enlisted August 1, 1778 and served twenty days as
Page 19

a private, & was in Sullivan’s Expedition on Rhode Island,
officers not stated.
He enlisted in the fall of 1778 or 1779 and served
fifteen days guarding the shores, and later served again
fifteen days guarding the shores, no officers stated.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
December 7, 1832, while a resident of Sardinia, Erie County,
New York, and he died there January 13, 1843.
Soldier married October 20, 1778 at Coventry, Rhode
Island, Nancy Burlingame, she was allowed pension on her
application executed August 13, 1844, while living at
Sardinia, New York, aged eighty five years.
Their children are referred to, but no names are stated.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Page 20

1910 Oct. 4 Hist to
Horace Briggs G. L. M.
1924 Sept 16- Hist to Edith Liles AWD
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 24664
Nancy Briggs
Wid of
Ephraim Briggs
Pri Rev War
Act: Feb 2d /48
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 92
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 21

11504
Nancy Briggs
N. Y.
Rejected
Let to Hon W. A. Mosley
Dec 8th 1844
Letts same Feby 17 ‘45
Let to Saml Lake May 10 ‘45
Let to Hon. Wm. A. Mosely
Feb 3 ‘46
Act 7th July ‘38
Page 22

No 11504
Act ’43 8567
Nancy Briggs Act  ’44 470
widow of Ephraim
N. Y.
Act 7 July 1838
Rejected [illegible] and
13th January 1843
admd act 3 March 1843
and 17 June 1844
13 mo 20 ds pri
$45.53 pri an
from 4 March 1843
Let W. A. Mosely April 16, 1846
Hon. W.A. Moseley
House of Reps
Page 23

7685
New York Albany
Nancy Briggs
widow of Ephraim Briggs
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
45 Dollars 53
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
20th day of April 1846
and sent to
Hon. W. A. Mosely
House of Reps
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
& 17th June 1844
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2. Page 71
Reported
Page 24

Mrs. Edith Liles
Concord. Mass
wants history of Rev. War pensioner
Ephraim Briggs - widow Nancy
W. 24664 - R. I. troops
Personal request Sept. 2 - 1924
Page 25

Nancy Briggs
Page 26

State of New York
Erie County SS George Edwards being duly sworn
according to law, on his oath says, that he is about
seventy seven years old, that he was born in the
State of Rhode Island, and during the Revolutionary
war resided in the Town of Situate joining the town of
Coventry in that State, that he was personally well 
acquainted Ephraim Briggs and Nancy Burlingame
before they were married; the deponent also knew
Jonathan Olen Esq. The deponent recollects the
time they were reported to have been married
but as he was not present cannot testify to the
fact, - The marriage of the said Ephram &
Nancy took place during the Revolutionary war, 
and soon after their marriage, the parties
lived together as Husband & wife, and have
always sustained that relation of until the
death of the said Ephraim Briggs, who
died in the Town of Sardinia in this
County about two years past as deponent
understood and believes. The Deponent further
says that he has visited the widow Nancy Briggs
since her husband died, in the Town of Sardinia
in this County, that he the deponent has been
acquainted with the parties ever since his
earliest recollections, and never heard any
report or suspicion against the legality of
their marriage, and that the deponent has no
doubt of their being legally married the
time above stated-
George Edwards his X mark
Sworn and Subscribed this
13th day of March 1845
Before me & I certify the
deponent is entitled to full
credit.  Wells Brooks
Justice of the peace in Erie Co. 
and I certify that the deponent cannot write in
consequence of a palsy or nervous affliction & therefore
made his mark in my presence
Wells Brooks J.P.
Page 27

A. M. Clapp, Printer
State of New-York,
COUNTY OF ERIE, } ss.
I, MANLY COLTON, Clerk of the County of Erie, and of the Court of Common
Pleas thereof, do hereby certify that Wells Brooks
Esq. whose name is subscribed to the
annexed affidavit & certificate was at the time of subscribing
the Same a Justice of the Peace in and
for said County, duly Elected and sworn, and acting as such. And further, 
that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice
and verily believe the
signatures to said affidavit & certificate to be his genuine signatures.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of the
Court of Common Pleas of said County, this 21 day of
March A.D. 1845.
Manly Colton Clk
Page 28

Mr. Mosely will please
keep this letter as it may
be wanted for reference, if
the claim is not allowed.
If the papers are informal
so were the papers
in the case of Mrs. Goodale 
S. Lake
Page 29

Pension Office
December 18th 1844.
Sir
The papers in the case of Nancy Briggs widow
of Ephraim Briggs, claiming a pension under the act
of July 7th 1838, have been examined and filed. If,
as the claimant alleges, there was military service
performed after the marriage the claim should
be asserted under the act of 4th July 1836, The
claim, as it now stands, is barred by the act of
April 30th 1844, which provides that “no pension
shall be hereafter granted to a widow for the same
time that her husband has received one”,
Ephraim Briggs’ pension was continued until
January 13th 1843, the day of his death, the
Act of July 7th 1838 expired on the 4th March
1841. If the claim should be asserted under
the act of July 4th 1836, additional proof is
required of the date of the marriage; and in
the absence of Town or church record evidence
the family Register, if any exists, or documentary
proof is the next best testimony. The service is
admitted. The same requisitions are made in the
[written in left margin]
Not certain that he served after marriage.
The same objections were made to the claim of Mrs. Goodale and the claim has been allowed.
Page 30

event of the claim being asserted under the acts
of March 3d 1843, and June 17th 1844, which may be
done if there was no service after the marriage.
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully,
Your obd’t Svt
J. L. Edwards
[written in margin]
Proof of Marriage is on file with papers,
by a sister who was present at the wedding
Hon. Wm. A. Mosely
House of Representatives
Page 31

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
July 1st 1844
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act
directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners,
and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States,” 
and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending
the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the 
pension agents, The widow of Ephraim Briggs, dec’d 
a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N. Y.
Agency, at the rate of forty five Dollars
and 53 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June
1832, has been paid at this Department, from the
4th of Sept. 1842, to the 13th Jany 1843.
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.
Page 32

Hs of Reps
Washington
26th Jany ‘46
James L. Edwards Esqr.
D Sir
I beg leave to hand you
herewith an additional affidavit in aid of the
application of Ruth Wilson for a Pension.
Permit me also to call
your attention to the case of Nancy Briggs
referred to in the accompanying letter of Samuel
Lake, and to request that you will at an early
day furnish me with your reply to the application, 
& at the same time where are Mr. Lake’s
letters enclosed herewith.
Most Respectfully
Your obet. Servt.
W. A. Mosley
Page 33

11,504
Nancy Briggs
N. Y.
Act July 7th ‘38
married prior to 1794
Rejected
L. D. 13 Jany ‘43
Rejected
Hon. W. A. Mosely
H R
Page 34

State of New York
Erie County SS Rebeca Briggs and Esther
Briggs being duly sworn according to law doth
on their oaths say, that Ephraim Briggs
of the Town of Sardinia, died on the 13th day
of January 1843. That Deponents attended the
funeral of the said Ephraim Briggs and
further say not.-
Rebecca Briggs her X mark
Esther Briggs
Sworn & Subscribed the 13th
day of August 1844
Before me & I certify the
Witnesses to be credible
Persons.
Bela H. Colegrove
A Judge of Erie County
New York,
County OF ERIE, } ss.
I MANLY COLTON, Clerk of the County of Erie, and of the Court of Common
Pleas thereof, do hereby certify that Bela H Colegrove Esq. whose name is subscribed to the 
annexed affidavits was at the time of taking the 
same a Judge of the County Court in and
for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and acting as such. And further, 
that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge
and verily believe the
signature to said affidavits to be his genuine signature.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of the
Court of Common Pleas of said County, this 12th day of
November A.D. 1844.
Isaac F Maltby Dep Clerk
Page 35

Nancy Briggs
Affidavit
The declaration and proof of marriage is on file in the Department.
Page 36

State of New York
Erie County ss. Nancy Briggs widow of
Ephraim Briggs deceased being duly sworn, on
her oath, in addition to the facts stated in her
Declaration made before Bela H. Colegrove Esq
a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in &
for said County for the purpose of obtaining a
pension of the United States, and in explanation 
of the same, says, she has no family
record of her marriage or other documentary
proof of the same, that she is not certain
her husband was in the service of the
United States after their marriage, but
he may have been out on some emergency
a few days. she therefore makes no claim
to a pension for life under the act of
July 1836, but intended in her declaration
and now claims a pension under the
act of July 7th 1838 and all other acts of
Congress passed since the passage of the
said act amending the same, or for the
benefit of widows in her situation - and
further says not.-
Nancy Briggs
Sworn & Subscribed
this 15th day of January
1845. Before me & I certify
the deponent to be the same
person above described, who
made her Declaration before
me as above stated-
[illegible] St Colegrove
A judge of Erie County Court
Page 37

A. M. CLAPP, PRINTER.
State of New-York,
COUNTY OF ERIE, } ss
I, MANLY COLTON, Clerk of the County of Erie, and of the Court of Common
Pleas thereof, do hereby certify that Bela H. Colegrove
Esq. whose name is subscribed to the
annexed deposition was at the time of taking
the same a Judge of the County Courts in and
for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and acting as such. And further, 
that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge
and verily believe the
signature Bela Colegrove to be his genuine signature.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of the
Court of Common Pleas of said County, this 24th day of
January A.D. 1845.
Isaac F Maltby Dep. Clk
Nancy Briggs
Affidavit
The Declaration and proof
of Marriage is on file
in the Department-
Page 38

State of New York
Erie County } ss:
On this 3d day
of July 1848, before the undersigned Justice of
the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized 
by law to administer oaths personally
appeared Nancy Briggs, a resident of 
Sardinia, in the County of Erie aforesaid, aged
ninety years, who being first duly sworn
according to law, doth on her oath make
the following declaration, in order to obtain
the benefits of the provision made by the act
of Congress passed on the 2nd February 1848
granting pensions to widows of persons who
served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Ephraim
Briggs, who was a private in the Revolutionary
War in Capt. Johnson's Company in (she thinks) Col. Varnums 
Regiment. lived in Coventry Rhode Island when he
Entered the army. (cannot give further particulars) -
That she received a pension of forty-five
($45.53) dollars & fifty-three cents, per annum 
under the act of June 17, 1844;
That her late husband removed from Coventry R.I.
in 1830, to Sardinia, N. Y. where he died in January
1843. That he her said husband drew a pension, but
cannot recollect the amount nor under what act.
all which is according to her best recollection 
and belief. And she further declares
that she is still a widow.
Nancy Briggs
Sworn to & Subscribed on ┃
the day and year above written 
before me }
Obadiah J. Green Justice of the peace
and I further certify that
I am personally acquainted with the
Above declarant-
Obadiah J Green Justice of the Peace
Page 39

STATE OF NEW YORK,
Erie County Clerk's Office. } SS.
I, MOSES BRISTOL, Clerk of said County and of the Court
thereof, do hereby Certify, that Obadiah J. Greene,
Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the annexed affidavit
and thereon written, was at the time of taking
the same a Justice of the Peace and said county duly elected sworn and acting
as such, and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said
Obadiah J. Greene and verily believe the signature thereto
to be his genuine signature.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court and County, this
Sixth day of July 1848.
M Bristol Clerk.
Page 40

State of Rhode Island
Providence County Ss. Esther Stone of Providence
in said County being duly sworn according to
law, doth on her oath say, that she is Eighty
years old, and is a sister of Nancy Briggs of
Erie County in the State of New York, (the widow
of Ephraim Briggs deceased,) that the said
Ephraim Briggs and her sister, whose maiden
name was Nancy Burlingame, were lawfully
married in the Town of Coventry in this
State in the fall of the year seventeen hundred
Seventy eight by Jonathan Olden a Justice of
the peace. The Deponent testifies to the date from
recollection, and to the marriage from her
own knowledge, being personally present and a
witness to the said Marriage and further says
not.
Esther Stone her X mark
Sworn and subscribed
this 26th day of September
1844. In presence of Samuel Lake
Before me -
Henry L. Rowen Justice Peace
I also certify the Deponent to be
a credible witness-
Henry L. Bowen Justice Peace
Page 41

[seal] State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations
Secretary’s Office Sept 26. 1844.
I Henry Bowen, Secretary of said State and
keeper of the Records and the Seal thereof
Do Certify that at the date of his official
Certificate annexed the said Henry Bowen
was a Justice of the Peace within the City of
Providence in the County of Providence duly
elected and Commissioned, as appears of record.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the Seal of said
State at Providence the day and year above
written.
Henry Bowen
Page 42

Gadsby's Washington
4th Apl. ‘46
James L. Edwards Esq.
Dr. Sir
You will greatly oblige me
if you will at your convenience make reply to the
inquiries contained in the accompanying letter.
Very respectfully
Your Obed servt
W. A. Moseley
Page 43

Hse of Reps
Washing 1 Feby ‘45
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Dr. Sir
I beg leave to hand you
you herewith papers in relation to the applications 
of Ruth Wilson and Nancy Briggs
Pensions, and remain very respectfully
Your obed servt
Wm. A. Moseley
Page 44

State of New York
Erie County } ss. Stukely Hudson being by
me duly sworn according to law on his oath
says, he is sixty nine years old the 29th day
of November last. That he is a son of Stukely
Hudson who was a captain of a troop of
Horse in the Revolution, and resided in the
State of Rhode Island, the the Commissions
of his Father and some of his arms and
accouterments worn by him in the Revolution
and now in possession of the family. 
that the Deponent well recollects many
incidents which took place during the latter
part of the revolution. recollects seeing his
Father in uniform and the Horse he rode
when in the service, that his Father and
Ephraim Briggs lived near neighbours in
the town of Coventry in the State of
Rhode Island, and deponent was intimately acquainted
with the family. The Deponent well
recollects that the said Ephraim & Nancy
Briggs lived together and sustained the relations
of husband and wife and had a family of
children previous to January 1794, that the
Deponent frequently visited the children of
the said Ephraim & Nancy Briggs at their
House, when he was a child and previous
to that date; that the deponent has been
acquainted with the family ever since that
period, and that the widow Nancy Briggs
now resides in this town. Sardina in
said County.
Stukely Hudson
Sworn and Subscribed
this 28th day of March
1846 before me, and
I certify the Deponent is a respectable citizen
and is entitled to full credit and belief -
Obadiah J. Green Justice of the Peace
Page 45

State of New York
Erie County Ss
Robert Andrews being duly sworn
according to law on his oath says, that he is 63
years old last November, that he was born in
Warwick Rhode Island and when deponent was 14 years old
his Father and family moved into the town of
Coventry in that State, that he then became
acquainted with Ephraim Briggs and family
of that town, that the said Ephraim and
Nancy Briggs lived together and sustained the
relations of Husband and wife and had several
children, two or three of whom were older than
this deponent, that the said Ephraim Briggs
and the Father of deponent were neighbours
and were well acquainted with each other -
The Deponent has been well acquainted
the said Ephraim Briggs until his death
and that his widow Nancy Briggs now
resides in the town of Sardinia in this
County.
Robert Andrews
Sworn and Subscribed this
28th day of March 1846
Before me and I certify the
Deponent to be a respectable
Citizen & entitled to full credit
and belief -
Obadiah J. Green, Justice of the Peace
Page 46

State of New-York,}
COUNTY OF ERIE.} ss.
I, MANLY COLTON, Clerk of the County of Erie, and of the Court of Common Pleas thereof, do hereby certify that Obadiah J Green Esq., whose name is subscribed to the annexed affidavit was at the time of taking & subscribing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected and sworn, and acting as such.  And further, that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Obadiah J Green and verily believe the signatures to said affidavits to be his genuine signatures.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of the said Court of Common Pleas and of said County, this first day of April A. D. 1846
Manly Colton  Clerk.
Page 47

March 26, 1845.
Addl to case Mary Briggs
Stamped:  BUFFALO NY  MAR 21
J L Edwards Esq.
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 48

Springville Erie Co. NY
March 17 1845

J L Edwards Esq
Comr. of Pensions

Sir--I herewith enclose you another afft. in relation to the marriage of the Wd. of Ephraim Briggs, whose papers are on file in the Depart. In your Letter of 17. Feb. last to Mr. Moseley our member, is among other things stated, that if Nancy Briggs is unable to furnish documentary evidence of her marriage with Ephr. Briggs, there should be no difficulty in a densly populated country like that of New England States in establishing by the most respectable and intelligent citizens, the relation of husband & wife prior to Jany. 1794 between the parters who were married as early as 1778. With the papers on file you will see that the widow has no family record, and the Certificate of the Clerk of the Town, that there is no town record. The affidavit of a sister [illegible] the marriage & that she was present at the time, witness certified to be a creditable person.

It is very difficult to obtain living witness, for a marriage that transfered as early as 1778. The [illegible] G. Edwards is 77 years old, and could not be over 10 at the date of the marriage, but being personally well acquainted with the parties at the time, and ever since (as they both emigrated from that state about the same time) I think his recollections and testimony ought to be satisfactory, as he is a respectable man, and the Statement corroborates the truth of the declaration of the widow & her sister.

Doubtless other like affidavits might be obtained in Rhode Island, but it [illegible] he attended with delay & expense, & the pension, if allowed, is but a small one & can not be [illegible] but a few years at most, and unless allowed soon the widow may never receive[?] the [illegible] payment.

Please review the case and communicate to
Your obt. Servt.
Samuel Lake
Page 49

I Benjamin Greene of Coventry in the County of Kent and State of Rhod island and Providence Plantation Being Seventy two years of age and being Engaged according to Law, testify and Say that I was well acquainted with Ephraim Briggs formerly of Coventry but now Living Sardinia in the County of Erie in the State of new york I was a soldier with him in the Revolutionary war from Sometime in September 1776 untill Sometime in December 1776 it being the term of three mounth we was under Capt Reuben Whitman in Crlonel John Cooks Ridgment we served in Rhod island untill the British came in and then we went to Tiverton and served the remainder of our term and further the Deponent saith not
Benj. Greene
Kent Sc
Coventry November 12th 1832
Personally appeared Benjamin Greene Subscriber to the above Deposition and made oath to the truth of the same before me the Subscriber and I further certify that the above Deponent is a man of truth ^and verasity [veracity] with whom I am well acquainted this Deposition taken by request of Ephraim Briggs, by ^me with presence of the Deponant
Ebenezer Johnson Jr. Just Peace
Benj. Greene fee $0.44
Ebenezer Johnson .25
$0.69
Page 50

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Kent ss  I Christopher Johnson Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State within and for said County of Kent hereby certify that Ebenezer Johnson is a Justice of the Peace within and for the town of Coventry in said County that the signature within written purporting to be his is the proper hand writing of said Johnson and that full faith and credit are due the official attestations of said Johnson
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this second day of January AD 1833 at East Greenwich
Christopher Johnson  Clerk
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Kent ss  Coventry  November the 21st 1832
This may Certify that Ebenezer Johnson Jur. Subscriber to the within written Certificate is now an officiating Justice of the Peace within and for the Town of Coventry
Witness my hand and Seal at said Coventry the day and year above written
Asa Stone  Clerk of the Court of Probate of said Town
Page 51

The Deposition of Joseph Rice of Coventry in the County of Kent in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations aged Seventy four years being engaged acording [according] to Law testify and say that in the month of May AD 1775 I enlisted into a Company Commanded by Capt Edmond Johnson in a Regt Commanded by James M. Varnum and that Ephraim Briggs then of said Coventry [had enlisted crossed out] but now of Sardinia in the County of Erie in the State of New York had enlisted into said Company before I did we were to serve eight months and soon after we enlisted said Company Marched to join the army near Boston and the said Ephraim Brigg[s] served his time out in said company and we were stationed near Boston during said time in General Greene Brigade and that in the month of October AD 1777 the deponant and said Briggs both belonged to a Company of Militia Commanded by Capt William Roy in a Regt Commanded by Coll John Waterman in what was called Spencer's Expedition to take Rhode Island we went to Tiverton and served one month
Joseph Rice
State of Rhode Island &c.
Kent sc-  at Coventry on the 20th day of November AD 1832-  Then the above deposition was taken and sworn to before me-  would certify also that the deponent is a person of good character for truth and veracity
Samuel R Hopkins Justice of the Peace
Page 52

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Kent sc   I Christopher Johnson Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of said state within and for said county of Kent hereby certify that Samuel R Hopkins whose name is within written is a Justice of the Peace within and for the town of Coventry in said County that the signature aforesaid purporting to be his is the proper hand writing of said Hopkins and that full faith and credit are due the official attestation of said Hopkins
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said court this second day of January AD 1833 at East Greenwich
Christopher Johnson  Clerk
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Kent sc  Coventry  November 21st 1832
This may Certify that Samuel R Hopkins subscriber to the within Certificate is now an officiating Justice of the Peace in said Town of Coventry
Witness my hand and seal at said Coventry the day and year above written
Asa Stone Clerk of the Court of Probate of said Town
Page 53

The Testimony of Benjamin ^Sweet now Residing in the town of Foster in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island &c being engaged according to Law, and in the Seventy Seventh year of his age who saith that I was a Soldier in the Revolutionary war (with Great Britain) and was in said Service in Captain Edmund Johnsons Company & was stationed near Boston for eight months and that Ephraim Briggs was a Soldier with me in the same Company the whole time of said eight months we served that tour in the year 1775-  I also state that in the year 1776 we went on to newport Island at the time the British come in there we were then under the Command of Captain Reuben Whitman we served three month in that tour a part of the time being ^at Tivertown, the said Ephraim Briggs being with me that tour also, our Ridgment [Regiment] at that time was Commanded by Col John Cook.  and further the said Benjamin Sweet saith not-
his signature [hand drawn X] Benjamin Sweet
State of Rhode Island &c
Kent sc  Coventry  November the 19th A. D. 1832
Personally appeared the above signed Benjamin Sweet and made solemn oath to the truth of the above statement  Before me
Asa Stone  Just. Peace
State of Rhode Island Kent ss:
I Asa Stone the Justice of the peace before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken hereby certify that Benjamin Sweet also subscribed & swore to the former is a credible person
Asa Stone  Just. Peace
Page 54

Benjamin Sweets fees $0.52
Justices fees - 0.25
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Kent sc  Coventry  November the 21st - 1832
This may Certify I the Subscriber of the within Certificate am now an officiating Justice of the Peace within and for the town of Coventry
Witness my hand and Seal at said Coventry the day & year above written
Asa Stone  Clerk of the Court of Probate of said Town
Page 55

State of Rhode Island Kent ss
I Christopher Johnson Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for said county of Kent do hereby certify that Ebenezer Johnson Junr Esq before whom the annexed affidavit of Benjamin Green was sworn was on the day of the date of the Jurat thereto a Justice of the peace in & for said County; duly sworn & authorized to act as such and that the signature to the certificate or Jurat following said affidavit is the genuine signature of the said Justice.
And I do further certify that Samuel R Hopkins Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit of Joseph Rice is sworn was on the said 20th day of November 1832 a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly sworn & authorized to act as such and that the signature to the certificate or Jurat following the said affidavit is the genuine official signature of the said Samuel R Hopkins Esquire
And I do further certify that Asa Stone Esq before whom the annexed affidavit of Benjamin Green was sworn was on the said 19th day of November 1832 a Justice of the peace in & for said County duly sworn & authorized to act as such and that the signatures of the said Asa Stone to the certificate or Jurat following the said affidavit & to the certificate of credibility following the same are both the genuine official signatures of the said Justice
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of office this second day of January AD 1833
Christopher Johnson  Clerk
The Seal should be made by putting wafers on the paper over it & putting under the paper the tape so as to have the ends of the tape pass under the Seal thereby preventing the tacking on of any papers after the seal affixed
Page 56

I Anthony Tarbox of Coventry in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island, Town Clerk of said Town of Coventry do certify that I have by virtue of my office custody of the Records of said Town.  That I have examined the records of the Marriages which have taken place between the years of 1770 and 1800 and I cannot find record of the marriage of Ephraim Briggs and Nancy Burlingame.  And I further certify that I have reason to believe that many marriages have taken place in said town during and since the war of the Revolution which have never been recorded
Coventry September 26, 1844
Anthony Tarbox
Town Clerk
State of Rhode Island &c.
Kent ss, Personally appeared before me the above named Anthony Tarbox, known to me as the Town Clerk of Coventry aforesaid and made oath to the truth of the certificate by him signed-
Coventry Sept. 26-1844-
Russell Briggs
Public Notary
Page 57

51 Johnson Park
Buffalo, N. Y., Sept. 21. 1910.
Pension Bureau,
Washington. D. C. 
Messrs Officials;-
The undersigned is desirous to ascertain the pension record of Ephraim Briggs whose name was on the pension list for Erie County ^ N. Y. up to the year 1831.
Please to send a record of the desired information to the address given above, and oblige
Yours respectfully
Horace Briggs
Stamped:  SEP 24 1910
Stamped:  SEP 30 1910
14497