Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22,177, Aden Briggs, Mass.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Mass.   
Briggs, Aden   
Seavey, Abigail 
or Nabby   
(Former Widow)

NUMBER
W.22,177.
B.L.Wt.78534-160-55

CONTENTS
Page 2

5841.
Maine,  4

Aden Briggs,
private  War
Massachusetts line  2 years, 6 mos
in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War

Inscribed on the Roll of the District of Maine
at the rate of 8 - Dollars per month, to commence on the 3rd of April 1818

Certificate of Pension issued the 26 of Jany 1819
and deld R. C. Vose

Arrears to 4th of Sep. 1818. 5 mo. 1/30 - 40.26
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4. March 1819.     48.00
                                                                _______
                                                                $88.26

{Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818.}

Starks,

Continued

Notification sent December 20. 1820 to
R. C. Vose  Augusta, Maine
died Feb. 14, 1828;
from A. B.
Page 3

281.555  Act Mar 3 / 55
                  Sept 21/I 59

Abigail Seavey         
Former widow of
Aden Briggs Decd.
Private
 (Written across the above paragraph:) 
78.534 Issued March 6th.. /58

Revolutionary War
Ad: 160 acres March 5/58
Boynton,

Me Ins '38

William. Allen Esq.
(Norridgewock 
Maine crossed out)
Care Hon: F.H. Morse.
Ho: Rep:

Set: Wm. Allen. Oct. 2d./57,

(Written sideways on page:)
Mar. 11/58. Set to Hon. F. H. Morse H R. relearning letter of Wm. Allen ast. JP
"12" Set to Hon W.P. Fessenden, U S. Senate,
another (illegible) (illegible) of warrants J.P.
Page 4

6442
Maine

Abigail Seavey Forty 
widow of Adin Briggs
Mass
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 1st day of July 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of June 1858.
and sent to 
Hon. F.H. Morse
H of R

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 
February 2, 1848, Page 154. Vol. H

Increased from $80.00
Page 5

A

Abigail Cowen
was married to 
Adin Briggs April the 
16 on (illegible) tuesday
at the age of 
17. 1790
Page 6

Aden Briggs. Starks
Somerset Co. pt Vose's.
Mass. Reg 1781. to 1783
2years 6 mo.

April 3. 1818.

Admitted
Page 7

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

I Adin Briggs, aged fifty five was born in Stoughton, in the State of Massachusetts, a citizen of the United States, but now a resident in Starks in the District of Maine, upon oath testify and declare that, I enlisted as a private solider in April 1781. for a period of three years into the service of the United States upon the continental establishment into the company commanded by Cap. Marshall, and regiment commanded by Col. Joseph Vose of the first regiment Massachusetts line.  I fully served out the period of my enlistment, and took my honorable discharge at West Point in November 1783 - my discharge I have not preserved - I am indigent and in need of the bounty of Government, and I hereby relinquish all my claim to any pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the United States, if any, but I am not to my knowledge borne on any Pension list whatever.

I request that I may be placed on the Pension list for the District of Maine.

        his
Adin X Briggs
       mark

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kennebec ss

On the third day of April AD 1818, Adin Briggs above named, after having been carefully examined, made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him signed, the same having been first distinctly read to him - Before me.   Nathan Weston here.

Chief Justice C. Court
Com Pleas, second Eastern Circuit
Page 8

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I Matthew Fowler of Unity in the District of Maine of lawful age, upon oath testify and declare, that I am well acquainted with Adin Briggs above named.  I know that he enlisted for three years, and served as he has above stated, as I served in the army with him.  He is indigent and in need of the bounty of the government and sustains the character of a man of truth.
Matthew Fowler

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kennebec ss.
On the third day of April AD 1818, Matthew Fowler above named, after having been carefully examined, made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition, by him subscribed
Before me Nathan Weston Chief Justice C. Court
                             C. Pleas second Eastern Circuit
Page 9

STATE OF MAINE.

County of Somerset ss.
On this twelfth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty Eight personally appeared before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, Abigail Seavey (formerly Abigail Briggs aged Eighty six years, now a resident of Lexington (lately of Anson) in the County and State aforesaid, who, being duly sworn according to law, on oath declares that she is the widow of Adin Briggs deceased, who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Marshall in the Regiment of Infantry commanded by Colonel Vose in the war of the Revolution, in the Massachusetts line who was pensioned under the act of Congress of March 18 1818 and continued under the Act of May 1. 1820 at the rate of ninety six dollars a year

That he died at Anson, Maine on the fourteenth day of February 1828 as will appear by the records of the War Department & Pension Office she presented and particularly in the papers filed when she obtained the balance of pension due at his decease in 1828

She further states, that she was married to the said Adin Briggs in Readfield in Maine on the sixteenth day of April A.D. 1790 by one Robert Page Esq a Justice of the Peace; now dead who has left no record of her marriage that she can find that she then lived at Sandy river in an (illegible), and that her name before her said marriage was Abigail Cowen; that her said husband died at Anson (Me) on the fourteenth day of February A.D. 1828 and that she afterwards intermarried with John Seavey who died
Page 10

on the twenty first day of August. 1857 and that she is now a widow; that she went with her fathers family to Sandy river 1786 that at the time of her marriage there was no magistrate minister or other public officer in the place and she had to go a long distance to be married & after marriage lived with her said husband till he died

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty land to which she may be entitled under the Act of Congress, approved March 3d, 1855.  Referring to the papers filed with her claim for pension for additional proof.  She has heretofore made application Before Judge White in September last & this is intended to correct any errors in that,  And for the purpose of this application, I, the said Abigail (formerly Abigail Briggs now Abigail Servey do hereby constitute and appoint Willam Allen of Norridgewock in the State of Maine, my true and lawful Attorney, for me, and in my name, to demand and receive from the Secretary of the Interior, a warrant for the quantity of land due me as aforesaid: and I fully authorize and empower him to constitute and appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purpose therein expressed, hereby ratifying and confirming whatever my Attorney or his substitutes may lawfully do in the premises.

           her
Abigail X Briggs
          mark

We Cyrus F Judkins and James Young residents of Lexington in the County of Sommerset and State of Maine on oath depose and say, that the foregoing declaration and Power of Attorney was signed and acknowledged by Abigail Seavey (formerly Abigail Briggs) in our presence, and we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant, and our personal knowledge of her for manty years past, that she I the identical person she represents herself to be in her declaration.  We know that she was the reputed wife of Adin Briggs a Revolutionary Pensioner in his life time a resident of Starks and who died in Anson in 1828 and that she is now a widow
                 {Cyrus F Judkins
Witnesses {James Young

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me, on the day and year first above written, by Abigail Briggs the declarant above named, and by Cyrus F Judkins and James Young witnesses above named, 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.  That I have no interest in the claim
Joseph F. Boynton Justice of the Peace.
Page 11

amended application
of Abigail Seavey
for Bounty land
No 281.555
Sep 21.1857

William Allen
Norridgewock
Page 12

Norridgewock, Maine, Feb. 17. 1858.

Mrs. Abigail Seavey widow of John Seavey & and formerly wife and widow of Aden Briggs a Revolutionary Pensioner, and applicant for Pension and for Bounty land, being apprehensive that the application for Bounty Land executed by her before Hon. David White Judge or Probate at her residence in Anson in Maine in September 1857, was not drawn up so fully as it ought to have been done; as she was not allowed sufficient time to state all the facts in the case, has made out a new application in order to supply any defects, or to correct any  discrepancies  which she herewith sends to the Pension Office to be substituted  for her original application if that is defective and refers to the evidence accompanying her claim for pension in support of her claim for Bounty Land.

Respectfully,
William Allen
for Abigail Seavey

Hon George C, Whiting
Comr of Pensions
Page 13

Abigail Seavey
appn. for pension
act of 1836 &c.
widow of 
Adin Briggs
Rev pensioner
No. 5841
act of 1818



Returns to be made
to William Allen
Norridgewock
(Me)
Page 14

State of Maine}
County of Somerset,} ss

On this twelfth day of September AD 1857, before the undersigned Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the county aforesaid at a special Court holden at Anson in said county, personally appeared in open Court Abigail Seavey (formerly Abigail Briggs a resident at said Anson aged Eighty three years, as widow of Adin Briggs deceased who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United Stated, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit f the Act of Congress passed July 4 1836 and the subsequent Acts and regulations explanatory thereof

That she was married to said Adin Briggs on the 16th day of April 1790 by Robert Page Esq a Justice of the Peace that her name before marriage was Abigail Cowan; that her said husband was a private in the Revolutionary war and served in Capt. Marshall's Company in Col. Vose's Regiment in the Massachusetts Line seventeen months, and died at Staks in Maine of the 14th of February 1828. and was at the time he died a Pensioner of the United Stated under the act of 18th March 1818 That his pension certificate was dated Jan. 26:1819 No. 5,841 that she is his widow after his death received his arrearage of pension form September 4. 1827 to the time of his death Feb. 14. 1828.

For the proof of her said husbands service as above stated and of her marriage she refers to his original declaration and the evidence there to corrected; and her own declaration and proof of marriage & widowhood thereto annexed supposed to be on file in the Pension Office, and to the paper & affidavits
Page 15

She further declares on her oath, that in 1833 she intermarried with John Seavey and was thereby prevented from claiming a pension under the Act of 1836 during his life that said John Seavey her last husband, died which on a visit at Lexington, Maine, on the twenty first day of August, Eighteen hundred and fifty seven, and that she is now a widow aged and infirm, confined to her house, where the Probate Court is now holden; that she a record of her marriage in her bible. 
Witness
           her
Abigail X Seavey
          mark

Sworn to and subscribed in open Court before me: and I certify that the declarant is a credible witness that I have inspected a family record in her bible where her marriage with said Adin Briggs is entered as follows

Said Declarant is very infirm David White, Judge.

Abigail Seavey
widow of
Adin Briggs
app for pension
Page 16

We William B Merry and john Bray residents of Anson in the county of Somerset & State of Maine on oath depose and say that the foregoing declaration was signed and sworn to in our presence that we believe the statements of the applicant are correct; from our intimate acquaintance and personal knowledge of her for many years; and our knowledge of said Adin Briggs her first husband, and from their family record which we have seen, we believe that they were married at the time she states: we knew that said Adin & Abigail lived together as husband and wife until he died that they raised up a large family of children; that some time after the death of said Adin Briggs, his widow the said Abigail intermarried and lived with John Seavey till he died while on a visit at Lexington a neighboring town in said county; that his death took place on the twenty first day of August last past; that his body was brought home and buried at Anson we were not both at the funeral both of us
Wm B Merry
John Bray

Prob. Court
County of Somerset ss. September 11 & 15 1857
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court before me; and I certify that the Deponents are intelligent credible witnesses
David White Judge
Page 17

I Abigail Seavy was Eighty Six years old the 3 day of August last past that I removed to the new settlements on Sandy River in 1786; and Aden Briggs came there in 1789, commenced clearing land near my Fathers; and in the spring 1790 We concluded to be married; but there was no person living in the settlement qualified to marry persons and we went to Readfield 25 mile to be married and were there married by Robert Page Esq who has been dead many years, I know of no person living that was present at the marriage I have caused the records of the town to be examined and can find no public records of our marriage and can find no records made by said Justice I made a record of it myself in an imperfect manner in my bible many years ago, and am now told it was first written apparently 1780 & altered to 1790  I know that I was in my ninteenth (nineteenth) year of my age when we were married and that I had two children born in Wedlock after I was married and before the first day of January 1794  Our oldest daughter Suria born Aug 29 1790 was married to John Skillins and is now dead, I am informed that her name was recorded Lucy as appears in the town records; the oldest son John Briggs died at Burlington in the war of 1812 in Oct 1813 when wanting but a few weeks of being twenty one years old I have lived in Farmington Starks and Anson and now in Lexington I am totally Blind
Carried over
Page 18

My original declaration was taken by Judge White while I lived in Anson in Sept last I am informed that my age was not put down incorrectly being written Eighty three instead of Eighty Six I have had eleven children by my first husband Aden Briggs who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and a Pensioner of the U.S. when he died in Feb 1828 that William W Dinsmore administrator on his estate obtained for me the balance of my husbands pension, my children are all dead but two and one of them is unable to take care of himself, I was married to John Seavey in Starks and he died on the ___ day of August 1857 I now live in Lexington a remote corner town in the County of Somerset and am wholy (wholly) unable by reason of age and infirmity to go about to look up evidence I commenced life in the early settlement of the county when there was no town regulations and no Magistrates within a long distance and some who attended to business did not make records or returns of their doings at all I was usually called Nabby when young
Lexington     attests Cyrus Judkins
           her
Abigail X Seavey
          mark

State of Maine county of Somerset ss  
On this first day of February 1858 personaly (personally) appeared Abigail Seavy named above in her sound mine by me known & made oath to the above declaration by her subscribed before me Attest  
Joseph. F. Boynton Justice of peace
Page 19

I Margaret B Young of Lexington Somerset county State of Maine an Sixty three years old have from by early childhood known Aden Briggs & Nabby as we called her; his wife, I do hear certify that Suria their oldes (oldest) daughter and John their oldest son and Nancy the second daughter were all older than myself   I furthermore testify that Abigail Seavey the widow of John Seavey now of Lexington was the Identicle (Identical) wife of Aden Briggs the Revolutionay pensioner who died in Anson in 1828 formerly called Nabby by many; & further deponent saith not
Margaret B Young

Lexington
State of Maine County of Somerset ss
on this first day of February 1858 personaly (personally) appeared Margaret B Young above named an intelegent (intelligent) creditable witness by me well know and made oath to the above deposition by her subscribed before me
Joseph. f. Boynton Justice of peace
Page 20

A transcript of the record of Births in the town of Farmington County of Franklin, State of Maine; to wit:

"Adin Briggs."
Lucy + Cowen, daughter of Adin & Nabby * Briggs
 born in Farmington  August 29. 1790

John, son of do & do, 
born in do,  November 29. 1792

Nancy, daughter of do & do,
born in do,  March 21, 1795


Adin, son of do & do,
born in do,   January 14. 1798

Rachel Tilton, daughter of do & do,
born in do,  November 4 1800

James Cowen, son of do & do
born in do,  August 3 1803"

Attest
R.S. Rice Town Clerk

I, R. S. Rice abovenamed, depose and say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town, county, and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town
which are made in fair, legible words and figures, as above certified by me.
R.S. Rice {Town Clerk of Farmington

State of Maine, County of Franklin, s.s.  On this twenty seventh day of November 1857 before me Joseph A. Linscott Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared the above named R.S. Rice, Town Clerk of Farmington, in the county aforesaid, and made oath that the above certificates by him subscribed are just and true.
J.A. Linscott. Justice of the Peace

*meaning Abigail}
+ meaning Susey for Susan}
Page 21

437
Adin Briggs Starks

5841
March 1829
6th
Declarations to be
Made in the Court
of [illegible] County where
the applicant resides

Robert C. Vose, Augusta
Maine
Page 22

State of Maine.
KENNEBEC COUNTY, ss.
On this twenty third day of June, 1820, personally appeared in open Court before the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, being a Court of Record for said Counties, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having original jurisdiction, unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Aden Briggs aged fifty three years, resident in Starks in the County of Somersett (Somerset) within said Circuit, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. in the Company commanded by Captain Marshall and Regiment commanded by Colonel Vose of the line of the State of Massachusetts upon the Continental Establishment, for the period of seventeen months

that his original declaration was made before Judge Weston on the third day of April 1818; that his is now on the Maine Roll, and that his pension certificate is numbered 5.841. And I, the said Aden Briggs do further solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of the act of Congress entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred eighteen; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
       his
Aden X Briggs
       mark
Witness Asaph Nichols

The following is a Schedule of my whole Estate and income, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, viz;

One old horse worth not more than ten dollars old household stuff besides necessary bedding of the value of five dollars, one axe and one 
 scythe worth two dollars.
I have no debts due to me, and I owe as much as Three hundred dollars. My income from the above is nothing. My occupation is a laborer, but from infirmity having a very bad rupture, am unable to do any hard labor. My family consists of myself, my wife Abigail aged forty five years, a very weakly person and unable to work, and has been fifteen years past. My daughter Rachael aged eighteen years, my son James aged fourteen years, my daughter Abigail aged twelve years, my son Jedediah aged ten years, my son Jeremiah aged eight years and my daughter Thankfull aged six years, a very sickly child. Except for the foregoing and my necessary clothing & bedding I have no estate or income whatever. 
       his
Aden Briggs 
       mark
Witness Asaph Nichols
Page 23

Subscribed Sworn to and declared both the oath and schedule on the twenty third day of June 1820 
Before me 
Nathan Weston
C. J. C. C. C. Pleas 

A true copy
Attested John Davis Clk.

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the original oath and schedule filed in the Clerk's office at Norridgewock in the county of Somerset Nov 8, 1820
Attest. William Allen Clerk of Courts Somerset Co.
Page 24

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

November 7, 1930

Mr. W.K. Briggs
1465 Midland Avenue
Bronxville, New York

Dear Sir:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.22177, that Aden or Adin Briggs, the son of Samuel, was born in Stoughton, Massachusetts, date not given. His mother's name is not stated.

He enlisted, place not given, in April, 1781, served as a private in Captain Marshall's Company, in Colonel Tupper's and Colonel Vose's Massachusetts Regiments, and was discharged in November, 1783.

In 1789, his father and family removed to the Sandy River settlement (later Farmington), Massachusetts, (Maine). Sometime during the War of 1812, Aden Briggs removed to Starks, Somerset County, Massachusetts (Maine) and about 1821, to Anson, adjoining town to Starks, in Somerset County, Maine.

He was allowed pension at the rate of $8 per month on his application executed April 3, 1818, at which time he was aged fifty-five years and resided in Starks, Massachusetts (Maine). In 1820, he stated that he was fifty-three years of age, no explanation made for this discrepancy in age.

(Written in the right margin:)
1818 
55 
------
1763 

1820 
53 
------
1767 

The soldier married April 16, 1790, at Readfield, Massachusetts (Maine) Abigail or Nabby Cowan or Cowen. She was born August 1, 1761, and was the daughter of Ephraim Cowan, who, with his family had moved to the Sandy River settlement in Massachusetts (Maine) in 1786. Both Adin Briggs and Abigail Cowan were residents of the Sandy River
Page 25

settlement at the time of their marriage.

He died February 14, 1828, at Anson or Starks, Maine, and his widow married in 1833, John Seavey, who died at Lexington, Main, August 21, 1857.

She was allowed pension on account of the services of her first husband, Aden Briggs, on her application executed September 12, 1857, at which time she was residing in Anson, or Lexington, Maine.

Aden and Abigail Briggs had eleven children, the names of ten of the children follow, the name of the other child is not shown.

Susan or Susey   born in Farmington, Massachusetts (Maine),  August 29, 1790, married in March, 1815, John Skillings, who in 1857, was aged sixty-five years and resided in Somerset County, Maine. Susan died in November, 1827.  Her name was erroneously written on the town records of Farmington as Lucy.

John  born in Farmington, Massachusetts (Maine)
November 29, 1792. John served as a private in Captain Adams' Company, Colonel Lane's Regiment in the War of 1812, and died in the service, October 3, 1813, at Burlington, Vermont.

Nancy  born in Farmington, Massachusetts (Maine)
March 21, 1795. She died young, date not given.

Adin  born in Farmington, Massachusetts (Maine)
January 14, 1798. Was deceased in 1857.

Rachel Tilton  born in Farmington, Massachusetts (Maine) November 4, 1800. Was deceased in 1857.

James Cowan born  in Farmington, Massachusetts (Maine) August 3, 1803. In 1857 was residing in Anson, Main.
 
Abigail, was aged twelve years in 1820, married Cyrus F. Judkins and was living in Lexington, Maine, in 1857.

-2-
Page 26




Jedediah  was aged ten years in 1820, deceased in 1857.

Jeremiah  was aged eight years in 1820, deceased in 1857.

Thankful  was aged six years in 1820, deceased in 1857

Very truly yours

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.

-3-
Page 27

Rev 
WIDOW, &c.

File No.  22, 1777
Abigail Seavey 
Former widow of
Adin Briggs 
Pri Rev war

Act Feb. 29. 48
Index: Vol. M, Page 201
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1930 - Nov 7. Hist. to 
W. E. Briggs - EEL 
1937 July 26. W. E. Briggs 
ref. to the Gen. Acct 
office: A.D.Y.
Page 28

9705
Maine

Abigail Seavey - forty - 
widow of Adin Briggs - 
who was a private
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of 80 Dollars 00 - 
Cents per annum, to commence
on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued 
the 11th day of June 1858 - 
and sent to 
Hon. F H Morse
H R

[Acts of March 3, 1843, and
June 17, 1844.]

Recorded in Book H
Vol. 1. Page 134.
Page 29

6.442
Maine

Abigail Seavey forty - 
widow of Adin Briggs.
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars 00 -
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848. and
end 30th June 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 
11th day of June 1858.
and sent to
Hon F H Morse
H. of R.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 154 Vol. H
Page 30

11.870
Maine

Abigail Seavey formerly
widow of Adin Briggs
who died on the 24 Feb. 1824.
of ____ in the State of ____
who was a private in the ____ commanded
by Captain ____ of the ____ commanded by ____ in the Revolution 
line for ____

Inscribed on the Roll of Portland
at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 - Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of 
March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of 
June 1858 - and sent to 
Hon. F.H. Morse. H. of R.

Arrears to the 4th of ____
Semi-annual allowance ending ____

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 7, 1838.}

Recorded by G.T. Getty Clerk.
Book H. Vol. 1. Page 113.
Page 31

No 15,477.

Abigail Seavey
formerly widow of
Aden Briggs.
Maine

Let. W. Allen Sept. 22/57
Same Oct 4/57
" Nov: 10/57
" Jany: 20/58
Hon: F.H. Morse Mch: 5/58

Act: July 7. 1838
Page 32

78.534

160 acres
Page 33

Schedule.
Ma: 16" Apl. 90
Died 14" Feby : 1828 2 chidrin (children): 2 chidrin (children): & death (illegible) (illegible), I think.  Know the (illegible) wereof to be married 90. had to go to Redfield (Readfield), to be married (illegible) in the town I think (illegible) in 92, they were living together I think as man & wife I to death (illegible):
she drew Adens of pension - (illegible) And: Reports on 24 & 28 Feb: Certif: of Town clerk of Farmington, Me: that they had a child born in Aug: 90, Nov: 92 & 2 to rep: 1 Co: in 90 & she to Birth of chidrin 90

will Ad: under Act/53.
Page 34

Washington D.C.
27" December, 1856.

Dear Friend Forney.
I have just returned to the City, after an absence of some two months & find matters quiet.
Page 35

State of Maine.
I William Allen, Esq. Clerk for the County of Somerset of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the second Eastern Circuit, embracing the counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and that the original was exhibited in open Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, including debts due to the declarant therein stated, is twenty dollars; and not deducting therefrom the amount of what the declarant owes, as set forth in said Schedule, the value of said property in the opinion of said Court, is twenty dollars

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this Eighth day of November 1820.

William Allen Esq, Clerk of said Court for the County of  of Somerset
Page 36

State of Maine}
County of Somerset} ss I certify that the Honorable David White is Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said county and that the signatures to the documents hereto annexed purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of the State for the county aforesaid on this fifteenth day of September AD. 1857
Stephen D. Lindsay Clerk
Page 37

State of Maine
Somerset ss:
I S.D. Lindsey, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for said County of Somerset in the State aforesaid here by certify that Joseph F. Boynton Esqr. before whom the foregoing proceedings were had, was at the date of his certificate and now is a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and qualified for said County and that his signature thereto is genuine.
Witness my hand and the Seal of our Supreme Judicial Court for Said State this Seventeenth day of February A.D. 1858.
S.D. Lindsey, Clerk
Page 38

Printed and for sale by Foster & Gerrish, Advertise office, Portland.

STATE OF MAINE.

County of Somerset ss.
On this fourteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven personally appeared before me, the subscriber, Judge of Probate in and for the County and State aforesaid, Abigail Seavey (formerly Abigail Briggs aged Eighty three years, a resident of Anson in the County and State aforesaid, who, being duly sworn according to law, on oath declares that she is the widow of Adin Briggs deceased, who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Marshall in the Regiment of Infantry commanded by Colonel Vose in the Massachusetts line in the Revolutionary war and served during the period of seventeen months as will appear by the records of the war department & by the declarations of said deceased and the evidence in the Pension Office

That he was placed on the Pension Roll January 19. 1819 under the Act of Congress of March 18th 1818 at the rate eight dollars per month and continued on the pension list till he died at Starks in said county on the fourteenth day of February A.D. 1828 as will appear by the records of the Department; and by the evidence filed in the Pension office when she obtained the arrearage of said pension

She further states, that she was married to the said Adin Briggs in Readfield (Maine) on the sixteenth day of April A.D. 1790 by one Robert Page a Justice of the Peace of the county of Lincoln, now deceased, and that her name before her said marriage was Abigail Cowan; that her said husband died at said Staks as above stated on the fourteenth day of February A.D. 1828 and that afterwards she was married to John Seavey who died at Lexington in Maine on the twenty first day of August last past AD 1857: and that she is now a widow.  She also declared that she has not received a Warrant for Bounty land, under this or
Page 39

any other Act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor, and believes that her said husband never applied for or received Bounty land under any Act of Congress, in his life time.

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty land to which she may be entitled under the Act of Congress, approved March 3d, 1855.

And for the purpose of this application, I, the said Abigail Seavey formerly Abigail Briggs do hereby constitute and appoint William Allen of Norridgewock in the State of Maine, my true and lawful Attorney, for me, and in my name, to demand and receive from the Secretary of the Interior, a warrant for the quantity of land due me as aforesaid;  and I fully authorize and empower him to constitute and appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purpose therein expressed, hereby ratifying and confirming whatever my Attorney or his substitutes may lawfully do in the premises.
Witness David White
           her
Abigail X Seavey
          mark

We I William B. Merry and John Bary residents of Anson in the County of Somerset and State of Maine on oath depose and say, that the foregoing declaration and Power of Attorney was signed and acknowledged by Abigail Seavey formerly know by Abigail Briggs in our presence, and I believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant, and my personal knowledge of her for many years past, that she is the identical person she represent herself to be in her declaration.  and we know that said Adin Briggs & Abigail Briggs lived together as husband & wife till he died; that they had a large family of children; that after his death he intermarried with John Seavey who died August 21. 1857
Wm B Marry
John Bary

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me, on the day and year first above written, by Abigail Seavey the declarant above named, and by William B. Merry and John Bray witnesses above named, and I certify that I know the affiant to be a credible person, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.  I have seen a record of the marriage of said Adin & Abigail in her family bible as she has stated
David White Judge of Probate
Page 40

281-555
Abigail Seavey
appn for bounty land
as widow of 
Adin Briggs
Revol Pensioner
Deceased

Returns to be made
to William Allen
Norridgewock
(me)
Page 41

State of Maine, County of Somerset ss
On this fifteenth day of September AD 1857. before me Judge of Probate of the county of Somerset personally appeared in open Court Hiram McLaughlin a resident of Starks in the county of Somerset State of Maine aged fifty four years, being first sworn according to law testify that I was well acquainted with Adin Briggs who was a Revolutionary pensioner during his lifetime; He lived near where I did from my earliest recollection to the time when he died near thirty years age:  I know that he lived with Abigail Briggs all that time as husband and wife and that they had a large family of children: that after the death of said Adin Briggs, his widow was married to John Seavey and lived in an adjoining town till he died a short time since.  I heard of his death but did not attend his funeral; that said Abigail formerly the wife and widow of said Briggs, is now a widow by the name of Abigail Seavey
Hiram McLaughlin

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me and I certify that said deponent is a credible witness & well known
David White} Judge of Probate
Page 42

State of Maine}
County of Somerset} ss.
Be it known that on this seventh day of September A.D. 1857 before be William Allen a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid duly Commissioned and qualified, personally appeared Mrs. Abigail Judkins a resident of Williamsburgh in Maine aged forty nine years being first sworn, according to law testifies on oath that she is the daughter of Adin Briggs and Abigail his wife that her father the said Adin Briggs died at Anson in Maine on the fourteenth day of February 1828, that he was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the time when he died: that she has seen a record of her father & mothers marriage in an ancient family bible; that they lived together as husband and wife till he died; that her mother about five years after the death of her father was married to John Seavey and lived with him till he died on the twenty first day of August 1857.  That her mother as the widow of her father the said Adin Briggs applied for and obtained the arrearage of his pension from September 4. 1827 to February 14. 1828. But was prevented from drawing a pension under later pension laws, by reason of her second marriage; that her second husband said John Seavey is deced and she is now a widow.
Abigail Juskins

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me
William Allen Just Peace.
Page 43

State of Maine, County of Somerset ss: At a Special Court of Probate at Anson in said county September 14th 1857
I William B. Merry a resident of Anson in the county of Somerset aforesaid aged forty eight years being first duly sworn according to law, depose on oath that I was well acquainted with Adin Briggs who was a Revolutionary pensioner under the Act of March 18. 1818 now deceased: I know that his widow Abigail Briggs some years after his death intermarried with John Seavey and lived near me till he also that said John Seavey died on the twenty first of August 1857 I was at his funeral; that said Abigail is now a widow.  I have examined the family bible of said Abigail and find there's a record of her marriage with said Adin Briggs as follows: 
Married at Readfield}
Adin Briggs to Abigail Cowan.")
Wm B Merry

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first above written.  The deponent is an intelligent credible witness I saw and inspected the family record which is as above stated.
David White, Judge
Page 44

no. 15.477 

additional evidence
in the case of 

Abigail Seavey an
applicant for Pension
under Act of July 7. 1838
and for 
Bounty Land for claim
No 281.555 filed Sept 21.1857

No public record to be found
see Town Clerk of Readfield's
affidavit filed Oct 14. 1857

Enclosed are
1. Copy of Record of Births
of children per Town Clerk
of Farmington, Maine
2. Do & affidavit of Hon Judge
Parker former Twon Clerk.
3. Affidavit of Thos. Wendell Esqr.
4. Do of Jno Skillings a son in law.
5. Do of Wm Allen app's agent
6. Com's. notice of want of
satisfactory evidence &c.
heretofore offered - 

Returns to be made 
to William Allen
Norridgewock
Maine

(Written upside down on opposite page:)
Mrs Seaveys
case as
widow of
Adin Briggs
Page 45

Pension Office
Act. 14. 1857

Sir:
In order to perfect the claim of Abigail Seavy under act of July 7, 1838 it must be clearly shown that she was married before January 1794.  The entry on the leaf cut from the family bible cannot, be relied upon for this purpose, as it does not appear to have been made at the time of the marriage, but on the contrary, would seem to be comparatively a recent entry.  Application should be made to the clerk of the town in which the marriage took place, and if no public records of the marriage can be procured of him, then the ages of the children satisfactorily established might suffice to fix the date with the required certainty

The claim might be admitted under the Act of February 3. 1853, upon the present proof.
A am, very respectfully,
Your Obt. Servant.
Gro C Whiting
Commissioner

W. Allen, Esq.
Norridgewock
Maine.
Page 46

Town of Farmington}
County of Franklin}  November 23 1857.

I, R.S. Rice Clerk of the town of Farmington certify that the following is a true copy from the Records of births in said town, viz

Aldin Briggs
Lucy+ Cowen, daughter of Adin & Nabby*
Briggs, born in Farmington, August 29 1790
John, son of do & do, born in do, November 29 1792
Nancy, daughter of do & do, born in do, March 21 1795
Adin son of do & do, born in do, January 14 1798
Rachel Tilton, daughter of do & do, born in do, November 4 1800
James Cowen, son of do & do born in do, August 3 1803
Attest 
R.S. Rice Town Clerk
{* meaning Abigail}
{+ meaning Susey for Susan}

State of Maine}
County of Franklin} s.s.  Before me Joseph A Linscott, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified, on this twenty third day of November 1857 personally appeared Thomas Parker Esq. a resident of Farmington in said county aged Seventy four years being a worthy citizen well known by me and a competent and credible witness who being first sworn according to law, declares on oath as follows, I was well acquainted with Adin Briggs, I came into this town in 1791. and soon after became acquainted with said Briggs living within two miles and frequently visited at his house. and was conversant with him and his family. when I first became acquainted with him he was living as a married man with a wife and family, I was well acquainted with his wife's parents, who lived in my immediate neighborhood - I have been the Clerk of the town of
Page 47

Farmington for eight or ten years and have compiled a history of the town, I am acquainted with all the older families that have lived in town and have charge of the town Records after the foregoing record of the births in Adin Briggs family were made, and know there is no other family in town to whom the said record belongs that the Adin Briggs with whom I was acquainted - and who I verily believed married Abigail (or Nabby) Cowen previous to 1791.
Thamas Parker

Sworn and Subscribed to before me
J. A. Linscott, Justice of the Peace
Page 48

State of Maine.

COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, SS. - 
I, Isaac Tyler Clerk of all the Judicial Courts holden within and for the County of Franklin, hereby certify that J.A. Linscott Esquire before whom the annexed proceeding were had, and who has thereto affixed his genuine signature was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace, in and for the said County of Franklin, duly commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and credit are due in all his official acts done as aforesaid.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our Supreme Judicial Court at Farmington, this twenty third day of November Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven

Isaac Tyler
Page 49

State of Maine}
County of Franklin} s.s.  Before one Thomas Parker, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified on this twenty third day of November 1857. personally appeared Thomas Wendell Esq a resident of Farmington in said county aged eighty seven years being a person by me well known and a worthy, competent, credible and disinterested witness, who being first sworn according to law declares on oath, as follows

I was well acquainted with Adin Briggs and Abigail Cowan who in 1790 lived at Sandy River within the limits of the present town of Farmington.  I came to this town in 1786, and worked as a carpenter, learning my trade of Moses Starling Esq who resided in this town  I became acquainted with Adin Briggs a year or two after I came to this place He was employed by my uncle to work on his farm and I worked with him  After he was married I visited his house and saw him frequently as a neighbor, I frequently employed him to work for me and I verily believe that said Adin Briggs and Abigail Cowan were married as early as 1790 for I know that they lived together as husband and wife and raised up a family of children in this town.
Thomas Wendall
Page 50

Franklin ss.
The within deposition was subscribed and sworn to the day and year within written, the deponent being a creditable and disinterested witness
Before me
Thomas Parker Justice of the Peace

STATE OF MAINE

COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, SS. - 
I, Isaac Tyler Clerk of all the Judicial Courts holden within and for the County of Franklin, hereby certify that Thomas Parker Esquire before whom the annexed proceeding were had, and who has thereto affixed his genuine signature was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County of Franklin, duly commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and credit are due to his  official acts done as aforesaid.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our Supreme Judicial Court, at Farmington, this twenty third day of November Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven
Isaac Tyler
Page 51

State of Maine}
County of Somerset} ss.  Be it known that on this twenty eighth day of November 1857 before me William Allen a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared John Skillings a resident at Dead river settlement in a remote corner of the said county aged Sixty five years, a person by me well known an intelligent and credible witness who being first sworn according to law testifies as follows, to wit "I was well acquainted with Adin Briggs decd. in his life time; who was a Revolutionary Pensioner at the time he died:  He died at my house in Anson, in February 1828 I was also well acquainted with his wife Abigail (sometimes called Nabby) whose maiden name was Abigail Cowan: I know that said Adin & Abigail lived together as husband and wife for more than thirty years before he died and raised up a family of ten children namely 1. Susan (or Susey) who was my wife born August 29, 1790 (according to a memorandum in a bible given her by her father when she was married) she died in November 1827 aged thirty seven years, I was married to her in March 1815 - 2d John who was a private in Capt Adams' company in Col Lanes Regt in the war of 1812 and died in the service at Burlington, Vt. Oct. 3. 1813 being then twenty one years old wanting eight weeks.  I was a private in the same company at the time at Plattsburg 3. Nancy who died young: 4" Aden Jr. who is dead 5. Rachel F. dead 6 Jame C now living at Anson, a very infirm person 7th Abigail who now takes care of her mother living at Lexington 8th Jedidiah who is now dead 9th Jeremiah who has been dead twenty years 10th Thankful now dead, all the children being dead but James C & Abigail" I further testify that said Abigail Briggs after the death of her husband Adin Briggs married John Seavy who decd. in August 1857 that she is now living with her daughter Abigail and is a widow
Page 52

I have no interest in the claim of said Abigail Seavey for pension or Bounty land
John Skillings

Travel 90 miles & allowance one day $6.40

Sworn and Subscribed on the day and year first above written before me
Attest William Allen Justice Peace

I certify that the above deponent is an intelligent and credible witness highly respected by all who know him
William Allen Just Pea

See Clerk's Certificate and seal of the S J Court attached to other papers in the above case.
Page 53

I William Allen a resident in Norridgewock Maine born in Chilmark Massachusetts April 16. 1780 as appears by our family record: and the record of the town: testify on oath that I removed from Chilmark with my father's family September 10. 1792 and arrived at Sandy river in Maine (now Farmington) September 26. 1792 that a record of our removal was made in our bible at the time and the date afterwards inscribed on my father's tombstone: that we settled within three miles of the place where Adin Briggs and his reputed wife than lived and soon became acquainted with them: that I continued to live there more than five years and know by personal observation & by common report that they had several or at least two children born prior to 1795: and I removed from that place to an adjoining town & thence to Norridgewock where I have resided ever since April 1. 1813: (that I have been an acting magistrate, (Justice of the Peace & Quorum more than forty eight years last past; was Clerk of all the Courts of the county of Somerset from Feb. 1813 to Jany 1. 1825 and became extensively acquainted with all the older inhabitants of the county) I often heard of the above named Adin Briggs during his life time I knew that he removed into this county fifty years ago I saw him occasionally and did business with and for him several times: I was Clerk of the Courts when he made his supplementary declaration & schedule of property state & names of his wife and children on oath in open Court in order to be retained on the pension list under the Act of May 1. 1820, I copied and certified his papers to the Pension Department under seal of the Court that I preserved his original papers in my custody till Sept 1857 & sent same to Pension Office I had notice of his death when he died and did some business for his widow Abigail Briggs after he died: I knew by
Page 54

statement made by John Seavey in his life time that he had married the widow of Aden Briggs: which was confirmed by common report and by her brother Jaes Cowan who spoke of her as his sister and of Seavey as his brother in law in April 1887, when I was drawn into a tedious law suit by being Co. Surety with Seavey for said Cowan on a Jail Bond.  And I have the most satisfactory evidence of the identity of said Abigail as being the wife of Aden Briggs when I first became acquainted with them in the fall of 1792, and that she is now a widow.  I have no interest in the result of said Abigail's application for Pensions of for Bounty land nor any lien thereon for services or expenses.
William Allen

State of Maine County of Somerset, ss
Be it known that on this 28th day of November 1857 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified to administer oaths William Allen above named a person by me well known, a credible witness and made oath to the above affidavit by him subscribed

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year first above written
Dennis Moore Justice of the Peace

See Clerks certificate & seal attached to the certificate of Dennis Moore as Justice of the Peace on other papers filed in the case
Page 55

Additional evidence
in the case of
Abigail Seavey a
claimant for Pension
under act of July 7. 1838
as widow of Adin Briggs
filed Sept 21. 1857
No. 281.555 -

Recd. Land Warrant dated May 6th. 58
1 affidavit of Hon
Thomas Parker
2. Do of Town Clerk
of Farmington

The signature of the
Justice &c is verified by
Clerk under seal of the
Court, attached to other 
Depositions filed in the case

Returns to be made 
to care of William Allen
Norridgewock me.
Page 56

State of Maine}
Franklin County} s.s.  Personally appeared before me Joseph A. Linscott, a Justice of the Peace within and for the said county Thomas Parker Esq. a competent and credible witness, who having first been sworn according to law testifies on oath
 
I was personally acquainted with Adin Briggs in his life time.  I have served as selectman and Assessor in the town of Farmington 19. years and a Town Clerk 8 years and have been Judge of Probate for the County of Franklin 7 years, during which period I became personally acquainted with all the families in the town, In 1846 I prepared and published a history of the town of Farmington with a brief account of all the early settlers, I then ascertained that this Briggs' family came to this place about the year 1789 That the father Samuel Briggs afterwards removed to an adjoining town, and I am confident no other Adin Briggs ever lived in this town, and I am satisfied of the identity of this man as the reputed husband of Abigail Seavy, who is now a widow and an applicant for a pension.
Thomas Parker

Subscribed and sworn to on this second day of June 1808 before me
J.A. Linscott. Justice of the Peace
over
Page 57

State of Maine}
Franklin County} s.s.  Personally appeared before me Joseph A. Linscott, a Justice of the Peace within and for the said county Richard S. Rice the town clerk of Farmington in said county, who having first been sworn according to law, testifies on oath, that the following is a correct transcript from the Records of births in said town of Farmington, in record and figures, as follows,
Adin Briggs
Lucy Cowen, daughter of Adin and Nabby
Briggs born in Farmington - August 29. 1790.
John, son of do & do born in do November 29. 1792.
Nancy, daughter of do & do born in do March 21. 1795.
Adin, son of do & do born in do January 14. 1778.
Rachel Tilton daughter of do & do born in do November 4. 1800
James Cowen, son of do & do born in do August 3. 1803.
and I further testify that the name of no other Adin and Abigail Briggs can be found on the said records, and by common report I believe the said Adin Briggs was a Revolutionary Soldier, that he removed from this town to Starks prior to 1818, and that he died many years ago a revolutionary pensioner - 
R.S. Rice Town Clerk.


Subscribed and sworn to on this second day of June 1858 - 
before me  J.A. Linscott Justice of the Peace.
Page 58

If the Town records of the Town which have the births of Abigail & Adin Briggs' children recorded, show that there was no other Adin & Abigail Briggs a resident thereof, & a certificate to that effect is filed, the claim will be admitted.

The claim is admissible under act 7" July, 38. if the examined proof is filed.
Boynton
Page 59

additional evidence
in the case of
Abigail Seavey
applicant for pension 
as widow of Adin 
Briggs decd. a Revolutionary
Pensioner Act of Marh 18
1818 -

Claim filed & examined 
Sept 21. 1857 & addl. evidence,
required

To be used also in
application of same
date for Bounty land
No 281.555 - 

Returns to be made
to William Allen
Norridgewock
Page 60

State of Maine}
County of Somerset} ss  On this thirtieth day of September A.D. 1857 personally appeared before me William Allen a Justice of the Peace within and for the county aforesaid Cyrus F Judkins a person by me well know, a son in law of Adin Briggs deceased who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States at the time of his death; who being first sworn according to law testifies and says that he was well acquainted with the above named Adin Briggs in his life time: that he is now aged forty nine years and is a resident at Lexington in said county; that his wife Abigail Judkins formerly Abigail Briggs was the daughter of said Adin Briggs, who died at Anson in said county on the fourteenth day of February 1828.  I was intimately acquainted with him and his family at that time and married his daughter the next year:

That said Briggs left a widow Abigail Briggs whose maiden name was Abigail Cowan; that she after his death intermarried with John Seavey and lived with him in Starks and Anson in said county till he died: that the said John Seavey died at said Lexington of the twenty first day of August 1857. while on a visit at Lexington and was carried to Starks and there buried August 28. 1857.  That he left the said Abigail Seavey his widow; and who was the widow of said Adin Briggs before her marriage to said John Seavey that after the death of her last husband, she moved
Page 61

to my house in said Lexington and is now living with me a widow and has remained a widow ever since the death of said John Seavey her last husband.

That the annexed leaf marked A was taken out of the family bible of said Adin & Abigail Briggs in my presence at my house with the consent of said Abigail (now Abigail Seavey) to be sent to the pension office to furnish all the record evidence she has of her marriage with said Adin Briggs and to support her claim to a pension & Bounty Land.

I further testify that the arrearage of said Adin Briggs pension from Sept 4. 1827 to Feb 14. 1828 was collected and received from the pension agent of the United States by William W. Dinsmore administrator and paid to said widow:  That I know of no other family record (illegible) said Adin or said widow.
Cyrus F. Judkins

Subscribed and sworn the day and year first above mentioned before me
William Allen Justice of Peace

I certify that the above named deponent is an intelligent and credible witness
William Allen Just Peace
Page 62

I Ancil Seavey a sone of John Seavey late of Anson deceased aged thirty five years being sworn according to law certify that the foregoing deposition of Cyrus F. Judkins was taken in my presence and read to me that the facts therein stated, or the material facts all happened within my knowledge and are stated correctly: I have often seen the old family bible and saw the leaf taken from it containing a record of the marriage of Adin Briggs with my mother in law: who is now a widow
witness Cyrus F. Judkins
        his
Ancil X Seavey
       mark

State of Maine}
Somerset County} ss  Sept 30. 1857 Subscribed and sworn to before me by the above named Ancil Seavey
William Allen Just Peace
Page 63

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

To the Honorable the Secretary of the Department of War of the United States.

I the subscriber, being Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, embracing the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, do hereby certify to your Honor, that Adin Briggs, a citizen of the United States, now resident in Starks, in the said County of Somerset, in the District of Maine, on the third day of April, A. D. 1818, made application to me to receive his declaration under oath, and such other evidence, as was in his power to produce; and to transmit the same, and the proceedings had thereon, to your Honor; that he might be placed on the pension list of the United States, agreeably to the provisions of an Act, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed March 18, A. D. 1818, which declaration, and the other evidence produced by the said applicant, is hereunto annexed.

And I do further certify to your Honor, that after a full examination of the said applicant, and a careful consideration of the evidence in the case, it appears to me that the said applicant did serve as a private soldier, in the war of the revolution, until the end thereof against the common enemy, upon the continental establishment, and for more than nine months, as stated in his declaration aforesaid; and that from his reduced circumstances, he needs the assistance of his country for support.

IN TESTIMONTY WEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the Court in which I preside, to be hereunto affixed, this twenty second day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.

Nathan Weston Jun C. Just
C.C.C. Pleas 2d E. Circuit
Page 64

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

KENNEBEC, ss.

The Subscriber, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts, held within the said County of Kennebec, hereby certifies, that the Honorable Nathan Weston, Junior, Esquire, before whom the annexed proceeding were held, is Chief Justice of the Circuits Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, embracing the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset; and that by the direction of the said Judge, I have affixed unto his Certificate bearing his signature, the seal of the said Court in which he presides.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand: Dated at Augusta, in said County of Kennebec, this tenth day of June, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
John Davis
Page 65

Additional evidence
in support of the claim
of Abigail Seavey
for Pension
& Bounty Land
No 281.555
Sept 21. 1857
Page 66

Readfield Oct. 21st./57

Mr Wm. Allen
Dear Sir. I have examined the records of Readfield and can find no record of the marriage of Adin Briggs with Abigail Cowan.  The Earliest record that we have that I can find is 1791
Yours Resp
G.M. Fillebrown

My bill is .50

I hereby certify that I have the custody of the records of the town of Readfield. and have made an examination for the record of the marriag (marriage), of Adin Briggs with Abigail Cowan. and cannot find any such Record

Attest
G. M. Fillebrown
Clerk of Readfield

State of Maine.
Kennebec ss. October 21. 1857.
Sworn to Before me
Enert O. Bean Jus. Pace.
Page 67

State of Maine}
Franklin County} ss.
On this twenty fourth day of October 1857. personally appeared before me, the undersigned, Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, Thomas Wendall, a resident of Farmington in said county, aged 87 years, and being first sworn according to law, made oath that he was well acquainted with Adin Briggs, who formerly resided in said town, and known by common reputation at the time, that he married Abigail Cowan, about the year 1790, or before January 1794; that they lived together as husband and wife, within the limits of the same township in which I then lived; that the place was new and unincorporated, and no Justice, or Minister authorized to solemnize marriages, lived in the town, till after 1790, and when persons were married, they went to Readfield, or some town twenty miles distanced.

I know that said Briggs and wife, after living together in this place several years moved to some other town.  
Thomas Wendall

Subscribed and sown to before me
Thomas Parker Justice of the Peace
Page 68

Farmington Oct 24. 1857
Dear Father,
I called upon Judge parker and took him up to Esq. Wendall's who recollected the circumstances concerning Adin Briggs very well and knew that they were married about the year 1790 - and told many anecdotes of Briggs and the Cowans the Judge thought the enclosed affidavit would be sufficient Expenses for horse 50 cents Clerks certificate 25 cents, Judge Parker would take nothing for his trouble - he recollected himself that they were married when he came here

STATE OF MAINE
COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, SS. - 
I, Isaac Tyler Clerk of all the Judicial Courts holden within and for the County of Franklin, hereby certify that Thomas Parker Esquire before whom the annexed proceedings were had, and who has thereto affixed his genuine signature was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Franklin, duly commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts done as aforesaid.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our Supreme Judicial Court, at Farmington, this 24th day of October Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven
Isaac Tyler Clerk
Page 69

State of Maine}
County of Somerset,} ss.
On this twenty seventh day of October 1857 before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared William Allen a resident of Norridgewock, in said county aged seventy seven years and six months who being first sworn according to law declares upon oath that he became acquainted with Adin Briggs and his wife Abigail in the latter part of the year 1792 they were then living together as husband and about half of a mile from her father Ephraim Cowan 's house in a new settlement on Sandy river unincorporated (now Farmington in the State of Maine)  I further state that I went to that place with my fathers family and settled on a lot adjoining the lot on which said Ephraim Cowan & his family then lived, said Cowan was our nearest neighbor during the first year and in that time one of his sons married a girl who went to Maine with my fathers family: that soon after we arrived at the place we became well acquainted with that family and it was well understood by everyone that Abigail a daughter of said Ephraim Cowan was the wife of said Adin Briggs: I lived at that place till October 1797 five years, and after I left the place I often heard of said Briggs living in other places with his said wife and know that they had a large family of children that they lived together till he die in Anson in 1828
Page 70

And I know that in July 1828 said Abigail received by her husband administrator William W Dinsmore Esq. that balance of her husbands pension and the identical person by name of Abigail Seavey formerly the widow of Adin Briggs now the widow of John Seavey is an applicant for pension & Bounty Land.  I have made inquiry & can find no public record of the marriage.

I further testify that I have good reason to believe and do believe that said Adin Briggs & Abigail Cowan were married on the sixteenth day of April 1790. the time stated by her in their bible in her hand writing; and I believe that said entry is of ancient date, because she is now totally blind and has been unable to write for many years: and because it is a matter of history that all who were married in the Sandy river settlement up to the time she states she was married had to go to Readfield twenty miles or to other places more distant to get married: that no person resided in the settlement who was authorized to marry persons till sometime in 1790. when a magistrate was appointed who resided in the settlement who married all that applied to him in 1791 & afterwards so that none were then compelled to travel twenty or thirty miles to get married.
William Allen

Sworn to and subscribed
Before me Dennis Moore Justice of Peace
Page 71

State of Maine]
County of Somerset} ss.  I, S.D. Lindsey, Clerk of the Judicial Courts for said County, hereby certify that Dennis Moore Esq before whom the proceedings foregoing were had, was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature thereto is genuine.

Witness my hand and the Seal of our Supreme Judicial Court for said County this twenty Seventh day of October A.D. 1857
S.D. Lindsey, Clerk of said Court.
Page 72

78534-160
Get me the case of Abigail Seavey
for: wid: Adin Briggs on Ad: files
for 160 ac. - To Arthur

281555
Washington March 8th 1858.
Hon G C Whiting
Com of Pensions

Sir
I have the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of a Land Warrant for Mrs Abigail Seavey Please return the letter of Mr Wm Allen her agent.  The letter was sent to your office by me

Will you also return the letter of Mr Marson when you send me his Land Warrant

Very Sincerely
Yours &c
F.H. Morse
Page 73

House of Representatives March 2d 1858
Hon Geo C Whiting
Comr of Pensions

Sir
I herewith communicate a letter from Wm Allen in reference to a claim for bounty Land made in Sept last Will you please report to me the state of the case, & state what, if any thing, is wanting to complete the proofs.  The parties named in the letter are highly respectable & above any attempt to mislead

Very Sincerely
Yours &c
F.H. Morse
Page 74

Senate - March 9. 1858

Sir - 
Will you be pleased to inform me whether the additional proof required in the case of Abigail Briggs, applicant for pension & bounty land, No. 281555 has been received and whether there is now any difficulty in allowing the same.
& oblige in
Yours respy
W P. Fessenden

Hon Geo. C. Whiting

78.534
160
Page 75

Pension Office
Dec:16'/57

Sir,
Be pleased to Certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid on the date of his death.
Yours Respectfully,
S. Cole
for Commissioner.

Re: J. Atkinson Esqr.
Third Auditor
(illegible)
Page 76

3d. Auditor's Office
Dec. 17. 1837

Sir:
Aden Briggs, Maine
Act of 8 Mar. 1818. at $8. -
per month, died 24
Feby 1828. His pension
has been paid in full 
to that date.
very Resp'y
Rob J Atkinson
Auditor

Hon G. Whiting Esqr. 
Coms of Pensions
Page 77

Pension Office
September. 16" 1857.

Gentlemen,

Upon proof being filed which will clearly show that Samuel Winchester was a pensioner
Page 78

Washington Apl 3d 1858
Hon GC. Whiting
Comr Pensions

Sir
I herewith communicate a letter from William Allen & additional testimony in the case of Abigail Seavey widow of Alden Briggs

It seems to me the fact of her marriage with Briggs prior to 1794 is sufficiently made out.  Mr Allens statement above would be taken as sufficient proof wherever he is known.  In the early settlements where the records of such events as marriages were then but imperfectly kept parol testimony must be relied on he has produced two credible witnesses, & it seems hard that in her helpless old age, after having given a son to her country in the war of 1812 she cannot get the pension due her for her husbands services in the war of the Revolution
Page 79

because she cannot produce record evidence of her marriage, the fact of which I presume was never before doubted. Should this justice be denied her that respectable old matron will not have a very exalted idea of her country's justice & her last hours would be embittered by the reflection that her rights have not only been denied her, but that it has been denied on the grounds that she is suspected of living a life of concubinage & having, by one man, eleven illegitimate children
Very Sincerely
Yours &c
F.H. Morse
M.C.
Page 80

Norridgewock June 5, 1858

I William Allen of Norridgewock Maine certify that I went to Sandy River settlement (now Farmington Maine in 1792 to reside; arrived there Sept 26. 1792 when I was twelve years old and soon became acquainted with Adin Briggs and Abigail his wife commonly called Nabby Briggs a daughter of Ephraim Cowan our nearest neighbor, who lived on a lot of land adjoining the lot I lived on: I soon became well acquainted with Mr Cowan's family; One of his sons James Cowan in 1793 married Rachel Tilton a girl who went from Massachusetts to Maine with my father's family: - I was appointed Clerk of Courts for Somerset county in Feb. 1813 and moved to this place April 1. 1813 that said Adin Briggs & wife & family removed to Starks eight miles distant from my residence the same year where he resided when he was placed on the pension list under Act's of March 18. 1818 & May 1. 1820: I was Clerk of the Courts when he applied for pension under those acts & certified his papers.

I continued to be acquainted with him as long as he lived and after he died I assisted his administrator in obtaining the balance of pension due said Abigail his widow - she afterwards intermarried with John Seavey I knew him well as long as he lived he is now dead & in consequence of a long acquaintance the said Abigail Seavey, last September employed me to assist her in obtaining Bounty Land & the Pension due her under the Act of July 7. 1838 She has obtained her Land Warrant and her claim for pension is still pending.

I have a good reason to believe that she was married to said
Page 81

Adin Briggs as she says she was who was a Revolutionary soldier & pensioner as I have to believe that Genl Washington was married to that beautiful widow Martha Custis - I know that they were living together as husband & wife in Decr 1792 with two children: I never heard a doubt expressed by any one of the fact & they continued to live together from the time I first knew them in 1792 till he died in 1828 - The births of their children show that they were married prior to Jany 1. 1794 - 

The widow has paid all expense of obtaining evidence in support of her claim and her only daughter living has promised to pay me for my services; no part or portion of said pension to my knowledge is pledged to any one as an inducement to support her claim.  I have not seen her for many years; but I am told that she is totally blind; and is now supported by her only living daughter.

I have given two or three depositions in her case, which by some rule of the Department are laid aside inasmuch as I act as her Agent in forwarding the papers. -

I know of no person who has so much knowledge of the history as I have; all her early associates are dead; except one brother who has given his deposition in the case

Judge Parker's testimony is unimpeachable - 

William Allen

JS Hon F. H Morse
Page 82

Brief in the case of Abigail Seavey formerly widow of Adin Briggs.
Somersett County and State of Maine.
act 7th July.1838.

Clain, ("original,")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was pensioned under the act of 18" March, 1818 & Continued under the Act of May. 1st 1820. @ the rate of #96. Per Annum.  One witness testifies the parties left the house of claimants father to get married in 1790. that they had to go some 25 miles to find a magistrate. it was in a new Country, they returned & ever after sustained the relation of husband & wife. Four aged & credible witnesses testify they knew the parties as early as 1792. some of them as early as 1790 & one as early as 1786. that they had a child born to them in 1790 & one in 1792. that they lived and cohabited together as man & wife from 1790 & were universally reputed to be man & wife. that they raised a large family of Children. A certificate from the Town Clerk of Farmington, Maine, shows that the births of the children of Adin & Abigail Seavey, were recorded in that town, that the record shows they had children born in the years 1790, 1792, 1795, 1798, 1800 & 1803.  The clerk also Certifies that there was but one Adin & "Naby" Briggs who 

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

resided in said town in 1790 & that no other person, of the name of Adin & Naby Briggs has resided in said town since 1790.  The witnesses aforesaid testify that the claimant & her husband resided in said Farmington from 1790 to 1817.  Several Credible witnesses testify claimant's husband was a pensioner.  One witness says he rec his application for a pension & proof is filed that claimant rec his arrears of pension after his death.  The soldier in his declaration under act 1st May. 1820. recognized the claimant as his wife.  Soldier died 24th Feb: 1828 as appears from parol proof & report of their Auditor.  Claimant was married again in 1838 & her second husband died in 1857. (Aug: 23") as appears from the evidence of credible witnesses. Widowhood & identity is established by several credible affidavits, Admit for #80 per An: (her husband having served on 2 ys.) under Acts 7" July. 1838, 3d. March 1843. under joint resolution of that date?
S.C. Boynton,
Examining Clerk.

Hon: Freeman H. Morse,
Ho: Rep:
Page 83

House of Reps April 23d 1858
Hon Geo C Whiting
Com of Pensions

Sir,
Some weeks since I forwarded to your Department additional testimony in the case Elizabeth Brigs, This I think was the name, an applicant for a Revolutionary pension She is of Norridgewock Maine & Wm Allen is her agent there.  Please inform me if any decision has been arrived at in her case - Also how the application of Hannah Tunner, widow of William for a Bounty Land Warrant has been disposed of her case is No 211842 Wm Turner was a Soldier in the war of 1812
Very Sincerely
Yours &c
F.H. Morse
Page 84

House of Reps June 8/58
Hon G.C. Whiting
Com of Pensions

Sir
I herewith transmit the evidence required at your office to complete the testimony in the case of Abigail Seavey

As all the testimony asked for is now before you I respectfully ask that the case may be at once passed upon that the necessary papers may be forwarded without unnecessary delay
Very Respectfully
Yours &c
F.H. Morse
M.C.
Page 85

Abigail Seavey
For: wid:
Adin Briggs.
Act 7" July, 18238

Admit for #80 per An: under act of 7"
July. 1838. 3d Mch: 1843. 17" June 1844.
& 2d Feb: 1848 to July. 1st 1848 then
under joint resolution of July 1" 48,
for #96. per An:

Cert. to Hon: Freeman H. Morse,
Ho: Rep:
Page 86

Rev. Claim Free

(Circular Stamp:)
NORRIDGEWOCK
 JAN
12
Me. (illegible)

FREE

Hon George C Whiting
Comr of pensions
Washington
Dist Col

(Written sideways on page:)
Abigail Seavey  - for wid of
Aden Briggs  - Me
Died - 1858
Page 87

Norridgewock Maine Jan 12. 1858

Hon George C. Whiting
Comr of Pensions

Sir
Will you please let us know whether any further evidence is requested to sustain the claim of Abigail Seavey to Pension under the act of 1836 & subsequent Acts, or not?

The widow is quite impatient She resides in a remote corner of the county and dispatches a messenger regularly once a fortnight a distance of 30 miles to this place to see whether any returns have been made to me for her - She has a strong claim for speedy decision.  If I had a doubt of the validity of her claim for Pension and Bounty Land I should not urge it
Yours respectfully
Willaim Allen

I would respectfylly refer to Hon Wm P Fessone and to Hon Freeman Morse and Sentor & Representative
W.A.
Page 88

case of 
Abigail Seavey
Afft. for Pension & 
Bountyland

No. 281.355
Filed Sept. 21, 1857

Pay Wm. Allen
Page 89

Norridgewock Feb. 10. 1858
To The Comr. of Pensions

Sir
At the special request of Abigail Seavey I now enclose additional testimony in support of her claims for Pension under the Act of July 7. 1838 & subsequent Acts.
We presume that on a review of all the papers on the case the proof will appear conclusive.

Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
William Allen
Page 90

State of Maine
Franklin County ss.
On this the 19th day of March 1858 I James Cowan a resident of Kingfield in said county aged Eighty four years being first sworn according to the law testify and say that in the spring of the year 1790 my sister Abigail Cowan commonly called Nabby Cowan was married to Adin Briggs as the family all understood we lived in a new place, the upper settlement on Sandy River where there were but a few settlers there was then no Justice or Minister or town officer within thirty miles, and said Adin & Nabby went away to be married at Readfield. I saw them go away & I saw them when they come back & I was at their wedding supper at my fathers.

I know that they lived together after that as man & wife till he died. I know that it was 1790 because I was married in 1793 & my sister then had two children born after her marriage. The place where we then lived is now in
Page 91

the town of Farmington; some time after the town was incorporated they moved away & lived in the towns of Starks & Anson till he died. she was afterwards married to John Seavey & he is also dead; & she is now a widow & lives in Lexington.
I have no interest in her application for a pension.
         his
James X Cowan
        mark

Subscribed & sworn to before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for the county aforesaid on the day & year first above written & I certify that the deponent is a person by me well known & is a credible witness. 

Amos E. Dolbier} Justice of Peace

Kingfield 
March 19. AD 1858 - 
State of Maine}
County of Somerset} ss.  I certify that Amos E. Dolbier Esq. before whom the foregoing proceedings were had was at the date thereof and now is a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned & qualified to act as such for the County of Franklin in said State and his signature thereto is genuine.
Witness my hand & the Seal of the Supreme Court for said County this 23d of March 1858  
S. D. Lindsay Clerk of said Court.

(Written sideways in left margin:)
Additional evidence on the appn of Abigail Seavey for pension No 281555  
Sept 21. 1857
Page 92

I Willam Allen a resident of Norridgewock in the county of Somerset in Maine aged seventy seven years & nine months testify on oath, that Abigail Seavey the widow of John Seavey decd. now residing in Lexington late a resident of Anson and Starks in said county an applicant for pension and Bounty Land, was prior to her marriage to said John Seavey, the reputed wife and widow of the identical Adin Briggs " who was pensioned under the Act of Congress of 18th of March 1818 and continued under the Act of May 1. 1820 from Starks, Somerset county Maine at the rate of Ninety six dollars a year"; that sd Briggs settled at said Starks with his family some time during the year of 1812, having previously lived in Farmington in Maine; at which place, then an unincorporated place in 1792 I became acquainted with him, being then twelve years of age and living near him: that the said Adin & Abigail (sometimes called Nabby by the family) were living together as man and wife; and that they were reputed so to be; that the fact of their having been married was never called in question by their acquaintances: they had a son born in the fall of 1792 named John, who was a soldier in the war of 1812 and died in the service at Burlington in October 1813 as was reported:  I lived in the same unincorporated place and the town of Farmington where said Adin & Abigail lived during five years: I then lived in Industry
Page 93

an adjoining town till April 1813 I then came to the town where I now reside and about the same time said Adin & Abigail with a large family of nine children, settled in the adjoining town of Starks, near the border of the town next to Anson and after some years about 1821 they removed a short distance into Anson; I sometimes saw him and often heard from him as long as he lived:  He died in Anson in February 1828; I had done business for him and was present in Probate Court after his death when said Abigail his widow applied for administration on his estate in order to obtain the balance of pension due her as widow.  I assisted the administrator, W. W Dinsmore Esq in the settlement of his account of administrator.

I was in my boyhood well acquainted with the father, brothers and sister of Mrs Seavey her maiden name was Abigail Cowan; commonly called Nabby in the family: she was the daughter of Ephraim Cowan one of the early settlers on Sandy River, now Farmington: by the published history of that town it appears that he settled there in 1786 and that there was no magistrate or minister in the place till 1791 & that no public records were kept till 1794.

I have no interest in the application of Mrs Seavey except a promise of compensation for my personal services: other expenses being secured by a friend. & son in law.
William Allen.

State of Maine County of Somerset ss February 4. 1858.
Subscribed and sworn to this day before me
John S. Abbott {Justice of the Peace
                         {throughout the State   

(Written sideways along the left border:)
Somerset 4 Feb 1858 I certify that I was well acquainted with William Allen Esq afore affiant and that he is a credible person he was also I believe should be verily relied on and I believe is a trusted agent and auditor of CC
Page 94

Additional evidence 
in the case of 
Abigail Seavey
an applicant for Pension 
and Bounty Land 
filed Sept 21. 1857 No. 281.555

1 Applicants affidavit
2 John Skillings " Do
3 Margaret Youngs " Do
4 William Allens " Do
5 Orrin Tinkhams " Do
6 Robert Wangler " Do

See also Certificate of 
Town Clerk of Farmington 
of birth of children. 
Depo. of Thomas Parker 
2 Do Thomas Wendall
Do Hiram McLaughlin
Do Cyrus F. Judkins & others
Do Town Clerk of Readfield
&c &c

Returns to be made 
to William Allen
Norridgewock me
Page 95

State of Maine}
County of Somerset} ss:  I, S. D. Lindsey, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State in the County aforesaid, hereby certify that John S. Abbott, Thomas Butler, Joseph T. Boynton Esquires before whom the foregoing proceed
Page 96

ings were had, were at the date of their respective certificates and now are Justices of the Peace for Said County, duly commissioned and qualified and that their respective Signatures to said proceeding are genuine.

Witness my hand and the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said County this tenth day of February A.D. 1858
S.D. Lindsey. Clerk of said Court.

Additional evidence 
in the case of 
Abigail Seavey
an applicant for Pension 
and Bounty Land 
filed Sept 21. 1857 No. 281.555

1 Applicants affidavit
2 John Skillings " Do
3 Margaret Youngs " Do
4 William Allens " Do
5 Orrin Tinkhams " Do
6 Robert Wangler " Do

See also Certificate of 
Town Clerk of Farmington 
of birth of children. 
Depo. of Thomas Parker 
2 Do Thomas Wendall
Do Hiram McLaughlin
Do Cyrus F. Judkins & others
Do Town Clerk of Readfield
&c &c

Returns to be made 
to William Allen
Norridgewock me
Page 97

I, Orin Tinkham, of Norridgewock, in the County of Somerset, and State of Maine, on oath State, as follows: - 

I was sixty seven years old in December last.

I now reside in Norridgewock in the County of Somerset, and have resided in said town, since March A.D. 1839 - 

I moved to Norridgewock from the town of Anson, in said County.  I commenced living in Anson in 1816, and resided there till I moved to Norridgewock in the year 1839.

In the Spring of the year eighteen hundred and eighteen (A.D. 1818) - I became acquainted with Adin Briggs.  He then lived in the edge of Starks, a Town adjoining Anson just over the Town line - and about one mile and a half from where I lived.

He continued to live in Starks a few years, and then moved into Anson, about a mile and a half from my residence.

He died in Anson about thirty years ago.
Page 98

I was well acquainted with him.  Often saw him.  I frequently let him have my horse to go after his pension.

I was well acquainted throughout the Towns of Stark and Anson, and know that the aforesaid Adin Briggs was the only man of that name who resided in either of said Towns, while I lived in Anson, except a son of his, Adin Briggs Jr.

While said Adin Briggs resided in Starks and Anson, he lived with a woman who was treated as his wife, and reputed to be his wife.  Her name was Abigail Briggs.  Her name before her marriage was Abigail Cowen.  said Adin and Abigail lived together as husband and wife, and brought up a family of children.

I never knew that the fact of their having been duly married was ever called in question by their acquaintances; - nor did I ever know or hear that their having been lawfully married was every doubted or questioned by any one.

After the death of said Adin Briggs I understand and was informed that She was married to John Seavy, who is now dead; - but I had no personal knowledge of such mar-
Page 99

riage.

William W. Dinsmore, who administered on the estate of said Adin Briggs died some ten years ago.

Said Abigail Seavey, formerly Abigail Briggs, is now a widow; - living, as I understand, in the Town of Lexington in said County of Somerset.

I further add that I often had dealings with said Adin Briggs - understood very well that he was a United States Pensioner - and I trusted him with flour and provisions on the strength of his pension money, and to be paid out of it.

John Skillings, a son in law of said Adin Briggs, lived with him a portion of the time while I resided in Anson, - and both said John Skillings and Adin Briggs often worked for me.

I am not directly, or indirectly in any way interested in the pension or land for which I understand said Abigail has made or is about to make application.
Orin Tinkham

State of Maine)
Somerset Co. ss.)
On this fourth day of Feb. A.D. 1858, personally appeared Orin Tink-
Page 100

ham, and having been carefully examined on oath; made the foregoing statement, which was accurately reduced to writing by me, and read to and by him and then subscribed by him, and verified by his oath before me.

I also certify that I am well acquainted with said Orin Tinkham, and have been for many years - that is a most (illegible) citizen and a credible witness, whose statements are entitled to implicit confidence.

I have no interest in the claim of said Abigail widow of Aden Briggs for a pension or Land Warrant, and am not concerned as agent or otherwise in the same.

John S. Abbott, Justice of the Peace
Page 101

I, Robert Waugh of Starks in the County of Somerset, and State of Maine on oath state, as follows - 

I was seventy two years old in Jany last  - I have always lived and had my home in this Town - Starks.  I was a Deputy Sheriff for about ten years, or more - but have not been a Deputy for the last seventeen years.

I was formerly well acquainted with Adin Briggs, now deceased, and with his wife, and his son Adin Briggs Jr. and with John Skillings his son in Law.  The wife of said Adin Briggs, deceased, was Abigail Cowen, sometimes called Nabby.

Said Adin Briggs at and before the time of his death I well knew to be a Pensioner under the Laws of the United States - and no other man of that name, except his son Adin Briggs Jr, has ever lived in the Town of Anson or the Town of
Page 102

Starks since I became acquainted in those Towns - and I have been well and thoroughly acquainted in these Towns for more than fifty years.

Said Adin Briggs lived a part of the time in the Town of Starks, near the town of Anson and moved into Anson, where he died nearly thirty years ago.  Side Adin and said Abigail otherwise called Nabby Cowan, lived together as husband and wife for many years before he died - and were reputed to be husband and wife, - and brought up a family of children - and I never knew any question to be made as to the validity of their marriage: - and I never heard any doubt or suspicion among their relatives or any where else, that they were not lawfully married.

Said Abigail, the widow of sd Adin Briggs, after his death was married to John Seavey and lived in this Town until a short time - a few years, before his, John Seaveys death, when they went to live with his son John Seavey, in Anson, when he died
Page 103

last summer.  I was well acquainted with said John Seavey and his said wife - And knew that sd John Seavey is dead, and died last summer as before stated - I also know that said Abigail, now a widow and residing in Lexington in this County, is the identical person, who, before her marriage to said John Seavey was the widow of said Adin Briggs - and that said Adin Briggs was the identical person, who, at and before his decease was a United States Pensioner; and for many years, and during all the time I was acquainted with him, lived with said Abigail (formerly Abigail or Nabby Cowen) as her husband.

I am not in any way, directly or indirectly interested in the Pension or Land for which I understand said Abigail has made or is about to make application.

Robert Waugh

State of Maine}
Somerset Co. ss.}  On this eighth day of February A.D. 1858 the above named Robert Waugh personally appeared before
Page 104

me and was carefully examined under oath, and subscribed and made oath to the foregoing affidavit, after it had been carefully taken and read to and by him.

I further certify that I am well acquainted with said Robert Waugh; and and know him to be a credible person; and that his statements are entitled to full credit.

I have no interest or concern in the claim for pension or land bounty for which said Abigail, widow of Adin Briggs has made or is to make application, - and am not connected with its prosecution, as agent or otherwise.
John S. Abbott Justice of the Peace
Page 105

I John Skillings of Sandy River Somerset County and State of Maine, am Sixty four years old, do say that in March 1815. I was married to Susan Briggs (sometimes called Susie the oldest daughter of Adin & Abigail Briggs (sometimes called Nabby Biggs) that I was well acquainted with said Adin & Abigail several years before I was married  I know from common report that they were married in the beginning of the year 1790 that by my family record & by the town records of the town of Farmington the place where my wife was born that she was born on the 29th of August 1790 that by mistake her name was recorded as Lusy in the town records in stead of Susie.  I know that said Adin Briggs was the identical person who by that name was a pensioner of the U. S. under the acts of 1818 and 1820 at the rate of ninty (ninety) Six dollars a year and situated in Starks that said Adin Briggs died at at my house in Anson near Starks in February 1828 that said Abigail his widow afterwards was married to John Seavey, who died in August 1857 that the Abigail Seavey who is now an applicant for a pension and Bounty Land is the widow of said Seavey and the widow of Adin Briggs who was a revolutionary pensioner who once resided in Farmington then in Starks and who died in February 1828 - I have no interest in the application of said Abigail Seavey
John Skillings
Page 106

State of Maine County of Somerset ss
on this 30th day of Jan. 1858. personally appeared John Skillings above named an inteligent (intelligent) and credible witness by me well known and made oath to the above Deposition by him subscribed before me
Thomas Butler Justic of Peace
Page 107

I Charles Church, aged fifty four years, now a resident of Avon in the County of Somerset - do upon oath testify and declare that I well knew Aden Briggs, a Continental Soldier in the war of the revolution, the Said Briggs enlisted in April 1781. in the company commanded by Cap. Marshall, and regiment by Col. Tupper afterwards by Col. Vose, of the Massachusetts line - the said Briggs I knew to have served more than two years, we had the small pix together. and I fully believe he served as has stated in his declaration made before Judge Weston, April 3d: 1818 - 
Charles Church

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kennebec County ss. on this 16: Sep 1818. - Personally appeared Charle Church, and he made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed before me.
Robert C Vose Justice of the peace

I Certify that the above named Charles Church is a disinterested & credible witness
R.C. Vose. Jus. Peace
Page 108

I Jonathan Pratt, of Phillips in the county of Somerset upon oath testify and declare that I well knew Adin Briggs a continental a Solder in the revolutionary war - the Said Adin Briggs to my knowledge served in Cap. Marshalls company and Col. Tuppers afterward Col Vose's Regiment of the Massachusetts line - from April 1781. to November or December 1783 - I do not know the precise time the Said Briggs was discharged, he was a three years soldier and many of them were discharged before the three years were expired - but I have good reason to believe he was honorably discharged - I knew him as a Continental Soldier - about two years - I marched to Philadelphia and dont (don't) distinctly recollect whether Briggs marched with us or not. - and further Saith not. - 
I am fifty four years of age - Johathan Pratt

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kennebec County ss.
on this twelfth day of September 1818 Personally appeared the above named Jonathan Pratt and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed - the above Patt, I am acquainted with and he sustains the character of a man of truth
Sworn to before me
Robert C. Vose Justice of the Peace

Robert C. Vose Esq above named is a Justice of the peace for the county of Kennebec - 
Nathan Weston Jus
Page 109

State of Maine.
KENNEBEC COUNTY, ss.
ON this Twenty third day of June, 1820,
personally appeared in open court before the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, being a Court of Record for said Counties, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having original jurisdiction, unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Adin Briggs aged Fifty three years, resident in Starks in the County of Somerset within said Circuit, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. in the Company commanded by Captain Marshall and Regiment commanded by Colonel Vose of the line of the State of Massachusetts upon the Continental Establishment, for the period of Seventeen months - 

that his original declaration was made before Judge Weston on the third day of April 818; that he is now on the Maine Roll, and that his pension certificate in numbered 5841.  And I, the said Adin Briggs do further solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have no, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
       his
Adin X Briggs
       mark
Witness Asaph Nichols

The following is a Schedule of my whole Estate and income, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, viz:

One old horse worth not more than ten dollars
old household stuff besides necessary bedding of the value of five dollars - One axe & one scythe worth two dollars - I have no debts due to me - and I owe as much as three hundred dollars - My income from the above is nothing  My occupation is a laborer, but from infirmity having a very bad rupture am unable to do any hard labor - My family consists of myself, my wife Abigail aged forty five years, - a very weakly person and unable to work - and has been fifteen years past - My daughter Rachael aged eighteen years - My son James aged fourteen years - May daughter Abigail aged twelve years - My son Jedidiah aged ten years - My son Jeremiah aged
Page 110

aged eight years - and my daughter Thankful aged six years - a very sickly child - Except the foregoing and my necessary clothing & bedding I have no estate or income whatever - 
       his
Adin X Briggs
       mark
Witness Asaph Nichols

Subscribed, sworn to and declared, both the oath and schedule, on the twenty third day of June 1820.
Before me, Nathan Weston Jr -
                   C.J.C.C.C. Pleas.

State of Maine, County of Somerset ss.  I certify that the Hon Nathan Weston Junr was on the day of the date of the above certificate Chief Justice of the Circuit court of Common Pleas for the counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset aforesaid and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State at Norridgewock in said county of Somerset the fifteenth day of September AD 1857
Stephen D. Lindsey {Clerk of Courts
                                {Somerset Co
Page 111

1465 Midland Ave. Bronxville, N. Y.
Apt. A 1. Oct. 21st. 1930.

U. S. Pension Commissioner,
Washington, D. C.

IN RE ADIN BRIGGS. PRIVATE IN WAR OF
THE REVOLUTION.

Dear Sir: -

Adin Briggs, Private in the 10th Mass. Regiment under Col. Benjamin Tupper, enlisted April 6th, 1781 with service to Jan. 1st. 1783, 20 months, 24 days, drew a pension from Somerset County, Maine and at the time the list of pensioners (Flagg's Maine Revolutionary Pensioners) was made out in 1820 was reported as aged 67 years.  Death reported as Feb. 14th. 1828.

Would like to ascertain the following facts and am told you can secure same from his pension application or enlistment record.

1.  The name of the town which her elisted? (Records in Maine show this to be Stoughton, Mass. but the records of that town do not give his name as among their soldiers.

2.  The date of his birth?

3.  The place of Birth?

4.  The name of his parents?

5.  The amount of pension received per month?

Will be very glad to get any further information possible from the pension records including whether his wife drew a widow's pension.  He married Abigail Cowin on or about March 27th. 1790 at Pittston, Me.

Thanking you in advance and enclosing herewith a stamped envelope for reply, I am

Yours very truly,
W. E. BRIGGS,
W E. Briggs.

(Circular Stamp:)
PENSION
B
OCT
U  23  S
1930
OFFICE
Page 112

Brightwater Farms, Hendersonville, N. C.
July 14th. 1937.

(Circular Stamp:)
RECEIVED
JUL 15 1937
MAIL BUREAU
VETS ADM 11
READERS

Veterans Administration,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sirs:-

On Nov. 7th. 1930 the writer received a letter from your office or rather your letter was written on that date.  It was in reference to one Aden or Adin Briggs, (Revolutionary War Pension Claim, W. 22177) son of Samuel Briggs, born in Stoughton, Mass.

Adin Briggs, according to your letter by E. W. Morgan, Acting Commissioner, removed to the Sandy River Settlement Plantation, (afterwards Farmington, Me.) and was eventually allowed a pemsion (pension) of $8.00 per month.  He married Abigail or "Nabby" Cowan, daughter of Ephraim Cowan, April 16th. 1790.  He died Feb. 14th. 1828 at Anson or Starks, Maine and his widow married John Seavey in 1833, who died at Lexington Maine, Aug. 21st. 1857.

Nabby Cowan Briggs, the widow of Adin Briggs, was allowed a pension on account of the services of her first husband, on her application executed Sept. 12th. 1857, at with time she was residing in Anson or Lexington, Maine.

QUESTION:-  Kindly advise the date of her death and the amount of pension she received per month.

I assume the pension office records will show when the government cease to pay the pension to the said widow.  ALSO GIVE PLACE OF RESIDENCE AT TIME OF HER DEATH.

Thanking you in advance for the above information, I am

Yours very truly,
W. E. BRIGGS,
W.E. Briggs,
Page 113

July 26, 1937.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/ady (illegible)
Aden or Adin Briggs
W. 22177

Mrs. W. E. Briggs
Brightwater Farms
Hendersonville, North Carolina

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter requesting the date of death of Abigail Seavey, formerly the widow of Aden Briggs, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension of Abigail Seavey, the name of person paid and possibly the date of her death, you should apply to the Records Division, General Accounting Office, Washington, D. D., and cite the following data:

"Abigail Seavey, formerly the widow of Adin Briggs, Certificate No. 6442, issued June 11, 1858, rate $96.00 per annum, commenced July 1, 1848, Act of February 2, 1848, Maine Agency".

Very truly yours


A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator