Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 23611, John Bickford, Continental (N.H.) Navy
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE     
Continental (N. H.)
Navy

Bickford, John
....................Elizabeth

NUMBER     
W 23611

CONTENTS
Page 2

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

10.771
R
Dist. of Maine
====================
John Bickford
of Parsonsfield in the Dist of Maine
who was a private, in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Reid of the New Hampshire
line, for the term of one year.
====================
Inscribed on the Roll of the District of Maine
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 9th of May 1818
====================
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 of June 1818
and sent to George Thatcher Esqr
Jaco. Dist of Maine
====================
Arrears to 4th of Mar. 1819: 9 & 27/31 $78.96
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sept 1819. $48
=====
$126.96
=====
 { Revolutionary chim,
Act 18th March, 1818.}
[illegible signature]

see let to R. B. Caverly, Oct. 13, 1837

[right side, on edge]
Notification sent to David Sewall Esqr.
Kenabuck Maine 3, July 1820
Page 3

John Bickford
January '76

Adm'd

["Further evidence of service first mentioned in Dec.d required" lined thru]

Evidence furnished

Nath'l Leavitt 
Nath'l Hayes  ⎬ Witnesses
Page 4

I John Bickford of Parsonsfield in the County of York & Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged fifty nine years - A citizen of the same declare that sometime in the month of January 1776 I inlisted as a soldier in Captain David Place’s Company & Col. J. Reed’s regiment of the New Hampshire Line & General Sullivan’s Brigade of the Continental establishment. I inlisted at Rochester New Hamphire & was marched to Winterhill in Cambridge and remained there till the British troops evacuated the town of Morton, when we moved to New London.  I thence by water to New York & up to Albany;  I thence had orders to march into Canada & was stationed at Montreal & on the 15th day of June 1776, I with about fourteen others were ordered to carry a raft of boords [boards] down to Lovell & on our passage down, we were taken prisoners and carried down to Quebeck & put into a prison ship & detained till the last of August when we were sent in ships to New York under a parole we were obliged to agree not to take up arms against the King of England till we were exchanged or to surrender ourselves to any of his Majesties officers should we not be exchanged & called for as prisoners of war.  We arrived off New York about the time the English troops were landing at Long Island & taking possession of the City of New York, all which we were spectators of from the ship we were lying in off in the harbour.  And after the English got possession of the city, we were landed under a Flag of Truce on the Jersey shore about the middle of October, when General Putnam gave us all a general pass to return home; & I reached my home in the last of October – I remained at home till Burgoine was taken when I was informed that I might inlist again – And on the 19 January 1779 I inlisted at Portsmouth, as a marine on board the Continental Ship of War, Ranger, Frigate cat Portsmouth, carrying eighteen guns & sailed in Company with the Warren Frigate under the Command of Commodore Hopkins, & sailed on
Page 5

a cruise of three months & returned into port on the 28th of April 1779 when I was dismissed from the ship but had nothing in writing. I have no pension, and am in reduced circumstances & stand in need of assistance from the Country for support.
[signature] John Bickford

[following paragraph crossed out] 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts ─ ss.
On this ninth day of May 1818 The above named John Bickford came before me in my presence signed the above declaration & made oath to the truth of the same George Mather One of the Justices of the  Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
[/above paragraph crossed out]

Commonwealth of
Massachusetts ─ ss ─  ⎬
Be it known that on the ninth day of May 1818 before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of  the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts personally appeared John Bickford of Parsonsfield in the County of York and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged fifty nine years who being duly sworn  made oath to the truth of the declaration above by her subscribed in order to obtain the provision made by an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land &  naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war from which declaration signed & sworn to as aforesaid.
I George Mather Justice as aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said John Bickford did serve in the Revolutionary war
Page 6

as stated in his said declaration against the common enemy - And that he is in reduced circumstances & stands in need of the assistance of his country for support.
And I now transmit the proceedings & testimony had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the directions of the aforesaid Act of Congress.

In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & have caused the seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed this thirtieth day of May Anno Domini 1818 -
[signature] George Thacker

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]
Page 7

John Bickford

[illegible date]

Con.

Rept'd 1819.
Page 8

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

STATE OF MAINE.
York ss..... At a Circuit Court of Common Plea for the First Eastern Circuit, began and holden at York within and for the County of York on the first tuesday being the fourth day of July and by adjournment at Alfred from day to day, on the eighteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, before the Honorable Benjamin Greene Ch:[Chief] Justice ["Judge" lined thru] of said Court.

ON this eighteenth day of July in the year 1820, personally appeared in open Court the same proceeding according to the course of the common law, having jurisdiction unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having "the power of fine and imprisonment" and being a Court of Record for said County, John Bickford aged Sixty one who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows, viz. as a private in the company commanded by Capt. David Pease in the Regiment commanded by Colonel James Read in the line of the State of New Hampshire on the Continental Establishment, as is more particularly mentioned and described in his original declaration, made on the ninth day of May A. D. 1818, and on which said declaration his Certificate of Pension, numbered 11771 was granted. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War" passed on the 18th day of March, 1818: and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereunto annexed, and by me subscribed; that my occupation and ability to pursue the same, together with the number and other particulars of my family, are in fact and in truth as is herein particularly described, also subscribed by me.
[signature] John Bickford

Sworn to and declared, on the 18th day of July A.D. 1820. }
BEFORE [signature] Benj'n Greene Ch. Justice { of the said Court.

Adr [signature] Daniel Sewall Clerk
Page 9

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz: 
2 Cows - 2  Steers  yrs old - 1 calf 1 yr old - 6 sheep -

I owe to Gideon Bickford thirty dollars

SCHEDULE of the family residing with me John Bickford who, by occupation am a farmer which I am unable to pursue by reason of consumptive complaints
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
NAMES. | AGES. | Capacity of each to contribute to their support.

Elizabeth wife | 61 years | infirm by reason of palsy
John grandson [ 7 years | unable to get his living

[signature] John Bickford


[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]

STATE OF MAINE.
York SS.
I, W. B. Sewall Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas ["for said Circuit" lined thru], within the county of York do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedules thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is fifty four dollars and that the said Bickford owes thirty dollars. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twentieth day of July A. D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty.
[signature] W. B. Sewall { Clerk of the said Circuit Court for the County of York
Page 10

State of Maine
County of York ss ⎬ On this seventeenth day of October A.D. 1838 personally appeared before Ezekiel Whitman Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said State Elizabeth Bickford of Parsonsfield in the County of York and State of Maine eighty years of age who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled an "Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows". that she is the widow of John Bickford who was a soldier in the army of the Revolution. that to the best of her knowledge and belief the said John Bickford served as a soldier in said army in the whole nearly three years
that the said John received a pension for his aforesaid services of $96 per year for many years before his decease. That she has no documentary evidence in support of her claim except a copy of the said Johns original Pension Certificate which is herewith transmitted. That she has reason to believe an account of his services may be found on file in the war Department to which she would refer the Commissioner of Pensions
She further declares that she was married to the said John Bickford on the twenty ninth day of July seventeen hundred and seventy nine and that her husband the aforesaid John Bickford died on the twenty seventh day of April eighteen
Page 11

hundred and thirty seven that according to Record in the war Department it appears that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz. at the time above stated and that she has not intermarried since the said John's decease
[right] her
[right] Elizabeth X Bickford [X being her mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Witness [signature] Robert B Caverly
[signature] Ezekiel Whitman

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before Ezekiel Whitman
Page 12

Limerick Me [Maine] paid 10
August 9

(For) The Town Clerk of
Rochester N. H.

R.B.C
Page 13

I James C. Cole of Rochester in the county of Strafford and State of Newhampshire [New Hampshire] of lawful age testify depose and say that I am town Clerk of said Rochester chosen and sworn that I have the records of said town in my possession and that according to said record John Bickford was married to Elizabeth Pearl on the twenty ninth day of July seventeen hundred and seventy nine
The following is a true copy and extract of the record of Marriages solemnized by the Rev. Joseph Haven who was then a settled minister in this town and who kept the record in his own hand writing - in fair legible words and figures as expressed on said record -

"Married 1779"
"1779 July 29th John Bickford with Elizabeth Pearl both of Rochester."

Witness
[signature] James C. Cole Town Clerk of Rochester } Town Clerk of Rochester

State of Newhampshire 
County of Strafford ss.  ⎬ On this eleventh day of August eighteen hundred and thirty eight personally appeared the said James C. Cole who is known to me to me to be a credible witness.
Page 14

and Town Clerk of said Rochester and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit by him signed is just and true - before me
[signature] Charles Dennett } Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Strafford & State of Newhampshire [New Hampshire]

State of New Hampshire
Strafford County ss
I Francis Cogswell, Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for said County hereby certify that  Charles Dennett Esquire is a Magistrate as above and that the above signature purporting to be his is in my belief genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of said Court this 28th day of August A.D. 1838 -
[signature] F. Cogswell, Clerk.

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]]
Page 15

Maine
Limerick Aug. 9. 1838


Dear Sir
Be so good as to examine your Town Records and fill and certify the foregoing Blank form given on the other leaf according to the facts on said record.
If I have not written the copy of the marriage exactly according to the record you will write the deposition yourself and send it me by next mail and I will see you paid for your trouble
Yours truly -
[signature] Robert B. Caverly Town Clerk of Rochester
Page 16

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

4458
Maine
====================
Elizabeth Bickford
Widow of John
N. H.
who served in the Revolution
war, as a private 
Inc'd [Increased] from $40
====================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
96 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence
the ["4th day of March" lined thru]
4th of July, 1848.
====================
Certificate of Pension issued the
7th day day of Feby 1831
and sent to 
J. G. Barret
Present
====================
[torn off] Pensioners
Page 17

MCS [handwritten]
Omn [handwritten]

[typed letter, page 1 of 2]

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

September 26, 1924

Kate B. Coleman
Morrill
Nebraska

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.23611, it appears that John Bickford enlisted at Rochester, New Hampshire, in January, 1776, as a private in Captain David Place's Company, Colonel James Reed's New Hampshire Regiment, and in June, 1776, was captured, taken to Quebec and detained  until late in August 1776 when released on parole.
He enlisted January 14, 1779, as a Marine, sailed from Portsmouth on board the Continental Ship of War "Ranger" and was dischargeed April 28, 1779.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 9, 1818, while a resident of Parsonsfield, York County, Massachusetts, aged 59 years. He died April 27, 1837.
He married July 29, 1779, at Rochester, Strafford County, New Hampshire, Elizabeth Pearl. She was allowed pension on her application executed October 17, 1838, while a resident of Parsonsfield,
Page 18

[typed letter, page 2 of 2]

Maine, aged 80 years.
A son, William, was 44 years of age in 1840, and a grandson, John, was 7 years of age in 1820.

Respectfully,

Acting Commissioner
Page 19

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23611
Elizabeth Bickford
Wid. of
John Bickford
Priv Rev War
Act Feb 2d 1848.
Index: Vol A, Page 64
[Arrangement of 1870]

[remaining, handwritten]
Mch 23, 98. Mrs. M. M.Rowe, Haverhill, Mass.
Aug 22" 98 Miss Nellie Cooper Glocester Mass.
Nov - 10. 1904 - Hist to Myrtle M. Rowe Haverhill Mass.
1914. Apr 22. Hist. to Mrs. Henry C. Row fn
1916 Feb 14. History to Eva Bickford Hill
1923 - June 4 Hist to [illegible] Bickford Colman - au?
1924 Sept. 26 Hist to Kate B. Coleman mcs
Page 20

31
   8
____
23
____
27.31

6.96
Page 21

John Bickford M'e Act 1818 when last pd ?
GMC [initials]
2 Apl 40 Died 27 April 1837 pd to that [illegible]
JH [initials]
.
Elizabeth Bickford, Maine Roll Act
of July 7. 1838, at $40 per annum.
Be pleased to say to what time
She was last paid.
Pension Office April 7. 1843.
Commenced 27th April 1837,
Paid to 4th March 1845.
B.J.B. [initials]
Page 22

May 6/50
4458-48 Maine
Burford
JAB
Alli??

James G. Barret
Pres't [Present]

Act 2d February 1848

Honorable
James L. Edwards
Comm'r of Pensions
Page 23

[printed form blanks filled by hand]

Maine - 5351-
====================
Elizabeth Bickford -
widow of John Bickford -
who was a pensioner under the Act of 18mar: 18.
and who died on the 27th April 1837 -
of York Co in the State of Maine
who was a private in the _______
commanded by Captain _______of the
Regt. commanded by Col. Reid of 
the N. Hampshire line for 12 months
====================
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine
at the rate of 40 Dollars _______
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836. & terminating 27th April
1837 -
====================
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day
May 1843 - and sent to Jno: P. Hill
Dover N. H.
====================
Arrears to the 4th of ________________
Semi-annual allowance ending _______
=====
$45.86 -
=====
[ (Act July 7, 1838. ]
Recorded by Nell Stewart Clerk,
Book A. Vol. A Page 3

Rep'd May 17th
Letter J. Murray
May 10/44
Page 24

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

6875
New Hampshire Ports'h [Portsmouth]
====================
Elizabeth Bickford
widow of John Bickford
who was a Private
in the Revolution
====================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
40 Dollars ---------
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
====================
Certificate of Pension issued the
7th day of May, 1843
and sent to Ezekiel Kund,
Dover,
New Hampshire
====================
[Act of March 3, 1843. June 17. 1844]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 13

Reported
Let to A. McAiltun Oct 21, 1845
Page 25

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

5351
Maine
====================
Elizabeth Bickford
widow of John Bickford dec'd
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818
and who died on the 27th April 1837
of York Co. in the State of Maine
who was a Private in the Comp'y commanded
by Captain _____________ of the Reg't commanded
by Col. Reid in the N. H.
line for 1 year
====================
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine
the rate of 40 Dollars ----- Cents per annum
to commence on the ["4th day of March, 1836" lined thru]. 
27th April 1837
====================
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of May
1840 and sent Ismael
Chadbourne Alfred Me.
====================
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1840 $114.00
Semi=annual allowance ending 4 Sept: 40: 20.00
=====
$134.00
=====
{ Act July 7, 1838. }
Recorded by D. D. Addison Clerk,
Book A Vol. 1st Page 3
 
Hon N. Clifford
14 May 1840
Let to of ?. P. Hall Apl 7. 1843.
Page 26

Arthur McArthur Attorney
Page 27

8124. [underlined]
Page 28

State of New Hampshire
Strafford County SS:

On this eighth day of July A.D. 1845 Personally appeared before me Ezekiel Hurd Esquire one of the Justices of the Peace in & for the county of Strafford aforesaid Elizabeth Bickford a resident of Dover in the county of Strafford & State of Newhampshire aged eighty five years--who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Acts of Congress passed on the 3d of March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War--that she is the widow of John Bickford late of Parsonsfield in the county of York & State of Maine who was a private in the army of the Revolution and served as she thinks as set forth in his original declaration on file in pension office on which he was pensioned at rate of ninety six dollars per annum under Act of March 18, 1818 & in her original declaration under Act of July 7 1838 on which she was pensioned at rate of forty dollars per annum.  That at the time of making her declaration as aforesaid she was resident of Parsonsfield aforesaid & has since changed her residence to Dover aforesaid where she has resided for three years last past. She further declares that she has never intermarried since the decease of her husband aforesaid & that she is still a widow.
[right] her
[right] Elizabeth X Bickford [X being her mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Witness
[signature] John J. Davis
[signature] Ezekiel Hurd

Subscribed the day and year above written 
Before me   Ezekiel Hurd  Justice of the Peace

State of Newhampshire Strafford SS:
I certify that the applicant is personally known to me and that it is satisfactorily proved to me that she is the identical person she declares herself to be & remains a widow.
[signature] Ezekiel Hurd Justice of the Peace
Page 29

State of New Hampshire
County of Strafford  SS.

I, John H. Smith, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said county, hereby certify that Ezekiel Hurd is a Justice of the Peace within and for the said County of Strafford, duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission is dated October 2, 1840 and will expire October 1st, 1845, and that the Signatures within purporting to be his, are true and genuine--

In witness whereof, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this eighth day of July A.D. 1845.
[signature] John H. Smith, Clerk

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 30

Dover, N.H.  Mch 31 / 43

Jno. P. Hall

For transfer of Elizabeth
Bickford's pension
to N.H.

H 66.  Res Apl 5 / 43
pension office

Eliz Bickford
Me roll--for
transfer.
Page 31

Dover NH   March 31. 1843

Sir

Elizabeth Bickford of Maine widow of John Bickford having removed from Maine to Dover in the State of New Hampshire requests that her pension, which by the endorsement on the back thereof is payable at the Agency of Maine, may be made payable at Portsmouth in this State.  I enclose her certificate that now a course may be adopted by the Department as to secure the proposed change.

With respect
[signature] John P Hale

J M Porter Esqr
Sec War
Page 32

Elizabeth Bickford
Me.
Act 7 July  38

40$

from 4 March 36 to
27 Apl.  '37---

[signature] Jno. P. Hall Esqr.
Dover
N.H.
Page 33

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

DECLARATION
In order to obtain arrears of Pensions due from March 4, 1836, under the act of July 7, 1838.
___________________________
On this fourteenth day of April 1843, personally appeared before the subscriber, Elisabeth Bickford of the State of New Hampshire a resident of Dover in the County of Strafford aged eighty four years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the amount of pension which she claims from the 4th of March, 1836, to the twenty seventh day of April 1837 from which period she has been already paid under the act of the 7th July, 1838.  And the declarant further alleges that she is still the widow of John Bickford who was a private during the revolutionary war; that her pension was allowed at the rate of forty dollars ["and cents" stricken out] per annum, and was paid to her at the Agency in Portland in the State of Maine.  And further she saith not.
[right] her
[right] Elizabeth X Bickford [X being her mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before
[signature] John P Hale  Justice of the Peace
______________________________________________
☞N.B.─In case the widow should have died since receiving the pension, her children must make application for the arrears, and prove before a Court of record that they are her children.  The administrator of the deceased widow may, if the children are willing, receive the money.  The papers must be properly authenticated.
Page 34

State of New Hampshire
Strafford County, ss.

I, John H. Smith, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, hereby certify that John P. Hale, Esquire is a Justice of the Peace throughout the said State, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his commission is dated June 12th 1841 and that the same will expire on the 11th day of June 1846, and that the signature within purporting to be his, is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of said court this tenth day of May A.D. 1843--
[signature] John H. Smith  Clerk
 
[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 35

I Nathaniel Leavitt of Limerick in the County of York and Commonwealth of Mafsachusetts of lawfull age testify and say that I am well acquanted with John Bickford of Parsonsfield in the County and State aforesaid and in the year AD 1776 I know that the said John Bickford was then a soldier in Capt'n David Places Company in Col'o James Reeds Regiment in the New Hampshire line on the Continental establishment and was stationed at Winter Hill so called in or near Cambridge, and remained there untill the British troops left Boston, and soon after he went to Newyork and from thence to Montreal in Cannada and sometime in June the same year he with others went down the river St. Lawrence with a raft of Lumber & was taken prisoner by the British and was sent to Quebec, and did not return to the Regiment till the expiration of his inlistment.  the said John Bickford listed for one year in the same Company that I belonged to The above is a true statement according to the best of my knowledge
York ss.  April 9th 1819--  [signature] Nath'l Leavitt

The above named Nathaniel Leavitt made Solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed, and I further say that he is a man of credibility--
Before me, [signature] James Kettell one of Justice of the peace for the County of York--
Page 36

Caleb R Ayer--Justice of the Peace

State of Maine.
York County  ss.

Wm. Cutter Allen, Register of the Court of Probate of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Caleb R. Ayer, Esq. is an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said county of York; duly commissioned and qualified; That his commifsion was dated on the 25th day of January, 1839, and will expire on the 25th day of January 1846, and that his signature above written, as also the other signatures hereunto annexed, are his genuine signatures.

Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this 8th day of April, 1840
[signature] Wm. Cutter Allen } Regr. Prob. York County

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 37

I John Fenderson of Parsonsfield in the county of York and State of Maine aged eighty four in July next depose and say that I am well acquainted with Elizabeth Bickford widow of John Bickford, late of said Parsonsfield, that said Bickford and the Said Elizabeth intermarried at Rochester, N.H. as I have always understood--and that they resided at Rochester before they came to Parsonsfield, more than forty five years since--That said Bickford was reputed to have been a soldier of the revolution.  His widow, the said Elizabeth, is now living at said Parsonsfield, and has not intermarried since the said John Bickford deceased in 1837.
[right] his
[right] John X Fenderson [X being his mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Witness
[signature] Caleb R. Ayer
[signature] C. King Moore.

York ss. State of Maine April 8, 1840 }
Then personally appeared the said John Fenderson, who is known to me to be a credible witness and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is just & tru.
Before me [signature] Caleb R Ayer } Justice of the Peace
Page 38

Elizabeth Bickfords
Papers.

The Department 
will please
to communicate
with Israel Chadbourne,
Esq. Sheriff of the
County of York, Alfred, Me.
Page 39

I William Bickford of Parsonsfield in the county of York and State of Maine aged forty four years depose and say that I am a son of the late John Bickford formerly of Rochester, N. H. and late of said Parsonsfield, that my said Father, and Mother, Elizabeth Bickford, lived in Said Rochester, and were married then about the year 1779 prior to their coming to Parsonsfield, as I always understood from them.  My Father, as I always understood, was a soldier of the revolution. He died in 1837 and my Mother, the said Elizabeth, resided at said Parsonsfield and has not since intermarried.
[signature] William Bickford

Witness
[signature] Caleb R. Ayer--
[signature] C. King Moore.

York ss.  State of Maine
April 8th, 1840.
Then personally appeared the said William Bickford who is known to me to be a credible witness & made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is just and true.
Before me [signature] Caleb R Ayer }Justice of the Peace
Page 40

Act '44   553

Elizabeth Bickford

Act 3d March, 1843.

Name to be placed on the New Hampshire roll, Portsmouth Agency--
________________

Adm'd:  $40 per ann:--

Ezekiel Hurd Esqr:
Dover,
New Hampshire

[left side, on edge]
7113
Page 41

State of New Hampshire Strafford County ss }
On this 6th day of May 1844 before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Elisabeth Bickford a resident of Dover in said County aged eighty five years, and upwards, who, first being sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of March 3d 1843; that she is the widow of John Bickford, late of Parsonsfield State of Maine, dec'd who was a private in the Revolution, and a pensioner [a second "pensioner" stricken out] at the time of his decease.

She further declares, that She has drawn a pension under the Act of July 7, 1838, at the rate of forty dollars per annum, payable in Portland, Maine

She further declares that she is still a widow of said John Bickford
[right] her
[right] Elizabeth X Bickford [X being her mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Witness
[signature] John J Davis
[signature] Joann A Davis

State of New Hampshire
Strafford County ss.  
Subscribed and Sworn to before me; and I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the declarant
[signature] Ezekiel Hurd Jus. Peace

May 6 -1844
Page 42

State of New Hampshire
County of Strafford  ss.,
I, John H. Smith, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said county, hereby certify that Ezekiel Hurd is a Justice of the Peace within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified and that his commission is dated October 2nd 1840 and will expire October 1st 1845, and that he was then qualified on the Sixth day of May A.D. 1844, and that the signature within purporting to be his, is true and genuine.

In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, this twelfth day of April A.D. 1845.
[signature] John H. Smith, Clerk.

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 43

✔\ 2524
Elizabeth Bickford
widow of John
Me.
Page 44

[written vertically on right side of page]

✔\ 2524

Elizabeth Bickford
widow of John
Me.
[end of vertical writing]

N.B.
All communications to Mrs Elizabeth Bickford may be directed to my care at Limerick Maine.
By Mrs Bickford's request
Robert B Caverly
her attorney.

Aug 17, 1837.
Page 45

State of Maine
County of York  ss.

I Jeremiah Bradbury, Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County of York hereby certify that Daniel Perry and Rufus McIntire are both Justices of the Peace for said County and that the signatures to the annexed depositions, purporting to be their signatures are genuine.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my name and affix my official Seal, this twenty first day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
[signature] Jere. Bradbury  Clerk of the Jud. Courts County of York

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 46

To The Commissioner of Pensions
J. L. Edwards Esq.  Washington City.

I Elizabeth Bickford of Parsonsfield in the County of York and State of Maine Seventy-nine years of age do hereby declare that the object of the following affidavits, is to procure for me as the widow of John Bickford (a soldier of the Revolution) late of said Parsonsfield, a Pension under an act of Congress dated July 4, 1836.  The said John Bickford received as a Pension from the U. States Pension Office at Portland in the County of Cumberland in said state, ninety six dollars per year for a number of years before his decease, as I understood from him the said John Bickford.
[right] her
[right] Elizabeth X Bickford [X being her mak in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Witness [signature] Robert B. Caverly

State of Maine York County }
On the seventh day of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty seven personally appeared Elizabeth Bickford a woman of veracity and entitled to full credit and made solemn oath that the above declaration by her signed is just and true.
[signature] Daniel Perry }  Justice of the Peace York County State of Maine
Page 47

I Elizabeth Bickford of Parsonsfield in the County of York and State of Maine seventy nine years of age and born at Rochester in the County of Strafford and State of Newhampshire, do declare depose and testify that I am the lawful widow of John Bickford (a soldier of the Revolution) of said Parsonsfield, that I was married to the said John Bickford at said Rochester on the twenty ninth ["sixth" stricken out] day of July seventeen hundred and seventy nine, by Joseph Haven, and continued to be the wife of the said John, and lived with him as his said wife until the twenty seventh day of April eighteen hundred and thirty seven at which time the said John Bickford died.  My maiden name was Elizabeth Pearl.  I am well knowing that the said Bickford was absent both before and after our marriage as aforesaid doing the duty as he said of a soldier in the army of the Revolution; and I understood from him and have no reason to doubt that he the said Bickford continued a soldier in the service as aforesaid until the close of that war.
[right] her
[right] Elizabeth X Bickford [X being her mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Witness [signature] Robert B. Caverly

State of Maine County of York }
On this seventh day of August eighteen hundred and thirty seven personally appeared the said Elizabeth Bickford and made solemn Oath that the foregoing declaration by her signed is just and true.  And to my knowledge the said Elizabeth Bickford is the widow of the said John Bickford; and that she the said Elizabeth is a woman of truth and veracity and her statements are entitled to full credit.
[signature] Daniel Perry } Justice of the peace County of York State of Maine
Page 48

War Department
Revolutionary Claim.

I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 18th of March, 1818 John Bickford late a private in the Army of the Revolution is inscribed on the Pension list Roll of the District of Maine Agency at the rate of eight dollars per month to commence the ninth day of May one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.

Given at the War Office of the United States this eleventh day of June one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.
[signature] J. L. Edwards
in the absence and on behalf of the Secretary of War

[written to the left of the above paragraph]
L.P. [with a box drawn around it]

A true copy
(W.)   Attest [signature] Robert B. Caverly.

War Department  No. 11,771
Pension Office
31 July 1820

Sir
you are hereby informed that the schedule of your property has been examined and the secretary of War has directed you
Page 49

name to be continued on the Pension Roll.

I am, respectfully
Your obedient servant
[signature] J. L. Edwards.

To Mr  John Bickford
York County
Maine

A true copy
(S)   Attest  [signature] Robert B Caverly.

I Robert B Caverly of lawful age attorney of Elizabeth Bickford's testify and say that the foregoing certificate & letter by me certified as true copies, are true copies of two letters purporting to be original papers from the War department of the United States directed to John Bickford, which papers were left in my hands by the said Elizabeth Bickford.
[signature] Robert B. Caverly

State of Maine York County  }  Aug. 14. 1837.
Then personally appeared the said Robert B. Caverly and made solemn Oath that the foregoing affidavit by him signed is ["true" stricken out]  just and true.
[signature] Daniel Perry } Justice of the Peace York County and State of Maine
Page 50

I Charles Dennett of Rochester in the County of Strafford and State of Newhampshire of lawful age testify depose and say, that I am the Town Clerk of the town of Rochester in said county of Strafford, that I was chosen and sworn as said Town Clerk in the month of March last, and that the following copy by me subscribed on the other side of this leaf is a true extract from the records of said Town.
[signature] Charles Dennett

State of Newhampshire County of Strafford }
On the sixteenth day of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty seven personally appeared the said Charles Dennett and made solemn Oath that the foregoing deposition by him signed is just and true and to my knowledge the said Charles Dennett is Town Clerk of said Rochester.  The said Dennett is a person of truth and veracity and his statements are entitled to full credit
[signature] Jeremiah H Woodman } Justice of the Peace County of Strafford State of Newhampshire
Page 51

"Record of the Marriages in the town of Rochester & else where by Joseph Haven Clerk, and according to the following dates.

Married D. 1779.

July 29th  John Bickford with Elizabeth Pearl  both of Rochester."

The above is a true copy of record, so far as it relates to the marriage of John Bickford with Elizabeth Pearl; which is recorded among other marriages in Rochester Town Records, and in the proper place for marriages to be recorded; and I have no doubt but what the record was made by the Town Clerk and at the time it purports to be made, although he did not sign the Books.
Attest [signature] Charles Bennett  Town Clerk of Rochester, New Hampshire, for the year 1837.

Rochester  Aug't 11, 1837

Mr Caverly
Dr Sir
You will see that the above record was not kept in due form the Clerk making a preamble at above over the list of marriages for each year & then recording them according to their respective dates as above, but not subscribing his name to them either individually or collectively. You have it as it is.
Yours respty,
[signature] Richard Kimball.
Page 52

I Benjamin Dalton of Parsonsfield in the County of York and State of Maine of Lawful age do depose testify and declare that in the year 1833 John Bickford of said Parsonsfield, a soldier of the Revolution, constituted and appointed me his lawful attorney to draw from the United States Pension Office at Portland in said state his the said Bickford's Pension for his services as aforesaid.  And accordingly I did draw the said Bickford's Pension from the aforesaid Pension Office.  And I am well knowing that the said Elizabeth Bickford whose name is subscribed to the foregoing declaration was then living with the said John Bickford as his lawful wife and continued so to live with him the said John until the twenty seventh day of April eighteen hundred and thirty seven, at which time the said John Bickford died.  I have no doubt that the said Elizabeth Bickford is the lawful widow of the said John Bickford.  I was said Bickford's attorney to draw his pension several times the particular dates not recollected but will appear by the pension returns & books in the Agency at Portland.
[signature] Benjamin Dalton

State of Maine   
County of York ⎬
On this fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty seven personally appeared the said Benjamin Dalton and affirmed that the above certificate by him signed is just and true.  The said Benjamin Dalton is to my knowledge a person of truth and veracity and his statements are entitled to full credit.  And I have no doubt the said Elizabeth Bickford is the lawful widow of the above named John Bickford.
[signature] Rufus McIntire } Justice of the Peace York County State of Maine
Page 53

Elizabeth Bickford

2740 [upside down]
Page 54

State of Maine
County of York

On this seventh day of October A.D. 1839 personally before William A. Hayes Judge of the Court of Probate ["being a court of Record" stricken out] in and for the county of York being a a court of record in open court Elizabeth Bickford a resident of Parsonsfield in the county of York & State of Maine aged eighty two years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"  that she is the widow of John Bickford who was a private soldier in the army of the Revolution that to the best of her knowledge and belief he served nearly three years that he drew a pension for a long time before his death of $96 per year  that she has no documents but would refer the commissioner of Pensions to the Rolls and his papers on file in the War Department for proof of his services

She further declares that she was married at Rochester N.H. on the twenty ninth day of
Page 55

of July seventeen hundred & seventy nine by the Rev'd Joseph Haven that her husband the aforesaid John Bickford died on the twenty seventh day of April eighteen hundred & thirty seven, that by reason of her defective memory caused by old age she had believed that her said husband went into the service after their marriage but having received her recollection by the circumstances that occured at the time she is now fully satisfied and declares that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred & ninety four viz at the time above stated and that she has remained single and unmarried ever since.
[right] her
[right] Elizabeth X Bickford [X being her mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Witness  [signature] A. McArthur
[signature] Wm. A. Hayes

State of Maine  York ss.
Subscribed & sworn to on the day and year aforesaid, in open Court
Before me  [signature] Wm. A. Hayes  Judge of Probate York County Maine
Page 56

State of Maine.
York County ss.

I Wm. C. Allen, Register of the Court of Probate for the county and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that the Hon. Wm. A Hayes is the Judge of the Court aforesaid, and that his signatures, hereunto annexed are his genuine signatures.

Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this 8th day of May, 1840.
[sginature] Wm. C. Allen, Reg'r of Prob. York county

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 57

I John Fenderson of Parsonsfield in the county of York & State of Maine of the age of eighty three years the fifteenth day of July last depose testify & say that I am personally acquainted with Elizabeth Bickford of said Parsonsfield, that she is the widow & relict of John Bickford late of said Parsonsfield who was reputed to be a revolutionary soldier & who was inscribed on the pension roll for revolutionary services that the said Elizabeth Bickford is an applicant for a pension for her said husbands revolutionary services that the said John Bickford died on the twenty seventh day of April AD 1837 and that the said Elizabeth has not since intermarried but remains single.
[right[ his
[right] John X Fenderson [X being his mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Witness [signature]  Arthur McArthur
 [signature] Sally Fenderson

State of Maine York s On this seventh day of May AD 1840 personally appeared the above named John Fenderson to me personally known & who sustains a good character for truth & veracity & made solemn oath to the truth of above deposition by him subscribed[sp]
Before me [signature] Arthur McArthur Justice of the Peace
Page 58

(Arthur McArthur  Justice of the Peace)

State of Maine.
York County  ss.

I Wm. C. Allen Register of the Court of Probate within and for the county and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Arthur McArthur, Esq. is an acting Justice of the Peace, within and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 11th day of December, 1834, and will expire on the 11th day of December, 1841, and that his signatures hereunto annexed are his genuine signatures.

Given under my hand and the Seal of Said Court this 8th day of May, 1840.
[signature] Wm. C. Allen, Rgr. of Prob. York County

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 59

✔   2740

Elizabeth Bickford
widow of John
Me
Act 7 July 38

M 79   d 37

admd.
12 mo pri
_____________
40$

died 27 April '37
pen:  Com:  28 Apl  '37

Israel Chadbourne
Alfred 
Me

RB Caverly
Limerick
Me

[written vertically on right side of page]

N.B.  All communication from the War Department to the widow Elizabeth Bickford may be directed to my care at Limerick Maine
By her request
Robert B. Caverly
Page 60

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

State of Maine. York County, } ss.

BE IT KNOWN, That before me Daniel Perry a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Elizabeth Bickford widow of John Bickford and made oath in due form of law, that she is the widow of the identical person named in an original certificate in her possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy:

WAR DEPARTMENT.

I CERTIFY, That in conformity with the Laws of the United States ["relative to their Military Establishment" stricken out] of the 18th of March 1818 John Bickford late a private in the Army of the Revolution ["United States" stricken out] is inscribed on the PENSION LIST ROLL of the District of Maine agency at the rate of eight dollars ["cents" stricken out] per month, to commence on the ninth day of May one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this eleventh day of June one thousand eight hundred and nineteen.
[signature] J. L. Edwards in the absence and on behalf of the SECRETARY OF WAR.

[affixed to the left of the above paragraph--]
SEAL OF THE WAR DEPART.

That she now resides in Cornish in said County of York and has resided there for the space of one month ["years" stricken out] past; and that previous thereto she resided in Parsonsfield in said County.
[right] her
[right] Elizabeth X Bickford [X being her mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Sworn and subscribed this ninth day of January 1838 before me,
[signature] Daniel Perry  J. Peace

Note.--The above deposition must be signed by the deponent.

Where the pension has been increased, since the certificate has been given, the Magistrate will note that fact.
Page 61

State of Maine
York ss.
I, Hiram H. Hobbs, Clerk of the Judicial Courts within and for the County of York, hereby certify that Ezekiel Whitman is Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said State of Maine and ["for" stricken out] that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.  Also that Daniel Perry is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of York, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Common Pleas this Eighteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty Eight.
[signature] H. H. Hobbs, Clerk

[two illegible seals affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 62

I Nathaniel Hayes of Rochester in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire testify and say, that I am well acquainted with John Bickford of Parsonsfield in the County of York & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and in the year AD 1776 I know, that said John was then a soldier in David Plain's company in Col James Reed's regiment in the New Hampshire line and was stationed in Cambridge & remained there until the British troops left Boston, and soon after he went to New York & thence to Montreal and sometime in June he with others went down the river with a raft of lumber on the St Lawrence and the report was that he was taken by the British.  I verily believe he was taken.  Said Bickford belonged to the same company I did and I was enlisted for a year & understood & verily believe that said Bickford was enlisted for one year--"& thence to Montreal" "on the St Lawrence" interlined before signing.
[signature] Nathaniel Hayes

The State of New Hampshire
Strafford  ss    March 27th 1819
Then the said Nathaniel Hayes personally appearing made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true.
Before me  [signature] Jeremiah H Woodman  Jus Peace & of the Quorum

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with said Nathaniel Hayes and know that he is a man of veracity & of fair reputation as to truth.
[signature] JH Woodman  Jus Peace
Page 63

State of New Hampshire--
Strafford, ss.
To all whom it may concern. [underlined]
I Andrew Peirce Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, Certify, that Jeremiah H. Woodman, Esquire, before whom the within affidavit was taken; is a Justice of the Peace, within & for the County of Strafford, acting under the authority of said State.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court this 29th day of March AD 1819 ~
[signature] A. Peirce, Clerk.

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 64

Limington, Maine July 11 1845

Sir,
Enclosed is the application of Widow Elizabeth Bickford for pension under Act of March 3 1843
I am very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
[signature] Arthur McArthur

Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 65

[stamp]
PORTLAND
OCT
16
Me.
[/stamp]

10 [stamp]

Oct 20  45

Hon. James L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.

Theo. Pendergrass
6875. 43 [?]  Eliz Bickford
Me

[looks like illegible seal attached at botom]
Page 66

Limington   Oct 16 1845.

Sir,
I have received a certificate in the case of Rachael Day forwarded July 21 1845 and a report in the case of Anna Moore forwarded Sept 13 1845 but have received no report or certificate in the cases of Theodore Pendergrass forwarded May 2 1845 or Elizabeth Bickford forwarded July 11 1845 which I supposed were on your files long before the other cases.

Knowing your rule to take cases in the order of their arrival I wish to enquire of the two last named cases have found access to your files?

I am very respectfully
Your Obt. Serv't
[signature] Arthur McArthur

Hon. James L. Edwards
Comm'r of Pensions

Eliz Bickford  Mar 3d 43 and July 17 '45
Page 67

[printed form, blanks filled by hand] 

Payment to be made at Portland by
Wm. Woodbury Esq
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the
Agency of Maine

Payable on the 4th September and 4th March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the
Roll of Pensioners under act February
2d, 1848, Page 2  Vol. 1

[signature] Leo. Jenkins   Clerk.
Page 68

[printed form, blanks filled by hand] 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
______________________
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848,  Elizabeth Bickford widow of John Bickford who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of forty dollars ["and cents" stricken out] per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.

Given at the Department of the Interior this 21st day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty nine.
[signature] T. Ening
Secretary of the Interior.

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]

Examined and Countersigned,
[signature] J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 69

Elizabeth Bickford
Page 70

State of Maine County York   } ss:
On this nineteenth day of September 1850 before the subscriber a justice of the Peace throughout the State aforesaid personally appeared Elizabeth Bickford a resident of Limerick in said County and made oath in due form of law that she is the widow of John Bickford who was a revolutionary pensioner that she has drawn a pension since his death at the rate of forty dollars per annum and is now a pensioner under the Act of 2d February 1848 that she now asks for all arrears or increase of pension to which she may be found entitled under any of the Acts or Resolutions of Congress applicable to her case viz 7 July 1838  3d March 1843, 17 June 1844 & 2d February 1848 that she now resides in said county and State
[right] her
[right] Elizabeth X Bickford [X being her mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Witness [signature] Duncan McArthur

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written
Before me [signature] Arthur McArthur
Justice of the Peace throughout the State of Maine
Page 71

4458
Page 72

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

STATE OF MAINE.
__________________________________________
CUMBERLAND, SS.

Probate Office,                               
PORTLAND, Sept. 19th A.D. 1850 ⎬ .

I, Freeman Bradford REGISTER OF PROBATE, 
In and for said COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, certify that Arthur McArthur, is an Acting Justice of the Peace, in every County ["within and for the of" stricken out] in the State as appears by the paper hereto annexed, that he is DULY QUALIFIED TO ACT as such; that the COMMISSION of the said McArthur is dated August 6th A.D. 1850 and will expire August 6th A.D. 1857 and that the following SIGNATURE, purporting to be his is genuine.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal official of said Court, the day and year first above written.
[signature] Freemen Bradford Register.

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 73

May 9 1844

[stamp]
NEW MARKET
[illegible]
N.H.
[/stamp]

Col Niles
[written vertically on page]

D. Murray
May 10 / 44

[illegible initial]

James L Edwards Esq'r
Comm'r of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 74

5357
New Market NC   May 6, 1844.

Sir:
Mrs Elisabeth Bickford of Dover NC, formerly of parsonsfield, Me, widow of John Bickford late of said Parsonsfield dec'd, a Revolutionary Pensioner, informs me that she made an application for a pension under the Act of July 7, 1838, for Services rendered by her said husband, and that she had been allowed only 40$ per annum.

She says that She is confident that the said John Bickford Served between two and three years and therefore thinks that there must have been some mistake in computing her pension.

Will you, therefore, be so kind as to reexamine her claim and inform me on the the subject.

The Husband and widow were both on the Portland, Maine Agency.  She has not yet applied under the Act of March 3d 1843.

I am, very respectfully,
your Obt Serv't
[signature] David Murray

James L Edwards Esq'r
Comm'r of Pensions
Washington
DC
Page 75

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

Payment to be made
at Portland Me.
by A. Newhall Esq
Agent for paying pensioners
in the Agency of
Maine

Payable on the 4th March
and 4th September in each
year.

Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book A  Vol. 1st
Page [blank] by D.D. Addison
Clerk.
Page 76

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Five years' Pension.

I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Elizabeth Bickford of Maine widow of John Bickford dec'd who was a Private in the Revolution and died on the 27th day of April 1837 is entitled to receive a pension at the rate of Forty dollars and --------- cents per annum, commencing on the 27th day of April 1837; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the 4th of March, 1841, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this 4th day of May one thousand eight hundred and forty
[signature] J. R. Poinsett
Secretary of War.

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]

Examined and Countersigned.
J L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 77

Dover NH  May 10, 1843

Sir

Enclosed I send you the declaration of Elizabeth Bickford in order to obtain arrears of pensions due from March 4, 1836 under the act of July 7, 1836.

I see by the forms which you were kind enough to send, that you require from the widow a declaration stating the rank her husband held in the Navy, Army or Militia & the regiment, corps or vessel in which he served &c.

[paper folded and the next 2 lines have only partial wording legible]
.....me a work of ......etion
in this particular case to require of .........
ford a statement of all these particulars as her husband received a pension in his life time & she has since his decease herself.  The old lady lived in Maine when the pension was first obtained & is now very old & forgetful & unable from recollection now to state the particulars required.  If however such a statement is insisted
Page 78

upon, as in the present case it can be but a matter of form.  I will be obliged if you will send me a copy of her declaration on file in your office made for the purpose of obtaining a pension under the law of July 7, 1838, that I may from the statements therein contained frame a declaration in order to entitle her to the pension for another year

With respect yours
[signature] John W. Hale

JL Edwards Esq
Page 79

Washington   May 4. 1850

Sir:
I herewith enclose the declaration of Elizabeth Bickford claiming an increase of Pension.

With great respect
Your Obt Ser't
[signature] James G. Berret

Honorable
James L. Edwards
Comm'r of Pensions
Page 80

Inc'd to $96.  d? dy  $40,

Com'g 1 July 1848.


[signature] J. G. Berret.
Present
Page 81

Washington   Oct'o 21. 1850

Hon. J. L. Edwaards
Commifsioner of Pensions

Sir

I have the honor to enclose herewith the applications of
Margaret Robbins
Mary Cath'e Cole
Hannah Hunton
Dorcas Colby
Sarah Chamberlain and
Lucy Mason, for increase of Pension

With great respect
Your Ob't S't [Obedient Servant]
[signature] H. D. Johnson
Page 82

2740
May 16, 1840

Maine
July 7 1838

papers reg'd

Elizabeth Bickford
Me

[written vertically on page]

Limington
May 11

Free

Hon. James L. Edward
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
(D.C.)
Page 83

Limington  May 9 1840

Sir,
Inclosed are the documents in the case of Elizabeth Bickford applicant for pension--This case was originally commenced by Caverly [underlined]  In your letter of August 14 1839 respecting the claim of Haldish Ernery you say "she must make out her case de novo" from which I inferred that all such case must be commenced de novo & according I took her declaration by her request & was in process of getting her certificate from New Hampshire of marriage--when I was indirectly informed that that document was already in Dept. & could be used

I am respectfully
Your Obt Serv't
[signature] A. McArthur

Hon James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 84

2
2d Feby  1848
_____________________________
Mr Colo
_____________________________
13 Decem'r  1818

T. B. Me
6875--NH

[written upside down]
Cole
_________________

[written vertically on page]
Alfred Me
Dec'r 9

20 [2 horizontal lines drawn through it]

J.L. Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington,  D. Col.
Page 85

Parsonsfield  Dec'r 8. 1848

J.L. Edwards Esq

Sir,
Enclosed is the app'n of Elizabeth Bickford to be continued or placed on the Pension Roll--Please to direct any communication on the subject to me or her at the Post Office Parsonsfield, Me.--

Yours--
[signature] Rufus McIntire
Page 86

Mar 24 1840
Me.
[signature] E. Bickford

[signature] Hon N Clifford
H.R. [House of Representatives]

[written vertically on page]

J L Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 87

Washington City  March 24 1840

Dear Sir
Please inform me what is the state of the case of Elizabeth Bickford--mentioned in the enclosed letter--

Yours &c
[signature] Nathan Clifford
Page 88

May 6, 1840
Eliz Bickford 
Me.

[stamp]
[illegible]
MAY 2
ME
[/stamp]

No answer

free

James L. Edwards, Esquire,
Pension Agent,
Washington City
D.C.
Page 89

Alfred  York County  Maine
April 29th 1840

James L Edward Esqr

Dear Sir
on or about the 9 Inst I caused to be forwarded to the department the Deposition of John Fenderson & William Bickford Relating to the case of Mrs Elizabeth Bickford widow of John Bickford taken by Caleb R Ayer Esqr.
Your note of the 28 of March last to the Hon W Clifford in answer to his inquiries explains the reason why her case has been so long delaid [delayed] In case the depositions have been received will you have the goodness on the receipt of this to write me and inform me if any further evidence is necessary to Secure her certificate to intitle her to a Pension the old Lady is very poore [poor] and needy and is verry [very] desirious to know the result of her case

Respectfully your obedient
Servant
[signature] Israel Chadbourne
Page 90

7113
April 16. 1848.

bl
Elizabeth Bickford
March 3d 1843.
N.H.

[date stamp]
DOVER
APR 
14
N.H.
[/date stamp]

[written vertically on page]
FREE

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of
Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 91

Dear Sir

The applicant now resides in Dover N. Hampshire about 50 miles from Portland Me.  She wishes she might have a certifice to draw in Portsmouth N.H.

[signature] Ezekiel Hurd
Page 92

State of Maine  
County of York ⎬ SS:

On this sixteenth day of April A.D. 1850 before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for said county personally appeared Elizabeth Bickford of Limerick in the county of York & State of Maine and made solemn oath in due form of law, that she is the widow of John Bickford late of Parsonsfield in said county who was a revolutionary pensioner; that she has drawn a pension since his death at the rate of forty dollars per annum and is now a pensioner under the Act of February 2d 1848 that she now asks for all arrears or increase of pension, to which she may be found entitled under any of the Acts and resolutions of Congress, applicable to her case; viz.  7th July 1838  3d March 1843  17th June, 1844  Joint resolutions of 23 January 1845 & 1st of July 1848, that she now resides in said county & State.
[right] her
[right] Elizabeth X Bickford. [X being her mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Witness
[signature] Josiah P Quimby

Subscribed and sworn the day and year first above written
Before me [signature] Arthur McArthur  Justice of the Peace.
Page 93

State of Maine
Cumberland ss:

Clerks Office Judicial Courts
Portland  April 17th A.D. 1850

I Charles C. Harmon Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in and for said County of Cumberland, certify that Arthur McArthur is an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County of York as appears by his signature hereto annexed; that he is duly qualified to act as such; that the Commission of the said McArthur is dated November 24th A.D. 1849 and will expire November 24th A.D. 1856 and that the foregoing 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 for said State the day and year first above written.
[signature] Chas. C. Harmon, Clerk.

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 94

AA

6875.  NH

Place on Me [Maine] Roll
Page 95

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

State of Maine.
YORK, SS.

I, William Trafton, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, do hereby certify that Rufus McIntire is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is duly commissioned and qualified to act as such; that his commission is dated the second day of May 1846 and will expire on the second day of May 1853; and that the following 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 for said State, this eighth day of December Anno Domini 1848.
[signature] William Trafton, Clerk.

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 96

State of Maine York County } ss

On this thirtieth day of November1848 personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the ["Peace" missing] in and for the said County of York Elizabeth Bickford resident of Parsonsfield in the said County of York aged ninety years who being first sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 2nd of February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War   
That she is the widow of John Bickford who was a Private in the Army of the United States as fully & particularly appears by the declaration & proofs filed in the War Department by said John Bickford in his application for a Pension reference thereto being had for a description of his said service.
That she has heretofore received a Pension, the benefits of the Acts of Congress passed March 3rd 1843 and June 17th 1844 of forty dollars annually and she further declares that she is still a widow.   When she made
Page 97

made application for a Pension under the last ["former" stricken out] Act.  She resided in the State of New Hampshire but has since removed into the State of Maine.  She was then placed on the Pension Roll of New Hampshire but now desires to be placed on the Roll of the State of Maine.
[right] her
[right] Elizabeth X Bickford [X being her mark in lieu of signature]
[right[ mark

Attest  [signature] Asa P Bickford
[signature] Rufus McIntire

Sworn and Subscribed to on the day & year above written
Before me
[signature] Rufus McIntire  Jus. of the Peace

And I hereby certify that Elizabeth Bickford the foregoing declarant is personally known to me to be the identical person she represents herself to be.
[signature] Rufus McIntire  Jus. of the Peace
Page 98

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

In reply to your request of.........., received............. for a statement of the military history of John Bickford a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (and ["or" stricken out] his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.   W. F.  23611.

[Column 1]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
[1]  Jan. 1776
[2]  Jan. 14, 1779 to Apr 28. '79

[Column 2]
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
[1]  In June, 1776, was captured, taken to Quebec and detained until late in Aug. 1776 when released on parole.

[Column 3]
RANK.
[1]  Pri.
[2]  Marine  sailed from portsmouth on board continental ship of war, "Ranger."

[Columns 4 & 5]
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN..........................................COLONEL.
[1]  David Place...........................James Reed

[Column 6]
STATE.
[1]  N.H.

Battles engaged in,  ✔

Residence of soldier at enlistment,  ✔  Enl. [Enlisted]at Rochester N.H.

Date of application for pension,  May 9. 1818.  His cl. was al. [His claim was allowed]

Residence at date of application,  Parsonsfield, York Co. Mass.

Age at date of application,  59 yrs.

Remarks:  He mar. [married] July 29, 1779 at Rochester, Strafford Co. N.H. Elizabeth Pearl; he died Apr. 27, 1837 and she was allowed pension on her ap. ex. [application executed] Oct. 17, 1838, while 80 yrs old and a resident of Parsonsfield, Me.  A son, William, was 44 yrs. old in 1840.  A grandson, John, was 7 yrs. of age in 1820.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

6─2856

N.B.  In last service, I have omitted his statement that he was under Commodore Hopkins for that officer had been dismissed from the service prior to that date.
F.W.
Page 99

[printed header]
3─068.
(Old No. 3--649.)
_________________________
✔ 3611
Bureau of Pensions.

John Bickford
__________________________
May 9, 1818               59
Parsonsfield Me
___________________________
Jany 76  Rochester    NH
Capt. Place
Col. Reed
Pvt - 1 Yr
___________________________
Jany 79
"Ranger"
Commodor Hopkins
Mariner  3 mos
____________________________
No Bat
____________________________
M. Elizabeth Pearl
July 29, 1779  Rochester N.H.

D [Died] Apl 27, 1837
_____________________________
[Illegible stricken out]
Page 100

Mrs. Henry C. Rowe.
23 Bartlett St.
Haverhill
Mass.

Wishes record in claim W. 23.611
[signature] John Bickford.

April 21, 1914.
Page 101

Bureau of Pensions. [printed heading]

May 9 1818

59

Parsonsfield Me.

1 yr pvt NH
Place
Reid
Rochester NH

Widow
Page 102

E. Gloucester, Mass.
Aug. 19, / 98.
Bu

[stamp]
U.S. PENSION
O
AUG
23
1898
OFFICE.

[stamp]
OLD WAR & NAVY
AUG 25 1898
FILES

Hon. Com. of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:

Your favor of the 13th inst. received and in reply I will say that the John Bickford you wrote me about can not be the one I refer to for the one that I refer to resided at
Page 103

Parsonsfield, Me. and I think that he enlisted at Rochester, N.H. instead of at Northwood, N.H. and he must have applied for his pension sooner than 1832 for I think that he was dead and buried before that time for the one I refer to his wife Elizabeth drew a pension after his death until the time of her death.

What I want is his pension record to assist me in filling out my
Page 104

papers so that I can join the Daughters of the American Revolution.

I think that the information that I give you on this letter may assist you in getting the right one for I am sure that the one that I want resided at Parsonsfield, Me., for he was my great grand fater and I have visited the place where he lived and died for one of my uncles had the place
Page 105

after his death.

Now if you can send me the pension record of this John Bickford at your earliest convenience you will greatly oblige.

Yours respectfully,
[signature] (Miss) Nellie Cooper
16 Highland St.
E. Gloucester, Mass.

[stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
C
AUG
23
1898
[/stamp]
Page 106

23 Bartlett St.
Haverhill Mass
March 8, 1898

F.C. Evans,

Dear Sir,

I have filled in the paper in regard to John Bickford, and return it to you and the following is the information I would like

The place & date of birth of John Bickford and his wife Elizabeth

Date of death of each.

Place of residence before
Page 107

the Revolution.

Where said John Bickford enlisted and what regiment he was in.

What battle he was wounded in and what was the nature of his wound and what hospital he was in

Any information whereby I can trace my ancestory before him, as his father's name.

And a certificate that
Page 108

I can send to the headquarters of the Daughters of the Revolution proving that he rendered service to this country during that war.

Yours Respectfully,
[signature] Mrs. Myrtle Bickford Rowe.
Page 109

[stamp]
U.S.
[wording missing] & NAVY
OCT 14 1904
FILES.
P.B.
[/stamp] 

23 Bartlett St.
Haverhill, Mass
October 10--1904.

Mr. E.S. Ware,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir,--

In 1818 a pension was granted to John Bickford, a Revolutionary soldier and at his death, his widow Elizabeth Bickford received a widow's pension.

Will you please send me
Page 110

the date of the death of both John Bickford and his wife Elizabeth--and oblige.

Yours Truly,
[signature] Myrtle M. Rowe.

[stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE A
OCT 18 1904
[/stamp]
Page 111

[typed letter]

February 7, 1916.

Bureau of Pensions,
Dept. of the Interior,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:

In further of our correspondence, would say that I made an error in asking for the war record of Mr. John Bickford, as it is the pension record which I desire.

In answer to your inquiries would say that his full name is as above, born in 1759, died in 1837.  The given name of his wife was Elizabeth Pearl.

Trusting from this information you can furnish me with the pension record, as desired, and thanking you for your courtesy and attention, I am

Yours very respectfully,
[signature] Eva Bickford Hill

22 Leonard Street,
West Somerville, Mass.

[stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE O
FEB 8 1916
[/stamp]
Page 112

[illegible initials, top left corner]

Morrill, Nebr.,
April 14, 1923

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir;

Will you please tell me what the Pension Record gives about John Bickford of New Hampshire Line who died in Parsonfield Maine and his wife Elizabeth Pearl.  I would like the dates of their deaths and names
Page 113

of their children.

I would like also the dates of births of their son Benjamin & his wife Lydia Cram, and dates of their death and marriage

Any information in regard to John Bickford's service in the Revolutionary War would be appreciated.

[signature] Kate Bickford Coleman
Morrill, Nebraka.
Page 114

Morrill, Nebraska
Aug 30, 1924

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir;

Will you please give me the names, and dates of birth, and marriage dates, of as many children of John Bickford and Elizabeth Pearl, a Revolutionary soldier from Rochester, New Hampshire as you have record of.  I especially desire the birth dates and marriage ["of" stricken out] date of his son Benjamin and wife Lydia Cram.

Could you also give me the date of the death of Elizabeth Pearl, wife of John Bickford.

Yours truly,
[signature] Kate Bickford Coleman.

[stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE S
SEP 5 1924
[/stamp]
Page 115

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

[in the upper left corner of letterhead, with a box drawn around it]
This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary war and the war of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.

O.W.& N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.

[upper right corner of letterhead]
L.W.B.

[stamp]
U.S.
A.&N.S.
MAR 11 1898
DIVISION.
P.B.
[/stamp]

[stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE D
MAR 10 1898
[/stamp]

[center of letterhead]
3--076.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D.C.   Feby 24, 1898
Madam:

In reply to your communication of a recent date, you are informed that the courtesy of furnishing information relative to Revolutionary war soldiers, on account of whose service pensions were granted, is extended by this Bureau only to their descendants, and to them only when it is desired for historical or genealogical purposes.

In view of the large number of such inquiries now being made, and of the length of time required to make a proper search of the records in each case, information will not be given to any applicant concerning more than two soldiers.

In order that the claim of the soldier concerning whom you desire information may be identified, it is requested that you furnish as much as possible of the data called for below.

Very respectfully,
[signature] H. Chey Evans 
Commissioner.

Mrs. Myrtle M. Rowe,
Haverhill Mass.
23 Bartlett St.
____________________________________________
Full name of soldier,  John Bickford

Place of residence before service,  (Town, county, and State.)   Unknown

Place of residence after service, (Town, county, and State.)  Parsonsfield, York County, Maine

Approximate date of death,  1834 or 1836

Given name of widow,  Elizabeth

Did either the soldier or his widow receive a pension?  Both, the widow received the pension after his death.

Additional information,

Signature, (Mrs. or Miss to be prefixed if a lady signs.)   [signature] Mrs. Myrtle M. Rowe.

Post-office address, including street and number, town, county, and State.   23 Bartlett St
Haverhill, Mass.

3818b5m8─97
Page 116

[typed letter]

L W. B.
W.  23611.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON D. C.,

March 23, 1898.

Madam:-

Replying to your recent communication you are advised that John Bickford made an application for pension on May 9, 1818, at which time he was 59 years of age and residing at Parsonsfield, Maine, and his pension was allowed for one year's actual service as a private in the New Hampshire troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Place and Col. Reid.  He enlisted at Rochester, New Hampshire.  His widow, Elizabeth, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.

Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.

Mrs. Myrtle M. Rowe,
Haverhill, Mass.
23 Bartlett St.
Page 117

[printed letterhead, typed letter]

[in the upper left corner of letterhead, with a box drawn around it]
This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department.  Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.

[upper right corner of letterhead]
L. W. B.
W.  23611,

[left side of letterhead]
O.W.&N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.

[center of letterhead]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
August 22nd, 1898.

Madam:-

Replying to your recent communication you are advised that John Binkford made an application for pension on May 9th, 1818, at which time he was 59 years of age and residing at Parsonfield, Maine, and his pension was allowed for one year's actual service as a private in the New Hampshire troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Place and Col. Reid.  He enlisted at Rochester, New Hampshire.  His widow, Elizabeth, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Miss Nellie Cooper,
Gloucester, Mass.
16 Highland Street.