Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23.610, John Bickford, N.H.
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(3-1776)
State                                        Number
N. H.             Bickford, John    W.23610
                                    Jemima
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4861
Vermont
Jemima Bickford [died?]
widow of John Bickford
N. H.
who died on the Sept. 1811
of [illegible] in the State of Vt [?]
who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] in the Regt commanded by [blank] in the line for 2 years          Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier
at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831 and ending 8th April 1843 when she died
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of July 1849 and sent to 
[1 word illegible] G. P. Marsh

Arrears to the 4th of Burlingint
Semi-annual allowance ending
Payable to Abram Bickford
James Bickford
Keziah Little
Nancy McKinsley  
Revolutionary Claims Act July 4, 1836
Section the 3rd
Recorded by Th. Lumpkin, Clerk
Book C  Vol. 1  Page 37
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7527
Jemima Bickford, de[ceased]
widow of John
Vermont
No 1
admitted
Private $80 per annum
[illegible] 4 March 1831
ending 8th April
1843, children
Abram Bickford, James 
Bickford, Keziah Little
& Nancy McKinstry

Act 4 July 1836

Hon George P. March
Burlington
Vt
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Declaration of Abram Bickford, Admin
istrator on the estate of Jemima Bickford +
in behalf of James Bickford Keziah Little and Nancy McKinstry only surviving children
of John Bickford + Jemima Bickford deceased

State of Vermont 
Lamoille County  p3
[note: county name and spelling confirmed online]

On this 24th day of March AD 1849
personally appeared before the Hon [illegible] of probate for [#] district Abram Bickford of the town of Stow in [#] district [illegible] Seventy-five years and after being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the foregoing declaration for himself as administrator on the Estate of Jemima Bickford and in behalf of his brother and sisters before named in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836. That he is the oldest child of John Bickford who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war - and at the time he entered lived in the town of Nottingham New Hampshire. Declarant has many times been told by his parents that his father and {illegible] John entered the army when he (declarant0 was but little more than one year old. 
And that he entered the service under Capt Henry Dearborn Col Arnolds Regt and went with the expedition to Candda in 1775  - he has often told of his privations to declarant in this expedition. Declarant further states that is father the [illegible; prob abbrev for 'deceased'] John Bickford has told him he rendered some service each year during the war - And he well
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remembers the birth of his brother John Bickford Jr (now dead) who was born August 2d 1780 and that his father was then absent in the army and did not return until the following winter - during this time he was in Capt or Col Thomas Bartlett's Co or Regt and served as Sergeant + as he told declarant. Declarant well remembers of seeing Col Bartlett at this period and knew him well in after life - one Andrew Willy a near neighbor of his father was also absent in the army with his father at the time of the birth of his brother as before stated. Declarant has heard his father often speak of Capt Sanborn and believes he served some in his company - also of Col Gilmore + Col [Nymers?].
Declarant further states that he often heard his father state that he was married when he was but twenty years old and that he was only twenty one years older than the declarant. His father was married to Jemima Furnal who also lived in Nottingham in AD 1773 by Rev Mr Huckins of Lee N. H. He has no record of the event as a sister now living in Illinois has the family bible in which it is recorded. Declarant further states that his father served some time for the town of Northwood and he well remembers that one Capt Merritt came to his fathers house and made the arrangement for his father to go for that town - Declarant has also heard his father state that he was at West Point when Col Arnold's treason was detected and was present and saw Major Andre executed. He further states that his brother removed from Nottingham to this town (Stow) AD 1799
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where he lived until his death which occurred in AD 1811 in the month of September.
Declarant further states that after the death of his father his mother the [afore said] Jemima lived in his family and died at his present residence on the 8th day of April, 1843.
He further states that a few years before the death of his mother she solicited the assistance of a neighbor [illegible] Rivenius Camp to obtain a pension for her but he believes his papers were never sent to the pension office And after her death the agent {2 words illegible] informed declarant that a pension due is a vested right and in that belief and in the confidence of the [illegible] of the claim of his late mother now asks that the balance of pensions due him be paid. 
[signed] Abram Bickford

Abram Bickford who has signed the preceding declaration formally affirmed on the day and year befpre mentioned + under oath to the same and I certify that he is [illegible] of truth and credibility.
The word or "declarant" on first page interlined before signing.
A. W. Caldwell Judge of Probate

This district aforesaid do hereby certify that A. W. Caldwell is Judge of Probate in and for the district aforesaid; duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the first day of December 1848 and will expire on the 30th day of November 1849 and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at the probate office in [illegible] this 24th day of March A. D. 1849
William W. White, Registrar
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No _. 1[2] [ink blot]
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State of Vermont
p
Lamoille County
At a court of Probate holden at Johnson in said county on the 24th day of March AD 1849 it was proven by the addition [?] of testimony satisfactory to said court that John Bickford died in Stow in said county in the month of September A. D. 1811 leaving a widow him surviving named Jemima Bickford who also died on the 8th day of April A. D. 1843. leaving the following children her surviving and which are now the only children living of the said Jemima viz. Abram Bickford James Bickford Keziah Little   and Nancy McKinstry and [illegible] all of full age

In testimony whereof I have herunto set my hand and caused the seal of said court to be affixed on the day and year above mentioned
[signed] A. W. Caldwell Judge of Probate
[SEAL]

State of Vermont
Sandville District [Court?]  I william W. White Registrar of Probate Court within and for the district aforesaid do hereby certify that A. W. Caldwell is Judge of Probate in and for the district aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the first day of December 1848 and will expire on the 30th day of November 1849 and that his signature above written is genuine. 

In testimony whereof I have set unto my hand and affixed the seal of said court at the Probate Office in Johnson this 24th day of March A. D. 1849
[signed] William W. White, Registrar
[SEAL]
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Payment to be made
at Montpelier by Thomas Reed, Esq., 
Agent for paying pension-
ers, in the Agency of 
Montpelier, 
Vermont

Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book C Vol-
ume 1 Page 37 by
H. Lumpkin, Clerk
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[Letterhead} Department of the Interior
Claim for Military Service.

[printed] I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the
[handwritten] 4th July, 1836, (3rd section) Jemima Bickford, deceased, late of Vermont, widow of John Bickford, who was a Private in the War of the Revolution, and died in September 1811; aforesaid inscribed on the Pension roll at the rate of Eighty dollars per Annum, commencing 4th March 1831, and terminating 8th April 1843, when she died. The amount is due and payable to her only remaining children,viz. Abram Bickford, James Bickford, Keziah Little, and Mary McKinstry.

[printed form with manually inserted date]
Given at the Department of the Interior,
this 12th day of July
one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine

Secretary of the Interior

Examined and Countersigned
Commissioner of Pensions

[note: form is devoid of requisite signatures]
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No. 5

[remainder of page is blank]
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[duplicate of previous page]
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Nancy McKinstry of the town of Hyde Park, Lamoille County Vermont aged fifty five years after being duly sworn saith That her maiden name was Nancy Bickford a native of Nottingham New Hampshire and daughter of John + Jemima Bickford from where she removed with her parents when about six years of age. She further saith that her father often in his lifetime spoke of having been a soldier in teh war of the Revolution and how many times related to informant his trials and sufferings while in the war.  Informant further saith that her mothers maiden name was Jemima Furnall and she has many times told her of her sufferings while the aforesaid John Bickford was serving in the army  + and has told her (informants) father was absent in the army. her brother John was the fourth child of informants fathers family. Their names were Abram, Molly, Sarah, John, Thomas, Keziah, James, Elinor, + Nancy (informant) all dead except Abram, James, Keziah and informant

Informant further saith that she believes there is no family record. she well remembers that her mother had a small sized Bible in which were recorded the names and ages of her brothers + sisters + she believes her parents marriage but the last time she saw aforesaid Bible was in her mothers lifetime very much more and
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some part gone and she supposed her sister Keziah now in Illinois had it but she has informed deponent[?] that she has no knowledge of it and deponent[?] believes it lost and that there is no family record or town record of her parents family. Deponent[?] well remembers the ages of most of her brothers and sisters as told her by her mother and that Abram the eldest was seventy five years old March 31, 1849 being twenty years older than deponent[?]. Deponent[?] further saith that at the time of the death of her mother an effort was being made by  one Rivevius[?] Camp to obtain a pension for her but after her death he informed deponent it was then to late and the pension would not be obtained + further saith not 
[signed] Nancy McKinstry

State of Vermont 
Chittenden County 
May 30, 1849 
Aforesaid Nancy McKinstry [illegible] 
abovenamed and made oath to the facts herein stated and I certify she is well known to me and a person of truth and credibility
[signed] Henry [Illegible] Just. Peace
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State of Vermont
Chittenden County

I D. B. Buneley[?] Clerk of the County of Chittenden to hereby certify that Henry [illegible] Esquire was on the thirtieth day of May AD1849 being a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Chittenden duly commissioned and sworn - that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and know his signtature to the preceding certificate to be genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Chittenden County Court this third day of July AD1849
[signed] DB Buneley, Clerk of Chittenden County
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February 12, 1938
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

John Bickford, W. 23610
Joseph Bickford, R. 696
BA-J/MLB [handwritten initials illegible]

Mrs. Mary A. Bickford
127 South Street
Daytona Beach, Florida

Dear Madam:

The records of John and Joseph Bickford are furnished to you, as follows:

JOHN BICKFORD
W. 23610

The data herein were obtained from pension claim, W. 23610, based upon service of John Bickford in the Revolutionary War.

John Bickford was the son of Thomas Bickford. The date and place of birth and name of the mother of this soldier were not given. It was stated that he was about twenty-one years older than his first son, Abram, born in 1774.

While a resident of Nottingham, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, John Bickford enlisted May 8, 1775, served as privat in Captain Henry Dearborn's company, Colonel Arnold's detachment from Colonel Stark's regiment, for the Expedition to Canada, and was discharged September 1, 1775. He enlisted August 10, 1776, and serve as private in Captain Joseph Chandler's company, Colonel Wyman's New Hampshire regiment, length of tour not stated. He enlisted December 5, 1776, served as private in Captain Benjamin Sias' company, Colonel David Gilman's New Hampshire regiment, and was discharged March 15, 1777. He enlisted September 20, 1777, and served as private in Captain Enoch Fege's New Hampshire company, length of tour not shown. He enlisted July 15, 1780, and served until December 5, 1780, and while stationed at West Point, witnessed the execution of Major Andre, names of officers for that tour not given. He served also at West Point from August 2, 1781 until December 11, 1781, as a private, names of officers not designated. It was stated that he served a part of the time under Captains Nathan Sanborn and Demeritt or Merrit. no further details given. 

The soldier moved in 1799 from Nottingham, New Hampshire, to Stow, Lamoille County, Vermont, where he died in September, 1811.
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[typewritten letter]
John Bickford married in 1773 in Lee, New Hampshire, Jemina Furnald of Nottingham, New Hampshire. The date and place of her birth and names of parents were not stated. She died April 8, 1843, at the home of her son, Abram Bickford, in Stow (Stowe), Vermont, where she made her home after the death of the soldier.
Abram Bickford born March 31, 1774; in 1849 still of Stow (Stowe)
Molly  "  date of birth not stated
Sarah or Sally  "  "   "   "   "   "
John  "  born August 2, 1780, attending school in Nottingham, N.H. in 1798, and died prior to 1849
Thomas  "  date of birth not stated
Keziah  "  in 1849, the wife of W. Little and living in Ill.
James  "  date of birth not stated
Elinor  "  "  "  "  "  "
Nancy in 1849 aged fifty-five years and living in Hyde park, Lamoille Co., Vt., when she signed Nancy McKinstry (the given name of her husband not shown).
The only surviving children in 1849 were Abram and James Bickford, Keziah Little and Nancy McKinstry.
Abram Bickford, while residing in Stow (Stowe), Vermont, applied March 24, 1849, for the pension which was due his mother, Jemima, at the time of her death, on account of the service of her husband, John Bickford. Abram Bickford applied in behalf of himself and the other surviving children named above. The claim was allowed.
In 1849, one W. A. Little, of Thorn Creek, Crete, Illinois, referred to the soldier's son, Abram Bickford, as "Uncle Abram". He made reference also, to a Mrs. Little and Desdemonia, but did not state his relationship to them.
********
JOSEPH BICKFORD
R. 696
You are furnished herein the record of Joseph Bickford as found in pension claim, R. 696, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
-2-
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[typewritten letter]
Joseph Bickford was born in 1757 in Harpswell, Cumberland County, Massachusetts (Maine). The names of his parents were not stated. When ten years of age, he moved to Gouldsboro, Hancock County, Maine.
The soldier married about March, 1780. His wife, whose name was not given, died July 14, 1831.
Joseph Bickford applied for pension May 8, 1833, while a resident of Gouldsboro, Hancock County, Maine, and alleged that while living in said Gouldsboro, he volunteered in April, 1775, and served three months as a private in Captain Daniel Sullivan's Massachusetts company, stationed at Frenchman's Bay; that he volunteered in the same year and served a tour of six months as private in Captain Eleazer Crabtree's company, Colonel Cargill's Massachusetts regiment, engaged in guarding the seacoast; that he again volunteered in May, 1776, and that he served six months as private in Captain Daniel Sullivan's Massachusetts company, and that he was discharged in November, 1776.
His claim for pension was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of service of six months which was the requirement of the pension law.
Joseph Bickford died July 28, 1841, in Gouldsboro, Maine, and was survived by children named as follow. Their ages, places of residence, except one and given names of the husbands of the daughters were not stated. All of the children were living in 1856, with the exception of Eben who died, date not shown:
Eben Bickford
Ruth Rice
Benjamin Bickford
Louise Noonan
Joseph Bickford, who in 1855 was a resident of Gouldsboro, Maine
Joshua Bickford
Abigail Tracy
Hannah Guptill
Lucretia Rand
John R. Bickford
Reference was made in the claim to one Stillman Guptill, his relationship to Hannah Guptill, soldier's daughter, not designated, nor any details concerning him.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
-3-
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[verso]
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23610.
Jemima Bickford wid of John Bickford Pri Rev War
Act July 4th 36
Index: Vol A, Page 64
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[recto]
1938, Feb. 12 - Hist to Mrs. Mary A. Birchfield - MLB
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I Paul Dillingham of Waterbury in Washington County and State of Vermont declare that for twenty five years past I have been acquainted with Abram Bickford of Stow (Stowe) in Lamoille County and State aforesaid, that during all that time he has resided within ten miles of me. 
He is a man whom I should judge was about 75 years of age. He is a man of respectable character & standing and in my opinion is a credible witness
Waterbury June 1. 1849
/s/Paul Dillingham
The above certificate & signature are in the proper handwriting of the Hon Paul Dillingham late member of Congress from the 4' Cong. District in Vermont
/s/Geo. P. Marsh MCong.
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I Paul Giles of the town of Lee Strafford County New Hampshire of lawful age after being duly sworn saith that he is the town Clerk of s'd town of Lee and that after a careful search of the records of s'd town he verily believes there is no record of the marriage of John Bickford and Jemima Furnald. 
And he further states that Samuel Hutchins was the settled minister in s'd town as earley as the year 1770 and there is but one marriag on record of the said Hutchins which was solemnised May 18 1795 And he further states that he has bee credibly informed that the s'd Hutchins kept a record of all his marriages he solemnised and after the Death of s'd Hutchins his records was delivered to a daughter of his living in a place unknown to this deponent
/s/Paul Giles Town Clerk of Lee
Personally appeared Paul Giles who signed the preceding affidavit and made oath to the same on the twenty first of May 1849 before me And I certify that he is well known to me and that he is of good Chacter.
/s/William A. Jenkins Justice Peace
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The State of New Hampshire
Strafford ss. Court of Common Pleas Clerk's office May 24, 1849.}
I John H. Smith Clerk of said court, hereby certify that William A. Jenkins is a Justice of the Peace within and for the said county of Strafford, duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission is Dated June 4th, 1846, and will expire June 3d 1851. and that the within signature purporting to be his, is true and genuine. - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty fourth day of May A.D. 1849. 
/s/John H. Smith Clerk
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Thorn Creek Crete PO. office April 1849
To Mr. H. Weed Esqr
No 13
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Crete Ill April 20} 10
Henry Weed Esqr
Hynesburg Vt
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[handwritten letter]
Thorn Creek Crete PO. office, April 18th 1849
To Mr. H. Weed Esqr
Dear Sir I Rec'd Your Letter of inquiry the 10th of this month I can not find No such Old Bible or Record But Mrs. Little Remember mother allways kept it in her possession, 
Pleas to tell Uncle Abram we are Glad to hear from him through any medium! Glad to hear they are all well, tell him that Mrs. Little & Desdamonia are very unwell I cant see why Uncle Abraham does not write a good long famaly Letter I will endeavor to answer it. A cold snowy winter, Young Cattle have been out on green fead about 3 weeks, the wether is now cold frose hard last Night & today is a Clear Col day 
Yours Respectfully
/s/W. A. Little
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No 10
Page 27

Daniel Moody a resident of Stow Lamoille County and state of Vermont aged seventy years (70) after being duly sworn saith. 
That he was resided in Stow fifty years and that one John Bickford who came from Nottingham New Hampshire settled in s'd town and very near deponent's residence about the same time. Deponent and the s'd John Bickford often labored together in the same field and he often spoke of having been a soldier in the Revolution and often related events connected with his service and of his suffering. Deponent has many times heard him speak of Capt Dearborn and say he served in  his company - And further saith the s'd Bickford was generally believed to have been a Revolutionary soldier and to have served as he stated and he so believes. The said John Bickford died about twelve years after his acquaintance commenced with him leaving a widow called Jemima who died about five years ago - And further saith, the s'd John left a son now living on the same farm on which he died called Abram Bickford who is about five years older than deponent. (75) and has always been a good character - He further saith that the widow of the s'd John Bickford claimed that a pension
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should be paid her and believes some efforts were made to obtain it - and further saith not
/s/Daniel Moody 
Personally appeared Daniel Moody who has signed the preceding affidavit om the 29 March 1849 and made oath to the same and I certify he is well known to me and is of unquestioned truth and credibility - 
/s/Lemuel Thomas} Just Peace
Dated Stow March 29, 1849
State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office
Montpelier June 11, 1849
[official seal affixed]
I hereby certify that Lemuel Thomas Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, is, and was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Lamoille is said state, duly appointed & commissioned, and that full credit is due to his acts & attestations as such. 
Given under my hand & the seal of this office this 11th day of June A.D. 1849. 
/s/Ferrand F. Merrill
Deputy & Acting Secretary of State
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Abstract of evidence in the case of the Claim of Jemima Bickford
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No 1. Declaration Abram Bickford - he states that his father John Bickford first enlisted under Capt. Henry Dearborn and went with the expedition to Canada and that he afterwards was at West Point and other places - remembers when he left home at one time and that a neighbor Andrew Willy went with him - states his father was about twenty one years older than declarant (he is now 75 years old) - and that his parents were married by Rev Mr Huchins of Lee New Hampshire
No 2. Certificate of character of Abram Bickford by Paul Dillingham late a Member of Congress from the 4th Congressional district Vermont
No - 3. Certificate from Sec'y State New Hampshire of the service of John Bickford of Nottingham
No - 4- Affd't Town Clerk Lee N.H. no public record of marriage and that Rev Mr Huchins neglected to have marriages solemnized by him recorded
No - 5 Affdt. Nancy McKinstry that the family record is lost - 
No 6 Affdt. Charles Willy who knew that his wife's name was Jemima Furnald and that he left his wife and family at home when he went into the army
No - 6. Affd't of E Bennett Traditionary that John Bickford was in the northern army and that his father named Thomas Bickford
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No - 7 - Affdt. Israel Bartht. That he knew John Bickford & that he was reputed to be a soldier in the Revolution - that his wife was called Jemima Furnald and that their oldest son was of his own age (75 years) - knew the family well in Nottingham N.H. and that they removed to Vermont many years ago & that the s'd Bickford died there
No - 8 Affd't Samuel Tuttle lived in 1/2 a mile of J. Bickford & that he was said to be a a soldier./ family lived in Nottingham during the war - and Abram Bickford was near his own age (78 years) he once wrote the names and ages in a Bible - said that the family moved to Vermont about fifty years ago & that Bickford died there
No 8. Affd't John Demeritt a son of Capt Demeritt - had heard John Bickford say that his father (Capt Meritt) hired him to serve for the town of Northwood - and had also heard his father say that he hired John Bickford to serve and that he had to provide for his wife and children in his absence - Believes Abram Bickford the son of John Bickford 75 years old & knows a younger one Sally to be his own age
No - 8. Affd't Thomas Demeritt Traditionary evidence of John Bickford
No - 9 - Affd't James Willy - remembers when John Bickford & his brother Andrew Willy returned from serving in the war of the Revolution - lived in one mile of J.B. and attended the same school with his children - and knows his wife was then while he the s'd John Bickford was absent in the army
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No - 10 Affd't Daniel Moody. Traditionary evidence of John Bickford and that he told him he served under Capt. Dearborn in an expedition to Canada. and that after his death the [illegible] widow claimed a pension and died 1843. 
No - 11 - Affd't Riverius Camp- had heard John Bickford say he saw Major Andre executed & was on duty & that he was reputed to be a a soldier - ['After the death of J. B. solicited him' crossed out] the widow of Bickford claimed a pension ['& pension' crossed out] & he made some papers but never presented them at the pension office - she told him she was married by Rev Mr Huchins in Lee N.H. before the war 
No-12 Certificate of the court of Probate Lamoille County - that John Bickford died Sept 1811. And that his widow Jemima Bickford died April 1. 1843. leaving Abram Bickford James Bickford Keziah Little & Nancy McKinstry her only surviving children
No-13 Letter of W Little the husband Keziah Little showing that the family Bible is not in her possession as was stated by Abram Bickford in his declaration
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John Demeritt of Nottingham Rockingham County state of New Hampshire aged seventy three ['years' crossed out] after being duly sworn saith. That he has always lived in the Town of Northwood and Nottingham in said county and is the son of Capt. Demeritt or Meritt as he was usually called. He further saith that there lived in Nottingham within about two miles of his own residence one John Bickford who lived there until he removed to Stow. Vermont about fifty years ago - The s'd John Bickford was reputed to have been a soldier in the Revolutionary war he often told deponent he had been one and he has told him that his (deponent's) father once hired him to go into the army as one of the Levys from the town of Northwood - Deponent also well remembers of hearing his father say that he hired the s'd Bickford to go as a levy and that he had to provide for his wife and children in his absence - Deponent further saith that the s'd Bickford's wife was named Jemima Furnald & he knew her father's family well - He also well remembers the children of the s'd John & Jemima all of whom were born in Nottingham. the eldest of whom called Abram Bickford now lives in Stow Vermont. and is older than deponent a younger called Sally was near his own age and a younger still called John Bickford Jr would be if living about seventy years old - over
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Deponent further saith that the s'd John Bickford was the only person of that name that lived in Nottingham & he the husband of the s'd Jemima - he further saith that it was generally believed by those who knew the s'd John Bickford that he had been a soldier in the  Revolution & I concur in that belief
/s/John Demeritt
State of New Hampshire
Rockingham County ss. June 7th 1849. Then John Demeritt who subscribed the above affidavit made solemn Oath that the same contained the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 
Before me /s/Israel Bartlett Jus Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above affiant , and that his character is good for truth and veracity. 
/s/Israel Bartlett. Jus Peace.
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[official seal affixed]
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Office of Secretary of State. 
I, Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Israel Bartlett is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Strafford duly Commissioned and qualified, and duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths, take the acknowledgment of Deeds, &c. His Commission was dated on the first day of July 1845 and will expire on the first day of July 1850
Given under my hand and the Seal of the State this 8th day of June 1849.
/s/Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of State.
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No - 6
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Charles Willy of Durham Strafford County New Hampshire aged one Hundred years a soldier of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States after being duly sworn saith. That he was a  native of Nottingham New Hampshire where he lived until within a few years & has since lived in Lee & Durham. He further saith that he was acquainted with John Bickford of Nottingham - deponent & the s'd John were boys together - and lived within one mile of each other. The s'd John Bickford served also in the war of the Revolution but he does not know precisely the time he entered nor the length of time he served. He can well rember that the s'd John Bickford left a wife and two or three children at one time when he went into the service. Deponent further saith that he had a brother named Andrew Willy who was also in the service and at the same time the s'd John Bickford was. He further saith that he was acquainted with the wife of the s'd Bickford and that he was named Jemima Furnald and also lived in Nottingham - Deponent further saith the s'd John Bickford was several years younger than deponent
/s/X his mark Charles Willey
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Charles Willey Personally appeared before me at Durham on the 6th day of June 1849 and made oath to the foregoing affadavit. And I certify that the s'd Willey is personally known to me living within about one mile of me and an honest man, and I further believe he has a distinct recollection of the events he speaks of
/s/Israel Bartlett. {Justice of the Peace
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[official seal affixed]
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Office of Secretary of State.
I, Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Israel Bartlett is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Rockingham duly Commissioned and qualified, and duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths, take the acknowledgment of Deeds, &c. His Commission was dated on the twenty fifth day of November 1844 and will expire on the twenty fifth day of November 1849
Given under my hand and the Seal of the State this 8th day of June 1849.
/s/Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of State.
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No - 7
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I Israel Bartlett of Nottingham Rockingham County, State of New=Hampshire Esquire aged seventy five years. Depose testify and say that, I knew John Bickford who formerly resided in this town from my earliest recollection of Persons and things, until said Bickford removed with his family into the State of Vermont about fifty years ago. That I never knew any other man that lived in said Nottingham during his residence in said town of the name of John Bickford, said Bickford had a wife and a considerable number of children, the Wife's Maiden name was said to be Jemmima Furnald, with whom he the said John Bickford cohabited, and were reputed as husband and wife, I remember they had a son named Abraham, another John, and a daughter Sally or Sarah there were others whose name and sec I do not recollect. I have understood from elderly persons that said John Bickford served in some capacity as a noncommissioned officer, or private in the war of the revolution at what period of the war, or time of service I have no particular knowledge - It has been generally reputed in the town that said Bickford did actually serve as a Soldier in said War, and that he so did I have no reason to doubt. Abraham Bickford the son of John Bickford above named, was about as old as I was Sally and John the other children above mentioned were some younger I cannot state precisely the difference. 
/s/Israel Bartlett.
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I further certify that I have been acquainted with Charles Willey who until within 15 or 20 years resided in Nottingham said to be about one hundred years old, and also with Andrew Willey now deceased. both natives of said town of Nottingham both of whom have been placed on the Pension list was of the United States for services in the War of the Revolution.
/s/Israel Bartlett.
Rockingham ss. June 7:1849 - Then personally appeared the above named Israel Bartlett and took and subscribed the foregoing ['oath' crossed out] affidavit.
before me /s/Ephraim Gibbetts Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above affiant is personally known to me and that his character is good for truth and veracity and well known Magistrate
Attest /s/Ephraim Gibbetts Justice Peace
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[official seal affixed]
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Office of Secretary of State.
I, Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Ephraim Tibbetts is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Rockingham duly Commissioned and qualified, and duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths, take the acknowledgment of Deeds, &c. His Commission was dated on the seventh day of December 1847 and will expire on the seventh day of December 1852
Given under my hand and the Seal of the State this 8th day of June 1849.
/s/Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of State.
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No - 6
Page 45

Eleazar Bennet a resident of Durham Strafford County New Hampshire aged Ninety nine years a soldier of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States after being duly sworn saith. That he was acquainted with John Bickford of Nottingham New Hampshire previous to the Revolutionary war he was the son of Thomas Bickford who he also knew. - He further saith that the s'd John Bickford was a soldier in the Revolution and went with the army to Canada as he was told and as was generally believed in the neighborhood - he also knew others from the same vicinity who went in that expedition to Canada among them Winborn Adams - he has no personal knowledge of the s'd Bickford's service but he was generally considered to have been a soldier. The s'd Bickford left this country more than forty years ago - and further saith not
/s/his mark Eleazer Bennett 
Attest Eleazer Bennett Personally appeared before me at Durham on the 6th day of June, 1849 and made oath to the foregoing affidavit, and I certify that the s'd Bennett is personally known to me living within about two miles of me and an honest man and I further believe that he has a distinct recollection of the events he has spoken of
/s/Israel Bartlett} Justice of the Peace
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I Samuel Tuttle of Nottingham Rockingham County state of New Hampshire aged Seventy eight years depose & say That I was well acquainted with one John Bickford who resided very near me when I was young. he had a wife named Jemima (her maiden name Furnald) and they had a large family of children born very bear when I now live. The oldest was called Abram Bickford and is very near my own age a younger called Sally another John. I do not recollect the names of all the number I believe were nine. All the children of the s'd John & Jemima & were born in the town. I well remember the ages of the older ones from the fact the s'd John once requested me to write their names and ages in a bible which I did for him. I further say that the s'd John Bickford was reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolution and I so believe
I further testify that the s'd John Bickford moved to Stow Vermont about fifty years ago, and that he there died as I was told and believe and where his son the s'd Abram Bickford now lives
/s/Samuel Tuttle
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State of New Hampshire
Rockingham co. June 7 1849. then Samuel Tuttle who subscribed the within affidavit made solemn Oath that the same contained the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 
Before me /s/Israel Bartlett Jus: Pa.
I hereby Certify that I am well acquainted with the above affiant and that his character is good for truth & veracity. 
/s/Israel Bartlett Jus: Peace.
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Riverius Camp a resident of Stow Lamoile County  Vermont aged sixty six years after being duly sworn saith That he settled in s'd Town of Stow in AD 1804. That at that period there lived in this town one John Bickford who said he came from Nottingham New Hampshire - He often told deponent he had been a soldier in the Revolution and related many times his personal service - among them he stated he was on duty and saw Major Andre executed and was at that period stationed at West Point - he the s'd Bickford died about eight years after deponent's first acquaintance with him and was reputed by his neighbors to have been a soldier and I also concur in that opinion. Deponent further saith that the s'd John Bickford left a widow named Jemima Bickford who died about five years ago - And that in her lifetime she solicited deponent to assist her to obtain a pension on account of the Revolutionary service of her husband the s'd John Bickford - she stated to me she was married to the s'd Bickford in Lee New Hampshire by Rev Mr Huchins before her husband entered the army. Deponent made some effort to establish her marriage but did not succeed in such before her death and her claim was not prescribed - Deponent further saith that the s'd John and Jemima had a large family of children
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the oldest of which named Abram Bickford now lives in this Town and is reputed to be Seventy five years of age and a man of good memory and also of good character
/s/Riverius Camp
Personally appeared Riverius Camp before me on the 29 day of march 1849 and made oath to the above affidavit by him signed And I certify the affiant is personally known to me and is a man of credibility and truth
/s/Noah Robinson} Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont
[official seal affixed]
Secretary of State's Office
Montpelier June 11, 1849 
I hereby certify that Noah Robinson Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, is, and was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Lamoille in said State, duly constituted and commissioned, & that full credit is due to ['the' crossed out] his acts and attestations as such. 
[margin note: No - 11]
Given under my hand and the seal of this State this 11th day of June A.D. 1849. 
/s/Ferrand F. Merrill
Deputy & Acting Secretary of State
Page 50

James Willy of Concord Merrimack County & state of New Hampshire aged seventy eight years after being sworn saith. That he was a native of the town of Nottingham New Hampshire. And he was there when young acquainted with one John Bickford and his family who lived in about one mile of deponant and in the same school district. The wife of the said Bickford was called Jemima he does not remember her maiden name. He further saith that about the close of the Revolution there was a school established in the neighborhood and there being no school house - The school was kept a part of the time at deponents fathers house & a part of the time at a neighbors house and the two eldest children of the s'd John Bickford attended this school their names were Abram & Sally - Abram was a little younger than deponent and at this time deponent thinks he was not more than ten years of age. and he thinks the s'd Abram not more than seven or eight years of age
He further saith that the s'd John Bickford was reputed to have been a soldier in the Revolution & her remembers when he and a brother named Andrew Willy returned home from the war and he understood they served together - Deponent further saith that  he has a brother now living in Durham in this state reputed to be one hundred years old but depont believes him only Ninety five - but he has no records. He also was in the service and is pensioned
Page 51

Deponent further saith that at the time his brother Andrew Willy returned in company with the s'd John Bickford from their ['the' crossed out] tour of service in the war his wife and family lived in one  mile of deponents then residence and the s'd Bickford continued to reside there until they moved to Vermont. aged fifty years ago when he was told and believing he died many years ago
/s/James Willey
Merrimack County SS.
Concord June 8. 1849} Then personally appeared James Willey the above affiant and made oath the same is true
Before me /s/Jno Whipple Jus. Peace
And I hereby certify that s'd James Willy is personally known to me and a man of truth and credibility & one acting Deacon of one of the churches
/s/Jno. Whipple Jus. Peace
Note the erasure on the third line and this interlined before signing
/s/Jno. Whipple Jus Peace
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[official seal affixed]
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Office of Secretary of State.
I, Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that John Whipple is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Merrimack duly Commissioned and qualified, and duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths, take the acknowledgment of Deeds, &c. His Commission was dated on the seventeenth day of June 1846 and will expire on the seventeenth day of June 1851
Given under my hand and the Seal of the State, this 8th day of June 1849.
/s/Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of State.
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[handwritten letter]
N Burlington July 7 1849

Sir
Herewith I enclose papers in behalf of the heir ['of the heirs' crossed out] of Jemima Bickford, widow of John Bickford. a revolutionary soldier which I trust will be found satisfactory, and am 
Respectfully yours 
/s/Geo P Marsh
Col. Edwards
Com. P
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No - 8
Page 55

Thomas Demeritt of the town of Northwood county of Rockingham & state of New Hampshire aged eighty years after being sworn saith That was acquainted with one John Bickford of Nottingham fifty years ago or more The s'd John had at that period a large family of children the eldest Abram was but a few years younger than deponent - Deponent further saith that John Bickford Jr. a son of the s'd John attended the school of deponent in 1798. & he was then he thinks eighteen years of age & he the third or fourth child of the elder John Bickford & his wife - He further saith that the s'd John Bickford & family removed to Vermont in a year or two after his acquaintance with him and he was reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolution & he concurs in that opinion
/s/Thomas Demeritt
State of New Hampshire
Rockingham ss. Then Thomas Demeritt who subscribed the above affidavit made solemn Oath the same contained the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 
before me /s/Israel Bartlett Jus. peace 
I hereby certify that the above affiant is personally known to me and that his character is good for truth and veracity,
Attest /s/Israel Bartlett Jus. peace
Page 56

State of New Hampshire,
Office of Secretary of State.
I do hereby certify, That from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military services in the war of the Revolution, which remain in this office, it appears that the name of John Bickford is borne upon the "Pay Roll of Capt. Henry Dearborn's Company in Col'o Arnold's detachment for Canada inlisted out of Col'o Hark's and Col'o Poor's Regiments - from the time of ['enlistment' crossed out] entry in said Regiments to Sept 1st 1775," as a private in said comp'y. with an allowance for Three months and twenty three days service, commencing May 8th 1775. [margin note: 3.23] At the bottom of said Pay Roll is the following: - 
"This is a True Roll of the Company under my Command which marched from Cambrige for Canada September 1775 - Henry Dearborn - Captain"
And upon a "Pay Roll for nine men in Capt'n Henry Dearborn's Comp'a in Col'o Arnold's Detatchment for Canada, omitted in the Roll made up Nov 8th 1776" is the name of John Bickford "Time of Enlistment" 1775 May 8. "Pay  received" £6. "Wages due to the 1st Septm'r £1.10.8. Upon the back of said Pay Roll is the following: - " Receiv'd for my son John Bickford 30/8d Thomas bickford"
And upon the "Muster Roll of the Men mustered in Capt. Joseph Chandler's Company in Col'o Wyman's Regiment" is borne the name of John Bickford, as a private in said comp',y, with an allowance for advance wages and bounty of £9.18.0. Said Muster Roll is Dated Augt. 10, 1776, and it appears that said John Bickford's place of abode was Nottingham. And upon a "Pay Roll of Capt. Benj'a Sias Company in Col. David Gilman's Regiment from the State of New Hampshire from yr 5th day of Dec'r 1776 to 15th day of March both of s'd days included" is borne the name of John Bickford, as a private with an allowance for Three months & eleven days services. [margin note: 3.11] 
And upon a "Muster Roll of Capt. Enoch Page's Company mustered by Capt. Samuel Gilman Muster Master for said Company Sept 20th 1777. Pd Receipt" is borne the name of John Bickford with an allowance for Bounty £4.10.0. The name of Andrew Willee (Willey) is also born upon said Roll as a private in said
Page 57

Company.
A I further certify, That upon a paper headed "Accounts of Individuals" is borne the name of "John Bickford do at Chamblee" £9.4."
And upon a paper headed "New Levies 1780" is borne the name of John Bickford, with an allowance for Five months and thirteen days service, [margin note: 5.13] commencing July 15 and ending Decr. 5, 1780. time allow'd to travel home 12 Days. It appears that said Bickford was 27 years of age at the time he was mustered and that he went for the town of Northwood. 
And upon a "Pay Roll for the six months men raised by the State of New Hampshire to serve in the Continental Army in the year 1781 at West Point" [margin note: 4.10] is borne the name of John Bickford as a private with an allowance for Four months and ten days services commencing August 2, 1781 and ending Dec. 11, 1781. Place of abode - "Nottingham" Town he went for, "Northwood."
Andrew Willey belonging to the same town was in the same service, is credited with the same amount of service, and went for the same town of Northwood
[state seal affixed] Given under my hand and the Seal of the State,, this 4th day of June, A.D. 1849. 
/s/Thomas P. Treadwell
Secretary of State.
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[addressed postcard]
[postmark: DAYTONA BEACH FLA. DEC 14 1937 1PM] [one cent stamp]
[receipt stamp:: RECEIVED DEC 16 1937 MAIL SUB-DIV. [illegible]]
THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS
Mrs. Finch, Room 1851 - Navy Bldg - 
[margin note: Veterans Bureau]
Washington DC
19th & Constitution ave -
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[postcard]
[postmark: WASHINGTON DC DEC 1933 [illegible]PM MAIL EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS]
Dec. 12, 1937
Mrs Finch - 
If I'm asked for more than I should have (see letter of this date) at one time please give me the Bickford & Mathews first & later on the Emerson records -  
Again Thanks
/s/W. N. Birchfield
12 South Street
Daytona Beach, Florida.
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[handwritten letter]
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA December 12, 1937

Mrs. Finch
Navy Bldg.
Washington D.C.

My dear Mrs. Finch:
Over three months age while a patient at Mt. Alto Hospital in Washington I asked for afternoon in town to do a little looking up of family history, it was granted, but oh my, I missed the street car that runs only every 20 minutes at middle of day - & an hour was gone before I reached Miss Yeoman's office in Commerce Bldg - where I was given all possible aid but at that only had couple of hours - so did not get very far - but this she did give me & that was your name & office address so that I could write you - bless her heart - 
Mrs Finch I want records of G.G. & G. grandfathers John & Joseph Bickford of Stratford County (afterwards part was made into Carroll Co) Think one John's wife was Sally Brasey ('madbury' crossed out] another John Bickford Jr., wife? (madbury where is it?) 1812 war
Then Joseph married Polly Guerson
I think I want John & Joseph of Madbury - 
The 1841 Census shows John, Joseph & Solomon Jr. as Pensioners.
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Then on separate sheet may I have records
of Solomon Emerson born 1768
David Emerson  "  1777
John Emerson  "  1784
Moses Emerson  "  1788 all sons of John Emerson & wife Polly
all I understand were in War of 1812. I'd like copy of their affidavits for pensions and names of their  wives if you have it. 
any dates & data births, marriages, deaths which occured & when pension would [illegible] stop - eh?
a Hannah Emerson born in 1750 is shown but guess I do not want her - no thanks - Thoughtlessly I was copying right down this list of things you gave me - 
Family Home up there burned without saving a Thing - and of course all this old folks gave long ago - I even to be one of very few left.
Now what about another G.G. Grandfather John Mathews who married ?Katherine Tuttle? understand he was a private in the 40th U.S. Infantry enlisted at Portsmouth 1814 & discharged in 1815 - (as much from adj Gen'l office)(
Thanks ever so much Mrs Finch for anything you may be able to give me in this search - I want to go into the Daughters of 1812 of which Miss Yeomans is a member - are you?
Very sincerely - 
/s/Mrs. Mary Axcil Birchfield
127 South St., Daytona Beach, Fla. 
I am 68 yrs old.
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[typewritten letter]
February 12, 1938
xxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/AWFM

Mrs. Mary A. Birchfield
127 South Street
Daytona Beach, Florida

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of John, Solomon and Joseph Bickford of New Hampshire of Massachusetts (Madbury cited by you, perhaps meant for Medbury, Massachusetts) and the War of 1812 records of a John Bickford, Solomon, David, John and Moses Emerson and John Mathews or Mathias.
It is regretted, indeed, that it is impossible comply in full with each request for records of soldiers of the Revolutionary War and War of 1812, no matter how great the desire to do so. The demand for such information is great and the trained clerical force available for that research work is limited.
The record of a John Bickford and of a Joseph Bickford are furnished you herewith which, it is hoped, will aid you somewhat in your research.

It is regretted that your letter could not have been answered sooner. 

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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Mass. Bickford or Beckford, Joseph R 696