Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26937, for Samuel Priest, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Mass.
Priest, Samuel Susan
NUMBER
N. 26937
CONTENTS

SERVICE
Wass.
Priest, Samuel Susan
NUMBER
N. 26937
CONTENTS

3169.
14
Vermont Roll
Samuel Priest Col. Bigelows' Reg't Private Massachusetts Line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 7. of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th of Sept. 1818 and forwarded to Thomas Ham- mond Esq. Rutland Vermont.
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818 $39. 46 Semi-ann. all'ee ending 4 Mar 1819 48. 00
Am 4. Mar. 28/30 $87. 46
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
3 Years 1777-
Shrewsbury. Rutland Concord Co
[Faint vertical text on the right page, likely bleed-through from the reverse side:] Samuel Priest Col. Bigelows' Reg't Private Massachusetts Line In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War. Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 7. of April 1818 Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th of Sept. 1818 and forwarded to Thomas Ham- mond Esq. Rutland Vermont. Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818 $39. 46 Semi-ann. all'ee ending 4 Mar 1819 48. 00 Am 4. Mar. 28/30 $87. 46

most Samuel Priest prod. Apr 7
Thomas Hammond Esq. Rutland Correspondence
completed
Quint
6

I Samuel Priest of Shrewsbury in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont do Depose and say that I am Sixtytwo Years of Age that on or about the first Day of October A D 1777 I enlisted under Lieutenant Perkins of Boston in Capt Sylvanus Smiths Company in the fifth with Massachusetts Regiment commanded by Timothy Biglow of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts for the term of Three Years which will more fully appear by the Discharge herewith Enclosed That I am now and ever have been a resident citizen of the United States - I also served five Months in the first eight Months Service in Capt Abel Wilders Company and at another time I served five Months in Capt David Carlisle's Com- pany at New York and on the North River and three Months I served in the State of New Jersey in Col Carter's Regiment and by reason of My Reduced Circum- stances I stand in need of the Assistance of My Country for Support
Rutland
Samuel Priest
Rutland County ss
Clarendon April 7 th A D 1818 I sworn before me
Thos Hammond Asst Judge of M c County Court I John Filburn Junn of Lawful Age do Testify and say that I have been acquainted with Sam- uel Priest of Shrewsbury for Twentyfive or Sixty Years & Believe him to be a Person of Truth and Veracity
John Filburn Junn
The above named John Filburn Jr. Subscribed & sworn this 13 th April 1818, before me
Thos Hammond Asst Judge of Rutland County Court

State of Vermont
I Thomas Hammond, one of the judges of Rutland County Court, do certify, that I am satisfied the foregoing named Samuel Priest an applicant for a pension in the revolu- -tionary war as a soldier against the common enemy agreeable to his foregoing declaration and from his reduced circumstances he stands in need of assistance from his country for support. In consideration whereof I certify the evidence in his case & the proceedings had thereon in com- -pliance to the Act of Congress entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war" passed 18. March 1818. I further certify that the said Samuel delivered me the accompanying discharge.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand at Rutland this 7 th day of April 1818, and have caused the seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed. —
Thos Hammond
State of Vermont Rutland County ss
I Robert Temple Clerk of Rutland County Court do certify that the Hon. Thomas Hammond who subscribed the above certificate is one of the judges of said Court — and that I herein affixed the seal of said Court to these presents by order of said Judge at Rutland this 7 th day of April 1818
R. Temple
Out

Samuel Peck
Income $30. per Ann. He owes $400.
3169
Chadwy
con
1

STATE OF VERMONT, } Rutland County, ss. }
On this 26 th day of June 1820
personally appeared before the County court for said county of Rutland in open court, (said court being a court of record, agreeably to the laws of this state, having the power of fine and imprisonment, &c.) Samuel Priest aged 65 years, resident in Shrewsbury in said county of Rutland who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath declare, that he served in the revolutionary war, as follows: in Capt. Smith's Co. Col. Bigelow's Regt. of Mass. three years commencing Oct 1779.
that he made his original declaration on the 7 th day of April 1818. has received a Pension Certificate, No. 3169 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 hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. I have no property of any description except a life lease of 93 acres of land on the mountain in Shrewsbury, which is worth but little. I am in debt about four hundred dollars. My occupation is that of a laborer, but am so out of health, with lameness & rheumatism that I can labor but little. I have a wife named Susanna aged about 58 years in very poor health. I have no other family. I live with my son who supports me.
Sam d Priest
Sworn to and declared on the
26 th
day of June
1820
R. Peirpoint
CLERK.
STATE OF VERMONT, } Rutland County, ss. }
I, Robert Peirpoint clerk of the County court for the county of Rutland do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule 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 thirty  _____ dollars per ann. And that said Priest is indebted four hundred dollars.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said court, at Rutland this 28 th day of June 1820
R. Peirpoint

3728
New York Albany
Susan Priest
widow of Samuel Priest
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7. day of Feby 1849 and sent to
Adriel Ely Watertown N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 167 Vol. 1.
Reported
Feby 7/49
Dec 8-1852 c13.

887
1671 Susan Paul widow of Samuel Paul
Admiral Ely
Watertown
N.Y.
Agree
Admitted Private 2 years
Admiral Ely Esq. Watertown N.Y.

State of New York
Jefferson County ss On this 28 th day of August 1878 personally appeared before the Hon Calvin McKnight first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Jefferson County Susan Priest a resi- dent of the town of Brownville in the County and State aforesaid aged Seventy five the 10 th day of last March who first being 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 Samuel Priest who was a private in the Revolutionary Army and a Pensioner under the act of March 1818 inscribed on the Roll of the Vermont agency. She further declares that she was married to the said Samuel Priest on the 10 th of April Seventeen hundred and Eighty one: That her husband the aforesaid Samuel Priest died on the 24 th day of October Eighteen hundred and twenty six: 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 Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written before Susan Priest mark
Calvin McKnight first Judge of S up . County Courts
I certify that the above named applicant Mrs Priest cannot attend court in consequence of bodily infirmitity - dated as above.
Calvin McKnight first Judge of S up . County Courts

State of New York Jefferson County ss
On this 28 th day of August 1838 personally appeared before the Hon Calvin M c Knight first Judge Jefferson County Courts Jonathan Priest who first being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say that Samuel Priest formerly of Shrewsbury Vermont was a pensioner of the United States; that the said Samuel died at the house of the deponent on the 24 th day of October 1826; that he left a widow him surviving who now resides in the town of Brownville & County & State aforesaid, that her name is Susan Priest and is the person now making an application for a pension under the act of July 7. 1838; that the aforesaid Susan Priest was the lawful wife of the said Samuel and has never been married since his death but still remains his widow Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year first above written before me
Jonathan Priest
Calvin M. Knight first Judge of Jefferson County Courts
I certify that the above named Jonathan Priest is a credible person
(M. Knight first Judge of Jefferson County Courts)

STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. Jefferson County Clerk's Office, }
I, PELEG BURCHARD , Clerk of said County, do hereby Certify, that C. McKnight Esq. before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been sworn,
was at the date of the same First Judge of Jefferson County in and for the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorised to take the same.—and further, that I am well ac- quainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the same to be his proper hand writing and signature.
Witness my hand and seal of said county, this Sixth day of September in the year 1838
P. Burchard Clerk.
87 M c H Paul Susan widow of Samuel Paul Adm l Ely Watertown N.Y. Agree
Admitted Private 2 years
Adm l Ely Esq. Watertown N.Y.

I Nathaniel F Cunningham Clerk of the town of Lunenburg, Certify that the following is a true Copy of the Record, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows - Samuel Priest and Susannah Hastings were married by the Reverend Gabriel Adams April 12 th (twentieth) 1781 / Seventeen hundred and eighty one / Nath l F Cunningham town Clerk. -
I Nathaniel F Cunningham above named depose and say. That I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town of Lunenburg, County of Worcester, Massachusetts, and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me - Nath l F Cunningham Clerk of Lunenburg.
Worcester ss. September 7 th 1838 Personally appeared the above named Nath l . F. Cunningham and made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed.
Before me Esda l Whiting Justice of the Peace.

Sunenburg Ms. Sept 8
18 3 / 4
Adwil Ely Esqr Watertown Jefferson County — New York —
Quit

Union Worcester County Me. — September 7, 1838
David Ely Esq.
Watertown Jefferson County
New York. — Sir —
inclosed is the Certificate of the Marriage of Samuel Priest and Susannah Hastings. — The Commissioner of Pensions at Washington has several Certificates that Esq. Whiting the subscribing justice is qualified. — I transmitted to him the Pension Commissioner four weeks ago a Certificate from the Governor under the great Seal of the State attested by the Secretary, that said Whiting is duly qualified to act as a justice in this County.
I suppose no further evidence can be needed on that point, if otherwise I will furnish any within my power. —
Yours obedt Servt —
N H Cunningham
Onet

January 22, 1937
Samuel Priest W. 26937 BA-J/AWT
Mr. Roger F. Williams Chaumont New York
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Samuel Priest, soldier of the Revolutionary War, who died in 1826 in Brownville, New York, leaving widow, Susannah.
The data furnished herein were obtained from pension claim, W. 26937, based upon the service of Samuel Priest in the Revolutionary War.
The date and place of birth of Samuel Priest were not given, nor were the names of his parents stated.
He served five months as a private in "the first eight months service" in Captain Abel Wilder's company, served five months in Captain David Carlisle's company, and three months in Colonel Carter's regiment. No dates of service were given. He enlisted, October 1, 1777, served as a private in Captain Sylvanus Smith's company, Colonel Timothy Bigelow's 15th Massachusetts regiment, and was discharged, October 1, 1780. It is not stated where he was living, when he enlisted.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 7, 1818, at which time he was sixty-two years of age and living in Shrewsbury, Rutland County, Vermont. He was residing in 1820 in said Shrewsbury, with his son, his name not designated. He died October 24, 1826 at the residence of Jonathan

Priest, who in 1838 was living in Jefferson County, New York.
Samuel Priest married April 12, 1781, Susannah or Susan Hastings; their marriage was recorded on the records of Lunenburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts. Susannah (Susan) Hastings was born March 10, 1763, place not shown, nor were the names of her parents given.
The widow, Susannah Priest, was allowed pension on her application executed August 28, 1838, at which time she was living in Brownville, Jefferson County, New York. She was living in 1848 in Orleans, New York. She died December 8, 1852.
The papers in this claim contain no further family data.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Rev Commissioner of Pensions Dear Sir,
Please send me a duplicate of Samuel Priest discharge He was in the Revolutionary War. His wife was a Pensioner
Respectfully, Mrs Carrie S Elmer
Elmer St Canton Hopewell CC New York.

U. S. OLD WAR & NAVY MAR 17 1905 FILES. P. B.

O.M.A. Canton N.B. R St Lawrence Co March 12 1905.
Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir
I wrote you a short time ago in reference to Samuel Priest a Revolutionary Soldier He served nearly thru' the war was with Arnold on his disastrous expedition against Tunebeck. His wife was a Peninsular. Her name was Sarah and she died Nov 8, 1852, age 84 years. They lived in Limerick Mass. Shawbury W.

also Brimville N.B. where He was buried Now can you give me the date of his discharged or other information His wife being a Pension hope that would be an help. Kerry Berseff G. Mrs Carrie S Elmer

Mch. 15, 1905 History to Mrs. Carrie S. Elmer, Canton, NY.
Apl. 8, 1905 letter to above.
1937-Jan. 22-lettr to Roger F. Williams
1939 Oct. 11 lettr to Miss
Alice L. Priest. MCS
Large
WIDOW, &c.
26937
File No. 24978
Susan Priest
Wid of
Samuel Priest
Pin  Res. nar.
—o—
Act Feb. 24  1848.
Index: Vol 2 , Page 142
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Albany 887
Susan Priest
widow of Samuel Priest
who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 th March 1818 and who died on the 24 th October 1826 of Jefferson Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg't commanded by Col. Bigelow in the Mass. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 80 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 th day of Nov. 1838 and sent to Adriel Ely Watertown, N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. '38. 200.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 1 st Mar. 39 40.00
$240.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2 Page 97

478 New York, Albany
Reported
Susan Priest
widow of Samuel Priest who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of June 1843 and sent to Adriel Ely, Esq. Watertown, New York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1. Page 111

This Certifieth that Samuel a Private Priest, has served three years in the 15 th Massachusetts Regiment being the full Term of his enlistment has conducted himself as a good and faithful soldier and is here by Discharged service
Given under my hand at Orange town this first Day of October 1780
Andrew Peters Lieut Col
I hereby Certify that the foregoing is a True Copy of the Original Discharge
attest Thos Hammond Brit Judge
Glencoe April 7 th 1851 of Middlesex County Court
4661 E 0861
See

T his certifieth, That Samuel West 15 th Massachusetts Regiment, being the full Term of his Inlistment; has conducted himself as a good and faithful Soldier, and is hereby discharged the Service.
Given under my Hand, at Orange Town this first Day of October 1780.
Andrew Peters Lieut. Col.

October 17, 1939.
BA-J/ILL
Miss Alice L. Priest 16 Brewster Terrace Brookline, Massachusetts.
Dear Madam:
You are furnished herewith, as requested, photostatic copies of the original pages thereof, in the claims for pension based upon service in the Revolutionary War of the soldiers named below.
b3517 Abel Priest, W. 26342 - 3 pages Job Priest, S. 33517 - 3 pages Joseph Priest, W. 812 - 4 pages Levi Priest, W. 15939 - 2 pages Samuel Priest, W. 26937 - 2 pages William Priest, S. 11267 - 2 pages
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

October 5, 1939
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
War & Navy 970
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rev. War pension claim, Samuel Priest, W. 26937
Actual
1 of each page
Copies to Miss Alice Priest, Cpl. of soldiers dated Apr. 7, 1818 - 1 page; see note below. Affid. of Nathaniel F. Cunningham dated Apr. 7, 1838 - 1 p
noted on my order for photos!
The person requesting the copies, wants this discharge certificate to be a part of the large page & does not care for the writing underneath, so copy the whole as it lies, even if the ends of under lines do show
$0.50
2 pages
XXXX
Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 inches at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number.
The word omit is written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
Chief of Rev. & 1812 Wars Sect.

October 5, 1939
Administrator of Veterans Affairs Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Kindly send me photostatic copies (uncertified) of two pages from Rev. War pension claim, Samuel Priest, W.26937.
Very truly yours
(Miss) Alice L. Priest 16 Bruster Terrace Brookline - Massachusetts

Chaumont N. Y. January 12, 1937
Veterans Administration Washington D.C. Gentlemen:
Samuel Priest was a Revolutionary Soldier. I do not know whether he drew a Pension but his wife Susannah (Susan) Priest did have a Pension. They lived to my knowledge in Shrewsbury, Vt. Brownville N.Y. He died in 1826 in Brownville N.Y. She " " in 1852 in Orleans, N.Y.
I would greatly appreciate an abstract of their Pension papers including any family data.
Sincerely, Roger F. Williams

ISC
W.26937:Rev.War.
April 10, 1905.
Madam:
In reply to your recent communication, you are advised that Samuel Priest, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, enlisted "about the first of October 1777 in Captain Sylvanus Smith's company, Colonel Timothy Bigelow's 15th Massachusetts regiment, and was discharged October 1, 1780, at Orange Town---- by Andrew Peters, Lieutenant-Colonel."
The dates of enlistment and discharge of his service under Captains Abel Wilder, David Carlile and Colonel Carter are not mentioned.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mrs. Carrie S. Elmer,
Canton,
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.

Watertown Jeff Co. N.Y. Sept 9. 1898
Sir
The inclosed d u g d M rs Susan Priest was made out last April and I supposed had been forwarded to the Pension Office & that I had received for her a Certificate & did not know to the contrary until to day when she called to make her application for her half years pension - I found it had been mislaid & overlooked, a carelessness of mine which I beg may not work to the old Lady's injury longer than shall be necessary for the examination of her claim
Very Respectfully
Yrs Ob d Serv t
Admiral Ely
L. L. Edwards Esq Com r of Pensions Washington

Watertown N York Sept. 12. 1838
Sir
I herewith send you the dis- location of Susan Priest widow of Sam Priest under the act of July 7. 1838 with proof annexed
Yr obed serv Admiral Ely
Lt Edward Ely Com of Pensions Washington

1085 Susan Priest widow of Samuel Priest
Penns Oct. 3. March 1843
Adm't Ely Watkins NY 29 th
Adm't $80. private Albany Agency Send as above

State of NEW YORK \left. \begin{smallmatrix} \text{ss} \\ \text{ss} \\ \text{ss} \end{smallmatrix} \right\} Jefferson County \left. \begin{smallmatrix} \text{ss} \\ \text{ss} \\ \text{ss} \end{smallmatrix} \right\}
On this 13 th day of April 1843 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared Susan Priest a resident of Brownville in the county of Jefferson and state of New York aged Eighty years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3 rd March 1843. granting Pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War —
That she is the widow of Samuel Priest who was a Private in the war of the Revolution for whose services this declarant was pensioned under the Act of July 7 th 1838 at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum —
She further declares that she is still a widow — Sworn to and subscribed on the day \left. \begin{smallmatrix} \text{ss} \\ \text{ss} \\ \text{ss} \end{smallmatrix} \right\} and year above written — before me \left. \begin{smallmatrix} \text{ss} \\ \text{ss} \\ \text{ss} \end{smallmatrix} \right\} Jeremiah Dixon Justice of the Peace Susan \left. \begin{smallmatrix} \text{ss} \\ \text{ss} \\ \text{ss} \end{smallmatrix} \right\} Priest mark Chas. Lapham Parsons
State of NEW YORK \left. \begin{smallmatrix} \text{ss} \\ \text{ss} \\ \text{ss} \end{smallmatrix} \right\} Jefferson County \left. \begin{smallmatrix} \text{ss} \\ \text{ss} \\ \text{ss} \end{smallmatrix} \right\}
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Susan Priest the above named declarant, and that she is the widow of Samuel Priest —
STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. Jefferson County Clerk's Office, }
I, DANIEL LEE, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Jeremiah Dixon Esquire, before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been sworn,
was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same; and further, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the same to be his proper hand writing and signature.
WITNESS my hand, and seal of said County, this 11 th day of May in the year 1843
Daniel Lee CLERK.

Lucan Priest due for a pension under act Feb. 2, 1848
Adriel Ely Watertown N.Y. atty
cca 478

State of New York Jefferson County
On this thirteenth - day of April 1848 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Susan Priest - a resident of the town of Osleans in the County of Jefferson in the State of New York aged Eighty four years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following de- claration, in order to obtain the benefits of the pension made by the act of Congress passed on the 2 nd day of February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; that she is the widow of Samuel Priest who was a Private - - - - - - - - - in the army of the Revolution and served in the 15 th Massachusetts Regt That she was pensioned under the act of June 17. 1844 at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum which pension she has received to 4 th March 1848. She further declares that she is still a widow
On the day and year first- above written. Came before me Susan Priest to whom I distinctly read the aforesaid declaration & who subscribed the same by her mark and made solemn oath to the truth of the same
her Susan Priest mark
E Sabin Justice of the Peace
I also certify that Susan Priest above named is known to me to be the person she describes her- self to be -
E Sabin Justice

I hereby certify that Ebenezer Sabin before whom the within affidavit purporting to have been taken was at the date of the same a justice of the Peace & that his signature thereto is genuine
Sept. 9. 1848
J Mullin Esq