Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18794, for Abijah Read, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
or Read, Abijah Reed
W 18794
B.L.Wt. 13877-160-55
Susanna
CONTENTS

Notification sent to Abraham Bigelow Esq. 22 d September, 1820. Cambridge Mass
4061 Massachusetts Rolls
Hijah Read
Sergeant 4
Massachusetts line - 1777 - 3 years In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence the third of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 of Octo 1818 and forwarded to Samuel Dana Esq Giston, Middlesex, Mass.
  Arrears to 4th of Sep 1818  40.26    Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Mar 1819  48.00  
88.26
3 mo 1/30
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Discontinued
Westford, Middlesex Co

Elijah Reed Serg t . of Westford Mass s . — dated April 3 rd 1818
To Sam l Dana Esqr Groton Mass s . —
Admitted on Rolls of Massachusetts

To the Honorable JOHN C. CALHOUN, Secretary of the Department of War of the United States.
I, the undersigned Samuel Dana , Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Middle Circuit, (comprehending the Counties of Essex and Middlesex) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being a Court of Record, duly established by Law, Do hereby certify, That on the third day of April in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen Personally appeared Alijah Reed and made and subscribed the declaration which is hereunto annexed. And at the same time, he exhibited to me, the Payants Warrant, and the discharge in the same declaration described — And also a certain Certificate subscribed by the Selectmen of Westport aforesaid
from which it appears to me, that the said Alijah Reed did serve in the War of the REVOLUTION, against the common Enemy, upwards of nine months. upon the Continental establishment
Wherefore, in pursuance of the directions of an Act of Congress, made and passed the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," I have transmitted the said Declaration & the other documents aforesaid to you the said Secretary, that such further proceedings may be had in the premises, as the said Act may require.
In testimony of all which, I have caused the Seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my hand within the said Circuit, the third day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen .
Sam d Dana

Alijah Read

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
BE it remembered, that on this third day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen before me, SAMUEL DANA , Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Middle Circuit, (comprehending the Counties of Essex and Middlesex, in the Commonwealth aforesaid) comes Abijah Read in said county of Middlesex and on oath declares, that he served in the War of the revolution against the common Enemy four years, and ten months - That he being sound one year, and seven months in from several campaigns - In the month of May or June in the year of our Lord One Thousand, Seven hundred, and Seventeen he entered into the service of the United States, upon the Continental establishment and joined the Company of Capt. William Hudson Ballard, in the Seventh Massachusetts Regiment, then commanded by Col. Ichabod Alden, the said Regiment then being near Stillwater, in this Company he remained, and did duty, even at the Capture of Burgoyne's Army after which event with Gen. Sullivan, into the Indian Country, on the first day of March 1780, received a Sergeant's Warrant in Capt. Ballard's Company, and remained doing duty therein until the nineteenth day of June 1780 when he received an honorable discharge. He is now nearly forty four years of age, has but a very small property, and his ability to labor declines every day, so that -
[Large decorative flourish or signature]
He stands in need of assistance from his country for his support, by reason of his reduced circumstances in life. Thus made, subscribed, and sworn to, at Groton in said county of Abijah Read  Sam d Dana  Middlesex the day and year aforesaid.

79. Abijah Reed
4061
NOT entered
Oct 1818
not listed

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
MIDDLESEX, ss.
At the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Middle Circuit, begun and holden at Concord, within and for the County of Middlesex, on the second Monday of June A. D. 182 a .
Before the Hon. SAMUEL DANA, Esquire, Chief Justice, and
WILLIAM WETMORE, and } Associate Justices STEPHEN MINOT, Esquires, } of said Court.
In open Court here, being a Court of Record for said Circuit, proceeding according to the course of the common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of its proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Abijah Read resident in said Circuit, who is named in Pension Certificate No. 4061 , now in his possession, of which the following is a true copy, to wit,
"WAR DEPARTMENT.....REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM."
"I certify that, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th March, 1818, Abijah Read late a Sergeant in the army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the first day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen ."
"Given at the War Office of the United States, this thirty first day of October one thousand eight hundred and
J. C. CALHOUN, Secretary of War,"
appears, and exhibits to the Court here a Schedule, subscribed by him, as follows, to wit,
SCHEDULE,
containing his whole estate and income, his necessary clothing and bedding excepted, to wit,
   " Real estate of the value of . . . . . $1700 00   1 waggon 17 1 cart 8 1 harrow 100 . . . . . 21 00   3 old ploughs 350 3 chains 375 2 shovels 100 . . . . . 7 75   1 iron bed 150, 3 old looms 650 2 pickets forks 975 . . . . . 7 75   7 old axes 100 1 cradle & scythe 975 1 daisy puller 925 . . . . . 2 00   7 ox yokes 250 1 old sled 100 1 set of horse tackling 4 00 . . . . . 7 50   Grass scythes & tackling 150 old axes 175 1 saddle & bridles 75 . . . . . 3 50   1 horse 20 1 pair of oxen 50 5 cows 85 00 . . . . . 155 00   1 bull 17 1 swine 7 4 spring calves 17 75 . . . . . 31 75   1 gun & equipment 3 00 1 rifle & scabbard 0 30 . . . . . 3 30   400 ft of decayed hewed timber 6 00 1 lot of boards 8 . . . . . 14 00   1 lot of plank 150 1 lot of old work 2 75 . . . . . 4 25   700 red oak heading, 2 yearling calves . . . . . 12 50   1 case of drawers 2 50 1 chest of drawers 2 00 . . . . . 4 50   2 chests with drawers 2 25 dining table 2 25 . . . . . 4 50   1 kitchen table 975 1 chest 0 50 . . . . . 0 55   12 kitchen chairs 150 2 rocking chairs 1 00 . . . . . 2 50  

  1 dining chair 2.00 1 green chair det 0.20 2.60   2 looking glass 1.25 1 stove 1.00 2.25   1 wooden clock 7.00 1 pocket watch 3.50 10.50   1 tea table 0.75 1 light stand 0.20 0.95   1 brass kettle 3.50 3.50   Iron ware 4.50 wooden ware 1.50 6.00   11 milk pails & cans earthen ware 1.25 1.25   5 tea spoons 1.25 1.25   2009.95 
And the said Abijah Read is indebted to the following persons the sums following to wit:    To the Union Bank at Boston on bond secured by mortgage on part of the aforesaid real estate 340.00   To the trustees of Westford Academy on note secured by mortgage on part of said real estate 430.00   To the estate of Jeremiah Cogswell deceased on note 109.00   To Abijah Hildreth on note 40.00   To Abney Prescott on note 87.00   To Isaiah Leighton on note 41.00   To James Coleman on note 41.00   To Elijah Bate on note 80.00   To Abijah Read Jr on note 177.00   To J B Read 38.35   To Permelia Read on note 35.00   To Orpah Gage on note 15.58   To Charles Read on note 10.00   To John Keyes Esq on note 52.00   To Nathan H Gage on note 22.00   To Willard Read on note 21.00   To James Patten on note 53.59   To Benj Kneeland Esq on note 51.15   To Calvin Fletcher on note 10.50   To Levi Hayward on note 75.00   To Hula Goodwin on note 40.00   To John Goodwin on note 14.00   To Bulkley & Levi Prescott on note 50.00   To Nathan Brown on note 23.00   To Timothy Prescott on note 10.00   To Ezra Carker on note 5.00   To Amos Bancroft on note 7.50   To Phoebe Wright on note & account 15.07   To Aaron Packer on note 15.00   To John Abbot on note 2.26   To sundry persons on balances of account against him 100.00   And for int not included in the foregoing sum 25.00   To note due Benj Green Jr 5.00   1976.20 
After payment of debts am o of property 337.75
Abijah Read.
And the said Abijah Read having been first sworn states & declares upon oath that he is little short of sixty seven years old, that about six years since he had a paralytic stroke which has very much disabled him from labouring and for two years he has been severely afflicted with rheumatism, that his family

consists of his wife aged forty seven years & the following children Permetia aged twenty, Jeremy B. aged eighteen Charles H. aged sixteen Harriet aged fourteen Mary Ann aged twelve, Nancy Jane aged ten, James M. aged seven & Alvin M. aged four, that one of his aforesaid daughters is sick & supposed to be in a decline and that his older children are partially and the younger wholly dependent on him for a support & maintenance & that his own occupation is that of a farmer, that he actually served the term of four years & ten months, at different times, three years at one time being part of said four years & ten months, in the Revolution any war in the Regt commanded by Col. Schabot & Alden & John Brooks, in the company commanded by Capt Williams & Ballard in the Continental establishment and was honorably discharged as will more particularly appear by his original declaration on file in the War Office Abijah Read "
and at the same time he produces to the Court here the following Oath, taken and subscribed by him, before the Hon. Samuel Dana Esq e a Judge of said Court as aforesaid, to wit,
11 I, Abijah Read do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed. So help me GOD.
Abijah Read
Middlesex ss. C. C. C. P. June Term, A. D. 1820
Then the abovenamed Abijah Read took and subscribed the aforesaid Oath before me,
Sam Dana Judge of said Court. 11
I, ABRAHAM BIGLOW , Clerk of the Court aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath, and 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 three dollars & twenty five cents
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, at Cambridge, in said County of Middlesex, on this 20 th day of July 1820
Attr.
Abijah Read

L. M. Drury June 3/53
4647 Wassachusetts Susannah Reed widow of Abijah Reed who served in the Revolutionary Mass war, as a priv t Sergeant Paid from $84.27 Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. 1 st of July Certificate of Pension issued the 15 th day of Feby 1837 and sent to
Elyah Clarke Esq Brighton Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 128, Vol. 2,

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Middlesex. ss.
On this eleventh day of February eighteen hundred and forty five. Personally appeared in Open Court at a Court of Probate held at Concord in said County. Eliza Read, a resident of Westford in said County, being seventy two years of age. 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 July seventh 1836, entitled an Act granting Half Pay and Pensions to certain Widows. Also a joint Resolution passed August eighth 1842. Together with the Act of Congress passed March 3rd 1845. and June seventeenth 1846.
That she is the widow of Abijah Read, who rendered service in the War of the Revolution, in the Militia, and the Continental Army to the amount of more than four years service, which was rendered from the town of Westford aforesaid. And at the time of his decease was a Receiver of the United States under the Act of Congress passed in 1828, at the rate of eight dollars per month which was paid to him semiannually at the Agency at Boston in the State of Massachusetts. She further declares that she was married to the said Abijah Read on the twenty sixth day of December in the year eighteen hundred and ninety three, by Zachariah Wright, Esquire, one of the Justices of the Peace in the County of Middlesex. That her husband the aforesaid Abijah Read, died in said town of Westford on the twenty seventh day of March in the year eighteen hundred and forty five. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service. That the marriage took place previous to the

first day of January eighteen hundred and ninety four, being at the time above stated.
Susanna Read
Subscribed Asworn to by said Susanna Read in open Court on the day & year first above written, the word "month" having been first interlined - before
J. P. P. Foss Judge of Probate for the County of Middlesex.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex County ss
I Isaac Pitkin Register of the Court of Probate in & for said County hereby certify that the Hon. Isaac P. P. Foss is the Judge of said Court and that his signature above written is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this Thirteenth Day of February in the year Eighteen hundred & ninety five. Isaac Pitkin Reg.

Abijah Read.

POWER OF ATTORNEY.
State of Massachusetts COUNTY OF Middlesex } ss.
That I, Susanna Reed of Westford in said County and State do hereby authorize, constitute and appoint L. M. Drury of Canandaigua in the State of New York my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute for me and in my behalf, all and singular, claim or claims, I may have against the General Government of the United States, on account of the service of my husband Abijah Reed deceased, in the war of the Revolution; the said power of Attorney to be irrevocable for the space of three years from the within date; and the said L. M. Drury is hereby authorized to take all necessary and proper steps in the prosecution of said claim or claims on my behalf, hereby revoking & recalling all former powers of Attorney to whomsoever granted.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifth day of November 1852
John Abbot J. P. Ormelia Hildreth
Susanna Reed ( Seal )
State of Massachusetts COUNTY OF Middlesex } ss.
Be it known, That on the fifth day of November A.D. 1852 before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Susanna Reed above named, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, the day and year last above mentioned.
John Abbot J. P. Justice of the Peace
State of Massachusetts COUNTY OF Middlesex } ss.
I, Seth Ames , Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the County and State aforesaid do certify, that John Abbot Esquire is now, and was at the time of the date of the foregoing, a Justice of the Peace, duly commissioned and qualified to act as such in and for said County; and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal, this sixth day of November 1852
Seth Ames
the seal of said Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } County of Middlesex } p Middlesex Probate }
J. A. V. Lynde. Register of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Middlesex aforesaid, do hereby certify, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court of Probate, that Abijah Read, was a Revolutionary soldier, and a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of ninety six dollars per annum, that he was a resident of the town of Westford in said County of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, that he died in said town of Westford, on the twenty seventh (27 th ) day of March A. D. One thousand eight hundred and forty four (1844), that he left a widow surviving him named Susanna Read, and nine children whose names are as follows to wit: Betsey Coleman; Susanna Hilton; Abijah Read; Charles H. Read; Pamila Hildreth; Jeremy B. Read; Charles H. Read Harriet De Witt; Nancy Irene Richardson, and James H. Read; and that the said Susanna Read, widow of the said Abijah Read, is now a resident of said town of Westford.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court of Probate at Cambridge, this sixth day of November in the year of Our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and fifty two.
J. A. V. Lynde Reg.

Ad March 3
May 2 1859
114605
12/59 Susanna Read
wid of Elijah Read, Sept  Per
Capt. Ballard
Col. Sibley
Deputy Col. Alden
M p . Line Per War
Res Pen. Entis date. Feb 15. 1857. Page 128. Vol 2 nd
Map Feb 48 - 464 Ad. 160 acs Jan 11 th 56
Dodge
M
Abel Prescott Forge Village Maine
Vol R. page 34

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, April 30 th 1855
I Hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestations hereunto annexed,
Phraim Abbot was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
T. M. Wingate Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of Massachusetts County of Middlesex Town of Westford
Abijah Read and Susanna Colman both of Westford By Love Wright Justice of the Peace December Twenty sixth Seventeen Hundred & Eighty three
I Certify that the above 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
December 26 1793
Leonard Luce Clerk
I Leonard Luce Above named depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk in the Town County & State aforesaid, and that the above is a true Copy from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me
Leonard Luce Clerk of said Town Subscribed and duly sworn to before me this Twenty seventh day of April A D 1855
Ephraim Abbot Justice of the Peace

114.085—

State of Massachusetts County of Middlesex ss
We, Joseph Hildreth and Permelia Hildreth having been duly sworn, depose and say, that we well knew Abijah Reed of Westford Massachusetts who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution — whose widow now applies for bounty land, — that we knew him for more than twenty years before his death, which occurred at Westford about eleven years ago, — that we know that he died about that time because* we were in the neighborhood at the time of his funeral. that we have known his said widow from his death to this time, that she has remained unmarried, and that we are disinterested.
Joseph Hildreth Permelia Hildreth
Subscribed, and duly sworn to before me, this twentyseventh day of April A. D. 1855
Ephraim Abbot, Justice of the Peace.
It is hereby certified that satisfactory proof has been exhibited before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, by the affidavits of Joseph Hildreth and Permelia Hildreth of the said county and state, who are personally known to me, who are entitled to credit, and who swear that they have no pecuniary interest in the result of the above application; that Susan Reed is the widow, remaining unmarried of Abijah Reed of the late Abijah Reed who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution and that the said Abijah Reed died at Westford on or about the twentyseventh day of March A. D. 1844
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twentyseventh day of June 1855
Ephraim Abbot Justice of the Peace.
* "We attended his funeral," or "were in the neighborhood at the time," or some equally good reason.

APPLICATION FOR BOUNTY LAND.
(By the Widow of a deceased person who has not had a Land Warrant.)
STATE OF Massachusetts } 88 COUNTY OF Middlesex }
On this twentysixth day of April A. D., one thousand eight hundred and fifty- five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Mrs. Hannah Reuel aged Eightyfive years, a resident of Westford in the State of Massachusetts who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Abijah Reuel deceased, who was a private & sergeant in the company commanded by Captain Ballard Regiment connected by Colonel  of  in the war of the Revolution. Proof of the services of her husband may be found by reference to evidence furnished when he obtained a pension to his in the Pension by letter Regiment of  commanded by  in the war with Great Britain declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812, from the Pension office dated March 1 st A.D. 1825 . Proof of her being a widow entitled to bounty land may be found by reference to evidence furnished when she obtained the Certificate entitling her to a pension same Certificate dated Feb 15 th A.D. 1851 . Record in the Pension office on the Roll that her said husband of Pensioners under act of February 2 nd  on or about  the  49, 1848 Page 128 Vol. 2 nd  A. D.  for the term  of  and continued  in actual service in said war for the term of  and  was honorably discharged at  on the  day  of  A. D.
She further states that she was married to the said Abijah Reuel in Westford on the twentysixth day of December A. D. 1793 , by one Luther Wright a Justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Hannah Colburn that her said husband died at Westford on the twentysixth day of March A. D. 1844 and that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3d, 1855. Since she declares that she never has applied or had any allowance under any act of Congress. She prays that the Certificate thereof may be sent for her to Miss Prescott George Village Mass
Hannah Read  Hannah Read

STATE OF Massachusetts } ss COUNTY OF Middlesex }
We, Joseph Hildreth and Joseph B. Hildreth residents of Westford in the State of Massachusetts upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Bassannah Reee in our presence, and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. That she is the identical person holding the certificate described in the declaration that her husband Abijah Reee since at the time stated in the declaration that she is now a widow that we have no interest in this claim.
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Middlesex ss } April 27, 1855
Ephraim Abbott Justice of the Peace.
STATE OF } COUNTY OF ss }
I, _____ certify that whose genuine signature appears above, is, and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified; that his Commission is dated on the _____ day of _____ A. D. 185____ that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand this _____ day of _____ A. D. 185____

To whom it may concern We the subscribers selectmen of the town of Westford do certify that the bearer Mr Abijah Read is an inhabitant of said town and now resides therein; that he is in possession of a small farm consist- ing of hard rocky land; that from the in- formation given us by Read, we fully be- lieve that he is deeply in debt; that he has a large family of twelve children, several of whom are small; that Mr Reads health is, and has been such for four or five years now last past, that he is unable to perform any very hard labor, and from his statements we have reason to believe that he comes under the provisions of an act of the United States, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons, engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war." April 3. 1818
John Abbot John Cummings Sam l Wright for Selectmen of Westford

Certificate of Appearances Written at
Leamington

We the subscribers assessors of the town of Westford do certify that Abijah Read of said Westford has not been assessed or taxed for any real estate, or for his poll since the year 1820; said Read not having been the owner of any real estate since that time.
Westford Oct 27, 1823
Deacon Bartlett } Assessors James B. Patterson }

28 9 19/28
4/31
5 42 1 7 6 49 48 34 48
Restore Read
Restored 2 March 1875-
Per Commrs 10 Feb 1875
31 Oct 1878
Hon J. Locke, H.R.

Massachusetts Abijah Read, petition 3 years from 1777
Probate June 1820
Real Estate — $1700 — Horse, oxen & horses — 155 — Wagon, farming tools & furniture — 154.95 Total $2009.95
Sept 20, Indebted to Banks, Trustees of Middlesex Academy & Sunday school (names given) — Debts secured by mortgage on the Real Estate —
Probate June 12 th 1823
a few articles - value $52 —
The claimant conveyed to Abijah Read Jr. not only his son
all his property, by deed bearing date Feb 22. 1821, on condition that Read Jr. should pay or cause to be paid all costs, mortgages, debts, dues & demands every nature & description then due & owing from Read Junior
The deed was acknowledged Feb 22. 1821, & Rec d & recorded Nov. 22. 1822
Read Jr. gave a Bond, Date Feb 22 nd 1821 (condition $3000) to Read Junior that he would pay all debts etc. Certified copy of Bond within see letter 25 Jan. 1824 to Hon. J. Fuller Esq. His op $69 - inform - Wife 50 - Charles 19. Harriet Mary 15 - Mary 13 - James 10 - Alvira 7 see letter 11 Sept. 1823 to
A.B. [illegible] Land Mar 19.

4647.
Massachusetts Susannah Reed widow of Abijah Reed who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Spitfire .
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of .82 Dollars 27 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 38 day of April 1849 and sent to G. S. Bulfinch Boston Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 128 Vol. 2

Massachusetts
Susanna Need widow of Alijiah Need who was a Pri. Supt. in the Station.
Report.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 84 Dollars 27 Cents per annum, to commence on the 7th day of March, 1844.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23rd day of April, 1843. and sent to Elijah Clark Esq. Brighton, Mass.
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book 1 Vol. 2 Page 37

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18794 Susannah Reed Wid of Abijah Reed Sergt Rev. War.
Act: Febry 2 nd  1/48
Index:—Vol. M , Page 156
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Washington 2 d . March 1825.
I the subscriber hereby certify that I am personally and well acquainted with Abijah Dread whose name has been on the pension rolls, and consider him a very pious and honest man, that I have full belief his statement respecting his property and situation is true — I further state that I am well acquainted with nearly all the persons who have given affidavits in his case, as also the several Magistrates who have acted in the case that they are highly respected for their good character and that I have a full belief that  their statements may be relied on with as much certainty as any men whatsoever — I further say that he is poor and really in need, as he states —
John Locke Member of Congress

Canandaigua - N.Y.
Feb. 11. 1833.
Sir:
The claim of Abijah Read & his widow Duzanna is herewith presented for an increase under act of 7 th June 1832 - & subsequent acts.
It is supposed that he served as much as two years as a Sergeant - He alleged in his declaration service for 4 years & ten months in the capacity of Sergeant . If he served as much as two years as a Sergeant he & his widow are entitled to $120 - instead of $96 per ann -
A reference to the proof filed by him on file is requested.
Very respectfully
Your Obedt Servt. L.M. Drury
J. E. Heath Esq. Committee of Pensions Washington D.C.

I know all men by these presents, that I Abijah Reed of Westford in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts Yeoman, in Consideration of one thousand seven hundred dollars paid by Abijah Reed Jr of said Westford Yeoman, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said Abijah Reed Jr his heirs and assigns forever the following described real estate, to wit, my homestead farm containing eighty acres more or less with all the buildings on the same bounded as follows - beginning at the corner of the wall at the corner of the roads one leading to Ira Pratt's and and the other to Morrill and Bartles, thence westerly by the last said road to the corner of the wall at land of said Morrill & Bartles, thence southerly by said land to the corner of the wall at land of said Pratt thence easterly by said Pratt's land to the first mentioned road and by said road to opposite the barn yard wall and crossing said road and on said wall by land of Abel Fletcher and by land of Abijah Fil- deth to the corner of the wall, thence southeasterly by said Hildreth's land to the road leading by his house thence by said road to land of Levi Hildreth, thence northerly by land of said Levi to the corner of the wall, thence northwesterly by land of said Levi to the corner of the wall at the door of Mary Cummings, thence northerly by said door to land of said Levi, thence westerly and northerly by said Levi's land to the corner of the wall at land of Levi Parker and Henry Kenrick, thence easterly northerly and westerly by said land to the road thence southerly by said road and crossing the same to the bound-

first mentioned - v z . a piece of pine plain land situate near the deep hollows situate near the deep hollows in said Westford containing four acres more or less bounded as follows, to wit, beginning at the south easterly corner at a black oak tree at the old Grafton road, thence northerly by land of Benjamin Day- -land to a large pine stump at the road leading to the forge, thence westerly by said road to the corner at a rail fence, thence southerly by said fence to the old Grafton road, thence southeast- -erly to the bound first mentioned, also a tract of land situate on the northerly side of the road leading to said Morrell & Cutler. containing thirty five acres more or less, and bounded as follows, beginning at the south easterly corner at land of Isaac Day by the road, thence northerly and easterly by said Day's land to a stake and stones at the corner of land of said Day- land, thence northerly to a white oak stump, thence westerly and southerly by said Daland's land to land of said Morrell and Cutler, thence by said land across the lane to the church lot, thence by said church lot to a stone marked in the well at the road, thence by said road to the bound first mentioned, with all the privileges and appurtenances to the same belong- -ing - To Have and to Hold the above-granted premises to the said Abijah Rouse Jr his heirs and assigns to his and their use and behoof forever - And I do covenant with the said

Abijah Read Jr. to hold in manner aforesaid and that I will warrant and defend the same premises to the said Abijah Read Jr his heirs and assigns forever against the lawful claims and demands of all persons, except the two aforesaid Mortgages - In witness whereof, I the said Abijah Read have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty second day of February in the year of our Lord one thou- -sand eight hundred and twenty one. Abijah Read and seal - Signed sealed and delivered in presence of us, John Abbot, Caleb M Blake - Middlesex ss. February 22. 1821 Then the above named Abijah Read personally acknowl- -ed the above instrument to be his free act and deed be- -fore me John Abbot Just of Peace -
Middlesex ss. Nov. 22. 1822 Rec d & Recorded by W m H. Stone Reg r
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss June 5. 1823 I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true Copy of record - Book 24th Page 368 -
W m H. Stone Reg r of Deeds for said County

Ms. A. 9. 2. 10
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex: ss. I Abraham Brigham Clerk of the judicial Courts in the County of Mid- dlesex, do hereby certify that William P. - Stone is registered of Sues for the County of Middlesex, & his name as to the within certificate is his own proper Signature
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas this 28 th day of July 1823.
Abraham Brigham

3. 15 19. 3.16 11 20 66.66 11. 1.12  85.94-
11 2.19
Boston 13 March 1839
Wm L Edwards Esq re
Dear Sir,
Abijah Read of Westford in this State, Sergeant in the Revolutionary War, has been informed at the Merchants' Bank in this City, that he is entitled to have his pension increased from 96. to $120. per ann m , under the Act of 7 June 1832.
M c Read has requested me to make enquiry, and I shall be much obliged to you, if you will communicate to us further information on this subject, and if you will have the goodness to send me the proper printed forms, and directions to enable him to make his application.
With great respect
Your friend & obed t servant
G. J. Bulfinch
No. 5 Court St.

G. S. Buffum Boston Mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston August 26 1848
I hereby Certify, That on the eighth day of August eighteen hundred and forty eight Stephen Holmes was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Barnstable,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
M. G. Hallam
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Payment to be made at Boston
by
Franklin Havenly
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Massachusetts
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 128 Vol. 2
Glo. H. Kimball Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848, Susannah Reed. widow of Abijah Reed. who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty four dollars and twenty seven cents 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 32 day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty nine .
T. M. M.
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Mass.
Read, Abijah
W. 18794
certificate

Fitchburg
Abijah Read Mass. W 18794

T HE Bearer hereof Elijah Dyer  of the in the Seventh Massachusetts Regiment, having served as a faithful good Soldier in the said Regiment, the Term of Three Years being the full Term for which he enlisted, is hereby discharged from the same. —
Given under my Hand, at West Point this 4 Day of June 1760 —
Sam d Darby Major Command t 7 th Mass t Regiment —

13. 877
} Geo. Amos
See let. May 6. 36 to R. Baldwin do. G. J. Bulfinch, Mar 19. '39-

117485 J 90 - act 1844 Susannah Reed adm? 4.4 Widow of Abijah Map act. 7 July 1838.
Rejected
Adm 17 June 1844 Sergeant. 2nd 19 th - 413.46 Pm. 21. 11 71.11  84.27 from 7 th March 1844
Elijah Clark Buxton Map

Apple for mican Susanna Read's Pension
4/6/47 Due to p96, de 09/84:27 Comg 1 July 1848
Elijah Clarke Mightown Mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Middlesex, ss.
On this first day of November eighteen hundred and fifty, Personally appeared before Elijah Clark, a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Middlesex and State aforesaid Susannah Reed, a resident of Westford in said County, being seventy seven years of age, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain an increase to the amount of Pension which she has received under the Law of Congress of June 17, 1844, also the Law of February 2 d 1848, agreeable to a construction of the Pension Law, for the benefit of the widows of continental Soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
That She is the widow of Abijah Reed, late a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States under the Law of Congress passed March 18, 1818, at the rate of eight dollars per month, and was a resident of said town of Westford. That She had received a Pension of only eighty four dollars and twenty seven cents per annum. She therefore claims an increase, and declares that She is still a widow, that her said husband was in the service for four years & ten months & was a Major & a Deputy from the town of Westford aforesaid. Susannah Reed
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Before Me. Elijah Clark. Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, November 4 th 1850.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Elijah Clarke was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and qualified; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
B. Walcutt
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

11745. Sent by Elisha Black Asf-for Prisoners
Mr. Prumates
Surand Reen
July 7. 1838.
No
March 6. 1845
March
March 19

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex County ss.
Office of the Town Clerk of Westford this twenty fifth day of December eighteen hundred and forty four
I John W P Abbot Town Clerk in the Town aforesaid make the following extract from the record of marriages in said Town now in my possession
"The following couples were joined in mar- riage covenant by the subscriber at the time prefixt to each of their names"
"Abijah Reed and Susanna Colman both of Westford Decem r twenty six th seventeen hundred and ninety three.
Sach d Wright Justice Peace"
I certify that the above 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 "Decem r 26 1793"
John W P Abbot Town Clerk
I John W P Abbot Town Clerk above- named do depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk as aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town with the exception above named as certified by me
John W P Abbot Clerk of the Town of Westford
I further more make the

following extract from the record of the deaths in the town of Westford "Eighteen hundred and forty four March twenty seventh Abijah Reed farmer eighty nine years nine months" and that the date in figures stands thus "1844 March 27"
John W P Abbot Town clerk
Middlebury Jp Dec r 25 1844 Sworn to
before me Sam d Fletcher Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston February 13 th 1875.
I hereby Certify, That at the duty of the annual attestation Samuel Fletcher and Elijah Black were Justices of the Peace for the County of Middlesex,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Parsons, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I, Benjamin Osgood Physician, of Westford in the County of Middlesex and commonwealth of Massachusetts, of full age, Depose and say that I have for a great number of years been acquainted with Abijah Read of this Town, a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States. That he died in this Town in March A.D. 1844, and left Susanna Read, his widow who is now living in this Town, and remains unmarried.
Benjamin Osgood
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex ss. ss. Westford December 6 th A.D. 1844.
Then personally appeared Benjamin Osgood, and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed, and I certify that he is reputed to be a person of unquestioned veracity.
Before Me, Eliza Clark, justice of the Peace.

Earned 3 mo. 19 days sent 20            "  24 act 7 June 5/68 - 1818 - 96 -  
Abijah Read May 3. Mass.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions  Washington 

Westford. Middlesex County Mass. April 26 th 1836.
Sir
I transmit herewith the Pension Certificate of Abijah Reed of this Town for the purpose of exchanging the same for the benefits of the Act of 9 th June 1832. Said Certificate is accompanied by a Letter from Mr Reed setting forth his service which I presume will be corroborated by the records on file in the Pension Office.
Should his claim be admitted you will forward another Certificate to me agreeable to Mr Reed's request — Or if otherwise you will return the present Certificate.
Préase answer this and forward the same to me at Boston. Massachusetts
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your Ob t Servant Reuben Baldwin
J. L. Edwards Esqr Comm r of Pensions Washington
P. S. your Letter enclosing the Pension Certificate of Henry Dason is received.
Yours ob t Servant Boston April 29 th 1836. Reuben Baldwin
J. L. Edwards Esqr Comm r of Pensions Washington

Sargant Abijah Red Warrant

By Samuel Darby Esq r Major Commandant of the Seventh Mass ts Regiment In the Service of the United States
To Wajah Reed
Reposing especial Trust and Confidence in Your Patriotism Valour Conduct and Fidelity Do constitute and Appoint you to Be Asst  A Sergeant in the First Company Commanded By Captain W m Hudson Ballou In the above named Regiment raised for the Defence of American Liberty and Repelling every hostile Invasion thereof You are earnestly and Dilligently to Observe the Duty of Sergeant in Said Regiment and Company. By Doing and performing all Manner of things therein belonging and all Soldiers Under Your Command are hereby Strictly Required to be Obedient to your orders as Sergeant in S d Company and Regiment and you are to Observe and follow such Orders and Directions from time to time as you shall Rec d from your Commanding officer or Officers according to the Rules and Discipline of War In Pursuance of the Trust Reposed in you for which this shall be your Sufficient Warrant
Given Under My Hand this 19 th June First day of March 1780
S am l Darby Major Comm d 7 th Massachusetts Regiment

I Levi Prescott of Westford do depose and say that Abijah Read of Westford, who I have understood, was a pensioner of the United States, was  was then indebted to me and my brother Bulkley Prescott before June 1820 in a sum of fifty dollars and over; that said sum has been paid in part by Abijah Read Juv., and the residue secured to be paid by said Abijah Read Juv. Levi Prescott
Middlesex Jc. January 10 th 1825 Then the above named Levi Prescott personally made oath the above affidavit, by him subscribed is true; and I certify that said Prescott is a person to whom full credit is to be given. John Abbot Justice of the Peace
I Jeremy B. Read of Westford do depose and say that Abijah Read above named was indebted to me on note before June 1820 in the sum of thirty eight dollars and eighty five cents; that Abijah Read Jv. undertook to pay the debts of said Abijah Read, in consequence of a conveyance to him, of said Abijah Read Jv. of his the said Abijah Read's real estate, and some personal property; and that said sum of $38.85 has been paid to me. Jeremy B. Read
Middlesex Jc. January 10 th 1825 Then the above named Jeremy B. Read who I certify is a credible witness, made oath to the truth of the above affidavit, by him subscribed before me. John Abbot Justice of the Peace
I Benjamin Russell Knowland of said Westford do depose and say that Abijah Read above named was indebted to me by note the first or fore part of June 1820 in the sum of fifty one dollars and fifteen cents, and that

by the desire of Abijah Read Jr. who I understand had agreed to pay the debts of the said Abijah Read, the said note was taken up and cancelled.
Bro. Kneeland
I Isaiah Leighton of Westford do depose and say that Abijah Read before named was indebted to me as long since as June 1820 by note in a sum as large as forty one dollars and twenty cents, and I believe larger, which note was afterward taken up, and paid to me. Isaiah Leighton
I Nahum H. Groce of Westford do depose and say that Abijah Read before named was owing me a note on which there was due the first part of June 1820 as large a sum as twenty two dollars, which afterward on application of Abijah Read Jr was taken up and cancelled.
Nahum H. Groce
I James P. Patten of Westford do depose and say that Abijah Read before named was indebted to me the first of June 1820, by notes for goods sold to him, in the sum of fifty three dollars and fifty three cents, and said note have since been paid and taken up, and chiefly by Abijah Read Jr.
James P. Patten
Middletown Jc. January 11. 1825 Then the above named Benjamin Kneeland, Isaiah Leighton, Nahum H. Groce, and James P. Patten, who I certify, are credible witnesses, personally appeared and made oath that the affidavits by them above respectively subscribed are true before me.
John Abbott Justice of the Peace
I Avery Perrott of Westford do depose and say that Abijah Read above named was indebted to me by note the first of June 1820 in a sum as large as fifty seven dollars and I think larger, which note has since been taken up by Abijah Read Jr. who is now answerable to me for the same sum.
Avery Perrott.

I John Goodhue of Westford do depose and say that Abijah Read before named was indebted to me the first or fore part of June 1820 by note given for blacksmithing in as large a sum, as fourteen dollars, and according to my best recollection it might be larger, which note has since been paid to me.
John Goodhue
I Calvin Fletcher of Westford do depose and say that Abijah Read before named was indebted to me the first of June 1820 by note for goods sold in the sum of ten dollars and fifty cents which note has since been taken up and paid, the aforesaid sum included in interest.
Calvin Fletcher
Middlesex ss. January 12 th 1825 Then the above named Avery Prescott, John Goodhue, and Calvin Fletcher, who, I certify, are credible witnesses, personally appeared and made oath that the affidavits by them respectively subscribed are true before me.
Wm. H. H. Nathan of the Bar
I Abijah Hildreth of Westford do depose and say that Abijah Read before named was, the first of June 1820, indebted to me by note in the sum of sixty dollars, and as I now think upwards, which note has since been taken up and cancelled.
Abijah Hildreth
I Joseph Hildreth of Westford do depose and say that Abijah Read above named was indebted by two notes, the first of June 1820, together amounting to the sum of thirty five dollars, or near it, to Cornelia Read, whom I have since married, which said notes since after my marriage have been paid to me. And I further depose and say that the said Abijah Read was indebted to Elijah Bates by note, which in June 1820 amounted to as large a sum as eighty dollars. Said note was in my presence since that time taken up and paid

by Abijah Read Jr. by his paying part cash and giving his note for the residue, said Abijah Read Jr. having obliged himself to pay the debts of said Abijah Read - Said Bates lives in Anson in the State of Maine.
Joseph Hildreth
Middlesex ss. January 13 th 1825 Then the aforesaid Abijah Hildreth and Joseph Hildreth who, I certify, are credible witnesses personally appeared and made oath that the aforesaid affidavits by them respectively subscribed are true before me.
John Abbot Justice of the Peace
I Charles Read of Westford do depose and say that Abijah Read, before named was indebted to me the first of June 1820 in the sum of ten dollars for a bull he purchased of me, which sum has since been paid to me. The debt, on the said Abijah Read's list, of debts stands against, the name of Charles Read as appears by a copy of the Clerk of Court of Common Pleas where the same was filed.
Charles H. Read
I Levi Heywood of Westford do depose and say that Abijah Read before named was indebted to me by note the first or second part of June 1820 in a sum of twenty five dollars as near as I can now recollect which note has since been paid to me.
Levi Heywood
Middlesex ss. January 13 th 1825 The above named Charles H. Read, and Levi Heywood, who I certify are credible witnesses personally made oath that the above affidavits by them above respectively subscribed are true before me.
John Abbot Justice of the Peace

I Willard Read of Chelmsford do depose and say that Abijah Read of Westford, who, I have understood, was a pensioner of the United States, was indebted to me the first of June 1820 by note for goods sold, which note with the interest amounted to the sum of twenty one dollars, and the same note has since been paid to me -
Willard Read
Middlesex ss. January 13. 1825 Then the above named Willard Read who, I certify, is a credible witness personally appeared and made oath that the aforesaid affidavit by him subscribed is true before me
Joel Adams, Justice of the Peace
I Timothy Prescott of Littleton do depose and say that Abijah Read above named, was, the first or fore part of June 1820, indebted to me by note for goods sold  to the sum of  ten  one dollars, on nearly that sum which note has since been paid to me - The aforesaid affidavit or certificate is according to the best of my recollection.
Timothy Prescott
Middlesex ss. January 13 th 1825 Then the above named Timothy Prescott, who, I certify, is a credible witness personally appeared and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true before me
Jonathan Manning Justice of the Peace

I Willard Read of Chelseaford do depose and say that Abijah Read of Westford, who, I have understood, was a pensioner of the United States, was indebted to me the first of June 1820 by note for goods sold, which note with the interest amounted to the sum of twenty one dollars, and the same note has since been paid to me -
Willard Read
Middlesex ss. January 13. 1825 Then the above named Willard Read who, I certify, is a credible witness personally appeared and made oath that the aforesaid affidavit by him subscribed is true before me
Joel Adams, Justice of the Peace
I Timothy Prescott of Littleton do depose and say that Abijah Read above named, was, the first or some part of June 1820, indebted to me by note for goods sold  taken of Estate Prescott's said Read in a sum as large as ten dollars, or nearly that sum which note has since been paid to me the aforesaid affidavit or certificate is according to the best of my recollection
Timothy Prescott
Middlesex ss. January 13. 1825 Then the above named Timothy Prescott, who, I certify, is a credible witness personally appeared and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true before me
Jonathan Manning Justice of the Peace

I Abijah Read Jr do depose and say that my father Abijah Read is indebted to James Coleman who lives in the State of Maine by note; the said Coleman is my brother in law, and the amount of the debt I believe to be as much as $41.00 and I think over. This debt has never as yet been paid, but I am under obligation to pay it pursuant to the condition of the bond. I have heretofore given my father, the said Abijah Read was heretofore indebted to me in a sum as large as $172. by notes which have been cancelled. To the said Abijah Read was also indebted to Deborah Gage by note in a sum as large as fifteen dollars which has been paid. Also to John Keyes Esq. of Somers by note for money borrowed in the sum which June 1820 amounted to fifty two dollars, which note has in part been paid, and I expect to see the residue paid pursuant to said bond; I have also paid since first of June 1820 for balance of accounts, and debts including interest on notes against my father the sum of one hundred and twenty five dollars, and I think over. Abijah Read Jr.
I Hula Goodwin do depose and say that the first of June 1820 Abijah Read before named was indebted to me by note in the sum of forty dollars or rising forty dollars, which note was afterwards I sold, and the same since has been taken up and paid as the person, (to wit, Abram Prescott) to whom I sold it, has informed me. I further do depose and say that I am acquainted with Levi Prescott, Jeremy B. Read, Rufus Knowland Esq., Isaiah Leighton Esq., Nahum H. Groves Esq., James P. Patten, Avery Prescott, John Goodwin, Calvin Fletcher, Abijah Hildreth,

Joseph Goldsmith, Charles H. Read, Lewis Heywood, Willard Read, Timothy Prescott, Abijah Read Jr, and Abijah Read who heretofore was a pensioner of the United States, and know them to be persons of fair reputation, and unquestioned veracity. I furthermore do depose and say that the said Abijah Read is now very poor, and that his health is not good, that the conveyance of his property was made honestly for the payment of his debts, which the importunity of his creditors rendered necessary, and which property, if it had not been conveyed, would have been in some degree wasted by costs of suits against him, and that, if poverty entitles a person to a pension, he is fairly entitled to one.
Isaac Goodwin
I Abijah Read, who was heretofore on the pension list do depose and say, in addition to what I have heretofore testified, that a debt is due from me to Nathan Brown, who lives in Groton and is now sick, by note given for wood purchased, amounting from 1820 to twenty five dollars, this note has not yet been paid, but Abijah Read Jr. is under obligation to pay it by his bond given to me, I am also indebted to Ezra Carter by note, which in June 1820 there was due five dollars which is not yet paid, also to Benj. Green Jr by note, on which there was due at the time aforesaid five dollars, also to Amos Bancroft of Groton by note for doctoring on which at the said time there was due $7.50, four of which has since been paid, the residue with the aforesaid debts are due, which the said Abijah Read Jr. is under obligation to pay. I was also indebted to Aaron Packer who is now dead in the sum of fifteen dollars, and to Phileas Wright who has moved to Albany State of New York by note and account in the sum of fifteen dollars.

and seven cents. These two last debts have been paid out of the property I heretofore owned.
Abijah Read
Middlesex ss. February 9 th 1825 Then the aforesaid Abijah Read vs. Hula Goodhue, and Abijah Read, who I certify are credible witnesses, personally appeared and made oath that the affidavits by them respectively subscribed are true before me John Abbott Justice of the Peace
I John Abbott do depose and say that at request of Abijah Read Esq., and for him, I paid the Union Bank $397.07 December 2 nd 1825 being for the debt of stated by Abijah Read on his schedule of debts to be due said Bank; I also hold as treasure of Middlesex Academy the bond of said Abijah Read just to pay the note secured by mortgage to the Trustees of said Academy by said Abijah Read, a true copy of which bond is hereto annexed, which is stated on said Abijah Read's schedule of debts at the sum of $450 due June 1820, and by an inspection of my books, I believe at that time there was due not far from that sum; I think not quite so much I was executor of Jeremiah Cogswell deceased, and the debt due said Cogswell from said Abijah Read, and stated on his said schedule to be $109.00 has been paid to me, and when paid including interest was I think over that sum; It was due by note of given a number of years since; said Abijah Read was, June 1820, indebted to me by note on which then there was due, as stated on his schedule $2.26 which has been paid to me. I further depose and say that all, that Hula Goodhue in his affidavit was testified to, as to the credit and veracity of the persons named, and as to the circumstances of said Abijah Read, is strictly true. the same

facts being known to me, and further that Abijah Read is embarrassed in consequence of oppressing to pay his father's debts -
Middlesex ss. February 10 th 1825 Then the said John Abbot personally appeared and made oath that the affidavit aforesaid by him submitted is true before me Nahum H. Grose Justice of the Peace
I Nahum H. Grose do depose and say that what Israel Goodhue in his affidavit has testified to, as to the circumstances of said Abijah Read is in my opinion strictly true -
Nahum H. Grose.
Middlesex ss. February 10 th 1825 Then Nahum H. Grose personally appeared and made oath that the above affidavit by him submitted is true: (and I certify that he is a credible witness) before me
John Abbot Justice of the Peace

A. Read's Papers -
Hon. W m Locke H. R.

Know all Men by these Presents, That
Abijah Read Junr of Westford in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman
are holden and stand firmly bound and obliged unto the Trustees of Westford Academy in said County of Middlesex
in the full and just sum of eight hundred dollars
to be paid unto the said Trustees of Westford Academy their successors
executors, administrators or assigns: To the which payment, well and truly to be made, I bind myself  my heirs, executors and administrators, firmly by these
Presents.—Witness my hand and seal.—Dated the twenty second day of February , in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one .
THE CONDITION of this OBLIGATION is such, That if the said Abijah Read Junr his heirs executors or administrators shall and well and truly pay or cause to be paid to the said Trustees of Westford Academy their successors or assigns a certain promissory note of hand dated the seventeenth day of April A.D. 1819 for the sum of four hundred dollars , made and signed by Abijah Read of said Westford promising the said Trustees to pay them or order that sum within one year from the date of said note with interest annually till the said note should be paid, and shall also well and truly pay or cause to be paid all the interest which is now, or may become due upon said note from time to time as said interest shall become due, then this obligation to be void otherwise to remain in full force and virtue
Abijah Read (L.S.)
Signed sealed and delivered in presence of us Caleb M. Blake John W.P. Abbott
A true copy of a bond in my possession Attest John Abbott

20 June 77. sergt 1 apt 80 - discharged 19 June 80 -
Sept 2 mo 19 $13.16 Pn 21 - 11 71.11 84.27
333 21  354 666  1020
79.11"

Westford. Middlesex County. Mass.
April 26 th 1836
Sir
I herewith surrender my Pension Certificate for the purpose of drawing a Sergeants Pension under the Act of June 7 th 1832 - and would state for the Information of the Dept that I served Three years in Capt W m . H. Ballards Company of the 7 th Massachusetts Regiment: under Colonel Allen and Brooks, and received an honorable Discharge from the service - which Discharge together with my Sergeants Warrant was forwarded to the War Dept as proof in support of my claim to a Pension under the Act of Congress of the 18 th March 1818.
If my claim should be considered admissible you will Please forward to Mr Balawin another my Attorney a Certificate, agreeable to the rules and regulations in such cases now and provided
Very Respectfully sir I am
Your Ob t Servant
Abijah Read
J. L. Edwards Esq r Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Know all Men by these Presents, That
I Abijah Read Jr of Westford in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman
am holden and stand firmly bound and obliged unto Abijah Read of Westford in the said County yeoman
in the full and just sum of Three thousand dollars
to be paid unto the said Abijah Read
his executors, administrators or assigns: To the which payment, well and truly to be made, I bind myself my heirs, executors and administrators, firmly by these
Presents.—Witness my hand and seal.—Dated the twenty second day of February , in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one
THE CONDITION of this OBLIGATION is such, THAT if the said Abijah Read Jr his heirs, executors or administrators shall well and truly pay or cause to be paid all contracts, mortgages, debts, dues, and demands of every nature and description, now due and owing from the said Abijah Read to any person or persons whatever and which said contracts, mortgages, debts, dues, and demands, may on the day of the date hereof or have at any time heretofore been entered into, or contracted to be paid by the said Abijah Read , or recovered by law against him, or may hereafter be recovered by law against him upon any such contracts, mortgages, debts, dues, or demands entered into or contracted to be paid as aforesaid, and the same shall pay or cause to be paid according to the terms of such contracts, mortgages, debts, dues, demands, or judgments, and the same done up the said Abijah Read to be cancelled and discharged: and also if the said Abijah Read Jr shall forever at all times hereafter indemnify and save harmless the said Abijah Read against the same, and all cost, trouble, expense, damage, or injury he may suffer and sustain by reason thereof; and moreover if he the said Abijah Read Jr shall also on demand made by the said Abijah Read for that purpose give further additional and good security to the said Abijah Read that he shall well and faithfully fulfil and perform all and singular the conditions of this present obligation according to the true intent and meaning thereof, then this obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.
Signed sealed and delivered in presence of us
Abijah Read Jr (L.S.)
John Abbott Joseph N. Gann.
Middlesex ss. June 12 th 1823. Then Abijah Read named in the bond of which the above is copy, personally appeared & made oath that the above is a true copy of an original bond in his possession before me.
John Abbott Justice of the Peace

Know all Men by these Presents Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Witnesseth. I Abraham Biglow clerk of the judicial courts in the county of Middlesex do hereby certify that John Abbott Esq r is a justice of the peace within & for said County, & his name set to the within certificate is his own proper signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said  the courts of Common Pleas this 28 th of July 1823.
Abraham Biglow 3

8
25
Abiyah Road 4061
Send a letter &c. See letter to Bancroft

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
MIDDLESEX, ss.
At the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Middle Circuit, begun and holden at Concord, within and for the County of Middlesex, on the second Monday of March A. D. 1821
Before the Hon. SAMUEL DANA, Esquire, Chief Justice, and
WILLIAM WETMORE, and } Associate Justices STEPHEN MINOT, Esquires, } of said Court.
In open Court here, being a Court of Record for said Circuit, proceeding according to the course of the common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of its proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Abijah Read resident in Westford in said Circuit, who is named in Pension Certificate No. 4061 now in his possession, of which the following is a true copy, to wit,
"WAR DEPARTMENT.....REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM."
"I certify that, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th March, 1818, Abijah Read late a Sergeant in the army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the third day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen. Given at the War Office of the United States, this thirty first day of October, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen."
J. C. CALHOUN, Secretary of War,"
appears, and exhibits to the Court here a Schedule, subscribed by him, as follows, to wit,
SCHEDULE,
containing his whole estate and income, his necessary clothing and bedding excepted, to wit,
  11 One case of drawers $ 2 50   One chest of drawers 2 ..   One dining table 2 25   One kitchen table 0 25   One chest 0 50   Twelve kitchen chairs 1 50   Two rocking chairs 1 00   Six dining chairs 2 00   Two green chairs 0 60   Two looking glasses 1 25   Two woolen wheels & loom & tackling 5 00   One linen wheel 0 50   One wooden clock 7 00   Packet & crockery ware 3 50   One tea table 0 75 one light stand 0 30 1 05   One brand kettle 3 50 iron ware 4 50 8 00   Two pails, two wash tubs & wooden ware 1 50   One brass skimmer 0 20   Eleven milk pans, one wooden bottle three earthen pots one bean pot & pudding pan 1 25   6 tea spoons 1 20   Abijah Read. 42.85 

11 And the said Abijah Read does upon oath further declare that he is now about sixty seven years and six months old, that he has had several paralytic attacks, which has prevented him from doing but very little labor, and he has also been and is now exercised severely with rheumatism for more than two years, that his wife named Susanna is forty eight years old, that he has twelve children, eight of whom are now living with him, the oldest Pamela aged twenty years, Jeremy B Read aged eighteen, Charles H Read aged sixteen, Harriot aged fourteen, Manasseh aged twelve, Hena aged ten, James Madison aged about seven, Aloira aged a little more than four years, that he derives no aid from any of his children as to work or otherwise except Jeremy and Charles, that Harriot has been sick more than a year and requires constant attention, having been supposed to be in a decline. And the said Read further declares on oath that he served in the Revolutionary War a term of four years and ten months at different times, being in the eight months service at Cambridge and upwards of eight months at different times below Boston and in 1777 enlisted for the term of three years was present at the battle of Bunker Hill; at the siege of Cherry Valley; thence went with General Sullivan's troops after the Indians and completed the three years service at West Point, and was at Peekskill, and received an honorable discharge at the expiration of the service at West Point, which was forwarded to the War office with his original declaration.
Said service of three years was in Col Ichabod Alden's Regt all which particulars will more fully appear by his said original declaration. The said Read upon oath declares that he has since a former application for a pension disposed of all the property he then possessed except that on the aforesaid schedule for a full and valuable consideration and has applied the proceeds thereof in payment and discharge of the debts & demands against him which he then owed. Abijah Read
Subscribed and sworn to Before Sam e Dana Judge

and at the same time he produces to the Court here the following Oath, taken and subscribed by him, before the Hon. Samuel Dana a Judge of said Court as aforesaid, to wit,
I, Abijah Read do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed. So help me God.
Abijah Read
Middlesex ss. C. C. C. P. March Term, A. D. 1821
Then the abovenamed Abijah Read took and subscribed the aforesaid Oath before me,
Samuel Dana
Judge of said Court.
I, ABRAHAM BIGLOW, Clerk of the Court aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing Oath, and 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
forty two dollars & eighty five cents
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, at Cambridge, in said County of Middlesex, on this 17th day of March 1821 .
Attest.
Abraham Biglow

Declaration -
In order to be restored to the Pension List, under the act of the 1 st March 1823.
County of Middlesex ss. On this twelfth day of June 1823 personally appeared in open court being a court of record for the county of Middlesex aforesaid, Abijah Read of Westford, resident in said county aged upwards of sixty eight years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18 th March 1818 and the 1 st May 1820, that he the said Abijah Read enlisted for the term of three years on the _____ day of July in the year 1777 in the State of Massachusetts in the company commanded by capt. William H. Ballard in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Ichabod Alden in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the continental Establishment - that he continued to serve in the said corps until June or July in the year 1780, when he was discharged from the said service at West Point in the State of New York - that his name has been placed on the Pension List and dropped therefrom on account of his property.
And in pursuance of the act of the 1 st May 1820 -

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 the 18 th 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.
That since the exhibition of my first schedule the following changes have been made in my property; to wit my real estate appraised at $1750. I on the 22 nd February 1821 conveyed to Abijah Read Jr. by deed, an authenticated copy of which is herewith transmitted. The following personal property contained in the first schedule, to wit, one waggon $12. one cart $8. - one harrow 1.00 - 3 old ploughs 3.50 - 3 chairs 2.25 - 2 shovels 1.00 - 1 iron Bar 1.50 - 3 old stools .50 - 2 pitch forks 0.75 - 2 old axes 1.00 - 1 Bradle & scythe .75 - 1 dung Puller .25 - 2 ox Yokes 2.50 - 1 old Sled 1.00 - 1 set horse tackling 4.00 - grass scythes & tackling 1.50 - old baskets 1.25 - 1 horse 20.00 - 1 pair of Oxen 50.00 - 4 spring balves 12.75 - 1 gun & equipments 3.00 - 1 saddle & bridle 0.80 - 500 feet decayed hewed timber 5.00 - 1 lot Boards 8.00 - 1 lot blank 1.50 - 1 lot slit work 2.75 - 2 yearling balves / supposed to have been appraised at 5.50 / 1 case of Drawers 2.50 - 1 chest of Drawers 2.00 - 2 chests with 1 draw 2.25 - Dining Table 2.25 - 1 kitchen Table 0.25 - 1 chest .30 - 12 kitchen chairs 1.50 - 2 rocking chairs 1.00 - 6 dining chairs 2.00 - 2 green chairs old .30 - 2 looking glasses 1.25 - 1 loom harness sleds & wheels 5.00

Schedule - containing the whole estate and Income of Abijah Read, his necessary clothing and bedding excepted, to wit,
3 Cows (a) $ 15.00 45.00 10 old bydes Barrels (25 cts p) Bbl. 2.50 1 Swine 4.50 $52.00
Abijah Read.
the first schedule at $85. have been fatted & killed and used in my family; two of the re- maining three are two of those contained on my schedule hereto annexed, and the third on said schedule has been acquired from the fifth on my said first schedule. The bull appraised at 12.00 on the first schedule has been fatted and killed & used in my family; likewise the swine appraised at $7. has been killed and used in my family. The 2 hundred of red oak heading contained in my first schedule was sold by me to Simeon Hildreth in the year 1821 to pay a debt I owed him. The saddle and bridle appraised in my first schedule at 0.75 were on the 28 th of January 1823 sold at auction to Avery Bres- cott and Nathaniel Morrill, the saddle for $0.21 and the bridle with another old bridle for $0.10.-
And the said Abijah Read does under oath further

iron block 7.00 - Scooter & brooking ware 3.50 - 1 tea Table 75 - 1 light Stand 0.30 - 1 Brass Kettle 3.50 - Iron ware 4.50 - wooden ware 1.50 - 1 Brass Skimmer 0.20 - 100 lbs guns & coarse earthen ware 1.25 - 5 tea Spoons altogether amounting to the sum of $197.55 - in pursuance of an agreement made with the said Elijah Read Jr. on the said 22 d day of February 1821, I sold and delivered to him on the twenty fourth day of said February 1821 - And the considera- tion of the sale of my real estate and the above personal estate was a bond given me by the said Elijah Read Jr. on the said 22 d day of February 1821, conditioned to pay all my debts, a copy of which bond verified by my oath is herewith transmitted. Two of the cows being part of the five appraised in the first schedule at $85. have been fatted & killed and used in my family; two of the re- maining three are two of those contained on my schedule hereto annexed, and the third on said schedule has been acquired from the fifth on my said first schedule. The bull appraised at 12.00 on the first schedule has been fatted and killed & used in my family; likewise the swine appraised at $7. has been killed and used in my family. The 2 hundred of red oak heading contained in my first schedule was sold by me to Simeon Hildreth in the year 1821 to pay a debt I owed him. The saddle and bridle appraised in my first schedule at 0.75 were on the 28 th of January 1823 sold at auction to Avery Pres- cott and Nathaniel Morrill, the saddle for $0.21 and

declare that he is now sixty eight years and eleven months of age and has for several years labored under a paralytic affection together with rheumatism, which almost entirely disables him from work, his occupation being that of a farmer; that his wife is upwards of fifty years of age, and that his family now consists of the following persons, his children, to wit Charles H. Read 19 years old last March - Harriet Read 17 do. do. Mary Ann Read 15 do. last February - Nancy Irene Read 13 do. last May - James Addison Read 10 do. last April - Alvira M. Read 7 do. last April - that his said wife and the said Charles do more than support themselves by labours, but that no one of the residue of said children can do sufficient to support and maintain him or herself. Abijah Read.
Sworn to and declared on the twelfth day of June A.D. 1823, before the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Middlesex. Atte. A. Biglow Clk.
I, Abraham Biglow Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Middlesex do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court that the said Abijah Read did serve in the Revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy for the term of nine months under one engagement on the continental establishment. I also certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the records 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 two dollars.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said bond on this first day of July 1823.
Wm B. Johnson

The amount of the property of Abijah Read, as stated on the schedule forwarded to the war office was $ 2009.95
And the said Abijah Read is indebted to the following persons in the sums following, to wit,
   To the Union Bank at Boston on bond secured by mortgage on part of the aforesaid real estate 340.00   To the Trustees of Middlebury Academy on note secured by mortgage on part of said real estate 430.00   To the estate of Jeremiah Cogswell deceased on note 100.00   To Abijah Hildreth on Note 60.00   To Avery Prescott on note 57.00   To Isaiah Leighton on note 41.20   To James Bolman on note 41.00   To Elijah Bates on note 80.00   To Abijah Read for on notes 172.00   To J. B. Read 38.35   To Marmelia Read on note 35.00   To Ezekiah Gage on note 15.58   To Charles Read on note 10.00   To John Keyes Esq. on note 52.00   To Calvin H. Gage on note 22.00   To Milard Read on note 21.00   To James H. Paton on note 53.59   To Benj o Knowland Esq. on note 51.15   To Calvin Fletcher on note 10.50   To Levi Hayward on note 25.00   To Pula Goodhue on note 40.00   To John Goodhue on note 14.00   To Buckley & Levi Prescott on note 50.00   To Nathan Brown on note 22.00   To Timothy Prescott on note 10.30   To Ezra Porter on note 2.00   To Amos Bancroft on note 7.50   To Rhineas Wright on note & account 15.07   To Aaron Parker on 15.00   To John Abbot on note 2.25   To sundry persons in balances of account against him 100.00   And for interest not included in the foregoing sums 25.00   To note due Benj o Green for 5.00   1976.20  
after payment of debts, amount of profits 33.75
Abijah Read.
Copy.

Susannah Reed on 90-100

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston Octobr 28 th 1845
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation John W.P. Abbott was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Wm. Swift Leff Secretary of the Commonwealth.

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss.
Middlesex COUNTY, }
On this twentieth day of October 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid,
Susannah Reed a resident of Westford in the county of Middlesex aged seventy five and 9/12 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 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Abijah Reed who was a resident of Westford and who was a private and Sergeant in the War of the Revolution and is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17th June, 1844, on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of eighty four dollars and twenty seven cents per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow. Susanna Read
Sworn to and subscribed on the day } Before me,
and year above written, }
In presence of
Catharine Abbot John W. P. Abbot Justice of the Peace.
J.W.P. Abbot
* Certify, That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner, as she declares.
John W. P. Abbot Justice of the Peace.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss.
COUNTY, }
I, Clerk of the Court County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that