Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,677, Paul Brigham, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Brigham Paul Fanny
NUMBER
W. 15,677
B.L.Wt. 12721-160-55
CONTENTS
[Blank lined area for contents]
[Blank lined area for contents]

Vermont 18.664
Paul Brigham.
of St. Albans, in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Britchard of the Reg t . commanded by Col. Weston in the Mass. line for 6 months
U. S. d. Nov '38
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of Sept r 1833 and sent to Wm Bridges St. Albans. VT
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r '33 $ 50.00
Semi-ann. allowance ending Mar. '34 10.00
$ 60.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded By Ele Moun Clerk, Book C Vol. B — Page 54

4209.
Vermont Pauline Harry Brigham widow of Paul Brigham who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
20 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
12 day of Feb 1849
and sent to
M c Bridges St. Albans Vt
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page
38 Vol. 3,

99.799 high 2/55 Sec orb 2/55 Fanny Bringham W. J. Paul Bringham and child
See Was Innovator of Myrtle's Map Line Redfern Feb 48 - 4209 Ad. 160 acres Dec 18 th 1855 Doings
Wm Bridges St Albans YB
Apr 16/55 Warrant against the estate of Fanny Bringham to be paid to the estate of W. J. Paul Bringham
Concluded
Vol. B-109

State of Massachusetts Marborough January 22. 1839 County of Middlesex
A Transcript from the Records of of Marborough
1 st Born to Paul Brigham and Fanny his wife on the 2 nd day of April 1785 a son named Pierpont Brigham 2 nd Born to Paul Brigham and Fanny his wife on the 5 th day of August 1787 a son named Josiah Brigham 3 rd Born to Paul Brigham and Fanny his wife on the 11 th day of April 1789 a daughter named Lovina Brigham 4 th Born to Paul Brigham & Fanny his wife on the 13 th Dec r 1791 a son named Sumner Brigham 5 th Born to Paul Brigham & Fanny his wife on the 10 th March 1794 a son named Elbridge Brigham 6 th Born to Paul Brigham & Fanny his wife on the 25 th Jan y 1797 a son named Josiah Brigham 7 th Born to Paul Brigham & Fanny his wife on the 7 th July 1799 a son named Paul Brigham 8 th Born to Paul Brigham & Fanny his wife on the 31 st July 1801 a son named Elijah Brigham
I hereby certify that the above is a true extract from the Records of Marborough said town, now in my custody
Lambert Bigelow Clerk of Marborough
I Lambert Bigelow, above named, depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk in said Marborough in the County & State aforesaid, and the above is a true extract from the Records of said town as certified by me
Lambert Bigelow Clerk of Marborough
Middlesex ss. Marborough January 22. 1839.
Sworn before me
Eli Rice Justice of the Peace

The applicant requests that the answer to this application may be made to the subscriber Wm Bridges
29.7.97

State of Vermont, } ss. COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, }
On this 20 th day of April 1855, before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace duly authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Fanny Brigham aged 85 years, a resident of St Albans County of Franklin in the State of Vermont who made oath in due form of law, that she is the identical Fanny Bridges to whom, under the provisions of the Act of Feb'y 2 o 1848 a pension of Twenty dollars per annum has been allowed for the services of her late husband Paul Brigham a Private of the Revolutionary war, and late of St Albans County, State of Franklin afo d . She further states that her Pension Certificate, under the aforesaid Act of February 2 o 1848 is numbered 4209 bears date the 12 th day of March 1849 and is made payable at the Potney Vt Agency. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act of 3d March, 1855 never having received or known herself entitled, or made application, under any previous act of Congress. In evidence of her marriage and proof of service of her said husband, she respectfully refers to the proofs heretofore adduced, now on file in the Pension Office, and upon which her annuity as aforesaid was granted.
That, since being placed on the list of Revolutionary Pensioners, she has not intermarried, but continues the widow of the said Paul Brigham
Heard Lowell Attest Luras Brigham
Fanny T Brigham mark
Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged before me, the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I knew the aforesaid Fanny Brigham to be the identical person she alleges herself to be—a Pensioner of the United States, and at the date of the execution of this declaration a widow; and that I am not interest- ed in her claim as Agent, Attorney, or otherwise.
Wm Bridges Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont, } ss. FRANKLIN COUNTY.
On this 20th day of April 1855
before me, undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Willard Jewell and William Brigham residents of St Albans County of Franklin in the State of Vermont — known to me as credible persons, who made oath in due form of law, that Fanny Brigham who in their presence has sworn and subscribed to the foregoing declaration, is, to their personal knowledge, the identical person to whom, under the provisions of the Act of February 2 d 1848 — a pension of Twenty dollars per annum has been granted for the services of her late husband Paul Brigham deceased, a Soldier — of the Revolutionary war.
That since being placed on the roll of Pensioners, she, the said Fanny Brigham has not intermarried, but remains and now is, a widow: That they have known her for Forty years, and derive their knowledge of the facts herein named from the following circumstances, to wit: The said Fanny lives with the W m Brigham; and the Jewell is personally acquainted with Mrs Fanny Brigham, lived within half a mile of her, for more than Forty years { W m Brigham } Jewell
They further state that they are disinterested witnesses, W m Brigham
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year above written. W m Bridges Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont, } ss. I James Davis Judge of the Court of Probate County of Franklin
I HEREBY CERTIFY, That W m Bridges Esq., before whom the foregoing Declaration, Power of Attorney, and affidavits were made and acknowledged, and who has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing an authorized Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, and that his signature thereto is genuine. I further certify, that in the within application I am not interested as Agent, Attorney, or otherwise.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Probate Court for the County aforesaid, this 23 d day of April 1855 James Davis Judge of said Probate Court

Paul Brigham's Declaration

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 27th, 1832.
STATE OF VERMONT, } ON this 25 th day of July — 1832, personally appeared in open FRANKLIN COUNTY, ss. } Court, before the Court of Probate, now sitting, Paul Brigham a resident of H. Alburgh in the county of Franklin, and State of Vermont, age 72 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated.
Deff declare and say that in the month of July 1780 in Marlborough County of Middlesex & State of Massachusetts he was levied as a private soldier to serve in the United States service for six months. Some of the names who were levied from the town of Marlborough were. Elisha Maynard, Daniel Brigham, Asa Briggs, Asa Beaman, Alexander Watson, Daniel Wait, & Jas Robinson. & marched from Marlboro to Leicester or Worcester in Massachusetts, and there was mustered, and put under the command of Capt. Philard according to my best recollection. and from thence marched to West Point on North River, and there he was put into the 9th Regt under the command of Col. James Weston and Lieut. Col. James Melling, Adjutant Joshua Clapp, and Caleb Clapp Quartermaster. Lieut. Sturdivant & Ensign Davis, remained at West Point two or three weeks then marched to Kings Ferry so called and crossed the Ferry and went to Crangtown in New Jersey and remained at Crangtown a short time and from thence marched to English neighborhood, remained there a short time & then marched to Jim Nappys so called and remained there a short time, and from thence he returned to Crangtown or English neighborhood and from thence to West Point, and from West Point to Stony Point where he did Garrison duty until his

time of service expired; when he returned to West Point and was there discharged by Col James Williams & adj Clapp. Having served the full time of six months. His discharge was taken from him by the selectmen of the town of Marlboro from whom he recd his pay; has no documentary evidence whatever.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension as an annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Paul Brigham
And the court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states.
I, John Gates Jr Clerk of the court of Probate, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Paul Brigham for a Pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 25 th day of July A. D. 1882.
John Gates Jr. Register

4689 Fanny Brigham's Declaration Wid of Paul Web Ad July 7 1838 Married 1785 died Nov 1838 Rejected
Wm Bridges St. Albans

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay & pension to certain widows
State of Vermont } On this 17 th day of December 1838. Georgia District ss } personally appeared before the Judge of the Court of Probate;
Fanny Brigham a resident of St Albans in the county of Franklin and state afo d aged sixty nine years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows."
That she is the widow of Paul Brigham who was a private in the army of the revolution, that he served six months in the Massachusetts line of the army at West Point the same year that General Arnold deserted to British as her husband has often informed her. That at the time he enlisted he was a resident of Newcombough Mass. has often heard her husband mention the names of Caleb & Joshua Clapp who were two of his officers in the Regiment to which he was attached.
She further declares that she was married to the said Brigham on the 7 th day of April seventeen hundred and eighty five that her husband the aforesaid Paul Brigham died on the 17 th day of November 1838, and at the time of his death

he was a Pensioner of the United States under the act of 1832, that his pension certificate was dated the 24 th day of Sept 1833 N o 18664 for twenty dollars per annum. 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 at the time above stated I sworn to and subscribed Jenny Brigham on the day and year above written.
Before me William Bridges Judge of the Court of Probate
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand at St Albans in the District of Georgia and affixed my seal of office on the day and year above referred to
William Bridges Judge.

16.527 Paul Brigham Franklin Co. Vt.
Admit-
6 mos
$20
W. Bridges
Clarion St. Albans Vt.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 31
1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Paul Brigham
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     July 17/80 "Leviathan" 6 Private Colt Richards Colt Weston On Roll 71 years Meadlup 6' Eff ty By living witnesses  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____ and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an organized corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1567/7 Harvey Wrigbam Widow of Paul Wrigbam Peri Rev War
Act Feb 21/48
Index: Vol. 4 , Page 88
[Arrangement of 1870.]

4689
Fanny Brigham, widow of Paul — Vt. Act 1838, Let. to Mt. ridges 20 June '39 " " " " July 31/44
12. 721
Hoars

565.88
Hon L. D. Noble Commission of Pensions Washington D.C.
FREE

8865
Vermont.
Fanny Brigham widow of Paul Brigham who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 17 Nov. 1838. of Franklin in the State of Vt who was a Pri in the Po commanded by Captain Pritchard of the reg commanded by Col Weston in the Mass d line for 6 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1 th day of March, 1836. 17 Nov. 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 o day of Novem. 1838 sent to Wm Bridges, St. Albans. Vt.
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by P. L. Swann Clerk, Book A Vol. 1 Page 123

Burlington 6386 Vermont
Fanny Brigham widow of Paul Brigham who was a Private in the Mass a Line,
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of Nov. 1844 and sent to Wm Bridges, St. Albans, Vermont,
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A June 17. 1844 Vol. 2 Page 60
2 Cts
1838 43 Vols & rep.

State of Vermont St. Albans Jan'y 31 st 1839
Hon J. S. Edwards.
You will please examine the enclosed and return your answer to me the subscribers
Very Respectfully Your obedient Wm Bridges

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, January 26 th 1839
I hereby Certify, That Willard Newton and Jonas Ball are Justices of the Peace for the County of Worcester, and Eli Rice is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex; (and they were so at the date of their several attestations)
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 P. Bigelow
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Sarah Brigham of Southborough in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts widow, being seventy years of age and being duly sworn according to law do depose and say, that I have often heard my husband William Brigham (now deceased) say that Paul Brigham and Fanny Brigham were married at his house in said Southborough by Jonathan Ward Esquire (now deceased) about two years before that I was married (which was in May seventeen hundred and eighty six) and that my husband William Brigham and the said Jonathan Ward Esq. were the only persons present at said marriage.
Sarah her Brigham mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester, ss. Southborough January 21 st 1839. Then personally came Sarah Brigham and made oath that the above affidavit above by her subscribed was true. Before me Willard Newton Justice of the Peace
Worcester, ss. Southborough January 21 st 1839 I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Sarah Brigham and she is a credible witness Willard Newton Justice of Peace

Paul Brigham Declaration
1852
no paper

DECLARATION. Revolutionary claim, under an Act of Congress, Passed June 7th, A. D. 1832.
STATE OF VERMONT, } Franklin County, Probate Court, 23 rd July A. D. 1832. DISTRICT OF GEORGIA, ss. }
Personally appeared in open Court, being the Probate Court, for the County of Franklin, and a Court of Record, for said County, and State of Vermont, as will appear by the first section now of a Statute Law of said State, entitled an act, constituting Probate Courts, Courts of Record, passed November 15th, A. D. 1821, [see 1st section of said act.]
Paul Brigham aged 71 years, resident in St. Albans in said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, A. D. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
I do hereby declare and say, that in the month of July 1780 in Marlborough County of Pittsfield and State of Massachusetts I was Levied as a Private soldier to serve in the United States Service for six months. Some of the names who were Levied from the town of Marlborough were Eleazar Maynard, Daniel Brigham, Aaron Brigham, Aaron Beman, Elihu Watson, Daniel Wait, & S o Robins, and marched from Marlborough to Leicester or Worcester in Massachusetts and there was Mustered, and put under the command of Capt. Leichard according to my best recollection, and from thence marched to West Point on North River, and there I was put into the 9 th Regiment under the command of Col. James Weston & Lieut. Col. James Melkins Adjutant Joshua Clapp, and Capt. Clapp Quartermaster, Lieut. Sturtevant, and Ensign Davis, remaining at West Point two or three weeks, then marched to Kings Ferry so called and crossed D r . Ferry and went to Orange town in New Jersey and remained at Orange town a short time, and from thence marched to English Neighborhood remained there a short time, and then marched to Pineapple so called and remained there a short time, and from thence returned to Orange town or English Neighborhood, and from thence to West Point and from West Point to Stony Point where I did Garrison Duty until my time of service expired, when I returned to West Point and was there discharged by Col. James Melkins and Capt. Clapp, as having served the full time of six months my discharge was taken from me by the select men of the town of Marlborough from whence I was  received his pay  to  for  the  the  time  time  of  of  my  my  service  service

I Dexter Ball of Southborough in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being sixty years of age and being duly sworn according to law do depose and say that I am a son of Jonas Ball Esq. who was the executor of the last Will of Jonathan Ward Esq. late of said Southborough who died some forty or fifty years ago — and that I was the executor on said Jonas Ball's Will who died about thirty years ago — that I have made diligent search amongst all the papers in my possession and I cannot find any traces of any records of marriages of the said Jonathan Ward Esquire in my possession. Dexter Ball
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester, ss. Southborough January 23 rd 1839 Then personally came Dexter Ball and made oath that the affidavit above by him subscribed was true. Before me Jonas Ball Justice of the Peace
Worcester, ss. Southborough January 21 st 1839 I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Dexter Ball and he is a credible witness. Jonas Ball Justice of Peace

Col Edwards
I return the Declaration of Deacon Paul Brigham. I have been well acquainted him for more than thirty years and also with both the Defendants who have testified in support of his claim; there is no more doubt about his services in the Revolutionary war than that such a war existed Mr Brigham character can be established by all his acquaintances in H. H. Bane if any doubt arise would refer the Department to the Hon Benjamin Swift M.C.
very respectfully yours At Servt William Bridges
Col J. L. Edwards

Southborough December the 31 1830. I Swain Parker town Clerk of the Town of Southborough in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachu- setts do certify that I have made an examination in the records of Marriages in said town and I do not find any record of the Marriage of Paul Brigham and Fanny Brigham in said records. The return of Marriages solemnized by Jonathan Ward Esq. of said Southborough are very im- perfect from May the 20. 1777, to May 1786, there being no returns of Marriages made by said Jonathan Ward Esq. for the above period of time as set forth.
Swain Parker } Town Clerk of the town of Southborough
I Swain Parker above named depose and that I hold the office of Town Clerk of Southborough in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, and have the records of said town in my custody, and that the above is a true extract from the records of Marriages in said town, as certified by me. —
Swain Parker } Town Clerk of the town of Southborough
Worcester ss, Southborough December 31 1838.
Sworn before me Sullivan Fay } Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Simsbury, Office, Jan. 2. 1839.
I hereby certify that the above Sullivan Fay was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester at the date of his attestation - within the limits of the State. — John P. Bigelow Secy of the Council

July 29 44
Colonel
Hon J. J. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Aug 31/44
M Bane

State of Vermont Franklin County St Albans July 21 st , 1841. Hon J. L Edwards (Dear Sir
Permit me to call your attention to the declaration of Mrs Fanny Brigham, widow of Paul Brigham a Revolutionary Pensioner late of St Albans, deceased. Mr Brigham applied for a pension under the act of July 7 th 1838, & was rejected agreeably to to your letter of the 20 th June 1839. It would appear by your late instructions that in all cases in which the husband was a pensioner the widow's pension will commence on the day of his death, unless he died before the 4 th of March, 36. Mr Brigham died on the 17 th Nov, 38. Does Mrs B. commence on the 18 th Nov, 1838, yes - in case her claim is allowed, and under what act is it proper for her to declare, I am at a loss to determine. You will please inform me. Mrs Brigham is still living & her declaration above referred to and the

evidence in support of the same is on file in your office.
Very Respectfully Your obedient William Bridges

4689.
Fanny Brigham Vt
Oct 7 th July '38
Ad d
6m
Paris
$ 20 per an
to commence Nov 17 th 38
also
Ant March 3 rd 43- no. 6674 June 17 th 144- no 247
M m Bridges Esq St Albans Vt

Declaration
State of Vermont } On this 6 th day of October, Franklin County ss } 1848, personally appeared before the subscribing authority a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Frank- lin and State of Vermont, Fanny Brigham, a resident of St. Albans, in said county aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn, accord- ing to law, doth on her oath make the follow- ing declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2, February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolu- tionary War.
That she is the widow of Paul Brigham, who was a private in the line army of the Revolution, in the Massachusetts, and as she has been told by her s d husband he served in the Regt in which Caleb & Joshua Clapp were officers; and that he served six months, for the service afo d , she obtained received a pension of Twenty dollars per annum, under the act of 17 th June, 1844.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year above written
her Fanny Brigham mark
In presence of J. H. Barlow J. J. Root
Before me William Bridges a Justice of the Peace
I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the within named Fanny Brigham, that she is the same identical person who drew a pension under the act of June 17 th , 1844, as by her above stated & that she is still a widow. Wm Bridges Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont } I Joseph H. Brainerd Franklin County } Clerk of Franklin County court, do hereby certify that William Bridges who has affixed his name to the within is a Magistrate duly authorized by law to administer oaths, and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the court, at St Albans, in said county of Franklin this 7th day of October A D 1848,
Joseph H. Brainerd Clerk

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of 7 th July, 1838, entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows.
State of Vermont } On this 12 th day of August, A.D. 1844, personally ap- Georgia District ss. peared before the Judge of the Court of Probate, within and for the District of Georgia, Mrs Fanny Brigham, a resident of St Albans, in the county of Franklin and state aforesaid aged seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th , 1838, entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows.
That she is the widow of Paul Brigham, who was a private in the Revolutionary army of the United States, and served six months in the Massachusetts line, at West Point the year Gen Arnold deserted to the British, as she has been often informed by her said husband. At the time he enlisted he was an inhabitant of the town of Marlborough Massachusetts. That according to the best of her recollection, from information derived from her said husband he served in the Regiment in which Caleb and Joshua Clapp were officers.
She further declares that she was married to the said Brigham on the seventh day of April, seventeen hundred and eighty five, that her husband the aforesaid Paul Brigham died on the seventeenth day of November eighteen hundred and thirty eight. And at the time of his death he was a pensioner of the United States, under the act of June 7 th 1832, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, at the time above stated.

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written
} - Fanny her Brigham mark
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and the seal of the Probate Court for the District of Georgia, at St. Albans, this 12 th day of August A.D. 1844
W m Bridges - Judge of Probate
I hereby further certify that the applicant Mrs Fanny Brigham, is the widow of the late Paul Brigham deceased. Mrs Brigham above named, is a relative of mine, and I have been acquainted with her from my childhood to the present time.
M r Brigham was formerly a resident of Massachusetts, as will appear from the certificate of her marriage, as stated by Mrs Sarah Brigham, and also, from the certificate of the town clerk of Marlborough, of the births of a part of her, (Mrs Brigham's) children. All which papers, together with the declaration of Mrs Brigham, were trans- mitted to the Pension Office in Jan'y, or Feby, 1839, the receipt of which was acknowledged, as per your letter of June 20 th 1839. -
W m Bridges

H. Bridges afft in support of Paul Brighams claim to a pension

I Naathaniel Bridges of St. Albans in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont do hereby certify and say that I am 70 years of age, that I am well acquainted with Dave Brigham of St. Albans in said County who in the year 1780, was levied as a private soldier from the town of Malborough for the County of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts to serve in the United States Service for six months, that I was in company with said Dave Brigham from Malborough to Manchester and Leicester in Massachusetts and from Thune to Not Paint and that I had a personal knowledge of said Dave Brigham during the time of six months for which said Brigham was levied, I have been personally acquainted with said Brigham up to the present time, and that I know him to be the identical person above named, and that I believe said Brigham to be  Naathaniel Bridges 70 years old
State of Vermont St. Albans July 25th 1832 Personally appeared Naathaniel Bridges a credible witness who being first sworn, deposes and makes oath that the facts set forth in the above affidavit as therein stated are true according to his best knowledge, information and belief.
Before me John Gates Jr. Justice Peace  St. Albans July 27th 1832. Horace Jones Clerk of the Franklin County Court in said County do hereby certify that John Gates Jr. Esq. of St. Albans whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Franklin duly appointed to that office by the Legislature of this State and that the signature is his own proper hand writing in testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the Public seal of said Court the day and year above.  Horace Jones Clerk

John Gates appt in support of Paul Brigham claim

I John Gates of St. Albans in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont do say and testify that I am 67 years of age, that I am well acquainted with Paul Brigham now resident of St. Albans in said County that I was knowing to his being dwelling  living while living in Marlborough Mass. in the year 1780. I have a perfect recollection of the time said Brigham removed  removed from Marlborough and the time of his return, and I do believe said Brigham lived the full time which he has set forth in his declaration and I further say that I have been personally acquainted with said Brigham from that time to the present, and that I know him to be the same identical man and I believe him to be 71 years of age John Gates
State of Vermont } St. Albans July 25 th A.D. 1832 Franklin County } Personally appeared John Gates, a credible witness who did subscribe and make Oath, that the facts set forth in the above affidavit as therein stated are true according to his best knowledge information and belief.
Before me John Gates Jr. Justice Peace
State of Vermont } St. Albans July 27 th A.D. 1832. I Horace Jones Franklin County } Clerk of the County Court in said County do hereby certify that John Gates Jun. Esq. of St. Albans whose name is signed to the foregoing certificate is a Justice of the Peace within said County of Franklin duly appointed by the Legislature of this State, and that the signature is in his own proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the Public seal of said Court the day & year above. Horace Jones Clerk