Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,350, Don C Brigham, Conn.

SERVICE
Conn
Brigham, Don L. Polly
NUMBER
W 17350
CONTENTS

17.157 Connecticut
Don C. Brigham
of Holland in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Moreau of the Regt, commanded by Col. Canfield in the Vermont line for 3 Yrs as _____
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 80 Dollars _____ Cents per annum. Commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of Augt. 1832 and due to A. H. Lander Holton
Arrears to the 14th of March  $16 00 Semest. allowance ending 1st Sp.  4 00 $30 00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Act June 7, 1832. } P. C. Stiles
Recorded by
Clerk
Book 6 Vol. _____
Page 5

Connecticut 2405
Reported.
Polly Brigham
Widow of Dea. Brigham
who was a Private.
Conn.
in the Connecticut line
for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of Eighty — Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the twenty fourth day of October 1843 and sent to
A. M. Briggs Andover Connecticut
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 112

A Book Book of Record.
Don C Brigham was born February 23 rd 5763
Polly Brigham was born January 17 th 5764
We were were Married June the 7 th 5789
Normand Brigham was Born March the 7 th 5790
Gordon Brigham was Born April the 23 rd 5792
Polly Brigham was Born February the 22 nd 5794
Charles Brigham was Born January 29 th 5797
David Brigham was Born March the 30 th 5802.
The Deaths
Sabby Greenleaf Died April 24 th 1777 Tuesday night Sally Greenleaf Died March the 17 th 1792
1814
1766
1815
1765
47
1813
1821
1793
1779
96
18"> 1821
1821
1821

6000000000
Linda A Linda Badger of country
Hops and Marks
My stops and marks 6 the comma (,) 2 the semicolon (;) 3 the Colon (:) 4 the period (.) 5 the apostrophe (') 6 the interrogat- ion (?) 7 the Hyphen marked thus (-) 8 the Parenthesis marked thus () 9 the Bracket is mark- ed thus [] 10 the Paragraph marked thus (¶) 11 the Section marked thus (§) 12 the Ellipsis marked thus (- or —) 13 the Index marked thus (¶) 14 the Asterisk marked thus (*) 15 the Caret marked thus (^) My stops & my marks
1834 1965 1963

State of Connecticut } Hartford Probate District } ss. Coventry
On this 22 nd day of April A. D. 1843 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for Hartford District in Tolland County Polly Brigham of the Town of Coventry in sd. Probate District aged 79 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 provisions of the act of Congress of July 7 th 1838 That she is the Widow of Deon C. Brigham late of said Coventry deceased. That her husband the aforesaid Deon C. Brigham was a Soldier of the Revolutionary Army sup to the time of his death was a Pensioner for proof of which she would refer to his Pension Certificate herunto annexed for whose services she now claims a Pension. She further declares & says that she was married to the said Deon C. Brigham the 7 th day of June 1789 that he died on the 27 th day of March 1843 & that she still remains his Widow for proof of which she refers to the evidence herunto annexed. She further declares & says that she was married by Ephraim Root a justice of the Peace of sd. Coventry. That she knows of no one now living who attended the Wedding. She also produced to sd. Court an original Record made by the said Deon C. Brigham which she declares & says that it was for a number of years kept in a small Bible pinned to a leaf of sd. Bible but after the death of her Mother it was pinned into an old Bible which fell to her & belonged to her Mother & which record has remained in sd. Bible until the present time & which record is herunto annexed.
Polly Brigham

Sworn & Subscribed the day & year first before written D I Certify that the aforesaid Polly Brigham is a person well known to me & is a person of truth & the statement entitled to credit Alonzo W. Birge Judge of Probate Hoback District
I John W. Ensworth 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 Polly Brigham for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of sd Court this 22 d day of April Anno Domini one Thousand eight hundred & forty three John W. Ensworth Clerk

e No 25x35
Don B Brigham Tolland County Connecticut
adm
J. F. Parsons Hartford Conn.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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 subjjoined 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 Don L. Brigham Tolland County Connecticut
   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.     Vol 1. Mar 1781 1 - - private G. Waterbury Capt. Norton, Major Shipman 70 years County of Windham Traditional evidence & four Witnesses certified credible.   Enlist apd 1782 1 - - " Capt Allen, Col Banfield Windham Connecticut papers correct  
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
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), who has 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 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 authorized 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 [i] 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.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

State of Connecticut } Tolland County } ss.
Town Clerks Office Coventry April 22 nd 1843
I, Ralston Belknap Town Clerk of the Town of Coventry do hereby certify that on examination of the Records of Marriages of sd. Town I do find the following Records viz: Leon Carlos Brigham Married to Mary Polly Greenleaf June Seventh one thousand seven hundred & eighty nine
Ralston Belknap Town Clerk
I Ralston Belknap Town Clerk of the Town of Coventry in Tolland County do certify that the above is a true extract from the records of Marriages of said Town & that sd. record is expressed in fair letters and figures as follows "Leon Carlos Brigham Married to Mary Polly Greenleaf June 7 th 1789" Ralston Belknap Town Clerk
State of Connecticut } Hebron Probate District } ss.
Coventry
I John W. Ensworth Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Hebron do certify that Ralston Belknap who has subscribed the foregoing deposition appeared before this Court & made Oath to the truth of the same, & that he is a person well known to me as a person of truth & his statement entitled to credit & I do further certify that Ralston Belknap aforesaid is the Town Clerk & Register of the Town of Coventry and has the legal custody of the Record of Marriages of sd. Town
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Andover Coventry in said District this 22 nd day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred forty three John W. Ensworth Clerk

PENSION ACT OF 1832.
Declaration of Don C. Prigam in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT. } ss. Hartford COUNTY OF Hartford }
On this 18 day of June 18 32 before the Probate Court for the District of Hartford in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut being a Court of Record, having by law a Clerk and Seal, personally appeared Don C. Prigam a resident of Coventry in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut aged Seventy 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 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer  Spontane in a company commanded by Captain William Moulton Lieutenant Ebenezer Root and Ensign Cutler at Coventry then in the County of Wendham and State of Connecticut on about the first of  March 17 81 ; that said company belonged to a a Battalion commanded by Major Shipman
That he the deponent was enlisted for twelve months, and continued to serve in the said Corps, until on about the first of March 17 82 when he was discharged from the service, at or near a place called Stanford in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut ; that when he entered the service, he resided in Coventry in the the County of Wendham and State of Connecticut  and was not then
The Brigade was composed of two Battalions was commanded by General David Malcomb The first Battalion was commanded by Major Shipman The second Battalion was commanded by Major Humphreys - one Abbot of Stamford was Brigade Major - The deponent left the Town of Coventry aforesaid, where he then resided, under the command of Lieut. Ebenezer Root and joined the Brigade at Stanford Conn From Stanford the Brigade marched to the White Plains in the State of New York , where it joined the main Army under General Washington and was stationed on the left of that Army . The French Army lay between our Brigade & the Continental line & was commanded by the General Rochambeau . The French light Horse was commanded by the Duke

Luzerne - They continued at the White Plains as near as he can recollect until the latter part of August 1781 when the main army crossed the North River and said Brigade fell back to Stone Neck and Stamford where they built 4 or 5 redoubts to which they gathered the Garrison in the north west of Stamford where they continued until the first of March 1782 when the term of service for which they were engaged expired. He returned home having been in the service one year as a private. That he enlisted as a private soldier but was detached from the ranks and served as a waiter to his Lieutenant Ebenezer Root, and was actual service liable to military duty He further states that in the month of April 1782 he enlisted into the State troops for the term of twelve months and served twelve months as a private soldier in a company of State troops commanded by Captain Allen. one Eben Ropeman was Ensign Bissell was Lieutenant and  the company in a regiment of Connecticut State troops comm- anded by Colonel Samuel Canfield. one Denney and was Major. That he was dismissed in April 1783 having performed 12 months actual service as a private soldier. That he was residing in Coventry when he enlisted as aforesaid and went to Loundham in Windham County where a part of the term for this 9 years service remained unexpired, & being unwell, he caused her Majesty Mayor Denney to remain a few days until he recovered when he immediately returned to Stamford in Connecticut.

and joined said Regiment which was stationed at said Stamford and continued during the year in the Garrison situated in the north west part thereof as aforesaid. He was discharged in the month of April 1783 and returned home: He states that he was in no general engagement during his service here but one skirmish which was with the Refugees in the the year 1781 while at Stamford, in which he was in a party of twelve men, three of whom were killed and two wounded. That he has no documentary evidence of his service - can find no person alive who served in the same Company That M c as Hubbard late of Ashford deceased was a sergeant in the same Regiment in Captain Dana's  company and knew him the said Don C. Brigham at the time he served in the capacity of waiter to Lieutenant Ebenezer Root in the year 1781 - He has so testified before County Court for Windham County to his affidavit dated 11 August 1832 hereunto annexed may appear.
The affidavits of Cephas Brigham & Gershom Brigham are also annexed in which it appears that he was an enlisted soldier. He two campaigns viz. in 1781 - & also in 1782 & that he served  one year under each enlistment as above stated.
Eliab Dyer also swears to one year service in Captain Allen's company in Colonel Canfield's regiment - Dyer was in the same Regiment & knew him well during this year's service being both stationed in the same garrison. Eliab Dyer has obtained a pension under the act of 1832 aforesaid & was placed on the roll of the Connecticut Agency June 11 - 1833.
The Comptroller of the State of Connecticut has also certified that Captain Morton

Captain Daniel C. Allen were both charged when the Journal of the Pay Table for services in the Revolutionary war of which the vouchers were delivered to me C. H. Haskell - forwarded to Washington - which certificate is hereunto Caleb Hendelee of Ashford who is a pensioner in the Connec- ticut Agency knows as to the custom of detaching vouchers from the same  and  thereby  then  act as vouchers for consumption And in reply to certain interrogatories prescribed by the War Department and propounded by the Court, the deponent fur- ther declares,
1st. That he was born at Coventry in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut on the 21 st day of February 1763 - 2d. That the day and year of his birth is recorded in the Great Family Bible which was carried to the State of Vermont by one of his sons some time ago - 3d. and 4th. That when he was called into service, he resided at the places or towns as herein before stated; and served in the manner set forth in the preceding declaration. 5th. That the general circumstances of his service are detailed in the preceding declaration, and also the names of such officers, &c. as he distinctly recollects. 6th. That he never received a written discharge from the service - 7th. That he is personally known to the Reverend Chauncy Booth & Daniel Demick & many others who are respectable persons in the neighborhood where he now resides, and can testify as to his character for veracity, and also their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
And the said Don C. Brigham hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. } Don C. Brigham
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interroga- tories 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 The Reverend Chauncy Booth, Daniel Demick, Caleb Hendelee, Caleb Brigham Jeriah Brigham & Eliza Dyer , the whose affidavits are hereto annexed are credible persons, and that their statements are entitled to credit. and that Lila Hubbard whose affidavits, also annexed at some time ago in Ashford
1, William Whitman Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Hartford . do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Don C. Brigham for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 18 day of June 1833 .
I also certify that Ichabod Bulkley Esq before whom the affidavit of Caleb Hendelee hereto taken was  taken was in a justice of the peace for Londonderry & that Joseph Dowling before whom the affidavits of Chauncy Booth & Daniel Demick was taken was and is a justice of the peace for Tolland County & that then  was notary public therein  genuine Wit: W. Whitman Clerk of Court of Probate for District of Hartford

January 25, 1906.
Hon. Walter I. Smith, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C.
My dear Mr. Smith:
In response to your personal inquiry and to the enclosed letter of Mrs. B. J. Moore of Missouri Valley, Iowa, dated January 22, 1906, I have the honor to advise you that the papers in claim Widow File No. 17,350 show that Don Carlos Brigham was born February 21, 1763 at Coventry, Tolland Co. Conn.; that he enlisted March 1, 1777 and served one year as a private in Capt. William Moulton's Co. Major Shipman's Battalion of Conn. troops; again enlisted in April 1782 and served one year as a private in Capt. Daniel Allen's Co., Col. Samuel Canfield's Regt. of Conn. troops.
He applied for pension June 18, 1833, while a resident of Coventry, Conn.; His claim was allowed. He died March 27, 1843 at Coventry, Connecticut.
He married Polly Greenleaf June 7, 1789 at Coventry, Conn. She was born January 7, 1764. She applied for pension April 22, 1843 while a resident of Coventry, Conn.; Her claim was allowed.
Names and dates of births of children are as follows:
Norman, born March 7, 1790. Gurden, born April 23, 1792. Polly, born February 12, 1794. Charles, born January 29, 1797. David, born March 30, 1802.

Cephas and Genshom Brigham, brothers of the soldier are referred to.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
2 enclosures.

Hon. Walter Moore, Minn
Rev WIDOW, &c.
1906 Jan. 28 History to D. Smith for Mrs B. G.
File No. 17350
Polly Brigham Widow of Don C. Brigham Prs Rev. Mar.
Act: March 31 48
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 80
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Hon. Walter D. Smith Th e Hamilton,
Jan. 25. 1906.

7317 Connecticut
Rept June 13
Polly Brigham widow of Don C. Brigham - who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 - and who died on the 27th March, 1843 - of Tolland Co in the State of Connecticut who was a private - in the company commanded by Captain Moulton - of the Regt - commanded by Col. Canfield in the Connecticut line for 2 years -
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 80 - Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th - day of June 43 and sent to A. W. Binge Andover, Ct
Total amount, $400.00 -
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Fullerton Clerk, Book 4 Vol. 1 - Page 168

Don C Brigham $80
Payments to be made
at Hartford
by P. S. M.
Agent for paying Pension
in the Agency of
Conat
Recorded in the Pension Of-
fice, in Book E. Vol.
Page 5, by G. A. Stites
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the Act of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Don C. Brigham of the State of Connecticut who was a private in the revolutionary army
is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this 6 day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty- three
Actg John B. B. Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
J. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

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

Andover Ct April 27 th 1843
Hon J. L. Edwards
Dr Sir
Herewith I forward to you the declaration & evidence in the case of Mrs Polly Brigham of Coventry in the matter of a Pension
Should she be entitled to a Pension & the evidence sufficient you will please forward to me her Certificate
I would also request of you Sir to forward to me if convenient the form of a declaration under the act of Congress granting pensions for one year
Very Respectfully Yours Chas. Surt.
Charles W. Briggs

James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington

L. A. Edwards Esq. Hartford June 19. 1833 Sir:
Herewith forward an application for a pension under the Act of 7 June 1832, in favor of Don C. Brigham of Coventry in this State. Mr. Brigham's claim for two years services in the revolutionary war is from March 1781. to March 1782. From April 1782 to April 1783 - He enlisted as an old man, in March 1781 - but was detached from her duty. He was as a matter of fact Ebenezer Root who was a lieutenant of the Company until the end of his enlistment in March 1782. In April 1782, he again enlisted as a private and served in that capacity until April 1783. I am personally acquainted with Mr. Brigham - he is a gentleman of intelligence, respectability & good standing. Will you be pleased to give an early attention to this case - I remain in very respectfully Yr obd. Servt H. Parsons

Comptrollers Office June 14 th 1833.
I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts for the State of Connecticut, do certify that under date March 22 nd 1782 there is charged upon the journal of the Pay Table, to the United States, "To amount of Capt. William Moultons pay roll "Waterburys Brigade 2/6 tax £1567, 2, 0½; Also, under date January 23 rd 1784 there is charged to the United States, To amount of "Capt. Daniel Mlers account for his Company "in Colo. Banfields Reg t - £2625, 1, 4;,"
The above charges are contained in the abstract of claims, of which, the vouchers were delivered to and receipted by E. Haskell Compt.
E. Phelps

I Gersham Brigham of Willington in the county of Tolland in Connecticut about eighty five years of age Testify and say that in the Spring of the year 1781 my Father was deceased and I superintended the concerns of my Brother Don C Brigham of Coventry where we then dwelt he was then a minor & had a desire to serve in the army of the revolution & I procured him early in that Spring the place of waiter to Lieut Ebenezer Root and he then enlisted a soldier and waiter to sd Root in the company in which sd Root was an Officer and he continued a soldier in sd service untill he came home in the month of March 1782 I did not see him in the army but I know when he entered the service as aforesaid & when he came home & the same Spring in April he entered into the service again & continued in sd service untill the next April 1783 & it was called the year service in the state I do ops the company & Regiment I do not recollect but remember of getting his wages in pay table orders Gersham his Brigham mark
State of Connecticut Tolland County ss, Willington August 11th 1832 personally appeared Gersham Brigham the above named deponent and made oath to the truth of this deposition by him subscribed before me Ozias D. Smith Justice of Peace

This may certify that I am acquainted with the s c Gerrish Brigham & that he is a man of good character & a creditable witness
Attest Origen D. Smith Justice of Peace
Tolland County s.s. Clerk's office }
s. s. Tolland
I Jeremiah Parish Clerk of Tolland County Court do certify that Origen D. Smith Esq. signor of the above certificate is and for more than one year past has been a justice of Peace within & for the County of Tolland & authorized by law to take depositions & administer oaths — & that the signature to the foregoing certificate is genuine — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court at Tolland this 13 th day of August A.D. 1832
Jeremiah Parish Clerk
Gerrish Brigham Deposition

I Cephas Brigham of Coventry County of Tolland & State of Connecticut aged 66 years, do testify & say that I well recollect my brother Dan. C. Brigham of S d Coventry & County afore S d enlisted into the service of the revolutionary war under Ebenezer Root of Coventry & County afore S d a Lieutenant of the State Troops, in the year eighteen 1781. (as a soldier & waiter) in the Spring of S d year for the term of one year, & at the expiration of the  about one year S d Dan C. Brigham returned home to the Town of Coventry & County afore S d & tarried a short time & then enlisted again for an other year as a soldier, at the expiration of which time I was dispatch d by my mother to meet him on his return home , & found him in the town of Mansfield County of Hartford, on his way home in company with an other soldier by the name of Turnbull, & assisted him in getting home I also recollect that this was about the time of the termination of the termination of the revolutionary war, also I recollect that he drew his wages in pay table orders, & further the deponent saith not dated at Coventry this 10 th day of August A D 1832 Cephas Brigham
State of Connecticut —
Tolland County S d Coventry August 10 th 1832 —
Personally appeared Cephas Brigham Esq r & made oath to the truth of the above & foregoing deposition by him subscribed, before me —
Calvin Manning Justice of Peace

This may Certify that I have been acquainted with Ephraim Bingham the within named deponent more than thirty years past & that he is a man of truth & veracity —
County August 10 th 1832 —
Calvin Mearns Justice of Peace
E. Bingham Deposition
Tolland County S.S. } S.S. Tolland Clerks office
I Jeremiah Parish Clerk of Tolland County Court do hereby certify that Calvin Mearns Esq before whom the foregoing Deposition was taken is who signed the foregoing certificate as a Justice of Peace legally appointed & author- ized to take depositions & administer oaths and that his signature to the above certificate is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this 13 th day of August A.D. 1832
Jeremiah Parish Clerk

WE, Chauncy Booth a clergyman, residing in the town of Coventry in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut and Daniel Dimock residing in the same town hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Don C. Brigham a resident of said Coventry who is an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832; that we believe him to be Seventy _____ years of age; that he is generally reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he now resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. We further certify that said Don C. Brigham sustains a fair moral character and that his statements are entitled to credit. Chauncy Booth Daniel Dimock
STATE OF Connecticut } COUNTY OF Tolland } ss. Coventry
On this 10 th day of June 1833 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid, personally appeared The Rev d Chauncy Booth who is a clergyman residing in the said town of Coventry and Daniel Dimock Esq d who is a credible person residing in the same town—and made oath that the preceding certificate by them subscribed is true, and I further certify that their statement is entitled to credit.
Joseph Dorr Justice of Peace

10. 1/2
War terminated 20. Sept 83 by resolution of Congress
 8-
1000 2 years. per 800

I Caleb Hende of Ashford, Windham county and State of Connecticut, a Pensioner of the United States, on the Roll of the Connecticut agency under the act of Congress - 1818 - and aged seventy six years, do testify and say that I was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution, and served in Capt James Dana's company of foot, in Major Shipman's regiment, in General Waterbury's Brigade in the Connecticut State Troops from March 1781 to March 1782, that for the first six months, I served as above stated - I served a sergeant of the company, and the remaining six months, of said service, having received a commission I served as Ensign of said Company - That it was customary at that time for the Commissioned Officers to select a private within from the ranks to serve for them, as waiters, and might be returned to the ranks again, whenever the Officers pleased to do it, and said soldiers so taken as above as waiters, were mustered the same as the soldiers generally - That after I received a commission of Ensign as above stated, I recollect, that I took a private, soldier from the ranks of the Company to serve as my waiter. And I believe this course was customary with Commissioned Officers, generally in the Revolutionary service, & further the deponent saith not - D - Caleb Hende

State of Connecticut -
Windham County, ss. Ashford June 13 th A.D. 1833.
Then personally appeared Caleb Hendee and made oath to the truth of the within and foregoing deposition by him subscribed - Before me
Schabod Bulkley Justice of Peace I further certify that the above named Caleb Hendee is a very respectable man and his testimony is entitled to full credit -
Attest - Schabod Bulkley Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut Windham county -
P. Probate Officer, District - of Ashford -
I hereby certify that it appears from the records of the Court of Probate in said Office, that the Estate of Silas Hibbard deceased, is settled - and I further - certify that I was personally acquainted with said Hibbard during his lifetime - He moved from Coventry in this State to this place, where he died, the partic- -ular time of his death I cannot recollect, he was a very respectable & worthy member of Society - In testimony whereof I have signed this certificate, in my official capacity - this 13 th Day of June A. D. 1833 -
Ichabod Butts Judge of Probate for the District of Ashford

9004 Polly Brigham Connecticut Act 7 th July '88
Admitted
2 years priv
$80 per an 
A long of H Brige Andover Connecticut

State of Connecticut } Hartford Probate District } ss. Coventry
On this 22 nd day of April A.D. 1843 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for said District Norman Brigham & Anna Grunleaf who being first duly sworn according to Law did on their Oaths depose & say that they were well acquainted with Don C. Brigham husband of Polly Brigham who now makes application for a Pension that said Don C. Brigham died at Coventry in said Probate District on the 27 th day of March eighteen hundred forty three leaving Polly Brigham his Widow who is still living and still remains his Widow.
Norman Brigham Anna Grunleaf
Sworn & subscribed the day & year first above written I certify that the aforesaid Norman Brigham & Anna Grunleaf are persons well known to me are persons of truth & their Statements entitled to credit
Morris H. Briggs Judge of Probate Hartford District

257]
Polly Brigham
$80 per an
A. W. Burge Andover, Con.
2405
6n

State of Connecticut } Hebron Probate District } ss.
On this 29 th June 1843 Personally appeared before the Court of Probate for said District Polly Brigham a resident of Coventry in the County of Tolland aged 77 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 8 th March 1843 granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the Widow of Don C. Brigham who was a private in the army of the Revolution who was a prisoner up to the time of his death, that she was a Pensioner under the act of July 7 th 1838 at the rate of eighty dollars pr. Annum She further declares she is still a Widow
Polly Brigham
Sworn & subscribed on the day and year first above written and I certify that the above named Polly Brigham is a person well known to me and is a person of truth & her statement entitled to credit
Almon W. Briggs Judge of Probate for Hebron District
State of Connecticut } Hebron Probate Court } ss.
I John W. Eneworth Clerk of the Court of Probate for Hebron District do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of Polly Brigham for a Pension
In testimony whereof have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Coventry in said District this 29 th day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three John W. Eneworth Clerk

State of Connecticut } Hebron Probate District }
In this 29 th day of June 1843 Personally appeared before the Court of Probate for said District James White & Samuel Topleff of Coventry in said Probate District who being first sworn according to Law do depose that they were well acquainted with Dea C. Brigham deceased husband of Polly Brigham who now makes application for a Pension that said Dea C. Brigham died at Coventry on the 27 th day of March 1843 in said Probate District leaving Polly Brigham his Widow who has remained a Widow ever since his death & is now a Widow
James White
Samuel Topleff
Sworn & subscribed the day and year first above written I certify that the aforesaid James White & Samuel Topleff who have subscribed the foregoing deposition are persons well known to me are persons of truth and their statements entitled to credit. I further certify that the above interlocution was made before the subscribing of the above deposition
Almon W. Birge Judge of Probate for Hebron District
State of Connecticut } Hebron Probate District Court }
I John W. Ensworth Clerk of the Court of Probate for said District do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the Deposition of James White & Samuel Topleff in the case of Polly Brigham for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Coventry in said District this 29 th day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three
John W. Ensworth Clerk

Silas Hibbard of Ashford in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 68 years testify and say that I was an inhabitant of the town of Coventry in Tolland County in sd State during the revolutionary war and was personally acquainted with Mr Don C. Brigham then and ever since an inhabitant of sd Coventry. In February 1781 I enlisted as a Sergeant in Capt James Dana's company in Major Shipmans Battalion in Genl Waterbury's brigade in the Connecticut troops for one years service to begin the 1 st day of March 1781 & end in one year from that day and I served my time of service accordingly I know that a Company in that Battalion was commanded by Capt Moulton whose Lieutenant was Ebenezer Root of sd Coventry and sd Don C. Brigham was then a young man and served as waiter to Root I remember frequently seeing him in that service from early in the campaign until the 1 st March 1782 when the Regiment was dismissed at Stamford Ct. I also recollect seeing sd Brigham on the road with me & others of that Regiment on the way home I do not name the Col. of sd Reg t - there was none - It consisted of two Battalions one commanded by sd Shipman & the other by Major Humphreys. Battalions first encamped and did duty at Stamford - then marched to the White Plains in the State of New York and joined the grand Army and did duty with that army until the departure of the troops that were then with Cornwallis at York-Town Then we were stationed at Horse-neck & wintered in Stamford where we stayed until our Brigade was dismissed 1 st March 1782 and further this Deponent saith not - Ashford Ct 13 th Nov r 1836 Silas Hibbard

State of Connecticut Windham ss. Ashford 13 th Nov r 1826 Personally appeared Mr Silas Hubbard the within Deparant & made oath to the truth of this Deposition by him subscribed before David Bolles Esq r Judge of the County Court for said County This may certify that I have been well acquainted with Mr Silas Hubbard for several years & that he is a Gentleman of good character & a credible witness Attest David Bolles Esq r W. C. Coud
I, Armin Bolles Clerk of the County Court in and for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the Hon ble David Bolles before whom the within affidavit was made, was on the 13 th day of November, A.D. 1826, Chief Judge of the County Court in and for said Windham County, that the foregoing signature of his name is in his hand writing, and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his acts as such Judge in testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the Public Seal of said Court at Brooklyn in said County this 11 th day of August A.D. 1832.
Armin Bolles Clerk

I Eliab Dyer of Coventry in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut aged about 67 years testify and say that in the Spring 1782 I enlisted as sergeant in Capt. Almon Granger's company, Col. Samuel Canfield's Regt. then stationed at Garrison 3 miles North West Stamford When I in a short time became acquainted with Mr. Don C Brigham of Coventry & County aforesaid a soldier in Capt. Allen's company Regt. aforesaid and Connecticut Troops enlisted for one years service. Commencing the 1 st of April 1782 & ending in one year from that day. And I served my time of service ac- cordingly. I remember frequently seeing the D. Brigham in the service as a soldier during the above mentioned time & that he was regularly discharged the service on the first of April 1783 at the time the Regt. was discharged. I further state that I have been for a number of years past & am now acquainted with the above mentioned D. C. Brigham. And that he is the same person as above mentioned belonging to Capt. Allen's comp. And further the deponent saith not
Eliab Dyer
State of Connecticut
Tolland County ss Coventry Nov. 6 th A D 1830
Personally appeared Mr. Eliab Dyer and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed Before me Chauncy Brewster Justice of the Peace

This may certify that I have been acquainted with the within Chas Dyer Deponent for a number of years past and that he is a man of truth and veracity
Cephas Brigham Justice of Peace
This may certify that I have been acquainted with the within Deponent Elias Dyer for a number of years past and that he is a man of truth and veracity
Chauncy Burgess Justice of Peace
Tolland County ss. County Clerk's Office Tolland I Jeremiah Parish Clerk of Tolland County do hereby certify that on the 6th day of November 1830, Chauncy Burgess & Cephas Brigham Esqs, signers of the foregoing certificates were both Justices of the Peace within & for Tolland County legally appointed & authorized to administer oaths & take depositions & their signatures to said certificates I hereby believe to be genuine — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court at Tolland this 13th day of August AD 1832
Jeremiah Parish Clerk
Shubel Dyer
Dear C. Brigham 4th Dec 1832