Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2,060, Benjamin Briggs, R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.I.
Briggs, Benjamin Lydia
N. 2,060
B.L.Wt. 26201-160-55-
CONTENTS

440 Massachusetts
Sydia Briggs widow of Benjamin  Perkins.
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private R.I. Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of Dec r 1847 and sent to
Sam l N. Dewey Williamstown Mass.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2/1848, Page 53 Vol. 1
July
C.
A
A.B.
Died Feb. 11-1856-

21. 449 Massachusetts Benjamin Briggs
of Berkshire in the State of Mass who was a private in the Corp. commanded by Captain Pierce of the Regt. commanded by Col. Richwood in the Rh. Island line for Full Term
A. J. Hall & Mel.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massats at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Sep. 1833 and Scott P. W. Bishop Secy
Arrears to the 4th of Apr. '33 $ 200 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4th Dec. '34  40
$240
{ Revolutionary Claims } { Regd June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by G. O. Atty Clerk, Book E. Vol. 2. Page 9.
75- Berkshire

47092 April 7/55 Lydia Briggs and Benjamin Briggs
Rev War Rev Pension July 48-7 40 Bought W:160 acres May 16/55 Bought
James M. Dunham Rev War Pension
Gift to J. N. Dunham, Sept 18/55,
Map.
ad July 48-7 40
Vol. B.2. - 69. - 0

Rhode Island
Benjamin Brigg Was Born 1739 October 24 Lydia Brigg Was Born January 2 1762 1762 and his parents Nathan Brigg Born in Rhode Island East Greenwich Born in 1732 and Margaret Brigg Born in the year 1730 Nathan Brigg June Born June the 3 1785 Cynthia Brigg Born January 19 1787 Margaret Brigg Born March the 2 1789 Thomas Brigg Born June 10 1791 Martha Brigg Born April 3 1798 1849 1851 90
Nathan Brigg Dyd October 25 1800 June Martha Brigg Dyd May the 7 1839 John Brigg Dyd November 1 - 1800 Cynthia Brigg Dyd February the 8 1836

Benjamin Briggs his Book Bought December 31 1834 Cost 1 Dollar 25 cents

Mercy Briggs Born April 22 1794. John Briggs Born May 17 1800
1545 1111  2656
Mary Ann Briggs Daughter to Thomas Briggs Born August 22 1820
(Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the paper)

18901
Benjamin Bragg Maps
For 2 years
14-1606
May 21 1835
P. 404.
H. W. Bishop Lend Map

BRIEF in the case of  Benjamin Briggs  60 of Berkshire  in the State of  Mass  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? open court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 73  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Spring In 1776 entered about 9 Private Gen. Pierce Col. Richmond   Spring 1778. " " 1 "or thereabouts" " Col. West. Col. Laraby   Summer 1780 6 " Col. Johnson Col. Ward   also served in the R. I. Militia 2 "  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? engagement at Snaker Hill  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? County of Kent, State of R. I.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditional evidence a document and three living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
George Payson
Examining Clerk.

No 203
Sylvia Briggs, Wid of Benjamin Map
ad 29 July 1848
Mamie before 1800
Instan and 15 April 34
admo $80. a per
On 4 March 48
Daniel N. Rovey
Williamstown
Map

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire County ss. On this twenty seventh day of January in the year one thousand eight hundred & forty nine personally appeared before the subscriber Daniel N. Dewey Judge of the Probate Court in & for said County, at her dwelling house in Williamstown in said County, Lydia Briggs resident of said Williamstown aged eighty seven years being unable by reason of bodily infirmity to appear in open Court, who being first duly sworn according to law, on her oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress approved February the second, eighteen hundred and forty eight an act making further provision for surviving widows of the Soldiers of the Revolution - That she is the widow of Benjamin Briggs late of said Williamstown deceased and at the time of his decease a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 - and for evidence of his services she refers to the proof on file on file in the pension office connected with his declaration - She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Briggs in the month of July or August in the year seventeen hundred & eighty five at Pettebrough in the State of New York, by Elder Wilkinson, and that her husband the said Benjamin Briggs died at said Williamstown on the fifth day of March in the year 1848. 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 in

The year eighteen hundred, viz. at the time before stated, and that she has not intermarried since the decease of the said Benjamin Briggs, but still continues his widow.
Lydia per X mark Briggs
Before me, and I further certify that by reason of bodily infirmity the said Lydia is unable to appear in open Court and this declaration was made at her residence in Williamstown aforesaid.
Daniel N Dewey Judge of Probate.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire ss. I Henry W. Bishop Register of the Court of Probate within & for said County do certify that the Hon Daniel N. Dewey, is the Judge of said Court, duly commissioned and qualified, and that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court, this thirteenth day of February in the year eighteen hundred & forty nine Henry W. Bishop

13901 Benjamin Briggs Williamstown dis. application for pension Sept 25 1832

1 1832 Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Berkshire, ss.
ON this twenty fifth day of September A. D. 1832. personally appeared in open Court, before the Honorable WILLIAM P. WALKER, Judge of the Court of Probate, within and for said County of Berkshire, now sitting, Benjamin Briggs a resident of the town of Williamstown in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged 73 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 under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
He entered the service under Col. Richmond Col. of the regiment & in the company of Capt. Col. Pierce, & Lieutenant Malachi Hume, & Ensign Jeremiah Pierce. Entered the service in the Spring of 1776. He does not recollect the day or the month, when he entered the service. He resided before he entered the service at East Greenwich in the County of Kent, and State of Rhode Island. That he marched to Bristol and there our company & one other company built two Forts at Bristol Ferry. remained there through the summer, celebrated Independence with William Bradford Deputy Governor of Rhode Island. went from Bristol to the Island of Newport. from there I went in Whale boats up the sound to New Haven. from there I went in Sloops to Say Harbor on Long Island. from there went to Sea brook & New London. there was discharged & returned by land to Newport. & got my pack & returned to East Greenwich, where I lived at the time I entered the service. late in the fall or fore part of Winter of the same year. I was in this town according to my best recollection about nine months.
He entered the service again in the year 1778 in the Spring. He cannot state the month or day he entered the service. He entered the service at West Greenwich in the State of Rhode Island under Colonel Archibald Crary & Capt Benjamin West & then was changed to Capt James Parker, company. then marched to Bristol in Rhode Island & from there to Newtown

by Howlands Ferry under Col. Barry & General Hornel, remained there a long time I cannot state how long. Then crossed Howlands Ferry to New port in General Sullivan's Expedition. Then turned out in advance guard and went down to the lines at Sammany hill. Then retreated to Bulls hill, where I was in an engagement between Bulls hill and Quaker hill. Then retreated over Howlands Ferry to Scituate. From there went to Secumet Point opposite to New port. remained there till in the winter. Then marched to Fall river where I remained till spring. & then was discharged. I was in this tour according to my best recollec- tion about one year —
He entered the service in the summer of 1780 at Rehoboth June, in East Greenwich in the State of Rhode Island. He entered the service under Capt. Allen Johnson Capt. of the company, & Col. Ward, Col. of the Regiment. Then marched to Newport island, put under the Continental Officers, Col. Christopher Green, Col. Ward, & Major Flagg. This service was called the six months service. He remained on the Island of Newport most of the time, during this service. He also served two months in the militia in the State of Rhode Island. He lived in East Green- wich till he was twenty one. Then moved to Berlin in the County of Rensselaer & State of New York. lived there twenty two years from thence moved to Williamstown where he has resided thirty years. To the present time. He knows of three persons who has testified to his services, & whose depositions are attached to this declaration viz Geo. Whitman, & Cary Briggs & Mary Ensep. — He was born at East Greenwich Rhode Island — He has no record of his age — never had a written discharge or any documentary evidence except the writing from Allen Johnson which is annexed —

He 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
S.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Benjamin Briggs
W. P. Walker J. Probate
We William G. Johnson a Clergyman, residing in the town of Williamstown  residing in and hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Briggs — who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy three 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. W. G. Johnson
S.
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
W. P. Walker J. Probate
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 William G. Johnson who signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the town of Williamstown in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and that who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of in the County of and of and is a credible person, and that their  his statement is entitled to credit.
W. P. Walker J. Probate
I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Berkshire in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Benjamin Briggs for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office of said Court of Probate, this twenty fifth day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Henry W. Bishop Register of Probate

I Margaret Bacon of Williamstown in the County of Berkshire State of Massachusetts do testify & say that I am the daughter of Benjamin & Lydia Briggs of said Williamstown the said Benjamin being dead, I am now 44 years old, I think child of my parents - a son Nathan, and daughter Cynthia being older than myself, both now dead, both of whom I recollect very well. Nathan died at 14 - Cynthia at forty nine years of age - My parents had also six children younger than myself - My father & mother always lived together from my earliest recollection in the town of Berlin in the State of New York & in Williamstown of recent -
There was an imperfect record of my father's family in an old Bible which I have not seen for many years. It was much worn when I last saw it & I have no doubt is destroyed - It is not to be found in the family or house last occupied by him - My mother is still living in the same house & has never been mar- ried since his death -
Three of the children born after myself died at an early age -
Margaret den X Bacon Mark
State of Massachusetts
Berkshire ss. September 24. 1841 Then ap- pearing Margaret Bacon signed the foregoing made oath to the truth of the same before the subscribers. & I further certify that she is a person of good character for truth & veracity - Daniel N. Denny Justice of Peace

I Thomas C. Phelps of Williamstown in the County of Berkshire State of Massachusetts do testify & say that I am the Executor of the Will of the late Benjamin Briggs deceased - That I have made search in his house & among his books & papers & find no record of his family excepting the annexed papers which are the blank leaves of a printed book entitled "A Universal History of the United States of America by C. B. Taylor." printed in 1834 - These papers are in the handwriting of Benja- min Briggs, I knew his writing very well - They are probably copied from some older book which can not now be found -
I knew the family of Benjamin Briggs as early as 1803 & have known them ever since that time - At that time they had five children & the youngest was then seven years old or about that age - Lydia Briggs his widow was then his wife & the only wife he ever had -
Thos C Phelps
State of Massachusetts
Berkshire Sept 24. 1844. Then appearing Thomas C. Phelps, signer of the foregoing made oath to the truth of the foregoing before the subscribers & I further certify that he is a person of good charac- ter for truth & veracity -
Daniel V. D. Clary Justice of Peace.

County Law Declaration State of Massachusetts County of Berkshire
On this 3 rd day of March A D one thou- sand Eight hundred fifty five personally appeared before me. Jarvis A Dunscomb a justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Lydia Briggs Resident of Williamstown State & County aforesaid aged ninety three Years, who being duly sworn according to Laws, declares that she is the widow of Benjamin Briggs deceased, who was a private in the war of the Revolution between United States and Great Britain. That her husband - went a pension and that since the death of her husband she has drawn a pension as the widow of said Benjamin Briggs and that she is unable to state the precise time that her husband enlisted in said war - and now is unable to state the exact time that he was discharged but was honorably discharged - as his name - also appears will appear upon the pension list She further states that she was married to said Benjamin Briggs in Petersburg State of New York on the day of in August A D 1784 by one Rev Cooro and that her name before her marriage was

Reference for Proof of Marriage to the Pension Rolls as she now claims pensions as the widow of Benjamin Briggs
Lydia Henson and that her husband died at Williamson County State of Indiana on - fifth the day of March A D - 1848, and that she is now his widow & since that time she has drawn a pension She further declares that she has never applied for bounty land previous to this on any act of congress. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining bounty land under the act of congress passed March 3, 1855. Lydia her Briggs The Margaret Bacon and Mercy Henson residents of Williamson County State of Mass- chusetts upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Lydia Briggs in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be  Margaret Bacon Mercy Henson
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim  Jarvis N. Dinsmore Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire ss April 5 th 1855—
I Andrew J. Waterman Register of Probate and for the Probate Court within and for the County of Berkshire hereby certify that I know James N. Dunham the Justice of the Peace within subscribed, and that at the time the within dec- laration was made and the Oaths administered by him, he was an acting Justice of the Peace for said County, duly Commissioned and qualified and that his signature within written is genuine.
In witness whereof I hereto set my hand and the Seal of the Probate Court for said County of Berkshire
Andrew J. Waterman Register of Probate

October 30, 1938.
Miss Elaine Briggs Oak Grove, Louisiana.
BA-J/ILL Can Benjamin Briggs W. 3060
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of William Barwick, North or South Carolina, Benjamin Briggs and Michael Briggs of Rhode Island.
A search of the Revolutionary War records has been made and there is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon service of a Michael Briggs of Rhode Island, or of any soldier named William Barwick; other spellings of the surnames were searched. The claim of Benjamin Briggs has been found and is furnished herein as shown in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 3060, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Benjamin Briggs was born October 24, 1759 in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. His father, Elnathan or Nathan Briggs was born in East Greenwich, in 1732, and his mother, Margaret --, was born in 1730.
Benjamin Briggs enlisted in the spring of 1775 and served nine months as private in Captain Job Pierce's company, Colonel Richmond's Rhode Island regiment. He enlisted in the spring of 1776, served as private in Captains Benjamin West and James Parker's company, Colonel Archibald Crary's Rhode Island regiment, and was in the battle of Rhode Island. He enlisted June 27, 1780, and served six months as private in Captain Allen Johnson's company, Colonels Ward's and Christopher Green's Rhode Island regiments. He also served two months in the Rhode Island militia, no dates or officers stated.
The soldier resided in East Greenwich, Kent County, Rhode Island, until he was aged twenty-one years, then moved to Berlin, Rensselaer County, New York, where he resided about twenty-two years, then

moved to Williamstown, Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
Benjamin Briggs was allowed pension on his application executed September 25, 1832, at which time he resided in Williamstown, Massachusetts. He resided there until his death on March 5, 1848.
Benjamin Briggs married in July or August 1785, in Petersburg, Rensselaer County, New York, Lydia Howard, who was born in January 1762; the names of her parents are not shown. She was of Petersburg at the time of her marriage.
Lydia Briggs, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed January 27, 1849, at which time she resided in Williamstown, Massachusetts. She died February 11, 1855.
The following data regarding the children of Benjamin Briggs and his wife, Lydia, are shown:
Nathan born June 3, 1785, died October 25, 1800. Cynthia " January 19, 1787, died February 8, 1838. Margaret " March 2, 1789, Thomas " June 10, 1791. Martha " April 3, 1793, died May 7, 1839. Mercy " April 22, 1794. John " May 17, 1800, died November 1, 1800.
The following is shown also-
Mary Ann Briggs, daughter of Thomas Briggs, born August 23, 1820.
In 1849, Margaret Bacon, the daughter noted above, a resident of Williamstown, Massachusetts, stated that her parents had six children younger than herself, but she did not state their names, nor the name of her husband. In 1855, said Margaret Bacon and Mercy Hanson, also a resident of Williamstown, made joint affidavits in behalf of soldier's widow, Lydia Briggs, but it was not stated that Mercy Hanson was the daughter, Mercy.
In 1849, one Urbany Burdick, a resident of Berlin, New York, aged
next time say - Mercy Hanson was also a res. of Williamstown (leave out affidavit)

eighty-one years, stated that he was at "Williams Wells house in Petersburg, Rensselaer County, New York" and saw Benjamin Briggs marry Lydia Howard, and that he had been acquainted with them ever since; one N. Burdick witnessed his signature at that time. No relationship to the soldier's family was stated.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Benj. Briggs Benj. Briggs Benj. Briggs
Benj Briggs R.S. W2060

We the undersigned do hereby solemnly agree and bind ourselves as soldiers in the Battalion of the States of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation in the Service of the united States of America in whose Service and pay we promise to continue from this Day untill the first Day of January next unless sooner Discharged by the General Congress of the aforesaid States and we also promise to submit to all the orders and regulations of the army of the said States and faithfully to observe and obey all such orders as we shall from time to time receive from our Officers
These are to Certify all people to whom it may concern That Benjamin Briggs son of Elanathan Briggs of East Greenwich listed himself as a soldier on the Twenty Seventh Day of June 1775 and to answer for one of the Number for said Town of East Greenwich agree to the above Written orders Test by me one That was appointed to enlist men for said Town of Greenwich Allen Johnson Capt. 2

Oct. 14-1901 Daniel Howard Windsor Lock, Conn.
1910 Oct. 12 Hist. to Mr. J. H. Howard, V.P.M. (also copy of & enclosure) 1920 Oct. 15 Hist. to Mrs. H. B. Briggs Letter in P.T. 29.891 Stephen Heath 1935 Oct. 30 Hist. to Miss Elaine Briggs
Rev. Mar
WIDOW, &c.
File No.
2060
Cydia Briggs, Widow.
Benjamin Briggs. Dno. Rev. War.
Act: July 29, 1848.
Index: —Vol. R , Page 81
[Arrangement of 1870.]

N 203 Lydia Briggs Map
Sol. to Nathl. Bishop May 10. 189 Let to Daniel N. Dewey May 26 . 189
act 29 July 1848
26. 207
S No. 100

1890 Benjamin Brigg
H. W. Bishop Esq. Forest Mts

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Benjamin Briggs which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned 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? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Yes  Not all
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. † Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes  No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 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 shewn 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 embodied 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.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
‡QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

I, Urbany Burdick of Berlin County of Rens- -lear & State of New York of the age of eighty one years, being duly sworn deposeth and say — When about fifteen years of age I was at William Bells house in Petersburg County of Renslear State of New York & saw Lydia Howard, Married to Benjamin Briggs both of Petersburg aforesaid and the Marriage was Solemnized by Elder William Goss of S d Petersburg I have been acquainted with said Benjamin Briggs & Lydia Briggs, from the time of their Marriage until & lived in the same Town the most of the time since with them — January thirty first 1849. In presence of Abigail of Thos B. Phelps Urbany his Burdick mark. Sworn this 31 st day of January 1849 before me Schuyler Green Justice Peace
I hereby certify that the above Urbany Burdick is a man of truth and veracity. Schuyler Green Justice Peace

STATE OF NEW YORK, RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Schuyler Green before whom the annexed Affidavit was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this Second day of February 1849
A H Sheldon  Her R v o

I George Whitman residing in the Town of Stephentown County of Bennington & State of New York do hereby certify that I was acquainted with Benjamin Briggs of the town of East Greenwich County of Kent & State of Rhode Island in the Year 1778 that he witness saw him repeatedly in the United States Service in said Year in what was termed Sullivan's Expedition in the Company commanded by James Parker of the Regi- =ment Commanded by Colonel Crary - witness said One Year with said Benjamin Briggs Sworn & subscribed this the { 24 th Aug t 1832 before me } George Whitman
Nathan Howard Justin Pease
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with George Whitman the above deponent and that full faith & credit is and ought to be given to his deposition Nathan Howard Justin Pease

State of New York
County of Rensselaer p.
I Archibald Bull Clerk of said County Do hereby certify that Nathan Howard Esqr. before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn and also by whom the within certificate was signed was on the day of the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the signatures "Nathan Howard" thereto subscribed to be genuine
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 5 th day
of September 1832.
Archibald Bull Clerk

I Gary Briggs residing in the town of Steph- entown County of Rensselaer and State of New York do certify that I was acquainted with Benjamin Briggs in the town of East Greenwich County of Kent and State of Rhode Island in the year 1776 that he enlisted into the service of the United States and served in Company commanded by Captain Job Pierce of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Richmond - witness was knowing to the enlistment of said Benjamin & saw him repeatedly in the service of the United States (the length of time with said Benjamin served witness does not know)
Sworn & subscribed this the 25 th day of August 1832 before me
Gary Briggs
Nathan Howard Justin Pease
Nathan Howard Justin Pease

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Gary Briggs the within named deponent & that full faith & credit is & ought to be given to his deposition & I believe him to be 80 years old
Nathan Howard Justice of the Peace
State of New York Rensselaer County I Henry R. Bristol Clerk of said County do certify that Nathan Howard Esqr. before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn & by whom the above certificate appears to have been signed was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in & for the county of Rensselaer that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe his signature here to sub- scribed to be genuine Witness My Hand & seal of office this 15 th day of June 1833 Henry R. Bristol Clerk

I Thomas C. Phelps of Williamstown in the County of Berkshire do testify & say that I have known Benjamin Briggs late of Williamstown & Lydia Briggs his wife ever since the year eighteen hundred & three & they lived together as man husband & wife until his death in 1848 & they had five children when I first knew them -- Feb. 12. 1849
Thos C. Phelps
State of Massachusetts
Berkshire ss. February 12. 1849 Then personally appeared the above named Thomas C. Phelps a person to me well known and a credible witness & took swore to & subscribed the foregoing affidavit before me
Daniel N. Dewey Judge of Probate
Berkshire ss. I Henry W. Bishop Register of the Court of Probate within & for said County of Berkshire do certify that the Hon. Daniel N. Dewey, is the Judge of said

Court duly commissioned and qualified, and that the signature purporting to be his is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this Thirteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty seven.
Henry W. Bishop

This is to Certify that I Emma Essex of Williamstown in the County of Berkshire and state of Massachusetts. do Testify and say that I am well acquainted with Benjamin Briggs of the same town State & County and he formerly lived in the State of Rhode Island. in the Town of Gr east Greenwich in Kent County where I then lived & we were brought up in the same neighborhood together and I do further Testify & say that this Benjamin Briggs is now of Swansy year Old and according to my best recollection he enlisted into the service in the year of one thousand eight hundred and seventy eight - I further Testify that I do know this Benjamin Briggs is the very man that enlisted in that year
Emma Essex
Williamstown August 28 1882 then personally appeared the within named Emma Essex and made Oath that the above written instrument is true. Before me Thomas Bingham Justice of the Peace

The Second in the year of one thousand eight hundred and thirty
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss. I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Thomas Bingham Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and have no doubt that the Signature annexed to said deposition is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty 1 th day of September A. D. 1832.
Henry W. Bishop  Register of Probate

W. M. Alston Sydney Briggs
J. L. Colwell Com. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Williamstown Mass. May 21. 1849
Hon.
Sir
In the case of Mrs. Lydia Briggs application for pension as the widow of Ben. Briggs - You write to Mr. Bishop that the evidence of Marriage does not show that it was previous to 1800 - I desire in behalf of the widow to call your attention to Ubary Burdick's affidavit.
If I recollect right it clearly establishes the fact - he was present at the ceremony & from his age at that time & his age now, as I recollect, he makes the marriage to have been as stated by the applicant. I have thought it possible that this evidence was overlooked - or lost - Will you inform me on this subject
respectfully yours
Darius N. Dany

I Henry D. Penniman of Milhampton in the County of Berkshire & State of Massachusetts do testify that I am the Town Clerk of the town of Milhampton - That I have examined the records of the town - That I can not find any records of the family of Benjamin & Lydia Briggs on any of the books in my office -
Henry D. Penniman
Berkshamp. Sep. 27 th 1849 Then appeared Henry D. Penniman signer of the foregoing affidavit to the truth of the same before me
Daniel N Dewey Justice of Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire ss - I. Henry W. Bishop, Register of the Court of Probate within & for the County of Berkshire do certify, that Daniel N. Dewey, whose name is subscribed to the three certificates of oath, subjoined to the annexed depositions, was at the respective dates of said certificates, a Justice of the Peace within & for said County duly commissioned & qualified and that the signatures subscribed to said certificates purporting to be his are his genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court, this second day of October - 1849. Henry W. Bishop

Ben. Briggs Esq 32
Col. H. H. H. M. A. D. J. J. Church Commonwealth of Massachusetts Washington City D. C.
7

To the Commissioner of Pensions. Washington
Sir
I am requested by those interested in the enclosed to transmit them to your office.
Most respectfully,
Yours &c
H. M. Bishop
Ex-Mass July 13 1849

"Howard House" Newport, R.I. Oct. 4, 1910.
Commissioner of Pensions.
My Dear Sir: -
I beg to trouble you once again to advise me if the Revolutionary War pension records afford any information in regard to one, Christopher Whitford, and another Benjamin Briggs.
I furnish you herewith, as you requested, what little data I can find in regard to them. Thanking you in advance for your records. I am
Very Respectfully Yours, James Herbert Howard, 19 Merton Rd.
OCT 7 - 1910

Windsor Locks, Conn.,
Oct. 10, 1901.
U. S. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir,
Mr. William A. Blair of Williamstown, Mass. has placed in my hands for insertion in a military record which I am assisting his family to prepare, the enclosed statement from your Bureau. I think there has been a mistake made. Benjamin Briggs, the ancestor of Wm. A. Blair, was a resident of Scituate, R. I. , not Scituate, Mass. and is supposed to have resided in Williamstown, Mass. in 1832, the date of application mentioned. The record that I am preparing is desired for use, if possible, Oct. 15. Would it be possible for your

Bureau to tell me before that time if there has been a mistake, and if so, mail to me the corrected statement of Benj Briggs of R. I. later of Mass.?
This favor if it can be granted will be greatly appreciated. If no record of another Benj. Briggs exists will you please return the one enclosed?
Yours truly
Daniel Howard.
For W. A. Blair
Daniel Howard,
Box 219 Windsor Locks,
Conn.

Christopher Whitford:
Served under Capt. Can. & Col. — Canay,
Enlisted at. Sietwack R.9,
He died. Oct. 1811.
Widow. Sarah Howard Whitford.
Benjamin Briggs.
Served under Capt. Job Pierce & Col. Crary, and Richmond. also Capt. Benj. West.
Enlisted at. East Greenwich R.9.
Born. Oct. 24, 1759,
Died. Mar. 5, 1848.
Widow. Lydia Howard Briggs.
Served in a lot of battles, names unknown.
Respectfully Yours
J. H. Howard,

Oak Grove, Louisiana
October 22, 1935
Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Do you have in the Revolutionary War pensions records any record of 0 Re 0 20 2 William Barwick , North Carolina or South Carolina, Benjamin only one R Briggs and Michael not R Briggs , Rhode Island?
If you have these records I would appreciate very much your sending a copy to me.
Yours truly,
(Miss) Elaine Briggs.

October 13, 1910.
Mr. J. H. Howard, Howard House, Newport, R. I.
Sir:
In addition to the military history of Benjamin Briggs, Wid. File No. 2,080, you are furnished the following data as to his family.
Nathan, born June 8, 1785, died October 25, 1800. Cynthia, born January 10, 1787, died February 8, 1838. Margaret, born March 8, 1789, (signed name Margaret Becon in 1849) Thomas, born June 10, 1791. Kartha, born April 3, 1793, died May 7, 1839. Mercy, born April 22, 1794. John, born May 17, 1800. died Nov. 1, 1800
Grand child Mary Ann daughter of Thomas Briggs, born August 29, 1820.
There were nine children but the above are the only names stated.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Benjamin Briggs wid. file 2060.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Spring of 1776 9 mos. Pvt. Col. Pierce Richmond R.I.   Spring of 1778 1 year Benjamin West James Parker Archibald Crary   June 27, 1780 6 mos. Allen Johnson Ward   2 mos. in the militia Christopher Green  
Battles engaged in, Rhode Island Residence of soldier at enlistment, East Greenwich, Kent Co. R.I. Date of application for pension, Sept. 25, 1832. His ch. was al. Residence at date of application, Williamstown, Berkshire Co. Mass. Age at date of application, born at East Greenwich, R.I. Oct. 24, 1759
Remarks: died at Williamstown Mass. Mar. 5, 1848.
Soldier was the son of Nathan Briggs born East Greenwich R.I. in 1732 & Margaret b. in 1730. He married Lydia Aug. 1785 at Petersburg, V.A. Lydia Howard b. Jan'y 1792. He was allowed pension on an application dated Jan. 27, 1849 while a resident of Williamstown Mass. There were nine children: Nathan b. June 3, 1785 - died Oct. 25, 1800. Cynthia b. Jan'y 19, 1787, died Feb'y 8, 1836. Margaret b. Feb. 2, 1789, (mrs. Margaret Bacon in 1849). Thomas b. Jan'y 10, 1791, Martha b. Apr. 3, 1798, died May 7, 1839. Mary b. Apr. 22, 1794. John b. May 17, 1800, d. Nov. 1, 1800. were the only names stated. Grand-child Mary Ann daughter of Thomas Briggs, b. Aug. 29, 1820.
Very respectfully,