Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 15,602, Richard Briggs, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Briggs, Richard Hannah
No 15,602
CONTENTS
This Envelope Included
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO

1411 Massachusetts
Let to Pension Agent June 24 th 1841
Wannah Briggs widow of Richard Bragg
who died on the 24 th February 1820 of Franklin in the State of Mass a who was a Priv t Serjt in the Comp y commanded by Captain Tubbs of the Reg t commanded by Col t Syle in the Mass a line for 8 mos Private 6 " Serjeant
Increased from $36.66.
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass a at the rate of 56 Dollars 67 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of June 1841 and sent William Whitaker Atchew Salem Mass a
Arrears to the 4 th of March 1841 $566.70
Semi-annual allowance ending Sept. 28.33
$595.03
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by W. Addison Clerk Book 6 Vol. 1 st Page 49

I hereby certify that in an Old Church Record kept by the Rev d Samuel Tobey the former Pastor of the Church in Berkly the following Record is found viz Sept r the 23 d 1773 Married Richard Briggs, to Hannah Haskins both of Berkly.
A true copy of Record
attest Henry Crane { Clerk of the Church in Berkly
Bristol p. Berkly July the 4 1837
Then personally appeared the above named Henry Crane who is a credible Witness and made Oath to the truth of the above above declaration by him subscribed
Before me Samuel French { Justice of the peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol p. I Amos Barrett Register of the Court of Sessions for said County, do hereby certify that Samuel French whose signa- ture is affixed to the above Certificate is a Justice of the Peace in for said County.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 6 th day of July 1837.
A Bassett

REVOLUTIONARY PENSIONERS.
Boston,
1 Nov.
1850.
RECEIVED of FRANKLIN HAVEN, AGENT for paying Pensioners belonging to the State of Massachusetts ,
twenty five Dollars, 34 Cents,
being for six
five
months' 11 days
Pension due to
Hannah Briggs dec d
from the 4th day of March,
1850,
to the 15 th day of September , August
1850,
for which I have signed Duplicate Receipts.
$ 25.34
Yas D Baxa

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Franklin.
I Wendell S. Davis, Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Franklin, do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Hannah Briggs late of Wendell in said County, Widow of Richard Briggs late of New-Salem - deceased - was a pensioner of the United States on account of the Revolutionary services of her said husband, that she died at said Wendell on the fifteenth day of August A.D. 1857. She left two children only - who survive her viz Sabrina Brewer, and Charlotte Phillips both married.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at the Probate office in Greenfield in said County, this twenty first day of September A.D. 1862.
Wendell S. Davis. Reg d Probate
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAD

1645
Hannah Briggs Application for pension as the widow of Richard Briggs.
V 1645
Hannah Briggs wid of Richard Briggs
Married in '73 rolls Dmo. in '75.
vol. 19. p. 159. last page 162, not on no Capt. Israel Richardson w. 3. 269. On 4th of Sept
Adm.
Mass.
De. 66.
Reduction
Hon. Geo. Grennell Jr
Royal Ho. Rep
Greenfield Mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, ss.
County of Franklin
(21/104)
On this fifteenth  day of March in the year of Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty seven, personally appeared before the Hon. Richard B. Newcomb Esq. judge of the court of Probate within and for said county of Franklin, Harriett Briggs, a resident of the town of New Salem in the county of Franklin & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy nine and two third years, who being first sworn according to law, doth, in her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 14. 1836: That she is the widow of Richard Briggs, who was a corporal in a company of foot, commanded by Capt. Samuel Dabbs in the Continental Army, the Regiment in which he served, or the field officers, she has no knowledge of; that he voluntarily enlisted the month of April 1775 for eight months, at Berkley in the county of Bristol, and marched to, and was stationed at Roxbury, near Boston Mass. and left the service and returned to Berkley about the first of January 1776: that he again entered the Army in the month of August 1778, when he marched to Rhode Island, was in the battle at "Quaker Hill" near New Port, and after an absence of some days returned home, nearly starved: that he again enlisted into the Army, at New Salem, as a Serjeant, in the last of the month of April 1779 for seven months, marched from New Salem to Springfield, Mass. where he was mustered into the service, and from Springfield, he marched to Providence in the state of Rhode Island, and continued at and about Providence, as she believes, until the expiration of the said term of enlistment, when he left the service, according to the best of her recollection, about the first of December following when he returned to New Salem; she does not know either the company, or field officers under which he served, the two last mentioned terms, and that she has not any documentary evidence in support of her claim. She further declares, that she was married to the said Richard Briggs in the month of September 1773, one thousand seven hundred & seventy three; and that her husband the said Richard Briggs died on the twenty-seventh day of February in the year eighteen hundred and twenty: And that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will

more fully appear by reference to the proof herunto annexed. and that since the war her late husband has lived principally in said New Salem, where he died. Sworn to, & subscribed, on the day and year first above written, before R. E. Newcomb Judge of Probate
Hannah Briggs
And the said Judge of Probate doth hereby declare his opinion, after the investigation of the matter, that the said Richard Briggs deceased, who was the husband of the above named applicant, was a revolutionary soldier and served as she, the said applicant, states; that he the said Richard died on the twenty seventh day of February A. D. 1820; that the said applicant was married to the said Richard in the month of September A. D. 1773; and that ever since his death as aforesaid she has remained a widow.
And the said Judge further certifies that the said Hannah Briggs, the applicant, by reason of bodily infirmity, was and is unable to appear in court; that the said Judge therefore, went to the dwelling house of Silas Haskell in New Salem in said county, near the residence of the said applicant, on the day of the date hereof, where she appeared before him and under oath made and subscribed the foregoing declaration, and submitted to an examination in the premises. Greenfield March 15. 1837 R. E. Newcomb, Judge of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin ss.
I Elijah Alvord Register of Probate for said county of Franklin do hereby certify that Richard E. Newcomb Esquire is the Judge of Probate for said county, that the foregoing proceedings were subscribed by him in my presence, and were filed by him in my office as the original proceedings before him in the matter of the application of Hannah Briggs for a pension.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hands and affix the seal of the probate court for said county, at Greenfield, this twenty second day of March A. D. 1837 E. Alvord Reg. Prob

25.34 for 5 mos. 11 days
State of Massachusetts? Franklin County ss
Be it known that before me Lucius Cooke a justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Sabrina Brown wife of Nathan Brown and Charlotte Phillips wife of Dexter Phillips of New Salem in the County aforesaid and severally made oath in due form of law that they are the daughters of Hannah Briggs the identical person who was a pensioner and is now dead, and to whom a certificate of pension was issued of which the following is a true copy:
War Department - Revolutionary Claims
I certify that in conformity with the 3rd Section of the Act of the United States of the 4th July 1836 Hannah Briggs of Massachusetts widow of Richard Briggs deceased, who was a private & sergeant in the Revolu- tion, is entitled to receive fifty six dollars and sixty seven cents per annum during the term she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September. This certificate is issued in lieu of one dated September 16th 1837 for $26.66 which has been cancelled.
Given at the War Office of the United States this twenty sixth day of June one thousand eight hundred and forty one.
Examined & countersigned
John Bell, Secretary of War.
J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions. That the had not informed her of the widow of the above mentioned Richard Briggs that the deceased pensioner resided in Wendell in said County of Franklin & State of Massachusetts for the term of (about) three years before her death, and that previous thereto she resided in New Salem Mass.
Sworn and subscribed this thirteenth day of October 1850
Sabrina Brown Charlotte Phillips
Before me Lucius Cooke Justice of the Peace

Know all men by these presents, that we Sabrina Brewer and Charlotte Phillips of New Salem in the County of Franklin State of Massachusetts Revolutionary Pensioners of the United States do hereby severally constitute and appoint Thomas S. Brooks of Mendon, our true & lawful attorney for us and in our names to receive from the agent of the United States for paying pensions in Boston in the State of Massachusetts the balance of said pension from the fourth day of March to the fifteenth day of August 1850, being the day of the death of the said Hannah Briggs.
Witness our hands & seals this thirtieth day of October 1850.
Sealed & delivered in presence of Angeline C. Cannon Lucius Cooke
Sabrina Brewer Charlotte Phillips
State of Massachusetts Franklin County ss
Be it known that on this thirtieth day of October 1850 before the subscribers a justice of the peace in said County personally appeared the above named Sabrina Brewer & Charlotte Phillips & severally acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be their free act & deed
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day & year last above mentioned.
Lucius Cooke
Justin Penn
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO

Maps
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15602
Hannah Briggs
Widow of
Richard Briggs
Seaf. Rev. War
Act: July 4 th 1836
Index: Vol. a , Page 88
[Arrangement of 1870.]

V Hannah Briggs widow of Richard Mar 14/11 See W E Alroad June 13 1877
Act 4 July 1836

STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, } SUFFOLK COUNTY, } 85.
BE IT KNOWN, That on the
1
day of
Nov
1850,
before me, a Justice of the Peace, duly authorized by the laws of the State to administer oaths, personally appeared
T. D. Brooks
the Attorney named in the foregoing power of Attorney, and made oath that he has no interest whatever in the money he is authorized to receive by virtue of the foregoing power of Attorney, either by any pledge, mortgage, sale, assignment, or transfer; and he does not know or believe that the same has been so disposed of to any person whatever.
Thos D Brooks
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above written, before me,
G. S. Bulfinch
Justice of the Peace.

Ebenezer Goodale Rich Briggs - Israel Richardson
77.1 m. 19-159-01B-782.19
1

Massachusetts 1411.
Hannah Briggs, widow of Richard Briggs, Deed.
who died on the 27 th of Feby 1820; of Franklin in the State of Mass'ts, who was a private in the comp y commanded by Captain S. Tabb. of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Mass'ts. time for 8 months. private.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts. at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of Sep- tember, 1837 and sent to Hon. Geo. Grennell, Jr. Ho. of Reps.
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept. 1837 $173:29 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th M. 1838 = 13:33
$186.62
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by S. A. Elliott Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 Page 45.
let to Mrs. Whitaker Nov: 30. 1840. to same 18. May 1841.
2

Hannah Briggs
Payment to be made at Boston Mass by J. Warren Dyer Agent for paying Pen- sioners, in the Agency of Massachusetts
Payable on Application
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book C Vol. 1 st Page 49 by W. Madison
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Hannah Briggs of Massachusetts widow of Richard Briggs deceased who was a Private and Sergeant in the Revolution
is entitled to receive Fifty Six dollars and Sixty Seven cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September. {This certificate is issued in lieu of one dated September 16 th 1837 for $26.66 which has been cancelled}
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 20 th day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty four
W. B. Bell
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Hannah Briggs Wid of Richard Mass.
Ad July 4. 1836
Increased from $26.66
per ann
1775 8 mo. pr. 26.66
1779 6. " Surgeat 20
Vol 3. p 269. $86.66
Wm. Whitaker Esq, North New Salem Mass.

Intentions of Marriage between Richard Briggs and Hannah Washburn both of Berkeley
Entered August 14 th 1773
Attest Samuel French { Town Clerk Berkeley
June 28 th 1837
A true copy of Record
Attest Ephraim French Jr { Town Clerk Berkeley
Bristol 1 st June 28. 1837
Then personally appeared Ephraim French Jr who is Town Clerk of the Town of Berkeley and made Oath to the truth of the forgoing copy of Record by him subscribed
Before me Samuel French { Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named Ephraim French Jr is Town Clerk of the Town of Berkeley and that he has been duly sworn to the faithful discharge of said Office
Berkeley June 28. 1837 Samuel French { Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts -
Bristol ss. I Andrew Bassett Register of the Court of Probate for said County, do hereby certify that Samuel French, whose signature is affixed to the two last above entitled certificates, is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County - In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this sixth day of July eighteen hundred and thirty seven - A Bassett

North New Salem Nov. 25. 1840.
Sir, In your letter of Sept. 18. 1837, accompanying a certificate of pension for Hannah Briggs, Widow of Richard Briggs, you are pleased to say, "As the first term of eight months in 1775 is established by the rolls, a certificate is issued for that service, subject to such increase as she may shew that she is entitled to receive." I now, herewith, enclose a certificate from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which will lead to such further examination of the rolls, as is believed, will establish her claims for an increase of pension. I am, Sir, your most obedient Servt.
William Whitaker
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Hannah Pugh
Map aa
at 1877

North New Salem May 26. 1841.
I enclose the Certificate of Hannah Briggs for the purpose that a new certificate may be issued which shall include the whole service of her late husband, Richard Briggs, which is now ascertained to have been performed
Yours Respectfully
William Whitaker
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com. of Pensions
The pension on the enclosed certificate is rec d . to March 4. 1841.

Hannah Briggs-
Payment to be made at Boston, by J. H. Simpson, Esq. Agent for paying Pen- sioners, in the Agency of Massachusetts
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A, Vol. 2, Page 45, by
S. A. Elliot, Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Hannah Briggs, of Massachusetts, widow of Richard Briggs, deceased, who was a private in the
Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive twenty-six dollars and sixty-six cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this seventeenth day of September, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven.
J. R. Poinsett
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. §
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, October 27 th 1840.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that an order is on file of the following purport: Thomas Ivers State Treasurer.
Sir,
Please to pay to the bearer Lt Samuel Cook what Sum of Money you may find due to me for Serving as a Soldier about Six Months in the Year 1779 th Col l Tyler Regiment, Captain Woodbridge Company. Richard Briggs
Benj m Ganson
attest
New Salem May 19. 1783
”
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John C. Bigelow Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Map-oll,
(Vol 16 p 53)
Rich d Briggs mays 75-
Abigail Hunt Benjamin F. Gannet & Isobel Hascall Affidavits in aid of Hannah Briggs

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin County ss. I Abigail Hunt of New Salem in said county of Franklin, depose and say, that in addition to the matter contained in a former deposition, subscribed and sworn to on the 22 nd day of February now last past, by me the said Abigail Hunt, that upon further reflection upon the subject of the services of Richard Briggs in the army of the revolution, I now remember that after my removal from Berkley, which was in June 1778, to New Salem, that said Richard Briggs left New Salem in the spring of the year 1779, as was said for the army, and that he went to Springfield to pass muster, and from there to Rhode Island, and was absent in the service some months, but cannot say how long, and that he was called Sergeant Briggs. —
Abigail Hunt
Subscribed, and sworn to, on this 10 th day of March. 1837
Before me, — William Whitaker Justice of the peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin County ss. We, Benjamin F. Cannon & Jacob Haskell of New Salem in said county of Franklin, upon oath, testify and say, that Hannah Briggs, is now, and ever since the death of her late husband, Richard Briggs, has remained a widow. Benj m F. Cannon Jacob Haskell
Subscribed, and sworn to, before me, the 15 th day of March A.D. 1837. —
William Whitaker , Justice of the peace
Franklin County ss. March 1837. I hereby certify, that Benjamin F. Cannon & Jacob Haskell, who have subscribed their names to the foregoing affidavit, are credible witnesses.
William Whitaker , Justice of the peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin ss.
I Elijah Alvord, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Franklin do hereby certify that the within named William Whitaker, before whom the several within affidavits purport to have been made and sworn to, is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said county duly commissioned and qualified; and that the several within signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said court at Greenfield on the twenty second day of march A. D. 1837.
E. Alvord Clerk

Abigail Hunt Phoebe King David Child & Bathsheba Trask Affidavits in case of Hannah Briggs

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin County ss. I Abigail Hunt of New Salem in said county of Franklin, aged, between sixty eight and sixty nine years, upon oath depose and say, that I was present and witnessed the marriage of Richard Briggs with Hannah Haskell in the month of September A. D. 1773 in the town of Berkley in county of Bristol in the Commonwealth aforesaid.
I further depose and say, that the said Richard Briggs, entered the Army of the Revolution early in the year A. D. 1775, and marched as was then reported from said Berkley to Roxbury near Boston, Mass. and remained in the service, I am quite certain three months, and I believe much longer, but cannot remember positively how long, and while said Briggs was absent in the service, I lived with the wife of the said Briggs a considerable proportion of the time - and further saith me.
Abigail Hunt
Subscribed and sworn to, before me, on the 22 nd day of February A. D. 1837 - and I also certify that the said Abigail Hunt is a credible and disinterested witness.
William Whitaker Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin County ss. I Philena Kling of New Salem in said county of Franklin, aged seventy one years, upon oath do testify and say, that I was present and saw Richard Briggs and Hannah Haskell, then both of Berkley in the county of Bristol in said Commonwealth, married, in the month of September A. D. 1773, and that the said Richard Briggs enlisted into the revolutionary army, sometime in the first part of the year 1775. and that said Briggs marched from

Berkley, and as was then understood, to Roseburg near Boston, Mass. and according to the best of my recollection, was absent in the service about eight months.
Philena her X Kling
mark-
subscribed and sworn to, before me, the 22 nd day of February A. D. 1837. and I also certify that Philena Kling, who has subscribed the foregoing deposition, sustains a good character for truth—
William Whitaker, justice of the Peace.—
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin County ss. I David Childs of New Salem in said county of Franklin, aged seventy six years, upon oath do depose and say, that Richard Briggs, to my knowledge, was a soldier in the revolutionary army, and that after the said Richard Briggs removed from Berkley in the county of Bristol to New Salem he enlisted into the Military service of the United States, and left New Salem for that purpose, and was absent in the service for a considerable time, but how long he was in the service, or in which year of the war, he cannot now recollect, but believe it was towards the close of the war.—
David Childs
Subscribed and sworn to, before me, the 22 nd day of February A. D. 1837.—
William Whitaker, justice of the Peace.—
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Franklin County ss. I the subscriber do hereby certify, that David Childs, the subscriber to the foregoing deposition, with whom I have been acquainted for a long period, sustains a good character for truth. February 22 nd 1837—
William Whitaker justice of the Peace—

Berkley, and as was then understood, the Roxbury near Boston, Mass. and according to the best of my recollection, was about in the service last night month.
I Bathsheba Frask of Heath in the county of Franklin & State of Mass. - upon oath depose and say, that I am seventy five years of age, was born in Berkley in the county of Bristol in the state of Mass. and lived there until I was about fifteen years old, when with my father, I removed to New Salem, now in the county of Franklin. While I lived in Berkley, was well acquainted with Richard Briggs who was married to Hannah Haskell; I was present and saw them married in Berkley, in the fall of the year 1773. I will remember that said Richard Briggs was absent from Berkley in the army, and was in the service, as near as I now recollect, eight months, and was at then was said, stationed at Roxbury near Boston, Mass. and that during his absence in the army I lived with the wife of said Briggs and after my removal to New Salem, he was again absent, but for how long a time, and where, I do not now recollect; but I will remember that after his return he was called "Sargent Briggs".
Bathsheba Frask
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Franklin County ss. Then personally appeared Bathsheba Frask, and made oath that the foregoing deposition, by her subscribed, is true. Before me.
William Whitaker Justice of the Peace
And I also certify, that the said deponent sustains a good character for truth.
William Whitaker Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin ss
I Elijah Alvord, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Franklin do hereby certify that William Whitaker Esq. before whom the several affidavits herunto annexed purport to have been made and sworn to, is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified, and that the several signatures subjoined to the said affidavits respectively, purporting to be his, are genuine.
In testimony whereof I herunto set my hand and affix the seal of said court at Greenfield on the twenty second day of March A. D. 1837
E. Alvord Clerk

Hannah Briggs
Declaration
1817
Henry Grimaldi HN
_____

Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Franklin County ss. On the 19 th day of August A. D. 1837, before me, the subscriber a justice of the peace within and for said county, personally appeared Hannah Brigg, widow of Richard Brigg, who upon her oath makes the further declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the act of Congress passed the 18 th July 1836. That the period of seven months service in 1779 as a sergeant, mentioned in her former declaration, she thinks must have been either under the command of Capt. Ebenezer Goodell, alias Goodale, or Capt. Israel Richardson, both of which Captains were in service from New Salem, after she removed there, and she being a stranger in the place at that time, and not personally acquainted with either, renders it impossible for her to be more partic- ular on the subject. Hannah Brigg
Subscribed and sworn to, before me, the day and year first above written — William Whitaker Justice of the peace
I certify that aforesaid William Whitaker is an acting & qualified Justice of the Peace. & the above is his genuine Signature Geo. Greenleaf M.C.