Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14,349, Samuel Bracket, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Bracket, Samuel or Brackett, Betsey
W. 14,349
CONTENTS

21.663 Massachusetts
Sam Bracket of Stockbridge in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Dacher of the 1st Regt commanded by Col. Reed in the Mass line for 22 months VBS RAN
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 76 Dollars 10 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of Oct 1833 and sent to Edward Grenfield Clapp
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 $196.25 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1 Mar 34 38.05 228.30
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by H.H. Adelson Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 2 Page 42

2335
Massachusetts. Betsey Brackett. widow of Samuel Brackett, Mash who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private ,
Repeated Dec. 12/48
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 76. Dollars 10, Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of Dec. 1848. and sent to Hon. J. Rockwell Hoff
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 7 Vol. 2

Samuel Bracket

Samuel Bracket Buckland
236/2

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
FRANKLIN COUNTY SS.
ON THIS Sixteenth day of August A. D. 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Justice of the Court of Common Pleas of the said Commonwealth, now sitting at Greenfield within and for the said County of Franklin, Samuel Brackett a resident of Buckland in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, 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 an 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.
was born in Upton County of Worcester Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the year 1757. and resided there at the commencement of the revolutionary war in 1775. I was at that time enrolled as a minute man in a company commanded by Capt. Sedgwick and the alarm of the British marching towards Concord, I marched with the company to Roxbury and continued in the service about one week, was then discharged and returned to Upton on the first of May the same year I enlisted as a Soldier for eight months in Capt. David Bachelors Company in Colo. Joseph Reeds Regiment, was stationed at Roxbury the whole summer & was discharged the first of January & returned to Upton. In March 1776 the British left Boston and in December of that year I enlisted for three months in a company commanded by Capt. Bachelors & was stationed at one of the hills near Boston. I do not now recollect which hill but I do know that at the expiration of the three months was discharged at the request of my Captain I was re-enlisted & engaged to serve one month longer but afterwards procured my furlough to go to the service in my stead & returned to Upton. In April 1777 I again enlisted for three months in Capt. Martins Company Colo. Tylers Regt & went to Providence in Rhode Island & was stationed at the College in Providence. In Augt 1777 I enlisted for three months in Capt. Cummings Company Colo. Cushing's Regt & marched to Providence and a half in Capt. Cummings Company Colo. Cushing's Regt & marched to Bennington in Vermont from that to Brattleboro in this State & from there to Bennington in Vermont from that to
Pawlet in Vermont & while stationed there I marched with a detachment under Colo. Brown to Ticonderoga where we took 300 prisoners & released 70 of our own Soldiers who were prisoners & returned to Pawlet we then marched to Stillwater in the State of New York. Followed Burgoyne to Saratoga where he surrendered. I then marched to White Plains & remained till the term of my enlistment expired & was discharged, the first of Decr & returned home.
In Augt. 1778. I enlisted for six weeks in Capt. Thomas Bakers Company in Colo. Hews Regt & marched to Rhode Island was in the battle with the British on the Island & was with General Sullivan when he retreated from the Island & marched to Warren in Rhode Island where I was discharged at the expiration of the six weeks. In Decr. 1778 I enlisted for three months in Capt. Graggins Company in Colo. Sproats Regt. and was stationed at Quonocit Point in Rhode Island to protect the inhabitants from the British whose armed vessels lay off the coast. at the expiration of three months I was discharged & returned home to Upton. In July 1780 I again enlisted for three months in Capt. Benjamin Reeds Company in Colo. Wheelocks Regt. & marched through the State of Connecticut to West Point in the State of New York & remained there one day and was then detached with others under Majr. Benjamin Farrar to Fishkill to guard the magazine & prisoners who were there. I remained at Fishkill the whole three months of my enlistment & was then discharged and returned to Upton where I lived till the year 1784 I removed to Buckland where I now reside making twenty four months service in the whole.

first service 1 week Second do 4 1/2 months proved by Anna Wood Daph Third do 3 months proved by Hezekiah Rockwood fourth 1 month fifth 3 weeks proved by Anna Wood Sixth 3 1/2 2 three months and half proved by Benja. Brackett seventh 6 weeks eighth 3 months proved by Benja Brackett. B. H. ninth 3 months proved by Benja. Brackett Daph & Daniel Fish. 24 months in the whole

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. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Attest E. Alvord Clerk
Second
WE, Jonathan Groot a Clergyman & Edmund Longley Jr. Esq., residing in Hawley in the neighborhood of Samuel Brackett, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Samuel Brackett who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy five 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 day and year aforesaid.
Attest E. Alvord Clerk Jonathan Groot Edmund Longley Jr.
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 Jonathan Groot who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in Hawley in said county and that Edmund Longley Jr who has also signed the same is a resident of said Hawley, a Justice of the Peace for said county and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest E. Alvord Clerk
I, ELIJAH ALVORD, Clerk of the said Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Samuel Brackett for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court, this sixteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
E. Alvord Clerk.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } Franklin County } ss.
on this twenty first day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred forty four. personally appeared before me Sylvester Maywell Esqr. a Justice of the Peace within & for said County of Franklin; Betsey Bracket a resident of Buckland in said County of Franklin aged seventy nine years. who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath; make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made, by the act of Congress, passed on the 3 d day of March 1843. granting pensions to widows of persons, who served during the Revolutionary war.
That she is the widow of Samuel Bracket who served as a private in the army of the Revolution & was a pensioner of the United States. and that she was entitled to receive under the Act of July 7 th 1838. a pension of seventy six dollars. . . . . ten cents annually
She further declares that she is still the widow of the said Samuel Bracket.
Betsey Bracket
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year abovenwritten
Before me S y Maywell Justice of the Peace

I Apollo Bracket of Buckland in the County of Franklin & Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Aged fifty two years, on Oath testify, that I was well acquainted with Mr. Samuel Bracket, late of said Buckland, deceased; he was my father and for several of the last years of his life, he lived in the same house with me; and that he died at my house, on the twenty first day of August, 1840. and that his widow, Betsy Bracket now resides with me. May 21 st 1844
Apollo Bracket
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin County
ss.
Be it that on this twenty first day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred forty, so Apollo Bracket the signer of the foregoing deposition, who is personally known to the undersigned, who is a man of truth & veracity, and made Oath that the above deposition of him subscribed is true.
Before me S y Maxwell Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts county of Franklin ss Town Clerk's Office Buckland December 13 1845
I hereby certify that from the record of marriages in the town of Buckland made by Samuel Dyer Esq. Town Clerk for the year 1785 it appears that Samuel Brackell and Betsy Leonard were joined in marriage on the eighth day of December in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty five; and I further certify that I hold the office of Clerk of the town of Buckland, and that the above is a true copy of record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in full written characters thus.
"Dec 8 th 1785"
On witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year first above mentioned
Ebenezer Maynard
Sworn and subscribed this thirteenth day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty three, before the subscriber a justice of the Peace within and for the said county of Franklin, and further I certify that I know the above named Ebenezer Maynard to be the Town Clerk of Buckland
Ebenezer Hawes Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Franklin ss. I Henry Chapman, Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County of Franklin, do certify that Ezra Howes Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on this paper, was at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the said County - duly commissioned, and acting under the Authority of this Commonwealth; and that full credit & faith is to ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity: and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Ezra Howes, & believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth, this 14th day of December in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty three.
H. Chapman. (Clerk)

23072
Samuel Brachett
March 22 Mr 25 day
 555  58   2.77 
 7333  2.77   76.10 3/4   152.20  38.05   190.25 
E Alharts Greenfield Mapachemette

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 subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Samuel Bracket of Buckland Mass
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1775 7 minut man Saddie Col Mass 73 years Four living   " 8. privat Bachelors Recd newment- ioned Upton   76 3. " Baldwin Mass Witnesses and   77 21 " Martin Lt Col Rh Island   " 3 15 " Pemima Captain Secunder Conn traditional evidence   78 1 12 " Baker Hughes Rhode Re d   " 3 " Braggins Sproat Island   80 3 " Reed Wheelock   25  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
55 2/1

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c. ]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day 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 he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an 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.
[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.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
learn not to
2 witnesses not called to be credible

Rev  WIDOW, &c.)
File No. 14349
Betsy Brackett
Widow of
Samuel Brackett
Pri Rev War
Act: Feb 22 48
Index:—Vol. a , Page 87
[Arrangement of 1870.]

9118
Massachusetts
Betsy Brackett widow of Samuel Brackett
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832, and who died on the 21 August, 1840, of Franklin (in the State of Mass'ts): who was a private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg't: — commanded by Col. Reed — in the Mass'ts — line for 22 mos. 25 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Boston at the rate of 76 — Dollars 10 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 21 Aug't: 1840. when her husband died —
Certificate of Pension issued the — 31st: — day of March, 1845 and sent to S. Max- well, Charlemont, Mass'ts: —
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by _____ Clerk, Book D — Vol. 1 — Page 53 —

11062 Betsy Bracket Mass.
Suspended Alt. to V. Maxwell Sept. 28. '44
Act Pres. July 7 th '38

6741 Massachusetts
Sil to Miss Pearce July 18. '43
Betsey Brackett widow of Samuel Brackett who was a private in the Massachusetts line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 76 Dollars 10 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31-day of March, 1845 and sent to S. Maxwell Charlemont Massachusetts
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 2 — Page 26.

Samuel Bracket Affidavits
Thomas Wood for Samuel Bracket Samuel

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Franklin ss Elijah Alvord, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the county of Franklin do hereby certify that Edmund Longley Junt. Esq. before the two within and annexed affida- vits purport to have been verified in a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Franklin. And I believe his name thereto respectively subscribed to be his true and proper signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court of Common Pleas at Greenfield the sixteenth day of August A. D. 1832
E. Alvord Clerk

Oct 2 1880
State of Massachusetts
Franklin Is. I Benjamin Brackett of Hawley county of Franklin, Massachusetts, desire and say that I am acquainted with Samuel Brackett of Berkshire that he entered the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War, at Upton in said State in the middle of August 1777. marched to John George then to Ben- derage under Capt. Pynchon, after an action march- ed to Still Water, joined the army under Gen. Gates, was at the taking of Burgoyne, then march- ed to White Plains where he was discharged having served three months and a half.
I served with him in the same campaign Entered the service again in July 1780. under Capt. Ben. Reed, Col. Wheelock, march to West Point, was discharged at Fishkill, after serving three months.
again Turned out in April 1777. marched to Providence served there three weeks - went on alarm to save the town, under Capt. Martin and Col. Sylvester was with him through the service in the several campaigns above named.
Benjamin Brackett
Franklin Is. July 30 th 1880
Personally appeared Benjamin Brackett signed to the above and made oath to the truth of the same, he being known to me as a person of whose truth I have no reason to doubt. Before me Edmund Loughlin Justice of the Peace

State of Massachusetts } ss county of Franklin } ss I, Thomas Wood of Buckland in the County of Franklin Commonwealth of Massachusetts depose and say, that on the 19 th day of April A.D. 1775 at the alarm at Lexington I marched from Milton, County of Norfolk, to Cambridge and on the 5 th of May enlisted as a soldier in the service of my country for eight months and was in said service at Cambridge and Roxbury in said State during said time in Capt. Bicknell's Company, Col. Reed's Regiment and Gen. Spencer's Brigade, and was well acquainted, and am still so, with Samuel Brackett then of Milton, now resident in Buckland and am knowing that he the said Samuel Brackett did enlist into said service in Capt. Bicknell's Company Col. Reed's Regiment for eight months and that he actually served during said term of time which expired in January 1776. —
Also that in April 1777 I enlisted for three weeks into Capt. Martins Company Col. Tylds Regiment and marched to Providence in Rhode Island with said Samuel Brackett and am knowing that the said Samuel served in the said Company and Regiment during said term of three weeks
July 30 th 1832
Thomas Wood
Franklin J. July 30 th 1832
Personally appeared Thomas Wood signed to the above affidavit and made oath to the truth of the same, he being known to me as a person of reputed truth and veracity. Before me Edmund Langley Jr. Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
Dec. 28. 1814.
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 the name of Samuel Brackett of Upton, is borne as a private, upon a Return of Capt d David Bachelor, Col. Joseph Read, in the 8 months Service in 1775; — the return is not dated, but among the dates of discharges against several of the names one is as late as Sept r 23 d ; — Upon an abstract of pay due to Capt d Isaac Martins Comp y Col. Ezra Woods' Reg t , from time of marching, April 17. 1777 to R.R. to May 7 th — including allowance for travel, 23 days; — Upon a pay Roll of Capt d Peter Penniman Col. Job Cushing, Service in the Northern Army, from Aug. 17. 1777 to the time of their discharge, 3 mo. 24 d. and travel (distance not stated.) — Upon a muster Roll of Capt d Baldwin — the length of service is not given; but against the name of said Brackett (Upton) is (date of his enlistment or commencement of this year) Dec r 11 th — and against the names of five discharged, Jan y 27. 1777, and Feb y 6; — Upon a
8 m 23 3. 24 1. 13 1. 10

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES, MADE BY THE WIDOW OF THE PARTY WHO RENDERED THE SERVICE.
State of Massachusetts
County of , Worcester
Town of Shrewsbury
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of my husband's service in the war of the Revolution.
He enlisted from the town of Upton in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts in the year 17 5 as a Private in the Company commanded by Captain D. Batchelder in Colonel Reed's Regiment and he served as follows,* viz:—
Captain D. Batchelder v. Col. Reed, in 1776 under Captain Reed in 1777 under Captain Martin and Pennington in 1777 and Colonel Cushing in 1778. Captain Baker & Gruggin: Colonels Hughs and Sproat. and 1780 under Captain Reed and Colonel Wheelock.
Betsey Brackett
*Here describe as fully as may be, the length of service, the rank &c. of the soldier, or the capacity in which he served, and all other particulars known.

I am now                      years old, and my memory does not enable me to state my husband's services more fully than above stated.
WITNESS my hand, this                      day of A. D. 184 .
Signed by said in my presence,
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. }

Pay Roll of Capt. Thos Marshall Baker, Col. V.A. Haws detached on service to R. I. from Aug. 7. 1778 to Sept. 17, and 7 days to return home, 6 weeks; — Upon a pay Roll of Capt. Benj. Read, Col. John Hand from July 11 to Oct. 11. 1780, including time to return home 3 mo 1 day. There appear to be no rolls of Capt. Craigin or Sadler in this office, and the preceding is all the evidence in the case.
U.S. MIL. SERVICE.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Parris, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Herckiah Rockwood of Upton in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts. Certify that Samuel Bracket of Bucksport in the County of Franklin was in the Service of the Revolution served at Dorchester for the term of three months in Massachusetts - under the command of Col. Crafts & Col. Baldwin -
Herz. Rockwood
Boston July 19 th 1832
Herckiah Rockwood Worcester ss. July 19 1832 personally appeared and was sworn to the truth of the above before me Ezra Wood Justice of Peace
I the above named Justice of the Peace before whom the above deposition was sworn to do certify that Herckiah Rockwood the above named deponent is a credible witness.
Ezra Wood Justice of the Peace

Sept 12/1877

Daniel Fisk of Upton in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts certify that Samuel Brackett of Brimfield in the County of Franklin was in the war service of the Revolution three months at Eastpoint under the command of Col. Wheeler, Capt. Maynard and Capt. Hovey. Month at Alstead and under the command of Col. Hovey 8th. Mass. Regt.
Daniel Fisk
Upton July 19 th 1832.
Worcester July 19 th 1832 Personally Daniel Fisk and was sworn to the truth of the above before me Ezra Wood Justice of the Peace
I the above named Justice of the Peace before whom the above deposition was sworn to, do certify that Daniel Fisk the deponent aforesaid is a credible witness.
Ezra Wood Justice of the Peace

Samuel Brachett.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Worcester, ss.
I, Abijah Bigelow, clerk of the judicial courts within and for the county of Worcester, do certify, That Ezra Wood, Esquire, before whom the annexed affidavits of Hesekeiah Rockwood and Daniel Fisk were signed and sworn to, is a Justice of the Peace within and for said county of Worcester - and that his signature to the certificates of the oaths of said Rockwood and Fisk appears to be in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the county seal, this twenty second day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Abijah Bigelow, Clerk.
I Elijah Alvord a clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby certify that Ezra Wood Esq who has made and subscribed the additional certificate to each of the annexed affidavits by which he certifies that the several deponents are credible witnesses is the identical Justice of the Peace before whom the said depositions were made and sworn to and that his name subscribed to said several certificates is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Supreme Judicial Court at Greenfield this fifth day of August A.D. 1833
E. Alvord Clerk

In order to obtain the benefit of the Resolutions of Congress of the 23 rd day of January 1845, Whereas the act of the 30 th of April 1844 prohibits me from drawing a Pension for the same period during which my late husband was a pensioner — I now make the following Statement under Oath to obtain the benefit of the Resolution above mentioned, — I am the Widow of Samuel Brackett who was a private in the War of the Revolution, — I have drawn a Pension at the rate of Seventy Six dollars & ten cents per annum from the 1 st day of August in the year 1840, and I now ask for the due me from the 4 th of March 1836, to the 1 st day of August 1841, when my former Pension commenced
Sworn to & Subscribed to } Before me on this 17 th day of } Betsy Brackett June 1845, Austin Pease
( Justice of the Peace)
I certify that the Declarant is Personally known to me and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit
Austin Pease

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Franklin ss.
I, Henry Chapman, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Franklin, do certify that Austin Pease Esquire, whose name is affixed to the certificate on this paper, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within & for the said County of Franklin, duly commissioned & acting under the authority of this Commonwealth: & that full faith & credit is & ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity, & that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Austin Pease Esq. & believe his signature to said Certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, & affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth this 19th day of June. A.D. 1845.
H. Chapman, CLK

Home of Representatives Dec 8. 1848
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Sir
Allow me to enclose a letter from Hon John Porter of Brookland in the District I represent, relating to some widows' pensions
Very respectfully Your obedient servant J. Portner.

Feb 17. 1845.
Recd from Betty Brachett, C. S. S. S.
J. S. Paton Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington
183 3/4
Am P. D. Mar 8 1/2

Charleston Feb 11 1816
Mr. Edwards. Sir. Some time in January; I sent you the certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, to the services of Mr. Samuel Brackett a Soldier in the Revolutionary war, & in his lifetime a pensioner of the U. States. that certificate did not substantiate all the services described by Mr. Brackett, in his original declaration. The widow, has sent to me to inquire if the testimony by which her husband proved his services is not now on file in your office: there were two witnesses to the service to wit Benjamin Brackett & Amos Wood who are now deceased, & whether their testimony was taken in writing and sent to the war office with the Declaration of Mr. Brackett, when he applied for a pension I am not sure, if it was I suppose it might be found in the connection with the other papers in his case & might be sufficient to prove the service of S. Brackett, so as to entitle his widow to the same amt. of pension which he himself drew in his life time. at the request of the widow, I now trouble you with this communication, that an examination may be had and if the evidence to prove the service can be found, the widow may have the benefit of it. In some cases widows have been allowed the same pension which their deceased husbands drew without being put to the expense & trouble of proving the service. I hope Mrs. Bracketts case will be decided on, before March.
With Respect Sir Your Obt. Servt. G. Maxwell for widow Betsey Brackett

11062
Betsy Brackett
Mass s
Ad 7 th July '38 Rec d made after 30 th June '44
Ad d 22m. 25d. priv
$76.00 per an
to commence Aug 1 st '40 the day of husband's burial death
also Act March 3 rd '48
J. Maxwell Esq. Charlemont Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston September 2 1845
I hereby Certify, That in the tenth of February eighteen hundred and forty seven, John Barker was appointed for the term of seven years a Justice of the Peace for all the Counties,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Miss. Swift Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
FRANKLIN SS.
I, Henry Chapman, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Franklin, do certify, that Dyaster Maxwell Esquire , whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity: and that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Dyaster Maxwell Esq. and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth, this twenty ninth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four .
H. Chapman
Clerk.

W. Brachoff
1894

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. Franklin COUNTY, }
On this Twenty five day of March 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid,
Betsy Brackett a resident of Buckland in the county of Franklin aged Eighty three years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Samuel Brackett who was a resident of Buckland and who was a private in the War of the Revolution and is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17th June, 1844, on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of seventy six dollars and ten cents per annum.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Betsy Brackett
Sworn to and subscribed on the day } Before me, and year above written, }
In presence of Abner Brackett
John Lord Justice of the Peace.
Ellen Lord I Certify, That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner, as she declares.
John Lord Justice of the Peace.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. COUNTY, }
I, Clerk of the Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that John Lord is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that his signature, above written, is genuine.
Given under my hand, and the Seal of said Court, this day of 18
CLERK.

Nov. 21. 1895
Rev. J. B. Bracken
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Comm ee of Pensions Washington D.C.

Washington Nov 28 th 1848
Sir
I am requested by Mr. Asahel Pease the former agent in the case, to attend to the further prosecution of the claim of Mrs. Bracket, widow of Samuel Bracket, Massachusetts. W d of he informs me that he filed her declara- tion under the act of 30 th April 1844. I presume he means 23 rd Jan y 1848. It was informed her claim was presented to late. In this he thinks there is some mistake as the original declaration was sworn to in October 1843 - he is so good as to cause an examination of the case & report to me at your early convenience & oblige. Y
Your Most O bt Servt, Nathan Scates
Hon J. L. Edwards Com r of Pensions, Washington

11062 June 7, 1841
Map Portage Brachet 7 July - 1838 to 13 Nov 1839
4 J. Bellairs Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

The amended declaration of Samuel Bracket of Buckland in the county of Franklin and commonwealth of Massachusetts, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th of June 1832.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Franklin. Samuel Bracket, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise day when he entered the service of his country in the Revolutionary war and the precise day when he was dismissed, in all the cases mentioned in his declaration heretofore made and sworn to and to which this is to be added, but he states with certainty that that in 1775 he served one week in Capt Saddlers company - in the same year he served eight months as a private in Capt Bachelors company, Col Reeds regiment.
That in 1776 he served three months as a private in Capt Baldwins company; he does not recollect the field officers. -
That in 1777 he served three weeks as a private in Capt Martins company and Col Tyles regiment.
That in the same year he served as a private three and an half months in Capt Penniman's company and Col Cushing's regiment.
That in 1778 he served as a private six weeks in Capt Baker's company, and Col Hows regiment.
That in 1778 & 79 he served as a private in Capt Graggins company and Col Sproats regiment three months -
and that in 1778 1780 he served as a private three months in Capt. Reed's Raymond company and Col. Wheelocks Regt. And for the several terms of service aforesaid he claims a pension.
Samuel Bracket
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin ss. Sworn to and subscribed
Before me this 24 th July A. D. 1833 -
Elijah Alvord Justice of the Peace

Samuel Bracket Amended declaration
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin ss. I Elijah Alvord, clerk of the court of Common Pleas for the said Commonwealth, for the county of Franklin do hereby certify that Elijah Alvord Esq. before whom the within additional declaration was made and sworn to is a Justice of the Peace for said county; and that his name thereto subscribed is his true and proper signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Greenfield this twenty fourth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
E. Alvord clerk

11042 Betsy Bracket Mass ts
Act 7 th July 38
Dec n made 23 rd May 44 f filed before Jan 7 23 rd 145 d Aug 1, 1940

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Franklin SS. I Geo. Grinnell Register of the court of probate for the said County of Franklin do hereby testify that Richard E Newcomb Esq before whom the foregoing proceedings were had is the Judge of probate within and for said County, that he personally delivered to me the said proceedings, and in my presence and in a court of probate attested the same by his own proper signature.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the seal of the said court of Probate at Greenfield on the twenty first day of May A. D. 1844
Geo. Grinnell Register of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss. Franklin County }
On this twenty first day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred & forty four, personally appeared before the Court of Probate held within and for the said County of Franklin: Betsey Bracket a resident of Buckland in the County aforesaid aged Seventy-nine years, who being duly sworn, according to law; doth, on her oath aforesaid, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision, made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay & pensions, to certain widows;" that she is the widow of Samuel Bracket, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, and who was a pensioner of the United States, under the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. She further declares, that she was married to the said Samuel Bracket on the eighth day of December in the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty five, and her husband the said Samuel Bracket, died on the twenty first day of August 1840.
That she was not married to him previous to his leaving the service but the marriage took place before the first of January Seventeen hundred & Ninety four, viz on the eighth day of December, 1785, as above stated.
Betsey Bracket
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year above written.
Before Richard E. Newcomb Judg. Prob.