Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12318, John Bradford, N.H.

SERVICE
NUMBER
N. 16
Bradford, John
S. 12318
carded
CONTENTS

2440
New Hampshire
John Bradford
of Hancock in the State of N H who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] of the Regt commanded by Col Reed in the N H line for 2 Mos 9 Days Captain 2 " Lieutenant 2 " Ensign 121 " Private
Inscribed on the Roll of N H at the rate of 92 Dollars 21 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of Nov 1832 and Supt Situs Brownstown N H
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $138.33 Semi-ann. allowance ending 1 March '33. 46.76 $184.41
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by J. H. Blair Clerk Book D - Vol. 1 st Page 145.

No 151.
John S. Bradford
8545
COUNTY OF HILFORDSHIRE
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
County of Hillsborough, ss.
On this
day of August A.D. 1832
Francetown personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate, now sitting at within and for the County of Hillsborough, in the State aforesaid,
John Bradford a resident of the town of Hancock in said county aged 88 years
Who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That is to say,
When he heard in April 1775 of the enemy's march from Boston to Concord he volunteered & went to Concord from that place to Cambridge & remained at the latter place doing military service as a soldier two weeks or more
In the latter part of November or the first of December 1775 he entered the service for six weeks & served the time out - and during this service was, I had the duties of Ensign in Capt. Taylor's company of New Hampshire militia. The name of the Lieutenant of the company was Ballad. The company was attached to Col. Reed's regiment, & was stationed at Winter Hill. After the six weeks were out he continued at the request of Gen. Sullivan in the service. He thinks two weeks longer, so as to make a term of two months in the whole.
In May 1777 he entered the service again & served as lieutenant in Capt. Bradman's company of N.H. militia. William Dickey was Ensign of the company. The company was stationed at New Castle near Portsmouth N.H. He cannot state with certainty how long the service continued, but he is sure it was one month or more. No other company was stationed at the place at the time.
About the first of July 1777 there was a call for men to reinforce the American Army at Ticonderoga. He was then Capt. of a company in the New Hampshire militia. A company was raised & marched under his command to Vermont, where they were informed of the retreat of our army & were ordered to return. He was absent about a fortnight from the time of his return from the above mentioned service at New Castle until he marched for Vermont a above stated he was employed in enlisting men for the service. Having received about the time of his return the commission as Captain - Immediately after his return from Vermont a company was enlisted of which he was Captain for two months. The company joined the regiment at Manchester Vermont under Col. Moses Nichols & Lieut. Col. Gregg. He & his company were in the Battle of Bennington under General Stark - & afterwards joined the northern army under Gen. Gates & remained with it till the term of two months was out.
In the latter part of July 1778 he entered the service and served one month as adjutant of the regiment commanded by Col. Moses Nichols. He was with the army under General Sullivan on Rhode Island

He had regular commission as Ensign Lieutenant Captain and Adjutant as aforesaid. But has lost the commission
He was born at Amherst N.H. in April, in Church 1744. He has no record of his age. The first time he entered the service he lived in Lyndeborough N.H. At each subsequent time he lived in Amherst. Since the Revolutionary War he has lived in Amherst, Hillsborough, and Hancock N.H. at the last of which places he now lives
He never received any written discharge from the service - John Whitecomb & Josiah Hutchinson Esquire are persons in his present neighborhood to whom he is known & who can testify as to his character for veracity & their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution
He relinquishes every claim, whatever, to a pension or annuity, whatever, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll, of the agency of any State, and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Sworn to John Bradford
Colmund Parkin. Judge of Probate
We Archibald Burgess a Clergyman residing in the town of Hancock in the county of Hillsborough aforesaid, and Samuel Gates residing in Hancock aforesaid, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Bradford who has subscribed and sworn to the above, and that we believe him to be 88 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier in the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, Archibald Burgess Samuel Gates
Colmund Parkin. Judge of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that after the investigation of the matter, and 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 Archibald Burgess who has signed the preceding Certificates is a Clergyman resident in the town of Hancock and that Samuel Gates who has signed the same, is a resident in the town of Hancock and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Colmund Parkin
Judge of Probate for said County of Hillsborough.
CHARLES H. ATHERTON, Register of the court, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of John Bradford for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said court, this day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.
thirtieth
C. H. Atherton
Register of Probate, for said county of Hillsborough.

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
County of Hillsborough, to wit,
At the Court aforesaid, On the application aforesaid, the following interrogatories were propounded to the said John Bradford and the following answers given, to wit:
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
Answer, In Amherst. N.H. I think, April. 1744
2. Have you any record of your age, and where is it?
Answer, I have no record
3. Where were you living, when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live? Answer, When I entered the service the first time I lived in Lyndeborough, N.H. at early subsequent time I lived in Amherst. Since the war I have lived in Amherst Hillsborough & Hancock N.H. in the last of which places I 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? Answer, I can give no other information on this point than is contained in my, foregoing, Declaration
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 service?
Answer, I believe all the particulars within my recollection required by this interrogatory are stated in my (foregoing) Declaration
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? Answer, I never received any written discharge
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?
Answer, John Whitcomb and Jonas Hutchinson Esquires of Hancock
Certified by
C. H. Hester
Register.

No 8545 John Bradford

No 8545
BRIEF in the case of  John Bradford  of Hancock  in the State of New Hampshire  (Act 7 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? 88-
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. As a Gen.     In 1775 Apr - — — 14 Private. Gen. Sullivan —   1775 Dec. — 2 42 Ensign. Col Taylor Col Reed   1777 May - Thinks one month or more — — — Lieut. — Bowman.   about 1777 July 1 - — X 2. — Capt. Col Nichols.   He thinks - 1778 July - — 0 1 - — Adjt. Same —    X on Roll 2 month & 9 days
5. In what battles was he engaged? Bennington
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Syndenborough N.H.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional - Living witnesses -
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? correct
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
O on Roll entered as adjt 5 Augt 1778 - died 28 Augt 1778 time serv 26 days
Sam J. P. H. Examining Clerk

8544
John Bradford
2 Mo 49 days Captain
2 00 Lieut
2 00 Ensign
16 days Pay
Admtd
$92.21.
Julius Brown
C. H. Althaus En
Frances Louis M R

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John Bradford 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? Has produced the testimony of living witnesses XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? 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 XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
 FORMATORY 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.
† 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 affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
‡ 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.

Jan. 29, 1910. To Dr. Mr. Genl. U. S. A., For Lumbstone F.W.
Rev War
12318 INVALID
File No. 12, 318
John Bradford Capt Brig Rev. War
Act: June 7, 1832
Index:—Vol. A , Page 47
[Arrangement of 1870.]

I John Wallace of Milford in the county of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire aged seventy six years, being sworn, testify and say, that during the Revolutionary War I lived in the town of Amherst, and in the latter part of November or first of December in the year 1775 I enlisted in a company of Militia commanded by Capt Benjamin Taylor of said Amherst, to serve six weeks. — Ballard Welton was lieutenant of the company, and John Bradford, then of said Amherst, now of Hancock in said county of Hillsborough, was Ensign. We marched to Fort Hill, and the company was attached to Col. Reads Regiment. We served our time out, and then at the request of Gen. Sullivan we served some time longer, I think about two weeks, making two months service in the whole. Said Bradford served the whole of said time.
About the first of July in the year 1777 a call was made for men to reinforce the Army at Ticonderoga, or that vicinity. The said John Bradford was then Captain of one of the companies of militia in said town. A company of volunteers was immediately raised commanded by said Bradford, and marched to Vermont, where we understood our Army had retreated from Ticonderoga. Our company then had orders to return which we did, and were gone about a fortnight. Immediately on our return orders arrived for a company to be formed to serve for two months, and said company was commanded by said Bradford. I was one of the company. We immediately marched for Bennington in Vermont, and at Charlestown were organized in part. At Manchester the Regiments were formed. Ours commanded by Col. Moses Nichols — Lt. Col. Gregg, and the whole commanded by Gen. Stark. — We were in the battle, called the battle of Bennington, and afterwards joined the Army near Saratoga. We served our time out and were then discharged.
John Wallace
State of New Hampshire County of Hillsborough ss. On this seventeenth day

of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two. John Wallau above named personally came, and signed the foregoing affidavit and made oath in due form of law that the same is true. Before me Edmund Parker Justice of the Peace -
I certify that I am acquainted with the above named John Wallau, that his character for truth and veracity is good, and that he is entitled to full credit.
Edmund Parker Justice of the Peace
I Andrew Wallace clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the County of Hillsborough in the State of New Hampshire certify that Thacher Bradford, Franklin Pierce, Charles H. Atherton and Edmund Parker above and before mentioned are severally Justices of the Peace for said County of Hillsborough, and that the foregoing signatures, severally purporting to be theirs, are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office, and subscribed my name, this eighteenth day of September in the year of our Lord 1832.
A. Wallace Clerk
John Wallau Deft.

I Jesse Worcester of Hollis in the county of Hills borough and state of New Hampshire now in my 72 d year did in the month of May in the year 1777 enlist as a Soldier for one month and agreeably to order pro- -ceeded to the Island called New Castle near Portsmouth N.H. and joined the company commanded by Capt. the Bowman of Henneker in said State. Of which com- pany John Bradford then of Amherst, now of Han- -cock in the same country was our Lieutenant. and we both served the term of one month and until regularly discharged. About the last of July in the year 1778. There was a call for volunteers to join the Army at Rhode Island commanded by General Sullivan who was then ex- -pected soon to lay siege to New Port then in possession of the British troops. I then with about sixty others from Hollis went under the command of Capt. Daniel Emerson of said Hollis. and we joined the Regiment commanded by Col. Moses Nichols of Amherst of which I have a firm belief that the said John Bradford was the Adjutant. Tho' when the enquiry was made to me who was your Adjutant at Rhode Island, I was unable to recollect. But on reflection I have no more doubt of his being there as Adjutant than I have of being myself a Soldier
Jesse Worcester
State of New Hampshire Hillsborough ss. June 27 th 1832 Then the said Jesse Worcester appears & makes oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is just & true
Before me
C. H. Atherton Judge

and, to the said Boston do certify, that I am acquainted with the said Jesse Worcester that in my opinion, he is a man of truth & respectability, & that his de- clarations are entitled to full credit
H. H. Askin to R. J. Pease
Dear Worcester officers for John Bradford
by 1-500-05

Scrow & Tiberius Affidavit
1 1

I Aaron Patnam of Lyndesborough in the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire aged 72 years being sworn testify and say that in the summer of 1778 I lived at Anhurst with John Bradford. That in the latter part of July or first of August in the year aforesaid there was a call for men to go to Rhode Island, that the said John Bradford volunteered as an Adjutant in Col Moses Nichols Regiment in about four days after the said Bradford marched, I volunteered in the company commanded by Capt William Lee of said Lyndesborough and marched to said Rhode Island, that when we arrived at said place I found the said Bradford doing adjutant's duty in said Nichols Regiment, I was in the United States service on and about said Island one month, and also the said Bradford did the duty of an adjutant during said time.
Aaron Patnam
State of New Hampshire County of Hillsborough ss on this eighteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two. Aaron Patnam above personally came and signed the foregoing affidavit and made oath in due form of law that the same is true before me.
Shepard Bradford Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am acquainted with the above named Aaron Patnam, that his character for truth and veracity is good, and that he is entitled to full credit.
Shepard Bradford Justice of the Peace

Affidavit William Dickey for John Bradford

I William Dickey of Hillsborough in the County of Hillsboro and State of New Hampshire do now depose and testify, that in the month of May June, 1777 I entered into the service of the United States as an ensign in a Company commanded by Capt Boardman of Stratham, N.H. and marched to Portsmouth with said Company where we remained more than one month but I do not remember precisely how long John Bradford of Hancock in the County & State aforesaid was a Lieutenant in the same Company with me and served during the same term. In August 1778 I again entered the service of the United States in the N.H. Militia as a Lieutenant in Capt Gilmoris Company. Joseph Cruz of Londonderry was the other Lieut we marched directly to Rhode Island, where in Colo Nichols Regiment and the troops were generally under the command of Genl Sullivan as I think tho' Genl Lafayette was there. John Bradford aforesaid was there as an Officer I know him perfectly well then as I have ever since but he was not in the same Company with me nor do I remember to what Company he belonged. I was in service at this time I think between one & two months - William Dickey
State of New Hampshire
County of Hillsborough 23 August 18. 1832
Sworn and Subscribed the day and the year last aforesaid
Before me Franklin Pierce Justice of the Peace

I certify that I am acquainted with William Dickey the within named deponent, that his character for truth and veracity is good and that he is entitled to full credit -
Franklin Pierce Justice of the Peace
11

Elmer Aunill Affidavit

Ebenezer Merrill of Milford in the County of Hillsborough & State of New Hampshire aged 88 years being sworn testify and say, that during the war of the Revolution I lived in the town of Antrim, and in the month of April 1775 news come that the enemy had marched out of Boston, I was called upon to march to meet them, I went to Concord Massachusetts, and from thence to Cambridge, and when at Cambridge I frequently saw John Bradford then of Lyndeborough and now of Hancock in said County of Hillsborough, and know that he was doing Military duty.
I further testify that in November or December in the year 1775 I enlisted in company of Militia commanded by Capt. Benj. Taylor of said Antrim to serve six weeks. Ballard Milton was Lieutenant of the company and John Bradford then of said Antrim now of Hancock was Ensign we marched to winter hill near Boston and the company was attached to Col. Rinds Regiment we served our term out, and then at the request of Gen. Sullivan served five weeks longer making two months service in the whole of said term, said Bradford served the whole of said time.
Ebenezer Merrill
State of New Hampshire County of Hillsborough ss. August 18 th 1832. Ebenezer Merrill above named personally came and signed the foregoing affidavit and made oath in due form of law. That the same is true before me. Theophilus Bradford Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am acquainted with the above named Ebenezer Merrill; that his character for truth and veracity is good and that he is entitled to full credit. Theophilus Bradford Justice of the Peace

I Andrew Wallace, clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the County of Hillsborough in the State of New Hampshire, certify that Thacher Bradford Franklin Pierce, Charles H. Atherton & Edmund Parker are Justices of the Peace for said County of Hillsborough, and that their respective signatures to the papers herunto annexed, are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have herunto affixed my seal of Office, and subscribed my name, this eighteenth day of September in the year of our Lord 1832
A. Wallace clerk