Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,990, Solomon Bragdon, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Bragdon, Solomon or Braydon,
N. 15,990
Susanna
CONTENTS

Dec. In letter to J. Roberts Jan 27. 1837
10690
New Hampshire
Simeon Praydon
of Nashua in the State of N.H.
who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Marshall of the Regt commanded by Col. Frost in the New Hamp- shire line for N.Y.
Inscribed on the Roll of S. Praydon at the rate of 40 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of April 1832 and Supt. Mathew Eastman Farmington Mass
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $80.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. 20.00 $100.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by A.H. Atkinson Clerk, Book E Vol. 200 Page 23

929 Portsmouth New Hampshire
2 c Enusanna Brayton widow of Solomon Brayton deceased.
who died on the 13th November 1833 of Stratford in the State of N. H. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Moulton of the Regt. commanded by Col. Frost N. H. in the N. Hampshire line for 1 year
Inscribed on the Roll of Portsmouth at the rate of 40 13 3/4 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day of March, 1834. November 1833
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of May 1837 and sent James Robert Milton N. H.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1837 $24.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. " 20.00
$44.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d . }
Recorded by N. H. Addison Clerk, Book 8. Vol. 1. Page 25

Solomon Bragdon
13,883

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State of New-Hampshire, } ss. At a special Court of Probate County of Strafford } holden at the dwelling house of the said Solomon Bragdon hereafter named On this fourteenth day of September personally appeared before the Judges of the said Court of Probate Solomon Bragdon a resident of Milton in the County of Strafford and State of New-Hampshire, aged eighty three 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 or I believe of 1779 with Capt Abel Moulton and served in the Col. Frost regiment of the New Hampshire line, under the following named officers: Col. Moulton the General John Frost the Colonel Abel Moulton the Capt. Simon Prever Lieutenant - this enlistment was for four months which time I served out and was discharged my enlistment was in York in the state of Maine, I left York the last of October and returned the last of March, I marched from York to Concord and thence crossed Connecticut River on the ice and thence to Fish Kill & Peeks Kill where I was dismissed but had no written discharge. - I enlisted again a second time at the aforesaid York I was enlisted by Ebenezer Simpson for the term of eight months in April the month of April 1780 and served under Andrew Farnold Capt and - Wendell Lieutenant. we were ordered to March to Glencoe in New York thence to West Point from thence to Robersons farm. When Gen Arnold was  was  retreated  retreated and was one of his life guards at the time of his deser- tion - after Arnolds desertion I returned to West Point I served out the second term of eight months and was dis- charged at West Point but had no written discharge I was born in York aforesaid which was my home till I was about seventy years of age and have ever since resided in Milton, - I actually in the whole one year
He hereby relinquishes every claim 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.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Solomon Bragdon Mark
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. That the said Solomon Bragdon by reason of infirmity and age is unable to attend Court from his house.
I James Bartlett Reg of the Court of Probate do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Solomon Bragdon for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 15th day of September A.D. 1832
James Bartlett Reg

Oct 13. 1883.
Solomon Bargdon
Phila 12 ym
Stephen C. Eastman Farmington N. Hampshire 18. Feb. 1833.

BRIEF in the case of Solomon Bragdon. of Strafford County in the State of New Hampshire. (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Court (held at his own dwelling house)  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 80 Years.  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 1777 & 1778. 4. — private Capt. Abiel Meriton, Col. Inf. Foot. and under Capt. Andrew Farnold. Gen. Arnold.   1780 8. — do.  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? —  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Yak, Massachusetts  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? None of 8 months proved by a former Bragdon —  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? No. 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
A. H. Pleasant. Examining Clerk.

Susanna Braydon W.H. lady of Solomon
James Roberts Esq. Milton W.H.
The test of said society was made on Monday the 18th of August 1857 by the Rev. J. Bagnall Welch

Susanna Braydon Declaration 1303

State of New Hampshire Shafford County } ss.
On the Eleventh day of February A.D. 1837 personally appeared before me Henry B. Rust one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the said County of Shafford, Susanna Braydon a resident of Milton in the County and state aforesaid aged Eighty four 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 July 4th, 1836: That she is the widow of Solomon Braydon late of the said town of Milton deceased who was a private in the war of the Revolution, and at the time of his death a revolutionary pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress passed on the seventh day of June A.D. 1832 - She further declares that she was married to the said Solomon Braydon by the late Rev. Mr. Landon of York in the month of August in the year seventeen hundred and seventy Eight, but the particular day of the month she cannot now recollect; That her husband the said Solomon Braydon died at Milton aforesaid on the 13th day of November A.D. 1833; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, And she further declares that she was married to the said Solomon Braydon before he entered the Revolutionary war the last time, and that her oldest child (Daniel) was born, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed - Susanna X Braydon mark Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me Henry B. Rust

that she was married to the said Solomon Braydon before he entered the Revolutionary war the last time, and that her oldest child (Daniel), was born, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed —
Susanna her Braydon mark
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me Henry B. Root
And I hereby certify that the above named Susanna Braydon is of good moral character character and from bodily infirmities is not able to attend court
Henry B. Root
3
State of New Hampshire
Shafford County ss. I Francis Cogswell clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said said county of Shafford hereby certify that Henry B. Root Esquire a judge of said Court of Common and that the foregoing my- sworn statement to the best of my belief is genuine — I also certify that James Roberts Esquire is a Justice of the Peace for said county and that the signatures purporting to be his to the annexed affidavits are genuine — In testimony of all which I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this thirteenth day of February AD 1837 F. Cogswell clerk

Hon. A. M. Intner Affidavit

I Alexander W. Intine of York in the County of York and State of Maine, depose and say, that I am Town Clerk of the town of York the present year (1837) and that I have examined the Record of Publishments of intentions of Marriages in said town, and find it recorded in the well known hand writing of Daniel Moulton Esquire who was for many years before the year 1778 and subse- quent thereto, town clerk in said town, the following record, "Solomon Bragdon of "York and Susanna Bragdon of Berwick" "intend marriage Entered July 24 th 1778."
I further testify and say that but few marriages are recorded on said record. On the page on which I find the above, there are twenty four intentions of marriage publish- ed, and that no one of that number is their marriage recorded.
Yrk January 21. 1837
Alex. W. Intine
January 21 st . 1837 Subscribed and Sworn to before me,
James Roberts Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above officer is a very creditable witness
James Roberts J. P.

Amos Bragdon age 74 years of Milton in the County of Strafford and State of New. Hampshire depose and say that Solomon Bragdon of said Milton is my Brother, that in the month of April in 1780. we enlisted together in the town of York and State of Maine in the Massachusetts line for the term of Eight Months under Eleazer Sempson - and served under Capt Andrew Farnold. General Wash- ington and marched to a place called Blad- enbark in the State of New York and thence to West Point - from thence we went to a place called Robinson's farm where was Gen Arnold's quarters and we constituted a part of his life Guard at the time of his treachery and desertion - After his desertion we returned to West Point and served out our term and were discharged and we returned home to York together -
Amos his Bragdon mark,

State of New Hampshire
Stratford J. Sept. 15: 1832 - Then the within named
Amos Bragdon, whom I am acquainted with and believe him to be a man of truth, personally appeared and made solemn oath that the within affidavit by him subscribed is just and true
Before me James Roberts Justice of the peace
State of New Hampshire Stratford ss I James Bartlett Register of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that James Roberts whose name is above signed is a justice of the Peace for said County of Strafford In witness whereof I have caused the Official Seal to be hereunto annexed this 15 th day of September A.D. 1832 James Bartlett Reg.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15-990
Susanna Braydon Wid' of Solomon Braydon Prio Rev War
Act July 4 th /36
Index: Vol. a , Page 88
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Amos Brayton - Affidavit
of the above Applicant by him subscribed - Before me James Roberts Justice of the peace

I Amos Braydon of Milton in the County of Stafford and State of New-Hampshire aged seventy seven years — depose and say, That Solomon Braydon late of Milton afore- said deceased and who at the time of his death was a revolution- ary pensioner of the United States, was my Elder brother That the said Solomon left a widow, Susanna Braydon who still survives him and now remains his widow her name before her marriage with my said Brother Solomon, was, Susanna Braydon, And I do further depose and say, that the said Solomon Braydon was joined in marriage to his now widow Susanna by the late Rev. Mr. Lamton then of York in the County of York and now State of Maine in the year seventeen hundred and seventy eight, and I am very confident in the month of August of that year, why I am confident it was in August, is, I well recollect it was in haying time I do further depose and say that I well recollect when my said Brother Solomon entered the service, and do know it was after his marriage with his now widow Susanna and after their oldest child Daniel, was born — I do further depose, that the said Lamton, who joined my said Brother Solomon and his now widow in marri- age, has long since deceased, and has no widow, or child a line to my knowledge — Amos his Braydon mother
State of New-Hampshire }
Stafford County ss. }
February 9 th A.D. 1857
personally appeared the above named Amos Braydon who is a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the above Affidavit by him subscribed —
Before me James Roberts Justice of the peace

T 521
Treasury Dept. May 24, 1837.
Respectfully referred to the Department of War 25 May 1837 Pension Office referred for reply J.B.P.
Milton May 17th
Free
Susanna Bradburn
Col. Barrons
Off 1719 10 th fl.
Hon. Levi Woodbury
Secretary of L d Washington City

Milton New Hampshire May 17th 1837
Dear Sir
It is rather reluctantly , that I write, as I wish to address you upon a subject, not connected with your official duty, but Sir, should you think it inconsistent to attend to it there may be no harm in writing. I am in yaged for two Widows who comes under the act of Congress of the 4th of July last Susanna Braydon Widow of Solomon Braydon of this town, Mr. Braydon when alive was a Revolutionary pensioner at $40 per year, his widow, beyond all doubt comes under the act, she is entirely blind 84 years of age and depending on her daughter for support, her daughter was never married has it is true a small property, but nothing like sufficient to support her self and mother, in fact all she has she got at the spinning wheel at fifty cents the week, Mrs Braydons declaration &c I enclosed to the war department on the 15th of February last, and hope before this time to have received her certificate as she is so very needy, and has care as I think so very clear, I wrote Mr. Edwards on the 26th of March and he answered the first day of April stated that the papers had been received and would be examined in turn, Mr. Edwards

I am informed by Mr. Eastman is a smart business man, I have no reflections to cast upon the office, but as the examination would be so very short I did hope a speedy return, I think sir, that if some Gentleman would attend to these cases in person they would very soon be determined, why I think so is, I sent an declaration for a Widow in New-Durham last winter directed the papers to Mr. Bean and soon got her Certificate while some that had been sent to the department long before had not been paid upon - the other case is that of Elizabeth Burnams of Somersworth Will of Jonathan Burnams, her husband died in 1807 and consequently had no pension, but did actually serve nearly through the whole war as well after as before his marriage with his now Widow, The old lady does and always has sustained as good and fair a reputation as any woman in New-England but is very poor, lives with her daughter at Great Falls who is her self a widow with several children and keeps some boarders to obtain a living for her self family and mother, you will see sir, that these two widows are subjects of Commiseration and could I get them a small pittance before they go home to be here no more I should be gratified

I thought of writing to Mr. Gla who Scenderston is in the pension office and who was before he left Durham one of my acquaintance and political friends but have been informed that he is frequently absent on business for the department. I have therefore taken the liberty of writing to you & if you will pay any attention to the subjects, you will much
Oblige your sincere and Very humble serv t
James Roberts
Hon. Levi Woodbury —

William Lloyd Jan. 1837
Free
Jan 28
Thos James L. Richards Commissioner of Pensions
Solo Blyton 10690
Washburn Twp. O.H.

Milton New Hampshire January 11 th 1837
Mr. Edmonds
Dear Sir, - Will you have the goodness to drop me a line and give me some information respecting the case of a very poor Widow in this town and in my immediate neighborhood, Solomon Braydon late of this town deceased was, at the time of his death a revolutionary Pensioner, his pay was, I believe $40 per year I think he stated in his declaration that he served one year as a private & the person that made an affidavit which was taken before me as to his services I think so stated, at any rate I know he was on the pension list of the N. H. agency as I had power from him (he being a cripple) and drew his money and after his death had power from his Widow and got the means for her and returned the original Certificate to Mr. Waldron, his Widow Susanna Braydon no survives him, they were married and had one son born before he entered the service, the declaration of the husband &c. and his pension Certificate being in the office must the Widow make any further proof of his services to enable her to a pension? She is totally blind and unable to attend court , neither of our County Judges is living near us, must her declaration at all events be made before a Judge or Justice of a Court of record? I fear that I shall not find a record of the Marriage but as I have lately been called on by the old lady and as they were married in another state I have not

as yet had time to repair to that town to examine the records, I find one man who will testify that they were married before Mr. Braydon went in to the service and that Daniel their son was born, but the particular month or day of the marriage he cannot state and will further state that they was married by Parson Lamton & the Widow will declar the same, and several others will testify that Solomon Braydon often stated to them a number of years before his death, that he was married & his son Daniel was Born before he entered the service, Will such proof as the above do in case no record will can be found? Will you sir, have the goodness to answer the the above question and also write the day, month, and year that Mr. Braydon declared he entered the service, in his declaration now before you as it may be of service to me in that or another case & give me such further information as your Hon, may think proper. —
With sentiments of esteem
I am dear Sir yours
and James Roberts
Hon. J. L. Edwards

Solomon Brayman N.H. Ad. 1832 amt perunc $40. when last paid
A B S 26 May '37
Died 13 th Nov 1833 p st that perunc J H

Susanna Boyden
W.H.
Adm d 12 mo per $40.
per Ann. conf
dec 13. 1833

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Solomon Bragdon 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?  no
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  no
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes (important)
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?  yes, except No. 2 
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡ QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Edward Ellis's Affidavit

I Edward Ellis do here and say, that I live in the immediate neighbourhood of Solomon Braydon late of Milton in the County of Stafford and State of New Hampshire deceased, I was with the said Solomon Braydon when he died on the thirteenth day of November A D 1833 -
I do further depose and say, that Susanna Braydon of said Milton remains the widow of the said Solomon Braydon Edward Ellis
State of New-Hampshire } February 11 th 1837 Stafford County } ss
Personally appeared the above named Edward Ellis who is a creditable witness and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed, before me -
James Roberts Justice of the peace

Abigail Randall affidavit —

I Abagail Randall of Somersworth in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire Widow, depose and say, That I was personally well acquainted with Solomon Braydon late of Milton in the County aforesaid deceased, before his marriage with his now widow Susanna Braydon, and I was well acquainted with Mrs. Braydon before her marriage with Mr. Bray- don - I do further depose and say that I attended the wedding when the said Solomon Braydon was joined in marriage to his now widow they were married by Person Lamton, then of York at Mr. Lamton house, in the summer of the year 1778 and as near as I can now recollect in the month of August of that year I do further depose, that before my marriage I nursed Mrs. Braydon with her second child and do know that Mr. Braydon was married and his Eldest son Daniel, was born before he went into the war I think before he entered the service the second time, as my impression now is that he was in the service under two enlistments, one term for four and the other for eight months, but am confident that he was married before he entered the service under one enlistment
Abagail her Randall
mother State of New Hampshire Strafford County ss. February 13th. 1837, personally appeared Abagail Randall who is considered a person of truth and veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit before me James Roberts Just Peace