Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,600, Elisha Bridgman, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Bridgman, Elisha Sybel
N. 15,600
CONTENTS

Ohio - 1150. Pitt 69: - Massachusetts
Elisha Bridgman of Westhampton in the State of Mass who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by Col W. H. Whitney in the Mass line for 17 days
Mass. Vol.
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass. at the rate of 50 Dollars 60 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of Jan'y 1833 and sent to Col J. Huntington Northampton Mass.
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $ 84.99 Semi-ant. allowance ending 2 Mar 33 28.33
$113.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832 }
Recorded by J. H. Blair Clerk, Book D. Vol. 2 nd Page 95.
June 20 - 1834 Grant for 16 Ohio - Pitt 69 ag t for H. Church 1834 Notice sent to Edwin Y. Phelps - Chardon Ohio on the 21 -
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1838 from 4 Sept 1835 to 12 March 1836 the day of his death age notified 3 June 1846

Ohio - 4150. Pittsbg: -  Massachusetts
Elisha Bridgman of Westhampton in the State of Mass who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by Col. Whitney in the Mass line for 17 mos
Mass Mil
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass. at the rate of 50 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of Jan y 1833 and sent to Col. Huntington Westhampton Mass
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $ 84.99 Semi-ann. allowance ending 2 Mar - 33 28.33
$113.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832 }
Recorded by J H Blair Clerk, Book D* Vol. 2 nd Page 95.
June 20 - 1834 Grant to 18 Ohio - Pittsbg Agt's Pensions H. clench 1834 notice sent to Edwin Y. Phelps - Chardon Ohio on the 21 -
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1838 from 4 Sept 1835 to 12 March 1836 the day of his death age notified 3 June 1846

44 68.
Massachusetts
Sybil Bridgman
widow of Elisha Bridgman
who was a private
in the Massachusetts line Mass
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 56 Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of Jany: 1844 and sent to C. P. Huntington
Northampton Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 4
Vol. 1 — Page 60. —

Feb 18 1760
E. B.
Elisha Bridgman was born in 1760
Baptised the 24th Feb
BRIDGMAN ELISHA

No 2687
69 Elisha P. Bingham Nellie Hontine Tal.

DECLARATION,
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS OF THE 7TH OF JUNE, 1832.
STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. COUNTY OF HAMPSHIRE. }
ON this Eighth day of August 1832 personally appeared in open court, before Hon. Samuel Hinckley, Judge of the court of Probate now sitting, Elisha Bridgman a resident of Northampton in the County of Hampshire, and State of Massachusetts, aged 72 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 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. in the company of Capt. Josiah Smith, Thomas Weeks Lieut. 2 d Lieut. one Gilbert, in Col. Josiah Whitney's regiment. He enlisted in Northampton in May as a private with some others, mustered at South Hadley thence to Belchertown, thence through New Bedford & Worcester to Boston & there stayed about a fortnight, thence to Hull 3 or 4 days after the incident , having been left on guard at Boston. Was stationed there & served the whole term of 6 months being discharged, but not in writing the 1 st of December. Then returned to Northampton & there enlisted again for 3 months from said 1 st of December as a private in Capt. Oliver Lyman's company, Lieut. John Ewell, Col. not recollected. A regiment at Dorchester was about being raised for 3 months, the time of service for the Regiment stationed there having expired, said Bridgman knew the Captain & was promised that the time he was absent the fore part of December should be considered as a furlough in common with others who were enlisting into the same service. He served at this time 3 months. Marched to Dorchester & was detached with one other from his company to Boston & served his time there making cartridges. In May 1777 he enlisted again at said Northampton as a private to go to Ticonderoga & served two months in the company of Capt. Simon Blapp, volunteer commissioned Col. Wells regiment, Gen. St. Clair at Ticonderoga, till the fort was evacuated. The term expired on the retreat which was rather confused. He was out again in the Bennington alarm a short time. In 1778 in June he enlisted again for 8 months at said Northampton to fill up vacancies in continental service, marched through Westfield, Stockbridge, Danbury to Peekskill & served in Capt. Abner Pomeroy's company, Lieut. Kent, in Col. Ezra Wood's regiment. Gen. Nixon's brigade. McDougal's division.
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, or (if any,) only on that of the agency in the State of
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Before me Samuel Hinckley Judge of Probate for the County of Hampshire residing in the town of Northampton and
We, residing in 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 neighbor- hood 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 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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that  Samuel Hinckley who has signed the preceding certificate, is  residing in  Index of Probate and that  who has also signed the same, is a resident in and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Sam. F. Lyman Register 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 Elisha Bridgman for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two - Sam. F. Lyman Register

Stationed at White plains some time, afterwards a while at Danbury. New Milford. Woodbury encamped in the woods, Fredericksburgh thence marched to winter quarters at Peekskill. About that time his brother took his place & served out his time (two months) said Elisha having served 6 months. Was in no battle, never received a written discharge though his brother might have had one the last term - He was born Feb 18 th 1750 as appears by his fathers family record at Northampton. He knows not that any of his company officers are alive. He has lived in Northampton the last fifty years, near the line of Northampton & previously in Northampton.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. } Hampshire ss. }
Sworn and subscribed this day and year aforesaid.
We, Solomon Williams clergyman residing in the town of Northampton and Eli Edwards residing in Northampton hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Elisha Bridgman who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy two 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 & subscribed in open Court this 4 th day of December 1832
Solomon Williams Eli Edwards
Before me
Samuel Haines Clerk Judge of Probate

Sworn and subscribed this day and year aforesaid.
We, Solomon Williams clergyman residing in the town of Northampton and Eli Edwards residing in Northampton hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Elisha Bridgman who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy two 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 & subscribed in open court this 4 th day of December 1832
Solomon Williams Eli Edwards
Before me
Samuel F. Lyman Judge of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Solomon Williams who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in Northampton and that Eli Edwards who has also signed the same, is a resident in Northampton and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit, & said Elisha living on the borders of Northampton is the cause of said Solomon's & Eli making oath -
Samuel F. Lyman Judge of said Court
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register 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 Elisha Bridgman for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office. this fourth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Sam F. Lyman
Register.

V 1364 Sybel Bridgman Widow of Elisha Massachusetts
1364 Sybel Bridgman
C.O. Huntington Northampton Mass. agent to receive certificates
admitted Pr $56. \frac{66}{100}
25 Mark as of July 1838

State of Massachusetts 3 Hampshire ss. Sept 4. 1838. 3
On the fourth day of September A.D. 1838 personally appeared Deborah Spofford Probate for the County of Hampshire aforesaid a Court of Record Sybil Bridgman a resident of Westhampton in said County aged seventy six 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 7. 1838 entitled "an act granting full pay & pensions to certain widows" that she is the widow of Elisha Bridgman deceased who was a private soldier in the war of the Revolution in the Massachusetts militia - that said Elisha Bridgman received a pension under the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 which pension was for a while drawn at the pension office in Boston Massachusetts that his name was afterwards transferred to Ohio - She further declares that she was married to said Elisha Bridgman at Chesterfield Massachusetts by Rev Mr Timothy Allen on the twenty third day of February seventeen hundred & eighty six that her husband the aforesaid Elisha died on the twelfth day of March A.D. 1836 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving said service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794 as above stated. That she has not been married since the decease of said Elisha. She knows how to subscribe on the basis of documentary evidence - very often above written. support of said marriage. Before Nathan Loring judge of Probate
Sybil Bridgman
I, Samuel F. Lyman Register of the Court of Probate aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Sybil Bridgman for a pension In testimony whereof I do hereby sign my hand & seal of Office this fourth day of September A.D. 1838.
Sam. F. Lyman Reg. of Probate
bound

Elisha Bridgman Northampton Mass. Private 17 March 1868.
No clergyman's Certificate & no reason assigned why one cannot be obtained - The witness not called to be examined.
Adm d
$56.66.
Charles P. Huntington Northampton Mass

BRIEF in the case of  Elisha Bridgman of Northampton in the State of Massachusetts (Act 7 June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? Seventy Two years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     In 17 75 6 Private Col! Josiah Whitney   76 3 " Capt! Lyman   77 2 " Col! Wells   78 6 " Col! Ezra Wood  
5. In what battles was he engaged? none
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Northampton Mass.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living witnesses,
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Defective witnesses not stated as credible
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Adams Examining Clerk.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15600
Sybil Bridgman Widow of Elisha Bridgman Prin. Rev War
Act: Mar. 3. 1843
Index:—Vol. A , Page 87
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Sybel Bridgman Massachusetts,
— Suspended
— See let. 23 rd Nov. 1838 C. P. Huntington
Act 7 July 1838,

2172
Massachusetts Sybel Bridgman widow of Elisha Bridgman dec.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 12th March 1836 of Hampshire in the State of U.S. who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded by Col. Whitney in the U.S. line for 17 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of U.S. at the rate of 50 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st 12th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of Mar. 1839 and sent to P. Huntington Northampton Arrears to the 4th of Mar 39 $169.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. 28.33 $197.33
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by Addison Clerk Book A Vol. 1st Page 71
Lucia (at Frank) also to C. S. Huntington

The State of Ohio Geauga County ss.
On this Twenty fifth day of March 1834, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Geauga, personally, Elisha Bridgman appeared, who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Josiah Smith in Colonel Josiah Whitney's regiment of Massachusetts State troops; in the service of the United States, that his name was placed on the Pension Roll of the state of Massachusetts, (under the act of June 7, 1832) from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the state of Ohio (Pittsburgh agency) where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable in future; and that his reasons for removing to the state of Ohio, are, that he has relatives living there with whom he wishes to make a permanent abode Sworn and subscribed to before me this day and year aforesaid J W Brackett Jns Peace
The State of Ohio Geauga County ss.
I Abner Clark of Huntsburgh in said County & State, being duly sworn, do declare that I am well acquainted with Elisha Bridgman who has subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit, and that I well know him to be the identical person described therein
Abner Clark
Sworn and subscribed this 26 day of March A.D. 1834 before me, and I also certify that Abner Clark who has sworn & subscribed to the same with whom I am well acquainted is a person of truth and veracity,
J W Brackett Jns Peace

The State of Ohio Geauga County ss
I, D. Aiken, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County, do hereby certify, that Joseph W. Brackett Esquire, before whom the within oaths appear to have been taken, on the twenty sixth day of March A.D. 1834, was at that time, and still is, a justice of the peace in the said County duly commissioned and sworn, according to law; and further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said justice and do verily believe the within signatures, purporting to be his, are true and genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the seal of said Court, at Chardon this 3rd day of June A.D. 1834.
D. Aiken, Clerk.

I Sybil Bridgman of Westhampton Massachusetts widow of Elisha Bridgman a deceased pensioner do testify & depose & say that said Elisha received a pension certificate while a resident of Massachusetts & was afterwards transferred to Ohio where he died as stated in my declaration sent to the Pension department. I further say that I can find no record proof of my marriage with said Elisha, neither can I find any evidence of said marriage in the Town, County or Parish wherein I was married viz in said Chesterfield. I have enquired of the Town Clerk & of the Rev Mr Rose keeper of the church records & could find no record of said marriage. I further state there never was in our family a record of such marriage or any family record whatever no record of the birth of children inasmuch as we never had any children, & I cannot produce any other evidence than that of living witnesses which has already been forwarded - Dec 3. 1838.
Hampshire ss. Mass. Dec 3. 1838
Sworn to before me
C. B. Huntington
Justice of the Peace.
Sybil Bridgman

I Clark Bridgman of Northampton Mass. aged forty seven years do testify depose & say that at the age of seventeen I went to live with my uncle Elisha Bridgman a deceased pensioner & his wife Sybil Bridgman & lived with them in the same family till I was twenty six years old & then married & have lived in the other part of their house ever since, & Mrs Sybil Bridgman aforesaid has lived in the same house since the decease of her husband & prior to his departure for Ohio. Having been always as it were a member of their family, I further testify that I have never known of any family record in their family or of any record or memorandum of their marriage. I have known  known of their having lived together as man & wife from the time I was a child & for more than forty years, & as long ago as I can recollect. I have made sure to be made diligent search for the record of their marriage in the records at Chesterfield Northampton & the County Clerk's office without success - And further say not - Dec 3 d 1838.
Clark Bridgman

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } S. Hampshire County Dec 3. 1838 }
Then Clerk Bridgman before named a credible person to me known made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition which subscribed
Before me
E. P. Huntington Justice of the Peace.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Hampshire, do hereby certify that Charles P. Huntington Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that the signature thereto annexed purporting to be his, I know to be genuine.
IN testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this eighth day of December
A. D. 183 8
Samuel F. Lyman Register of Probate.

Elizabeth Howard to Lyman Clark
Mar 1864 7 July 1864 M rs Bridgman
J. I. Edwards Washington St. Comm. from Abolitionists William Brown

Northampton Sept 6. 38 Mch 5
Sir
Enclosed is the application of Sybil Doudyman under the Act of 1838 for a pension as a widow. The pension certificate has probably never been returned to the department, she living in Massachusetts the husband having died in Ohio, & having no one there to take the necessary steps to draw her arrears. If the death is proved, I suppose it is sufficient.
Yours with high respect
E. D. Hunt
Agent.

Ohio Meigs Elisha Bridgman Act of June 1832 to what time paid? Pen. Office Nov 20. 1838 p d to 4 Sep 1835 2H
Elisha Bridgman Pitts. Act of June 1832 to what time paid? Pen. Office Nov. 23 d 1838. p d to 4 Sep 1835 2H

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that John H. Suddock 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 hand-writing of the said John H. Suddock and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, this thirteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight
S. Wells Clerk.

I Mary Claflin, Wife of Levi Claflin of Westhampton in the County of Hampshire, Mass. of lawful age, do depose and say, That I was present at the marriage of Elisha Bridgman to Sybil Buske both of Westhampton in said County - That said marriage was solemnized some time in the month of February AD 1786. at the house of Seth Burke in Chesterfield in the county aforesaid. by the Rev. Timothy Allen, then Minister of said town of Chester- field, and further that said Elisha Bridgman was my Brother - That he died in March AD 1836. and the said Sybil Bridgman has not married since his decease but remains and is now the Widow of the said Elisha Bridgman.
Signed in presence of us Cheever Gaud Eli S. Edwards
Mary Claflin
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Hampshire ss. August 31 st 1838. Then personally appeared the above named Mary Claflin and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by her subscribed. And I do hereby certify that the said Mary Claflin is well known to me as a person of credibility and of good character and reputation for truth and veracity.
By and before me
John A. Durd, Justice of the Peace

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that Timothy A. Phelps 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 hand-writing of the said Timothy A. Phelps and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, this third day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight
S. Wells
Clerk.

I Mehitable Pierce wife of Ezekiel Pierce of Chesterfield in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age do depose and say that some time in the month of February in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty six I was present at the Marriage of Elisha Bridgman to Sybil Burke both of Westhampton in said County that said Marriage was solemnized at the house of Seth Burke in Chesterfield aforesaid by the Rev. Timothy Allen of said Chesterfield signed in presence of us. Mehitable. X mark Pierce
Louisa G Clark. Timothy A. Phelps Hampshire ss.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Be it remembred that on the twenty ninth day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight Mehitable Pierce above named came before me and made solemn Oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by her subscribed. And I do here by certify that the said Mehitable Pierce is well known to me and is a person of credibility and of good character and reputation for truth and veracity. Timothy A. Phelps Justice of the Peace

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that Timothy A. Phelps 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 hand-writing of the said Timothy A. Phelps and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, this eighth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
S. Wells — Clerk.

6.
Charles P. Huntington Esq.
Northampton
from. W. Phillips

I Israel G. Rose of Chesterfield County of Hampshire & State of Mass:- depose. & say that I hold the Office of Pastor in the Congregational Church in this Town & that there is no record of marriages on the Records of the Church during the ministry of Rev. Linn d . Allen from the year 1781 to the year 1794 & that I have not been able to find any record of the marriage of Elisha Bridgman, & Sybil Burke  Israel G. Rose Chh Clerk  Che.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts  Hampshire ss. On this fourth day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight Israel G. Rose above named made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid and I do further certify that the said Rose is well known to me and is a person of respectable character and of good reputation for truth and veracity
Timothy A. Phelps Justice of the Peace
I Oliver Edwards of Chesterfield County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk in the town of Chesterfield County of Hampshire & State of Massachusetts and that I have made diligent search of the town records for the marriage of Elisha Bridgman & Sybil Burke and can find no record of marriages solemnized by Rev. Timothy Allen previous to the year 1786 and cannot find any record of the marriage of Elisha Bridgman and Sybil Burke on the town Books  Oliver Edwards Town Clerk
Commonwealth of Massachusetts  Hampshire ss. On this fifth day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred & thirty eight Oliver Edwards

above named made Oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid and I do further certify that said Edwards is well known to me and is a person of respectable character and of good reputation for truth and veracity
Timothy A. Phelps Justice of the Peace

Map. Dec 11 add proof Sybil Bridgman
July 1864
J. L. Edmiston Comm. of Pleasure Office Washington D.C.

Northampton Dec 8. '78
Respectfully
Dear Sir
Enclosed are the requisite papers in the application of Sybil Bridgman a suspended applicant under the late act giving pensions to widows
Yours with respect B. P. Huntington agent.

State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire ss
On this fourteenth day of July 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in Hampshire County Sybil Bridgman of Walthampton in said County aged eighty one 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 third of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war - That she is the widow of Elisha Bridgman who was a private in the militia of the United States in the Revolutionary war & served in said war at several periods at Boston Nantasket White Plains she thinks, Ticonderoga & other places as is more fully set forth in the application of said Elisha for a pension & which the applicant cannot state particularly & she refers to her this former declaration. The annual amount of pension which she received under the act of July 7 th 1838 was fifty six dollars sixty six cents according to her best recollection -
1838

She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sybil Bridgman
Sworn to by said Sybil Bridgman on the day & year above written with Before
Chas P. Huntington Justice of the Peace
Northampton Dec 5. 1843
I certify that said Sybil Bridgman so personally known to me
C. P. Huntington
Sybil Bridgman
$56.06
C. P. Huntington Esq. Northampton Mass.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Hampshire, do hereby certify that Charles P. Huntington Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition  declaration was taken, was, at the date of, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that the signature thereto annexed purporting to be his, I know to be genuine.
IN testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this fourteenth day of July A. D. 18 6 3
S. F. Lyman Register of Probate.

3109
July 17 '43
H.
map Mar 3 rd 1843
Sybil Spidgeman
Edward Spidgeman Pembury Wokingham H.R.
191 1843

Northampton
Neap. July 12, 1853
Dear Sir
I forward the foregoing as the agent of Mrs Bridgman. The certificate can be sent to me
yours with best respect C. D. Harrington
Hon. J. L. Edwards
11 July 12 53

Berelel Smith Affidavit -

I Bezaleel Smith of Whately County of Franklin Commonwealth of Massachusetts do hereby say that in December 1776 I enlisted as a soldier in the state service of Massachusetts for three months in Captain Oliver Lyman's Company & served in said Company during said time at Dorchester was well acquainted with Elisha Priggman a private in said Company & know that he served in said Company all said term of three months. June 28 th 1832. Bezaleel Smith
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire ss. June 28 th 1832. Then personally appeared the above named Bezaleel Smith & made oath to the truth of the foregoing instrument by him subscribed before me
Hampshire ss Dec 6 th 1832. Charles P. Huntington Justice of the Peace. I hereby certify that the above Bezaleel Smith & the witness Thomas Lyman Elias Root & Zadok Bromworth deponents before me are each credible persons. Chas. P. Huntington Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
HAMPSHIRE ss. I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Charles P. Huntington Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition (4 in number) was taken, is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and have no doubt that the Signature annexed to said deposition is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this tenth day of August A. D. 1832.
Sam F. Lyman Register of Probate.

I Thomas Lyman of Northampton aged 75 do testify depose & say that I have known Elisha Bridgman of Westampton ever since we were school children together, as we were. In May 1777. said Elisha, myself, & others enlisted for 2 months at Northampton as pirates to go to Siconderoga & served said length of time till the abandonment of said fort in the company of Capt. Simeon Bliss. Col Wells, Lieut. Col. May. under Gen. St. Clair. I recollect said Elisha being in the service & on the retreat - our times were out on said retreat - July 31 st 1832 Thos Lyman
Committee of Massachusetts. Hampshire Co. July 31 st 1832.
Then personally appeared the above named Thos Lyman & made oath to the truth of the foregoing complaint instrument by him subscribed. before me
Chas. P. Huntington
Justice of the peace

I the subscriber Elias Root of Williamburgh County of Hampshire depose & say that Elisha Bridgman of Westhampton in said County enlisted into the militia service of the Re. States, as a private in May, for six months from the 1 st of June to the 1 st of December 1776 in the company of Capt. Josiah Smith in Col. Josiah Whitney's regiment & served said period of time, stationed at Nantasket Peninsula. I was in the same service, the same length of time as a piper. I have known said Elisha from a boy. He was a private in the service. July 24 th , 1832.
Elias Root
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire Ss. July 24 th , 1832.
Then personally appeared the above named Elias Root & made oath to the truth of the foregoing instrument by him subscribed before me
Chas. P. Huntington
Justice of the Peace.

Zadok Bosworth Affidavit - for Eliz. Bedgum

I the Subscriber Iadoc Bosworth of Montgomery County of Hampshire Mass. aged 70 years. do testify & say that Elisha Bridgman of Westhampton County of Hampshire enlisted in the Massachusetts service as a private in the company of Capt Abner Pomeroy, 1 st Lieut Kent 2 nd Lieut. Cowdin, in Col Wood's regiment, Gen Nixon's brigade, of the continental line, in the month of June 1778 for 8 months & served said eight months except that the last 2 month's time was made out by his brother as his substitute. He was in the same company with me. We joined the regiment at White Plains just after the battle of Monmouth & were stationed there till September. Then part of the time at Danbury Conn. then Frederick'sburgh N. York. then at New Milford, then at Woodbury, then went into winter quarters at Peak's hills. I first knew said Bridgman soon after our arrival at White Plains, was his messmate part of the time & have not seen him since we were discharged till within a few weeks, though I have often heard of him & knew his place of residence. I recollect him well. And further saith not. July 24 th , 1832. Iadoc Bosworth
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Hampshire ss. July 24 th , 1832. Then personally appeared the above named Iadoc Bosworth & made oath to the truth of the foregoing instrument by him subscribed before me. Chas. P. Huntington Justice of the Peace

Chardon, Ohio. June 2 nd 1834
H. Edwards Esq r Sir
Elisha Bridgman's application for a transfer, accompanied this, he has drawn at Boston up to the 4 th of March 1834,
Please to address returns to Edwin F. Phelps—

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
May 7 th 1840.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," The widow of Eliha Bridgeman, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Pittsburgh, Pa. Agency, at the rate of fifty Six Dollars and Sixty Six Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1835, to the 12 th March, 1836, the day of his death.
Respectfully, yours,
Wilson L. Parris Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Elisha Bragman
Westhampton
Mass
NO 2687
designate corporate
2

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Elisha Bradyman 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, in his favor 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 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? no 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,
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.
† 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.