Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17349, Gideon Briggs, Continental Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Mass.
Briggs, Gideon Abigail
W. 17349
CONTENTS

4,680. Roll of Vermont
Gideon Briggs Sergeant Reg't Vt. Inf'ty } Private - 4
the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
scribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 16 th of April 1818 - Continental + Mass.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th of Novem r 1818. and sent to Dr. M c Alister Agent, Brattleborough.
Arrears to 4th of Sept r 1818. 1 m. & 19/30 - 37:6 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 th March 1819 - 48: -
$ 85:6
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Not entitled Vernon Windham Co.
Voted to allow sum September 29. 1820 to James Elliot Brattleboro, Vermont

Vermont (M) 2120.
Abigail Briggs, Dec?
widow of Gideon Briggs, Dec? who died on the 19 th of July, 1826 & the widow of who died on the 13 th July, 1837; of Marlboro' in the State of Vermont who was a private in the company commanded by Captain J. Green of the _____ commanded in _____ Mass in the Massach. for 15 mos. 22 days service.
Certificate "made & payable to children (whose names are in envelope)"
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont (M.) at the rate of 82 Dollars 74 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831, & terminate 18 July, 1837, time of her death.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of June, 1838 and sent to Hannah H. Hall, N. R.
Amount to the 18 th of July, 1837 = $ 527:16 Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 }
Recorded by S. A. Elliott Clerk, Book A, Vol. 2, Page 34.
Certificate made payable to Asa Briggs, Abigail Wood, Rachel Hall, Lewis Briggs, Sally Briggs, & Persis Richmond, children of Abigail Briggs, deceased; see let to Pension Agent, June 18, 1838.

1792. Wallisburg I used to aid Oliver F. five Shillings in Salt more one gross tops for his shoes Due of R emained to him 2/6 1794 to me 1/9 Spreutels 2/6
1794 Roping date for H. Salligham one Day 1/2 3/ 3 1/2 Cutting stalks two Days one - D Roping 1/6 Afa 1/2 D Cutting Com 1/9 my Self 1/2 D 1/9 Cattel to the River more 1/2 Day of Cattel.

Norton January 9 1778 David Briggs came to School
Same Briggs to
Gid.n Briggs & Abigail Blake was Married Octr 10: 1777 ————— 20 : august
Also Briggs was born in 1770. Hannah Briggs
Was born April 4. 1780
Abigail Briggs was Born March 30 1782

Windham
State of Vermont
On this sixteenth day of April 1818 before me the subscriber assistant or side judge of the Hon County Court for said County of Windham personally appears Gideon Briggs aged sixty eight years resident in Vernon in said County of Windham who being by me first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval services of the United States in the revolutionary War" that he the said Briggs enlisted at Taunton in Massachusetts about July 1775 for six months as a soldier in the service of the United States in the company of Captain James Perry of Taunton aforesaid and in the Regiment of Col Paul Dudley Sergeant of Capt. Ann, and of the Massa- chusetts Line. that he continued to serve in the said corps until the expiration of said term as a soldier as aforesaid and was then honorably discharged at Cambridge in Massachusetts. That on the first day of January A D 1776 he enlisted again as a soldier in the same company & regiment for the term of one year, that he continued to serve in the said corps until the expiration of said term as a soldier when he was honorably discharged from service at Peekskill in New York. That he enlisted again as a soldier at Spencer in Massa- chusetts in June 1778 for six months in the company of Captain Joel Green of said Spencer and Regiment of Colonel Ezra Wood of Upton in Massachusetts and in Genl. Micon's brigade. that he continued to serve in the said corps until the expiration of said term when he was honorably discharged from service at Peekskill as aforesaid. that he was in a skirmish at the Battle at Harlem Heights at the taking of New York.

That he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of assistance from his country for support and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services
Gideon Briggs
Sworn to and declared before me this day and Year aforesaid
Gilbert Denison Ass t Judge of the County Court
I Judge of the Windham County Court as aforesaid, do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Gideon Briggs did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy. and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary of the Department of War pursuant to the directions of the aforesaid act of Congress
Brattleborough Windham
16
April 1818
Gilbert Denison Ass t Judge of the County Court
I hereby certify that the above is the true official signature of the Hon. Gilbert Denison Esq. assistant or Side Judge of the Windham County Court
Witness my hand, and the Seal of the said Court, at the Clerk's Office, Brattleboro' Windham County, Vermont, this 25 th day of April, A. D. 1818.
Attest
James Elliot, Clerk.

N o 39.
Gideon Briggs
Application for Pension.
Windham County, Ver t .
[Copy.]
[Large handwritten signature/initials]
6080
$210
[Handwritten text: Guilford]
[Handwritten text: Nov 18]
Mar 19
29 Sep 1829

STATE OF VERMONT.
COUNTY OF WINDHAM ss.
At the County Court, begun and held at New-Fane, within and for the County of Windham, on the second Monday of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty....
PRESENT—Hon. PHINEHAS WHITE, Esq. Chief Judge. Hon. JOHN ROBERTS, } Assistant Judges. Hon. GILBERT DENISON, Esqrs. }
ON this 20 th day of June, A. D. 1820, personally appeared in open court, being a court of record for the said county, made so by the laws of the State, proceeding according to the course of the common law, with a civil jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having, in certain cases, the power of fine and imprisonment, Gideon Briggs, aged sixty nine years, resident in Guilford in said county, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: to wit. I enlisted in August 1775, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, into the Company commanded by Capt. James Perry, and into the Regiment commanded by Paul H. Sargeant, for the eight months service, and at the expiration of which, I enlisted in the same company and regiment, and served in said Regiment on the Continental Establishment, during one year in addition to said eight months, and was honorably discharged therefrom at Peekskill in the State of New York.
That he has received a pension under the act of the Congress of the United States of the 18th March, 1818, that the number of his only pension certificate is 4680. and the date of the his original declaration is I think, April 16. 1818.
AND I DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR, That I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen: and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled, "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen: And that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me: nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Gideon Briggs.
SCHEDULE of real and personal estate, necessary clothing and bedding excepted.
  Two acres of Land in the northeast part of Guilford, valued at  $40-    One small dwellinghouse rough boarded, and not finished in the inside, valued at  150-    Eight acres of poor uncultivated land valued at  40.    One note due me valued at  41-    One Cow valued at  15-    One Hog valued at  8-    I have some poor old furniture such as chairs, tables, &c. not to exceed  15-    I owe rising of two hundred Dollars.  $309.  
AND I do also swear that my occupation is that of when I had any, was a labourer. I am a very infirm man, and some part of the time under the care of the Physician. My wife, Abigail Briggs, aged 62—out of health and unable to support herself by labour. My daughter, Sally Briggs, aged 26, able to support herself—and my daughter Patsy Briggs, aged 22—in a feeble state of health, unable to support herself—comprise all my family.
Gideon Briggs.
and subscribed SWORN to and DECLARED in open court on the
20 th
day of June, A. D. 1820,
Before
Gilbert Denison
JUDGE.
James Elliot,
Clerk of the County Court for
the County of Windham, in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the files and records of the said Court: And I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is three hundred and one dollars, and one cents. Real Estate $230. Personal Estate $79. IN testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, in open Court, on this tenth day of June 1820.
James Elliot, CLERK OF THE COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF WINDHAM.

Alaguila B. B. B.
Memoranda
248 8 75 22
Rev. P. P. P.

"1777. May 3d Then Gideon Briggs and Abigail Blake both of Taunton, entered their intention of Marriage Attest James Williams Jun. T. Clerk."
Taunton, Feb. 3. 1837. This certifies that the above copy of the Intentions of Marriage between Gideon Briggs and Abigail Blake, is a true copy of the record in the Town Clerks office, which appears to be an ancient record
Edmund Anthony Town Clerk of Taunton
I also certify that no record has been found of the marriage of the above named Gideon Briggs and Abigail Blake in this office
Edmund Anthony Town Clerk of Taunton
Bristol ss. Taunton, Feb. 3. 1837. Then personally appeared the above named Edmund Anthony, known to me as Town Clerk of Taunton, and made oath to the truth of the above certificates by him subscribed before me
Sydney Williams Jus. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
1. 18. I, James Sproat, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Sydney Williams Esq. whose signature is affixed to the within certificate, is a Justice of the peace, in & for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this third day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven.
J. Sproat

1296 Abigail Briggs dec d application for a Pension Heirs of Abigail Briggs dec d
March 10 Oct 17.77
Filed 19 July 1826
vol. 2 p. 3 8mo 8 th copy
adm d
15mo 22.00 per 8. " 8. " Corp le
Return to Asa Keeps her Attorney Brattleboro Vermont adm d
15mo. 22.00 per 8. " 8. " Corp le
82. 74
no deduction - from 4 Mar. 31. to 18 July 1837. to the children
for A. Keyes Esq. St. Paul, Minn. Brattleboro Vt.

State of Vermont District of Marlboro' { 3 } On this 22nd day of January A.D. 1837. Personally ap- peared before me Asa Knight Judge of the Probate Court within and for said district Abigail Briggs a resident of Halifax in said district aged seventy seven 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 of an act made by the act of congress passed July 4th A.D. 1836. That she is the widow of Gideon Briggs late of Vernon in said district deceased who was a soldier of the Revolution and a private in the Revolutionary army of the United States, that from the lapse of time and con- sequent loss of memory she cannot specify the precise at a  Gideon Service or the officer under whom he served, and she has no documentary evidence in her possession to prove the same but the evidence thereof is in the pension office of the United States; She has ever distinctly recalled that the said Gideon served in the army of the Revolution and term after the intermarriage of the said Gideon with the petitioner and also that her eldest child was born while the said Gideon was in the army of the United States - She further declares that she was married to the said Gideon Briggs at Panton in the state of Mass- achusetts on the tenth day of October A.D. 1777 - by a Mr Godfrey Justice of the peace - That her said marriage is recorded in the family bible and also in a book of records of events kept by her said hus- band - and she further declares that her husband the said Gideon Briggs died on the nineteenth

any of July AD 1826 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as well more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed
Asa Wright Gustus Hall
for Abigail X Briggs
Scorn to and subscribed as the day and year aforesaid and above written, before me Asa Wright Judge of Probate for said district
I hereby certify that the above declaration was made & sworn to by the said Abigail Briggs in open court at the session of the Probate Court for the district of Marlboro in the state of Vermont held at Brattleboro in said district on the last named day of the year aforesaid
I Asa Wright Judge of the Probate Court within and for the district of Marlboro certify that the above declaration was signed and sworn to before me at a pro- bate court held at Danmorton in said district on the twenty sixth day of Jan- uary Anno Domini 1837-
Asa Wright Judge
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty fifth day of October Anno Domini Eighteen hundred thirty seven Asa Wright Clerk & Register -

Abigail Briggs Proof of deed and Heirship

State of Vermont
Distric of Marlboro
At the Probate Court held at Brattleboro in and for said district on the 30th day of November A.D. 1837.
Present Hon. Asa Knight Judge -
Plenary and satisfactory evidence is produced to said court that Abigail Briggs, the widow of Gideon Briggs late of Vermont deceased, died at Guilford in said district on the Eighteenth day of July now last past; and that Asa Briggs, Abigail Wood, the wife of John Wood, Rachael Hall the wife of Justus Hall, Lewis Briggs, Sally Briggs & Persis Richmond the wife of Joseph Richmond are the children and heirs and the only children and heirs of of the said Abigail Briggs deceased -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court the day and year above written -
Asa Fergus Clerk & Register

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
No. 17349
Abigail Briggs Widow of Gideon Briggs Coop Newmas
Act: July 4 th 86
Index:—Vol. 1, Page 80
[Arrangement of 1870.]

STATE OF VERMONT.
WINDHAM COUNTY COURT, CLERK'S OFFICE.
NEWFANE, February 15 th A. D. 1837—
I Marshall Miller Clerk of the County Court, for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Asa Knight is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County Court, the day and year above written.
Attest Marshall Miller, Clerk.
Application under Act Mar 1823.
Independent. See letter to Lemuel Whitney June 24. 1823.

✓ Abigail Briggs Westmont
Suspended
let 16 May '37 Asa Keeps. — Do. to A. Kiefer, Aug. 4. 1837 — To same January 8, 1838.
40 — 10 — 2.44 22 7.33 97 $ 82:74

Gideon Briggs, vt. act March 1818, to what time paid a Pen. Offin May 16, 1837
Due 19 July 1826 paid to that period
SH

Physician's certificate in the case of Gideon Briggs Forwarded to the War-Office by request

To All whom it may concern, this may certify, that I have examined Mr. Gideon Briggs, and find him to be an infirm man as to his bodily health, by reason of an inguinal hernia, or breach
Erastus Root } Physician Guilford Vt., 20 th July 1820

Vermont 4680 Mar. 1879
Gideon Briggs, prior served 20 recd. from 1775- 1 st Sched: dated June 1820. Real Estate — $190 — Personal — 119 — Total $309
Indebted — $200.
Sched: under act Mar. 1823 dated 30. May 1823
Personal property $29.50 still debts not given. Accounts for the decrease of property &c.
By sale of Real Estate on the 7 th Ap r 1821 to Rachel Briggs for $193.22 (on an auth- enticated copy of deed given) applied the proceeds to the payment of debts due to W. Martin & others; The note of hand of $41 was collected & $20 of it, p d to A. Hart the balance expended.
My family —
Claimant aged 72 yrs a labourer, infirm. wife 64 yrs! infirm confined to her bed — 2 daughters 29 & 25 yrs, one of them unable to support herself. —
Samuel Whitney Esq. Brattleboro' Vt
Restore
Restored under Law Mar. 1823, commencing 30. May, 1823, & notification sent 17. July 1823 to Samuel Whitney, Esq. Brattle- borough, Vermont.
$25.57
Mar. 19

Alexander Bragg Vermont, Joseph Ruhne Dep
Le H 19
Asa Keeps Brattleboro

We Joseph Richmond and Perses Richmond of Guilford in the county of Windham and State of Vermont of lawful age depose and say that we have been acquain- ted with Gideon Bneygs a Revolutionary pension- er and Abigail Bneygs wife of the said Gideon for fifteen or twenty years last past and know that the said Gideon Bneygs died at Vernon in said County July 19 th 1826 and that his wife Abigail Bneygs now lives in Halifax in said County and that said Abigail is still a widow and has not been married to any other person since the death of her said husband Gid- eon Bneygs and further sayeth not February 15 th 1837 Joseph Richmond
Perses Richmond
State of Vermont Windham County ss. Personally appeared Joseph Richmond and Perses Richmond the subscribers to the above deposition and made solemn oath that the above deposition by them subscribed contained the truth and nothing but the truth Before me Asa Wright Justice of the peace I hereby certify that the above named deponents are credible witnesses Asa Wright Justice of the peace

N o 4080
War Department,
PENSION OFFICE,
29 Sept r 1820.
SIR,
You are hereby informed that the Secretary of War does not, on account of the amount of your property, consider you entitled to a Pension under the Acts of the 18th March, 1818, and 1st May, 1820; and has, therefore, directed your name to be stricken from the Pension List.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J L Edwards
To Mr. Gideon Briggs Guilford Vermont

Margaret Briggs
Richard H. Clark also

I Rachel Hall of Halifax in the County of Windham and State of Vermont age fifty one years the fourth child of Gideon and Abigail Briggs late of Vernon in said County of Windham do depose testify depose and say that when I was not more than ten years old a great many times since I well recollect hearing my Parents say that Asa their oldest Child was Born August the 28 th 1778 while my father was in the Army of the Revolution and that he did not return home until the Child was about five months old and that the Child's name was to be called Gideon after his father if my father had not returned and that when my father returned he called his name Asa and likewise I well recollect of seeing my father's family record in a small Bible when the marriage of my father and mother were recorded where maiden name was Abigail Blake which marriage as recorded took place October 10 th 1777 and furthermore said family record is still now in my possession and further I say not
State of Vermont Windham County } Halifax February 14 th 1837 Rachel Hall Then Rachel Hall of Halifax in said County personally appearing and after being carefully examined and duly admonished made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by her subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth before me Sanford Phelps Justice of the Peace

Halifax February 14 th 1837 I hereby Certify that Rachel Hall the within named defendant even has and still does sustain a good moral character for truth and veracity
W. H. Sanford Thomas Justice of the Peace
STATE OF VERMONT.
WINDHAM COUNTY COURT, CLERK'S OFFICE.
NEWFANE, February 15 — A. D 1837
I Marshall Miller Clerk of the County Court, for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Sanford Plumb — is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature above writ- ten is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County Court, the day and year above written.
Attest Marshall Miller, Clerk

August Briggs
Lenox Wisc dep

I Sarah Witt of Oakham in the county of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachu- setts, aged seventy three years, do testify and say, that I was well acquainted with Gideon Briggs late of Vernon in the state of Vermont, deceased, and with Abigail his wife - I am sister to the said Abigail Briggs and I well recollect being present at their marriage, which took place in Lancaster Mass. about the time I was fifteen years old - I recollect that some time after their marriage said Briggs went into the United States service and continued there some time - I think nine months - During his absence he had a child born, When he returned from the service the child was five months old - He appeared very much pleased with his child and called his name Asa - which was to have been Gideon, if the father had not returned from the service & her Sarah X Witt mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester ss Jan. 31. 1837 Personally appeared the above named Sarah Witt, who is well known to me as a credible witness, and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by her subscribed. Before me James Allen Jus. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester ss. I Jos. G. Kendall, a Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County aforesaid, being at Court of record, certify that James Allen within named is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly ap- pointed to administer the oaths within certified to, that the signature of his name within appears to be in his own hand writing.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my name and caused the seal of said Court to be affixed at Worcester, this first day of February A.D. 1837. Jos. G. Kendall, Clerk

Gideon Briggs, Deed to Rachel Briggs
Copy

Know all Men by these presents that I Gideon Briggs of Guilford in the County of Windham and State of Vermont for and in consideration of the Sum of two hundred dollars to me in hand paid before the delivery hereof by my Daughter Rachel Briggs of Halifax in the County of Windham and State of Vermont the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge Have now hereby acknowledged have and hereby do fully remise release and forever Quit-claim unto the said Rachel Briggs her heirs and assigns forever all my right title interest or demand in or unto a certain piece of land lying and being Situate in Guilford aforesaid described as follows, being in the Northeast part of Said town bounded on the highway a few rods east of the old Distillery House lately called Cutlers distillery and bounded Eastwardly on land lately owned by Solomon Pratt, and Southerly on Levi Doyen. Land, and Westwardly on land lately owned by Benjamin Jacobs containing by estimation two Acres be the Same more or less with the House Standing thereon — And also one other tract of land lying in Guilford bounded Northwardly on broad brook so called, and Eastwardly on the east line of S d Guilford, and westwardly on the South line of the lands owned by Isaac Barber & Oliver Field containing by estimation eight Acres be the Same more or less, the two tracts above described contains all the lands I own or ever owned in S d Guilford
So have and to hold the above granted and bargained premises with all the privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging to the said Rachel Briggs her heirs and assigns to her and their own use and behoof forever — In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this Seventh day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one
Signed Sealed and delivered in presence of
Peter Briggs Lyman Briggs Gardner Briggs
Gideon Briggs
State of Vermont Windham County ss
April the 7 th day A D 1821.
Personally appeared Gideon Briggs the Signer and Sealer of the above written instrument and acknowledged the Same to be his free act and deed —
Before me Peter Briggs Justice Peace
Guilford April 7 th A D 1821.
Then received a deed for record, of
which the above is a true copy —
Attest Willard Martin Town Clerk
Town Clerks Office
Guilford May 14 th A D 1821
A true copy of record
Attest Willard Martin Town Clerk

Brattleboro Vt. Dec r 11, 1837 J. L. Edwar Esq.
Accompanying this I send you the original declaration of Abigail Briggs (an affidavit for a pension) corrected by the judge's certificate & sent of the court also proof of the time of the death of said Abigail Briggs - and proof of the heirsship
It is impossible to procure record proof of the marriage for it does not exist, and indeed I am not able to perceive why record proof of the fact of marriage should be any more satisfactory, than the testimony of eye witnesses - I had supposed the department, to establish any fact, would require common law proof of the existence of such fact - such as the courts throughout the united states permit marriage to be proved either by copy of record, the testimony of eye witnesses, & presumptions by cohabitation. I should apprehend the same testimony would be satisfactory in the department - In this case we learn that the clerk's office where the marriage would have been recorded was subsequently to the time of marriage

deemed with his papers records, so that it is out of our power to produce the record of our ever existence, this fact can be proven to the satisfaction of anyone —
Respectfully your obedt Servt
Isa Steys atty for the heir of Abigail Briggs
J. L. Edwards Esq Counsel of Pleaders

Jan 16
Cave
Alfred Bagg
J. G. Merrill Esq.
Summons of Division Washington City

Abigail Briggs Elmer
Brattleboro Vt. Jan'y 12, 1838-
Dear Sir,
The rule of evidence established by the department, as explained in years of the 9th Article is no doubt the common law rule . I have understood by a former communication, that the rule of the department was difficult - probably from a misapprehension of mine of the spirit of that communication - You say "In this case the element refers to the family Bible and to a record of events kept by her late husband as containing an entry of her marriage. The original should be forwarded" I have, if I recollect, forwarded Dean Cushing thereof - It seems this is not sufficient - The question I now want answered is, Is it required that we send the Bible containing the record & the Record book containing the same? or will the Leaf from each containing such record be sufficient, if seem to be the reason looking at act? We will conform to either mode as the department shall require - but it seems all most impracticable to send on the Bible & book of Records -
Respectfully yours & etc. Serenus E. A. Hays for the heirs of Abigail Briggs

J. D. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Brattleboro January 15, 1898 Dear Sir,
I send you herewith the original book of accounts of Gideon Briggs deceased to be used as evidence in the application of Abigail Briggs for a Pension — 1 At the page where the first  Page is inserted will be found the record of their marriage & births of some of the children — 2 at the third  Page will be found the births of a number of the children. 3 at the second  Page will be found the estate of the deceased Gideon Briggs and probably his wife. It appears on the inside of the cover that John Hooker bought this book at West Chester Sept 29, 1776 & after record Gideon Briggs marks it as his book. For further evidence of its antiquity (if any is wanted in addition to its contents) please examine the deposition of Sarah (Smith) Hall sent you some time since —
The Bible alluded to in the official declaration is a Testament & contains no record of the marriage but contains a record of the births of three children the same as the book, I now send, but gives no further light on the subject —

To prove their marriage there (you) before the last period of service expired — (you)
1 Have that marriage recorded by Briggs in a book bearing internal evidence that it was made about the time — 2 The Deposition of Sarah Witt who was present at the marriage — 3 The Deposition of Leve Briggs says something 4 The publication of banns (or by certificate) in the April preceding is corroborative — 5 The birth of their first child (Asce in about nine months after is highly presumptive — 6 The deposition of Sarah Witt shows that Chas was born while Gideon Briggs was in service —
I cannot but think the above testimony his wife will be satisfactory to the department — as I know not what else we can do to prove the fact more clearly —
Yours Oht Servt
Isa Keys atty for the claimants —

Gideon Bugg affidavit —
B. m. asherton agent
Admire
on Roll ~ 1778 8 months 18 days ~ Corporal. vol. 2, page 63. Capt Joel Green.

Vernon Nov r 17 th 1818. —
M r Gideon Briggs of Vernon, by reason of reduced circumstances, advanced age, and ill health of himself and wife, is in our opinion a suitable subject, to be placed on the pension-list of needy-revolutionary-patriots.
Cyrus Washburn Benjamin Lee } Select men of Vernon.
Samuel Sitras Justice of the Peace.

I Gilbert Dinisons Judge as aforesaid do further certify that I am personally acquainted with Cyrus Washburn, Benjamin Lee and Samuel Sikes who are of the civil authority of the town of Vernon, and that they are of reput- able and respectable character. I further certify that I believe their representations of the circumstances of Gideon Briggs to be just and true. And I further certify that, in my Opinion the said Gideon Briggs is by reason of his reduced circumstances in life, in need of assistance from his country for support.
Given under my hand at Brattleborough in the county of Windham State of Vermont this twentieth day of Nov. 1818
Gilbert Dinison J st Judge of the County Court

N o 5 Gideon Briggs Schedule May Term 1823

State of Vermont.
COUNTY OF WINDHAM, SS. AT the Supreme Court of Judicature, begun and held at New Fane, within and for the County of Windham, on the fourth Tuesday of May, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty three.—Present—
HON. CORNELIUS P. VAN NESS, Esq. Chief Judge, HON. JOEL DOOLITTLE, } Esq's, Assistant Judges. HON. CHARLES K. WILLIAMS, }
On this thirtieth day of May, A. D. 1823, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record, within and for the County of Windham, and State of Vermont—proceeding according to the course of the common law:—with a civil jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of their proceedings; and having the power of fine and imprisonment:— Gideon Briggs resident in Vernon in said County of Windham—Aged seventy two years—Who, being first duly sworn according to law—doth, on his Oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the Acts of Congress, of the 18th of March, 1818, and the 1st of May, 1820,—That he, the said Gideon Briggs enlisted for the term of One year & eight months on the day of August in the year 1775 in the State of Massachusetts in the Company commanded by Captain James Perry in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Paul Dudley Seargeant in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the continental establishment: that he continued to serve in the said Corps until the end of said Term when he was discharged from said service, in Beeksville in the State of New York that his name has been placed on the pension list, and dropped therefrom on account of his property.
And, in pursuance of the Act of the 1st May, 1820, I do hereby swear—that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818—And that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress—Entitled “An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War”—passed on the 18th day of March, 1818. And that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me: Nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Schedule of real and personal Estate—necessary clothing and bedding excepted.
One Cow, valued at fifteen Dollars, One Pig valued at three dollars—six old back bottomed chairs one dollar—Two old Tables—two dollars—One old Chest of drawers—four dollars—One pot—One dollar—Dish Kettle—fifty cents—Some old knives and forks and such like Articles, not to exceed—Three dollars— Total — $29 50 — Gideon Briggs
That, since the exhibition of my first Schedule, the following changes have been made in my property:—
   Names of persons to whom sold. Time of Sale. Amount of money, or description of property received in return.     In the fall of 1820. Willard Martin a merchant, attached the land set forth in my first Schedule and I afterwards sold the same to Rachel Briggs—who paid Martin and other debts, to the value of said land—and I am still in debt. April 7 th 1821. Received of said Rachel Briggs One hundred and ninety three Dollars & twenty two Cents in consideration of said land—in Cash—which she paid me: and then I owed. The note due me from Isaac Pratt—which appeared in a former Schedule of Forty one Dollars—I sold to Anas Hart, and received pay therefor—By turning thereon about Twenty Dollars, which I then owed said Hart—and he paid me balance in Cash—which I have expended in support of myself and family—  
And I do also swear—that my occupation is that of a day labourer, when I am able to labor, seventy two years of age, and infirm —My Wife is 68 years of age, very infirm —Confined to her bed often—and has been under care of a Physician much of the time many years past—My Daughter Emily Briggs aged 29—My Daughter Persis aged 25 unable to support herself —is all the family I have. Gideon Briggs SWORN to, and declared, in open Court—on the thirtieth day of May, A. D. 1823.
before Samuel Whitney Clerk of the Supreme Court of Judicature for the County of Windham, in the State of Vermont
Samuel Whitney Clerk of the Supreme Court of Judicature within and for the County of Windham in the State of Vermont—do hereby certify, that it appears, to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said Gideon Briggs did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months , under one engagement, on the Continental establishment—I also certify, that the foregoing Oath and Schedule thereto annexed, are truly Copied from the records of the said Court—And I do further certify—that it is the opinion of the said Court—that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is Twenty nine dollars and fifty cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court, on this tenth day of June A. D. 1823.
Samuel Whitney Clerk of the Supreme Court of Judicature for the County of Windham, in the State of Vermont

August Dreyer
Levi Dreyer Esq.

I Levi Briggs of et hab in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, testify and say that Ezra Briggs Son of Gideon Briggs, and Abigail Briggs his Wife his Wife , (her maiden name Abigail Blake) formerly of Taunton was born on the 18 th of August 1778 I well recollects the facts from the circumstance of its happening two days previous to my birth day, being eleven years of age that Month — also from the circum- -stance of being left alone in the absence of my Father & Mother one night — who said on their return next morning, that my Brother Gideon's Wife had a Son born the preceding night. I recollect of hearing it said he was married in October or November of year 1779 — soon after he went to Brattleboro in Vermont, to look for Land for a settlement, within about six Weeks after, I understood he enlisted into the service of the Revolution, while at Brattleborough, or went as a substitute. I am not certain which. Levi Briggs
Attest. John Briggs
Personally appeared Levi Briggs Subscribers to the above instru- ments, and made Oath that it is true according to his full belief on this 3 rd day of February 1837. before me Theodore Jones. Justice of Peace
I the Subscriber hereby certify that I have been well acquain- ted with Deacon Levi Briggs. Subscriber to the above instruments more than twenty years last past, and consider him a Man of credibility. Theodore Jones. Justice of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts —
Worcester ss. I. Jos. G. Kendall, Clerk of the Judicial Courts for said County of Worcester, certify, that Theodore Jones, before whom Adin Briggs made oath, as within certified, is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly authorized to ad- minister such oaths, and that the signature of said Jones name, within, appears to be in his natural writing — In witness whereof I have hereto set my name and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said County, at Worcester, this fourth day of February A.D. 1837.
W. G. Kendall. Clerk.