Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3327, George Ashton, New Jersey
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Service
New Jersey
Ashton, George
Hannah
Number W.3327
Contents
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N. 11462
Pennsylvania
George Ashton
of Columbia Co. in the State of Penn. who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Phillips of the Regt. commanded by Col. Johnson in the N. Jersey troops line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 80 dollars --- cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of July 1833 and sent to Jacob Eyerly Danville Pa.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833  160.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 1833  40.00
$200.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by D Brown  Clerk
Book E Vol 5 Page 1
Only claimed for twenty three months
Served about 9 or 10 months
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832.
State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County
}ss.
On the twentieth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared before me William Montgomery one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas and Quarter Session of the Peace in and for said county, George Ashton of Madison Township in said county.  Aged eighty 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 act of congress passed June 7th 1832.  I enlisted in the Flying Camp on the 20th day of May 1776, five months under the command of the following officers:  Col. Johnson, Capt. John Anderson, Luet George Holcomb, 2nd Luet John Taylor, Ensign John Mathison.  I was living in Amwell Township, Hunterdon County New Jersey.  We marched to New York and joined the army under Gen. Washington on Long Island and was in the Battle of Long Island, from thence we crossed over into New York and thence to White Plains, and was in the Battle of White Plains. On the 30th of October 1776 my 5 months service expired on the 5th day of December 1776.  
I was drafted in the New Jersey Militia from Hunterdon County New Jersey for seven months, commanded by Col. Chambers, Capt. John Phillips, Luet Jacob Runck, we marched to Trenton and joined the army under Gen. Washington. We crossed the Delaware into Pennsylvania and secured the boats to keep the enemy from crossing the Delaware.  The army was divided into three party and each had a allotted  them to cross the Delaware to make an attack on Trenton.  I was under Gen. Washington and crossed the Delaware 4 miles above Trenton and was in the Battle of Trenton.  The army continued at Trenton until Lord Cornwallis appeared in full force.  Gen. Washington under cover of night proceeded to Princeton and I was in the Battle of Princeton.  Washington pursued the enemy to Brunswick and took his position at Morristown, when the army was divided into small parties that could be called into action at a few hours notice; I continued with the army until the 5th day of July 1777 when my tour of duty ended.  On the 15th of September 1777 I was drafted in the Militia from Hunterdon County New Jersey for one month.  Col. Chambers, Capt. Phillips, Luet Runck and marched to Germantown in Pennsylvania. I was in the Battle of Germantown, in October 1777 on the 15th of October my time expired.  I had previously engaged as a substitute for Thomas Philips who was drafted from Hunterdon County N. J.  for one month.  I commenced it on the 15th day of October 1777 under the same field and company officers, on the 15th day of November 1777 my time expired as a substitute for Thomas Philips.  On the 16th of November 1777 I was again drafted for one month under the command of Col. Chambers, Capt. Phillips, Luet Runck.  Nothing of any importance happened during these two last tours of duty they was rendered in Philadelphia County Pa.  On the 15th day of December 1777 my time expired.  On the 12th day of May 1778 I was drafted in the militia for Gen. Dickinson, we lay at Trenton upward of one month before the American army left Pennsylvania and joined the army between Burlington and Monmouth.  I was in the Battle of Monmouth 28th of June 1778, after the battle of Monmouth th
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Gen Washington with the main army paddled to North River and on the 12th day of July my time expired.  On the 10th of August 1778 I was again drafted in the militia from Hunterdon County N. Jersey for three months under the command of Col. Ely, Capt Schenck, we marched up North Rivers beyon Pomton  Plains, we was stationed in that vicinity during my tour of duty which expired on the 10th day of November 1778.  On the first day of June 1779 I was drafted in the militia for three months under the command of Col. Phillips, Capt. Philips, Luet Runck.  We marched opposite New York where the British army had been committing hostility.  When they returned to Staten Island where we lay until  the 1st day of September 1779 when my time expired.  I was a substitute for Thomas Wilson who was drafted in the militia from Hunterdon County N. Jersey on the 12th day of October 1779 for one month under the command of Col. Phillips, Capt. Philips & Luet Runck we marched up North River and on the 12th day of November my time expired. He knows of no surviving witness to testify to his service.  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 the agency of any State.
X his mark
George Ashton
Sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid
William Montgomery
I do hereby certify that the above named applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend the court.
William Montgomery
A statement showing the services of George Ashton of Columbia County, Pa.
Period when the service was rendered.  
Duration of the claimants services months days
Rank of the claimant
Name and Rank of the commanding officers under whom he served
Names and Rank of the General Field Officers
Battles in which the applicant was engaged
Country through which he marched
Place of above when he entered the service & age at the present time
Evidence by which the declaration is supported
Enlisted May 30th 1776   5 " Private  CApt. Anderson  Col. Johnson Long Island White Plains} New York Age 80 years Hunterdon 
Drafted Decm 5th 1776  7 " " Philips Chambers Trenton & Princeton New Jersey & Pa.}  County Lo adiction
Drafted Sept 15th 1777  1 "  "  Same  Same  Germantown   Pennsylvania  New Jersey
Substitute for Thomas Philips} Oct 16 1777 1 "  "  Same  Same  Same
Drafted Nov 15th 1777  1 "  "  Same  Same Same
Drafted May 12th 1778  2 "  "  Schenck Gen. Dickinson Monmouth New Jersey
Drafted Augt 10th 1778 3 "  "  Same  Col. Ely  North River
Drafted June 1st 1779 3 "  "  Philips  Philips  New Jersey
Substitute for Thomas Wilson  Oct 12 1779 1 "  "  Same Same North River
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We Jesse Hains, a clergyman of Muncy Township Lycoming Co and Chandlee Eves of Madison Township hereby certify that we are well acquainted with George Ashton who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be eighty years of age, that he is reputed and believed, the in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.  
Jesse Hains an approved Minister in the Society of Friends
Chandlee Eves
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
William Montgomery
And the said William Montgomery one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Columbia does hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.  And said William Montgomery, one of the judgers does further certify that it appears to him that Jesse Hains, a resident of Muncy Township Lycoming County, who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman and formerly a resident of Madison Township, and that Chadlee Eves who has also signed the same is a resident of Madison Township, in the neighborhood of the applicant and is a credible person, and that their state
ment is entitled to credit. 
State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County }ss.
William Montgomery
I Jacob Eyerly, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said William Montgomery, one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in the matter of the application of George Ashton, for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twentieth day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty three. 
Jacob Eyerly Proth

Question 1st.  Where and in what year was you born!
Ans.  I was born in Amwell Township Hunterdon County New Jersey on the 16th day of January AD 1753
2nd.  Have you any record of your age: and if so, where is it?
Ans.  I have a regular record of my age, now in my possession.
3rd.  Where were you living when called into service:  where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live!
Ans.  I lived in Amwell Township Hunterdon County for the space of forty seven years when I removed to the State of Pennsylvania (then Northwesterland) now Columbia County Madison Township where  I have since resided.   
Cont
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Quest 4th  How was you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom!
Ans.  I was first enlisted in the Flying Camp, afterwards drafted in the militia of the State of New Jersey at sundry times.  I was a substitute of Thomas Philips one month and a substitute for Thomas Wilson one month. 
5th  State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served, such continentals and militia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstance of your service. 
Ans.  Capt. John Anderson, Capt. John Schenck, Capt. John Philips, Colonels Philips, Johnson , Anderson, Chambers, Ely. Gen. Green, Washington, Putnam, Dickinson.  I was in several battles during my services.
Ques 6th  Did you ever receive a discharge from the services and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it!
Ans.  I never received a written discharge during my services.
Quest 7 State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your service as a soldier of the Revolution.
Ans.  Chandlee Eves, John Battin, David Masters, Leonard Kisner Isaac Kitchen, Henry Battin, Jacob Swisher, William Mather. 
I do certify that I have full confidence in the answers given as above are true.  
William Montgomery
State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County }.ss
I Jacob Everly Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county do certify that William Montgomery Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits were taken was and still is an acting judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County aforesaid and commissioned as such & to see whose acts as such sure faith & credit is and ought to be given & that the signature of William Montgomery as above written is the proper handwriting of the said William Montgomery Esq.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said court at Danville the 20th day of June AD 1833
Jacob Eyerly, Prot
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23518
George Ashton
Columbia County
Penn. a
0
Admitted 2 years $80

Jacob Everly, Pth
Danville
Penn
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War Department
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim under the act of June 7, 1832 has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive the objections exist, which must be removed before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and regulations will shew what is necessary to be done.  These points to which your attention is more particularly directed you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A statement, showing the service of George Ashton, Columbia Co Pennsylvania
Period when the service was rendered
Duration of the claimant's service Years. Months, Days.
Rank of the claimant
Names and Rank of the company officers under whom he served.
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched
Place of above when he entered the service and age at the present period.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
Enlisted 1776 5  Private  Capt. Anderson  Col. Johnson Long Island New York Age 80 years Hunterdon New Jersey  tradition
Drafted  da 1777  7  Capt. Phillips Col. Chambers White Plains  White Plains
1  same same Brunswick
Substitute for Tho Philips 1  same  same Trenton Princeton Trenton
Drafted 1778  2  Capt. Schenck General Dickinson   Princeton Morristown
to -- 3  same  Col. Ely Germantown  
1779 3   Capt. Philips Col. Philips Monmouth
substitute for Thomas Wilson 1  same  same
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant
J.L. Edwards, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
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Regulations under the act of June 7, 1832
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army and to include under the terms “Continental Line,” “state troops,” “militia,” and “volunteers,” all persons enlisted, drafter, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.  
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1.	The Regular Troops
2.	The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3.	Persons employed in the Naval service.
4.	Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides.  And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of      } ss.
On this      day of       personally appeared (a) before   A.B. a resident (b) of    in the county of    and State, Territory or District of    aged (c)   years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832.   That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)    , with     and served in the     (e) regiment of the      line, under the following named officers: 
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service, (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged and the country through which he marched.  This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of   
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.  A.B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I   of the court of     do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of         for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this     day of         &c.
If on, examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.  
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers, or Militia except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the                  and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with                      , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be       years of age, that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.  And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.    who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, residing in the     and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the    and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.  
I,       Clerk of the Court of      do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of       .
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this      day  of     &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power.  This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case.  The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.     All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Milita, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1.	 Where and in what year were you born?
2.	Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3.	Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4.	How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?  And if a substitute, for whom?
5.	State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
6.	To a Soldier { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?  
To an Officer { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7.	State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.  
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons – one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.  If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party.  And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.    
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. 
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides.  If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had.  Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled.  In a case where the applicant cannot by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:  “Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c.  A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but according to the best of his recollection, he served no less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades :  -- For ----- year ------months and -------- days, I served as a -------.  For ------months and ------days, I served as a --------; and for such service I claim a pension.”
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served;, the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an employed corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the paper.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant’s entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged.  The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
 The notes from [a] to [l] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops.  The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.  
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County }ss.
Be it known that on this 30th day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared David Eves who after being duly affirmed according to law doth declare that on the day and year aforesaid he called at the house of Hannah Ashton widow of George Ashton deceased late a pensioner of the United States and asked her the widow Ashton for her Bible.   After she brought the said Bible she was requested to cut therefrom the leaf that contained the Family Record which among the record on said leaf contained the following viz.  George Ashton and Hannah Cast was married on the 10th day of May one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine and further that the said leaf in the same that is attached to affirmation by wafers and further saith not.
David Eves
Affirmed and subscribed before the subscriber this 30th day of October 1837
John Battin J.P.
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George Ashton was born Jany 16th 1753
Hannah Cast was born February [illegible] 1762
George Ashton and Hannah Cast was married May 10 1779
Joseph Ashton was born Jany 8th 1781
Stephen Ashton was born March 8th 1784
Sarah Ashton was born December 10th 1787
Levi Ashton was born March 12th 1790
Susannah Ashton was born August 2nd 1795
Hannah Aston was born Jany 12th 1798
Ann Ashton was born May 12th 1800
George Ashton died the 19 day of February 1835
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State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County }ss.
I James Donaldson Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said county do certify that John Battin before whom the written proceedings were had is an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said county duly commissioned as such and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court at Danville, the 30th day of October A.D. 1837
James Donaldson Prothy.
per Jas Donaldson J. Clk
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State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County }ss.
Be it known that on this twenty sixth of January 1838 personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county aforesaid Hannah Ashton widow of George Ashton late a pensioner of the United States who after being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that in the fall after peace was made between this country and Great Britain they lived in Amwell Township about ten miles from Trenton in the State of New Jersey, that the house they lived in was entirely consumed by fire and among other things their Bible which contained the record of their ages and marriage was burned.  In this Bible was also recorded the birth of her first child Joseph Ashton who died some years after.  This child was born on the tenth day of May 1782 the same year we lived in the house with Mr. Reed whose deposition is in the possession of the War Department.  Some fifteen or twenty years afterwards, there was an effort made to make some record of all our births that was then living.  Accordingly they were written on the enclosed piece of paper which is attached to this sheet excepting that of her husband and her son Joseph who had been dead for a number of years.   She further says that some years afterwards her son Levi Ashton with whom she now resides brought a Bible home and in it the births of all the family were recorded.  Some was done from memory viz. the birth of her husband and her son Joseph and their marriage and the remainer was taken from the paper above alluded to.  She further saith that upon reflection she remembers another paper on which was written the birth of her husband and a number of his brothers family which my husband incurred from some of his friends.  The deponent further saith that the particular dates when the
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above records were made she is unable to say as she has no remembrance that took place at that time to fix upon the dates.
X her mark
Hannah Ashton
Sworn and subscribed the day and year above written before the subscriber 
Leonard Rupert
I the aforesaid Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Columbia do hereby certify that the above deponent Hannah Ashton is an old and infirm woman and in my opinion is not able to attend court at Danville which is nearly fifteen miles distance from her residence.  Witness my hand this day and year above written. 
Leonard Rupert
State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County  }ss.
I James Donaldson Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Columbia County do certify that Leonard Rupert before whom the foregoing deposition was taken is an acting Judge of the Court aforesaid in & for the County of Columbia duly commissioned as such and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Danville the thirtieth day of January A.D. 1838
James Donaldson Prothy.
per Jas Donaldson J. Clk
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Hannah Cast was born the second day of the second month in the year of our Lord 1764

Stephen Ashton Son of George Ashton and Hannah Ashton was born eighth day of March in the year of our Lord 1785
Sarah Ashton was born the tenth day of the twelve month in the year of our Lord 1787
Levi Ashton was born the twelve day of March in the year of our Lord 1790
Susannah Ashton was born August the second 1795 
Ashton Hannah
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Hannah Ashton Daughter of George Ashton  and Hannah Ashton his wife was born the twelve day of January in the year of our Lord  1798
Ann Ashton daughter George Ashton Hannah his wife was born the twelve day of May  in the year of our Lord 1801
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State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County } ss.
Be it known that on this 26th day of June 1838 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Hannah Ashton widow of George Ashton late a pensioner of the United States who after being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that she is unable to write or read writing and that she has been dependent on others in a great measure for dates in her former depositions and although there may be statements or dates which may conflict with each other, there has to the best of her knowledge nothing been done to deceive the War Department.  She further sayeth that in confirmation of what she has heretofore deposed to that after her marriage with George Ashton they lived with Joseph Ashton the father of her husband in Amwell township near Trenton about two years and that afterwards they lived with a widow lady by the name of Jane Buzard about six months and that they lived with a man by the name of Charles Kase and Noah Chamberlin in Hopewell Township about five or six months. Those different periods of residence all took place before they went to live with Miss Foster now Miss Reed of Trenton whose deposition is in the hands of the War Department.   
She further sayeth that she is positive that her husband was out in the service of the United States two different times after her marriage with him, once in the summer and the other time in the fall after they were married and for the proof of those dates she would refer the War Department to the declaration of her husband in their possession and further sayeth not.
Page 19

X her mark
Hannah Ashton
Sworn and subscribed this 26 day of June 1838 before me 
John Battin J.P.
I certify that the above deponent is a creditable and competent witness and that full credit ought and is due to her testimony.
Witness my hand and seal this 26th day of June A.D. 1838 
John Battin
State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County } ss.
I James Donaldson  Junr Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do certify that John Battin before whom the foregoing proceedings were had is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Columbia aforesaid duly commissioned as such & that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.  In testimony whereof I have affixed my seal of Office & subscribed my name this 29th day of June A.D. 1838
James Donaldson Junr Prothy.
Page 20

last testimony exhibits
Page 21

State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County } ss.
Be it known that on the 20th day of August A.D. 1838 personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid, Hannah Ashton, widow of George Ashton late a pensioner of the United States who after being sworn according to law doth say that at this time she was married to George Ashton.  She was sixteen years and from February till May old and in four or five weeks after the marriage George Ashton was drafted in the militia and was absent between three and four months during which time she lived with her husband's father in Amwell township.  And after his return from the army he went out in the army for a man by the name of Thomas Willson, about one month, and further this deponent saith that she was about five months and nineteen years of age when her first child was born and further saith not.  
Sworn and subscribed the 20th day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight 1838
X her mark
Hannah Ashton
John Battin
Witness present
Jacob W. Warner
John Battin
Page 22

I the aforesaid Justice do certify that I am well acquainted with the above deponent and credit ought to be given to her testimony as her character is good for truth and veracity.
Witness my hand and seal the 20th day of August A.D. 1838
John Battin  
State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County } ss.
I James Donaldson Jr Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said county do certify that John Battin before whom the foregoing proceedings were had is an acting justice of the peace in & for the County of Columbia duly commissioned as such & that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court at Danville this 21st day of August A.D. 1838
James Donaldson Jr. Prothy.
Page 23

2589
Hannah Ashton
Pennsylvania

Act of July 1838
Admitted Pr
2 yr $80
Page 24

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows
State of Pennsylvania
County of Columbia }ss.
On this eighth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Columbia Hannah Ashton of Madison Township Columbia County herein to aged seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth in her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows.  
That she is the widow of George Ashton who was a soldier of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States the proof of whose services is in the hands of the Secretary of War of the United States.
She further declares that she was married to the said George Ashton on the tenth day of May, one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine or eighty the proof of which as well as that of her continuing the widow of said George Ashton is all in the hands of the Secretary of War in consequence of his late application for a pension under the Act of Congress of July 4th 1836 and that the said George Ashton the aforesaid died on the nineteenth day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty five and that the commission of pensions is not fully satisfied that she was married to him prior to his leaving the the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz. at the time above stated.
X her mark
Hannah Ashton
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me.  
Leonard Rupert
I the aforesaid Judge of the Court of Common
Page 25

State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County }ss.
I James Donaldson Junr Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Columbia County aforesaid do certify that Leonard Rubert is an acting Judge of the said court duly commissioned as such and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office and subscribed my name, this fifteenth day of October A.D. 1838
James Donaldson Junr Prothy
Page 26

Reported
1058
Pennsylvania
Hannah Ashton
widow of George Ashton 
who serviced int he Revolutionary
war, as a private N.J> line
Inscribed on the Roall at the rate of 80 dollars  -- cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued 1st day of August 1848 and sent to Robt McCoy Washingtonville, Penn.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under...
February 2, 1848  Page 202
Page 27

Widow, &c.
Rvry
File No. 3327
Hannah Ashton
Widow
George Ashton
Pri. Rev. War
Act: Feb 2, 1848
Index: --Vol. A, Page 20
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 28

Hannah Ashton
Pennsylvania
Suspended
See letter 12th Jany 1838 
R. McCoy
do. 23 May 1838
do. 9 August 1838
do. 1 Oct 1838
Page 29

George Ashton Pa. Act of 7 June 1832 
to what time paid?
Pen Office Jan 12 1838
Died 19th Feb 1835 pd to that service J.H.
Page 30

T18
Pennsylvania
Hannah Ashton
widow of George Ashton decd
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 19 February 1835 of Columbia Co in the State of Pa. who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Phillips of the Regt commanded by Col. Johnson in the New Jersey line for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Penn. at the rate of 80 dollars -- cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1838
Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of Oct. 1838 and sent to Robt. McCoy, Washingtonville, Pa. 
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1838 $200.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 39  40.00
$240.00
{Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by D. D. Addison Clerk, 
Book A.  Vol. 2  Page 144
Page 31

rec. Act '43 ref. to R. McCoy
Washingtonville Aug 10 '44
Page 32

C072
Philadelphia
Pensa.
Hannah Ashton
widow of George Ashton
who was a Pri.
in the N. Jersey Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1843
Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of Sept 1844
and sent to Ro. McCoy
Washingtonville
Pennsa
[Act of March 3, 1843]
& June 17, 1844
Recorded in Book A Vol 1 Page 129
Page 33

State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County } ss.
On this twenty first day February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- three personally appeared before me one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County, George Ashton a resident of Madison Township in the county of Columbia and State of Pennsylvania, aged eighty 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 act of congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein after stated.  I enlisted the latter end of May 1776 in the flying camp under the command of the following officers.  Capt. John Anderson, Lieut. George Holcomb, 2nd Lieut. John Taylor, Ensign John Mattison.  I was living in Amwell Township Hunterdon County New Jersey at the time I enlisted.  We marched to New York and joined the regular army under Gen. Washington on Long Island and was in the battle of Long Island the latter end of August 1776 under Col. Johnson, from thence we crossed over into New York and from there we marched to White Plains and was in the battle of White Plains on 28th of October 1776 under the command of the same company of officers, and Col. Phillips.  At this time my five months service ended and I joined the militia and thence I went to Fort Lee then commanded by Gen. Green.  At the approach of the enemy Gen. Green abandoned the fort and joined Gen Washington and in a few days Gen. Washington crossed the North River and returned to Newark when I was taken sick and taken to the hospital.  I recovered in a short time. The American army had proceeded on to Brunswick.  When I had recovered I proceeded on to Brunswick to join the army.  When I arrived then the army had left there and proceeded to Princeton. I then proceeded
Page 34

on to my place of residence, when I was but a few days where I was drafted in the beginning of December, commanded by Col. Cambers, Capt. John Philips, Lieut Jacob Runck.  We marched to Trenton and joined the regular army under Gen. Washington.  In a short time the whole force crossed the Delaware into Pennsylvania and secured the boats so as to keep the enemy from crossing the Delaware.  I was under Gen. Washington at the battle of Trenton.  The army crossed the river about four miles above Trenton.  The battle was fought December 26th 1776 where the army continued until Lord Cornwallis appeared in full force and under cover of night Gen. Washington proceeded to Princeton.  I was in the Battle of Princeton on the third day of January 1777 and pursued them to Brunswick and Gen. Washington took up his position at Morristown. When the army was divided into small parties which could be called into action at a few hours notice.  I continued in the service until the beginning of July 1777 when I returned home.  A short time after my return home in July the American Army under Gen Washington moved to the Delaware on their way to Philadelphia where I was employed at Coryels Ferry as ferryman for a short time.  About the 15th of September 1777 I was drafted and marched to Germantown under Col. Chambers, Capt. Philips, Lieut. Runck and was in the battle of Germantown on the 4th day of October 1777.  I was there for one month for myself.  The next month ending in November I was a substitute for Thomas Philips under the same officers.  Then I was out one month ending in December for myself, then I was a substitute for Thomas Philips one month ending in January 1778 under the same officers.  When I returned home and in May about I was again drafted in the Jersey militia under the command of the following officers Capt. John Schenck, Lieut. Runck, Gen. Dickinson.  We law at Trenton upwards of one month before the regular army left Pennsylvania. We joined the regular
Page 35

army and I was in the Battle of Monmouth June 28th 1778.  From thence the main army proceeded to North River and in July I returned home, and in August 1778 I was again drafted under the command of Col. Ely, Capt. Schenck, other officers not recollected.  We marched up North River beyon Pompton Plains.  I continued in the service three months, does not recollect anything particular happening during this tour.  About the first day of June 1779 I was again drafted for three months and marched under Col. Phillips, Capt. Philips, Lieut. Runck, opposite New York when the royal army had been committing hostilities when the British army returned to Staten Island. I was likewise a substitute of Thomas Wilson for 1 month under the command of the same officers in October/November.  He states that he was out sundry other times not particularly recollected.  I volunteered with a company of Neighbours and took 7 or 8 men who had been taken prisoner from Cornwallis who had escaped from the American prison and we forwarded them on to Trenton where they was lodged in prison.  They said if they only had one day longer so that they could have got into Burlington County, where they had friends they would be safe.  
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity expect the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state and does not know of any surviving witness to be found. 
Quest No. 1  Where and in what year was you born
Ans.  I was born in Amwell Township Hunterdon County New Jersey on the 16th day of January 1753
2.  Have you any record of your age and if so where is it
Ans.  I have a regular record of my age which is now in my possession
cont
Page 36

Quest. 3rd  Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live
Ans  I lived in Amwell Township Hunterdon County New Jersey for the space of forty-seven years, when I removed to the State of Pennsylvania (then Northumberland County) now Columbia County Madison Township where I have since resided,
4th How was you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?  And if a substitute, for whom
Ans I was first enlisted in the Flying Camp for five months, afterward I was drafted in the Militia of the State of New Jersey at sundry times.  I was a substitute for Thomas Philips two tours and for Thomas Wilson one.
5th	State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
Ans Capt. John Anderson, Lieut. Geo Holcomb, Col John Anderson, Col. Philips, Gen. Gree, Gen.  Washington, Gen Putnam, Gen Dickinson, Col Chambers, Col. Ely, Capt. John Schenck, Capt. John Philips, Lieut. Runck.  I was in several battles during my services as will be seen by the foregoing.
6th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?  
Ans I never received a written discharge during my services.
7th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.   
X his mark
George Ashton
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Samuel Mather J.P.
Page 37

We the undersigned do hereby certify that we have been acquainted with the aforesaid George Ashton between twenty and thirty years who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be eighty 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 he is a man of truth and veracity and that we concur in that opinion.  Further that he has been unable to do anything for the last 12 or 15 years and been bereft of his eyesight in a great measure for several years, that he has lived in the neighborhood of a society of friends and there is no regular clergyman in the vicinity.  
Chandlee Eves
John Battin
Leonard Kisner
Wm Mather
Isaac Kitchen
David Masters
Sworn and subscribed this twenty eighth day of February 1833 before me
Jacob Swisher J.P.
Page 38

Quest. 3rd Where were you living when called into service; where have

State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County }ss.
I Jacob Eyerly Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Columbia County aforesaid do certify that Jacob Swisher Esq. and Samuel Mather Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken, were and still are two acting Justices of the peace in and for the County of Columbia aforesaid duly commissioned as such and to all whose official acts such due faith and credit is and ought to be given as well in Courts of Justice as elsewhere and that I verily believe that the signature of Jacob Swisher & Samuel Mather as within written is the proper hand writing of the aforesaid Jacob Swisher Esq. & Samuel Mather Esq.  in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court at Danville this fourth day of March A.D. Eighteen hundred & thirty three.
Jacob Eyerly, Prothy.
Page 39

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County } ss.
Be it known that on this 18th day of May A.D. 1837 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared Fransena Reed who after being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that in the spring of seventeen hundred and eighty-two she became acquainted with George Ashton and Hannah his wife.   The deponent then lived in Hopewell township in the county aforesaid and the said George Ashton and Hannah his wife lived in the same house with the deponent some months.  The deponent further saith that the maiden name of George Ashton's wife was Hannah Cast and that they were married before they came to live in Hopewell township but how long she is unable to say.  
Fransene Reed
Sworn and subscribed this 18th day of May A.D. 1837 before me.
Saml Evans J. Peace
State of New Jersey
I James D Westcott Secretary of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that Samuel Evans Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit was made and who has attested the same was at the time thereof and still is a justice of the peace in the foresaid county of Hunterdon in said state duly appointed commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his official acts.  Given under my hand and seal of office at Trenton this eighteenth day of May A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty seven (1837)
James D. Westcott
Page 40

2895
Nov 9
Pa
4 July '36
3 Sec
Washingtonville PA
At 31
Hon J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 41

Washingtonville, PA  Oct 31 / 37
Dear Sir
Inclosed I forward you the papers of the widow Ashton soliciting a pension for services done by her husband during the Revolutionary War.  I have had a great deal of trouble and expense in endeavoring to obtain evidence of her marriage.  She informed me she was married by Esq. Yard of Trenton N Jersey.  I visited that place but could find none of his papers.  He has two nieces living in that place but neither of them knew anything about the records of their grandfather.  I obtained the enclosed deposition of Mrs. Reed which will I trust be something towards establishing the claim.  
Mrs. Ashton says that her husband was in the service 2 or three weeks after they were married and was sent nearly or quite all summer and also that he was a substitute for a man by the name of Willson the same fall and that he was called out after some prisoners who had broke jail.  This last service was done shortly before peace was made.  Of the truth of these statements you will be able to judge by referring to the declaration of George Ashton her deceased husband.  I am decidedly of the opinion that the old lady speaks the truth and hope you will see the way clear in sending her a certificate of pension that will gladden her in her old days.  
Respectfully yours
Robert McCoy

J.L. Edwards
Page 42

V 2895
Hannah Ashton
Pennsylvania
Page 43

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the S. section of the act of congress of the 4 July 1836
State of Pennsylvania
County of Columbia }ss.
On this 18th day of September personally appeared before the subscriber one of the associate judges of the Court of Common Pleas for County of Columbia Pennsylvania Hannah Ashton a resident of Greenwood Township county and state aforesaid aged seventy 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 pension made by the act of Congress passed July 3rd 1836 That she is the widow of George Ashton who was a soldier of the Revolution and late a pensioner of the United States. 
She further declares that she was married to the said George Ashton on the tenth day of May one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine and that her husband the aforesaid George Ashton died on the 19th day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty five and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the [illegible] hereunto annexed.
X her mark
Hannah Ashton
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me 
Leonard Rupert
State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County }ss. 
On this eighteen day of September personally appeared David Eves and Robert Fairman before the subscriber one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the county aforesaid who after being duly sworn according to law doth say that they were well acquainted with George Ashton late a pensioner of the United States and that they are personally acquainted with Hannah Ashton widow of Goerge Ashton who is now a widow and has remained a widow ever since the death of said George Ashton. 
Robert Fairman
David Eves
 Sworn and subscribed the day and year above mentioned before me
Leonard Rupert
Page 44

I the aforesaid judge of the court of common pleas for the county of Columbia Penn. do certify that David Eves and Robert Fairman the aforesaid deponents are reputable and credible witnesses and that full faith and credit are due their testimony.  
Witness my hand this 18 day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
Leonard Rupert
State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County }ss.
I James Donaldson Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said county do certify that Leonard Rupert Esquire before whom the foregoing proceedings were had is an acting judge of the said court duly commissioned as such.  And that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court at Danville the thirtyeth day of October A.D. 1837 
James Donaldson Prothy
per Jas Donaldson Junr Clk
Page 45

2895
Feb 7
Pa.
Add:  [illegible]
Hannah Ashton
Washingtonville  Pa
Hon J.L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 46

Washingtonville Pa  July 1 / 38
Dear Sir
Enclosed I send you the deposition of Mrs Ashton which I hope may prove satisfactory. I also send a paper which contains a part of the record of the family.  This together with Mrs. Foster's deposition will satisfy you that there is no fraud intended.  That Mrs. Ashton has given a true history of all the records and time of her marriage I have not the shadow of doubt.  The old lady is very poor and helpless and entirely dependent on one or two of her children for a scanty support.
Respectfully yours
Robert McCoy
Pact Master
Washingtonville Pa.
Page 47

Washingtonville Pa
Mary 18
May 23
In ab pa
Free
Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 48

Washingtonville Pa
May 18 / 38
Dear Sir
Application was made to you some 6 or 7 months time for a pension for the widow of George Ashton a pensioner of the United States.  Fearfull that the last communication from me to you has been lost induced me to call your attention to the affair.  The old lady is truly in a destitute situation and I have no doubt in my mind but she is entitled to a pension.  I gained this opinion not only on her own deposition but on that of Mrs. Reed of N. Jersey from a personal conversation.
Yours respectfully
Robert McCoy
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Page 49

Pa 2895  July 7
[illegible]
Hannah Ashton
Hon Robert McCoy P.M.
Washingtonville PA July 3
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 50

Washingtonville Pa  July 3 / 38
Dear Sir
In your last to me you stated that there was some statement about dates that did not agree with each other in the application of Hannah Ashton.  I presume they are mistakes and perhaps made by myself as I wrote some of the depositions myself.  I am however decidedly of the opinion that the old lady was married before the close of the war and that her husband done some service after they were married.  The enclosed depositions if true of which I have no doubt would seem to explain the difficulty in the dates at least taken with the deposition of Mrs. Reed it would confirm the marriage as having taken place as first stated.  However I do not wish to dictate to you in whatever way it is decided.  I am entirely uninterested as I promised to do her hearings gratuity as I have done for all those I have made application for having never received one cent for my service.  If however there is anything you wish explained which is not satisfactory please write me and I will cheerfully do anything in my power to assist the old lady for she is really needy and helpless.
Respectfully yours
Robert McCoy
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Page 51

2895  Aug 2
[illegible]
Mrs. Ashton
Care for [illegible] Evans [illegible] please act on and send the addl. to [illegible] Stewart
Washingtonville Pa
Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 52

Washingtonville Columbia County Pa
August 23 / 38
Dear Sir
Enclosed I forward to you Mrs. Ashton's deposition on the particular periods of her age at her marriage and at the birth of her first child.  I did not see the old lady as she lives about 14 miles from this office but the person who brought me the deposition says that she is very certain that she is correct.  I hope therefore all may be right and that her heart may be gladdened with the prospect of her few months that she may live being about having some of the comforts of this world.   
Respectfully
Robert McCoy
Hon J. L. Edwards
N. B.  Fredrick Blue a U.S. Pensioner deceased last February at the time of his death there was perhaps due him of his pension about ten dollars as his whole pension was only about 23 or 25 dollars per year.  He left no widow.  His children are living some in Penn & Ohio & N. York.  He was living with lady at the time of his death.  She had some trouble with him is there any way that she could get the bal by surrendering the certificate
N.M.
Page 53

2588
Oct 20
in ab pa
7 July 1838
Washingtonville PA oct 16
Free
Hon J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 54

Washingtonville, PA  Oct 16 / 38
Dear Sir
Inclosed I send you the declaration of [illegible] Ashton in consequence of all the evidence being in your possession I was at a loss to know how to proceed but I hope there may be no difficulty and that all may be right.  I would most earnestly ask the favour (if favour can be granted) to make a decision as soon as possible. the old lady is truly in want of almost everything that can make life desirable. 
Respectfully yours
Robert McCoy 
Hon J. L. Edwards
Page 55

Washingtonville
July 12
Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Pa
6072
Page 56

Washingtonville PA  July 11 / 48
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir enclosed I send you the application of Widow Ashton for the continuance of her pension and further evidence of her identity or anything else which you may learn necessary you will please write to me. 
Respectfully yours
Robert McCoy
Page 57

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of congress to the 3rd day of March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have survived pensioners under the act of July 7, 1838
State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County } ss.
On this 16th day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty four personally before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid Hannah Ashton a resident of Madison township county aforesaid aged eighty years who first being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed the 3rd March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.  
That she is the widow of George Ashton who was a soldier in the army of the Revolution and served under officers in different regiments in the militia of the State of New Jersey and in consequence of said services received a pension for the same during his life of eighty dollars per annum.  
And whereas by an act of congress passed the 7th day of July 1838 she the present applicant was enrolled in the Pension Roll of the United States by the Commissioner of Pensions for the period of five years which terminated on the 4th of March 1841 when his certificate was surrendered to the agent for paying pensions in the City of Phi  Pennsylvania
She further declares that she is still a widow
X her mark
Hannah Ashton
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me John Robins J  Peace
Witness present
N M Coy
R F Clark
Page 58

Columbia County
This is to certify that I am personally acquainted with Hannah Ashton widow of George Ashton the present applicant for a pension and further she is the identical Hannah Ashton who received a five year pension under the Act of Congress passed the 7th of July 1838.  Witness my hand and seal at Greenwood this 16th day of August A.D. 1844
John Robins
State of Pennsylvania
Columbia County ss
I Jacob Eyerly Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for Columbia County do certify that John Robins above named is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court at Danville this seventeenth day of August Anno Domini Eighteen hundred and forty four.   
Jacob Eyerly Prothy
Page 59

Aug 9th 1844
@ Hannah Ashton
Act 1843
Washingtonville Pa
August 6
free
Hon J L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 60

Washingtonville Pa  August 6 / 44
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir inclosed I forward you Mrs. Hannah Ashtons application for a pension under the act of Congress of 1843 If all is correct you will please forward her certificate of pension to me 
Yours L S
Robert McCoy
Page 61

11368
Aug 22nd 44
111 act 1844
PA
Mar 3rd 1843
Han. Ashton
3 March 1843 [illegible] 44
Adm $80
Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Robert McCoy
Washingtonville
Pennsyla
Page 62

Washingtonville PA  August 16 / 44
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir inclosed I forward you this application of Hannah Ashton for to be placed on the pension roll of the act of Congress of 1843 Hoping all things may be correct 
I remain yours
Robert McCoy
Page 63

admitted 
Robt. McCoy
Washingtonville Penn
Page 64

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 2nd February 1845 entitled an act providing further provision for surviving widows and soldiers of the Revolution 
State of Pennsylvania
County of Columbia }ss
On this 12 day of June personally appears before the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county Hannah Ashton a resident of Madison township county and state aforesaid aged eighty six 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 2nd February 1845 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of George Ashton who was a private in the militia during the war of the Revolution.  She cannot recollect the name of the regiment but she thinks one of the colonels names under which he served was Col. George Ely.  The amount of pension that she received under the act of the 17 June 1844 was eighty dollars per annum.  She further declares that she is still the widow of George Ashton.  X her mark
Hannah Ashton
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me 
Saml Kisner J.P.
Witness present
Robert McCoy
This is to certify that I the aforesaid Justice of the Peace am personally acquainted with the above deponent and satisfied that her disposition is strictly true.  Witness my hand the day and year first above written.  
Sam Kisner J. Peace
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Columbia County ss
I Jacob Eyerly Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that Samuel Kisner is a Magistrate and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court at Bloomburg the sixth day of July AD 1848
Jacob Eyerly Prothy