Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14933, Nathaniel Houghton, Mass.
Page 1

(3-1776)

Service: Mass

Houghton, Nathaniel
                   Esther

Number: W. 14933.

Contents:
Page 2

O.R. 1500
Massachusetts
Nathaniel Houghton
of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Warner of the Regiment commanded
by Colonel Marshall in the Massachusetts line, for the term of nine months
from July 1779 to April 1780

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
at the rate of eight dollars per month, to
commence on the 9 day of April 1878
and 
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 of June 
1818 and sent to Hon Isaac 
Parker, Worcester, Mass.

Restored to the Roll on 10th day of 
January 1829. and notification sent to Hon. J. Locke at House of Reps. 
Pension commencing on the 25 of December 1828
Amount due on 4th of 
March 1829 
$18.83
{Revolutionary Claim
Acts March 18, 1818,
+ May 1, 1820
1 March 1823
Page 3

[illegible] by letter to agent
11 Nov. 1845

9730

Massachusetts
Esther Houghton, deceased,
(Mass) widow of Nathaniel Houghton, 
who was a pensioner under the Act of '18,
and who died on the 27th January, 1839,
of Worcester Co. in the State of Massachusetts:
who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Warner of the 
Regt commanded by Col Marshall in 
Massachusetts line for 19 mos. 7 days

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
at the rate of 64 Dollars 11 
Cents per annum, to commence on the 27 January 1839 + ending on 4 March '41, she having in Augt: 42

Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of November 1845 and sent to E. Clark, Brighton, Masstts:

Total amount $140.69

[Act July 7, 1838.]

Recorded by [illegible] Stewart, Clerk
Book D Vol. 1 - Page 75.
Page 4

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Worcester, ss
On this fifth day of August eighteen hundred and forty five Personally appeared in Open Court at a Court of Probate holden at Worcester, in said County of Worcester, Hobart Houghton a resident of Sterling in aforesaid County, aged thirty six years, who being first duly Sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the following Declaration as well for himself as for Esther Houghton his sister, Luke and Aderson Houghton, his brothers, which Declaration is made in order to obtain the pension which was due his Mother at the time of her decease, agreeable to the Law of Congress, passed July  seventh 1838, and Joint Resolution of August the sixteenth 1842.
That Esther Houghton late deceased, widow of Nathaniel Houghton his father a deceased pensioner of the United States, under [illegible] service in the Revolution according to the best of his knowledge as follows. That said Nathaniel Houghton was a resident of that part of Lancaster which is now in the town of Sterling. That he was in the service on Dorchester Heights in the year 1776 + just part of 1777, six or eight months in the Company of Capt. Manassah Sawyer in Colo.Dikes Regt. That he was in the service at the [illegible] + the reinforcement of the Northern Army at Bennington in the Autumn of 1777 in the Company of Capt. White + Capt. Eagers three months. That he was also in the service at Rhode Island in the Autumn of 1778 near six weeks in the Company of Capt. Manassah Sawyer in Col. Whitings Regt.
Page 5

That in the Summer of 1779 he enlisted + rendered nine months service in the Continental Army in the Company of Capt. Warner in Col. Marshalls Regt. That in January 1781 he again enlisted into the Continental service for three years for the town of Sterling or Lancaster and as he believed joined the ninth Massachusetts Regt. of Col. James Mason, and was discharged from the service in June 1783 as he verily believes. 
He further declares that his Mother Esther Houghton was married to the said Nathaniel Houghton in Sterling aforesaid on the twenty fourth day of July seventeen hundred and eighty three, that her marriage to the said Nathaniel Houghton did not take place prior to the said Nathaniel Houghtons leaving the service, but that the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four "viz" at the time above stated, and that the said Nathaniel Houghton died in Sterling on the twenty seventh day of January in the year eighteen hundred and thirty nine, and that the aforesaid Esther remained his widow as to the day of her decease.
Hobart Houghton

Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year first above written in Open Court at Worcester aforesaid
Before Mr, Benj. F Thomas
Judge of Probate
Page 6

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester SS.
I, Charles G. Prentiss, Register of the Court of Probate for said County, do certify, that Benjamin F. Thomas is the Judge of said Court, duly commissioned and qualified - and that his signature on the next proceeding page of this sheet, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I do here unto set my hand and the seal of said Court this fifth day of August one thousand, eight hundred and forty five. 
Charles G. Prentiss, Reg.
Page 7

I James Dunton of Southborough, in the county of Worcester, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States, eighty four years of age, do testify and say, That in the first part of January 1781 I enlisted into the service of the United States for the Town of Lancaster in said County of Worcester, was mustered by Dr. Dinsmoor of said Lancaster, then Muster Master of said County of Worcester, and I well recollect that before I left Lancaster to join the army one Nathanial Houghton of Sterling came before the aforesaid Dr. Dinsmoor and was mustered for three years service, which time I think was near the middle of January 1781. The said Nathanial Houghton belonged to the ninth Massachusetts Regiment. The name of the Captain of the Company I do not recollect. Said Houghton belonged to the first class of the last three years men, and I think said Houghton was discharged near the time that I was having enlisted myself for the War. The year after I returned from the army I met said Nathaniel Houghton in Lancaster aforesaid. 

[signed]
James Dunton

Worcester ss. 
Southborough June 25 1845. Then personally appeared James Dunton, and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed, and I certify that he is a person of sound mind and a credible witness, The word "about" in the fifth line from the bottom was erased and the word "near" substituted before signing and making oath. 
Before me [signed] Sullivan Fay Justice of the Peace, [signed]
Page 8

Extract from the Records of the First Church + Society in Sterling, County of Worcester + Commonwealth of Massachusetts: 

"Marriages; seventeen hundred and eighty-three, July twenty-fourth, Nathaniel Houghton and Esther Kendall, Sterling."

I hereby certify that the above is a true extract from the original church record of The First Parish, Sterling, in my care + keeping, with the exception of date, [illegible] is expressed in fair legible figures as follows: "AD 1783 July 24th;" with exception also that "Do." occurring instead of the word Sterling, which stands directly above "Do."

[signature] David Fosdick Jr. 
Pastor of the First Parish in said Sterling.

I, David Fosdick is above named, depose + say, that I hold the office of Pastor of the First Church + Society in Sterling, in the County of Worcester + Commonwealth of Massachusetts, + that the above is a true extract, with the exceptions as above certified by me. 
[signature] David Fosdick Jr. 

Worcester Ss
Personally appeared the above named David Fosdick Jr. Clerk + made oath to the truth of the above extract, by him made. 

July 30 1845  Before T.H. Blood Justice of Peace.
Page 9

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office, Boston August 2 1845

I hereby certify that at the dates of the annexed attestation Thomas H. Blood and Sullivan Fay were Justices of the Peace for the County of Worcester, in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court. 

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. 

John G. Palfrey;
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 10

Nath.l Houghton
Sterling
9 April 
Correct
[illegible]
Page 11

State of Massachusetts

I Nathaniel  Houghton a Citizen of the United States, now resident at Sterling in the County of Worcester in the State aforesaid, do on oath testify and declare, that in the War of the Revolution, on or about the tenth day of July in the year 1779 for the nine months service.
I entered and engaged in the land service of the United States on the continental establishment, and served accordingly from that time to the sixteenth day of April 1780, being full nine months when I was honourably discharged.
as a private - against the common enemy, without any interruption or absence: that I belonged to Captain William Warners company in the tenth Massachusetts Regiment under the command of Col. Marshall. - in Gen. Pattersons brigade. -
and that I left the service on the 16th day of April 1780. - at Westpoint. and that, by reason of my reduced circumstances in life and poverty, I stand in need of assistance from my country for support, being now of the age of fifty eight years. 
My discharge is not now in existence having been lost many years since. -

And I hereby relinquish all claims to every pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the United States, if any may be or hath been so allowed.

[signed] Nathaniel Houghton

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the 9th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen pursuant to a law of the United States, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," made and passed on the 18th of March, A. D., 1818, personally appeareth before me, Isaac Parker Ch Justice of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts

the above named Nath.l Houghton and after due examination and caution to testify and declare the whole truth, he maketh oath to the declaration aforesaid, and subscribes the same in my presence; and, on examination duly made by me the said Judge, it appeareth to my satisfaction that the said declaration is true.

Witness my hand + the Seal of said Court the day + year aforesaid

[signature] Isaac Parker CJSC
Page 12

We Jonas Bailey and Timothy Wilder both of Sterling do testify and say that we have both been well acquainted with Nathaniel Houghton the within applicant, that we were with him at the time of his service in the revolutionary army as within alledged, and well knew him at that time and ever since - and that full faith and credit is to be given to his declaration. 
[signatures]
Timothy Wilder 
Jonas Bailey

Worcester ss. April 9th, 1818
Personally appeared Timothy Wilder and Jonas Bailey above named, and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by them submitted. 

Before Isaac Goodwin, Jus. peace
Page 13

Nathaniel Houghton
1500
L_ for W. Edwards

See letter to A. Bigelow
Worcester, Masstts.
6 Nov. 1820

Did con? July 30, 1821
and sent to Abijah Bigelow
Worcester, Mass
Page 14

Schedule of the Estate of Nathaniel Houghton of Sterling in the County of Worcester, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, applicant for a Pension under the Act of Congress of May 1, 1820. 
2 cows - 1 heifer - 1 horse - 1 Colt - 7 sheep - 2 hogs - 2 pigs - 1 Cart - 1 plough - 1 Chain - a Grindstone - $109.75

The applicant is a Farmer, but not able to do a full day's work on account of a hernia or breach, occasioned by a wound from the horn of an ox, four years ago. My wife named Esther Houghton is aged 57 years, and for many years has been an invalid, generally unable to perform any labour whatever, but requires nursing and medical aid. I have two children only residing with me at home; the oldest a daughter Lucia aged 20 years, and is able to support herself, which she does by mantus=making, but contributes nothing toward the support of her parents. A son Hobart aged 13 years and is generally able to work at my occupation as other boys of his age. He attends school about half the year, and will probably go as an apprentice to some mechanical trade next year. This is all my family. By the will of my wife's father, it is ordered that the sum of three hundred dollars be paid me out of his Estate, at the decease of my wife in case I should survive her, but I now owe more than that sum. 
[signature]
Nathaniel Houghton
Page 15

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
COUNTY OF WORCESTER, ss.

On this eleventh day of July 1820, personally appeared in open Court, before the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, being a Court of Record, within and for said County of Worcester, established as such by the laws of said Commonwealth, Nathaniel Houghton, aged sixty years, resident in Sterling, 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: 
In Col. Thomas Marshall's Regiment, being the 10th in the Massachusetts line, as a private in Capt Wm Warner's Company. I enlisted about the 1st July 1779 and served full 9 months to the 10th April 1780, when I was honourably discharged at West Point. The date of my original application for a Pension was April 9th 1818, as appears by my certificate No. 1,500: -
and I do solemnly 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. 
[signature] Nathaniel Houghton

Sworn to and declared, on the eleventh day of July, 1820

Attest, Abijah Bigelow, Clerk
Page 16

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Secretary's Office, Boston October 18th 1845

I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Thomas H. Blood was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester, 
[signature] A
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. 
[signature] John G. Palfrey
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 17

I hereby depose and say that from a record I keep of the funerals which I attend, it appears that Mrs. Esther Houghton, of Sterling, was buried Aug. 25th 1840, + that I attended her funeral on that day. The day of her death was not mentioned in my record; but on examination of her tombstone, I find it there stated that her death occurred Aug. 23? 1842. She was widow of Capt. Nath.l Houghton.

[signature] David Fosdick jr
Pastor of First Church in Sterling

Commonwealth of Mass
Worcester S.S.
Sterling, Sep. 20th 1840
Then personally appeared the said David Fosdick, Jr. + made oath to the truth of the above deposition Before me. 
[signature] T.H. Blood Justice Peace
Page 18

Revy 
WIDOW, &c.

File No. 14933
Esther Houghton
widow of 
Nathaniel Houghton
Pri Rev War
Act: July 7th 38
Index:-Vol. A, Page 346

{Arrangement of 1870}
Page 19

[illegible] sent to A. Bigelow Esq 30th July 1821
Worcester Massachusetts

Massachusetts Rolls
1,500
Nathaniel Houghton, Massachusetts Line Private 1779 nine months

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 9th of April 1818. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of June 1818, and sent to the Hon. Isaac Parker, Worcester, Mass. 

Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1818. 
4 months 26/30  $38.93

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818}

Discontinued 
Sterling Worcester ss
Page 20

No 12109
Esther Houghton decd
widow of Nathaniel
Mass
Act 7 July 1838
Adm 19 mo 7 days/in
$114.11 per ann
from 27 Jany 1839 to 4 March 1841
Payable to Esther Houghton, Seille Houghton, Adison Houghton, and Hobert Houghton only surviving children of Esther Houghton dec'd
Elihah Clark
Bingham
Mass
128.22
10.66
1.81
140.69
Page 21

[illegible]
Act July 12 [illegible]
Page 22

Applicant aged 60 yrs. 
"Breach" -
- wife 57 yrs old + invalid
- daughter 20 yrs old - a mantusmaker
- Son, 13 yrs old - 
[illegible]: $109.75
a contingent legacy of 
$300
not entitled 
served 9 mos.
Page 23

This May Certify that Nathaniel Houghton A Soldier In the third Compy In the Tenth Massachusetts Regiment Hath Furnished himself with A Blanket And Gun + Centrements Given Under My hand 
West Point April the 16 AD. 1780
[signature] Othnl Taylor Lieut Adj
Page 24

12109
Esther Houghton
Rv Aug 13, 1845, 
Mass.
Act of July 38
m 88. d 39.
claim. died 23 aug 42!!!
rolls - April 9 [illegible]
Page 25

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office, Boston; 
July 19 1845

I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Nathaniel Houghton of Lancaster, is borne as a private upon a pay roll of Capt. Manassah Sawyer's Compy in Col Dikes' regt. for travel from their respective towns to Dorchester Heights", Sept. 1776; the roll showing the precise date of this period of the service is not among the documents here, but the mileage roll was sworn to Sept. 12th, and ordered in Council to be paid, the 13th, -distance allowed, 44 miles; - Upon a muster roll of the same Compy. and regt. taken for the months of Decr. 1776, and Jany. and Feby. 1777 - 3 months; - Upon a pay roll of Captn. John White's Compy. in Col. Job Cushing's regt. for service at Bennington from July 28, 1777 - 1 month 8 days; - Upon a pay roll of Captn. Fortunates Eager's Compy. in Lt. Col. Ephraim Sawyer's regt; marched to reinforce the Northern Army from Oct. 2 to 18, 1777, including allowance for 160 miles travel, 25 days; - the towns to which the men belonged, are not given upon this roll, - but a number of names upon Capt. White's roll, are also upon this roll, which was also sworn to in Worcester Co., Upon a pay roll of Captn. Manassah Sawyer's Compy. in Col. Josiah Whitney's regt. for service at R.I. from July 30 to Sept. 13,
Page 26

1778, 1 month, 15 days; - Upon a list of 9 months more Captn. Warner's Compy. in the 10th regt. from July 18, 1779 to April 18, 1780, and upon a list of those to whom certificates were issued for this service, - The preceding is all the evidence of service in this case. 

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same not appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case. 

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. 

[signature] John G. Palfrey
Secretary of the Commonwealth
X
Page 27

I Hobart Houghton of Sterling in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, being thirty six year of age depose and say I have good reason to believe that my mother, Esther Houghton was entitled to a pension at the time of her decease, and I for myself + Brothers and sister request the Secretary of the Commonwealth to examine the Rolls and Documents in his office for proof of the service of Nathl Houghton of Sterling which was formerly a part of Lancaster, (and then called Chocksett) And according to the best of my knowledge and belief my said Father Nathl Houghton, was in the Service of the Revolution three or four different times, in all amounting to near three years - That he was in the service at White Plains - And also in the service at Saratoga and was at the capture of Burgoyne - He was also in the service and stationed at West Point. That he was in one nine months service under Capt Wm Warner. He was also in the service at Dorchester Heights in the company of Capt Manassah Sawyer. And that he does not recollect the names of all the officers under whom he served.
[signature] Hobart Houghton
Worcester ss. May 3 1845  Subscribed before me G. Thurston, Justice of the Peace
Page 28

Brighton August 3, 1845

Dear Sir, 

I enclose to you herewith the claims of the children of Mrs. Esther Houghton, deceased of Sterling, for the Pension due her at the day of her decease. 

Very Best your
[illegible]
[signature] Elijah Clark
Page 29

Brighton October 23d. 1845

Dear Sir, 

I enclose to you herewith the additional evidence in the case of Esther Houghton widow of Nathaniel Houghton. The date of his discharge from the last three years service can without doubt be found in the Record in your office, it has been suggested by a surviving Patriot of the Massachusetts Line that there was a Nathaniel Houghton in Col. Wm. Sheppards Regiment in the last part of the War. Your letter of date Sept.12. has been received. 
Very Best your 
[illegible]
[signature] Elijah Clark

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Page 30

Payment to be made
at {left blank}
by {left blank}

Agent for paying Pension-
ers in the Agency of {left blank}

Payable on the 4th March, 
and 4th September in each
year.

Recorded in the Pension
Office in Book {left blank} Vol. {left blank}
Page {left blank} by {left blank}

Clerk
Page 31

WAR DEPARTMENT. 
Widow's Pension.

I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Esther Houghton, who died in August 1842, who was the widow of Nathaniel Houghton, who was a private was entitled to a pension at the rate of $64.11 per ann: comg on the 27 January 1839, and ending on the 4th of March, 1841, which will be paid when the production of the [illegible] voucher to Esther, Luke, Aderson and Hobart Houghton, only surviving children of Esther Houghton, dead. _

Given at the War Office of the United States, this 21st day of November one thousand eight hundred and forty five. 

Secretary of War

Payment to be made 
at Boston, [illegible]

Examined and Countersigned}

Commissioner of Pensions
Page 32

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester, ss.

I, Charles G. Prentiss Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court, that Nathaniel Houghton was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of {left blank}; was a resident of the County of Worcester in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and died in Sterling, in said County in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine on the twenty seventh day of January; that he left a widow whose name was Esther Houghton, that the said Esther Houghton died on the twenty third day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty two, and that she left but four Children living, whose names are Esther Houghton, Luke Houghton, Adison Houghton, + Hobart Houghton. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Worcester, this fifth day of August in the year of our Lot, one thousand eight hundred and forty five. 
[signature} Charles G. Prentiss, Register.
Page 33

Schedule.

Declaration, in order to be continued on the Pension List under the Act of May 1st 1820.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Worcester ss.

On this 19th day of December, 1828, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Common Pleas, being a Court of record for the County of Worcester, Nathaniel Houghton, resident in said County aged sixty eight 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 March 1818, and the 1st May, 1820: that he the said Houghton enlisted about the first of July, 1779, in a company commanded by Capt. William Warner in Col. Thomas Marshall's Regiment, being the tenth on the Massachusetts line, as a private: that he continued to serve in said corps during full nine months, till the 16th of April 1780 - when he was honorably discharged, at West Point in the State of New York; - that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension, except the present; that his name has been placed on the pension list: that the number of his pension certificate is 1,500 - and that he never before exhibited a schedule of his property, excepting on his application for a restoration to his pension on the 11th of July, 1820 which was not granted, on account of the amount of his property then in his possession, and he has not till very recently become so much reduced, as to think another application would be granted. 

And, in pursuance of the act of the 1st of May, 1820, I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th 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 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: + 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,
Page 34

other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. That since the 18th of March, 1818, the following changes have been made to my property - 
The Schedule marked (A.)
My occupation has been that of a farmer, but am not able to do any labour of consequence, on account of a hernia, or breach, which I have been subjected to for about twelve years, and other infirmities incident to persons of my age. my wife, named Esther Houghton, is aged 65 years, and for many years past has been an invalid, generally unable to perform any labor whatever, but requires nursing and medical aid. My property has become so much reduced that I am unable to support myself without the aid of public or private charity. - My wife and myself constitute my family, but we live in a house together or sufferance of the owner merely and have done so, for some years, and have been principally supported by my labor during most of that time. 
[signature] Nathaniel Houghton

Sworn to, and declared, on the 19th day of December 1828 before the Court aforesaid. 
[signature] Attest. Abijah Bigelow, Clerk

I, Abijah Bigelow, Clerk of the said Court of Common Please do hereby certify, that is appears, to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said Nathaniel Houghton 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 the 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 said Nathaniel Houghton hath no property. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this nineteenth day of December 1828. 
[signature] Abijah Bigelow, Clerk
Page 35

Schedule (A.)

On the 18th March 1818 I had in my possession the following property, 2 cows - 1 Heifer - 1 Horse - 1 Colt - 7 sheep - 2 hogs - 2 pigs - 2 chains - 1 cart - 1 plough - 1 Grindstone. 

The horse I exchanged away to one Thomas Newhall and gave $15. as boot money for another horse instead of the first, which sum of $15 I borrowed of Saml. Houghton for this purpose, and gave him my note therefor, which I paid and took up some time after, but cannot recollect precisely when. 

The horse I had of said Newhall I sold to one Houghton Roper for $85. I think in 1823 and took his note therefor, and he paid me not long afterwards. I think about $25. out of which I think I paid said Saml. Houghton the note he had against me for the money I borrowed of him aforesaid, and the remainder went for necessary articles used in my family see affidavits A + B. Said Roper soon after failed, and I communed an action on said note against him in Decr. 1823, + obtained judgment in June 1824 for $58.18 debt, and $11.08 costs, of which sums Isaac Goodwin Esq. my Attorney, in said suit, took said costs, and a out $9. more for a confession he had against me, in favor of one Ezra Pratt for blacksmith work, I took $20 only of said execution, which went to pay for necessary articles consumed in my family, and the residue of said execution, to wit $29.96 I let Ebenr. Pope retain, for the payment of a note I gave him long before, for goods out of his store for the use of myself and family, and for an old wagon, for which I was to pay him I think $10.00  See affidavits C.G.

The Colt I kept until the Spring of 1826 for I had another horse of Moses Gill 2d and that horse I let Samuel Houghton of Sterling have, with other property on the 1st Jany 1828 for which last mentioned horse said Saml. Houghton allowed me $30. in part payment of  four notes he held against me, which said notes then amounted to $58.60 see affidavit A. 

The two hogs and two pigs were killed and partly consumed in my family and a part we exchanged for other articles necessary for my family, one cow I killed in the fall of 1820, and laid up for family use, the other cow I sold for $17 in the fall of 1824 which money I laid out for necessaries for myself and family. The said Heifer I kept until about a year
Page 36

since when I disposed of her to Lucia Houghton in discharge for a note she held against me for monies recd of her at divers times long before, but precisely when I cannot state: the sum I owed her, I think exceeded $30 exclusive of interest, see Affidavit D. 

The Cart has been entirely worn long since and become of no value whatever. 

Four of the 7 sheep I killed and had them consumed in my family, as well as the lambs they had from time to time. The other three sheep I let Saml. Houghton have, at the same time he had the horse aforesaid, to wit, Jany. 1, 1828: and at the same time I let him have an old sled and yoke, a lot of lumber, 2 chains, 10 bushels of corn, and an old wagon, the whole of which property amounted to $58.60 being the amount of said four notes of hand he held against me, which were for necessary articles I originally had for myself and family. It was with difficulty that I found property sufficient to pay the said Saml. Houghton's said demands. I let him have all the personal property of every kind that I had at that time, and I am now entirely destitute of any kind of property real or personal - see Affidavit A. 

On the 26th June 1823, I gave my note to Nathl. Houghton Esq. of Barre, for $350.00 which was the amount of sundry small notes I had given him from time to time for money he let me have to pay for necessary articles used and expended in my family from 1812 to 1823 together with the use of his mare from 1813 to 1819. 

On the 21st of Oct. 1828 said Nathl. Houghton Esq. called on me for payment of said $350 and interest and not being able to pay him, to save a suit, I gave him a confession upon said note before Alexr. Dustin, Esq, for the amount thereof, and interest, amounting to $463. upon which he sued out an execution on the 5th Nov. 1828 and had it levied on the rents and profits of the real estate which I held in right of my wife, and the same were set off for 15 years from the 18th of said Nov. 1828 see copy of execution +c. F + Affidavit E. 

If I live till next July I shall be 69 years old, I am entirely destitute of property of any kind, excepting my wearing apparel + have no place in which to dwell, with my wife, except on sufferance of others, and have no means by which to support myself and wife, other than with my labor.
Page 37

By the will of my wife's father I am entitled to receive $300 out of his estate at the decease of my wife, if I should survive her, but this is a contingent fund which is without my control during her life, and of such a nature that it cannot, by the laws of this State, be considered my property until it actually comes into my hands. 

[signature] Nathaniel Houghton
A Copy
Attest. Abijah Bigelow, Clerk
Page 38

A.
Samuel Houghton's 
Affidavit
Page 39

A. I Samuel Houghton of Sterling in the County of Worcester, of lawful age testify + say that I hold against Nathaniel Houghton of said Sterling, four notes of hand, which amounted to fifty eight dollars and sixty cents including the interest, which he gave partly for money paid him and partly for articles which went into his family for their supports, two of said notes he gave in the year 1825 + the other two in 1826. I called upon said Houghton for the payt. thereof on the first day of January last; and finding him unable to satisfy the amounts in money or security, it was with much difficulty that he could find personal property sufficient to secure the same: I accordingly purchased all the personal property I found in his possession, and I allowed him more thereof than the then true value thereof, concluding it was all I could ever expect to get of him, which property I had of him for the payment of said Notes is as follows, OVL. 
One old horse ---$30.00
one old waggon ---5.00
3 Sheep---8.00
A Lot of Lumber ---5.00
An old sled + yoke---2.00
2 Chains---1.00
10 bushels of corn---7.00
$58.00
I sold the horse + waggon + two chains at auction. I got for the horse $26.25. + for the waggon $2.20. + the 2 chains for .96 cents, the other articles except the corn I now have on hand. I know that G. Houghton is very poor, and destitute and still owes other debts that he cannot pay and I know not any way he could pay five dollars-
Page 40

He is quite infirm and lame. He is not able to do but very little labour. 
I well recollect said Nathaniel Houghton exchanging horses with one Thomas Newhall but he gave Newhall $15.00 which sum I paid [illegible] said Houghton, and took his note, which he afterwards paid me, which was the same exchange of horses made by G. Houghton with said Newhall as is testified of by Nathan Wait of said Sterling in his affidavit dated Decr. 13, 1828. It was with much difficulty that I obtained the payment of said Note. 
[signature] Samuel Houghton

Worcester ss Decr. 16th, 1828 The above affidavit was subscribed and sworn to by the said Samuel Houghton before me.
[signature] Alexr Dustin Justice of the Peace

I also certify that I am personally acquainted with said Samuel Houghton + his character for truth & veracity is good. 
[signature] Alexr Dustin, Justice of the Peace
Page 41

B.
I Nathan Wait of Sterling in the County in the County of Worcester testify and say that, several years ago I went in company with John Robbins Esqr. to the house of Nathaniel Houghton of said Sterling for the purpose of appraising under oath the property of said Houghton, which he [illegible], as he was then about applying for the renewal of his Pension Certificate, having understood by him that he had previously drawn a pension from the United States. I recollect that there was one horn & Colt & there was some other property which we then appraised; but the amount I think I do not recollect but think it was all appraised under two hundred dollars. The horse aforesaid he exchanged off for another with one Thomas Newhall, and gave I think $15.00 as boot money. The horse he had of Newhall he sold to Houghton Roper of said Sterling, who shortly afterwards failed before he made payment of the Note he gave said Houghton for said horse, which note I think was for the payment of about $85. I am well acquainted with said Houghton's circumstances, and it is such in his favor to pay one dollar without taking from himself & wife the necessary comforts of life. 
He is aged and very infirm, has a breach in the abdomen, lame in one knee, and not able to perform but very little labour. 
He is a man of good character for truth and veracity. I know of several small debts against him the he cannot possibly pay. 
[signature] Nathan Wait
Worcester ss. Decr. 13, 1828  The above affidavit was subscribed and sworn to, before me: 
[signature] Alexr Dustin Justice of the Peace
Page 42

B.
Nathan Wait
Affidavit
Worcester ss. Decr. 13, 1828. I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the within deponent, and he sustains a good character for truth. 

[signature] Alexr Dustin, Justice of the Peace
Page 43

C. 
Ebenr. Pope's 
Affidavit
Page 44

C.
I Ebenezer Pope of Sterling in the County of Worcester, of lawful age testify and say that I well recollect Nathaniel Houghton of Sterling aforesaid had a note against one Houghton Roper then of said Sterling for the sale of a horse as testified of by Nathan Wait of said Sterling as will appear by said Wait's affidavit, signed and sworn to the 13th of Decr. 1828. - That a short time after said Roper failed said Houghton said said Roper on said Note and obtained an Execution against him for the sum of $58.18. [illegible] + costs $11.08. which Execution I had first into my hand to collect as a Deputy Sheriff. After much difficulty I collected said sum. A part of said Execution to wit $40. was paid to Isaac Goodwin Esqr. the attorney who obtained Judgt. and said Execution for said Houghton before it was given to me to collect and the balance, which is $29.26. cents I now hold in my hand in payment of notes of hand he gave me property for goods had out of my store in 1809 & 1810. and about ten dollars of the said sum was for an old horse waggon I sold him in 1812, or 1813. I have always known said Houghton. He is now aged and quite infirm and not able to do but very little labour. He is poor and destitute of any viable property. He has been a fair upright man towards his auditors; ready to give up the last cent to pay an honest debt. His character for truth + veracity is good. 
[signature] Ebenr. Pope. 

Worcester ss. Decr. 13th 1828. Subscribed and sworn to by said Ebenr. Pope, before me. I am personally acquainted with said Pope and his character for truth + veracity is good. 
[signature] Alexr Dustin, Justice of the Peace
Page 45

D.
I Lucia Houghton of Barr, in the County of Worcester of lawful age, testify and say, that Nathaniel Houghton of Sterling in said county, was indebted to me on a note of about thirty dollars for cash, which I loaned to him, several years since - and on which said Houghton paid me neither principal nor interest. I called upon him for the payment of the same, about a year since, and he told me he could not  pay it {illegible}  I took a cow + a calf that he had, which I {illegible} to, and gave him up his note in payment therefor --
[signature] Loucia Houghton

D
Worcester ss December 15, 1828
Then the above named deponent made oath to the above by her subscribed before me
[signature] Nath Houghton Just of the Peace

Worcester ss. Decr. 18th 1828 Lucia Houghton, the above deponent is a person of good character, and entitled to full faith + credit as a witness + is well known by me, 
[signature] Seth Lee Justice of the Peace
Page 46

Nathaniel Houghton, 
application for restoration 
to his pension. 
Worcester County, 
Massachusetts

ReStore-
pen. to com: Dec. 25, 1828

[signature]
Hon. J. Locke, H.R.
Page 47

E.
Affidavit
of 
Nath. Houghton of
Barre
Page 48

E. 
I Nathaniel Houghton of Barre in the county of Worcester of lawful age testify and say- that Nathl. Houghton of Sterling became indebted me for certain sums of money which I loaned him from the year 1812 to the year 1828 for which he gave [illegible] and to a horse which I sold him and also for the use of a mare for foals, which he had the use of from 1813 to 1819 - and upon a settlement of the above, he gave me his note on the sixteenth day of June AD 1823. for the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars and instead the said Houghton not having been able to pay me - and being in possession of a [illegible] real estate in Sterling - dependent on the life of his wife. I obtained a  judgement and execution against said Houghton before Alexander Dustin Esq for the amount of said note + interest and had the same levied upon said real estate and the improvement of the same lot off to me for 15 years - this being all the estate of the said Houghton had at this time, to my knowledge.
[signature]
Nathl Houghton

Worcester SS Decr. 16th 1828 The above affidavit was submitted and sworn to by said Nathl. Houghton before me, I am personally acquainted with the above deponent + he sustains a good character for truth. 
[signature] 
Alex. Dustin, Justice of the Peace
Page 49

F.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Seal To the Sheriff of the County of Worcester, his under Sheriff or Deputy, or either of Constable of the town of Sterling in the 
County of Worcester, 
Greeting. 
Because Nathaniel Houghton of Sterling in the County of Worcester. Gentleman, on the twenty first day of October in the year of our Lord 1828, before Alex Dustin Esquire, one of the Justices of the Peace for the said County of Worcester, acknowledges that he was indebted to Nathaniel Houghton of Barre, in the County of Worcester, Esquire, in the sum of four hundred and sixty three dollars, which he ought to have paid on the first day of November, instant, and the same sum remains unpaid, $603.25 as it is said. We command you, therefore, that of the Goods, Chattel, or Real Estate of the said Nathaniel within your precinct, you cause to be paid and satisfied unto the said Nathaniel Esquire, at the value thereof in money, the sum last above said, with twenty five more for this Writ, and thereof also to satisfy yourself your own lawful fees: And for want of goods, chattel, or Real Estate of the said Nathaniel, Gentleman, to be found within your precinct, to the acceptance of the said Nathaniel, Esquire, to satisfy the sum aforesaid, and your said fees, we command you to the body of the said Nathaniel, Gentleman, and him commit unto your gaol in Worcester, in our County of Worcester, aforesaid, there to be detained in the said gaol until he pay the full sums above said, with your said fees, or that the said Nathaniel, Gentleman, be discharged by the said Nathaniel, Esquire, the Creditor, or otherwise by order of law. Hereof fail not, and make return of this Writ, with your doings therein unto the above named Justice, within sixty days next coming. Witness the said Justice at Sterling the fifth day of November in the year of our Lord 1828. 

[signature] Alex Dustin, Justice of the Peace

Worcester SS. November 18, 1828. We the subscribed, being all freeholders in said County of Worcester, and having all this day been duly chosen, and sworn, to the faithful and impartial appraisement of such Real Estate of the within named Nathaniel Houghton, debtor,
Page 50

as should be shown to us to be appraised in order to satisfy this Execution  and all fees, have this day viewed a farm lying in Sterling in said County shown to us by the Creditor within named, as the Estate of the said Nathaniel Houghton, Debtor, which said tracts of land are bounded as follows, to wit, bounded Northerly on the County road, Easterly on the town road, Southerly on land of Moses Thomas, Westerly on land of Cophas Newhall, and John Springer, beginning at the Northerly corner by the road, a heap stones, thence South 20º West 44 rods and 11 links, to a stake and stones, thence N. 68  1/2 West 60 rods + 19 links to a heap stones, thence South 12º West 62 rods to a heap of stones, then South 76 1/2 East 91 rods to a heap of stones, thence North 7 1/2 East 30 rods and 10 links to a heap stones, thence South 76 East 16 rods and 15 links to a heap stones: thence North 34 East 17 rods to a heap stones, thence North 24 East 47 rods and fifteen links to a heap stones, thence North 73º West 55 rods to the first mentioned bound; containing 48 acres and three quarters of an acre - Also a piece of meadow land in said Sterling as the Estate of the said Nathaniel Houghton and the heirs of Ezra Kendall, deceased, in common and undivided, bounded as follows Northerly, Westerly + Southerly on land of Samuel Sawyer 2d. and Easterly on land of Silas Thurston; beginning at the Northerly corner, a stake and stones; thence South 52 1/2 West 23 rods to a heap stones; thence South 64 1/2 West 7 rods + 8 links to a heap stones; thence South 31 East 10 rods to a stake; thence South 89 1/2 East 35 rods + 10 links to a white oak stump, thence North 6 1/2 East 15 rods + 10 links to a heap stones; thence North 47 1/2 West 10 rods and 20 links to a heap stones; thence North 47 1/2 West 10 rods and 20 links to a heap stones; thence North 79 West 11 rods + + 10 links to the first mentioned bound; containing five acres of which said described lands said Houghton the Debtor has only the right of taking the Rents and Profits of the same annually until the decease of himself or the decease of his wife; we have set off the same to the within Creditor to hold in the same manner that the said debtor has held the same for the term of fifteen years, provided the said Debtor and his wife shall live so long or until the decease of either the Debtor or his wife, to satisfy this Execution and all fees - in witness whereof  we have hereunto set our hands 
{Thos H. Blood 
Jacob Conant
Moses Sawyer}

Worcester SS. November 18, 1828 The Debtor within named failing to satisfy this Execution by [illegible] or other Specie and the Creditor within named finding no personal Estate to his acceptance wherewith to satisfy the said Execution,
Page 51

and thinking proper to Levy the same in the Real Estate of the within named Nathaniel Houghton, debtor, to satisfy the said Execution and the judgement on which it was rendered and all fees, I have this day caused Thomas H. Blood, Jacob Conant and Moses Sawyer, Gentlemen, all of Sterling in said County and freeholders, being three disinterested and discreet men, to be duly sworn faithfully and impartially to appraise, according to their best skill and judgment, the income of such Real Estate of the within named Nathaniel Houghton, as should be shown to them, to satisfy this Execution and all fees, as will appear by the foregoing certificate of the Justice: the said Thomas H. Blood being chosen by the creditor within named, and Jacob Conant by the Debtor within named, + Moses Sawyer by myself, and the aforesaid tracts of land, continuing fifty three acres + three fourths of an acre, of which five acres is lying in common and undivided with the heirs of Ezra Kendall late of Sterling deceased, which is bounded and described in the appraisers return, being shown to the said Appraisers by the said Creditor within named, as the right to improve + receive the Rents and Profits during the life of the wife of the said Nathaniel Houghton, debtor, within named, which land the said appraisers have set out by meter and bounds, and have appraised the income of said land for the term of fifteen years from the 18th day of November 1828, at the amount of said Execution, in order to satisfy the same, and I delivered seizin (sic) and possession of the same to the Creditor within named. 
I therefore return this Execution wholly satisfied -

[signature]
Saml. Davis Dep. Sheriff seal
November 18, 1828 I certify that I have received seizin (sic) and possession of the above described premises of Samuel Davis Deputy Sheriff in full satisfaction of the above debt and cost - Nathl Houghton.

Tus. Dollarage         $8.63
Travel                            .08
Appraisers                  4.00
Registry of Execution 1.00
Justice's fee                 .25
                                  ______
                                 $13.96

Tue. Dec. 16, 1828  Env. + Exand. By Art.s Ward Regr.

The foregoing is a true Copy of Record as recorded in the Registry of Deeds Book 264 Page 230 - 
Attest. Art.s Ward, Regr.
Page 52

G.
I Isaac Goodwin of Worcester in the County of Lancaster and State of Massachusetts, Counsellor and Attorney of Law, do depose and say, not at a term of the Court of Common Pleas for said County on the 3d Monday of June 1824 I recovered Judgment in Favour of Nathaniel Houghton of Sterling, an applicant for a pension, against one Houghton Proper of said Sterling, for 58.18 debt, and 11.08 costs of suit - That I record 20.$ on said Ex'on which I applied to the payment of said costs, and the residue 8.92 I paid to one Ezra Pratt, in payment of a Recognizance, entered into by said Houghton, to said Pratt in payment of an account due to him for BlackSmith work, which consisted of charges for shoeing a horse, and sundry small articles. 
I afterwards record on said Ex'on another sum of 20.$ which I paid over to said Houghton which he immediately appropriated to the payment of sundry bills due for Groceries, used by his Family. 
[signature] Isaac Goodwin

Worcester SS. Decr. 19th 1828 The above named Isaac Goodwin subscribed and under oath to the foregoing affidavit before me; and that he is a Gentleman with whom I am well acquainted and sustains an unimpeachable character for truth. 
[signature] Alexr Dustin Justice of the Peace
Page 53

Josiah Kendall's Will 2nd Copy

In the name of God, Amen. 
The first day of October AD. 1810, I Josiah Kendall of Sterling in the County of Worcester + Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Gentleman, being weak in Body but of sound and disposing mind and memory, Thanks be given unto God. Therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my Body, and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament, that is to say: 
Principally and first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it, and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the Discretion of my Executor nothing doubting, but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God - And as touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life, I give, demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form. 
I give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife Esther Kendall, the use and improvement of one third part of all the Lands, which I hereafter give to my Son Ezra Kendall one third part of the Pew where I now sit in the Meeting house, one half of my household furniture and my Chaise, my Clock and two Cows also Seventy five Dollars in Cash. 
I give and bequeath unto my Son Josiah Kendall in addition to what he has had a certain tract of Land laying in the Northerly part of Westminster containing about twenty two Acres be the same, more or less, bounding Easterly on land of Benjamin Seaver, Southerly on land of Spaulding, Westerly on land of Oliver Jackson and partly on Wetherby land, North on the road and on said Wetherby - Also I give him a certain piece of land laying in the Northwest part of Sterling between the two County roads that leads from Sterling to
Page 54

to Westminster beginning at the Northeasterly corner of said Land at a stake and stones, thence Southwardly on land of David Wittand + Roper to a white Pine tree then Westerly on land of said Roper to an Oak and on said Roper to a stake, then to the road, then on land of Nathan Burpee, North to the road, then Easterly on the road to the first mentioned bounds, it being all the Land I purchased of Elias Farnsworth. Also I give said Josiah Kendall all my right in the Atherton land (so called) which I own in common with my Son Josiah and all the other land I own near Rocky hill (so called) to hold before mentioned Real Estate his heirs I assign forever, in fee simple. 
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Esther Houghton in addition to what she has had, the use + improvement of the Farm where she now lives, being the land and buildings where she and her Husband Nathaniel Houghton now improve + which I purchased of Joseph Reid being formerly owned by Manasseh Sawyer, during her natural life - also one half of a meadow lot laying in little Pond swamp, so called, which I purchased of Manasseh Sawyer, the Westerly part, to be divided by a line Southwardly beginning at the middle of the North line and running so as to contain one half of said land and at the decease of said Esther I order said Farm sold by my Executors and the proceeds paid out as follows vis - as my Son in law Nathaniel Houghton be living I order my Executors to pay him Three hundred Dollars, the remainder equally divided between my four Grand Children vis Esther Houghton, Luke Houghton, Lutia Houghton, Addison Houghton + Hobart Houghton Children of the said Nathaniel and Esther Houghton. I also give to said four Grand children vis Esther, Luke, Lutia, Addison + Hobart Houghton out of my Personal Estate Two hundred Dollars to be paid them by my Executors when they arrive at the age of Twenty one years or marry. I further give my Daughter, Esther Houghton Four
Page 55

Four hundred dollars to be paid her by my son Ezra Kendall as I shall hereafter direct for her annual support.  I give and bequeath to my daughter Suey Wilder over and above what she has had a piece or tract of land laying in Gardner of about twenty one acres and a half bounded easterly & northerly on land of Simon Gates westerly and southwardly on land of Edward Jackson and the [illegible] miles it being part of the land I purchased of Simon Gates.  I also give said Suey Wilder in addition to a receipt signed by her & her husband Joel Wilder dated June 23d 1800 for three hundred thirty three dollars and thirty three cents.  Three hundred twelve dollars & sixty seven cents to be paid out of my personal estate by my executors within one year after my decease.  I also give said Suey Wilder one half of twenty five acres of pasture land I own in the easterly part of Princeton, bounding on the road and on land of Ezra Sawyer & Sergant, laying in common with what I shall hereafter give my son Ezra Kendall in quantity and quality.  To hold the before mentioned real estate her heirs and assigns forever in fee simple.
I give & bequeath to my daughter Tabathy Wait in addition to what she has had the homestead place or farm where I now live by her paying any executors three hundred dollars & building being seventy eight acres & lays in three separate pieces with the reserve of her mother's third during her natural life.  I also give said Tabathy Wait one other piece of land containing ten acres and lays adjacent to land of William Ross being the land I purchased of Jonas Hobbs to have & to hold the before mentioned real estate forever in fee simple.
I give and bequeath to my son Ezra Kendall in addition to what he has had, all the land and buildings where he now lives and improves with the appurtenances thereunto belonging including all the land and buildings I purchased of Ebenezer Ross also the land I purchased of Doct. Pierson Kendall also the land I purchased of Capt. Daniel Robbins, bounding on land formerly Joseph Seaver & the Wo Katharine Osgood.  also all the land I own in Charleston Farm (we called) & for particulars of said land reference may be had to the settlement of my father's estate & deeds I have of the [illegible] owners.  I also give & bequeath to
Page 56

said Ezra, not only the before mentioned real estate by his paying as I direct, but I give him one half of the land I own in the easterly part of Princeton, laying in common with the other half which I have given my daughter Suey Wilder also two thirds of the pew in the meeting house where I commonly sat & the other third at the decease of my wife also half gallery pew No. 14 together with all my farming tools - reserving thirds for my wife agreeable to what I have before given her.  The condition of the before mentioned gift and my directions is that said Ezra pay my daughter Esther Houghton four hundred dollars in the following manner viz.  Fifty dollars a year untill paid without interest, it being for her yearly support.  To have & to hold the before mentioned real estate forever in fee simple.
I give to my three daughters viz. Esther Houghton Suey Wilder and Tabathy Wait, one half of my household furniture & at the decease of my wife, the other half.
I do appoint my two sons Josiah Kendall & Ezra Kendall my sole executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made ordering them to pay all general charges, just debts, legacies and bequests according to this my last will and testament.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year aforesaid.
Signed, sealed, published & declared by the above named Josiah Kendall to be his last will & testament in the presence of us, who have hereunto set out names as witnesses in presence of the testator.
John Robbins
Ezra Sawyer
Enos Goring }
Josiah Kendall SS
A copy as of record appears
Theophs Wheeler Reg
Proved and approved Feby 6th 1810
T Wheeler
Page 57

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Worcester, Ss
I, Abijah Bigelow, clerk of the Judicial Courts, within and for the County of Worcester do certify that Artemas Ward, Esq, whose name is affixed to the copy of the execution and levy of the officer, hereto annexed, is Register of Deeds for said county, duly qualified and authorized to keep the records relating to the conveyances of real estate within said county, and is the proper person to certify copies thereof.  that full faith and credit are to be given to all his doings as such Register and that his name so affixed as aforesaid, is in his own proper hand writing.
I also certify that Theoph. Wheeler, Esq., whose name is affixed to the copy of the will &c. hereto annexed, is Register of Probate for said county, qualified to make out and certify copies of all papers and matters in his office, pertaining to the Court of Probate for said county, that full faith and credit are due to all his acts as such Register, and that his name, so affixed as aforesaid is in his own proper hand writing.
I also certify that Alexander Dustin, Nathaniel Houghton (of Barre) and Seth Lee, Esquires, are Justices of the Peace, within and for said county, duly qualified and authorized to administer oaths, and take depositions in said county; that full faith and credit are to be given to all their acts as such Justices, and that their respective signatures, as affixed to the papers hereto annexed appear to be in their own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof, the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said county is hereunto affixed, this 25th day of December, A. D. 1828
Abijah Bigelow, Clk
[seal]