Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,657, Charles Colton, New York.

Page 1

(8-1776) 
SERVICE
New York
Colton, Charles
or Cotton
Alethea
Number
W.15.657
CONTENTS

Page 2

19.250  [overwrote 18.350]
Vermont
Charles Colton
of Windham Co in the State of Vermont
who was private in the Company commanded
by Captain Maize of the [illegible] commanded
by Col. [illegible] in the N.Y. [illegible]
line for 21 mo [capital S]
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 70 Dollars 00 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Augt.
1833 and [illegible]
D.J. Putnam Saxtons River
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $140.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending [illegible] 35.00
$175.00
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by W.L. Williams Clerk,
Book E Vol. 3 Page 9

Page 3

5256 M
Vermont.
Alethea Colton
widow of Charles Colton
who served in the Revolutionary
war as a [N.Y. handwritten above] Private
for 21 months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
70 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
10th day of Dec. 1849
and sent to
John H. Campbell,
Saxton River,
Vermont

Page 4

State of Vermont
County of Windham [line round last letters of both lines]
On this ninth day of August one thousand eight hundred
[margin mark of No 3]
and thirty two personally offered in open court before
the Probate court for the District of Westminster in
said County of Windham and State of Vermont
now sitting Charles Colton a resident of Athens
in said County of Windham and State of Vermont
aged seventy two years, who being first duly sworn
according to law doth on his oath make the -
following declaration in order to obtain the
benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 [10 crossed out] 1832
That he was born in the Town of Brimfield
County of Hampshire and State of Massachusetts
in the year 1759 - that he enlisted a volunteer in
the United States service at said Brimfield in
the Mass militia in the year 1777 for the term of three
months under Capt Maizo and Lieut Fairbanks - 
marched through Springfield, Bennington & Whitehall
to Ticonderoga, and was there stationed and served
out the full term of enlistment aforesaid, and was
then dismissed by had not written discharge -
In the same year as aforesaid the deponent
again entered the service of the United States, being
drafted for the term of three months also, at Brimfield
aforesaid and served under Col Abner Mun and
Capt Joseph Hoan.  Deponent marched through
Bennington to Ticonderoga aforesaid.  At this time
the U.S. troops evacuated Ticonderoga and the -
deponent with the other forces retreated to Hubbardton,
where they encamped for the night &
on the following morning the battle ensued, in which
the Deponent was engaged - The company to which
the Deponent belonged was no engaged, but the Deponent
was drawn out from his company on the rearguard.
The Deponent while at said Ticonderoga

Page 5

(so called) was stationed chiefly at Mount Independence
The commander in chief at this station was St. Clair
The Deponent was dismissed at said Hubbardton
after having served the full term of three months
aforesaid but had no written discharge -
The above service was in the militia

The Deponent again entered the services of the 
United States at said Brimfield in the year 1780
in the Mass militia, also the term of another three
months, as a volunteer under Capt Joseph Brown Browman
and Lieut Simeon Keep, marched through
Wilberham, Springfield, and Fishkill to West Point
and was there when Gen Arnold traitorously negotiated
the surrender of said West Point to the British
The Deponent believes he enlisted as a volunteer
After having served the full term of his enlistment
the Deponent was dismissed at said West Point
but had no written discharge

The Deponent again entered the time he is uncertain
the U.S. Service by enlistment as a 
volunteer in the Mass militia at said Brimfield
under Capt John Carpenter, for the term of
nine months, and was stationed in Springfield, 
to guard Connecticut stores at which place he 
served the full time of his enlistment and was
then discharged having received no written discharge -
The Deponent again entered the US service
in the Mass militia as a volunteer, (the time of which 
he is uncertain) at said Brimfield for the term
of another three months under adjutant White
no other officers being recollected, marched through
Wilberham Westfield and Greenbush and was 
stationed at Albany N.Y. where he served

Page 6

the full term of three months, when he was
dismissed no [written, inserted above line] discharge being given-
The deponent hereby relinquishes every claim whatever
to a pension or annuity except the present
and declares that his name is not on the pension
roll of the agency of any state.
No 3 That he recollect no farther particulars in
regard to the time of his entering or leaving
the service nor any other officers or troops then
as above mentioned -
No 2 Deponent knows of no other evidence as he can obtain
but such as is here in court.
No 3 Since the Revolution he has lived in Westminster
and Athens Vt only - He declares that he has
No. 2  no documentary evidence. There is no clergyman
No. 4  resident in Athens but believes that Rev.
Mr. Fields of Westminster will soon be present 
and Esqr. Ball a neighbor now present will
No 3 certify as required he believes he was a volunteer except
once. (Signed) Charles Colton
Sworn and subscribed to the same day and year aforesaid. Peter M. Saft Judge
No 1 Personally appeared on the same day as aforesaid
in open court Thaddeus Alexander Esqr and
And Abraham Ball Esgr and upon their oaths deposed
and swore that they are well acquainted with the
said Charles Colton and have so known for
more than thirty years past, and at various
times from their first acquaintance to the present
time have often heard him recount
his revolutionary services, that they believe him
to have served in the Revolution - that they consider
him a man of truth and sincerity and that
his affidavit on that subject may be implicitly
relied on, that they believe him seventy two years old
Sworn to and subscribed on this  Thaddeus Alexander
Same day and year aforesaid    Abraham Ball
Peter M Saft Judge

Page 7

Personally appeared in open court [Illegible]
Miller of Westminster VT a credible person, who
being duly sworn deposed and saith, that
he is of the age of seventy one, that he is [illegible]
[illegible, fold in document] the widow and [illegible] acquainted 
with the said Charles Colton, that he is a 
native of Brimfield the same place of his
nativity, that he served with him in the Rev
service in the same company the term
of three months, does not recollect any officers
except for a lieutenant whose name was White
but he knew of a Colton going out at least
two other times how long he does not remember
[illegible] being a man of truth    Vaniah Miller
Subscribed and sworn to on
the same day and year aforesaid
Peter M. Saft Judge

[mostly illegible due to thick lettering]
here by declare these [illegible] after the
certification of this matter and after [illegible]
applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served in the
officers name Lieut Abraham Ball and Thaddeus [illegible]
[illegible]
Peter M Saft Judge

I Asa [illegible] Clerk and Register of this [illegible]
court do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the original proceedings
of the [illegible[ court in the matter of the application
of Charles Colton for a pension
In testimony whereof I have [illegible] set any
hand and seal of office this ninth day of
August AD 1832 Asa [illegible]

Page 8

[ho 1819 in margin]
Personally appeared Zadock Hitchcock of
Westminster VT a credible person in open
court and being first duly sworn according
to the law Deposett and saith, that he
is of the age of sixty five, that he has known
the said Charles Colton from his Depo -
childhood, that when a boy he knew of
said Coltons going out into the service of
the Revolution several times but particulars
he does not remember, says he is a man of truth
Sworn and subscribed to an Zadock Hitchcock
the same day aforesaid
Peter M Saft Judge

Page 9

I Glen Hebheaek of Westminster County of Windham of State
of Vermont being seventy nine years of age do depose and say that I have
been acquainted with Charles Colton of Athens in the County of Windham, 
aforeside for more than sixty yeats that he came to live with
my father Nathan Hoane of Brimfield in the (then) County 
of Hampshire and State of Massachusetts at the age of eight years
and lived with him until he was one and twenty years of age
that during that time he was gone several times in to the
army that he went to Ticonderoga twice but the length of time
he was gone I do not recollect and further the deponent said not
[Illegible]
Glen Hebheard
[illegible]
State of Vermont
Windham County
Westminster July 6th 1832
Sworn before me John Smith (Justice Peace)
I here by certify that Glen Hebheaek the signing
of the above affidavit sustains a good moral character and is
a person of indoubted veracity and is personally known to me
John Smith Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont

Page 10

State of Vermont	Athens August 7 1832
Windham County
Personally appeared Abraham Ball
Nathaniel Hiles Lyman Alexander & Timothy H. Whitney
and made Oath that the foregoing instrument by them 
Testified contains the truth and nothing but the truth
before me   Maddock Alexander Justice of the Peace
This Certifyes that the above named Abraham Ball 
Nathaniel Hiles Lyman Alexander & Timothy H Whitney
are men of truth and veracity
Thad Alexander Justice of the Peace

Page 11

The application of Alethea Colton widow of
Charles Colton late of Athens a revolutionary pensioner
of The United States for a pension under The act of Congress
of the 2nd of February 1848
State of Vermont} Be it known that on the 8th day
Windham County} of September 1848 before the sworned in
John H Campbell a Justice of the peace in and for said
County duly authorized by law to administer oaths
personally appeared Alethea Colton widow of Charles
Colton late of said Athens a revolutionary pensioner of 
The United States and makes the following declaration
that she is Seventy nine years old that she married
the said Charles Colton of Westminster in Vermont
on the 7th day of December 1786 and that the said
Charles Colton was a pensioner of the United States under
the act of June 7th 1832 and that he drew the sum
of Seventy dollars per annum and that he died
on the 22nd day of December 1847 at said Athens and that
she now remains his widow and that the said Charles
was a private soldier in the army [Alethea Colton - signature]
Sworn and subscribed this 8th day of September
1848    Before me  John H Campbell Justice of the peace

I hereby certify that the above declarant Alethea
Colton is personally known to me and that she is a 
person of truth and veracity
John H Campbell [signature]

Page 12

State of Vermont
Windham County Court Clerk's Office
Newfane September 19th AD 1848
I Marshal Miller Clerk of said County certify that John
H Campbell is a Justice of the Peace in the aforesaid County,
[illegible, blocked] commissioned & qualified, that his Commission heard
[illegible, blocked] 30th 1847 and will expire on the 30th day of
November 1848 and that his signatures
within written are genuine
In testimony Whereas, I hereunto set
my hand & apply the Seal of said County
[Illegible] above written 
Attest Marshall Miller Clerk

Page 13

Town Clerks
Certificate

Page 14

Town Clerks Office
Westminster Oct 5, 1849
I hereby certify that the marriage of Charles Colton &
Alathea Goodell is not to be found on record in my office.
- Marriages which took place in the early settlement
of this town - from 1775 to 1790 were [illegible] recorded.
David Campbell Town Clerk
-----"------
Copy of a record found in a book
of "Births, Marriages & Deaths from 1788 to 1806"

Lucy Colton Daughter to Charles Colton & Alahea born
March 29th 1789
Jonathan Colton born April 22nd 1797
Lura Colton born Oct 14 1801
The above children also born in Westminster
The above is a true copy of what I read for record
March 16th, 1802
Attest Gideon Warner Clerk
Elias Colton son to Charles Colton & Alathea his wife
born Nov. 10. 1805
True Copy  Attest Gideon Warner Town Clerk
The record of the above births is a true copy from the
original record in this office
Attest D Campbell Town Clerk

Page 15

N.Y.
Rev Widow, &c.
-----------
File No. 15657
Alethea Colton
Widow of
Charles Colton
Pri Rev War
-----------
Act: Feb 2nd 48
Index:--Vol. a, Page 148
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Page 16

637
Vermont
Alethea Colton
widow of Charles Colton
who was a Private
in the Revolution
for 21 months
=========================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
70 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th (strikethrough) 22nd day of March (strikethrough) Dec 1847
Certificate of Pension issued the
10th day of Dec 1849
and sent to
John H Campbell
Saxton's River
Vermont
===========================
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.}
Recorded in Book 11
Vol. 2  Page 61

Page 17

Case of Charles Colton
[Illegible]
21 May
D.S. Putnam Esq -
Saxton's River

[strikethrough]
Daniel Kellogg Esq
Rockingham

Page 18

War Department
Pension Office
19 April 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under that act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of
your case in tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed
before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is
necessary to be done.  Those 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
Period when the service was rendered.
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years.
Months.
Days.
Rank of the claimant.
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J.L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

Mr. Charles Colton

Page 19

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 the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, 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, mucicians [sic] 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	} 88.
County of     			}
On this     day of     personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) of        in the country 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 ranks 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 the 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.  [Graphic of a finger pointing to the right] 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.
[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.
  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 the applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
No 1 [in left margin]
[Next two paragraphs are between parentheses]
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 the 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     and C.D. residing in (the same0
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 with that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after athe 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, resident 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 Court of       do hereby certify 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, this   day of     &c.
 
No 2 [in left margin]
[Next two paragraphs are between parentheses]
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or
commission; but if neither 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 a 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
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of services of each person
[Next paragraph is handwritten at bottom of page]
Those numbers are added by the Declarant and refer to correspondent Numbers in his original declaration
answering the requisitory of the clauses opposite them
& for the convenience of reference from his explanatory notes

Page 20

No 3 [in left margin]
[Next paragraph is between parentheses]
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 ex-
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 Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
No 4 [in left margin]
[Questions 1-6 are between parentheses]
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 with 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 services.
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 the 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 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, atttend [sic] 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 annexes is
his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking of effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in the case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein is 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 my invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
No 5 [in left margin]
[Statement (e) is between parentheses]
[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 a 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 and affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justic of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason
of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: --For ----- year ------ months, and 
-------- days, I served as a --------.  For -------- months and ------- days, I served as a ---------; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the low
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase [start italics] about three or four months, [end italics]
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 the other particulars respecting their service.  This form of 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 embodied corps called into service by competent
authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
[f] The law makes 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
papers.
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.
No 6 [in left margin]
[j] in a case where the name of the applicant is not found in 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.
[small graphic of finger pointing to right] The notes from [a] to [i] 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.

Page 21

Alethea Colton
Vt
Let. to Hon Wm. Henry
March 9 '49
John H. Campbell 18th Sept 1849
Same 15th Oct 49 [heavily smeared]

acct 17 June 44

Page 22

Charles Colton, Vt. act 7 June 32 $70.00 p anu
To what time was he last paid?
Ibid
Pension Office
Decem 5 1849
Died 22nd Dec 1847
paid until his death, MSM

Page 23

Parish Clerks
Certificate

Page 24

Westminster West Oct 5, 1849.
This may certify that there are no
Church Records in this place
showing what marriages were solemnized
in the place previous to the year 1799. Oct 31st
A. Stevens} Pastor of the Congregational Church in Westminster West

Page 25

Saxtons River Vermont Oct 5 1849
Hon J L Edwards
I herewith enclose all the evidence
we can procure in the case of Althea Colton [illegible]
it in her fathers family record in an old Bible and
there it is recorded that she was married Dec 7 1786
Respectfully yours
John H Campbell

Page 26

Saxtons River Vermont June 4 1849
Your letter of the 9th March to Hon William
Henry is now before and agreeable to your request
I herewith enclose the evidence of Althea Coltons
marriage also her declaration of it is satisfactory
pleas forward to me her certificate
To the Court of Pensions   Year [illegible]
Washington Bldg  John H Campbell

Page 27

Ebenezer Goddell of Westminster in the County of
Winchester and State of Vermont aged Seventy Three years
certify and say that Althea Colton widow of Charles
Colton late of Athens in said State is my sister that she
is some years older than I am, that she was united in
marriage to the said Charles Colton at said Westminster
by Ephraim Romney of Westminster a Justice of the peace
in and for the said Windham County authorized by the
Laws of Vermont to solemnize marriages, that I
was present at the wedding which took place in the
winter of the year One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety
and further your deponent saith not
Ebenezer Goodell
State of Vermont} Be it known that on the 17th
Windham County} day of May 1849 before me the
subscribed a justice of the peace in and for said County
duly authorized by law to administer oaths personally
appeared Ebenzer Goodell above named and made
oath in due form of Law that the above officiated by
him subscribed was true   John H Campbell Justice Peace

Page 28

State of Vermont
Windham County Court Clerk's Office
Newfane May 17 AD. 1849
I hereby certify that John H. Campbell is
a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly 
commissioned and qualified, and that his signature with is written
is genuine
Pretestimony whereas, I hereunto set my
hand, and apply the Seal of said County
the day and year above written.
Attested Marshall Miller, Clerk
[Seal applied]

Page 29

Saxtons River Aug 8 1849
Dear Sir
I received a letter from your
department through the Hon Wm Henry saying
that the [illegible] were admitted for which
Althea Colton widow of Charles Colton desiring
a pension and asking evidence of her marriage
I forwarded such evidence sometime since
and forwarded it to the department; if it is
satisfacroty please forward her certificate if 
not will you inform me what further
is necessary
With respect yours
Commission of Pensions   John H Campbell

Page 30

Cynthia Bailey
Deposition

Page 31

I Cynthia Bailey of Westminster in the County
of Windham and State of Vermont being of Seventy
Eight years of age depose and say. That I was present
at the Marriage of Charles Colton and Althea Goodell
now Alethea Colton of said Westminster, that the said
Marriage was solemnized by E. Romney then a justice
of the peace in said Westminster and I have good
reason to believe it took place in 1786 for I was
Married in February 1790 and the year before I 
was married I lived in the family of the said Charles
and Althea and nursed Mrs Colton at the time of
the birth of Lucy Colton their first child which
birth took place about one year before I was married
I further say that it was about three years
after their marriage before the birth of the said Lucy
Colton their daughter  I perfectly recollect that I was
married in 1790 in the month of February and also our
family record states the same face and I know that
it was the year previous that I lived with and in
family of Charles Colton and that it during
said year that Lucy was born and further more
deponent saith not     her 
                Cynthia   [large X]   Bailey
			          Mark
Subscribed and sworn this 5th day of October
AD. 1849 Before me John H Campbell Justice Peace

Page 32

From Clerks Office }  Oct 27, 1849
Westminster Windham Co Vt}  This may certify that the
record of the marriage of Charles Colton & Alathea Goodell
is not on record in this office - and also that the marriages
which occured in the early settlement of Westminster (from 1774 to 1798)
was seldom recorded in the Town Clerks Books.
	Attest D. Campbell Town Clerk
	Copy of the record of the births of Charles Colton
"Lucy Colton Daughter to Charles Colton & Alathea born March 29th 1789
Jonathan Colton  born --------------------------- April 22nd 1797
Luria Colton 	born ---------------------------- Oct 14th 1801
The above children all born in Westminster
The above is a true copy of what I record for record March 11th 1802
Attest Gideon Warner  T. Clerk
Elias Colton Son to Charles Colton & Alathea his wife born Nov 10th, 1805
True copy attest G. Warner Town Clerk"
I certify that the last above is a true copy from the original records
in this office 
Daniel Campbell Town Clerk
Be it known that before me John H Campbell a 
Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Windham
State of Vermont duly authorized to administer oaths
personally appeared Daniel Campbell above [illegible] Town
Clerk of Westminster and made oath that the foregoing
certificate by him subscribed was a true copy from the records
of said town in his office.  Before me John H Campbell Justice of the Peace

Page 33

State of Vermont
Windham County Court Clerks Office
Newfance October 27th AD. 1849
I certify that John H. Campbell is a Justice of the
Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned
[blocked by seal] qualified, and that his signature within
[blocked by seal] is genuine
The testimony whereof I hereunto set my
hand and affix the Seal of said Court the day & year above written
Attest Marshall Miller Clerk

Page 34

Saxtons River Vt  Nov 1 1849
Hon J L Edwards
I hearwith forward the further
proof in the case of Althea Colton
[Illegible]
John H Campbell

Page 35

I Cynthia Bailey of Westminster in the County
of Windham and State of Vermont do testify and say
that I am Sevety Seven years of age, that I have been
acquainted with Althea Colton widow of Charles Colton
late of Athens from childhood that she was married to
Charles Colton of said Westminster by Ezra Romney a Justice
of the Peace residing in said Westminster in the winter 
of 1789-90 whether at the close of 1789 or commencement
of 1790 I cannot tell.  I was present at the wedding
and it was about one year previous to my own 
marriage to Daniel Bailey which was in 1791 and
further your affiant saith not         
her
Cynthia [large X] Bailey
mark

State of Vermont} Be it known that on the 18th
Windham County} day of May 19849 before the
subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County
duly authorized by law to administer oaths personally
appeared Cynthia Bailey above named and made
oath in due form of law that the above affidavit
by her subscriber was true
John H Campbell  Justice of the Peace

Page 36

State of Vermont
Windham County Court Clerk's Office
Newfane May 18th AD. 1849
I hereby certify that John H. Campbell is a Justice of the
Peaice within and for said County, duly commissioned
and that his signature within written is genuine
On testimony Hereof, I hereunto set
my hand and affix the Seal of said County the day & year above
written
Attest Marshall Miller, Clerk

Page 37

Ebenz Goodell Esq.
Deposition

Page 38

I Ebenezer Goodell of Westminster in the County
of Windham and State of Vermont aged Seventy Three years
depose and say.  That I am a brother of Althea Colton now
of Athens widow of Charles Colton a revolutionary pensioner
of the United States deceased, that I was present at the wedding
or marriage of the said Charles and Althea which took
place at said Westminster according to my fathers family
record which is now before me on the 7th day of December
1786 and I know it took place about three years before
the birth of their eldest daughter Lucy Colton and by
the same family record she was born on the 29th day of March
1789  The said Charles and Althea have lived near me
ever since said marriage took place until his decease
The marriage ceremony was performed
by Esq. Romney then a Justice of the Peace in and for said
Westminster duly authorized by law to solemnize marriages
and further your deponent saith not
Ebenezer Goodell
Sworn and subscribed this 5th day of October
in the year AD 1849 at said Westminster
Before me John H. Campbell Justice Peace

Page 39

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act
of Congress of 2nd of February 1848 entitled an act making
further provision for surviving widows and soldiers of
the revolution
State of Vermont }  On this 1st day of June 1849
Westminster District } personally appeared before the
Probate Court for the District of Westminster Althea
Colton aged Eighty one years who first being 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 1848
granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the
revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Charles Colton who
was a soldier in the war of the revolution.  That her husband drew
a pension of Seventy dollars per annum at the time of his decease
That she was lawfully married to the said Charles Colton at
Westminster some years previous to 1794 by Esg. Romney then
a Justice of the peace in the said Westminster and that she still 
remains a widow, and that the said Colton for many years
previous to his death resided in Athens Vermont where I now reside.
Sworn and subscribed on the day }  Althea Colton
and year above written before }
me  Abishai Stoddard Register of Probate for said District of Westminster
I hereby certify that the above named declarant is personally
known to me and that she is the widow of Charles Colton
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name

Page 40

and affixed the seal of said court at Athens
in said District this first day of June
A.D. 1849
Abishai Stoddard Register