Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 11,311, Joshua Wells, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Wells Joshua Elizabeth
P. 11. 311.
CONTENTS

Elisabeth Wells of NH dec d
Pending claim Act 7 th July 1838
Additional proofs - Town Clerk of Wernersburg Certificate
Wells, Joshua Mass. R11311

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Essex. Town Clerk's Office, Amesbury Nov th 1835 The following is a correct copy of the town Records "Joshua son to Titus Wells and Mary his Wife was born February 7 th 1744" "Amesbury Dec 10 th 1776 Rec d of the Selectmen of Amesbury two pounds three & four pence each for our mileage or subsistence our march to Danbury in Connecticut being Soldiers in the services of the State of the Massachusetts Bay. Witness our hands" (The above is signed by thirty different persons & among them "Joshua Wells") "December 14 th 1776 Then received of the Selectmen of Amesbury fifteen dollars each in part of a bounty voted by said town to every fourth man being in the whole 30 men on their enlisting into the service according to a late act of the General Court. Received by us" (Signed by thirty & among them) "Joshua Wells" "Amesbury August ye 23 1777 Paid to the following Soldiers who enlisted to serve in ye Continental army until ye last day of De- cember 1777 agreeable to a vote of this town of August ye 14 th Instant To Joshua Wells £4 - 10 - 0" (& 29 others) "Amesbury January 20 1778 then received of the Selectmen of town three hundred & seventy eight pounds eighteen shillings with one hundred & thirty five pounds we received August ye 23 1777 which is in full for a bounty of four pounds ten shil- lings pr month voted to us by said town for our serving as Soldiers in the Northern Army being thirty in number from about the middle of August 1777 to December 13 th 1777. Joshua Wells" (& 29 others)

The foregoing is a true copy of the record as on file in this office Attest Jo s Merrill Jr. Town Clerk of Amesbury
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Essex November 10 th 1853 Then personally appeared the above named Jo s Merrill Jr. & made oath that the above extract from the Amesbury town records is a true copy thereof Before me Joshua Colby Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Essex, Town Clerk's Office November 1853 Thereby certify that I have carefully examined the Record of Births of this town from the year seventeen hundred to the year seventeen hundred and seventy five & could not find but one person born in this town during said period of time of the name of Joshua Wells Jo s Merrill Jr. Town Clerk of Amesbury
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Essex Amesbury November 10 1853. Then personally appeared the above named Joseph Merrill Jr and made oath that the above certificate by him subscribed is true Before me Joshua Colby Justice of the Peace

Apr 27 32 Elisabeth Wells of N.H. Dec'd
Claim to a Pension - Act July 7. 1838
Judith Merrick, Childs Declaration.
John Bryant Meriden N.H.
agent
Staples in the case besides the Declaration

State of New Hampshire
Belknap County ss On this fifth day of April 1852 personally appeared before me Henry J Simpson Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for Said County Judith Merrick a resident of New Hampshire in Said County aged 69 years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain for herself and Lucy Lacey in the name and right of their Mother the late Elizabeth Wells deceased the above Declarants being the children and only surviving children of the said Elizabeth Wells who was the Widow of Joshua Wells who died at Lacedon in the County of Merrimack State of New Hampshire August 31st 1803 now claiming the benefit of the Act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an Act granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows to which as her belief is her Mother the said Elizabeth Wells became entitled in her lifetime but for which no application was made to her knowledge. That the said Elizabeth Wells deceased was the Widow of Joshua Wells who was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution from

the Deora of Amesbury State of Massachusetts let the number of Terms of Service rendered by him and length of time he was engaged she cannot state but have heard her father the said Joshua Wells State that he in the first eight months Service was in the Battle of Bunker Hill and was in the United States service at several other times the evidence of which she designs to obtain hereafter that her Mother the said Elizabeth Wells deceased was married to the said Joshua Wells in London affirmed by George Bullock as she believes in the year 1740 she being then the Widow Elizabeth She knows that she continued the Widow of the said Joshua Wells until her death which took place on the third day of March 1840 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Army but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1794 namely at the time above stated
Judith Merrick
Sworn and Subscribed to by the said Judith Merrick on the fifth day of April 1842
Profer me
Henry G. Simpson
{ Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Middlesex

I certify that the within named Declarant Judith Morris is personally known to me that she is the identical person she represents herself to be
Henry Y. Simpson - Judge
Declaration of Judith Morris

State of New Hampshire.
Secretary's Office, Concord.
June 27, 1853.
I hereby certify. That at the date of the annexed attestation Nicholas M. Dayton was a Justice of the Peace & Quorum throughout —
in the said State, duly commissioned and qualified; 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 State, the date above written.
John G. Hadley Secretary of State.

I Joseph Kimball a resident of Canterbury in the County of Merrimack State of New Hampshire aged eighty one year before me say that I removed with my father from Exeter in the County of Rockingham to Canterbury in the County of Merrimack into the some neighborhood of Joshua Wells when I was a boy I should think nearly seventy years ago Joshua Wells removed from Amesbury Massachusetts some years before I came to Canterbury he the said Wells lived in Exeter he married the Widow Elizabeth Sherborn for his Second Wife and they had four children their eldest Daughter Nancy Wells lived with my mother from the time she was about fourteen years old until she was eighteen years old I was about ten years older than my mother our families were intimately acquainted the said Joshua Wells and his wife lived together as lawful husband and Wife unto his death I have no doubt but they were Lawfully Married I have sat many an evening to hear the said Wells relate his War Stories he said he enlisted from Amesbury his native town and went to Brattleboro this

was in the Battle at Bunker Hill have heard him tell how the American Army retreated across the neck and were exposed to the fire of the British from their Ships he has often told of being in the Battle at Bunker Hill where they took the Hessians and put them in Bunker Hill Meeting house he said they were great Smokers when they could not get tobacco to smoke would dry Sumac leaves and smoke them he told of going on express at one time from Annapolis to Rhode Island have heard him tell many of his War Stories he delighted in amusing the young people with relating his pranks while in the Army
Joseph Rumball
State of New Hampshire
Merrimack County ss June 13 th 1853
Severn and Seaborn before me
Nicholas H. Taylor Justice of Peace
I certify that I have been personally acquainted with the above named Joseph Rumball for thirty years last past that he is a very intelligent man of his age and of unblemished character
Nicholas H. Taylor Justice of Peace

2 I Judith Merrick a resident of New Hampshire in the County of Belknap State of New Hampshire age Seventy years before me say that I am the Second Daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth Wiles of Linton in the County of Nottingham. I was born July 24th 1782 my Sister Nancy was born June 1st 1781. I was born George Wiles born June 9th 1785. I was born Nancy my Sister born October 29th 1791 my Mother Elizabeth Wiles widow of Joshua Wiles was residing with me at the time of her death my father before me was in her Mother's house at her death there was no regular record of their children. I take the date from my own recollection and each one of the family's own private record. I have good reason to believe it is correct. Judith Merrick
State of New Hampshire Belknap County June 14th 1834.
Sworn and Subscribed before me
Nicholas H. Taylor Justice Peace
I certify that the above named Judith Merrick is personally known to me to be a credible witness her testimony may be relied on for truth
Nicholas H. Taylor Justice Peace

Judith Morris

Elizabeth Wells of NH dec d suspended claim - Act 7 th July 1838 —
Additional proof —
John Bryant Agent Menden N.H.

I Timothy Merrill of New Hampton in the County of Belknap aged Seventy two years before and say that I testified in my former affidavit in the case of Judith Merrill claiming the Pension that is due to Elizabeth Wells at her death to the ages of the children of Joshua and Elizabeth Wells I became acquainted with the family when I was about thirteen years old resided in the same town within about three miles the said Joshua Wells came from Manchester as I have often heard him say his wife was the Widow Sherburn they had four children as I before stated I never saw any regular record of their ages I found the date from each member of the family I first heard the Widow Elizabeth Wells died at my house in the year 1840 as I before stated I have good reason to believe the children are of the age stated in my former affidavit Judith Merrill their second daughter is my wife I know her age to be as represented
Timothy Merrill
State of New Hampshire
Belknap County ss June 14th 1852
Sworn and Subscribed before me
Nicholas M. Taylor Justice Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with Timothy Merrill that he is strictly an man of truth and may be believed
Nicholas M. Taylor Justice Peace

State of New Hampshire.
Office of Secretary of State.
I, John L. Hadley, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Nicholas M. Taylor is an acting Justice of the Peace and Quorum, throughout the State of New Hampshire, duly Commissioned and qualified, and duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths, take the acknowledgment of Deeds, &c. His Commission was dated on the seventh day of December 1847, and will expire on the seventh day of December 1852.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the State, this fifteenth day of April 1852.
John L. Hadley Secretary of State.

I Joseph Harn a resident of Canterbury in the County of Merrimack State of New Hampshire aged Sixty three years before and say that I was well acquainted with Joshua Wells and his family that Breiden within about three miles of the said Wells family he died when I was a boy his Second Wife was Elizabeth Sherburn a Widow when he married her her Daughter Betsey Sherburn lived with my Mother several years The said Elizabeth Wells had four children by her last husband Joshua Wells their names were Sonya Wells, Judith Wells, George Wells all older than myself Sonya Wells some years younger I was often at their house and the children at my father's The said Joshua Wells and his Wife Elizabeth lived together as man and Wife until his death I have no doubt but they were Lawfully Married more than Seventy years ago Joseph Harn
- State of New Hampshire Merrimack ss March 30th 1852 Suzanne Lord Subscribed Before me Nicholas M. Lague Justice Peace
I certify that the above named Joseph Harn is personally known to me that he is a Worthy Citizen his testimony is entitled to truth Nicholas M. Lague Justice Peace

Elizabeth Wells, dec additional proof

Amesbury Mass. Town Clerk's Office, Feb. 20 th 1855- The following Births are taken from the Ancient Record of the Town of Amesbury
"Mary daughter to Joshua Wells and Elizabeth his wife was born May ye 19 th 1768
Nicholas Colby son to Joshua Wells and Elizabeth his wife was born December ye 5 th 1770
Hannah daughter to Joshua Wells and Elizabeth his wife was born August ye 16 th 1773
Elizabeth Wells daughter to Joshua Wells and Elizabeth his wife was born July the 26 th 1775
The above Births are a true copy of the town Records Joseph Merrill Jr. Town Clerk of Amesbury
Attest
Jo s Merrill Jr. Town Clerk

Elizabeth Williams dec'd
Register of Probate Certificate
proof of husband's death

State of New Hampshire, County of Belknap
I hereby certify that satisfactory proof has been adduced to the Court of Probate for said county that Joshua Wells formerly of Amesbury, Mass. and afterwards of London in our county of Merrimack died at said London on the 31 st day of August A.D. 1803 aged 60 years leaving a widow by the name of Elizabeth Wells. — That the said Elizabeth died at New Hampton in said county of Belknap on the 3 rd day of March A.D. 1840 leaving four children whose names are Nancy Wells or Nancy Burpe — Judith Merrick — George Wells and Lucy Loring — That Nancy Burpe and George Wells have since died, and that Judith Merrick and Lucy Loring are the only surviving children of the said Eliza- beth Wells, and that the said Elizabeth was never married after the death of her said husband. The said Joshua Wells is witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of the said Court This 5 th day of April A.D. 1852 O. A. J. Vaughan, Register

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES, made by the a child of the party who rendered the service.
State of New Hampshire County of Belknap Town of New Hampton
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of Joshua Wells in the war of the Revolution.
He was a native of the Town of Amesbury in the County of of and State of Massachusetts
He enlisted from the Town of Amesbury in the County of and State of Massachusetts in the year 1775 as a private in the Company commanded by Captain Regiment in and he served as follows, * viz:—
That she is unable to describe the services rendered by her father the said Joshua Wells further than to state that he was engaged from Amesbury Massachusetts at the first Eight months service and at several subsequent times & to the amount in all of, between one and two years. She therefore has to request certified evidence of all the services which appears to have been rendered by Joshua Wells of said Amesbury
Priscilla Merrill
* Here describe as fully as may be, the length of service, the rank, &c. of the claimant, or the capacity in which he served, and all other particulars known.

4882
I am now _____ years old, and my memory does not enable me to state the services more fully than above stated.
WITNESS my hand, this fifth day of April A. D. 18 52
Signed by said Judith Merrick in my presence.
Henry J. Simpson } JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.

Elisabeth Wells of NH dec d
Secy Massachusetts certificate of her husband Joshua Wells service
17 mos 24 days

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
April 23 1852.
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 Joshua Wells is borne on roll of a Co. fr. Amesbury. Apr. 19. 1775. Capt. Barnard.
10 or 16. days.
On 8 mos. service rolls, Capt. Wm. Currier's Co., Col. Frye's Regt. August return of the Co. not found: the name is on the October return (as fr. Amesbury) and he receipted for his Coat Nov. 6 1775.
8 —
On rolls of Capt. Jonathan Evans Co. (fr. Essex Co.) Col. Wood's Regt. at No. Kingston. R.I. from July 20
5. 18
1778 to Jan'y 1. 1779. 5 mos. 18 days including 6 to return. Detach at Newburyport.
3. 26
On roll of Capt. Jonathan Evans: Johnson's Regt. fr. Aug. 15 to Nov 30. 3 mos. 26 days including return. Service in the Northern department.
17. 24

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 now 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.
Alvesu Walker Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Elizabeth Will, of Mt. Lee, Suspended Claim Act of July, 38
Additional evidence of Marriage
John Bryant Agent, Menden NY

State of New Hampshire.
Secretary's Office, Concord.
January 19. 1855
I hereby certify, That as the date of the annexed attestation Ebenezer Price was a Justice of the Peace for the county of Merrimack in the said State, duly commissioned and qualified; 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 State, the date above written.
John L. Wadley Secretary of State.

State of New-Hampshire
Merrimack { Town Clerk's Office Boscawen January 8 th 1858
Jeremiah Burpee Jun, and Nancy Wells were married in August eighteen hundred and four, by Rev. Mr Patrick of Canterbury.
Eliza Thomson Burpee born February twentieth one thousand eight hundred and five.
Judith Wells Burpee born March eighth one thousand eight hundred and seven.
Joshua Wells Burpee born April twenty eighth, one thousand eight hundred and nine. - died December twenty third one thousand and thirty nine.
The above are children of Jeremiah Burpee Jun, and Nancy his wife.
Augustus Burpee was born July twelfth one thousand eight hundred and thirteen.
Roxy Burpee was born February third one thousand eight hundred and fifteen.
Mary Sherburn Burpee was born February ninth one thousand eight hundred and seventeen.
The above are children of Jeremiah and Nancy Burpee.
Nancy Burpee wife of Jeremiah Burpee died, December twenty fifth, one thousand eight hundred and seventeen aged thirty - six years, six months and twenty four days.
Jeremiah Burpee and Sally P. Gill both of Boscawen were married April twenty eighth one thousand eight hundred and eighteen. by Rev. Samuel Wood D.D.
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the

exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows.
Eliza Thompson Burpee born February 20, 1808.
Judith Wells Burpee born March 4, 1807-
Joshua Wells Burpee born April 24, 1809, died Dec 23-1839
The above are children of Jeremiah Burpee jun 2 and Nancy his wife
Augustus Burpee was born July 12 th 1813 m.
Roxy Burpee was born Feb 7 8 th 1818 m
Mary Sherburn Burpee was born Feb 7 9 th 1817
The above are children of Jeremiah and Nancy Burpee,
Jeremiah Burpee jun 2 and Nancy Wells were married in August 1804, by Rev Mr Patrick of Canterbury.
Nancy Burpee wife of Jeremiah Burpee died Dec 25 th 1817, aged 36 years 6 months and 24 days
Jeremiah Burpee and Sally P. Gill both of Boscawen were married April 24-1819, by Rev Samuel Wood D.D.
Attest Hester Fellows Town Clerk
I Hester Fellows above named depose and say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk of Boscawen in the State and County aforesaid, that I have the records of the town of Boscawen in my possession and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town, with the exception of the above named as certified by Me.
Hester Fellows { Clerk of the Town of Boscawen.
State of New Hampshire
Merrimack ss } January 4, 1858 }
Sworn to and subscribed } Before
Oliver Pillsbury Justice of the Peace

I Timothy Merrick a resident of Southhampton in the County of Southampton State of Southampton age Seventy three years of age and say that Elizabeth Wells widow of Joshua Wells died at my house in Southampton on the third day of March 1840 that some of the papers of her husband the said Joshua Wells are in my possession from which I have selected and herewith attach one being a receipt on John Barnard for an order on the Selectmen of Amesbury for his wages for serving as a Soldier to supply his family during his absence that among his papers I have never found the Record of his marriage to the Widow Sherburn or any Record of the birth of their children I have been intimately acquainted with the family from my childhood resided in the same neighborhood and know that their ages are about as I stated in my former affidavit I fixed the exact dates of their ages from their own statement as the children of those that are dead and have good reason to believe that the statement is correct Judith Merrick who is 78 years old and Lucy Sawyer are the only surviving children of the said Joshua and Elizabeth Wells Timothy Merrick

State of New Hampshire Belknap County ss December 17 th 1858 I do hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit is true to the best of my knowledge
Nicholas M. Taylor Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the within named Timothy Morrill, that he is a worthy Calygen and his testimony is entitled to full credit
Nicholas M. Taylor Justice of the Peace

Amesbury July 27 th 1778
This Day Received of Joshua Wells an order on the Select men of Amesbury for the wages that shall be due to him from the Town for his serving as a Solier in a detached Party ordered to Providence for which I Promise to be accountable and supply his family with such things as they want as fast as I shall receive the wages from the Select men on as reasonable terms as I can Purchase them as witness my hand
John Barnard

Town Clerk's Office. Amesbury December 13 th , 1853. The following is a copy of a portion of the Records of said Town.
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Amesbury December 2 nd 1776 Thomas Rowell Esq. Moderator
At the same meeting it was voted that town will give some encouragement to one fourth part of the Militia which are to be enlisted or draughted agreeable to an act of the General Court. At the same meeting voted to give twenty dollars to each man that shall enlist or be draughted agreeable to an act of the General Court ten dollars to be paid on their enlisting or draught and ten dollars more on their march (adjourned)
December 9 th 1776 Meet agreeable to adjournment and Voted that this meeting be adjourned to the house of David Hoyt Jun r forthwith. Meet at the house of David Hoyt Jun r and voted to make an addition of ten dollars bounty to the bounty already voted to each Soldier now to be raised; five dollars to be paid on their enlistment or being drafted and five dollars on their march
December 14 th 1776 Then received of the Selectmen of Amesbury fifteen dollars each in part of a bounty Voted by said town to every fourth man being in the whole 30 men on their enlisting into the service according to a late act of the General Court
Received by us Joshua Walls (& 29 others)
Amesbury Dec 18 th 1776 Rec d of the Selectmen of Amesbury two pounds three & four pence each for our mileage or subsistence upon our march to Danbury in Connecticut being Soldiers in the service of the State of the Massachusetts Bay. Witness our hands, Joshua Walls (& 29 others)
Amesbury December 25 th 1776 Received of the Selectmen of Amesbury four pounds ten shillings in full for a bounty of thirty dollars voted by town to thirty Soldiers. Received by us
Joshua Walls (& 29 others)

At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Amesbury August ye 14 th 1777 Deacon David Merrill was chosen Moderator At the same Meeting. Voted to make an addition of four pounds ten shillings per month to each man that shall serve as a private Soldier or non Commissioned Officer agreeable to an order of Council of this State for one six part of the Militia of this town At the same Meeting Voted that each shall have four pounds ten shillings being a months advance pay payed to him on his being called to march and that the Selectmen be directed to procure the money on the towns credit and pay them their money on their being called to march
Amesbury August ye 23. 1777. Paid to the following Soldiers who enlisted to serve in ye Continentall Army untill ye last day of Nov- ember 1777 agreeable to a vote of this town of August ye 14 th inst.
To Joshua Wells £4 - 10 - 0 (8 the same to 29 others)
Amesbury January 28 1778 Then received of the Selectmen of said town three hundred & twenty eight pounds eighteen shillings with one hun- dred & thirty five pounds we received August ye 23. 1777 which is in full for a bounty of four pounds ten shillings per month voted to us by said town for our serving as Soldiers in the Northern army being thirty in Number from about the middle of August 1777 to December 13 th 1777
Joshua Wells (8 29 others)
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Records of the town of Amesbury Joseph Merrill Jr. Town Clerk
County of Essex. December 13 th 1853 Then personally appeared the above Joseph Merrill Jr. Town Clerk of Amesbury and made oath that the foregoing extract from the Records of said town is a true copy thereof
Before Me Joshua Colby Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office. Boston, December 27 th 1853
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Joshua Colby was a justice of the Peace for the County of Essex
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.
W. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of New Hampshire,
Secretary's Office, Concord,
July 5, 1854
I hereby certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Henry G. Simpson was Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Belknap and John A. Blanchard was a Justice of the Peace for the county of Sullivan —
in the said State, duly commissioned and qualified; 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 State, the date above written. —
John G. Hadley
Secretary of State.

Sworn and subscribed to by the said Judith Merrick on the fifth day of April 1852
Before me
Henry G Simpson } Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Belknap
I further certify that the within named declarant Judith Merrick personally known to me that she is the identical person who represents herself to be
Henry G. Simpson Judge
I certify that I filed the original in the Patent Office at Washington on the 27th day of April 1852 as agent for the claimant J. M. Bryant, State of New Hampshire
Sullivan SS. Sworn & subscribed to before me on this 14th day of July 1854 Before me Issac Blair Clerk of the Probate

Copy of a declaration on file in the Pension Office in the case of Elizabeth Wells of Mt. Lee widow of Joshua Act 7 th July 1838
State of New Hampshire
Belknap County ss
On this fifth day of April 1852 personally appeared before me Henry G. Simpson Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County Judith Merrick a resident of New Hampshire in said County aged 69 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain for her self and Lucy Soule with name and right of their late mother Elizabeth Wells deceased the above declarant being the children and only surviving children of the said Elizabeth Wells who was the widow of Joshua Wells who died at London in the County of Middlesex State of New Hampshire August 31. 1803 now claiming the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows to which as her belief is her mother the said Elizabeth became entitled in her lifetime but for which no application was made to her knowledge - that the said Elizabeth Wells deceased was the widow of Joshua Wells who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution from the town of Amesbury State of Massachusetts, but the number of terms of service rendered by him and length of time he was engaged she cannot state but has heard her father the said Joshua Wells state that in the first eight months service was in the Battle of Bunker Hill and was in the United States service at several other times, the ordinary of which she deserves to obtain hereafter. That her mother the said Elizabeth Wells deceased was married to the said Joshua Wells in London aforesaid by Rev. Batchelder as she believes in the year 1780 she being then the widow Elizabeth Sherburn. That she continued the widow of the said Joshua Wells until her death which took place on the third day of March 1840. that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the army but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1794 namely at the time above stated.
Judith Merrick

Mendew NH Feb 2. 1855
Sir
Yours of the 29 th ult in relation to the case of Elizabeth Wells of NH, etc ? has been received and to which I have to say in reply that the names of the surviving children are Judith Merrick and Lucy Lougee - And in reference to the marriage of Joshua Wells to the widow Elizabeth Sherburne. I have to state as was stated by Judith Merrick in her declaration which you have on file, that it took place in 1780 - She then became as I understand it the second wife of Joshua Wells, who had a family at the time of engaging in service from Amesbury in 1778 when John Barnard received of him an order on the Select men of said Amesbury for his wages and for which he promised to be accountable and to "supply his family" with such things as they might want as fast as he should receive said Wages from said Selectmen - The Joshua Wells who then as I suppose had a family, lost his wife and subsequently married for his second wife Elizabeth Sherburne who became the mother of his four children, two of whom the above named Judith Merrick and Lucy Lougee are still living.

Very respectfully Wm Bryant
Hon L. P. Waldo Govt of Panama

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
to Secretary's Office, Boston, February 16 th 1855
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereto annexed J. D. Merrill Jr. was a Justice of the peace for the County of Essex.
the said Commonwealth, 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.
E. H. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Elizabeth Wells, yet 714 years suspended clause
Additional clause
John Bryant 234 Men's new 172

I Ichabod Titcomb of Amesbury in the County of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Eighty six years Depose and say that I was born in Amesbury & lived there most of my lifetime. that I was well acquainted with Joshua Wells & lived within about a fourth of a mile of him. he was married and had a family of. I should think, four or five children. I was acquainted with some of the children which were near my age. His wife died here in town and he after ward moved to London N. H. I recollect distinctly that he had a family here when he was absent in the Revolution- ary war I never knew or heard of but one Joshua Wells in this town
Amesbury February 20 th 1855
Ichabod his X Titcomb marks
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Essex. February 20 th 1855 Then personally appeared the above named Ichabod Titcomb and made oath that the above Affidavit by him subscribed is true
Before me Joseph Merrill Jr.
Justice Peace
Amesbury Feb 20 th 1855 I hereby certify that the said Ichabod Titcomb is disinterested and a credible witness
Jo s Merrill Jr. P.

State of New Hampshire,
Secretary's Office, Concord,
June 20, 1854
I hereby certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Nicholas W. Taylor was a Justice of the Peace for the county of Merrimack — — — — — in the said State, duly commissioned and qualified; 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 State, the date above written.
John L. Badley Secretary of State.

Mendon Mass July 5 1884.
Sir
At the time of enclosing to you the last evidence in support of the suspended claim of Elizabeth Wells of Mass widow of Joshua deceased on 7th July 1878 I supposed the same would prove sufficient to settle the claim but it seems by your report in the case of March 3. 1884 that in this I was mistaken, and I now in the belief that I have obtained and do herewith forward what I trust you will regard as competent proof of the age of the surviving children and that the marriage must have taken place previous to 1794. And I have to prey your attention to the enclosed additional evidence. to wit to the affidavits of Ruth Chase Abigail Bennett Isaiah Chase and the certificate of the Town Clerk of Mendon Mass - Ruth Chase testifies that she is sixty years of age - that Elizabeth Wells had four children all older than herself - The town clerk's certificate shows that Ruth Chase was born on the 15th of March 1794 Abigail Bennett formerly Abigail Chase aged 71 years testifies that Joshua Wells & his wife had four children named Nancy about three years older than herself "Judith Wells some less than one year older than me" now the wife of Timothy Merrick. that George Wells and her brother William Chase very near the same age - William Chase as appears by the record was born on the 6th day of May 1785 - That Lucy Wells was younger near the age of my my brother William - Isaiah Chase aged 77 states that he moved to Mendon when about seven years of age - born according to the record on the 5th of Dec 1776 - that he was well acquainted with Joshua Wells and his family - that Joshua Wells and his wife Elizabeth Wells had two children when he came to Mendon by the names of Nancy Wells & Judith - Nancy two or three years old

Judith. (now the wife of Fanny Merrick) was a babe - says that she had a son and a daughter born after he came into the neighbor- -hood - George was about the same age of his brother William Chase - William, as shown by the record was born on the 6th day of May, 1785 - Lucy Wells was near the age of his brother Leavitt Chase - Leavitt Chase as shown by the record was born the 30th day of Decr 1791 - And now Sir as you will have these additional papers before you to examine in connection with those al- -ready on file, I deem further remarks of mine unnecessary and subscribe myself
Respectfully Yours M c D u Pont
Hon L. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions

Mendon MA July 19. 1854
Sir
It seems by your last report that of July 11 1854 in the case of Elizabeth Wells dec d widow of Joshua of New York. New Hampshire should be - that there was an omission of a certificate that Henry G Simpson before whom the declaration of Mrs Judith Merrick was made was at the time a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Belknap County NH - Presuming that had such certificate accompanied said declaration I would have been right and that it still may be supplied, instead of the delay and increased expense of a new declaration I as agent for the claimant have made an affidavit as to the filing of said declaration and obtained the Official certificate of the Secretary of the State of New Hampshire, that Henry G Simpson was a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas at the time said declaration was made before him on the 5 th day of April 1852 and herewith forward the same to be filed and used upon a further examination of the said case - And in reference to the suggestion that "the family record of one of the children should be sent to the office" I have respectfully to say that it is impracticable to furnish such record, as I learn on inquiry that no such record is to be found - I have therefore to pray your further attention to the last proof filed to wit, the affidavits of Ruth Chase Abigail Bennett & Isaiah Chase, and the certificate of the Town Clerk of Lendon as to the birth of the said affiants. The latter of whose testimony is (in the absence of direct record evidence) to show that the marriage of Elizabeth Wells must have taken place previous to the first of January 1794 - And I have only further to say

in conclusion, that if on a reexamination of the last proofs filed together with previous evidences to be found on file prove insufficient to establish the marriage before January 1. 1794 the claim which I cannot but regard as a just and honest one, must be abandoned as nothing further to my knowledge can be obtained in its support.
Very respectfully Your Ob Servt
John Bryant of Mendon Mass Agent for the claimant
Hon L P Waldo Commissioner of Pensions

Meriden NH Aug t 8 1854
Sir
Your reply to mine of the 29 th July last in the case of Elizabeth Wells deceased, under date of August, 4 th has been received and is now before me. In this case all that seems to be wanting in order to its admission is, satisfactory evidence that the marriage took place in season that is previous to the first of January 1794. In your last you refer me to previous letters, and particularly to that of March 3. 1854, to which I have attended and as no direct and competent proof of the ages of the surviving children is to be found in existence, there being no family or town records of their birth, I have respectfully to request a reperusal of my letter of the 29 th July and a reexamination of the evidence as therein described, still feeling a confidence that it will satisfactorily establish the age of Judith Merrick the claimant, and the marriage of her late mother Elizabeth Wells previous to the first of January 1794. But if otherwise and the claim is thought to be a fraudulent one, we must submit to its rejection, but such an opinion, and result, I am unwilling even to anticipate. I remain Sir
Very respectfully Yours John Maynard

Menden W th Sep r 30. 1834
Sir
Your last report in the case of Elizabeth Wells of W th dec d widow of Joshua Act 7 th July 1838 is not altogether an unexpected one, wherein you state that in the present condition of the proof, you cannot depart from your former decision and add that "The date of the marriage of Elizabeth and Joshua Wells must be clearly established to justify the admission of the claim" - And now Sir, as it has before been represented to you as there is not to be found in existence any record evidence of said marriage, permit me to inquire if any other proof whatever will probably be satisfactory it being understood that there are no living witnesses who were present at the time of said marriage. If so I pray you to suggest what and oblige
Your Obl Serv t John Bryant
Hon L. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions

Mendew Mt, July 29. 1854
Sir
Your last report in the case of Elizabeth Wells of Mt. deo: under date of July 25. 1854 has been received and is now before me, from which it appears that her daughter Judith, now Judith Merrick the apple cart, she being the oldest child stated in 1852 that she was then 69 years old, which if true she must have been born in 1783 which is unquestionably true, although not shown or proveable by a family record of her own, or any of her Wells connections - And now Sir permit me respectfully to suggest to you that my belief is that upon a reexamination of the proofs on file which I have to request you to do, evidence satisfactory will be found that Judith Wells now Judith Merrick, the claimant was born before 1794 - And as the same may have been overlooked, allow me to ask your further attention to the testimony on file of Abigail Bennett before marriage, Abigail Chase , who if I must take it, states that Joshua & Elizabeth Wells had four children named Nancy Wells about three years older than herself Judith Wells some less than one year older now the wife of Timothy Merrick - She and I were near of an age - Abigail Chase (now Bennett) was born as shown by the certificate on file of the Down Clerk of London, on the 6th day of April 1783 - Also in connection therewith, your further attention to the affidavit on file of Isaiah Chase who states his his age to be 77 years - that his father removed to London when he said Isaiah was about seven years of age which must have been in 1784 - that they lived near Joshua and Elizabeth - that they had two children by the names of Nancy Wells and Judith - Nancy two or three years old - Judith a babe - Besides the testimony of Abigail Bennett and Isaiah Chase

I would pray your further attention to that of Rust Chase from which, that is all of which, I cannot but think that you will come to the most satisfactory conclusion that the birth of the claimant was previous to 1794 and that Joshua and Elizabeth Wells were married before the first of January 1794. Additional evidence to this point is not attainable.
Respectfully Yrs John Bryant, Agt.
Rev L. P. W. aldo Commissioner of Pensions

Mendew Mt September 13. 1852
Sir
From my continued confidence in the genuineness of the claim of Elizabeth Wells of Mt dec d . widow of Joshua now pending before your Office I am induced to pray your further attention to it and a reexamination of the proofs or some of them already on file of the marriage of Joshua Wells to Elizabeth widow of George Sherburne in the year 1780 of which you have been made aware that there is not to be found any record evidence whatever, nor of the birth of the claimant Judith Merrick or of the other children of the said Joshua & Elizabeth Wells. yet there are other proofs on file, that would seem to establish the exactness indicated in your letter to me of July 25 th 1852 that is that Judith Merrick who declared herself to be 69 years old in 1852 was born before 1794. And I would respectfully ask your further attention to said proofs, and firstly to the affidavit of Timothy Merrick made before the Hon Henry G Simpson Judge of the Court of Common Pleas on the 5 th day of April 1852 wherein he states that Elizabeth Wells had by her husband Joshua Wells four children, namely Nancy Burpee born in London June 1 1781 Judith Merrick (the claimant) born in London July 28. 1782 George Wells born in London June 9 1785 & Lucy Burpee born in London October 29 th 1791. and that he (Merrick) resided in the same neighborhood and was well acquainted with the family - And what is the character of Timothy Merrick for truth. Certified by Judge Simpson to be good. Now if he is to be believed, it must seem that the marriage of Joshua Wells to Elizabeth Sherburne must have taken place before 1794. But if married at all then their four children must have all been illegitimate a case hardly supposable in the Granite State. And as other evidence has been filed

which it would seem must be the satisfactory evidence to support suggested by your said letter of July 25. 1852 that the claimant Judith Merrick was born before 1794 I would respectfully pray your further attention to it and to a reperusal of my letters of July 5 th & 19 th 1852 referring to said ev- idence which is contained in the several affidavits of Ruth Chase Abigail Bennett and Isaiah Chase whose testimony is substantiated by the Records of Lendon as shown by the certificate of David Putnam Esq. Town Clerk of Lendon. And now Sir, as the evidence above referred are to me the most satisfactory that the marriage of Elizabeth Wells dec d took place before the first of January 1794 I cannot but flatter my self that it will also so appear to the Department or or examining Clerk upon a further and patient reexamination of the several papers in the case, and that the claim will thereupon be admitted without the exaction of what cannot be obtained further evidence
Very respectfully Your Oble Servt John Bryant
Hon L.P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions

Menden Mt Jan'y 23 1855
Sir
I now have to ask your further attention to the suspended claim of Elizabeth Wall, of Mt. dec d widow of Joshua Wells, act of the 7 th July 1838 and to the circumstantial evidence on file of the time of the marriage of the said Joshua & Elizabeth, which is contained in the affidavit of Timothy Merrick made before Judge Simpson April 5. 1852 where in you will find that he stated that their first child Nancy was born June 1. 1781 of which, agreeably to the suggestion made in your letter to me of Oct. 4. 1854 an effort has been made and record found in the Office of the Town Clerk of Boscawen of the marriage of the said Nancy to Jeremiah Burpee Jr in August 1804 and of her death which took place Dec 25 th 1817 then aged 36 yrs 6 mos & 24 days agreeing with the date of her birth as stated by Timothy Merrick in his affidavit aforesaid. A certified copy of said record by the Town Clerk of Boscawen is herewith transmitted and which I trust will satisfactorily prove that the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794 to wit in 1780 as stated in the original declaration on file of Judith Merrick. And it is now hoped and believed that this long standing claim will readily be admitted upon the receipt and filing of said Town Clerks certificate.
Respectfully Yr Ob l Serv t John Bryant
Hon L. P. Waldo Commissioners

Meriden N.H. June 5. 1855
Sir
I regret the necessity of asking your further attention to the suspended claim of Elizabeth Wells, of N.H. dec d widow of Joshua, Act of the 7th July 1838. — On the 17th of March last I had before me, yours of the 7th of March 1855 in relation to said case and to the proofs, that had been previously forwarded that the Joshua Wells who married for his second wife the Widow Elizabeth Sherburne had a family in Amesbury when he engaged in the Revolutionary service. Said proofs consisted of the Town Clerk of Amesbury, certificate of the births of the several children of the said Joshua by his first wife — the first born May 19. 1768, and the last July 26. 1775. and the affidavit of Ichabod Titcomb who was well acquainted with the said Joshua Wells having lived within \frac{1}{4} of a mile of him, and stated that his first wife died in Amesbury and that he had a family there while he was absent in the Revolutionary War — These proofs it seems by your said letter were deemed insufficient, and you make the further exaction, that the precise date of the death of his first wife be shown by a certified copy of the Town Records. On said 17th day of March I enclosed to you a note that I received from the Town Clerk of Amesbury showing that he was not able to find a record of the marriage, or death of his wife. — And as since, no further report has been made to me, permit me now respectfully to inquire if the said exaction is still adhered to in order to a determination of the identity and an allowance of the claim; I trust not, when shown to be an impossibility. I have therefore to request a postponement of my letter of the 28th of February 1855 and the proofs therein referred to and a reexamination of certain other papers which have heretofore

been filed in proof of the marriage of Joshua Wells to the widow Elizabeth Sherburne before the first of January 1794 to wit, the af- fidavit of Dinotty Merrick made before Judge Simpson April 5th 1852 - Also the affidavits of Ruth Chase Abigail Bennett Isaiah Chase and the Town Clerk of Loudon and the certificate of Hezekiah Teller Esq Town Clerk of Bosconon under date of January 8. 1852 from which I cannot but believe you will come to the most satisfactory conclusion that the marriage of Josh- ua Wells to his second wife, took place in 1780 - Their first child Nancy Burpee died Dec 25. 1817 then aged 36 yrs 6 mos & 24 days as shown by the certificate on file of the Town Clerk of Bosconon - She of course was born subsequent to 1780 - I hope your time will admit of a thorough reexamination of the papers in this case, feeling a confidence that the claimants will be satisfied with the result that may be reported to
Yrs Oble Servt John Maynard
Hon J P Waldo Con'd Primus

Meriden N.H. March 17 1855
Sir
By the perusal of the enclosed slip from Joseph Merrill Esq Town Clerk of Amesbury which accompanied his certificate and the affidavit of Jehobad Titcomb under date of February 20 1855 both now on file, you will perceive that the exaction contained in your letter of the 7 th instant in the case of Elizabeth Wells of N.H. dec d . cannot be complied with. And in relation to which, allow me respectfully to remark, that if upon the perusal of the slip now enclosed, and a reexamination of the several proofs on file you cannot feel satisfied as to the identity of Joshua Wells and that his marriage to his second wife the Widow Elizabeth Sherburne took place before 1794 as stated in the declaration of Judith Merrick now on file, this case must remain suspended for some length of time to come, as it is presumed that no further proofs can be obtained, or will be attempted by me as agent for the claimant - Before declining my further agency in the case. I have to pray your further consideration of it, and a report of the conclusion that you may come to, it seeming to me that there cannot be a doubt but that the marriage of Elizabeth Wells took place in season and to the man who rendered the service to entitle her, or her children in her right to the pension claimed.
Very respectfully Yours John Bryant
Hon L.P. Waldo Commissioners

I send you the Births of the children of Joshua Wells, which must be considered positive evidence of "a family" I think, but am not able to find the Record of the death of his Wife or the marriage. I have also made out to find one man (oldest man in town) who recollects Joshua & his family, being a near neighbor & Well having worked much for his Father in the Ship yard. It was very fortunate that you sent as you did as this old man, is probably very near his end , but is bright and of pretty good memory. I should not think he would live two weeks, his legs being badly swollen & gaining towards his body.

If you succeed in getting the pension I hope you will send this poor old man something for his Deposition, as I told him I would write you to that effect. You may send me two dollars for my trouble. I have sent all you will probably need to establish the fact that he had a family here.
Your Ob t Serv t
Joseph Merrice Jr

Affectionate of Scotch Chase

I Ruth Chase a resident of Loodon in the County of Merrimack State of New Hampshire aged sixty years depose and say that I was well acquainted with Joshua Wells and his family I was born and brought up within a boat forty rods of the said Wells and was well acquainted with the children of the said Wells until they all married and moved from Loodon they had four children three daughters and one son all older than myself. George Wells and my brother William Chase were about the same age both born in the same year Elizabeth Wells the Widow of the said Joshua Wells removed to New Hampshire to live with her daughter Judith Chase some years since and is now dead The said Joshua Wells and his wife Elizabeth lived together as lawful husband and wife until his death and have no doubt they were lawfully married
Ruth Chase
State of New Hampshire Merrimack County ss June 14th 1854 Sworn and Subscribed before me
Nicholas D. Page Justice of Peace
I hereby certify that the above named Ruth Chase is personally known to me that she is a respectable maiden lady and her testimony may be believed
Nicholas D. Page Justice of Peace

Offadant of Prett. Chae

Abraham H Abigail Bennett

I Abigail Bennett a resident of Canterbury in the County of Merrimack State of New Hampshire aged Seventy one years do hereby certify that my name before I was married was Abigail Chase that I was born in London in the State of New Hampshire & was well acquainted with Joshua Wells and his family of said London & was born and brought within a half forty rods of said Wells my father's land and the said Wells land joined the said Joshua Wells and his wife Deborah had four children named as my Wells about three years older than me Judith Wells some less than one year older than me now the wife of Timothy Morrill She and I were near of an age and very good mates George Wells and my brother William Chase very near of the same age I say when I was younger near the age of my brother Isaac Chase the Wells family and my father's family were very intimate being near neighbors & I know the ages of the Wells family as well as I do the age of my own brother and sister Witness Levi Bennett Abigail her Bennett mark
State of New Hampshire Merrimack County ss June 14 th 1854 Sworn and Subscribed to me
Nicholas H. Taylor Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named Abigail Bennett is personally known to me that she is a credible witness and her testimony may be relied on
Nicholas H. Taylor Justice of the Peace

I Isaiah Chase a resident of London in the County of Merrimack State of New Hampshire aged Seventy Seven years before and say that I was born in Haverhill County of Essex State of Massachusetts and removed to London in New Hampshire with my father when I was about Seven years old I was well acquainted with Joshua Wells and his family my father's land and the said Wells land joined we lived about 40 rods from the said Wells the said Joshua Wells and his wife Elizabeth Wells had three Children when I came to London by the name of Nancy Wells and Judith being two or three years old Judith was a babe they had one son and one daughter born after I came into the neighborhood George Wells was about the same age of my Brother William Chase Lucy Wells was near the age of my Brother Scavitt Chase our Families were very intimate being the nearest neighbors I resided with my father until I was twenty one years old I have resided in London from the time I was about seven years old till the present time was well acquainted with the said Joshua Wells until his Death and know that their Children were about the age above stated the said Joshua Wells and his wife Elizabeth lived together as lawful husband and wife until his death I have good reason to believe they were lawfully married I have often heard the said Wells tell much a great being a Soldier in the Revolution he was very

And of telling his dear Stories I now remember very well some of his anecdotes he used to tell to amuse the boys
Isaiah Chase
State of New Hampshire
Merrimack County ss June 14 th 1854
Sworn and Subscribed before me
Nicholas W Taylor Justice Peace
I hereby certify that the above named Isaiah Chase is personally known to me that he is a man of truth and his testimony may be relied on
Nicholas W Taylor Justice Peace

Meriden N.H., Aug. 16. 1833
Sir
The original papers in the case of Elizabeth Wells of Mt. dec d were by me as agent for her child and the applicant Mrs. Judith Merrick filed in the Pension Office on the 27 th day of April 1832 and a report was thereupon made to me by Capt. Triplet acting Commissioner on the 24 th of July 1832 when the claim was suspended, further proof being required in order to its admission, to wit of identity and marriage which proof have of late been obtained and are herewith transmitted - that is the deposition of Joseph Kimball as to the identity of Sarah Wells & her widow Elizabeth Wells, dec d . - And as no direct record proof of their marriage can be found the additional affidavits of Judith Merrick and Timothy Merrick to that point have been obtained and are herewith sent, being the best attainable evidence, that the marriage took place before the first of January 1794 - And I cannot but hope and believe that the several additional proofs now forwarded will prove to be satisfactory upon a further consideration of the case.
Very respectfully
John Bryant, of Meriden N.H. agent.
Gen. L. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, December 27 th 1853.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Joseph Merrill Esq. was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Essex.
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.
W. L. Chaplin Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
county of Essex
Amesbury November 1 st 1853
I David Lowell of Amesbury, County & Commonwealth aforesaid depose and say that I am Ninety six years of age, have always lived in Amesbury. I knew Joshua Wells of this town from the year seventeen hundred and seventy five to Seventeen hundred and Eighty three. I think his Fathers name was Titus Wells and I knew not any other man in this town during that period the name of Joshua Wells I lived about one mile from his residence. I think he moved from this town after the war of the Revolution
David Lowell
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss. November 1 st 1853 Then personally appeared the above named David Lowell and made oath that the above Affidavit by him subscribed is true
Before me Jo n Merrill Jr. Justice, Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Essex.
Annesbury November 8 th 1853
David Currier of Annesbury, County and Commonwealth aforesaid depose and say that I am Eighty three years old that I was born and have always lived in Annesbury, that I have heard of Joshua Wells son of Titus Wells, who lived in this town and believe I have seen him. I think my Father, Capt John Currier who was an Officer in the War of the Revolution, occasionally spoke to me about him during the war, and soon after peace was declared I never heard of any other Joshua Wells during the war of the Revolution or for many years afterwards
David Currier
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Essex ss. Annesbury Nov 8 th 1853
Then personally appeared the above named David Currier and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true
Before me Joseph Merrill J Justice Peace

Elisabeth Wells dance area.
Town of Londons Negative Certificate

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Secretary of State's Office.
I, JOHN L. HADLEY, Secretary of State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Theophilus B. Martin is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Merrimack duly commissioned and qualified, and duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths, take the acknowledgment of Deeds, &c. His Commission was dated on the 24 th day of June 1848, and will expire on the 24 th day of June 1853.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the State, this sixteenth day of April 1852.
John L. Hadley Secretary of State.

„ State of New Hampshire.
Merrimack ss. Town Clerk's Office, Loudon April 12 th 1852.
I Jos. B. Sanborn of Loudon in the County of Merrimack and State aforesaid. Depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk of Loudon aforesaid: that I have the records of said Town of Loudon in my possession that I have examined the records of said Town of Loudon, and cannot find any record on said Town Books of the Marriage of Joshua Wells and Elizabeth Sherburne: That I have held the Office of Town Clerk of Loudon from March 9 th 1852 to the present time: That I have examined the records of said Town of Loudon from 1775. to 1820. that the records do not afford any evidence of the marriage in question at any time whatever: That the records do not appear very full and regular in respect to marriages; and do not raise the least presumption against any alleged marriage within the Town, which is not found therein.
Jos. B. Sanborn } Town Clerk
State of New Hampshire
Merrimack ss. April 12 th 1852.
Personally appeared the above named Jos. B. Sanborn and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true.
Before me Thos. D. Martin. Sur. Peace

Pension Office, September 28 th 1853.
Sir:
In the case of Elizabeth Wells, deceased, of New Hampshire, Act July 7 th 1838, I have to request that one of the children send to this Office, his or her original private record of birth. It must be shown, by certificate of the town clerk of Amesbury, that there was but one Joshua Wells a resident of that town during the Revolutionary War, who could have performed service in said war.
I am, respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt,
S. M. Waldo Commissioner.
John Bryant, Esqr. Meriden, N. H.

14,700 Elizabeth Wells dec d NH
Ino Bryant July 24 1852 same Sep 28 1853 same March 3 1854 " " July 1852 " " July 25 1854 " " Aug 4 1854 " " Aug 18 1854 " " 19 Sep 1854 " " Octo 24 1854 " " Jan'y 29 1855 " " Feb'y 10 1855 " " Mch 7 1855
11311
July 7, 1838

V No 14.700 Elizabeth Wils dec d NH
John Bryant July 24 1852
Same Sep 28 1853
Same march 3/54
John Bryant 11 th July 1854.
Same July 25/54
Same Aug 4/54
Same Aug 18 1854
John Bryant 19 Sept. 1854.
Act July 7 1858.

John Bryant Octo 4 / 1854 " " June 29 1855
Let. J. Bryant Feb. 10 / 55. do same March 7 / 55.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
11311
P. O. Elizabeth Wells
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

I Timothy Merrick a resident of New Hampton in the County of Rocknap State of New Hampshire aged seventyone years before me say that that I was well acquainted with Elizabeth Wells who was the Widow of Joshua Wells formerly of Amesbury in the State of Massachusetts and Subsequently of London in the County of Westminster State of New Hampshire where I have good reason to believe that the said Elizabeth then the Widow of George Sherburn was Married to the said Joshua Wells in the year 1740 the reason of my belief is they lived together as husband and Wife for the space of twenty three or four years before his death which took place on the 31st day of August 1808 The the said Elizabeth Wells had by her said husband Joshua Wells four children namely Mary Brewster born in London June 1st 1741 Judith Merrick born in London July 28th 1742 George Wells born in London June 9th 1745 Lucy Brewster born in London Oct. 29th 1749 Mary Brewster and George Wells were Married I resided in the same neighbourhood and was well acquainted with the family

Where Widow Elizabeth Wiles died in Westborough in the County of Norfolk at my residence on the third day of March 1840
Timothy Merrill
State of South Carolina Berkeley Co April 5 th 1852
Sworn to and Subscribed
Before me - Henry Y. Simpson } Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Timothy Merrill that he is a respectable witness his testimony may be relied on
Henry Y. Simpson Judge

Mendew Me Feby 28 1855
Sir
Upon a reexamination of the papers on file in the case of Elizabeth Wells of Me dec d widow of Joshua Act 7 July 1838 I have to pray your attention to the affidavit of Joseph Kimball on file made before N. M. Taylor Esq n on the 18 th of June 1853 wherein he states that Joshua Wells married the widow Elizabeth Sherburn for his second wife" — I have also to pray your attention to the certificate on file of the Town Clerk of Amesbury dated Nov 1853 giving the time of the birth of Joshua Wells, from which appears that he was upwards of 30 years old when the War began and of course old enough to have a family in 1778 — You will also please examine said certificate & a subsequent one of said Town clerk wherein is contained evidence of the service of Joshua Wells besides that contained in the certificate on file of the Secretary of Massachusetts — And I have now further to say in reference to said pending claim that I am always happy in an attempt at compliance with the reasonable exactions of the Office in relation to proofs and now think I have succeeded in showing that our Joshua Wells had a family as early as the 27 th July 1778 as required in your letter of the 10 th of February instant. It is contained in the certificate of the Town Clerk of Amesbury, and the affidavit of Ichabod Titcomb lately made and herewith transmitted to be filed in said case and which I trust will prove to

Be satisfactory and hope the evidence of of the service of Joshua Wells will be sufficient to entitle the claimant to a full Pen- sion & to which your attention will be doubly be given upon a final adjustment of the claim, although I am at a loss to know the length of service meant to be shown by the said certificate of the Town Clerk of Amesbury above referred to.
Respectfully Yr Obl Servt Wm Bryant
Hon L P Waldo Commr of Pensions