Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5429, for Aaron Hurd, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Hurd, Aaron Abigail
P. 5429
CONTENTS

Vermont N o 28,230
Aaron Hurd. of Montpelier in the State of Vermont who was a Sergeant in the Col. command. by Captain Chadwick of the Reg t command. by _____ in the Massachus. line for
7 mos & 17 dys
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 37 Dollars 83 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of Ap l 1834 and Jan. H. Allen
  Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1834.  113.40    Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th Sep t ..  18.19         $ 132.40  
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by R. Brainerd Clerk Book E Vol. 3 Page 70

Power of Attorney of Lucy Little as daughter of Abigail Hurd widow of Aaron Act July 7. 1838
Hurd, Aaron Mass R5429

POWER OF ATTORNEY.
STATE OF Vermont COUNTY OF Bennington } ss:
Be it known that before me, a Justice
of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared
* Lucy Little a resident of Morris town in the county of Bennington in the State aforesaid, who being first duly sworn according to law, states that
he is † Daughter of Aaron Hurd of Morris town in the county of Bennington and State of Vermont who was a revolutionary ‡ soldier .
and that she believes the United States are still indebted, under existing laws, for the pension that was due under the application heretofore made, and that she is directly interested as a claimant in the pension for which application was heretofore made as aforesaid, and constitutes and appoints ISAAC N. COFFIN, of Washington, D. C., true and lawful attorney, with irrevocable power to examine into, investigate, and establish the claim for said pension, and do all acts necessary thereto.
In witness whereof, Lucy Little has on this day of October 1852, hereunto signed her name, and affixed her seal.
Witness: Joseph Lewis
J. S. Carlton
Lucy Little
Signed, sealed, acknowledged, and sworn to before me, on this 2 day of October 1852.
Horace Powers J. P.
STATE OF Vermont COUNTY OF Bennington } to wit:
I, Carlos S. Noyes clerk of the County court, of the county and State aforesaid, do hereby certify, That Horace Powers before whom the foregoing power of attorney was acknowledged and affidavit made, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court this 4th day of October 1852.
Carlos S. Noyes Clerk.
* Here, if the soldier or officer is living, insert his name; if he is dead, and the widow is living, insert her name; if both dead, insert one of the living children's names; if the children are all dead, and either of them survived the former unsuccessful applicant, insert the name of the administrator of that former applicant.
† Here, if the soldier or officer is living, insert his name again; if the widow is living, insert the words, "widow of," and the name of her husband; if both dead, insert the words, "son or daughter of," and name of the former unsuccessful applicant.
‡ Here insert the word "soldier," or "officer," whichever he was.
NOTE.—When a female is the person who executes this paper, please put the letter s before the word he in every place where it occurs.

State of Vermont
District of Orleans
At a Probate Court held at Morristown within and for the District of Orleans present the Hon d John Kimball Judge on this 23 rd day of August A D 1832 person- ally appeared in open court Aaron Hunt of a Resident of Morristown in the district of Orleans aged Eightyone years who being first duly sworn accord- ing to Law doth on his oath make the follow- ing declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the acts of Congress passed June 7 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States and in the following named officers and served as herein stated -
That he enlisted in Charlestown in Massachusetts in April 1775 into a company of artillery com- manded by Capt d Chadwick or Capt d Russell and he does not now recollect which. That the company he thinks was not attached to any particular Regi- ment. That he did duty in one of the forts in the vicinity of Bunker Hill at the time of the Battle in that place - That he continued to serve in said company till the last of March or first of April 1776. That the company and he with them marched to White Plains and were there discharged at that place and he with them. Thinks the company was of the Massachusetts line of State Troops. That he does not know whether he did or did not have a written discharge. but if he did he has lost it

that he does not recollect the particular officers commanding, other than excepting those named.
That he served from Charlestown to Ipswich in Massachusetts from there to Sandhurst in New Hampshire from there to Bennington in Vermont and from there to Morristown where he now lives and has resided nearly thirty years -
That he has no documentary evidence nor does he know of any person living who can testify to any part of his services - That he was here in Ipswich Massachusetts in July A.D. 1755 - That he entered for one year as a Private only & served out his time. He 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.
Sworn and subscribed this day and year aforesaid.
Aaron his H and mark
We Samuel Cook (formerly an assistant Judge of the County Court for the County of Orleans) now an assistant a Justice of the Peace in said County, and Joseph Sears a Justice of the Peace in said County residents in the Town of Morristown do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Aaron Hume who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 61 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and we concur in that opinion.
Samuel Cook Justice of Peace Joseph Sears Justice of Peace

Aaron Hunt
Declaration
7076

And the said Court the Bench did declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the testimony at issue prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revo- lutionary Soldier and served as he states And the Court further certifies that it appears on them that Samuel Cooke and Joseph Leers who have signed the preceding certificate are Residents of Harrisburg Pennsylvania and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit
I John H. Kimbale Register of the Probate Court in the District of Orleans do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Aaron Hunt for a Pension
I John H. Kimbale In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at office this 23 d day of August 1832
John H. Kimbale Register

State of Vermont Lamoille County ss.
I Edward B. Sawyer Clerk of the County Court of the county of Lamoille, holden at Hyde Park in said County, do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to me, on the affidavits of Lydia F. Wheelock and Lucy Little, residents of Morristown in the County of Lamoille and state aforesaid, and who are hereby certified to be respectable and credible persons, that Abigail Hurd late of Morristown in said County, widow of Aaron Hurd, died in Morristown aforesaid, on the 13 th day of March A.D. 1841, and that said Aaron Hurd died in said Morristown on the 1 st day of April A.D. 1836, that the only child now living of the said Abigail Hurd, is Lucy Little who resides in Morristown in the County of Lamoille & State of Vermont aged 69 years, who is the step child of the said Abigail Hurd, being a daughter by a former wife of the said Aaron Hurd In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County at Hyde Park in said County this 20 th day of February Anno domini 1856.
E. B. Sawyer Clerk

State of Vermont District of Samsville } On this 6 th day of October A D 1838 personally appeared before the Probate Court within and for the District of Samsville Abigail Hurd, a resident of Morristown in the County and district of Samsville, aged Eightythree years. who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath. make the following declaration. in order to obtain a pension the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled. An act granting half pay and pen- sions to certain widows; that she is the widow of Aaron Hurd who was a Sergeant in the army of the Revolution. and served as she believes in the Massachusetts line. and was in actual service as in the vicinity of Boston. when that place was evacuated by the British Army. but she cannot tell the Company. Regiment nor Brigade to which he belonged. She further says that her said Husband the said Aaron Hurd, was a pensioner under the act of Congress of the 7 th of June 1832. and she supposes the evidences on which his pension was obtained. are in the department. and refers thereto. She further declares that she was married

to the said Aaron Hurd on the last day of September in the year Seventeen hundred and ninetythree; that her husband the aforesaid Aaron Hurd died on the 1 st day of April A.D. 1836, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the services: but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hun- dred and ninetyfour, viz; at the time above stated, and she knows of no person living who was present at her marriage excepting Phebe Pitt of Cumbertown in Vermont
Witness S. A. Williams
Abigail Hurd mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Before me
J. J. Pike Register
State of Vermont Granville District ss }
At a Probate Court
For testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court at Norriston- town in said district this 6 th Day of October A.D. 1838
J. J. Pike Register

REJECTED
5429.
P. O. _____
Abigail Sturd
Service: widow of Aaron
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.

V 4125-
Let. to Hon. W. Allen, February 15, 1839.
Let. to Sam & A. Willard April 6, 1840.
J. Coffin mch. 6/56
5429

Abigail Hurd Aaron - Oct - Nov 1838
Jerick Cole Minot Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington. D.C.

In Memory of
Aaron Thurd Deceased April the 1 st AD 1836— Aged 45 years one month 20 days.
Abigail Thurd wife of Aaron Thurd Deceased March the 13 th — AD 1841— Aged 45 years — two months 17 days —
I certify that the above record was made by myself at the time of their deaths respectfully Lucy Little
Sworn to before me this 16 th day of Feby. 1856 H. Paines Justice Peace

Aaron Heard Heard Jr
Sgt. Capt Chadwick's Co
D. W. Ruj File 5429
Abigail Widow Aaron Heard
File with Case Please

(EXAMINING SURGEON'S VOUCHER.)
3-340. (Old No. 3-100.)
TO THE EXAMINING SURGEON.
The claimant named on the outside of this circular has been directed to report himself to you for examination within three months of the date hereof, when the validity of the order will cease.
Should he present himself, please examine him and make your report to this Bureau at once, in accordance with the instructions of the pamphlet already transmitted to you.

Washington Feb 26 th 1836.
Sir:
In the case of Abigail Hurd widow of Aaron, of Vermont, a suspended Revolutionary Pension case under the Act of July 7. 1838, Herewith transmit the following papers:
Affidavit of Lucy Little.
Affidavit of William Kenfield.
Record & Affidavit of Lucy Little of date of death.
Certificate of Court that of day of death of Aaron & Abigail Hurd and that Lucy Little is their only child.
The fact that the Town Clerk swears that there is no Record of Marriage on his Records — and that M rs Little swears that there is no Family Record or anything in writing in evidence of a record-kind, she having made great search therefor, gives the right to produce parol evidence. Parol Evidence which does prove that it was prior to Jan y 1. 1794 is as follows: 1 st M rs Hurd's own Oath 2 d M rs Little's Oath that both her father and mother often stated and often stated that they were married in the year of Seventeen hundred and ninety three on the thirtieth of September. 3 d The Affidavit of M rs Thebe Pitt of whom William Kenfield swears, she was a person of good moral character and a person of truth and respectability — which Thebe Pitt Swears, "I was present, when M rs Hurd was married to the said Aaron Hurd and witnessed the performance of the ceremony. They were married in Cambridge where I now live by the Rev d John Fossett then a Judge of the County Court. I further say that said marriage was consummated forty five years ago this present month and about the start of the month, but whether it was

the last day I do not recollect. My own marriage took place the 11 th day of October next after Mr Hurd was married and I know that I have been married forty five years the ensuing month." She states the reason of her remembering the time of Mr Hurd's marriage, which was, "my own marriage took place the 11 th day of October next after Mr Hurd was married and I know that I have been married forty five years the ensuing month." Thus the most not an ordinary event, as is and has been considered by you in hundreds of cases as amply sufficient, but the most Intensely Interesting  impressive Event that could possibly occur to her, is given by her — and therefore it would be extremely hard if evidence founded thus on the strongest basis of impression should be considered as insufficient. The mere circumstance of approximation to the 1 st of Jan y 1794, ought not to be a barrier, where her evidence is founded a on fact, of which she could not be mistaken, and of which she speaks in the most confident terms "I know I have been married forty five years." 4 th The testimony of the three affiants abovenamed is corroborated by W m Hensfield who swears that he knew them living together as man and wife in 1794, and remembers the year by his brother being born in that year.
On the point, whether you have a right to stop the payment  from going to Mrs Little, because she is a step daughter, — I will mention that the Attorney General of the United States Decides vide page 457 of May Maynard v Moulton's Pension Laws, Edition 1854, in regard to "half sisters" which involves Decides the same principle — "if the half sister was the sister of the deceased, she is within, she is within the description of the person entitled to take. It cannot be said that she is not a sister ; and as the act makes no distinction between the whole blood and half blood, she cannot be excluded upon any ground contained in the law itself, and from the nature of the case; the policy of no one or more states can apply here; and there is no general principle of law or policy that can be permitted to

vary or control the construction of this section of the act, but the plain import of the words must prevail." 2 d The Decision of the Supreme Court of the State of Connecticut in the case of Heath vs White 5 th Vol. Connecticut Reports page 228 shows, that Courts or other tribunals have no right to restrain the signification of the term children, and thus has Decided that even illegitimate children are included. The Supreme Court above-mentioned Decides - "the English Law of desents being no part of the Law of this State furnishes no subject matter to restrain the signification of the term [children] in question" and that it is not permissible that "this Court may restrain the plain words of a legislative Act" and that the Court is "not prepared to march abreast of the plain words of the Law" "That an illegitimate daughter has been legally recognized as being the child of her mother is proved by the case of the King vs Edmonston cited 1 Term Reports 97." The Certificate of Court hereunto states the "only child" Deciding thereby she is the child. I am
Very Respectfully Your Obed Servt. Isaac W. Coffin.
Josiah Minot Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington. D. C.

State of Vermont } Rutland County } On this 16 th day of February A.D. 1856 before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Rutland in the State aforesaid, personally appeared Lucy Little of Morristown in the County & State aforesaid aged 69 years who being duly sworn, deponeth that she is the only daughter of Aaron Hurd late of Morristown in the County of Rutland in the state aforesaid, by his first wife and therefore step daughter of Abigail Hurd his widow. That there is no Family Record or any thing in writing in existence of a Record kind, she having made great search therefor of the marriage of said Abigail & Aaron Hurd. That she knows that both her Father and step Mother abovenamed always stated and often stated that they were married in the year of Seventeen hundred and ninety three on the thirtyth of Septembers and affiant further states that she was well acquainted with Phebe Pitt of Cambridge, that she was an illiterate person, but sustained a good moral char- acter, and a good reputation for truth & veracity.
Lucy Little
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year abovenamed and I certify that Lucy Little abovenamed is a respectible and credible person
Attest Horace Paine Justice of the Peace
is a credible person! Horace Paine J.P.

State of Vermont County of Lamoille ss
Personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Lamoille in the State aforesaid on this 15 th day of February 1856 William Renfield of Hydepark in the County and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law deponeth that he was well acquainted with Aaron Heard and Abigail Heard of Morristown in the County & State aforesaid and knew them living together as man and wife in the year seventeen hundred and ninety Four and that they were reputed so to be, and that the fact of their marriage was never called in question by their acquaintances. That which enables him to recollect that it was in the year seventeen hundred and ninety Four that they were thus living together as man and wife is that Wm. H. Renfield a Younger Brother was born that year, & also testeth and say I was well acquainted with Phoebe Pitt lived near to her in Cambridge that she was a person of good moral character and a person of truth & veracity, never had her word questioned
William Renfield
Sworn to & Subscribed on the day & year aforesaid Before Me, and I certify that William Renfield abovementioned is a credible person. Horace Paeus J.P.

State of Vermont Sumner County ss
I hereby certify that Horace Powers Esqr before whom the foregoing & within affidavits were sworn, was at its date, an acting justice of the Peace within and for the county of Sumner duly elected commissioner and qualified, and had authority to administer oaths for general purposes
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and the Seal of the County this 20 th day of February Anno Domini 1856
E. B. Sanger Clerk

John L. Edmiston Esq

With Mr. Ed. (earns) extra Then two cars on mi. from Horne Allen
Jan 28. 39

State of Vermont La Motte County p. 3
I. Philo S. Loomis of Lyndon Park in the County of p. 2 clerk of La Motte County Court hereby certify that Saml. A. Willard is a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of La Motte duly commissioned & qualified that his commission is dated Nov. 6. 1838. & will expire on the 1 st day of Dec r . 1839. & that his signature hereunto attached is true & genuine
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of s d Court at my office in Lyndon Park afo d . this 11 th day of Jan y . 1839. P. S. Loomis clerk

Aaron Rund Pension Papers
7 m o 17 days Sergeant -
H. H. Allen H. R.

War Department Pension Office February 5 1834
Sir
Aaron Heard claims in his declaration to have served a year in Bridle's Regiment from April 1775. None of the troops raised at that period of the war were enlisted until the 1 st December 1775. The certificate of Mr Bangs shews that an individual of that name enlisted as a Sergeant in that regiment on the 13 th day of May 1775. As the claimant did not allege that he held that rank, and as his statement does not agree with the term of service, some evidence of his identity should be produced. When this shall be done satisfactory he will will be allowed from 13 th May to 1 st of December 1775. The papers are herewith returned.
I have the honor to be Your obed Servant J L Edwards
Hon A. Allen House of Representatives

SE Boston SEP 13 Samuel H. Willard Esq. Morristown Orleans County N.Y.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Sept 13 th 1833.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Aaron Heward , as a Serjeant, is borne on a Muster Roll of Capt. Joseph Chadwick, in Col. Gridley's Regt. where he is allowed from May 13 th to August 1 st 1775, for services and travel, two months and twenty-four days.
m d 2-24
Aaron Heward claims further services under Capt. Chadwick, the rolls of which after the first of August, in 1775, are not found in this Office.
Edward D. Dangs. Secy
Es. P. No.

Boston Sept 13 th 1833
Sir Yours of August 16 th to the Secretary my kind us, who are engaged in examining the books and documents relating to the Revolu- tionary War. — and have sent you all the evidence of Service for Aaron Howard. 2= to be found (with the information you have given) the rolls after the first of August — '75. are supposed to be at Washington, as the Massachu- setts State Troops there entered in the Continental Service — Our fee for examining is two Dollars, which you will please send us, by return of Rolls. to the care of the Secretary (postage free)
Yours Respectfully Eleazer Hovey Henry White

Canon Hurd p 6
Ha. H. Allen

War Department Pension Office 27 June 1833.
Sir.
The Papers in support of the claim of Aaron Hurd. have been examined & are herewith enclosed to you.
He states that he enlisted in April 1775. for one year. There is no evidence in this office that there were any enlistments for so long a time at that period of the war. He must make a satisfactory explanation upon this point, accompanied by such proof as he may be able to produce. It is probable that an application to E. D. Bangs Esq. Secretary of State of Massachusetts. may furnish him with some evidence.
I am Respectfully,
Your att: servant
J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
J. A. Willard Esq. Marlinton. J. L.

State of Vermont Orleans County ss
Personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the Peace within and for the County of Orleans aforesaid Aaron Heard who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he can not swear positively as to the precise length of his service nor to the names of the officers under whom he served excepting Capt. Chadwick. he recollects he was in the vicinity of Bunker Hill when the Battle was fought in that place was in Dorchester the next Spring and was discharged at White Plains that he cannot recollect how many times he enlisted but knows well
That he enlisted as Sergeant and served as such and that at the time he enlisted he spelled his name Hoard . That after he came into this State (possibly) with whom he became acquainted gave his name a short pronunciation and for that reason he alter- ed the manner of spelling to Heard . That he does not recollect whether at the time he made his decla- ration he stated he did or did not state that he enlisted as Sergeant but he knows that he always has so related in conversation with his friends when touching up- on the fact of his enlistment & services. and has never stated to the contrary.
Merritown March 5 1834
Aaron H. Heard Mark
Subscribed and sworn before
Joseph Sears per Peace

I Lucy Little of Morristown in Orleans County and State of Vermont aged Fortyseven years certify and say that I am the daughter of Aaron Hurd of Morristown aforesaid who has petitioned for a pen- sion under the act of June 1832. that I have lived with him and he with me since I was fourteen years of age. that before we came into Vermont my father spelled his name Heard . that in consequence of the peoples pronouncing our name short or gave it a short pronunciation after we came into Vermont he attend the manner of spelling to Hurd That I have many times heard my father relate his services in the army of the Revolution and he always stated that he served as Sergeant. I have many times heard him say he was at Bunker Hill Bunker and White Plains. for several years passed his recollection has failed very much and lately he has not been able to state minutely the transactions of early life. I believe he performed the services Lucy Little Morristown March 5 1834
Subscribed and sworn to before Joseph Sears justice of the Peace
I David Little of Morristown in Orleans County and State of Vermont aged fiftythree years certify and say that Aaron Hurd who has petitioned for a pension under the act of June 1832 has lived with me thirty years that he is my wife's brother that I have frequently heard him relate his services in the army of the Revolution and that he served as Sergeant. and I believe he did so serve David Little Morristown March 5 1834
Subscribed & sworn to before Joseph Sears justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Lucy Little and David Little who have signed and sworn to the foregoing Certificate and that they are credible witnesses Joseph Sears jus: of the Peace
I Joseph Sears of Morristown in Orleans County and State of Vermont of lawful age certify and say that I am acquainted with Aaron Hunt of Morristown aforesaid who has petitioned for a Pension under the act of Congress of June 1832 that he is very infirm and his recollection much impaired. that soon after the pension act of 1818 I heard him give some relation of his services in the army of the Revolution and he then said that he served as Serjeant and I believe he did so serve Morristown March 8 th 1834 Joseph Sears
Subscribed and sworn to Before John Miles Justice of the Peace
I Samuel A Willard of Morristown in Orleans County and State of Vermont of lawful age certify and say that I wrote the Declaration of Aaron Hunt of Morristown aforesaid for a Pension under the act of 1832 that I had never seen him until that time. I found his recollection had very much failed or that it never had been good and  but from his being very much afflicted with shaking palsy and much confused when trying to recollect his intiments and the names of Officers under whom he served I concluded his recollection had failed which on often

enquiry I found was right - I do not recollect of having asked him whether he did or did not serve as a Private and seeing the declaration is so full I presume I drew that as an inference or I made a mistake and I am inclined to believe it an infer- ence or conclusion of my own without any such asser- tion being made by him.
Morristown March 8 1834
Samuel A Willard
Subscribed and sworn to
Before John Miles Justice of the peace
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Joseph Sears and Samuel A Willard who have signed and sworn to the foregoing affidavits and that they are credible witnesses
John Miles Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont } Orleans County } ss
I Ira H. Allen Clerk of Orleans County Court do hereby certify that Joseph Sears and John Miles who have affixed their names to the within an magistrates duly qualified and that I believe the same to be their genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I herunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court at Inverburgh this 2. day of April 1834.
Ira H. Allen Clerk

Huzail Huzd

I Samuel Allis and of Morristown in the County of Grandison and State of Vermont of lawful age do de- pose and say that I have examined the several acts of the System of the State of Vermont in relation to the records of Marriages by whom the record was to be made up and that from the time the State was organized until the year AD 1796 I can find but one act in relation to that subject and I find that act in the Secretary of State's office and the same is contained in the Vermont State papers page 327 and was passed in February AD 1779 and is in the words following. "Be it enacted and it is hereby enacted by the representatives of the freemen of Vermont in general assembly met and by the authority of the same that the Town Clerk or Register in every town in this State shall record all the Marriages births and deaths of persons in their Towns and that all parents Masters Executors and administrators respectively shall bring in to the Clerk of the town in which they belong the names of such persons belonging to them that shall be born or die; Also that every new married man shall bring the time of his marriage sufficiently proved either by certificate from him that married him or by other legal proof to the Clerk within one year after such marriage births or death and every person neglecting shall forfeit the sum of four shillings and for every month after the first month four shillings. I further say that I have been into the Town of Cambridge in this County, where the marriage of the late Aaron Hood now deceased, and Abigail Hood his widow was solemnized, and enquired for the Magistrate (Judge Frost) who married them and find that he has been dead for many years

And his family gone from the state or dead - and I can find no records of magistrates or of said money. Samuel A Willard Monmouth Sept 18. 1839
Samuel A Willard
I further say that the said Aaron & Abigail have always sustained the relation of husband & wife and have had no children. S. A. Willard
Subscribed and sworn to before me, and I certify that
The said Samuel Atkinson is a creditor writing -
P. G. Camp. Last of Puer
State of Vermont } J. Phil. G. Camp of — Sa Mille County } May as Park in the county of Sa Mille. Clerk of Sa Mille County Court hereby certify that J. G. Camp is a Justice of the peace within said S. County duly commissioned & qualified. That his commission is dated Nov. 25 th 1839 & will expire on the 1 st day of Dec. 1840 & that his signature at lower is true & genuine
In Witness whereof I have unto affix the seal of said County. In presence of my hand at Vevay on this 21 st day of Jan'y. A.D. 1840
P. G. Campis blank

Mornsville Jany 16 th 1840
J. S. Edwards Esq
Dear Sir.
In January last I for-
warded to you the application of Abigail Hurd widow of the late Aaron Hurd of this town. for a Pension under the act of the 7 th July 1838 - and rec d for answer that the date of the marriage was not satisfactorily proved. and that the same must be proved by a certificate from some Register. or that it must be proved that no Register was kept in which its her marriage would most probably have been made. She was duly married as she says in Sept 1793 and that fact is proved by the affidavit forwarded with the declaration and now most probably in your office where the papers were left. At that time there was no law in existence in this State requiring the Pension whether magistrate or minister to make any record. and all the laws that was then in being directing about such records. is copied into my affidavit herewith forwarded. So then if the magistrate made any record it was his own curiosity that led him to do so - that the magistrates marriage is not in the town records is proved by the town clerks affidavit - now in the pension office I have enquired for Judge Loper the magistrate and find that he has been dead a great while. and his relations either out of the country or dead and none of his records can be found. and of they could. it cannot be expected that the

fact in question would then appear. The affidavit of David Sitter herewith forwarded shows that no family record can be found. In relation to Parish & Church records no such things were at that time kept in this part of the state. for the settlements were new and far apart and religious not formed. It is a fact that Mr Hurd at the time of said marriage resided in this town. & Mrs Hurd in Cambridge a distance of 20 miles. that Hurd went to Cambridge and they were married and returned the same day, and they lived together till his decease. and their marriage not doubted. and they maintained a respectable standing in society - the return of Hurd from Cambridge with his new wife is well remembered by people now living in the vicinity. but none are living who saw the marriage excepting the woman whose affidavit was forwarded last year - -
The application of Mrs Wild & also the declaration of Abel White are herewith forwarded - all communication respecting them will be with me -
Yours with respect Sam A Willard
Morrisville Vermont

David Little of Montpelier, in Lamoille County, and State of Vermont, of lawful age, depose and say, that Mrs Abigail Hurd, widow of Aaron Hurd, late of this town deceased, and who was a pensioner, has resided in my family for a long time, and so did the said Aaron Hurd before his decease, and she has occasion his death I further say that the said Aaron Hurd, never to my knowledge, kept any family record, of any kind, and I have lately examined his old Bible for the purpose of seeing if any record of his morn- ing or any thing else was therein kept, and there is no such record, or no other records, no record of any kind. -
David Little
Sept 25 th 1839
Subscribed and sworn to before me and I certify that the said David Little is a credible witness Samuel A Willard Justice of Peace

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State of Wisconsin, I, Philip L. Campbell of Waupaca La Moine County 3 Park in the County of La Moine Clerk of La Moine County Court hereby certify that Samuel A. Willard is a Justice of the peace in said County duly commissioned and qualified that his commission is dated Nov. 25 th 1839 & will expire on the 1 st day of Decr. 1840. & that his signature hereon is true & genuine. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of said Court at my Office in Hyas Park this 21 st day of Jan'y A.D. 1840 P. L. Campbell. Clerk

Johnsonville Dec 31
6
Hon Samuel A. Willard
Morrisville Vt.

I Willard Griswold of Cambridge in the County of Lamoille and State of Vermont of lawful age do depose and say that I am the Town Clerk of said Cambridge and have in my custody and keeping the Books and records of said town. I further say that I have examined the said records to see if a record of the marriage of Widow Abigail Hurd of Morristown in this County to Aaron Hurd late of said Morristown deceased could be found. and I can find no such record -
Willard Griswold Town Clerk
Cambridge Dec 28 1838
Subscribed and sworn to before me and I certify that the said Willard Griswold is a credible witness Jesse Sears Justice of the peace

State of Vermont, S. Philo G. Camp Clerk of La Motte County p. 3 of La Motte County Court. hereby certify that Joseph Dears is a Justice of the peace within the County of La Motte duly commissioned & qualified that his commission is dated Nov. 6. 1838 & will expire on the 1 st day of Dec 1839 & that his signature hereunto is true & genuine In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at my Office in Hyatt Park in said County this 18 th day of Jan y A.D. 1839 S. P. G. Camp Clk
Morrisville Vt
Hon. Samuel J. A. Williams
Johnson Vt Dec 31
2

V 5 Abigail Hurd widow of Aaron
Vt.
act 7. July 38
Allen H.R.

I Lucy Little of Morristown in the County of Lamoille and State of Vermont testify and say that Aaron Hurd late of Morristown aforesaid and now deceased was a Pensioner and died the 1 st day of April 1836 - I further say that Abigail Hurd who has applied for a pension under the act of Congress of the 7 th of July 1838 is the widow of the said Aaron Hurd I further say that the said Aaron Hurd was my father and that my mother died when I was a child and the said Abigail Hurd is the second wife of my said father. I further say that I did not reside in Vermont at the time of the marriage of my said father and the said Abigail, but I believe that they were duly married and know that they always lived together as Husband and Wife during my residence with her =  Lucy Little
Morristown Jan y 4 th 1839 - Subscribed and sworn to before me and I certify that the said Lucy Little is a credible witness David A Willard Justice of the Peace
I David Little of Morristown in Lamoille County and State of Vermont depose and say that Abigail Hurd of Morristown aforesaid who has applied for a pension is the widow of Aaron Hurd late of said Morristown who was a pensioner and who died the 1 st day of April 1836 -  David Little  Subscribed and sworn to before me and I certify that the said David Little is a credible witness David A Willard Justice of the Peace

I Phoebe Pitt of Cambridge in the County of Lamoille and State of Vermont do hereby and say that I am well acquainted with Abigail Hurd of Morristown in the County of Lamoille aforesaid and have been acquaint- ed with her from her from my child- hood and know her to be the widow of Aaron Hurd late of said Morristown deceased. I further say that I was present when Mrs Hurd was married to the said Aaron Hurd and witnessed the performance of the ceremony. They were married in Cambridge when I now live, by the Hon John Haskell then a judge of the County court court. I fur- ther say that said marriage was consum- mated fortyfive years ago this present month and about the last of the month but whether it was the last day I do not recollect. My own marriage took place the 11 th day of October next after Mrs Hurd was married and I know that I have been married fortyfive years the ensu- ing month. I have known Mrs Hurd since her marriage and she is now the widow of the said Aaron Hurd.
Phoebe x Pitt mark
Sept 4 th 1838
Witness Sam Merrill
Subscribed and sworn to before me
Sam Merrill Justice of Peace

I Barrillai Spalding of Morristown in Orleans County and State of Vermont and a Pensioner under the act of Congress of June A D 1832 do certify and say that I am acquainted with Aaron Hurd of said Morristown who has petitioned for a Pension under the act of 1832 and have known him for more than twenty years - that soon after I became acquaint- ed with him I learned he was a Soldier of the Revolution and he gave me a relation of his services - he said he enlisted in 1775 into a company of Artillery com- manded by Captain Chadwick and was stationed in the vicinity of Bunker Hill and that he enlisted and served as an under officer and I believe he said he was Serjeant - I belonged to the army at the same time and was stationed in the vicinity of Boston and knew Capt Chadwick and I will know he commanded a company of Artillery and was stationed in the same place Mr Hurd has pointed out to me - He has related to me events that transpired while he was stationed as above named that I know did transpire precisely as by him related, and I believe he could not then have known them without having been present - he has several times conversed with me upon the services above alluded to and has ever given the same relation - I have always understood him to say he was an under officer and I believe he said he was Serjeant - I have not seen him for several years and understand he is very infirm and confined at home.
Barrillai Spalding
Subscribed and sworn to before me the 27 th day of March 1834 John D. Miles Justice of Peace

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Barnillai Spalding who has signed his name and made oath to the within Affidavit and that he is a credible witness John Miles Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont Orleans County ss
I Isaac H. Allen Clerk of Orleans County Court do hereby certify that John Miles who has affixed his name to the within is a magistrate duly qualified and that I believe the same to be his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court at Marshfield this 2. day of April 1834. Isaac H. Allen Clerk