Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5391, for Joseph Hunt, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Miss
Hunt, Joseph Elizabeth
R 5391
CONTENTS

V o 1116 Elizabeth Hunt Widow of Joseph Hunt and
no paper attached on roll 1116 1117 Capt. Hunt Hunt from Hunt 2 mo 24 d 1811 also paper 1118 3 mo 8 d

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County } ss
On this twenty eighth day of July in the Year of Our Lord Eighteen hundred & thirty eight Personally appeared before the Hon. Sherman Leland Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Norfolk Elizabeth Hunt a resident of Dunes in said County aged Seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7 1838, entitled, An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows.
That she is the Widow of Joseph Hunt late of Milford who was a Sergeant in the Mass ts State Artillery from the Spring of the year 1775 until the latter part of 1777 in the War of the Revolution, first for eight months in 1775 in Col Grubbs Reg t of Artillery according to the best of her recollection in Capt. Prince's Comp y then after wards in Col. Crafts Reg t of State Artillery in 1776 & 1777 if not longer but cannot from lip of memory state under what Captain, after the most diligent search she cannot find any person or testimony of her husband's service, and the only record evidence in support of her claim is to be found in the Town Records of Dorchester an extract of which accompanies this application.
She further declares that she was married to said Joseph Hunt on the Fourth day of December in the year Seventeen hundred and

Seventy Seven, and that her husband the aforesaid Joseph Hunt died at sea in the month of in the year Seventeen hundred & Ninety four She cannot say she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service because she is not posi- tive of that fact, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and Ninety four, viz' at the time above stated and she has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband Joseph Hunt aforesaid
Elizabeth her Hunt marks
Sworn to and subscribed, etc. Roxbury in said County & Norfolk, on the day & year above written.
Before me a Notary Public & Probate
I Bryant Newcomb of Braintree in the County of Norfolk in Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy Six years, do on oath testify and say that I am well acquainted with Mrs Elizabeth Hunt widow of Joseph Hunt deceased formerly of the Town of Dorchester afterwards of Braintree said Joseph Hunt served in the War of the Revolution but I cannot say what particular Service as I did not serve with him from what I have heard I suppose he must have served about Eighteen months He said Joseph Hunt died at sea about Eight- een years ago and left said Elizabeth his Widow who is still living in the adjoining Town of Dorchester and is in near Neighbourhood of mine and she has not married since the death of her husband said Joseph Hunt
Bryant Newcomb

This certifies that on the Records of the First Congregational Church in Quincy (formerly Braintree) is to be found the following record of Marriage:
"Joseph Hunt & Elizabeth Thayer both of Braintree on the Fourth Day of December in the year Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Seven"
I William P. Lunt, 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:
1777
December 4.
I, William P. Lunt, above named, depose & say that I hold the office of a Pastor of the First Congregational Church in Quincy

County of Norfolk & State of Massachusetts I that the above is a true extract from the records of said Church with the exception above named, is certified by me
William P. Lunt
Aug. 18, 1838 — One of the Pastors of the First Congregational Church in Quincy
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss Aug 13 th 1838. Then the above named William P. Lunt well known to me as one of the Pastors of the First Congregational Society in Quincy in said county of Norfolk made oath to the truth of the foregoing certificate by him subscribed before me Samuel Brackett Jus Peace.

State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk —
Dorchester July 28 th 1838
I certify that I am Clerk of the Town of Dorchester and have the Records of said town in my possession on searching the records I find the following —
June 22 nd 1838 paid for in Hunt by the hand of Major Badlam for engaging in the service and for travelling fees — Eighty four pounds
A true copy from Dorchester records
Thomas J. Tolman Town Clerk
Norfolk SS. July 30. 1838, Then personally — appeared the above named Thomas J. Tolman and made solemn Oath to the above Certificate that the same is true, and a true copy from the record — Before me
Nathan C. Martini  Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk ss. On this twenty fifth day of August, 1838, personally appeared before me, the above-named Bryant Newcomb, & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed. I further certify that said Bryant Newcomb is, and has been for many years, well known to me as a person of respectability, and that his testimony is entitled to full credit and belief. W m Minot Justice of Peace & Master in Chancery
I Abigail Farnell of Quincy in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged eighty three years do now I do hereby say that I am the Sister of Joseph Hunt formerly Brother to my Mother, and afterwards of Dorchester that my Brother said Joseph Hunt was a Sergeant in a Reg t of Artillery recruited in and about Dorchester in 1775 and 1776 and according to the best of my knowledge under Capt Robinson I cannot theough life of memory state particulars He said Joseph Hunt died at sea in the Merchant Service forty five years ago. His Widow by the age of my Son John Farnell who was five months old when the news of my brother's death was received and he is now fifty five years old He left his Widow Elizabeth who is still living and resides in Quincy and has not married since the death of her husband said Joseph Hunt
Abigail Farnell
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss Aug t 10 th 1838 Then the above named Abigail Farnell made oath to the truth of the above certificate by her subscribed I also certify that the said Abigail Farnell is a person of respectability & veracity before me Samuel Brackett Jus Peace.

REJECTED
5391
P. O. Elizabeth Stuart
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Elizabeth Hunt Massachusetts
D 2197 A. Austin
suspended
See let. 1 Nov 1838 R. Baldwin
do - do - June 18 '39 let to Franklin Dopter, Nov 1, 1839.
to R. Baldwin 27 May 1841
to H. Woodman 8 June 37
Saml. Thomas Jr. Mch 12/53.
5591
Act 7 July 1838

Elizabeth Daughter Brantree Elizabeth Huntchild d, Joseph Huntchild d. 1820. m. 1777 5
75 8 mo. Gidley. Coq & Puer adulthood, not on
76.77
6d Craft-
June 1778. Recd £84.0.0
for burial handling fees
— on —
173 ... 70 ... 7 ... 17 ... 1778
b. 1
David ... Capt. are 30 ... 75 ... on whom ...

Boston March 7 th 1850
Dear Sir
You would much oblige me by informing me as to the result of the investigation concerning the claims of one Joseph Hunt of Dorchester for services in the Revolutionary war. As I cannot obtain any satisfactory answer from the agent we employed neither will he give me up the papers that I supplied him with and I fear that in some foul play
Very Respectfully Yours
Samuel Thomas Jr 73 Union St Boston

Boston Massachusetts
September 1 st 1838
Sir
I herewith transmit Documents in support of various Claims for pensions under the act of July 7, 1838 viz t
Mrs Elizabeth Spear, Widow of Samuel Spear dec d who was both in the Land & Naval Service in the War of the Revolution. This case was originally made out by Meribah Thayer Esq of Braintree under the Act of July 4, 1836, and forwarded to the Hon John Quincy Adams and supposed to be on the files of the Department - and probably suspended in consequence of late marriage. To these papers I would refer the Department in addition to those now forwarded.
Mrs Elizabeth Hunt widow of Joseph Hunt dec d who was a Sergeant of Artillery in the War of the Revolution.
Mrs Elizabeth Hayden, widow of William Hayden dec d who was a Corporal in Capt Silly's Comp y of Col Graves Reg t of Artillery from the year 1777 to 1780. Said William Hayden was a pensioner of the US under the Act of March 18, 1818, and a resident of Suffolk County in this Commonwealth. A previous application under the Act of July 4, 1836, has also been made in this case and suspended by the Department.

If these claims are admitted be pleased to forward the several Certificates for the same to me at this place
I am very respectfully Sir Your Obst
Reuben Baldwin
James L Edwards Esq Clerk of Persons Washington

Boston, Massachusetts June 10 th 1839
Sir
I hereby respectfully call your attention to the claim of Mrs Elizabeth Hunt, widow of Joseph Hunt dec d , who claims a five years pension under the Act of 7 th July 1838. This claim has been long deferred. Her papers of application were forwarded in my letter of the 1 st of September last, & answered by yours of November 1 st following. I replied to by mine of the 5 th of the same, since which time nothing relating thereto has been received. Mrs Hunt is very desirous to have a final decision in her case, & not be kept in suspense any longer. Had the Documents, relating to the Revolutionary Service of the Massachusetts soldiers, still remained in her custody, it is confidently believed that, on a diligent search of the same, ample evidence would have been found, corroborative of the Town of Dorchester records, to warrant a higher rate of pension than that allowed Mrs Hannah Lewis, widow of James Lewis dec d ; whose claim is allowed for six months only, notwithstanding his native Town paid him for two tours of additional service, actually performed, one at R I of 4 months, & one of three months at Cambridge to guard the prisoners.

Very Respectfully Sir I am your O bt Servant
Reuben Baldwin
James L Edwards Esqr Commrs rs of Pensions Washington

Boston, Massachusetts.
Sir,
May 15 th 1841
I transmit herewith the Certificate of Thomas J. Solomons Esq. Town Clerk of Rochester, as further proof in support of the claim to a five years pension by Mrs Elizabeth Hunt, widow of Joseph Hunt deceased. Whose papers of application were forwarded in my letter dated September 1 st 1838.
I have not by me any of the letters from the Department, in replies to this case, & therefore cannot refer as to dates.
Mrs Hunt is quite certain that said Joseph Hunt was a Sergeant of Artillery in the Revolutionary Army, which circumstance may accelerate the proof of his Service.
Mrs Hunt having failed to establish the service of her late Husband in 1833, relinquished her claim for that period, but is still confident of his service in the Artillery in 1804 & 1805.
Be pleased to give the above case a further examination & forward a Certificate for such amount of pension as the Department may think proper.
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your O bl Servant,
Newton Baldwin
James T. Edwards Esq.
Commrs of Pensions
Washington

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk -
Town Clerks office Dorchester May 14 th 1841
I hereby certify that it appears from examination of the Records of the Town of Dorchester, contained in an original Book in my possession that the following entries are made viz
1778 } Seventeen hundred seventy eight June 22 } June the Twenty second
Paid John Richmond & William Thompson L by the hand of Major Badlam for Enlisting and $168 0 - 0 travelling Fees
Paid Joseph Hunt by the hand of Major Badlam for engaging in the service & for travelling } 84 0 - 0 fees
Paid Samuel Thayer D 84 0 - 0
June 24 th Paid Andrew Hough for Enlisting and travelling fees, by the hand of Col o Pierce } 84 0 - 0
Paid Thomas Holman for d o by d o 84 0 - 0

I Thomas J. Tolman do depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk of the Town of Dorchester, County and Commonwealth aforesaid. That the foregoing are true extracts, from Dorchester Town Records, in my profession.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this Fourteenth day of May. Eighteen hundred forty one.
Attest Thomas J. Tolman Town Clerk —
I Thomas J. Tolman do further depose and say that I am Sixty six years of age, that my ancestors was some of the first settlers of the Town of Dorchester when the land was purchased of the Indians in 1633 & that Ebenezer Tolman my late Father and my self have officiated as Town Clerks for the Town of Dorchester upwards of forty years — Col Samuel Pierce before mentioned was our nearest Neighbours and that often I have frequently heard my late Father relate that, the several persons mentioned within amongst whom was Joseph Hunt, who assembled at said Col Pierces near every evening for a fortnight to learn the exercise of the Great Guns — that his Brother Edward Pierce was repairing, previous to their going in to actual service.

I further testify and say that I am well acquainted with Elizabeth Hunt Widow of the above mentioned Joseph Hunt dec. whose Family name I have always understood was Thayer - said Elizabeth resided in my Father's old house for a number of years - near twenty years since - said Elizabeth Hunt is still living; and calls frequently calls at my house, and expresses much disappointment of her unsuccessfullness in obtaining a Pension
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this Fourteenth day of May Eighteen hundred forty one -
Attest Thomas J. Tolman Town Clerk
Dorchester
(May 14 th 1841)
Norfolk May 14 A.D. 1841 Personally appeared the above named Th. J. Tolman and made Oath that the above statements by him subscribed is True
Before me
Robert Wall Justice of the Peace

Boston May 25, 1853
Dear Sir,
Enclosed I send you some of the papers of Eliza Thomas, a widow of a soldier of the Revolution, and of Joseph Hunt, a soldier of the Rev- olution.
Will you please forward to me the papers on file in your office, in relation to this case for examination. I will see that they are returned in good order.
Your obed. Servt
Horatio Woodman
H.W.
To the Commissioners of Pensions Washington D.C.

Boston Aug 27, 1853
Sir,
Yours of June 8 th last declines to assure me the papers of Elizabeth Hunt widow of Joseph Hunt an applicant for a Revolution- ary Pension. Under these circumstances will you please, as soon as convenient, send me a copy of them, or an abstract of the services of said Hunt, the proofs &c. The power of attorney authorizing me to care for her in- terests is to be found in your office. Ever Ob t , Sir
Horatio Woodman
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, May 18 1853.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation W m B. Duggan was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
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.
E. W. Dwight Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Giving and hereby granting unto my said Attorney full power and authority in and about the premises; and to use all due means, course, and process in the law for the full, effectual, and complete execution of the business above described; and in my name to make and execute due acquittance and discharge; and for the premises to appear, and the person of me the constituent to represent before any governor, judges, justices, officers, and ministers of the law whatsoever, in any court or courts of judicature, and there, on my behalf, to answer, defend, and reply unto all actions, causes, matters, and things whatsoever, relating to the premises. Also, to submit any matter in dispute, respecting the premises, to arbitration or otherwise; with full power to make and substitute, for the purposes aforesaid, one or more attorneys, under my said attorney, and the same again at pleasure to revoke. And generally to say, do, act, transact, determine, accomplish, and finish all matters and things whatsoever, relating to the premises, as fully, amply, and effectually, to all intents and purposes, as I the said constituent, if present, ought or might personally, although the matter should require more special authority than is herein comprised, I the said constituent ratifying, allowing, and holding firm and valid all and whatsoever my said Attorney or his substitutes shall lawfully do, or cause to be done, in and about the premises, by virtue of these presents.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 1 st day of Decr in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty three
Signed, sealed and delivered, in presence of us,
Henry Lewis
Eliza Thomas
Louisa A. Mann
and duly acknowledged I, the undersigned, on the day and year above named, before me, and I certify that I have no interest in the prose- cution or result of the claim.
Wm T. Duggan } District of " " " } the Penn " " " }

Know all Men by these Presents,
that I. Eliza Thomas, of Quincy, Norfolk County, Massachusetts
have constituted, ordained, and made, and in my stead and place put, and by these presents do constitute, ordain, and make, and in my stead and place put Horatio Noraman, of Boston, in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts to be my true, sufficient, and lawful Attorney for me and in my name and stead to Witness and Examine any Papers or Documents from the Pension Department at Washington D.C. in relation to and in order to substantiate a claim to a pension on account of the services of Joseph Hunt who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War.
— —

Boston October 23 rd 1839
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir,
I have been requested by Mrs. Elizabeth Hunt to assist her to procure a pension for her hus- band's services in the revolution- ary war; since the receipt of your letter of June 18 th addressed to Rev. Rev. Baldwin Esq. We have herewith the enclosed affidavit as all the testimony she can obtain. Mrs. Hunt is an ignorant woman and does not understand the difficulties of her case, and although I have no reason to suppose that it has not been faithfully attended to by Mr. Baldwin, I could not

refuse doing anything further in my power - a line from the Pen- sion Office saying whether there is sufficient evidence, will greatly relieve her - S. May
As I say Respectfully
Franklin Dexter