Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1,0587, for John Thurston, New Hampshire

SERVICE
NUMBER
N 16.
Thurston, John Else.
R. 105-87
CONTENTS
Blank lined section for contents.
Blank lined section for contents.

Stratham N.H. } Dec 11
5.
James Gregory Esq Marblehead Mass.

Whereas the gentlemen whom I formerly employed as my Agents to establish my claim to a Pension through the Revolutionary Services of my late husband, John Thurston, deceased, have discontinued acting for me - Now therefore, I know all men by these presents - That I do hereby appoint James Gregory, of Marlborough, Massachusetts, to act as my Attorney in the premises, and use all just and honorable means to establish my said claim; and I do hereby revoke all power and authority heretofore granted to my former Agents for the purpose aforesaid.
As witness my hand, at Stratham, in the County of Rockingham, State of New Hampshire, this tenth day of December, A. D. 1845.
Witnessed by,
Wm. J. Newman
Else her  X Thurston mark

Stratham Dec r 10 th 1845.
Mr. Gregory
Dear Sir
I am a near neighbour of Mrs. Thurston. I rejoice that you have undertaken to procure a pension for her. I have no doubt it is due her. She is very poor, in great need of it for her comfortable maintenance. She is entirely dependent upon her children, is mostly supported by a daughter residing with her. Any thing wh. I can do to aid in this business I shall be most happy to do. In reply to yr. inquiries permit me to state that Mrs. Thurston was born in Stratham N. H. Dec r 22 d 1762 Will be 83 years old the 22 d of this month. Has lived in Stratham N. H. all her life except 2 years. Then in Orford N. H. was married in Exeter N. H. July 1782 by Rev. Mr. Mansfield
Mr. John Thurston (her husband, deceased) died in Stratham N. H. Nov r 9 th 1830. He hailed from Stratham while engaged in the war.
Any inquiries wh. you may find it necessary to make I will answer so far as I may be able. Mrs. Thurston

is feeble. Cannot remember accurately, & is easily excited by any thing like business especially of this kind. If you wish any business attended to in this vicinity relative to this matter you will please address yr letter to me.
In haste
yr. Servant for Mrs. Thurston
W m G. Newman

I Phebe Cram of Exeter in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hamp- shire of lawful age testify before and say that should I live to the ninth day of the next month (March 1840) I shall be fifty five years of age ac- cording to the account of my age which I have always had from my earliest recollection and which I fully believe to be true. My father was John Thurston of Stratham deceased and my mother previous to her marriage to him was Elsie Leavitt. I was their oldest child and was born as I have always understood and be- lieve the year after their marriage. My parents had eleven children. The one next to me (Nancy) died when young - The next to her (my brother John) used to be married, had a family and died before my father. He would if living be now more than fifty years old I believe more than fifty one or twelve years. My parents, from the

time of my birth, as I believe, certainly from my earliest recollection, to the time of my father's death, lived in Shatham, excepting about one year when I was quite very young, and then we lived in the Coos country, but I do not remember the name of the town. My father died several years ago - I should think ten or twelve years. I visited him in his last sickness and attended his funeral. I have frequently heard him talk of his serving in the revolutionary Army - but do not remember of his telling how long or with whom he served. Since his death my mother has never married again, but is still his widow.
witness
James J. Wyggins George Smith
Phoebe her  Crans mark

State of New Hampshire
Rockingham ss February 24. 1840
Then the before named Phoebe Cross, who I certify is a credible witness and her statements entitled to credit made oath that the foregoing affidavit by her signed is true
Before me George Smith Justice of Peace
State of New Hampshire
Rockingham ss
I John Kelly Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Rockingham do hereby certify that George Smith Esquire is an acting Justice of the Peace for said County duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the twenty sixth day of June A D 1837 and will expire on the twenty fifth day of June A D 1842 and that his signature above written is genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 23 rd day of February A D 1840
John Kelly Register of Probate

Marblehead, April 3 rd . 1846.
Honored Sir:
Having some months since been called upon by Mr. David Thurston, a son, and Mr. John L. Conner, a son-in-law of Mrs. Eliza Thurston, of Stratham, County of Rockingham, New Hampshire, widow of John Thurston, deceased, and solicited to make an effort to establish her claim to a Pension, — and having been informed by them that a Mr. Wiggin, of Exeter, New Hampshire had forwarded her Declaration several years ago, and since given up the claim or neglected to do anything more about it, — I accordingly opened a correspondence with the widow and her friends when she executed the enclosed Power of Attorney and sent it to me with a letter from her friend and neighbor, W. S. Newman Esq., written on the back of it.
Since the receipt of the Power of Attorney I have received a Certificate of the Revolutionary Services of her said late husband from the Secretary of State for New Hampshire, which is also herewith enclosed.
Not having the exact particulars of the services originally declared for or set forth in the widow's Declaration, nor the amount of pence which may have been filed in support of it, I cannot, of course, say how far the

evidence afforded by the Certificate may corroborate the widow's statement or be satisfactory to the Hon. Department, though I hope it will be found to cover evidence enough to show she is entitled to a Pension , if not sufficient to establish a full one.
If, however, the evidence now forwarded should not be sufficiently satisfactory for the allowance of the widow's claim, it will be a great favor to her and her friends if the writer can be favored with a synopsis of the several declarations and any other particulars useful for the adjudication of the claim.
I am, with very great respect, Your Honor's humble servt. James Gregory
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.

Declan Else Thornton

6848 Else Thurston M d of John M H Ad. July 7 1838
Set 7 th July 1838.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1830 entitled "An Act granting Half pay and Pensions to certain widows"
State of New Hampshire Rockingham
On this Eleventh day of December 1839 personally appeared before the Hon. John Sullivan Judge of Probate for said County at Exeter in said County at a Probate Court then & there held within and for said County by and before said Judge. Else Thurston a resident of Stratham in said County aged seventy five years and upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the fol- lowing declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7, 1830 en- titled "An Act granting Half pay and Pensions to certain widows" — That she is the widow of John Thurston who was, as she verily believes, a private and soldier in the Revolutionary army and that at different times and under different engagements he served as she believes a year or more, but she is unable to name from her own knowledge the officers under whom he served or the several periods of his service and she asks leave to refer to the evidence

which she may be enabled to procure and also to the rolls and records in the new Department at Wash- ington of which she craves the benefit. But she has in heard her hus- band say that he served with or in the company of Capt Harvey Moore and she supposes from the best in- formation she could obtain that he served in the Army in 1778 or 1779 and 1780, at one time under Capt Harvey Moore about three months and at another time under Capt Daniel Jewell about as much longer.
She further declares that she was married to the said John Thurston by the Rev Mr Mansfield of Exeter at Exeter, before she was twenty years old and that she will be seventy years old on the twenty second day of December Instant. That her husband the said John Thur- ston died on the fourteenth day of November AD 1820. — That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seven- teen hundred and eighty four. Vir- ginia she was twenty years of age as above stated and that since the death of her said husband the said John Thurston, she has never remarried but still remains and is his widow. She fur- ther says that by reason of age and forgetfulness she cannot state the precise time of her marriage but she was

married the year before her oldest child was born - and that child, Phoebe, now the widows name is living in Exeter at the age of nearly fifty six years.
The Applicant says further that she was the daughter of John Barrett of Shatton: that her husband was the son of Deacon John Thurston of Shatton; and that she and her husband both lived at Shatton at the time they were married. - That from the time of their marriage till his death they lived in the family estate and met the heir in said Shatton and that she had by him eleven children
Witness
Dolly Jones John Kelly
Else for Thurston mark
Sworn to and signed the day and year above written
John Sullivan Judge of Probate
I John Kelly Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Nottingham do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Else Thurston for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 11 th day of December A D 1839
John Kelly Register of Probate

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
10.58%
P. O.
Else Thurston
Service:
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized.
_____ Contract.

10587 July 1838
Elsa Thurston M d of John M H
James G. Wiggins 11 May '40 Hon. Instrum Shawl 3 May '42 Jas. J. Wiggins, June 10, '46.
Act July 7 1838

I Eunice Wingate of Stratham, widow of the late Hon. Paine Wingate, aged ninety seven years and upwards, depose, testify and say, that I was well acquainted with John Thurston and also his wife both of Stratham, and for a long series of years have lived within one mile of them, and no doubt was ever expressed or entertained so far as I know or believe that they were legally married. After it was understood they were married they always lived together as man and wife and were so treated and considered by their respective families and every body who knew them. Her's wife survived him and is still living in this town, and since his death has never married again but is still his widow. He died several years ago.
Eunice Wingate
State of New Hampshire. Rockingham ss Jan'y 9. 1840.
Then the aforementioned Eunice Wingate, who is a credible witness and very intelligent of her age, made oath that the above instrument by her subscribed is true.
Before me,
Josiah B. Wiggins Justice Peace was

I Nathan Wiggins of Stratham, aged seventy six years and upwards, do hereby testify and say, that I was well acquainted with John Thurston from my childhood to his death. — He and I were both natives of Stratham. He was a soldier in the Revo- lutionary army in the year 1778 or 1779. I went with him when he started for the Northern Army. The company to which he belonged most of them went the day before, but a few of them who rode did not start so soon. I went with them one days journey to Litchfield in this State. He rode a horse of Mr. Paine Wingate who was afterwards a Senator in Congress, and I rode back the same horse next day and led back one which Capt. Moore had ridden. Phineas Wiggins and I believe Jonathan Beck were of the same company and Moore was an officer in it I think the Captain. — To form the company every fifth man in the militia company of the town was drafted. I was present when they were drafted but am not certain whether said Thurston was drafted or went as a substitute. The service I think was

for three months and Thurston was gone about that time. He afterwards, as I have understood, was in the Revolutionary Army but I do not recollect when he went the second time nor how long he was in the service.
I further say, that after his return from the service he was married to Else Beavitt Beavitt of this town, as was at the time and ever since well understood, and removed out of town and was gone a short time when he removed back and lived in this town and within about a mile and a half from me till his death. I was married in 1786. He was married before me and had children before I was married. I was acquainted with his wife before and after their marriage. She was of a respectable family and his father was a Deacon of the Church. No doubt was ever expressed or entertained so far as I know or believe that they were legally married. They always after it was understood they were married lived together as man and wife and were so treated and considered by their respective families and every body who knew them. His wife survived him and is still living in this town, and since

his death has never married again but is still his widow. He died several years ago. —
Nathan Wiggin
State of New Hampshire.
Rockingham ss. Stratham January 8. 1824
Then the above named Nathan Wiggin, who is a credible witness, made oath that in his belief the above instrument by him subscribed is true. Before me
Jasiah B. Wiggin, Justice Peace.
State of New Hampshire
Rockingham ss — I John Kelly Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Rockingham do hereby certify that Josiah B. Wiggin Esq. is an active Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the eighth day of January A.D. 1830, and will expire on the seventh day of January A.D. 1843 and that his signature above written and also his signature on the paper annexed certifying to the affidavit of Ervins Wingate, are genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 11 th day of February A.D. 1840.
John Kelly Register of Probate

New Hampshire Exeter, April 27. 1852
Sir.
The declaration with accompanying papers of Else, widow of John Thurston, of Capt. David Jewell's Company and Capt. Simon Merriam's Company, claiming a pension, was forwarded to your Office in 1845, or 1846, and for some reason proceedings were suspended.
Will you have the goodness to inform me in what state of progress the claim stands.
Very Respectfully
Your ob't servt
Nathl Gordon
J. E. Heath, Esq. Comm. of Pensions Washington, D. C.

Exeter February 26. 1840 J. S. Edwards Esqr
Sir
I enclose the Declaration of Eliza Thurston for a pension and affidavits in relation to further it and if any evidence is wanting more then this please inform me and I will try to furnish it
I am very Respectfully your Obed Servant
James J. Wiggin

Guilford, N.H. October 4, 1846. To W m S. Putnam, Sir.
I received yours of the 26 th of last month, requesting information in regard to a man by the name of John Thurston, whether our records show his service in the Rev. War in 1775.  I have examined our records and do not find that any payment was made to a man by that name - I find for the year 1774 an "abatement to John Thurston 6 13 8 old tenor", also "100.12.17 3/4" Paid John Thurston for school money 3.0.0"    1781 abatement of John Thurston Poll tax,  92.15.0  †    1787 " " "  6.11     1788 " " "  2.9     I find Paid to Erskine Thurston 1780 a soldier for three years 300.0.0
If any further information shall be obtained by enquiry or otherwise you shall be apprised of the same. Yours &c.
Edmund Rand.

Exeter July 18, 1846
Sir
In answer to your letter of June 10 - 1846 - on the subject of Elsey Thurston's application. I have to state, that the records at Concord do not give the time of Service of Col d Wingate's Regiment in 1776 but it has long since been settled by the Department to have been 4 to 4½ months an allowance for either term will not be objected to
I am very respectfully Your obed Servt James F. Wiggins
James L. Edwards Esqr Comm r of Pensions Washington D. C.

Marblehead, August 12th. 1846.
Honored Sir:
On the receipt of your favor of the 26th. of June last, respecting the claim of Eliza Thurston — widow of John Thurston, alias Thurston , deceased — of Stratham in the County of Rockingham, New Hampshire, I immediately transmitted it to the widow and she recently forwarded me in return the two affidavits herewith enclosed, in proof of Mr. Thurston's place of residence and the terms from or for which he entered the Army in the Revolutionary War, together with the fact that he was as often known by the name of Thurston as of Thurston , and identifying also several of the terms of service named in the Certificate of the Hon. Secretary of New Hampshire — forwarded to your Honors Office in my letter of 8th. of April last, — as received from the lips of the deceased by the affiants themselves in his lifetime.
It will be noticed in the Certificate of the Magistrate before whom the affidavits were executed that the affiants are gentlemen of excellent character and credibility; and under these circumstances it is confidently hoped by the widow and her friends that her long adjudicated claim will at length meet with a favorable decision and allowance —

— by the Hon. Department.
I am, with very great respect, Your Honor's humble servt. Samuel Gregory
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.

Marblehead, October 24th, 1846.
Honored Sir:
Soon after the receipt of your form of the 9th. Ul. relative to the case of Else Thurston, widow of John Thurston - law of '38, the undersigned sent it to her friend and neighbor, Rev. William G. Newman, a respectable Clergyman of Stratham, N. Hampshire, desiring him to ascertain, if practicable, by the archives of the town of Deerfield, or other evidence, whether any person of the name of John Thurston belonged to and served in the War from that town.
The Rev. gentleman accordingly communicated with the Town Clerk of Deerfield, as will appear by his own letter and one from the Clerk, both of which are herewith enclosed for your Honor's inspection.
An examination of the Clerk's letter will show that, although the town records afford no evidence that a John Thurston actually served in the War from Deerfield, yet they do show that a person of that name did reside there at the time of —

— the War and afterwards. The records also show that one Ezekiel Thurston did serve in the War from that town; and it seems rather strange that they should not show that John also so served from that town, — if the John who actually resided there ever served in the War at all. But it must nevertheless be conceded that the aggregate of the evidence thus elicited preponderates against the widow's claim for that particular term of service.
It is presumed, however, that the evidence for the other terms of service, performed in Sanborn's and Jewell's Companies, for which Mrs. Thurston claims, may be so far satisfactory to the Department — by the aid of a Supplementary Declaration or otherwise — as to result in allowing her the benefit of them — as named in the Clergyman's letter (to which I beg to solicit Your Honor's attention) but of this Your Honor will righteously and impartially judge. I will simply add, that it is highly probable it will be out of the power of Mrs. Thurston and her friends to furnish any better evidence than that already in possession of the Department in support of her claim, and she must die without that relief which she has for so many years been seeking, if, under these circumstances, Your Honor's decision shall be adverse to her title; and whether for or against her I will know it will be with every desire to do simple justice between the Government and the widow.

I am, with very great respect, Your Slave's humble servt. James Gregory
James L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.

Exeter New Hampshire
March 24 th 1846
Hon J. L. Edwards
Comm Pensions
Sir
I inclose the within proof - in support of the claim of a pension in the case of John Thurston widow of Stratham, which declaration and proof has before been filed in your office several years ago sufficient to grant the same.
You will please examine the proof inclosed and if any thing further is requested you will please give such instructions as will enable me to procure the same
I am Respectfully
Yours, Eliza Thurston by James G. Wiggin

Stratham Oct r 15 th 1846.
Dear Sir
I return you the letter from Washington & also a letter from the Rev. Col. Clark  Town Clerk in Deerfield. From this latter communication I infer that a man named John Thurstin did reside in Deerfield in the time of the Rev. War and did serve probably in the war. I know not how additional testimony is to be obtained, and doubt if it can be satisfactorily proved. I do not doubt that John Thurstin of Stratham was employed by Deerfield in the war. Capt. n Geo. Lane says he remembers his statement made to him while working in his field. "The town of Deerfield paid me".
I do not understand why such evidence should be required in order that a pension may be granted. I suppose the service in Col. Stephen Ewans Reg. mt Capt. n Nathan Sanborns comp. y is proved to have been performed by John Thurstin of Stratham. This was for "two months and twenty three days" also the service in Capt. n Jewett

Jewells Comp t for the defence of West Point is proved & allowed This was for three months & twenty two days  The six months service is proved without evidence from Deerfield. Why is a pension withheld?
I may be & suppose I must be in an error in respect to one or the other of the above terms. still if I am rightly informed the Hon. Com. of Pensions has acknowledged such service as proved.
Mrs. Thurston as you are aware is very aged. Three months ago I did not suppose she could live a month. She is now well as usual. In great need of the allowance if it is to be granted.
I forward the letter from Deerfield that you may thro' the Town Clerk make inquiry if you think it best so to do.
In haste
Yrs. with respect
W m J. Newman
P. S. I think Mr. Wiggins said he, or Mr. Murry had been to Deerfield on this business & could find no proof of service.

I Simon Wiggins of Newmarket in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire aged Eighty years and upward do testify and depose that I was a Soldier in Revolutionary war and was at west point in year 1780 three Months in Captain Company Daniel Jewells Company, I was acquainted with John Thurston of Stratham he served in the same Company with me during said term of three Months and returned with me to Stratham I was well acquainted with said John Thurston from the time it was reported that he was married to Elsey Levitt untill his death which was upward of thirty years I think said Thurston was married within three or four years after he returned from the army
Simon Wiggins
State of New Hampshire Rockingham ss. June 22 nd 1839
personally appearing Simon Wiggins made oath that the affidavit By him subscribed is in his belief true
Before me
Benjamin Loveren Justice of peace
I hereby certify that the above named Simon Wiggins is in my belief a man of truth and veracity
Newmarket June 22 nd 1839
Benjamin Loveren Justice of the peace

State of New Hampshire Rockingham ss. I John Kelley Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Rock- ingham do hereby certify that Benjamin Leven Lignine is a Justice of the Peace for said County duly commissioned and qualified, and acting as such - that his commission was dated on the seventeenth day of June AD 1837 and will expire on the sixteenth day of June AD 1842 and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate this 24 th day of February AD 1842
John Kelley Register of Probate

R
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE,
SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE.
I DO 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 office, it appears that the name of John Thurston is borne upon the Muster Roll of Capt. Simon Mearstin's Company, as a private in said Company, with an allowance of £10 9s. for advance wages & bounty. Said Roll is Dated July 22, 1776. And upon the Pay Roll of Capt. Nathan Sanborn's Comp'y. in Col. Stephen Evans's Regt.
is borne the name of John Thurston as a private in said Comp'y. with an allowance for Two months & twenty two days service , commencing Sept. 8th 1777. And upon the Pay Roll of Captain Daniel Jewell's Comp'y. is borne the name of John Thurston as a private in said Comp'y. with an allowance for Three months & twenty two days service , commencing July 14, 1778.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State, this 21 st day of March 1846
Thomas P. Treadwell Secretary of State.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE,
SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE.
I DO 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 office, it appears that the name of John Thurston of Deerfield is borne upon the " A. List " Item of Capt. James Norris's — Company, as  June 15 th 1775. " in said Company, with an allowance Upon said List is the following — " Mustered, received & sworn, all except James Lock June "
15 th 1775 — by me Sam l Hobart Muster Master. " And upon A Muster Roll of Capt. Simon Marston's Comp y . in Col. Gilman's Regt. is borne the name of John Thurston, with an allowance of £ 9. 18. for "Advance wages and Bountys." Said Roll is Dated August 10 th 1776.
And upon the Pay Roll of Capt. Nathan Sanborn's Comp y . in Col. Stephen Evans's Regt. is borne the name of John Thurston as a private in said Comp y with an allowance for two months & twenty three days service, commencing Sept. 8 th and ending Nov. 30, 1777.
And upon the Pay Roll of Capt. Daniel Jewell's Comp y . for the defence of West Point is borne the name of John Thurston as a private in said Company, with an allowance for Three months & twenty two days service, commencing July 4 th and ending October 25 th 1780.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State, this 20 th day of Feb y . 18 46
Thomas P. Fernald Secretary of State.
5 — 2. 23 3. 20 11. 13

State of New Hampshire
Rockingham ss. I Ira B. Hoitt Clerk of the Judicial Courts in and for said County certify that Jeremiah Bartlett Esq who has signed the foregoing certificates is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified; that his Commission is dated on the 20th day of June AD 1844. and will expire in five years from date. And that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are in his own proper hand writing and genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Concord this 28th day of July Anno Domini 1846.
I. B. Hoitt Clerk

I George Wingate an inhabitant of the town of Stratham County of Rockingham State of New Hampshire, of lawful age do hereby affirm & say that I was formerly well acquainted with John Thurston of Stratham aforesaid deceased, that he lived adjoining & often labored upon the farm of my father Hon Paine Wingate. I have often heard him give an account of his being engaged in the Revolutionary war. He went from this town two or three times to enter the army. I think he was in one instance employed by the town of Deerfield. I have often heard him speak of being in Capt n Jewells company. also of his being at West Point. of his trials

while there & his passage home. His name was formerly spelt Thurston as often as Thurs- ton. George Wingate
State of New Hamp- shire Rockingham ss } Stratham July 27. 1846.
Personally appearing the above named George Wingate made solemn oath that the statements in the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed are true.
Before me
Josiah Bartlett Just. Peace
And I the said Justice do further certify that George Wingate Esq. who has executed the above affidavit before me, has for many years, until recently, been a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Rockingham. He is a witness every way competent and credible and for many years to me personally well known.
Attest, Josiah Bartlett Justice of the Peace

I George Lane an inhabitant of the town of Stratham, County of Rockingham & state of New Hampshire - of legal age do hereby affirm & say that I was formerly well acquainted with John Thurston of Stratham aforesaid. He lived in the neigh- borhood of my fathers house. I have often heard him give an account of his being en- aged in the Revolutionary War. He went from this town two or three times to enter the army. I have heard him speak of his being employed in one instance by the town of Deerfield. I have heard him speak of being in Capt. Jewells company, also of his being at West Point of his trials while there & of his journey home. His name was formerly spelt Thurst- on as well as Thurston. George Lane

State of New Hampshire } Stratham July 27. 1846. Rockingham ss }
Personally appearing the before named George Lane made solemn oath that the statements in the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed are true.
Before me
Josiah Patten Just. Peace.
And I the said Justice do further certify that I am personally well acquainted with George Lane Esq. who has executed the foregoing affidavit before me; that he was a member of the New Hampshire Legislature during the years 1844 & '45 and that his testimony as a witness is entitled to the fullest credibility and belief. —
Attest Josiah Patten Just. Peace

John Thurston d 1828 Else M 1783
Capt Mone
80 3-22 - Issue on roll
76 Gordon Prize. int. says Longd Regt. 1 y st says John Thurston a a n 80 Sim. M g grn 3 mo sam Regt. 7:
Note. why did he not apply for a pension. Prize d d in 1818 & why did Prize not call on him as a veteran? Prize a a pension + J th Thurston was in same Regt. in Capt Wiggins Co.

I Gordon Freeze of Epping in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire aged seventy seven and upwards testify and say that I was a soldier in the Revolutionary Army and served in the Company commanded by Captain Clements belonging to Col Pierre Long's Regiment and was acquainted with John Thirstin who was out in the service in the same Regiment in the years 1776 and 1777 and was part of the time at Newcastle near Portsmouth NH and was at Mount Independence Me and was discharged at Saratoga and am confident he served one year Epping June 7 th 1839 Gordon Freeze
State of New Hampshire Personally appearing the Rockingham Co ss above named Gordon Freeze and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true before me Geo W Plumer Justice Epping June 7 th 1839
I hereby certify that the above named Gordon Freeze is a man of truth and veracity Epping June 7 th 1839 Geo W Plumer Jus Peace Jo & Wm

State of New Hampshire
Rockingham
John Kelly
Registrar of the Court of Probate for said County of Rockingham do hereby certify that George W Plummer Esq is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the seventeenth day of June 1837 and will expire on the sixteenth day of June AD 1842 and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said Probate Court this 11th day of Decem- ber AD 1839
John Kelly Registrar of Probate

I Charles Conner of Exeter, in the county of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire do hereby certify that I am the Town Clerk of said town of Exeter and have the keeping of the records thereof and have held that office since March 1838. that I have examined the records of said town from the year 1775 to this time and do not find any record of the marriage of John Thurston to Eliza Leavitt that the marriages solemnized by the Rev. Mr. Mansfield between persons either of whom belonged to Exeter appear to have been generally recorded. but I do not find that the marriages of those neither of whom resided in town are on record. I further say that I do not find recorded the births of the children of said John & Eliza Thurston. Chas Conner Town Clerk
State of New Hampshire Rockingham ss. February 24. 1874
Then the said Charles Conner who I certify is a credible person and is also Town Clerk of the town of Exeter in said county made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true.
Before me. J. Chadwick Justice of the Peace

State of New Hampshire
Rochester
I John Kelly Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Rochester do hereby certify that Peter Chadwick Esq. is an acting Justice of the Peace for said County duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the twentyfifth day of November A.D. 1839 and will expire on the twentyfourth day of November A.D. 1844 and that his signature within written is genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 25 th day of February A.D. 1840
John Kelly Register of Probate