Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,080, for Josiah Locke, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass. N. 26.
Locke, Josiah Gale, Bethia (Former widow)
N. 23,080
CONTENTS

4248 New Hampshire Pats Bethia Gale widow of Josiah Locke N.H. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 44 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of March 1849 and sent to M. B. Parker Portsmouth N. H.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 72 Vol. 1,

I, Eunice Littlefield of Seabrook in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire testify and say: — That I am one of the children of Josiah Locke, and Bethia Blaney his wife, now the widow Bethia Blaney  Gale . — I am the third child under that marriage: — I was born the 12 th day of December 1788; The eldest name is Lydia, now Lydia Gove of this Town, she is about four years older than myself; — The next was Sally, now deceased; she was about two years older than myself: — the next was David, he is about two years younger than myself he resides in New Orleans La: The next child was Ruth, about two years younger than him and she is now deceased; — then Elizabeth, now Elizabeth Morrison of Portsmouth N.H. wife of Jonathan Morrison, next Dorothy widow of William Palmer of Kensington N.H. — then Sally, wife of Asa Larsson of Derry N.H. the next, was Oliver, oh! I should have stated that Oliver was the next to Dorothy and then followed Sally, the other children were Samuel now of New Orleans, & John of New York, eleven children in all.
That Lydia Gove my eldest sister, born in the year 1784 or 1785 is not now in this place, being on a visit to Newbury port, Massachusetts and is the reason why her affidavit is not now taken.
Eunice Littlefield
Eunice Littlefield

State of New Hampshire Rockingham County } ss
Seabrook April 4 th 1843.
Then Eunice Littlefield, personally appearing, subscribed, and made oath in (One form of Law to the truth of the foregoing affidavit, before me:—
I also certify, that in my opinion, this affiant is a credible and respectable witness.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial seal the day, month and year last above-written.
Wm B. Parker Notary public

Jonathan Morrison and Elizabeth his Wifes affidavits March 30. 1843
N o 5.
in the case of the claim of Bethea Gale.

I, Jonathan Morrison of Portsmouth in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire, and I Elizabeth his wife, do severally testify and say: — I, Elizabeth Morrison that I am a daughter of Josiah Locke and Bethia his wife now Mrs Bethia Gale: — that I am the fifth child of that marriage: — That I was born March 22 d 1795: — That the eldest child by that marriage's name was Lydia, who has been married twice, her present husband's name is Edward Gove, and resides in Seabrook N. H. she was born on or about August 1784: — the next child's name was Sally she lived until about 17 years of age and then deceased: The third child's name was Eunice, now living with her third husband, whose name is Stephen Littlefield at Seabrook aforesaid: The fourth's name is David Locke now a resident of Newburyport Massachusetts about fifty two years of age: — There were six other children and upon recollection I find one of them Ruth was about two years older than myself and that therefore I am the sixth instead of the fifth child. The other five were younger than myself. There were eleven children by this marriage.
We were married (in June 1812 about the time of the declaration of War,) ourselves. Jonathan Morrison
Elizabeth Morrison
Jon a Morrison Elizabeth Morrison

State of New Hampshire Rockingham County } Set
Portsmouth the 30th day of March 1843.
Then Jonathan Morrison and Elizabeth Morrison personally appearing, subscribed, and severally made oath, in due form of Law, to the truth of the foregoing aff. davit before me . I also certify that I am well acquainted with these affiants, and that, in my opinion, they are, as respectable and credible witnesses as any persons of this community.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial seal the day, month and year last aforesaid.
Wm. B. Parker Notary Public

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." And the "Act" entitled "An Act to amend the acts of July, 1836, and 1838, allowing pensions to certain widows."
STATE OF New Hampshire
Approved August 23: 1842
COUNTY OF Rockingham
ss:
On this Tenth day of January one thousand eight hundred and forty three, personally appeared, before
The Honorable John Sullivan, Judge of the Court of Probate for the
Bethia Gale, widow of Daniel Gale, and formerly the widow of Josiah Locke, a resident of Derry in the County of Rockingham 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, and the act to amend this Act above recited, was entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of said Josiah Locke, who was a private or Non-Commissioned officer in the Revolutionary War, and served several terms, as follows, namely: - First, the term of seven months, in Capt. Rowe of Kensington's Company, in Col. Enoch Poor of Exeter's, Reg't of New Hampshire Troops, commencing in June 1775 and ending in January 1776: - In the year 1776 he again enlisted for twelve months, in the New Hampshire Troops, and marched towards Canada, in the expedition under the command of Generals Montgomery and Arnold, and retreated to Ticonderoga, after that expedition against Quebec failed: - The precise Regiment we are unable to designate: vide Samuel George and Robert Marshall's affidavits.
That he afterwards served in Captain Jonathan Evan's company, in Colonel Wade's Massachusetts Regiment, in General John Sullivan's Division or Brigade, in the expedition to Rhode Island, six months, I think in the year 1778. Vide Samuel George's affidavit: - or according to Robert Marshall's affidavit, he served this tour of duty, in Colonel Enoch Poor's New Hampshire Regiment as a Corporal.

She further declares that she was married to the said Josiah Locke in the on the  June  day of the year seventeen hundred and eighty five — ; 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 ninety-four, viz: at the time above stated.
That said Josiah Locke died on or about the month of September in the year 1816: — That she afterwards married Daniel Gale , on or about November 1832: — who died in the June of 1837: and that she has remained his widow ever since the period of his decease, which will more fully appear, by reference to the evidence herewith transmitted.
Witness D. H. Gregg
Bethia C. her Bethia X Gale mark
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before
The Sullivan Judge of Probate for the County of Rockingham

State of New Hampshire Rockingham Co Probate Court at Ports mouth in said County January 16 th 1843 I David A. Gregg Register of said Probate Court for and within said County certify and attest, that Bethia Gale above named personally appeared in said Court before the Hon John Sullivan Judge of said Court and made solemn oath to the truth the purport declaration before subscribed In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said Court of Probate the day & year above written
David A. Gregg Reg.

5683 Declaration of Betria Gale, formerly the Widow of Josiah Locke
January 10 th 1843.
Locy N. H. — 2.6.78. Amended.
adm?
13mo. 6 d, per
H. H. —
Henry Parker Esq Portsmouth N.H.

Res WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23080
Bethia Hale Former wife of Josiah Abel Locke Prim Row wa
Act: Feb. 2 nd  1848
Index:—Vol. A , Page 265
[Arrangement of 1870.]

7341 New Hampshire
Rept 20 June
Bethia Gale, formerly the widow of Josiah Locke
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died in the year 1810 - of Rockingham Co in the State of N. Hampshire who was a private - in the company commanded by Captain Rowe of the Regt - commanded by Col. Poor - in the N. H. line for 13 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Portsmouth - at the rate of 44 - Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19th - day of June 1843 and sent to Wm B - Parker, Portsmouth N. H. -
Whole amount due . . . $220.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Whittier Clerk.
Book A Vol. 1 - Page 41 -

Nathaniel Dearborn Affidavit, Jan'y 10, 1843
N o 4.

I Nathaniel Dearborn of Portsmouth in the County of Rockingham & State of New Hampshire Aged sixty seven years testify and say: That I was well acquainted with Betsey Blaney who married Josiah Locke formerly of Kensington in this County and State: that said Locke was a first cousin of mine: - I was then not present at the marriage, but they resided in Kensington for several years, a dozen or fifteen years, as man and wife whilst I resided in Kensington: I left Kensington in 1802, when I left them still living as man and wife: - They had several children, I recollect one son and four or five daughters, I never heard them  they named otherwise than as being married, and they lived very respectably as man & wife.
Nathaniel Dearborn
Nathaniel Dearborn

State of New Hampshire County of Rockingham } 1st Portsmouth January 10 th 1843.
Then Nathaniel Dearborn aforesaid, personally appearing, subscribed and made oath, in due form of Law to the truth of the foregoing affidavit, Before me!
I also certify, that I have been well acquainted, with this affiant, for about Forty years, and that he is in my humble opinion, a respectable man and credible Witness.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal the day and year above written.
Wm. B. Parker
Notary - public

Samuel George's affidavit n o 2

I, Samuel George of Seabrook in the County of Rockingham, and State of New Hampshire a Revolutionary Soldier and Pensioner, aged eighty six years, testify and say:—
That I was well acquainted with Josiah Locke of Kensington in this State, in the Revolutionary War, but who is now dead;— Who married Betsey Blaney or Blaney in said Kensington, I was not present at the marriage but know they lived together (and had several children,) as man & wife:—
That said Josiah Locke served with me six months in Captain Jonathan Evans' company of Massachusetts Troops; the Colonel's name I do not recollect, but that was in General John Sullivan's Brigade, in the expedition to Rhode Island, which was in the year 1778 I think.
I was at Ticonderoga in the year 1776 and said Josiah Locke was with some Troops who retreated to that place from Tuckermack under Gen's Arnold & late Gen Montgomery's command. I saw him there, he belonged then to the New Hampshire Troops, I believe, but I do not know what Regiment he belonged to, but he must have served there 7 or 8 months. He probably entered in the spring of '75 and was discharged in November 1776, but he probably enlisted for a year.
Samuel George
I now recollect that the Colonel's name was Wade
Samuel George

State of New-Hampshire
Rockingham County
St. Seabrook November 10th 1842
Then Samuel George, personally appearing, subscribed and made oath in due form of law, to the truths of the foregoing affidavit: — Before me: — I also certify, that I have been acquainted with this Affiant for upwards of ten years, and that he is, in my opinion, a credible and respectable Witness. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial seal, the day, month and year above written.
Wm. B. Parker, Notary Public.

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2 nd February 1848, entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution,"
State of New Hampshire } ss. County of Rockingham }
On this twenty fifth day of September A D 1848, personally appeared before me, William B. Parker, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, Bethiah Gale a resident of Kensington in the county of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire aged eighty six years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2 nd Feb y 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Daniel Gale, and was the widow of Jonah Locke who was a Soldier in the Revolution and not a pensioner, he having died about thirty years since; and she was a pensioner under the Act of 17 th June 1844 at the rate of Forty Four dollars per Annum, upon the Rolls at Portsmouth, N.H. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Witness,
Dorothy B. Palmer
Bethiah
her X
Gale
mark
Mary C. Palmer.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me, I also certify that the declarant is personally known to me. Wm B. Parker, Justice of the Peace

District of New Hampshire ss. I Albert R. Hatch, Clerk of the Courts of the United States for the said District, do hereby Certify, that William B. Parker is a Justice of the peace for the County of Rockingham, within the said District; and that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Circuit Court of the United States, this twenty-sixth day of September in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty eight.
Albert R. Hatch

Robert Marshall's Affidavit No 3.

I Robert Marshall of Hampton Falls in the County of Rockingham by State of New Hampshire, a Revolutionary Soldier & Pensioner, aged eighty nine years, testify and say: —
That I was well acquainted with Josiah Locke late of Kensington deceased: —
That I served with him seven months in Capt. Robert of said Kensington's company, in Col o Enoch Poor of Enot's Regiment of New Hampshire Troops, in the year 1775.
We enlisted for seven months and soon after the battle of Bunker Hill we marched for Boston, and were stationed first at Mystic and then on Winter Hill, and were discharged in January 1776:
I also served with him and recollect being on guard with him in Gen. Sullivan's expedition to Rhode Island, said Locke, was then a Corporal, but said Locke I believe did not belong to the company but in the same Regiment that I did, viz t Col o Enoch Poor's New Hampshire Troops.
mem d . The words " company but in the same " interlined before signing Robert Marshall Robert Marshall

State of New Hampshire County of Rockingham Set Hampton Falls November 10 th 1842
Then Robert Marshall, personally appearing, subscribed, and made oath in due form of law, to the truth of the foregoing affidavit, before me: — I also certify, that I have been acquainted with this affiant, for about ten years (ever since the year 1832.) and that he is, in my opinion, a most respectable man and credible witness.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial seal the day, month and year first above written.
Wm B. Parker, Notary-public.

I Samuel George of Seabrook, New Hampshire testify and say: - in Supplement to my affidavit made on the same subject under date of the 10th of November 1842 That there was such a man as Captain Jonathan Evans, in the service of the Revolutionary war, and that he resided at Salisbury, Massachusetts and commanded a Company as a Captain of Massachusetts Troops and that I myself and Josiah Locke, the husband of Betsey, now Betsey Gale, served under him as I before stated, six months in the expedition to Rhode Island, the year I will not be positive of, but I believe, it was in the year 1778, and that as I before stated in this service our Colonels' name was Wade and General was John Sullivan and that when I made my own claim for a pension under the Act of 1832 in the year 1832 or 1833 I claimed this six months and it was allowed to me: - It is very surprising to me to be now informed "that there is no such roll" now exist in the War department as that of Captain Evans, for I not only served the above named term under Captain Evans, but also, I served under him at Cambridge in the year 1775, eight months, and my Colonels name was Frye of Andover and the Lieut. Col's name was Bracket of Haverhill Massachusetts: - And also I served under the same Captain Evans four months, at Saratoga when Gen. Burgoyne, surrendered, in 1777

In this neighbourhood, I recollect the names of several persons who got a pension for serving under this same Captain Jonathan Evans! namely: - Joseph Stevens of Salisbury, Massachusetts; Moses Pike of the same place, Amos the same (deceased) of the same place, Moses Collins, deceased of the same place, Benjamin Brown deceased of Seabrook N.H. Sylvanus Eaton of this place, deceased, David Eaton of this place now alive, and myself these all served under Captain Evans one or more campaigns. I myself three campaigns, as before stated.
Samuel George Samuel George

State of New Hampshire County of Rockingham } ss Seabrook April 4 th 1843. }>
Then Samuel George, personally appearing, subscribed and made oath in due form of Law, to the truth of the foregoing affidavit before me:
I also certify that I have been acquainted with this affiant for upwards of ten years and that he is in my opinion a credible and respectable witness.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial seal this day, month and year, last aforesaid.
Wm. B. Parker Notary Public

[Faint, mirrored handwritten text bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7, 1838.
State of New Hampshire, ss.
On this Twenty seventh day of June 1843 personally appeared before me WILLIAM BENNETT PARKER, a Notary Public in and for the State of New Hampshire  per-Justice of the Peace County of Rockingham Bethia Gale a resident of Portsmouth in the County of Rockingham 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 benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war.
That she is the widow of Daniel Gale who was and formerly the Widow of Josiah Locke, who was a private in the Revolutionary War, and died in the year 1816: That she made her declaration before the Probate Court of said County on the second Tuesday of January 1843, and received a pension Certificate dated the 19th instant for five years pensions, at and after the rate of Forty four dollars per annum; to both which she refers.
She further declares that she is still a widow. Bethia her X Gale mark Witnesses, W. B. Parker Sam l Morrison
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me:—I also certify, that this declarant is personally known to me. W m B. Parker Justice of the Peace

District of New Hampshire ss.
I, John Lord Hayes, Clerk of the Courts of the United States, for the district aforesaid, do hereby certify, that William Bennett Parker, is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Rockingham within the said district, and that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the district court of the United States, and subscribed my name, this Twenty sixth day of June, in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty three.
John L. Hayes Clerk

Portsmouth N. H. January 10 th 1843.
Hon: J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions. Sir:
Herewith is the declaration of Bethea Gale, formerly the Widow of Isaiah Locke, for a pension, under the Acts of 1838 and 1842: - This declaration is supported in regard to the service of her first husband, by the affidavits of Samuel George, marked N o 2 and of Robert Marshall N o 3.
In regard to the Marriage, you have the Letter of the Town Clerk of the of the place [N o 1.] where it took place, showing that there is no record of the marriage, and that altho' the Magistrate who is said to have performed the ceremony, married a large number, yet there is no record of any of his marriages: We therefore endeavoured to find the persons whom she stated were present at the ceremony, but in vain, as they are dead: - We therefore enclose the Affidavit of Nathaniel D. Darrow, showing that they lived together many years as man and Wife [N o 4.] and the affidavit of Samuel George N o 2 also states the same fact.
Any correspondence necessary to elucidate this claim, or her Certificate, if allowed, I should wish to be addressed to me.
I have the honour to be, with great respect, Sir,
Your Most Obedient Servant William B. Parker

No 8483
V Bethia Gale, formerly widow of Josiah Soch dec. N.H.
let to W B Parker Mar 25 1843 " " " " " May 2. 1843
act 7 July 1838

Joseph Shedd Town Clerk of Danvers
Feb 18, 1843

Danvers February 12, 1843
Dear Sir,
Yours of Dec r . 13 came to my hands soon after that time, and immediately inquired for aged persons by the name of Reed, who might have "voted from Salem to Danvers in Company with Locke & his wife to Danvers to the wedding" but I find none. I must confess it was a curious inquiry as you did not give me the Christian name of any one, therefore it must have been merely a chance of finding them by relating the object of Inquiry; — I also resumed the search of my records again and found nothing to the purpose; and sent your first letter to the City Clerk of Salem and he returned it to me sometime after with these words written upon it "No such names are on the Salem Records, from 1708 to 1842. J.C."
Supposing the Mr. Reed & wife were now living, it would be a great undertaking to hit upon them, unless their given names were stated; for the name of Reed is quite common in Salem and Danvers, but there are but a few past the Middle age of life, living at this time.
You will perceive Sir, that I have endeavoured to get hold of something for you, but without success, and as I shall have to pay the City Clerk something (and I am poor) perhaps you will think it proper to enclose me one dollar, & charge the same to your employer. I must own that I have been neglectful relative to the subject, but at first I felt like doing all I could, & then it slipped my mind, being very much engaged, & happening to see you letter this morning it put me in mind of the neglect & caused me to write this in great haste for fear I should forget again.
Yours Respectfully
Joseph Shaw

Beth. Gale
$44 per am
W. B. Parker Portsmouth N. H.

Portsmouth N. H. 26 th June '43.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Com. r of Pensions
Sir
Enclosed is the declaration of Bathia Gale formerly the Widow of Josiah Locke of New Hampshire for a one years pension under the act of the 3 d March 1843.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your Most Ob t Serv t
W. B. Parker

35

Portsmouth N. H. March 30th 1843. -
Hon: J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir:
Your favor of the 25th instant in regard to Bethea Galt's claim to a pension is just received and in reply, I beg leave to state: First, in regard to the affidavits returned, because not sworn to before a Justice of the Peace, that by the Laws of this State, Notaries have concurrent jurisdiction in the taking of affidavits with Justices of the Peace, and I beg leave to enclose an extract from said Laws, in proof of this assertion: - That I have for many years certified the affidavits I have heretofore transmitted to your Bureau, as a Notary and not as a Justice, altho' I hold a Commission of the Peace, but have never qualified myself under my last Commission, as a Justice of the Peace. But if on reflection you still insist upon the Secretary's certificate, the affidavits of course go for nothing.
You observe that "the witness is mistaken in the fact "alleged that he and her husband served under Captain Evans in "1778 of the Massachusetts Militia for six months in Rhode Island. "There is no such roll of Captain Evans."
If this is the case we must give this term up: But Major Samuel George, the witness alluded to, says he served and drew with the claimant's husband, and if so, he probably claimed this service in his own declaration under the Act of 1832 when he obtained his own pension. I beg you, therefore, to have the goodness to refer to Major Samuel George's declaration.

The last objection is, "that the proof of the date of the marriage is unsatisfactory."
I suppose you may have doubts whether the marriage took place before the year 1794.
In regard to this, I beg leave to enclose the supplementary affidavits of Nathaniel Davenport and also that of Jonathan Morrison, and Elizabeth, his Wife in regard to the date, and hundreds of affidavits could be produced that that they lived together all their lives, after their marriage, as man and wife, until his death. and the letter of Mr Shedd, the Town Clerk of Davenport shows, that no record of any person who was married by the person or Magistrate alleged, is extant, on the records of that Town.
I therefore beg leave to return the affidavits in hopes you will review the papers again.
I am, Sir, respectfully
Your m c O b t Serv t
W m B. Parker

P. S. I enclose a letter of the Secretary of New Hampshire to me of the 15 th September '42 and if required we can obtain his Certificate: But am in hopes that the Affidavits will supersede the necessity of our going to that expense.
It is seems almost impossible that Samuel George should be mistaken, or forget the name of his Captain: — I myself served the last war and I am sure I never can forget the name of my captain whilst I remember any thing else.
Moreover, Joseph Stevens of Salisbury Mass a a revolutionary pensioner, & I presume on the Roll of Mass a told me he could give an affidavit in regard to the service under Capt Jonathan Evans: that he also served at the same time with Major S. George and Josiah Locke; — but when I saw him, I had not time to take his affidavit the same day I took Major George's, and as he could only testify to the same fact, I thought it might be superfluous.
Is it possible then that both these men can be mistaken, whether there was such a man in the service as Capt. Evans?
I fervently pray you therefore to refer to the declaration, also, of Joseph Stevens of Salisbury Mass a .
W. B. P.

No 6
Nathl. Dearborn's supplementary affidavit respecting the marriage of Joseph Locke March 31. st 1843

I Nathaniel Dearborn of Portsmouth in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire testify and say, supplementary to what I stated in my affidavit of the 10th January 1843: That I was born in Kensington and remained there until 1802 and Josiah Locke being a kinsman of mine, I knew him from my infancy: I was born in 1774 and I think I was not more than ten years of age, when said Locke was married: I think he must have been a married man as early as 1784.
Nathaniel Dearborn
Nathaniel Dearborn
State of New Hampshire
County of Rockingham I sit Portsmouth 30th March A D 1843.
Then Nathaniel Dearborn personally appearing, subscribed and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing affidavit: before me: I also certify, that I have been well acquainted with this affiant for about forty years, and that he is, in my humble opinion, a respectable man and credible witness.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial seal the day month and year last above written.
W. B. Parker Notary Public

Robert
Isaiah Stearns Esq Secretary of New Hampshire Concord 15 th Oct 1842
W. B. Parker Esq
CO
W. B. Parker Esq
Portsmouth
NH
D

Secretary of State's Office
Washington D.C. Sept 15-1842
Dear Sir,
I have caused an examination of the Rolls in this Office for the service of Josiah Locke -
I find that Timothy Blake Locke & Josiah Locke both of Newington entered the service in June 1775 - Josiah continued in the until probably Jan 4-1776
Mr. Edwards has allowed about seven months for this service
The service of Josiah Locke is now on the Rolls behind & certificate of which will cost four dollars ($4.)
I find Timothy Blake Locke in the service in 1776 but find no service for Josiah yet the above
I am Sir your Affec.
Josiah Stevens
Col. Wade Robt. Marshall
2.17 3/4

Portsmouth N. H. April 4 th 1843.
Hon: J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir:
In further reply to your favour of the 25 th ultimo, in addition to what I stated in my reply of the 30 th ult: in the case of Bethia Gale
I beg leave, as further evidence, to enclose herewith, the affidavits of Samuel George Eunice Littlefield and Joseph Stevens.
I am, Sir, respectfully Your Obed Serv t Wm B. Parker

Portsmouth N.H. April 21 st 1843
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir
Yours of the 25 th Ultimo, respecting the claim of Betsey Gale, formerly the Widow of Josiah Locke of New Hampshire, requiring additional evidence in that case, was rec d .
And subsequently, namely, on the 30 th Ultimo, the 4 th and 17 th inst, I enclosed such evidence:—
I now enclose another letter from the Town Clerk of Danvers.
Will you therefore have the goodness to review that case, and inform me, if any thing more is required, or if what I have transmitted is satisfactory?
I have the honour to be Sir
Sir
Your most Obed t Serv t
Wm. B. Parker

State of New Hampshire Rockingham County — } fs. May 6 th A.D. 1843.
Then Samuel George, Robert Marshall, Nathaniel Dearborn, Jonathan Morrison, Elizabeth Morrison, and Currice Littlefield, personally appearing, severally subscribed, and severally made oath, in due form of law, to the truth of the annexed affidavits, subscribed respectively by them, before me.
I also certify, that I am well acquainted with all these affiants, and that they are, in my opinion, as credible and respectable witnesses as any persons in this community.
Wm B. Parker, Justice of the Peace.

District of New Hampshire ss
I, John Lord Hayes, Clerk of the Courts of the United States, for the aforesaid District do hereby certify, that William Bennett Parker, is a Justice of the Peace, for the County of Rockingham, within the said District, and that the foregoing signature to the paper hereunto annexed, purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the District Court of the United States to be hereunto affixed, this eighth day of May in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty-three.
John L. Hayes Clerk

No. 1.
Joseph Shedd Town Clerk of Danvers Dec r 9. 1842
10 W. B. Jencks Esq. Dorchester N.H.

Danvers Town Clerk's Office Dec r 9 th 1842.
Dear Sir,
Yours of the 6 th instant I received last evening, the subject matter of which, I have attended to, with care. Having held the office of Town Clerk for eight years past, I have had a great many applications for certificates of the kind you want, and I regret very much to say, that I have repeatedly examined all our records of Marriages, for the purpose of furnishing the necessary Documents to be used in such cases, and never found any return made by Doct r Putnam, who did many a large number of persons in those days, as I have been informed. In such cases I have been obliged to find out by the person who applies for a certificate, who was present at the marriage, and have found some one living, whose Deposition or affidavit duly executed I have sent on and obtained the Pension. In your case I have examined our Records of all the Baptilments and Marriages, commencing the first of 1760 including 1806 and do not find their or either of their names. If the woman will inform you, who was present at the Marriage, perhaps I may obtain the evidence, if they or any one of them is living. I am as well acquainted with the Inhabitants of this town as any one, perhaps having had an extensive practice as a Physician since 1806, and having been an Acting Magistrate since 1809, by which you will perceive that if any one can find such evidence that could do it.
You stated to me, that you would remit my fees by Mail; but sir, I will save you the trouble. It is a great Pleasure to me to give all the Information that I can, to assist such persons, and If I can do it without extra Expense, I do it cheerfully, and you will have the less to charge her. If I had found the record and had certified and she had obtained her Pension in such case , then I have rec d fifty cents for the same; but if she gets nothing, I share with her, I receive nothing. J

I was well acquainted with Dr. Sulman and his descendants, and since I have held the Office of Town Clerk, I have called upon them in hopes to find some original Record, of his, which he ought to have made, but could not find any—His Grand children who always lived with him, say he never made a record, for if he had, they must have seen it; and they did for a great number of years do his writing.
If you can get the names of any person or persons who saw them married, please to write me and I will use my best endeavours to find them out.
The letter received from you I will send to the City Clerk of Salem this afternoon as you requested.
I am sir
Yours, Respectfully
Joseph Shedd, Clerk of the Town of Danvers.
W. B. Parkes Esq.

Extract from the Laws of New Hampshire respecting Publick Notaries

Extract from "The Laws of the State of New Hampshire &c &c Courts printed by C. Norris & Co for the State 1815." pages 110. 111.
"An Act for providing for the preservation of the records "and papers of publick notaries, and for giving them further "powers in certain cases."
"Sect 2. And be it further enacted , That the publick "notaries, who are, and from time to time shall be commissioned "and sworn, shall have in this state a concurrent power "and authority with the justices of the peace, to take and certify "the taking of depositions in all cases wherein the law allows "the taking of affidavits out of court; and like power "and authority to take acknowledgments of deeds made to "pass real estate; and their certificates of such acts, shall "have like validity, and the same legal effect, to all "intents, as certificates of such official acts made by justices "of the peace now have; any law, usage or custom, to the "contrary notwithstanding."
"Approved June 17. 1802"
A true Extract,
Attest William B. Parker, Notary-public.

4338 196 4200

Portsmouth N.H. May 8 th 1843
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir:
I enclose herewith the evidence in the case of Bithia Gale formerly the widow of Josiah Locke, corrected, as directed in your letter of the 2 d instant.
I have the honour to be &c &c Sir
Your M c O bt Serv t . W m B. Parker

To the Honourable James L. Edwards,
FREE
Commissioner of Pensions,
Pension Office,
City of Washington.
Mr. Cole 19. of Sept 1992

Portsmouth N. H. 26 th Sept r 1848.
Hon: J. L. Edmands, Comm r of Pensions:
Sir:
Enclosed is the declaration of Bethia Gale, formerly the Widow of Josiah Locke of New Hampshire, for a renewal of her pension.
I am, Sir, respectfully Your m ost Ob t . Servant
William B. Parker.

1992.
New Hampshire Pats
Bethia Gale, formerly the widow of Josiah Locke who was a Private in the N. H. line for 13 months
Rev. June 16
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 44 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of Sept. 1843 and sent to W. B. Parker Portsmouth N. H.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1. Page 43.