Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7446, for Ebenezer Morton, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Stass
1600 Boston, Ebenezer Wannall
Gr 7446
CONTENTS

10.089.
Massachusetts
Eleazer Spooner
of Hamp in the State of Mass who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain — of the Regt commanded by Col Woodbridge in the Sperry line for 6 mos.
W. M.
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 20 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of Jan 1833 and sent from J. B. Bates (in Hampton Mass) Arrears to the 4th of Jan 1833 $40 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Feb " 10 $50
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by S. H. McBlain Clerk, Book 30, Vol. 227 Page 52.

1827
13
Ebenezer Morton

DECLARATION,
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS OF THE 7TH OF JUNE, 1832.
STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. COUNTY OF HAMPSHIRE. }
ON this eighth day of August 1832 personally appeared in open court, before Samuel Wrinkley Judge of the court of Probate for the County of Hampshire now sitting, Ebenezer Morton a resident of Hatfield in the County of Hampshire, and State of Massachusetts, aged sixty eight years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
In June 1780 and the 30th day of the same, being then a resident in Hatfield aforesaid, he enlisted for six months into the army of the United States and went immediately to North Hadley Mass. where he passed muster before Col. Woodbridge of that town and then marched to Springfield Mass. at the latter place, a Captain whose name he had forgotten took the command and marched the said Morton with others through a part of Mass. Connecticut to Westpoint in the State of New York - after remaining here a short time, he was attached to a Regiment of Infantry, of which he believes but is not positive, that a for- eigner whose name was pronounced by the soldiers as if, Spelt De mat was Colonel - the Infantry was commanded by Col. Haggerty - The Captain of the Company to which he belonged was named Doper if he mistakes not from Conn- ecticut - the name of one of the Lieutenants was Ethaniel Taylor from Charlemont Mass. the name of the other Lieutenant he has forgotten - After a stay of per- haps three or four weeks at Westpoint, he crossed from Westpoint with the army and marched down the river to Kings Ferry where he again crossed and mar- ched through a part of New Jersey until nearly opposite New York - during our march the treason of Arnold and the capture of Andre occurred - the said Morton saw the latter after his capture confined in a church but can- not remember in what town, and was present at his execution - The army returned on the West side of the river and again arrived at Westpoint, where the said Morton remained until the expiration of his term of enlistment, which happened as he believes near the end of December, when he received a discharge in writing, which has since been lost
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State, or (if any,) only on that of the agency in the State of Massachusetts
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Ebenezer Morton
Before me Samuel Wrinkley Judge of Probate
We, Levi Pratt residing in the town of Hatfield and residing in Hatfield hereby certify, that we are
well acquainted with Ebenezer Morton who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty eight years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbor- hood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Levi Pratt Samuel Smith
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Levi Pratt who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in Hatfield , and that Samuel Smith who has also signed the same, is a resident in Hatfield and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Before me Samuel Wrinkley Judge of Probate
I, D. Lyman Register of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Ebenezer Morton for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two -
D. Lyman Register Clerk.

N o 2282
Ebenezer Morton of Hatfield Mass.
Private
6 Months
cc
The Court has not given their opinion, no clergyman Certificate, Magistrate has not called to the credibility of the witness for
29 Oct 1831
advised
Hon. J. C. Bates
Northampton
Mass
Claimant at. Hatfield
Mass

BRIEF in the case of Ebenezer Waten of the County of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts (Act 7 June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? open Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 68 years  Enter July 4 th 80 is due  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     In 1780 June 30 th — 6 — Private Col. Worthington The Captain's name not recollected - but thinks it was Soper  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Worthington  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Hatfield  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? by the deposition of Silas Pater who served at the same time & place - he had a written discharge but has lost it.  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? no certificate of clergyman or others 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Levin Belt Examining Clerk.

9729 Hamel Norton Mass
Ad 7 th July 38
C.P. Huntington Northampton Mass Agent.

DECLARATION,
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS OF THE 7TH OF JUNE  July 1832 & the acts & resolutions amendatory thereof & in addition thereto STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. COUNTY OF HAMPSHIRE. }
ON this fifth day of September personally appeared before the Probate Court of the County of Hampshire Spencer . Hannah Morton a resident of Hatfield in the County of Hampshire, and State of Massachusetts, aged seventy five 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, 1832  That he enlisted in the army  acts amendatory thereof  of the United States in the year  with  and served in the  paper the  line, under the following named officers: twenty third day of August 1842 & a resolution passed the 16 th day of August 1842 & the Act of March 3, 1843 - that she was married to Ebenezer Morton late of said Hatfield deceased who enlisted in the army of the United States in the Revolutionary war as a private soldier. the regiment & officers in which & under whom he served being unknown or forgotten by your applicant. Said Ebenezer served at West Point at the capture of Arnold & elsewhere & said Hannah from her imperfect knowledge & broken memory must refer to the original application of said Ebenezer who drew a pension under the act of June 7, 1832. She further declares that she was married to said Ebenezer on the 22 day of June 1786 at said Hatfield by Rev Dr Lyman - that she is the identical widow of said Ebenezer & was at the time of his decease & still so remains. That said Ebenezer died on the 3 day of February 1839 & she refers to the accompanying documents for further proof in the premises.
She hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and she declares that her name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State, or (if any,) only on that of the agency in the State of Massachusetts .
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Hannah Morton her mark
the widow of said Ebenezer
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
Stearns  Cowley Judge of Probate
I, Samuel  Wiggin of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Hannah Morton for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 16 th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty  forty three
Samuel  Wiggin Register of Probate

REJECTED
7446
P. O.
Hannah Morton
Service: wid Ebenezer
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.

V 9729.
Hannah Morton Ebenezer Mass 6.
→
Rejected Lit to C. P. Huntington April 15. '44 " " " " " Sept 4. '44 " " Ditto - April 15. '45
7816 Act July 7 38

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Ebenezer Morton which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes. VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? his Colonel & thinks his Captain's name was Soper. VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes. VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? no IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes -

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? No
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? none
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
He has the deposition of one who served at the same time
XIV. †If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? No
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? no
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____ ; and for such service I claim a pension.”

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
† QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
‡ QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

I Silas Porter of the aforesaid County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age do hereby say, that I am well acquainted with Almoner Masters of the aforesaid, that I was a Soldier in the Continental Army in the year 1780 was at that point in the State of New York where he was in the summer of the aforesaid year and I recollect distinctly that I saw said Almoner Masters as a Soldier in the Continental line sundry times during said summer, both at Hartford in New Jersey - I have always under- stood that said Masters resided for the term of six months that he served the term of his engagement Silas Porter
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire ss. Aug. 4 th 1802 - Then personally appeared Silas Porter subscriber to the above affidavit and having been carefully examined as to his knowledge and understanding of its contents made solemn oath that the same is true - before me J. S. Willings Esq. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire ss
I Solomon Stoddard Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Hampshire, do certify that Israel Billings Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the within certificate was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the peace within and for said County, duly Commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth - and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity - and that the signature to said certificate is known by me to be the hand writing of the said Israel Billings
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth this eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirtytwo -
S Stoddard Clerk
Hampshire S. Sept. 4th 1832
I hereby certify that Silas Porter the within Disposition is a true and correct copy of the original now in my hands - Israel Billings Esq. Clerk

9729
Ab
Oct 22. 1843.
Map act 3/2/38
Hamish. Marlow
price.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Sir
I enclose the petition of Hannah Norton for a pension, and having occasion to write, will merely add, that of several applications made by widows for renewal merely some of them two months since, not one has been yet heard from —
Yours with respect C. O. Huntington
Northampton Mass April —

D6.
Sept 2 1844
Gen. Moreton map
Hon. J. L. Edwards Washington D.C. Pension Bureau

Northampton Mass
Aug 30 th 1844
Dear Sir
I received a notice from your bureau in relation to the application of Hannah Morton widow of Ebenezer Morton of Hatfield saying that the rolls show a service only from 4 th July 1780 to 14 Dec. 1780 & that he never was entitled to a pension - In regard to this matter the family say that Ebenezer Morton was in the service three weeks prior to that then, on account of his proper height, he was taken from the regular service in which he was enlisted & made one of Lafayette's Life Guards where he served his time - They state also that though those who served with him are dead yet abundant declarations of Morton long prior to the passage

of the Act under which he was pensioned, to that effect can be proved, and conversations respecting it with those who served with him - The family also say that he had a regular discharge for 6 months service which some years since was entrusted to Dr Hastings a fellow townsman now deceased, in order to draw pay from some quarter for blankets, equipments &c. I believe they know not now where to find it -
As the case has assumed a shape in which the character of a deceased & respected father has fallen under imputation, his children are desirous to prove their claim & they wish to know

whether these declarations made long since, or what further proof in the absence & death of those who were with him in the service, will answer to substantiate their claim. —
Yours with respect C. P. Huntington

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the seventh of June 1832 State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire ss.
On this the fourth day of December 1832 personally appeared in open Court before Samuel Hinkley Esq. Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts aged sixty-eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration - i.e., in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832, that he entered the service of the United States as a private soldier, under the following named officers and served as herein stated. In June 1780 on the 30 th day of he believes being then a resident in Hatfield aforesaid, he enlisted as a private soldier for the term of six months in the army of the United States - went immediately to South Hadley in Massachusetts where he passed muster before Capt. Woodbridge of that Town and then marched to Springfield Massachusetts at the latter place a Captain, whose name he has forgotten, took the command, and marched the Regiment, with others through a part of Massachusetts & Connecticut to West Point in the state of New York after remaining here a short time, he was attached to a regiment of infantry of which a foreigner, whose name the soldier pronounced as if it was Gannett, was Colonel - The Infantry was commanded by La Fayette - The Captain of the Company to which he belonged was named Dyer from Connecticut - The name of one of the Lieutenants was Othniel Taylor from Charlemont Massachusetts - The name of the other Lieutenant is forgotten - After a stay of three or four weeks at West Point, he moved from West Point, into the

army and marched down the river to King's Ferry where he again crossed and marched through a part of New Jersey until nearly opposite New York; during our march the treason of Arnold and Coffey occurred. The 2 d Morton saw the latter after his capture confined in a Church, but can not remember in what town - and was present at his execution. The army returned on the west side of the river, and again arrived at West Point when the 2 d Morton remained until the expiration of his term of enlistment, which happened as he believes near the end of December; when he received a discharge in writing which has since been lost.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present, and he declares that his income is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state. Ebenezer Morton
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Before me Samuel Hinckley Judge of Probate
We Levi Pratt & Samuel Smith residing in the Town of Hatfield, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ebenezer Morton who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration That we believe him to be fifty eight years of age - That he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution - and that we concur in that opinion.
Levi Pratt Sam l Smith
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Before me Samuel Hinckley Judge of Probate

and the said Court do hereby declare their opinions after the investigation of the matter and putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department, that the claim of said applicant was a revolutionary soldier and seaman as he states. And the Court further certify that it appears to them that Levi Pratt who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in Hatfield and that Samuel Smith who has signed the same is resident in Hatfield and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit Before Samuel Hinkley Judge of Probate
Samuel F. Lyman Register of the Court of Probate for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Deaconer Norton as in his unenrolled declaration set forth.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of office this fourth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two.
Sam F. Lyman Register

Dear Sir
In the case of Hannah Morton widow of Ebenezer Morton of Hatfield applicant for a pension, the department say that the rolls show only a service from 4 th July 1780 to 14 th Dec 1780. The family say he had a regular discharge for 6 months service which was handed over to their Town Representative for some purpose a great many years since. It may be in our Secretary of State's Office & I wish to inquire if the evidence of such a discharge will be satisfactory proof of 6 months service even where your rolls show a left period. If it will, they will be at the expense of a search there - Yours with respect
C. P. Huntington
for Hannah Morton
Northampton Mass. April 7, 1845.

"Internuncias" "Seven hundred & eighty six June Twenty Second" "Ebenezer Norton L & Hannah Lyman"
I the Subscriber Henry Nill of Hatfield Massachusetts of lawful age depose and say that I am a settled minister over the Congregational Church & society in said Hatfield & the keeper of the Church Record & that the above is a true extract from said record with the exception of the date in question
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that Alpheus Lingley Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificates on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Alpheus Lingley and believe his signature to said certificates is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said Commonwealth, this Twenty Seventh day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three
Samuel Wells
Clerk.

"Intermarriages" "Society hundred & eighty six June Twenty Second" "Churches Morton L & H. and Lyndaham".
I the Subscriber Henry Neil of Hatfield Massachusetts of lawful age depose and say that I am a settled minister over the Congregational Church & society in said Hatfield & the keeper of the Church Record & that the above is a true extract from said record with the exception of the date in figures which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows "1786 June 22". - dated this Twenty fifth of September 1843.
Henry Neil (Pastor of the Congregational Church - Hatfield. Dated June 25th 1843.
Then personally appeared the above named Henry Neil to me known to be a person of truth & integrity & acknowledged to the truth of the foregoing Affidavit before me
Alpheus Langley Justice of the Peace

We the undersigned Oliver Smith and Daniel White inhabitants of the Town of Hatfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts do hereby certify that we have been acquainted with Ebenezer Norton Jr. of said Hatfield, and Hannah, his wife ever since the year Seven Hundred Eighty six. We have no doubts or hesitancy in saying that the said Hannah was the true and lawful wife of the said Ebenezer Norton Jr. from the above time to the death of the said Ebenezer Jr. which took place in Eighteen hundred thirty six as we think, and that the said Hannah is now living and remains the Widow of the said Ebenezer Jr. And we further say we have no doubts, the record furnished by the Mod. Henry Hill Accountant in this is a true and correct transcript of said record of this Church. And we further say the said Hannah is a person of good Character.
Oliver Smith Daniel White
Hampshire ss.
September 5th 1843
Then personally appeared the above named Oliver Smith & Daniel White Esqrs. to me known as persons of truth & veracity and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by them subscribed before me.
Asaph Langley
Justice of the Peace