Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7960, for Geoge Parkhurst, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Mass
NUMBER
Parkhurst George Rebecca
R. 7960
CONTENTS

State of New York } County of Herkimer }
On this 8 th day of September A D (1856) in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty six, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, Valentine Moore, and David H. Moore who are to me well known to be residents of the County aforesaid, and to be credible witnesses, and who being first by me duly sworn, depose and say that they were each well acquainted with George Parkhurst and Rebecca Parkhurst, his wife, late of the Town of Fairfield, and County of Herkimer aforesaid; that they are each nephews of the said George Parkhurst; that to their certain knowledge, the said George Parkhurst, died in the Town of Fairfield, in the said County of Herkimer, and State aforesaid, twenty eighth on the third day of June  July A D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine, aged about seventy seven  six years, and that his said wife Rebecca, died at the same place, on the second  sixth day of February  July One thousand eight hundred and fifty four  three , aged about Eighty Eight  seventy six years; that the said George Parkhurst was reputed to be a soldier of the Revolutionary War, which deponents never heard disputed and have every reason to believe to be the case; that the following, are according to their belief, the only surviving children of said George and Rebecca Parkhurst; viz Sally (now Mrs Porter) William, Aaron, Seyman, Amos, Henry, Clarissa, (now Mrs Phelps) and Polly (now Mrs Smith); and further that they (deponents) have no interest in any claim which the the parties last above named may have against the United States, for services performed by the said George Parkhurst

F in the Revolutionary War or other war of the United States; for pensions due under any acts of Congress to surviving soldiers or their widows
Signed { Valentine Mowrey David H. Mowrey
Witness Jeremiah Cory
Subscribed and sworn to, the day and year first above written, and I certify that
I am in no manner interested. Interlined before signing Jeremiah Cory Justice of the Peace
State of New York } ss County of Herkimer }
I hereby certify that Jeremiah Cory Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavits were made and signed, and who has thereunto affixed his name, was at the time of so doing a justice of the Peace, in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto is correct and genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court for the County aforesaid this
9 day of Sept AD 1856
J Lanchworth Dist Clerk of Herkimer County

No 1458.
Rebecca at Hartshorn
widow of George
Illinois
July 29. 1898

State of Illinois } In open court County of Gratiott } Present September Term. A.D., 1836
On this Second day of September A.D. 1836, before the County Court of the County of Gratiott, held within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Aaron Parkhurst, aged fifty six years, a resident of the City and County of Gratiott of the State aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law; doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions of the previous acts of Congress passed on the seventh day of June A.D. 1832, and subsequently, for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the War of the Revolution; and of the resolutions and acts, of Congress, passed on the seventh day of July A.D. 1838, and subsequently, for the benefit of the widows of certain deceased officers and soldiers of the War of the Revolution; that he is one of the children and heirs at law, of George Parkhurst deceased who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Boaz Moore, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Ephraim Doolittle; that the said George Parkhurst, was also a private in the company commanded Captain John Jones, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Ephraim Doolittle, in the War of the Revolution; that he believes the said George Parkhurst, served as a

private in a third campaign, in said war; in a company commanded as he believes, by capt Julius Bryan, in a regiment commanded by Colonel Brewer; that he once volunteered; was once ordered out on an emergency; and was once drafted and marched to Boston; that he served, in all as much as nine or ten months; that he entered the service at Princeton on the 19th day of April, AD 1775, as he believes, as a private in the company command by capt Boaz Moore, of the the regiment aforesaid; and continued in service for as much as nine days; that he cannot state when, (the month and date) in the year 1775, he entered said service, in the company com- manded by capt John Jones, in the regiment com- ma- nded by Col Ephraim Doolittle, except by reference to the certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts, which is herewith transmitted; that he was honor- ably discharged (as deponent believes) and received pay for a part of his services, at least; and that said pay was in Continental money money; that he was in the battle of Bunker Hill; that he (deponent) has no other documentary evidence of his said father's service, except the aforesaid certificate. that he was married to Rebecca Gitchell, prior to the year AD 1800. in the town of Partridge- field, Berkshire Co Massachusetts; that the said George Parkhurst died in the Town of Fairfield Herkimer County NY. On the 3rd day of July AD 1839; and that his said wife died at the place last aforesaid, on the 24th 24th of Febry AD 1854 And further that the following are the only survi- ving children of the said George and Rebecca Parkhurst viz. Sally, (now Mrs Porter) William, Aaron, Symon, Amos, Henry, Clarissa, (now Mrs Phelps) and Polly

(now Mrs Smith); he makes this application on behalf of himself and his said brothers and sisters, in order to obtain the arrears of pension due their aforesaid parents, for the services in the war aforesaid under the acts and resolutions, above recited; and further he believes there is no documentary, or record evidence of the marriage his said parents
Witness James Main,
Aaron Parkhurst
Sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day and year first above mentioned, and I certify that I know the said deponent Aaron Parkhurst, and believe him to be as is above stated, and that he is of the age above stated, and further that I am not interested in this claim as Attorney, or otherwise.
Witness my hand and seal of said Court, attested by order of said Court now in session.
J. W. Raymond
Clerk

February 28, 1939
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Louise M. Davies 1676 West Street Utica, New York
GEORGE PARKHURST R. 7960 BA-J/MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of George Parkhurst, of Stockbridge, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, who served in the Revolutionary War and around 1790 or 1800 moved with his family to Herkimer County, New York.
The record of George Parkhurst follows as shown in the papers on file in pension claim, R. 7960, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
George Parkhurst was born August 4, 1762, place of soldier's birth and names of his parents not stated.
George Parkhurst married sometime prior to 1800, in Partridgefield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, Rebecca Gitchell. The date and place of her birth and names of her parents are not shown. The soldier moved about 1795 from Princeton, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, to Fairfield, Herkimer County, New York.
The soldier died in Fairfield, Herkimer County, New York, June 27, 1839, as stated by a witness, or June 30, 1839 or July 3, 1839, as stated by soldier's son. His wife, Rebecca, died October 10, 1851, or February 2, 1854, in said Fairfield, New York, at the age of about eighty-eight years.
In 1856, the only surviving children of George Parkhurst and his wife, Rebecca, were: Sally who was then Mrs. ____ Porter; William; Aaron born about 1800 in Fairfield, New York, where he was reared, but afterwards moved to Oswego County, New York, in 1856 was residing in La Salle, La Salle County, Illinois, and still living there in 1862; Lymon or Lyman; Amos; Henry; Clarissa, then Mrs. Phelps, and Polly, then Mrs. Smith. The given names of the husbands of Sally, Clarissa and Polly were not given.

September 2, 1856, while residing in La Salle, La Salle County, Illinois, Aaron Parkhurst, son of George Parkhurst and his wife, Rebecca, applied for pension which might have been due on account of the service of his father in the Revolutionary War. He applied in behalf of himself and the other above-named surviving children.
It was stated that George Parkhurst volunteered at Princeton, Massachusetts, on the alarm of April 19, 1775, that he served at various times during the Revolution (dates of other enlistments not stated), amounting in all to nine or ten months as private under Captains Boaz Moore, John Jones, Julius Brigan, and Colonels Ephraim Doolittle and Brewer in the Massachusetts troops, and that he was in the battle of Bunker Hill.
The claim was not allowed as proof of service was not furnished in accordance with the requirements of the pension law.
In 1856, Valentine and David H. Morey, nephews of the soldier, George Parkhurst, were residents of Herkimer County, New York. In the same year, Ephraim Woolson, aged sixty-five years, also a nephew of the soldier, was residing in Oswego County, New York, but stated that at one time he had lived with the soldier in the vicinity of Princeton, Massachusetts, and Daniel Parkhurst, another nephew of the soldier, was then residing in Oswego County, New York, but had moved there with the soldier about 1795. The names of the parents of soldier's nephews were not given.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Lasalle Lasalle County Ill Nov. 1 st 1856 Hon Commissioner of Pensions at Washington Sir we got a letter that My father George Pankhurst was but 13 years old when he was in the service of the Revolution War Sir his Age was judged at as near as possible without A record But Sir I have this day found the old family Bible with his age Recorded in the record father was born on the 4 th of August 1762 and died June 30 th 1839
Father While living always said he was out in the War three times once volunteered out 30 or 40 days once called out on an alarm once drafted he delayed it to the day of his death and By his request I was to ask the Government for the Pay for his services he also said when he was discharged that he got either $30 or $40 of old Continental money to get home with which was worth about 10 cts on the dollar he was from Home 150 miles after that was gone he had to Beg for something to eat & the way I make it out he was 14 years 5 months old when the War Broke out I have given his statement of it Four years before his death I am a Poor man left with a large family one of My children has been confined to her bed For 12 years a cripple at a great Expense I shall leave it you to decide on and I hope you will say in the name of God Let him be clothed and admitted Yours with Respect
Please answer me
Soon and oblige
Samson Pankhurst

State of New York
County of Oswego
On this 10 th day of Sept. A D 1856 personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the said County and State, Ephraim Woolson aged 65 years whom I know to be a resident of the County and State aforesaid, and person whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me first duly sworn, says that he is well acquainted with Aaron Parkhurst, and that he was always reputed to be the son of George and Rebecca Parkhurst, which deponent has every reason to believe be the case that he is a nephew of George Parkhurst, now deceased; that he resided with him, in the immediate vicinity of Princeton, in the County of Berkshire, in the State of Massachusetts; and that the said George Parkhurst was there reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolutionary War, which deponent has every reason to believe to be the case; that deponent and George and Rebecca Parkhurst, moved to the Town of Fairfield, County of Herkimer and State of New York, at which place the said Aaron Parkhurst was born, about the year A D 1800; the deponent being at the time, near neighbor to said George Parkhurst, and has been acquainted with said Aaron Parkhurst ever since his birth; and that said Aaron Parkhurst now resides in the County of Spaulding and State of Illinois; deponent further says that said George Parkhurst and Rebecca Parkhurst are both dead; as he was credibly informed, as he was credibly informed at the time, and which he never heard disputed; and that he has no interest in any claims which said Parkhurst or their heirs may have against the United States, for military service. Signed E Woolson

Subscribed and sworn to, the day and year first above written, before me, and I certify that I am in no manner interested, in the matters to which the above deposition relate.
Wm Longdon Justice of the Peace
State of New York } County of Oswego }
On this 10 th day of Sept A D eighteen fifty six personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State, Daniel Parkhurst, to me well known to be a resident of the County and State aforesaid, and to be a credible witness, and who being duly sworn, says that he is a nephew of George Parkhurst, and always, was well acquainted him; that he lived in the County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts, until about the year A D 1795 when the said George Parkhurst and this deponent removed to the Town of Fairfield, in the County of Herkimer and State of New York; deponent further says, that he knows said George Parkhurst was married to Rebecca Gitchell, in the Town of Partridgefield, in the County, in the County of . . . . Berkshire and State of Massachusetts; and that they lived together as husband and wife, until the death of the said George Parkhurst; and that the said George Parkhurst was always reputed to have been a soldier in the Revolutionary War; and deponent says he was and is still well acquainted with the children of said George and Rebecca Parkhurst, and knows Aaron Parkhurst to be their son; that said Aaron was born in the town of Fairfield Herkimer County and State of New York, about the year A D 1800

and that afterward the said Aaron, removed to the County of Oswego, and State of New York, where this deponent now resides; and that the said Aaron Parkhurst, now resides, as deponent verily believes in the County of Scarsdale and State of Illinois; This affidavit is made particularly to identify said Aaron Parkhurst as the lawful son and heir of the said George and Rebecca Parkhurst, to enable him to apply for and receive any areas of pensions that may have been due the said George Parkhurst deceased, and his late widow Rebecca Parkhurst, in consequence of military service in the revolutionary war, performed by said George Parkhurst; and further deponent has no interest in said claim or any other claim which any of the heirs of said Parkhurst may have against the United States, for military service in the revolutionary war, in consequence of the military services of said George Parkhurst
Signed Daniel Parkhurst
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year first above written and I hereby certify that I am in no manner interested
Wm. Congdon Justice of the Peace
State of New York Oswego County
I hereby certify that William Congdon Esq. before whom, the foregoing affidavits were made, and who has thereunto affixed his name, was at the time an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the County aforesaid; duly commissioned and sworn and that his signatures thereunto are genuine In testimony whereof

I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Osceola County Court for the County and State aforesaid, this fourth day of September A D 1856
Henry S. Conde Clerk of Osceola Co

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston,
July 17 th 1856.
I Hereby Certify , That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of George Parkhurst is found on pay roll of Capt. Boaz Moore's Comp. Col. Ephraim Doolittle's Regt. on alarm of April 19. 1775 as private, from Triniton, 9 days. Also on return of Capt. John Jones Comp. Col. Ephraim Doolittle's Regt. of 8 mos. men, return dated Camp on Winter Hill Oct. 6. 1775 as private, from Triniton for 8 mos.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Francis De Witt Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Willis M. Hitt
Dec. 6. 1862.

Pension Office.
December 6 th 1862.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 28 th ult. enclosing additional evidence in the case of Rebecca Parkhurst, deceased. widow of George, I have to inform you, that by a law of Congress passed on the 2 nd of April last, the children of a revolutionary soldier, or of his widow, are excluded from the benefit of any claim all right to a pension, which had not been established in the life time of the parent in whose right it existed.
This law must bar the right of re- covering application of the children of Mrs. Parkhurst even if the evidence presented by you had been deemed sufficient.
Very respectfully,
Your obt. Servt
Willis M. Hitt. Esq.
LaSalle.
Illinois.

REVOLUTIONARY PENSION CLAIM.
ACT OF _____
Rev. Markhurst, decd.
~~~~~ POWER OF ATTORNEY
TO EXAMINE CLAIMS. ~~~~~
Charles C. Tucker
CHARLES C. TUCKER,
Attorney, & Present.

Power of Attorney.
Know all men by these presents: That I Aaron Parkhurst
Essex & S. Co. do hereby constitute and appoint Chas. C. Tucker , of Washington City, D. C., my true and lawful Agent and Attorney to prosecute the Claim of George Parkhurst dec d for any amount of Revolutionary Pension or increase of Pension that may be due under the provisions of the Act or acts referred to, now in the pension office at Washington D.C. or any other Act or Resolution of Congress, and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers and documents in relation to said Claim on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, and to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed: and to do all things that I might or could do, were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney may lawfully do in the premises.
Witness my hand and seal this 11 th day of July — 185 7 .
In presence of N. C. Cannon } ss. Aaron Parkhurst { Seal
STATE OF Illinois LaSalle COUNTY—ss.
On this 11 th day of July 185 7 , before me a Police Magistrate in and for the County and State above mentioned personally appeared Aaron Parkhurst and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be his act and deed for the purpose therein mentioned.
Edwin R. Moffatt Police Magistrate
STATE OF Illinois LaSalle } ss. COUNTY.
On this 11 th day of July 185 7 , before me the undersigned a Police Magistrate in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Aaron Parkhurst a resident of said County, and made oath according to the law that he is the identical Aaron Parkhurst who executed the foregoing power of Attorney, and that he is directly interested in said Claim, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my said Attorney may use in prosecuting said Claim.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written.
Edwin R. Moffatt Police Magistrate
STATE OF Illinois LaSalle } COUNTY OF
I Samuel W. Raymond Clerk of the County Court do hereby certify that Edwin R. Moffatt Esq., before whom the foregoing affidavit and acknowledgement were made and who has thereunto signed his name, was at the time of so doing a Judge of the  Police Magistrate in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my official seal this 13 th day of July 185 7 .
S. W. Raymond Clerk

Dept. Int. Pen. Off. Dec: 18 th 1865.
Sir
In answer to the enclosed letter of Mr. Aaron Parkhurst. I have the honor to state, that the heirs of George Reb. Parkhurst are not entitled to anything under existing pension laws.
The parents of your correspondent died some years since. They were not pensioners.
On the 2 d of April, 1862, An act was passed by Congress, prohibiting the allowance of a  claim for a pension, to the heirs of a deceased revolutionary soldier or of his widow, where such soldier or widow died without having established a claim to a pension.
M. M. McCabe
Hon. B. C. Cook, Ho. Reps.

Department of the Interior. Pension Office. Dec re 18 th 1865.
Sir.
Mrs. Agnes Bitt. was pensioner under the D r the Richmond. Pat roll
Heir of Mrs. Rebecca Pankhurst.
Mrs. B. C. Cook. Dec r 18 th /65

Tennic Office Oct. 14, 1856.
Sir,
I have examined and filed the application of the widow of Rebecca Parkhurst, as also was the widow of George, under the act of July 28, 1848, and you are informed that the question of the legality of payments of annuities or pensions due to widows of Revolutionary soldiers, at their deaths to their children, is now before the Attorney General. If, however, he should decide the question affirming the widow of the said Rebecca would have no claim to pension for the services of the George Parkhurst, then same is through the Collected of the Secretary of War, and will be placed with the papers - for that the Secretary of War is now in session.

1775, at which time the father of the applicant was only thirteen years old!
Thos C. Strain
Oct 14/86
Thomas C. Strain, Esq. La Salle Illinois

Aaron Parkhurst, June 10.

Pension Office.
June 10. 1861.
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 18 th ult. ad- -dressed to Hon. Wm. H. Seward, has been referred to this office; and in reply to it I have to in- -form you, presented that your mother's claim to a pension presented in her life time was not allowed for the want of sufficient evidence of the service of her husband George Parkhurst, in the revolutionary war. The claim cannot now be prosecuted, as the right to a pension ceased with her life. The children are entitled only to the unpaid arrears of a pension established in the life time of their parent.
Aaron Parkhurst Esq
La Salle.
Ill.

Adam Hughes, Oct. 2.

Pension Office -
Oct. 2 nd 1861.
Sir;
In reply to your letter of the 5 th Sept. addressed to the Secretary of State, and referred to this office, making enquiry relative to the claim of Aaron  Sarah Parkhurst for a pension alleged to be due to his mother Rebecca Parkhurst. I have to inform you that her claim, during her life time was suspended for want of sufficient evidence of her husband's services in the revolutionary war -
Mrs Parkhurst is not now living, and what ever claim she might have had cannot be prosecuted by her children - for the right expired with her -
Mr Aaron Parkhurst was informed of this by a letter addressed to him on the 10 th of June last.
Adam Hughes. Esq
La Salle.
Ill.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston.
Oct. 23, 1862
I Hereby Certify , That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of George Parkhurst is borne on a pay roll of Capt. Boaz Moore's company, Col. Ephraim Doolittle's regiment, on the alarm of April 19, 1775. Service nine days, as a private from Princeton.
The name of George Parkhurst of Princeton, is borne on a Return of Capt. John Jones' company, Col. Ephraim Doolittle's regiment of eight months men. Service as a private - Return dated at "Camp, Winter Hill, Oct. 6, 1775."
George Parkhurst of Stockbridge was a private in Capt. A. Williams' company, Col. Spratt's regiment (the 12th) in the continental army. Enlistment for the war;

Service from January 1, 1777, to December 31, 1780.
On file in this Department, is an order, of which the following is a copy:-
"Boston, Nov. 8, 1782.
Sir, Please to pay Capt. Dain Moore the whole of my continen- tal wages that is my Due, as may appear by said Captain's Books for two months service done at Rhode Island, in the year 1779, and this shall be your discharge.
George Parkhurst. To the Hon Treasurer of the State of Massachusetts."
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Oliver Wolcott
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office.
Boston, Oct. 23, 1862
Sir: Herewith you have all the evidence of service rendered by any George Parkhurst of this state during the revolutionary war, that the Records of this Department furnish.
You will see that there were certainly two of the name — George Parkhurst of Princeton and George Parkhurst of Stockbridge.
The George Parkhurst whose order for

wages due for service in Rhode Island in 1779, is given in the certificate, may make a third and the may not. As the towns of Burr Bolton & Princeton join, it is by no means impossible that the George Parkhurst who made the error on the Treasurer, and the George Parkhurst who marched to Lexington from Princeton on the 19 th of April, 1775, and was subsequently in the Eight Months Service under Col. Dorrill, were one and the same person. Whether the were or not,

the terms of service are so distinct as to relieve the case, it would seem, of all embarrassment.
Yours truly,
Hanson Hawley, (For the Secretary).

Washington D.C. July 18 th 1857
Hon. Geo. C. Richardson Comm r of Pensions
Sir,
We enclose
herewith a power of Atty. empowering us to prosecute the Revolutionary Pension Claim of Geo. Parkhurst, dec? -
Evidence in regard
to this case is now on file in your Office,
We are enabled to inform you under what act the claim is made, and are re- spondent not knowing, -
Would you be pleased to inform us the precise condition of this claim, and what testimony is required.
As ever respectfully
Lockhart & Slayton

Pension Office.
August. 29, 1862.
Sir:
The claims of Dr George & Rebecca Parkhurst have frequently been examined and rejected for the reasons contained in the a letter to to Aaron Parkhurst, a copy of which is herewith enclosed.
Willis M. Hill.
La Salle.
Ills.

Aaron Parkhurst
Nov 15.

Tunica Office Nov. 15, 1856.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 11 th inst you are informed, that of you the old Fanny Beth to which you have referred, shows that you Rev. Parkhurst, joined the Army on the 4 th of August 1862, at  that fact is only a confirmation of the contents of the dis- charge of this office communicated to J. C. Strain on the 14 th of Oct last; for, as stated, that he was not thirteen thirteen years old in 1875, when  he and could not, at that date, have been serving in the army. The evidence of his name, when same is to set forth in the catalogue of the Secretary of War, shows that no different person; and no practical limits can result from a further prosecution of the claim predicated upon it that  on the basis of that Aaron Parkhurst, Esq., Lasalle, Lasalle Co. Illinois.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston!
July 1, 1862.
I Hereby Certify , That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of George Parkhurst is borne on a pay roll of Capt. Boaz Morris's company, Col. Ephraim Doolittle's regiment, on the alarm of April 19, 1775: 9 days as private from Princeton.
Also, on return of Capt. John Jones' company, Col. Ephraim Doolittle's regiment. Return dated Winter Hill, October 6, 1775. Service 8 months as private from Princeton.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Oliver Warner.
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

La Salle, Illinois, July 7 th 1862
Hon Joseph H. Barrett Comr. of Pensions Washington DC
Dear Sir.
Mr Aaron Parkhurst, an old Resident of La Salle county, has handed me the enclosed certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which says that his Father "George Parkhurst, Served 9 days as Private, from Princeton in Capt Boaz Moore's Co, Col Ephraim Doolittle's Regiment, on the alarm of April 19 1775, also on Return of Capt John Jones Co, Col Doolittle's Regt, Return dated Winter Hill Oct: 6 1775, Served 8 months as Private from Princeton."
Mr Aaron Parkhurst has shown me a Letter from Hon Mr Bernard Beecher Secy of State, stating that his (Aaron Parkhurst) Letter of June 8 1862, and Letter of Adam Hughes, dated Sept- 5 1861, were both sent to the Comr. of Pensions, who upon examination, reported "that no evidence existed showing Service in the Revolutionary War by George Parkhurst". Mr Aaron Parkhurst states that his Father, George Parkhurst, died July 3 rd 1839, and

in Fairfield, Herkimer Co, State of New York - his mother, Rebecca Parkhurst, died Oct r 10, 1851 - He further states that he applied for a pension for his mother, through one Woodbridge of Marietta, Ohio, sometime during the year 1848, but never received any reply from the depart- ment. He further states that about two years ago he sent several affidavits concerning this matter to Hon Owen Lovejoy M c who presented the case before Congress, and that Congress referred the matter to a committee, since which time he has heard or known nothing concerning the case until he received Hon Mr Lennards Letter of last month.
He therefore respectfully requests that you would cause the matter to be exam- ined into, and report to him whether any thing has been done, and if not, to give him instructions whereby he can collect the necessary evidence to enable him to present the case before Congress or before the Com t of Pensions. He believes that his father, George Park- hurst, never received any pay of any kind while in the Revolutionary Service, nor afterwards, and he further believes that his mother, Rebecca Parkhurst, never received any pay due her husband, or any pension, during her lifetime.

and Aaron Parkhurst Son of said George and Rebecca Parkhurst, representing the other children, believes that he is entitled to the pay which his Father should have received, and to the pension which his mother should have received during her lifetime, and to the bounty given to soldiers of the Revolutionary war.
Your attention to this case will much oblige
Yours sincerely Willis M. Hall
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original document.]

Lazalle Ills Nov- 28 1862 Hon Jos H. Barrett Comm. of Pensions Dear Sir.
Your favor of the 29 th August 1862, enclosing a copy of a letter transmitted to Aaron Parkhurst Nov- 15 1856, has been received. * I now enclose you a certificate from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Mass. stating that there were at least two, and probably three persons of the name of George Parkhurst, who served in the Continental Army. I also enclose a letter from the Secretary explanatory.
* I would respectfully ask you to open this case, and tell me what information you want, and the course necessary to pursue in order to bring the case to an issue. * Mr Aaron Parkhurst can produce evidence to the effect that his father George Park.

burst died June 1839 aged 78 years; There are several persons living (whose affidavits can be obtained) who have often heard George Parkhurst say that he was in the continental army and went from Princeton Mass.
* Aaron Parkhurst in giving the birth day of his father (to which you refer in your letter of Nov 15 1856) made a mistake, and gave the birth day of his father in Jan and 4 1762.
* If you consent to open the case, please tell me what course to pursue, and what evidence you must have, as it will save me a great amount of trouble, & the Department a large percentage of annoyance.
Yrs truly Willis M. Heath

1458 Koblenz 29 July 1848 Dr. Wilhelm H. Hilt Heilbronn 29 July 1848

No. 1438.
Rebecca Parkhurst,
widow of Geo.
Albany.
Let T. O. Shattuck et. Parkhurst 10/15/56 Stated meeting 11/1/56 Rejected.
W. A. Garrison July 23, 1841 St. Ann Church. cor. 2 nd & 3 rd

Lasalle Lasalle Co. Ill. Augt 18 th 1861
Hon Wm H Seward
Dear Sir a note you in the spring in relation To a pension claim for my father's services in the Revolution War George Parkhurst his claim was allotted to me & have tried for the last fifteen years to get it allowed but it appears there is no attention paid to it & got a letter from the Committee saying I should of applied for it While my father was a living & died so all in good faith I want you to look at the papers and the certificates on file in the office at Washington and see if the claim is just and right I am poor and needy with a large family and sick and no means of support and I think if there is a just claim it is that My father suffered all but death for the defence of his country and no pay for it and I want it I want you to examine the papers your self and see all you can for me to get it allowed to me to help me in my old age
Write me soon from your own hand and tell me about it. With Respect in haste
Lasalle Ill
Agnes Parkhurst

Hon Wm. H. Seward I suppose you have all you can do at this time of War but it won't Hinder you much to do this for me and if you will get the lease aloud for the lives of my father George Parkhurst in the Revolution War you may retain for yourself the one fourth part upon your leases to get it aloud & think the a- mount is 95 a year which will be over $2000
This part is in confidence on the 89 one Lease August 13 th 1881 to me to me Harvey Parkhurst

Lazelle Lazelle Co. St. May 12 th 1861
Hon William H. Seward
Dear friend I want a favor done by some honor at the city of Washington for me and I will refer you to the papers on file there for my father's services in the Revolution War from Massachusetts he fared hard never got no pay for it for his services he and my mother are both dead as the notes will all show on file and for his services for three times under the Seal of the State of Mass & the State of New York I was am fully identified of being the lawful heir of George Pankhurst deceased who served his time in the Revolution War it is left for me if obtained for his services for back pay & I sent the papers to our  the Hon Owen Lovey he presented them and it was referred to a committee on Revolutionary claims two years a go and so far as no it lyes there what I want is for you to see all the papers there on file then when congress is called together to lay it before the committee as you direct to secure the claim for me & I was raised in Herkimer County NY and as gone from the adjoining county I must & shall ask at your hand for assistance & over

At this time in a War in one own country I think the Pensions of the Revolution out to be paid at this late time you have all you love to supase and more then you can without rest
But I am old & poor with a large family &c Have lost my place here by bad title But I think with your assistance that you Will get them to allow me for my father's Name George Parkhurst
Please answer after you look over the papers With Respect
Aaron Parkhurst of
Las alle all past confidential
Respectfully referred to the Committee of Pensions

Gadsdale Ill Sept 22 1856
To the Commissioner of Pensions Sir enclosed, find the application of Aaron Parkhurst, in behalf himself and his brother and sisters, for arrears of pensions due them in consequence of the military service of George Park- hurst, in the Rebellious War, in consequence and on account of the widow of said Parkhurst, at the time of her death Yours respectfully Thomas O Strain

General Office, August 12 th 1857.
Gentlemen,
The enclosed Copy of a letter written from this Office the 15 th of last November will indicate to you the condition of the claim for a pension of Rebecca Parkhurst.
M rs Maker Lloyd, Present.

Re 10. Septo Mr Jefferson
La Salle. Illinois
September 5/61
Hon. Wm. H. Seward - Dear Sir -
I desire to commend to the consideration of the proper Department the claim of Aaron Parkhurst for services rendered by his father, George. Parkhurst during the Revolutionary War -
Mr. Parkhurst has shown me your note of 13 th inst and I hope he will be successful in getting his claim
Mr P.'s situation is such that he needs it very much - and will be left in distressing circumstances without it. And my sympathy for him makes me presume to write you - as you may recognize in my name one whom you knew years ago at Suburb - Mr. Parkhurst's parents are both dead. But he applied for the pension during the life time of his mother - through Rev. Woodbridge, a pension agent in Marietta Ohio - Yours truly - Adam Hughes

August 31, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. H. F. Porter, Jr., 4 North Jefferson Street Carthage, New York
GEORGE PARKHURST R. 7960 BA-J/MLB
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of George Parkhurst, who was born about 1762, married Rebecca, died in 1839 and was buried in Herkimer County, New York, and his wife who was born about 1766, died in 1854, also, the record of Peter Hillegas or Hellegas, of Stone Arabia, Montgomery County, New York, whose wife was named Barbara.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land made to the United States based upon military service of soldiers in that war.
A careful search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the Revolutionary War service of a Peter Hillegas, under any spelling.
The record of George Parkhurst was found and is given herein as shown in the papers on file in pension claim, R. 7960, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
George Parkhurst was born August 4, 1762, place of soldier's birth and names of his parents not stated.
George Parkhurst married sometime prior to 1800, in Partridgefield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, Rebecca Gitchell.
He moved about 1795 from Princeton, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, to Fairfield, Herkimer County, New York.
The soldier died in Fairfield, Herkimer County, New York, June 27, 1839, as stated by a witness, or June 30, 1839, or July 3, 1839, as stated by soldier's son, and his wife, Rebecca, died October 10, 1851, or February 2, 1854, in said Fairfield, New York, at the age of about eighty-eight years.

In 1856, the only surviving children of George Parkhurst and his wife, Rebecca, were: Sally who was then Mrs. Porter; William; Aaron born about 1800 in Fairfield, New York, where he was reared, but afterwards moved to Oswego County, New York, in 1856 was residing in La Salle, La Salle County, Illinois, and still living there in 1862; Lyman or Lyman; Amos; Henry; Clarissa, then Mrs. Phelps, and Polly, then Mrs. Smith. The given names of the husbands of Sally, Clarissa and Polly were not shown.
On September 2, 1856, while residing in La Salle, La Salle County, Illinois, Aaron Parkhurst, son of George Parkhurst and his wife, Rebecca, applied for pension that might have been due on account of the service of his father in the Revolutionary War. He applied in behalf of himself and the other above-named surviving children.
It was stated that George Parkhurst volunteered at Princeton, Massachusetts, on the alarm of April 19, 1775, that he served at various times during the Revolution (dates of other enlistments not stated), amounting in all to nine or ten months as private under Captains Boaz Moore, John Jones, Julius Brigan, and Colonels Ephraim Doolittle and Brewer in the Massachusetts troops, and that he was in the battle of Bunker Hill.
The claim was not allowed as proof of service was not furnished in accordance with the requirements of the pension law.
In 1856, Valentine and David H. Morey, nephews of the soldier, George Parkhurst, were residents of Herkimer County, New York. In the same year, Ephraim Woolson, aged sixty-five years, also a nephew of the soldier, was residing in Oswego County, New York, but stated that at one time he had lived with the soldier in the vicinity of Princeton, Massachusetts, and Daniel Parkhurst, another nephew of the soldier, was then residing in Oswego County, New York, but had formerly lived in Fairfield, Herkimer County, New York, having moved there with the soldier about 1795. No names of the parents of soldier's nephews were given.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

1676 West Street Utica, New York January 16th 1939
The Veterans Bureau Rev. War Section Washington, D. C.,
Gentlemen:
Please send me the pension record of George Parkhurst, who served as a private in Capt. A William's Co., Ebenezer Sprouts Regiment Continental Army pay accounts for service from Jan. 1, 1777 to Dec 31, 1780. His residence was Stockbridge, Berkshire County, Mass.
Please send also all personal data in his regular record and in his application papers. Around 1800 or the late 1790's he moved with his family to Herkimer County, N.Y.
Thank you for the trouble I am putting you to.
Yours truly
Louise M. Davis -

4 North Jefferson Str. Carthage, New York August 11, 1934
Veteran's Administration Washington, D. C.
Dear sirs:
I am interested in obtaining the war records and any genealogical information your office may have concerning the two following soldiers of the Revolutionary War; George Parkhurst 2
Born about 1762 and died on June 27, 1839. Buried in Middleville, Herkimer county, N. Y. He is said to have lived in Fairfield, which place is served by the Middleville cemetery. He was a justice for many years. Wife Rebecca born about 1766 and died Feb. 2, 1854.
○ Peter Hillegas or Hellegas lived in Stone Arabia, Montgomery county, New York. Had wife Barbara and the births of two children are recorded in Stone Arabia.
Any information you may have relative to either or both of these men will be very greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Very truly yours,
H. F. Foster, Jr.

7960
P. O. Rebecca Parkhurst
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
REJECTED
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
1934 Aug 31 - H. S. Porten, Jr. - m. d. O 1939 Feb 28 - H. S. Porten, Jr. - m. d. O