Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,683, Jonas Houghton, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Houghton, Jonas Phebe
NUMBER _____
W. 15.683 B.L. Wt. 17588-160-55
CONTENTS

Vermont Olson Houghton of Franklin Co in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt: commanded by Col. Nicholas in the Mass. Genl: line for Quebec.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of October 1833 and sent to Wm Houghton  Edinburgh
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1833. $200.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending March 34 40.00
$240.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk. Book P Vol. 3 Page 69
Certificate returned & name altered sent back March 1833 W. L. W.

May 05/55
Phebe Houghton, mid; Jonas Houghton Prin;
Col. Dyer
Mrs. Mil;
Rev. War
1600 Ac, Feb: 22/56 De. Feb 48 - Debt  Debt  Debt
[Handwritten signature/initials]
M c Bridges St Albans Vt
Vol. He - 55 -

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester County - Town of Petersham.
I Jared Weed, depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk, of said Town of Petersham, and that I have the care and keeping of the records of said Town -
I further depose and say that I find the following entry upon the records among the entries of intentions of marriage, under date of the thirteenth day of September in the year one thousand, seven hundred and eighty five - viz. "Jonas Houghton entered his intentions of marriage with Pheba Rixford, both of Petersham, Sept. 13 th 1785, Park Holland, J. Clerk."
I further depose and say that I have made a most diligent search and examination of the records of said Town for the record of the marriage of the said Jonas Houghton and Pheba ( Phebe ?) Rixford, without being able to find it, and that no such record is upon the Town books.
I further depose and say, that Jonathan Grout Esq. 7 formerly resided in this Town and that he died previous to the twelfth day of November in the year eighteen hundred and twelve, when I commenced my residence here; and that from papers and documents, which

I find on the files of the papers in his probate accounts, I have no doubt, that the said Jonathan Grout died on the seventh day of September in the year eighteen hundred and seven. and that I can find no records, kept by him, of any of his official acts as a justice of the peace - except as is hereafter stated.
I further depose and say, that I find but four records of marriages, on the Town books, as having been solemnized before the said Jonathan Grout, and these are entered under dates, between the first day of November in the year seventeen hundred and seventy five and the seventh day of March in the year seventeen hundred and seventy six, inclusive , Petersham January 3 rd 1839 - Jared Weed Town Clerk.
Worcest r January 5 th 1839 Personally appeared the above named Jared Weed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement by him subscribed.
Before Aaron Brooks J. Just. Paris
I certify that Jared Weed above named is a person of truth and is entitled to full confidence. Aaron Brooks J. Just. Paris.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts -
Woburn ss. I, Jos. G. Kendall, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for said County - certify that Aaron Brooks Jr. within named is a justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly qualified, and that the signature of his name, within written, appears to be in his own hand writing
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Wob- cested, this seventh day of January A.D. 1839 Jos. G. Kendall, Clerk

Mrs Houghton request that the answer be returned to the subscriber Wm Bridges

State of Vermont. } ss. FRANKLIN COUNTY,
On this 7 th day of May 1855 before me, undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Rufus Phillips and George Phillips residents of Bakersfield County of Franklin in the State of Vermont - known to me as credible persons, who made oath in due form of law, that Phebe Houghton who in their presence has sworn and subscribed to the foregoing declaration, is, to their personal knowledge, the identical person to whom, under the provisions of the Act of Feb'y 2 d 1828 a pension of Eighty dollars per annum has been granted for the services of her late husband Jonas Houghton deceased, a Soldier of the Revolutionary war.
That since being placed on the roll of Pensioners, she, the said Phebe Houghton has not intermarried, but remains and now is, a widow: That they have known her for Twenty years, and derive their knowledge of the facts herein named from the following circumstances, to wit: They being near neighbors to the sd Phebe and well acquainted with her.
They further state that they are disinterested witnesses, Rufus Phillips George Phillips
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year above written.
S. Oakes Justice Peace
State of Vermont, } ss. S. James Davis Judge of the County of Franklin } Court of Probate
2 HEREBY CERTIFY, That Seth Oakes Esq., before whom the foregoing Declaration, Power of Attorney, and affidavits were made and acknowledged, and who has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing an authorized Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, and that his signature thereto is genuine. I further certify, that in the within application I am not interested as Agent, Attorney, or otherwise.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Probate Court for the County aforesaid, this 8 th day of May 1855
James Davis Judge

State of Vermont, } ss. COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, }
On this 7 th day of May 1855, before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace duly authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Phoebe Houghton aged 82 years, a resident of Bakersfield County of Franklin in the State of Vermont who made oath in due form of law, that she is the identical Phoebe Houghton to whom, under the provisions of the Act of February 2 d 1848 a pension of Eighty dollars per annum has been allowed for the services of her late husband Jonas Houghton a Soldier of the Revolutionary war, and late of Bakersfield County, State aforesaid . She further states that her Pension Certificate, under the aforesaid Act of February 2 d 1848 is numbered 4195 bears date the 12 th day of March 1849 and is made payable at the Poultney Agency. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act of 3d March, 1855 never having received or known herself entitled, or made application, under any previous act of Congress. In evidence of her marriage and proof of service of her said husband, she respectfully refers to the proofs heretofore adduced, now on file in the Pension Office, and upon which her annuity as aforesaid was granted.
That, since being placed on the list of Revolutionary Pensioners, she has not intermarried, but continues the widow of the said Jonas Houghton .
Edward Lay Attest James A. Perkins  Phoebe Houghton mark
Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged before me, the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I knew the aforesaid Phoebe Houghton to be the identical person she alleges herself to be—a Pensioner of the United States, and at the date of the execution of this declaration a widow; and that I am not interested in her claim as Agent, Attorney, or otherwise.
L. Oakes
Justice Peace

where stated.
5343
Thebe Houghton
Yr
Act 7 July 38.
m 85 a 35.
adm d
2 years pri
80 $
No deduction
Wm Bridges
St Albans
Yr

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838, entitled An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows
State of Vermont } On this 28 th day of November 1838. Personally appeared before me W m Bridges Judge of the court of Probate in District of Georgia } for the district aforesaid Phoebe Houghton a resident of Bakersfield in the county of Franklin and state aforesaid aged seventy four 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 th 1838, entitled An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows
That she is the widow of Jonas Houghton who was a soldier in the army of the Revolution was a resident of Sterling in the state of Mass when he entered the service that he served according to the best of her recollection three years but does not recollect under whom he served. For which service he recd a pension of $80. under the act of June 7 th 1832
She further declares that she was married to the sd Jonas Houghton in the month of October seventeen hundred and eighty five that her husband the afo d Jonas Houghton died on the 9 th day of Decem r . 1835; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred & ninety four viz at the time above stated.

I swear to be subscribed this day & year above writing Phoebe  her  Mark  Langhton
Before me William Bridges Judge
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand seal of office at St Albans this 28 th day of November 1838. Wm Bridges Judge of Probate

State of Vermont Franklin County St. Albans March 30th 1839 Hon J L Edwards
Sir
Have the goodness to direct your answer to the within to the Subscriber.
Wm Bridges

State of Vermont } On this 27 th day of August Franklin County } 1832, personally appeared
before me the subscribing Au- thority one of the Judges of Franklin County Court in and for Franklin County aforesaid, Jamies Houghton of Waltham in said County of Franklin aged seventy two years , who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States as a soldier under the following named officers and served as herein after stated. Viz In the fall of the year 1776 the Militia in the Town of Lancaster in the County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts , when then required were called for the purpose of furnishing their quota of men for the service of the United States service when I turned out and was ordered to Dorchester point near Boston Massachusetts , to guard the stores at that place, where were two forts, under the command of Genl. Sullivan , where I belonged to a Regiment commanded by Col. Nicholas Dyer and to a Com- pany commanded by Capt. Ephraim Sawyer , I do not at this time recollect the names of my other offi- cers, I served at this time three months - The next Spring 1777 the Militia of Lancaster aforesaid were again called as before and for the same purposes as aforesaid when I again turned out as before, and was at this time ordered to Rhode Island under the command of the aforesaid Genl. Sullivan , at this time the Regiment that I belonged to, was commanded by Col. Hayes , and the Company that I belonged to, by Capt. Willson , where I served nine months - In the Spring of 1778 the Militia of Lancaster aforesaid were again called as heretofore, when I again turned out as before, and was again ordered to Rhode Island , where I was again under the command of
329

the of Genl. Sullivan, when I belonged to a Regiment commanded by Col. Wade , or Wayde , and to a company commanded by Capt. Benson , I was there at this time when it was expected we should have the assistance of the French Fleet and have a General Engagement by sea and land, but in consequence of the Fleet being driven off in a gale the object was abandoned and after some skirmishing, we were forced to retreat and leave the Island, at this time I belonged to a picket guard that was attacked by the British and the battle lasted over an hour & a half, the engagement was only with the rear guard, I was in the service at this time twelve months, when I was again dismissed. The next year 1779 I think in June, I resided at Shutesbury since called Waindell in the County of Hampshire in the state of Massa- chusetts, where the militia were called as heretofore at Lancaster of and when I again turned out as heretofore and was ordered by Genl. Sullivan to New London Connecticut, to guard the stores at that place, and to guard the cattle from the marauding parties of the British and Tories, driving them off to Rhode Island. I think Col. Thys commanded the Regiment and Capt. Cook the company I here belonged to, this was two years previous to Genl. Arnold's leaving the place, my term of service at this time was three months In the fall of the same year year the comp. that I belonged to at Shutesbury of were again called on for their quota when I again turned out as before, and was at this time ordered to Albany in the state of New York, under Genl. Arnold, to guard the stores at that place, when I belonged to a Regiment commanded by Col. Chaplin from Massachusetts, and the company that I belonged to was commanded by Capt. Dunbar , a man by the name of Godfrey was Lieut., my time of service at this time was three months —

6 1/2 In the fall of the year 1780 while I was digging Potatoes I think in Sept. at Schuylkill after the British were again classed as hostiles, when I again turned out as hostiles, and was at this time ordered to West Point under the command of Genl. Arnold, when I was again in a Regiment commanded by Col. Chapin, and to a Company commanded by Capt. Pierce or Pierce, I was here detached to guard the Prisoners and was at Tivoli and Haver, so called, about three miles from West Point, when Genl. Arnold escaped to the British, my term of service at this time was three months — I do not know of any person now living that knows anything of my services as a Revolutionary Soldier — I'm all thirty three months
Interrogatories
1 st Where and in what year were you born?
As: I was born at Lancaster near Parrish in the County of Worcester in the state of Massachusetts and August 24, 1760 was sixteen years of age when I went into the service from the same place in the year 1760
2 d Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it?
As: I have not, but expect there is a record of my birth at Lancaster where I was born, which is about two hundred miles from this place —
3 d When were you living when called into service, when have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
Ans: I lived at the time of the three first campaigns at Lancaster, and the three last at Schuylkill as hostiles related in my foregoing declaration, and after the war I went to Petersham Massachusetts, where I lived four years as a hired man with one Chandler where I was married to my present wife, and lived at P. Petersham about one year after with my wife, I then moved to Lancaster Massachusetts, where I lived fourteen years, when I moved to Princeton where I lived one year, then I moved to Washington Vermont where I now live and where I have lived ever since —

4 th Have never you called into service; never you drafted did you volunteer, or never you a Substitute, and if a Substitute for whom?
Ans. This Interrogatory is answered hereof in my foregoing declaration —
5 th State some of the names of the Regular officers who were in the Troops where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service?
Ans: There was one other Regiment at Dorchester, but I do not recollect the names of any of the officers but a Capt. Lyman; the second time I was at N'keepsland there was said to be 15,000 French & Americans, but I do not recollect the names of any of the officers; while at West Point, Maj. Andre was taken, the Troops were much scattered, I was in the Provost Guard, after Andre's escape was stationed at High Bridge Landing, do not recollect any of the officers.
6th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, on whom was it given, and what has become of it?
Ans: I never received any discharge -
7th state the names of some persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood, who can testify as to your character for morality, and of their belief of your services as a soldier in the Revolu- tionary war—
I would name them as Child Esq. of Balmersfield and them as M c Callard Esq. of Enniskerry, and more if you wish — also William G o ddings of Balmersfield Esq.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a Pension or Annuity except the present, and do hereby declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State, Territory or District.
Thomas Child Thos. H. Pollard
Sanas + Houghton mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above—
Before me -
Subscribed the day and year Joseph Smith } Clerk of Court

April 26, 1957.
E. L. Bailey 12 East Galena Street Butte, Montana.
24-5/112 James Houghton W. 1885
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Stephen Bailey who lived in Littleton, Massachusetts, and James Houghton who was a resident of Vermont.
There is no claim for pension on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a Stephen Bailey of Massachusetts. The data which follow were found in pension claim, W. 15655, based upon service of James Houghton, a pensioner of Vermont.
James Houghton was born August 5, 1750 in Leicester, Worcester County, Massachusetts; the names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Leicester, Massachusetts, he served as private in the Massachusetts troops, following: in the fall of 1776, three months in Captain Ephraim Sawyer's company, Colonel Nicholas Dike's regiment, near Boston; from the spring of 1777, nine months in Captain Wilson's company, Colonel Danforth Hayes' regiment; from the spring of 1778, at least six months in Captain Ebenezer Doolittle's company, Colonel Dike's regiment, during which he served in Rhode Island and was in one engagement. While a resident of Shutesbury, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, he enlisted about June 1778, and served three months as private in Captain Cook's company, Colonel Danforth Hayes' Massachusetts regiment, at New London, Connecticut; he enlisted that same fall, and served three months as private in Captain Penniman's company, Colonel Chapin's Massachusetts regiment, near Albany; he enlisted in 1780, served as private in Captain Seth Pierce's company, Colonel Murray's Massachusetts regiment, was stationed near West Point at the time Arnold deserted and was discharged October 10, 1780, having served three months.
After the war, the soldier resided in Petersham, Worcester

County, Massachusetts, about four years, then moved to South Peterham, where he remained one year, then moved to Leominster, Massachusetts, and resided about fourteen years, moved to Princeton, that state, and remained about one year, then moved to Bakerfield, Franklin County, Vermont.
Jesse Houghton was allowed pension on his application executed August 21, 1833, at which time he resided in Bakerfield, Vermont. He died there December 9, 1833.
The soldier married in October 1785, in Peterham, Massachusetts, Miss Phebe Rixford; they were married at the home of Nathaniel Lincoln in said Peterham. Stephen Lincoln and his wife, Lydia, were present.
Phebe Houghton, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed November 11, 1833, at which time she resided in Bakerfield, Vermont. She was aged then seventy-four years; the date and place of her birth and the names of her parents are not shown. She died February 26, 1856.
William Houghton, the soldier's son, made affidavit in behalf of his father in July 1833 in Franklin County, Vermont; he did not state his age. In 1848, one Josiah Houghton was present with the soldier's widow, Phebe, in Bakerfield, Vermont; no relationship between them was stated.
There are no further data regarding the soldier's family.
Very truly yours,
A. B. HILGER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
when make an affidavit
next time

1937-April 26-Heir to E.L. Dudley - L.L.L.
RevWIDOW, &c.
No. 15683
Phebe Houghton Widow of Jonas Houghton Pris New Mar
Act Feb 2 d 48
Box: Vol. a , Page 347
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Phoebe Houghton widow of Jonas Houghton who was a prisoner under the Act of 7 th June '32 and who died on the 9 th December 1835 of Fever & Ague in the State of Vermont who was a Prisoner in the County commanded by Captain  of the Reg t commanded by Nicholas  in the  time for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Invalid Pension at the rate of 80 Dollars & 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of July '39, and a bill and the Wm Briggs, St. Albans, Vt.
Arrears to the 4 th of Mar. - $ 240.00 Semi-annual allowance ending  40.00 $ 280.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by R. Bruns Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 Page 41.

2054
Vermont
Mont h
Phoebe Houghton
widow of Jonas Houghton
who was a Private
in the Vt. line
for 2 years
Revt Sept 22
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of Sept. 1843 and sent to
Low Bridgeton St Albans Vt
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 27.

17588 VS 3 New York

Am. 2. Feb: 48, No 7,
Boyleston

Phoebe Houghton Widow of Jonas Houghton
3 47 17 36

no interest I considered that the corresponding note to get that much without a fno, he resided in Canada and seldom comes out.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, June 29 th 1833.
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 Jonas Houghton , as a Private, is borne on a Muster-Roll of Capt. Manasseh Sayer's Company, in Col. Nicholas Dykes' Regiment, raised for three months' service, - said service beginning December 1, 1776, and ending February 27, 1777. - Houghton commenced December 14, 1776, and continued to the end of said service, - making two months and fifteen days.
m. d. 2 " 15
Jonas Houghton's name is borne, as a Private, on a Bounty-Roll of Capt. Francis Wilson's Company, in Col. Danforth Heyes' Regiment, having enlisted September 18, and continued to December 31, 1777, - where he was allowed three months and twelve days' service.
3 " 12
5 " 27
Jonas Houghton's name is further borne, as a Private, on a Pay-Roll of Capt. Ebenezer Belknap's Company, in Col. Wade's Regiment, - where he appears to have entered July 9, 1778,
[over.

and served to January 1, 1779, and is allowed, m. d. for service and travel, five months and twenty- 5" 27 seven days' service. 5" 27
Jonas Houghton's name, as a Private, is also borne on a Pay-roll of Capt. Seth Pierce's Company, in Col. S. Murray's Regiment, com- mencing July 15, and ending October 10, 1780, — where he was allowed, for service and travel, three months and six days' service. 3" 6
Cod. L. Jonas Houghton claims for further 15" 0 services under Capt. Cook, — as also under Capt. Penniman, — the rolls for which are not found in this Office.
Edward D. Bangs Secy.

State of Vermont Franklin County At Albans June 27 th 1843.
Hon J. L. Edwards
Enclosed I herewith trans- mit the declarations of Mrs Phebe Houghton widow of Jonas Houghton deceased. Mrs Sally Pierce widow of Abell Pierce deceased Mrs Sarah Skinner widow of Luther Skinner " & Mrs Martha Hawley, widow of James Hawley " You will please examine the same and return to me the result of your investigation. Very Respectfully Your Aff Servt Wm Bridges

Sir
You will readily perceive the variance in the two declarations of Jonas Houghton my Father, the reason whereof you will see is accounted for by the discrepancy in Certificates still from what I have heretofore heard him say & what he still insists upon I have reason to believe he has served longer than the accompanying Certificate of the Secy of the State of Massachusetts evidences, and it has been suggested to me, there has been some returns of the Military Operations of the State of Massachusetts returned to your Department. I would request you if so, to make Examination for further Evidence of his services, by so doing you will in his behalf greatly Oblige
Your Humble
Servt.
Edinburgh
July 13 th 1833
William Houghton

State of Vermont, 2 Ennaburgh 13 th July, Franklin County p. 5 A.D. 1883.
To the Hon. Lewis Cass, Secy. of War. Washington, D. C. —
I hereby certify that for some years past I have been acquainted with Jonas Houghton of Waterfield whose application for a pension (No. 10,728) is now before me. I also certify that in consequence of a paralytic affection of long standing, the natural infirmities of age, his mental powers are very much enfeebled, his memory, especially, very much impaired, and that he has been considered for some years past, incapable of transacting business for himself. Three or four years since, I was called to person for him as a physician, and found I could learn but little from him with regard to his own case, and he was then, in respect to his powers of mind, much as he had been previously, and as he has remained since.
Horace Eaton, M.D.

Jonas Houghton
Adm
2 years $80
W m Houghton Esq Ennaburgh Vt
Clairmont Berkshire Vt
3

10.728
BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Jonas Houghton which require further proof or explanation.
 I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?  II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?  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?  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?  VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?  VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?  VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? no. The Judge has  IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?  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? 

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 Clergyman — but others 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? — no XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? none If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? 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? XVI. † Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? — 4 th not answered
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. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
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 official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
He must apply to E. D. Bangs Esq Secretary of the State of Massachusetts for evidence of service.

2377 Declaration for a Pension
Mrs. Pheba Houghton
$80 per ann.
Wm Bridges St Albans, Vt.

Declarations.
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3 rd March, 1843, granting pensions for Arrear to certain widows who have received pensions under the Act of July 7 th . 1838.
State of Vermont } St. Albans June 21 st 1843. Georgia District ss. } On this day personally appeared before the Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the District of Georgia Phoebe Houghton, a resident of Bakewellfield in the County of Franklin, and State aforesaid, aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declarations, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3 rd March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Jonas Houghton who was a Private (as she believes) in the Army of the Revolution, and that she received Eighty Dollars per annum under the Act of July 7 th . 1838. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on } Phoebe her Houghton the day and year above written } mark
Before me W m Bridges Judge of Probate Attest W m Bridges Jr.

State of Vermont } St. Albans June 21 st 1843 Georges District ss. } William Bridges Judge of
the Probate Court in and for the district of Georges, do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Mrs. Phoebe Houghton widow of Jonas Houghton late of Bakersfield deceased.
On testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and sub- scribed my name at St. Albans, in said District the day and year above written.
William Bridges Judge

State of Vermont } On this 10 th day of July in the Franklin County } year of our Lord 1833 personally appeared before me the subscribing authority one of the Judges of the County Courts within and for the County of Franklin aforesaid, Jonas Houghton a resident of Bakersfield in the County aforesaid twenty two years the 5 th day of August now last past, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States as a soldier under the following named officers, and served as herein after stated (73) in the fall of the year 1775 the Militia in the Town of Lancaster in the County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts, where he then resided were called for the purpose of furnishing their quota of men for the service of the United States for a three months service, when he turned out and was attached to a company commanded by a captain Sawyer, the Regiment was commanded by Col. Nicholas Dyke, they were marched to Dorchester point near Boston to guard the stores at that place where were two forts under the command of Genl. Sullivan, where he served to the expiration of his term — In the Spring of 1777 the Militia of Lancaster were again called as before, when he again turned out as before, and was at this time in a company commanded by a Capt. Wilson, belonging to a Regiment commanded by a Col. Hays, they were at this time ordered to Rhode Island, he was out at this time nine months, the fore part of the time he served as a Volunteer Militia man, but towards the later part he enlisted under the same officers, and served as an Enlisted soldier until dismissed. In the fore part of the year 1778 the Militia of Lancaster

of where he still resided were again closed as before, where he again turned out as before and was again ordered to Rhode Island where he belonged to a Regiment commanded by a Col. Wade, and to a company commanded by a Capt. Belknap, at this time it was expected they would have the assistance of the French Fleet to drive the British from the Island, or to have a general engagement by sea and land, but the Fleet being driven off in a gale the Fleet was abandoned, and after some severe skirmishing with an enemy's guard to which he belonged they had to retreat and leave the Island. His term of service at this time was six months, when he was again dismissed.
The next year, 1779 he thinks in the Spring, early, he resided at Shutesbury since called Windel in the County of Hampshire in the state of Massachusetts, where the Militia were closed as heretofore at Lancaster of where he again turned out as heretofore, and was ordered to New London Connecticut, where he belonged to a company commanded by a Capt. Cook, and thinks his Col's name was Hays, they were stationed there to guard the stores at that place and to protect the cattle etc from the marauding parties of British & Tories. His term of service at this time was three months. In the fall of the same year 1779 the class he belonged to at S. Shutesbury were again called on for men where he again turned out as before and was ordered to Albany in the state of New York under Genl. Arnold to guard the stores at that place, where he belonged to a Regiment commanded by a Col. Chapin from Massachusetts and his company commanded by a Capt. Penniman his Lieut's name was Ridgeway that he served at this time six months.
In the summer of 1780 his class at Shutesbury of was again called on for men as heretofore where he again turned out as before and was at this time ordered to West Point in the state of New York under the command of Genl.

acted on for more as mutineer when he again turned and as before and was at this time ordered to West Point in the state of New York under the command of Genl.
Arnold where he was attached to a Regiment commanded by a Col. Murray and belonged to a Company commanded by a Capt. Pierce, that he was ordered to guard the Prisoners and was at the Robinson farms so called about three miles from West Point where Genl. Arnold deserted to the British, that his term of service at this time was three months - He further states that he does not know of any person now living that knows of his Revolutionary services - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state, district, or territory - Thomas Houghton *
Answer to the first Interrogatory -
I was born at Lancaster near Parrish, in the County of Worcester in the state of Massachusetts August 5 th 1760 and was sixteen years of age when I first went into the service from the same place
Ans: to 2 d Interrogatory -
I have not, but I expect there is a record of my birth at S d Lancaster where I was born -
Ans: 3 d I lived the three first campaigns at Lancaster from whence I went into service, and at Shrewsbury the three last campaigns from whence also I went as mutineer stated in my declaration - and after the war I went to Petersham Massachusetts where I lived as a hired man with Mr. Chandler where I was married to my present wife, and lived at S d Petersham

About one year after with my wife, I then moved to Luniston Massachusetts where I lived fourteen years, when I moved to Princeton where I lived one year, from thence I moved to Bathfield in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont where I have ever since lived and where I now live — Thomas Houghton
Ans: 4th you will perceive from my declaration that to save a draft the Militia classed themselves and that I turned out as a volunteer, Militia man and as such I served of my second term of service about three months (as far as I can recollect), I served as enlisted soldier
Ans: 5th There was one other Regiment at Dorchester but but I do not recollect the names of any of the officers except a Capt. Lyman. The second time I was at Chubb Island there was said to be fifteen thousand French & Americans, but I do not recollect the names of any of the officers while at West Point N.Y. Andree was taken, the Troops were much scattered, I was in the Provost Guard, after Arnold's escape I was stationed at Hitskill Landing do not recollect any of the officers names
Ans: 6th I was always dismissed from service without a discharge, or if ever I recd one I do not now recollect it
7th I would refer you to Thomas Child Esq: William Giddings, Capt. Daniel Stearns, Deacon William Perkins, Capt. David Stone Deacon John Adams — the former resided in Luniston, of Bathfield having removed to a

Weddings, Capt. Edward, James, John, Adams Perkins, Capt. David Stone, Deacon John Adams the former resided at Bethlehem, Vermont, and to a number of the state & the present resident clergyman having no acquaintance with me I did not name him
Torrington
The foregoing applicant divided Thomas Child to subscribe the foregoing for him he being unable to subscribe the same by reason of bodily infirm- ity, and at the same time made oath to the truth of the same, as near as he can now recollect before me of the date above Joseph Smith Judge of Franklin County Court
I then as Child of Bethlehem in the County of Franklin & State of Vermont, do hereby depose and say that I am well acquainted with Jonas Houghton the subscriber to the foregoing declara- tion for the present and has sworn to the same; that I have resided a neighbor to him twenty seven years, and have frequently heard him converse of his Revolutionary services, and that he has been generally believed in the neigh- borhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier which I have never heard doubted and that I concur in the same opinion, and I believe he is of the age he has stated in his declaration, and that he is considered a man of truth & veracity
Thomas Child
Sworn to of the date above
Before me Joseph Smith Judge of Franklin County Court

I William Giddings of Bakersfield in the County of Franklin & State of Vermont do hereby depose & say that I am well acquainted with James Houghton the subscriber to the foregoing declaration for a pension who has sworn to the same that I have resided a neighbor to him twenty nine years in Bakersfield & have been well acquainted with him forty years & have frequently heard him converse about his Revolutionary service & that he has been generally believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary Soldier which I have never heard denied & that I concur in the same opinion, and I believe he is of the age he has stated in his declaration and that he is considered a man of truth & veracity.
William Giddings
Sworn to before me this 10 day of July 1833
Joseph Smith Judge of Franklin Co. Court
And I the subscribing authority do hereby certify that I am acquainted with Thomas Child Esq. & William Giddings who have subscribed & sworn to the fore- going affidavits and that they are considered to be men of truth and veracity & that they are both residents of Bakersfield as by them stated and that their statements are entitled to credit. And I the subscribing authority do further certify and declare that in my opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogations prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant is of the age he states

in his declaration and that he was a dis- -interested soldier and that he served as he states.
Joseph Smith Judge of Franklin County Court
I Joseph Smith Judge of the County Court in and for the County of Franklin do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original findings had before me in the matter of the application of Jonas Houghton for a pension In witness whereof I have hereunto set my official hand of the day and year above written
Joseph Smith Judge of Franklin Co. Court
And I the subscribing authority do also further certify that Jonas Houghton the above named applicant from bodily in- firmity is wholly unable to go before any Court to make his application as there are none within twenty four miles of his residence. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my official signature the day & year above written
Joseph Smith Judge of Franklin Co. Court
In the fore part of the year 1778 the

State of Vermont } I Horace James Franklin County } Clerk of Franklin county do hereby certify that the Hon. Joseph Smith Cogg who has affix d his name to the within & foregoing is Judge of Franklin County Court and duly authorised by the Legis- lature of the State ap d to act as such and that I believe the same to be his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affix d the Seal of sd. Court This 12 th day of July A d 1833
Horace James Clerk

I, Stephen Lincoln of Oakham, in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being eighty seven years old the third day of last December, do testify & say, that some time in the Autumn of the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty five I was on a visit to my brother Nathaniel Lincoln, since deceased, who then resided in Petersham, County & State aforesaid, & was present when Jonathan Gould Esquire of said Petersham united Mr. Jonas Houghton & Miss Phoebe Rifford in marriage, at the house of my brother Nathaniel.
Oakham Feby 16 d 1839. Stephen his Lincoln Mark.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester ss. Feby 16 th 1839.
Personally appeared Stephen Lincoln, who is well known to me as a credible witness, & made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed before me
Horace P. Wakefield, Justice of the Peace
I, Lydia Lincoln, wife of Stephen Lincoln of Oakham in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being twenty nine years old the third day of the present Month, do testify & say, that some time in the Autumn of the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty five I was on a visit with my husband to his brother, Nathaniel Lincoln, since deceased, who

then resided in Peterham, County & State aforesaid & was present at the Marriage of Mr. Jonas Houghton with Miss Phoebe Bigford. And I further testify & say that the ceremony was performed at the house of Nathaniel Lincoln in said Peterham by Edwin Groot of said Peterham.
Lydia Lincoln
Peterham Feby 16th 1839.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester ss. Feby 16th 1839.
Personally appeared Lydia Lincoln, who is well known to me as a credible witness & made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by her subscribed before me
Horace P. Wakefield, Jus. Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester ss. I Joseph G. Kendall, clerk of the court of common pleas for said county of Worcester, do certify that Horace P. Wakefield, above named, is a justice of the peace, in and for said county, and that his signature as above appears, is in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof, I hereto set my name, and affix the seal of said court, at Worcester, this eighteenth day of February, 1839.
Jos. G. Kendall Clerk.
Fee 25 cts paid

Catham Mass July 21.
Mr. William Bridges, St. Albans, Franklin County, Vermont.

Oakham Feby 20th, 1839.
Mr. Bridges,
Sir,
Your letter came to our Post Office a few days after the death of our Postmaster & a few days since was handed to me. I have taken the within Depositeous & obtained the Certificate of our County Clerk as you requested. The Two Dollars came enclosed in your letter. I had to make a journey to Boon of 8 miles & another to Worcester of 16 miles. Another dollar will not more than cover the expenses.
We have not another Post Master appointed yet so you will have to pay the Postage on this letter.
Hoping, that you will be successful in obtaining a pension for Mrs. Houghton.
I am, Dear Sir,
Your Obt. Servt.
Horace P. Waterfield.
P.S. Old Mr. Lincoln has so far lost the use of his hands that he could not write his name & was obliged to make his mark.
A.T.W.

Jonas Houghton Declaration
10/28.

I Thomas Child of Bathfield in the County Franklin and State of Vermont, do hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with Jonas Houghton, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing decla- -ration, and have resided a neighbour to him to him for twenty seven years, and have frequently heard him converse of his revolutionary services and do believe him to be seventy two years of age; that he is respected and beloved in the neigh- -bourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, which I never have heard doubted and that I concur in the same opinion, and that he is considered a man of truth and veracity.
Thomas Child
Sworn and subscribed to the day and year of Before me Joseph Smith 3 d Judge of Franklin 3 d County Court I Thomas M. Pollard of Enniskill in the County of Franklin & State of Vermont do hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with Jonas Houghton who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing decla- -ration; and have resided a neighbour to him for thirty one years and have frequently heard him converse of his revolutionary services, and do believe him to be seventy two years of age; that he is respected and beloved in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a revolutionary soldier, which I have never heard doubted, and that I concur in the same opinion, and that he is considered a man of truth and veracity.
Thomas M. Pollard
Sworn, and subscribed to the day and year of Before me Joseph Smith 3 d Judge of Franklin 3 d County Court

said in and served as his status - And do further certify that I am well acquainted with the Thomas Child Esq: and that he is a resident of Waterford as by him so farth, and also with Thomas M. Pollard Esq:, and that he is a resident of Enniskerry as by him so farth, both of whom have signed the foregoing Certificates and that they are both men of respectability, and both men of truth and veracity, and that their Statements are entitled to credit, and that Signatures to the foregoing Certificates are their own proper hands writings; and do further certify that the the foregoing Applicant from lodicly  infirmary is wholly unable to go before any Court of Record and indictment confined to his house, and there is no Court of Record within twenty of an miles of his place of residence
Joseph Smith 3 pages of Joseph Smith Esq. Court -

I William Giddings of Bathrofield in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont, do hereby certify that I was first acquainted with Jonas Houghton the foregoing Applicant while he lived at Limington Massachusetts, and since lived a neighbor to him when he was about twenty eight years and believe him to be of the age of twenty two years, and have frequently heard him converse of his Revolutionary services, and he has ever been considered by his neighbors to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and I concur in the same opinion, and that he has always been considered in his neighborhood a man of truth and veracity, I have in all been acquainted with him about forty years.
William Giddings
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year of
Before me Joseph Smith Judge of Franklin Co. Court
I hereby certify that the above named William Giddings from reputation is a man of truth and veracity and his statements are entitled to credit, and that he resides in Bathrofield as by him certified
Joseph Smith Judge of Franklin Co. Court
State of Vermont Franklin County
Seventh August 28th 1832
I Horace Chase Clerk of the County Court in said County do hereby certify that Joseph Smith Esq. of Pownal is one of the Judges of the County Court, after duly appointed and qualified to act as such, and that the signatures annexed to the foregoing certificates are in his own proper hand writing. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the Public seal

Declaration
State of Vermont } On this 10 th day of Decem r , Franklin County ss } 1848, personally appeared before the subscribing authority a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Franklin and State of Vermont, Phebe Houghton a resident of Bakersfield in said County aged Eighty four years, who being first duly sworn accord- ing 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 d February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the war of the Revolution.
That she is the widow of Jonas Houghton, who was a private in the Massachusetts line of the Revolutionary army, and according to the best of her recollection her husband the said Jonas Houghton was a resident of Sterling in said State of Massachusetts when he enlisted & that he served three years, as she has often heard her said husband say. She does not recollect in what Regiment he served, nor where he was during the time he was in the army, that for the services of her said husband she received a pension under the act of June 17 th 1842, of Eighty dollars per annum.
She further declares that she is still the widow of the said Jonas. her
Sworn to & subscribed on the } Phebe Houghton days & year above written. } mark
In presence of before William C. Wilson Sarah Houghton William C. Wilson Justin Pease

I hereby certify that I am acquainted with Mrs Phoebe Houghton the signer of the within declaration & she is the same identical person who used a pension as by her above stated, & that she is still a widow -
William C Wilson Justice Peace
State of Vermont } I Joseph H. Brainerd Franklin County ss } Clerk of Franklin County that } Court, do hereby certify that William C Wilson who has affixed his name to the within is a Magistrate duly authorized by law to administer oaths & that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the County Court, at St Albans in said County this 17 th day of January, 1849.
Joseph H. Brainerd Clerk
The answer to the foregoing you are requested to return to me as the atty of the applicant Wm Bridges

Pension Bureau Washington D.C.
Gentlemen:
Will you kindly Mass give me pension records of Stephen Dudley who lived in Littleton, Mass. & also pension of Jonas Houghton who was a resident of Vermont? Both men served in the Revolutionary War.
Sincerely Yours
E. L. Dudley