Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14917, David Houston, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Houston, David Martha
NUMBER
W. 14917
CONTENTS
[Two columns of dotted lines for handwritten entries]

16. 6. 68
A
Massachusetts
David Houston.
of Pelham. — in the state of Mass; who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Shepherd of the Mass: line, for the term of nine months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts.. at the rate of 8 — Dollars per month, to commence on the 30 of June 1818 —
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th of Ap. 1820 and sent to the Hon. J. C. Allen. H.B.
Arrears to 4th of Mar: 1820 — $ 161-29
Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sept 1820, 48 —
20 mos 1/30 4/30, $ 309-29
{ Revolutionary claim, { Act 18th March, 1818. }

Massachusetts - 2017
Martha Houston
widow of David Houston -
who was a pensioner under the Act of 18: Mar. '18.
and who died on the 7: July 1825.
of Hampshire in the State of Mass.
who was a P. Mass. in the Colby commanded
by Captain Mass. of the Regt. commanded
by Shepherd in the Mass.
line for 9 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 30 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11: day of Mar. '39, and attested on S. Grancee, Jr. Greenfield, Mass.
  Arrears to the 4th of Mar. '39 -  $90.00    Semi-annual allowance ending  10.00     $100.00  
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by N. Burdin Clerk, Book A - Vol. 1 - Page 95.

David Hampton 16. 668 Private Com: 30. June 1818 Shepherd Mass nine month
_____
Dis _____ seven nine months
admitted
Discharged 19. Apr 1780 17 Aug 1799
161 29
Hon. Mr Allen, H. R. Dec 22. 1819.

District of Massachusetts, ss. Town of Greenfield in the County of Franklin
ON this thirteenth day of June 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Western Circuit in the State of Massachusetts, which Circuit includes the Counties of Worcester, Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Berkshire, personally appears David Houston a citizen of the United States, aged fifty nine years, resident in the Town of Pittsfield in the County of Hampshire
in the said District, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, en- titled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the Unit- ed States in the revolutionary war:" That he the said David Houston , in August 1779, enlisted in Salem in the state of Massachusetts in the company commanded by captain Lieut. Field of the Regiment of Col. William Shepherd of the Massachus- etts Line
that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States, until the fifteenth day of May 1780 when he was discharged from service at Red Bank near West Point state of New York having conti- nued in the service nine months
that he was in the battles of
and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services. And no pension has ever been allowed him by the laws of the United States. Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid, being first subscribed by him
David Houston Jonathan Leavitt
To the Secretary of the Department of War.
I, Jonathan Leavitt Judge, &c. as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction that the said David Houston did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy: and I now trans- mit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court aforesaid, this thirteenth day of June A. D. 1818.
Jonathan Leavitt, Judge

David Houston
Rec. 2 June 1823.
16 51 29 52
19 - 73 231
S. Stoddard Jr. Northampton Mass.

Schedule
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire ss. At the Supreme Judicial Court held at Northampton within and for said County by adjournment from the last Tuesday of April last past the same being a Court of Record of the highest order of Courts in said Commonwealth of civil and criminal jurisdiction. On this 20 th day of May 1823 personally appeared in open Court being a Court of record of the County aforesaid in manner aforesaid David Houghton aged sixty four years resident in Pelham in said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows. — He enlisted at Salem near Boston in July 1777 into the Company of Capt. Wild in the Regiment commanded by Col. Shepherd. I think his Christian name was William, for the term of nine months in the Continental service in the Revolutionary War, and I continued in said service until the fifteenth day of May 1780 when I was discharged at Rahinem's Farm so called near West Point in the State of New York having actually served over nine months. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain Persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" passed on the 18 th day of March 1818, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or unliquidated contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any other income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed. — I have a Wife aged fifty six years. I have no other family. I am a farmer, but by reason of age & infirmities am unable to support myself and Wife indeed I am not able to procure a subsistence for myself by my day labour. I have lost the use of my left hand. I cannot support myself without the aid of my

Country or by Charity. I obtained a pension for my services above mentioned as by my Certificate No. 16663 will appear. I make the foregoing declaration under oath to enable me to be restored to my Pension - and I pray the Hon ble Secretary of War to replace on the Pension list - roll of the Massachusetts agency.
A Schedule of the Property of David Houston of Pelham in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts one of the old Revolutionary Soldiers under the act of Congress May 1 st 1820. One Cow worth $20.00 three sheep at 12 50 $3.00. One Loom about room out 1.00. One old Sythe & handle 25 c . One old pot holding a Pail full, 67 c . One Dish Pottle, 67 c . One poor skittet, 20 c . One old Chain weighing 15 lb , 100 c . One Axe 1.00. One old Shovel 1.00. One old common Chair 1.00. One old Great Chain, 25 c . One old flat Iron, 20 c . two old Tables, 1.00 - five Cedar Pails 3.00 c . One poor old Chest with drawers, 75 c . One old foot wheel, 75 c . One old Chest, 50 c . One old quilt wheel 25 c . One old line 20 c . One old Ox Bed 1.00. One old hammer & pinion, 50 c . One old Sickle 20 c . One Lantern 40 c . $14.40
David Houston
We the subscribers testify and say that we have viewed the Property contained in the above schedule shown us by the said David Houston above named as his property, and are of opinion that the sums set against the respective items are their true value.
May 17 th 1823
Stephen Fairbanks
Isaac Briggs
Hampshire May 19 th 1823 Personally appeared before me - Stephen Fairbanks & Isaac Briggs signers of the within Schedule & affidavit and made oath to the same before Isaac Sherwin the Just Peace I certify that the above named Stephen Fairbanks and Isaac Briggs are disinterested and credible persons.
May 19 th 1823
Isaac Sherwin Just Peace

I owe about one hundred Dollars which I have no property to pay it with except the small property contained in my schedule aforesaid David Houston
Solomon Stoddard Jr. Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for the County of Hampshire aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing Bills and the Schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the Record of the said Court. And I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property ex- hibited in the aforesaid Schedule is forty one Dollars and forty cents. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this twenty third day of May A.D. 1823 S. Stoddard Jr. Clerk

124 y Martha Newton
V 124 y Martha Newton widow of David Wapsinutts
ack 7 July 38
abnd 9 mo pri 30
No deduction
Hon. G. Grennell Dr Greenfield Mass

1247 Martha Houston
papers:
1247 Martha Houston widow of David Houston
ask pfiles 38
adm 9mo live 38
see ad section
Mr. G. Frenn & Co Greenfield Mass

State of Massachusetts } Hampshire County ss. }
On this Thirtieth day of August in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before the Subscribed Judge of Probate of Wills due within and for the County of Hampshire aforesaid, Martha Houston a resident of Pitkin in the County aforesaid, aged. Seventy four years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7, 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows," that she is the widow of David Houston who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, & entered the Service she thinks from Bradford in the State of New Hampshire She does not know, when he served nor the officers under whom he served, but has frequently heard him tell of his Service and of his being at White Plains; that he was a pensioner under the act of Congress of 1818, and was stricken from the list in 1820, on account of his prospering more prosperity than the Law of that year required She has no documentary evidence in support of her claim
She further declares that she was married to the said David Houston in the fall of Seventeen hundred and ninety One the day or month she does not now recollect; that her husband the aforesaid David Houston died on the Seventh day of July A.D. 1825, and she has remained a widow ever since, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service but the Marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four (viz) at the time above stated.
Martha Houston
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written - Before Ichabam  Cook Judge of Probate.
I hereby certify that the said Martha Houston the afore- said applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend court - Ichabam  Cook Judge of Probate

I, Samuel H. Lyman Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings before said Judge of Probate in the matter of the application of Martha Houston for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this fourth day of September A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight
Sam. H. Lyman Register Prob.

I Sarah Shermonbie of Petham in the county of Hampshire and commonwealth of Massachusetts aged eighty one years do testify and say that I was well acquainted with David Horton and Martha his wife they lived in Petham until his death. I well remember the time when they were published before the marriage I did not attend the marriage though I lived in the neighbourhood and knew the time, it was in the fall of 1791. afterwards I lived in their family and nursed several of their children. The marriage was solemnized I am very sure by Rev. Parsons a justice of the Peace who then lived in the town of Greenough, and it took place at her father's house in said Petham. I remember that the next spring they commenced keeping house, she having remained at her father's through the winter, and they always lived together and reported to be man and wife until he died, which was in 1825. Since which time the said Martha has always lived in the neighbourhood with me, in the house with her son and has not since been married, but remains to this time single. Sarah Shermonbie
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire County ss. - August 20. 1838. Then personally appeared Sarah Shermonbie, who is well known known to me as a person of truth and a credible witness, and being bed and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit. Before me Jotham  Conkey justice of the Peace

I Thomas Conkey of Prescott in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy nine years. do testify and say. that I am the brother of Martha Houston widow of David Houston late of Otham in said County deceased. and was well acquainted with said Houston both before and after they were married. the Marriage took place at our fathers house in Otham in the fall of 1798 - I was present during the evening, and after the wedding, the said Martha remained at her fathers during the winter following. and they commenced keeping house soon after and always lived together, as man and wife until said Houston died, and the said Martha has always remained a widow since his death, and is still living unmarried - I have always lived in the same neighbourhood with the said David Houston & Martha and on terms of friendship and intimacy -
Thomas Conkey
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire County ss. - August 30. 1838. Then personally appeared Thomas Conkey, being well known to me, as a person of truth and a credible witness, who subscribed and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit -
Before me Nathan Conkey Justice of the Peace.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Hampshire, do hereby certify that Stearns Conkey Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition s (2) were taken, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that the signature thereto annexed purporting to be his, I know to be genuine.
IN testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this
A. D. 1838 — fourth — day of September
Sam. F. Lyman Register of Probate.

Martha Houston
Hon Mr Greenell

Town Clerk's office Town of Bethany in the County of Hampshire and State of Massachusetts Feb y 19, 1839
"January tenth Seventeen hundred and ninety two. Then entered on publication David Houston and Martha Pratt both of this town" - I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the record of the publication of Marriages in said town of Bethany, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows (January 10 th 1792)
Rufus Groot
"Samuel Houston Born February fifteenth Seventeen hundred and ninety two Son to David and Martha Houston"
"David Houston Born July third Seventeen hundred and ninety three Son to David and Martha Houston"
"Robert Houston Born March twenty fourth Seventeen hundred and ninety five Son to David and Martha Houston"
"John Orr Houston Born March twenty first Seventeen hundred and ninety seven Son to David and Martha Houston"
"Anne Houston Born March first Seventeen hundred and ninety nine daughter to David and Martha Houston" - I certify that the foregoing are true copies of the records of Births in said town of Bethany with the exception of the dates which are expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows - (Feb y 15 th 1792) - (July 3 rd 1793) - (March 24 th 1795) (March 21 st 1797) - (March 1 st 1799) -
Rufus Groot
I Rufus Groot above named depose and say: that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County of Hampshire and State aforesaid, and that the above are true extracts from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me.
Rufus Groot
Sworn before me
William Coker Justice of the Peace

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that Whamoi Conkey , Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificates on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Whamoi Conkey and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas
for said Commonwealth, this twentieth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine.
Samuel Wells Clerk.

I John Taylor of Retham in the County of Hampshire and State of Massachusetts, aged Sixty five years do testify and say, that I was born in said Town of Retham, and have always lived there, that I am well acquainted with the widow Martha Houston widow of David Houston who was a Pensioner of the United States when he died; that I knew the said David Houston and Martha, before and at the time they were married, although I do not now recollect the year, she is about ten years older than I am, and was married in the winter but a short time before their first child was born. It must have been as early as 1792 because I recollect that I was about twenty years old at the time, they commenced keeping house in the Spring after and always resided in the immediate neighbourhood with me until he died which was about twelve years ago, the said Martha has ever since remained a widow and now resides within about one Mile of me - I further testify and say that I have always known their family and lived near them, they had several children the names of which are Samuel, David, Robert, John Orr, and Anne, and I believe they had one or two who died in infancy, several of their children are now married and reside in this town -
John Taylor
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire County ss. } Febry 19. th 1839. Then personally appeared John Taylor above named who is well known to me as a person of truth and a credible witness, and submitted and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit -
Before me Nathan Cook County Justice of the Peace

Re WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14917
Martha Houston Widow of David Houston Rev. Rev. War
Act: July 7 th 1838
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 346
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Susq. Lee letter to S. Stoddard, 3 d June 1823.
Sept 1820
Lee return, received 4 Sep: 1823,
within: 40 26 To Brief 15.40

Martha Houston Massachusetts.
Suspended
See let 26. Nov 38 Athanas Couter, Let. to Hon. Geo. Greenleaf, Jan'y 26, 1839.
Act of July 1838

Massachusetts. [ original schedule. ]
David Horston.
(Pension cert: dated in April 1820.)
Applicant aged 64 yrs, a farmer. lost the use of his left hand, is unable to support himself & wife. She is 56 yrs old - no other family.
Served 9 mos. in 1779-1780-
Schedule exhibits only person- al property, viz: 1 cow, $20. - three sheep, $6. - 1 old loom, $1. - 1 old scythe, 25 cents. - 5 bbls. $3 - 2 sundry articles of iron ware, etc. - whole amount of sched: $41. 40.
Some papers returned for amendment - See letter of Aug. 9 th Oct. 1823, to
S. Stoddard Esq. Northampton, Mass.

Massachusetts.
David Houston, private, about 9 months from Augt. 1779.
Original schedule, dated 20 May 1823. — Contains 1 Cow — $20.00 3 Sheep $6. and sundry house- hold and farming articles $15.00 — 21 " 40 $21 " 40
Woes about $100 —
Claimant states that he did not exhibit a schedule of his assets 1820 to the 20 th May 1823, because he was in possession of a small landed estate in Pelham, which he had mortgaged in 1817, to Isaac Aber- crombie, for $124.66, bearing interest. (An authenticated copy of the mortgage is exhibited.) The land consisted of about 100 acres, is poor, and was not when mort- gaged and is not now worth more than $100. He was in hopes he could sell it so as to pay the mortgage, and redeem it. But on account of age & disability he found it impossibl- e to do so, and being in May last, pressed for payment by the mortgagee, the claimant offered to John O. Houston to purchase the mortgage, and secure to him a debt the claimant owed him of $251, as stated in Houston's deposition. (See within) J.O. Houston accordingly purchased the mort- gage and claimant gave him peaceable
possession of the land, which he now has, and is likely to have, it being impossible for the claimant to redeem it. The $60 men- tioned in J.O. Houston's deposition was applied to the payment of sundry debts contracted before claimant became a pensioner. Claimant has not disposed of any other property except the necessaries for himself and family. Claimant's statement is corroborated by the authenticated affidavits of John O. Houston, and Isaac Aber- crombie, the mortgagee, both of whom were certified by the magistrate be- fore whom their affidavits were made to be credible & disinterested. —
Claimant aged 64 — by occupation, a farmer, but unable to procure a sub- sistence for himself, by labor, having lost the use of his left hand — Wife aged 56 — none other in family.
Discontinued under Act 1 May 1820, an notification sent 4 March 1824, to S. Stoddard, Jr.
Northampton, Mass.
Sept: 1820

Hon. George Guinnett Jr. Mem. of Congress Washington
Manhattan Houston

Martha Houston
Rev. George Pennell Jr. Mem. of Congreg. Washington

Amherst Feb'y 20. 1859 -
Hon. George Gannell Jr.
Dear Sir -
Enclosed I send you further evidence in support of Mrs. Martha Houston widow of Darius Houston, claim for a Pension, and should be very much obliged if you can make it consistent with your other duties; if you would go to the department and explain the matter. - It seems to me that it is now as clear a case as can be made out without second evidence of the marriage - there were two affidavits of aged persons sent formerly, one who was present at the marriage the other had always lived in the neighbourhood with them and had nursed two or three of their children. They both testify that the marriage took place as early as 1792 and state some reasons for their belief - I now send second evidence of their publication, and of the births of their children, by which it appears that they were published Jan'y 10, 1792, and two of their children were born previous to Jan'y 1794 - Also the affidavit of Col. John Taylor who has always lived near them and was well acquainted with the family - I can only add that I have known Mr. David Houston's family ever since I was quite young, they lived in Pitham respectable and respected, and from my knowledge of the witnesses and other circumstances I think there can be no doubt but the marriage took place previous to Jan'y 1794 - to wit, in the winter of 1792.
Yours Respectfully
Johnathan C. Gannell

Mr Greville respectfully requests Mr Edmunds to review the case of Mrs Houston - and give considera- tion to the the evidence herewith enclosed - and report to Mr G.

copy of mortgage depositions of J.C. Houston and Isaac Shererombie—
Hon. John E. Calhoun
Free
Secy of the War Department City of Washington
Dec 23 Dec 1832

copy of mortgage depositions of S.C. Houston and Isaac Abercrombie
Free
Dec 23 Oct 1832
Hon. John C. Calhoun
Secy of the War department City of Washington

NYC
FREE
War Department. Pension Office. J. Callahan
D. Stoddard Junr. Esq. Northampton Massachusetts.

158
Ms. A. 9. 2. 10 original dated:
David Houston.
Recd. 4 Sept. 1823.
Recd 2 P. time
John B. Calhoun
Secy of War Department City of Washington
three
Mr. Calhoun

Northampton (Mass) Aug 20 1823.
Hon. John C. Calhoun
Sir. I have the honor to include herein a copy of record of the Declaration of David Houston, supplementary to his declaration and schedule made on the 20 th of May last - together with 2 Depositions & a copy of a Mortgage Deed &c and am, very respectfully your obed t Servant J. Studdard

Depositions in the application of David Hawton for a renewal of his Pension —
The Magistrate should certify to the credibility & disin- terestedness of the witnesses.
It is necessary that the clerk of the Court of Sessions should certify under his seal of office that the person who signed the final character of the within magistrate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

I John O. Houston of Pelham in the County of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts of lawful age testify and say, in the year 1810 I paid a debt for David Houston to one Rebeckah Smith of said Pelham of Fiftyfive Dollars, in May 1819 I lent to him Sixty Dollars in money, and in the years 1818 and 1819 I laboured for him to the amount of one hundred and thirty six Dollars, I was then twenty two years of age, which from aforesaid he never paid me untill May 13 th last past when Isaac Abercrombie Esq. threatened to eject said David off of the small place whereon he said David lived which he had in 1817 mortgaged to said Isaac, and to save the Debt said David owed me I purchased said mortgage and notes of said Isaac, and took possession of the Place and have now. The possession thereof being all I could get of him for my debt and the debt due to said Isaac. The Place is not worth so much as the aforesaid Debts - It is not worth over Three hundred and fifty Dollars - said David owes a Debt to one Ebenezer Gray of Fifty Dollars on interest since 1820 and he does not possess any property wherewith he can pay it, and he has no estate, Debts due to him, or any property whatever except what is contained in his share - share transmitted to the Secretary of war in May last past - he is a poor man and is past labour so far as to be unable to support himself. and further saith not Augt. 20. 1823 -
John: O. Houston
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire ss Augt. 20. 1823 Personally appeared John O. Houston and disinterested above named, known to me to be a credible witness, and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth
Before me Samuel Hinckley Justice of the Peace
Hampshire ss Augt. 20. 1823 Commonwealth of Massachusetts I hereby certify that John O. Houston the foregoing deposition is a credible and disinterested witness - Attest Samuel Hinckley Justice of the Peace for said County

I Isaac Abercrombie of Pelham in the County of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts Esq. of lawful age, Testify & say, On the the twentieth day of December 1817 I took a Deed of Mortgage of David Houston of said Pelham to secure the payment of two Notes of hand to me mentioned in the condition of said Deed for the sum of One hundred twenty four Dollars and \frac{66}{100} on Interest, and about one year since I demanded the contents of said notes of him and then threatened to eject him from the mortgaged premises if he did not pay me - and on the 13 th day of May last past the said notes being in no part paid, I sold the said Notes and transferred said Mortgage Deed to one John O. Houston who paid me therefor to my satisfaction and he then entered upon the mortgaged premises and is now in possession thereof - and if said John O. Houston or some other person had not purchased the said notes and mortgage of me I should before this time have ejected said David from the premises by due course of Law as I had determined not to wait on him any longer for my money - I further testify & say the said Mort- gaged Estate consists of about thirty five acres of Land, part of which is poor prime Plain Land, and that the whole with an old shell of a house on it is not worth more than Three hundred and fifty Dollars, and that said David on the same 13 th day of May last past was justly indebted to said John O. Houston upwards of Two hundred Dollars besides the debt aforesaid which he owed to me - and that said Place is not worth redeeming even if said David could do it - He said David is a Poor man and by reason of his age and bodily infirmities is not able to support himself - He has no estate to my knowledge other than the small matter contained in his schedule transmitted to the Secretary of war - and further saith not August 20 th 1823. Isaac Abercrombie
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Barnstable ss Augt. 20 th 1823 Personally appeared Isaac Abercrombie above named, known to me to be and a respectable Magistrate, a credible witness, and made solemn oath that that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth Before me Samuel Hinsley Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire ss I Solomon Stoddard Jr Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the said County of Hampshire do certify that Samuel Hinckley Esq. whose signature are affixed to the within certificates was, on the 20 th day of August last, and now is, a Justice of the Peace within & for said County, duly commissioned and acting under the authority of said Commonwealth. That said signatures are well known to me to be the hand writing of said Hinckley - and that full faith and credit is, and ought to be, given to his acts & attestations done in the capacity of a Justice of the Peace for said County.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court of Common Pleas this seventeenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty three.
S Stoddard Jr Clerk of said Court

David Houston
2 Dep'ts in his case
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50.

We David Riddle and Amos Martin both of Bedford, in the County of Hillsborough in the State of New Hampshire, of lawful age-do solemnly swear, that we are both well acquainted with David Houston formerly of said Bedford, now resident in Pelham in the County of Hampshire in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, who, we are informed, is applying for a pension under the late Act of Congress, and both of us are knowing that said Houston enlisted about the 12th of August A 1779, at Salem in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, for the term of nine months, into the company called the Col o Company (to the best of our recollection) in the Regiment commanded by Col o Shepard in Gen l Glover's Brigade, in the Massachusetts Line, on the continental Establishment- & we both are knowing that he faithfully served against the common enemy in said Corps, untill about the sixteenth day of May A 1780- when he was honourably discharged at a place called Robertson's Farm in the State of New York. We know that the foregoing statement is true, as we both enlisted & served for the same term, in the same Regiment- We further declare that we have no interest in the said David Houston's obtaining a pension. David Riddle - Amos Martin

State of New Hampshire Hillsborough ss. 3 — Jan. 7 27 th D 1820. Then David Riddle and Amos Martin, who are both creditable & disinterested witnesses, subscribed & made solemn oath to the truth of the within affidavit. Before me J. H. Smith } Associate Justice of the Court of Com- mon Pleas for said County of Hillsborough
April 7 th 1820. I hereby certify that Jedidiah H. Smith whose name is above written is one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in the county of Hillsbor- ough in the State of New Hampshire —
W. Plumer Jr. of the House of Representatives

Mantha Glouster
add: proof

State of Massachusetts
Hampshire County } ss.
On this third day of December in the year eighteen hundred and thirty-eight personally appeared before the Hon. Nathaniel Bowditch Judge of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Hampshire. Martha Houston a resident of Pittsfield in the County of Hampshire who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following additional declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by an act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. That she is the widow of David Houston who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and a pensioner under the act of Congress of 1818 - that she was married to the said David Houston at the time stated in her former declaration by Esq. Owens who was then a justice of the Peace residing in the town of Greenwich in said County. That she has no documentary evidence of said marriage the said justice having deceased. She has sought and diligently enquired for his records but cannot find any, neither can she find any record of the marriage in the town clerk's office in the town of Pittsfield. Martha Houston
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written Before Nathaniel Bowditch Judge of Probate
I hereby certify that the said Martha Houston the above applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend court - Nathaniel Bowditch Judge of Probate

I, Samuel Lyman Register of the Court of Probate in & for said County of Hampshire do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the second = any proceedings before the Hon. Thomas Conkey Judge of Probate in & for said County in the matter of the application of Martha Horton for a petition -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this fourth day of December A.D. 1838
Dan d T. Lyman - Reg d Prob.

I Rufus Groot of Northam in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of Lawfull age do testify and say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town of Northam in said County, and searched and examined the records in said Town for the purpose of finding the record of the Marriage of David Norton and Martha his wife who was Martha Pratt, but I cannot find any such record, the records of the early Marriages in said Town are in a shattered and bad condition, and I find none recorded after the year 1784 - until the year 1816, - I would further state that I knew the said David Norton and his wife Martha for many years before his death, that he died several years ago, and that the said Martha now lives in my neighbourhood a widow not having been married since the decease of said David Norton.
Rufus Groot
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire County ss. } December 3. 1838 Then personally appeared Rufus Groot, who is well known to me as a person of truth and a credible witness, and submitted and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit. Before me Nathan Cook, Justice of the Peace
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Hampshire, do hereby certify that Nathan Cook Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that the signature thereto annexed purporting to be his, I know to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this fourth day of December A. D. 1838
Samuel F. Lyman Register of Probate.

I David Houston of Pelham in the County of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts of lawful age testify and say in addition to the statement and declaration I made under oath in Court on the twentieth day of May last in order to obtain a renewal of my Pension, that I did not after the fourth day of March 1820 apply for a renewal of my Pension until the 20 th day of May aforesaid because I was then in possession of a small landed estate in Pelham aforesaid which I had Mortgaged in 1817 to one Isaac Sherburne Esq for $124.66 on interest. The place being about 35 acres of poor land and was then not worth, and is not now worth over $350. Still I was in hopes I could sell it so as to pay the Mortgage to said Isaac and redeem it - but by reason of age and disability in bodily strength I found it impossible to do it, and being in May last pressed for payment by said Isaac I proposed to John O'Keaton to purchase the Notes and Mortgage and to secure to him a debt I owed him of about $251 as stated in his deposition herewith forwarded to the Secretary of War, he accordingly purchased the same of said Isaac Sherburne and took an assignment of the Mortgage and Notes and I then gave him peaceable possession of the place, and he is now in possession thereof, and is forever likely to be, as it is utterly impossible for me to redeem it - As to the sixty Dollars mentioned in said John's Deposition which I owe him, I paid several small debts with it which I had owed to several persons long before I had my Pension - And since the fourth of March 1820 I have not disposed of any property of any kind except for necessaries for myself and family. I do not possess any other property than what is stated in my schedule.
August 20 th 1823
David Houston
Hampshire S. Court of Common Pleas August 21 1823. I swear in Court J. H. Stockard Jr. Clerk

Hampshire ss Commonwealth of Massachusetts I Solomon Stoddard Jun r Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Hampshire, do certify that the foregoing oath & declaration are truly copied from the record of said Court, and that the said Daniel Houston personally appeared before said Court of Common Pleas being a Court of Records held at Northampton within and for the County of Hamp- shire on the third Monday of August A D 1823, to wit on the twentieth day of said August - and while said Court was in session and made solemn oath to the truth of the same -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twenty eighth day of August - in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three
S. Stoddard Jr Clerk of said Court of Common Pleas

David Houston
Mortgage
to Isaac Morrison
& assignment
copy
Must be certified under the seal of office of the Registrar.

Know all Men by these Presents that I David Houston of Pelham in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman in consideration of one hundred and twenty four Dollars and sixty five cents to him in hand paid by Isaac Abercrombie Esquire of said Pelham aforesaid the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge do hereby give grant sell and convey unto the said Isaac Abercrombie his heirs and assigns the farm on which  whereon I now live in Pelham containing forty Acres more or less bounded South on the Turnpike, Road and Land of John Bonney East on Swift River or Mill Pond North on lands formerly owned by George Cowan West on the Town road and Fair banks & Bridges with the buildings thereon To Have and To Hold the aforementioned Premises to the said Isaac Abercrombie his heirs and assigns to his and their use and behoof forever And I do for myself and heirs Executors & Administrators covenant with the said Isaac Abercrombie his heirs and assigns that I am lawfully seized in Fee of the aforementioned Premises that they are free of all Encumbrances That I have good right to sell and convey the same to the said Isaac Abercrombie and that I will warrant and Defend the same Premises to the said Isaac Abercrombie his heirs and assigns forever against the lawfull Claims and Demands of all Persons In Witness whereof I the said David Houston have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this twentieth Day of December in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and seventeen The condition of this Deed is such that if the said David Houston his heirs Executors or Administrators shall well and truly pay to the said Isaac Abercrombie his heirs Executors Administrators or assigns the contents of his two Promissory Notes of Hand bearing even date with these Presents to wit, one of said Note given for the sum of Sixty two Dollars and thirty three and thirty three cents and made payable to the said Isaac his order in six Months from the date hereof the other given for

the sum of Sixty two Dollars and thirty three cents and is made payable to the said Isaac or his order in one year from the date with the interest thereof at the times the same Notes become due then this Deed and also the said Notes to void otherwise to remain in full force & virtue Signed Sealed and Delivered David Houston & seal
In presence of Us
Samuel Conkey Isaac Abercrombie Jr.
Hampshire ss Dec. 22 nd 1817 Personally appeared before me the Subscriber the above named David Houston and acknowledged the within Instrument by him subscribed to be his free act and deed
before John Conkey Justice Peace Hampshire ss May 21 st 1818 The foregoing is a true copy of the Original Rec d Registered and Examined By S. Stoddard Jr. Rec d A true copy of Record to which I have affixed my Seal of Office Moses Levi Lyman Reg r
Know all Men by these Presents that I Isaac Abercrombie within named for a valuable consideration "Paid me by John C. Houston of Pelham in the county of Hampshire & State of Massachusetts do hereby assign & convey to him the said John C. Houston his heirs & assigns all my Right title & interest in and to the Premises within described together with the Notes described at the Risk of the said John C. Houston forever Witness my Hand and Seal this thirteenth Day of May in the Year 1823
In Presence of I. Abercrombie Jr. Isaac Abercrombie & seal
Hampshire ss August 20 th 1823 The foregoing is a true copy of the Original Rec d Reg d & Examined By Levi Lyman Reg r A true copy of Record to which I have affixed my Seal of Office Moses Levi Lyman Reg r