Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,314, Joseph Hodgdon, N.H.

SERVICE
NUMBER
976
Hodgdon, Joseph. Sarah
W. 23314.
CONTENTS

27052 32744 Increase. C.
New-Hampshire. Joseph Hodgdon dec d
of Coos in the State of N.H. who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Salbridge of the Regt commanded by Col. Cle in the Mass line for two years
Increased from $20.00
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831, & end 16 May 1836, when he died.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of July 1857 and sent to J. Lumpkin, Present.
Payable to only surviving Semi-annual allowance ending Children, to wit Robert P. Hodgdon & Sally Dearborn
Revolutionary Claim, et June 1, 1832.
Recorded by J. P. Chase Clerk, Book C Vol. 4 Page 91
Deducting what has been paid at the rate of $20. per ann.

21965.
C.
New Hampshire
Sarah Nodgdon dec d widow of Joseph Nodgdon who died on the 16 May 1836 of loss in the State of N. H. who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Saltonstall of the Reg t commanded by Col. Cole in the Mass line for two years
Repealed
of N. H.
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 16 th day of March, 1836 & end 28 April 1843 when she died.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of July 1850 and sent to J. Sumption, Present
Reverts to the Life of Payable to only surviving children Semi-annual allowance ending to wit -
Robert P. Nodgdon
& Sally Dearborn
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by
Vol.
Page
Clerk.
J. B. Chase
2
337
2 C

Secretarys of H. C. City note for J. Hodgdon

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE,
SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE.
I DO 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 office, it appears that the name of Joseph Hoddgdon is borne upon the Pay Roll of Capt. Richard Shotridges Company, as a private in said Company, with an allowance for one month and eight
days service , commencing June 26, 1775. And upon "A List of those Men in Capt. Shotridges Comp'y. in Col. Poore's Regt. who recd. pay for their Regimental boats" is borne the name of Joseph Hoddgdon. Said List is Dated Octr. 16, 1775. And upon a paper headed "Account of State Bounties for Continental Soldiers who enlisted in the year 1781 for three years or during the War" is borne the name of Joseph Hoddgdon. Enlisted May 6, 1781- and upon said paper is also the following. "United States to the State of New Hampshire D. 1781 To Bounties paid 283 Men as per the foregoing List at £ 20 3 5660, 0. 0" Copy of the Acct. made out from the Books
Ex d P. Boyer.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State, this 30th day of September 1848
Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of State.

State of New Hampshire
On this second day of September in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and Forty Eight personally appeared Robert P Hodgdon Son of Joseph Hodgdon late of Exeter Jackson in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire who was a Pensioner of the Revolution at the rate of twenty Dollars per annum and made Oath that he is a son of the said Joseph Hodgdon in order to obtain the Pension which his Mother who became a Widow on the sixteenth day of May 1836 was entitled to receive but never obtained any Pension he thinks his Father served in the New Hampshire Troops under Col Poor in the year 1775 and enlisted into the Army under Capt Walbridge in June of the same year He requests the Secretary of the State of New Hampshire to furnish from the Rolls and other papers in his possession the time of service of his Father in the Army aforesaid Robert P Hodgdon
Coos ss. Sept 2 1848
Personally appeared the above named Robert P Hodgdon and made Oath in due form of Law that the foregoing statement by him subscribed is true according to his best knowledge and belief Randolph September 2 d 1848
Before me B. H. Chadbourne Justice of the Peace

Greenland, October 31 st 1848
A Register of Marriage by the Rev. Doctor Samuel Macclintock of Greenland, State of New Hamp- shire, County of Rockingham, Nov: 13 th 1775 — Joseph Hodgdon & Sarah Beverly A true copy of Record attest Edward Holmes Town Clerk
State of New Hampshire Rockingham ss October 31 st 1848.
Then personally appeared the above named Edward Holmes and made solemn oath, that the above certificate by him subscribed is true —
George Adell Justice Peace,
Greenland October 31, 1848. This certifies, whom it may concern, that the above Edward Holmes was duly chosen Town Clerk for said town of Greenland at the annual town meeting held on the 2 nd Tuesday of March last —
George Adell,

State of New Hampshire Rockingham County ss
I Ira B. North Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County certify that George Odell who has subscribed his name to the within certificate is an acting justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified, and that the signatures are in his own proper hand writing and genuine
In Testimony Whereof I have here to set my hand and the Seal of said Court this thirty first day of October A.D. 1848
I. B. North Clerk

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed July 4th 1836 entitled an act supplementary to the act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution
State of New Hampshire
On this Thirtieth day of August One thousand eight hundred and forty nine personally appeared before the Probate Court
holden within and for the County of Coos and State aforesaid Robert P. Hodgdon a resident of Randolph in the County and State aforesaid and son of Joseph and Sarah Hodgdon formerly of the County of Rockingham and State aforesaid aged seventy years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 entitled an act supplementary to the act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution That she is the widow of Joseph Hodgdon who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and drew a Pension of twenty Dollars per year from the 4th day of March 1831 to the sixteenth day of May 1836. it being the day of his death that he enlisted June 26th 1775 and left the service in Feb 1776 said service was performed under Capt Richard Shortridge and Col Poor on which service he received his Pension of twenty Dollars per annum Again July 8th 1779 he enlisted as a private from the Town of Berwick and went for the Town of Nottingham in said State of New Hampshire said service ended January

4th 1700 and performed under Capt Ephraim Stone and Col Heren Mooney And again he enlisted into the service as a private from the County of Rockingham and State aforesaid May 6th 1781 for three years or during the War Officers not known He further declares that she was Married to the said Joseph Gladys on the thirteenth day of Novem 1775 that her Husband the aforesaid Joseph Gladys died on the sixteenth day of May Onethousand eight hundred and thirty six that she was married to him during his first service viz in 1775 He further swears that she remained a widow after the death of her husband Joseph Gladys to the time of her death which took place the 28th day of April 1843 and never before made any application for a Pension other than the present effort
And he now makes application for a Pension which belonged to his Mother Sarah Gladys at the same rate that his Father Joseph Gladys was entitled by law to receive For proof of the services of Joseph Gladys he relies on the proof on which his Father obtained his Pension viz in the eight months service under Capt Shortridge and on the Certificate of the Secretary of New Hampshire which accom- panies this Declaration specifying that on the 8th day of July 1778 he enlisted as a private and served five months and twenty eight days And for the three years service which commenced the 6th day of May 1781 he relies on the Muster Rolls belonging to New Hampshire in the Pension Office at Washington and he requests the Commissioner to furnish the evidence of the service which his Father Joseph Gladys performed in aforescribed service

The proof of the death of Joseph Hodgdon has been made and his Pension paid up to that time; also the proof of the death of Sarah Hodgdon was furnished in April last and is in the Pension Office at the City of Washington.
B Hunking Judge Probate
State of New Hampshire Coos Co., I hereby certify that I am the reputed son of Joseph and Sarah Hodgdon, that they lived and died at my house and the fact of my being there was never questioned — Robert P Hodgdon
State of New Hampshire Coos Co., Personally appeared Robert P Hodgdon and made oath that the above certificate by him subscribed was true,
Before me B Hunking Judge Probate
State of New Hampshire Coos Co.,
I Geo. H. C. M. Register of Probate for said County of Coos, certify that Benjamin Hunking is Judge of Probate for the County of Coos aforesaid, as above written & that the foregoing certificate, purporting to be his, is genuine —
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office & subscribed my name, this 30 th day of August A.D. 1849
Geo. H. C. M. Register for Coos County

July 14/55 Sarah Hodgdon
Mr Allinson
J. Lumphkin Pres.

State of New Hampshire County of Coos SS
Certificate of Benjamin Hunking Judge of Probate within and for the County aforesaid That it is proved to the satisfaction of said Court that Joseph Hodgdon a Revolutionary Pensioner who drew a Pension of twenty Dollars per annum died May 16 th 1836 and Sarah Hodgdon his Wife departed this life April 28 th 1843 and the only surviving Children of Joseph and Sarah Hodgdon are Robert P Hodgdon of Randolph in the County aforesaid and Sally Dearborn of Jackson in the County aforesaid
Benjamin Hunking Judge of Probate
State of New Hampshire Coos ss.
This certifies that Benjamin Hunking is Judge of Probate in & for said County of Coos, & that his name by him subscribed above is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 4 th day of July A.D. 1850
Geo. A. Colby Register

J L Edwards Esq.
Sir will you oblige me by directing the Pension to be paid at Portland in the State of Maine as it is much easier for me to obtain the Pension at Portland than at Concord New Hampshire
Brother A P Huelgdon

I Phineas Hodydon of Lancaster in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire testify and say that I was well acquainted with Joseph Hodydon of Jackson in said State of New Hampshire. I was knew that about the first of June 1775 he listed in to the Army of the United States for the term of eight months and that he left Newington where he then resided to join the Army which was then stationed in the vicinity of Boston Cambridge. That in the month of September the same year I listed in to Service of the United States and joined the Army then stationed on Winter Hill near Boston and found the said Joseph Hodydon with the Army and remained in the Service together until some time in the month of February 1776 when the said Joseph Hodydon left us and returned home.
Lancaster June 28 th 1833.
Attest Reuben Stephenson
his Phineas Hodydon mark
State of New Hampshire Coos ss June 28 th 1833
Then the above named Phineas Hodydon personally came and made oath that the the above affidavit by him subscribed was true
Coos ss Nov. 2. 1833
Before me Reuben Stephenson Justice Peace I further certify that the above named Phineas Hodydon is a credible Witness and a disinterested Person. Reuben Stephenson Justice Peace State of New Hampshire Coos ss.
I William Farrar Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County certify that Reuben Stephenson Esq. is a Magistrate as above & that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office & subscribed my name this 28 th day of June in the year of our Lord 1833
W m Farrar Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said Coos County

Joseph Hodgdon application for pension 26.995
70 Mts 6 mo
Capt Saltonstall's Comp
Stephen Musseus Esq Lorne Bartlett B N

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State of New-Hampshire, } ss. County of Coos
On this 2 nd day of July personally appeared before the Judges of the Probate Court Joseph Hodgdon a resident of Lebanon in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire, aged seventy years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1774 in June with Capt. Satteridge and served in the Col. Daws regiment of the New Hampshire line, under the following named officers: my Capt's name was Satteridge my Lieutenants name was Nathaniel Beal my Ensigns name was Nathan. During my time of service expired December the same year. I then continued in service six weeks longer in the same Company after the service in February A.D. 1776. at Medford Massachusetts my residence was in Washington Washington County State of New Hampshire at the time of my enlistment I enlisted between the first of June and fifth A.D. 1775 for six months, served my time out,
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of any agency in any State. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Joseph Hodgdon
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
Benjamin Hunking Judge Probate
I, James  Priscilla  Webb of the Probate for the County of Coos do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Joseph Hodgdon for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this
2 nd day of July 1833 James W Williams Register

Northridge Co.
Joseph Hoggins application for pension 26.995
That 6 mo Capt Salnages' Engr
Stephen Moore Jr Love Battell R A
I James Kilgore I testify and say that I am acquainted with Joseph Hoggins of Jackson in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire and believe him to be a man of truth and veracity Bartlett July 2, 1833.
James Kilgore Jr Preacher of the Gospel

I.S.C.
Wid. 23,314
Rev. War.
Sept. 2, 1905.
Sir:
In reply to your communication dated August 2, 1905 and received August 3, 1905, you are advised that there is only one Joseph Hodgdon other than Inv. 18,035, found on the Revolutionary records of this Bureau.
Joseph Hodgdon (Wid. File 23,314) applied for a pension July 2, 1833, at which time he was a resident of Jackson, Coos county, New Hampshire, and seventy-eight years of age.
He stated that he resided at Newington, Rockingham county, New Hampshire when he enlisted between June 1 and 5, 1775 in Captain Shortridge's company, Colonel Poor's regiment of the New Hampshire line for six months, at the expiration of which he continued in same company for six weeks until discharged in February, 1776 at Medford, Massachusetts.
His claim was allowed. He married November 13, 1775 Sarah Peverly and died May 16, 1836. She died April 28, 1843, leaving Robert P. Hodgdon and Sally Dearbon her surviving children. A report in the case from the Secretary of the State of New Hampshire shows the name of "Joseph Hodgdon" borne on the following rolls:
Pay roll, Captain Richard Shortridge's company, as Private from June 26, 1775; 1 month, eight days.

On a list of said company in Colonel Poor's regiment. dated October 4, 1775.
Pay roll, Captain Ephr. Stone's company, Colonel Herk Mooney's regiment for the defence of Rhode Island, 1779; 5 months, 28 days service from July 8, 1779; place of abode Berwick, and the town he went from, Nottingham.
On an account of State Bounties for Continental soldiers, John Hodgdon, enlisted May 6, 1781, bounty 20 pounds.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. H. W. Davis,
17 Highland Ave.,
Somerville, Mass.

C. Sarah Hodgdon, dec'd widow of Joseph New Hampshire Coos Co.,
admitted
P 2 yr - p 80 pr on 4 March 1831 to May 16, 1836 when he died deducting what has been paid under art 7 par 32 at p 20 pr annum. and under art 6, July 1836 from 16 May 1836 to 28 April 1843 when she died at p 80 pr on no deduction, children Robert P. Hodgdon & Sally Dearborn,
J. Lumpkin Pres

6th N.H.
R
N. W. DAVIS, 17 HIGHLAND AVE., SOMERVILLE, MASS.
August 2, 1905.
Commissioner of Pensions, (O. W. & N. Dept.) Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I beg to acknowledge certificate of Revolutionary service of Joseph Hodgdon, of Wakefield, N. H., which you kindly sent me on July 24, 1905. (Your reference I.S.C., Inv. 18035, Rev. War).
Have you any record of another Joseph Hodgdon of New Hampshire, who enlisted in 1776 from Nottingham, N. H., born 1737? He is mentioned in the N. H. Rev. War Rolls, but his service there is only partially given. At some time after 1780 he removed to Berwick, Maine, and if application was made it may have been made from that town.
Thanking you in advance for certificate of his service if you have record of same, I beg to remain
Very truly yours,
N. W. Davis

Sept. 2. 1905 History to N. W. Davis, Somerville, Mass.
Recd
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 233/4
Sarah Hodgson Wid. of Joseph Hodgson Phila. Penna.
Act July 4 th 1836.
Index: Vol. A , Page 351
[Arrangement of 1870.]

21.032
New Hampshire Joseph Woodson
lived in the State of New Hampshire he was a Private in the Corp. commanded by Captain Salbridge of the Regt. commanded by Col. — in the Masses ne for 6 Months
Inscribed on the Roll of New Hampshire at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of Decr. 1833 and Leut. G. Melrose Lower Brattle
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 33 $ 30 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4th. 34 10 $60
Revolutionary Claim, for June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Geo. Atlee Clerk Book 6 Vol. 1 Page 91

No 7258 Sarah Hodgson and N.H.
See Set to Ben, D Wammum July 5 th 49 " " " Same April 6, 49 " " Same P Anderson May 28, 49 " " Same - - - - 5 th Nov: 1849 " Hon N.S. Littlefield & Dan l 1850 " " T R Young Feb y 11/50 " Thomas Lumsden 30 th June 1850
act 4 July 1836 -

N 7258
Sarah Hodgman and M H
From D. Hammons Feb 5, 49, to same April 16, 49 to same P. Anderson May 28 '49
act 4 July 1836
68 37 3281

Hon. David Hammons
Sir I received Mrs Gays Papers from the Pension office; returned, because the Commission of Charles Kimball was not duly certified; the town Clerk of Ipswich informs me, that the Commissioner has a number of times received the Certificate of the Register of Probate in similar cases. I have procured the Certificate of the Secretary of Mass., and return her papers with a hope, that you will be able to get an action of the Com. before the 4th of March on the account that I stated in my last. I received Mrs Gammons Certificate duly.
The case of the Widow Caswell I should like to have you call up, and I want you to examine the papers that I sent to the Commissioner in February 1840; on her account I have written three times to the Commissioner requesting to know if he did receive them; but he has never given me the least information about them . It seems to be hard for the Widow to loose her right, because her husband made a mistake in his Declaration and put in the wrong year; it does not appear, that he intended to defraud the Government; because that nine months gave him his Pension, but, he merely stated the wrong year through forgetfulness . I should like to have the Certificate returned that was issued last August; it was sent to the Widow Caswell in September; but she thought that the Commissioner had overlooked her Declaration in consequence of the Papers being mislaid; and she concluded to send them back, and now, if she cannot have the eight months and seventeen days

additional pay, she must take up with the Certificate that was issued last fall; and she requests you to call up the subject. I should like to have you call up the case of Mr Hodgdon and get an action if you can. If you can obtain a copy of the Kennebec Laws for me, I will pay a generous price for them. Very respectfully your obedient servant
Samuel P. Anderson
Otisfield February 20th 1849

House of Representatives Dec. 31. 1849
Mr. [unclear] I send you herewith some papers I have received from a constituent and desire you to give me such information in relation to the subjects to which they refer as will enable me to reply to the letter enclosed herewith Yours respectfully
Matthew D. Littlefield U. S. H. of R.
Hon Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Henry J. L. Edwards Commissioner

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Sir in your letter of May 20th you state that the proof is not satisfactory to grant the Pension of Sarah Hodgdon; since which I have been endeavouring to obtain the necessary Evidence but find it very difficult, if you reject the Records of New Hampshire. I have obtained additional evidence from the Secretary of S. H. and send his Certificate together with Robert P. Hodgdon's Declaration. Please reexamine the claim of Mr Hodgdon and if you find that you cannot grant the Pension State the reason why.
Please make a Decision as soon as you conveniently can in the above case; in the case of the Widow Clark, and also of the Widow Russell, as they are all some distance from me viz from 25 to 60 miles and all on the same route.
Yours with much respect
Samuel P. Anderson
Otisfield Sep 6th 1859

J L Edwards Esqr
Sir Application is made to me by the Daughter, whose Father was killed at the taking of Burgoyne for a Widows five years Pension for her Mother who lived some years after the death of her Father before she died, but, never obtained a pension. And not being willing to subject her to the expense of proving the case without the Law gave her the Pension will you be so kind as to state to me whether there is a law giving Widows, whose husbands died in the Revolutionary war a five years Pension or half pay for five years because her husband died in the service of the United States
Pension Law of Feb 9th 1849 Page 43 at the bottom
By the resolution of Congress of the 14th July 1832 the time of imprisonment as a prisoner of war shall be taken and computed as a part of the period of service, in the execution of the act of June 7th 1832
Does the above extract embrace all those who were taken by the British or Indians in the Revolution and after their Capture were made Prisoners of War and exchanged as Prisoners of War
I will explain In the Town of Bethel in this State a number of Inhabitants were taken by the Indians in 1780 or 1781 and carried to Canada and after they arrived at Canada the British Government made them Prisoners of War and exchanged them as Prisoners of War after retaining them about two years

Please answer the forgoing enquiries and greatly oblige your obedient Servant Samuel P. Anderson
Sturminster May 10 th 1859

p. 42
Washington City
June 15. 1850
Mr. Lupton
Enclosing letter from Sam l P. Anderson & additional proofs in the application of Mrs. Hodgdon Widow of Joseph Hodgdon for pension
Yours &c.
Alin
J. H.
Ref d to Com ee of Pensions Dept. Interior June 17 th 1850

Washington D.C. June 15th, 1850.
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose herewith additional evidence in the case of Mrs. Woodgdon of New-Hampshire, widow of Joseph Woodgdon, in support of their application for a pension - also a letter explanatory of the same from Mr. Samuel P. Anderson, of Otisfield Maine.
Identity appears to be the principal objection. These depositions, I trust, will remove this objection, and upon a review of these cases they may receive a favorable consideration at the hands of the Hon. Commissioner of Pensions. If not allowed, I am authorized to appeal to you as final arbiter.
I have the honor to be Sir, with great respect, Your Obt. Servt., Th. Q. Cumkin.
Wm. Thomas Ciring,
Secretary of the Dept. of the Interior.

Thomas Lumpkin Esq
Dear Sir I again
trouble you with another epistle I wrote the first of May
The reason why I now write is, I wish to know what you lack in proof in the Joseph Hodgeson case I will give you a little detail of his service in the Revolution it is from the Secretary of War, "June 26 th 1775 enlisted for six months October 4 th 1775 placed on the Coat Rolls no discharge given June 8 th 1779 enlisted for six months discharged first of January 1780 served 5 months and 20 days, on a list of Bounties paid by the State is found the name of Joseph Hodgeson enlisted for three years or during the war and mustered into service May 6 th 1781" The Com te , took exceptions to the Identity of the Widow Hodgeson; to rebut this objection I took the deposition of Mr Stevens who dug the grave and buried the Widow, also the deposition of the Town Clerk showing the time when she died, and also of the Son Robert Hodgeson when his Mother died and that she was the wife of Joseph Hodgeson his Father. Still the Com te , said he was not satisfied and I must make a new Declaration under the 7 th June 1830 tho' I declined doing, for this reason, that the Heirs must lose two years Pension if the Declaration was made under 1830 but I made a Declaration under the law of 4 th July 1836 because the record of the Marriage specified November 13 th 1775 when the marriage was solemnized
In November last I took the Deposition of Stephen Meserve Esq who

procured the Pension for Joseph Hodgdon He states in his Deposition that he advised Jo Hodgdon to put no more service in his Declaration than he could prove which was 6 months although Mr Hodgdon said he had done much more service than was named in the Declaration I sent the above Dep to the Com, but he still used his favorite word Unsatisfactory It appears from all the facts that I can obtain that Joseph Hodgdon enlisted from the Town of Hewington in 1775 and after that tour there were two other enlistments one in 1779 and the other in 1781 both of these last enlistments the Com declines allowing because they were not from Hewington
I have recently obtained two Dep the one of Wm Heverly setting forth the reason why J Hodgdon left the Army in 1775 to be married and the other that J Hodgdon after his tour in 1775 moved out of Hewington into Portsmouth where he lived until after the War I send the above depositions to you to use as you think best either present them to the Com before the appeal to the Secretary of the Interior or to the Secretary without the examination of the Com. You perceive that if we establish the last three years service of J Hodgdon it will place him under the Law of 15 May 1820 and date his pension 3d March 1826 at 8 dollars per month and also establish establish the Widows claim under the resolution of 1st July 1840 it will increase both the Pensions to over 4600 dollars which according to law is their due J Hodgdon died 16th May 1836 and his Wife 20th April 1843 making about 17 years to draw a Pension making a deduction of 20 dollars per year from 1831 to the time he died
In your Circular of August 3 rd 1849 to me you said your

Fees would be 10 per cent on the money recovered; nothing if you obtain nothing I expect to comply with your offer of 10 per cent and will pay you that amount on all the money recovered I will refer you to the Hon. A. H. Harris 2 d Comptroller in the Treasury Department for information as to my character or to the Hon. Nathaniel S. Littlefield from this District Viz Cumberland, and State of Maine member in the House of Representatives by the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts I have been informed that the Rolls of the last three years enlistments are in Washington and that we cannot obtain a certificate of this service if it is a fact that the Com r . has housed up these Rolls to prevent the claims of the old soldiers and he will not furnish the evidence I think that a Resolve ought to be forthwith introduced to Congress and see if it is their intention to make Laws and then suffer one man to thwart their object.
There is a case in point, Joseph Hadgdon enlisted in 1781 for three years, or during the War and by the Act of 15 th May 1828 he was entitled to eight Dollars per month commencing 3 d March 1826 but these Rolls cannot be examined so he must lose his right which Congress has given him hence you see why I was anxious to obtain the information and why I was so particular in my last letter to you how we can get this evidence. Please inform me how to obtain it if in your power; The same Act speaks of a reward of 20 dollars being given to this class of soldiers; please inform me if this 20 dollars is still payable or obtainable.
In your letter of May 31 st you think I had better appeal to the Secretary of the Interior. I was at Portsmouth obtaining these

Depositions and as I have got them perhaps it would be best for you to present them to the Com., without an appeal
If there is any form of appeal used at the Pension Office Please send me a Skelleton and I will fill it up immediately and pass it directly to you
In your letter of March 15th, 50 you said a Law would soon pass Congress to give Widows the two years Pension viz from 31 to 33, I have not heard if it has passed into a law
I believe I made one other enquiry in my letter to you Are those Widows entitled to a five years Pension whose husbands were killed or died in the War of the Revolution if they are entitled but never drew a pension are their children who were under 16 years of age at the time that their Father was killed entitled to the five years Pension the same as their Mother . If you are not informed on this point, please obtain the information so that you will be certain that you are correct . I have a case or two of this description which I wish you to press forward if there is a chance to obtain the Pension. Please write me on the several points which I have named as soon as you conveniently can
Otisfield June 10th 1850
With great respect dear Sir I remain Your obedient Servant Samuel P. Anderson
PS In Mr Colebaths dep he said that he well remembered that Joseph Gladys was not another town but the Justice did not embody it in the deposition and it slipped my mind until I got home if you think that it will make any difference send the Papers back to me and I will send them to the Justice Cumberland County and get him to add the idea on the back State of Maine S.P.A.

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir I received yours of February 5th 1849 in the case of Sarah and Joseph Hodgdon Deceased
"You say that Joseph Hodgdon in his Declaration claimed but one tour of service which he estimated at 6 months which was agreeably to his statement perform d under Capt Shortridge and terminated in February 1776" You will perceive by reexamining the Certificate of the Secretary that this tour of service commenced in June 1775 and ending in Feb 1776 making eight months I will here state that last September the Son Robert P. Hodgdon when he applied to me to assist him stated that his Father could only prove 6 months service by a man that was out in the 6 months service the nature of the case shows this to be true for the Rolls show an 8 months service at this very time that he is paid for only 6 months And then in 1779 there is a tour to Rhode Island I suppose the Secretary overlooked this when he made out his Certificate because a few days after I received his Certificate, he sent me the additional one of this tour 1779 and then again 1781 Joseph Hodgdon enlisted for three years or during the War and mustered into service May 6th. If there is the least shadow of doubt that there are two Joseph Hodgdons I will be more particular about his identity but I cannot learn that there was but one
"You say Application is now made for a Pension for his Widow

for this tower of service and also for service as a three years man in the New Hampshire Line We cannot admit this last service. It is not competent for his children who are the recipients merely (having no claim in their own right to any unpaid balance or allowance due their parents at his or her death) to set up a claim for service which Hodgdon did not set forth in his Declaration.
We admit that the Children are Recipients and I also say that Widows are Recipients but does not the Law (A) make the Widows and Children as bonafide Receivers as it does those who has done the service
And you further say it appears from the Certificate of the Town Clerk of Rockingham that Mrs Hodgdon in whose name this application is made was married to Joseph Hodgdon in November 1775 at which period the late Pensioner bearing his name was in the service some proof more satisfactory than that now adduced showing that that Pensioner was her husband will be required before a Certificate can issue to her children for that term"
In the Deposition of the Son (Robert S Hodgdon) you will find the reason the Father why he was married in 1775 he got a furlow after the summer Campaign was over and came home to be married that was the most satisfactory reason that I could obtain when I went to Randolf in April last to obtain additional evidence
And you further say the date of the death of Mrs Hodgdon and also that of her Husband should be established."
The Father died in May 1836 in the town of Jackson on the southside of the White Mountains and in April when I went
# Richard H. Greenleaf

To obtain additional evidence I should have had to have gone, seventy miles to obtain the evidence of the date of his death and I thought you would excuse me when you become acquainted with the facts. The date of the death of Sarah Hodgson is proved by the Undertaker, and also by the Town Clerk.
(A) Kenyon Law Feb 9th 1859 Page 10th Chapter 35th
The Law requires that we should produce the best proof the nature of the case will admit; this we have endeavoured to do, we have produced the Marriage Certificate, the Certificate of the Secretary of State, of the service done for the United States. and lastly we have produced the date of their deaths as satisfactorily as we can.
Please excuse the liberty I have taken in giving my own views in the case.
With much respect I remain your Obedient Servant Samuel P Anderson
Otisfield May 10th 1859

Hon. J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Sir under your instructions by J G Beret, I received his communication by Hon D Hammons of Feb 5th 1859. For that I am informed that You have examined the claims of Robert Hodgdon for his Father and Mother and have filed the Widows claim and rejected the Fathers under the Act of July, 36, Mr Beret says that it appears by the Town Clerk of Rockingham that Joseph Hodgdon was married in 1775 while he was in the service, and asks for more proof. I answer that Joseph Hodgdon was not married in Rockingham in 1775 but was married in the Town of Greenland in New Hampshire in 1781 which I think You will find by again looking at the Town Clerks Certificate attached to J Hodgdon's Papers. You say that "Joseph Hodgdon in his Declaration claimed for but one tour of service service which he estimated at 6 months which was agreeably to his statement performed under Capt Shortridge and terminated in February 1776 Application is now made for a Pension for his Widow for this tour of service and also for service as a three years man in the New Hampshire line. We cannot admit this last service, It is not competent for his children who are the recipients merely having no claim in their own right to any unpaid balance or allowance due their Parents at his or her death to set up a claim for service which Hodgdon did not set forth in his Declaration." In answer why he did not declare for more than

6 months the Son told me last for September that he had heard his Father say that there was but one man alive that he knew of that was out with him in the service and that man was out only six months and he was advised to claim no more service than he could prove . on the above statement If you wish me to obtain an affidavit of Robert P. Hodgdon, and also of the Selectmen, what the character of Robert P. Hodgdon is, I will cheerfully do it. I understand you to say that the Children are not competent to claim what was due their Parents at their death by your communication. In the Pension Law of 1840 Page 19th Chapter 31st "Whenever any Revolutionary pensioner shall die the Secretary of War shall cause to be paid the arrears of Pension due to the said pensioner at the time of his death: and all payments under this Act shall be made to the Widows of the deceased pensioner or to her Attorney or if he left no Widows or if she be dead to the children of the pensioner" and by the seventh of June 1832 is not the same sentiment conveyed: "Shall be paid to his Widow, or, if he leave no Widow, to his children" by these Acts of Congress I feel authorized to claim the Pension that was due to Joseph Hodgdon and Sarah his Wife up to the time of their death.
In the case of Mrs Gay it is very important that her Pension Certificate should be returned for the reason that she is very poor and needs the little stipend to procure the everyday necessities of life. You returned her Papers to have the Clerks signature & procured the Secretaries signature and I have returned the papers to your Office.

The claim of Molly Soule presented by Freeman Bradford Esq. of Portland for increase of Pension is very necessary for the reason that she is also poor and the situation of her family is peculiar. She has one Son that is fifty-nine years old that is a cripple from his birth having never walked one step in his life; another Son about forty years old has not been able to walk a step for about 20 years. Mrs Soule has no means of buying the necessaries of life and is dependent upon her 40 dollar Pension. If she is to have an increase of Pension it would be very unprofit- able, but if she cannot have an increase, she very much needs her Pension Certificate returned. If you wish for an affidavit of the above facts, I will cheerfully procure it of the Selectmen of the Town, where the Widow lives. With much respect I remain Your obedient Servant Samuel Pitkindson
Otisfield March 23 d 1849
PS Please give me an answer as soon as convenient on the above subjects S. Pitkindson

Certificate of the Secretary of New Hampshire for J Hodgdon

State of New Hampshire, Office of Secretary of State.
I do 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 office, it appears that the name of Joseph Hodgdon is borne upon the Pay Roll of capt. Richard Shortridge's company, as a private in said comp y . with an allowance for one month and eight days service , commencing June 26, 1775. And upon "a list of those men in capt. Shortridge's comp y . in coll. Poor's Regt. who have rec d pay for their Regimental boats" is borne the the name of Joseph Hodgdon. Said list is Dated 1775 Oct. 4 th .
And upon the "Pay Roll for capt. Eph: Stones comp y in col Herk Mooneys Regt. which Regt. was raised by the State of New Hampshire for the defence of Rhode Island 1779, allow d 1 days pay for every 20 miles travel home after the discharge", is borne the name of Joseph Hodgdon, as a private in said comp y . with an allowance for Five months and twenty eight days service , commencing July 8, 1779, and ending January 4 th 1780. Said Joseph Hodgdon's place of abode was Berwick, and the town he went for was Nottingham, as appears from a Return in this office Dated, "Epsom 21 July 1779" and

signed "John M c Cleryollo."
And upon an "Account of the State Bounties for continental Soldiers who enlisted in the year 1781 for three years or during the War" is borne the name of Joseph Hoodgdon, Time of enlistment May 6, 1781. Amount paid him for Bounty £ 20-
Given under my hand and the Seal of the State, this 16 th day of June, A.D. 1849
Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of State

Mr. Adams

Otisfield February 21 st 1849
Sir I received your letter of Feb 5 th 1849, by the hand of Hon D Hammons, stating that the Commissioner has had the Papers of Joseph and Sarah Hodgdon under consideration; and he finds a discrepancy in them. In respect to the Application of Joseph Hodgdon, I was informed by the son, who lived with the old man, that when his Father made Application for his Pension, there was but one man alive, that he knew of; and he the witness was out but six months; and consequently he made Application only for the amount of time that he could make proof for. (this statement was made by the son last September to me.) The Secretary of New Hampshire stated in a letter to me, that for this service in 1775, the Pension department allows eight months service, that is, the service in which Joseph Hodgdon enlisted, and which terminated in Feb 1776. Again in 1779, he was out on a tour to Rhode Island; and in 1781 in May, he again enlisted for three years or during the War; if the War ceased on the 20 th of April 1783, He must (if you receive the Certificate of the Secretary of War as proof,) have been about thirty months out in the War of the Revolution. And now dear Sir; is it not a fact, and, proved beyond a doubt, that Joseph Hodgdon did serve in the Revolution any War a sufficient time to obtain a Pension, if he had made application for it himself, and he would have obtained it, if he had on the proof which has been furnished so done, and now the question arises, does the Law give a whole Pension to the Claimants, including the twenty Dollars per year, which Joseph Hodgdon received; if it does not

give them the Arrearages which was due their Parents at their death; why have there been so many cases that Heirs have obtained the Arrears, that was due their Parents in this vicinity; and now let us examine the discrepancy. You say the Town Clerk of Rockingham certifies that Joseph and Sarah Hodgdon were Married in November 1795 , and consequently according to the Secretary, he must be in the service and would not have been Married at that time. I acknowledge that this does not appear likely, the facts in the case are simply these; in the Month of October, I went to the town of Greenland in New Hampshire to obtain the Marriage Certificate of Joseph and Sarah Hodgdon, and obtained it of the Clerk of that Town; and if memory is not very treacherous, the Marriage was solemnized in 1784. I saw the record in the Town Book, and how the Certificate reads Rockingham I cannot conceive. Please to reexamine the Certificate, and see if the Clerk did make the gross mistake you say; the Department requires a Certificate from the Minister who officiated at the funeral, or the Physician who attended upon them. Judge Perkins, before whom the Declaration was made, said the evidence that I produced of the death of Joseph and Sarah Hodgdon, was sufficient, consequently I obtained no more evidence in the case. I went to two families in the neighbourhood, and the inmates said that the old People died as is set forth in the Declaration. I wish here to state the trouble, that it will subject me to, if you wish me to obtain the additional Certificates; it is 60 miles to Kendal, where the Claimants reside, and then 20 miles more to Lancaster, where I must obtain the Clerk's signature.

and then he charges one dollar for his Certificate. I would say, that if you would take the trouble to look at the record of the death of Joseph Hodgdon, that was forwarded to the Department, and compare it with the date in the Declaration, you perhaps would save me the trouble of procuring the affidavits which you mention.
In the case of Ebenezer Evans, you stated that the Pension Department had given him all that the Law allowed him in that Department , but if there was anything due him, the Navy Agent would pay him. Will you be kind enough to inform me of the Agents name, and also to send me Mr Evans Papers, which did not come with his Certificate.
If you can furnish me with a Copy of the Pension Laws by the Hon D. Hammons, I will send the money for it the first opportunity.
Please, if you have the opportunity, to give me some information on the above inquiries.
Very respectfully your obedient Servant Samuel P. Holerson
J. G. Benet Esqr Pension Office

I Stephen Merrow of lawful age depose and say, that, I assisted Joseph Hogdon late a pensioner of the United States in the War of the Revolution, when he made his declaration he stated to me that he had served much longer than he declared for, the reason why his whole statement was not put into his declaration at the time was that I advised him to declare for no more service than he could then prove and if he could prove more evidence of his alleged service he would get an increase of pension
Stephen Merrow
Leavitt State of New Hampshire Personally appearing the above named Stephen Merrow took and subscribed the above matter before me Nov 27 th 1849 (Mr George Pitman Justice of the Peace)
I Harry Willeshead of New Hampshire depose and say that I am well acquainted with Stephen Merrow of the above statement and said Merrow maintains a high and unquestioned character for truth, and, in my belief is fully entitled to credit.
Harry Willeshead

Reference to Hon Harry Tibbets M.C. also James Wilson M.C. or as Judge Woodbury of Stephen Merserve and Magistrate within

State of New Hampshire, Office of Secretary of State.
I do 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 office, it appears that the name of Joseph Hoddon is borne upon "A return of the Men raised by the State of New Hampshire under command of Col. Hercules Mooney for the Continental service at Rhode Island 1779". Time of Enlistment - July 8, 1779 - Town he went for - Nottingham
Given under my hand and the Seal of the State, this 20 th day of October, 1848
Thomas P. Dreadwell Secretary of State

A Stevens Deposition

On this twentyfifth day of April in the year of our Lord Onethousane Eight hundred and forty nine
I Robert P. Hodgdon of Randolph in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire being seventy years old in May next On Oath depose and say that My Father Joseph Hodgdon moved to my house in the town of Jackson in said County in the Spring of 1822 and he lived with me to the time of his death which took place in May the sixteenth one thousand eight hundred and thirty six and the Record of his death stands in my Large family Bible thus "Joseph Hodgdon died May 16th 1836" and I further testify that my father was a Pensioner of the United States and drew a Pension of twenty Dollars per year to the time of his death And I further certify that my Mother Sarah Hodgdon remained a Widow and lived with me to the time of her death which took place at my house in Randolph on the twentyeighth day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty three and stands recorded in the Family Bible thus "Sarah Hodgdon died April 28th 1843" And I further testify that I moved from the town of Jackson in said County in 1839 to the town of Shelburn in this County and in 1842 I removed to the town Randolph where I now live And I further certify that I
on the third line from the bottom where there is a blot it reads 1839

have heard my Father and Mother in conversation with their friends in speaking of their trials in the time of the War say that he got a furlow to come home to be Married which took place in his first campaign Vez 1875 signed in my presence Robert P. Hodgdon John C. Leighton.
(Coos County) ss April 25th 1879 State of New Hampshire Then the above named Robert P. Hodgdon appeared and made Oath to the truth of the above Deposition before me And I further certify that the testimony of the above witness is to be believed in and out of Court John C. Leighton Justice of the Peace

Robert N. Hodgdon Deposition

On this twentyfifth day of April in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty nine I Rufus Hodgdon in the Town of Randolph in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire of the Age of thirtytwo on Oath depose and say that I am Clerk of the Town of Randolph in said County and I find the Death of Sarah Hodgdon Recorded in the Town Records and stands thus "Sarah Hodgdon departed this life April 20th 1843 Aged Eighty nine years"
Signed in my presence Rufus Hodgdon } Town Clerk Johnson & Leighton } of Randolph
(Coos County) April 25th 1849 State of New Hampshire
Then personally appeared the above named Rufus Hodgdon and made Oath to the truth of the above Deposition by him subscribed before me
And I further certify that the above witness is credible and his testimony is to be believed in and out of court Johnson & Leighton Justice of The Peace

Rufus Hodgdon's Deposition

On this twentyfifth day of April in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty nine I Asa Stevens of Randolph in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire being at this time sixtyfive years old on Oath depose and say that on the twenty eighth day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty three I was called upon to assist at the death of the Widow Sarah Hodgdon and on the twenty ninth of the same month I dug a Grave for the Widow Sarah Hodgdon of said Randolph and have made a charge of one dollar for the above job and the charge stands thus April 23 th 1843
To digging a grave for the Widow Sarah Hodgdon one Dollar X 1.00 Received payment
Signed in my presence J. C. Leighton Asa Stevens Coos ss } Asa Stevens undertaker
Randolph April 25 th 1843
Then the above named Asa Stevens personally appeared and made Oath in due form of law that the above Deposition by him subscribed is true before me and I further certify that the testimony of the above witness is to be believed in and out of Court
John C. Leighton Justice of the Peace

I James M. Rice, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Coos State of New Hampshire, do hereby certify that John C. Leighton is a Justice of Peace within and for said County as within, his commission bears date, June fourteenth A.D. 1847, and will expire on the fourteenth of June, A.D. 1852, and the signatures to the annexed papers, purporting to be his are genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty fifth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty nine.
James M. Rice Clerk.

7258
Sarah Honegama, mo of Joseph
NY
Oct 4 July 1836
Mdm dird 28 April 43

State of New Hampshire
Coos County ss On the tenth day of November 1848 Personally appeared Robert P Hoodgum of Randolph in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire Aged Sixty Nine years who is the Son of Joseph Hoodgum deceased who lived in the Town of Lake- -Saw in the County of Coos & State aforesaid who drew a Pension of Twenty dollars per Some years before his death the said Robert P Hoodgum being first duly Sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. — That Joseph Hoodgums name is on the pay Roll of Capt Richard Shortridges Company with an allowance as a private in said Company with an allowance for one month and eight days Service commencing June 25 th 1775 it appears that the name of Joseph Hoodgum is borne upon "a return of the Men raised by the State of New Hampshire under Command of Col a Hercules Mowrey for the Continental Service at Rhode Island July 8 th 1779" — and upon a List of those Men in Capt Shortridges Company in Col Poons Regt. who recd pay for their Regimental costs is borne the name of Joseph Hoodgum, Said List is Dated Oct r 16 th 1775. and upon a paper headed "Account of State Bounties for Continental Soldiers who enlisted in the year 1781 for three years or during the war" is borne the name of Joseph Hoodgum Intitled May 6 th 1781 — referring being to the accompanying Certificate of the Secretary of State, — The said Joseph Hoodgum enlisted in Portsmouth in the State of New Hampshire and the said Robert P Hoodgum further States that his Father was a Revolutionary Pension of the United States

and that he drew the Sum of twenty dollars per annum, that he died on the 16 th day of May 1836 and that Sarah Hodgdon widow of the said Joseph Hodgdon died on the 28 th day of April 1843 that the said Robert P Hodgdon makes this declaration as heir to the said Joseph Hodgdon and Sarah Hodgdon for the purpose of obtaining the Pension that the said Joseph and Sarah may be entitled to up to the time of their death. That the said Sarah Hodgdon was entitled to a Pension after the death of her husband agreeable to acts of Congress of 1838 and 1843 and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named Joseph Hodgdon was a person and a Revolutionary Soldier and served as stated in the foregoing declaration Robert P Hodgdon
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Benja Hunking, Judge of Probate.
I Geo. A. Cossitt Register of Probate for the County of Coos & State of New Hampshire, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Robert P. Hodgdon for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this tenth day of November one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.
Geo. A. Cossitt Register of Probate

Hon J. L. Edwards Esqr
Sir I send the Declaration of Robert D r Hodgdon for an increase of Pension for his Father and also for a Pension for his Mother You will notice that the Secretary of New Hampshire has sent two Certificates of the services of Joseph Hodgdon if that is not correct please return them to me and I will send them to the Secretary and have them exchanged on the Declaration if there is any defect in that I will have it attended to immediately
Yours with much respect
Samuel P. Anderson
Otisfield December 10 th 1848
NB It is the wish of Mr Hodgdon that you would order the Payment of the Pension to be made at Portland if it can be done conveniently because his business is transacted there and he can send by Power any week
S. P. Anderson

I William Peveley of Portsmouth in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire, depose and say that I am eighty eight years of age. That I was born in said Portsmouth. I was well acquainted with Joseph Hodgdon who was in the Army of the American Revolution he married Sarah Peveley a Sister of mine, his place of residence was in Newington in said County of Rockingham; - At the time of said Marriage he was in the Army, he left the Army and came home to be married and then returned to the Army again the reason of his coming home to be married at that time, was that my Sister was in a family way at that time which induced him to get a permission to come home for the purpose of being married on that account; - Said Hodgdon returned to the Army as above stated immediately after his marriage as aforesaid
William Peveley
State of New Hampshire
Rockingham ss Portsmouth May 7 th 1850 Then personally appeared of William Peveley who subscribed to, and made Oath that the above affidavit was true -
Before me, John Bennett, Justice of the Peace
District of New Hampshire ss.
I, Albert R. Hatch, Clerk of the Circuit Court of the United States for this District do certify, that John Bennett is a Justice of the Peace duly authorized to administer & certify oaths, and that within the County of Rockingham, and that the foregoing is his signature.
Witness my hand & the Seal of said Court this Seventh day of May A.D. 1850.
Albert R. Hatch
Clerk &c.

I hereby certify that the within named deponent W m Peverly is a person well known by me, and that his statements are to be believed
John Bennett Justice of the Peace
I the within named William Peverly further depose and say that I never knew any other person by the name of Joseph Hodgdon capable of bearing arms at the time of the Revolution within named who either resided in Portsmouth or Newington had there been any other I think I should have known it -
William Peverly
State of New Hampshire
Rockingham ss Portsmouth May 31 st 1850
Personally appeared William Peverly and made oath by that the above statement by him subscribed is true
Before me
John Bennett Justice of the Peace

I George Colebath of Portsmouth in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire, depose and that I am nearly ninety three years of age. That I was well acquainted with Joseph Hodgdon, he was born in Newington he was my Mothers Brother, He knew that He was in the Army of the Revolution under Captain Shortridge. I knew that he left the army to be married and returned soon after he was married to the Army again, soon after he was married he moved to Portsmouth where he and his family resided during the war I never knew any other person by the name of Joseph Hodgdon who either resided in Newington or Portsmouth, Newington is an adjoining town to Portsmouth and has no public settlement or village in it
his George Colebath Mark
State of New Hampshire
Rockingham ss Portsmouth May 31 st 1850 Then personally appeared the above named George Colebath and subscribed and made oath to the above affidavit
Before me
John Bennett Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above named George Colebath is a person known by me and that his statements are to be believed John Bennett Justice of the Peace