Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3250, Thomas Heston, Penn.

SERVICE
Penn.
NUMBER
No. 3250
Heston, Thomas Hannah
CONTENTS
[Faint, illegible handwriting on the left side of the CONTENTS section]
[Faint, illegible handwriting on the right side of the CONTENTS section]

Let to S. A. Pugh, Apr 26/52.
D 8964 Pennsylvania Pals Dannah Heston Widow of Thomas Heston who was a Hope Private in the Resolution Penn Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 3 Cnty 16: September No 3 Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of March 1843 and sent to
S. A. Pugh Present
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844. ]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 , Page 109

6. Munch Neston Pao
I Jack
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

I hereby certify that the names of Thomas Heston and Hannah Clayton appear on the register of marriages for Gloria Dei (Swedes) church Southwark, as having been married by the Rev. Matthias Stultgren then rector of said church on the 29 th of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty-five - 1785.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this nineteenth day of July A.D. 1838.
J. C. Celay E. L. S. 33
Rector of the above named church -

Certificate of Land in the case of Hannah Heston Pierce,
H.
Mr Cole—

It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me that Hannah Heston deceased widow of the late Thomas Heston was an applicant for a Revolutionary pension for the services of her husband, that she died in the City of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania on the 16 th day of September 1843. having surviving children whose names are Bathsheba T. Whitney (late Heston), Mary Paul (late Heston), Rachel C. Heston, Sarah Jones (late Heston) and Harriett C. Heston, all of whom are now living, and are the only surviving children of the said Hannah Heston deceased.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 12 th day of March 1857
Wm D Kelley Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Philadelphia County
I certify that the Hon: Wm D. Kelley is one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Phila. Pa John Worbois Jr Kensington Phila. March 20. 1857

A true Copy. — from the Original as published. New Jersey, Gloucester County Oct r 18 th 1882.
Died on Wednesday the 13 th instant: Col. Thomas Herton, at his seat in Glassborough, after a short illness, which he bore with Christian fortitude and resignation. — In the death of this excellent man, the Army has lost a Brave Officer; Society a Valuable Ornament; Religion and Liberty have been deprived of a sincere friend and supporter. A wife of an affectionate companion, and his Children of a pious and tender father. The uniform companies of Capt. Brown's Company of Infantry, and Capt. Pissant's Cavalry, with several officers of other companies attended, to pay the last tribute to their departed friend. His remains were conducted to Trinity Church, Suedsborough; in Procession formed as follows. —
Capt. Pissant's Troop of Horse, Order and arms reversed.
Trumpeter and Trumpet in Mourning.
Capt. Brown's Company of Light Infantry, Order and arms reversed.
Drums and fifes in Mourning. Major of Brigade.
Clergy and Physicians.
Bier, Supported by Officers.
Mourning Citizens.
When the procession arrived at the Church, the Ranks opened and faced inward, forming an Avenue, through the rest of the procession passed. After the funeral service was read, a very affecting discourse was delivered by the Rev d Henry Felts. from Psalms. XXIII. - 4 "Yea though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff will comfort me." —
When the Troops formed again they moved to the Grave where they deposited the remains of their much esteemed Officer and friend. After which Three rounds of Musketry were discharged by Capt. Brown's Company. —

State of Pennsylvania. S.S.
In the matter of the Claim of Mrs. Hannah West  for  for a Pension - for widow of Thomas West  West
Hannah West  West on this twenty fifth day of July in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. Personally appeared in Open Court of Common Pleas before me of the Judge of said Court to be being first duly affirmed according to Law with me her deponent affirmation make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 1836: That she is now about seventy five  seventy five years of age: that she is the widow of Colonel Thomas  West formerly of the Revolutionary Army of the United States, the facts connected with his service therein being as follows.
That he was at the breaking out of the American war of the Revolution a Member of the Society of the People called Friends or Quakers and that while a Member, he joined a Volunteer Company then being raised in the City of Philadelphia that therefrom the said Society disowned him, and about that time said Company was formed for service, that they were as she believes from all the information she has obtained thereunder the Command of General Clifford  Clifford . That he was with General Washington at the Battle of Trenton and was promoted after that Battle to be a Lieutenant in the Company commanded by Captain Clifford  Clifford that he was subsequently in the Battle of Princeton that his Company was called the Continental  Continental Company being principally composed of the Young

belonging to that Society Members of the first Respectability. That Defendant never saw his Commission and believes that her husband has been in the service about ten years - Affirm and also thinks their uniform was as he turned up with red silk stockings & gaiters. That the deposition of his brother has to be annexed long taken at her instance. That the Court of Sessions County of Olney has only held its Sessions once in every three months. And that the touch from the Records of the Monthly Meeting etc. was given to her by Nathan Kite of Kite & Bird Meeting as he states, and is her to annexed. That she was married to her said husband Thomas Heston on the 29 th September 1785. and that he has lands etc. in the year 1802 - and that she has been named his heir since her death as appears by the testimony her to annexed.
Affirmed and subscribed.
Thomas Heston
before me in Open Court of Common Pleas this twenty first day of July A.D. 1838
Yours & H. H. Heston
Judge Common Pleas Olney County

Personally appeared in Open Court of Common Pleas for the City & County of Philadelphia William New- bolds who being first affirmed according to Law says that he was personally acquainted with Col Thomas Heston in his life time, and first made his acquaintance in the Year 1794. At present being Sixty Eight Years and upwards of age, that the said Thomas was then called Colonel Heston, At present resides to-day at that time and frequently since that the said Thomas had been in the Service in the Revolutionary War, That he is also well acquainted with his widow Hannah Hes- ton, and knows that he is deceased a good many Years, He further knows that the said Hannah is a woman of strict truth and veracity, and worthy of belief upon her oath.
Affirmed and subscribed before me as above stated in Open Court of C. Pleas July twenty first 1838 Rich d H. Randall
Wm Newbolds
Judge Com. Pleas. Philad a County
I Certify that it has been first proved before the Syndicate well known to me that Mrs. Hannah Heston is a woman of truth and respectability In the City of Philad a this twenty first day of July 1838. Rich d H. Randall

Pennsylvania Philadelphia County } ss.
I Robert Morris Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County Do Certify that the Hon. Archibald Randall Esq. before whom the within declaration on affirmation and affirmation were made and by whom the within Certificate and attestation were made and given and whom in his own proper hand writing has thereunto generally sub- scribed his name was at the time of so doing and now is One of the Judges of the said Court of Common Pleas (which is a Court of Record) duly Commission- ioned and qualified to all whose acts as such full faith and credit are and ought to be given as well in Courts of Judicature as elsewhere In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Philadelphia this 21 st day of July 1838.
Robert Morris Prothon.

Personally appeared before me one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Bucks and State of Pennsylvania - Jacob Heston a resident of said County, aged eighty years, who being duly affirmed, doth depose and say - That he is the brother of Col. Thomas Heston now deceased - that his brother joined Capt. Cooper's Thewait; Com.pany commonly called the Quaker Company in January 1776 that they joined the American Army almost immediately, and at the battle of Trenton and capture of the Hessians his brother was wounded and promoted to be a Lieutenant, and deponent saw him in his uniform - he was subsequently in the battle of Princeton, and remained a considerable time afterwards in the Army but from the great age of deponent he is unable to specify how long, but he is quite sure that he was more than one year in said Service - Deponent makes this Affidavit before the Justice because he is lame and unable to appear in open Court
Jacob Heston
Affirmed and Subscribed before me this Twenty fourth day of Septm r A.D. 1838 John Simpkinson

I certify that I know Jacob Heston well that he is a highly respectable Citizen - worthy of belief upon his oath or affirmation and that from his bodily infirmity he is unable to attend in open Court John Simpson
State of Pennsylvania
Bucks County
I Elias Kittson Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Bucks and State of Pennsylvania do hereby certify that John Simpson before whom the within acknowledgment was taken, was at the time of taking the same and now is a Regularly commissioned Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and has been duly qualified as such, and I verily believe the signature to be his
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Doylestown September 29 th 1838
Elias Kittson Pro Prothonotary

11. 06 5
Pennsylvania, Philada Hannah Heston  deed Widow of Thomas Heston who was a pensioner under the Act of _____ and who died in the 1803 of Phila in the State of Pennsylvania who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Copernicate of the Regt commanded by Col Mifflin in the Penna line for 6 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of March 1831 and sent L.A. Pease
Total amount, $ Present
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Weightman Clerk, Book 1 Vol. 1 , Page 221

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
Rev
File No. 3250
Cannah Heston
Widow
Thomas Heston
Pai. M. War.
Act: March 3 d 1843
Index:—Vol. A , Page 323
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Mr. Allison Take up this bill with the last of the
Rev. J. L. Edwards born of the
Aug 24/57

Hannah Weston p of Thomas Pennsylvania
let: 1 Feb: 42 Hon. C. Brown to Hon. J. C. Bates July 11. 42
Suspended let 38 Aug 75 38 C. J. Jack see let. 21 Feb 1839 Hon. D. D. Waggener C. J. Jack Jos. Butler sole agent, see letter to him Apr. 2. 1839. let 25 March 15 Apr 1839 to G. H. Brown let 27 Jan 1839 C. J. Jack in let 23 Aug 39 J. Butler Conrad Hon. N. G. Salmadge Sep 18. 40 let 41 S. C. Clarke (R. 725) Act 7 July 1838 (over)

3
Mrs Hannah H. H. H. Cate.
App. work of J. Stenbæk

In the matter of the Cause of Mrs. Deborah Weston for a Partition Doomedly appeared in Open Court of Common Pleas in and for the City and County of Philadelphia and this Twentieth - Day of March A.D. 1839 Jacob Stembach a resident of said City aged eighty four - Years and upwards who being duly sworn according to Law says That he was well acquainted with Thomas Weston the husband of the aforesaid Hannah Weston in his lifetime and knew him in the City of Philadelphia in the time of the American Revolution. That the said Wes- ton was by religious persuasion a belief a Quaker. That there was raised in said City a Company called the Liberty Company commanded by Captain Cooper the writer. That the said Weston joined said Company of Volunteers and was he a Serjeant and Officer in it - He frequently and being that he was a Lieutenant in it. As to the time of his service in said Company - The time is now so long past he cannot say, as he was himself in the Ar- my - but he knows that said Weston was always respected and known as an Officer in said Liberty Company My -
I whom I ask in bed before the one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in the City and County of Philadelphia, Edward King Vermont Judge 1 st Dist. Penna
Jacob Stembach
I certify that Jacob Stembach herein above sworn in this Cause, is a highly respectable Citizen, and entitled to full faith in his statements having been High Sheriff of the said City and County of Philadelphia. In testimony whereof Edward King Vermont Judge of the Court of Common Pleas do h

Pennsylvania Philadelphia County 3/10
I William A. Kline Esquire Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County Do Certify that the Honor abbe Edward King Esquire before whom the within affidavit was made this day in Open Court of said and by whom the within Certificate and attestation were made and given and whom his own proper hand Writing this certificate generally subscribed his name was at the time of so doing and now is Pres- ident Judge of the first Judicial District of Pennsylvania and presiding Judge of the said Court of Common Pleas of said County (which is a Court of Record and of law) duly Com- missioned and qualified to all whose acts such full faith and credit are and ought to be given as well in Courts of Indicare as thereout.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Philadelphia this 20th day of March 1839.
W. A. Kline Proth.

No 6
Hannah Heston now widow of Thomas.
Pa
Act 7 July 1838,
Married 1785 hus d died 1802
Adm o 6 mo s per p 20 per annum comm d 4 March 1836.
Act
38 Endy 16 Sept 1843. Payable to the Bathsheba J. Whiting, Mary Paul, Rachel C. Heston, Sarah Jones & Harriet C. Heston, only surviving children. M rs Roll
S. A. Peugh Rev. E. W. McLaughlin, H. of R. Present

Feby 18 th 1857.
In the case of Hannah Heston widow of Thos. Heston of Pa. It will be seen by an examination of the evidence that there is but one point and that is the length of time of service. That Thos. Heston was a soldier of the Revolution is proven beyond a doubt , & the only question is, how long did he serve? He was an officer a Lieutenant .
The fact of the service is conclusively proven by a record of the quaker church made during the war, which shows that he was expelled from the church for going to war. The fact that this record was made at the time, makes it the strongest & most satisfactory of any thing that could be introduced.
The fact is also established by traditional evidence of a very high character and also by the circumstance that he was buried with military honors in 1802 showing that at the time of his death which was (shortly) less than 20 years after the war he was considered then as a Revolutionary soldier .
But aside from this the fact of service is proven by the direct and positive evidence of Jacob Strenbeck who served with him . Also by the positive evidence of Jacob Heston & by the widow who swear that they knew the fact from personal knowledge.
As to the length of his term of service the widow swears it was 2 years. Jacob Heston in his first affidavit swears that he was in the war more than

a year as a Lieut. In his 2 nd Affidavit he swears that he served at one time more than six months and that all his service was more than 18 months and he can not now recollect all of his service - This witness was 80 years old in 1888 - It is manifest from all the proofs that he served at least 18 months -
Where the service is conclusively proven, It would be gross injustice to reject a claim altogether, because the exact length of service is not established - The true rule in such cases is to allow them, but scale down the length of service to a period short enough to save the government from paying too much -
E. W. M c Gough

Hannah Weston Miden Thomas Oct 38. Penn a dist
Thos. J. Weston Huston Pa 4 th October 1870 nd 10 th " "
James H. Douglass Esq. Washington D.C.
Oct 5 1870 act 38 Pa

Oct 38 "pa"
OCT 4 6 PM
Samuel H. Pugh Esq. Washington D.C.
Samuel H. Pugh M.D. Thomson Oct 38. P.O. Box 5
Thos. J. Hester Historical Soc 4th & C Streets S.W. Oct 38

Hestonville Oct. 4. 1850.
My dear Sir
I was much pleased to hear of Your success in procuring a Pension for the Widow of my late Uncle Col l Edward Heston of the Revolutionary army. Have I been in any way instrumental in producing so desirable a result; if so, you will please say so in a letter addressed to me in Hestonville Blockley Township Philad a County Pa a , as it would be gratifying to me to know, that I had aided in having Justice done to the memory of my late Uncle, and also in adding to comforts of my poor old Aunt in her declining years, who is now comparatively happy.
The application of the Widow of his Brother, the late Lieutenant Thomas Heston which was made some years ago without success, and the proofs of which are now on file in the Pension Office is equally just; and I had supposed from the tenour of a letter addressed to me by Mr. Edwards, then Commissioner of Pensions, that it would have been allowed; but it remains up to this date in statu quo; you are therefore hereby fully authorized and empowered to examine all such Papers, and to make such use of them as the circumstances of the case may seem to require; on the same terms on which you acted in the case of the Widow of Edward Heston.
I am Sir
S. B. Pugh Esq r Washington D.C.
Your most O bd Serv t
Thos. J. Heston

Philadelphia March 28 th 1839
To James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir.
Please to have such returns, as may be made in favour of my Claim, as to pension, under the act of July 7 th 1838. Sent under cover directed to myself. To the care of Joseph Butler of this City. Which application, has been heretofore to Col. Jack which favour will much oblige, present. — Your Humble Servt. — J. Hannah Heston
Rachel C. Heston Harriet C. Heston

Mar 30.
Cam
Hannah Hester
pr
[Faint handwritten signature or mark]
James Le Edwards Esq Commissioner of pensions
Washington D.C.
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]

J L Edwards Esq. Phila a March 28 th 1839 Comm r of pensions
Sir.
I herin enclose you the application of Mrs Hannah Hester, witnessed by her two Daughters, who solicits your kind attention to her case. Mrs Hester being confined to her bed by indisposition some weeks. — her application has been made through C. J. Gack.
Respectfully your Hum l Serv t Joseph Butler
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]

I assign my agency to N. Leake Esq. Bradford

to Hon. S. L. Edwards,
Com d of Pensions, in Acad Soy of Over New York is duly authorized by the Surviving children of Hannah Heston, who made application for a pension from the City & County of Phil a Pa, to make any arrangement, as to a pension, due to the said late Hannah Heston; & to accept & compromise with you in all respects for the same, as fully as we the surviving children could do Dated Phil a Nov 1846
Thomas J. Heston
Harriet C Heston Rachel C Heston

In Council, —
Philadelphia August 10 th 1779
Present, his Excellency Joseph Reid Esquire President, George Bryan Esquire Vice President. Mr. Mackey, Mr. Read, Mr. Harulright and Mr. Wrie.
An Order: issued to Lieutenant Colonel Edward Weston for Two hundred dollars for services done to General Potter, from the Fourteenth of November one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven to the third of January one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight, as certified by the said General, at four Dollars per day.
Pennsylvania Jr.
I do certify that the above is a true extract from "Minutes of Council" as the same is recorded in this Office in Vol: 2 nd pages 63 & 65.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the Secretarys Office at Harrisburg this 11 th day of Decr. A D 1846
J Miller Secretary of the Commonwealth

Extracted from the records of the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia. Taken from Minute Book from 1771 to 1777. Page 353. -
At a Monthly Meeting of friends of Philadelphia, held the 26 th day of the first month 1776.
+ + + + + + " Thomas Heston (painter) and + + (carpenter) who were educated in Religious profession with us, having in this time of outward commotion assumed a warlike appearance, and associated with others in training and exercising to learn the art of war, and upon being lovingly treated with advocate the same, and appear unconvinced of the grounds of our Christian testimony; we do therefore in support of our Peaceable principles, declare that each of them hath separated himself from us, and that we cannot esteem them and each of them a member of our Religious Society, until he comes to see, through Divine favour, and to condemn his outgoing, which is our desire. "
I certify the above to be a true extract from the records of Philadelphia Monthly Meeting -
(Nathan Kite) Clerk to said Meeting
Philadelphia June 19 th 1838

V106 1 Barnes Keller Pennsylvania
1838.
Barbara Keller

Pennsylvania Philadelphia County } ss.
I Robert Morris Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County Do Certify that the  the  above  above  copy  copy before whom the within af- fidavit was made and whom his own proper hand writing has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing and now is an alderman and justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified to all whose acts are such full faith and credit are and ought to be given as well in courts of Indication as thereof In Testimony whereof have here- unto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Philadelphia this 23 d October 1838.
Robert Morris Prothon.
Copy and

I the undersigned J. C. Clay do hereby certify that I hold the Situation and Office of Pastor of the above Church and that the above is a true extract from the Records thereof as certified by me the date of which is expressed in the Records thereof in full legal Character and figures as follows - 29 th Septem r in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty five 1785
J. C. Clay -
Storm & Gals in hole before on the Twenty Ninth day of October A. D. 1835.
Adkins County W. Va.
Blount County.

J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Revenue Washington D.C. H. C. Brown H. D.

To
Philad a Jan y 1942
J. S. Edwards Esq r
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Having recently been shown a letter of yours addressed to Hon ble C. Clark Esq r , in relation to the claim of Hannah Heston, Widow of the late Colonel Thomas Heston of the State of New Jersey, whose said claim is now before you for a Pension, which she claims herself entitled to by law for services rendered by her late Husband as a Lieutenant of Volunteers in the service of the United States during the War of the Revolution.
In the said letter you state that Jacob Heston, the Brother of the said Hon ble Heston, makes oath to the facts, of the said Thomas Heston having performed more than Eighteen Month Actual Service in the Army of the United States at the time specified; but that you but that you do not feel warranted in granting a Pension, from the want of a particular specification of the dates.
Under the the above circumstances I feel it my duty to state to you, all that I know in relation to the aforesaid claim, and also, how I came to a knowledge of the facts. — I am now fifty seven years old, I am the Son of Isaac Heston, Brother to the afore said Thomas Heston, and who was his Partner in the Paint & Plumber business in the City of Philad a at the time above specified; and also served in the Army with him during the fore part of the term of service for which a Pension is now claimed; but not in the same Company.
The facts are as follows viz. — Thomas Heston, belonged to a Volunteer Company under the Command of Capt s Coppers Thwait, commonly called the Quaker Company; (most of its members being Quakers); Isaac Heston, (my Father) belonged originally to a Rifle Company, under the Command of Capt s Thomas Forrest, called the Indian Company; because they dressed as Indians. This latter Company was dissolved without being called into service; but towards the close of the Year 1776. when Genl l Washington retreated through Jersey, and immediately after he crossed to the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware with an Army reduced to less than two thousand men, the Quaker Company under the Command of Capt s Coppers Thwait, was called into actual service ; and a Militia Company to which my Father, the afore said Isaac Heston belonged was immediately organised under Lieutenant James Ash Smith and marched into actual service a few Weeks after, — Both these Companies crossed the Delaware

Delaware on Christmas Eve immediately previous to the Battle at Trenton, the Company to which my Father belonged; in the Division under the Command of Genl. Cadwallader, crossed below the falls; and the Company to which his Brother Thomas Heston belonged; in the Division under the Command of Genl. Washington crossed above the falls. The Company to which my Father belonged, was discharged shortly after, having served one month & twenty four days for which they were paid ; the Company to which Thomas Heston was attached remained at Camp during the Winter Campaign of 1777. and perhaps longer. He fought at the Battle of Trenton, was engaged in many severe skirmishes, and was engaged in the heat of the Battle at Princeton, and took some prisoners; he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant whilst at Camp, and Capt. Cooper thrust to that of Colonel.
The above information I obtained from my Father and his Brother Edward Heston, who was also actively engaged in the War; he was a Colonel of Militia, and was wounded and taken prisoner on the West of the Schuylkill near the City of Philad a , whilst the British had possession of that place. It was also a subject of frequent conversation in my Father's family from the time of my earliest recollections to mature manhood; and the above facts are strongly imprinted on my memory, because, when a mere Boy, I felt a strong interest in what I heard, and I frequently, asked my Father, in his leisure hours, to relate to me all he knew about the Revolutionary War; and particularly, the parts himself and Brothers had acted in it; together with their losses and sufferings; which were very great: all of which he naturally complied with.
I can also state, That in 1838-9. whilst I was at Harrisburg as a Member of the Legislature, I searched the Auditor Genl's Office for the Records of the Pennsylvania Line of the Revolutionary Army, for the purpose of obtaining the information you now require; but could find none of any moment: on inquiry of the Auditor Genl., he informed me that they had been sent to Washington some years ago; after the Pension Laws had passed; and were said to have been burned together with the Office in which they were deposited, supposed to be the Treasury Office. I have likewise a letter from J. R. Shunk Esq o Secretary State in reply to an enquiry made to him on the subject a few days ago; stating the same facts. I think therefore that it is an extreme hard case that Mrs. Heston or any other Widow whose claims are similarly situated, should be deprived of the benefits intended to result from the passage of the various Pension Laws. M rs Heston —

merely because they cannot furnish the particular dates of the commencement and termination of the term of service for which a Pension is claimed: And particularly so; when, as in Mrs. Westons case, a greater length of time, in actual service has been positively proven, than the law actually requires; & when, also; the Records, which would furnish the required dates, and all other information that could be required; are placed beyond the reach of any claimant in Pennsylvania: for the reasons afore stated. —
Recapitulation
The Company to which my Father belonged, was in actual service one Month & twenty four days for which they were paid ; (this I have from an original Record, namely; the pay Role of Lieutenant Commandt. Ash's Company, in which my fathers name is enrolled; it is now in the hands of his son Genl. Ash of this County; formerly Member of Congress from the Third district Pa.; who assures me, that it is in the hand writing of his late Father) Capt. Copparthwait's Company to which Thomas Weston belonged was out some Weeks sooner; (according to my information) say three; this would make two months and two Weeks service, up to the time my father was discharged, which was about the first of Jan'y, 1777: that Weston he served during the Winter Campaign 1777. which lasted beyond the first of June, (according to my information) this makes seven months and two Weeks actual service, of which I have no more doubt than I have of my now writing to you. —
I was always informed, that the Quaker Company were called into service for a six months tour, and performed more than that term; and recd. great credit for bravery in the Field. —
All of which is respectfully submitted.
State of Penn. } County of Philad. } S.S.
Thomas J. Weston
Then personally appeared before me one of the Justices of the peace in & for the County of Philad.; Thos. J. Weston a citizen of said County, and on his solemn affirmation, did depose and say that the foregoing statements in relation to the claim of Hannah Weston, of the City of Philad. to a Pension from the Government of the United States is true to the best of his knowledge & belief.
West. Feb.
25 th 1842
Henry Leech J.P.

Thos J. Heston 15 th Decr. 1850, and 17 th " " and "
2 C. H. Pease A. Pease, P. Pease

S. H. Pugh, Esq. Dear Sir.
Yours of the 30 th Oct. came duly to hand & has remained unanswered owing to my absence from home & indisposition since my return. I can obtain no additional testimony in the case of Thos. Weston, my own Statement I think is already there; the facts are as follows.
Thomas Weston & my Father were Partners in business in the City of Philad. a during the Revolutionary War; they each belonged to separate Volunteer Companies; that to which Thos. belonged was mainly composed of spirited young men belonging to the society of Friends, by reason of which, they were nicknamed the Quaker Company; the Cap. t name I have forgotten. My Father belonged to a Company of Rifles which was called the Indian Company, (they wore the Indian dress,) commanded by Cap. t Sam. l Ash (Father to Gen. l Ash now living in the City) & who has in his possession the Original Muster Rolls.
Some time before the Hessians were taken at Trenton, the Company to which Thos. was attached was called into service, and immediately before that period that to which my Father belonged, was also called out; both crossed the Delaware on the night in which the Hessians were taken at Trenton. Thomas under the command of Gen. l Washington, above the falls, & my Father under Gen. l Cadwalladar below the falls. — The Company to which my Father belonged was mustered in & paid off in about two months (tho' I know from the original Pay Roll now in the hands of Gen. l Ash) Thomas remained at Camp and was in the Battle at Princeton, where where the Company gained some credit, having taken a number of Prisoners: after which the Captain (whose name has gone from me) was promoted to a Colonelcy in the Standing Troops; & Thomas to a Lieutenancy in the Company.

to which he was attached, & in that capacity returned to the City in full command of the Company; the Cap t being sick or absent at the time, and was Lieutenant At least 18 Months during the war. Shortly before the British Army entered Philad a . my Father & Thomas as Partners, had invested all their capitals in the Plumbering business then & for years after, one of the most profitable branches in the City, and when the British were about to enter Thomas (being unmarried) retired to Jersey, where they had also Salt works near the Sea Shore: My Father remained in the City with a hope to take care of their property there: but unfortunately for him a Company of Refugees from Buck County (where my Father was Born & brought up) joined the British Army, & a portion of them were quartered in his House, they knew, & informed on him, & he was ordered to appear at a certain hour & take the Oath of allegiance to the Crown, or go to Prison, he promised to comply, and immediately took my Mother & two small Children with nothing but the clothing on their backs, got past the Picket guards, & fled to the Country, on foot, where he earned his living by his labour in the fields, When the British left the City he returned, found their property all destroyed, as also their Salt works in Jersey, they were left destitute.
The above facts are as well known to me as tho' I had been living at the time & cognizant of them. I heard them related in the days of my earliest recollection by my Father, Mother, Uncles, Aunts, & many others, when no Pensions were thought of; and I have felt their adverse effects from my Childhood to the present day.
When I arrived at mature years, knowing that my Grand Father had been wealthy wealthy, & had provided well for his Children, I inquired minutely into the causes which led to my Father's embarrassed condition in life; I have them also from a wealthy & most

respectable gentleman (now no more) by the name of William Shepard, with whom my family were very intimate; who had belonged to Proctor's Artillery and who crossed the Delaware with my Father on the night aforesaid, and who was well acquainted with all the circumstances.
I have been thus minute & lengthy in order to show that I cannot be mistaken.
Very respectfully
Yours &c.
H. J. Heston
Hestonville Dec. 15. 1850.
United States of America
Be it known that on the day of the date hereof before me Joseph Proctor Notary Public for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania duly Commissioned and sworn residing in the City of Philadelphia and by law authorized to administer Oaths & Affirmations. Personally appeared Thomas Heston who being by me duly affirmed according to law did declare and say that the facts and circumstances set forth and described in the preceding statement subscribed by him are just and true to the best of his knowledge and belief.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal this seventeenth day of December A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty Joseph Proctor Noty. Pub.

No
Sarah Hester
letter to Hon. C. D. Ingersoll
July 13. 1846. —
Set Hon. E. W. McLaughry Aug t 8/50
Nathan Lake Esq.
March 18 th 1847
Act 7 th June 1848 —

House of Rep.
7 August 1850.
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir
Allow me again to call your attention to the suspended case under the Act of 1836 of Rachel Brown Widow of James Brown of New York. I am very anxious to have the case decided,
Your Oht Servt.
E. Wm. Ganguhy
See letter of this date filed with this case, stating that it was the claim of Hannah Weston, about which he wishes to enquire also wd. of Mr. Brown.

Washington City D.C. 12 th Jan y 1852.
Hon J. B. Heath Sir
I believe the enclosed give additional evidence in the case of Hannah Heston widow of Absalom. She has been pensioned under act 1828. at the rate of $20. 00 per annum on the Phila. Pension Roll. There is evidence in the Com re diff s and to award her to 16 or 18 months of Settlement in the Revolution, I respectfully ask a return = Cate therefor.
Yours A. H. Hughes,

To Hon S. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Sir I have appointed Arad Ives of Ovid N. Y. the agent for all of the surviving children of Hannah Heston late of Phil a Pa who applied for a pension from the State of Pa, to investigate our claim to the pension due to our said mother at her decease Hestonville Phil a ?
June 1846 {
Thomas J. Heston

The objections to granting a pension in the attached case, with the requirements of the Department, & a history or a copy of the alleged service claimed to have been performed etc. is respectfully asked for

Hon S. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir
I have appointed Brad Log of Dutch New York agent to act in all things for me the widow in procuring or investigating my _____ claim to a pension.
Dated Huttonville Pa June 28 th 1846.
Sarah Heston

Is the marriage satisfactory if so, what is the objection to granting a pension in the attached case, what service is claimed & what are the requisitions of the Department, what service is proven and admitted etc

Mr Edw. Jones
Com r P. M. Jones

Dear Sir,
The papers in this case are with you. We up on this share, from the evidence, our mind is satisfied of the facts of service, marriage let that evidence be what it may. To save copying, will you favor me with a brief state- ment of what the evidence is, with points of objection, unless, upon a review, you think there Mrs. Horton entitled to a pension. I am shut up to-day, and I should call upon you personally.
Yr. obs. servt. —
H. V. Dales
Jan 31. 1842.

Auditor General's Office } Glasgow July 17: 1850 }
Lt. A. Pugh, Esq.
Dear Sir,
Your letter has been referred to me for examination, and in reply to the inquiry made, I have to inform you, that the name of Mr Edward Hutton does not appear upon any rolls in this Department . I find however an Edw a Hutton upon said rolls, who rec d Retrenchment for 1 & 2 d - the sum being small, it would not show long service.
I am, Sir,
Respg. Your ob t Serv t James Beddie
CER

Ms. of Rep!
7 August 1850.
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir
In my letter to you of this morning I made a mistake - I designed to request you to decide the case of Mrs Heston widow of Lieut Col Edward Heston I handed you the additional proofs in person about two days since. Will you be kind enough to decide the Heston case as soon as you can. I mentioned the case of Mrs Brown by mistake.
Your Obedt. Servt.
Edw. M c Laughry

Mr. A. C. McLaughlin Miss Weston, Prof. J. L. Colvocoresses, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City

Washington City, 10 th April 1839.
Col. J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir,
As I shall be absent from the City to day, I send you the enclosed letter from T. C. Clarke Esq. to me, and will call at your Office in a day or two.
Please cause an examination to ascertain whether all the papers referred to are on file in your Office.
I have the honor to be, Very Respectfully, Yr. Ob t S r .
Edm. F. Brown
(11)

In ab Pa Aug 23
H. Edwards Esqr
[Signature]
Commissioner of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington D.C.

Philadelphia Aug. 21 st 1859
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir. — On the application of Mrs. Hannah Heston widow of Capt. Thomas Heston (dec'd) who's papers were prepared and forwarded by C. J. Jack — some time in the fall of 1833. Not yet acted on for want of further proof. every enquiry has been made, amongst those aged veterans who are still left. but nothing has transpired as to his length of service. several can testify they knew him to have been in service, but, how long they know not. — A friend of Mrs. Heston's, by name Thomas C. Clark, wrote to a friend in Washington. who in answer, mentioned that nothing could be granted, but as a private of Militia. and not more than twenty-dollars p r annum. Should it be the case, (I am authorized to say for the old Lady) that altho' a trifle will be very acceptable at this time of life. she being very distressed from sickness. that she wishes if any thing may be granted, you will please to have the same directed to herself. to the care of Joseph Butler. as is heretofore requested. — To give you some acct. of the standing of her Husband the daughters have desired me to give you a copy of a slip cut from a newspaper as an order of his funeral. &c. —
I am Sir Most respectfully Your Hum ble Serv t . Joseph Butler

John Warner My Dear March 8 Dear Brother
I'm at Man Hamah Road
St. Lawrence Can Bonne Bay Washington 20/6
Mr. J. Pa P. N. S.
Hamak Heaton

Leicester March 8. '39
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions
Sir. It seems the application of Mrs Hannah Weston widow of Col Weston has been rejected - I have been so informed by a friend of Mrs Weston, who desires me to enquire if the Testimony of Mr Isaac Weston was before the Commissioner, and in what respects the evidence is deficient. I have not seen any part of the evidence upon which the application is founded and of course cannot judge of it. My interest that I feel arises from the fact, that when a small boy I attended Col Weston his funeral, which was conducted with Military Honors, and always understood he served in the Revolutionary war -
Very respectfully &c Charles Estlin

Haver y Rth Dec: 28th 1842
Dear Sir:
The accompanying letters have been sent to me - which you gave them your consideration, & let me know the result?
If you could, on those cases where the testimony is deficient, state what the deficiency is, the deficients would better understand the matter.
Yours
Respg E Brown
Ed. Edwards Esq. Com-Pen

Mr. Ingersoll requests the Commissioner of Pensions to do whatever may be right with the application stated by the papers herewith
July 4, 66

Feb 16
I'm ab you
Mrs. Beaton
J. J. Edwards Esq.
(Commissaire of Revenue)
H. D. D. Wagener (A. Q.)
Washing the City P. C.

My Dear Sir!
Will you please notice the Enclos. & your prompt attention will oblige -
Yours Respectfully.
David D. Hagen
Richard Morris.

Certificate of Jacob Heston in the case of Hannah Heston a Pension Petitioner.

Pennsylvania Bucks County, ss:
I John S. Bryan, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, do certify, that Samuel Atkinson Esq. before whom the foregoing deposition was taken, is
a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected and commissioned, and the signature purporting to be his is Genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, this 18 th day of August A. D. 1841.
John S. Bryan Prothonotary.

This is to certify that I, Jacob Heston Senior, of Wrightstown, Bucks County, State of Pennsylvania do, from my own personal knowledge and recollections, declare that Thomas Heston, late of Glassboro' Gloucester County, State of New Jersey, deceased, was enrolled in the military service of the United States, in the war of the revolution; and I do further declare and testify that although the great lapse of time, does not allow me to testify with regard to the name of his particular company or officers, or the particular date of his services, with sufficient accuracy or distinctness to warrant me in making the said names and dates, a part of this, my affidavit, I have nevertheless no hesitation whatever in testifying, as I now hereby do, to the well known fact that he, the said Thomas Heston, deceased, was really engaged in the actual service and in the army, of the United States during the war of the Revolution for six months, at one and the same time; and that altogether he was so engaged and employed, in the military service of the United States, for more than eighteen months; during a portion

whatever in testifying, as I now hereby do, to the well known fact that he, the said Thomas Heston, deceased, was really engaged in the actual service and in the army, of the United States, during the war of the Revolution for six months, at one and the same time; and that altogether he was so engaged and employed, in the military service of the United States, for more than eighteen months; during a portion of which time, he, the said Thomas Heston, was engaged in actual service on the field of battle at Princeton, at Trenton and other places.
The testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty one
witness present at signing
Jacob Heston
Mary Johnson Samuel H. Wilson
Bucks County ss.
On the 16 th day of August A.D. 1841
before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County of Bucks, came the above named Jacob Heston Senior who being duly qualified according to Law, does declare that the above deposition is just and true as therein stated according to the best of his knowledge and belief. and I do further certify that I am personally and well acquainted with the above named Jacob Heston Senior, and that he is a respectable man & of good repute for veracity and credibility - Witness my hand and Seal the day and year above written.
Samuel H. Wilson

J. L. Brown 3rd Regt
Dear Sir,
I forward you now this Affidavit in the case of Mrs. Hannah Hester. This is all the evidence she can produce of her having been in the capacity of Lieutenant in Captain Cooper's Wolf Mountain Company. As regards the time of actual service by them - It is impossible at this distance of time after the event occurred to name to them or specify them particularly. I have made every exertion but in vain - Upon this subject of service of the militia & volunteers of this State I beg leave with all respect to make some further remarks - First Captain Cooper's Mountain Company was one of the associated Companies of Pennsylvania - This Company was organized in January 1776. By referring to Sparks large life & writings of Washington the following facts appear speaking of the Hightown Camp: page 451 volume 2nd - "The author says. "More than was to be obtained at the Continental Congress from the militia of Pennsylvania"

The law in many lands and has lasted till the present time in the following, unless some one has changed by Congress They were then upon being at New York in the the of General order. This was July 5. 1776 - and again in page 458. Same book. General Washington says. It is with great pleasure that I have that the abolition from Penn sylvania will be in New York every day to form the flying camp on the same page he says. "The are the only ones who with which the Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania and the other Comps have acted in order to forward the anticipated abolition of that State to the future till the time to compare the flying camp union. Strongly do this letter is dated July 10. 1776. in page 37. John 4th is his address. On the officers and soldiers of the Pennsylvania association dated 8 August 1776 - and the note says. Militia from Pennsylvania who had continued to serve until the flying camp could be other tied - again in page 73. dated 2 Sept 1776 he says I have advised General order to send the men into and for the flying camp to this place about 1000 in number, and to try in the the abolition of practicable to make a division upon Staten Island - at page 75 we have his order to General order - dated Sept

3. 1776. again at page 197. He says: I hope to read a considerable number of Pennsylvania Association. They seem to give a few things again - again at page 213. Here is: 1776 the says: Genl. Mifflin was by successful with the militia of Pennsylvania. We turned out with great spirit, and he mentions that there were 1500 to 2000 men and a gun at page 220. He says: Since I am on the road I have been joined by 2000 of the City militia & I could fill the letter in the extent to the same effect - but I close for the present in the thing at page 261. dated January 5. 1777. after speaking of the Pennsylvania Association he says: I fear that from Philadelphia will scarcely be able to the leadership of a writer can prove much longer etc. I must also know the justice from you to add that they have undergone more fatigue and hardship than I expected all this; especially Adams would have done at this moment Deacon - and at page 281. He says: my complaint is that he can of the Pennsylvania Association; for days most of the City militia have returned to their homes. They must then be discharged again he says. page 283. The time of a County Brigade in the Genl. Mifflin comes out in opposite - from all the facts and many more to the same end - it is apparent that from the time that the British landed in the Jerseys in June 1776. That the militia and volunteers of Pennsylvania were constantly in service - some of course not all the time and that the majority of them have been there. There can be

arguments to prove the various terms of divorce. When they knew the private of divorce as they had then lived there, it was out and unjust. She has proved that her husband was at least 6 months in the United States - and that he was a Christian and a member of the Methodist of St. John - they moving afterwards - I hope Sir with friends her Christian  Antipathy to be held from the with  them  character of her husband She is now  justly  entitled -
Yours affecly
C. J. Sacke
Mar 25. 1839.

Dec 8. 1844
Pa
J. G. Edward Esqr.
[Handwritten signature]
Pension Office Washington D.C.
*
11/11

Extract from "J. L. Edwards to Hon N. P. Talmadge",
dated 18th Sept 1841
Chicago Nov 24/41 3
Sir,
Your note to the Hon Mr. Talmadge, of the 18th Sept. last, and which from some unaccountable cause I am just in receipt of, appears not to have been written with any reference whatever to the Deposition of Mr. Jacob Heston, which I had the honour of forwarding to you through the Hon Mr. Talmadge.
In that Deposition, there is nothing "general" or "indefinite", but on the contrary his plain, direct declarations of his positive knowledge in the subject, made in as clear, distinct terms, as the language is susceptible of; & precisely the description of evidence which, in a previous communication from your office, was declared to be wanted .
The impression that the said deposition has either been entirely overlooked or confounded with a among other equally cogent reasons other matter, is further strengthened by your remark that Mrs Heston "made a communication [tangential on this subject] in April 1779 " *
No communication of this date, so distinctly stated in your letter to the Hon. Mr. Talmadge now before me, was of course ever made. The inference of which I have stated is therefore irresistible.

The Agency you refer to, and all others are hereby rescinded by Mrs. Heston, who does so with a well founded prejudice against the system of "Pension Agencies" which have to so insufferable an extent, perverted the generous bounty of Government, into a scheme of fraud; by exorbitant charges & commissions, fleecing the poor soldier & plundering the widow.
I am not an "Agent", but under a strong convic- tion of the justice of her claim, from my own personal knowledge of her history, as well as at her urgent solicitation, I trust you will allow me, very respectfully, to solicit your particular attention to this matter.
Your most obedt.
Thos. C. Clarke
J. L. Edmund, Esqr. Pension Office Washington City.
Phila. Nov. 25 1841.
This is to certify that I have revoked & do hereby annul & make void all former powers or authority granted to any person whatever and appoint Thos. C. Clarke with full authority to act in my behalf.
Elizabeth Heston

† Extract from "J. L. Edwards to Hon. N. P. Talmadge", under date Sept. 18. 1841.
"In a communication in April 1779 she specially requested that Joseph Butler should be regarded as her sole Agent".
* Among those "other reasons" is the allegation, made in your letter to the Hon. Mr. Talmadge, that "her late husband was in service some 12 or 18 months in the Quaker Company and Militia of Philadelphia ".
Now this "indefinite" phrase " some 12 or 18 months " does not appear in the deposition at all. To the best of my recollection, the " Quaker Company " or Militia of Philadelphia is not there. Of course the letter could not have been written with reference to the particular deposition forwarded, by me, through the Hon. Mr. Talmadge. To that I beg leave again to ask your attention, at your earliest leisure, Very Respectfully
J. L. C. 

No 6. page 98. vol 1.
Hannah Heston Jr
act 7. July 38 th
m 85. d. '02

Dr G.W.
I enclose You the amended Papers of my Hannah Heston. The affidavit of Jacob Heston has been taken anew - and properly attested by the Prothonotary of Bucks County - She states distinctly that her brother was a Lieutenant in Captain Cooper's Company - She saw him in his uniform - The Commission being lost. There is the documentary evidence of it to be procured - The only evidence in the Office at Harrisburg being the pay rolls and there giving no positive proof of the fact, it only appearing by a pencil from the absence of pay - a certificate of which fact I have already sent You, in addition to which I feel sure from my inquiries that there are no pay rolls of Militia previous to 1780 at Harrisburg - She also states that her brother entered the Army in January 1776 - was in the Battle of Trenton in December 1776 - and the Battle of Princeton Princeton January 1777. and that he was more than a year in the service - I presume from a number of facts which have come to my knowledge that although the Militia were called out in short terms that the Volunteers served differently and longer - I hope this evidence will be sufficient to support this claim -
In my Statutory Case I hope the claim will be more clearly allowed for the 8 months and the Certificate sent the
Yours affly
C. J. Sack
Oct 25. 1888

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Hesum, John GRADE Private LINE New York
WARRANT NUMBER 7236 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Jan. 6, 1791 to  not shown.
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.