Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1284, Ephraim Houghton, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Houghton, Ephraim
No. 1287
Polly
B.L.Wt. 14984-160-55
CONTENTS
Blank lined area for contents
Blank lined area for contents

8852
New York
Ephraim Houghton
Saratoga in the State of New York
who was a private in the - company Captain Wilson - of the Reg. Col Key - in the Department for 2 years.
scribed on the Roll of New York the rate of 80 - Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th day of April Nash. 1830. and sent to Aaron Dallston N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833. $160. Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th Sep 1833. . . 40 $200
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by George Taylor Clerk Book 6 Vol. 4 Page 59

May 11 May 12 May 13 May 14 May 15 May 16 May 17 May 18 May 19 May 20 May 21 May 22 May 23 May 24 May 25 May 26 May 27 May 28 May 29 May 30 May 31

N. 12470
Ephraim Houghton
Interrog
X Q. Did you in the foregoing statement say you received a letter with the contents in the case above
James D. ...
2. Are the papers described as to form a manuscript, and if so, in what respect.
3. In the statement, supported by the affidavits, the documentary proof, the documentary evidence, etc.
4. Where did he receive when he entered the service.
5. In what respect was he engaged?
   Residence Age Married Children Rank Regiment     Ballston 20 Yes 1 Private 1st Regt. N.Y. Cav.   Ballston 20 Yes 1 Private 1st Regt. N.Y. Cav.   Ballston 20 Yes 1 Private 1st Regt. N.Y. Cav.   Ballston 20 Yes 1 Private 1st Regt. N.Y. Cav.   Ballston 20 Yes 1 Private 1st Regt. N.Y. Cav.  
Aaron Nash Ballston N.Y.

incidental evidence, or by the roll? Depositions  He  additional , lost his discharges.
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Levin Bell
Examining Clerk.

State of New Hampshire Cheshire } Young Clerks Office Rindge December 1848
Mr Ephraim Houghton and Miss Polly Carlton of Rindge, were joined in marriage the sixteenth day of November, one thousand seven hundred and ninetyfour, by Seth Payson Clerk.
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows (16 th Nov r 1794)
Attest Stephen B. Sherwin Town Clerk
I Stephen B. Sherwin above named depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk of Rindge in the County of State of one said, and that the above is a true extract from the record of said town with the exception above named as certified by me
Stephen B. Sherwin Town Clerk of Rindge
State of New Hampshire } Rindge December 11 th 1848 Cheshire }
Subscribed and sworn to. Before me. Levi Howe Justice of the Peace

Cheshire County ss.
State of New Hampshire
I Leonard Risio. Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature, of said State, for said county of Cheshire, do hereby certify that Levi Horne is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified according to law, that his commission was dated on the twentieth day of June A.D. 1844 and will expire on the twentieth day of June A.D. 1849. and that his signature within written is in my belief genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court the twelfth day of December A.D. 1848.
Leonard Risio. Clerk

6. Houghton 60
12. 10/70
12. 10/70
✓
ed; putting this line, which, as to non-physical all this, is a very important point of view, has all had the same result. For a man in the business of buying and selling, it is a very important point of view. The result of this is that the man in the business of buying and selling, it is a very important point of view. The result of this is that the man in the business of buying and selling, it is a very important point of view.
ed; putting this line, which, as to non-physical all this, is a very important point of view, has all had the same result. For a man in the business of buying and selling, it is a very important point of view. The result of this is that the man in the business of buying and selling, it is a very important point of view. The result of this is that the man in the business of buying and selling, it is a very important point of view.

...in order to obtain the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
STATE, OF NEW-YORK, } ss. SARATOGA COUNTY, }
On this Sixth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court, before the court of Common Pleas of the county of Saratoga and State of New-York, now sitting, Ephraim Houghton a resident of Corinth in the county of Saratoga , and State of New-York , aged Seventy two 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 act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
He was born in the Town of Sturbridge , Leicester now Sterling in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts , March 28 th 1760. the record thereof is in the Clerk's office of the Town of Leicester (now) Sterling in the County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts .
He is known to Stephen Gray Esq. John & Jeremy Rockwell  Sawyer of the Town of Hadley in the County of Saratoga & State of New-York , & Isaac Dyer & Benjamin Coles Esquire , of the Town of Coeymans in said County & State who can testify to his high character for veracity & their belief of his services as a Soldier of the Revolution
that he resided at the Town of Sterling in the County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts , when he enlisted & entered into the service of the Revolution, for the Period of one year , from July 1777 and served until July 1778, at Sterling aforesaid, under the following Officers

to wit be a Captain Wilson in the Regiment of Colonel Keyes of the State  Legion or State Troops of Massachusetts that he served as follows, immediately after his said enlist- ment according to his instructions he repaired to the Town of Providence in the State of Rhode Island and from there to Greenwich in the same State and there joined the Regiment aforesaid, where he remained about three months doing duty as a private soldier under the aforesaid Offi- cers - and Marched to North Kingston in the said State at Kingston the Inhabitants kept guard previous to our arrival all the guard had been  the taken prisoners by the Enemy in number about 20 shortly a few days before we continued at Kingston aforesaid to keep guard against the Enemy, then in pos- session of New Port six or seven miles distant, where he continued there doing duty in keeping guard, un- der the aforesaid Officers until the Period of his said Enlistment was fully ended in July 1778. When he was discharged by the said Captain Wilson at Kingston aforesaid, he has no documentary evidence of his said Service

That he enlisted at the Town of Sterling aforesaid, when he enlisted and entered in the Service of the Revo- lution into a Company of Infantry  Lights on State Troops (at the Town of Sterling aforesaid) under Captain Ebenazar Belnap in Colonel Wade's Regiment for the Period of Six Months in August 1778 and Served until February 1779 - in manner following. He joined the said Regiment at the Town of Providence in the Rhode State of Rhode Island, the Enemy, then being in possession of New Port in the said State the aforesaid Regiment was not long stationed at any place but alternately at New Port Warren Warwick and Bristol, Towns in said State watching the movements of the Enemy, where he continued doing duty, as a Soldier Private,

under the said Captain Belnap— until the Period of his said Enlistment was fully ended & was dismissed at North Kingston in the State of Rhode Island by the said Capt. Belnap— He has no documentary evidence of his said services

that he resided at Sterling of course, when he enlisted and entered the service as a private in a company of Levies  Massachusetts State Troops for six months on the 1st July 1779 under Captain Fish in Colonel Tyler's Regiment. Repaired to Providence in the state of  Rhode Island Rhode Island & joined his Regiment, continued there about three months doing duty on guard & then went to Bristol which was then stationed in the Meeting House for a few days until the British Troops evacuated New Port and went in their ships to New York. Colonel Jacob of American Troops & Tyler's Regiment of American Troops  then took immediate possession of New Port, where he this character remained at New Port with his company doing duty as aforesaid until the period of his said enlistment was expired & at New Port. Received an honorable discharge signed by Capt. Fish. Said discharge has been long since lost he has no documentary evidence of the aforesaid services
that he resided at Sterling of course when he entered and entered the service in a company of Massachusetts  State Troops for six months on the 20. June 1780 & joined his Regiment at  Fishkill  near New York in New York State 16th July  which under Captain John Pray in Colonel Sprout's Regiment which was attached to the Regiment of Continentals under Colonel Shepard in General Potter's Brigade in General LaFayette's division of Infantry continued in Colonel Shepard's Regiment aforesaid until late in December then his company commanded by Captain John Pray was attached to the First Massachusetts Continental Regiment under Colonel Vose at the  high state of New York Point for winter quarters — and on the 10th Jany 1781 Recd an honorable discharge signed by Capt John Pray — Since last that he has no documentary evidence of his services aforesaid

1781
that he resided at the Town of Sterling aforesaid when he enlisted and entered the Service under Capt: Nathaniel Wright in Colonel Luke Rury's Regiment of Massachusetts State Troops on the — day of August  July 1781 — for the period of three months at the Town aforesaid, he immediately after his said enlistment repaired to West Point, and joined his company and served under his said Captain Wright as a private soldier aforesaid — until about five or six — days before his term of service was ended, when he was taken prisoner with Peterboro at his Stam-  the light of his  bach in consequence of a fall received at Fort Putnam while in the  the  glut , Colonel Rury gave him a furlough or permit allowing him to return home, who arrived at Sterling about two or three days before those did, waited to the end of the three months.
That he was under Captain Nathaniel Wright, Colonel Rury & Co.
that he has no documentary evidence of the aforesaid services. That during the Revolutionary War he resided at the Town of Sterling in the County of Worcester in the State of  Massachusetts
that since the Revolutionary War, he has lived at Sterling in the County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts — & in the Town of Rindge in the County of Cheshire in the State of New Hampshire — & in the Town of Corinth in the County of Saratoga and State of New York where he now resides he was acquainted with Col Hayes . Does not recollect the names of any of Gates  Subian & McDougall .

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, or (if any) only on that of the agency of the State of
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
in open Court
James T. Palmer Clerk Ephraim Houghton

We, Stephen Grey , a clergyman, residing in the Town of Hadley in the county of Saratoga, State of New-York, and Ephraim Houghton hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Ephraim Houghton who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy two years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.  Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.  In open Court Thomas Palmer Clerk  John Lovelip
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Stephen Grey who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, residing in the Town of Hadley in the county of Saratoga, State of New-York, and that John Lovelip who has also signed the same is a resident in the Hadley in said county — is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Thomas Palmer , clerk of the court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Saratoga do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Ephraim Houghton for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 8 th day of September in the year 1832
Thomas Palmer Clerk
 1. Where, and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served; such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.  6. { To a soldier.—Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and, if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? To an officer.—Did you ever receive a commission; and, if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution. 
In answer to the above questions he states that he was born in the Town of Lancaster (now Sterling) in the county of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts March 28. 1760 the record thereof is in the clerk's office in the Town of Lancaster (now Sterling) in the County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts, at the time he entered the service above mentioned he resided at the Town Sterling in the County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts & continued to reside there about 15 years after the war when he removed to the Town of Ring in the County of Cheshire & State of New Hampshire. From there he removed to the Town of Hadley in Saratoga County from there into the Town of Coeymans in said County and State of New York when he now resides the manner in which he was called into the service is fully stated in my declaration above.  In answer to the 5th question he states that it is fully answered above as he now recollects

Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by an Act of Congress passed July 4. 1836.
State of New York ss. Warren County. On this first day of April 1843 personally appeared before me Hiram Barber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Warren and State of New York Polly Houghton a resident of the town of Corinth, County of Saratoga in said State aged seventy five years, who being just duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by an act of Congress passed July 4. 1836 entitled, "An act granting half Pay & pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Ephraim Houghton deceased, who was a soldier during the war of the Revolution, and at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States. That owing to old age and loss of memory she cannot relate all the particulars of her said husband's revolutionary services but only as follows; that during said war she resided in Sterling Worcester County Mass. from whence he en- tered the army. That he served at Rhode Island at West Point in New York.
And Declarant further saith that she was married to said Ephraim Houghton at Ringe, Cheshire County N.H. by the Rev. Seth Payson, then Pastor of that Place on the sixteenth day of November, Seventeen Hundred and Sixty four . That previous to her said marriage she resided in said town of Ringe, and bore the name of Carlton. That her husband the said Ephraim left

left no family record of her said marriage, but only of the birth of their children which is in the hand writing of the said Ephraim Houghton and is attached to this Declaration. That Nathan Carlton George Carlton Ephraim Page & Silas Wilson were present at her marriage all of whom are deceased except Nathan Carlton
That from the time of her said marriage until the day of the death of said Ephraim which occurred on the sixth day of July Eighteen Hundred & thirty six she this Declarant continued to live with him the said Ephraim Houghton as his lawful wife and that since that time she has remained his widow single & unmarried and is still unmarried at the time of this Declaration that her husband Ephraim Houghton at the time of his death was in the house of his brother George Houghton at the time of his death
not Subscribed & sworn to before me this _____ day of _____ A.D. 1836 I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the original Polly Houghton is under the protection of the Court by reason of old age and infirmity William ...

left no family record of her said marriage, but only of the birth of their children which is in the hand writing of the said Ephraim Houghton and is attached to this Declaration. That Nathan Carlton George Carlton Ephraim Page & Silas Wilson were present at her marriage all of whom are deceased except Nathan Carlton
That from the time of her said marriage until the day of the death of said Ephraim which occurred on the sixth day of July Eighteen Hundred & thirty six she this Declarant continued to live with him the said Ephraim Houghton as his lawful wife and that since that time she has remained his widow single & unmarried and is still unmarried. And Declarant further saith that her husband at the time of his death resided in Corvallis, Linn County from whence he departed his life at the time aforesaid. And further Declarant saith not
Subscribed & sworn to the day and year aforesaid before me. And I certify that the Declarant Polly Houghton is unable to attend Court by reason of old age & bodily infirmity
{ Polly Houghton Mark
William Barker First Judge of Warm Springs Court

121.852 Belly Houghton 3 2 / 4 Mar. 1855,
S. M. Knight. Present

State of Massachusetts } ss. County of Worcester }
On this twenty fourth day of April 185 5 , before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace duly authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared 1  Polly Houghton aged 89 years, a resident of 2  Leicester County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts who made oath in due form of law, that she is the identical 1  Polly Houghton to whom, under the provisions of the Act of 3  July 29 th 1848 a pension of 4  eighty dollars per annum has been allowed for the services of her late husband 5  Ephraim Houghton a 6  Private of the Revolutionary war, and late of 7  Coeymans Saratoga County, State of New York . She further states that her Pension Certificate, under the aforesaid Act of 3  July 29 th 1848 is numbered 8  227 , bears date the 9  19 th day of 10  June 18 49 and 11  has made payable at the 10  Albany Agency. 12  She has since been transferred to Worcester Mass She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtain- ing the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act of 3d March, 1855, never having received or known herself entitled, or made application, under any previous act of Congress. In evidence of her marriage and proof of service of her said husband, she respectfully refers to the proofs heretofore adduced, now on file in the Pension Office, and upon which her annuity as aforesaid was granted.
That, since being placed on the list of Revolutionary Pensioners, she has not intermarried, but continues the widow of the said 5  Ephraim Houghton
She appoints as her attorney for the within specified purpose, and with power of substitution, S. M. KNIGHT , of Washington City, D. C.
11  Polly Houghton her mark
Attest: John Bugg Eliza Bugg
SWORN TO, SUBSCRIBED AND ACKNOWLEDGED before me, the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I know the aforesaid 1  Polly Houghton to be the identical person she alleges herself to be—a Pen- sioner of the United States, and at the date of the execution of this declaration a widow; and that I am not interested in her claim as Agent, Attorney, or otherwise.
12  Isaac M. Fletcher J. Peace.

State of Massachusetts } ss. County of Worcester }
On this 22 nd day of April 185 5 , before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, authorized by law to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared 13  John Rugg and 13  Eliza Rugg 14 residents of Leicester County of Worcester , in the State of Massachusetts known to me as credible persons, who made oath, in due form of law, that 1  Polly Houghton who in their presence has sworn and subscribed to the foregoing declara- tion, is, to their personal knowledge, the identical person to whom, under the provisions of the Act of 3  July 29 1848 a pension of 4  eight dollars per annum has been granted for the services of her late husband 5  Ephraim Houghton deceased, a 6  private of the Revolutionary war.
That since being placed on the roll of Pensioners, she, the said 1  Polly Houghton has not intermarried, but remains, and now is, a widow: That they have known her for 7  forty years, and derive their knowledge of the facts herein named from the following circumstances, to wit: 15  said Polly Houghton is the mother of said Eliza Rugg, who is the wife of John Rugg.
They further state that they are disinterested witnesses.
16  John Rugg Eliza Rugg
Sworn to, and subscribed before me, the day and year above written.
12  Isaac M. Fletcher J. P.
State of Massachusetts } ss. County of Worcester }
I Hereby Certify , That Isaac M. Fletcher Esq., before whom the fore- going Declaration, Power of Attorney, and Affidavits were made and acknowledged, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing an authorized Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, and that his signature thereto is genuine. I further certify, that in the within application I am not interested as Agent, Attorney, or otherwise.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court , for the County aforesaid, this first day of May 185 5 . J. Mason Clerk of said Court
NOTES.
1. Insert the widow's full name. 2. Give the Post Office address. 3. Insert the title of the Act under which her Revolutionary Pension was granted. 4. State the amount in dollars and cents. 5. Insert the full name of her late husband. 6. State what rank he held. 7. Give the name of the County in which he lived at the time of his death. 8. Insert the registry number of her Pension Certificate. 9. Give its date. 10. State where made payable. 11. Widow's signature in full. 12. Magistrate's signature. 13. Insert the witnesses' full names. 14. Give their Post Office address. 15. Here give a statement of the facts and circumstances from which the foregoing testimony is adduced, or from which the witnesses knowl- edge is derived. 16. Witnesses' signature.

Case 3
March 28, 1928.
F. W. Houghton, 41 Winter Street, Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 1284, it appears that Ephraim Houghton was born March 28, 1760 in Lancaster (which was later Sterling), Worcester County, Massachusetts.
While residing at said Sterling, he enlisted and served as a private with the Massachusetts Troops, as follows:
From July 1777, one year in Captain Wilson's Company, Colonel Keyes' Regiment; from August 1778, six months in Captain Ebenezer Belknap's Company, Colonel Wade's Regiment; from July 1, 1779, six months in Captain Fish's Company, Colonel Tyler's Regiment; from June 20, 1780 six months in Captain John Pray's Company, Colonels Sprout's, Shepard's and Vose's Regiments; and from August 1, 1781, three months in Captain Nathaniel Wright's Company, Colonel Luke Drury's Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 6, 1832, while a resident of Corinth, Saratoga County, New York. He died there July 6, 1836.

He married November 18, 1794 at Rindge, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, Miss Polly Carlton. She was allowed pension on her application executed April 17, 1849, while living at Corinth, New York, aged eighty years.
In 1852, she was living in Leominster, Massachusetts with her married daughter Mrs. Emma M. Hale.
Soldier's first wife died in 1790, her name is not given.
Children by first wife-- Polly and Prudence born April 10, 1787, Polly married --- Blodgett, Rebacah born October 13, 1789, Dorithy born July 29, and died November 28, same year, (year not stated).
Children by second wife--
Eliza born August 19, 1795, married John Rugg. Ennice or Emma " September 20, 1797. Ephra " February 6, 1800. Dorithy " August 11, 1802. Salley " August 21, 1804. David R. " ----- 3, 1806. Augustus " October 24, 1808. Nath " September 17, 1811. Rhuama (?) " September 13, 1814.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

Dear,
WIDOW, &c.
File No.
Polly Houghton.
Widow
Ephraim Boughton
Price Rev. War.
Act: July 29, 1848
Index :—Vol. 2 , Page 341
[Arrangement of 1870.]

10384-160
J. Loughton
St. Bonaventure Mission
Waverly City N. E.
FREE

14984-060
Heather due
Ms. E. O. Wilson P.O. Box 100 Washington

14984-160 Christian Haughton
DR
Hon. Geo. C. Whiting "Com. of Pensions" Present

14984-160
J. Dolly Houghton
40 Sheppards way Pinehurst N.C.
FAKE

Dear Minister, Camp Pickett, Washington, D.C.
North

Mr. W. H. 29 th July. 48, Bux. C. D. B.

On board Ship Hancock. Commanded by John Mundy that in July, 1777, their American Captain Hatties prison to Halifax, when he was confined until Nov: following

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
WORCESTER COUNTY, ss.
I, William A. Smith Assistant Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, which is a court of record for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify that
G. W. Fletcher Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the Certificate on the paper hereunto annexed, was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified and authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth to take the acknowledgement of deeds and administer oaths, that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity, and that his SIGNATURE to said CERTIFICATE is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court, this twenty second day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty- six .
W. Smith. Asst Clerk

Luzerne N.Y. Dec 2 20/48.
Reuben Wells. —
Pennia for Mr. Polly Houghton.
W387. see here 26/48. Pennia Office
Mr Ames

Luzerne County Co. NY Dec 27/44
Hon. M c L. Moray Secy of War
Dear Sir - Enclosed
are the papers relating to the pension of Mrs. Polly Houghton Widow of Ephraim Houghton who died July 6 th 1836 at Coeymans Schoharie Co. NY. I am aware of the multi- plicity of business on hand at this office but knowing the disposition always manifested in that department to forward matters of the kind especially where the claims of humanity call so loudly for action as in this case I confidently anticipate immediate action on the application. As an additional reason to be urged for speedy action I may be permitted to say that the aged widow has an idiot son for whom she provides out of her scanty means.
I am Respectfully
Yours etc. etc.
Abner Phelps

MECHANICS AND FARMERS' BANK,
Albany Pension Agency.
January 5. 1852.
J. E. Heath
JAMES L. EDWARDS, Esquire, Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 31 st Dec. 1851 I have to state, that Polly Houghton, Widow of Ephraim a Pensioner under the Act of 29 July 1848 at Eighty  Dollars per Annum was last paid to the 4 th day of September 1851
I am, Sir,
Very Respectfully,
Your ob't serv't.
M m rs. W. Elliott
Pension PENSION AGENT.

No 12470
Ephraim Floughton
• Aaron Nash
Ballston
N.Y.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Ephraim Floughton which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
□ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Ephraim Houghton which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? avo Wife Quer 5 Yrs 1 Month VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? NO
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? NO
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
†QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
affidavits of Wilson & Green should be forth. More particularly the facts intended to be proven by them according to the Regulations

Sturminster Mass July 6. 1852
Dear Sir
Inclosed I send the affidavits of Polly Houghton & William A. Hook in relation to a charge of the place of payment of Mrs Houghton's pension.
Will it be necessary to return the old certificate, before the change is made.
Please return the papers to me.
Yours respectfully Jacob M. Fletcher.
To the Commissioner of Pensions.

Boston
13 March 1852
Sir,
Application has been made by Mrs Polly Houghton, a Pensioner under Act 29 July '48 for payment at the rate of $ 80. per annum, as per copy of her certificate.
By your letter of 14 Feb. ulto. I was directed to pay her at the rate of $ 80. per annum.
I therefore request further instructions as to the rate of payment.
Very Respectfully Your obedt serv t
Franklin Hume Pension Agent
Jas. E. Heath Esq. Comm r of Pensions.

Leominster Mass. Dec 28. 1857.
To the Commissioner of Pensions Dear Sir
I wish to make some inquiries in relation to the Pension of Polly Houghton.
She has resided in Conesville, in the County of Saratoga and state of New York, until within a few weeks and has received her pension at Albany N.Y.
Mrs Houghton has now removed her residence to Leominster Mass and wishes to have her pension made payable at Boston. Mass.
What evidence and what papers will you require before this can be done.
Please favor me with an early answer
Yours respectfully Jacob W. Fletcher Atty at Law.

State of New York Saratoga County
Abba Wells being duly sworn deposes & says that in 1843 she made out the papers for the purpose of procuring a pension for Widow Polly Houghton in - under the act of 1836 supposing that she was entitled to the pension if married at any time during the years 1794 and was present when she made her declaration before Judge Bashaw on the 1st of April 1843 and that she prepared but the papers to William B Pierce then of the City of Albany who refused them in consequence of the marriage not having taken place before the first day of January 1794 and that she used a supposed original decla- ration now used in consequence of the infirmities of old age of the said Polly Houghton presenting her attesting court and the Judge of the County Court of the said County being given to her in view on account of ill health and not likely to return soon - if at all & this deponent further says that she is well acquainted with the said Polly Houghton and knows that she is the widow of Ephraim Houghton named in her said original declaration right & married and that she is still married Subscribed & sworn this 20th day of March 1848 before me and I certify that the said Abba Wells is a credible witness, Herman Rockwell Justice
Abba Wells

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2 d February 1848 entitled "An act making further provision for surviving Widows of Soldiers of the revolution."
State of New York, Saratoga County ss
On this twentythird day of December 1848 personally appeared before Harmon Rockwell a justice of the peace in & for said county Polly Houghton a resident of the town of Corinth in said county of Saratoga & State of New York aged Eighty years who being first duly sworn, then according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed the 2 d February 1848 granting Pensions to Widows of Persons who served during the revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Ephraim Houghton deceased who was a soldier of the revolution & at the time of his death a Pensioner of the United States as is more particularly set forth in her original declaration hereto attached which was executed by her before Judge Barber of Warren County NY on the 1 st day of April 1843. She further declares that she is still the widow of the said Ephraim Houghton & unmarried.
Subscribed & sworn the day & year first above written before me Harmon Rockwell justice In presence of Warren Wells
Polly Houghton Mark

No 171
Polly Houghton wid of Ephraim N
ad 29 July 1848
Married 1794 Instated due 1836
Adm'd $80 00 per An from March 48
Reuben Wells Suzanne N

State of New York } Saratoga County }
General Wilson
We Benjamin Burton Stephen Gray
Neighbors & acquaintances of Widow Polly Houghton of Coeymans in said County N.Y. being duly sworn do severally de- pose & say that we are well acquainted with said Polly Houghton & know that she is the widow of Ephraim Houghton formerly of the town of Coeymans aforesaid. That we were also well acquaint- ed with the said Ephraim Houghton for many years pre- vious to his death and know that he was a Pensioner of the United States & was always informed & verily believe that he had been a Soldier of the United States during the war of the revolution. That he the said Ephraim Houghton departed this life from Cohenst aforesaid in the summer of the year 1836 or more than twelve years ago since which time the said Polly has remained his widow single and unmarried & is still unmarried.
Subscribed & sworn this day of December 1848
Benjamin Burton Stephen Gray Learned Wiley
Before me and I certify that the said deponent on each credible witness
James Lawrence
Harman Rockwell Justice

State of New York Saratoga County
Polly Blodgett being duly sworn says that she is the daughter of Ephraim Houghton who died at Coeymans in said County & State on the eighth day of July 1836 by his first wife the mother of this deponent who died in the year 1790 that some time in the Fall of the year 1794 her father the said Ephraim Houghton was married to Polly Carlton who is now the widow of the said Ephraim Houghton & inasmuch that the said Ephraim & Polly Houghton had a large family of children of whom Eliza Houghton was the oldest & if now living would be fifty three (53) years old & that this deponent's father the said Ephraim & her step mother the said Polly Houghton lived together as husband & wife from the time of their marriage until the death of the said Ephraim in 1836 that this deponent has examined the record now in the possession of the said Polly Houghton & knows it to be the family record of the said Ephraim Houghton although it is some mutilated by long wearing and some part of it gone & knows the hand writing of the said Ephraim - verily believes it to be in his hand - a writing of the said Ephraim and this deponent further says that her father the said Ephraim Houghton was at the time of his death a resident of the United States in

Consequence of services rendered by him - as a soldier during the war of the rebellion Polly Beiget (Harmon Poe with initials)

State of New York Saratoga County
I Gilly Houghton of the town of Hadley in said County being duly sworn do depose and say that I am well acquainted with Widow Polly Houghton of the town of Corinth in the County aforesaid & know that she is the Widow of Ephraim Houghton who departed this life at Corinth on the sixth day of July eighteen hundred & thirty six being at the time of his death a Pensioner of the United States. And I further testify that I was acquainted with the hand writing of the said Ephraim Houghton that I have examined the record now in the possession of said Widow Polly purporting to be the family record of the said Ephraim Houghton and Polly Houghton and I verily believe that the same is in the hand writing of the said Ephraim and that the same was made by him as for his own family record And I do further testify that I have always been informed that the said Ephraim & Polly Houghton were married in New Hampshire soon after the war of the Revolution that said Ephraim was a soldier of the United States during said war and that in consequence of his said service he received the pension which he enjoyed at the time of his death as above mentioned (the word death inserted before mention) Gilly Houghton Subscribed & sworn to the 20 th day of December 1848 before me I do certify that said Gilly Houghton is a credible witness
Harmon Rootswell Justice

State of New York
Saratoga County ss. Nathan Carlton of the town of Coxsackie in said County age sixty seven years being duly sworn on the depos & say that he is the brother of Widow Polly Houghton who now resides in said town of Coxsackie. That soon after the war of the Revolution & more than fifty years ago said Polly whose maiden name was Carlton was duly married to Ephraim Houghton at Ringe Creek in said County N.Y. where she then re- sided with this deponent. That this deponent was present at the said marriage and witnessed & witnessed the Mar- riage ceremony which duly performed by Rev. Seth Paxon then a pastor of that place. That since the said time of the said marriage the his said sister Polly continued to live with the said Ephraim Houghton as his lawful wife until the sixth day of July 1836 when the said Ephraim died at Coxsackie aforesaid and that since the day of his death the said Polly has remained & is still unmarried and this deponent further said that the said Ephraim Houghton was a soldier of the United States during the war of the revolution and at the time of his death drew a pension in consideration of his said revolutionary service
Subscribed & sworn to the 20th day of December 1848 before me and I certify that the said Nathan Carlton is a credible witness
NATHAN CARLTON
Harmon P. Buel Justice of the Peace

Washington Aug. 4 1858.
Sir.
I have the honor to send you enclosed a Bounty Land Warrant No 14.989 issued to Polly Haughton and request that a duplicate may be issued to Mrs Haugh- ton, at your earliest convenience.
Hon Geo. C. Whiting Comm. of Pensions
Very respectfully Your obed Servt Joseph M. Kennedy

Leominster Mass March 16. 1858
To the Commission of Pensions
Dear Sir
On
the 29 th of Jany. A.D. 1856. a land warrant for 160. acres was issued to Polly Houghton the widow of Ephraim Houghton. The warrant is No 14 984. - it was obtained by S. M. Knight of Washington D. C. who prepared to buy it and a transfer was made on the book thereof to S. M. Knight warrants fell and he returned it - his name was erased and the name of Joseph Meiner to whom it was sold was inserted. and he was unable to locate it in account of the erasure & interlineation - Mr. Houghton is dead. I wish to know what can be done to make the warrant available. I am cognisant of all the facts in the case as I made the transfer.
Yours respectfully J. W. Fletcher

Leominster Mass. March 29. 1858
To the Commission of Pensions
Dear Sir
Yours
of the 25 th inst was duly recd. In answer I would suggest that there must be some mistake, the matter. Polly Houghton is the name of the widow of Ephraim Houghton and not Mary Houghton.
Polly Houghton the person to whom a land warrant for 160 acres issued No 14984, did not decree until the 19 th of January A.D. 1857. - I saw her myself in Sept of 1856. when I made her papers to draw her pension due at that time.
Upon reference to the land warrant now in my possession I find that it bears date Jany 29 th A.D. 1856. - the warrant you refer to as being date March 2 nd 1856. cannot be the one in my possession. Of course under this state of facts the warrant is not a nullity and cannot be returned for cancellation and the cancel filed should be recalled. The whole matter is as it should be and will again state the facts.
The warrant was obtained for Mrs. Houghton

by Mr. H. Knight of Washington City and when returned was sent to me and a letter offering to purchase at a certain price and an assignment was made on the back of the warrant - the assignment was executed and the name of Mr. Knight was inserted by me and then sent to him he returned it to me and it was sub- sequently sold to one Joseph Minis and the name of Knight was erased and that of Minis inserted - Minis was unable to locate the warrant, on the account of this erasure and it was sent back here to have the matter looked after.
The assignment from Mrs. Houghton to Mr. Knight was made May 19 th A.D. 1856 and executed in my presence by Mrs. Houghton - this was subsequent to the time that you say she died.
I do not see how this mistake has been made - the No of the warrant 124984 corresponds with that named in your letter but the date and name of the person to whom issued does not correspond - the name is Polly & not Mary and it is the same in the original pension certificate now in my possession.
Trusting you will find all right I would again respectfully request that the account

may be made available to Mr. Miner.
Yours respectfully J. M. Fletcher

Washington Oct 4 1858
Sir.
On the 4 th of August, I placed on file in the Pension Office, Bounty Land Warrant No 14,984 issued to Mrs Polly Harkness Houghton in order that a duplicate might be issued to Mrs Houghton, the original warrant having been illegally assigned. Since then I have heard nothing in the case and she is very anxious to have the duplicate.
Very Resp y
Hon Geo f Whiting Comm r of Pensions.
Your obed Serv t Jos. M. Kennedy
Joseph Kennedy

Application for a Pension for State of Massachusetts. County of Worcester ss
On this tenth day of January 1852. before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Worcester personally appeared Polly Houghton who on her oath, declared that she is the widow of Ephraim Houghton who was a Private in the revolutionary war, that her name is placed on the Pension roll of the state of New York, that her Pension Certificate is dated June 19 th A.D. 1848 - that she has lately removed from Canisteo in the state of New York, that she now resides in Leominster County of Worcester and state of Massachusetts where she intends to remain, and wishes her pension to be there payable in future. She following are her reasons for removing from Canisteo New York to Leominster Massachusetts.
That she is an aged woman and wished to spend the residue of her days with her married daughter Mrs Emma M. Hale in said Leominster.
Polly her Houghton mark.
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid
Job W. Fletcher Justice of the Peace
I William J. Hale of Leominster in the County of Worcester and state of

Massachusetts of lawful age in oath depone and say that Polly Houghton who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing affidavit is the widow of Ephraim Houghton above named and that she is the identical person who has taken the above oath and that Polly Houghton who took the above oath is the same person described in the above affida- vit and that Polly Houghton who has taken the above oath is a revolutionary pensioner.
William S. Hale
State of Massachusetts Worcester County ss. January 29 th A.D. 1852 Then personally appeared William S. Hale and subscribed to the affidavit above and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
WORCESTER COUNTY, ss.
I, CHARLES W. HARTSHORN, Clerk of the Judicial Courts
for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Joel W. Fletcher on the tenth day of January and second day of February A.D. 1852 was and still is _____
a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth, to take the acknowledgement of deeds, and administer oaths, and that his signatures to the Certificates of Oath upon the Depositions of Polly Houghton and William S. Hale hereunto annexed are genuine.
Given under my hand, and the seal of said County, this Fourth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
Chas. W. Hartshorn Clerk.

Massachusetts of lawful age in oath depose and say that Polly Houghton who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing affidavit is the widow of Ephraim Houghton above named and that she is the identical person who has taken the above oath and that Polly Houghton who takes the above oath is the same person described in the above affida- vit and that Polly Houghton who has taken the above oath is a revolutionary pensioner.
William S. Hale
State of Massachusetts
Worcester County ss January 24 th A.D. 1858 Then personally appeared William S. Hale and subscribed to the affidavit above and made known unto that the same is true. And I further certify that said William S. Hale is a man of veracity.
Job W. Hildreth Justice of the Peace
A. B. The und. Jury, arrived by me before signing. Job W. Hildreth Jus. Peace.

Luzerne NY April 17 th 1849
Sir
Yours of the 7 th inst informing that the papers in the case of Polly Houghton Widow of Ephraim Houghton have been referred to your office & that the service of her husband & also the date of the marriage are established but in order to authorize the issuing a certificate that she is required to file a declaration before a Court of Record & this has been received & in conformity with your suggestions I have taken the old lady before our Circuit Court & herewith transmit her declaration taken this day in open court &c. It is a matter of great importance that speedy action be had in the matter the claims of humanity requiring it
I am very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant
Abner Wells
J L Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 29 th of July 1848
State of New York } Warren County } S.S.
On this seventh day of April 1849 personally appeared before the Circuit Court held in and for the County of Warren being a Court of Oyer and terminer.
Polly Houghton a resident of Warren in the County of Warren and State of New York aged eighty years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed 29 th July 1848 entitled "An act for the relief of certain widows of Officers and Soldiers of the Revolutionary Army" - That she is the widow of Ephraim Houghton who was a private in the Revolutionary Army and at the time of his death a prisoner of the United States. That the said Ephraim Houghton entered the service from the Town of Sterling Mass, That he served at West Point, Rhode Island, was in the Army commanded by Lafayette near Philadelphia and was one of the guard at the execution of Major Andre, One of the captains he served under was Capt. Drenny. And declarant believes he was in the Revolutionary service in all some five years. She further declares that she was married to the said Ephraim Houghton at Rindge Cheshire County N.H. by Rev. Seth Puyson then Pastor of that place on the day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety four. That her husband the said Ephraim Houghton died on the sixth day of July 1836, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service.

but the marriage took place previous to the second day of January Eighteen hundred 62 at the time before stated - She further avers that she is now a widow and that she has made an application for a pension and that the service of her husband and also the date of marriage are established as set forth by J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions but her declaration was rejected by reason of its not having been made before a Court of Records described and shown in the attachment
Polly then  Houghton mark
She further says that as to the service of her said husband in the army she has no actual knowledge except what she has obtained from her husband and his friends and relations, and from the Pension Office but she believes the same to be true
The words "Subscribed and sworn to the same with Polly then  Houghton mark" is signed before me this 17 th day of April 1849 Thomas Archibald Clerk
State of New York Warren County
I Thomas Archibald Clerk of the Circuit Court of the County of Warren do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the declaration and proceedings of the said Court and that the proceeding is the declaration of the applicant and that the same was taken in open Court where testimony is satisfactory to said Court
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office and the seal of said Court this 17 th day of April 1849 Thomas Archibald Clerk

Ephraim Floughton of Corinth 27 months
1000000 Park
A Waste agent

State of New York
Saratoga County } ss. Abiel Houghton of the Town of
Glady in the County of Saratoga & state of said. Aged sixty years being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that he resided in the Town of Sterling County of Worcester and state of Massachusetts in the time of the Revolutionary War that on the first of July 1779 he enlisted into a company of Massachusetts state troops under Captain Captain Fish in Colonel Tyleis Regiment for six months at Sterling aforesaid and served in said company & Regiment until the first of January 1780 and that he well knew Ephraim Houghton then of the Town of Sterling aforesaid & who now resides in the Town of Coeymans in the County of Saratoga & state of New York and that he the said Ephraim Houghton enlisted in the said company under the said Capt Fish on the said 1st day of July 1779 at the same place and time this deponent did and served during the period of his said enlistment & was discharged on the said first day of January 1780 and that he this deponent & the said Ephraim Houghton returned home to Massachusetts company & that he saw the discharge signed by Colonel Wood when on our way to Massachusetts as aforesaid - and also this deponent doth on his oath further depose and say that on the first of 1781 August he and the said Ephraim Houghton enlisted into the company commanded by Capt Wright in Colonel Rugg's Regiment of Massachusetts state troops at Sterling aforesaid for the period of three months - and that he served this period until a few days before the expiration of said three months he received a permit from the Colonel to return home on account of a hurt received by a fall at Fort Pitt as stated in his Declaration now prepared to present to the Court Subscribed & sworn to before me Abiel Houghton this nineteenth day of July 1832 before me Stephen Gray Justice of the peace of the County of Saratoga

Brought over up on the back — 3 I do certify that Abel Huntington of the  the town of Hadley is a good and lawful citizen in all respects and is well known to be such in all respects and is a man of truth and integrity — Dated July, the 19 — 1832 —
Stephen G. Nash Justice
The within named Abel Huntington also appeared in open court this sixth day of September 1832 made oath to the within affidavit —
Thomas Palmer Clerk

I Jonathan Whitcomb of Ludlow in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont of Lawful age testify and that I enlisted in the service of the United in the Revolutionary war in the year 1781 in the month of August in the Town of Starling Mass under Col Denny and Capt Right for three and 6 months. Jonathan Houghton enlist the same time that I did for three months in the same Reg. and Company that I did and served out his time and was Discharged at Westpoint
Jonathan B. Whitcomb
State of Vermont Windsor County } ss
Ludlow July 8 th 1832
personally appeared the above named Jonathan Whitcomb who being first duly cautioned and care fully examined made under oath that the above depositions by him subscribed contain the truth and nothing but the truth. I here by certify that the above deponent is a credible witness
Artemas Spafford Justice of Peace
State of Vermont Windsor County ss
Woodstock County Clerk's Office August 7 th 1832 I Benjamin Swan Clerk of Windsor County Court Do hereby Certify that Artemas Spafford is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, and that the above is his Signature In Testimony whereof I here to affix the Seal of said Court, and subscribe my name the day & year last above. —
Benj. Swan

Jonathan Whitcomb of Ludlow in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont of lawful age certify and say that I enlisted in the Revolutionary war in the year 1778 in the month of July or August in the Town of Sterling Mass for six months went to Rhode Island in Sullivan's expedition I belonged to Col. Wade's Regiment and company commanded by Capt. Fisher first Capt. by Capt. Belnap and Ephraim Houghton a private soldier that enlisted the same time that I did and in the same Reg. and the same company and I am knowing to S d Houghton doing actual service for six months in Rhode Island and we was Discharged in S d State
Jonathan Whitcomb
Jonathan Whitcomb of Ludlow in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont of lawful age testify and say that I enlisted in the Revolutionary war in the year 1780 in the Town of Sterling Mass enlisted in June for six months in the Regiment commanded by Col. Shephard and company by Capt. Leavard and was acquainted with Ephraim Houghton a private soldier that enlisted the same time that I did in the same Reg. and company that I did for six months and went to West Point N.Y. and at the end of our time was Discharged at West Point
Jonathan Whitcomb

State of New York Saratoga County } ss.
On this fifth day of September - in the year, One thousand eight hundred & thirty two person- ally appeared before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace of said County - Abel Houghton of Hadley in the County of Saratoga in said State aged seventy years to me well known & whom I hereby certify to be a man of character & veracity, and the said Abel being first duly sworn & examined doth on his Oath depose and say that he was during the Revolutionary War, and now is well acquainted with Ephraim Houghton - of Corinth in the County of Saratoga and State of New York. He the said deponent knows that the said Ephraim Houghton did on the 18 th July 1779 Enlist for into the service of the Revolution for Six months - in the Company of Captain Fish in the Regiment of Colonel Tyler - at Sterling in the County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts - that this deponent Enlisted in the same Company & at the same time as a private & served during the same term of Six months - as follows - that he the said Ephraim Marched to Providence in the State of Rhode Island & continued there doing duty as a private for some months - from there to Bristol in Boats - and was stationed in the Meeting House until the British troops evacuated New Port, when Colonels Tyler & Jacobs with their Regiments of Amer- -ican Troops took immediate possession, and that he the said Ephraim continued there doing duty as aforesaid until his term of enlistment was fully ended & he received an honorable Discharge signed by the said Captain Fish at New Port aforesaid and also that he the said Ephraim served as a private in the company of Capt Nathaniel Wright in Colonel Rury's Regiment for three months - from August - 1781 until November following - that he enlisted at the town of Sterling in the County of Worcester in the State aforesaid.

that he this deponent enlisted in Company with him the said Ephraim for the same term in the same Company - as a private and serv- -ed during the said term of three months - that he the said Ephraim - immediately after his enlistment as aforesaid Marched with other enlisted soldiers (of whom this deponent was one) under the com- -mand of the said Captain Wright - to West Point in the state of New York and joined his company aforesaid & served as a private aforesaid in keeping garrison & on fatigue duty - at West Point - that he the said Ephraim served three months as aforesaid except 7 or 8 days before the expiration of that term he was permitted by Colonel Furry  Capt. Wright aforesaid to leave the camp & return home because he was sick.
Abel Houghton
Subscribed & sworn before me the date aforesaid Stephen Gray Justice of the Peace
The above named Abel Houghton also appeared in open Court this 6 th day of September 1832 & made oath to the fore- going affidavit -
Thomas Palmer Clerk

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
160 ACRES
160 ACRES
Department of the Interior OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS
It is hereby certified that under the Act of March 3rd 1855, entitled, "An Act in addition to certain Acts granting Bounty Land to certain Officers and Soldiers who have been engaged in the Military Service of the United States."
Colly Houghton and Ephraim Houghton
are entitled to 160
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ACRES, at any Land Office of the United States, in conformity to the legal subdivisions of the public lands, upon any of the public lands subject to sale at either the minimum or lower graduated prices.
Given under my hand and the seal of the Department, this 29th day of January 1856
No. 14984
Commissioner
Hudson Wright, Hatch & Edson, New York.
Note. You can locate this Certificate at any of the United States land offices, or it will be located for you by the General Land Office on the return of it, with your request to that effect endorsed thereon, specifying the State and Land District in which you wish the location made. If you locate it, fill up and sign the following application.
To the Register of the Land Office at
Locate this Certificate, in the in Township
of Range quarter of section
18
Register.
Copy by Joseph Mincer

For as such received I, Polly Houghton, to whom the within warrant No. 14984 was issued, do hereby sell and assign same from the said  Joseph to  the said  Joseph to of Washington D.C. and to him herewith assign forever the said warrant and authorize him to locate the same and receive a patent therefor. Witness my hand and seal this 14 th day of May 1856.
In presence of J. H. Fletcher Elizabeth Dugg Polly Houghton
County of ... State of ...
On this 14 th day of May in the year 1856 before me, personally came Polly Houghton to me well known and acknowledged the foregoing assignment to be her act and deed; and I certify that the said Polly Houghton is the identical person to whom the within warrant was issued, and who executed the foregoing assignment thereof.
J. H. Fletcher Justice of the Peace Officer de facto
Clerk's Certificate
Polly Houghton

Ans. 41 Winter St. Mar. 28, 1928 Fitchburg, Mass Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen: I have you a record of issuing a pension to a Polly (Mary) Houghton of Lancaster, Massachusetts? Her husband Ephraim Houghton of Lancaster, enlisted from Sterling, Mass. Aug. 1, 1779, private in Capt. Thomas Fishes Co. Col. Nathan Tyler Regt Discharged Dec. 25, 1779, I believe that he was one of the 6 months men raised to reinforce the Continental Army of 1780. May I have a copy of the record? Yours truly F. W. Houghton

41 Winter St..
Fitchburg, Mass.
Oct. 30. 1927
Pension Dept.
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:—
Have you a record of issuing a pension to a Polly (Mary) Houghton of Lancaster, Mass. Her husband Ephraim Houghton I believe was one of the six months men raised to re-enforce the Continental army of 1780 ? Have you a record of granting this Ephraim a pension?

I have an idea that this Ephraim of Lancaster, Massr enlisted from Sterling, private of Capt. Thomas Fisher's Co etc, enlisted Aug 1. 1779, discharged Dec. 25, 1779

If you have such records would it be convenient for you to send me copies of each application for pension.
Trusting for a reply at your convenience
I remain
Yours with respect
V. M. Houghton

Rev. and 1812 War Section
41 Winter St.,
Fitchburg, Mass.
March 30, 1928
Dept. of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
{ for reference your letter of March 28, 28
Gentlemen:—
Can you inform me the date of death and age of Mrs Polly (Mary) Houghton whose pension was allowed on her application executed April 17, 1849? War of Rev.
Kindly accept my humble thanks for the information furnish as it settles a family connection.
Yours with respect
F. W. Houghton

41 Winter St.,
Pitchburg, Mass.
July 15, 1927.
Commissioner Of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
I am interested to know if the soldiers of the Revolutionary War drew any pensions. If they did, have you a record of an Ephriam Houghton who enlisted from Lancaster and Sterling, Mass. drawing a pension? If you have what was the address to which the money was sent?
Trusting that I will receive a reply at your convenience,
I remain,
V. W. Houghton

41 Winter Street,
Fitchburg, Mass.
Nov. 10, 1927.
Pension Department,
Washington, Mass.
Gentlemen:-
Have you a record of issuing a pension to a Mary or Polly Houghton of Lancaster, Mass? Her husband Ephriam Houghton of Lancaster, enlisted from Sterling, Mass., was private of Capt. Thomas Fish's Co., Col. Nathan Tyler's regt enlisted Aug. 1 1779 discharged Dec. 25, 1779. He was one of the 6 months men raised to enforce the Continental army 1780.
If you have a record may I have a copy of her application for this pension.
Have you a record of issuing a pension to him?
Trusting for a reply at your convenience,
V. F. W. Houghton

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
January 14, 1929
F. W. Houghton 41 Winter St. Fitchburg, Mass.
Sir:
I advise you that in order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name of person paid, and possible the date of death of Polly Houghton, widow of Ephraim Houghton, Revolutionary War pensioner, W. 1284, you should apply to the Records Division, General Accounting Office, Washington, D. C., citing all of the following data-
Polly Houghton, widow of Ephraim Houghton, Certificate No. 237, issued June 19, 1849, rate $80.00 per annum, commenced March 4, 1848, Act of July 29, 1848, New York Agency.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.