Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7670, Joseph Hamilton, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Hamilton, Joseph
W. 7670
Martha
B.L. Wt. 34.540-160-55
Marthe or
CONTENTS

3.706 Massachusetts. Martha Hamilton widow of Joseph Massachusetts Hamilton who served in the Revolutiona- ry war, as a Sergeant.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 -
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 17 th day of Feby. 1854. and sent to
Claimant Belchertown Hampshire Co Mass.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 48. Vol. A

Let to J Phelps Feb 27/54
215427

(2,625)
Massachusetts Roll
Joseph Hamilton
Sergeant
Massachusetts Line - 1781. 2 years
in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 17 th of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th of Septem r . 1818 and sent to Edward D. Bangs Esq r . Worcester Massachusetts. -
  Arrears to 4th of Sept r . — 1818 —  36.80    Semi-ann. all ce ending 4 th Mar. 1819  48.00    Arrears 4 mo 18/30  $84.80  
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Con. United
Brookfield Worcester (60)

Notification sent July 31 st 1820 to Abijah Bigelow Worcester, Mass.
Discontinued on the 22 nd March 1826. See letter to The Hon. Jno. Davis of that date. H. Rep: —

205427 Act Mar 3 d Aug 24 /55
Martha Hamilton wid. Joseph Hamilton dec Priv.
Cap. P. Harwood
Col. E. Leonard
also Cap. F. Pittman
Col. Danforth
ent - 1777, 1778 & 1779
also - 1781 for 8 years
Revolutionary War.
July 53-3706
Will Acphy, 14/56 B D J D
Claimant
Belchertown Mass

July 16/60 Warrant referred to Com Gen Land Office for approval of assignment and Charles Reed Esq of Boston Mass so informed. Mr
Vol 76 = 36

A Joseph Hamilton.
The applicant, at the time of making his oath had not with him his Pension certificate. Since, however he has informed the clerk, (and endorsed on his applica- -tion) that his original declaration was made April 17 1813. & that his Certificate is No 2625
2625 18 Sept 1813.
C Mar 1819
Brookfield unproductive property.

Schedule of the Estate of Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield, in the County of Worcester, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Applicant for a Pension under the act of Congress of May 1, 1820.
1 Desk $4.00 2 Chests drawers $4.00 2 tables $2.75 1 bundle stand, 25 1 1/2 doz Chairs $5.00 1 Copper 3 pail Kettle $2.00 1 Iron do $1.00 1 iron pot, 25 1 dish Kettle, 25 1 tea Kettle, 33 1 pr fire dogs, 50 1 Warming pan $1.25 1 Clock $20.00 1 tea set 2 doz Earthen plates 2.75 = 1 tea Canister, 12 2 Candlesticks, 25 1 Woollen wheel, 25 1 linen do, 50 1 wash tub, 25 1 looking Glass, 92 1 Churn, 75 2 pails 1 pr Bellows, 75 1 Bread axe $1.00 1 edge, 50 Square & Compasses, 42 1 pr Chisels, 20 2 augers, 12 1 Scythe 50 1 old slough 3.00 1 Loom, harness & Kinds old 3.00. 1 Horse which I bought since I rec d my pension $32.00 at the request of my son, with whom I then lived, and expected to live the remainder of my days life , but who is now dead, and I am now indebted for half of said horse; I have no real Estate excepting part of a pew in the meeting house; fire shovel and tongs and flat Irons $1.12 a small quantity of Glass ware 25; a small quantity of earthen ware Knives & Forks $1.00; 3 pewter platters $1.00 - the whole amount $93.83
My Family consists of 4 in number - myself - my wife and 2 Children, viz Juliana Hamilton aged 18 years and Farnwell H. Hamilton aged 16 years. said Farnwell is very small, and I think he will never be able to do much labour; my wife has not enjoyed good health for several years past, and for some months of late has been much more unwell than usual, the infirmities of age and lameness in my left arm rendered me unable to perform much labour. Occupation is common Labourer.
Joseph Hamilton.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
COUNTY OF WORCESTER, ss.
ON this twenty second day of June 1820, personally appeared in open Court, before the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, being a Court of Record, within and for said County of Worcester, established as such by the laws of said Commonwealth, Joseph Hamilton aged nearly sixty years, resident in Brookfield, in said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: I entered the service of the United States, on the Continental establishment, on the sixteenth day of April, A.D. 1781, and joined Capt James Hildreth's Company in the B. Mass. Reg't, then commanded by Col Jno. Sweatman. I was discharged said service in the month of October 1783
and I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me, nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Joseph Hamilton.
Sworn to and declared, on the twenty second day of June, 1820 before the said Court.
Attest, Abijah Bigelow Atty.
I, ABIJAH BIGELOW, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, holden within and for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, is ninety three dollars and eighty three cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twenty second day of June, 1820.
Abijah Bigelow Clerk of the Court for the County of Worcester.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester, ss.
I, Abijah Bigelow, clerk of the Superior Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Worcester, do certify, that Edward H. Bangs, and Simeon Draper, Esquires, before whom the affidavits on the paper hereto annexed have been made, are Justices of the Peace, within & for said County, duly qualified for the purpose, acting under the authority of this Commonwealth, and that their names, subscribed thereto, are their proper signatures.
In testimony whereof, I have here- unto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this tenth day of July, -

State of Massachusetts
Joseph Hamilton
a Citizen of the United States, now resident at Brookfield in the County of Worcester in the State aforesaid, do on oath testify and declare, that in the War of the Revolution, on the sixteenth day of April A.D. 1781 I marched to join the Army of the United States having been previously enlisted by Major John Banister I entered and was engaged in the Land service of the United States on the continental establishment, and served accordingly from that time to the month of October A.D. 1783
as a Soldier and Discharged  honorably against the common enemy, without any interruption or absence: that I belonged to Capt. James Doolittle's Company in the Third Massachusetts Regt.
and that I left the service on in the month of October as aforesaid Being Legally Discharged as a Sergeant
and that, by reason of my reduced circumstances in life and poverty, I stand in need of assistance from my country for support, being now of the age of fifty four Years, Seven Months, and nine days — Further State that by reason of the Delinquency of one the Government's Agents  Sir Henry Nelson I was never able to obtain my Arrearages of pay and clothing for the year 1783 Consequently I petitioned the Government of the United States for Relief and sent my Discharge with my petition for which reason I am now unable to produce my discharge
And I hereby relinquish all claims to every pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the United States, if any may be or hath been so allowed.
Joseph Hamilton
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on this 19th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 18 pursuant to a law of the United States, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," made and passed on the 18th of March, A. D. 1818, personally appeareth before me,
Judge C. C. C. Clerk Edward Bangs  Western Circuit
the abovenamed Joseph Hamilton and after due examination and caution to testify and declare the whole truth, he maketh oath to the declaration aforesaid, and subscribes the same in my presence; and, on examination duly made by me the said Judge, it appeareth to my satisfaction that the said declaration is true,
with the seal of said Court
Edward Bangs

I Benjamin Jennings of Brookfield in the County of Worcester, declare on oath, that in the Revolutionary War, I served in the same line and same Camp with Joseph Hamilton, upwards of a year and know that he served all that time faithfully —
Benjamin Jennings
Worcester ss, April 17. 1818 — Personally appeared the said Benjamin Jennings and made solemn oath to the truth of the above Declaration by him subscribed
Before me, Edw. D. Dows Justice of the Peace
I Benjamin Humphrey of Sherborn in the county of Worcester declare on oath that in the Revolutionary war, I served in the same Regt. with the within named Joseph Hamilton and know that the within statement by him made is true —
Benj. Humphrey
Jos. Hamilton
Nathan Root
admitted
Worcester ss June 26 th 1818
Personally appeared the above named Benj t Humphrey and made solemn oath to the truth of the above Declaration by him subscribed, before me Simson Draper justice of the Peace
I Josiah Hinshaw of Brookfield in the county of Worcester declare on oath that I well knew the within named Joseph Hamilton in the war of the of the Revolution and frequently saw him in a soldier's dress but cannot state the term of his service as he belonged to a different Regt. and I have no doubt that he performed the service as stated by him.
Josiah Hinshaw
Worcester ss June 26 th 1818
Personally appeared the above named Josiah Hinshaw and made solemn oath to the above declaration by him subscribed. He being a man of truth before me Simson Draper justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } Hampshire County } S.S.
On this tenth day of May eighteen hundred and fifty, three personally appeared before the judge of Probate of Wills, and for granting administration on intestate estates, appointing guardians &c, of the County of Hampshire aforesaid, Martha Hamilton a resident in Belchertown in said County aged eighty one years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions of the act of Congress of February 3 d , 1853 entitled an act to continue half pay to certain widows and orphans
to wit, That she is the widow of Joseph Hamilton late of Brookfield in the County of Worcester in said Commonwealth of Massachusetts who was a soldier in the army of the Revolution and served as appears by the rolls in the Secretary's Office in said Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the eight months service in 1775 in Captain P. Harwood's Company in Colonel E. Learned's Regiment; also in Capt. J. Wilson's Company in Colonel Danforth's Regiment in 1777, also in 1778 and in 1779. He afterwards entered in 1781 for three years and served accordingly, for which I have received the Bounty granted therefor by said Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She further declares that she was married to the said Joseph Hamilton on the 28 th day of May A.D. 1805, that her husband died on the 16 th day of February 1837, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took

place at the time above mentioned. She further swears, that she is now a widow and never made an application before,
Martha Hamilton Subscribed & sworn to this 10 th day of May A.D. 1853. Before me Nathan Cookes Judge of Probate
I, Samuel T. Lyman Register of Probate in and for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings before said Court in regard to the application of said Martha Hamilton for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this tenth day of May A.D. 1853
Sam T. Lyman Reg d of Probate

State of Massachusetts } County of Hampshire } V o .
On this 8 th day of August A D one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me William Phelps justice of the peace within and for the county and state aforesaid Martha Hamilton aged eighty three years a resident of Belchertown in the State of Massachusetts who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the Widow of Joseph Hamilton deceased who was a Soldier in the revolutionary war in the company commanded by Captain P. Harwood in Colonel E Leonard's Regiment also in Captain F. Wilson's Company in Colonel Danforth's Regiment in 1777 also in 1778 and in 1779 He afterwards enlisted in 1781 for three years and served accordingly for which she has received the bounty granted therefor by said Commonwealth of Massachusetts she further declares that she was married to the said Joseph Hamilton on the twenty eighth day of May 1805 by Rev John Robinson in Westborough in presence of Rev John Fish of New-Braintree whose certificate was obtained to establish her claim for a pension by the act of Congress of 1853 and is now on file in your office. Mr Fish has since died and there is no record to be found but the family record. Her name before her marriage was Martha Furbush Her said husband Joseph Hamilton died at Brookfield on the 16 th day of February A D. 1827 and she is now a Widow she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3 rd 1855.
Martha Hamilton

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, August 10 th 1885.
I Hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed.
Wm. Phelps was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Hampshire.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
T. M. Winthrop Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Belchertown Saturday August 8 th 1855
We Daniel Phelps and Nathan Dwight residents of Belchertown in the State of Massachusetts upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Martha Hamilton in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be
Daniel Phelps Nathan Dwight
Belchertown Saturday August 8 th 1855
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants  applicants to be credible persons and the claimant to be the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim
William Phelps (Justice of the Peace)
Belchertown Saturday August 8 th 1855
I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with the family of Joseph Hamilton for over thirty-seven years and was present at his funeral in 1827 which agrees with the family record of which the following is a true copy (Joseph Hamilton married to Martha - Furbush May 28 th 1805 Joseph Hamilton died February 16 th 1827) and I believe that all the above statements are in every respect true
Daniel Phelps

Rev.&1812 Wars Section. ADY W.7670
October 3, 1929.
Kate W. Hamilton, 307 Phoenix Avenue, Bloomington, Illinois.
Dear Madam:
I advise you that from the Revolutionary War records of this bureau it appears that Joseph Hamilton was born September 8, 1760, place not stated.
He enlisted July 4, 1775 and served eight months as a private in Captain P. Harwood's Company, Colonel E. Learned's Massachusetts Regiment.
From August 10, 1777 he served four months and twenty days as a private in Captain Francis Wilson's Company, Colonel Danforth Keyes' Massachusetts Regiment and in 1778, served three and one third months, no officers stated.
From January 1, 1779 he served one month and twelve days as a private in Captain N. Hamilton's Massachusetts Company.
From October 19, 1779 he served one month and twelve days as a private in Captain Joseph Richardson's Company, Colonel Denney's Massachusetts Regiment.
From January 30, 1781 he served in Captain James

Fisdale's Company, Colonel John Greaton's Third Massachusetts Regiment and was discharged as a sergeant in October 1783.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 17, 1818 while a resident of Brookfield, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
He died February 16, 1827 in Brookfield, Massachusetts.
Soldier married May 28, 1805 in Westborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts, Mrs. Martha Furbush. She was allowed pension on her application executed May 10, 1853, while a resident of Belchertown, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, aged eighty-one years.
The name of soldier's former wife is not stated.
Soldier's children were:
Catey born December 25, 1784. Chaney " March 3 or 31, 1786. Basmuth " October 9, 1787. Squire or Squier " June 27, 1789. Joseph " February 18, 1791, married Ruth died in 1819 Azubah " November 22, 1792. Horace " August 29, 1794. Persis " December 8, 1796, died in infancy. Persis " December 15, 1797. Elizabeth " May 9, 1799. Juliana or Julianna " September 6, 1801. Farwell H. or Farswell H. " March 3 or 31, 1804.
Joseph Hamilton, Jr. and Ruth had one child, Joseph Putnam Hamilton.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH, Commissioner.

307 Phoenix Ave
Bloomington, Ill. July 9, 1929
Revolutionary Department of U.S. Pension Office
Sir:
May I ask, for historical purposes, for a copy of the service of Joseph Hamilton , of Brookfield, Mass., as a private in the Revolutionary Army ? He afterward received a pension, and later there was a grant of land to his widow --the date of these papers I do not know. I am a granddaughter of the said Joseph Hamilton, and should greatly esteem the information for which I ask.
Respectfully,
Kate W. Hamilton
Bloomington, Ill.

Revolutionary War
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7670
Martha Hamilton
Wid.
Joseph Hamilton Sergt. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 3, 1853
Index:—Vol. 24 , Page 305
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1929 Oct. 3. Visit to Kate W. Hamilton, A.N.Y.

✓
34.540
§
Stoans

FREE
205-427
L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
205-427

# 34540-160
Hon. W. B. Calhoun
Mar. 2. 1836
Joseph Hamilton
Recorded. page 177 Rec Vol 1. p 103.

War Dept
Mch 2 d 36
Sir,
In con answer to yr enquiry of the 20 th ult o , respecting Joseph Hamilton, I transmit a copy of the Comm t of Peers' very &c)
Hous
H. B. Calhoun
H R

Pension Office Dec 19. 1853
Sir. Please report time of last payment to, or death of, within named pensioner & if arrear to whom paid.
Respectfully &c J. Dole for Commr. Mr. Brat Osgood 3 and Present.
Joseph Hamilton, act 1818 $8 per month, paid to 4 Sept 1824. No date of death.
J. B. Barr Auditor

Joseph Hamilton died
He Maps.
Not found on Books or files, Suptd. Office
Logan
October 13 1853
Logan
Geddy
Dec 11/53
Post Office
Centin. of Survey Washington D.C.
FREE

May 19/33
Martha Hamilton wid. of Joseph Hampshire Co. Md.
3. Feb. 1833
Rev. Alan
Original
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, PENSION OFFICE, OFFICIAL BUSINESS
16 th Feb 37 Date of death Clt 3 insert be found 5 th Feb death Belcherstown Md. Commission

Mrs. Hamilton
HERTON DEC 5
FREE
Col. Henry Harrison Hillsboro Washington D.C.
Made Dec 7th 1893

Martha Hambleton and Joseph
FREE
L. P. "Nathaniel"
Commission
Pension Office
Washington D.C.
Recd July 13 th 1834

Dec 12/52
Martha Hamilton
wid
Joseph Gaddis
perhaps
J. P. Noble. Garrisonville
Seneca Office
Washington D.C.
FREE

Martha Hamilton
Widow
Joseph
L. P. Noble
Commissioner
FREE
Union Office Washington D. C.

FREE
James E. Heath Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Pension Office
August
Sept. 1. 1853
Sir,
Please certify whether the within named pen- sioner was restored, after being dropped - either under the act of 18 th March, 1818. or June 7, 1832 - and if so, the time to which he he was last paid; and, (if in your power) The date of his death -
Very respectfully,
Your ob t Serv t
J. Burt Esq d
Present
J. Cole Acting Comm d .
(See other side.)

Joseph Hamilton, act 1818, §8, p.m. paid to 4 th Sept. 1824:—no date of Death on our Books, under this act; nor does our Books furnish any evidence that he was ever dropped from this Act. —
His name is not to be found on Act 7 th June 1832.
F. Bur L Auditor.

ap n for Restoration
Jos: Hamilton
Massachusetts
Brigadier
see letter March 13. 1827 to
Hon. J. Davis Worcester, Mass.
18 Sept H. R.
Respectfully referred to the Secretary of War from the Pension Office, 23 d Feb.
1827 - let to J. C. Baty H.R. Jan. 8. 1835.
Copy of original decl nt forw d into letter to the Sec y of War Mar. 1. 1836

No 1693.
Martha Hamilton, widow of Joseph Hamilton,
Let, to Cln ts Aug 2 nd 3/53 " " " Sept 3 rd 3/53 Same " Dec 8/53 " " " 2 nd 3/53
Rev d Allowed $80 per an to Com. Feb 3-1858
Act 3 rd Feb. 1853.

Extract from a Settlement of Joseph Hamilton in the the Probate Office.

Worcester ss at a Court of Probate on the first Tuesday in Sept A.D. 1823 being the second day of said Month
Joseph Hamilton Administrator on the Estate of Joseph Hamilton Jr late of Brookfield deceased presented the above account for allowance and having been sworn and examined and no objection being made I do now decree that the said amount be and hereby is allowed leaving a balance in the said Administrators hands of $745.54 cents and whereas it appears that $497.00 of said balance is the proceeds of Real Estate of which the said deceased died seized and possessed and of which his widow is Dowerable I therefore order that the said administrator put to interest on good and sufficient land security the sum of $745.56 cents being one third of said sum, the interest to be paid annually to Ruth Hamilton widow of said deceased during her natural life, and at her death the principal to be paid to the only child of said deceased (now) Joseph Putnam Hamilton or to its legal Representatives, and the Remainder of said balance amounting to the sum of $599.88 cents consisting of the proceeds of the sale of Real Estate I order the said administrator to pay the same to the said Ruth Hamilton Guardian of said Joseph Putnam Hamilton for his benefit to be put on interest well secured according to Law
Walter Paine J. Probate
A Copy Attest Theophs Wheeler Regt
A true extract from a Copy of the said Joseph Hamiltons settlement in the said Probates office
Attest
Nicholas M. Clure J. Probate

Know all men by these presents, that I Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield in the county of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman in consideration of twelve hundred dollars paid by Phinehas Upham & Oliver Crosby of Brookfield aforesaid Esquires the Receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said Phinehas Upham and Oliver Crosby a certain farm on which the said Joseph Hamilton now lives bounded as follows, viz. beginning at the Northeast corner of the Barn, thence by the road to the pond, thence southwesterly by the pond to a stake and stones it being the northwest corner of Sewall Hamiltons wood lot thence easterly by said Sewall Hamiltons land w th Huldah Hamiltons land, Seth Hamiltons land and the wd. Rhoda Hamiltons thence to the road, thence northerly by said road to the first mentioned corner containing about eighty acres — Also another piece of land bounded as follows, viz. beginning at the corner of the wall nearly opposite the barn, thence southerly by the road to the north west corner of Seth Hamiltons pasture to a heap of stones, thence easterly by said Seth Hamiltons land to Joshua Hincheus land, thence northerly by Joshua Hincheus land & Jabez Hamiltons land to the county road thence by said road to the first mentioned corner containing about fifteen acres — Also the house and house lot containing about two thirds of an acre bounded easterly and northerly on Seth Hamiltons westerly on the Widow Huldah Hamilton and southerly on the county road. — I have and to hold the afore-granted premises to the said Phinehas Upham and Oliver Crosby their Heirs and Assigns to their Use and Behoof forever, and I covenant with the said Phinehas Upham and Oliver Crosby their Heirs and Assigns, that I am lawfully seized in fee of the afore-granted premises, that they are free of all Incumbrances, that I have good Right to sell and convey the same to the said Phinehas Upham and Oliver Crosby, and that I will warrant and defend the same premises to the said Phinehas Upham & Oliver Crosby their Heirs and Assigns forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons. — Provided nevertheless, that if the said Joseph Hamilton his Heirs, Executors or Administrators pay to the said Phinehas Upham and Oliver Crosby their Heirs, Executors, Administrators or Assigns the sum of nine hundred and twenty dollars and the Interest thereof by the first day of April next which will be

in the year eighteen hundred and eleven then this deed as also a certain promissory note of hand bearing even date with these presents given by the said Joseph Hamilton to the said Phinehas Upham & Oliver Crosby promising to pay the same sum and interest at the time aforesaid shall both be void otherwise shall remain in full force. — In witness whereof I the said Joseph Ham- ilton have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirtieth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ten. —
Joseph Hamilton (seal)
Signed, Sealed & delivered in Worcester for Brookfield May 25 in presence of us. — 1810. Then the above-named Joseph Abraham Skinner, Hamilton acknowledged the above Francis T. Merrill, Instrument to be his free act and Deed. Thomas Hoale Just. of Peace before me. —
Rec d June 2 d 1810 Entd. & Exd. By Darius Chaplin Reg r —
The fore-going is a true Copy of Record as Recorded in the Registry of Deeds Book 176 page 278 —
attest Art. Ward, Reg r .

Know all Men by these presents, that I Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman, in consideration of seven hundred and forty five dollars paid by Ruth Hamilton of Danvers in the County of Essex and Commonwealth aforesaid Widow. The receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge do hereby give, grant, sell and convey unto the said Ruth Hamilton her Heirs and Assigns forever, a certain tract of land on which I now live, with one undivided half of the buildings thereon standing said tract contains about three acres bounded as follows viz southerly on the County road leading from Brookfield to Charlton, Easterly, Northerly and Westerly on Oren Hamilton's land. Also one other tract of land containing about thirty seven acres, with one undivided half part of the Barn and Shed thereon standing, separated from the above described premises by the above said County road only bounded as follows viz Northerly on said County road Westerly on Squire Hamilton's land, Southerly on William C Bowers's land and Easterly on the Town Road leading from the premises to Sturbridge. To have and to hold the afore-granted premises to the said Ruth Hamilton her Heirs and Assigns to her & their Use and Behoof forever. And I do covenant with the said Ruth Hamilton her Heirs and Assigns, that I am lawfully seized in fee of the afore-granted Premises, that they are free of all Incumbrances, that I have good Right to sell and convey the same to the said Ruth Hamilton, and that I will warrant & defend the same premises to the said Ruth Hamilton her Heirs and Assigns forever, against the lawful Claims and Demands of all Persons. — Provided nevertheless, that if the said Joseph Hamilton his Heirs, Executors or Administrators pay to the said Ruth Hamilton her Heirs, Executors, Administrators or Assigns the sum of seven hundred and forty five dollars for which the said Joseph Hamilton has given his promissory note of hand payable in three years from the first day of April next, with interest after the first day of April next the Interest to be paid annually, then this Deed, as also the certain above named Note bearing even date with these presents given the said Ruth Hamilton by the said Joseph Hamilton promising to pay the same sum of seven hundred
Danvers October 11 1823. To the Register of Deeds of the County of Worcester, this being a small sum in the Deed you recorded, for me on the instant. Just before the record of the above Deed, there is a Deed from the same parties, the same is a true copy, attested unto Walter H. Page. — Ruth Hamilton — Rev. the above

and forty five Dollars at the time aforesaid shall be void otherwise shall remain in full force. — In witness whereof the said Joseph Hamilton together with Martha his wife in token of her relinquishing her right of Dower or thirds in the premises have hereunto set their hands and seals this first day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty. — (three)
Jos. Hamilton (seal)
Martha Hamilton (seal)
Signed, Sealed & delivered
in presence of us. —
Worcester 1 st October 1823. Then
the above-named Joseph Hamilton Tarswell H Hamilton } acknowledged the above Instrument Juliana Hamilton — } to be his free act and Deed — before me
Eph m Morey Just. of Peace
Rec d Oct 7 1823. Entd. & Exd. By Art s Ward Reg d
The fore-going is a true copy of Record as Recorded in the Registry of Deeds Book 235. page 1 —
Attest Art s Ward, Reg d .

The Subscriber affors the following explanation in regard to the Mortgage Deed, given to Phineas Upham and Oliver Crosby, and the debt now due Lewis Abbott - on the tenth day of April A.D. 1810 I mortgaged the premises on which I now live, together with that part of the farm which Squire Hamilton now possesses, that at the time of Upham & Crosby receiving partnership, the Mortgage was assigned to Crosby, and after the Death of Crosby, the Mortgage was transferred to Lewis Abbott, that on the 15 th day July 1817 I gave a deed of the premises, to Squire and Joseph Hamilton for now due, of the premises mortgaged to S d Upham & Crosby, for the consideration of $2000. That they the S d Squire and Joseph assumed the payment of my debts to the amount $1929:75 as by a statement herewith enclosed will appear that the S d Joseph for thereafter died, leaving due on S d Mortgage about $300. at the time my Administration begun . That since that time, I have reduced the S d Sum by means of my pension to $207:38 as by S d Abbott's Certificate herewith enclosed will appear, the above Sum of about $300. together with some other smaller debts, and charges of Administration, was Allowed by the Judge of Probate, leaving a Balance due to the heirs of Joseph Hamilton for Deed of $745:54 paid at the time of giving the Deed to Ruth Hamilton, leaving a Balance of just $745:00 as by an attested copy of the deed given to Ruth Hamilton, herewith enclosed will appear Joseph Hamilton
Worcester for June 22: 1822
Personally appeared the above named Joseph Hamilton and made oath to the truth of the above statement by him signed Sheldon Folsom Justice Peace

Brookfield August 1 st 1825
For your letter of 9 th July require me one to furnish affidavits of my several creditors, showing that Joseph Hamilton for that he paid the sum of $1929-75 - S d Joseph Hamilton J r , was holden to pay only one half of the above sum, Squire Hamilton being holden being holden to pay the other half as by documents already forwarded will appear, to produce such affidavits as required providence has put it out my power, as the persons to whom it was principally due are Dead viz Oliver Crosby to whom was due $1600:00
William Blanchard. 160-00
James Capin Jr. 19 00
$1779:00
The other creditors live at considerable distance and I think it probable that they would not meet the particular sums and the exact times of payment, therefore as a substitute, of the affidavits required I enclose you a copy of a settlement made in the probate office, by which it appears that the Judge of probate gave me credit for paying as Administrator one half that Squire Hamilton was obliged to pay the remainder viz $964:87 1/2 and that he has paid the principal part of S d sum, that he is indebted by Note of hand to Lewis Abbott $140-00 towards the Mortgage which gave to Upham & Crosby, and which since their death has been transferred to the S d Abbott a copy of the settlement in the probate office, and Squire Hamilton's Certificate is herewith enclosed. From J. L. Edwards Joseph Hamilton

Brookfield June 27 th 1825
Hon. James Barbour Secy. of War.
In the letter addressed to the war department some time since by me, respecting Adams & Hamiltons. petition, was by the request of several respectable neighbours of theirs. then same neighbours request me to state that the testimony recently sent on by Hamilton is unfair and that the cause why he should not receive a pension now exists. and on a fair investigation of his property, would prove the fact. Hamilton has wrote to the war department to have the name of the informer given up, which I presume will not be done.
Statement of facts
Hamilton put his property in to his sons hands, to the amount of two thousand Dollars before his application for his pension with an agreement that the son was to support him through life, before a bond was given for his support. the son died. on a settlement of his sons estate, Hamilton proved his claim for support at the court of probate. the judge allowed him six hundred Dollars out of said estate. of this sum, there is no doubt, as it is a matter on record at the court of probate. it is that by his neighbours, that he had at least six hundred besides the allowance of his judge.
your Ob. d very hum. d Serv. t
by request
P. Draper

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester, ss.
I, Abijah Bigelow, clerk of the Judicial Courts within and for the said County of Worcester, Do certify, That Dimeon Draper, Skelton Felton, and Nicholas M c Clure, Esquires, are Justices of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, agreeably to the Laws of this Common- wealth; that full faith and credit are to be given to all their acts and doings, as such Justices, whenever the same are intended to operate. —
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of said Commonwealth, this twenty second day of June, Anno Domini 1825. —
Abijah Bigelow, Clerk.

[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. The text is mostly illegible but appears to be a formal statement or letter.]
Clerks Certificate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester, ss.
I, Elijah Bigelow, clerk of the Judicial Court within and for the said County of Worcester, Do certify, That Simeon Draper, Shelton Felton, and Nicholas M c Clure, Esquires, are Justices of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, agreeably to the laws of this Commonwealth; that full faith and credit are to be given to all their acts and doings, as such Justices, whenever the same are intended to operate. —
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of said Commonwealth, this twenty second day of June. Anno Domini 1825. —
Elijah Bigelow, Clerk.

Certificate of the Sale of the Real estate of Joseph Hamilton Jr See
C/
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]
7

Be the Subscribers Certify That on the 25 day of November A 1822 the Real estate of Joseph Hamilton Esq Decd was put on Sale (by licence of Court previously given) at public Vendue, And that Joseph Hamilton one of the Subscribers of this Statement, reputed Nicholas M c Clure whose name is hereto subscribed to bid off the premises, provided they did Not exceed a limited Sum, and that the said Nicholas did bid off the premises (he being the highest bidder) at $1225. as of the same premises on which the sd Joseph Now lives, and that the said Nicholas immediately gave a Quitclaim deed to the sd Joseph, as by Record will appear, and that a principal part of the purchase Money was going to an Infant Child then about three years old, viz Joseph Putnam Hamilton, and that the sd Joseph had encouragement, from the Guardian of sd Child, that he might be waited on for the purchase money untill the his became of Lawful age, by giving good security for the same, and paying the Interest Annually, and that the sd Joseph did give to Ruth Hamilton Guardian of sd Joseph Putnam Hamilton a Warrantee Mortgage deed of the premises purchased, for the Sum of $745. as by a Copy of sd deed herewith endorsed will appear Joseph Hamilton Nicholas M c Clure Agnes Hamilton
Witnesseth June 25-1825 the within named Jos. Hamilton and Agnes Hamilton made solemn Oath that the above statement is true before me Nicholas M c Clure J.P.
Witnesseth June 25-1825 Personally appeared the above named Nicholas M c Clure and made Oath that the above statement by him signed is true Nelson Felton
and that the Remainder of sd sum of 1225. dollars Justs. of the Pence viz $480. was applied to the payment of the debts of the Joseph decd and the Charges of Administration Joseph Hamilton
Witnesseth June 25-1825 the above named Joseph Hamilton made solemn Oath that the above statement by him subscribed is true, before me Nicholas M c Clure J.P.

We the Subscribers hereby certify that Squire Hamilton and Joseph Hamilton Jr now deceased purchased all the Real estate of Joseph Hamilton on the fifteenth day of July A.D. 1817 for the consideration of $2000 - and that the S d Squire and Joseph Jr assumed the payment of the debts of the Joseph Hamilton, and obligated themselves for the payment thereof to the amount of $1929:75
  Viz to Oliver Crosby $1600.00 } $1929:75   William Blanchard 160.00   Worster Bank 39:50   Print for part of a form 28:00   James Capron Jr 19:00   Elizer Adams 28:00   Worster Bank 45:25   Anasa Bunn 5:00   Serra Allen 10:00   
and that the Balance due from the S d Squire & Joseph Deed Viz $70:25 was otherwise to be paid
Joseph Hamilton  Squire Hamilton
Worster Jn June 25 - 1825 the above named Joseph Hamilton and Squire Hamilton made solemn oath that the above statement is true before me Nicholas M. Church J.P.

The Subscriber hereby Certifies that his small debts Equal fifty Dollars Joseph Hamilton.
Warrington June 25 - 1825 The above named Joseph Hamilton made Oath that the above statement by him signed is true. William Tolson Just Peace
Joseph I hereby certify that Hamilton is indebted to me by Note of hand dated December 22 nd 1823 — for the sum of $130.11 with Lawfull Interest for the same from the above date Horace Hamilton
Warrington June 25 - 1825 the above named Horace Hamilton made Oath that the above statement is true before me Nicholas Miller J. Peace

Caveat 107 Joseph Hamilton Joseph Adams
Recd Sept. 30. 1825
Rev. Mr. Adams Hon. Joseph Hamilton Sumner Mr. Draper is a very respectable Man - I know him well. that
Washington
off. recd

Brookfield April 25 th 1825
Hon d James Barbour Secretary of War
Sir / The Government is imposed upon by two men receiving pensions who are worth at least one Thousand Dollars each. They belong to this Town, viz Joseph Hamilton & Jesse Adams of Brookfield Massachusetts. I give this information by request of Respectable men as well as of my own knowledge. If an investigation takes place I have no doubt the above statement will be found true. I must not to be exposed as they are Taxpayers -
with Respect and Esteem
I am your Ob st Serv t .
Timon Draper an old Soldier without a Pension

Letter 3rd.
War Department
Pension Office
9th July. 1826.
Sir.
The documents forwarded by you in support of your claim have been examined, and found insufficient to remove the suspension of your pension. Before a favourable decision can be had in this case, you should produce the affidavits of your creditors properly authenticated showing that Jos. Hamilton Fund. paid the sum of $1927.75/100 for you, the creditors should be particular in stating the time of contracting the debts, on what account and when they were paid.
I am respectfully
Mr Jos. Hamilton Brookfield Mass.
(signed)
Yr ob. Servt.
J. L. Edwards
Letter 4th
War Department
Pension Office
Aug. 10. th 1825.
Sir
By my letter to you of the 9th ultimo, you were required to produce the affidavits of your creditors, showing that your son paid for you $1927.75/100 and showing also the time of contracting the debts, on what account and when they were paid &c. This is indispensable. There are many objections to the documents exhibited. Squire Hamilton has not produced proof that he paid the sum alleged viz $1000, except $1140 yet due on mortgage. The settlement exhibited by you, independent of its informality, is objectionable, in as much as such settlements are not conclusive against heirs and representatives, who may examine them within a limited time and object to them, copies of vouchers on which such account was admitted should be produced
I am respectfully your ob. Servt. J. L. Edwards Jos. Hamilton Brookfield Mass.

I trust you will have but little trouble in getting Capt. Hamilton restored to the pension List. Perhaps you know the man, we have a younger man from whom you will distinguish him to wit Capt. Jas. W. Hamilton, who failed two or three years ago.
Will you have the goodness to get a copy of the letter which is referred to in J. D. Edwards letter of May 2 1825., which gave the false and malicious representation of Capt. Hamilton's circumstances, and if a copy can be had, if Capt. H. is not restored, we wish to try the form of a civil action for redress.
I trust in much respect yours &c.
Herman Stebbins
P.S. The President's message papers &c. were early rec d . for which please accept my thanks yours &c. — H. Stebbins

Copies of Letters from War Department to Capt Jos. Hamilton, 1st Letter
War Department Pension Office
2nd. May 1825
Sir
Information has been received at this Office, that you are worth at least $1000. The payment of your pension will therefore be stopped until you shall have proved that information to be incorrect
I am respectfully
Mr. Jos. Hamilton Brookfield Mass.
(Signed)
Yr. Obt. Servt. J. L. Edwards
2nd Letter
War Department Pension Office
7th. June 1825.
Sir,
Your letter of the 11 th ultimo has been received, and in reply thereunto I have to state, that your mere statement is insufficient to remove the suspension of your pension. In order to a proper investigation of your case your statement should be made under oath, and be corroborated by the testimony of creditable persons, taken also under oath, before a duly qualified magistrate, and the official character and signature of the magistrate should be properly authenticated. Copies of the deeds of mortgage, duly authenticated should be produced and the whole transaction respecting your purchase of the land be fairly presented to this department.
I am respectfully
Mr Jos. Hamilton Brookfield Mass.
(Signed)
Yr. Obt. Servt. J. L. Edwards

Letter 3rd.
War Department
Pension Office
9th July. 1895.
Sir.
The documents forwarded by you in support of your claim have been examined, and found insufficient to remove the suspension of your pension. Before a favourable decision can be had in the case, you should produce the affidavits of your creditors properly authenticated showing that Jos. Hamilton Esq. paid the sum of $1927.75/100 for you, the creditors should be particular in stating the time of contracting the debts, on what account and when they were paid.
I am respectfully
Yr. Ob. Servt.
Mr Jos. Hamilton Brookfield Mass.
(signed)
J. L. Edwards
Letter 4th
War Department
Pension Office
Aug. 10. 1895.
Sir
By my letter to you of the 9th ultimo, you were required to produce the affidavits of your creditors, showing that your son paid for you $1927.75/100 and showing also the time of contracting the debts, on what account and when they were paid &c. This is indispensable. There are many objections to the documents exhibited. Squire Hamilton has not produced proof that he paid the sum alleged viz $1000, except $100 yet due on mortgage. The settlement exhibited by you, independent of its informality, is objectionable, in as much as such settlements are not conclusive against heirs and representatives, who may examine them within a limited time and object to them, copies of vouchers on which such account was admitted should be produced.
I am respectfully your ob. Servt. J. L. Edwards Jos. Hamilton Brookfield Mass.

I Lewis Abbott do hereby certify that Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield in the state of Massachusetts, once a pensioner of the United States, is indebted to me, to the amount of $207.38 Cents, the payment of which sum is secured by a Mortgage deed originally given to Phinehas Upham & Oliver Crosby Esquires, and that the sd deed was transferred to me, since the death of sd Upham & Crosby, that that bound sd deed covers, the Real estate which Joseph Hamilton purchased, as the property of the heirs of Joseph Hamilton for ever, and of which the sd Joseph Hamilton gave a Mortgage deed to Nath Hamilton Guardian to Joseph Putnam Hamilton, to secure the balance due to the heirs of Joseph Hamilton for ever, as as by a copy of sd deed, herewith enclosed will appear, also that the the part part of the farm originally mortgaged to Upham and Crosby, now covers that part of the farm with Squibb Hamilton now owns, that sd Joseph Hamilton, on his part is indebted to me $207.38 Cents as above stated, by an arrangement made by the sd Joseph Hamilton & Squibb Hamilton About two years since  Lewis Abbott
Worcester fr June 28 1824
Personally appeared the above named Lewis Abbott and made oath to the truth of the above statement by him signed before me Simson Draper Justice Peace
Balance due him on, per statement of claimant in another place } 111.34

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office. Boston, May 12 th 1853
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Amasa A Bigelow was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. D. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

This may certify, that in an early part of this century, in the year 1805, or some year near to it, on my way to our Annual Election in Boston, in the month of May, I called at Furber's Tavern in the town of Westborough, & County of Worcester; and while there I witnessed the marriage of Captain Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield & Mrs. Martha Furber of Westborough. The marriage services were performed by Rev. Mr. Robinson of Reicheborough, at whose request, I took part in the devotional exercises.
John Fiske, Pastor of the Church New Britain                                     in New Britain. May 3 rd 1853,
Sworn to before me
Amos D. Bigelow Justice of the Peace

Joseph Hamilton, evidence to remove sus- pension — off
He is sick H.R.
Hon. J. Davis, H.R.
enclosed E. Clevenger
G
Recd. 13 Feb. 1827

Sir
I herewith enclose additional Evidence in the case of Hamilton and also a letter addressed to me by H Stibbins Esq from which you will fully learn his wishes. I am at this time unable to call at the office by reason of other engagements but hope the business will meet with early attention.
I have the honor to be your Obed Servt J Davis

Worcester ss
at a Probate Court of Probate on the first Tuesday in June A.D. 1822 being the fourth day of Month Joseph Hamilton, Administrator on the estate of Joseph Hamilton for late of Brookfield D cd presented the foregoing Account for Allowance, and having been sworn and examined and no objections being made, I do now decree that the s d Account be and hereby is Allowed
Nath l Paine J. Prob.
A Copy Attest
Theop o Wheeler Reg t
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true Copy of the Settlement made at the probate after by Joseph Hamilton, and also certify that Oliver Crosby William Blanchard and James Casin for who are named in the foregoing Settlement are Dead
Nicholas M. Cline J. Prob.
I hereby certify that I have paid for Joseph Hamilton $1000 - in Consideration of one half of the farm which I and my Brother Joseph Hamilton for purchase of my father Joseph Hamilton on the fifteenth day of February more than one year before the first payment due A.D. 1819, except about $140 - which I am holden by Note of hand to pay Lewis Abbott, to whom the Mortgage Deed Originally given to Phinehas Upham & Oliver Crosby has been transferred
Sylvia Harrington
Worcester ss for August 1 st 1825 The above named Sylvie Harrington made oath that the foregoing statement is true
Nicholas M. Cline J. Prob.

The first Account of Joseph Hamilton Administrator on the Estate of Joseph Hamilton Jr late of Brookfield in the County of Worcester Deceased, the sd Administrator charges himself with the Amount of the personal Estate of the deceased as Appraised $608:97
And prays Allowance for the following payments & Charges viz    paid for a Coffin &c 5:30 Carriage 2  7:30    Gravestones to the Appraiser 7  17:00    Several Taxes 1820  4:45  
personal estate delivered the widow at Appraisal 206:30 Sundry fees at the probate office before this day 5:20 paid for Recording Deeds etc 1820 1:21 paid Joseph W Hamilton .60 paid Phinehas Jones Taxes for 1816 1:48 Doct Eaton Bill lost Sickness 14:14
For one half of the Amount of the following debts and Taxes, which became the joint debts of sd Deceased, and his Brother Squire Hamilton the whole Amount being $1929:75 - said Deceased's part is $964 87 1/2 Cents
  viz Col Oliver Crosby  $1600:00    William Blanchard  160:00    Bank debt  84:75    Eliza Adams  23:00    James Capin Jr  19:00    Amasa Burris  5:00    Col Allen  10:00    Rent of Real estate the sd Deceased and Squire Hamilton had the benefit of but which belonged to me  28:00    Probate fees in this case  $1929:75 1/2 in $964:87 1/2     $8:50  
$1226:25 1/2 Balance due Adm r $617:28 Joseph Hamilton

Joseph Hamilton, a Sergeant Massachusetts, Served 2 Years
1 st Schedule 22 nd June 1820, exhibits a few articles of personal property amount $93 83 upon which he was continued. see paper A.
Caveat
A letter was received from Simeon Draper, dated Brooklyn 25 April 1825, stating that the Pensioner was "worth at least $1000, see paper B. covering a second letter from the same person
Upon which the claim was suspended, and information given to Hamilton.
The now applicant, to have this suspension removed, and states that on the 15 th February 1817, he conveyed all his real estate to his two sons, Squire Hamilton, and Joseph Hamilton Junior, for $2000, who bound themselves to pay off his debts to that amount, and that they had accordingly assumed to the amount of $1929. 75. But no proof being offered of such assumption, the case was left open for further evidence.
It also appears, that soon after the above conveyance Joseph Hamilton Junr. died, the father administered, that the real property was sold, and purchased by one McClure for the present applicant, subject to the claim of the widow and infant son of the intestate. see papers C.
The only question then for the consideration of the Depart- ment is whether the property now in possession of the applicant be encumbered with bona fide debts, and to what amount.
In February 1826, the property real and personal amounted to $1610. 33 The debts stated to be due . . . . . 1320. 24
Admitting this statement to have been true, the claim must have been, as it was, rejected, because under the former rule, or rather the then existing rule, debts were not taken into the account; In May 1826 however the rule was altered by the present Secretary of War, who directed that bona fide debts should be subtracted from the amount of property in possession, and

if the balance was under $300, to admit such claims, (see case of H Peck, from District of Columbia, 13 May 1826)
Evidence of debts exhibited.
D { Mortgage to Ruth Hamilton, dated 1 Oct 1823. It secured a debt due her, and her infant son from Claimant, as administrator of her husband Joseph Hamilton Junior son of the Applicant. Int on this sum . . . . . 38 00 745. 54
1: { Mortgage to P & L Crosby dated 30 April 1810, for $920, and interest (originally), balance due thereon $111. 34. transferred to Lewis Abbott . . . . . 111 34
1: { Amount of other debts proved by the affidavits of creditors, contracted since 18 March 1818, for necessaries &c . . . . . 410. 38 amount proved . . . . . $ 1296. 26. amount of debts exhibited, not proved $34.00
Recapitulation
Property in possession . . . . . $1610. 33 Debts proved . . . . . 1296. 26 Balance — $424 07
C { Evidence is now offered to prove that the real estate in possession of Claimant and heretofore estimated at $1207, is worth only $1000. If this difference be deducted pay. 207, 00 Leaves this sum the true value of claimants Property . . . . . $ 217. 07 $217. 07
It remains to be considered whether these debts were bona fide. A doubt arises on this head as to the

character of the transaction between the claimant and his sons. The death of Joseph rendered it difficult to ascertain how far he complied with his part of the engagement. There is however evidence of a decree of Court in favor of his widow and child, which decree is the origin of the mortgage to Ruth Hamilton.
All the information on this part of the case will be found among the papers marked C, and 1 1 .
See also an explanatory letter from H. Stebbins marked 1 2 .
The paper marked 1 1 is a statement of Dr. Parsons, showing the pecuniary circumstances of the claimant: his moral standing &c. and rebutting the charges contained in the letter of the informer Draper, on which the pension was suspended.

I Nicholas W cl Lean, of Brookfield in the County of Worcester in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, hereby certify and say, that I am well acquainted with the farm on which Capt. Joseph Hamilton now resides, having lived for more than thirty years a near neighbour to him. Said farm consists of one half of a house, and old barn and about fifty acres of Land situated about three miles from the Meetinghouse in said Brookfield. This Farm was sold in 1822 by license of Court, and said Hamilton through me, became the purchaser; he then gave fourteen hundred and thirty seven dollars. In this purchase, was however included a lot of land since sold by said Hamilton for the sum of two hundred and thirty dollars, the part of the farm which said Hamilton now owns cost twelve hundred and seven dollars. It was my opinion at the time of the purchase, and still is, that said Hamilton paid more more than the real value of said Estate. What he now owns could not be sold for little, if any, more than one thousand dollars. The circumstances, under which said Hamilton purchased, and the long day of payment for a large part of the amount of said farm, being nearly twenty years, offered a strong inducement to said Hamilton, to purchase at almost any price; thereby procuring to himself and family a shelter and place of abode for the remnant of their lives. Real estate in this town has declined in value since said purchase, owing to the fact, that there is a large number of valuable farms in the Market. Nicholas W cl Lean
Worcester p. Dec 8 th 1826 Personally appeared the above named Nicholas W cl Lean, and made oath to the truth of the above statement. Before Herman S cl Lean Jus. Peace,

We the undersigned hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with the farm on which Capt Joseph Hamilton resides, consisting of one half of a House, a barn, and about 50 acres of Land, and that said farm is worth but little, if any, more than One thousand Dollars.
Moses Bunnell
Wm Rice
J. H. H. Hinkley
William C. Bower

Worcester ss Dec 12 - 1826 Personally appeared William Rife Joshua Hincked and William C. Bowers and made Oath to the foregoing Certificate that according to the best of their judgment is true before me Nicholas M. Clure J.P.
Worcester ss Dec 13 - 1826 Personally appeared Moses Burrijs and made Oath to the foregoing Certificate that according the to the best of his judgment is true before me Nicholas M. Clure J.P.
M c Moses Burrijs was sworn and said that the foregoing Certificate is true to the best of his knowledge and belief.

Brookfield Mass: February 11th 1826.
Rev. Jos. Davis Esq.
Sir:
I enclose to you papers, relative to Joseph Hamilton claim to be restored to the pension list. — Capt Hamilton served six or seven years in the army war of the Revolution, and was always reputed a good soldier. On his return at the close of the war he went onto a small farm married and has brought up a family of eleven children. He went thro' all the grades of rank as a militia officer to that of Captain, during those times when it was customary for those in service to always keep a gun house, and on all trainings to furnish dinners for the whole company, and this company generally numbered 140. In addition to these facts, Capt. Hamilton was a drover for a long time. As early as 1810 he mortgaged his estate to Upham & Brodley, and his debts in 1816 became somewhat larger than his whole estate, and his creditors attacked all his property. and In this emergency two of his sons Jos. Jun. & Squire, who had each worked for himself 6 or 7 years, came forward and assumed the payment of Capt. Hamilton's debts to the amount of $1929.73 3/4, and took a deed of his farm. This was done in Feb. 1817. Capt. Hamilton at this time represented to his sons, Jos. Jun. & Squire, that the Real Estate, that he had conveyed to them, was worth one or two hundred dollars more than the sum they had assumed to pay for them the same . Jos. Jun. & Squire divided the real Estate, and in the division there was an agreement between the sons that in consideration that he I had received a larger part of the farm, than Squire he should do something for the support of Capt. Hamilton & wife, should they need it, Early in the spring June of 1818 Jos. Jun. died, and altho' Capt. Hamilton had an equitable claim upon the Real Estate of Jos. Jun. De r , yet his title was lost. To return one moment to 1817. — When Jos. Jun. & Squire, assumed the pay-

ment of Capt Hamilton's debts , they did not give separate notes but they only bound themselves with Capt Hamilton, and although there was an agreement between the parties to indemnify Capt Hamilton, yet the deed was executed, and the bond of indemnity omitted. Thus Capt Hamilton was still holden to pay these debts, should his sons fail to do it, although he had conveyed to them his estate to do it with; you will observe that the whole of this transaction was in Feb. 1817. long previous to any pension act. Under the first pension act. Capt Hamilton in 1818. applied and was placed upon the Pension List and again , on the act of 1820. he exhibited a schedule of nearly $100, and was still continued on the list.
I stated before that Jos. Jun. died in 1819, left a widow and an infant Jos. P. Hamilton, Capt. Hamilton, took out letters of administration, and settled the estate, At the decease of Jos. Jun. there was still a large amount of those debts unpaid which Jos. Jun. & Squier Hamilton had assumed to pay. You will find by examination of the Administrator's accounts, that there is at the first appearance, $617. 28, and 68. 18 which the ad. or is to pay or retain to himself from said estate; but if you examine the list of debts in the first account beginning with Col. Oliver Crocker $1600 &c you will find that the administrator takes this sum of $617. 28 to pay the the remaining part of those very debts that his son Jos. Jun. assumed to pay. However, his son Jos. Jun. did pay a part of those debts in his life time, and whatever part he did pay, (the property having been jointly managed for nearly two years by ad. or and sons, so that by intermixing ad. or 's pension for payment of part of said debts , it was impossible to tell exactly what Jos. Jun. did pay) in the final settlement in the probate office, was an advantage to the administrator. I assisted Capt Hamilton at the settlement, and as we could not exhibit

legal evidence that the Ad. or had any claim upon title to the Real Estate of Jos. Trew. the Judge decided that the claim of the ad. or upon Jos. Trew's Estate could not be allowed in the form that it was then presented, but did allow part of his claim, by permitting him to retain enough from the said Estate to pay the principal of half the sum that his two sons assumed to pay for him, supposing that Jos. Trew had at least paid the interest on said debts. It is probable that he had paid somewhat more, and in this manner, an equitable claim which the Ad. or had on the Estate was in part paid.
The Estate was finally settled in 1823. and as she was now sole and the real estate was in her name, in the decree of the Judge of Probate you will find that in addition to what personal Estate the ad. or had del. d to the will. he was ordered to secure the payment of $745.54 to the will. I then of Jos. Trew. Capt Hamilton says that in addition to his own statement under oath he has, furnished proper and legal evidence of the fact of his debt to Capt Hamilton, of $745.54 & Interest say $38.00. for greater part of the remainder of his debts I have, obtained the certificates of his creditors.
I have given the foregoing account of Capt Hamilton's affairs so that you may be able to understand, a number of long letters which Capt Hamilton wrote to the Secy at War, last summer & fall, which I have never seen, but which were written in reply to the letters from that office, copies of which accompany this paper. Capt Hamilton rec d his pension till Sept 1824 inclusive.
In 1824. & the winter of 1825. there happened a petty quarrel in Capt Hamilton's school (so called) in consequence of which (I state this on my own personal knowledge) some of his neighbours, or some persons for them, represented to the War Department that he was worth at least $1000.

What further has been done by Capt Hamilton you will be able to learn more correctly than I can state it, from the correspondence before named.
From a certificate of the town Clerk, you will see that Capt Hamilton has ever been respected by his townsmen and enjoyed their confidence for a great number of years. nor is that confidence and respect in the least diminished. There is a strong excitement in his favour, and it is the general opinion that he is needy, and that he cannot live comfortably without his pension. His family consists of himself & wife, he is about 66 or 67, and able to do but a very little labor. The farm on which he lives consists of about 60 acres of land much of it very poor, the buildings are large, and pretty good, particularly the house, a greater proportion of the value of the estate is in the buildings.
This real Estate he now owns cost in 1823 $1284 — if he gave more than it was worth for cultivation, or more than he can sell it for, he gave too much, within the course of two or three years, owing to various causes, but more particularly to the erection of very extensive manufacturing establishments in Swan, and the increase of such establishments in some of the towns ten or fifteen miles distant, most of our active young men leave town; real Estate has been diminishing in value any way, there is in this parcel $30,000 of real Estate advertised or has been advertised from time to time for two years, ready and for sale. Under these circumstances, I hazard nothing in saying that Capt Hamilton could not sell his real Estate for more than $1100. I could procure the affidavits of almost any person in the vicinity, that $1100 is full the real value of the Estate, deduct then $184, from 290-, and Capt Hamilton will have in right of Equity, worth $106 — after paying all his debts by the sale of his Real & personal Estate, (see his statement addressed to Gen. at War De Edward)

To the Hon John Davis
We the undersigned having been acquainted with Capt Joseph Hamilton from our youth to this date and have have as great an opportunity to know his cir- cumstances as any other man or men, and that we never considered him to be a person of much property, We further state that he has obtained; and still has the confidence of the inhabitants of his native Town (viz Brookfield) as Corroborative evidence, we offer the following (viz) he served 13 years as a Militia officer under Commissions given him by the Governors of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and was honorably discharged at his own request, as by the dates of his com- missions and discharge does appear he served from 20 to 30 years, as an Officer, several years as a Sergeant and has held almost every other office within the gift of the Town, all which offices he filled with fidelity and usefulness to the public - In fact almost his whole life, after he was 16 years and eleven months old (that being his age when he first entered the Militia Service, in defence of his Country) has been spent in the Army of the Revolution and in public Service at home and we further state that we believe the information given to the near department respecting his property was incorrect false and malicious, and it is our opinion that if the information names can be obtained, an action of damages may be brought and supported against them having understood that you were attending to the case, we submit this statement, to be disposed of as your wisdom may dictate
Yours Respectfully

Aaron Banister Luther Stowe Moses Coady Jas W Hamilton Jeremiah Miller William Crosby Abraham Skinner Simon Daniels Amos Crosby David Mathews Parley Blanchard William Hastings Jonathan Moore Amasa Blanchard Rufus Dodge Nicholas Miller W m Bigelow Moses Bunnell Hiram B. Clark W m Henshaw Solomon Richardson Otis Hayden Daniel Hale Aaron Kimball Jr
I do hereby certify that the men whose names are above are men of the truth and respectability
Skelton, Feb 1841 Justice of the Peace

Boston Jan. 10th 1827
Hon. John Davis, Benefi. Herewith I send papers relative to the Joseph Hamilton's claim for a pension, We have, as you will see, made a number of efforts to be restored to the pension list, one objection, after another has been removed. The last objection was in a letter addressed to you from the War Department, saying that the applicant possessed , had in possession more property than any one on the pension list, — We cannot say that the fact is not as then stated, — But the question, as we suppose it to be, is, How much is the applicant worth? and how can he possibly apply this estate (of which he may happen to be possessed,) to his support? It will appear from a simple view of the documents in the office of the War Dept. that, provided Hamilton's real estate be worth what it is worth when he purchased his farm in 1822, he was worth last winter about $300, (according to my recollection,) and this concurs in a right to reduce the real estate off which he living. Now I would enquire; After paying the interest of about $100 which he really owes, paying the taxes, and keeping the half a large house and barn in repair, how much a feeble old man 70 years old or more, can do for the support of himself and wife? I really look upon this case as one of those, which, if now for the first time presented for the consideration of the Secy. of War, could not admit of a doubt. — The accompanying papers, will show, that, at the right to redeem the farm of which Hamilton lives, may be worth $250. (the same being mortgaged for about $300.) — By other papers sent to you last winter, you will find that Hamilton still owes other sums, to Lewis Abbott, which is still secured on this land, together with others — which, were contracted to pay for part of this land. By reference to my letter to you last winter, and to the papers accompanying that letter

you will find that Capt. Hamilton was one of the first who was placed on the pension list, that he was retained on the second act of Congress, and that he was struck off on account of a suggestion (by no one knows who) that he was worth $1000. The certificate which we now offer of the value of said Hamilton's Estate, may be relied on, as they are of men, who are well acquainted with the Estate - men whose judgment may be relied on, & who have heretofore been appointed by the Judge of Probate as appraisers of real Estate. We must avail ourselves of of your civility in offering to attend to the business. Please present these doc- uments to the Secy of War, and insist upon a re- examination of this case, and I doubt not that two hours time will be amply sufficient to ex- amine the whole progress of this affair and satisfy the Secy of War that Hamilton should be placed again on the pension list, should you fail, please forward the refusal to me at this place in season for us to appear before Congress in the attitude of petitioners.
Respectfully yours obed Servt Herman Fletcher
Mr. John Davis

Hon. J. Barbour.
Washington July 21
My of course
Sir
The enclosed papers came addressed to me but being designed for your consideration I hasten to transmit to you - When you have examined them if you will make known your decision you will much oblige
Your obedt servt
John Davis

Brief in the case of Martha Hamilton widow of Joseph Hampshire County and State of Massachusetts act of February 3 1853,
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a pensioner under act of 1818 & dropped from the rolls
Allowed $80 per annum to Jan. Feb 3-1853.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by clergyman's certificate
Death of husband proved by credible witnesses
Identity & widowhood proved by credible witnesses
Name and residence of Agent Martha Hamilton Belchertown Hampshire Co Mass
Examining Clerk. H. Gray

Blethenstown County of Hampshire Commonwealth of Massachusetts December 1 st 1843
Dear Sir
I address you in behalf of the Widow Martha Hamilton who has applied for a pension at the pension office at Washington and has furnished all the evidence necessary to establish her claim.
She received a letter from the office to dated the 3 rd of September stating that as soon as the evidence of her late Husband's death was received at the office the case would be decided that evidence was sent on in a few days and she has heard nothing from the office since
She wishes to know if all the evidence has been received at the office and why it has been kept delayed
Very Respectfully Daniel Phelps

Pension Office
(December 23 rd 1833.
Madam,
Your claim for a pension under the Act of February 3 rd 1833, might now be admitted at the rate of $80 per annum; but there is some evidence that your husband served as Sergeant two years; which if satisfactorily shown, would entitle you to receive $120 per annum. Your claim, therefore, is temporarily suspended, to enable you to obtain a certificate of his military service from the Secretary of State of Massachusetts.
Very Respectfully
L. D. Waldo
Commissioner
Mrs. Martha Hamilton, Belchertown Mass.
1 Gray

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire } ss Belcherloo Sept. 8 th 1853
Personally appeared Daniel Phelps and made Oath that he was personally acquainted with Joseph Hamilton & Martha his Wife in Brookfield that he died in February 1827 that that he attended his funeral that in the spring after she removed to Belchertown to live with her Daughter by her first Husband
Daniel Phelps
Hampshire ss 8 th Sept 1853 Personally appeared Daniel Phelps subscribed to the foregoing certificate and made Oath in due form of Law to the fact. Statia Theron
Before me Wright Bridgman Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, August 22 d 1853.
I hereby Certify, That at the dates of the annexed attestations Otis Hayden was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester, and Wright Bridgman was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Hampshire.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Martha Hamilton of Belchertown in the county of Hampshire and state of Massachusetts having applied for a pension according to the provisions of an act of congress passed February 3 d 1833 intitled an act to continue half pay to certain widows and orphans to wit That I am the widow of the late Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield in the county of Worcester and state aforesaid who was a soldier in the revolutionary army and served as set forth in my former application and further say that my husband possessed but little real estate when I married him that he had a large family of eleven children and was involved deeply in debt there was a mortgage on the estate and many other debts which induced him in the year 1817 to deed his place to his two sons Squire and Joseph and they were to pay the debts and support their parents, after this Joseph bought Squire's part and gave a bond Squire top to support their parents and in 1819 Joseph was taken sick and died leaving a widow and one child which heired the property The Bond for our support was never given to us I had signed the Deeds and at my Husband's Death had no security for my support I then went to Belchertown in the County of Hampshire to live with my Daughter by my first Husband who has been dead ten years last June but I still reside in the family.
The names and ages of my late husbands children as appears by the family Record is as follows

Caty was born December 25 th 1784 Chaney March 31 st 1786 Barnath October 9 th 1787 Squire June 27 th 1789 Joseph February 18 th 1791 Azubah November 22 nd 1792 Horace December August 29 th 1794 Persis December 8 th 1796 died in infancy Persis December 19 th 1797 Elizabeth May 9 th 1799 Juliana September 6 th 1801 Farwell H March 31 st 1804 Martha Hamilton Signed in Presence of us Daniel Phelps W. Bridgman Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire ss August 19 th 1853 Then personally appeared the with in named Martha Hamilton and made oath that the foregoing Affidavit by her subscribed is true
Before me Wright Bridgman Justice of the Peace

I Abraham Skinner of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts aged sixty four years do hereby testify and say that I am well acquainted with Mrs Martha Hamilton who has heretofore made application for a Pension as Widow of Joseph Hamilton late of said Brookfield and during his life time was well acquainted with said Joseph Hamilton: that said Joseph Hamilton was the husband of said Martha Hamilton and was always reported and believed by his neighbors to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and he was a Pensioner of the United States. I think under the act of the 18 th of March 1818 that the said Martha Hamilton is now and was a Widow on the 3 rd day of February 1853, and that she is the Widow of the identical Joseph Hamilton who was a Revolutionary Soldier and Pensioner as aforesaid and I know of no other Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield aforesaid who was a Soldier of the Revolution and Pensioner as such. Abraham Skinner
Mrs Ab y Hayden

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester ss. August 17 th 1853.
Then personally appeared the within named Abraham Skinner and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true, and I hereby further certify that the said Abraham Skinner is personally known to me that he is fully entitled to credit as a Witness and is a resident of Brookfield and that I have no interest in the claim of the said Abraham Skinner to a Pension and am not concerned in its prosecution
Before me Eliz Hovey the Justice of Peace

I Aaron Winbell of Brookfield, in the County of Worcester, and State of Massachusetts, aged Fifty Seven years, on oath testify and say. That I am well acquainted with Eliz Wentworth Hamilton, who has heretofore made application for a pension, as Widow of Joseph Hamilton. Late of Brookfield aforesaid, and during his Life time, was well acquainted with the said Joseph Hamilton: That said Joseph Hamilton was the husband of said Wentworth Hamilton, and was always reported and believed by his neighbors to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and be was a Pensioner of the United States. I believe under the Law of the United States of the 18 th of March 1818. That the said Wentworth Hamilton is now, and was a Widow on the 3 rd day of February 1853, and that she is the Widow of the aforesaid Joseph Hamilton, who was a Revolutionary Soldier and Pensioned as aforesaid, and I know of no other Joseph Hamilton of said Brookfield, who was a Soldier of the Revolution and Pensioned as such.
Witness
Oliz Houghton
Aaron Winbell

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester ss. August 17 th 1853.
Then personally appeared the within named Aaron Kimball and made oath that the fore- going affidavit by him subscribed is true and I hereby further certify that said Aaron Kimball is personally known to me that he is fully entitled to credit as a witness and is a resident of Brookfield and that I have no interest in the claim of Martha Hamilton to a Pension and am not concerned in its prosecution
Before me Otho H. Hayden Justice of Peace

Belcherstown County of Hampshire Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I hereby certify that I was personally acquainted with Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield and Martha his wife that he Died in February the 16th 1827 and that I attended his Funeral. The spring after his Death she removed to Belcherstown and she has lived in my family ever since
Daniel Phelps
New Hampshire S. 14 Dec. 1853. Then Daniel Phelps subscribed to the foregoing certificate personally appeared and made oath in due form to the facts therein stated are true Before me Wright Bridgman Justice of the Peace
New Hampshire S. 14 Dec. 1853. I hereby certify that I am now and have for many years past been personally acquainted with Daniel Phelps subscribed to the foregoing certificate and that he is a man of good moral character and when word of oath is entitled to implicit confidence and trust
Wright Bridgman Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
May 5 1853.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name Joseph Hamilton is borne on 2 rolls of 8 mos. Service in 1775. as private in Capt. P. Knowlton's Co., Col. E. Larned's Regt. from July 4. signed Co. roll of Co. Dec. 20: from Brookfield.
On rolls of Capt. Francis Wilson's Co., Col. Danforth's Regt. Regt. as private from Brookfield from Aug. 10. 1777. 4 mos. 20 days.
On return by Committee of Town of Brookfield dated June 30 1778. of service from B. 3 1/3 mos.
On roll of Capt. N. Hamilton's Co. of guards of Stores, as p. from Brookfield from Jany 1. 1779. 1 mo. 12 days.
On roll of Capt. Jos. Richardson's Co. Worcester Co., Col. Denny's Regt. as private from Oct. 19. 1779. 1 mo. 12 days travel included.
On list of new recruits in Worcester Co. 1781, as from Brookfield. 29 years, 5 ft. 5 in. Light. from Jany 30. enlisted for 3 years. + on receipt signed

for £90. as bounty for enlisting in regular service, No farther evidence of his service.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. W. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES,
made by the Widow of the party who rendered the service.
State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire Town of Belchertown
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of Joseph Hamilton in the war of the Revolution.
He was a native of the Town of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts
He enlisted from the Town of _____ in the County of _____ and State of _____ in the year 17 _____ as a private in the Company commanded by Captain in Regiment and he served as follows,* viz:—
* Here describe as fully as may be, the length of service, the rank, &c., of the claimant, or the capacity in which he served, and all other particulars known.

Secrecy & silence Joseph Harrison
5247
I am now eighty one years old, and my memory does not enable me to state the services more fully than above stated. as I was not married to the said Joseph Hamilton during the war of the revolution but was married to him on the 21 st day of May 1805
WITNESS my hand, this twenty ninth day of April A. D. 1843.
Martha Hamilton
Signed by said Martha Hamilton in my presence,
William Phelps JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.

To The Commissioners of Pensions. Washington D.C.
Belcherstown Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire 14 Dec. 1853
I Martha Hamilton having petitioned to your office for a Pension find by your last letter of the 8th that there was a mistake of one figure in the time of My Husbands death which made it read February 16th 1837 which should have been February 16th 1827 which mistake was not noticed at the time
Martha Hamilton
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire 14th Decm 1853. Then Martha Hamilton subscribed to the foregoing correction of the date of the death of her husband in her former application personally appeared and made oath in due form of Law to the truth of the facts stated therein
Before me Wright Bridgman Justic of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire { ss
Belchertown Sept
Personally appeared William Phelps and made Oath that he was personally acquainted with Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield and Martha his Wife and by the record it appears that she died the 16th of February 1827 soon after she moved to Belchertown the next door to where he lived and he has been acquainted with her ever since and she is known here by the name of Widow Martha Hamilton
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire ss. 14th Decr. 1853. Then William Phelps subscribed to the foregoing Certificate personally appeared and made oath in due form of Law to the facts stated therein.
Before me Wright Bridgman Justice of the Peace
Hampshire ss 14 Decr. 1853 I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with William Phelps subscribed to the foregoing Certificate and believe him to be a man of good Moral Character and his oath entitled to implicit Confidence
Wright Bridgman Justice of the Peace

Boston Jan'y 31 st 1854.
Dear Brother- Daniel
I have this moment received the enclosed; and you will see by the date, that I lose no time in sending it to you. for Mr Hamilton Mr Joseph Hamilton served as a private soldier from April 3 rd 1781 to January 1 st 1782, when he received $58,40 cents, which is only $1,20 cents short of a soldier's full pay for Nine months . But, although he was " hired by the third Precinct of Brookfield on the 3 rd day of April, 1781," he was no doubt, paid from the day he reported himself and joined the army two, or three days after . Therefore, on the 1 st day of January- 1782, he received $58,40 cents, which was a soldier's wages for Nine months - lacking about 5 1/2 days .
But, from the 1 st of January 1782, to the 1 st day of January 1783, Mr Joseph Hamilton must inevitably have served in a different capacity from that of a private soldier; and this is proved, as I think, beyond a reasonable doubt, by the amount of pay he received on the 1 st day of January 1783 - and the manner of his receiving it , in two separate "certificates of Final Settlement" , and both dated on the same day; the one for $88,00 Dollars, which was the full pay of a Corporal , shows that he must have held that office during a part of that year at least; and the other for $20,71 cents shows that he must have been a Sargent the other part of that year - for both certificates of the same date

date , amount to $108,71 cents, which is $28,71 cents more than the yearly pay of a private, and $20,71 cents more than the pay of a corporal . That Mr Hamilton, who was a respectable farmer of good character, should be promoted after being so long in the service, might naturally be expected. But whether his name, as a sargent , or corporal , can be found among the remnants of the old dilapidated, worn-out and torn fragments of Revolutionary muster Rolls, that time and fires have left undistroyed, I cannot say. But whether it can or not be so found, I think all candid minds will agree, that the amount of pay Mr Hamilton received in "the Final Settlements" , on the first day of January 1783, is sufficient to decide the case in favour of a dependant, aged Widow; and that under all the circumstances, she is justly entitled to a Pension of $120, Dollars for each year, and is entitled to bounty.
Love to all-Yours as always, -land
Abner Phelps.

Belchertown Feb 21 st 1854 Dear Sir
We have received your certificate for a pension for W d . Martha Hamilton and find that you certify that her late husband was a Sergeant in the revolutionary war, and by your letter of last December 23 rd which I will enclose to you states that if it can be shown that he was a Sergeant her claim would be $120 per annum and it appears that you have made up her claim for $80 only there seems to be a mistake some where which we should like to have explained
Very Respectfully
Daniel Phelps
for Martha Hamilton
L. P. Waldo Commissioner

Peeblesstown Feb 5 th 1854
Dear Sir
I address you in behalf of Mrs Martha Hamilton in answer to yours of December 23 rd stating that there was some evidence in your office that her husband served as a Sergeant in the army of the revolution a part of the time
I wrote to my Brother Doct r Abner Phelps of Boston to get what evidence he could at the secretaries office and will enclose his letter with the secretaries certificate to you as know of no more evidence to that point at present Joseph Hamilton was a Captain in the Militia after the revolution and at his death his old papers were looked over by the administrator and the the old papers that were considered useless was burned up and if he had any papers in his possession to that point they are probably destroyed you will now please to take what evidence is now before you and make out her claim as you think justice demands
Yours Respectfully
Daniel Phelps

Debt to the Wm Root Ho milton, - Evidence of this debt, has been hereto for furnished
$ 783.50 cents Feb 8th 1826.

I hereby certify that Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield, in the County of Hampshire in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Gentleman is justly indebted to me in the sum of _____ dollars _____ cents,
being the amount of a promissory note given by said Joseph Hamilton in payment of dower, in the Estate of my late husband Jos. Hamilton Junr. And I further certify that the said Joseph Hamilton is indebted to me as Guardian to Joseph Putnam Hamilton, in the sum of
_____ dollars and _____ cents, being the amount of one other promissory note given in payment of certain real Estate of said Joseph Hamilton Junr. & sold for the benefit of said Jos. Putnam Hamilton. both of said notes amount Feb. 8 1826 to the sum of Seven hundred and Eighty Three dollars and fifty cents.
Essex ss.
Personally appeared Ruth Hamilton of Danvers in said County, widow, and made oath to the above certifi- cate by me subscribed before me, Jus. Paine
Note, the proper evidence of this debt is in the Office of the War department

Lewis Abbott's Certificate
$ 111.34.cents Feb 3. 1826

I Lewis Abbott of Brookfield in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Hereby Certify, That Joseph Hamilton of said Brookfield Gentleman, is justly indebted to me in the sum of One hundred and Eleven dollars and Thirty four cents by note which note is secured by mortgage upon the farm on which he now lives, said Hamilton has paid One hundred dollars on his note since I gave my certificate last fall.
Lewis Abbott
Worcester p. Feb. 3 rd 1826 Personally appeared the above named Lewis Abbott and made oath to the truth of the above certificate before me. Herman Stebbins Jus Pacis
Noticed in paper D.

Abraham Skinner's Certificate
Jan. 1820 to 1826 $ 112.07 cents.

Statement of debt due from Joseph Hamilton to Abraham Skinner, January 20th 1826.
  Balance of Account Jan'y 20th 1826 $23.85   1 Note dated Sept. 6th 1819 for $25.00   Int. 6 years 4 mo. 14 days 11.23.   Endorsed Sept 23 rd 1820. $15.00 36 23   Int. 5 years 3 mo. 28 days 5.25 30 55 $15.75   1 Note dated Nov. 23 rd 1822 for 60 25   Int. 3 yrs. 1 mo. 28 days. 12 19. 72.45. 88.22   $112.07. 
I, Abraham Skinner of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Hereby certify that Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield in the County aforesaid gentleman is justly indebted to me in the sum of one hundred and twelve dollars and seven cents, for goods, wares, and merchandise, cash paid &c. agreeably to the above statement, Brookfield January 23 rd 1826.
Abraham Skinner
Worcester ss. Brookfield Jan'y 23 rd 1826. Personally appeared Abraham Skinner above named and made oath to the truth of the foregoing certificate before me
Herman Stabben Jus. Peace

Horan Hamilton,
Certificate
$ 146. 42 cts. Feb. 4. 1826

I hereby Certify that Joseph Hamilton is justly indebted to me the Sum of $146.42 cents it being for one years Labour done after I was of Lawful age (21) in the years 1815 & 1816 at which time Security was given and Renewed on the 22 nd of Decem r 1823 - Feby 6-1826 Horace Hamilton
Witnesseth Feby 6-1826 personally appeared the above named Horace Hamilton and made oath that Joseph Hamilton is justly indebted to him the above named Sum of 146.42 cents before me Nicholas M. Clure - J st Ple

Herman Stebbins' certificate
$ 46.19 cts. Jan. 26. 1826.

I hereby certify that Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield in the County of Worcester in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman, is justly indebted to me in account for board and assistance in selling the Estate of Jos. Hamilton Jr., deceased, collecting fees &c, in the sum of forty six dollars and nineteen cents; Brookfield Jan y . 26 th 1826 Herman Stebbins
Worcester ss. Jan y . 26 th 1826. Personally appeared Herman Stebbins above named and made of to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed, before me.
Simson Draper Jus. Peace

Elizer Adams Certificate
$27. 30 cts. Feb 3rd 1826

I hereby certify that Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield in the County of Worcester in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman is justly indebted to me in the sum of twenty seven — dollars and thirty — cents, by note dated Nov. 1821, for cash had and rec d . at that date of Tyler Seely to my use. Feb. 3 rd 1826 Ezra A. Adams
Worcester p. Feb 3 rd 1826 Personally appeared the above named Ezra Adams and made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed, before me Herman Stebbins jus. Paris

Squire Hamilton's birthdate
$14. 92 cents Feb. 3. 1826

I hereby certify that Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield, in the County of Worcester in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Gentleman is justly indebted to me in the sum of Fourteen _____ Dollars and ninety two cents, by Brookfield Feb 3. 1826 Spencer Hamilton
Worcester p. Feb 3 rd 1826 Personally appeared Squire Hamilton above named and made oath that the above certificate by him subscribed, is the truth before me Heman Stetson Justice of the Peace

Daniel Healer certificate
$1. 22 cents, Feb 3rd 1826

I hereby certify that Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman is justly indebted to us in the sum of one dollar and twenty two cents, in account for good wares and merchandize, Brookfield Feb. 3 rd 1826 — Hale & Hayden
Worcester ss. Feb. 3 rd 1826 Personally appeared Daniel Hale one of the partners of the firm of Hale and Hayden, subscribed the above certificate with the stile of their firm, and made oath to the truth of the same certificate before me Hosmer Stebbins Jus. Peace.

Silas Gallup's Certificate
$4. 63 cts. Feb. 3 rd 1826

I hereby certify that Joseph Harnillow of Brookfield in the County of Worcester Commonwealth of Massachusetts is justly indebted to me in the sum of four dollars and sixty three cents for sawing timber boards &c. at my sawmill — Silas Goodell Brookfield Feb 3. 1826
Worcest. Feb 3 rd 1826 Personally appeared the above named Silas Goodell and made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed before me. Herman Stebbins Jus. Peace.

Joel Brigham's Certificate
$10. 20. cents Feb. 3 rd 1826.

I hereby certify that Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield in the county of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman, is justly indebted to me in the sum of Ten _____ dollars and fifty cents cents by note dated Sept 15 th 1825 Joel Brigham Brookfield Feb 3 rd 1826.
Worcester p. Feb 3 rd 1826 Personally appeared the above named Joel Brigham and made oath to the truth of the above certificate my hand subscribed, before me Heman Stebbins Jus. Peace

Nicholas M c Lean Esq r 's Certificate
$7. 83 cents, Feb 3 rd 1826

I hereby certify that Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman is justly indebted to me in the sum of Seven — dollars and Eighty presents — Brookfield Feb 3 rd 1826 Nicholas W. Cluett
Worcester ss. Feb 3 rd 1826 Personally appeared the above named Nicholas W. Cluett, and made oath to the truth of the foregoing Certificate before me. Herman Stebbins Just. Peace.

Aaron Banister Certificate.
$6.80 cents Feb. 6 th 1821 o

I hereby certify that Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield in the county of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman is indebted to me as follows, for Town, County & Paint taxes for 1825 — the sum of Six dollars and Eighty cents — Aaron Banister Collector Brookfield Feb. 8 1826
Worcester, ss Feb 8. A.D. 1826 Personally appeared the above named Aaron Banister, and made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed before me Heman Stebbins Jus. Peace

Thos. Marshall's Certificate
Merrick Rev. Certificate
$4.25 cents Feb. 4. 1826.

I hereby certify that Joseph Harrington of Brookfield in the County of Worcester in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman is justly indebted to me in the sum of four dollars and twenty four cents for hats.
Feb 14 th 1826
Merrick Dill
Worcester ss. Feb 14 th 1826 Personally appeared Merrick Thomas Dill the above named and made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed, before me Herman Stebbins Jr. Pa

Aaron Kimball Junr. Certificate
Feb 4th 1826 $3 30 cts

I hereby certify that Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield in the county of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman is justly indebted to me, for goods wares and Merchandises in the sum of Three ————— dollars and thirty cents for goods wares & merchandise, the balance of account the day Feb 21 st 1826. Aaron Kimball Jr.
Worthington J. Feb 21 st 1826 Personally appeared the above named Aaron Kimball Jun d . and made oath to the truth of the certificate by him subscribed before me Herman Stebbins J r . Paris

Parker A. Rice's Certificate.
$6. 24. cents Feb 4. 1826.

I hereby certify that Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield in the County of Worcester in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gentleman is justly indebted to me in the sum of Six dollars and twenty four cents the balance of our mutual accounts. The consideration of the above debt is work done as a Blacksmith. Feb 4th 1826. Parker A. Rea
Worcester ss Feb 4th 1826 Personally appeared the above named Parker A. Rea, and made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed, before me Herman Stebbins Jus. Paris.

The first account of Joseph Hamilton Administrator on the Estate of Joseph Hamilton Jun. late of Brookfield in the County of Franklin deceased.
The said accountants charges himself with the amount of the personal Estate of the deceased as appraised $608.97. And pays allowance for the following payments & charges.
  Paid for a Coffin — $ 5.30. Carriage 2.00  $7.30    " " Gravestone — 10.00 The Appraisers 7.00  " 17.00    " " Several Taxes  " 14.45    " " Personal Estate delivered to the widow at the Appraisal  " 206.50    " " Sundry fees at the Probate Office this day —  " 5.20    " " Recording deeds Oct 20th 1820  " 1.21    " to Jos. H. Hamilton  " .60    " " Phoebe Jones taxes for 1816.  " 1.48    " " Dr Eatons bill last sickness  " 14.14.  
For one half of the amount of the following debts and taxes, which became the joint debts of said deceased and his brother Esquire Hamilton the whole amount being $1929.75 cents, said deceased's part is $964.87 1/2 cents. Vir Col. Oliver Crosby,
   $1600.00    Mrs. Blanchard  160.00    Bank debt  84.75    Eliza Adams  23.00    Jas. Capin Jun.  19.00    Amasa Birney  5.00    Calvin Allen  10.00  
Part of Real Estate the said decd & Esquire Hamilton had the benefit of which belonged to me
$28.00
$1929.75 1/2 is 964.87 1/2
Probate fees in this case
for Hamilton Balance due Adm r
$617.28.

Worcester ss. At a Court of Probate on the first Tuesday in June A.D. 1822 being the fourth day of said month Joseph Hamilton Administrator on the Estate of Joseph Hamilton Junr. late of Brookfield deceased presented the foregoing account for allowance and having been sworn & examined, and no objections being made: I do now decree that the said account be and hereby is allowed
Nathl Paine J. Prob
A copy Attest Theoph Wheeler Reg.
I have compared this copy with the record in the Probate Office, and find it to be a true copy.
Attest Theoph Wheeler Reg. of Probate and Notary Public for said County of Worcester

Brookfield Oct. 24 th 1823
I hereby certify that Capt Joseph Hamilton of Brookfield was chosen one of the Assessors of the Town of Brookfield as appears of Record the Years following viz in the year of — — 1796 do — — 1797 do — — 1798 do — — 1799 do — — 1800 do — — 1801 do — — 1802 do — — 1803 do — — 1804 do — — 1808 do — — 1809 do — — 1810 do — — 1811 do — — 1812 do — — 1813 do — — 1815 do — — 1816 do — — 1819 do — — 1820 do — — 1821
The above is a true copy of record
Attest Luther Stowe Clerk
Worentown p. Feb 16 th 1826 I hereby certify that Luther Stowe is the Town Clerk of Brookfield, and that the above certificate is under his hand
Alman Stebbins

Jos. Hamilton Ador!
1st Account
June 4th 1822

Joseph Hamilton Adair
2 nd Account.
Sept 2 nd 1823

The Second Account of Joseph Hamilton, administrator on the Estate of Joseph Hamilton Jun. late of Brookfield Vt. The said Accountant charges himself with the proceeds of the sale of the Real Estate. $1437.00
And pays Allowance as follows Viz
For balance due on first Settlement in the P. Office
June 4th 1822 $ 617.28.
" Sundary debts paid not included in former account and the administrators, time trouble & expense, since the last settlement, as per schedule filed in the probate office, } 68. 18
" Administrators time trouble and expense in making this settlement } 3. 50
" Office fees for this settlement, copying & Recording, &c 2. 50 691.46
Balance $745. 54.
Worcester ss. At a Court of Probate on the first Tuesday in September A.D 1825, being the second day of said month,
Joseph Hamilton Administrator on the Estate of Joseph Hamilton Jun. late of Brookfield deceased presented the above account for allowance, and having been sworn and examined, and no objection being made; I do now decree that the said account be, and hereby is allowed, leaving a balance in the said administrators hands, of $745.54. cents; and whereas it appears that $1437.00 of said balance, is the proceeds of Real Estate, of which the said Deceased did own and possessed, and of which his widow is dowerable; I therefore order that the said Administrator, put to Interest on good and sufficient land security the sum of $145. 66 cents, being one third of said sum, the interest to be paid Annually to Ruth Hamilton, widow of said Deceased, during her natural life, and at her death the principal to be paid to the only child of said deceased Viz

Joseph Putnam Hamilton, or its legal Representative. And the remainder of said Balance amounting to the sum of $599.88 cents consisting of the proceeds of the sale of the real Estate, I order the said Administrator, to pay the same to the said Ruth Hamilton Guardian of said Joseph Putnam Hamilton for his benefit, to be put on interest, well secured according to law
Nathl. Paine I Prob,
A copy Attest Theophus Wheeler Reg
I have compared this copy with the record in the Probate Office and find it to be a true copy -
Attest Theophus Wheeler Reg of Probate & Notary Public for said County of Worcester

Brookfield Mass.
Feb. 8 th 1826
Hon James Barlow, Sir,
By reference to Jas L. Edwards letter of your letter of May 2 nd 1825, I find, that, in consequence of a representation made to the War Department, "that I was worth at least $1000. my Pension was suspended until I should prove that information to be incorrect. In reply I stated, what had heretofore been my pecuniary embarrassment, what were the incumbrances upon my real Estate, and the manner in which I had been partially relieved from this embarrassment, i.e., that my two sons Jos. Sam. & Dequei had assumed the payment of my debts to the amount of $1929 75 /100. Yours of the 7 th of July 1825, informed me that my mere statement was insufficient, that it should be corroborated by the testimony of credible witnesses, taken under oath before a duly qualified magistrate, and the official character and signature of the magistrate should be properly authenticated: Copies of deeds, &c. should be presented. In my reply, and by the documents enclosed in the same, I thought I had complied with your requisitions, but yours of the 9 th of July informed me that the documents were insufficient; and I was called upon at that time further to show, by the affidavits of my creditors that Jos. Hamilton Jun paid the sum of $1929 75 /100. for me. (half that sum was what I stated that he assumed to pay for me), and required that my creditors should be particular in stating the time of contracting the debts on what account; and what they were paid. In answer to this letter I forwarded the testimony of credible witnesses, duly authenticated, that the creditors to whom I owed more than nine tenths of my debts were dead, yet in yours of Aug. 10 th 1825 you still tell me that the above requisitions must be complied with before a decision can be had in my favor; Notwithstanding this apparent decision against my claim, I am induced to offer one more statement exhib-

listing all the real and personal estate that I possess, the sums  debts due to me and the debts that I owe, and as I trust most of the facts duly authenticated.
In the fall of 1823. I sold, as administration on the Estate of Jos. Hamilton Jun. deceased, all the real Estate of said Jos. Jun. for the payment of debts, and for the benefit of his wife and Infanz, son Jos. Putnam Hamilton. Nicholas W. Clegg purchased said Estate, and conveyed the same to me for the consideration of $1437. 00.
In 1824. I sold a lot of land, part of said Estate to Eliza Adams, for $ 230 00 $ 1207.00
On the decease of my mother in 1822 I rec d real Estate appraised at 47. 00.
I also purchased of one of the heirs of my mother Real Estate valued at $ 30 00
I now possess real Estate, valued at $ 1284.00 12 1/2
My personal Estate is as follows.
In 1820. Under the 2nd pension act my personal property was appraised under oath at about $97. in which schedule was included an old horse, appraised at $30, which is deducted from the above sum of $97. 00, and his present value will be found below — balance 67. 00
  I have one Cow $15.00   " " 2 yearlings 15. 00   " " 1 calf 5 00   " " 5 pigs 20.00   " " 1 old horse 15. 00   " " 1 one horse waggon 15. 00   " " 1 old cart, old plows &c &c 18 00 103.00   sum $ 170.00 

  Amount of Real Estate brought up   $1284.00    " " Personal Estate brought up  $170.00     Due me by note from Tylen Libby. Amount Feb. 10. 1826  115.14     " " " " " Isaac Gay " " " "  30 60     " " " " " Labor Hamilton " " " "  10 59.  326.33    Whole amount of my real & personal Estate. Feb. 4. 1826.   $1610.33  
The following is a list of my debts due Feb. 4th 1826.  I owe Ruth Hamilton & Joseph Putnam Hamilton a note for my real Estate secured by Mortgage on the same $745.51 And interest on the same 38 00 $783.54.  I owe Lewis Abbott a note secured by mortgage on the same real Estate, said mortgage given to Upham & Crosby in 1810. Balance due said Abbott at this date 111.34  My real Estate is now incumbered by 2 mortgages amounting to $ 894.88  I owe Abraham Skinner Esq. $112.07. " " Horace Hamilton " 146.42 " " " " " " 46 19 " " Eliza Adams " 27.30 " " " " " " 11 92 " " " " " " 1.22 " " " " " " 4.63 " " " " " " 10 20 " " " " " " 7.85 " " " " " " 6.80 " " " " " " 4.24 " " " " " " 3.30 " " " " " " 6.24  390.28
The following debts being small, and the debtors living at a considerable distance, the affidavits have not been taken

Whole amount of my estate brought over Amount of debts secured by mortgage Amount of debts proved by affidavits
$1610.33.
$894 88.
$391.98
  I owe Harriet Twp  $7.13      " " Mary Bennis  " 1.17      " " Hiram Clark  " 2.37      " " Hiram Pinn  " 2.50      " " Clark & Delano  " 4.00      " " ——— Ellis & Colthier  " 3.50      " " Seth B. Hethrabe  " 71      " " Huldah Hamilton in part for land  " 10 00      " " Pliny Merrick Esq  " 2.50  33.88  $ 425.86    Whole amount of debt which I owe at this date    $ 1320.74  
Balance of my Real & Personal Estate over my debts $290.09.
  In 1820. my personal Estate was appraised at about  $97.00    In 1822. I rec d from my mother's Estate  " 17.00    In 1823. I rec d for. Selling Jos. Hamilton Jun d Estate (about)  " 50.00    I have saved probably from my pension the balance  " 96.09     $290.09  
But I am not worth even this sum of $290. because the real Estate for which I paid $1284. on account of a great diminution in the value of real Estate in this vicinity from various causes, could not be sold for more than $1100. The difference in these two sums is $184. which deducted from the above sum of $290. leaves $106. Should my creditors attach my property, and sell it to pay my debt, it would be insufficient for the purpose, and cost.
Joseph Hamilton
Worcester Jp. Feb. 9. th 1826 Then appeared the above named Joseph Hamilton, subscribed the above statement and made oath to the truth of the above stated statement. Before me Herman Stebbins Jus. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester ss.
I hereby certify that Simson Draper, Nicholas W. Clarke and Herman Stebbins Esquires, are, each of them, Justices of the Peace, within and for the County of Worcester, duly commissioned & sworn and that full credit is to be given to their doings in said capacity.
In witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand and affix my Notarial Seal this 13 th Day of February in the year of our Lord 1826
Theoph. Wheeler Noty Public within & for the County of Worcester commissioned & sworn