Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23270, Joseph Heselton, N.H.

SERVICE
NUMBER
A.H.
Heselton, Joseph or Hazelton Elizabeth
No. 23270.
CONTENTS

Maine 1466
Elizabeth Hesselton
12
widow of Joseph Hesselton, N.H. Hesselton who died on the 11th January 1812, of Haverhill in the State of Maine who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Merrill of the regiment commanded by Col. Gilley in the N.H. line for
2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of Octr. 1837 and sent to Hon. Franklin Pierce S.U.S.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep 1837 — $520.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 38 40.00
$560.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd }
Recorded by D.M. Cusby Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2. Page 8.

I Daniel C Hazelton of Winthrop in the County of Kennebec aged forty seven years the 25th day of January 1837 do testify and declare upon Oath, that I am the seventh child of Joseph Hazelton deceased, that my mother Elizabeth Hazelton is now living in said Winthrop, that her oldest child a daughter is now in her sixty seventh year of age, that she was sixty one years old in the month of October last as she has always supposed her age to be. That in order to establish the date of my father & mother's marriage I have lately been to the town of New Boston in the state of New Hampshire, where they were married, but there is no town record of marriages of so early a date as the time of their marriage, nor is there any town record of the birth of children in said town at so early a period as the birth of the children of my father. There is no family record of the birth of my brother & sister, & that I have no doubt my oldest sister is sixty one years of age as above stated. Daniel C Hazelton

State of Maine County of Kennebec ss. August 10. 1837. Personally appeared Dan l F. Hazleton and made oath to the truth of the within deposition by him subscribed. I certify the deponent is a credible witness
Before me
Geo W m Morton. Justice of the peace
State of Maine County of Kennebec ss.
I John A Chandler Clerk of the Judicial Court of Kennebec County, certify that Geo. W m Morton is a Justice of the peace for the County of Kennebec, and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have here- unto affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine & subscribe my name this eleventh day of August A D 1837.
J A Chandler Clerk of the Judicial Court Kennebec County.

V 2003 Elizabeth Hazelton Application for pension
Rolls Cilly.
12 Feby. 77- discharged 25 Jan'y - 80-
Mar o 1775
died 1892.
Ad o $80. pr. ann
comm o 4 March 1837.
Hon. F. Pierce Senate US
Geo. S. Morton Augusta Maine

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the third Section of the Act of Congress, of the 4th July, 1836.
State of Maine.
Kennebec County, ss.
On this Fifth day of October A. D., 1836, personally appeared in Open Court before the Hon d Nathan Weston Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State, Elizabeth Hazelton a resident of Winthrop in the County of Kennebec and State of Maine, aged Seventy nine years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 4th, 1836; That she is the widow of Joseph Hazelton , formerly of New Boston in the state of New Hampshire, but late of the town of Winthrop , County of Kennebec & State of Maine . that her late said husband enlisted in the year 1777 for three years into Captain Amos Merrill's com- pany and Colonel Joseph Cilley's regiment of the New Hampshire line in the Army of the Revolution, and she believes served faithfully the period of his enlistment and received an honorable discharge, the discharge she never saw & presumes is lost. She further declares, that she was married to the said Joseph Hazelton on the in the month of March in the year seventeen hundred and seventy five ; that her husband, the aforesaid Joseph Hazelton died on the eleventh day of January 1812; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Witness. E. Pattell
her Elizabeth X Hazelton mark
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me
Nathan Weston Ch. J. S. J. C.

State of Maine
On the fifth day of October, 1836, Elizabeth Hazelton, the applicant within named, was examined and confirmed and sworn as within stated. I am satisfied that she was married to Joseph Hazelton, late a revolutionary soldier of the United States in March 1775. That her said husband served as a soldier in the war of the revolution, in the New Hampshire line, for the period of three years, as within stated, and according to the accompanying proof. That the said Joseph Hazelton died on the eleventh of January 1812, and that the applicant has ever since remained his widow.
Nathan Weston Ch. Just. of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State.
STATE OF MAINE.
Memoranda ss.
I the subscriber clerk of the Judicial Court hereby CERTIFY, That the Hon. Nathan Weston within before whom the proceedings were had, is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State. I also CERTIFY, That the within contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Elizabeth Hazelton for a pension.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court, this Nineteenth day of May A. D., 1837.
L. A. Chandler

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., _____, 190_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Joseph Hazelton "Hazelton" a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1777 3 yrs. Pvt. Amos Mairill Joseph Colley N. H.          
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, New Boston N. H.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 5. 1836 Her cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Winthrop Kennebec Co. Me.
Age at date of application, She was 79 yrs.
Remarks: Soldier married at New Boston N. H. Mar. 1775 Elizabeth H. Marsh and died at Winthrop Me. Jan'y 11, 1812. A large family of children referred to Daniel C. V. Jan'y 25-1790 and Mary who married Alexander Gordon are the only names stated.
Very respectfully,

Rev WIDOW, &c.
1912 Aug. 7 Hist. Soc. Herbert M. Sawyer. Letter in S.F. 19189 Bang. Ayer. V.L.M.
File No. 23270
Elizabeth Hezelton widow of Joseph Hezelton His Rev. Was
Act July 4 th 86
Index: Vol A , Page 327
[Arrangement of 1870.]

I Daniel C Houghton of Winthrop in the County of Kennebec aged fortyseven years do testify and declare upon oath, that my father Joseph Houghton died at said Winthrop in the month of January 1812 that about eleven years prior to his death he moved from the town of New Boston in the State of New Hampshire to said town of Winthrop and continued to live there until his decease that I am the fifth child of a numerous family that my oldest sister is about fifteen years older than myself that I have frequently heard my father before his death mention his being a soldier in the Revolutionary war and that his mother Elizabeth is now living in said Winthrop and has remained a widow ever since the death of my father never having again married
Daniel C Houghton
State of Maine County Kennebec. May 8 1837. Subscribed and sworn I certify the deponent a credible Witness
Before me
G. W. Morton Justice Peace
G. W. Morton Esq is a Justice of the Peace for the county of Kennebec Nathan Weston

State of Maine Penobscot County ss. I, John A. Chandler Clerk of all the Judicial Courts of Penobscot County, do hereby certify that the Hon. Nathan Weston is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of the State aforesaid & that the within Signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
Given under my hand, & the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State, this nineteenth day of May A.D. 1837.
J. A. Chandler

Joseph Marsh's Affidavit relative to Joseph Hartell (deceased)

Men I know all, by these Presents, That I Joseph Marsh of the Town of Henniker in the County of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire, aged Eighty two years - a Pensioner of the U. States; of the New Hampshire Roll; do testify and say - That I well knew Joseph Hackett - formerly of New Boston - in said State of New Hampshire - but who died in Winthrop Maine January 11 th 1812 - as appears by a letter from my Sister the Widow Elizabeth Hackett dated Feb. 17. 1812. which she wrote me at that time & which I have preserved and have now before me - I first became acquainted with the said Joseph Hackett at White Marsh in Pennsylvania. in Dec r 1777. when Brig a General Poor's Brigade joined General Washington's Army. Gen t Poor's Brigade, was composed of three New Hamp. Regiments - I knew the said Hackett to belong to Col o Gilley's or the First New Hampshire Regiment - and I believe to Capt. Morrill's Company - but of that I am not now certain in my recollection - I knew him from the junction of our Troops with Washington's Army until the Battle of Monmouth June 28. 1778. - I was frequently with said Hackett and fished with him in the Schuylkill River. I know not when the said Hackett left the Service - nor how long he enlisted for - nor whether he served any other Campaign. I never had any acquaintance with said Hackett before I saw him first in the Service, according to my best recollection. I knew that said Joseph Hackett married my Sister Elizabeth Marsh, by whom he had a large number of Children - I was at New Boston when the said Hackett & my Sister & Family removed to Maine -

My Sister went to live with Mr Samuel Morrison & Wife when young - at Derry (New Hampshire) by whom she was brought up - and as I had been in the Service and lived as a Minute Man for some years before I became acquainted with the said Hoxitton & living at a considerable distance from him & from my Sister - I cannot say at what time they were married -
And further saith not
Henniker January 5. 1837
Joseph Mark
Merrimack ss. State of New Hampshire January 5. 1837
Then personally appearing Joseph Mark afore named - made made oath that the foregoing Affidavit by him this day subscribed is just & true according to his best recollection.
Before me Joshua Darling Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that Mr. Joseph Mark is a Gentleman of truth & veracity - whose testimony is entitled to full credit.
Jany. 5. 1837. Attest Joshua Darling Justice of the Peace

James Morrison's Affidavit, relative to Joseph Heartwell Deceased

I James Morrison of Henniker County of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire, aged seventy six years - testify and say that I well knew Joseph Harkleton of New Boston in said State and know that he married to Elizabeth Marsh, then a sister of Joseph Marsh - before he the said Harkleton enlisted into the service of the United States for three years - and had one child by the said Elizabeth before he went into the service. I well knew Elizabeth Marsh - for my Father Samuel Morrison brought her up from 5 years old - in Derry and after we removed to Bedford until she was woman grown well nigh 18 years of age after she went from my Father's in Bedford she resided and lived in New Boston aforesaid - where she married the said Harkleton - I remember of being at their house many times in New Boston - and feel confident I was there once or more while she was absent in the service of the United States - I remember of hearing the same Mr. Harkleton say repeatedly that he was enlisted into the regular service of the United States for three years - and that he served out the time and was in many battles - and after the first fire of the enemy he soon was in the least afraid - I know that the said Joseph Harkleton lived many years in the same place in New Boston with the said Elizabeth his Wife as aforesaid and had many children by her - and that many years ago they removed to the State of Maine - where I understood the said Harkleton died - I remember well of seeing the said Elizabeth Harkleton on a visit to my Father's in Bedford N.H. while her husband was absent in the service of the United States - I also well remember of seeing her once at Henniker at my Father's house or at the house of her Brother's.

Mr. Joseph Marsh in said Henniker - or at least after the Revolutionary War closed and before she & her husband removed down east. I further testify that I have frequently heard Mr. Joseph Marsh say that his Brother in Law Joseph Hazleton was dead - and that he had received a Letter from his Sister Elizabeth Hazleton - that her husband Joseph Hazleton was dead. And further saith not -
Henniker Jan'y 13. 1837. In presence of us - James his & Morrison Marsh - Joshua Darling Eldad Marsh Merrimack ss. State of New Hampshire January 13. 1837.
Then personally appearing James Morrison aforesaid made solemn oath that foregoing Affidavit by him subscribed this day is just and true according to his best remembrance & recollection. Before Joshua Darling Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Merrimack & State of New Hampshire - aforesaid

I hereby certify that I have been personally acquainted with the Deponent - James Morrison - for upwards of 40 years - I know him to be a highly credible Witness - whose testimony - would be received as in any of the Courts of Record in this State
Attest Joshua Darling Justice of the Peace
State of New Hampshire Sunday's office March 27, 1837.
The above named Joshua Darling is a Justice of the Peace in and for our County of Merrimack duly qualified and his signature genuine.
The testimony whereof I have hereunto set the seal of the State.
Ralph Metcalf Secretary.

I Joseph Leach of New Boston County of Hillsborough & State of New-Hampshire of lawful age depose and say that dur- ing the revolutionary war I was familiar- ly acquainted with Joseph Haskell & his wife Elizabeth H. Haskell that the said Joseph was a soldier in the revolutionary army that I saw him at home on fur- ough during the said war and with his wife the said Elizabeth H. visiting among the neighbours that at that time they had one or more children that they lived in a Farm in New Boston afore- said belonging to one John Davis within a very short distance of my fathers that the neighbours supplied her with wood at times during her husbands absence in the army I have been intimately ac- quainted with the said Haskell wife & fam- ily since the revolution till they removed to the State of Maine and as I under- stood to the town of Winthrop in said State and I have not the the least doubt but that the said Joseph & Elizabeth H. were lawfully mar- ried previous to the said Josephs serving in the revolutionary Army
Joseph Leach
State of New-Hampshire Hillsborough ss New-Boston April 17. 1837 Then the above named Joseph Leach personally appeared and made solemn oath that the above deposi- tion by him subscribed is true
Before me Robert B. Cochran Justice Peace

State of New Hampshire Secretary's Office April 28. 1837
I certify the above named
Robert B. Colburn to be a Justice of the Peace in and for our County of Hillsborough duly qualified and his signature given.
By testimony whereof I have here set the Seal of State.
Ralph Metcalf Secy. of State.
New-Boston April 15. 1837 I certify the within named Peter Colburn is a cred- ible witness Robert B. Colburn J. P.

I Peter Cochran, of New-Boston County of Hillsborough & State of New-Hampshire of lawful age I depose and say that during the revolutionary war, and subsequently to that period up to the time of their removal into the District (now State) of Maine I was well acquainted with Joseph Hazelton & his wife Elizabeth H. Hazelton both then of the aforesaid New-Boston. That they were married before the said Joseph entered the Army, that his wife lived in a house belonging to one John Davis when her husband the said Joseph was absent, in the Army that they had one or more children at that time, that Mary Hazelton daughter of the aforesaid Joseph & Elizabeth Hazelton was married to Alexander Gordon previous to the said Joseph & Elizabeth leaving New-Hampshire for the State of Maine which was about thirty three or four years ago
Peter Cochran State of New-Hampshire Hillsborough ss. New-Boston April 15 - 1837 Then personally appeared the above named Peter Cochran and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true before me Robert B. Cochran, Jus. Peace

I Mary Ann Moor of New-Boston. County of Hillsborough & State of New-Hampshire of Lawful age depose and say that I was familiarly acquainted with Joseph Haz- elton & his wife Elizabeth H. Hazelton during the revolutionary war. that they then resided in New-Boston aforesaid with the exception of the time the said Joseph was absent in the army. that the said Elizabeth H. lived in a house belonging to one John Davis in said New-Boston that she had two or more children at that time by the said Hazelton. that since the revolution I have been well ac- quainted with them till they removed to the then district (now State) of Maine and do not entertain a particle of doubt but they were lawfully married previous to the revolution
Mary Ann Moor
State of New-Hampshire Hillsborough S.S. New-Boston April 15. 1837 Then the above named Mary Ann Moor personally appeared and made oath that the above deposi- tion by her subscribed is true
Before me Robert B. Cochrane Jr. Clerk certify that the said Mary Ann Moor is a credible witness. Robert B. Cochrane Jr. Clerk

Miss Dorton M rs Sept 2 n
14 Free
Hon Franklin Pierce City of Washington
D. C.

New-Boston September 19. 1837
Dear Friend
Dear Sir
I have not had the pleasure of a familiar personal acquaintance with you. But I take the liberty to address you on a subject in which I cannot but believe you take a deep interest. it is to solicit your good offices in favour of one Elizabeth Haselein widow of Joseph Haselein a Revolutionary Patriot deceased. The said widow. H. now resides in the Town of New-Boston, Tenth of Maine but antecedent to. anti-slavery the revolution. and for many years she resided in New-Boston. in my immediate vicinity. She wishes to obtain a pension by virtue of her Husbands services in the revolution. & an act of Congress. The only difficulty seems to be the want of sufficient proof of her marriage to the said Haselein prior to his serving in the Army. She was married at New-Boston about the commencement of the revolution. but not one of the members who attended the wedding survives. The records of the Rev. Mr. Moor. who married them have been lost by accident

destroyed. 4. There is no record of it on the Town Book, yet no one here entertains a particle of doubt that they were lawfull married before the said Joseph H entered the Army. Positive evidence of their marriage at the time in question. Also that his wife, the said Elizabeth H. with one or two children, resided in New-Boston during his absence in the Army, that he visited her on such occasions, several times and made pro- visions for her during said absence. has been forwarded to the persons of- fice to the proper officers. I am aware of the decision of the Pension agent or government in this particular, but it seems to me that at this remote period, the want of the evidence of a person who saw them married, if it can be satisfactorily shown in any other way, that they were lawfully joined in wedlock previous to the time contemplated by the act of con- gress, ought not to be a barrier to her re- ceiving the bounties of the government in common with others similarly situated. There are those living who perfectly rec- ollect the time of their marriage, but

were not at the wedding. Mr. & Mrs. Her- -stine were members of the Presbyterian Church in St. Boston which certainly could not have been the case had they not been lawfully married. evidence of the fore- going facts can be forwarded if thought of any consequence. I have no personal in- terest in the matter whatever but knowing this to be an honest case, and feeling an interest in the welfare of an aged wid- ow in low circumstances I have written to you a statement of the facts hoping that you will use your influence so far as it is consistent and proper, in aid of the ob- ject sought & you may make any use of this letter you think proper.
I refer you to the Hon. Mr. Atherton - ad- -dressed. I have some enclosures.
I have only to request pardon for this in- -trusion upon you but the object of it must be my excuse.
With sentiments of the highest res- -pect for your character & my best wishes for your happiness & welfare I subscribe myself most sincerely yours, &c.
Hon. Franklin Pierce.
C. B. Lord

Oct 9.
m. ab.
Hon J. L. Edwards
Washington City
Hon. Franklin Pierce, Senate U.S.

Washington Oct r 9 th 1857
Sir
I return herewith the application of Elizabeth Daretton with the accompanying papers - I am personally acquainted with Robt B. Cochran who acted as the Magistrate in taking much of the evidence to prove the marriage - He is a gentleman of the highest respectability and you will perceive by a letter from him which I enclose with the papers before on file - that there is no Town record of Marriages at that early date nor is there any other record to be found -
After a careful examination of the depositions of Joseph Leach Peter Cochran and Mary Ann Moor I cannot entertain a shadow of doubt, notwithstanding the deficiency of record evidence, that she was married to her late husband & had one or two children by him before the expiration of his service in the Revolution - The witnesses testify to facts about which they could hardly misrecalled

such for instance as, that they were familiarly acquainted with Harriet & his wife, that he was at home on parlor p rs to visit his wife. That she had one or two children while he was absent in the service -76. That the witnesses intend to testify honestly, I am perfectly satisfied by the certificates of Mr Boochran -
Taking all the evidence into consideration I think this clearly a notorious case - I am with much respect
Yr obedt Servt F. Van H. Pierce
Dear L. Edward Washington City

Augusta, Me. Augt 12. 1837
Sir
I herewith enclose the deposition of Sarah C. Howelton in support of the claim of Elizabeth Howelton for pension under Act of Congress of July 4. 1836. There is no parish, town or family record to be found of her marriage or the birth of her children. She had a numerous family of children. The deponent is her seventh child. It is hoped her deposition will be satisfactory. If this should be the case, please send me a certificate for her.
Very Respectfully Your M t Obedient Servt George Weston
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

Augusta Me. May 22 1837
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Mrs Elizabeth Kezerton with several depositions in support of her claim to pension under act of Congress of July 4 1836. If the papers are satisfactory you will please to send me a certificate for her.
Very Respectfully Your Obedt Servt Gerrit Smith
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City