Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 28968, George Alford, Vt.
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SERVICE Vt.
Alford, George
or Alfred
NUMBER  S.28968
CONTENTS
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13353/3.33
Michigan
George Alfred.
A Monroe Co. in the Try [Territory[ [state - crossed out] of Michigan
who was a Private in the Co. commanded by Captain Drury. of the Reg.t commanded by Col. Hutchins in the Vermont line for 1 year = $40
[check mark]
Inscribed on the Roll of Michigan at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents p.er annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3.d day of July 1833 and sent to Major Wing Noble. Monroe. CH.
MCo. Michigan
Arrears to the 4th of March. 1833.             80.00
Semi-ani. allowance ending 4th Sept 1833 
20.00
=====
$100.00
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Wm. R. Palmer Clerk, 
Book E.  Vol. 8.  Page 92.

[torn/illegible/crossed out] to Hon R McClelland Decm 20 '43 
[illegible/crossed out] August " "
[illegible/crossed out] R. McClelland [crossed out] June 18' 44
" " Hon D L Leyman Jan 20 1845
Copies of paper sent to Hon R McClelland HR Jan 31. 46
[crossed out] Sent to Hone A. Felch Jany 22 '48
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832~
Territory of Michigan
County of Monroe.}
On this Twenty Sixth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Thirty two personally appearance in open Court Before the Judged of the County Court in said County of Monroe now Sitting;  George Alford a resident of the Township of Monroe in the County of Monroe and territory of Michigan Aged Sixty Eight Years the tenth day of March reports being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7h 1832.  That he Entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.  That sometime in the month of May on the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Seventy Nine he Entered the service of the United States as the Substitute for Benjamin Johnson of the town of Rutland state of Vermont who was at that time drafted from the Militia of said state of Vermont for nine month service.  That as a substitute as aforesd [aforesaid] he Entered said service under col. Hutchings or Hutchinson (this respondent cannot recollect which is the proper name) And was stationed at Castleton Fort in Rutland County of State of Vermont under the command of the [illegible] Col. Hutchings or Hutchinson, Major Cogsdell Captain Dewey & Lieutenant Hale was alto. officers stationed at said Fort.  That he the said Alford continued to perform service as a soldier for the said space of Nine months in said Castleton Fort.  Except when out with scouting parties.  That during said period of Nine months he the said Alford was out as one in the Scouting parties in Brandon Sutbury Leceister, Benson and as well as Hubberton
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Townships in said state of Vermont - That he was generally occupied the most of the time on scouting parties once was out on duty the whole or greater part of the time
That in the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty he the said Alford was drafter for two or three months into the service of the United States under Lieutenant William Post of Rutland in said state and was stationed together with said Post's Company in Pittsford Fort during said two or three months; Except when out with scouting parties. That during that period he the said Alford was out often with scouting parties through the above named Towns & other Towns adjacent to said Fort. That Jacob Robeck (Robach) was a sergeant in the Regiment stationed at Pittsford Fort. and that he said Alford cannot now recollect any other officers than is above stated. That after he was discharged at the expiration of said Nine months herein above stated, up to the period when he was drafted as aforesaid & went to Pittsford Fort, And after his discharge at the expiration of said two or three months he the said Alford stood in Common with the whole militia and inhabitants in that region of Country as a minute-man liable and ready to be called to the neighboring Forts at the firing of cannons until the close of the Revolutionary war. 
That at various times he was out with scouting parties through all that region of country. and on the Frontiers & was out sometimes two days, sometimes six days and once three weeks. That the names of the several officers under whom he served in scouting parties (at various times after the Expiration of the service Nine months, and the service two or three months above mentioned) were Col. James Mead of Rutland, Col. Isaac Clark of Castleton, and Col. Tho. Lee of Rutland who belonged to the Militia of the now state of Vermont
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That in the fall of 1781 as said Alford believes & after the expiration of the time of service above mentioned. While he the said Alford resided at Rutland, there was an alarm given by the firing of cannons at Castleton Fort. that this Deponent was then really on duty holding himself ready to march at a moments warning as he did at all times and that he then marched under Capt Blanchard to the said Castleton Fort & was encamped with the company of said Blanchard & others, and with the militia from Berkshire County Mass within about a half of a mile from said Fort at Castleton & that he was at this time in the service of the United States as a soldier about six weeks. And during said Term of six weeks he was in active service, sometimes in scouting in that vicinity and standing guard & doing all the normal duties of a soldier - 
And the said George Alford further states that he has no documentary evidence of the facts stated above. And that he knows no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service - other than is herewith submitted - & he hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. - 
/s/George Alford
Affirmed & Subscribed this Twenty Sixth day of October 1832 - in Open Court }
/s/Walter Colton
Chief Justice Monroe County Court.
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We, Phanuel W. Warriner a clergyman of the Presbyterian order and Past of the First Presbyterian Church in Monroe Michigan and residing in said Town and Henry Disbrow Esquire of said Town of Monroe & residing therein hereby certify that we are well acquainted with George Alford who has subscribed & sworn the above declaration; that we believe him to eb sixty Eight years of age the tenth day of March last; that he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
/s/Phanuel W. Warriner
/s/Henry Disbrow
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid in Open Court } /s/Walter Colton
Chief Justice M.C.C.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Phanuel W. Warriner who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman Resident in the Township of Monroe, Michigan Territory and that Henry Disbrow who has also signed the same is a resident in the same Township of Monroe and is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit - 
/s/Walter Colton
Chief Justice M.C.C.
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Further declaration is in addition to the foregoing and in answer to the first and second interrogatories prescribed by the War department
Territory of Michigan
County of Monroe } ss
On this third day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & thirty three personally appeared in open Court before the honorable the Judge of the Probate in & for said County now sitting as a Court of Probate George Alford, the same person who made the foregoing declaration on the 26th day of October last past, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on oath make the following further declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the said act of Congress passed June  7 1832. 
That he the said George Alford was born in East Windsor in Hartford County & state of Connecticut in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty four on the tenth day of March of said year. that when he first entered into the service of the United States he was living in the Town of Rutland in the now State of Vermont. that since the revolutionary war he has lived in various places to wit immediately after the war he lived in said Town of Rutland about three or four years - after that he went to Vergennes in said State and resided there about two years, thence he removed to Charlotte in said State & lived there about two
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years - thence he removed to the State of New York and resided in the Town of Waterford and lived there about five years - that he then went to reside in the Town of Athens in the County of Green in said State that he lived there four or five years - that he then removed to [illegible] in said State & lived there four or five years - thence he went to reside in the Town of Aurelius in the County of Cayuga in said State and resided there about twelve years. thence he came to reside in the Town of Monroe in Monroe County in said Territory - his present place of residence where he has resided about fifteen years
/s/George Alford
Affirmed & subscribed in open Court the day & year thus above written - 
/s/Oliver Johnson, Judge of Probate
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and reading the answers made to the interrogatories prescribed by the War department by the said George Alford and having put to said Alford the first and third interrogatories prescribed by the War department and obtained his answers as above that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states.
/s/Oliver Johnson Judge of Probate
Territory of Michigan
County of Monroe } I Isaac P Skinner Clerk & Register of the Court of Probate in & for the County of Monroe aforesaid in said Territory do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the additional & further statement in support of  his application of George Alford for a pension 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office. this third day of June AD. 1833 - 
/s/Isaac P. Skinner
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Territory of Michigan
County of Monroe } ss.
[court seal affixed] I Laurent Dusschee Clerk of the Circuit Court of the Territory of Michigan for the County of Monroe, do hereby certify that the foregoing on the second sheet of paper contains the original proceedings of the County Court of Monroe County aforesaid in the matter of the application of George Alford for a pension, and that Walter Colton was at the time the Chief Justice of said Monroe County Court, & further that Oliver Johnson whose name is attached to the third sheet of paper is Judge of Probate of said County and Isaac P Skinner is Register of his Court duly Commissioned & qualified to all whose official acts full faith & credit as due. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of my office this fourth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
/s/Laurent Dusschee Clerk.
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George Alfred (Alford)
Michigan Territory
['Return 14,17' crossed out]
Adm 1 year - $40
Mssrs. Wing & Noble
['Laurent Duschen Clerk' crossed out]
Monroe C. H. 
Monroe County Michigan
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BRIEF in the case of George Alfred (Alford) County of Monroe in the ['State of' crossed out] Territory of Michigan 
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court of a Judge? In open Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? [blank]
3. How old is he? 68 years
4 State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
[column headings: Period.|Duration of Service.(Years,|Months,|Days.)|Rank. As a|Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.|]
Entered as a substitute In 1779, May|([blank]|9|[blank])|private|Gen. Heath Col Hutchins or Hutchinson|
1780 was drafted|(for 2|or 3|months.)|[blank]|Major Cogsdell|
In the fall of 1781|(served|about six|weeks)|[blank]|Capt Dewry Lieut Post|
[end of columns]
5. In what battles was he engaged? [blank]
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Claimant gives Rutland Vermont as the residence of the person for whom he was a substitute, but does not mention his own residence
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? by living witnesses and traditionary evidence
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 
[blank] Examining Clerk.
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I Oliver Alford of Notawa (Nottawa) Township Co. of St. Joseph and Teretory of Michigan being in the Sixty fifth year of my age do testify and say that in the time of the Revolutionary war I lived in the Town & County of Rutland in the State of Vermont and was knowing to George Alford my Elder Brother Serving as a soldier in the Militia Service in the war and Standing a minute man in the year 1780 and believe to the end of the war that he served in Castleton fort and I believe in Pittsford fort the officers that he served under I am not certain but I believe Cornel (Colonel) Thomas Lee Capt. Amary Blanchard and Capt Wait Right further your Deponant saith not
/s/Oliver Alford
I Rosetta Clapp of Notewa (Nottawa) Township Co of St Joseph ad Teritory of Michigan being in the Sixty Seventh year of my age lived in Rutland Town and Co. in the state of Vermont in the time of the Revolutionary war and was knowing that George Alford my Brother was in the militia service and that my testimony is the Same as that of my brothers - as I have carefully examined his testimony and am satisfied as to its truth further more your Deponant saith not
/s/Rosetta Clapp
Teretory of Michigan
St Joseph Co. ss } Oliver Alford & Rosetta Clapp personally apeared before me and after being carefully examined and Duly Cautioned made Sollom oath that the foregoing Deposition by them subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth
/s/Amos Stowe Justice of the peace
Territory of Michigan 
St. Joseph County ss } I Isaac W. Willard Clerk of St. Joseph County aforesaid certify that Amos Stowe before who the above Deposition was taken is an acting Justice of the Peace duly commissioned & qualified & whose official acts are entitled to due faith & credit - 
[county seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of the said County this 21. day of September 1832
/s/Isaac W. Willard Clerk for John S. Barry Deputy
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This may Certify Elder Oliver Alford the Signer of the within affidavit is a man in good Standing and a credible person likewise Rosetta Clapp is a woman of good carrecter and a credible woman
/s/Amos How J.P. 
Notawa May 21st 1833

George Alford 21854
Mr. George Alford 
Monroe Michigan Terr.
Nottawa M.T. Aug " 25 ) 12 1/2
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[blank]
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[handwritten letter]
Hartford, Conn't April 22nd 1843. - 

Sir: - 
Knowing no other mode than through you to obtain the information sought, I take the liberty to tax you, though a stranger, with the amount of this trouble. A venerable old Uncle of mine, named George Alford, did reside in your place. I wish to know whether he is still living; and if deceased, how long since; whether he left a widow, and how many children, and where they are. It appears by the Pay roll for Revolutionary military service that George Alford served as a private in Capt. Jos. Elliott's company, 3d Reg't for the term of seven months, and one day, from May to Dec'r 1775. Should this prove to be my Uncle, and we can get proof that he is the identical George Alford who performed the service, he is entitled to a Pension from the Government of the United States from 1832 to the time of his death at the rate of 40/L.M. per month. In case of his death, his widow, or in case there is not widow, his children can claim it - provided he has not already been pensioned. If he will authorize me, and furnish me the facts, I will proceed in the case - charging usual compensation. Be good enough to communicate with him, or his family, and advise me of the result as soon as convenient. 
Respectfully yours, 
/s/P. B. Gleason
Post Master, Monro City Michigan }
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State of New York
Niagara County ss. 
Rebecca Hathaway of Porter in said County being duly Sworn deposes and says that she is Eighty one years of age, that She now resides in the town of Porter in the County of Niagara and State of New York, that she has resided there for the last twenty one years or thereabouts, that previous thereto or to the time of her coming into the County of Niagara she resided in the State of Vermont after she was about nine years old, that she is the sister of George Alford who now resides in Monroe in the State of Michigan and who is between one and two years younger than this deponent. That when this deponent was about nine years old her father with his family removed from the State of Connecticutt [Connecticut] into the State of Vermont. that at the commencement of the Revolutionary War deponents father with his family including the deponent and her brother George lived in Rutland in the State of Vermont. that in the early period of the War the inhabitants along the frontier in the State of Vermont were driven from their homes by the british [British] & went into Connecticutt [Connecticut] for safety except Some who joined the british  [British]. that her father & family went into Connecticutt [Connecticut]  and remained there a short time and returned to Rutland aforesaid, that after their return, and as she now thinks in the year Seventeen hundred & Seventy eight her brother George who was there about fifteen years and left home in Rutland aforesaid and joined the American forces at the American fort in Castleton in said County, in defence [defense] of the Country She cannot state how long he was gone before he returned, but knows that he came home occasionally
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and would stay a few days, and be called out again, the only officer she recollects now that he served under Captain Nathaniel Blanchard, that when he was not out in actual service he was a minute man as they were called liable to be called out any minute and that he continued serving in this way from the time he first went out until the close of the War in Seventeen hundred and Eighty three. She further says that she has a distinct recollection of the fact of her brother service in this way, and the particular circumstance of her fathers giving him permission to go and of his advising him as he was about going how to conduct himself as he was so young to be a good boy and obey his officers. And she further says that the said George Alford now of Monroe in Michigan aforesaid in the Same George Alford who served during the period aforesaid in defending the Country along the frontier in the State of Vermont aforesaid 
/s/Rebecca Hathaway
Subscribed & Sworn before me this 17th day of April 1844 }
/s/William J. Moss
Justice of the peace
I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Mrs. Rebecca Hathaway for the last twenty years or more and that she is a person of good  [illegible]
STATE OF NEW-YORK,
NIAGARA COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, JAMES C. LEWIS, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that William J. Moss Esquire, before whom the annexed instrument appears to have proved or acknowledged, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement a Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, and duly elected and sworn and authorized by the laws of said State to take the same; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and believe that the signature subscribed to said certificate of acknowledgement, is genuine, and that said instrument is executed according to the law of said State of New-York.
[court seal affixed] IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and impressed my seal of office, at Lockport, the 20th day of April A. D. 1844
J. C. Lyon Clerk. 
By E Shepard Dept.
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and would stay a few days, and be called out again, the only officer she recollects now that he served under was Captain Nathaniel Blanchard, that when he was not out in actual service he was a minute man as they were called liable to be called out  any minute. and that he continued serving in this way from the time he first went out until the close of the War in Seventeen hundred and Eighty three, She further says that she has a distinct recollection of the fact of her brothers serving in this way, and the particular circumstance of her fathers giving him permission to go and of his advising him as he was about going how to conduct himself as he was so young. to be a good boy and obey his officer, and the she further says that the said George Alford now of Monroe in Michigan aforesaid is the same George Alford who served during the period aforesaid in defending the Country along the frontier in the State of Vermont aforesaid 
/s/Rebecca Hathaway
Subscribed & Sworn before me this 17th day of April 1844 } 
/s/William J. Moss
Justice of the peace
I hereby certify that i have been acquainted with Mrs. Rebecca Hathaway for the last twenty years or  more and that she is a person of good moral character & of good reputation for truth & veracity & whose statements are entitled to full credit and belief
/s/William J. Moss J.P.
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[handwritten letter]
Monroe Michg. Nov 27 1850

Hon. Alpheus Felch
Sir, As  I promised you, with your cordial assent, I now write to you on the subject of my Pension for service in the War with Great Britain ['in 1812' crossed out], All my papers are in the Pension Office of J. L. Edwards, not only all the evidence upon which the original Pension was obtained, but also those upon which I was endeavoring to obtain an additional pension upon. You are aware I suppose that the original Pension awarded to me was Forty Dollars per annum, That this was paid to me from 1832 or 33 until 1841 or 42, That then my son John took my Pension paper to Mr. Hastings a Pension agt. of Detroit; That Mr. Hastings had been ordered to stop payment on my pension until further orders from the Office in Washington; That my Pension certificate was retained by Mr John L. Edwards, and is still there, and from that day say in 1841 or 1842 I have see'd no payment on my Pension Paper! As nearly as I can understand the matter, the first Pension was granted upon testimony not sufficiently satisfactory, or in other words because I had not proved that I was in Service in all Six Months, and this I had failed to do for the reason that this the papers by which I could prove all my service had been partially destroyed, or so mutilated as not to
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[handwritten letter]
to be legible. I have since obtained additional testimony on the affidavit of my sister that I was in the Army five years. And the affidavit of Aaron Beach of Lockport, N.Y. that he was in the Army with me four years, And I enclose to you my own affidavit taken before Richard F. Buckley Esqr, from 1778 to 1788 as a minute man, & that I remained in the service until the close of the War in 1783. - I enclose to you the names of all the officers whose names I can recollect, whose control & was more or less subject to during the War = Gen'l Stark of New Hampshire, Col James Mead of Rutland Vermont - Col Thomas Lee of Rutland - Genl. Clark of Castleton NY. - Capt Abner Mead of Rutland Vermont - Capt Simeon Wright of Rutland Vermont - Capt Nathl. Blanchard of Rutland Vermont - Capt William Port of Rutland Vermont - Col Thomas Sanger Clarendon Vermont, Col Jona Spafford do - Maj. Cooley, Pittsford Vermont, Capt. Handy do & Col Ethan Allen, I have refered you to all the additional testimony that I have obtain in order that the payment of my original pension may be resumed from the time payment was suspended until the present time, and any additional sum that may be awarded to me in consequence of having shewn that I had served my country five years instead of Six months!! I regret to give you so much trouble, and the more so as I am unable to reward with anything better than unfigured thanks, & hope nonetheless, that you will in view of my age
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[handwritten letter]
and present necessities devote so much time to the proper investigation of this matter at the Pension office, as will at least call the attention of the officer of that department to the examination of my Papers on file in the office. It is hard, at my advanced age, and in a state of dependence upon my children for support, after having served my county through the whole War, with all its fatigues and dangers that I should be deprived of that support so needful in old age 88 years, & that my government in good faith intended I should have, and I hope that though you kind office I shall be soon again in receipt of my pension, you are acquainted with me, and all my necessities. You know that I am unable to earn any thing for my support, as I am crippled, newly blind, and deaf, and in all my troubles I have faith to believe that you will do all you can for an old Democratic Vote for 70 years!!
With much Respect I remain you obt servt
/s/George Alford
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April 22, 1931

Mrs. Harriet A. Evans 5619 Rawlins Street
Dallas, Texas

Rev.& 1812 Wars Section AWF:MLB

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, 8. 28968, that George Alford or Alfred was born march 10, 1764 in West Windsor, Hartford County, Connecticut, and moved with his father, whose name is not stated, when about seven years of age, to Rutland Vermont.

While residing in Rutland, he enlisted and served as private with the Vermont troops, as follows:

From May, 1779, nine months in Captain Dewey's company, Colonel Hutchings or Hutchinson's regiment; in 1780, two or three months under Lieutenant William Post; in the fall of 1781, six weeks in Captain Nathaniel  Blanchard's company. He served at various other times under Captains Abner Mead, Lenoir Wright, and Colonels Isaac Clark, James Mead and Thomas Lee.

From Rutland he moved to Vergennes, Vermont; Thence to Charlotte, Vermont; then to Waterford, New York, Athens, New York, Canajoharie, New York and Aurelius, New York.

He was allows pension on his application executed October 26, 1832,  at which time he was living in Monroe Township, Monroe County, Michigan.

In 1850 the soldier referred to his children, the only name stated being John. The name of the soldier's wife is not on record.
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[typewritten letter]
In 1848 the soldier's grandchild, H. L. Skinner, was referred to.
Very truly yours
E.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner
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[verso]
28968
Revy INVALID.
File No. 28,968
George Alfred
Pri. Rev War
Act: June 7" 32"
Index: - Vol. 2, Page 6

[recto]
1914, Apr 6, History to Mrs. Ross G. Thomas. F.W.
1918, Mch. 12. History to Mrs. Martha A. Bremer
1918, May 18. History to Mrs. Leontine W. Grover
1931-Apr. 22-Hist to Mrs. Harriet A. Evans awf
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George Alford
Monroe Mich
Let. George F. Lewis 5th June 1850
['Hon A. Felch May 1855' crossed out]
Page 26

[handwritten letter]
Washington Jan. 14, 1848.

Sir, 
I take the liberty of enclosing to you a letter just received by me from H. L. Skinner Esq. formerly of Michigan: in reference to the pension of his grandfather George Alford of Monroe in the State of Michigan. The object of the application to me appears by the letter itself, and I beg leave respectfully to solicit of you such information on the subject as he desires.
Will you allow me also to ask of you a copy of your printed instructions and forms in ['the' crossed out] ap-
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[handwritten letter]
plication for the bounty land given under the act of Congress to soldiers in the Mexican war?
I am Sir, Very Respectfully Your Obt. Serv't,
/s/A. Felch

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
Page 28

Hon John C Spencer Esq
Secretary of War,
Washington City

C.337.
Dec'r 16th 1843
Referred by Hon R. McClelland 
Claim of George Alford to full instead of half pay he now receives
Pension Office
Michigan
Hon R. McClelland H.R.
Page 29

War Department
Revolutionary Claim
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832 George Alford of the Territory of Michigan, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, is entitled to receive forty dollars per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year. - 
[facsimile seal: Seal] Given at the War Office of the United States, this third day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
(signed) John Robb
Acting Secretary of War
examined and Countersigned} 
/s/J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions }
The above is a copy of George Alford's pension certificate except the spelling of the Alford for "Alfred" on the certificate
Page 30

The following endorsements are on the back of said certificate "t)
"Payments to be made at Detroit by Ellis Doty, Agent for paying pensioners in the Agency of Michigan - 
Recorded in the pension office, in Book E. Vol. 8. page 92. by Wm. R. Palmer Clerk

No. 13353
Capt Dewey - Infantry Col. Clark Regt.
residence in Monroe 15 yr. May 1833}
previous in the State of New York - }
copied by Charles Meigs for Geo. Alford

Monroe Nov'r 21st 1843
Hon John C. Spencer Esq
Secretary of War - Dr sir per request and at the dictation of George Alford who is old and infirm I write this: enclosed is a letter from P. B. Gleason to which he wishes to call your attention in his behalf as a pensioner. It discloses 7 months & a day of service on the pay roll for Revolutionary service in Capt. Jos: Elliotts Com. 3rd Regiment which the writer supposes will entitle him to $80. instead of 40. pr. year - of his identity the papers in the pension
Page 31

department of your office will furnish the necessary evidence  as is supposed, referring to his own affidavit & that of his Brother & Sister on file - in your office Mr. Alford states that his service was principally in Rutland County Vermont. that he was held to service as a minute man from the time specified until the close of the war. that he was frequently called upon to rendezvous at Castleton, Pittsford and Rutland, and was under different officers at different times, which prevented him from designating them with certainty. that he was personally acquainted with John Stark, Ethan Allen, and Seth Warner serving that time. - Mr. Alford wishes to have the pay Roll referred to together with the papers. & to be placed under full pay. & to have arrears from March 1831 - allowed him - the additional evidence referred to in the letter (if found) is supposed to entitle him to full pay, instead of half - & to the arrears - If further testimony of any kind is required please make the same known to him. his necessities are such as make it both suitable and necessary for him to make this call - If any information is wanted which relates to Mr. Alford personally you are referred to the Hon. R. McClelland, M.C. - from this place I am with all due respect &c &c - 
/s/George Alford
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[handwritten letter]
House of Rep's
May 8th 1844 - 

J. L. Edwards Esq
Sir
I am requested by Mr. George Alford of Monroe, Michigan, to present the further testimony herewith transmitted, which he thinks is sufficient. - You will remember his application filed some three months ago. - I ask your attention to the papers. - 
Resp'y yours
/s/R. McClelland
Page 33

[verso]
Capt. Dewey
Infantry
Col. Clark Reg't
residence in Monroe 15 yr May 1833 
previous in State N.Y. - 

[recto]
21 years
March 1840
Payments to be made at Detroit by Ellis Doty, Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Michigan
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E. Vol. 8. Page 92. by Wm. R. Palmer Clerk.
Page 34

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim. 
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, George Alford of the Terr'y [Territory] of Michigan who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Forty dollars ['and [blank] cents' crossed out] per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.
[seal affixed] GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this Third day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three.
/s/John Robb
Acting Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.}
/s/J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 35

[handwritten letter]
Washington Dec 31. 1844

Col. Edwards
Sir George Alford of Monroe (Michigan) has presented a petition to the House which has been referred to his case, on Rev. Pensions He asks to be reinstated on the pension roll - Will you be so kind as to inform me why he was stricken off so that the committee may pass upon his case - 
Please also to send me the papers or copies on the application of Francis Hutinack of the State of New York for a pension & oblige 
Yours truly
/s/DS Seymour
Page 36

[addressed envelope]
[postmark: MONTPELIER VT APR 11]
25
Mr George Alford
Monroe Michigan
Page 37

State of Vermont
Secy of State's Office} Montpelier April 10, 1844

Mr George Alford
Sir, 
The Rev. George B. Manser handed over to me your letter in relation to your Revolutionary Service. I have made examination and can find only the following service - 
30 days in Capt Nath'l Blanchard's Company, Cap't Allen's Regt from Oct 12 to Nov 12, 1780 
And in Lieut Wm Post's Co. of Volunteers from Aug 29th to Sept 20th 1780.
Our Pay Rolls are supposed to be incomplete and it may be owing to this fact that no more proof is to be found. 
Should you wish any certificate it will be given on you forwarding to me $2 - current money post-paid.
Respectfully, 
/s/F. F. Merrill
Acting Secy of State
Page 38

said Services untill the close of the War
/s/George Alford
Subscribed and affirmed to before me this 26th day of April A.D. 1850
/s/G T Bulkley Justice of the Peace
Page 39

Hon John C. Spencer
Sec'y &c 
Washington City
 Respectfully referred to the Secretary of War.
Try Dept
Dec'r 15/45
M. 632
Decr `15/43
Mathews
Page 40

[handwritten letter]
Washington City
Dec 14. 1843. - 

Hon John C. Spencer
Sir
The accompanying letters have been forwarded to me for you. - The one is from one of my constituents for a further pension. - If any aid can be given him and I can be instrumental in obtaining for him any information for the satisfaction of the "department" I should be gratified. = The other (is as I am by Mr. Forsyth informed) a letter from Mr. G. C. Baker in his behalf. - Mr. Forsyth writes me that he will soon forward other testimonials, but feat they will not arrive until after it becomes necessary to make the appointment (the time of the old expiring this month). - I can hear testimony to the integrity and honorable standing of Mr. Forsyth and doubt not one while delegation would write in asking his restoration, if it would be of any avail. I at the time viewed his dismissal as unjust and have had no cause since to change my opinion. It would be very gratifying to his friends and to our delegation, were you to give the subject some further consideration and in doing so we doubt not you will do our friend ample justice. - 
With high respect Your obt. Sr't 
/s/R. McClelland
Page 41

C. 337. Dec'r 16th 1843.
Wash: 14th Dec'r 1843.
Hon. R. McClelland
1 Includes a letter recommending the restoration of Paymaster Forsyth also
2 a claim for George Alford to a Pension, full pay instead of half which he is receiving.
✓ 1 Paymaster General
2 Pension Office.
Dec. 16 1843
Page 42

Will Mr Edwards send me the papers on file in the case of George Alford as I desire to place them before the committee for their action.
/s/R. McClelland
Jany 24. 1846
House of Rep's
Page 43

[handwritten letter]
Detroit 25 May 1850

Sir
Enclosed I send you the certificate of George Alford & wish to know when his pension was  stoped for what cause, & if it can be renewed He is still living but has drawn no pension for some years back, his son thinks it was relinquished by his trying to get an increase of Pension. If the same amt of Pension can be continued Please advise what proof will be necessary to reestablish his claim
Yours Respy
/s/G. F. Lewis per clerk
To Hon J L Edwards
Com of Pensions
Washington
Page 44

1832-68=64 - in 1775 11 years old
Page 45

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of George Alfred which require further proof or explanation. 
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes 
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? [blank] 
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes 
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes 
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the other under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes 
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes 
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes 
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
Page 46

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? [blank] 
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? [blank]
XIV. +If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? No
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. ↕Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes 
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 1. 3.
EXPLANATORY NOTES. 
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For ______year______months, and______days______, I served as a______; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 47

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
+QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of  his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
↕QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
⇨ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany papers.
Page 48

[handwritten letter]
Senate Chamber
Jan. 26, 1851.

Sir.
I enclose to you herewith a communication from Geo. Alford and an affidavit made by him relative to his application for a pension. Mr. Alford formerly received a pension, but his name was subsequently stricken from the rolls - as I understand for the reason that the return in the office did not show sufficient time in service to entitle him to the pension.
These returns of the regiment in which he served were the same, when his name was stricken off, from which the proof was had when the ['war' crossed out] pension was allowed. The friends of Mr. Alford cannot but think that there is some error in depriving him of the pension once enjoyed by him.
I beg leave therefore very respectfully to solicit you to re-examine this case and if an error has been committed to rectify it. 
I am, Sir, Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt,
/s/Alpheus Felch
Hon. J. E. Heath
Com'r of Pensions
Page 49

Hon. A. Felch
Jany 22 '48
Page 50

[handwritten letter]
197
Pension Office
January 22nd 1848

Sir
I have the honor to return hereunto Mr. Skinair's (Skinner) letter, and to enclose you a communication from this Office to Hon. R. McClelland of 20th Decem 1843, will furnish you with the reasons for the suspension of Geo Alford pension
Since the date of that communication the certificate of the Secretary of State of Vermont has been forwarded, But that paper showed that Alford was credited with 1 mo 20 days time only, which was not sufficient to justify ['the' crossed out] his restoration to the pension Roll
Agreeably to your request - I send hereunto printed instructions for the guidance of applicants under the 9 Section of the act of 11 Feby 1847
Hon A. Felch
Senate U. States
Page 51

Hon R. McClelland
Decem 20 1843
Page 52

[handwritten letter]
219
Pen off
Dec'r 20 43

Sir
In the application of Geo. Alford for an increase of pension I have the honor to inform you that his declaration furnishes conclusive proof that he is not the individual bourne on the roll of Capt Josiah Elliott in 1775 who commanded a company of the 3 Conn't reg't.
Upon examining his papers, it is very doubtful whether the length he assigns to his several term is not extravagant - and as all claimants are required to adduce the best attainable proof, he should obtain the certificate of the Secy of Vt shewing what evidence the rolls in  his office recently discovered, afford of each term for which he claims - His pension will be computed by the services embraced in that certificate no payment
Page 53

[handwritten letter]
can be made to him - 

Hon R. McClelland
Decem 20 1843
Hon R. McClelland H. R.
Page 54

[typewritten letter]
Pension Office
May 1, 1851

A. Felch
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Sir:
I have the honor to inform you that the statements made by George Alford, tends in no degree to remove the objection to his restoration to the pension roll.
These objections have been explained so much at large to you and others whose agency he has resorted to, that is deemed useless to recapitulate them.
Signed
F. H. Evans for Commissioner. 
Copy.
Page 55

Hon J. L. Edwards
Page 56

[handwritten letter]
Michigan 
Monroe, Monroe County
June 4th 1833

Sir
Enclosed you will receive again the papers &c in support of George Alfred claim for a Pension. it is presumed they will now beforesaid to conform to the instructions - & especially that part of those refered to you your last letter which is also herewith enclosed. Should you not find the papers correct will you please address a line to the undersigned & if you should find them correct, will you please address us as the attornies of George Alfred of your decision on the claim
Very respectfully Your Obt Servt
/s/Waig & Noble
Hon J. L. Edwards
Page 57

State of New York
Niagara County ss
Aaron Beach of Cambria in said County being duly sworn deposes & says that he now Eighty two years old that he is acquainted with George Alford now of Monroe in the State of Michigan, that he was acquainted with him in the time of the Revolutionary War. he then resided in the State of Vermont, this deponent knows he served in said War. they were both engaged in the Service of the United States at the same time in the fort at Castleton in the State of Vermont he does not now recollect how long said George Alford served at that time but he knows he was there and served, neither does he recollect the precise time when he knew him there but it was when an attack from the British was expected and when Ethan Allen then a Colonel was there And he recollects the troops, volunteers and malitia were formed into a hollow square and Ethan Allen mounted a Stump in the Square and preached (as it was called) to the troops as they were expecting an engagement. - he further says that he knows that all those then living along the frontier in the State of Vermont who entered the Service at all were considered as constantly in Service whether in the fort or at home and liable to be called out any moment to defend the frontier most of them lived along the frontier, and the signal
Page 58

to be given voluntarily were required to turn out was the firing of a cannon, they thus stood as minute men, and on hearing the alarm cannon would repair to the fort and remain as long as actually wanted and then returned home with the same understanding and thus it continued along that frontier until peace was established this he knows was particularly so until he was taken prisoner in 1781 - 
/s/Aaron Beach
Subscribed & Sworn to before me this 25th day of April 1844. 
/s/Thomas Barnes Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Aaron Beach who made the foregoing affidavit for more than twenty years last past and that he is a man of good character for truth and veracity and his statements are entitled to full credit and belief
/s/Thomas Barnes J.P. 

STATE OF NEW-YORK
NIAGARA COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } SS. 
I, JAMES C. LEWIS, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Thomas Gaines Esquire, before whom the annexed instrument appears to have been proved or acknowledged, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement a Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, was duly elected and sworn and authorized by the laws of said State to take the same; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and believe that the signature subscribed to said certificate of acknowledgement, is genuine, and that said instrument is executed according to the law of said State of New-York.
[court seal affixed] IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and impressed my seal of office, at Lockport, the 24 day of April A.D. 1844.
/s/J. C Lewis Clerk.
/s/E Shepard Dept
Page 59

[handwritten letter]
[margin notes: ✓one 3' 4 [illegible] sent OTC Rev Svc RWS]
FROM THE FERTILIZER MAN

Dated at Sandusky, O. Mau 10  1918

Pension Department 
Washington D.C.
Gentlemen,
Will you kindly send me a copy of the Pension record of George Alford or Alfred, born at West Windsor, Conn, 16 Mar. 1764, died Monroe Tp. Monroe, Mich. 16 April 1851.
Enlisted May 1779 at Rutland Vermont, and served nine months as private under Capt. Dewey and Col. Hutchings or Hutchinson. 
In 1780 served two or three months under Lieut. Wm. Post.
In Fall of 1781 served six weeks under Captain Nathaniel Blanchard.
At various other times served under Col. Isaac Clark, James Amiah and Thomas Lee. 
References given to page 192 Census of Pensions, state of Michigan. Revolutionary War Records Bureau of Pensions, Washington D.C.
Yours truly
/s/Mrs. Leontine Woolsey Graves
The Wyndham. 1878 3 90th St. Cleveland, Ohio.
Page 60

[handwritten letter]
March 24th
To The Office of Pentions 
Washington D.C.

Sirs: - 
In the Census of Pentioners State of Michigan & find one George Alfred or, Alford, who died in Monroe Michigan & received a pention for services in The Revolution. Can you tell me from where he enlisted & what regiment he was in
Page 61

[handwritten letter]
Respectfully
/s/Mrs. Ross Y. Thomas
698 M. D. Woodruff Place
Indianapolis Ind. 
[receipt stamp: U. S. PENSION OFFICE O MAR 26 1914]
Page 62

[handwritten letter]
[margin note: Rev War Sec]
234 HURON AVENUE
SANDUSKY OHIO

March 2, 1918.
Pension Department - 
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen - 
Will you  kindly send me a copy of the pension record of George Alford or Alfred, born at West Windsor, Connecticut, 10th March, 1764, died at Monroe Tp. Monroe, Mich, 16th April, 1851.
Enlisted in May, 1779 at Rutland, Vt. and served nine months as private under Capt. Dewey & Col. Hutchings or Hutchinson, 
In 1780 served two or three months under Lieut. Wm. Post.
In Fall of 1781 served six weeks under Capt. Nathanael Blanchard.
At various other times served under Col Isaac Clark, Jus. Amiah & Thomas Lee. 
References given to page 192 Census of Pensions - State of Michigan. Revolutionary War Records, Bureau of Pensions, Washington D.C. 
/s/Mrs. Martha A Brewer.
Page 63

[handwritten letter]
3619 Rawlins St.
Dallas, Texas - 
March 13th 1831 - 

Bureau of Pensions: 
Washington D.C.
I am trying to establish my membership in the D.A.R.s, and have a fairly good record, from the different source to which I have access. My ancestors date as far back as the 2nd trip of the Mayflower, in 1634. 
One of them was William Alford; he had 2 brothers who came with him. William's son Nathaniel settled in Hartford Co. Conn. His son, Rev. Nathaniel born at Simsbury, Conn. was the father of the 5 Alford boys: Alexander, Amasa, Benedict, George, and Oliver, and daughter, Rosie.
✓George Alford Sr., who was born March 10th 1763 at Burlington Vt and died and was buried at Monroe, Mich. April 15th 1852, is the ancestor, ['from' crossed out] thru whom I expect to establish my claim. A letter from a relative in Monroe, Mich says George Alford was buried with military honors, and a newspaper account in 1852 stated that he drew a Pension from the Government for services rendered in the Revolutionary War. - 
Can you give me true account from your records? 
Sincerely,
/s/Mrs. Harriet Alford Evans
[receipt stamp: U. S. PENSION OFFICE O MAR 18 1931]
Page 64

In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of George Alford or Alfred a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his ['(or his widow's)' crossed out] application for pension on file in this Bureau. S. F. 28968
[column headings: DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.|LENGTH OF SERVICE.|RANK.|OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.(CAPTAIN.|COLONEL.)|STATE.|]
May,1779|9 mos|Pri.|(Dewey|{Hutchings)|Vt.|
[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|([blank]|{or Hutchinson|[blank]|
1780|2 or 3 mos.|[blank]|(Lieut. Wm. Post|✓|[blank]|
Fall,1781|6 wks.|[blank]|(Capt. Nathaniel Blanchard.|✓)|[blank]|
at various other times|✓|[blank]|(Abner Mead|{Isaac Clark James Mead)|[blank]|
[obscured]|[blank]|[blank]|(Lenoir Wright|{Thos. Lee)|[blank]|
[end of columns]
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier  at enlistment, Rutland, Vt. moved there with family when about 7 yrs.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 26, 1832. His cl. was  al. 
Residence at date of application, Monroe Twp., Monroe Co., Mich.
Age at date of application*, B. Mch. 10, 1764, West Windsor, Hartford Co. Conn. 
Remarks: In 1850, soldier referred to his children, son John - no names stated. name of wife not on record 
From Rutland he removed to Vergennes Vt. Cht'n Co. - Charlotte-Vt-Cht'n Waterford N.Y. Athens-N.Y. case info Maria sister-Rebecca Hathaway Aurelius* Bro-Oliver
gr. ch. H. L. Skinner 1848
Very respectfully, 
[blank] Commissioner.
6-2856