Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8,833, for Epaphras Ripley, Vermont
Page 168

that he might have been partially deranged at the time of making his declaration.  Since the making of his declaration he has been adjudged a non compos and a Guardian appointed over him. I have been informed and believe that Epaphras Ripley resided in Connecticut at the 
commencement  of the Revolutionary war and performed some service in the Connecticut troops, that during the war he removed to Vermont and performed service in the Vermont troops and altho his own declaration is not supported, which I now suppose was made in a deranged state of his mind, yet I have reason to believe that he is the identical person who served in Capt Hutchins Company mentioned in the certificate of the Secretary of State and it is probable that proof of identity may yet be obtained, and I hope the claims will not be prejudiced on account of any neglect or omission of mine
This explanation I trust will be satisfactory, and would respectfully request of you  the favor of an answer
 I am very respectfully
Yr. Obt. Sert.
A. S. Campbell

Hon J L Edward
Comr of Pension,
Washington City
Page 169

Feb. 6. 1840
7 June 1832
Epaphras Ripley
Vermont
Hon J L Edwards
Com of Pensions
Washington City
Page 170

Bellows Falls Vermont Jany 31 1840

Sir
I enclose the application of Epaphras Ripley by Tabitha Ripley for a pension.
I am very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
A. S. Campbell

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions.
Page 171

Epaphras Ripley
Vermont
[illegible] Let A S Campbell
15 Mar 18??

J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 172

Bellows Falls, Vermont, June 10th 1835
Sir.
The enclosed papers have just been handed to me, with a request that I would forward them to you. - The proceedings as you will perceive were had before the Probate Court more than two years since but as the applicant was not able to procure testimony to confirm his statement, they have not, as I suppose, been sent to Washington. - The statement is defective in not showing the amount of actual service and as the deponent is ^now^ a Lunatic altho it is said he has lucid intervals, it would be difficult supplying the defects by his testimony.  Perhaps his service may appear from documents in your office, it is believed that Vine Elderkin was his Captain, Warners Regiment I suppose was in the Vermont troops.
I am very Respectfully
Yr. Obt Servt
Alex. S. Campbell

Hon J L Edwards
Page 173

State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office
Montpelier August 3, 1839.
I hereby certify that there is on file in
this office a paper purporting to be "a Pay
Roll of Capt. William Hutchins Company
Col. Hicks Regiment of Militia in the service of
the State of Vermont, commenced the eleventh of October 1780.
on which Roll, in the list of privates, is the name of "Epaphras
Riley, with an allowance for 8 days service
[left margin] 8 [illegible] [/left margin]
Also, that there is on file a paper purporting to be "
Pay Roll of Capt. Wm Hutchins Company of Provincial Troops
in the service of the United States of America Commencing
May 1st ending November 30th 1778, on which roll, in
the list of privates is the name of Epaphras Ripley with
or advance for seven months service
[left margin] 7 most [/left margin]
Also that there is on file a paper purporting to be a
Pay roll of Capt. William Hutchins independent Company 
of troops in the service of the State of Vermont from the
30th Novr 1781 to the 1st day of May 1782
May
11. 1782 (stationed at Castleton Vt Pittsford forts during their service)
on which Roll is the name of "Epaphras Ripley Corpl" with an
allowance for 9[?]  days service
[left margin] 3 [illegible] 3 [/left margin]
Page 174

I further certify that said Pay Rolls appear to have been examined/ allowed, and ordered to be paid, by the authorities of this state, and to have been paid accordingly.
Given under my hand and the seal of this office this third day of August A.D. 1839
Ferrand F. Merrill
Deputy Secretary of State
Page 175

[struck through] No. 5 [/struck through]

Affidavit of 
Shubel Ripley
Clarissa Ripley
Rodentha Ingals

Epaphras Ripley, dec.

Act 7. June 1832

No. 12.

E. F. Brown
of Washn.
Atty.

New York    }
18. Apl. 53. }
Page 176

State of Vermont   }
Addison County ss }  Cornwall April 11 1854

These personally appeared before me Marcus O. Porter, a Justice of the Peace within & for sd. County of Addison, Shubel Ripley, Clarissa Ripley & Rodentha Ingals all of Cornwall in said county who being duly sworn did depose & say that Epaphras Ripley late of Rockingham in the County of Windham & State of Vermont deceased, was their father; that he was insane several years before his decease; that they have heard him say repeatedly both before & since he became insane, that he was in the service in the State of Vermont during the Revolution under the command of Col. Herrick, in the company of Captain Hutchins; & that they have no reason to doubt that he was in the service as above stated.
Shubel Ripley
            her
Clarissa X Ripley
           mark
Rodentha Ingals
Subscribed & sworn to before me
Marcus O. Porter Justice of the Peace
No certificate of Clk of Court.
The person who was sent to obtain this did not know that he ought to get Certificate of Clerk of Court; but it another link in the chain of evidence, which is strong enough without it.
E. F. Brown
Atty.
New York 18 Apl. 53.
Page 177

papers Ripley, dec'd
Affidavit of
John W. Shipman
15 & 16 Apl. 1853
Ripley died 11. Feb. 1853.
Identifies Ripley as
having served under Capt.
Hutching & Col. Herrick,
and other particulars.
No 11.
New York City
18. April 53.
Edw. J. Brown
of Wash
Atty.
Page 178

Perkinsville Apr 15 1853
John W. Shipman do hereby declare upon oath
that I am Son in Law of Epaphras Ripley deceased who
was an Insane applicant for Revolutionary Pension
that same about the year Eighteen Hundred and
twenty-five the said Ripley has been afflicted with a
kind of Insanity which rendered him incapable of making
business conically or giving a correct account of his life
that I was acquainted with him about ten years
before said Insanity commenced, and often heard him
speak of his service as a soldier in the Revolutionary War
, that before he was insane, he often said to me and 
to others in my hearing that he served several Tours first
in Connecticut and afterwards in Vermont. That he
of the spoke of being under Col Herrick at the taking of
Genl Burgoyne at Saratoga, and said he afterwards served
Several Yours under Captain Hutchins, and from his
conversation I was always of the belief that his several
time of service kept him almost constantly engaged
it said was about five years, for I know that he had
several papers relating to his service, and in his insane state
of mind he lost or destroyed all of them except one
which was a discharge for a time of service in this State
(Vermont) and which he had when I first made are
effort to assist him in obtaining a pension in 1832
and the light whom I then employed declined using
it because he thought he could obtain a pension without
it, and said Discharge was afterwards lost and said agent
afterwards died. During the summer of 1851 one of the
Page 179

Family Employed one Alphons Tilden who was 
stranger to us who obtained some additional
Affidavits and presented at the department through
another agent named Edmond F. Brown of Washington
City and I am informed that one of the objections
of the Pension office to the allowance of said claim
is that some of the affidavits are in the handwriting
of said Tilden and that said Tilden is charged with
Fraud upon the Government and is a fugitive from
Justice. without pretending to Judge of the Honesty 
of said Tillen in other matters I know that the Affidavit
in his handwriting which was signed and sworn to by
me on the 2d day of Sept 1851 was true and that I
intended to testify that I have often heard the said
Epaphras Ripley say before he was Insane that he served
first in Connecticut and afterward in Vermont and
he frequently mentioned the names of Col Herrick and
Capt Hutchins as the officers under whom he served
most of the time, and I never had a doubt but he
was present at the taking of Burgoyne and did
much active service afterwards. I do not recollect
the dates of the service referred to in the discharge
mentioned on the preceding page but have often [illegible] 
it and confident that it was for his last Tour in this
State. I attended his Funeral at Rockingham the 13th
of Feby last he having died on the Eleventh of the same
month his only wife died some eleven years
ago. I have no interest with business except that
Page 180

my wife is a Daughter of the
above named Epaphras
Ripley she and the other heirs have desired me 
to act for thee and provide Letters of Administration
I am fifty-five years old was Born in this part of 
State and have lived in the State most of my Life
and feel confident there was no other Epaphras
Ripley except my father in Law his Father's name
was Charles Ripley
and he was killed in the
Revolutionary War
John W. Shipman
Sworn to and subscribed before and this 16th day
of April 1853. And I do hereby certify that John W.
Shipman Esq. who has sworn to and subscribed the forgoing
statement is a respectable and vendible resident of the adjoining
County of Windsor, and this day came before me
in my office in the Bank of Bellows Falls, and stated
that he prepared the said last night at his residence
and desired to make oath before me because it was
inconvenient to go to the County Seal for the Clerk Seal
1
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affix my official seal
Bellows Falls the day and year aforesaid
J. W. Williams
Notary Public
Page 181

[lined through] No. 4 [/lined through]

Affidavit of
Luther Webb,
& Certificate of
Hon. Wm. Henry,
late Member of Congress.

Epaphras Ripley, decd.

Positive proof that he
served in Vermont, under
Col. Herrick.

No. 10.

Edm. F. Brown
of Washn.
Atty.

New York       }
18. Apl. 1853}
Page 182

State of Vermont
Warham County
Act 16. Sept. 1850, authorizes
Notaries to administer &
E.F.B.
I James H. Williams, a Notary Public
in and for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that
on this sixteenth day of April 1853. Luther Webb Esq
and old and respectable resident of the Town of
Rockingham in said County, aged eighty nine years, puronally
appeared before me, and being duly sworn
according to law deposed and said that he was well
acquainted with the late Epaphras Ripley, who was an
insane applicant for a pension; that more than sixty
years ago he lived near said Ripley and had frequent
intercourse with him and has heard him relate many
times the incidents in which he took an actin pail,
and will recollects that said Ripley often said he
served first in Connecticut and afterwards in Vermont
and has heard him mention the names of Col. Herrick,
and other officers whose names the deponent does
not recollect, and he fuls certain that he
served several tours of a few months each in Vermont
up to nearly the close of the Revolutionary War. He
also feels confident that there was no other Epaphras
Ripley in this state; and that the facts set forth in
his affidavit taken more than a year ago in the
hand writing of Alphins Tilden, were true,
Luther Webb
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Before me
James H. Williams
Notary Public
Page 183

Luther Webb the maker of the within Deposition
is a man of respectability & good standing & of strict veracity.
William Henry, late MC

I, James H. Williams, Notary Public, do hereby certify
that Luther Webb Esq. the within deponent is a highly respectable
resident of this County, and his statements entitled to credit;
and he related the incidents mentioned, in my presence and
verified and signed the same understandingly.
I also certify, that the Hon Wm Henry, who wrote the above
certificate in my presence is one of our most respectable citizens
and has represented this District in Congress four years
I also declare that I am not interested in the result
of this claim of Epaphras Riply and do not believe that
Messrs Webb and Henry are so concerned or interested.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand
and official seal at Bellows Falls this 16 day
of April 1853
J. H. Williams
Notary Public

[seal]
Page 184

record of his birth within her knowledge
as she can say from such facts as she can
ninty sixth
collect, there being no
of his age,
Affidavit of
Mrs Octave Shipman,
with Certificate & letter of
Napoleon B. Roundy, J. Peace
of his knowledge of E. Ripley
Identifies E Ripley as
having served under Capt
Hutchins & Col. Herrick in
Vermont. Insane in 1832,
and Agent then prevented
him from claiming for his
Vermont service: with
many other particulars
Claim of
Epaphras Ripley, of Vt
No 8
Act 1832
New York
24. May 1853.
Edm.F. Brown
of Washington,
Atty
Page 185

State of Vermont
Windsor County
On this thirteenth day of May A.D.
Eighteen hundred and fifty-three before me the undersigned a
Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly authorized
by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Mrs. Octavia
Shipman a resident of said County aged fifty-one years,
who being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that she
is the daughter of Epaphras Ripley deceased who was insane
applicant for a pension for his services in the Revolutionary war.
that she well remembers that in her young days forty years ago
her said father talked much of services he had performed and seen
he had witnessed in the Revolutionary war, and said he served
a short time in Connecticut when very young and some of his
friends prevailed on his officers to release him, and he took up
his residence in Vermont; that he afterwards served several
Tours in companies that went for a few months at a time, up
to nearly the close of the war; that he was at the surrender of General
Barquain [Burgoyne] at Saratoga, and at several other Battles which she
does not recollect, that he often spoke of different officers that he
knew and saw, but she does not recollect their names except
General Gates who received Burgoynes sword when he surrendered,
and Col. Herrick and Capt Hutchins who were his officers during
his last services; that she believes that when quite a youth he was with
lot, Ethan Allen at taking Ticonderoga, for she has heard him 
speak of being with Col Allen when he hooted  through the woods
in imitation of Owls to deceive the Enemy, and she knows as well as
she knows any thing she never saw, that he served as a soldier
in short terms nearly every year during the whole Revolution, and
that all but his first service was in companies raised in Vermont,
because he removed his place of residence out of the State of
Connecticut several years before the close of the war (Revolution)
she believes about the year 1777. that her said Father died on the
11th day of February last in the ninety sixth year of his age, as nearly
as she can say from such facts as she can collect, there being no
record of his birth within her knowledge
Page 186

That about thirty years ago his mind became unsound through
religious excitement, and soon showed signs of insanity; that some
twenty one years ago her Husband, John W Shipman employed Mr
Burton of Ludlow, to obtain a pension for her said Father, that she
remembers her Husband said at the time that Mr Burton declined
claiming for the Vermont tours of service because he believed
he could get a full pension for the services in Connecticut, that her
husband soon after give up all his efforts in the case because the town of
Rockingham appointed a guardian for her said Father on account
of his insanity; that soon after Mr Burton died, and she heard
no more about pension for several years, except from her
Father who, when with her, spent most of his time in writing and
making figures in order as he said to get his pension, he has
for more than twenty years contended that he could get his pension
by figuers; has written over quires of Paper that no one could
understand; showing that the scenes of the Revolution were confirmed
in his memory almost to the close of his life; that she is not interested
in the pension, except to the amount of one ninth part of the
proceeds of what may be received, after paying the expenses of
proving and prosecuting the claim; and that her chief object in
making this Affidavit is to honour the memory of her Father in
establishing his service in Vermont, which she has been informed
the officers in the pension office seem inclined to could [?], and which 
she feels certain he did perform, as he was always esteemed a man
of truth and would not have made the statements which he did
forty and fifty and sixty years ago had they been false, and some
of them seventy years ago, made to her uncle Luther Webb, whose
character for truth is one of the highest, as has been duly proved;
and further that she makes this Affidavit voluntarily and freely
and without fear or undue influence of her said husband, or any other person
Signed   Octavia Shipman
Page 187

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, before me
and I hereby certify that the above named Octavia Shipman
is a respectable resident of Perkinsville in said County of Windsor
Perkinsville in
Weathersfield Vt May 13 1853
To Edward F Brown Esqr
Having been called upon as a
Magistrate to administer oath and make certificate of an
Affidavit of Mrs Octavia Shipman relative to her fathers
services in the Revolutionary War, by request I take the liberty
of stating to you something of my acquaintance with Mrs Shipman
Father (Epaphras Ripley), I was acquainted with said Ripley
as early as 1812 I being a Boy at that time and residing
in the same town and neighbourhood with him and continuing to reside in the same town for some thirty years thereafter, Mr Ripley was esteemed by me and by the people generally
as a very honest worthy man, and I well recollect as early
as 1813 and 1814 and 1815 and probably 1816 of hearing him
give an account of his services in the Revolutionary war
I well understood it then, and had no doubt, nor have I
now, of his performing considerable service in said war
and I never heard any doubts expressed by others but
what he performed all the services that ^he^ old of, and I always
regarded Said Ripley as a revolutionary soldier,
Very Respectully yours
Napoleon B Roundy
Note. I am informed that Esqr Roundy is so highly esteemed
that altho a Democrat, he holds the highest office in the
gift of the Whig Town of Weathersfield.
E. F. B.
Page 188

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, before me
and I hereby certify that the above named Octave Shipman
is a respectable resident of Perkinsville in said County of Windsor
is esteemed as a truthful and creditable witness, and sworn
to the same with a perfect understanding of its meaning
and I believe the facts to be true, having been acquainted with
Epaphras Ripley many years. I further certify that
I have no interest whatever in the result of said claim
and am not concerned in the prosecution of it
Perkinsville in Weathersfield Vt May 18 1853
Napolean B Roundy Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont     }
Windsor  County SS } I Daniel A. Heald Notary Public
by legal authority admitted & sworn, hereby
certify that the above named Napoleon B. Roundy is a Justice
of the Peace within and for the County of Windsor aforesaid and
is duly qualified by law to administer oaths and act as a justice
of the Peace for said County
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my
Notarial Seal this fourteenth day of May A.D. 1853, at Cavendish in said County,
Daniel A. Heald Notary Public

[seal]
Page 189

7 citizens of Rockingham,
attested by Bishop Chase,
certify to history of
Epaphras Ripley,
that he lived in that
Town some years before
1782, and served as a
Soldier in [underlined] Vermont [/underlined], in
the Revolutionary War.


v[?]
No. 7.

E. F. Brown
Atty.

New York,       }
14. July 1853. }
Page 190

We the undersigned Citizens of the Town of
Rockingham Windham County, Vermont, do hereby
certify that we have long known as the history of the
Ripley family in this Town, that the late Epaphras Ripley
who died in February last, and was an applicant
for a pension, bore the character of having served as
Soldier in the Revolutionary War in Vermont, and we
believe that as he married in this town on or before the
year 1782, (as his Eldest daughter now in Town is in his 71st year and having made his home here some year
previously, his last service at least must have been in
this State; and we further certify that we are
well acquainted with Mr Luther Webb, an old and
respected Citizen of this Town, whose statements may
be relied on in any case
Solloman Haygood
E. B. Webb
John Clark
Manasseh Divoll
Sum L Billings
James B. Morgan
Joseph M. Webb
(See Over)
Claremont, Sullivan Co. N.H. June 24. 1853
This is to certify that I am personally acquaint
ed with Solomon Haygood & the signers above,
and that they are men of a character to claim
confidence for any statement made by them
They are all men of unimpeachable truth.
Carlton Chase
(Bishop, New Hampshire)
Page 191

Mr. Shipman states that many other citizens of Rockingham could be found who would have signed the foregoing Certificate, but the seven who have signed it were selected because they are men of character who are known to Bishop Chase, and most of them have held Office under the people, and are esteemed for their character and veracity.
E. F. Brown,
Atty.

New York,         }
July 4, 1853.     }
Page 192

Certificate of Court,
that
Epaphras Ripley is
insane, and
John W. Shipman
been appointed his
Guardian
Westminster Dist Vermont,
22. March 1852
See Pension Claim
filed in Pension Office
on 28. Nov. 1851, by
No 5.
E. F. Brown,
Atty
New York City,
27. March 1852.
Page 193


 State of Vermont
District of Westminster 

Be it remembered that at a special
session of the Probate Court held the Probate office in
Grafton in said District on the 22d day of March
1852 Present Hon. Abishai Stoddard Judge
comes under consideration the application of John
W. Shipman heretofore filed in this Court, setting forth
that Epaphras Ripley of Rockingham in said District
is insane, and praying for the appointment of a
Guardian. And it appearing that the order of notice
by citation heretofore made in the premises has been
duly complied with, the premises being considered
and satisfactory evidence having been produced of the
insanity of the said Epaphras Ripley, it is considered and
adjudged by the Court here, that the said Reply is insane
and incapable of taking care of himself without a Guardian
Whereupon Letters of Guardianship are granted
to John W. Shipman of Weathersfield in the County of
Windsor and State of Vermont for him to be Guardian
of the said Epaphras Ripley. And the said Guardian
as principal and D.F. McIntyre as surety
gave bond in the penal sum of two thousand
dollars with a condition for the faithful performance
of the trust reposed in said Guardian. And said
Guardian is directed to return or cause to be returned to
to the Register of this court within two months a true
and perfect inventory of his wards estate and to render
true and just account of his Guardianship to this
Court within one year from this date.
A true Record Attest
Abishai Stoddard Judge
State of Vermont
District of Westminster Probate Office
Grafton March 23d 1852
Page 194

[seal]

I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy of the Record.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court the day and year above written.
J S Butterfield Regs
Page 195

Secretary of State of Vermont
10. Nov. 1851.
Certificate of Revolutionary service of
Epaphras Ripley
125 days Private
68 " do. & 93 day, Corporal
74 " do.
8 "do 
.30 [275 " do.
9 months, 5 days 
& 7 months
16 months 5 days, Private
3 do 3 days Corporal.
19 " 8" Total-

E. F. Brown
Atty.
Wash D.C.
27 Nov 1851
Page 196


STATE OF VERMONT.
Officer of the Secretary of State.
Montpelier, Nov. 10, 1851
I hereby certify that there is on file in this office
"A Pay Roll of Capt Parmalee Allen's Company in Col.
"Herrick's Regiment of Rangers for the advanced pay engaged
"by the authority of the State of Vermont at [British pound sign] 1 per man
"er month; " on which roll is the name of "Epaphras
Ripley", with an allowance for 125 days service as a
private, commencing August 1st and ending December 3d 1777
said Roll is approved & allowed under date of June 16th 1778.
-
Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt William Hutchins Independent
"Company of Troops in the service of the State of Vermont, from
"the 20th of Nov. 1781 to the first day of May 1782 stationed
"at Castleton and Pittsford Forts during the service. May 11.7,782.
on which roll is the name of "Epaphras Ripley Corpl." with
an allowance for 93 days service as a coporal, ending February
22d 1782
74 day
Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt William Hutchins Company
"in the Battalion commanded by Samuel Fletcher Esq. to
Col. Comt in the service of the State of Vermont, on which
roll is the name of "Epaphras Ripley" with an allowance for 74 days
161 days 93 corpl 68 Private

125 days Dec 3d 78 [in margins]
Page 197

8 days
month
X
days service as a private, commencing September 5th and ending November
19th 1781.
Also A Pay Roll of Capt William Hutchins Company
in Col. Herrick's Regiment of Militia in the service of the
State of Vermont, commencing the 11th of October 1780
on which Roll is the name of "Epaphras Ripley" with an allowance
for eight days service as a private
Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt William Hutchins Company
of Provincial Troops in the service of the United States of America
, commencing May 1st ending Nov. 30. 1778
', on
which Roll is the name of "Epaphras Ripley with an
allowance for seven months service as a private, commencing
May 1st and ending November 30th 1778".
Given under my hand and the seal
of this State this 10th day of November
A.D. 1851.
Ferrand F. Merrill
Secretary of State
Page 198


Sec. T. of Vermont - 29 Aug. 53
Certifies to
60 miles travel for E. Ripley
that his Rolls do not shew the
Residences
Soldiers &
that there is no other Epaphras
Ripley on his Rolls, except as
certified by him 10. Nov. 1857
See Note, within-
[upsidedown] Edmond F.Brown Esq.  
of Washington now in New York City. NY
ink stamp MONTPELIER VA AUG 30 
Bundle 
No 3.

E.F Brown, of Eashington, Atty 
New York
15 Sep. 53.}
Page 199

STATE OF VERMONT.
Office of the Secretary of State,
Montpelier, August 29th 1853
I certify that in the pay Roll of Capt. William
Hutchins Company in the Battalion commanded by Samuel
Fletcher Erg, Lt. Col. Court, in which appears the name of
"Epaphas Ripley" with an allowance of seventy four
days service as private in said company, there is also an
allowance of sixty miles travel for said Riply, as
appears by the sd Roll in this office
Also a pay roll of Capt Wm. Hutchin's Company
in Col. Herrick, Regiment in the year 1780, in which
the name of "Epaphras Ripley occurs with an allowance
of eight days service, there also appears an allowance
of sixty miles travel for said Ripley, as appears by
the files in this office.
I further certify that no allowance for
travel appears in the records of service of "Epaphras
Ripley, as certified by me November 10th 1851; except the two instances above certified to. Also that there is no name of "Epaphras Ripley" on the Rolls in this office except as certified by me November 10th 1851
Also I certify that there is nothing upon
the Rolls showing from what counties or towns the
Page 200

soldiers enlisted, or where they resided.
Given into my hand & the seal of
this office this twenty ninth day of 
August A.D. 1853
Fernando F. Merrill
Secretary of State
Note. The sixty miles travel in the foregoing Certificate
will about make the distance from Rockingham
in the Eastern part of Vermont, when Epaphras
Ripley resided, over into the Western part of Vermont where the Militia were chiefly employed
during the Revolution.
This is an important and conclusive "further link, as to his identity."
Edw. F. Brown, of Washington, Attorney
New York City,
Sept 15, 1853
Page 201


State of New Hampshire
Secretary's Office, Concord,
Dec. 4, 1852.
Your letter of the [illegible]
asking for information relative to the
Revolutionary service of Epaphras Ripley
of Vermont has been received.
In reply I have to inform
you that I have examined the Revolutionary
Rolls in this office, and do not
find the name of Epaphras Ripley
on said Rolls.

I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your Obt. Servant
Dan D. Hadley, Sec. of State
Edm. F Brown Esq
Page 202

Rt. Rev. Cartlon Chase, 
Bishop of Episcopal Church
New Hampshire,
Certifies to Identify, service, insanity, etc.
of Epaphras Ripley
17 July 1851

No 4

E.F. Brown Atty
[illegible] D.C.
27 Nov. 1851
Page 203

Touching the case of Epaphras Ripley
hereby certify as follows:-
-
Being Rector of Immanuel Church in the
Town of Rockingham Vt., where he resides, from the
year 1819 to the year 1844 I knew him will
and often heard him speak of being out as a
soldier in the Revolutionary war. Sometime after
the passing of the act of Congress in favor of Revo
lutionary soldiers say in the year 1833 or 1834-
he came to my house with his head full of a
place, which he had formed for obtaining a pension
and asked for my assistance in prosecuting
his claim. He laid before me several papers, whose
contents I do not now particularly recollect-- except
that I have an impression that one of them
was a tattered paper purporting to be a military
discharge. On examination I became satisfied
that his claim was a good one, and needed
only to be presented by an intelligent agent. Being
at that time as he has been ever since under
a sort of insanity, he had fixed his mind
an absurd plan of procedure, and would not
allow his papers to be used in any other way.
I tried to make him see, that he must con-
form to the course prescribed by the government.
He insisted that his own was better of course
nothing was done.
Page 204

That Epaphras Ripley was in the service soon
where from one to two years, and left it not with
out honorable discharge - and that he is entitled
to a pension as a Revolutionary Soldier I fully
believe
Claremont N. H.
Carlton Chase
July, 17. 1851.
Bishop of the Diocese
of New Hampshire
State of New Hampshire
Secretary of States Office

Concord Nov. 8. 1857
hereby certify that the Rev. Carlton Chase
above named acknowledged the foregoing to
be his statement & signature.
Attest John L
Hadley
Secretary of State
Page 205

I Luther Webb of Rockingham in the County of Windham
and State of Vermont testify & say in addition to what I have
already stated upon the same subject that I saw Epaphras
Ripley formerly of Rockingham aforesaid at one time during the
Revolutionary War. He was at my fathers house in said
Rockingham and worked for him a few weeks. I at
that time heard the said Riply say that he was in the
Battle of Bennington, and that he made Bennington
his home a portion of the time, he spoke of Colonel Herrick as one of the officers in the service. He also spoke
about Mr Chittenden who was then or since Governor
of Vermont, that the said Ripley represented to me that he
had been in the service as a soldier in the war and it
was generally understood and believed that he was in
the service, the said Ripley and Cousin to me and after
ward married my sister- Luther Webb


State of Vermont
Windham County as Oct 13th 1854 There personally
and Luther Webb above named who is a credible
person and made oath that the foregoing affidavit
by him subscribed is true
1 Before me Alexander S Campbell
Justice Peace
I Ethan B Webb of Rockingham in the State of Vermont say
that I have been acquainted with Epaphras Ripley late of said
Rockingham deceased for more than fifty years, the said
Ripley lived in said Rockingham during that time I
have heard the said Ripley speak of his having been in the
service of the United States in the Revolutionary War, Have
heard him say that he was at Bennington and was also
at the taking of General Burgoyne - and I further
certify that the said Ripley was reputed in the neighbor hoodof his residence as having been a Revolutionary
Soldier
Ethan B. Webb
State of Vermont
Windham County ss Oct 13th 1854
Then personally appeared Ethan B Webb above
named who is a credible person and made oath that the foregoing
affidavit by him subscribed is true
Before me Alexander S Campbell Justice Peace
Page 206

I Azubah Hagood of Rockingham in the State of
Vermont testify & say that I was well acquaint
ed with Epaphras Ripley late of said Rock
Ingham deceased I further certify that I
was present at the marriage of the said Ripley
to a daughter of Joshua Webb, the marriage 
took read fall in Westminster Vermont
State of Vermont,
WINDHAM, S. S. 
I, ROYALL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County Clerk.
of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal as hereto attached
Alexander S. Campbell
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached and now is a
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said county, duly commissioned and
qualified; that his signatures to the certificate
handwritten are genuine; that the said paper writings
are executed
according to the laws of this State,
and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the
laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at
Brattleborough, this
day of October
Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty
Royall Tyler Clerk.
Page 207

I Alexander S Campbell of Rockingham in the County of Windham & State of Vermont testify and say that I have been acquainted with Epaphras Ripley late of said Rockingham deceased for more than forty years. I am town Clerk of said town, and it appears from the records in my office that Tabitha Ripley daughter of the said
Epaphras Ripley was born May 11 1782 the entry was made upon the record as appears Apl 30 1803, I further certify that many years ago I examined the records in the office of the Secretary of State at Montpelier Vermont
and saw the record of the service of Epaphras Ripley in the Vermont troops and that I have always believed and still believe that Epaphras Ripley late of Rockingham deceased was the individual who performed that service. I further testify that I am well acquainted with the Revd Carlton Chase and with Mr Luther Webb in both of whose statements I should place the most implicit confidence. That about the year 1820 the said Epaphras Ripley became insane on account of religious excitement and expressed a belief that he was about to ascend to heaven like the prophet Elijah in a chariot of fire, how long he continued in that State of mind I do not know, but I understand that he made his declaration for a pension in the year 1832 and from my knowledge of the man & from what I have heard of him I have no doubt that he was insane at that time. I further say that I have no interest in the claim for a pension
Alexander S Campbell
Oct 14th 1869
State of Vermont
Windham County SS
Personally appeared Alexander S. Campbell
above named who is a credible person to make oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true 
Bedham
State of Vermont,
WINDHAM, S. S. )
Notary Public
I, ROYAL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as thereto attached, by Jabez D. Bridgman was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Notary Public within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the certificate [illegible] Written is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the
laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, & c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough, this 16th day of October
Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty four
Royall Tyler Clerk
Page 208

I Alexander S Campbell of Rockingham in the County
of Windham & State of Vermont certify and say that I have
been acquainted with Epaphras Ripley late of said
Rockingham deceased for more than forty years
I am town Clerk of said town, and it appear from the
record in my office that Tabitha Riply daughter of the said
Epaphras Ripley was born May 11 1782 the entry was
made upon the record as appears Apl 30 1803, I further
certify that many years ago I examined the records in
the office of the Secretary of State at Montpelier Vermont
and and the record of the service of Epaphras Ripley
in the Vermont have and that I have always believed
and still believe that Epaphras Ripley late of Rockingham
deceased was the individual who performed that
service. I further testify that I am well acquainted with
the Rio Carlton Chase and with Mr. Hulbert Webb
in both of whose statements I should place the 
complicit confidence. That about the year 1820 the said
Epaphras Ripley became insane on account of religions
excitement and expressed a belief that he was about to
descend to heaven like the prophet Elijah in a chariot
at fire, how long he continued in that State of mind I do not
know, but I understand that he made his declaration
 for a pension in the year 1832 and from my knowledge
 of the man from what I have heard of him I have
no doubt that he may enhance at that time I further day
that I have no interest in the claim for a pension.
Alexander S Campbell
State of Remont
Oct 19th 1867
Windham County ss
Personally appeared Alexander S. Campbell
above named, who is a credible
person make oath that the foregoing affidavit
by him subscribed is true
Before me
Notary Public
Bruly Notary Public
Clerk.
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a
WATER ARTHE PEACE within and for said county, duly commissioned and
qualified; that the certificate
no written ; that the said paper writings
are executed
according to the laws of this State,
and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the
laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, & c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at
Brattleborough, this
day of
Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-
May 19
16th
Page 209

Official Business.
Free,
Very Special
Hon. J.E. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Page 210

STATE OF
COUNTY OF
sa:
Be it known, that on this
day of
A. D. eighteen
hundred and fifty
before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County
and State aforesaid, personally appeared
a resident of
in said County, and made oath according to law, that he is
that he is directly interested, as aforesaid, as a claimant, and makes this affidavit for the purpose
of obtaining such
of Pension as may be due under any of the Laws, Regulations
, or decisions that have been or may hereafter be adopted. The said Affiant further
declares that he hereby constitutes and appoints
to be Attorney and Agent to prosecute said claim, with power of substitution,
to examine all papers and documents in relation to it, and to do all things necessary and lawful
in the premises; except drawing the money, which will be hereafter provided for.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and
year aforesaid, before me,
J. Peace.
Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State
aforesaid, do hereby certify that
above named, is a respect
able resident of this County, and is, as I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein
set forth, and acknowledges the above Power of Attorney to be
act and deed.
J. Peace.
In testimony that the above-named
was a Justice of the
Peace in and for said County, at the date of the same, I hereby subscribe my name and affix the
County Seal.
County Clerk.
Page 211

Extracts from History of
Burgoyne Campaign,
1777
For claim of
Epaphras Ripley
Act 7. June 1832.
No 9.
New York
18. Apl. 53.
E. F. Brown,
of Wash
Atty
Page 212

Burgoyne's Campaign
By Charles Neilson Esq.
On the sixteenth of August, in the morning
Genl Stark was joined by Col. Symonds and a body of Militia
from Berkshire, and proceeded to attack
the enemy Burgoyne, agreeably to the plan which had been concerted
Col. Nichols was detached with two hundred men
in the rear of his left, Col. Herrick with three hundred
to the rear of his right; both were to join & then make the attack
"It lasted about two hours, and was like one
continued peal of thunder".
But in a very short time Genl Stark received
information that a large reinforcement was on their March, and within two miles of him. 
Fortunately
that moment Col. Warner came up with his
moment from Manchester. This brave & experienced
five commanded a Regiment of Continental Troops
raised in Vermont pages
92.93.94
In another part of the book, speaking of the
Surrender of Fort Ticonderoga in May previously, he says, (page 34. )
"The Regiment of Hessians of Hanan was posted
at the son of East Creek against the incursions
of Warner, who had been detached with his Regiment
into Vermont, with orders to assemble the Militia
of the country, and to make incursions towards Ticonderoga
The above Book was printed at Albany
in 1844 and is now in my possession.
New York
18. Apl. 53
E. F. Brown
Page 213


(Copy)
War Department,
Pension Office,
June 15, 1835.
Sir,
Your letter enclosing the Declaration of Epaphras Ripley
has been received. Capt. Vine Elderbin commanded a Company
in Col. Heman Swifts Regiment, in the Connecticut line,
but the Rolls show that Mr Ripley did not serve in this company.
The Rolls of Capt. Brownson's company in Col. Warner's Regiment
are also in this office and Mr Ripley's name is not come on
them. It is therefore quite certain that Mr Ripley never
served as stated, and of course his claim cannot be
allowed. The papers remain on file.
I am
(Signed) J.L. Edwards
A.S. Campbell Esq.
Bellows Falls,
Page 214

Pension Offi e
30th August 1853

Sir,
Yours of 18th August 1853, in relation to the claim of Epaphras Ripley has been duly received.  Any feeling of surprise which might at first have been excited by its contents, quickly gave place to contempt for its author.  A pauper ^yourself^ in that honor and integrity which you are incapable of appreciating; and which with a pharisaical pretence [pretense] of indignation you attempted to impugn; I perceive sir you have yet to learn that honesty may exist without insolence, and truth without presumption.  The report on the case of Epaphras Ripley, contained in the letter of 11th August 1853, was my act, to which my name was signed, and for which I alone am responsible
Page 215

The "clerk" whom you undertake to accuse of "falsehood" and "fraud" is responsible to [underlined] me, [/underlined] from the due discharge of his official duties, and in no respect amendable to you; nor shall he, with impunity be subjected to your unjust and vulgar vituperation.  Whatever agency he may have had in the report of the case was by my authority; and ^the report itself^ meets my full approval.  The complaints you threaten to lay before the "President" and "Secretary", may be made as soon as you see fit.  It would perhaps be as well to inform you, that you will no longer be recognized by this office, as agent for this or any other claim, unless an ample apology be speedily made for your opprobrious letter.

Edmund F. Brown, Esqr.
(late of Washington)
New York
Page 216

Secretary Interior affirm, adverse decision of this office.
4th Novr. 1853.
Page 217

Department of the Interior,
Washington November 4th 1853

Sir-
Your decision in the case of Epaphras Ripley decd. under the act of June 7th 1832, upon the Appeal of Edmund F. Brown Esq. has been affirmed.
The papers accompanying your Report, are herewith returned to your office

I am Sir, very respectfully
Your Obdt. Servt
Robert McClelland
Secretary

The Hon
Loren P. Waldo
Commissioner
of Pensions
Page 218

very Special haste To correct
former
erroneous impression
Revolutionary
May 25 53
Washington by
L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Official Business
Free
Page 219

May 25/53
Epaphras Ripley
Vermont - Act 1832
Explanations
proving his identity
as the Vermont soldier
enrolled at Montpelier.
In reply to the Commissioner's
impression that claiming for
the Vermont service was a
new idea with the Agent or
heirs.of
New York
24. May 1853.
E. F. Brown,
of Washington,
Attorney
Page 220

No 33.023
Epaphras Ripley decd
Vermont
Letter to
E. F. Brown 14th Feby 1852.
E. J. Brown 13th May 1852.
Hon. W. Hubbard 27th July 1852
E. F. Brown 29th Nov 1852.
E. F. Brown 4th Feby. 1853.
E. J. Brown 26th April 1853.
E. F. Brown 11th Augt 1850
E. F. Brown 30th Aug 1853.
E. F. Brown 10th Oct. 1853.
Secutary Interion 25th Oct. 1853.
E. F. Brown 5th Novr 1853
Ripley 4 1855
Rejected
Decision of this Office of
firmed by Secy Interior
Page 221

33.023.
Vt.
Rejected

Let. to A.S. Campbell, 15 June 35  ok
" " same March 1, 1840.
" Hon. S. L. Phelps 20 July 1846.
" J. Mecham 24 Dec 1877 -
Let. Jos. Peaze Sept 30/51.
S. Ripley Nov 20/51
J. Pearce Feby 3/52
Page 222

33.023.
Vt.
Rejected

Let. to A.S. Campbell, 15 June 35  ok
" " same March 1, 1840.
" Hon. S. L. Phelps 20 July 1846.
" J. Mecham 24 Dec 1877 -
Let. Jos. Peaze Sept 30/51.
S. Ripley Nov 20/51
J. Pearce Feby 3/52
Page 223

Epaphras Ripley -
Vermont, Act 1832.
____________________________
Additional & conclusive
evidence required  by letter from Pension Office
of  11. Aug. 53 to  E. F. Brown, Atty

DUPLICATE
Page 224


No.33.023
Epaphras Ripley
Vermont
____________
Letter to E.F. Brown July 14/52
      "     "   "         "     May 13/2
Hon W. Hebard         July 27/52
E. J.   Brown              Nov. 29 /52
  "         "                     Feb   4/53
  "         "                     Apr.  26/53
E. F. Brown                Aug 1, 1853
E. F. Brown             30th Aug. 1853
         James            10th  Oct. 1853
Secretary Interior   25th Oct. 1853
E. F. Brown                5th Nov. 1853
June 7, 1832

DUPLICATE
Page 225

I have no time to examine this case - but the extraordinary and pathetic appeal of Mr. Brown is calculated to arrest attention & excite sympathy. I therefore request Col. Miles
to give the case an [illegible] examination &  advise me of the result that I may write to Brown
JEH
Page 226

L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
October 25th 1853.

Report in the case of Epaphras Ripley decd. 
Act 7th June 1832

Papers from 1 to 20 enclosed.
Page 227

Letter to be gotten
1840 Apr. 1 - A S Campbell

1846 July 20 -S S. Phelps

1851 Jan. 24- J Meacham
         Sept. 30-Jas Pease
          Nov. 26- S Ripley

1852 Feb. 3 - J. Pearce.
         Feb. 14 - E. H. Brown
         May 13-     "     "
         July  24  -  Hon. Wm. Hebard
         Nov.  29 -   E.F. Brown

1853  Feb. 4-  E. F. Brown
           Apr. 26-    "        "
           Aug. 11-     "        "
           Aug.  30-    "       "
           Oct. 10-      "       "
           Oct 25  Secty Int.
           Nov 5- E. F. Brown
1854  Oct. 30-E. F. Brown

1855. Apr. 4- Geo. Ripley
Page 228

8833
________________
P.O..................................
Epaphras Ripley
Service:.........................................
REJECTED

Enlisted:.......................................,18
Discharged:..................................,18
Application filed:.........................., 18
Alleges:.........................................
Re-enlisted:..................................
Attorney:.......................................

Recognized. ................ Contract..............
Page 229

[left column]  Deposition of A Bradford for E Ripley

[center column] Andrew Bradfords Deposition for E Ripley

[right column] Richard M Ely lives in Mount Holly
Page 230

I Andrew Bradford of Springfield in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont of lawful age do testify and say that I enlisted in the United States in the Revolutionary war in the year 1777 for three years and in the Spring of 1777 I became acquainted with Ephahaus Rupley a private soldier who belonged to the company
commanded by Capt. Bronson and Reg - by Col Warner an independent Reg of Ranger.  I first saw him at Fort independence at Hubbardton battle and at the taking of Bouygorne and other places as the army moved during his enlisted
he was discharged in the state new york. I think at west from before I was his time being out
Andrew Bradford

State of Vermont }
Windsor County ss}

Springfield Sept 21 1832 personally appeared the above named Andrew Bradford and after being duly contine and duly carefully men made oath that the Deposition by him

Subscribed is the truth I hereby certify that the Deponent is a credible witness
William Dyer Justice Peace

State of Vermont }
Windsor County ss}
Woodstock County Clerks September 27th 1832 Benjamin Swan Clerk of Windsor County Court, Do hereby certify that William Dyer is one of the Justices of the Peace within for said County, and that the above is his signature

In Testimony whereof I hereto affix the seal of said Court and subscribe my name the day & year last above-
Benj. Swan
Page 231

Luther Webb
Affidavit in
the case of Epaphras Ripley
Page 232

I Luther Webb of Rockingham in the County of Windham in the State of Vermont aged eighty seven years best October I have lived in this Town on this farm ever since I was fourteen years old I am well acquainted with Epaphras Ripley of this Town he is my brother in law, he
the said Ripley has lived in this Town ever since his service in the revolutionary War said Ripley first enlisted in the war of the Revolution in the
Town of Windham in the State of Conner time he was enlisted by his Father in that Town, after that he came up to Bennington Vermont and served several months in this State. I have
frequently heard Epaphras Ripley speak of at Herick. I have also heard him speak of Col. Warner. I have understood from him that he enlisted several times in the Vermont troops. I understood this fact from him before he became Insane he has been insure I should
think between twenty and thirty years he lived in my Fathers house one sum and he also has lived with me and we use to talks over his services in the
Page 233

revolutionary war. I remember well when he came out of the revolutionary war he wore home his military clothes he wore a short blue coal with white faceing no other man by the name of Epaphras Ripley has ever to my
knowledged live in this Town. I have also heard him speak of Col Ethan Allen he has told me that he was with Col Ethan Allen when he took Ticonderoga or Fort Ticonderoga he told me how Allen managed in going through the woods
the night before the Fort was taken no
man was allowed to speak every one had to be silent except Allen who would occasionally hoot like an owl he has told me what
Allen said at the time the Fort was
surrendered he demanded the Fort by
the Authority of the great Jehovah and
the continental Congress. I have no doubt
but what he is entitled to a pension as much as any other man who ever drew one and I believe he would have been placed on the Pension list
long before this time if he had not been insane

Luther Webb
Page 234

State of Vermont }
Windham County ss} Rockingham July 16th 1851
Personally appeared before me Luther Webb the person who signed the within affidavit and made oath that the same is true And I hereby certify that said Webb is a credible witness
the interlinations and Alterations were
made before the same was signed by Said Webb                    
Alexander  S. Campbell
Justice of the Peace

Rockingham July 16th 1851. I hereby certify that Mr Luther Webb the signer of the foregoing statement is a person of unquestionable veracity and from an intimate acquaintance with ^him^ as a Communicant in this Parish, during my Rectorship. I have entire confidence on the accuracy of his statement
Jace Clark Rector of  Immanuel 
Church Bellows Falls
Vermont
Page 235

Richard M Ely
Affadavit [Affidavit}
Page 236

I Richard M Ely of Mountholly in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont do depose and say that I am a Minister of the Baptist denomination and that I formerly lived in Springfield in the County the County of Windsor and State of Vermont and was well acquainted with Andrew Bradford he informed me that he was a revolutionary Soldier when he lived in that Town at the time I did, he was a worthy man and his testimony is entitled to the entire confidence of the Public
Richard M. Ely 

State of Vermont ⎬ 
Rutland County ss Mountholly July 21 AD 1851 Personally appeared Richard M. Ely and made oath to the foregoing Affadavit 
Before me Hyrum Dickerman Justice of the Peace
Page 237

Epaphras Ripley
of Vermont

Act 7. June 1832.

Sundry evidence
of identity & insanity.

Set Feby 14. 1852
Bundle [?]
No. 2.
[illegible mark]

E. F. Brown
Atty.

Washn. D.C.    }
27. Nov. 1851  }
Page 238

STATE OF VERMONT.
Secretary of State's Office, 
Montpelier, September 25. 1851 
I hereby certify that Alexander S. Campbell Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windham in said State; and that Curtis P. Ripley Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, is & was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Addison; and that William M. Pingry Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, is & was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windsor; and that Hyrum Dickerman Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Rutland; that all of said Justices of the Peace were duly appointed & qualified, and that full faith is due to their acts and attestations as such.
Given under my hand and the seal of this office this 25th day of September A.D. 1851. 
Farrand F. Merrill 
Secretary of State

[seal on bottom left of document]
Page 239

J. W. Shipman
affidavit
Page 240

I John W Shipman of Weathersfield in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged fifty three years, do depose and say that Epaphras Ripley of Rockingham in the County of Windham is my father by marrige my wife being his child said Ripley is now nearly ninety four years old about nineteen years ago I employed a pension agent to assist my father in law in procuring a pension and in the prosecution of my Father in law the said Ripley claim for a pension we procured the affidavit of Old Mr Andrew Bradford of Springfield  in the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont said Affadavit was dated at Springfield September twenty first A.D. 1832 the Epaphras Ripley named by the said Bradford in his affadavit date as above stated was my Father in law the said Bradford has since died. The reason why said Affadavit never was sent to the Pension office was in consequence of the death of
Page 241

of the agent who took said affadavit he haveing died soon after said affadavit was taken my Father in law the said Ripley has been insane some over twenty years and has not been capable of doing any buisness correctly since that time I have heard my Father in law frequently speak of being out in the revolution any war and before he became insane he always invariably spoke of being in the Vermont troops and serving under Col Herrick and in Capt. Hutchins Company Father Ripley first enlisted in Windham in the State of Connecticut and afterwards belonged to the Vermont troops this fact I have learned from family history I knew the Andrew Bradford mentioned in this affadavit some twenty years before he died and he was a revolutionary soldier and a worthy man and so considered in the vicinity where he lived and died 
John W Shipman
Page 242

State of Vermont     }
Windsor County ss  }  At Weathersfield September 2d A.D. 1851

John W. Shipman Signed and sworn to before me the day and year above written and I hereby certify that the alterations and interlineations were made before signing the same  I also certify that said Shipman is a man of truth and veracity and can be relied upon as such

William M. Pingry
Justice of the peace
Page 243

Affidavit of
John Shipman, aged 82:
Father of John W. Shipman.

Knew Epaph. Ripley 65 years
ago: - and knows he served
under Capt. Hutchins in Vt
and was prevented by his
Agent in 1832 from claiming
for Vermont service
Explains his leaving the
Connecticut service; and
other particulars, and shows
he must be the identical
[underlined] Epaphras Ripley of Vermont, [/underlined] 
on the Rolls, for which we
claim Pension under the
[underlined] Act of 7. June 1932. [/underlined]
No. 14

Edm. F. Brown
of Washington
Atty.

New York City.    }
24. May 1853.     }
Page 244

State of Vermont 
County of Windsor ss⎬ 
On this 13th day of May AD Eighteen hundred and fifty three, before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly authorised by law to administer oaths, personally appeared John Shipman Esqr an old and respectable resident of this Town aged Eighty two years, who being duly sworn according to law and questioned relitive to his knowledge of the late Epaphras Ripley of the Town of Rockingham who was an applicant for a Revolutionary Pension, and died in Febuary last, deposeth and saith, as follows: - About Sixty five ago I became acquainted with the said Epaphras Reply, and resided within six miles of him for many years, untill about twenty five years ago, and frequently seen him since. My son John W. Shipman was married to one of his Daughters about the year 1825, and there has been a family acquaintance ever since; and I know the whole history of the family and of the neighbourhood is, that he served many tours as a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, that he first served in Connecticut a short time, got leave of absence and for same cause his friends prevailed on his officers to release him from his engagement; that he then took up his residence in this State, and served several different tours in companies that were raised for a few months each up to nearly the close of the Revolutionary War; and that the officers he often named as his commanders during most of his last services in this State, were Col. Herrick and Capt. Hutchins, I know that from his own statements his family and neighbours believed the above facts long before his insainty commenced, which was about thirty years ago, and I know that my son John W. Shipman employed an Agent some twenty years ago to obtain a pension for said Ripley; that my said son then desired said Agent to claim for the Vermont service of said Ripley, but that said Agent preferd claiming for the Connecticut Service, and said Agent soon after died, and my Son abandoned
Page 245

his efforts because a guardian for said Ripley was appointed by the Town of Rockingham, I further know that Mr Luther Webb an old resident of Rockingham, was acquainted with said Ripley nearly seventy years ago, and always believed that said Ripley served Several tours in Vermont under Captain Hutchins up to nearly the close of the War, as much as he believe that General Washington served; and I know that said Luther Webb is a very prudant careful man and would not state anything that was not true. All the old citizens of Rockingham place unbounded confidence in all he says.
I have no interest whatever in the result of the claim now pending, and am not concerned in the prosecution of it; and as Mr Ripley has left nine children to divid what little may be recovered, I believe that the share of each will be too small to buy a false statement from any who value their honesty as highly as they do, 
Signed by making his mark, in consequence of being so paralyzed he cannot write his before us 
William Dyer 
Bela Chandler 
John Shipman his mark X 
William Dyer J. Peace
 
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid William Dyer J. Peace
Page 246

I William Dyer Justice of the Peace do hereby certify that John Shipman Esq. who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing affidavit, is a highly respectable resident of this Town 82 years old, is Sound in mind and body, except that is somewhat palsied and cannot write; I have read to him the foregoing statements and he made oath to them understandingly, and full faith and credit are to be reposed in them I also ^certify^ that I have no interest whatever in the prosecution of said claims and am not concerned in the prosecution of it.

Dated at Springfield this 13th day of May A.D. 1853
William Dyer J. Peace

State of Vermont    }
Windsor County ss } I Daniel A. Heald Notary Public by legal authority admitted and sworn, hereby verify that the above name William Dyer is a justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windsor aforesaid and is duly qualified by Law to administer oaths and act as a justice of the Peace for said County  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my notarial seal this fourteenth day of May A.D. 1853 at Cavendish in said County.

Daniel A. Heald Notary Public

[seal]