Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 25044, for Prince Soper, Connecticut
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE            NUMBER
Conn.          Soper, Prince             W25044
Continental             Elizabeth
Green Mt. Boys.
CONTENTS
Page 2

3
Abigail Curtis'
Deposition
Proof of Marriage of 
Prince Soper and Elizabeth Allen
Page 3

I Abigail Curtis of Dorset in the County of Bennington 
& State of Vermont -- of Lawful age Being duly sworn 
depose testify & say that fifty six years ago last April from 
my Best recollection calculating from my own marriage 
and the birth of my oldest child I was present at the marriage 
of my sister Elizabeth Allen & Prince Soper 
who were married at Dorset by Rev. M. Sill. that I am 
Seventy Six Years old the last day of this present month 
& further I say not [illegible]
       her 
Abigail X Curtis
    mark
Attest Benjamin Ames  [difficult to read]
David Forbes [difficult to read]

State of Vermont   Be it remembered that at Dorset this 8th day
Bennington County of October 1838 personally appeared 
Abigail Curtis signes of the above deposition and made 
solemn oath that the same contains the whole truth & 
nothing but the truth Before me Benjamin Ames Justice Peace [illegible]
I certify that the deponent is a credible witness. 
B. Ames Justice Peace

State of Vermont  I Henry Robinson Clerk of Bennington
(Bennington County of) County Court, hearby certify that 
Benjamin Ames [illegible] whose signature appears 
above, was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in [illegible] County, duly Commissioned & qualified by law, & that his signature is believed to be genuine

In testimony where of I have hereunto subscribed my name
& affixed the seal of our fair County at Bennington this fifth day of Dec [illegible] 1838.
Henry Robinson
Page 4

9702
Vermont
Prince Soper of Rutland CO in the state of Vermont who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Seth Warner, of the N Hamp. line, for the term of three years. 1777

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont, at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 3 of April 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 21 of April 19 and sent to Thomas Hammond, judge Brandon, Rutland CO: Vermont

Arrears to 4th of March 1819....88.50
Semi-anl all'ce ending 4 Sept     48
------------------------$136.50
10 mos 28/20 1819
& 4/31

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818}
Page 5

[left side of page]

6084

Vermont
===================
Elizabeth Soper

widow of Prince Soper, decd
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818,
and who died on the 14" June 1836,
of Rutland Co in the State of Vermont
who was a private in the compy commanded
by Captain           of the regt. commanded
by Col. Seth Warner in the New Hamp
line for 2 years.
============================
Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington
at the rate of 80 Dollars---Cents per annum
to commence on the 14th day of June 1836.
============================
Certificate of Pension ifsued the 3d day of March 1841, & sent to Hon. Wm. Slade
H.Reps. (at home)
============================
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $378.00
[following stricken out:  "Semi-annual allowance ending"]

(Act July 7,  )
(  1838.       )

Recorded by D. McCurdy, Clerk,
Book .4,  Vol. 2,  Page 56.

[right side of page]

Repd.

Let to Hon W. Slade Mar 26 1841.
do to Same Apl. 9th  1841
Page 6

Prince Soper
9902
Sept 1877
gom
Page 7

STATE OF VERMONT, )
Rutland County, ss.    )

On this 21st day of June 1820 personally appeared before the County court for said county of Rutland in open court, (said court being a court of record, agreeably to the laws of this state, having the power of fine and imprisonment, &c.) Prince Soper---aged 60 years, resident in Mendon in said county of Rutland who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath declare, that he served in the revolutionary war, as follows:  in Capt. G. Brownson Co., Col. L. Werner Regt. in the years 1777, 1778, 1779 & 1780 that he made his original declaration on the 3d--day of April 1818 has received a Pension Certificate, No. 9702  And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818;---and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.

1 Cow, 1 old Pacing horse 23 yr old, 1 old Saddle, 1 Side Saddle, 1 red hen, 1 pr. old worn out saddlebags,
Page 8

Sworn to and declared on the 21st day of June 1820 before said court. R Pierpoint Clerk

State of Vermont
Rutland County, ss}
I Robert Pierpoint clerk of the county court for the county of Rutland, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court: And I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount of value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is fifty seven 75/100 dollars.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said court, at Rutland this 10th day of July 1820.

R Pierpoint
Page 9

Anna White's Deposition
Proof of marriage of Prince Soper & Elizabeth Allen
Page 10

I, Anna White of Starksborough in the County of Addison and State of Vermont, aged 69 years to depose, testify and say, that Elizabeth Soper of Brandon in the County of Rutland is my sister; and that I was present at Dorset in the County of Bennington in said State, on the ___ in the Spring of 1782, and she was lawfully joined in marriage to Prince Soper, late of Brandon aforesaid, deceased, who was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States; and that she hath had no other husband.  And further this deponent saith not.          Anna (her mark) White
Attest  Ira Bushnell
(?) Arnold

State of Vermont   )
Addison County  Ss)
              Be it known that on this 16 day of November 1836, before me the subsriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Anna White who hath signed the above deposition; and made solemn oath that the same contains the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.  And I do hereby certify that the said deponent is a credible witness.
            Ira Bushnell   Justice Peace
Page 11

State of Vermont    )
Addison County Ss )   I, Samual Swift Clerk of the County Court for the Said County of Addison do hereby certify that Ira Bushnell, before whom the within affidavit of Anna White was made was, at the time a Justice of the peace for Said County, and his name Subscribed thereto is his own signature.
[seal affixed]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Said Court this 19th day of April 1837.
    Saml. Swift Clerk
Page 12

To the Secretary of the department of War,
of the United States.

Prince Soper of Brandon County of Rutland and State of Vermont Respectfully applies to be placed on the pension list of the United States, agreeable to the provisions of an act entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war.
                     Prince Soper
Brendon April 3d 1818.

I Prince Soper of Brendon County of Rutland and State of Vermont of the age of fifty nine years Do testify and say that I served the United States in the War of the revolution against the common enemy - as a private Soldier, and that I enlisted about the first of June 1775 under Capt John Grant and the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Seth Warner and went with him into Cannada and did serve in Cannada about ten months and in the forepart of the Season of 1776, I inlisted into the company Commanded by Capt Bashford Colonel Herman Swifts regiment and did service under him at fort ann and Mount Independence during the campaign of 1776, and in April the 11th 1777, I inlisted into Capt Gideon Bransons company - Belonging to the Regiment of Colonel Seth Werner where I served three years and served my time out & was honourably discharged.  I further say that I have ever Since that time
Page 13

a citizen of the United States, and that I am destitute of property and in the decline of life, and to provide for myself & family - And therefore by reason of my Reduced circumstances & the state of health I am in need of assistance from my County for support.
  April 3d 1818.     Prince Soper
Susbscribed & Sworn before me   Thos Hammond Asst Judge M.C. Court

State of Vermont   )
Rutland County Ss )    Brandon  3d of April 1818
   We the Subscribers being acquainted with Prince Soper the signer to the foregoing Instrument are of the opinion he is a Man of Truth and Verasity and always sustains a Good Character
            Samuel Child Justice Peace

State of Vermont   )
Rutland County Ss )
   I Thomas Hammond one of the assistant Judges of the County Court for the County of Ruthland do certify that I am satisfied the foregoing named applicant for a pension Prince Soper served the United States in the revolutionary war as stated in his declaration in consideration whereof I certify & transmit the evidence in his case and the proceedings thereon in conformity to an act of Congress passed 18th March 1818

Given under my hand at Brandon this 3d day of April 1818
                        Thos Hammond
[seal affixed]
  By order of Judge Hammond
                R Temple  Clk
Page 14

Prince Soper,
   private,
Rutland Co: Vermt.
various services,
3 years in Colo. Seth
Warner's regt. N.H. line
     3d. April, 1818.
      =======


Thomas Hammond,
       judge,
Brandon, Rutland
 County, Vermont.


R Temple Esq
   Rutland Vt
Page 15

I Thomas Hammond Assistant Judge R.C. Court as aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Prince Soper is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support & I herewith transmit the additional testimony in his case (to wit) the certificate of Col. Chipman of Middlebury a former Captain in Col. Warners Regiment
                 Thos Hammond
Page 16

 4654
Elizabeth Soper's
   Declaration

Wid of Prince

      Vert.
Act 7 July 1838.



Jesse Grove
   Rutland
        Vt
Page 17

State of Vermont   )
Rutland County Ss )
                   On this 25th day of September, 1838, personally appeared before the Hon. William Hall, Judge of the Probate Court of the District of Rutland in said County, Elizabeth Soper, a resident of Brandon in said County, aged 73 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
     that she is the widow of Prince Soper, late of Brandon in said County, deceased, who was a private in the New Hampshire Line of the Continental Army of the revolution, and a pensioner of the United States at the rate of ninety six dollars per annum, as stated in the Vermont Pension Roll, page 64; for proof of whose services she hereby refers to his declaration and accompanying proofs, and other documents, now in the War office of the Unied States.
     She further declares, that she was married to the said Prince Soper in the month of April, in the year seventeen hundred and eighty two; that her husband, the aforesaid Prince Soper, died on the fourteenth day of June, in the year, 1836; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, to wit, at the time above stated.
          Elizabeth (her mark) Soper

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me:  and I do hereby certify, that by reason of bodily infirmity, the said applicant cannot attend in said Probate Court; for which reason, I have sworn her, as aforesaid, at the place of her own residence in said Brandon.
                         Wm. Hall Judge
Page 18

State of Vermont   )
Rutland County Ss.)
[seal affixed]
            I, Henry B. Towslee, Clerk of the Probate Court in and for the District of Rutland in said County do hereby certify that the Hon. William Hall is Judge of said Probate court; and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
             In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court and subscribed my name, at Rutland in said District this 25th day of September, 1838
       Henry B. Towslee
Page 19

     I, Nancy Arnold, of Brandon in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged 34 years and upwards, do depose and say, that Prince Soper, late of said Brandon, deceased, was my father; that in his lifetime he was a pensioner of the United States, and drew a pension of Ninety six dollars a year; and that he died at said Brandon on the 14th day of June, 1836.  And I further depose and say, that Mrs. Elizabeth Soper, now residing in Brandon aforesaid, is my mother; that she was the reputed lawful wife of the said Prince Soper, deceased, and hath not intermarried since his said demise.
                                Nancy Arnold

  Sworn to and subscribed this 25th day of September, 1838, before me the subscriber, Judge of the Probate Court in and for the District of Rutland in said County:  and I hereby certify that the affiant is a credible witness.
             Wm. Hall  Judge
Page 20

These may certify that Prince Soper now from Brandon in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont served as a Soldier in Capt. Gideon Brownsons Company Colo. Seth Warners Regiment in the Revolution war three years & was then honorable discharged.
      Given under my hand this 21st day of December 1818
                    John Chipman then a
                    Capt. in sd. Regiment
Page 21

WIDOW, &c

File No. 25044
Elizabeth Soper
wid. of
Prince Soper
pri. Rev. war

Act: July 7th 1838
Index:-Vol. S, Page 231

{Arrangement of 1870}

1919 May 14. Photostat copy 2 pages & mailed to Lieut. Leon C Hills. AW
Page 22

30 cents cash from Lt. Leon C Hills of Washington D.C. for copy of two pages from Rev. War claim of Prince Soper, N.J. 25044

Proctor
Rev Div
5/10/19

his address 
Falkstone Courts
140 St. & Fairmont Ave
Washington D.C.

1 page aff of Abigail Curtis Feb 8, 1841
1 "        "    "  John Soper      "    "     "
Page 23

Date May 12, 1919
Name Prince Soper    No Wid File 25044
Photographic copes wanted of 2 pieces, consisting of 2 pages.
Remarks:
Exr. A E Wilson  Chief Rev War Section
APPROVED:                       Law Clerk
Serial No. 2160
Page 24

BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
May 12, 1919

Chief of Rev War Section

Sir:

I have this day received from Lt. Leon Hills cash $30/100 requesting copies as per slip herewith.
Photostate copies mailed May 14, 1919 and Law Div. notif. for Finance D.W. aw, Rev War Section

Very respectfully,
W N Campbell
Chief of Division
Page 25

Elizabeth Soper decl
wid. of Prince Soper
VT
act 1838, To the Clerk of the Town of Dorset VT
private letter
15 June 1839- with blanks do to J Gove, Oct. 18,1939-
let to Hon Wm Slade, April 2, 1840
Page 26

         Middlebury Vt. April 1. 1841.

Sir
     I have again received the pension Certificate of Mrs. Elizabeth Soper, and have transmitted it to her.  But I am yet in doubt as to it correctness, and write to express that doubt without expecting a reply which the case does not, perhaps, require.
     I can see how that, under the law of July 7: 1838, the widows pension should not begin on the 4th of March 1836, if her husband died after that time, but should begin at the time of his death.  But my difficulty is to see how, under that law, which evidently terminates the pension at the expiration of five years from March 4th 1836, it can be continued, as your certificate in this case continues it, until the expiration of five years from the 14th day of June 1836.  If you intend in this case to give
Page 27

the widow a pension to the 14th day of June 1841, it seems to me you exceed the law which, as I understand it, terminates the pension on the 4th of March 1841.  If it is intended by the reference to the law in the certificate; to subject the pensioner to the legal effect of that law, terminating the pension on the 4th of March 1841, should not such legal effect be expressed in the certificate?
     Though I do not write expecting a reply, yet I have no doubt that I shall be enquired of by the pensioner why she cannot receive her pension from the 4th of March to the 14th of June, 1841, if payment to her for that time shall be refund, as I suppose it must be.
     I am respectfully
                Your obedient servant
                       William Slade

J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 28

Eliz'th Sopers
wid of Prince
VT
act July 7 1838
married 1783
died June 14 1836
allow $80 per ann
from June 14 1836



4.8.21
4.725
80
378.000


Hon Wm Slade
HR
Page 29

Oct 26
file in the Eliz Soper
[unk] VT
Page 30

               Rutland 21 Octr 1839

Sir -

     Your letter of the 18th inst., relating to the pending claim of Mrs. Elizabeth Soper, is received; and, on your suggestion, I have addressed a note to the Town Clerk of Dorset, requesting him, at his earliest convenience, to answer your letter to him.  Should he be a member of our Legislature, the current year, you may not expect an answer from him, until the rising of that body.
               I am very respectfully
                  Your obt Servt
                         Jesse Gove


James L Edwards Esq
Comm. of Pensions
City of Washington
Page 31

       Rutland Vt Jany. 30, 1839

Sir -
    I transmit herewith the declaration 5 proofs of marriage, of Mrs. Eilzabeth Soper, of Brandon, for a pension under the act of July, 8, 1838.
  1.  The declaration, and Nancy Arnold's deposition.
  2.  Deposition of Heman Morse, Town Clerk of Dorset.
  3.  Abigail Curtis' deposition.
  4.  Anna White's deposition.
  5.  John Soper's deposition.
     Be pleased to communicate your decision through me.
          I am very respectfully,
              Sir
                  Your obt. sevt.
                       Jesse Gove



James L. Edwards Esqr.
Comr of Pensions
City of Washington
Page 32

Dec 26

Factory Point over seer
To J.L. Edwards
Com Pensions
War department
Washington
Soper
-
Page 33

I Herman Morse of Dorset in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont do depose & Say, that I am Town Clerk of Said town and have held Said office over five years, last past  That I have diligently Searched the records of Said town from the period of 1780 to 1820 & cannot find thereon any record of the intermarriage of Prince Soper to Elizabeth Allen, that the register of births does not recognize their relation of Husband and Wife at any period prior to Jan. 1794 or afterward.  That the records of Said Town prior to 1794 appear very irregular & imperfect as respects marriages & births, & would raise no presumption as evidence against an alleged marriage in Said town at any priod prior to 1794 which is not found thereon
             Heman Morse Town Clerk

State of Vermont   )
Benningham County Ss  )    Be it Known that on this 14th day of December 1839 before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in & for Said County, personally appeared Heman Morse to me well known to be the town Clerk of Said Dorset who hath Subscribed the preceding affidavit in my presence & made Solumn oath, that the Same contains the truth & nothing but the truth.  And I do hereby certify that Said affiant is a credible witness

         G. Barnum Justice Peace




To J. L. Edwards
Comr of pensions
Page 34

                           2
Heman Morse Esqr
    Town Clk, of Dorset, Vt.
Proof of no recrod of marriage.
Page 35

  I Heman Morse of Dorset in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont, do depose & Say, that I am town Clerk of Said town:  & that I have diligently Searched the records of Said town, and cannot find thereon, any record of the intermarriage of Prince Soper and Elizabeth Allen.
                      Heman Morse

Staet of Vermont   )
Bennington County Ss.  )    Be it Known that on this 29th day of December, 1838, before me the Subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in & for Said County, personally appeared Heman Morse to me well known to be the town Clerk of Said Dorset, who hath Subscribed the preceeding affidavits in my presence, and made Solemn oath, that the same contains the truth, and nothing but the truth.  And I do hereby certify that the said affiant is a credible witness
              Urial S. Kent, Justice of the Pease

State of Vermont   )
Bennington County Ss  )    
[seal affixed]
   I Henry Robinson Clerk of Bermington County Court, hereby certify that Uriel S Kent Esqr. whose signature appears above, was at the date thereof a Justice of the peace in & for sd. County of Bennington, duly qualified by Law, & that his foregoing Signature I believe to be genuine -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto Subscribed my name & affixed the seal of our Sd. County Court at Bennington this fourth day of January AD. 1839.
             Henry Robinson
Page 36

         H. R. March 27. 1840

Dear Sir

                 I have before me a letter from Jesse Gove Esq to John Soper of Brandon Vermont saying that he had received your letter of the 18th of October last, informing him that Mrs. Sopers case had been suspended and would be, until you could receive an answer to a communication addressed to the Town Clerk of Dorset, Vt. relative to her marriage.

      I now write to ask you to inform me whether a reply has been received from the Town Clerk of Dorset, and whether there is any, and if any, what obstacle in the way of granting the pension to Mrs. Soper
           Very  respectfully,
                 Your obedient servant
                        William Slade

J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 37

Jesse Soper
Page 38

I Jesse Soper Residing in the County of Rutland & state of Vermont, do depose and say that I was present at the marriage of Prince Soper & Elizabeth Allen, which was solumnized at Dorset in the County of Bennington in the State of Vermont about the year 1782; & as near as I can recollect in the month of September.  They were married by the Rev. Wm. Sill.  The said Prince Soper & Elizabeth Allen, were both residents of Dorset at the time, & I was living then with the father of Said Elizabeth
             Jesse Soper
Page 39

           Middlebury Vermont
                                  March 18 1841.

Sir
     I have just arrived at home and find under cover from you a pension Certificate for Elizabeth Soper, widow of Prince Soper, for $80 per annum for five years commencing on the 14th day of June 1836.  Is there not a mistake in this?  The husband died on the 14th of June 1836, but can the pension run five years from that day?  The act of 7th July 1838 gives five years pension from the 4th of March 1836.
     I return the certificate.  I may be in a fog about the matter.  If I am, you have only to return me the certificate as it is.
                 Respectfully
                                William Slade
Page 40

                    House of Reps.  Feb 24. 1841.


Sir

      I send herewith sundry affidavits proving the marriage of Elizabeth Soper (insert: of my District) an applicant for a pension, whose papers are in your office; - also an affidavit showing the imperfection of the records of marriage in the town where Mrs. Soper was married, at the period of her alledged marriage.
        I cannot certify to the magistracy or the hand writing of H. G. Neal in the affidavit of Jesse Soper, though he resides in my District.  I know that he was a majistrate during the last year, and presume he is, for the present year.  But the testimony of Jesse Soper is not necessary, there being two affidavit besides, proving the marriage.
         I believe the only obstacle, hitherto, to the granting the pension has been the want of proof of marriage.
                     Respectfully yours
                                    William Slade

J L Edwards Esq
Page 41

Prince Soper Vt. (Burlington )
act 1818. d 1826 when paid
H H L
26 Jul 41
Died 14th June 1836 p f. that/susp
JH
Mr Harry
Page 42

            Rutland Vt  14 Oct 1839

Sir

            On the 30th of January last, I addressed thro' the Post Office, to the Commissioner of Pensions the declaration and requisite proofs for a pension, of Mrs. Elizabeth Soper, of Brandon, widow of Prince Soper, dec'd whose name is on the Vermont Printed Roll at page 64.  Having received no communication from the Department relative to those documents, I am requested by Mrs. Soper, respectfully to ask your attention to the subject; and to inquire, if there be any thing wanting on her part to entitle her to the benefit of the grant?
             I am very respectfully
                Sir
                  Your obt. Sevt.
                          Jesse Gove


James L. Edwards Esquire
Comr. of Pensions
City of Washington
Page 43

John Sopers
Affadavit
Page 44

 John Soper of Brandon in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont of lawful age being duy sworn depose testify and say that I was well acquainted with Prince Soper late of said Brandon deceased, and know that he was a pensioner as a Revolutionary Soldier of the U.S.  I also know his widow Elizabeth Soper who now resides in said Brandon.  I have always understood they were married in Dorset in this state & further say not.
               John Soper

State of Vermont   )  
Bennington County Ss  )
Be it known that on this 15th day of February AD. 1841. before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for said county personally appeared John Soper to me well known to be the same person who subscribed the foregoing affadavit and made Solemn oath that the same contains the truth and nothing but the truth.  And I hereby certify that the said affiant is a credible witness.
        Barzillai Davenport  Justice Peace

The above Barzillai Davenport is, and has long been a Justice of the peace, acting under the authority of the State of Vermont, and the above is his signature
House of Reps. US               William Slade
February 22 1841.
Page 45

John Soper's 
          Deposition

Proof of marriage of
Prince Soper & Elizabeth Allen
Page 46

I John Soper of Dorset in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont of Lawful age Being duly Sworn Depose Testify & Say that I removed to the Town of Dorset at the age of fourteen that some two or three years previous to said removal I was present and saw Prince Soper & Elizabeth Allen married  The marriage ceremonies were performed by Rev. ___ Sill in the Town of Dorset.
                              John Soper

State of Vermont     )
Bennington County Ss  )
Be it remembered that on this 8th day of Oct. 1838 Before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace within & for said County personally appeared John Soper signer of the above deposition and made solumn Oath that the same contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  And I hereby certify that the deponent is a credible witness
                   Banjamin Ames Justice Peace

State of Vermont
[seal affixed]
I Henry Robinson Clerk of Bennington County Court, hereby certify that Benjamin Ames Esqr whose Signature appears to the above Affidavit was at the date thereof a Justice of the peace in & for sd. County, duly commissioned & qualified by Law & that his Signature I believe to be genuine.
In tetimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name & affixed the Seal of aforesd. County Court at Bennington this fifth day of December AD. 1838 -
               Henry Robinson
Page 47

Heman Morse

Affidavit
Page 48

I Herman Morse of Dorset in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont, do depose & Say, that I am town Clerk of Said town.  I have been for six or seven years last past.  That I have diligently searched the Records of said town, and cannot find any record of the intermarriage of Prince Soper & Elizabeth Allen.  That the ancient records of Said Town are & very imperfect, & does not contain but very few marriages prior to 1790. & those few are incomplete
                     Heman Morse

State of Vermont   )
Bennington County SS  )
  Be it known that on this 8th day of February A.D. 1841 before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for said County personally appeared Heman Morse to me well known to be the Town Clerk of Said Dorset who hath Subscribed the preceeding affidavit in my presence & made Solumn oath that the Same contains the truth & nothig but the truth.  And I hereby certify that the said affiant is a credible witness.
        G B Southworth  Justice Peace

     I certify that G B Southworth whose signature appears above is an acting justice of peace for the county of Bennington, Vt   H. Hall
Page 49

Abigail Curtis
   Affidavit


Proof of marriage
Page 50

I Abigail Curtis of Dorset in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont do depose testify & say that I was present & attended the marriage of Prince Soper to Elizabeth Allen both of Dorset aforesaid, which was solumnized at said Dorset in the month of April AD. 1782 by the Rev. Mr. Sill then settled minister of said town, that I have ever lived in Dorset since.
In presence of H Morse          Abigail (her mark) Curtis

State of Vermont   )
Bennington County SS  )
Be it known that on this 8th day of February A.D. 1841.  Before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in & for Said County personally appeared Abigail Curtis to me well known, & who hath Subscribed the foregoing affidavit in my presence & made solumn oath, that the same contains the truth & nothing but the truth.  And I do hereby certify that the said affiant is a credible witness.

     Heman Morse Justice of the Peace

I certify that Heman Morse whose signature appears above is an acting Justice of Peace for the county of Bennington, Vt
                    H. Hall
Page 51

John Soper's
   Affidavit

Proof off marriage
Page 52

I John Soper of Dorset in the County of ennington & State of Vermont do depose & Say I was present at the marriage of Prince Soper & Elizabeth Allen, which was Solumnized at said Dorset in the year 1782.  I think in the fore part of April of that year they were married by the Rev. Mr Sill then of Dorset, that the Said Prince Soper & Elizabeth Allen were then resident of Said Dorset & continued to reside there for many years afterward.  that I have always been in Dorset since said marriage
                   John Soper

State of Vermont   )
Bennington County Ss  )
Be it known that on this 8th day of Feby AD. 1841. Before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in & for said County, personally appeared John Soper to me well known & who hath Subscribed the preceeding affidavit in my presence, & made Solumn oath that same contains the truth & nothing but the truth, & I hereby certify that the said affiant is a credable witness.
           Heman Morse Justice of the peace

I certify that Heman Morse whose signature appears above is an acting justice of peace for the county of Bennington, Vt
                   H Hall
Page 53

The National Archives
Form VAM-51
12-5-41
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Name Soper, Jesse Grade private Line Sheldon's Dragoons (Connecticut)

Warrant Number 6523 Acreage 100 Issued Dec. 30, 1799 to-----not shown--

* The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of :Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolution of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9,1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.