Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,320, for William Kirk, Maryland
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Md.

Kirk, William
Prudence

NUMBER
W. 20,320

CONTENTS
Page 2

(left side written vertically)
Notification sent to Benjamin Swan Windsor Vt Oct 23d 1830

(right side)
11326
Vermont
William Kirk
of Springfield in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel - - -of the 3d Regt Maryland line, for the term of 4 years - 1770

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 1 of April 1818

Certificate of Pension issued the 4 of June 1819 and sent to Amos Heald Esquire Windsor Vermont

Arrears to 4th March 1819 - 10 24.4/30.31  87.43
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sept:1819   48.00
$135.43

Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.

Continued
Windsor County
Page 3

(left side)
662
Vermont Montpelier
Prudence Kirk deceased widow of William Kirk MD who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private Increased from $40 per an. ending 17 Feb 1850

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the first day of July 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Jany 1851 and sent to J M Thayer Boston Massachusetts

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 2 Feb 1848, Page 66 Vol. 3

(right side)
Let to A Joy 8 Oct 1851
Page 4

District of Vermont, Windsor County SS
At Chester in said County of Windsor on the 7th day of April 1818 Before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the County Court for the County of Windsor, aforesaid, Personally appeared William Kirk aged 56 years, Resident in Springfield in the County of Windsor aforesaid; who being by me first duly sworn according to Law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War." That he the said William Kirk enlisted in Frederickstown, in the State of Maryland - in the month of January 1777 for three years in the company commanded by Capt. Griffin - in the 3d Regiment Genl. Smallwoods Brigade of the Maryland troops. That he continued to serve in sd. Corps, or in the service of the United States untill the month of January 1780 - Six days previous to the expiration of his sd. term of three years - when he was taken Prisoner by a party of Refugees, at South Amboy in the State of New Jersey and continued a prisoner fourteen days, when he made his escape from the enemy & returned; but his time having expired did not reive a formal discharge.
That he was in the Battle at Monmouth in which
Page 5

Battle he received a wound in his leg. But has not received any pension in (illegible) of sd. wound.
And that he is in reduced circumstances, & needs the assistance of his Country for support.
And that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services. - Sworn to & declared before me, the day & year aforesaid.
Amos Heald Assistant Judge of Windsor County Court.

I Amos Heald Assistant Judge of Windsor County Court, as aforesaid, do certify that it appears to mt satisfaction that the said William Kirk did serve in the Revolutionary War; as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy; and I now transmit the proceedings & testimony taken & had before me to the Secretary for the department of war; pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned Act of Congress.- Dated at Chester in sd. County this 7th day of April 1818.
Certified by Amos Heald Assistant Judge of Windsor County Court.

I further certify that from evidence (illegible) to me, it appears to my satisfaction that, the said William Kirk is in reduced circumstances & stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support.
Amos Heald Assistant Judge of Windsor County Court.
Page 6

(left side written vertically)
Admitted

(right side)
Declaration of William Kirk No. 24 Rev Soldier
3d Rgt Maryland line
1777 to 1780
April 7th 1818

Sent to the Auditor
General of Maryland
for proof of service
10 May 1819

A Heald Esq
Windsor Vermont
Page 7

Auditor's Office, Annapolis, May 19th 1819
I hereby certify, that it appears from the muster-rolls remaining in the Auditor's Office, that William Kirk enlisted as a Private in the Third Maryland Regiment, on the Twentieth day of April 1778 and left off Rolls in May 1779
Thos. Karney Aud. S. M.
Page 8

State of Vermont Windsor County SS Woodstock County Clerks Office June 11 AD 1818
I Benjamin Swan Clerk of the County Court within & for the County of Windsor, do hereby certify that Amos Heald is one of the Assistant Judges of said Windsor County Court, and that the foregoing signatures is the hand writing of said Judge. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of said court the day above.
Benj Swan
Page 9

135 

William Kirk

11,320

Sept 
1829
Con
Page 10

STATE OF VERMONT, } At a special term of the Supreme Court of Judicature, begun and holden 
WINDSOR COUNTY...ss. } at Woodstock in the County of Windsor, on the last Monday in July, 
Anno Domini eighteen hundred and twenty.

ON this second day of August 1820, being the third day of said 
term, personally appeared in open Court, (the same Court being a Court of record agreeably to the laws of this State, 
having the power of fine and imprisonment, &c.) William Kirk aged fifty nine 
years, resident in Springfield in said County of Windsor, who being first duly sworn, according to law, 
doth, on his oath declare, that he served in the revolutionary war, as follows: Enlisted in the year 1777 
for three years and afterward enlisted for during the war, and was 
taken prisoner near the close of the war in the Jerseys by Cow Boys 
carried to New York was there 14 days and then ran away and 
not being necessary for me to join the army I did not receive any 
discharge

that he made his original declaration on the seventh day of April 1818 has received 
a Pension Certificate, No. 11326 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 11.50-1 hog 8.00-9 pigs 4.92-4 sheep & 4 lambs 7.25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | $36.67 
3 hoes 73-1 old chain 89-9 [illegible] 2.24-2 chests 2.62-1 cupboard 1.83-table furniture 2.18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .|   19.49
Lantern & candle mold .25-4 earthen jugs 44.-4 glass bottles 46.-3 milk pans 24-old barrels & lumber [illegible]    2.89
2 iron wedges, 63,-2 old axes 63.-1 wash tub, 58.-iron ware & 1 small grindstone & 2 old tools 4.44-1 plow 3.75 . .|10.13
1 old sickle, 11.-1 clock [illegible], 50-1 large wheel 1.25-8 old chairs 1.50-1 old table 25.-2 old scythes & [illegble] 50.4.11
1 stone boat 32-1 harrow 14-1 old yoke 1.00-2 old [illegible] 32-2 old tables & cradle 50-2 old pitchforks 25. . . . . | 2.53 
2 baskets 50-1 [illegible] 30-1 pr [illegible] rings 22-salt pork 2.20-rye & corn 22 bushels 1.29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 4.71
$71.43

I owe to Ele Hawkins $15.00-Benja Britton 17.00, Ahum  Duncan 13.50 
Josh Kidder 3.50, Jas. Robinson [illegible], Hall Rusk & Co. 10.00-Jona. Webster [illegible] $199.67
and others amounting in the whole to 199.67

I am by occupation a farmer - have a sore on my leg which [illegible] about 
laboreing [laboring] - my wife Prudence aged fifty six years quite infirm.  I have one son 
living with me aged fifteen years,
William his X mark Kirk

Sworn to and declared on the second day of August 1820, before said Court. 
Attest, Benjamin Swan Clerk.

STATE OF VERMONT, } I, Benj. Swan Clerk of the Superior Court for 
WINDSOR COUNTY...SS. } the County of Windsor, 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 
[Blurred seal of Court] it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in 
the aforesaid schedule is nothing [struck out: dollars].
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, at 
Woodstock, this seventh day of August 1820.
Benj. Swan { Clerk of the Supreme Court 
{ for Windsor County.
Page 11

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the first section of the 
act of Congress of the 7th July 1838. . . .

State of Vermont }  On this 22d day of [struck out: August] October A.D. 
Windsor County SS} 1838 personally appeared before me 
Samuel W. Porter one of the Assistant 
Judges of the County Court within & for the County of 
Windsor aforesaid, Prudence Kirk a resident of Spring
field in said County of Windsor & State of Vermont, aged 
seventy three years in December last past (who by 
reason of age and bodily infirmity is unable to appear 
in Court)--who being by me first duly sworn accor
ding to law--duly on her oath makes the following 
Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision 
made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838, that she 
is the widow of William Kirk late of Springfield aforesaid 
deceased--who was a private in the army of the Revol
ution, that he was a Pensioner of the United States under 
the act of 18th of March 1818, that he received a regular 
stipend of forty eight dollars, semiannually from the 7th 
day of April 1818 to the 4th day of September 1825. 
The arrears of Pension, were applied for by Benoni Lockwood 
as administrator of the said William Kirk, & the original 
Pension Certificate by him returned to the War department 
and arrears paid to said Administrator.

That he the said William Kirk stated in his original applic
ation (now in the files of the War Department) that he the 
said William Kirk entered the service of the United States by 
enlistment, in the month of January 1777 at Fredericks Town 
Maryland for three years-marched to Wilmington, thence to 
diverse other places-was in the battle of Monmouth; was 
there wounded in his leg &c.

She further declares that she was married to the said William 
Kirk (according to her best recollection) in the month of August 
1785.  That her husband the aforesaid William Kirk died 
at sd. Springfield on the 2d day of October 1825, and that she 
has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully 
appear by referring to the proof hereto annexed.
Witness | Prudence her X mark Kirk
Sworn and subscribed on the day & year above written.
Saml. W. Porter Judge

I hereby certify that the above named Prudence Kirk is now 
the respected widow of William Kirk late a pensioner of 
the United States & a credible witness.
Saml. W. Porter Judge
Page 12

Prudence Kirk ✓5355

Prudence Kirk
Vt
Act 7 July 38.

m 85. d.25
married

add
12 mo [illegible]
__
40$

no deductions

[name struck out]
Mrs Prudence Kirk
Springfield 
Vt
Page 13

We Elisha Bisbee and Joseph Selden of Springfield in 
the County of Windsor and State of Vermont of lawful 
age depose and say, that we have resided in Springfield 
aforesaid a number of years past, that during our residence 
we have been well acquainted with Prudence Kirk now 
resident in Springfield widow of William Kirk late of 
Springfield a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States 
with whoom [whom] we were formerly well acquainted in his life 
time, living in the same vicinity-that the said William  
& Prudence Kirk lived together as reputed husband & wife 
untill [until] the decease of the sd. William Kirk, & veryly [verily] believe that 
the said Prudence Kirk has not since been married to any 
other person.  We have been acquainted with said Prudence about 
thirty years. Elisha Bisbee
Joseph Selden
Sworn & subscribed to this 22d day of October 1838
Before me Saml. W. Porter Judge

I hereby certify that the above named Elisha Bisbee and 
Joseph Selden are well known to me, & are credible witnesses
Saml. W. Porter Judge

State of Vermont } I Benjamin Swan Clerk of the County 
Windsor County SS } Court of the County & State aforesaid do hereby 
certify that Samuel W. Porter is one of the 
Assistant Judges of County Court in and for the 
aforesaid County of Windsor duly commissioned 
& qualified, that his commission bears date the 
tenth day of November 1837 and will expire on 
the 30 days of November 1838. And that his 
several signatures afixed [affixed] to the foregoing application & 
affidavits are genuine.
Given under my hand & the 
seal of said County this 27th 
day of November 1838
Benj Swan Clerk
Page 14

I Benjah Dudley of Brattleboro in the County of Windham 
and State of Vermont do depose testify and say that in the 
year one thousand seven hundred and eighty six I was residing at 
Killingsworth in Connecticut, and was well acquainted with 
William Kirk and Prudence I knew them of that place but since residents 
of Springfield Vt, and that I was present at the [illegible] of 
the said Prudence's father and witnessed her marriage to the 
said William Kirk.  The ceremony of marriage was solemn
ised [ized] by the Revd. [illegible] of said Killingsworth and after the 
marriage the whole party adjourned to the house of the 
bride groom and had a very merry time which has 
impressed itself with all its [illegible] very distinctly 
in my memory.  The said marriage took place in 
the year A.D. 1786 and I think in the [illegible] part of September 
And further the Deponent saith not
Benjah his X mark Dudley

State of Vermont }
Windham County ss } Brattleboro November 3d A.D. 1838 Then personally 
appeared Benjah Dudley of Brattleboro in said Windham County and 
after being fully examined and duly cautioned made solemn oath 
that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the truth 
and nothing but the truth.
[Remainder of text cut off]
Page 15

Before me Jona. D Bradley Justice of the Peace

I further certify that I am acquainted with the said Benjah Dudley and that he is 
worthy of entire credit.  JD Bradley Justice of the Peace 

State of Vermont 
Windham County Court Clerk's Office

New Fane November 13th A.D. 1838

I Marshall Miller, Clerk of said County Court, do hereby 
certify that Jona. D. Bradley is a Justice of the Peace 
within and for said County, duly commissioned and 
qualified, and that his signature above written in genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and 
affix the seal of the said County Court, the day and 
year above written.
Attest Marshall Miller, Clerk
Page 16

I Elizabeth Dudley of Brattleboro in the County of Windham and State of Vermont 
do depose testify and say that I was brought up in Killingsworth in what 
was then the County of New London and the State of Connecticut and that 
I then during my childhood and youth I was quite intimately acquainted 
with Prudence Stevens who also resided there and went to the same 
school which I attended.  I further say that in the year one thousand 
seven hundred and eighty six, and I think in the month of September 
the said Prudence Stevens was married to William Kirk by the Revd.
Gary Ely then minister of the congregational parish at said Killingsworth. 
I have a distinct recollection of the said wedding and its [illegible].  It 
was solemnized at the house of the father of the said Prudence & 
the new married pair and all the invited guests repaired to the house 
of the said William Kirk and joined in a frolic.  The said William 
and the said Prudence resided afterwards in Springfield Vermont 
and I have continued my acquaintance with them and seen them 
from time to time until within a few years past.  I mean to be 
understood as saying that I was present at the above named wedding 
and wedding party.  And further the Deponent saith not,
Elizabeth her X mark Dudley 

State of Vermont }
Windham County Ss }  Brattleboro November 3d A.D. 1838 Then Elizabeth Dudley

[Remainder of text cut off]
Page 17

of Brattleboro in said Windham County personally appeared and after being [illegible]
examined and duly cautioned made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition 
by her subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth.
Before me Jona. D Bradley Justice of the Peace
I further certify that I am acquainted with the said Elizabeth Dudley and that she is entitled to full credit
JD Bradley Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont 
Windham County Court Clerk's Office

New Fane November 13th A.D. 1838.

I Marshall Miller, Clerk of said County Court 
do hereby certify, that Jona. D. Bradley is a Justice 
of the Peace, within and for said County, duly 
commissioned and qualified, and that his signature 
above written is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, 
and affix the seal of the said County Court, the 
day and year above written.
Attest Marshall Miller, Clerk

Fees, 34
Page 18

Declaration

State of Vermont }
[struck out: Windsor County] Windsor District } SS  On this 8th day of September 1851 personally 
appeared before me the subscriber Probate Judge in and for the said 
[struck out: County & State] District of Windsor, William Kirk of said County, who being first 
duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he is a child 
& is the administrator of the estate of the widow Prudence Kirk 
late a pensioner, widow of William Kirk late a pensioner at 
the rate of ninety six dollars per annum for Revolutionary 
services, pensioned under the act of Congress of 1818 at the 
said $96. per annum, & that his said mother Prudence Kirk 
recd. a pension of forty dollars per annum.

Now the object of this declaration being made is in 
order to open a claim at the same rate of pension her husband 
received, claiming on the evidence filed in her husband's 
case, and under the Resolution of Congress approved the 1 July 1848.

This deponent further deposes and says that his said 
mother Prudence Kirk died a widow on the 17th day of Feby. 
1850 leaving at her death the following named children 
being her only children, her surviving, & that each of them 
is over the age of twenty one years, to wit. This deponent William 
Kirk, Henry Kirk, Reuben Kirk, Eunice House, Nancy 
Bixby & Hannah Ward. | William Kirk
Sworn & subscribed before me }
this 8th day of September 1850 } Salmon F. Dutton, Judge of the 
Probate Court for the District of Windsor

I certify that William Kirk above named is the child of Prudence 
Kirk late a Pensioner, & the widow of William Kirk late a pensioner 
& that he is the administrator duly qualified to act as scuh
Salmon F. Dutton, Judge of Probate 
for the District of Windsor
Page 19

State of Vermont }
[struck out: County] District of Windsor } SS I Salmon F Dutton Probate Judge 
of the Courts in and for the said County & State, do hereby certify 
that at a Probate Court holden [struck out: in my office in Duttonsville] at the inn of Peale & Foster, in Weston 
in said [struck out: County & State] District on the eighth day of September 1851, that 
satisfactory evidence was adduced & was exhibited to said Judge 
& Court that Prudence Kirk was a pensioner of the United 
States as the widow of William Kirk deceased late a pensioner 
at the rate of forty dollars per annum, that she was, and 
had long been a resident of the said [struck out: County & State] District, and 
that she died a widow on the 17th day of February 1850 
leaving at her death the following named children her surv
iving and who still survive, being her only children her surv
iving and that each of them is over the age of twenty one 
years, to wit, William Kirk, Henry Kirk, Reuben Kirk 
Eunice House Nancy Bixby, & Hannah Ward.

I further certify that William Kirk who executed the 
declaration on the page back, is one of the children, & that 
he is the administrator of the estate of Prudence Kirk 
aforesaid, & that he is duly qualified to act as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set 
my hand and affixed my seal of office 
[struck out: at Duttonsville] at Weston, in said District, this 8th day of September 1851.
Salmon F. Dutton, Judge of 
the Probate Court for the District 
of Windsor, in the State of Vermont.
Page 20

Rev. & 1812
Wars Section 
MCS:MLB

June 11, 1930

Mrs. Charles M. Kirk 
2357 Eudora Street
Denver, Colorado

Dear Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, 
W. 20320, it appears that William Kirk enlisted in Fredericktown, 
Maryland, in January, 1777, served as a private in Captain Griffin's 
Company, in the Third Maryland Regiment; six days before the expiration 
of his service, he was taken prisoner at South Amboy, New Jersey, and 
after being held for fourteen days, escaped and was discharged in 
January, 1780.  He was in the battle of Monmouth in which he was wounded 
in his left leg.

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 7, 1818, 
while a resident of Springfield, Windsor County, Vermont, aged fifty six 
years.

He died there October 2, 1825.

The soldier married in August, 1785, Prudence Stevens, who was born 
in 1764, both were then residents of Killingworth, Connecticut.  They 
were married at the home of her father in New London County, Connecticut, 
her father's name is not shown.

She was allowed pension on her application executed October 22, 1838, 
while a resident of Springfield, Vermont.

She died there February 17, 1850, leaving the following children:

William, a resident of Windsor, Vermont, in 1851; Henry, Reuben and 
John Kirk, and Eunice House, Nancy Bixby and Hannah Ward, all were living 
in 1851.

Very truly yours

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
Page 21

Application 
in case of Prudence 
Kirk of Vt. for 
increase of her
Pension under 
Jt. Resolution of 
July 1st 1848
___
Recd Oct 15 1850
P. Kirk Vt
Page 22

State of Vermont } I, Salmon F. Dutton, Judge of 
District of Windsor, Ss } the Court of Probate for District 
of Windsor aforesaid, holden at 
Cavendish, in and for said District, do hereby certify that 
satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court, that 
Prudence Kirk, late of Springfield, in said District, was a 
Revolutionary Pensioner at the rate of Forty Dollars per an
num, and who was the widow of William Kirk, died in said 
Springfield on the seventeenth day of February, in the year of 
our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty; that 
she left the following named children William Kirk, Eunice 
House Nancy Bixby, Hannah Ward, Reuben Kirk, Henry 
Kirk and John Kirk, and these are her only children 
now surviving her.

And I further certify that William Kirk of Springfield,  
in said District of Windsor, was on the twelfth day of 
March A.D. 1850, duly appointed, commissioned and 
qualified as Administrator of the Estate of the aforesaid 
Prudence Kirk, that he is now acting in that capacity, 
and that full faith and credit are to be given to 
his acts as such.

In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my 
hand and the seal of said Court at 
Cavendish, in said District, this seventh day 
of October, in the year of our Lord, one thou
sand eight hundred and fifty.
Salmon F. Dutton, Judge.
Page 23

[Two panels]
[Left panel]

662
Vermont, Montpelier 

Prudence Kirk 
widow of William Kirk 
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
40 Dollars --
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 
13 day of July 1848 
and sent to 
Amos Heald
Chester 
Vermt.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 
February 2, 1848, Page 66 Vol. 3

[Right panel]

Rep. dtd
Letter to G. F. Lener
April 17, 1850.
Page 24

[Two panels]
[Left panel]

1566
Vermont Mont.

Prudence Kirk 
widow of William Kirk 
who was a Private 
in the Maryland line 
for 12 months.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
40 Dollars ---
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 
26th day of August, 1843 
and sent to 
Amos Heald 
Chester, 
Vt.

[ Act of March 3, 1843. ]

Recorded in Boobk A
Vol. 1, Page 28.

[Right panel]

Rep Augt 26
Page 25

Incd to $96 per annum 
dedg former payts at $40.
comg 1 July 1848, 
payable to Wm Kirk, Adminis
trator for the benefit of 
Wm Kirk 
Reuben Kirk 
Henry Kirk 
John Kirk 
Eunice House & 
Nancy Bixby & 
Hannah Ward, only 
surviving children 
Ending 17 Feb. 1850 

J. M. Thayer 
[struck out: Present]
Boston, 
Mass
Page 26

[Two panels]
[Left panel]

Vermont - 4982

Prudence Kirk 
widow of William Kirk, dec'd
who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 Mar 1818, 
and who died on the 2d. of October, 1825, 
of Windsor Co. in the State of Vermont 
who was a private in the compny commanded 
by Captain Griffin of the Regt commanded 
by Smallwood in the Maryland 
line for 12 mos. private.

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont 
at the rate of 40 Dollars -- [struck out: Cents] per annum 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 31st day of Janu
ary 1840 and sent to Mrs. 
Prudence Kirk, Springfield, Vert.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1840 $160.00
Semi annual allowance ending 4 Sept. 20.00
$180.00
======

{ Act July 7, }
{ 1838. }

Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk, 
Book A, Vol. 2, Page 44.

[Right panel]

Let to Amos Heald
Apl 29th. 1840.
Page 27

[Two panels]
[Left panel]

1929-June 26, Hist to Mrs.
S. E. Hughes, M.E.E.
___
1930, June 11 -hist to Mrs.
Chas. M. Kirk. M.C.S.

[Right panel]

Revy WIDOW, &c.

File No. 20,320
Prudence Kirk 
widow of 
William Kirk 
Pri Rev War

Act: Feb 2d. 48

Index:--Vol. A, Page 40

[ Arrangement of 1870. ]
Page 28

Prudence Kirk 

X out of Ct -
x Marriage -

Hon. H. Hall
H R
Page 29

I certify that Prudence Kirk at the time she 
made oath to her declaration, before me, 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," was and had been 
for several years confined to her room and in the 
opinion of the undersigned was unable to attend Court
Given under my hand at Springfield this first 
day of Sept. 1839.
Saml. W. Porter late Assist. Justice of 
Windsor County Court
Page 30

✓5355
Let. Saml W Porter
July 26th '39

[illegible] Brewer
Page 31

1764
Prudence Kirk 
$40 per ann

Amos Heald 
Chester
Vt.
Page 32

Declaration

State of Vermont }  On this 17th day of May 
Windsor County SS } Anno Domini 1843, personally 
appeared before the subscriber a Justice 
of the Peace in and for said County of Windsor, Prudence Kirk 
a resident of Springfield in the County of Windsor and State of 
Vermont, aged seventy seven years, who being first sworn, 
according to law, doth on her oath make the following declara
tion, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by act 
of Congress passed on the 3rd March 1843, grating pensions 
to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, 
that she is the widow of William Kirk who was a private in  
the army of the Revolutionary that according to her personal recollection and belief, he the said William Kirk served in 
the army of the Revolution, in the company commanded by 
Capt. Griffin in the third Regiment in General Smallwood's
Brigade.  Reference for further proof is had to the Rolls files 
& record of the war department.

That she the said Prudence Kirk, was by a Pension 
Certificate from the War Department issued in 
her favour [favor], entitled to, and did receive a pension of 
Forty-Dollars per annum, for five years from the 
4th of March 1836 to the 4th of March 1841, under 
the act of July 7th 1838, and the said Prudence Kirk 
further declares that she is still a widow.
Signed in presence | Prudence her X mark Kirk
of {Winslow B. Chittenden
{Amos Heald  Sworn to and subscribed on the
Page 33

day and year herein before first written.
Before me Amos Heald Justice of the Peace

I Amos Heald the same Magistrate above named, 
do hereby certify, that the aforementioned Prudence Kirk 
is personally known to me, to be the identical person 
named in an original pension certificate, issued for 
her-which certificate I have heretofore seen in her
possession, and may now be found in the files of the War 
department.  Certified by Amos Heald Justice of the Peace 

State of Vermont } I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County 
Windsor County ss. } Court of the County of Windsor, in the State 
of Vermont do hereby certify that 
Amos Heald 
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and 
for said County duly commissioned and 
qualified; that his commission was dated 
on the ninth day of November in the 
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty two, 
and will expire on the thirtieth day of November next and that 
his signatures above written are genuine.
Given under my hand, and the seal of said County Court 
this 25th day of May A.D. 1843. 
N. Williams
Clerk
Page 34

Land Office, Annapolis 
27th April, 1840

I hereby certify, that it appears by the Muster Rolls of the 
Revolution remaining in this office, that William Kirk enlisted 
as a private in the 3rd Maryland Regiment for the term of three 
years, on the 20th day of April, 1778, and in "May, 1779 left out 
the Rolls"

George G. Brewer,
Regtr. Land Off. W. S. Md.
Page 35

[Envelope with note]
[Written vertically left margin]
Jan 29 1840
Maryd.
Kirk.

[Address]
[Circular mail stamp]

ANNAPOLIS 
JAN 
27
Md

FREE
J. L. Edwards, Esqr.
Commissr. of Pensions,
Washington City, 
D. C.
mail
Page 36

Land Office, Annapolis, 27th Jany, 1840

Sir,

In reply to your letter of 20th Inst., I have to state 
that I have very carefully examined the Muster and pay rolls, as 
also the Army Legers [Ledgers] of the Revolution in this office, and they 
afford no evidence of the service of William Kirk, his name is 
not to be found upon any of the records as ever having served in 
the Maryland line on Continental Establishment.

Very respectfully, 
Yr. Obt. Svt.,

G. G. Brewer

J. L. Edwards, Esqr.
Page 37

Arad Joy
Ovid, N. Y.
Sep 20/'51
Declaration of Wm Kirk 
heir of Prudence Kirk 
for increase of pension 

✓1448
Answered 8 Oct 1851

Cole
Page 38

Increase under 
Resolution of 1 July '48

Sir

I inclose [enclose] declaration for increase of pen
sion. Her pension certificate has been surrendered.

Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.

Arad Joy

Hon. Jas. E Heath 
Comsr. of Pens
Page 39

Detroit, Michigan, 
March 25th 1850

Hon. J. L. Edwards

Sir, 

I would desire to be 
informed if Mrs. Kirk to whom a 
Pension Certificate of which the within 
is a copy, is not entitled to Land

I am, Sir, 

Respectfully yours

G. F. Lewis 
[illegible] Douglas Payn
Page 40

Let to G.G. Brewer 
24 Apr '40
Page 41

State of Vermont Chester February 12, 1840

J. L. Edwards Esqr.

Siri

In behalf of Mrs Prudence Kirk of 
Springfield Vermont, I have to request your further kind
and careful attention to the case of her Application for a 
pension under the act of Congress of "July 7th 1838."

I having formerly assisted her late husband in taking his 
testimony and making his Application for a Pension under 
the "Act of 18th of March 1818," I find by the record of my 
then office as Assistant Judge of Windsor County Court, 
that the said William Kirk enlisted and actually served 
in the Revolutionary War three years, to wit, from Jany. 1777 
till Jany. 1780 as may appear from the files in your depart
ment, by his sd. William Kirk's application of April 7th 1818. 
by which service by the act of July 7, 1838, his widow is entitled to 
the same annuity which might have been allowed her husband in 
virtue of said act if living at the time it was passed:  
which term of service would have entitled him to Eighty dollars 
per annum.  Whereas the Certificate granted her is but Forty 
therefore in behalf of the widow now enclose the Certificate 
which you enclosed to her, with her humble request that the 
case may be reviewed or examined and the addition made 
to said [illegible], if found to be as above attached and if possible enclose 
to me, the new certificate if granted.  If not (& there is no error 
therein) enclose the other which we now return, so that she may 
have it in her possession on the 4th of March next. it will be 
a great convenience to her, in obtaining her pension at Montpelier 
with others.  She is aged old and in want of it.

Your Friend, with due Esteem 
& respect &c

Amos Heald

Honl J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Page 42

[Envelope with note]
[Written vertically left margin

Apl 24 1840
Vt

[Address]
[Illegible circular date stamp]

FREE
Honl. James L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions 
City of Washington
Page 43

[Duplicate of prior image]

[Envelope with note]
[Written vertically left margin

Apl 24 1840
Vt

[Address]
[Illegible circular date stamp]

FREE
Honl. James L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions 
City of Washington
Page 44

Chester Vermont April 18th 1840

Dear Sir

Some months since I enclose a pension 
Certificate issued in favour [favor] of widow Prudence Kirk of Springfield 
Vermont, on account of a supposed error, in the stipend, being 
$40. instead of 80. The service of William Kirk her late hus
band was by his, and her, Application [struck out: was] for three years 
service, which will entitled her to $80. instead of 40.

Not having received any return, and not knowing but it 
may have miscarried, wissh [wish] for information, or return 
papers as soon your business will permit.  I think the 
certificate was enclosed by mail about the first of February 
last.

I also enclosed the Application of Deliverance Burnham 
soon after pursuant to your direction, for five years pension 
instead of a life pension, on account of her marriage having 
taken place after the service of three years was ended.  The evidence 
of his service appearing on the files & record of your department.
Your attention to this case is also ernestly [earnestly] solicited, in 
behalf of the agent widow.  Please mail them to my care.

Your Friend & Humbl. Servt.

Amos Heald

J. L. Edwards, Esqr. Comsr. Pensions
Page 45

Copy of Pension Certificate. 

"War Department. Widows Pension.

"I certify that in conformity with the act of  
"February 2nd 1848, Prudence Kirk Widow of  
"William Kirk, who was a private in the revolu
"tionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at 
"the rate of forty dollars per annum, commen
"cing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for 
"life, unless she should again marry; in which case 
"the Pension is not payable after the time of such 
"marriage."  "Given at the War Office of the 
"United States this thirteenth day 
(illegible) "of July one thousand eight hundred 
"and forty eight"

W. L. Marcy.
"Examined and Countersigned, } Secretary of War."
"J. L. Edwards Commissioner }
"of Pensions. By F. S. Evans." }

I, Abel E. P. Heald, a Justice of the Peace in and for the 
County of Windsor and State of Vermont, do hereby 
certify that the above is a true copy of the original Certif
icate now in the possession of Prudence Kirk named 
in said certificate.

Abel E.P. Heald, Justice of the Peace.
Page 46

Chester Feb. 4 1850

Mr. Reuben Kirk

Sir I find by examining my Father's 
(Amos Heald's) papers, that upon a cash book kept for the 
purpose of accounting with Pensioners, for the years 1824 
& 1825 on the 4th of March & 4th of September of each year, 
he paid William Kirk, a pension of forty eight dollars 
each six months, which equals to ninety six dollars per an
num. He having acted in the capacity of Attorney for said 
Kirk, to obtain the money from the United States Govern
ment; which is all the evidence I can find among his 
papers.  The administrator having drawn the arrears 
due at his decease, of course the original Certificate 
must have been returned to Washington for that pur
pose.

Yours &c Able E. P. Heald
Page 47

Prudence Kirk's

1566
admd.

Admitted

Amos Heald
Chester 
Vt.
Page 48

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 2d 
February, 2848, entitled "An act making further provision 
for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."

State of Vermont { On this 27th day of June 1848, personally 
Windsor County Ss. { appeared, before the subscriber, a Justice of the 
Peace, in and for the County aforesaid, duly authorized by the the laws 
of said State, to administer oaths: Prudence Kirk, a resident 
of Springfield in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, 
aged 81 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, 
doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to 
obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress 
passed on the 2d. February, 1848, granting pensions to widows 
of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.

That she is the widow of William Kirk, late of said Springfield, decd. 
who was a private soldier in the Revolutionary army of the 
United States, (and served in the Regiment No. 3. Capt. Griffins com
pany, in General Smallwood's Brigade, as may appear by his said 
William Kirk's original declaration on file in the War department) 
That she said Prudence Kirk is the identical person who drew a 
pension under the act of 17th June, 1844, on account of the Revo
lutionary service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of 
forty dollars per annum.  She further declares that she is still 
a widow.
Witnesses Lucy Kirk | Prudence her X mark Kirk 
Lyda Kirk 
Sworn to, and subscribed on the the { 
day and year above written { Before me Amos Heald Justice of the Pea
in presence of Lucy Kirk 
Lyda Kirk

I hereby certify, that the above named Prudence Kirk, is personally 
known to me, and is the same individual, who drew a pension 
as stated by her in the above declaration. Amos Heald Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont { I Norman Williams Clerk of the Court of the 
Windsor County ss { County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that 
Amos Heald is a Justice of the Peace in and for said 
County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature 
above written is genuine.
{J.P.} Given under my hand and seal of said Court this 
29 day of June 1848. Norman Williams, Clerk.
Page 49

[Envelope with note]
[Written vertically left margin]

Apl 29 1840 
Mr Al 
perhaps

[Address]
[Circular mail stamp]

ANNAPOLIS
APR
27
Md

FREE
J. L. Edwards, Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington City, 
mail; D. C.
Page 50

Land Office, Annapolis, 27th April, 1840

Sir, 

Yours of the 24th Inst., was received. Enclosed, I send you 
a Certificate from the Muster roll of the Revolution, by which it 
appears that William Kirk enlisted for the term of three years, but 
was stricken from the roll before the expiration of his term of service.
The rolls are imperfect and afford no further evidence of his service 
than is contained in the enclosed Certificate.

Very respectfully, 
Yr. Obt. Svt.

G. G. Brewer

J. L. Edwards, Esqr.
Page 51

Mr. E. W. Morgan 
Acting Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:

I wish to express my gratitude 
to members of your office who so kindly 
gathered for me the desired information 
concerning William Kirk, Revolutionary 
Pensioner of Springfield, Vt.

We have searched for some of this in
formation for several years.

Thanking you again, I am

Very truly yours, 

Jenny M. L. Kirk 
(Mrs. Chas. M.)

2357 Eudora St.
Denver, June 19, 1930

[Oval mail receipt stamp]
REVULUTIONARY & 1812 WARS 
SECTION 
JUN 23 1930
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 52

Stamp Enclosed
Stamp for returning 
June 11, 1930

Honorable Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:

In the Census of Revolutionary 
Pensioners of June 1, 1840 appears the name of 
Prudence Kirk, aged 75, of Springfield, Vermont, 
as a pensioner.  She was residing at that time 
with William Kirk.

She was the widow of William Kirk who died 
in Springfield, Vermont Oct. 9, 1826.

I would be grateful if you would supply me 
with William Kirk's Revolutionary service 
or any other details.

Very respectfully yours,

Jenny M. L. Kirk
(Mrs. Charles M.)

2357 Eudora St.
Denver, Mar. 19, 1930.
Colo

[Circular mail receipt stamp]
PENSION
MAR
U. 24
1930
OFFICE
Page 53

Only

Winter Haven Fla
2-16-29

Dear Sir:

Can you tell me whether 
Wm. Kirk born 1719 and died 1767 or his 
son Wm. Kirk born 1751 are mentioned as 
Revolutionary soldiers in your records.

The Historic Genealogy of the Kirk family 
by Chas H Stubbs M.D. is very complete and 
I think these dates are correct.

Have a letter from the Adjutants office 
Washington D.C. which names one Wm. 
Kirk in Capt. Griffiths Co. and in Lieut. Baileys 
Co. 3rd Maryland Reg. commanded by Col Mor
decia Gist 1778 and reenlisted Feb 1779 
The records show he received $100 for re
enlisting.

Have another letter from the state 
Librarian at Harrisburg Pa [illegible] a 
Wm. Kirk served as Capt. in the 8th 
Co. 6th Battalion Chester Co. Pa militia 
1780-1781-1782.

My ancesters lived at one time at 
Nottingham Pa. and at a former date 
near Rising Sun Md.

The Masons and Dixons line was not 
run until 1763, and when this family 
first settled in this section they were
Page 54

Lord Baltimores Dominions

If you find any data I wish 
you would name Vol and P. as 
I want the information because 
I want to join the D. A. R's.

Respt

Mrs. S. E. Hughes

[Circular mail receipt stamp-shown upside down on image]
PENSION
O
FEB
U. 18 S.
1929
OFFICE
Page 55

Rev. and 1812 
Wars Section 
MEE/eel

June 26, 1929

Mrs. S. E. Hughes 
Winter Haven 
Florida

Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary 
War pension claim, W.20320, it appears that William Kirk 
enlisted in Fredericktown, Maryland, in January, 1777, 
served as a private in Captain Griffin's Company, in the 
Third Maryland Regiment; six days before the expiration 
of his service, he was taken prisoner at South Amboy, New 
Jersey, and after being held for fourteen days, escaped 
and was discharged in January, 1780.  He was in the bat
tle of Monmouth in which he was wounded in his left leg.

He was allowed pension on his application executed 
April 7, 1818, while a resident of Springfield, Windsor 
County, Vermont, aged fifty six years.

He died there October 2, 1825.

The soldier married in August, 1785, Prudence Stevens, 
who was born in 1764, both were then residents of Killing
worth, Connecticut.  They were married at the home of her
Page 56

father in New London County, Connecticut, her father's 
name is not shown.

She was allowed pension on her application executed 
October 22, 1838, while a resident of Springfield, Vermont.

She died there February 17, 1850, leaving the follow
ing children:

William, a resident of Windsor, Vermont, in 1851; 
Henry, Reuben, and John Kirk, and Eunice House, Nancy 
Bixby and Hannah Ward, all were living in 1851.

The above noted William Kirk is the only soldier by 
that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this 
bureau.  [Written in left margin: omit]

Respectfully,

EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.
Page 57

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES | BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD* | Division of Veterans Administration Archives
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

NAME Kirkam, John | GRADE Private | LINE Connecticut

WARRANT
NUMBER 6065 | ACREAGE 100 | ISSUED Dec 14, 1789
to Richard Platt
_____

*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 resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subse
quent 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.
Page 58

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES | BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD* | Division of Veterans Administration Archives
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

NAME Kirkam, William | GRADE Drummer | LINE Connecticut

WARRANT
NUMBER 6068 | ACREAGE 100 | ISSUED July 14, 1789
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 resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subse
quent 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.