Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18700, for William Porter, New Hampshire
Page 1

(3 - 1776)

SERVICE 
N. H.
Porter, William, Deborah
NUMBER
W. 18700
B.L. Wt. 3770-160-55

CONTENTS
Page 2

7087
Vermont

William Porter of Warren in the state of Vermont who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Reed of the New Hampshire line, for the term of 1 year Dec. 1775.

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

Certificate of Pension issued the 5th of March
1819 and sent to Hon S C [SAMUEL CHANDLER] Crafts, H of Reps [HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES]

Arrears to 4th of Mar 1819 11 mo. 5/31 89-29
Semi-anl. all'ce [ANNUAL ALLOWANCE] ending 4th Sep 1819- 48
_________
 $137.29

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March 1818.}

Continued

[sideways] 

Notification sent January 15, 1821 to Hon. S. C. 
Crafts, H [HOUSE] of Reps [REPRESENTATIVES] US.
Page 3

William
Porter
Page 4


[This part crossed out] To the Hon Steven Pitkin Jr. first assistant Judge in & for Washington County & State of Vermont of Washington County Court - [end of cross out]

I William Porter of Warren County & State of Vermont aged Sixty six years of age do depose and declare I am now & ever have been a citizen of the United States & do now and ever have resided within the same & am poor & unable to work or labor any whatever & am in need of assistance of my country for support - & I further declare that I enlisted in December 1775 (as near as I can recollect) into Capt Jones's [sic] Company in Colo Reed's Regiment in the N. [NEW] Hampshire line a private for one year & served faithfully the whole time of said year in said Corps & at Albany I was 
discharged by being dismissed by my Lieut - Clayes who then commanded our Company,
our Capt died at Crown point some months before -

On my return home I immediately enlisted into Colo Beedle's Regiment in Capt. Cushman's Company in the N. [NEW] Hampshire line as a private for one year & at Albany after I had served four months in said Campaign Lieut Colo John Wheelock furloughed us untill [sic] called for there being difficulty with Col Beedle & the Regiment & I was not called for -

I never had any written discharge I further declare I served in the above mentioned
Page 5

campaigns in the Revolutionary war against the common Enemy -
Montpelier April 1st 1818 -

William his x mark Porter

Declared, Sworn & Subscribed by the above named William Porter Before me at Montpelier in the County of Washington aforesaid this first day of April AD 1818

Stephen Pitkin Judge of County Court
[sideways] William Porter
Page 6

William Porter's Schedule
44.-
7.007

Sept. 1819
Page 7

State of Vermont
Washington County Ss.}

On this 29th day of June A.D. 1820. - personally appeared in open Court to wit: the Supreme Court of Judicature holden within & for the County of Washington & State of Vermont being a court of record by the statute law of said State. - William Porter, aged sixty eight years resident in Warren in the County & State aforesd. [AFORESAID] who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary war
as follows. - That in March or April 1776 I enlisted in Capt .Jones [sic] company & Colo Reeds [sic] regiment in the Newhampshire [sic] line, for the term of one year & served out my time. That my original declaration was on the first day of April AD 1818. that my pension certificate issued thereon is dated March 5. 1819 & numbered 7087. - And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 & 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 or 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 properties or securities contracts or debts due to me. nor have I any income
Page 8

other than what is contained in the schedule
hereto annexed by me subscribed.

1 Cow - 1 yearling 2 small hogs - 1 Chain - 1 old plow - 1 axe 1 pitchfork - 1 hoe - 1 old five
pail Kettle - cold pot 3 old chairs - 1 ["old" crossed out] table - 6 knives & forks - 3 iron spoons - 6 Earthen plates - 3 tea cups [sic] & saucers - 2 pails - 1 old chest 2 tin milk pans. -
That I am indebted as follows to c &. Rising $104. to D. Wm Joslin $5. to Eliaz Taylor Jr $40 M Sargeant $3. J. Richardson $15. to William Cordell $10. D. Rolf $4. to D. Spaulding $5. to E Emerson $7. to C. Gilbert $3. to Wm Bragg $2 to Wm Burr $3. to G.W. Eldredge 6$ to four 2 year old Heifers $40 - to T. Dolbear $9. I am by occupation a farmer & by old age & being afflicted with the gout I am unable to support myself & family. I have a wife named Deborah of the age of sixty four years bound down with old age & has almost lost the use of her hands by nervous complaints. - I have a son named Calvin of the age of eighteen years not able to support himself & altogether
dependant [sic] on me for support.-

William Porter. -

Sworn to & declared in open court this 29th day of June 1820.

Before the Court.
George Rich Clerk
Page 9


State of Vermont
Washington County Ss.}

I George Rich Clerk of the Supreme Court do hereby certify that the foregoing oath & the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the record of said Court & I further certify that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is forty four dollars.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court, on this 19th day of July 1820. -

George Rich, Clerk of the Sup. [SUPREME] Court. -
$44.
Page 10

2155
Vermont Montpelier
Deborah Porter widow of William Porter who
served in the Revolutionary war N.H. as a private
[illegible]

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on ["4th day of March" crossed out] the 1st day of July 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of Feb [FEBRUARY] 1837 and sent to

H.H. Sylvester Esqr. Present.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 79. Vol 3.
Page 11

6035
Debra Porter, Widow of William
Vermont.

Act 4 July 1836
Rejected, and admitted under Act 7 July 1838
Page 12

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the Act of Congress of the fourth of July 1836

State of Vermont District and
County of Washington Ss.}

On this Seventeenth day of August One thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before me Azel Spalding Judge of the Probate Court for the District and County of Washington at the residence of Deborah Porter in Warren in said district on account of the feeble State of health of the said Deborah Porter rendering her unable to attend before said Court at the Probate office
in Montpelier Deborah Porter a resident of Warren in the County of Washington, and State of Vermont aged Eighty seven years who
being first duly sworn according to law doth, on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision
made by the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836; That she is the widow of William Porter, who was a private in the Army of the
Revolution, And that she further declares that if her memory does not very much deceive her that her husband was out in various Campaigns three years and eight months during the war, my husband would frequently talk about the service and the names of
the officers, Companies, and Regiments he served in and the officers under whom he served and the section of the Country he passed through while in the service my memory and recollections of things which took place so long ago, have about all passed my recollection and renders me unable to relate many facts connected with his service whilst he was in the Army and I would therefore Respectfully refer to the Declaration and Application of my said husband William Porter on which a pension was granted him under the
act of Congress of the Eighteenth day of March Eighteen hundred and Eighteen of Ninety six dollars per annum for all the
particulars of the service of my husband whilst he was in the service for the names of the officers under whom he served the companies
and regiment he served in and the section of the Country
Page 13

where he performed the service and the length of time he was in the service with all of the particulars then embraced on which a pension
was granted to my said husband William Porter under said Act of the 18th March 1818 of Ninety six dollars per annum.

She further declares that whilst she and her said husband William Porter lived in Windsor in the State of Vermont that they had had [sic] born the following Children Susanna Porter, William Porter Jr. Smith Ainsworth Porter, Samuel Porter, Hannah Porter, Molly Porter, Calvin Porter, Esther Porter, Oliver Porter, Alvan
Porter.

She further declares that she was married to the said William Porter in Windsor Vermont by Paul Spooner then a Justice of the Peace on the third day of December Seventeen hundred
and seventy six; that her husband the aforesaid William Porter died at Warren in the County of Washington on the Tenth day of February Eighteen hundred and forty three and that she has remained a widow ever since that period
as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto Annexed.

Deborah her X mark Porter.

In presence of
Alvin L Porter
William H Porter

Sworn to and subscribed on the seventeenth day of August One thousand Eight hundred and forty three. Azel Spalding Judge of Probate
Page 14

State of Vermont District and
County of Washington Ss}

I Azel Spalding Judge of the Probate Court for said District and County of Washington do hereby certify that the foregoing are Original Proceedings and Declaration of Deborah Porter made and had before me at the residence of the said Deborah Porter in Warren in said District on the Seventeenth day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty three on account of her feeble  State of health rendering her unable to attend before said 
Probate Court at its usual place of holding Courts for said District in Montpelier

And that it was most satisfactorily proved that the said Deborah Porter is the widow of the said William Porter late of Warren in said District deceased and that the said William Porter died in Warren in said District on the tenth day of February Eighteen hundred and forty three. And do further certify that the said Deborah Porter remains a widow and the widow of the said William Porter deceased and that she resides in Warren in said District.
And do further certify that the said Deborah Porter is a woman of Credibility and Respectability. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed
my official signature and the seal of said
Court at Montpelier on this Nineteenth Day
of August Eighteen hundred and forty three.

Azel Spalding Judge of Probate
Page 15

Windsor Vt. August 31 1843

I Caleb Kendall do hereby certify that I now hold the Office of Town Clerk for the town of Windsor in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont - That I have carefully examined the records of said town for the purpose of ascertaining if the marriage of William Porter and Deborah Ainsworth was recorded therein, and I certify that I do not find said marriage in the same - I find but a very few marriages on said Records prior to April 13 A.D. 1799 -

I find in this Office in the Records of births, marriages and deaths the following, to wit:
" Susanna Porter Daughter of William Porter & Deborah "Porter his wife, Born November 14th Anno Domini 1779
"William Porter Junr [JUNIOR] Son of William Porter & Deborah his "wife, Born Sept 8 Anno Domini 1781 -
"Smith Ainsworth Porter, Son of Wm Porter & Deborah "his wife, born Feby 7th Anno Domini 1784
"Samuel Porter, Son of Wm Porter & Deborah his wife "Born August 5th Anno Domini 1786
"Hannah Porter, Daughter of Wm Porter & Deborah his "wife, Born March 19th Anno Domini 1789
"Molly Porter Daughter of William Porter and Deborah his "wife Born August 9th Anno Domini 1791
"Calvin Porter Son of William Porter & Deborah his wife "Born March 3d Anno Domini 1794
"Esther Porter Daughter of William Porter and Deborah "his wife Born July 18th Anno Domini 1796 -
"Oliver Porter Son of William Porter and Deborah his "Wife Born March 24th Anno Domini 1799
"Alvan Porter Son of William Porter & Deborah his wife "Born at Windsor January 13th Anno Domini 1802 -"

I hereby certify that the foregoing which relates to births only is a true copy as taken from the Records last above mentioned

Caleb Kendall Town Clerk -

Sworn to & subscribed, before me, on this 31st day of August A.D. 1843 -

Carlos Coolidge Justice of the Peace
Page 16

STATE OF VERMONT, 
Windsor County ss.}

I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court of the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that Carlos Coolidge 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 signature to the foregoing certificate is genuine.

Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, this first day of September A.D. 1843.

N. Williams,
Clerk.
Page 17

[left side] [illegible] Feby 48 - no 2155
Vol P. page 109.

29,350 Act 3 Mar [18]55 Rec 31 Mar [18]55
Deborah Porter, widow of William Porter, priv. [PRIVATE]

Capt. Cushman's Compy [COMPANY] Col. Bedel's Regt N. [NEW] Hampshire Contl [CONTINENTAL] Line - Rev. [REVOLITIONARY] War.

Ent. [ENLISTED]
Dis. [DISCHARGED]

Revolutionary War.
Pension dated.
Admd [ADMITTED] 160 ac's. [ACREAS] Aug 14/ [18]55
3770 iss [ISSUED] Aug 16/ [18]55
Deborah Porter Waitsfield Vermont
Page 18

State of Vermont 
County of Washington ⎬

On this 23d day of March AD. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Deborah Porter aged 99 years a resident of Warren in the State of Vermont who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of William Porter deceased, who was a soldier in the [crossed out "company commanded"] revolutionary war. She further states that she is the identical widow Deborah Porter who is now receiving a pension of ninety six dollars per year. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855." She also declares that she has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress nor made any other application therefore
Deborah her X mark Porter

We Abial Hanks and Joseph Vickery residents of Warren in the State of Vermont upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Deborah Porter in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements
of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. We further state that we have this day seen a certificate signed by A.H.H Stuart [Alexander Hugh Holmes Stuart] Secretary of the Interior which entitles the applicant to 96 dollars per year commencing July 1st ,1818

Abial E Hanks
Joseph Vickery
Page 19


The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the
claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.

Calvin Fullerton
Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont 
Washington County ⎬

I Shubael Wheeler, Clerk of the County Court for the county of Washington in the state of Vermont, which is a Court of Record, hereby certify that Calvin Fullerton Esq. was on the 23rd day of March AD. 1853, the date of the execution of the foregoing, and now is, an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified
by the Laws of this State to administer Oaths for general purposes. that I am acquainted with his hand writing [sic] and believe his signature to the foregoing to be genuine

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my Hand & affix the seal of said County Court at Montpelier in said County this 26th day of March AD 1853.

Shubael Wheeler Clerk
Page 20

Rev. War Section.
July 31, 1916.

Jessie Porter,
1628 Thomas Street,
St Paul, Minn.
Madam;

In addition to the military history of William 
Porter W. F. No. 18,700 Rev. War, you are furnished the following data as to his children:

Susannah born November 14, 1779. William Jr. born September 8, 1781. Smith Ainsworth February 7, 1784. Samuel born August 5, 1786. 
Hannah born March 19, 1789. Molly born August 9, 1791. Calvin born March 3, 1794. 
Esther born July 18, 1796. Oliver born March 24, 1799. Alvan born January 13, 1802.

Very respectfully,
G M Saltzgaber
Commissioner.
Page 21

O. W. and N. Division. 3-525.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., March. 5, 1906.

M.R.
Wid. [WIDOW] file 18700.
Rev. War

Sir,

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of William Porter, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (and his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.|
LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.| 
STATE.|

Dec. 1775 | 1 yr. | Private | Captain Jones, Colonel Reed | N.H.

Immediately after | 4 mos. | Private | Captain Cushman Colonel Bedel | N.H. |

Battles engaged in, none mentioned.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, _____
Date of application for pension, Apl 1,1818.
Residence at date of application, Warren, Washington Co, Vt.
Age at date of application, 66 years. He died Feb. 10, 1843, at Warren, Vt.
Remarks: His and his widow's claims were allowed. Soldier married Deborah Ainsworth, Dec. 3, 1776, at Windsor, Vt. (He was 64 years old in 1820. Children; Susannah, b. [BORN] Nov. 14, 1779; William Jr. b. [BORN] Sept 8, 1781; Smith Ainsworth born Feb. 7, 1784; Samuel b. [BORN] Aug. 5, 1786; Hannah, b [BORN] Mch [MARCH] 24, 1789.  Molly, b. [BORN] Aug 9, 1791; Calvin, b. [BORN] Mch [MARCH] 3, 1794; Esther, b. [BORN] July 18, 1796; Oliver, b. [BORN] Mch [MARCH] 24, 1799; Alvan, b. [BORN] Jan.13, 1802.

Very Respectfully,
Rev Guy Porter
Nooksack, Washington. 

Commissioner.

20581b3m11-05
Wid. [WIDOW] applied Aug. 17 1843 at 87 yrs. res [RESIDENCE] Warren, Vt.
Page 22

3770
160 acres
Page 23

6035
Debora Porter Vt.

Let. [LETTER] to W.W. Cadwell, Aug 27 [18] 44
Same April 22d, 1865

act 4 July 1836
Page 24

Payment to be made at Montpelier by Rawsel R. Keith Esq.
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Vermont.

Payable on the 4th September and and 4th March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 79 Vol. 3

Leo Jenkins, Clerk.
Page 25

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.

I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848, Deborah Porter, widow of
William Porter, who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of forty dollars ["and cents" crossed out] per annum, commencing 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 18th day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.
J. G. Mason acting Secretary of War.

Examined and Countersigned.
J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
By F. S. Evans.
Page 26

No.
Deborah Porter Widow of William Vermont
act 7 July 1838 and joint resolution of the 23 January 1845.

Adm [ADMITTED] 12 mo per $40.00 per anm [ANNUM]
Adm [ADMITTED] acts 3 March 1843
and 17 June 1844 $40.00 per anm [ANNUM]

W. W. Cadwell
Montpelier, Vt.
Page 27

Nooksack, Wash [WASHINGTON] Jan. 29/ [19]'06

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir: - I am anxious to know all I can of my
grandfather, a revolutionary soldier. His name was William Porter. He must have enlisted in Mass. or Conn. but afterwards lived at Windsor, Vt., and died at Warren, Vt. He drew a pension. After his death his widow was pensioned. Her name was Deborah.

Any information you can send me will be most thankfully received.

Yours Truly, 
Rev. Guy Porter

[stamp] U.S.P.D. OLD WAR & NAVY FILES. FEB 7 1906
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE. A FEB 6 1906
Page 28

Josephus Ruggs
afft [AFFIDAVITT]
Nov 25 1818
Page 29

State of Vermont
Orleans Coy [COUNTY] Ss.

Josephus Rugg of Campton in the county of 
Richelieu & Bowen of Lower Canada aged sixty six years being duly sworn deposes & says that he is personally acquainted with William Porter of Warren in the County of Addison & State of Vermont who hath applied for a pension under the provision of an act of Congress of the 18 of March 1818 and does well recollect the sd [SAID] William Porter did enlist into the continental service on or about the
first day of Jany [JANUARY] 1776 in Capt. Jones' Company & Col Reid Regiment in the New Hampshire Line for the term of one year and does well know that the sd [SAID] Wm [WILLIAM] Porter did faithfully serve against the common enemy for more than nine months at that time in the Regiment & his [illegible] and was honorably discharged when his term of enlistment ended.

Josephus Rugg

Sworn & subscribed before me this 28 day of
[illegible] AD 1818

William Howe Justice of [THE] Peace
Page 30

I further certify that it has satisfactorily been
shewn [sic] to me that the sd [SAID] Josephus Rugg, the above Deponent is a credible witness and I [illegible] certify the same.

William Howe Just [JUSTICE] of [THE] Peace

State of Vermont,
Washington Ss.}

I hereby certify that William Howe Esquire, before whom the within affidavit appeared when taken, was at the time Justice of the Peace duly qualified acting under the authority of this state, & that his name subscribed thereto is his own proper signature

In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand
& official seal this 5th day of December
AD. 1818.

George Rich, Clerk
Page 31

State of Vermont 
Washington Ss.   ⎬   
David Rugg of Woodbury in the County of Caledonia, being of the age of Seventy three years, and duly sworn doth depose and say that he is personally acquainted with William Porter of Warren who has applied for a pension & for whose benefit this affidavit is taken, and well knows that said Porter in the year 1776 belonged to Colo Rui's Regt. of Captain Jones' Company  of the New Hampshire line of the Continental establishment & that sd [SAID] Porter did serve in sd [SAID] Regt. & Company for more than nine months, at that time when he was honorably discharged - That this deponent belonged & served in the same Company at the same time & belonged to the same mess with said Porter.
David Rugg

Sworn & subscribed before me this 24 day of
November A.D. 1818. And I certify that the
above Deponent is a credible witness in my opinion.

George Rich Justice of the Peace
Page 32

State of Vermont
Washington Ss.

It is hereby certified that George Rich, before whom the within affidavit was taken is a Justice of the Peace, acting under the authority of this State - that his name subscribed thereto is his proper handwriting.

Witness my hand and the seal of said County
this 5th day of December A.D. 1818
George Rich, Clerk of the County aforesd [AFORESAID]

[sideways] David Rugg's [illegible]
Page 33

Hon J. L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 34

Montpelier December 21st 1843
Mr. J. L. Edwards
Sir

I forward you the declaration of Deborah Porter under the Act of July 4, 1836. As I
presumed from the Evidence and her declaration she was married prior to the last period of the service of her said Husband and that she could not apply under any other act but if I am incorrect you will please set me right with such information as I may need. 

I have not as yet received the certificates of Mrs. Haskell and Mrs. Sawyer for the arrears of their pension under the Act of July 7th 1838. I sometime since received a letter from you dated Oct 18th Informing the arrears due Mrs. Haskell & Sawyer would be paid at Burlington to which I replied informing you that the certificates for that purpose had not been
received by me nor any other person to my knowledge. In your Letter of the 27 Sept you say it appears that the certificates of Mrs. Haskell & Sawyer for arrears was sent on the 4 Sept about the regular transmission of the Mail .I received Mrs. Haskell & Sawyer Certificates under the act of 3 March 1843 for one year,
and not any certificates for the arrears due them. I have since written on the subject twice and I have received no answer, nor have I received the certificate presuming the continued press of business at your office has cause the delay. The applications I believe were forwarded in May last and the old Ladies think me tardy in not procuring their certificates.
Page 35

but I hope by the time this reaches you, [illegible] will be enabled to look up this matter and the certificate forwarded and my old friends minds quieted and that I shall not be continually visited by them and urged to press their wishes upon your mind.

The Declaration of Mrs. Martha Bemis forwarded you on the 5 Oct last I have not heard from but had supposed from receiving my others at about the same length of time I should have been in receipt of it before this time but in due time presume it will arrive.

I am Sir Yours very Respectfully
Yours
William W. Cadwell
Page 36

Montpelier September 8th 1848
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir
I have attached the required Certificate
to the following declaration in form according to my understanding in yours of the 28th
August last Sickness has prevented this short delay and I hope at your earliest convenience I may see the Certificates, the two remaining ones shall forward as soon as I can get them properly certified and the Declarations are of the following Named Persons. 
x Sally Abbott x Dolly Nichols x Lydia Bragg
x Deborah Porter x Anna Barker x Sally Reed
x Martha Brittain x Rebecca Rich x Lydia Dwinell x Abigail Spear x Mehitabel Eaton x Phebe Shattuck x Martha Hazeltine x Sarah Sanders
x Margaret Hillery Alice Flint x Abigail Sawyer
x Elizabeth Hutchinson Betty Weston x Polly Moses

I wish if you have in your office any copies of the Acts which has [sic] been passed by the last Congress relating to the widows of the Revolutionary Soldiers that you would forward me one of each and also such copies of the laws as has [sic] been passed relating to our army which has been to Mexico
Page 37

I understand although I have not seen it myself that their [sic] was an act passed by Congress near the close of Session which brings in all widows of Revolutionary Soldiers who were married as late as the first of January 1800. If such is the case I hope it may be convenient for you to forward me a copy of the same with a copy of the act of Feby [FEBRUARY]
2d 1848 and the Joint Resolution Approved July 1. 1848. and also copies of such laws which have been passed for the benefit of our army which has been to Mexico in regard to back pay bounty Lands & Pensions.
I hope it may be convenient for you to send
me the copies of the Laws immediately on the receipt of this and the Certificates as soon as the other calls in your office will permit.
I am Sir in your Very Obedient and humble Servant
William W. Cadwell

P.S. If it not convenient to furnish me with a copy of the Laws I request you to, will you please inform how I can get them.
Very Respectfully yours
W. W. Cadwell
Page 38

Montpelier February 25th 1845
Sir
I received a letter from the Department dated in August 1844 stating that the proof forwarded to Establish the marriage of Deborah Porter to her husband William Porter for whose services she claimed the benefit
of the Act of Congress passed July 4. 1836 the service which the said Porter presented to establish his claim for the benefit of the act of March 18.1818 closed in Decr. 1776 was so near that the conclusion was that she was married after leaving the service. On recurring to my papers I find in taking her statement preparitory [PREPARATORY] to taking her Declaration that she informed me that her husband was out twice after they were married one of them was at the Alarm of Royalton and the other service was in the vicinity of Hubbardton but my (press)  preference was to take her declaration under the act of July 7. 1838 but her informing me of her husbands [sic] being out after they were married I concluded if I should be under the necesity [NECESSITY] of taking her Declaration a new and it did not occur to me at the time it was necessary for him to prove nine months service and that at one time and supposed he made full proof of all his service, but it appears he proved one year only and since the receipt of said Letter I have been examining the Vermont Rolls and find the two terms of-
Page 39

Service of which Mrs. Porter spoke of and I herewith forward the certificate from the Secretary of State and Certified as I suppose is correct which amount of Service I expect you will credit Mrs. Porter in addition to that furnished by her husband. Could I have foreseen the State of her case as appeared on your books I might have pursued my first inclination, but as I had no information I pursued such a course on the Evidence she related to me I thought would warrant
me in which conclusion I am satisfied was correct.

And now Sir if there is anything more necessary for me to do you will have the goodness to inform me what it is and I will do it.

I am Sir yours very Respectfully
William W. Cadwell

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 40

[sideways] Nov. 20/[18]45
Amended doc. Deborah Porter

20
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 41

Montpelier November 14th 1845
Hon J. L. Edwards

Sir
I here forward you a New Declaration of Mrs. Deborah Porter for her a pension under the Acts of March 3, 1843 & June 17th 1844, taken before a Justice of the peace which is duly authenticated and I presumed would be satisfactory as her former declaration was regularly made before a Court of Record and as it becomes necessary to change our course in regard to this matter as we could not establish the fact of Mr. Porter having served after the marriage took place.

If their should be any thing farther wanting
in this matter you will please inform me of your wishes and I will having the same
complied with.

I am Sir Yours with due Respect
William W. Cadwell
Page 42

State of Vermont
Secretary of State's Office
Montpelier February 25th 1845

I hereby certify that there is on file in this
Office ""A Pay Roll of the men that was (were) out in the Royalton alarm last October, who through mistake were left out of the Roll that I sent in at the session of June last. Hartford Oct. 9. 1781," which Roll is signed  "Joshua Hazen, Capt.;" on which Roll is the name of "William Porter," with an allowance for three days service a private.

Also "A Pay Roll due by the State of Vermont
to Capt. John Benjamin's Company of Militia under the command of Col. Joseph Marsh from the 16th of Aug. 1777 to 4th Oct. inclusive;" on which Roll is the name of
"William Porter" with an allowance for one month and twenty days service as a private.

In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe
my name and affix the seal of this Office this 25th day of February A.D. 1845.

Ferrand F. Merrill
Deputy Secretary of State
Page 43

No. 29.350
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Mar 31st 1855

Deborah Porter wid [WIDOW] of William Porter Pri. [PRIVATE]

Capt. Cushman
Col. Bedel N. H
Rev. War.


Warrant 3770-160-55

Deborah Porter.
Waitsfield Vt.
Page 44

[illegible]
L P Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 45

1628 Thomas Street
St. Paul, Minnesota
June 9, 1916

Pension Department,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir,
Kindly send to me the military history of
William Porter a Revolutionary Soldier from Vt. or N.H. who enlisted about Dec. 1 - 1775.

He died Feb. 10-1843 aged 93 yrs. His wife, Deborah, died Aug. 15 - 1856, aged 100 yrs. 6 mos. 3 days.
Page 46

Any information concerning others is also desired - of one Alvin Porter. Died May 7, 1872
aged 76 yrs. no Rev pensioner alive in 1872.

This information will be very gratefully accepted & I thank you in advance for it.

Respectfully
Jessie Porter,
St. Paul, Minnesota
1628 Thomas St.
Page 47

Rev [REVOLUTIONARY]
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18700
Deborah Porter Widow of William Porter
Pri [PRIVATE] Rev [REVOLUTIONARY] War

Act: Feb 2d, [18]48
Index:- Vol. M Page 113
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 48

Mch [MARCH] 5, 1906 - History to Rev. Guy Porter, Nooksack, Washington.  MR.
[crossed out "1917 Feby 18. History to [illegible"]]
1916 July 21 Hist. [HISTORY] to Jesse Porter.
Page 49

Deborah Porter

7475 ad
Admitted
Page 50

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 2d February 1848.

State of Vermont
Washington County ss.}

On this 18th day of July 1848 personally appeared before me William W. Cadwell
a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Washington Deborah Porter a resident of Warren - in said County aged ninety two
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 on the 2d February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served in the War of the Revolution.

That she is the widow of William Porter who
was a private - in the Revolutionary War; that she has been pensioned under the Acts of Congress of the 7th July 1838. 3d March 1843 and 17th June 1844 which she received at the pension Agency at Montpelier Vermont at the rate of Forty - dollars per annum.

She further declares that she still is a widow,
Deborah her X mark Porter

In presence of Esther Porter

Sworn and Subscribed on the day and year
above written before me

William W. Cadwell Justice of the Peace
Page 51

State of Vermont
Washington County Ss.}

I Shubael Wheeler Clerk of the County Court of the County of Washington and State of Vermont do hereby certify that William W. Cadwell is a Justice of the Peace in and
for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 30th day of November 1847 and will expire on the 30th November 1848, and that his signature within written is genuine.

Given under my hand and the seal of said County on this 19th day of July AD 1848.

Shubael Wheeler Clerk.

State of Vermont
Washington County Ss. ⎬ Montpelier September 6. 1848 This may Certify that I am personally acquainted with Deborah Porter Signer of the within Declaration and do know her to be the identical Person she therein claims herself to be

William W. Cadwell Justice of the peace
Page 52

Deborah Porter
2155 Vt.

Act July [18]48

H H Sylvester 
[illegible] to $96 dedy $40.
[illegible] 1 July 1848.

H.H. Sylvester
Present
Page 53

State of Vermont
Washington County ss ⎬ On this 18 day of January A.D. 1857, before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Deborah Porter who being first duly sworn according to law, upon her oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain an increase and arreas [ARREARS] of Pension due her under the law of Congress. 
That she is the widow of William Porter deceased, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $96.00 per annum; that since the decease of her husband, she has been placed upon the Pension Roll at the rate of $40.00 per annum, and is now in the receipt of said Pension -
She therefore herewith returns the certificate she now holds, and prays that a new certificate may be issued to her for such increase of Pension as she may be entitled to by law

Her x mark Deborah Porter

Sworn to and subscribed this 18 day of January 1857 - Before me
Moses Ordway
Justice of the Peace
Page 54

STATE OF VERMONT
Secretary of States Office,
Montpelier, January 30th A.D. 1851

I certify that Moses Ordway Esquire, whose name is subscribed in his own proper
hand writing to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Washington
duly elected and qualified, and that to
his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are, and ought to be given.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of this Office, at Montpelier, this 30th day of
January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty.

Ferrand F Merrill
Secretary of State
Page 55

[illegible]
Page 56

7475.
Vermont
Deborah Porter, widow of William Porter,
who was a private in the N. Hampshire line
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 19 day of Dec. 1845 and sent to W W. Caldwell Montpelier Vt.

[Act of March 3, 1843.] & 17 June [18]44

Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 66.

letter to Wm [WILLIAM] W. Caldwell August 28. 1848
Rev 20
Page 57

Vermont No. 9779. 

Deborah Porter, widow of William Porter,
who was a pensioner under act 1818,
who died on the 10th. February, 1843,
of Warren (in the State of Vt: - who 
was a priv: [PRIVATE] in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _______ commanded by ___ in the N. Hampshire line for 12 Months

Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier
at the rate of 40 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of
Dec. 1845 and sent W. W. Cadwell, Montpelier, Vt:

Arrears to the 4th of ___ $200.00
Semi-annual allowance ending _____

Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 7, 1838, ["Section the" crossed out] the joint resolutions of July [18]'45
Recorded by W M Stuart - Clerk,
Book D Vol. 1 Page 135.

414.
Page 58

[illegible]
Vt.
January 30 1819
Page 59

State of Vermont 
Orleans ct [COUNTY] Ss.

Nathaniel Walker of Barnston in the County of Richelieu & province of Lower Canada, aged sixty two years & being duly sworn deposes & says that he is personally acquainted with William Porter of Warren in the County of Addison & State of Vermont who hath applied for a pension under the provision of an act of Congress of the 18 of March AD 1818  and does well recollect that the said William Porter did enlist into the Continental service on or about the first of July 1776 in Capt. Jones [sic] Company col Reeds [sic] Regiment in the New Hampshire line for the term of one year and does know well that the sd [SAID] William Porter did faithfully serve against the common enemy for more then [sic] nine months at one time in the Regiment & line afor [AFORESAID] and was honorably discharged when his term of enlistment was expired.

Nellie Walker
Page 60

Sworn & Subscribed before me this 30 day of
Janry [JANUARY] AD 1819 William Howe Just [JUSTICE] of [THE] Peace

State of Vermont
Orleans cty [COUNTY] Ss. Janry [JANUARY] 30 1819

I hereby further certify that it has been satisfactory shewn [SHOWN] to me that the above sd [SAID] Nathaniel Walker the deponent is a credible Witness and I do accordingly certify him as such.

William Howe Just [JUSTICE] of [THE] Peace

STATE OF VERMONT,
Washington COUNTY, ss.

I, George Rich Notary Public within and for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Wm Howe, before whom the above afft. [AFFIDAVIT] was taken, was at the time Justice of the Peace duly qualified, acting under the authority of this State, and that his name subscribed hereto, is his own proper signature...IN witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and notarial Seal at Montpelier this 12th day of February in the year of our
Lord, one Thousand Eight Hundred and nineteen.

George Rich
Page 61

I Sally Abbott of Calais in the County of Washington and State of Vermont Aged Seventy Six years do depose testify and say that I had been living at Hanover N.H. And I left there and went to Windsor Vt in the year seventeen hundred and Eighty Seven Expecting to have returned to Massachusetts but I soon became acquainted with William Porter and his wife whose name was Deborah Porter and I lived in said family and worked for them occasionally and in the neighbourhood [sic] untill [sic] the fall of Seventeen hundred & Eighty Eight when I was married and continued to reside in said Windsor about two years and then removed to Brookfield Massachusetts but still I kept up my acquaintance with said Porter and his wife. When I first became acquainted with William Porter & Deborah Porter they had the following Children. Susanna Porter. William Porter Jr Smith A Porter & Samuel Porter was then an Infant and before I removed to Brookfield Mass. they had another child born
and it was a daughter and they named it Hannah and I was absent in Massachusetts a little over six years and then removed back to Windsor and lived there about two years and the said William & his wife still lived in Windsor and then I Removed to Calais where I now live and the said Porter lived in said Windsor for several years after I left and then he together with his family removed into Warren as I have Visited them since they resided in Warren. And that they have, from my first acquaintance with them lived together as man & Wife untill [sic] I saw the note of his death in the News Paper [sic] sometime in the winter of A.D. 1843. And further your deponent saith not. Jason Marsh
Sally her x mark Abbott

In presence of Scott G Ainsworth

State of Vermont
Washington County Ss.}  Calais October 28th A.D. 1843
Then personally appeared Sally Abbott Signer of the forgoing affidavit and made oath in due form of law

over
Page 62

that the same contains the truth and nothing but the truth and I do further certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Sally Abbott and that she is a credible Witness

Before me E C McLoud/ Justice of [THE] Peace
Page 63

the said William Porter Died which as I have before stated took place in February A D. 1843 as published in the newspapers. I have kept up my acquaintance with W. Porter and his family ever since I first became acquainted them as I have been at his house several times since they moved to Warren and further I understand that the said Deborah Porter is now living and residing in Warren and further your deponent saith not

William Abbott
In presence of

STATE OF VERMONT,
Secretary of State's Office, 
Montpelier, December 21st 1843 ⎬

I certify that E. C. McCloud  Esq whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand writing [sic] to the foregoing certificates, is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county of Washington duly elected and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of this office, at Montpelier, this the 21st day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three.

Ferrand F. Merrill
Deputy Secretary of State.
Page 64

the said William Porter Died which as I have before stated took place in February A.D. 1843 as published in the newspapers. I have kept up my acquaintance with W. Porter and his family ever since I first became acquainted them as I have been at his house several times since they moved to Warren and further I understand that the said Deborah Porter is now living and residing in Warren and further your deponent saith not.
William Abbott

In presence of 
Jason Marsh
Scott G. Ainsworth.

State of Vermont
Washington County Ss.}
Calais October 28th A.D. 1843 Personally
appeared William Abbott signer of the foregoing affidavit and made oath in due form of law that (the) the same contains the truth and nothing but the truth and I do further certify that I am personally acquainted with said William Abbot and that he is a credible witness 
Before me E C Mc Loud Justice of [THE] Peace
Page 65

I William Abbott of Calais in the County of Washington and State of Vermont Aged Eighty years & nine months on the 13th day of September A.D. 1843. My Father in law moved into Windsor by when I was about Eleven years old. Sometime in the course of the year I moved into Windsor, or very first of the next
I became acquainted with William Porter and was acquainted with Deborah Ainsworth for several years before as she had time with my fathers [sic] family in Massachusetts before we moved to Windsor and she moved their [sic] with us. and soon after we came to Windsor being the year seventeen hundred and seventy four that my Father in law moved their [sic] with his family and Deborah Ainsworth went out to the East Parish of Windsor to work doing House work and continued that Employment untill [sic] she was married which was as I was informed took place in the fall of seventeen hundred and seventy six. I was not at the Wedding but I know that the said William Porter and Deborah Ainsworth lived together as man and wife she taking the name of Porter and that she has continued to live with him as his wife untill [sic] his death which I noticed by the news papers [sic] was in February A.D. 1843 in Warren in the County of Washington the place he moved to when he left Windsor And while I lived in Windsor after I understood they were married they had the following Children Susanna Porter. William Porter Jr. Smith Porter, Samuel Porter and Hannah Porter before I removed with my family to Brookfield Mass when I lived with my family a little over six years & then removed back to Windsor and lived about two years, & when I returned to Windsor and where I left with my family and came to Calais where I now live the said William Porter and his wife lived in Windsor and continued to live their [THERE] for several years and then the said William Porter with his family moved to Warren in the County of Washington where he the said William Porter and Deborah Porter lived together as man and wife untill [sic] he
Page 66

the said William Porter Died which as I have before stated took place in February A.D. 1843 as published in the newspapers I have kept up my acquaintance with W. Porter and his family ever since I first became acquainted them as I have been at his house several times since they moved to Warren and further I understand that the said Deborah Porter is now living and residing in Warren and further your deponent saith not

William Abbott

In presence of
Jason Marsh
Scott G Ainsworth.

State of Vermont
Washington County Ss}
Calais October 28th A.D. 1843 Personally
appeared William Abbott signer of the foregoing affidavitt [sic] and made oath in due form of law that (the) the same contains the truth and nothing but the truth and I do further certify that I am personally acquainted with said William Abbot and that he is a credible witness
Before me E C Mc Loud/ Justice of [THE] Peace
Page 67

William Porter
Not on Roll
Returned for further proof
Admd [ADMITTED]

Hon. S. C. Crafts
H.R. [HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES]

date cert. [CERTIFIED] 5 March
Page 68

STATE OF VERMONT,
Washington County, to wit.}

I Stephen Pitkin One of the Judges of the County Court, within and for the County aforesaid, Do certify, That it appears to
my satisfaction, that the said William Porter
did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding Declaration, against the common enemy; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department
of War, pursuant to the directions of the Act of Congress, passed the 18th March, 1818, entitled, "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War."

Given under my hand, at Montpelier this first 
day of April A. D. 1818.

Stephen Pitkin

I further certify that the above applicant
is in reduced circumstances & stands in need of assistance from his country for support

Stephen Pitkin

STATE OF VERMONT,
Washington, ss.}

I, GEORGE RICH, Clerk of the County of Washington, aforesaid, Do certify, That the Honorable STEPHEN PITKIN, who made the above Certificate, and before whom the annexed Declaration was taken, was a Judge of the County Court within and for the County aforesaid, at the respective dates thereof, acting under the authority of this State, and
duly qualified for that purpose; and that his name subscribed thereto, is his own
proper signature.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said County, at Montpelier in said County, this first day of April in the Year One Thousand eight hundred and Eighteen.

Geo [GEORGE] Rich Clerk.
Page 69

No
Deborah Porter Widow of William Vermont
act 7 July 1838
Married 1776
husband died Feby [FEBRUARY] 1843
Page 70

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the acts of Congress passed on the 3d March 1843 and 17th June 1844 granting Pensions to certain Widows.

State of Vermont
Washington County Ss.}

On this seventh day of November Eighteen hundred and forty five personally appeared before me William B. Tyler a Justice of the peace within and for the County of Washington in the State of Vermont Deborah Porter a resident of Warren in the County of Washington and State of Vermont aged Eighty nine 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 acts of Congress, passed on the 3d March 1843 and June 17, 1844. entitled, "Acts granting half pay and pensions to certain widows:" That she is the widow of William Porter who was a private in the Army of the Revolution 
And that my said husband as he often told me that he served in all three years and eight months at the various times he often told me the officers under whom he served but I do not at this time recollect only one and that was a man by the name of Jones who was a Captain, and according to my best recollection my husband informed me that he served at Winter Hill near Boston Mass. and when he left Winter Hill he passed through New London Connecticut for New York and tarried their [sic] awhile but how long I cannot state  and when he left New York he went to Crown Point and Ticonderoga in the State of New York and that he left Ticonderoga and Crown Point and went into the province of Canada as far as the three
Rivers and then returned back to Ticonderoga at which place a furlough was granted him to return home as he had but a short time more to serve to complete the term of his enlistment. But I would respectfully refer to the Declaration and application of my said husband William Porter to whom a pension was granted under the act of Congress passed on the 18th March 1818 of Ninety six dollars per annum for all the particulars when my said
(over)
Page 71

husband served and the names of the officers under whom he served and for the length of time he served as it will their more fully appear together with all the evidence there embraced on which a pension was granted him but I would here state that my husband was out as a citizen three days when Royalton was
destroyed in a scouting party and he started for Hubbardton at the time of the skirmish there but did not get their until all the fighting was over on that occasion in common with other citizens from Windsor the place of his then residence which two short services took place after I was married to my said husband. And I would also refer to my declaration and application for a pension under the act of Congress passed on the 4th July 1836 with the accompanying papers and certificates for the Proof of my marriage to the said
William Porter now on file in the War office.
She further declares that she was married to the said William Porter on the third day of December in the year Seventeen hundred and seventy six, that her husband, the aforesaid William Porter died on the tenth day of
February A.D. 1843 at Warren in the State of Vermont; 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 viz at the time above stated. And that she still remains a widow and the widow of the aforesaid William Porter.

Deborah her X mark Porter.

In presence of
Calista Porter
Wm. B Tyler

Sworn to and subscribed on this seventh day of Novr [NOVEMBER] Eighteen hundred and forty five.

Before me
Wm. B Tyler Justice of the Peace
Page 72

STATE OF VERMONT.
Secretary of State's Office, 
Montpelier, November 13th 1845}

I certify that William B. Tyler Esq whose name is subscribed in his own proper hand writing to the foregoing certificate, is and was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county of Washington duly elected and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of this office, at Montpelier, this the 13th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five.

Ferrand F. Merrill
Deputy Secretary of State.