Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 10393, for John Taplin, Vermont
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(3-1776)  SERVICE  NUMBER
[handwritten] 
Vt.  Taplin, John  R10393
[/handwritten]
CONTENTS
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[handwritten] 
Additional & Amended Declaration of John Taplin

John Taplin

suspend
[/handwritten]
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I John Taplin of Berlin County of Washington aged 84 years do declare in addition & amendment to my former declaration made on the 18th day of January 1833 in order to obtain a pension under the act of June 7 1832 that I now [find] I moved into Corinth in the year 1777 instead of 1778 as first stated. this correction I make for the fact of the birth of my son Henry who was born in said Corinth hes now 56 years of age_ I will remember I received my commission as Captain from Governor Chittenden the year after I moved into Corinth _ I therefore believe said commission was dated in July 1778 as I well [re ] it was soon after the session of the Vermont Legislature & they had an  ajourned session in June 1778_ I immediately commenced actual service as Captain organising my men & was stationed at said Corinth where the fort was afterward built I continued in actual service into the month of December_ when the snow got deep we felt a degree of security_ we no longer continued actually in service but during the winter had ourselves in readiness to march in case of alarm at a moments warning_ I had orders in Spring to prepare my company for actual service & the first of May 1779 I again went into actual service & was stationed at said Corinth & commenced building a fort _ another company was stationed there & I being well acquainted with the woods, was after the arrival of  that company latter part of June employed in scouting & reconnoiting parties a large part of my time but my headquarters was at the fort their building_ The company left us in November, & I was then in solo charge of the fort & continued there until December quite the latter part when I left the Fort in charge of a guard & went home to my farm which was about 4 miles from the fort on the road toward Newbury. I was occasionally at the fort during the winter having a Superintending care thereof and during the winter held ourselves ready at a moments warning_ Early in spring I again was ordered
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to prepare for duty_ and about the last of April again commenced actual Service and was stationed at the fort_ This year 1780 two additional companies were stationed at the fort and arrived he believed in June_ were employed in enlarging the fort scouting reconnoiting as the past year_ This year the Indians burnt Royalton & there was great alarm & he took his family to the fort for safety & at some other times they were there_ His time of service of the other troops was out the last of November & they left the fort & owing to the great alarm from the depredations of the Indians he was detained on actual duty at the fort untill Jany 1781. Col. Wait was in command of the troops the past season but when snow began to be deep left the Fort under my command_ very early in spring of 1781 he was ordered to the fort & the first of April commenced actual service _ according to the best of his recollection three companies were stationed at Corinth & all under the command of Col Wait_ They were all employed in enlarging and strengthening the fort & scouting expecting an attack from the British & Indians_ Early in fall of 1781 the other troops left the fort and his company was again in sole charge of it_ he continued in service untill the last of December_ when he again returned to his family & left it in charge of a guard living near by_ but he often visited it during the winter_ In spring of 1782 he was again ordered to the fort & took actual charge of it the first of May & was there stationed untill sometime in July. The alarm from Indians having from the    policy of the Governor of Vermont been greatly allayed, a small guard was only kept at the fort and his company & himself ordered to hold themselves in readiness at a moments warning in case of any alarm_ I may be mistaken as to the years Col. Wait was in command it might have been 1779 & 1780_ but he believes it was in
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in the years 1780 and 1781. he well recollects that said Wait was in command at the fort two seasons or campaigns_ the precise day of month I went into actual service each year as Captain I cannot remember nor the day I left actual service in each month_ My care & service as a minute man after July 1782 was continued until peace was declared in 1783 and the fort was under my care & my self & company were in constant readiness the whole time but only a small guard actually on duty and there at short periods_ and he now states & verily believes that he was in actual service as Captain of the Vermont Militia from last of July to the first of December 1778 over 4 months from May to middle December 1779 over 7 months & from last of April 1780 to 1st of Jany 1781 over 8 months & from 1st April 1781 to last of December 1781 over 8 months & 1782 from 1st May to 1st July 1782 and for his services as Capt. as before he claims a pension
John Taplin
Sworn to & subscribed before me April 20th A.C. 1833 William Cadwell Justice of Peace
State of Vermont Washington County I Joshua Y. Nail Clerk of Washington County Court do hereby certify that William W. Cadwell Esq who has affixed his name to the foregoing is a Justice of the peace duly appointed & acting under the authority of this state and that his name thereto as such is his own proper hand writing_ In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official seal at Montpelier this 20th day of April AD. 1833 Joshua Y. Nail Clerk
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Brigham Taplin
I Brigham Taplin of Corinth  the County of Orange & State of Vermont aged sixty seven years do testify and say that my father moved from Newbury in this county to Corinth in the fall of the same year that Burgoyne was taken at that time my Brother John Taplin with his family moved in at Newbury, who moved to Corinth I think the year following.  I was young at that time but very well recollect that my Brother John Taplin who now resides in Berlin in Washington County Vermont did duty at Newbury as a private under Genl Bailey Soon after the said John Taplin came into Corinth he was made a Captain of the Militia and commissioned by Govern Chittenden late Governor of Vermont and did duty as a Captain for three or four years.  He with his Company did duty & service as the Fort in Corinth under Col. Wait at the time Col. Wait was stationed at the Fort in Corinth _ in the years 1778, 1779, 1780, 1781, & 1782. Corinth was a frontier settlement. The inhabitants were in a constant state of alarm, and daily & hourly expected the enemy, Indians & Tories & British upon them. I well recollect the Burning of Royalton. The inhabitants carried their fire arms with them when they attended meetings on the Sabbath. The said John Taplin was a leading man in Corinth and was constantly engaged in active business in the good cause against the enemy either at Corinth or at other places. General Bayley of New Jersey was commissioned as the General Commander of this section of Country and all his orders & directions
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obeyed. and from the acquaintance that I have of the past and [] & [] wrote of my Brother John Taplin during the Revolutionary War I do not hesitate to state that as a private at Newbury & as a Captain at Corinth he was in actual service and did duty in behalf of the United States of [] the [serving?] even as a Captain for a period for more than three years - and further the deponent saith not.  Brigham Taplin
State of Vermont Orange County Corinth in said County September 24 1832 Personally appeared the above named Brigham Taplin and made solemn oath that the aforesaid deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and I further certify that I have been personally acquainted with the said Brigham Taplin for many years, he is considered a credible & []  [] and a man of truth & veracity.  
[] [] Wm. Spencer Justice of the Peace
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Mansfield Taplin
I Mansfield Taplin of Corinth in the County of Orange & State of Vermont aged seventy eight years do testify and say that I moved into the Town of Corinth in the year 1777 and have made it my residence in sd Town ever since_ 
Corinth in the time of the Revolutionary War was a frontier settlement and exposed to the depredations of the Tories, Indians, & the British, my Brother John Taplin formerly of Corinth now residing in Berlin in the County of Washington & State of Vermont was appointed a Captain of a Company of Militia and commissioned by Govern Chittenden then Gover of Vermont_
I was out and did duty in scouting frontier for several years during the war_
I know that my Brother John Taplin did duty during the War in the Years 1780, 1781, 1782
The said John Taplin did service as a private under General Bayley at Newbury in this County and as a Captain in Corinth under Col. Wait i should say that my Brother John during the aforesaid years was in actual service for more than two year and further the deponent saith not.   
attest Wm. Spencer           
 Mansfield Taplin
his mark X
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State of Vermont Washington County
I Timothy Merrill Secretary of State of the State of Vermont do hereby certify that Wm. Spencer Esquire before where the four affidavits here together attached of Brigham Taplin Hannah Nutting Vodoca Lovewell & Mansfield Taplin were taken here on the 22 & 24th days of September AD 1832 a Justice of the peace [ ] and for the County of orange duly appointed & acting under the Authority of this State & I believe his Signature thereto to be his proper bound writing_  
In testimony whereof I leave hereunto Set my hand & official Seal this 18th day of January AD. 1833  Timothy Merrill Secretary of State

State of Vermont Orange County Corinth in sd County Sept 22 AD 1832
Personally appeared the witness named Mansfield Taplin & made solemn oath to the truth of the within deposition by him subscribed & I certify that the said Mansfield Taplin is a credible witness and a man of truth & veracity
before me Wm Spencer  Justice of the peace
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State of Vermont Orange County Corinth in sd County Sept 22 AD 1832
Personally appeared the witness named Mansfield Taplin & made solemn oath to the truth of the within deposition by him subscribed & I certify that the said Mansfield Taplin is a credible witness and a man of truth & veracity
before me Wm Spencer  Justice of the peace



[upside down}
State of Vermont Washington County
I Timothy Merrill Secretary of State of the State of Vermont do hereby certify that Wm. Spencer Esquire before where the four affidavits here together attached of Brigham Taplin Hannah Nutting Vodoca Lovewell & Mansfield Taplin were taken here on the 22 & 24th days of September AD 1832 a Justice of the peace [ ] and for the County of orange duly appointed & acting under the Authority of this State & I believe his Signature thereto to be his proper bound writing_  
In testimony whereof I leave hereunto Set my hand & official Seal this 18th day of January AD. 1833  Timothy Merrill Secretary of State
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Declaration of John Taplin 

J. Y. Vail Agent
S. Haight Office Sargeant at Arms 
 Senate
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State of Vermont County of Washington On this 6th day of January A.C. 1833 personally appeared, before the Honorable Court within and for the County of Washington aforesaid, now sitting, John Taplin a resident of Berlin in the County of Washington and State of Vermont, aged 84 years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832:-
That he entered Service of the United States, in the year 1776 & served as herein after Stated_ That when the war broke out he was Sheriff of the County of Gloucester [E] the Eastern part of the State of Vermont there claimed to be und the Jurisdiction of the State of New York- He first received ord to keep the peace & protect the people as a peace office under the Jurisdiction & pledge Allegiance to the State of New york He There resided in Newbury lying on the west side of Connecticut River_ In the close of the year 1776 he received ords to give up the said Jurisdiction & said [Judiciary] provenance_ [] received from Genl Bailey as a Genl of Militia belonging to the State of Newyork for the people to arm & equip themselves & be in readiness as minutemen to defend themselves & the frontiers_ He believes the first orders of this description was about the 1st of May 1776- That he volunteered as a minuteman with the rest of his neighbors_ He took charge or lead as their Captain, although he had no commission or appointment except by the minute men & from instructions received by him from [] time [] 3 He continued this kind of service & occasionally out Scouting & watching the frontiers during that year& in the year 1777 and during the time they built a sort of a piqach or log fort for the protection of the citizens against incursions of the Enemy. Such as Indians British & Tories-
In 1778, as near as he can now remember (being very much broken by the infirmities of age) he during the latter part of the year, moved to Corinth_ That in the Summer following, after the Election of Tho. Chittenden as Govr of Vermont the people in that vicinity having [] [] to the State of Newyork & set up a Government of their own, he was chosen
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2
captain of the Militia of Vermont and was commissioned as such by Govr. Thos. Chittenden
He took command of his company, and in that year, 1779 as near as he can now remember, the Fort at Corinth was built or at least, partly built_ and he was in Actual Service nearly the whole of this year, Scouting, building the Fort and reconnoitering the Frontiers- Being well acquainted with the woods & adjoining country he was out Scouting & watching-
In 1780, as he now believes was the year, Col. Benjamin Wait then a major of Militia took the command of the Fort, and one to two additional companies were stationed there- During this year the Indians Brittish & Tories made an Excursion down White River & plundered and burnt the town of Royalton_ during this Alarm the forces from Corinth Started in pursuit of the Indians, and after March about two days an express came to Corinth saying that a large party of Indians had gone down Wells River to Burn Newbury_ He started with all possible speed over took them & they returned & went to Newbury as quick as they could possible reach there, but found the Alarm to be a false one having been raised by the Tories to give the Indians time to Escape with their Booty_ 
I continued in constant service with my Company through the fall into near the middle of winter being in constant fear that the Indians might Surprise us & make an attack on the Fort- Early in Spring of 1781 I with my Company at least apart thereof were in active Service in the fort & keeping a vigilant watch - two other companies were stationed at the fort during this Season being under the command of Lieut. Col. B. Wait who had been promoted - we were Employed in Strengthening the Fort & guarding the Frontiers & in Scouting parties- a party under me passing by Lake
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Surprise- Our duty was Arduous as there were a great many Tories & Indians & [] were continually watching and alarming us_ There was an alarm in 1777 or 1778 before he left Newbury- A party of Indians headed by a British Officer & Some tories made an Excursion down the Connecticutt River, passed by our fort in Newbury which was some miles back from the river & passed down as far as No 4 now Charlestown N.H. _ The Officer & a tory were taken at Said Charlestown but the Indians keeping back made their Escape_
He has no writing of any kind to show his said Services- His commission as all his other revolutionary papers such as returns of his Sargeants rolls & his commission as Sheriff were burnt in his house which was Entirely consumed the 26th day of March 1828-
He verily believes he was in actual Service in 1776 in defense of his country as a Minute man four months at least 4 months
In 1777 Do six Do 6 mo
In 1778 Six Do  6 mo
16 mo 
In 1779 as Captain of Militia under a commission from Gov. Chittenden 6 mo
In 1780 Do 8 mo
In 1781 Do 9 mo
In 1782 Do 6 mo
29 mo
And for this last Service he now claims a pension and as Evidence of his
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Service he herewith presents the accompanying affidavits of Brigham Taplin Mansfield Taplin, Hannah Nutting & Vodoca Lovewell who were well knowing to his Said Services-
And in answer to the questions put to him under the instructions of the Secretary at Wars he States that he was born at Southbury State of Massachusetts in July 1748. That he has no record of his age, but believes it maybe found on the town records of Said Southbury- was living in Newbury in this State when he first Entered Service as a Minute Man and in Corinth when he received his commission as Captain of Vermont Militia_ & Served under Major Col. B. Wait -  Has lived in Vermont Ever since the close of the war and the last 40 years in the town of Berlin where he now resides_ He Entered voluntarily as a Minute man & as  Militia man too_ There was not other field Officer but Col. Wait while in Vermont Service & Genl. Bailey was the commander & a Major Hoisington of the New York Jurisdiction_
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[handwritten] 
State of Vermont
Washington District

I Daniel P. Thompson Clerk & Register of the Court of probate within and for the District of Washington afore

Taplin, John
Vt. R10393
[/handwritten]
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fort & scouting & guarding the frontiers_ a Party under me passing by lake Champlain into Canada down the River St Johns on to an 
Eminence where they had a fair & distinct view of the fort- they were guides by a friendly Indian called Old Joe, who has been a pensioner of the State of Vermont_
Late in the fall the other companies left the fort & my company only remained & man the fort & Guard the frontiers during the winter and during this winter & the winter before myself & company held ourselves in readiness that whole time to march at a moments hearing_ In 1782 - I was again called into Service & took command of the fort the principal part of the time in that Service being occasionally on the look out & on Scouting parties watching lest we Should be taken by
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He received his commission as Captain of Vermont Militia while in Service under said Col. B. Wait from Govr. Thos. Chittenden which was destroyed with other revolutionary papers in his house burnt in March 1828_  He had no commission while acting under Genl. Bailey- 
He states the names of the Revd. Chester Wright a clergyman & Genl. Ezekiel P. Walton both of Montpelier residing near him & who have long known him & are well acquainted with him & can testify as to his character for truth & veracity & their belief of his Services as an officer of the Revolution_
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension, or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state.  Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. 
John Taplin
Attest. Daniel S. Thompson Clerk & Register
We, Chester Wright a clergyman residing in the town of Montpelier, County of Washington and Ezekiel P. Walton of said Montpelier hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Taplin who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 84 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier and officer of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.  Chester Wright  Ezekiel P. Walton
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Daniel P. Thompson Clerk & Register
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter  and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.  And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Chester Wright who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the said town of Montpelier and the Ezekiel P. Walton who has also signed the same, is a resident in the said town of Montpelier and is a credible person, and their statement is entitled to credit. 
Attest, Daniel P. Thompson Clerk & Register I Daniel P. Thompson Clerk of the Court of Probate for the said County of Washington do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of John Taplin for a pension.  
In Testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal of office this 18th day of January A.D. 1833 Attest, Daniel P. Thompson Clerk & Register
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said do hereby certify that these six pieces of paper here together attached contain the original proceedings of Said court and are the Original papers used beforesaid court in the matter of the application of John Taplin for a pension_ In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & seal of said Court this 27th day of March AD 1833 Daniel P. Thompson Clerk & Regr
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John Taplin

S. Haight Esq
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We the Subscribers Inhabitants of Montpelier County of Washington do hereby certify that we have long been acquainted with Capt. John Taplin late a resident of Berlin about 2 1/2 miles from Montpelier Village now residing in said village county of Washington State of Vermont that we have always understood he was active in the Revolutionary War was one of the original Settlers of this part of the State, an active Enterprising man and do verily believe him entitled to a pension_ 
Montpelier Village Jany. 29. 1834
Timothy Hubbard
John Spalding
E. P. Walton
R. M. [Brith or Krith] 
William Upham
Jeduthum Loomis
Nicholas Baylin
Thos. Reed
Joseph Reed
Timothy Merrill
Daniel Baldwin
Joseph Howes
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I William Spencer of Corinth in the  County of Orange and State of Vermont aged fifty two years testify and say that I have resided in sd Corinth for the past thirty years. I know the fact that about all the first settlers of said Corinth have gone down to the grave and are dead very many have died since I have moved in sd town
I have [] this [] [] within half a mile of where the fort was built in the time of the american Revolutionary war, I have heard the first settler [] in their life time about the Fort the Troops stationed at sd Fort and have also heard them state that Captain John Taplin once of sd Corinth now residing in Montpelier in sd State did duty as a Captain of a militia Company of soldiers in the time of the Revolutionary War and that he also did duty & performed service in behalf of the State against the enemy and further deponent saith not.    Wm Spencer
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State of Vermont Orange County Corinth Nov 20th 1833 Personally appeared William Spencer and under oath to the truth of the within deposition by him subscribed and I certify that the said William Spencer is a man of truth and veracity before me. Samuel Butterfield Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont Washington County I Joshua Wail Clerk of Washington County court do hereby certify that Samuel Butterfield is a magistrate duly appointed & acting under the Authority of this State & that his name thereto as such is his own proper hand writing
 In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand & seal of Office this 22nd day of November AD 1833
Joshua Wail Clerk
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I Brigham Taplin of Corinth in the County of Orange & State of Vermont aged sixty seven years do testify & say that I will recollect that during the War of the american Revolution and during the time that Col. Wait was stationed at the Fort in the Town of Corinth that my Brother John Taplin was then a Captain of a company of soldiers under the command of the said Col. Wait & doing duty under him I was present & heard Col. Wait order my Brother John Taplin as Captain to take a [] of his men and put a certain individual under arrest which order was immediately complied with -
I have been present and heard Col. Wait order & direct my Brother John as Captain of his company to select & send out scouting parties which order were always immediately complied with & obeyed. I have always understood & have heard other aged people that are now dead & gone [converse?] about the War that my
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Brother John Taplin did actual duty under the command & orders of Col. Wait as a Captain of his Company during the whole time of the said Col. Wait being stationed at sd Fort in sd Corinth and further the deponent saith not.
Brigham Taplin
State of Vermont Orange County Corinth in sd. County May 27th AD 1833 personally appeared the above named Brigham Taplin and made solemn oath that the aforesaid deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and I further certify that I have for a long period been personally acquainted with the said Brigham Taplin and that he has always & still supports the character of an [] man & a man of truth & veracity. 
 before me Wm Spencer Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont Washington County I Joshua Wail Clerk of Washington County court do hereby certify that William Spencer Esqr before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken is a magistrate duly appointed under the Authority of this State & that his name thereto as such is his own proper handwriting. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 28th day of May 1833 J. Wail Clerk
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I Samuel Butterfield of Topsham in the County of Orange & State of Vermont aged sixty eight years testify & say that in the year 1780 I was [] to go to the Town of Corinth in sd County of Orange to help build a saw mill and in the month of October of the same year 1780 worked one month which was within half a mile of the Fort in sd Corinth where was stationed at that time two or three companies of soldiers under the command of Col. Wait . while I was at work or during the month. I visited the Fort several times. I understood at that time it was necessary to keep a [] stationed at said Corinth to keep off the Indians tories & British who were prowling about in the vicinity and watching their opportunity to make depredation upon the settlers about the same time there were troops stationed at Bethel and other troops at Peacham for the same purpose_ 
I am now & have been for many years acquainted with the people in the Town of sd Corinth and do further testify that on the first settlers of sd Town of Corinth are dead or superannuated. I don't know if our aged person residing in sd Town that is capable of giving testimony. I further say that Royalton was burned by the Indians about that time and it was necessary to keep troops stationed in
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[] plans to protect the settlers & keep off the enemy
I further say that I have always understood from aged people in the Town of Corinth (now all dead) that John Taplin now residing in Montpelier in Vermont was a Captain of a company of Corinth militia and did duty as such for several years in the time of the American Revolutionary War
I further say that my home at the time of my service in 1780 above [referred] to was at Newbury in sd County & moved from sd Newbury to Topsham and further deponent saith not
Samuel Butterfield

State of Vermont Orange County Corinth in sd County Novem. 20 AD 1833
When Samuel Butterfield Esq the signer of the above affidavit personally appeared & made solemn oath to the above affidavit by him  subscribed that the name is true in all its parts I who certify that the sd Samuel Butterfield is a man of truth & veracity before me Wm. [] Justice of the Peace
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I Samuel Hasaltin of Corinth in the County of Orange & State of Vermont aged fifty seven years, testify & say that I have constantly resided in the Town of Corinth aforesd for the past forty nine years , I am considerably acquainted in sd town with most of the Inhabitants of the same and do not believe there is now living in said Town of Corinth nor do I [] any one alive any where one that served as a soldier at the fort built in sd Town in the time of the american Revolutionary War, I further state that about all [] of the first settlers of sd town have died or gone to other parts and further the deponent saith not.  Saml Hasaltin
State of VErmont Orange County Corinth in [] Mar 20 AD 1833 Personally appeared before me Samuel Hasaltin Esq and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed and I certify that the has Samuel [] is a reputable respectable man & a man of truth and veracity. Wm Spencer Justice of the Peace
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State of Vermont Washington County I Joshua Wail Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Washington aforesaid do hereby certify that Wm Spencer Esqr before whom the within affidavit was taken and also the affidavit of Saul Butterfield hereto attached is a magistrate duly appointed and acting under the authority of this State & that his Signature thereto as such is his own proper handwriting  I testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 22nd day of November 1833 Joshua Wail Clerk
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State of Vermont Secretary of State's Office Montpelier, April 19 1833
I Timothy Merrill Secretary of State of the State of Vermont hereby certify that Thomas Chittenden was elected Governor of the State of Vermont under the first constitution of the state in March 1778, as appears by records in this office I further certify that in the case of John Taplin, and in other cases, I have made careful search, and can find no record of the appointment of said John Taplin as Captain _ nor of the appointment of any militia officers _ neither can I find any muster rolls embracing the period during the revolutionary war, the records of the proceedings of the government of this state during that time being very imperfect.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of this office this nineteenth day of April in the year of our Lord Christ, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three.   Timothy Merrill Secy of State.
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I Jeremiah Virginia of St. Albans in the county of Franklin & State of Vermont, aged seventy four years, do testify and say that in the year 1781, I was a soldier in Captain Seeley's company of Infantry in Col. Waits Regiment and was stationed at Corinth Fort in said State of Vermont, and served at said Fort about four months, and while I was as at the fort aforesaid, I became acquainted with Captain John Taplin, then of Corinth, now of Montpelier Vt.. Capt Taplin had at that time the command of a company of soldiers, called a scouting party raised in that section of the country to protect the inhabitants. said Taplin and his company was stationed at the Fort with me, and assisted in building sd fort, but there principal duty was scouting, from thence to Lake Champlain and Canada. I recollect of hearing the soldiers relate the particulars of their going with Capt Taplin, down St. Johns River on a scout within a short distance of the Fort at St. Johns, so near that they could look in to the Fort from a hill where they lay, they also relate the fatigue and hardship they endured in the scout.   I was frequently at the House of Capt Taplin & was well acquainted with him, and the history of his services.  He served during my stay at the Fort, and when I left in the month of October or first November, Capt Taplin took the command of the Fort and I afterwards understood that he held the command for a considerable time but cannot say exactly how long.  I also know that he was an active officer and rendered much service, and was a man of influence and one
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in whom the officers of the fort had great confidence; he furnised the scouts when calld for and took the command of the scouts while I was stationed at the fort, and I understood that he had been in actual service a considerable time previous. I further say not.  
attest Wm Bridges      
Jeremiah Virginia his mark X
sworn to and subscribed this 5th day of February
AD 1834
Before me William Bridges Justice Peace
I further certify that the above named Jeremiah Virginia who has subscribed and sworn to the above and foregoing is a credible witness William Bridges Justice of the Peace
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I Robert Lovwell of St. Albans in the county of Franklin and State of Vermont aged seventy one years do testify and say that I am personally acquaint with John Taplin of Montpelier, formerly of Corinth in the State afsd. That in the year 1782 I returned home to Corinth in the month of November having been absent from home four years, in the service of the United States at sea, and on my return I found said Taplin then in command of a company of Militia and I understood not only from said Capt Taplin himself, but from others that he had been in actual service a long time defending the frontiers from the incursions of the tories and Indians, I also recollect that it was said that Captain Taplin had during the war rendered much service and had taken the command of the Fort at Corinth for a year or more as a Captain after Col. Wait left the fort. I also recollect that it was reported and believed that sd Taplin had raised and taken the command of all the principal scouts from Newbury Corinth & vicinitys and was in actual service at least two years.  After my return home as afsd I lived in the same neighborhood of the said Taplin, and had every opportunity of knowing what had passd during my absence. I have been personally acquainted with him from my youth to the present time, and I have no doubt but what sd Taplin served his country faithfully 
Robert Lovwell
sworn to & subscribed this 4th day of February 1834 Before me William Bridges Justice Peace
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[handwritten] 
I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the within named Robert Lovewell who is a credible person.

William Bridges Justice Peace

State of Vermont  I Horace James Clerk of Franklin County Court Franklin County do hereby certify that William Bridges whose name is affixed to the foregoing affidavit is a Magistrate duly qualified, and appointed by the Legislature of this State to act as such, and that the same are his genuine signatures. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 5th day of February AD 1834

Horace Janes Clerk
[/handwritten]
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Affidavits in case of John Taplin
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I Horatio N. Taplin of Montpelier County of Washington State of Vermont aged thirty one years do testify & say that ten or twelve years when I was at home at my fathers house, viz John Taplin of Berlin County of Washington aforesaid and was examining his old Revolutionary papers _ among these I found a commission as Sheriff under the Authority of the then Colony of New York - I also saw a commission as Captain in the Militia of the State of Vermont signed by Thomas Chittenden Governor - and various other papers relating to those times_ I was examining out of curiosity to see how my father was employed in those days_ The commission of Captain I will recollect as I had previously heard him relate the story of his being Captain of the Militia in the Revolutionary War at Corinth.
I also know that his dwelling house & a great part of his furniture was destroyed by fire on the 26th day of March 1829 and I then understood from my father that these papers & others of those days was burnt and the old chest that contained these they were placed in the chamber of that part of the house where the fire first commenced. I was not present at the fire, but was there in the morning immediately after, I residing about 2 1/2 miles from my father's house-
Horation N. Taplin
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 1st day of April AD 1833
Luther Cross Justice of Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with said     
 H. N. Taplin that he is a man of good reputation & a man of truth & veracity_ 
Luther Cross Justice of Peace
Page 37

I George Worthington of Montpelier county of Washington State of Vermont aged 52 years do testify & say that I am well acquainted with John Taplin of Berlin in said county & have been well acquainted with him for thirty years past_ I also say that said John Taplin's dwelling house and a large portion of his furniture was destroyed by fire on the morning of the 26th day of [March] [] 
I live about 2 1/2 miles from said Taplin & I well remember a number of the citizens of our village on the morning after the fire went down to view the ruins_ And I further know that a large part of his furniture was burnt by the fact that said Taplin presented his claim for loss of furniture etc to the Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance Company & the board of Directors allowed the Source & I paid him being then Treasurer of Said Company Said Taplin having been insured by Said Company on his house & Furniture- I understood various other articles were burnt in the house they did not come under the denomination of Furniture_ Geo. Worthington
Sworn to & Subscribed before me April 1 1833 Luther Cross Justice of Peace I certify that Said George Worthington is a man of respectability & good for truth and veracity Luther Cross Justice of Peace
Page 38

State of Vermont Washington County I Joshua Wail Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Washington do hereby certify that Luther Cross Esq before whom the within affidavit of H. N. Taplin & George Worthington were taken, is a Justice of the peace duly appointed and acting under the Authority of this State and that his name thereto as such is his own proper hand writing_ In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said court this 1st day of April AD 1833
Joshua Wail Clerk
Page 39

1928 Apr. 20 mailed to A. W. Dc []
Rejected
10.393
John Taplin
Service:
Enlisted: 18_
Discharged: 18_
Application filed: 18_
Alleges:
Re enlisted:
Attorney:
P.O.
Recognized. Contract
Cert. of Dis. Searched for 18_
Page 40

Vermont
Revol
10393
John Taplin
Suspended
Sec [lit] L
[aight] Dec
26 1833
[] do Apl 10 1834
teller Secy War
14 July 1834
Act June 7 1832
Page 41

15822
3-3233
Bureau of Pensions
Finance Division
Mar 16 1928
Chief Rev and 1812 Wars Section Division
I have this day received from A. W. DeGorsh Cash in the amount of $30/100 requesting photostat copy as per letter herewith.
1928 Apr 20 Photos mailed & [Finance Do note for]
O. J. Randall Chief, Finance Division  H.C.L
Page 42

April 14, 1928
Commissioner of Pensions
 Washington D.C.
Sir:
Please send me photostatic copies (not certified) of two pages from the Revolutionary War pension claim of John Taplin, R. 10393.
Wm D Grosh
[] US Shipping Board [Washington?] DC
Received payment $0.30 April 14, 1928 
W. C. Stokes
Rev. & 1812 War Section
Finance Division
 Bookkeeper's Desk
Apr 16 1928
Bureau of Pensions
Page 43

IN DUPLICATE
1681
-
inquiries regarding this job should refer
Requisition No.
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blueprint Work.
22738
PHONE Branch 476
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
Duplicate
Multigraph
Mimeograph
Folding
Assembling
Stapling
Electric typewriter
Add:
Enve
Prod
Labe
Fill
April 26,
Deliver to Room No. 5033
CHIEF, Division of Publications,
Room G 137.
Please furnish work specified below.
1928
Bureau ordering Pensions.
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE,
EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostatic copies of two pages from the Revolutionary War
pension claim of John Taplin, R. 10939.
No. of copies 1 of each page shall form be kept standing?
days
For further information see M.M.H. Finch
5033
541.
Room No. Phone No.
Wilson
Margaret M. H. Finch
Chief of Branch or Division
RECIAL"" unless statement showing necessity is written
Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
single or double space?
one side or both sides?
once or twice?
Once? Twice? Side? End?
Facsimile signature?
Facsimile signature?
Fill in addresses?
Photostat 
Size
actual
Blueprint
Size.
Remarks
Dated?
Cards, size
Pay rolls
Corrections
 Tabulation sheets
Official use
Repay? yes $0.30
Official use?
Repay?
.
(OVER)
Page 44

NOTE:
Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal
reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of
bureaus.
( Date )
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
Make new addressograph plate
Change present addressograph plate
Destroy present addressograph plate
as follows:
Now reads
Should read
Operator
Remarks:
Operator
Remarks:
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made
Date
Operator
MULTIGRAPH
Type set by
MIMEOGRAPH
Date
Cut by
Date.
Page 45

[handwritten] 
Office of the Sergeant at Armes 24 December 1833

Sir
The enclosed affidavits belong to the case of John Taplin left by me at your office a few days since

I am Respectfully your Obt Servant
Stephen Haight

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commission of Pensions
[/handwritten]
Page 46

Hannah Nutting
I Hannah Nutting of Corinth in the County of Orange & State of Vermont aged seventy nine years do testify & say that I moved into Corinth about the year 1773 or 1774 and our family was the second family that moved into sd Corinth at the time of the American Revolutionary War the [] of Corinth was a frontier settlement, and it was expected the Indians & Tories & English from Canada would be in upon the Settlement or Company of Soldiers was stationed at Corinth I think in the year 1779 or 1780 the year before the Fort was built and the year following which was in the year 1780 or 1781 a Fort was built in said Corinth about half a mile from my residence and several companies of soldiers was stationed at sd Fort under the command of Col. Wait and Major Kingsbury I was well acquainted with John Taplin who then resided in sd Corinth now residing in Berlin in Washington County and knew and recollect of seeing sd John Taplin at & [] the fort and it was then said & I have never heard it [contradicted] that sd John Taplin was a Captain and did duly as a Captain in the Troops stationed at sd Fort and sd Troops was called State troops. I know that said Captain John Taplin did duty at sd Fort -- and Captain Taplins Company had charge of the fort in the winter [] The exact time he was out in actual service I cannot remember, but he being an action [leading] [service]
Page 47

leading man was within out scouting and on expeditions or about the Fort nearly his whole time he lived in Corinth and when not out scouting or at the Fort quartered at his own house.
I well recollect of his returning from a scouting party & having discovered a party of Indians & tories he took his horse and rode with all possible [dispatch] to Newbury to give the alarm at the fort there_ Newbury being about sixteen or seventeen miles distance from sd Corinth . I well recollect of the burning of Royalton and a party of the troops stationed at the Fort started to overtake the hostile party & Captain John Taplin was  [] to order [] the sd  party for some of their being cut off by the [enemy]. I do not hesitate to say that Captain John Taplin did duty as a Captain for more than two years and further the deponent saith not. Hannah Nutting
State of Vermont Orange County Corinth in said county September 22 AD 1832 Personally appeared the above named Hannah Nutting and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by me subscribed & I further certify that the said Hannah Nutting is a credible witness & a person of truth & veracity before me Wm Spencer Justice of the Peace
Page 48

[handwritten] 
Depositions in case of John Taplin
[/handwritten]
Page 49

I Vodoca Lovewell of Corinth in the County of Orange & State of Vermont aged sixty seven years testify & say that I was residing in the town of Corinth aforesd at the time of the building the Fort in the time of the Revolutionary War and have resided in sd Town ever since- the year the fort was built I do not now recollect. I lived about half a mile from where Capt. John Taplin resided where he lived in Corinth who now resides in Berlin County of Washington, State of Vermont. I was well acquainted with sd John Taplin He was a Captain of a company of Militia in said Corinth and at the time of building the fort [] with not only Captain John Taplin but all the male inhabitants were for two or three years doing duty either under the command of Genl Bailey of Newbury or Co. Wait while stationed at the Fort. Captain John Taplin was a leading active enterprising man and did actual duty as a private at Newbury under Genl Bailey and at Corinth as a Captain under Col Wait. I well recollect in the years 1779, 1780, 1781 & 1782 Corinth was a frontier settlement. One of my brothers was taken prisoner by the enemy and carried to Canada. The settlers were in a state of alarm for several years and expected the Indians, Tories, & British in upon them. I was employed
Page 50

Captain John Taplins family in the year 1779 and from my general acquaintance with him do not hesitate to say that the said John Taplin did duty as a private and as a Captain for the United States service for more than two years during the American Revolutionary War. I recollect the burning of the town of Royalton by the enemy which added greatly to the alarm and kept the settlers on the alert and further the deponent saith not.
Vodoca Lovewell
State of Vermont Orange County Corinth in said County September 24, 1832 Personally appeared Mrs. Vodoca Lovewell and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by her subscribed and I certify that the said Mrs. Vodoca Lovewell is a credible witness and a person of truth and veracity [] before me Wm. spencer Justice of the Peace
Page 51

[handwritten] 
Affidavits of Nathl Bosworth & Elijah Wright his case of John Taplin
[/handwritten]
Page 52

I Nathaniel Bosworth of Berlin in the County of Washington aged eighty years do testify & say that in the spring of 1781 I enlisted at Lebanon NH. I think in the month of April for eight months under Capt. Nelson _ we marched to Corinth in the State of Vermont_ and was there Stationed during my term of service under the command of Col. Benj Wait of the Vermont Troops_ That soon after I arrived there having been formerly a blacksmith I was taken & put into the Armory & was Employed in that Capacity during the residue of my service_ I was a Sargeant in Capt. Nelson's Company _ there was two companies beside Capt. Nelson & a small company of local militia being employed in the Armory. I became acquainted with very few of the local militia and did not know at the time who commanded them; as a great part of them were employed in scouting being better acquainted with the woods than the Soldiers from a distance & I have no doubt but Capt Taplin was there from what I have leart but I was not then acquainted with him but have been a long time since.  The troops were employed in building enlarging & strengthening the fort and [] scouting. The Indians had been down some 20 miles south to Royalton the summer of 1780 & burnt all the houses they could find_ was the cause of so large a force at Corinth_ 
Nath Bosworth
Subscribed & Sworn at Berlin this 9th day of Sept. 1833 Before me Joshua Y Wail Justice of Peace
I certify that I have been long acquainted with said Nathl Bosworth, who is a man of truth & veracity 
J Y Wail Justice of Peace
Page 53

State of Vermont Washington County  I Joshua Y Wail Clerk of the County Court within and for the county of Washington do hereby certify that J Y Wail who had taken the Affidavit of N. Bosworth within & of Elijah Wright hereto appertaining is a Justice of the Peace duly appointed qualified & acting under the Authority of this State & his name to each is his genuine signature I testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & official seal this ninth day of December AD 1833
Att J Y Wail Clerk
Page 54

I Elijah Wright of Berling County of Washington aged 69 years testify & say that in the spring, I believe in the month of April 1781 at Hanover NH I enlisted for eight months under Capt. Nelson. that we marched to Corinth in the State of Vermont and was there stationed during my service and was under the command of Col. Benjamin Wait of the Vermont Militia or Troops. That we were employed in erecting a fort & extending & strengthening it during the service & occasionally scouting. There was two other companies [] on with us one command by Capt. Seeley and one by Capt. Bush. & a small company of local Militia_ There was also a Fort & Troops at Bethel & at Peacham the Same summer_ The reason of so large a force to protect the frontiers was the apprehension from the Indians & Tories & British. who had been out in the summer of 1780 some 20 miles South of Corinth on White River & Burnt Royalton & carried of a number of prisoners- I was not acquainted with any of the Inhabitants before I went to Corinth but a small company were Stationed there & among them was Capt John Taplin.
They were principally employed as guided to our Scouting parties & did not labor but very little on the fort that was principally built by the Troops from abroad.  I recollect that our company & others was discharged a few days before our time expired & left but one company there to take charge of the fort- Elijah Wright his mark X
Sworn to & subscribed before me at Berlin this 9th day of Dec 1833 Johsua Y Wail Justice of Peace I certify that I have long known the above named Elijah Wright who is man of truth & veracity- J Y Wail Jus of Peace
Page 55

Brigham Taplin
I Brigham Taplin of Corinth in the County of Orange & State of Vermont aged sixty seven years do further testify & say that my brother John Taplin who now resides in Berlin in the County of Washington was a captain of a militia company when he resided in Corinth  in the time of the American revolution that he held a Captain commission signed by Thom Chittenden the then Governor of Vermont I have seen said Commission have held it in my hand and have & did read the same. It was the first military commission that I ever saw of Governor Chittenden signing. the last time that I ever saw said Commission it was in the year 1783. I do know and am confident of the fact that my brother did actual service for more than two years as a Captain in the time of the Revolutionary War in behalf of the United States exclusive of what service he did as a private and further the deponent saith not
Brigham Taplin
Page 56

State of Vermont Orange County Corinth in said County March 30 AD 1833 personally appeared the within named Brigham Taplin and made solemn oath to the truth of the within deposition by him subscribed and I further certify that the sd Brigham Taplin is considered by all & sustains the reputation of a man truth & veracity
before me William Spencer Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont Washington County I Joshua Y Wail Clerk of Washington County court do hereby certify that William Spencer Esq before whom the within affidavit was taken is a Justice of the peace duly appointed acting under the authority of the state and being personally acquainted with him & his handwriting I believe the above to be his genuine signature_ In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 1st day of April AD 1833 Joshua Y Wail Clerk