Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 1357, John Ayres, Conn.
Page 1

Service
Conn:

Ayres, John
           Martha

Number
W1357
B.L.W.27614-160-55
Page 2

11712 Connecticut

John Ayres
of Hebron in the State of Connecticut
who was a Private in the Company commanded
by Captain _________ of the Regt commanded 
by Col Smith in the Connecticut
line for 7 1/2 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 24 Dollars 99 Cents for annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.

Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of June
1833 and del. to Attendee
of Hebron Con. Prescott

Arrears to the 4th of Mar '33 - $49.98
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep 33 12.49
$62.47
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by Jno Cromwell Clerk,
Book E Vol 3 Page 1
Page 3

John Ayres
Application
of
Evidence

aomd
7 1/2 mos.
Page 4

State of Connecticut Tolland County ss
Hebron Probate District
On this 23rd day of November 1832 personally
appeared in open court before Abner Hendee Esq
Judge of the Court of Probate for sd District
now sitting John Ayres a resident of Hebron
the County of Tolland and State aforesaid
79 - 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 act
of Congress passed June 7th 1832

That he entered the service of the United States
under the following named officers and served
as herein stated

That in the month of January 1776 he enlisted
into a company commanded by Capt James Gurdon of
Volunteers in the County of Windham for the term of
two months the Lieutenants name was Cady and we
were marched to Cambridge in the State of
Massachusetts and from thence to Roxbury and
there stayed until the British evacuated Boston
and our term of service having expired we
were discharged sometime in the month of
March having served two months as a
private

And that about the last of August or beginning of
September 1776 the Company of Militia to which he belonged
Commanded by Capt John Swan Sanford Billings Lieut
Thomas Swan Ensign was called for & said Capt
Swan marched us from Stonington to New London
& there joined Col Oliver Smiths Regiment of
Militia from thence we were marched to New-
Haven & from thence to the White Plains & there
Page 5

joined General Heath's Brigade and Capt
John Swan there left us and returned home and
Capt Thomas Wheeler took command of our
company & from thence we were marched to [illegible]
Point & from there to North Castle where we
placed in General Lee's Division where we were
until about the 20th of November when we were
discharged having served in the tour two
months and a half as a private

And in the month of December 1776 about the first
Day of the month I enlisted into a company command
by Capt Jeremiah Haley Lieutenants Staunton and Billing
Davison Ensign for a tour of duty of three months
and we were marched directly to Providence R.I.
and joined the Regiment commanded by Col. Ely
where we remained until a few days before our term
expired when we were marched from Providence to
Fort Griswold - Groton when our sd term having
expired we were there discharged in the month
of March 1777 having served three months as a
private. He answer the six first questions or interrogatories
proposed by the War department as follows
That he was born in Stonington. New London
County in 1783 but has no record of his age 
where he resided until the time he entered
the service that for the last forty years he has [illegible]
in Hebron where he now resides & that he has no
evidence excepting what accompanies this his declaration
nor documentary evidence to show the services performed 
or written discharge & believes he never had any to
stated the manner in which he was called into service and the names of the officers
whom he served, as well as he can recollect them
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension
or annuity except the present and declares that his name
on the pension roll of the agency of any State
Page 6

He is known to Thomas Smith of Groton New London
County and to Amos Wheeler of North Stonington in
New London County 
7th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and
who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a
Soldier of the Revolutions
He is known to the Rev. Alpheus Geer & Dan Arnold
of Hebron in Tolland County who can testify to his
veracity & their belief of his services performed in the
war of the Revolution
He further states that he has no documentary
evidence to produce nor does he know of any
further evidence he can produce as almost all
the persons who served with him are since deced
Sworn & subscribed the day & year       John Ayres
last aforesaid

We Alpheus Geer a clergyman residing in the town of
Hebron and Dan Arnold also residing in
Hebron hereby certify that we are well acquainted with
John Ayres who has subscribed and sworn to the
above declaration that we believe him to be 79 years
of age: that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood
where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution
and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Alpheus Geer
Dan Arnold

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 Alpheus Geer
Page 7

who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman
resident in Hebron and that Dan Arnold who has
also signed the same is a resident of Sd Hebron
and is a credible person and that their statement
is entitled to credit

I Cyrus Munn Clerk of the Court of Probate
for the District of Hebron do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the original proceedings of the
said Court in the matter of the application of John
Ayres for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal of office this 23rd day of November
AD 1832
Cyrus Mann Clerk
Page 8

State of Connecticut   North Stonington Sept 20th 1832
County of New London     I Amos Wheeler of North
Stonington County & State aforesaid being seventy two
years of age After being duly cautioned & sworn according to
law do testify & say according to the best of my
recollection about the 5 of Sept 1776 Capt John
Swans Company of Militia Lieutenant Sanford Billing
Ensign Thomas Swan was called for & I was a
member of Sd company John Ayres then of
Stonington now John Ayres of Hebron County
of Tolland & State aforesaid who is the same
John Ayres now present was a member of the same
company & Capt Swan marched us from
Stonington to New London & there joined Col
Oliver Smith regiment of militia. From thence
to New Haven in Sd State. From thence to the
White Plains there joined Genr Heath's Brigade
there I saw Gen Scott & Washington There we
saw an engagement between our troops & the British
Our troops hove up breast works Capt John Swan
came home & left us on the White Plains & Capt
Thomas Wheeler took command & are marched from
the White Plains to Morrissena Point from thence
to North Castle at North Castle we were placed
under Gen. Lees division where we was discharged
about the 20 of November making our term
of service two months & half There Genl Law gave
is a discharge by the word of mouth
returning as his thanks
Amos Wheeler
Page 9

State of Connecticut   Ss   Stonington Sept 20. 1832
County of New London        Personally appeared Mr. Amos
Wheeler signer of the within affadavit whose
testimony as a witness is entitled to full credit
& made solemn oath to the truth of the facts herein
contained
Before me 
Latham Hull Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut
New London County Ss

I John DeWitt Clerk of the
County Court for said New London
County do hereby certify that Lathan
Hull Esq before whom the within 
deposition of Amos Wheeler was taken is a
Justice of the peace in and for said
New London County and that his sign
the above affixed is in his own proper
hand writing. In testimony whereof
I have hereunto
set my hand and 
affixed the seal of said County
this 3 day of October AD
1832
John DeWitt Clerk
Page 10

I Job T. Smith of Groton New London County and State of Connecticut
aged Seventy Eight years, being duly sworn according to law, do testify
and say that I was a private Soldier in the month of December -AD
1776- and belonged to Capt Jeremiah Halsey Company. Amos Stanton
first Lieut Sanford Billing 2nd Lieut Joseph Denison Ensign
and was stationed at Providence in the State of Rhode Island
and Belonged to Col John Ellis Regiment and was knowing to
John Ayres of Stonington in the County aforesaid, and now
of Hebron in the County of Tolland & State aforesaid, being a
Soldier in said Company and Regiment the term of about
Three months
Job Smith
New London County ss Groton September 27th AD 1832
Personally appeared Job J. Smith Signer of the foregoing Deposition
and made Solemn Oath to the truth of the same
Before me
John Spicer Justice of the Peace
---
State of Connecticut 
New London County       ⎬Ss
I John DeWitt clerk of the
County Court for said New London County
do hereby certify that John Spicer esq;
before whom the above deposition of
Job J Smith was taken is a Justice of
the peace in and for New London County,
and that I believe his signature thereto
annexed to be in his own proper hand writing
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of sd County this 3rd
day of October AD 1832
John DeWitt Clerk
Page 11

21103
John Ayers Connecticut

Abner Hendee
Page 12

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
183
Sir,
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
A Statement, showing the service of John Ayers Cont.

Period when the service was rendered
May 1776 enter
Sep   "   "   "
Dec   "   "   "

Duration of the claimant's service.
Years   Months    Days
                2
                2             15
                3
Rank of claimant.
Private
     "
     "
 Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Cap Gordon
E Swan
Cap Halsey
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. 
Col Smith
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.

Country through which he marched.
Cambridge Mass
Torrington
N London
W Plains
Providence RI
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period
79
Torrington C.t. now
Lives in Hebron C.t
Evidence by which the declaration is supported
four surviving witnesses
One Surviving witness
for 2m.15 2nd tour 
another witness proves last service of 3M
one other witness
proves 1st tour of 2m 
Clergyman and a Citizen Certificate
I am respectfully -
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 13

2 REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 1. The Regular Troops. 2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 3. Persons employed in the Naval service. 4. Indian Spies. As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance , make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. DECLARATION. In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. State, Territory District of County of On this ---day of --- personally appeared (a) before ----- A. B. a resident (b) of ----- in the county of ---- and State, Territory or District of ----- aged (c) --- 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 pension made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) ----, with ---- and served in the ---- (e) regiment of the ---- line, under the following named officers (Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. I -------------------- of the Court of ----------------------------- do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of --------------- for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this ------- day of ------------------ & c. If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the ------------- and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ---------------- , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be -------- years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 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 A.B. ------ who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ------- and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. I, -----------Clerk of the Court of ---------------- do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this --- of ---- & c. Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission ; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 14

3 will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia. 1. Where and in what year were you born? 2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war , and where do you now live? 4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 6. To a Soldier Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. {a] the declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rules laid down for his guidance [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county were he resides. If he should fail to do so he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. [c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. [d] the declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served [e] Every Continental officer or soldier must give the name of the colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every clamant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly worn, deposes and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the persons mentioned below, and in the following grades: For --- years ---- months, and -----days, I served as a . For months and days, I served as a ----- for ----- months ----days, I served as a ----- and for such service I claim a pension." it is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite , and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the miliia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority ; that was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit, [f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. [g] The opinion of the Court is always required. [h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. [i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which in can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. Mode of authenticating papers. in every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying once, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. Proof of Service. [j] in a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service and the time and manner of his leaving the same as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibly of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. the notes [a] to [i] are equally applicable to the cases of militia men, volunteers, and state troops The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only. [k] This traditionary evidence is indispensible in militia cases [l] if a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. [m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration
Page 15

138
Connecticut
Martha Ayres
widow of John Ayres
who served in the Revolutionary war
as a Private
Connecticut line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
24 Dollars 99 Cents 
per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
5th day of April, 1849
and sent to
Abner Hendee
Hebron
Conn
Roll of Pensioners under act
[illegible] 1848 Page 77 Vol. 1
? July book

Reported
L J Hendee Jany 11 /56

[illegible] 3 m 55-101473
Page 16

No 164
Martha Agnes
wife of John
Ct
Act 29 July 1848
Married 1798
husband died 1832
Adm 24.99 pran
from 4 March 1848
Abner Hendee
Hebron
Ct.
Page 17

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit
of the Act of Congress of the 29th July,1848.
State of Connecticut
Hebron Probate District 
on this 14th day
of September, Anno Domini, 1848, personally 
appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of
Hebron Martha Ayres, a resident of the
town of Hebron in the County of Tolland and State of
Connecticut, aged eighty-one 81 years, who
being duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath,
make the following declaration, in order to obtain the 
benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress,
passed July 29th 1848, entitled "An Act for the
relief of certain surviving widows of officers and soldiers
of the Revolutionary army"
She declares that she is the widow of the late John
Ayres deceased who was a private in the war of
the revolution, and for which service he received a pension 
under the Act of June 7, 1832, at the annual
rate of twenty four dollars and ninety nine cents, for
proof of which she refers to the application of her
said late husband John Ayres deceased, and the 
evidence accompanying the same now on file in the
Pension Office.
She further declares that she was married to the
Page 18

aforesaid John Ayres deceased on the 13th day
of May, Anno Domini, 1798, for proof of which
she refers to the Deposition of the Town Clerk of
the town of Hebron hereunto annexed.
She further declares that her husband the aforesaid 
John Ayres died on the 27th day of November, 
Anno Domini 1832, as will fully appear
by the certificate of the Clerk of the Court of Probate
for the District of Hebron; that she was not
married to him prior to his leaving the service,
but the marriage took place previous to the second
of January, eighteen hundred, viz: at the time
above stated. The certificate of the Clerk of the
Court of Probate for the District of Hebron above
referred to is now on file in the Pension Office
She further swears that she is now a widow,
and that she has never before made any applica
tion for a pension
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and
year above written, before the Court of Probate
for the District of Hebron
Martha Ayres
Martha Ayres
Page 19

State of Connecticut, Tolland County
Hebron Town Clerks Office                    Ss September 8th 1848
Copy
John Ayres of Hebron and Martha Punderson of
Preston were joined in Marriage May thirteenth seventeen
hundred and ninety eight.

I certify that the above is a true copy of the record with
the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in 
fair legible figures as follows "May 13th 1798.
Attest,
Jon G. Page Town Clerk

I Jonathan G Page, above named depose and say
that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town, County
and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract
from the records of said town of Hebron with the except
tion above named as certified by me.
Jon G. Page
Clerk of the town of Hebron

Sworn to and subscribed before the Court of Probate
for the District of Hebron on the day and year first before
written
Page 20

State of Connecticut,
Hebron Probate District  Ss
I Lucius J. Hendee,
Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Hebron
do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings
of said Court in the matter of the application of Martha
Ayres for a pension
And I do further certify that Jonathan C Page Esq
who has subscribed the foregoing Deposition and made 
solemn oath to the truth of the same before this Court is a person
well known to this Court, that he is the Town
Clerk and Register of the town of Hebron, and as such
has the care and custody of the Record of marriages of said
town and full faith and credit is to be given to his official
acts, and that he is a person of truth and his statement is
entitled to credit. And I further certify that the declarant is a person will ┃
known to this Court has still the widow of John Ayres deceased.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said
Court at Hebron in said District this 14th
day of September Anno Domini 1848
Lucius J. Hendee, Clerk.
Page 21

L. J. Hendre Dec 12/55

Vol. A. 177.-

101473  Act Mar 3/55
? 27/55
Martha Ayres widow of
John Ayers

Revolutionary Pensioner
Conn July 48-150

[illegible]
Lucius J Hendee
Hebron
Conn
Page 22

101473
Page 23

State of Connecticut 
County of Tolland     ⎬Ss
On this twenty first day of
 April - Anno Domini, one thousand eight
hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me
a Notary Public within and for the State and County
aforesaid, Mrs. Martha Ayres aged eighty eight
{88} years, a resident of Hebron in the State of
Connecticut, who being duly sworn according to law
declares that she is the widow of John Ayres deceased
Who was a private in the war of the Revolution 
and for which service she is now a Revlutionary 
Pensioner of the United States at the rate
of twenty four dollars and ninety nine cents per annum
She further states that she
was married to the said John Ayres on the 13th
day of May Anno Domini 1798; and that her
said husband died at Hebron on the 27th day
of November, Anno Domini, 1832, and that she is
now a widow
For proof the facts herein set forth she 
refers to this application for a pension and
the accompanying proofs now on file in the Pension
Office
She makes this declaration for the ┃
purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may
be entitled under the act approved March 3rd 1855.
She further declares that she
Page 24

has not received a warrant for bounty land under
this or any other Act of Congress nor made any
other application therefore
Martha Ayres

We Asa A Latham and William Warland
residents of Hebron in the State of Connecticut
upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration
was signed and acknowledged by Mrs Martha
Ayres 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
Asa Latham
William Warland
---
The foregoing declaration and affidavit
sworn to & 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 interests
in this claim
Witness my hand and seal of office
Lucious J. Hendee Notary Public
Page 25

April 13, 1939
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

BA-J/MS
John Ayres, W. 1357

Mrs. Thomas P. Wise
2246 N. E. 16th Avenue
Portland, Oregon

Dear Madam:
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the
pension claim, W.1357, based on the military service of John Ayres.

He was born in 1753 at Stonington, Connecticut. The names of his
parents are not shown.

While a resident of Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.
he enlisted and served as private with the Connecticut troops as follows:
from January, 1776, two months in Captain James Gurdon's company; from
about the last of August or first of September, 1776, until about November
20, 1776, in Captains John Swan's and Thomas Wheeler's companies in Colonel
Oliver Smith's regiment; from about the first of December, 1776, three
months in Captain Jeremiah Halsey's company in Colonel John Ely's regiment.

John Ayres was allowed pension on his application executed November
23, 1832, at which time he was living in Hebron, Tolland County, Connecticut
, and he then stated that he had lived there for the past forty years.

John Ayres died November 27, 1832.

While living in Hebron, Connecticut, he married there May 13, 1798,
Martha Punderson of Preston.

As the widow of John Ayres, Martha Ayres was allowed pension on her
application executed September 14, 1843, at which time she was living in
Hebron, Connecticut, aged eighty-one years. She was living there in 1855.
The papers in this claim contain no further data relative to soldier's
family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 26


Rev. WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1357

Martha Ayres
Widow 
John Ayres
Pri. Rev. War
Act July 29 1848
Index: -- Vol. A. Page 24 
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Jany. 21 - 1902
Mrs. F. E. Standish [illegible]
-
Mch. 6 - 1903 Hist
Mrs. W H Eagen
Warren Ohio
-
Nov. 28 - 1903 - Hist to
W. A. B. Jones, St. Paul Mi
-
July 15, 1905 Letter to Mrs. Harvey
L. Smith, Governeur, N.Y.
-
1919 Nov. 26 Hist to Lucy C. Howell
1939 Apr 13. hist to this
Thos. P. Wise WCS
Page 27

27614
[illegible]
Page 28

John Ayres, Con Act 7 June 1832 $24th pran
To what time was he last paid GA

Pension Office
April 1849


Died 27th Novr 1832
Paid to his death,
B.L.B.
Martha Ayres
John-Con

Hon John C. Minot
Comm of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Free
Page 29

HEBRON CONN FEB 3

Martha Ayres
widow of John
Boynton
H

Hon. John C. Minot
Comm of Pensions
Washington DC

Free
Page 30

J Brewster
Deposition
John Ayres
Page 31

I Jon Brewster of Washington in the County of Hampshire
Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy two years depose
and say that I enlisted for three months to commence the 1st of
December 1776 at Preston in Connecticut into the Company
Captain Jeremiah Halsey Lts Stanton & Billings and Ensign
Dennison and marched directly to Providence Rhode Island
and joined the Regiment commanded by a Col. Ely and
served out the [illegible] of my enlistment Some few days before our
term expired our company was marched from Providence to Fort Griswold
when we were dismissed, when our term expired
The deponent further says that he then knew John
Ayres of Stonington now of Hebron in the State of Connecticut
and that the said Ayres enlisted into the same Company and
served in it during the whole period of my enlistment
Jonathan Brewster
---

Hampshire. October 23d 1832. Jon Brewster Esquire came before me
and subscribed the foregoing affidavit and made oath that it is
the truth and I certify that the deponent is a man of good character
and fully entitled to Credit
William Ward Justice of the peace
-
Page 32

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire Ss
I Solomon Stoddard Clerk of the Judicial
Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of
Hampshire, do certify that William Ward Esquire
whose signature is affixed to the within certificate was
at the date thereof one of the Justices of the Peace, within
and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting
under the authority of this Commonwealth and that
full faith and credit is and might to be given to his
acts and attestations done in that capacity
and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting
of the said William Ward and believe his signature
within to be genuine
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto
set my hand, and affixed the seal of
the Court of Common Pleas for said
Commonwealth this nineteenth
day of December in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and thirty
two ---
S. Stoddard Clerk
Page 33

Hebron Connecticut
Sept. 18th 1848.

Dear Sir
Therewith send you the application of Mrs
Martha Ayres for a pension. If the claim is allowed you
will please send the certificate to me.an
I am very respectfully
Your Obt Sert
Abner Hendee
By
Lucius J. Hence
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Page 34

Hebron Connecticut
Dec. 29th 1855.
Dear Sir,
If not contrary to the regulations of your
office, I would thank you to inform me what revolutionary
service John Ayres alledged in his declaration
to have performed-
Respectfully Yours
Lucius J. Hendee

Hon. J. Minot
Comr of Pensions
Page 35

State of Connecticut
Comptrollers Office
Hartford Feb 14th 1836

I certify, that on application for evidence 
of the service of John Ayers, in the war of the
Revolution, in companies commanded by Captains
James Guerdon, Jno. Swan & Jeremiah Halsey in the
year 1776, I have examined the documents remaining
in this office, and do not find any
Pay Rolls of the service above mentioned
I find on the books of the Pay Table office a charge
to Capt. Jeremiah Halsey (Col. Elys Regt) under date
of Dec. 11th 1776 for order on Treas in acct his
Company 172. but the Pay Roll for this service
is lost,
Alex, Merrill Comptroller
by Geo. Robinson Clerk
Page 36

Hebron Connecticut
Feby 15th 1856.
Sir,
I herewith hand you the Certificate of the
Comptroller in regard to the service of Capt Halsey's
Company one of the Companies in which John Ayres
claims to have served and for which both he and
his widow were pensioned-- it is the only record evidence
I have been able to find in support of the claim of
Martha Ayres. I trust it will prove satisfactory. Mrs
Ayres is very infirm and needy, and if she is to receive any
County from the government it must be granted soon. If
the certificate is not satisfactory please inform me
with out delay
Respectfully Yours
Lucius J. Hendee

Hon J. Minot
Comr of Pensions
Page 37

CR

Wauseon, Ohio
Jan. 12. 1983
Pension Office
Will you be kind
enough to tell me
whether Jonathan Herrick 
of Manchester, Mass, or
possibly of Hopkinton, N.H.
John Ayers Gouvernour N.Y.
& Nathanel Clement
were any of them pensioners
in Revolutionary War.
Yours
(Mrs.) H.E. Standish
Page 38

OWTN
ECL
Wauseon, Ohio
Feb. 20. 1903
Pension Dept.
Washington, D.C.
Are you able to furnish
the Revolutionary War records
of Col. Walker of Conn.
probably of Huntington, am
not certain. or of
John Ayres from Stratford, Conn
he served in war, but
perhaps drew no pension
Or Benj. Moody Clement
of N.H. enlisted in Capt
Heads Co. Col. Stickney Regt
and oblige
Mrs. W. M. H. Eager
Page 39

696 John St.
St. Paul, Minn
Nov. 19, 1903
Commissioner. 
of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Sir,
There died at Hebron, Conn
Nov. 27, 1832, one John Ayres, who
was a Revolutionary soldier. His
widow died at the same place
Nov. 24, 1863, aged about 97. she
was before marriage a miss
Martha Punderson. If a pension
was applied for by either said John
Ayres or his widow, will you
please favor me with all particulars
given in the application
and also advise where pension was
granted, if at all? The data
Page 40

desired are wanted for a genealogical
- historical record which 
I am compiling of the Ayer family
and I shall be thankful for
any information you may give me.
The John Ayer referred to was a
brother of a great-great-grandmother
of my wife
I shall also be obliged for such
particulars as you can furnish
me concerning the Revolutionary
service (including pension data)
of any other persons named Ayer
belonging to Connecticut
Yours respectfully,
W A B Jones

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE
F NOV 23 1903
Page 41

W. 1357
Res & decd in Conn

[stamp]

US PENSION OFFICE
A JUN 22 1905
Page 42

1357

Gouvernours NY
June 20-1906
To the Hon. Comm of Pensions
Sir, I am anxious to prove
that a certain John Ayres
who enlisted from Stratford
Conn was a Revolutionary
Soldier
He lived after the war
in Johnstown NY and
died in Gouvernours NY
in 1829 - or 1830- aged
72. Did he ever receive
a pension
Mrs. Harry L. Smith
Gouvernours N.Y.
Page 43

Rev SVU

Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions-
Kindly give me a statement of the
military history of John Ayer
or Ayres, Connecticut pensioner,
and the family data you have
concerning him.
Very respectfully
Lucy C. Howell
River head
NY
Nov. 12. 1919.

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE
D NOV 14 1919
Page 44

MRS. THOMAS P. WISE
2346 N. E. 16TH AVE.
PORTLAND OREGON
Feb. 19, 1939
Revolutionary War Records
Bureau of Pensions
Dear Sir:

Will you please send me the Revolutionary War
records of the following persons? Two men are listed in the
List of Revolutionary Soldiers from Connecticut as pensioners

page 640 Edward Smith, private Conn. Pensioner, Act of
1818. (Residing in Mass.)

also John Ayres -- 1832 and John Ayres 1839, New
London.

Page 667  Individual Records -- Sec. American State Papers
Vol. XIX (claims) 88, etc.
Edward Smith -- New Haven wounded by cannon ball.
Tryon's Raid, July 5, 1779.

Is there any record of their families of any means of 
tracing them?
I am enclosing list of men and will be very grateful 
if you have any record of them in Revolutionary service
also names of their wives or any children.
Is there any charge for this service, if so will
you please notify me?
Thanking you I am most sincerely
Mrs. Thomas P. Wise
2346 N. E. 16th. Ave, Portland, Oregon (Nellie Eager Wise)
Page 45

Captain (or Lieut) Peter Davis, 1707.
wife Eleanor Hopkinson.
William Eager, of Warwick, Mass b 1751
Joseph Goodell, of Salem and Grafton, Mass, b 1711
wife Elizabeth
Joseph Goodell, son of above, b 1735
wife Anna Hopkins
William Smith, of Rowley, Mass. b. 1721
wife Hannah Fiske
Lt. James Lamb, of Groton, Mass b 1723 d 1782
wife Hannah Allyn
Private under Col. Dwight, 9th Reg't 1756.

Also the Navy Record of David Lamb, b 1758 d 1838
said to have served as Qr. Gunner under Capt. Lathorn,
Apr. 1778, also with Jonathan Woodworth on U.S.S.
"Providence"  Family letters called him Captain
wife Amy Wightman

Mrs. Thomas P. Wise
2346 N. E. 16th St.
Portland, Oregon.
Page 46

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C.,  _____19___
W. 1357


In reply to your request of ----- received -----
for a statement of the military history of John Ayres
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension
on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Jany 1776
Aug or Sep 1776 About 1 aug or 1 Sep 1776
Dec 1 1776 about 1st Dec 1776

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
2 mo.
2½ mos.
3 mos

RANK.
Pvt.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
James Gordon
John Swan
Thomas Wheeler
Jeremiah Halsey
---
COLONEL.
Oliver Smith
Jno. Ely

STATE.
Conn.

Battles engaged in,____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Stonington, New London Co. Conn.
Date of application for pension, Nov 23, 1832. the claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Hebron Tolland County, Conn
Age at date of application, born in 1753 at Stonington Conn.died Nov. 27. 1832
Remarks 
He married while in Hebron May 13, 1798 at Hebron, Conn. Martha Punderson

She was al. pension on an app. ex, Sept. 14. 1848, while a resident
of Hebron, Conn. aged 81 years. There is no further data on
file as to his family

Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 47


N.  I.S.C.,Exr.
Wid. 1,357,   July 15, 1905.
Rev. War.
Madam;

In reply to your inquiry dated June 20th and received June 22nd,
1905, you are advised that the records of this Bureau show only one
Revolutionary pensioner by the name of John Ayres; he was born at Stonington
Connecticut, in 1753, lived there at enlistment, married May 18th,
1798, Martha Punderson, applied for a pension November 23rd, 1882, and
died November 27th, 1832, a resident of Hebron, Connecticut.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Mrs. Harvey L. Smith,
Gouverneur, New York.