Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,700, for William Pratt, Vermont
Page 1

(3 - 1776)

SERVICE
Continental (Vt.)

Pratt, William
Rosanna

NUMBER
W. 15,700

CONTENTS
Page 2

Copy of Atty Gen’l 
Letter O.C. Merrill
Esq June 8, 1821
Bennington

Atty Gen’l opinion
Sent to O.C. Merril
June 8th 1821.

[vertical note]
Notification sent July 6th 1820 to
O.C. Merrill, Bennington Vermont

(2334)
Vermont.
William Pratt, private,
Seth Warner Rgt.
New Hampshire line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary Wa

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont,
at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on
the 4th of April, 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 16 of Sept. 1818
and sent to the care of David
Robinson, Bennington, Vermot

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818 $40.27
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 March, 1819.    48
5 mo: 1/30
$88.27.
{Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818.}
3 years
Pownal, Benninginton
not entitled
Page 3

A person of the name of
William Pratt, is found
on the Connecticut rolls,
Capt. Woodbridge's comp.
Col. Heman Swift’s regt.
This does not agree with
the statement made by
the applicant The testimony, on oath,
 of two or more disinterested and
credible persons, proving
the identity of the claimant
and the service stated in
his declaration, is required.

The judge is desired to certify, under the seal of
the court, that the applicant is in reduced circumstances, and needs the
support of his country.-
John H. Olin Esq
Assistant judge,
Bennington, Vermont
Page 4

I William Pratt of Pownal in the County of
Bennington & State of Vermont do testify say that
I inlisted in the service of the United States in the revolutionary war
against Great Brittain & in Col Warner’s Regiment
Capt Wait Hopkin’s Company for the Term of three
years. The Inlistment was in [marh] 1777 in the State of Vermont.
I served out my time & was honorably discharged in March 1780.
I Carried my Discharge until it was [mainly] worn out &
by some means it is lost. I further testify that
I am in reduced circumstances & have need of the
support of my Country. I am considerably[indigent].
My wife has been sick near four years & I fear
she will not continue long & one of my Daughters
is very lame & sometimes unable to Labour
Any. My Self am frequently very unwell & am
unable to Labour half my time. Sworn & Subscribed to
this 4th Day of April 1818 William Pratt

State of Vermont County of Bennington ss
April the 4th 1818
Personally appeared William Pratt of Pownal
& made oath that the facts as above stated by
him subscribed are [Just &] True according to his
best Recollection.
Before me John H. Olin Judge of Court
Page 5

Bennington April the 4th 1818
The Hon John C. Calhoun Secretary at War

I have heard the evidence in the case of
William Pratt of Pownal & am satisfied that
he Served in the service of the United States in the
Revolutionary War, agreeable to the within
Certificate.  I herewith Transmit the evidence
Presented to me. In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand in my official capacity [&]
the seal of the Court Ennexed to the Certificate.
[crossed out-”of the Clerk having been previously”]
John H. Olin [first] Judge of C. Court

District of Vermont, Bennington County ss
August 27th 1818

I hereby further certify that I am satisfied that the within named
William Pratt is in low circumstances as to
property, is an infirm man, and absolutely
needs the assistance of his country for support, 
and by the testimony of Jacob Safford and
Isaac Webster, credible persons to me
well known (and whose depositions are
herewith transmitted.) I am fully satisfied that the
said William Pratt served in the revolutionary
war against the common enemy agreeably to his
and their statements.
Attest John H Olin [first] Judge of C. Court
Page 6

District of Vermont County of Bennington April the 4th 1818
Personally appeared before me David Robinson Marshal for the
District of Vermont & made oath that he is well aquainted with
the General Character of Wm Pratt of Pownal & says that he
is considered as an honest, steady, serious and good inhabitant.
& he was acquainted with him while in the service of the
United States in Capt Hopkins Company & quite young.
& further the Deponent saith not.
David Robinson
Sworn before John H. Olin [first] Judge of C. Court

Sir, I inclose the foregoing certificates &
testimony & if it should be deemed sufficient
& [be allowed?] on the Pension, it will well
Rejoice a Distressed family. If insufficient
it will oblige to have the Deficiencies pointed out & if
possible they will be supplied.  If a certificate
Granted, you will have the goodness to direct it
to me & I will see it safe to his hand.
I am, Sir, with sentiments
Your Obd’t Srv’t
David Robinson
Page 7

William Pratt’s
declaration
MR

O. C. Merrill Esqr. - read the
distress of an honest fellow
citizen and give your pity
& assistance - 

Pownal, 2334
16 Sept 1818
Not entitled
Mar 1819
W $350
Page 8

DISTRICT OF VERMONT, SS.
On this 22d day of June 1820 personally appeared in open court, being a county court and court of record, which has power to fine and imprison, and is constituted a court of record by a special act of the Legislature of the state of Vermont, creating said court, within and for the county of Bennington, and state of Vermont, William Pratt aged 59 years, resident in Pownal -- in said county of Bennington -- who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war, as follows:
I served in the company, commanded by Capt Wait Hopkins in the regiment,
commanded by Col Seth Warner of the Connecticut - line. Continental troops for the term of three years, served my time out and was honorably discharged--
as will appear by my original declaration on file in the War office, dated the 4th day of April 1818 on which original declaration I have received a pension certificate bearing the number 2,334.

AND I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war,” passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed.
and by me subscribed.

The following is a schedule of all the real and personal estate, to wit:
10 acres of land with buildings-- 10 acres of Mountain land-- 1 old horse, old woollen wheel - handsaw - 1 Cow. Sow & 6 young pigs--1 Chest- 1 old
chest & drawers, 1 dinner pot, 1 flat iron, old hay rake, 2 Tables, 1 Candlestand, 5 chairs, 6 knives and forks, 6 silver washed tea Spoons, 1 old bush hook, Crockery, 1 looking Glass, 3 or 4 old books, 1 shovel & tongs, 1 Wire Sieve, 1 old pitchfork, 2 small tin trunks, tin & Pewter ware a few articles, 1 Wooden Pail, 1 Chain, 2 old Saddles, 1 axe, 1 scythe, a draft chain, irons for a plough, & Clevice [clevis] & pin, Harrow teeth. I am justly indebted to sundry persons
for clothing subsistance & necessaries the full amount of two hundred & eighty nine dollars & 59 cents, most of which are pressing hard for Collection.
My occupation has been lately working on a farm when my health has admitted. I am by reason of sickness & infirmity unable to labour any for my
support- I have a wife named Rosanna aged 55 has been confined to her bed for five years of a consumption complaint. She never will be
able to labour any more-- I have six children viz Nehemiah W. aged 28, Susanna aged 19, David aged 16, Thankfull aged 14, Lucinda aged 12,
William aged 10.-- The oldest Nehemiah is now in a State of derangement. He has lived with me ever since he was of age he is a bill of expence to me; he cannot earn any thing. Susanna the 2d one living with me is afflicted with a rheumatic complaint-- she cannot support herself. The four youngest are tolerably healthy but they cannot earn enough for their support-
I am so embarrassed & crowded with debts and distressed with sickness of myself & family that had it not been for the charity of my neighbors and the little aid I have received from my pension I could not have subsisted until the present time. I feel myself in need of public or private aid for support.
William Pratt


Sworn to and declared at Bennington in the county of Bennington and state of Vermont, on the 22d day of June 1820, in open court, before
Joel Pratt Clerk

I Joel Pratt-- Clerk of Bennington County Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration, oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is 350 dollars and 00 cents and upon full proof it is the 
opinion of the Court that after discharging his just debts the amount of the estate of the said William Pratt does not exceed 60 dollars and 41 cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court, on this -- 27 day of June ---- 1820
Joel Pratt Clerk of the Court for the County of Bennington

350.00 property
289.59 debt
—---------------
60.41
Page 9

4214.
Vermont B
Rosanna Pratt
widow of William Pratt
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a N. H. private
Inc’d from $80

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
 of 9[6] Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 1” July, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the
[9] day of July 185[1]
And sent to Wm Harnell
Bennington Vt.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 79 Vol. 3
Page 10

Lemuel Pratt Born July the 14. 1786
Alsabeth Pratt Born April 8 1788
Abel Pratt Born December 19 1790
William Pratt Born November 12 1792
Lyman Pratt June the 22 1795
December the 2 [Mary?]
and Sophia Pratt Born  1798

Susana Pratt Born August 26 1801
David Pratt Born June the 22 day of 1804
Thankfull Pratt in December 25, 1805 
Lucinda Pratt born October the 3d [or 8?] 1807
William Pratt Born March the 8 Day 1810

[circle stamp]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

[random #s & calculations-ages?]
1[8 or &] [4 or n]
1725
S 10? 17

1111,11
1922
1404
—-----------
14
7

1795
1704
-----------
991
Page 11

Cor for page 2 bushels of wheat x 14.0
by 1 hog three Dollars and x 10.5
—--------------------------------------------------
Peg’d 10 Cash x 07.6
to [illegible] x 0.80
to 1 calf x 0.40
to [illegible] 2.60
—--------------------------------------------------

[Moore] John Dr [18]
to twenty nine Lode of Wood in the tree
to 2 Sheep Skins & 3 Lamberlings 0.50
John [Moore]  for to 1890 1 [bow shot of ?] 0.60
to 1 [bushel of onions] 0.96
18011 to black sap tree 0.29
—--------------------------------------------------
0380
7 [Dh]7

Pratt, Wm.
Cont (Vt) W 15100
Page 12


12680
Rosana Pratt[s]
Vt Rev 281
Act ‘44
Declaration

Act 17 June 44
Adm’d

2 yrs private
$80-
from 16 Jany 1846,
her husband died

Silvanus Danforth
Pownall
Bennington Co Vt.
Page 13

State of Vermont Bennington County ss
On this 3d day of February 1846 personally appeared
 before the Hon Benjamin F Morgan, one of the Assistant 
Judges of Bennington County Court in and for the County
 of Bennington it being a Court of record, Rosana Pratt a
resident of Pownal in the County of Bennington 
aforesaid, aged 83 years. Who being first duly sworn
according to law doth on her oath make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefit of
the provision made by the act of Congress passed
July 7. 1838 entitled “An act granting half pay
and pensions to certain widows" and all subsequent
acts passed in addition thereto.

That she is the widow of William Pratt who was a
private in the army of the revolution. That
he enlisted for the term of three years in the
month of March 1777 in the State of Vermont
in the company commanded by Capt Wait Hopkins
in the Regt commanded by Col. Seth Warner
in the line of the State of Connecticut on the
Continental establishment.  That he continued to
serve in said Corps until some time in the
month of March 1780 when he was discharged
from said service at Bennington in the State of
Vermont, having served the full time of his
engagement as she thinks will appear by the
declaration of the said William Pratt and other
evidence now on file in the pension office.  That the
said William Pratt was placed on the pension
list of the Vermont agency at the rate of 96 dollars
per year and that he was a United States pensioner
at the time of his decease. She further declares
(over)
Page 14

that she was married to the said William Pratt
on the second day of March 1782 at Pownal
 by Elisha Barber Judge of the Court and Justice of the Peace.
That her husband the aforesaid William Pratt died
on the 16th day of January 1846 at Pownal in the
County of Bennington aforesaid.  That she was not
married to him prior to his leaving the service
but the marriage took place previous to the
first day of January 1794 viz: at the time
above stated. & that she has no record of said marriage.
She further declares that she has not intermarried
since the death of her said husband and that she
is still a widow.  And she hereby relinquishes every
 other claim to a pension. 
Rosana Pratt
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
above written at the dwelling house of the above
named Rosana Pratt, she being unable to appear
at Court by reason of bodily infirmity.
B. F. Morgan Judge

State of Vermont  Bennington County  ss
On this 19th day of March 1846
Personally appeared before Sylvanus
Danforth Justice of the peace in and for the County of
Bennington Rosana Pratt resident of Pownal
in said County of Bennington aged 83 years who being
first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath
make the following declaration in addition to the above
and foregoing declaration made by her on the 3d
day of February 1846 before the Hon. B. F. Morgan,
Judge, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision
made by the acts of Congress therein mentioned.  That
Page 15

she has had twelve children by the said William Pratt since
their marriage which took place on the 2d day of March 1782
as stated in her first declaration. That Lemuel Pratt the eldest
of said children was born July 14 1786. And that
William Pratt in the Youngest of said children was born
the 8th day of March 1810 And she further says that the
paper hereto annexed contains the names and births of
all her children she had born since the aforesaid Marriage
and that it is all the family record she has ever known
of the births of her children.  And that said [record]
has been always kept in the possession of herself and the
said William Pratt her deceased husband.  & that
she is still the widow of said William Pratt.
Rosana Pratt
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above
written, before
Silvanus Danforth Justice of Peace
Page 16

State of Vermont Bennington County ss.
I Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk of Bennington
County Court do hereby certify that Benjamin
F. Morgan whose name is subscribed to the
within was at the date thereof one of the Assistant
Judges of the County Court within & for the
County of Bennington & State of Vermont, that
said County Court is a Court of Record & has
a Clerk & a seal & that I am well acquainted with
the hand writing of said Benjamin F. Morgan & verily
believe his signature is genuine - I further also certify that
Silvanus Danforth whose name is subscribed to the within was
at the date thereof a Justice of the peace within & for the County of
Bennington & that I am well acquainted with the hand
writing of said Silvanus Danforth & verily believe his signature
is genuine-
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed
my name & affixed the Seal of said County this 9th day of April A.D. 1846
Saml H. Blackmer Clerk



[bottom fold -vertical]

12680
Rosana Pratt[s]
Vt Rev 281
Act ‘44
Declaration

Act 17 June 44
Adm’d

2 yrs private
$80-
from 16 Jany 1846,
her husband died

Silvanus Danforth
Pownall
Bennington Co Vt.
Page 17


Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
MMHF
OWN

March 29, 1927

Homer G. Kelley
4 Park Ave.,
Saxonville, Mass.
Sir:

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary
War pension claim W. 15700 it appears that William
Pratt enlisted in Vermont in March 1777, served as a private
in Captain Wait Hopkins' Company, Colonel Seth Warner's
Continental Regiment and was discharged in March 1780.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
April 4, 1818 while a resident of Pownal, Bennington County,
Vermont, aged fifty-seven years. He died January 16, 1846
in Pownal, Vermont.
Soldier married March 3, 1782 in Pownal, Vermont Rosanna
Williams. She was allowed pension on her application executed
February 3, 1846 while living in Pownal, Vermont, aged eighty
three years. They had twelve children:
Lemuel born July 14. 1786.
Alsebeth born April 8, 1788.
Abel born December 19, 1790.
Nehemiah William born November 12, 1792.xxx
Lyman born June 22, 1795.

[Handwritten note at bottom of typewritten page.]

The widow said they had 12 children
& in 1820 soldier said Nehemiah W. was aged 28, & [above]
William on family record was born in 1792. It is evident
they are the same person.
Page 18

[Handwritten note at top of typewritten page. See Scanned pafe #10 for original document of births]]

The name which follows “December the 2” and precedes “and Sophia” which child was a twin, was traced for this Inquirer and pasted on the original letter to him. Miss Wilson said as we could not make it out, to do it that way.

 [typewritten letter cont’d]

(traced) born December 2, 1798.
Sophia born December 2, 1798.
Susana Pratt born August 26, 1801.
David Pratt born June 22,  1804.
Thankfull Pratt born December 25, 1805.
Lucinda Pratt born October 8,  1807.
William Pratt Born March 8, 1810.

Soldier's grandchild, Sally Pratt, was aged two years
in 1823, her mother's name not given, and name of father
not designated.
The above history is that of the only soldier named
William Pratt of Pownal, Vermont found on the 
Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 19

Vermont
Wm Pratt, priv:
served 3 yr from 1777-
file March 1819
1st Sched. June 1820
Real Estate 10 acres of
land with buildings
& 10 acres of Mountain
land, which with his
personal property is
Valued at $350-

“embarrassed with debts"

Sched: under act Mar 1823
June 6. 1823
Exhibits $30
accounts for the decrease
of property &c
By sale of 4 acres of
land to J Moore on
the 14th Mar. 1821 for $50.
for a debt due him to
the amt.  Sold 4 acres to
J Wright for $40 in pay’t
of debt due him. On
15 Nov. 1820. sold 7 ½ acres
of Mountain land to R. [Pierpoint?]
For $10, (this land [illegible, paper folded over])
estate part 10 acres in [?].
Sold to 2 acres of land &
buildings to Rosana Pratt
15 Nov. 1820 for $100:03
for 3 years work-
(4 Deeds properly 
authenticated within) - 1 Horse
sold to A Russell in 1821 for
$27. “gave his note & Store
Pay, returned to his creditors
1 sow & 6 Pigs, consumed in
family. Some articles sold
to the amt $4.50 paid debts.

Aged 62 yrs. feeble & infirm
& right hand broken, wife
58 yrs, confined to her room
by sickness for 9 years
2 sons - 17 & 13 yrs 1 Daughter, 15 yrs
 a Grand Child 2 years

S. Danforth Esq
Pownal Vt

[71.73]
sent [as] above

Rev’d Act 21. 1843. &
Mar 1819
Page 20

4214
Vermont Poultney
Rosanna Pratt
widow of William
who served in the Revolutionary
 war, as a private

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

Certificate of Pension issued the
12 day of March 1849
and sent to Wm Haswell
Bennington Vt

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


Let to Wm Haswell  31 May 1851
Page 21

Reported

Poultney
Vermont 216.
Rosanna Pratt
widow of Wm Pratt
who was a Private
in the Revolution
husband died 16 Jany 1846.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars - Cents per annum, to 
commence on the 16th January, 1846.

Certificate of Pension issued the [26]
day of June, 1846
and sent to Sylvanus Danforth
Pownall Bennington Co. Vt.

{Act of JUNE 17, 1844.}

Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 66
Page 22

1927 Mch 2[9] Hist to Homer G. Kelly
His letter in Cl. of Silas Pratt. S 41083. MMHF

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15700
Rosanna Pratt
widow of
William Pratt
Pri Rev War

Act of Feb 2d 48
Index: Vol. M, Page 141.
(Arrangement of 1870.)
Page 23

Wm Pratt says he
deeded to
Josiah Wright 4 acres
of land about same time I deeded
to John Moore
Page 24

484
9[00]
—-------
13,84
7[00]
—-------
20, 84

200
3 Jany
389

I am well aware that
Silvanus Danforth of
Pownal in the County
Bennington & that
Page 25

Pownall August 30 1818
I hereby certify that I have been personally
acquainted with William Pratt of Pownal for more than
twenty years and that he has always been a very infirm
 man ever since I was first acquainted with him and that he is able to do but Very little towards Supporting him self by Manual labour of any kind
Tho Bannister M.D
Page 26

Thos Bannister's
Certificate
Page 27

I do hereby certify that I have been
acquainted with William Pratt of Pownal County of Bennington
State of Vermont for thirty years Last past. That I know him to be an infirm Man. That his infirmities increase upon him
and that he is unable to labour but a little part of
his time. Ad that his wife is bedriden and
of a consumtive habit and no prospect of her recovering
 her health. And that he is unable to obtain a living by labour.
Certified by Thomas Bannister M.D.
Pownal June 15th 1820
Page 28

Doct Samuel
Smith’s
certificate
Page 29

This may certify that I have been
 acquainted with William Pratt of Pownal of
Vermont - eight or ten years &
have doct’d him & family considerable.
I have considered him since I have been
acquainted with him to be an infirm
man & not able to get his living by
Labour & that Mrs. Pratt has been confined
all most entirely to her bed for 4 or
5 years & not the least prospect
of her ever being able to Labour
[if Life is Span]
Williamstown June 16th 1820
Samuel Smith M D
Page 30

This may certify that I have known William
Pratt of Pownal to be an infirm man for six
 years & not able to support himself
by manual Labour.
Doct Samuel Smith
of Williamstown Mass
Page 31

Samuel Porter
Page 32


Williamstown 9th June 1820
[Upon] my life that I have been acquainted with
William Pratt of Pownal Vt forty years and
have Doctored him and his family considerably in 
above mentioned time & have [long known] him for a number
years past to be an infirm man and not able to support
himself and family by labour and the his wife has been
sick & confined to her bed a great part of the time for several
years Past.
Samuel Porter Physician & Surgeon
Page 33

We Jacob Safford & Isaac Webster of Bennington in the
County of Bennington & State of Vermont do testify & say that
we are well aquainted with William Pratt of Pownal & are
knowing that he belonged to Col. Seth Warner’s Regiment
Capt Wait Hopkin’s Company & served his time out. & he was a
good Soldier & for a longer term than nine months. & we believe
he served about three years. We belonged to the same Company
with him & served as non commissioned officers in said
Company. & we know that the said William Pratt who is
now present is the same William Pratt above named.
In testimony whereof we have unto set our hand this
30th Day of July 1818
Jacob Safford
Isaac Webster

Date above Personally appeared the above named Jacob Safford
& Isaac Webster & made oath that the above Deposition by
them subscribed is Just & true.
Attest David Walbridge Justice Peace
Page 34

I James Bailey of Pownal in the County of Bennington &
State of Vermont of lawful age testify & say that in
the year 1817 I witnessed a deed which was executed
from William Pratt of Pownal aforesaid to Lyman Pratt
containing about 3 acres of land with all the buildings
standing on the same where the said William Now
lives the consideration I recollect was about ninety
dollars which the said Lyman loaned to the said
William
It was agreed at the same time that
if the said William Should pay the said Lyman
the said sum of ninety dollars & interest in a
reasonable time the said Lyman was to give up said
Deed to the said William and I have since been
informed from both of them that said land was
yielded back to the said William. He the said William
having applied his pension money redeeming the same.
And I know that the said William Pratt is unable to support
 himself by labour. And that his wife is sick and unable to labour
 at all, she having been sick constantly & confined to her bed
for eight years last past. And that the said Pratt & wife depend
 for subsistence in great measure on private charity.
James Bailey
Page 35

I Josiah Wright of Pownal in the County of Bennington
& State of Vermont & of lawful age testify & say that William
Pratt of Pownal aforesaid was owing a certain demand to
the amount of about 20 dollars for which sum I became
accountable about 2 years ago. And the said William
to secure me for the same and about twenty dollars
that was due me besides, deeded to me about 4
acres of land being a part of the ten acres of land which
 was appraised in the year 1820 by Josiah Dunning
and Wait Albro and placed in a Schedule of the
property of the said William and valued at the sum
of $260. And that I now own said 4 acres of land
and I further say that the said William is unable
to support himself by hand labor and that his
wife is now sick and has been for eight years
last past. And know they both depend in some
measure for subsistence on private charity.
Josiah Wright
Page 36

Mr. Edwards
March 1823
Vt.

Wm Pratt
Rec’d 18 Sept. 1823

Free
J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Washington
 Pownal Sept 11th
Page 37


War Department
Pension Office,
July 25th 1823
Sir
The documents transmitted by you 
in support of William Pratt’s claim to be restored
 to the Pension List have been examined
and I have to inform you, that before a decision
can be had in his case, the four copies of deeds
from Pratt must be properly authenticated by
the certificate of the County Clerk, shewing
that Thomas Bannister is the Town Clerk
and that the signature to his certificate is in
his own hand writing. The copies of Deeds are
herewith returned.
I am Respectfully
Your Obt Sert
J. L. Edwards

S. Danforth Esq
Pownal
Bennington Co
Vt
Page 38

Pownall September 11th 1823
Sir I herewith return to you the four copies
of deeds from Pratt with the certificates required.
It is hoped there will be an immediate decision
in his case if in his favor that he may draw
his pay this fall up to the 4th of Sept. Inst.
His case is one that demands commiseration.
I am Sir yours
Very respectfully
S. Danforth

J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Page 39

[Ins at.] Jan 15.
Wm Pratt
Vt.
[?] 1818

16 Sept 18

Col J. L. Edwards
Com’r of Pensions

Hon H Hall HR
Page 40

Ho of Rep. Jany 12, 1838

Dr Sir
I am informed that William Pratt
of Ben. Co. Vt. “is a Pensioner under the act
of 1818 - that he received his pay for 2 or 3
years, had his name stricken from the
roll for want of poverty, - was restored
two or three years afterwards having the
the same property as when stricken off.”
If so, I presume his back pension
will be paid him.
Will you have the goodness
to examine his papers, & inform me
what are the obstacles, if any, ag’t [against] the
receipt by Mr Pratt of his money in arrears?
Very respectfully Yours
H Hall


Col J L Edwards
Page 41

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Pension Office


Rec'd 28 Jan 1823
Page 42

I send the enclosed letter from a gentleman of the [finest]
respectability & to be used in Pratt’s application for
a pension. I know it is not strictly legal, yet it perhaps may
be considered as establishing the weight of testimony already taken.
I should give more attention to the statement of Judge Wright than to  ten ordinary affidavits. Such [use] as is proper only is asked.
Very respectfully
[ R C Mallary?]
Jan 27.

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Page 43

Bennington Centre Vt Feb. 22, 51
Sir
I enclose the applications of
Cynthia Hewlet, Hannah Keyes
and Rosanna Pratt for an
increase of pension.
You will please forward their
certificates to

Yours respectfully
Wm Haswell
Bennington Centre
Vermont.

Hon James L Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Page 44

Bennington Centre June 9. 51.
Hon J. E. Heath
Sir
I enclose the certificates of
Rosanna Pratt & Hannah Keyes
agreeably to direction in your
favour of 2d inst. I sometime
since forwarded Reuben
Gulliver's application for transfer,
 from which I have not
heard.-- Please forward his
certificate to me, and oblige
Yours respectfully
Wm Haswell
Page 45


Rosanna Pratt
Payment to be made at Poultney
by
Merritt Clark Esq
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the
Agency of Vermont.

Payable on the 4th September and 4th
March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the
Roll of Pensioners under act February
2d, 1848, Page 79  Vol. 3
Geo. Shilling
Clerk.
Page 46

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.

I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2, 1848,
Rosanna Pratt, widow of William Pratt who was a
Private  in the revolutionary war
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty
dollars per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage. 

Given at the Department of the Interior
this 12th day of March
one thousand eight hundred and
forty nine
T. Ewing
Secretary of the Interior.


Examined and Countersigned.
J. G. Burt
for Commissioner of Pensions
Page 47

Rosanna Pratt
to $96. deduct
former paymts
at $80

[Com’y] 1 July 1848

Burlington

Wm Haswell
Bennington
Vt.
Page 48

State of Vermont, Bennington County ss.
On this 8th day of July AD. 1850, personally appeared
before me, the subscribing authority, a Justice
of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid
Rosana Pratt widow of William Pratt
deceased, who was a Soldier in the
Revolutionary War, and a Pensioner of the
United States. That she is now drawing
a pension at the rate of Eighty Dollars
per annum; that she believes herself
entitled to an increase of pension and
asks for whatever may be found due
her under any of the acts and resolutions
of Congress, which are applicable to her case.
I also request that my pension certificate
if a new one should be issued, to be sent 
to William Haswell, my Agent & Attorney
at Bennington Centre, Vermont.
Rosana Pratt
Sworn to and subscribed this 8th day of July A.D. 1850,
before me Wm Haswell Justice Peace

I further certify that I am acquainted with the above named Rosanna Pratt and that she is a respectable and credible person.
Wm Haswell Justice Peace
Page 49

I, Samuel H. Blackmer, Clerk of the Court of
Bennington County, certify that Wm Haswell
was at the date of the within instrument, a
magistrate, and that the within signatures
purporting to be his, are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I
have hereunto affixed my
seal of office and subscribed
at my name this 22d day of
February, in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and
fifty one
S. H. Blackmer Clerk
Page 50

I Lyman Pratt of Pownal in the County of Bennington
& State of Vermont of lawful age testify & say that
in the year of our Lord 1817 I let William Pratt
have about ninety dollars in money for the security
of which the said William Deeded to me about 3 acres
of land with all his buildings standing on the same
when he now lives with an agreement that I should give
up said land to him provided he the said William
should within a reasonable time pay said Sum
of money & the interest. And after the said William
Pratt was placed on the pension roll he paid me
to my satisfaction & as he said with money he
recd a pension and I gave up the said land
& buildings and I further say that the said
3 acres of land & buildings were appraised and
& set in the schedule made in 1820 by Jonah
Dunning and Wait Albro and was a part of the
ten acres of land valued at $260. And I further say
that the said William is now unable to support himself
& family by manual labour and that his wife is now
sick and confined to her bed and has been for eight years past.
And in my opinion the sd William and his wife depend in a
great measure for subsistance on private charity.
Lyman Pratt
Page 51

Admitted 

Free -
The Hon. John C. Calhoun
Secretary at War
Washington
Page 52

Bennington Sept the 4th 1818

The Hon John C. Calhoun Secretary at War

Dear Sir Mr William Pratt of Pownal
is with me & has given me full Conviction
that he is poor, & Clearly within the act of the
18th of March & Even Destitute of the Common Comforts
of life that Even Poor men Commonly Injoy. & if his
Honest Creditors should press him who are mostly
Doctors he would not have one Dollar left. &
I Can further say I know he served in Col Warner’s
Regiment in the United States service but as the testimony
of two Sargents to that fact I can [give] no other evidence.
[Necessary}, he therefore request[s] your 2d attention to
his case believing you will relieve in some
Degree his unfortunate situation, so far as to give
him a Certificate to [Draw] his Pension in Due
Season. If there should still some thing wanting that
he could supply in truth, he would wish to be informed
to give him opportunity. But from the Certificate on the
[Back] of his papers I have been Induced to believe
them is nothing more [necessary.]
I am Sir with sentiment of the [best?]
Your Obediant Serv’t
David Robinson
Page 53

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Pension Office.
Page 54

Bennington, Nov. 11, 1820.
Sir,
Your favor of 16th ult. announced
that "Willam Pratt's case will receive another investigation
on exhibiting corroborative proof, duly authenticated, in regard to the situation of himself & family.” In pursuance of this intimation, Mr Pratt procured the enclosed testimony, which he has requested me to enclose to you. I have to add, that if convenient, I earnestly desire his case may be attended to immediately--
With much respect & esteem,
Yours &c
O. C. Merrill -

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office
Washington City
Page 55

paid
26 July 20
O. C. Merrill
16 Sept 1818


J French
Sep 19
[Jan Matin]
Sep 18
A Thatcher
March 19



Wm Pratt

Wm Pratt's
case for
reconsideration
but I cannot
find his papers
MM

Sept 1. 1820
Page 56

Bennington, Aug. 15, 1820
Sir
I wrote you a short time since in relation
to the pension cases of several pensioners who were
discontinued from the rolls and wished a reconsideration. 
 Of this number was William Pratt.
I now transmit at his earnest desire the papers
herewith enclosed, & request they may be examined &
his case considered.
There cannot be, in my opinion, any doubt
of his being entitled to pension. He is an honest, infirm
& much embarrassed man. The evidences would have been
more formal if the County Court, had been in session. 
And a conviction of the justice of his claim alone, induced me 
to comply with his request of forwarding them in their
present state. The professional men whose certificates
are enclosed, I am personally acquainted with as
Physicians, & know they are held in good report, & esteem.
Respectfully yours &c
O. C. Merrill

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office
Washington City
Page 57

We the undersigners, Josiah Dunning & Wait Albro of Pownall
in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont, in the year
1820, was requested by William Pratt of Pownal aforesaid
to appraise all the property of the said William both
real & personal, (necessary clothing & bedding excepted),
which we did & made a Schedule of the same with 
view to establish his claim as he said to a pension
under an act of Congress in 1820. The first Item
on said Schedule was 10 acres of land and the buildings
 valued at $260, nothing having been said
to us that any part thereof was possessed by the
said William, under circumstances that it ought
not to have been appraised. And we now say that the
3 acres of land - on which the buildings stand
as appears from evidence satisfactory to us ought not
to have been inserted in the said Schedule & was worth
at the time we made said Schedule in 1820
$180. And that said sum of $180 ought to be deducted from
the sum of $260 which would leave $80 instead of the sum of $260. 
And we further say that the wife of the said Pratt is now sick and confined to her bed and has been for eight years last past.
 and that the said Pratt and wife depend in a great measure for subsistance on private charity.
Wait Albro
Josiah Dunning
Page 58

I Heman Scranton of Pownal in the County of
Bennington & State of Vermont depose & say that
in the year 1814, 1815 & 1816 William Pratt of
Pownal aforesaid contracted a debt with me by
which he became indebted about seventy dollars
which was not paid til the year 1819 or 1820 in April.
 It was paid  with money the said Pratt recd as pension.
And I further know that such is the decrepit
situation of the said Pratt that he is unable to support
himself by manual labour and that his wife has
been sick & confined to her bed for seven or eight years
last past and that the said Pratt subsists mostly by
private charity.
Heman Scranton
Page 59

I John Mooar of Pownal in the County of Bennington & State of
Vermont & of lawful age testify & say that in the year 1821
in the month of March William Pratt of Pownal aforesaid
executed to me a Deed of about 4 acres of land to satisfy a
demand which I had against the said William for the sum of
about 50 dollars which debt was mostly contracted before
the year 1818. This deponent being a tanner of leather,
the debt was all for leather commencing in the year
1807. The said 4 acres of land was a part of the 10 acres
of land which was placed on a schedule of the property
of the said William made by Jonah Dunning and wait
Albro in the year 1820, said 10 acres of land being
valued at the sum of $260. I further say that such is
the feeble situation of the said William as to bodyly health
that he is unable to support himself and family by hand
labour and that the wife of the said William
is now sick and has been for eight years last
past. And I consider that the said William and his
wife depend for subsistance mostly on private charity
John Mooar
Page 60

State of Vermont Bennington County ss
Pownal  Dec. 21st 1822 Then personally appearing
William Pratt Lyman Pratt James Bailey
Wait Albro Josiah Dunning & Herman
Scranton all of Pownal aforesaid and made
Oath that the foregoing Depositions by them
subscribed contains the whole truth
according to their best recollection.
Before me Saml Wright Judge of County Court

State of Vermont Bennington County ss 
Pownal 25th Dec. 1822. Then personally appearing John
Mooar & Josiah Wright Esqr. of Pownal and
and made oath that the above Depositions
by them subscribed contains the whole truth
according to their best recollection.
Before me Saml Wright Judge of County Court

I hereby certify that the above named deponents
William Pratt Lyman Pratt James Bailey
Wait Albro Josiah Dunning Herman Scranton
John Mooar and Josiah Wright all of Pownal
aforesaid to me well known are credible 
Witnesses -
Saml Wright Judge of County Court

State of Vermont
I, Joel Pratt Clerk of Bennington County Court do
hereby certify that Samuel Wright Esquire is a Judge
of the County Court in & for Bennington County acting
under the authority of this State & the signatures as
such are his
In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand & affix the seal of said County Court at Manchester this 3d day of January AD. 1823
Joel Pratt Clerk
Page 61

Pownal Jan 7 15th

Free 
Hon Rollin C. Mallory
Member of Congress
Washington-
Page 62

Sir
The friends of William Pratt have
advised him to make further trial
in order to establish his claim to a pension
from Government-- had it not been
for an error in him or those who made
an inventory of his property In 1820 he
would most likely have been continued
on the pension Roll - his former papers
will probably be found in the secretary’s
office. No person within my knowledge
can have more just claims on Government
than him. If three year’s [audacious?] service in
the cause of his country without any
compensation (save a broken constitution)
has any claims, he has it. Add to this that
he and his family are in a state of Ill
health & also in the most indigent
Circumstances.  And nothing but the forbearance
of his creditors & private donations have
kept him from complete pauperism
for two years past-- You will do a
service to humanity in arguing his claim.
If the mistake in his last Inventory will
not be sufficient to a [nomination] of his
case, suffer me to suggest to you sir whether
a special act directing the Secretary of War
to re-examine & re-instate would not be
advisable,  and whether you would not
make the attempt. I would not
have troubled you with this communication
Page 63

did I consider it a common case but
be assured no soldier or Patriot of the
revolution is more deserving.
I am yours Respectfully
 Saml Wright
Jany 13 1823

Hon. Rollin C. Mallory
Page 64

4 March 1823
Vt.
Wm
Pratt,
Rec’d 18 July 1823.

Hon J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Page 65

State of Vermont Bennington County Pownal July 9th 1823
Sir In conformity to the several acts of congress
passed for the benefit of poor and indigent soldiers
of the revolution William Pratt of Pownal has made
out new set of papers in order to establish his claim
to a pension
The evidence of his service as a soldier
is in the possession of the war department or presumed
to be as he has once been placed on the Pension
List. A repetition therefore is deemed unnecessary.
Such is & has been the distressing situation of the
applicant & his family for several years past that
an attempt was made last winter to have his name
replaced on the pension list, shewing that property 
was placed in the Schedule that ought not to
have been, thereby making the amount of property
 in the opinion of the war department too much
to entitle the applicant to the benefit of the law. 
This attempt did not succeed, but after the passing to
act of Congress last March I received a letter on
the subject accompanied with a blank form for
his guidance. I think he has fully shewn
that he is entitled to the benefit of the law. Such is
his situation that it excites commiseration
amongst all his aquaintance in pursuing this
Page 66

declaration of the applicant. I discover the word
elbow is left out through mistake. It ought
to have been inserted immediately after the
words "I am so feeble & infirm my right”
and before the words “has been broken by a fall so that
I can not use it to labour”  I conclude it is not
very material in the case but should it be thought
otherwise you will return the same to me and
I will get it inserted. Please to write me on the
Subject as soon as possible.
I am your very
Obedient & humble Srvn’t
S. Danforth


J.C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Page 67

Stephen Williams
Deposition
Page 68

I Stephen Williams of Williamstown County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts aged 76 years the 23 day of June now last past depose and say that 63 or 64 years it was said and publicly reported that William Pratt and Rosana Williams were married by Elisha Barber Esq. I think he was called Judge Barber at that time. My residence at that time was in about half a mile of the residence of the said William
& Rosana and about the same distance from
the said Barbers residence. 

I further say that the said William & Rosana have had their residence in the same town and neighborhood where they were
married from the time of said marriage till the death of said William which took place on the 16 day of January 1846 that my residence has been most of the time within [inserted: a mile of] the residence of said William
and Rosana since the aforesaid Marriage that
during all of said time they cohabitated as husband and wife and had along family of children

I further say that said Rosana Williams is now
the widow of said William Pratt and [inserted: the] same who made her declaration on the 3d day of Febry 1846 before Benjamin F. Morgan Judge of the court in order to obtain a pension

Stephen Williams [signature]

State of Vermont
Bennington County⎬ Pownal March 19 1846 

Personally appeared Stephen Williams to me well Known as credible
witness and was duly sworn to the truth of the above statement by him subscribed before me

Silvanus Danforth Justice of the peace
Page 69

State of Vermont Bennington County ss.
I Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk of Bennington County
Court do hereby certify that Silvanus Danforth whose
name is subscribed to the within was at the date
thereof a Justice of the Peace within for the County of
Bennington duly authorized to administer said.
& that I am well acquainted with the handwriting
 of said Silvanus Danforth & verily
believe his signature is genuine-
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my
named affixed the Seal of said County this 9th day of
April A.D. 1846 -
Saml H. Blackmer Clerk
Page 70

12.680
April 17/46
Ad 18 months, Vt.
Rosanna Pratt
July 7 1838

[circle stamp]
BENNINGTON VT.
[illegible date] 

May 31
J. L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C.

[upside down - M. 82 @ 46 ?]
Page 71

Vermont
Bennington County
Pownal 11 April 1846

J. L. Edwards Esq. Dear Sir
Enclosed are the pension papers
of Rosana Pratt which I wish you to examine
and report to me your decision thereon as
soon as convenient.

I am most respectfully
Your Obt srvn’t
Silvanus Danforth
Page 72

I, Silvanus Danforth of Pownal in the County
of Bennington and State of Vermont of lawful age
depose and say that I am town clerk and as
such have the custody of the records of said town
and have carefully examined the records thereof
and that they are very imperfect. And very few 
Marriages are recorded between the year 1776 and
1794. That they do not contain the record of
the Marriage of William Pratt and Rosand
his wife (now the widow of said William).
I further say that the records of said town show
that Elisha Barber was a Judge of the Court &
Justice of the peace in and for said County
of Bennington on the 2d day of March 1782
and also a Judge and Justice of the peace both
before and after said last mentioned date.
I further say that it appears by said town records
in which are recorded births and deaths that the
said William Pratt and his said wife Rosana
has born of them 12 children. The four first
born between the 2d day of March 1782 and
the first day of January 1794. That I, have been
personally and well acquainted with said
William & Rosana for 45 years now last past. 
During which time they have been reputed as
husband and wife and they have cohabited as such to
the death of said William, which took place on
the 16th day of January 1846. That the said Rosana
is now the widow of said William, and
is the same Rosana Pratt who made her
declaration on the 3d day of February 1846
before Benjamin F. Morgan, Judge of the
Court in order to obtain a pension under an
act of Congress passed July 7. 1838 and other
subsequent acts of Congress
Silvanus Danforth
Page 73

Silvanus Danforth Deposition

State of Vermont Bennington County ss.
Pownal 5th day of February 1846 personally appeared
Silvanus Danforth, to me well know as a credible person who made
solemn oath to the truth of the within Statement by him subscribed before me Harmon Myers Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont Bennington County ss.
I Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk of Bennington County
Court do hereby certify that Harmon Myers whose
name is subscribed to the above was at the date
thereof a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of
Bennington duly authorized to administer said oath, that
I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Harmon
Myers & verily believe his signature is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my
named affixed the Seal of said County this 10th day of
April A.D. 1846 Saml H. Blackmer Clerk
Page 74

Sir
I enclose the papers in the case of Pratt.
He was stricken off & he alledges a mistake in
his schedule. Part of his property included in
the schedule ought not to have been placed there.
Many cases of this kind have occurred - the
persons applying supposing the property they
were possessed of, tho’ not being the real owner
should be exhibited.-The enclosed papers are genuine
 - the persons  signing many of them are of my acquaintance
 & of the first respectability.  The Case seems to me entitled to
relief. I have no doubt but that it is an honest & meritorious claim.
But of this you will determine.

Very respectfully
Your ob’ Serv’t
R C Mallary
Jan 18.
Page 75


Know all men by these presents that I William Pratt of Pownal in the
County of Bennington & State of Vermont for & in Consideration of Forty
Dollars to me in hand paid by Josiah Wright of Pownal in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont do give grant bargain Sell & Confirm unto the said Josiah his heirs & assigns one certain piece or parcel of land with a barn thereon standing, 
Lying & being in Pownal & bounded as follows (viz) beginning at the North East
Corner of said barn at the North West Corner of lands owned by John Mooar, then
Westwardly on the South line of lands owned by Roxena Pratt to the highway, 
thence Southwardly on the highway to lands formerly owned by William Hamiton,
on thence Southwardly to Asa Russell’s land thence on Russell’s North line to the
South West Corner of lands owned by John Mooar, thence Northwardly on John Mooar’s
West line to the first mentioned bounds & supposed to contain about four acres of land. Be the same
more or less & is a part of Gad Chapin’s 2d division - to have & to hold.
The above granted & bargained premises with the appurtenances thereof unto him
the said Josiah Wright his heirs & assigns forever to their own proper use.
Benefit & behoof & to the said William Pratt do for myself my heirs Executors
and administrators Covenant with the said Josiah Wright his heirs and
assigns that at & until the Ensealing of these presents I am well seized of
the premises as a good indefeasible Estate in fee simple have good [right]
to bargain & sell the same in manner & form as above written & that the
same is free of all incumbrances whatsoever & furthermore I the said
William Pratt do by these presents bind myself & heirs to warrant & defend
the above & within granted & bargained premises to the said Josiah Wright his heirs and
assigns against all claims & demands whatsoever. In witness whereof
I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 26th day of June AD 1821
Signed Sealed & delivered in presence of
William Pratt (LS) [seal]

Attest John Mooar
David Pratt


State of Vermont Bennington County ss 
Townal June 26th 1821 personally appeared
 William Pratt Signer & Sealer of the above &
within written instrument & acknowledged the same to
be his free act & deed before me
John Moaar Justice of Peace
Received for Record June 27th 1821 By
Tho. Bannister Town Clerk

I hereby certify that the above is a true Copy of Record recorded
Book 8th Page 507
Attest Thomas Bannister Town Clerk
Page 76

State of Vermont
I Joel Pratt Clerk of the County Court in & for Bennington
County do hereby certify that Thomas Bannister is town
Clerk in for the town of Pownal in the County aforesd and
that the within is his signature.
In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand & affix the seal
of our said County Court at Manchester this 14 day of
August AD 1823
Joel Pratt Clerk


Wm Pratt
Deed to Josiah Wright
A Copy
Page 77

Know all men by these presents that I William Pratt of Pownal in the
County of Bennington & State of Vermont for the consideration of fifty
Dollars & fifty seven cents to me in hand paid by John Mooar of Pownal
County & State aforesaid the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge have
Thereupon given granted bargained sold & by these presents do give grant bargain Sell Convey & confirm unto him the said John Mooar & to his heirs &
assigns forever a certain lot tract or parcel of land lying in Pownal butted
and bounded as follows beginning at the North East corner of the lot William Pratt, 
Now lives on near the Clay Pittbrook so called thence Southerly on the
lands owned by Lyman Pratt to Asa Russel’s North line being about 
Thirty Eight rods to a stake & Stones thence west on Asa Russell’s North line twenty five rods to a Stake & stones thence Northerly to the North East Corner
of William Pratt’s barn where it now stands to land deeded by the said Wm Pratt to Roxena Pratt thence Easterly on said Roxena Pratt South line to the
South East Corner of said land thence Northerly on Roxena Pratt’s East line
to the Highway to a stake & stones thence Easterly on the highway to
The Clay Pittbrook so called thence Easterly down Said Clay Pittbrock
To the first mentioned bounds containing about Four acres, be the same more or less the above described land being a part of Gad Chapin’s second division-- To have & to hold the above granted & bargained
 premises with the appurtenances thereof unto the said John Mooar & to his heirs
and assigns to his & their own proper use benefit & behoof forever thereby
Engaging to warrant & defend the same against the lawful claims of
any person or persons claiming from by or under me. & the same is
free of all incumbrances. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
Hand & Seal this fourteenth day of March in the year of our Lord
one thousand Eight hundred & twenty one. Signed Sealed & delivered
In presence of 
William Pratt (LS) [seal]
Nehemiah W Pratt
David Pratt

State of Vermont Bennington County ss
 Pownal March 16th 1821 personally appeared
William Pratt Signer & Sealer of the above written
Instrument & acknowledged the same to be his free act & deed
Before me Tho Bannister Justice of Peace

Received for Record March 15th 1821 by Tho Bannister Town Clerk
A true Copy of Record recorded Book 8th Page 466
Attest Tho. Bannister Town Clerk
Page 78

Wm Pratt
Deed To
John Mooar
A Copy
Page 79

State of Vermont
I Joel Pratt Clerk of the County Court in & for 
Bennington County do hereby certify that Thomas Bannister
is Town Clerk in & for the Town of Pownal in the County
afores’d and that the within is his signature.
In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand & affix the
seal of our said County Court at Manchester this 14
day of August A.D. 1823. Joel Pratt Clerk
Page 80

Know all men by these presents that I William Pratt of Pownal
In the County of Bennington & State of Vermont for & in consideration of
one hundred dollars & Sixty three cents to me in hand paid by Roxena
Pratt of Pownal State & County aforesaid the receipt whereof I do hereby
acknowledge have thereupon given granted bargained sold & by these
Presents do give grant bargain sell Convey & confirm unto her the said
Roxena Pratt to her heirs & assigns forever a certain piece or parcel
of land in Pownal bounded as follows beginning at a [pople] tree two
Rods North of the House on the South line of the highway then westward on said line. Nineteen rods to the corner of the highway thence Southward on the East line of the highway, Eleven Rods to a stake & Stones, thence Eastward thirty three rods to a Stake & stones thence Northward fourteen rods to the South line of the highway, thence on said
Line westward thirteen rods to the first mentioned bounds supposed
to contain two acres be the same more or less & is a part of Gad
Chapin’s 2d division to have & to hold the above granted premises with all the appurtenances thereof unto her the said Roxena
Pratt to her heirs & assigns to her & her own proper use benefit
and behoof forever & I hereby Engaging to warrant defend
the same against the lawful claims of any person or
Persons Claiming from by or under me.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this
Fifteenth day of November 1820 
William Pratt (LS) [seal]
Signed Sealed & delivered
In presence of us
Zadock Pratt his mark
Elijah Pratt

State of Vermont Bennington County ss 
Pownal December 25th 1820 personally appeared William Pratt
Signer & Sealer of the above written instrument and
acknowledged the same to be his free act & Deed.
Before me Tho. Bannister Justice of Peace

Received for Record January 1st 1821 Tho. Bannister Town Clerk.
The above is a true copy of record Recorded Book 8th Page 470.
attest Tho. Bannister Town Clerk
Page 81

Wm
Pratt
Deed To
Roxena Pratt
A Copy
Page 82


State of Vermont
I. Joel Pratt Clerk of the County Court in for Bennington County
 do hereby certify that Thomas Bannister
is Town Clerk in for the Town of Pownal in the
County aforesd and that the within is his signature.
In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand & affix the
seal of our said County Court at Manchester this 17th
of August A.D. 1823-
Joel Pratt Clerk
Page 83

Know all men by these presents that I William Pratt of Townal in
the County of Bennington & State of Vermont for in consideration of
ten dollars to me in hand paid by Roxena Pratt Pownal in the
County aforesaid the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, have
thereupon given granted bargained sold & by these presents do give grant bargain sell Convey & confirm unto her the said Roxena Pratt & to her
heirs & assigns forever a certain tract of land in Pownal bounded as
follows: beginning at a birch tree in the Ellis East line thence
North 10 [degrees?] E 25 rods then East 10 [degrees?] N 48 rods to James Hall’s Line westmost lot thence South 25 rods to a dry brook then up said brook to the first bounds & Containing seven acres & an half of land be the same more or less to have & to hold the above granted premises with the appurtenances thereof unto her the said Roxena Pratt
and to her heirs & assigns to her & their own proper use benefit and
Behoof forever, I hereby Engaging to warrant & defend the same against the lawful claims of any person or persons claiming from
by or under me, it being a part of Gideon Lyman’s 5th division.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this
Fifteenth day of November 1820

William Pratt (LS) [seal]
Signed Sealed & delivered
In presence of
Zadock Pratt his mark
Elijah Pratt

State of Vermont Bennington County ss
Pownal December 25th 1820 personally
appeared William Pratt Signer & Sealer
of the above written instrument & acknowledged the same to
be his free act & deed. before me
Tho Bannister Justice of Peace
Received for Record January 1st 1821 Tho Bannister Town Clerk
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of record
Recorded Book 8th Page 471
Attest Tho Bannister Town Clerk
Page 84

Wm Bratt
Deed to Roxana Pratt
Page 85


State of Vermont
I, Joel Pratt Clerk of the County Court in & for Bennington
 County do hereby certify that Thomas Bannister is
Town Clerk in & for the Town of Pownal in the County
 afores’d and that the within is his signature.
In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand & affix the
seal of our said County Court at Manchester this 14
day of August AD 1823.
Joel Pratt Clerk
Page 86

I William Pratt of Pownal in the County of Bennington
& State of Vermont depose and say that I made application
for a pension under an act of Congress passed in 1818
making provision for the surviving soldiers of the American
revolution who were poor and needy & had served on
the continental establishment at one time nine months or
more,  which pension was granted and continued until
the act of May 1820 when new Schedules were required
from those who had drawn pensions under the first act. And
I accordingly made out new Schedule of my property in
1820 on which 10 acres of land & buildings thereon standing
was valued at $260 by which an error was committed,
as three acres of said land on which the buildings
stand ought not to have been inventoried nor placed
in said Schedule, it having been deeded in 1817 to
Lyman Pratt for the security of about ninety dollars
in money which I borrowed of the said Lyman Pratt.
And I redeemed said 3 acres of land & buildings with
money I received as pension under the said act of
Congress passed in 1818, not knowing at the time I
made the last mentioned schedule that the said 3 acres of
land & buildings ought not to have been appraised.
And I further say that I have no real property, it
having been all deeded for debts which I owed previous
to my receiving a pension. And that I am now unable to
support myself & family by manual labour.  And
that my wife is now sick and confined to her bed
and has been constantly for eight years past . And
that I now owe two hundred dollars more than I can pay.
William Pratt
Page 87


Rosanna Pratt

AW
218.44

Wm  Haswell
Bennington
Vermont
Page 88

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of
Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled "An act
making further provision for surviving widows
and Soldiers of the Revolution”

State of Vermont, Bennington County ss 
On this 29th day of September
A.D. 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber,
a Justice of the Peace within and for the County
of Bennington, Rosanna Pratt, a resident of
Pownal, in the County of Bennington, aged
86 years, to me personally known, who being
first duly sworn, according to law, doth on
her oath make the following declaration, in
order to obtain the benefits of the provision
made by the Act of Congress, passed the 2d
February, 1848, granting pensions to Widows
of persons who served during the Revolutionary
 War. That she is the widow of William
Pratt, who was a private in the Revolution
and died on the 16th day of January A.D. 1846,
and for whose services, she received a pension of
 Eighty Dollars per annum, under the
act of 17th June 1844. And she further
declares that she still remains a Widow.
Rosanna Pratt
Witness Wm Pratt
Wm Haswell

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and
year above written, before me, Wm Haswell Justice Peace

State of Vermont,  Bennington County ss 
I, Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk of the Court of
Bennington County,  hereby certify that 
Wm Haswell is a Justice of the Peace in and
for said County, and that the above signature 
purporting to be his is genuine.
Given under my hand, and the seal of said County,
this 2d day of October, A.D. 1848.
Saml H. Blackmer Clerk
Page 89

District of Vermont County of Bennington County ss
Personally appeared Wait Albro before me Silvanus
Danforth one of the Justices of the Peace within & for the
County of Bennington & made oath that he lives a
Neighbour to Mr William Pratt who says he served in Col
Warren’s regiment & who now lives in Pownal & says
he is acquainted with his circumstances & know that
he is a poor man & his Family very unwell & himself
Quite feeble & that he is in Reduced Circumstances
& hath need of the aid of Government to support his Family.
Sworn to this 12th day of August 1818
Attest Silvanus Danforth Justice Peace

District of Vermont County of Bennington ss
Personally appeared Silas Pratt before me & made Oath that he is
aquainted with William Pratt of Pownal & was knowing
that he served in Col. Seth Warner’s Regiment. That he is in
Reduced Circumstances. That his family is very unwell.
That he is very Infirm himself.  That he needs the aid
of Government to Support his Family. Sworn to this
14th Day of August 1818-
Attest Silvanus Danforth
Page 90

To the Hon. the Judges of the County Court, within & for the
County of Bennington
The petition of William Pratt, Sheweth, That he has
been a pensioner, under the law of Congress, passed 18th March
A.D. 1818. That in the schedule of his property made in
open Court at their session in June last, pursuant to a
law of Congress, passed the 1st day of May, A.D. 1820, a mistake
was made, probably thro' forgetfulness & infirmity,
by which certain debts he owed to the amount of $86.13
were omitted, which should have been added to his exhibit.
He prays the same may be now corrected, & the record
made according to truth. He considers it important and
material, as it may hazard his legal claim to pension, &
implicate him otherwise. The court decided his balance
of property to be about $75.00- He now wishes, & thinks it 
important the record should be corrected, & the War Department advised of the error, in such way as may be deemed proper.
William Pratt
Bennington, Aug. 10, 1820

Personally appeared before the Hon. John H. Olin and
Stephen Robinson, Assistant Judges of the County Court,
within & for the County of Bennington, William Pratt of
Pownal, a soldier of the revolution & a pensioner under the
act of Congress of the 18th of March A.D. 1818, & made
solemn oath that in the schedule of his property,
made pursuant to an act of Congress passed the 1st
day of May, A.D. 1820, & exhibited in Court at their
Session in June last, that thro' mistake, or forgetfulness,
 he omitted in his exhibit to enter debts he owed of the sum of
$86.13.

Bennington Aug’t 10th 1820
John H. Olin Stephen Robinson 
Judges C. Court
Page 91

Personally appeared before the Hon. John H. Olin and
Stephen Robinson, Assistant Judges of the County Court,
within & for the County of Bennington, William Pratt of 
Pownal, a soldier of the revolution & a pensioner under the
act of Congress of the 18th of March A.D. 1818, & made
solemn oath that in the schedule of his property,
made pursuant to an act of Congress passed the 1st
day of May, A.D. 1820, & exhibited in Court at their
session in June last, that thro' mistake, or forgetfulness, 
he omitted in his exhibit to enter debts he owed of the sum of
$86.13.

Bennington  Augt 10th 1820
John H. Olin Stephen Robinson 
Judges C. Courts

We certify that William Pratt is a man of truth and
veracity, and we are fully satisfied the facts by him above 
stated are true: and we further have no hesitation in stating
that in our opinion, no man within our knowledge is more
entitled to pension from merit of service & situation of
property.

John H. Olin  Stephen Robinson 
Judges C. Courts
Page 92

William Pratt:
Declaration
Page 93

District of Vermont County of Bennington ss
On this 6th day of June 1823 Personally
appeared in open Court being a Court
of record for the County of Bennington,
William Pratt, resident in said County,
aged 62 years, who being first duly sworn
according to law doth on his oath make
the following declaration in order to
obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 19th of
March 1818 & the 1st of May 1820.  That he the said William
Pratt enlisted for the term of three years in the month of March
1777 in the State of Vermont in the company commanded by
Capt Wait Hopkins in the Regiment commanded by Col Seth
Warner in the line of the State of Connecticut on the Continental
Establishment. That he continued to serve in said corps until some
time in March 1780 when he was discharged from said service
in Bennington in the State of Vermont. That his name has been
placed on the pension list & dropt therefrom on account of his property.
And in pursuance of the act of the 1st of May 1820
I do Solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States
on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not since
that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any 
part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it
as to bring myself within the provisions of the act of Congress
entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the
land and naval service of the United States in the revolution
passed on the 18th day of March 1818; And that
Page 94

I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or
securities contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other
than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me
subscribed viz one Cow - 1 old chest- 1 Candlestand- 6 knives
& forks, 6 teaspoons. Crockery. 1 Looking Glass - 1 shovel & tongs
1 wire sieve. 2 Small tin trunks. Tin ware & pewter 3 or 4 articles.
1 Wooden pail. 1 Churn  1 ax. Part of a draft chain. A harrow with
3 or 4 hooks. Iron ware viz: pot, tea kettle - Skillet - 1 hand saw
1 Spinning wheel  That since the exhibition of my first schedule, 
the following changes have been made in my property 

[margin note - ‘disposed of’]

four acres of land sold John Mooar March 14. 1821 for the sum of 50 dollars & 57 cents received in a debt I previously owed him About
4 acres sold to Josiah Wright in the year of 1821 for forty dollars - received in a debt I owed him for monies paid out for me at Troy & elsewhere. About seven & a half acres of mountain land sold to
 Roxana Pratt Novr 15th 1820 paid to me in Cash the sum of ten dollars heretofore this land returned by mistake a ten acre lot. About2  acres of
land & buildings sold to Roxana Pratt for $100.63 cents paid
me in a debt I owed her for services in my business for 3 years work.
Principally due previous to my original schedule sold Nov. 15. 1820
1 house sold to Asa Russell in the fall of 1821 for $27.00 gave
me his note & store pay - turned to my Creditors.  I sold six pigs used in my family. 1 old chest drawers sold [to] Sphia Pratt 1822 for about $3.50 –paid a debt I owed her. 1 table broke - 5 chairs are so 
decayed as not to be worth any thing, one old saddle & sold to Wait Albo for $11.00 about a year since - I owed him a small debt.  One old Saddle lost & decayed. 1 scythe broke - Plough irons are worn out & broken. My occupation is a farmer but I cannot do any thing at it.
Page 95

Now I am so feeble & infirm, my right {per letter from Sivanus Dnforth, 
the word "elbow" was acidentally omitted here] has been broken by a fall
so that I cannot use it to labor.  My constitution is shattered
& almost destroyed. I have a wife named Rosanna aged 58
who has been confined to her room by severe sickness 9 years
lacking a month. Thankful Prall aged 17 cannot work
much - has had a rheumatic complaint several months.
Lucinda Pratt aged 15 able to earn her living. Wm Pratt Junior
aged 13 cannot quite earn his living. Sally Pratt a grand
Child aged 2 years. The foregoing are all my family.
William Pratt

Sworn to and declared at Manchester in the County of Bennington
& State of Vermont on the 6 day of June 1823 in open Court before
Joel Pratt Clerk

I Joel Pratt Clerk of Bennington County Court do hereby certify
that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court that the said William
Pratt did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the preceding
declaration against the common enemy for the term of nine months
under one engagement on the Continental establishment, I also certify that the foregoing oath & the schedule thereto annexed are truly
copied from the records of the said Court & I do further certify that
it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of
the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is 30 dollars-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed
the seal of the said Court on this 6 day of June AD 1823
Joel Pratt Clerk of the Court in & for Bennington County
Page 96

I Josiah Dunning of Pownal in the County
of Bennington & State of Vermont and of lawful
age testify & say that I have resided for twenty years
past within half a mile of William Pratt and his
family and have during that time been intimately
acquainted with the said William & his family and know
that he the said William has been unable to labour
for several years last past by reason of age and
a lameness of the leg and a stiffness of the right
Elbow.  That while the said William was able to labour
he was an industrious prudent man that he is
yet a sober frugal & respectable citizen. I know
that the wife of the said William has been for
about six years sick & confirmed to her bed for the
most part of the time. And I further know that the if it 
was not for the forbearance of the creditors of the the said
 William he & his family would have to depend on public or private charity for subsistance.
Josiah Dunning

State of Vermont Bennington County SS Pownal Novr 1st 1820.
Then personally appeared Josiah Dunning and after being
carefully examined & duly cautioned made Solemn oath
that the above deposition by him subscribed contains
the whole truth & nothing but the truth before me.
Silvanus Danforth Justice of Peace
Page 97

I certify that I am personally acquainted with Josiah
Dunning, subscriber to the within deposition & know
him to be a credible witness.
Silvanus Danforth Justice of Peace

State of Vermont
I Joel Pratt Clerk of Bennington County Court do hereby
certify that Silvanus Danforth is a Justice of the
peace in & for the County of Bennington af’d acting 
under the authority of this State & the above is his
signature-
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of our
said County Court at Manchester in the County aforesaid this 9 day
of November AD 1820.
Joel Pratt Clerk
Page 98

I Abigail Russell wife of Asa Russell of Pownal
in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont and
of lawful age testify & say that I have been personally
acquainted with William Pratt of Pownal aforesaid
for about thirty years and have during
that time resided within a mile of the said
William & family. I know that the said William
& his wife are unable to labour. That
I have frequently been called to assist the wife
of the said William in her sickness as she has
been confined to her bed for about four years,
and still remains in that situation & under the Doctor’s
Care. That while the said William & wife were
able to labour they were industrious persons
& are still sober honest upright and respectable
citizens & further say not.
Abigail Russell

State of Vermont Bennington County ss Pownal Nov 1st 1820
Then personally appeared Abigail Russell and after being
carefully examined & duly cautioned made solemn oath
that the above deposition by her subscribed contains
the whole truth & nothing but the truth before me
Silvanus Danforth Justice of the Peace
Page 99

I certify that I am personally acquainted with
Abigail Russell, subscriber to the within deposition
& know her to be a credible witness.
Silvanus Danforth Justice of Peace

State of Vermont
Joel Pratt Clerk of Bennington County Court do
hereby certify that Silvanus Danforth is Justice
of the peace in & for Bennington County afores’d
acting under the authority of this State and that the
above is his signature.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of our
said County Court at Manchester in the County aforesaid this day
of November AD 1820.
Joel Pratt Clerk
Page 100

I Asa Russel of Pownal in the County of Bennington
& State of Vermont and of lawful age testify & say that
for about thirty years past I have resided within a
Mile of William Pratt of Pownal aforesaid. And have
during that time been intimately acquainted with
the said William & with his family and know
the said William is an infirm man unable to
Support himself & family by his labour and
has been so for several years past.  That his wife
has been sick for about six years & the most
part of the time she has been confined to her bed
& under the Doctors care. That while the said
William & wife were able to labour they were
Industrious people and have always since I
have known them been sober frugal & respectable
 citizens-- and I know that if it was not for the forbearance
 of the creditors of the said William himself & family would
 Have to depend on public or private charity for
Subsistance.  And further your deponent say not.
Asa Russel

State of Vermont Bennington County ss. Pownal Novr 1st 1820
Then personally appeared Asa Russell & after being
carefully examined and duly cautioned made Solemn
Oath that the above deposition by him subscribed
contains the whole truth & nothing but the truth.
before me
Silvanus Danforth Justice of Peace
Page 101

I certify that I am personally acquainted with Asa
Russell subscriber to the within deposition & know
him to be a credible witness
Silvanus Danforth Justice of Peace

State of Vermont
I Joel Pratt Clerk of Bennington County Court do
hereby certify that Silvanus Danforth Esquire
is a Justice of the peace in & for the County aforesd
acting under the authority of this State & that the
above is his signature-
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand
and affix the seal of our said County Court at Manchester this
 9 day of November AD 1820
Joel Pratt Clerk
Page 102

I John Mooar of Pownal in the County of Bennington
& State of Vermont & of lawful age testify & say that
I have been personally acquainted with William Pratt
of Pownal aforesaid & with his family for about twenty
years & have resided during that time within a mile of
the said William and know that he is an infirm man
and unable to support himself & family by his labour.
That his wife has been sick for about six years past
and the most part of the time she has been confined to
her bed & under the Doctor’s care and I further know
that the said William is now owing to a considerable
Amount. That he owes me about fifty
dollars, and from a statement of the other claims
against the said William, which statement of the
Creditors is now before me, he has not property
sufficient to pay the claims if they were pressed
for collection. & that some of the demands having gone
 in to Execution. & unless the creditors stay the collection
 of their demands, the said William & wife must
depend on public or private charity for
Subsistance and further your deponent say not.
John Mooar

State of Vermont Bennington County SS. Pownal Novr 1st 1820
Then personally appeared John Mooar and after being
carefully examined & duly cautioned made Solemn
oath that the above deposition by him subscribed
contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
before me Silvanus Danforth Justice of Peace
Page 103

[handwritten] 
I certify that I am personally acquainted with John Moor subscriber to the within deposition & know him to be a credible witness

Silvanus Danforth Justice of Peace

State of Vermont
I Joel Pratt Clerk of Bennington County Court do hereby certify that Silvanus Danforth is a Justice of the peace in & for said Bennington County acting under the authority of this State and that the above is his signature.
 
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand affix the seal of our said County Court at Manchester in the County aforesaid this day of November AD 1820

Joel Pratt Clerk
[handwritten]
Page 104

[handwritten] 
I Elijah Pratt of Pownal in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont & of lawful age testify & say that I have been personally acquainted with William Pratt of Pownal aforesaid for more than twenty years & the most part of the time have resided within a mile of him & his family. I know that the said William Pratt is a man of ill health & has been for several years past which has rendered him unable to support himself & family by his labour. That his wife has been sick for about six years & for the greatest part of the time has been confined to her bed. I further know that if it was not for the forbearance of the creditors of the said William Pratt that he & his wife would have to depend for subsistence on public or private charity.

I also know that the said William is a lame man and has a stiff elbow & his right arm considerably perished.

And further your deponent say not

Elijah Pratt

State of Vermont Bennington County ss Pownal Nov 1st 1820

Then personally appeared Elijah Pratt and after being carefully examined & duly cautioned made Solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth & nothing but the truth before me

Silvanus Danforth Justice of Peace
[handwritten]
Page 105

[handwritten] 
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Elijah Pratt subscribed to the within deposition & know him to be a credible witness

Silvanus Danforth Justice of Peace

State of Vermont

I Joel Peale Clerk of Bennington County Court do hereby certify that Silvanus Danforth is a Justice of the peace in & for the County of Bennington acting under the authority of this State & that the above is his signature

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of our said County Court at Manchester in the County aforesaid this 9 day of November AD 1820

Joel Pratt Clerk
[/handwritten]
Page 106

[handwritten] 
ref

William Pratt

Served 3 years from 1777

59 years old. Wife 55 - 3 sons, aged 28, 16, & 10 - 3 daughters aged 19, 14 & 12 years.

Real estate 10 acres of land with buildings and 10 acres of mountain land, which with his personal property, is worth $350.00.

He states, that 3 acres of the above land was mortgaged for $90, in 1817 - but exhibits evidence of having redeemed it with his pension money.

Report to R.C. Mallary, H.R.

Regulations under Mar 1823 - sent 10 April 1823, to Sylvanus Danforth, see letter of that date
[/handwritten]