Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15263, for Benjamin Porter, Massachusetts
Page 1

Mass.   Porter, Benjamin   W.15263
Thankful
Page 2

Massachusetts Roll

Benjamin Porter
Massachusetts Line    Private

In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the 1st of April 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 18th of December 1818 and sent to Johnathan Lewitt [spelling] judge Greenfield Mass.

Arrears to 4th of September 1818 5[924] & 4/30 - 41:6
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4th March 1819 - 48
$89:6

Revolutionary claim
Act 18 March, 1818

Nine months
Page 3

Benj,m Porter
Jackrony Mass. Reg.
1778 Served 9 months 


See Rolls Correct
Page 4

I Benjamin Porter a Citizen of the United States now resident in the town of  Museums. they've county of Frankin and commonwealth of Massachusetts do on oath declare that I belonged to the army of  the United States in the Revolutionary War-I entered the continental Services in the Spring of the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight for the term of nine months in  a company commanded by Lieutenant -Benjamin  in a company commanded in Colonel Michael Jackson's Regiment in the Massachusetts Line, and  severed in the same untill my enlistment  expired  and was honorably discharged at Peekskill N.Y. I [eigblin] entered the service in the spring of A.D. 1779 under the term of six months in a company commanded by Captain --Elois in Coronel --Nixon's Regiment in the line aforesaid and served in the same untill my term of enlistment[last] aforesaid had expired and was then honorably discharged from the same at Peekskill N.Y.  I again entered the service in the Spring of the year 1780 for another term of six months in a company commanded by Captain John Woodbridge in  Colonel---Tylers Regiment in the line aforesaid and served in the same untill m term of enlistment had expired and was then honorable discharge at Newport. R.I. I again entered the service in the summer of year 1781 for the term of three months in the company commanded by Captain--Shattuck in Col.--Seers Reg.'t in the lined aforesaid and was then honorable discharged from the Service at [Saratoga]  At each of the times of discharge from the army I received an honorable discharge which I kept in my poisseon   for several years but  they are now lost and I have not seen them or any of them or had any  knowledge  of them for twenty years or more . I am now in the fifty seventh year of my age I am now poor find in reduced circumstances in life begin [evesiendent] upon my wifes labor for the subsistence  of myself and family and [potiand] in great need of assistance from my country for support ---Dated at Greenfield in County + Commonweath afore said this twenty first day of  April A,D. 1818-Benja Porter          
(line to hard to read)
Page 5

State of Massachusetts  Warwich Ss.  April 21 st
A.D. 1818. The before oath  named Benjamin Porter a said that the foregoing Declaration by him + subscribe is true
Before me, Jossle Levancitt
Cisasset Court of  Common Pleas


I Abner Goodell of the Town of Warwick of aforesaid do testify and says there the within named Benjamin Porter is wholly destitute of property and I think stands in great need of assistance from his country for support. Dated this 21st.day of April A.D. 1818-Abner Goodell

[sessps] tp the day +year last of (cant guess) be for me  Jona Lewitt judge of [dont know0

To the Secretary of the Department of War

   I the Subscriber Judge of the circuit court of common Pleas for the western circuit in the State of Massachusetts which includes the County of  Fraklin Craford do hereby Certify that -------------The before named Benjamin  Porter served in the Revolutionary War against the common enemy as he has set forth in his Declaration within + that by reason of his reduced circumstances in life is in  need of assistance from his country for Support.---
         In Testimony where of I have hereunto set my  hand +the seal of the Court--afors't  The 21 th.day of  April A.D. 1818

Jona Lewitt
Page 6

1,593
Massachusetts
Thankful Porter
widow of  mass Benjamin Porter 
who served in the Revolutionary war
as a Private


Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars
Cents per annum to commence on the
1 of July 1848

Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of Aug.1852
and sent to
H. Woodman
Boston Mass.
Incd. from  177.10
Page 7

5582
Thankful Porter
Send to the War deportment 

Act 7 July 38

In87 or 28
aeud
9 md.hri
30 $No deductions

Elijah Alvord
Greenfield
Mass
Page 8

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
County of Franklin on this first day of May, in the year or our
Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty nine, personally appeared before the court of probate now holder at Warwick within & for said county of Franklin, Thankful Porter a resident of Orange in said county of Franklin, aged seventy one years, who being first duly sworn & according to Law, doth on her oath, make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on July 7th, 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows", she is the widow of Benjamin Porter who was a soldier & she thinks a private soldier in the army of the United States in the war of the Revolution, and who at the time of his death & for many years before was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States under the Law of 1818.
She is confident his pension was eight dollars per month & thinks it was granted under the Pension act of 1818 & she refers to the evidence in the war department in proof of services of her said husband.
She further declares that she was married
Page 9

to the said Benjamin Porter on the fourth day of  
of January in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty seven, by the Revened Emerson Forster,+that her husband, the aforesaid Benjamin Porter died on the Eleventh day of July   in the year Eighteen hundred and twenty nine; that she was not married to him before his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previans to the First. day of January in the year seventeen   hundred + seventy four, viz,,at the time above stated.
Thankful (X) Porter
her mark

 Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me.   R.E. Nurvirch  Judge of Probate


And the said Judge of Probate doth hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter that said Benjamin Porter was a solider in the war of the revolution and received pension of the United States under to act of 1818-that the said Thankful Porter, the applicant was married to the said Benjamin Porter as stated in the preceding declaration; that : the said Benjamin Porter died on the eleventh day of July A.D. 1824;and that the said applicant has  ever since remained ,and still is a widow.

R.E. Newart  Judge of Probate
Page 10

Commonweath of Massachusetts 
Franklin SS


I Elijah Alvord, Register of Probate for said county  of Frankin, do hereby certify, that Richard E. Newcomb Esq is a Judge of Probate for said county duly commissioned and quantified: and that the annexed signatures purporting to be his are genuine.

              In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said court the seventh day of May A.D. 1834

E.Alvort Reg. Prob
Page 11

Commonweath of Massachusetts
Conty of Franklin- Town of Orange

" The following marriage was performed by the Subscriber [oiz]" on the fourth day of January in the year of Lord one thousand seven hundred + Eighty seven .m "Benjamin Porter and Thankful Foster"
Attest Emerson Forster"

I hereby certify that the about is a true copy of the Record with the exception of the date which is Exoneped on the Record in January in fair legible figures as follows, viz, January 4th 1787.
attest 
Peter Choney   Town Clerk.

I Peter Choney above named depose and say that I hold the Office of Town clerk in the Town of Orange in the county of Franklin + state of Massachusetts, aforesaid +that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Town of Orange, with the exaction about named as certified by me   Peter Choney Town Cleark 

Franklin Ss Jan 31st.18344 Parley Barton Justice of the Peace.

I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above names Peter Cheney, that is a man of veracity +a credible witness.
Parley barton Just. of Peace
Page 12

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin SS.
      
   I  [crossed out) Elijah Alvord Clerk of Court of Common Pleas for the county of Franklin do hereby certify that Purley  Esq. is a Justice of the Peace within and for said county duly commissioned and qualified; and that the within signature, purporting to be his is genuine.
       In testimony where of I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said court at Greenfield this seventh day of May A. D. 1834.
E. Alvord Clerk
Page 13

4,948
Benjamin Porte
Warwich
4948 Dev.1818 Court file
20 1820
Page 14

                   COMMONWEATH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
 FRANKIN ss.

At  Special Session of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Western Circuit, began and holden at  Greenfield, within and for the County of Franklin, on Monday the tenth day of July, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty,et de die in diem to the fifteenth day of the same month,

PERSONALLY appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record, within and for County of Franklin, established as such by the Constitution and Laws of said Commonweath, Benjamin Portor aged fifty nine years, resident in Warwick in said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth , on his oath, declare that he served in the  Revolutionary War as follows:
   That he entered the  service in June 1778 in Capt. Ebenezer Cleveland's company in Michael Jackson's regiment in the Massachusetts line + continental establishment, and served nine months and was regularly discharged, but does not know what has become of his discharge. He was also in the service in 1779. six months, and I have received a pension under the act of March 18.1818, and my certificate is numbered 4,948.
        I am in feeble heath and am unable to do
any labour.

  I have a wife who is infirm.
Page 15

Sworn to and declared on the eleventh day of July A.D. 1820 before the said Court,
Attest, E. Alvord  Clerk


I ELIJAH ALVORD, Clerk of the aforesaid Court, do hereby  cerifited that the forgoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the records 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  twenty eight dollars

     IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this fifteenth day of July,1820.

E. Alvord
Page 16

Schedule of the estate of Benjamin Porter of Warwick in the County of Franklin +State of Massachusetts.An applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of May 2,1820



Small Cupboards 1.00 2 old Tables 1.50----2.50
Crockery ware  2.00--Tin +Pewter Ware 2.00--4.00
Iron Hollow Ware 7.00-Old Chair 2.00---11.00
2 old Chests +Light Stands-----------------3.00
2 Spinning Wheels 1.50-1 tub+ Wooden Ware 3.00----4.50
Andirons Fire shovel + Tongs----3.00       28.00

Benja. Porter
Page 17

Mrs. G. Coburn Sanctuary
3518 Fillmore Boulevard, The Marina
San Franciso, California

RA-J/Ill
Benjamin Porter
W.15263

Dear Madam:
       The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension 15263, based upon service of Benjamin Porter in the Revolutionary War.

          Benjamin Porter, of Warwick, Franklin County, Massachusetts, enlisted in 1777, and served three months as private in Captain Pettes' Massachusetts company, at the time of the surrender of Burgoyne.  He enlisted in the spring of 1778, served nine months as private in lieutenant Benjamin's company, Colonel Micheal Jackson's Massachusetts regiment, and was discharged at Peekskill, New York: he enlisted in  the spring of 1779,and served six months as private  in Captain Peter Cloyes' company, Colonel Nixon's Massachusetts regiment; he enlisted  in the spring of 1780,and served six months as private in Captain John Woodbridge's company, Colonel Nathan Tyler's Massachusetts regiment: he enlisted in August 1781,and served three months as private  in Captain Oliver Sattuck's company, Colonel  Barabas Sear's Massachusetts regiment.

Benjamin Porter was allowed pension on his application executed April 21,1818, at which time he resided in Warwick, Franklin County, Massachusetts.  He gave his age then as "in the fifty-seventh Year." but did not state the date and place of his birth, nor the names of his parents.  the soldier died July 11, 1829, in Orange, Franklin.
    Benjamin Porter married January 4, 1787, in Orange, New York, Thankful Forristall; the names of her parents were not shown. They were married by Rev. Emerson Foster.

       Thankful Porter, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on
Page 18

her application executed May 1,1839, at which time she was seventy-one years; the date and place of her birth were given. She resided then in Orange, Franklin County,Massachusetts,also her residence in 1852.

In 1839,one Moses Johnson, of Orange, Massachusetts, stated that he had been acquainted with his widow. Thankful Porter for about fifty years,also,that he was a Administrator of the estate of the soldier. He did not state any relationship to the family .

In 1848, one Ann M. Johnson was present in Orange,Massachusett ,whee the soldier's widow made affidavit in regard to her pension.
In 1852, one Roxy A. Johnson was present in Orange, Massachusetts,,,when said widow made affidavit in regard to her pension. No relationship between these persons and family of the soldier was stated.

In order to obtain the day of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid and possibly, the date of death of this pensioner should address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data:
 thankful Porter, widow of Benjamin Porter,
Certificate #1593
Issued August11,1852
Rae $96 per annum
Commenced July 1,,1848
Act of February 2,1884

Massachusetts Agency


Very truly yours,


A,D. HILLER
Executive Assistant


to the Administrator



2.
Page 19

Reported
1593
Massachusett
Thankful Porter
widow of Benjamin Porter
who served in the Revolutionary  war, as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
77 Dollars 10 Cents per annum,
to commence on
the 4th day of March,1848.
 certificate of Pension issued th 30 day of August 1848
and sent to
G.S. Bulfinch 
Boston Mass

recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2,1884, Page 122   Vol.2
Page 20

2262, Massachusetts
Thankful Porter
widow of Benjamin Porter
who was a Private
in the Revolution



Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 77 Dollars 10 cents per Annum to commence on the 4th day of March,1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 
14th.day of October and sent to
J. Bullard Lane
Boston Mass.

[Act of March 3,1843.]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 1 Page 51
Page 21

Refile.


3781
 Massachusetts
Thankful Porter
widow of Benjamin Porter
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818
and who died on the 11th. July 1829
of Franklin in the State of Mass.who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Cleveland of the regt. commanded by Col. Jackson in the Mass.--line for 23 months + 6 Days

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts 
at tje rate pf 77 Dollars 10 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March,1836.  Increased from $30-
former payments to be deducted.
Certificate of Pension issured the 14th. day of October 1863 and sent to J. Ballard Lane
Boston, Mass.

Total amount,
Act of July 7,1838
Recorded by D. Brown, Clerk
Book A. Vol. 1 Page 121
Page 22

let to J.B. Save May 31,1843
Thankful Porter
widow of Benjamin Porter
who was  a pensioner under the Act of 18th Mar.'18
and who died on the 11 July 1829
of Franklin in the State of Massachusetts
who was a Pev. in the Company command
by Captain Blecered of the reg. commanded by Jackson in the Mass. line for 9 mos.

inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
at the rate of 30 Dollars- Cents per Annum, to commence on the 4th day of March,1836.

Certifecate of Pension issued the 5 day of Aug,'39 and sent to Elijah Alvord
Greenfield, Mass

Arrears to the 4th of Maar.  $90.00
Semi-annual allowance ending      15.00
$105.00

Act July 7,1838.
recorded by R, Burdine Clerk
Book A  Vol.15  Page 120
Page 23

Revy.

WIDOW,& c.
File 15263
Thankful Porter
Widow of 
Benjamin Porter
Priv.Rev. War

Act; Feb 2 nd 1848
Index;-Vol. M, Page 134
[Arrangement of 1870.
(right side]
1939 June-Hist. to Mrs. G. Cowen Sanctuary-Ill.
Page 24

Mrs. G. Coburn Sanctuary
3515 Fillmore Boulevard, The Marina
San Francisco, California.

BA-J/MMF/ILL
Benjamin Porter
W.15263

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Jonathan Coburn, of Connecticut and Massachusetts, born 1757, married Rachel Abbott, died 1813, and of Jonathan Moore of Northfield or Warwick, Massachusetts, and Benjamin Porter of Warwick, Massachusetts, the War of 1812 record of Jonathan Coburn, Jr. born 1786, married Elizabeth Parker, served from Vermont and died in 1865 in Vermont, also, that of his father, Jonathan Coburn, cited above, and of Jonathan Moore of Massachusetts, wife Carolina Porter, the Mexican War record of Joseph P. Coburn and the Civil War record of Joseph Parker Coburn of Vermont and Massachusetts.

A search of the Revolutionary War records of this office has been made and no claim for pension found which was made to the United States based upon service of the Jonathan Moore cited by you, nor of any Jonathan Coburn. The War of 1812 records have been searched and no claim for pension found based upon service of the Jonathan Moore cited by you. The Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Porter of Warwick, Massachusetts, and the War of 1812 record of Jonathan Coburn, of the 25 Infantry, are furnished you herewith.

It is assumed that you have received the report in regard to the Mexican War soldier cited above, which was furnished you June 21, 1839.

For information in regard to the Civil War soldier named above, you should write the National Archivist, this city. Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 25

June 21, 1939 BAHB 

Mrs. G. Coburn Sanctuary,
The Marina,
3615 Fillmore Blvd.
San Francisco, Calif.

COBURN, Joseph Mex.
SC-15,035
ONIF-48,714
SC-658,668

Dear Madam:
In compliance with the request contained in your communication of June 9, 1939, you will find enclosed a summary of the pension record of Joseph Coburn.

Your inquiry concerning certain Revolutionary War and War of 1812 veterans will be answered under separate cover.

By direction,
W. C. BLACK,
Chief Clerk.

Enc.
AC:emc
Page 26

Bureau of Pensions, -- 2.     March 24, 1939
WAR OF 1848, MEXICAN WAR
Coburn, Joseph Parker, b. Sept. 30, 1823, Bethel, Vermont
son of Jonathan & Mary E. Parker
she born when & where?
she died when & where (Bethell?)
she daughter of whom?
d. Jan. 7, 1897, Williamsburg, Mass.
m. when & where (about 1850)
to Jane Moore, b. Apr. 29, 1832
Service, Co. C. 10th Mass. Infantry (?)

Old War Inv. File #48714
Mex, S.C. 15035

CIVIL WAR, 1861-1865
Coburn, Joseph Parker, b. Sept. 30, 1823, Bethel, Vermont
son of Jonathan & Mary E. Parker
she born when & where?
she died when & where (Bethel?)
she daughter of whom?
d. Jan. 7, 1897, Williamsburg, Mass.
m. when & where (about 1850)
to Jane Moore, b. Apr. 29, 1832
Service Co. C. 10th Mass. Infantry.

S.C.658668
Archives

The above information is of great importance to us here in California. and Miss Helen Bruner, Custodian of unbound Genealogical Records, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution of California, informed me that
I could get the data I require from you. If it is necessary for me to have a certified copy of the service and pension record of each of the afore-mentioned soldiers, what would be the cost of each copy?

Will you please let me have this information at the very earliest possible date.


Respectfully yours,
(signed) Grace Coburn Sanctuary
Mrs. G. Coburn Sanctuary
3515 Fillmore Blvd., The Marina
San Francisco, California
(page 2)
Page 27

back page with received date stamps
June 14 1939
June 13 1939
Page 28

REGISTERED LETTER

San Francisco, California
June 9, 1939

Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:

Will you please let me have all the information available concerning the service and pension of the following. To whom was the pension paid? What are the dates of birth and death, and to whom was the soldier married, and when?

WAR OF AMERICAN REVOLUTION:
Coburn, Jonathan,
b. Aug. 29, 1757, son of Jonathan & Marcy (who?)
d. Jun. 17, 1813, in service War of 1812 (Conn.Rolls)
m. Dec. 13, 1783, Rachel Abbott, b. when & where?
d. when & where?
Service, as soldier from Dracut, Mass. in Am. Rev.

Porter, Benjamin,
b. when and where? Son of whom?
d. when and where
m. when and to whom?
Service, as soldier from Warwick, Mass.

Moore, Jonathan,
b.
d.
m.
Service, as soldier from Warwick or Northfield, Mass.

WAR OF 1812
Coburn, Jonathan,
b. July 5, 1786, son of Jonathan & Rachel (who?)
d. Dec. 25, 1865, Bethel, Vermont
m. June 12, 1820, Bethel, to Mary Elizabeth Parker
b. when & where?
d. when & where?
dau. of whom?
Service, 25th Infantry, Feb. 26, '13 to May 17, '15
Commander, Peter Bradley
Place of residence, Bethel, Vermont
(Ref. " Conn. Military Records, 1775 - 1848 ", page 149.)
Coburn, Jonathan,
b. Aug. 29, 1757, son of Jonathan & Marcy ( who?)
d. Jan. 17, 1813, in service War of 1812. Where?
m. Dec. 13, 1783, Rachel Abbott, b. when & where?
d. when & where?
Service, 25th Infantry, Mch. 1, 13 to Jun. 17, 13.
Commander, Festus Cone
Place of enlistment, Windsor, Conn.
(Ref. " Conn. Military Records, 1775 - 1848 ", page 149. )

Moore, Jonathan,
b.
d.
m. when & where? Caroline Porter.
Service, from Warwick or Northfield, Mass.

(page 1)
Page 29

Seal. Recover Jun 14 1939
Reach Sect  jdex
Page 30

I Moses Johnson of Orange in the County  of Franklin on oath depose +  say that I am acquainted with Thankful Porter of said Orange and have been acquainted with her for about fifty years that she is the widow of Benjamin Porter late of said Orange deceased who was a Revolutionary Pension er of the U.State at the time of his death-+ that I was well acquainted with said Benjamin for about forty years before his death hand I  further declare that I was the Administrator of the Estate of said Benjamin and that he died at said Orange on the Eleventh day of July.  in the year Eighteen hundred + Twenty nine.         Moses Johnson

Frankline Ss. June 31 st. 1834 states whose named Moses Johnson personally of Jured and make +oath in the above certificate scribed by him to be true a front me.
Parley Burton Justice of Peace
Page 31

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin as

I Elijah Alvord Clerk of the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Franklin do hereby certify, that Parley Burton Esq. Is a Justice of the Peace within and for the said county duly commission and qualified; and the within signature purporting to be his is genuine.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand affix the seal of said, court this seventh day of May  A. D. 1839.     E. Alvord  Clerk
Page 32

Greenfield June 8,1834

J.L Edwards, Esq,
Com. of Pensions

I am requested to forward to your department the enclose application for a pension of Thankful Porter with the accompanying evidence to sustain the same.

Respectfully yours
Elijah Alvord
Page 33

Boston April 17,1843.


Sir;

I herewith forward to you some additional evidence of the service of Benjamin Porter, whose widow Thankful Porter of Orange in the County of Franklin in this State, received a pension of $30. per annum under the Act of July 7,1838, and now wishes to obtain an increase.
The evidence consists of the deposition of, Thomas Mallard, stating that he served with Benjamin Porter six months in 1780 in Captain. "Cloies" (supposed Peter Cloyed) Company in Col. Nixon's Regiment.  Also, three months in 1781 in Capt. Oliver Shattuck's Company, Col. Barnabas Sears Regt.
In addition to the above it has been ascertained that Benj. 'n Porter served six months in 1779 in Capt. John Woodbridge's Company, Col. Nathan Tyler's Reg't. Evidence of this with the service in 1781 has been found in the Office of the Secretary of this State, who refuses to deliver to me a certificate of it.
i therefore respectfully request that if convenient,
Page 34

an application to him may be made from the Pension Office, as I understand that applications from that office are not rejected by him.

Very Respectfully,
Yr Obt.Ser.t
J. Ballard Lane

P.S. The service of nine months in Col. Jackson's reg.'t mentioned in the Deposition of Mr. Mallard is believed to be that for which the widow received her pension.

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Washington, D.C.
Page 35

Boston , October 7th,1843.

Sir,

After having waited patiently more than three months for the decision of the Department in the case of Thankful Porter (widow of Benjamin Porter) forwarded in the fifth of July last, I should not, even now, have addressed you on the subject, had I not received information that  in a similar case forwarded from this city, on the 21st. of the same month, a return was received yesterday by which I am induced to believe that some accident has occurred to prevent action upon Mrs. Porter's claim. In behalf of the widow I respectfully request that her claim may be attended to as soon as convenient.
Very Respectfully 
Yr.Orb.'t Serv.t
J. Ballard Lane

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Washington, D.C.
Page 36

Boston July 5th 1843,

Sir,
 I enclose herewith the certificate of the Secretary of State showing the service of Benjamin Porter of Warwick, for which his widow, Thankful Porter, claims an increase of Pension. 

It will be seen that the terms of Service in 1780 & 1781, testified to by Thomas Mallard, are verified by the rolls, as can be ascertained, there being, as I am informed by the Secretary no roll of Capt. Clois, Company in his office; but the service under him is probably identical with the term of 5 mos. 16 days, sworn by the "Roll of the town of Warwick."

The Secretary in his certificate says, "There are no further facts with regard to the service of the said Porter upon any rolls in this office". This statement I consider needless, as he cannot know it to be correct, without a general search of all the Revolutionary Documents, which in this case has not been made
 I also enclose herewith the declaration of Mrs. Porter wherein she claims the benefit of the Act of March 3rd. 1843,

Very Respectfully
Yr.Ob.'t Serv'.t
J. Ballard Lane

hon. J.L. Edwards,
Washington City.
Page 37

Payment to be made at Boston by
Franklin Haven
Agent for paying Pensions in the
Agency of Massachusetts


Payable on the 4th September and 4th March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the 
Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848 Page 122 Vol.2
Leo Jenkins Clerk
Page 38

WAR DEPARTMENT
WIDOW'S PENSION

I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848,
Thankful Porter
widow of Benjamin Porter
who was a private in the revolutionary war,
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Seventy Seven dollars and ten cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.

Given at the War Office of the United States this 30th day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.

(signed) W. L. Marcy
Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned,
J.S. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions,
By F.S. Evans.
Page 39

No.1543
Page 40

Thankful Porter
wid. Benjm.
Mass
Act 2 Feb 48 and 
Joint Res;  1 July '48
$90 per annm
Disctd former payments
at the rate of $77.00 per am.


Cert.
H Woodman
Boston Mass;
Page 41

Thomas Mallard
Application
1843
Page 42

COMMONWEATH OF MASSACHUSETTS


Secretary's Office,  Boston April 17 1843  I hereby Certify at the date of the annexed attestation Zina Goodell was, and is now-a Justice of the Peace for the County of Franklin     #

in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.

(signed) Jno A Bolles
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 43

Deposition of Thomas Mallard of Warwick in the county of Franklin. Taken at the request of Selmon Howard Esq, agent for Thankful Porter, wife of Benjamine Porter, relating to the service of said Porter in the army of the United States during the revolutionary war.


1st. Said deponent saith that himself and Benjamin Porter, with others served nine months in Lieut. Benjamin's Co. and Micheal Jackson's Regt. and was discharged at Peekskill N.Y,

2nd. That in 1780 He saith said Porter enlisted and served six months in Capt. Claie's Co. and Col. Nixon Regt. and was discharged at West Point.  Having served with said Porter most of the time and remembered of seeing Arnold hung, during that service.

3rd. That in 1781 He saith said-- Porter served in Capt. Shattuck Co. and Col. Sears Regt. three months and was discharged at Saratoga N.Y.

Thomas Mallard

Franklin Ss. on this 11th day of April A, D. 1848 personally appeared Thomas Mallard the deponent above named, before me the subscribed one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said county, and being by me carefully examined and cautioned and sworn in due form of law to testify the whole truth and nothing but the truth relating to the services of Benjamin Porter is the army of the United States during the revolutionary war.

Zina Goodell   Justice of the Peace

Franklin Ss. April 11th, 1848

I hereby certify that Thomas Mallard who has subscribed the forgoing deposition is of lawful age and a creditable Witness--

Zina Goodell   Justice of the Peace
Page 44

Thankful Porter
act 7 July 38'
Increase
23mos.4 ds. pri.

77.10
deduct what has been paid


J. Ballard Lane
Boston
Mass
Page 45

COMMONWEATH OF MASSACHUSETTS

Secretary's Office, July 3 1843

I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Servies in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appeasers that    (Part of page faded, best it could be read)
the name of Benjamin Porter is here upon the Pay Roll of Capt. J.S. Woodbridge in Col. Nathan (tyer's) Regiment as a private from Warwick upon In Aug. to December 1779. 5.6

5.16 The name of Benjamin Porter is here upon the Pay Roll of the town of Warwick as a private from July 1 to Dec. 1 yer.5 months 1 day
3.12 The name of Benjamin Porter is also here upon the Pay Roll of Oliver Shattuck Co. in (Cl13) service regiment from Aug.12 to Nov. 1781 3months 4 days (2 days)

Act 1818 There are no Rolls in the office any service under Capt. Porter   ,

There are no further facts with regard to the service of Benjamin Porter upon any Rolls in this office.


And I further Certify. That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this
Page 46

Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with  the individual who rendered the service.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonweath, the date above written.

Jno A. Bolles
Secretary of the Commonweath,


Mr. J.B Lane
Boston
Page 47

I, Thankful Porter of Orange in the County of Franklin and State of Massachusetts, do hereby constitute and appoint J. Ballard Lane, my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to make application to the Secretary of State for evidence of the service of my late husband, Benjamin Porter of Warwick, in the War of the Revolution, as follows;

1st. Three months in 1777 at the surrender of Burgoyne supposed under Captain Pelles.

2nd. Six months in 1779 in Capt. John Woodbridge's Company, Col. Tyler's Regiment.

3d. Six months in 1780 in Capt. Cloie's Company, Col. Nixon's reg.'t

4th. Three months in 1781 in Capt. Oliver's Shattuck's Compy. Col. Barabas Sears Regiment.

Witness.
Zina Goodell,                       Thankful  (x) Porter
                                                 Her mark

State of Massachusetts
County of Franklin SS.            Orange June 15th, 1843 
Then personally appeared the above named Thankful Porter and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her free act and deed.  Before Me
Zina Goodall- Justice of the Peace
                                                her mark
Page 48

2480
 Thankful Porter
Mass.
Act 3 march 43
77.10/100


J. Ballard Lane
 Boston
Mass.
Page 49

DECLARATION,

 In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March,1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7,1838, and the amended act of 23d August,1842.
State of Massachusetts
 County of Franklin}}  ss.

On this twelfth day of April in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty three personally appeared before the Subscribing Justice of the said County of Franklin-Thankful Porter a resident of Orange in the County of Franklin, aged seventy five years, who being first dully sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3d March,1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Benjamin Porter, late of Orange, deceased, who was a revolutionary pensioner.
Thankful (X) Porte
her mark

She further declares that she is still a widow,
Sworn to subscribe on the day and year above written before.
Thankful X her mark Porter
 Witness,    Zina Goodell, }  Justice of the Peace 

Ann M. Johnson

Franklin April12th 1843, I hereby certify, that I know that Thankful Porter who subscribed the above affidavit, by making her mark is the widow of Benjamin Porter, (pensioner) late of Orange deceased.  Zina Goodell Justice of the Peace
Page 50

COMMONWEATH OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Secretary's Office, Boston May 9th 1843

I hereby Certify, That on the twelfth of April last past Zina Goodell was a Justice of the peace for this County Franklin.

in the said Commonweath, duly constituted and commissioned; and that his acts and attestations such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.

in Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonweath, the date above written.

Jno. A, Bolles
Secretary of the Commonweath
Page 51

admitted


G.S. Bulfinch
Boson 
Mass
Page 52

DECLARATLION


 In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress 2d February,1848,entiled, "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution".

Commonweath of Massachusetts,
Franklin County ss,

on this nineteenth day of May A.D. personally appeared before the subscriber, Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid, Widow Thankful Porter a resident of Orange in the county of Franklin aged Eighty years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Benjamin Porter who was a soldier viz a private in the War of Revolutions and is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17th June,1844, on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of Seventy-Seven dollars and ten cents per annum.  She further declares that she is still a widow, Thankful (x)Porter (her mark)

Sworn to and subscribed on the day
and year above written] Before Me
In presence of 
Hiram Woodward... Hiram

 Woodward Justice of the Peace

I certify that the Declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner as she declares.

COMMONWEATH OF MASSACHUSETTS,
FRANKLIN COUNTY, ] ss.      
I, Henery Chapman Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Hiram Woodward Esq. is a justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that his signature, above written, is genuine,

Given under my hand, and Seal of said Court, this seventeenth day  day of June, A.D. 1848.
H. Chapman, CLERK
Page 53

Rev'y.-Widow's Claim
for increase of pension
Act of July 7.1848.


To be sent to
Horatio Woodman, Boston Ms.
as within requester
Page 54

Commonweath of Massachusetts Franklin   County

I, Thankful Porter being duly Sworn according to the law depose and say, that I am the widow of Benjamin Porter, who was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $96 per annum and that I am the identical person to whom a certified of pension was issued at the rate of $77.10 per annum dated August 30,1848, numbered 1593. which is herewith Surrendered; and in lieu thereof I pray to receive a certificate at the same rate per annum allowed to my said husband, under the provisions of the act of Congress passed July 1,1848, and that the said new certificate may be sent to Horatio Woodman Esq. Boston Mass.                             Thankful (X) Porter
Hiram Woodward                          her mark
Roxy A. Johnson

Subscribed and duly sworn to before me by the above named Thankful Porter, this 13th day of May 1852

Hiram Woodward Justice of the Peace
Page 55

COMMONWEATH OF MASSCHUSETTS

Secretary's Office, Boston, May 17th, 1852

I Hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestations Hiram Woodward was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Franklin
in the said Commonweath of Massachusetts, duly commissioned and qualified; and that to his acts and attestations; as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonweath, the date above written

Amasa Walker
Secretary of the Commonweath.