Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5397, John Blanchard, R. I. Vt.
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(3-1776)
[column headings: SERVICE|[blank]|NUMBER|]
R.I.|Blanchard, John|W.5397|
Vt.|Myers, Mary. (Former widow)|[blank]|
[end of columns]
CONTENTS
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Vermont 1.951
John Blanchard of Bennington Co in the State of Vermont who was a Pri in the Company commanded by Captain Jeffries of the Regt commanded by Col Safford in the [illegible] line for [illegible] $33.34.
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 33 Dollars 34 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831. 
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of [illegible] 1833 and Sent to N Burton Rupert Vt
______
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833  83.35
Semi-anl. allowance ending Mch '34 16.67
$100.02
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by ['J. T. Spinner' crossed out] D. Brown Clerk,
Book E Vol. 3 Page 54
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569
Vermont Burlington
Mary Myers widow of Jno Blanchard R I who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 33 Dollars 34 Cents per annum, to commence on the ['4th day of March, 1848.' crossed out] 3d February 1853
Certificate of Pension issued the 2d day of June [illegible] and sent to J. M. Thayer Present
Recorded on the Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 30, Vol. A
1832
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John Blanchard Case
application for pension under act 7. June 1832.
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State of Vermont
County of Bennington ss} On this 28th day of August 1832 personally appeared before me Nathan Burton one of the Judges of the County Court for the County of Bennington aforesaid, John Blanchard a resident of Rupert in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont aged Sixty seven years. who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 that he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated, 
I entered the service as a substitute for one Samuel Blanchard of Coventry Rhode Island according to my best recollection since the last day of May 1778 under Capt. Asaph Bennett who also resided at Coventry, my Lieut name was King - I marched immediately to what was then called Fort Greenwich under Capt. Bennett, to guard the military stores and to watch the motion of the enemy who lay at that time on what was called Newport Rhode Island there [illegible] other troops at this place except those under Capt Bennett, [margin note: 1 mo] served one month. I left the army the last of June, went home remained at home a very few days, I again entered the service a a substitute for my father in the same company under Capt Bennett, and served at [margin note: 1 mo] the same place for one month more, my time was out the last of July. I then volunteered for one month [margin note: 1 mo] in the same company we then moved our quarters to what was called [illegible] I then served untill about the last of ['October' crossed out] September when my time was out & I left the service - first day of March 1779, I enlisted for one year at Coventry. I was enlisted by Lieut Clark Parker of the Rhode Island State Troops. as a waiter to Lieut Parker. I immediately joined the army at Tiverton or at a place sometimes called Howlands ferry in Capt. Phillip Traffins Company , Col. John Toppins Regiment Gen'l Cornwells Brigade of the Rhode Island Troops and remained here a short time then marched to a place called [illegible] ferry, while there Lieut Clark Parker left the Army and I served as a waiter to Capt. Traffin, we remained here a
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while how long I cannot recollect and then marched back to Howlands ferry remained here a few weeks, then crossed over on to Newport ['Island' crossed out]  in the night and took possession of the Island, the British troops evacuated the Island the same night we remained there thro the season and took up winter quarters here, there was stationed here through the winter a Continental Regiment as I then supposed commanded by Col. Green, also a part of the Black Regiment so called composed of colored men but commanded by white captain they were stationed on what was called [illegible] at the fort. I served untill the first of March 1782 when my time was out and I was dismissed I have no recollection of ever having a discharge. if I ever it is lost by time or accident in the spring of 1780 I moved to Shaftsbury now Vermont, with my father and family, & in April 1781 at Shaftsbury I enlisted again for one year entered the service under Capt John Starks and [illegible] in the newhampshire grants now Vermont. Lieut [illegible] who then resided I believe in Coventry New York I joined the troops at Castleton now Vermont. in Col. Samuel Fletcher's Regiment, we were attached to Gen'l Roger Enos' Brigade from Hew Hampshire. I continued there in the service as near as I can recollect about ten months, where my company was dismissed a few troops only remained to keep garrison the reason of our being dismissed as this time, was in consequence of the prospect of peace, being concluded by Great Brittain - I resided in Shaftsbury after I left the Army about four years moved to Clarendon Vt. resided there one year moved back to Shaftsbury resided there three years, then moved to Burlington State of N. York, resided there 13 years. moved to Pownal, Vt resided there one year moved to Bennington Vt. resided there two years, lived after this one year in Shaftsbury, Nine years in [illegible], moved to Rupert, Vt. where I have resided ever since. I was born in Coventry Rhode Island 4 June 1765. there is a record of my age in Clarendon Vermont, I resided at Coventry Rhode Island when I entered the service in the Rhode Island line, as before stated. I never Rec'd a Discharged as I recollect I have no documentary evidence, and I do not know of any person, whose testimony
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I can procure, who can testify to my services - I made application for a pension under the act [illegible] but I was rejected not being on the Continental Establishment, I then procured the testimony of two witnesses as to my services - viz Benjamin Blancherd, dec'd ['Rhode' crossed out] Reuben Blancherd they may have both since deceased. this testimony will accompany this declaration - I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and I also declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. I refer to the following persons in my neighborhood who can testify as to my character for veracity and their belief of my serving as a soldier of the revolution viz Rev. David Wilson, Hon. Josiah [illegible] David Shelton Esq. Henry Sheldon Esq. - 
/s/John Blanchard
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
/s/Nathan Burton Judge of County Court
We David Wilson a Clergyman residing in Rupert Vermont, and Henry Sheldon of the same place, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Blanchard, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be sixty seven years of age - that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion 
/s/Rev. David Wilson
/s/Henry Sheldon
Sworn and subscribed the day & year aforesaid - 
/s/Nathan Burton Judge County Court
and I the said Nathan Burton one of the Judges of the County Court [illegible] do hereby declare it is my opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories provided by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states, and I do further certify that it appears to me, that David Wilson who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman resident in the town of Rupert Vermont, and that Henry Sheldon who has also signed the same is a resident in the same place and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit 
I also further certify that John Blanchard the above applicant is unable to appear in or attend the Court by reason of bodily infirmity. - 
/s/Nathan Burton Judge of County Ct -
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State of Vermont - 
To all to whom are presents, shall come - Greeting
I hereby certify that the Hon'ble Nathan Burton Esqr. whose signature appears to the foregoing was at the date thereof & Still is an Assistant Justice of the County Court, in & for the County of Bennington, duly commissioned & qualified as such; & that his signature is genuine - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I Henry Robinson Clerk of the County Court in & for s'd County of Bennington, have hereunto subscribed my name & have affixed the seal of our said Court, at Manchester this sixth day of September A.D. 1832. & of the Independence of the United States, the Fifty Seventh - 
/s/Henry Robinson Clerk
John Blanchard Case application for pension under act 7 June 1832.
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Supplemental decl'n Jno Blanchard Vt.
[illegible postmarks]
FREE
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Comm'r of pensions
Washington City 
Susp act 7 June 
papers wanted
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State of Vermont
Bennington County }
personally appeared before me the undersigned one of the Judges of the County Court in & for said County of Bennington John Blanchard of Rupert in said County who being duly sworn in explanation of his former declaration made in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832, deposeth & saith that he entered the service in 17781 with the two witnesses who have sworn to nine months of his service. that he continued to serve with then nine months as they have certified when they left the service and that he the said John continued in the service at least one month after they left the army. and the said John Blanchard being sworn as aforesaid doth further depose and say that in relation to his years service in 1779-80, he enlisted as a waiter but he did perform all the duties of private soldier for the term of six months at least during said year 
/s/John Blanchard
Sworn & subscribed this 24th day of October 1833 before me
/s/Nathan Burton Ass'te Judge County Court.
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State of Vermont, I Henry Robinson Clerk of Bennington County Court, do hereby certify that Hon'ble Nathan Burton whose signature appears to the foregoing Deposition is an Asst Judge of the County Court & Ex Officio Justice of the peace in & for s'd county - & that his signature is genuine - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of Our said Court at Bennington, this 31st day of October A.D. 1833 - 
/s/Henry Robinson
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[handwritten letter]
Rubert Oct'r 24th 1833

Sir,
I have enclosed the deposition of John Blanchard in explanation of his former declaration for a pension.
I am your Ob't Serv't 
/s/N. Burton
J. L. Edwards Esqr
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State of Vermont
Bennington County ss} Be it known that on this 12th day of March AD 1853 before Elijah Barber Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Bennington in said county personally appeared Mary Myers a resident of Pownal in the county of Bennington and state of Vermont and made oath according to law that she was formerly a widow of John Blancherd (Blanchard) who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death at the rate of 33 dollars & 34 cents per annum. That she  was married to the said John Blancherd on the 3d day of December AD 1807 in the said town of Pownal by Jesse Blackinton then a Justice of the peace in and for the county of Bennington aforesaid That her said husband died on the 10th day of December Eighteen hundred & forty That she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining such a rate of pension as may be due under any of the laws regulations or decisions that have been or may hereafter be adopted That she was married to Joseph Myers on the 11th day of February AD 1843. The said Joseph Myers died on the 14th day of November AD 1843 and she has remained a widow ever since. The said declarant further states that she hereby constitutes and appoints John M. Thayer her true and lawful Attorney and agent to prosecute said claim with power of substitution to examine all papers and documents in relation to it which will be hereafter provided for 
/s/X her mark Mary Myers
/s/Elijah Barber
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written at the dwelling house of the applicant. And I certify that the said applicant can not from bodily infirmity attend the court. 
/s/Elijah Barber
I Elijah Barber Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of
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Bennington aforesaid do hereby certify that Mary Myers above named is a respectable resident of this County and is the same person she represents herself to be in the foregoing declaration as I believe she has this day appeared before me and acknowledged the above power of Attorney to be her act and deed 
/s/Elijah Barber
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss} I hereby certify that Elijah Barber before whom the foregoing declaration was made and who has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing a Judge of the Court of Probate for the district aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and that the signature annexed is genuine
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at Bennington this 18th day of March AD 1853
/s/A.B. Gardner Register
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State of Vermont
Bennington County 
Personally appeared before me the undersigned one of the Judges of the County Court within and for the County of Bennington aforesaid, John Blanchard of Rupert in said County, who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that by reason of infirmity and old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades, for one year ending first of March 1780. - I served as a private, for ten months in 1781 - I served as a private and for such service I claim a pension - 
/s/John Blanchard
Sworn and Subscribed this 10th day of August 1833 - 
/s/Nathan Burton Judge of Court
State of Vermont - To all whom these presents shall come - Greeting - 
I Henry Robinson Clerk of the County Court for Bennington County, do hereby certify that Hon'ble Nathan Burton Esq whose signature appears to the foregoing was at the date thereof & Still is an Assistant Judge of the County Court in & for the County of Bennington, duly commissioned & qualified by Law as such & that his signature I believe to be genuine - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have  hereunto Subscribed my name & affixed the Seal of Our said Court at Manchester this 14th day of August AD. 1833 - 
/s/Henry Robinson
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25546
John Blanchard Bennington co. Vermont.
Proof required.
Admit 10 mos
N. Burton, esq
Rupert Vermont
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WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office, 20 June 1833

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 
A Statement, shewing the Service of [blank]
[column headings: Period when the service was rendered.|Duration of the claimant's service.(Years.|Months.|Days.)|Rank of the claimant'|Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.|Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.|Proof by which the declaration is supported.|]
[all columns blank]
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
The age of the applicant did not render him liable to military calls in 1778, and therefore more evidence of service must be produced - the service in 1780 it cannot readily be admitted is insusceptible of proof, and the regulations require applicants to produce the best to be had.
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2 
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. 
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line,' State troops," " militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits et the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. 
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 
1. The Regular Troops. 
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service. 
4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. 
DECLARATION, 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. 
State, Territory, or District of} County of} ss. 
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers : 
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service ; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers ;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. ⇒This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank] 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank] A. B. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &c. 
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: 
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a RevoIutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal [blank] of office, this [blank] day of [blank]&c. 
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration,(l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute: And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.{To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer.{Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are  requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons-one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the, declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform; and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he most assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making au affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith. that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below. and in the following grades:- For ____ year ____months, and ____days, I served as a ____ . For ____ months and ____days, I served as a ____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held; as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers, the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or place where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f]The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion or the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if he has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
⇒The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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Revy WIDOW, &c. 
[initials: own]
File No. 5397
Mary Myers former Wid. of Jno. Blanchard Pvt. Rev. War
Act: July 20th/48
Index: - Vol. M, Page 76
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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No 971
Appl. of Mary Myers formerly wid. of John Blanchard Vt. / 18951 32
Act 3d Feby:1853
$33.34/100. per Annum commencing 3d February. 1853. Rev:
J. M. Thayer Present
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business
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S Danforth's Affidavit
Page 23

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 of said town of Pownal and have the custody of the record of Marriages, and I have carefully examined said records and I do not find a record of the marriage of John Blanchard with Mary Broadway who it is said and commonly reputed to have been duly joined in marriage on the 3d day of December AD 1807 at Pownal by Jesse Blackinton then a Justice of the peace in and for the county of Bennington aforesaid. I further say I find but few marriages recorded and those imperfectly previous to  the year AD 1815 and not all since that date I is a common report that the said John & Mary lived together as husband & wife in said town of Pownal for awhile after their said marriage That they then moved out of the town and lived and cohabited together as husband & wife till the death of said Blanchard soon after which the said Mary returned to said town of Pownal and in the year 1843 was united in marriage to a man by the name of Joseph Myers who died the same year. I further say the said Mary has remained a widow ever since and is the Identical person now making application for a pension as the former widow of John Blanchard. I further say I am a disinterested witness
/s/Silvanus Danforth
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss } Sworn to & subscribed this 14th day of March AD 1853 before me. And I certify that the subscribing within to the above affidavit is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to full credit and belief
/s/Barber Thompson Justice of the peace and disinterested in the mater above mentioned 
State of Vermont,
COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.} BENNINGTON, ss.
I, SAMUEL H. BLACKMER, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Bennington, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that Barber Thompson Esq. was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed [blank] according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c. 
[court seal affixed] In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Bennington, in the County of Bennington, this 17th day of March Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty three
/s/S. H. Blackmer CLERK.
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David Brown & wife affidavit
Page 25

We David Brown and his wife Sarah of Pownal in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont of lawful age depose and say, that at Pownal in the County aforesaid on the 3 day of December AD 1807 in the Town of Pownal aforesaid. 
John Blanchard and Mary Broadway were duly joined in marriage by Jesse Blackinton then a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Bennington aforesaid we further say that prior to said marriage we were well acquainted with the said John Blanchard and Mary Broadway and we were by them invited to attend said wedding and rode in the waggon with them to the place where they were married that after said marriage they had their residence some time in the Town of Pownal and after they removed from said Town they lived and cohabited together as husband and wife as we have been informed and verily believe untill the death of said Blanchard which death took place in the year 1840, as we were informed and we further say that the said Mary was married to a man by the name of Joseph Myers of Pownal aforesaid some time in the year AD 1843. and that the said Joseph Myers died sometime during the year 1843 and she the said Mary has remained a widow ever since  and we further say that the said Mary -
Page 26

is the identical person that was joined in marriage to John Blanchard on the 3d day of December 1807, by Jesse Blackinton a Justice of the Peace as above stated we further say that we are disinterested witnesses 
/s/David Brown
/s/Sarah Brown
State of Vermont
Bennington County ss} Sworn to and subscribed the 12th day of March AD 1853 And I certify that the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to full credit & belief before me
/s/Barber Thompson - Justice of the peace and disinterested in the matter above mentioned  
State of Vermont,
COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.} BENNINGTON, ss.
I, SAMUEL H. BLACKMER, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Bennington, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that Barber Thompson Esq. was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed [blank] according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, &c.
[court seal affixed] In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Bennington, in the County of Bennington, this 17th day of March Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty three
/s/S. H. Blackmer CLERK.
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Rupert Vt
August 24th Sept
J. L. 
Vt. Ret'd
Page 28

Sir
I have enclosed John Blanchard's papers for a pension with the amended declaration additional  testimony he relinquishes his claim for the three months, service performed while he was not liable to Military dates, having found no testimony to support this claim as requested by you and sent to me.
This man is very poor, infirm and unable to support himself and I verily believe he served his country as he states. I therefore feel it my duty to recommend him to the favorable consideration of the department - 
your obd't & Hon'ble Serv't
/s/Nathan Burton
Aug't 26, 1833
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State of New York
Washington County ss } Clark Rice of the Town of Jackson County of Washington and State of New York being duly sworn saith that he is acquainted with John Blanchard of the town of Rupert county of Bennington and State of Vermont - That he has known him ever since the month of March 1781 - That during the season of the campaign of that year this deponent served in the war of the Revolution nine months, by enlistment in the company of Vermont State troops commanded by Captain Blakely in the regiment under the command of Col. Samuel Fletcher and was stationed in the town of Castleton County of Rutland and State of Vermont
That in the said regiment was a company in said service commanded by Capt Starks (John Starks he thinks) That the said John Blanchard was then a private in said Starks' company and served therein at the place aforesaid during the term of the said nine months which this deponent served at that place. That this deponent does not recollect so distinctly at this date as to state the day the said John Blanchard entered or left said service but he has not doubt that the said John Blanchard served the said full term of nine months as he saw him there almost daily during said time - 
/s/Clark Rice
Subscribed and Sworn the 8th day of August 1833 before me
/s/John P Putnam Justice of the peace - 
And I do also certify that I am well acquainted with Clark Rice who has subscribed and sworn to the preceding affidavit and that the said Clark Rice is a credible person and his statement is entitled to full credit
/s/John P Putnam Justice of the peace
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State of New York
Washington County } ss. I Jesse S. Leigh Clerk of the said county do certify that John P. Putnam Esq. before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the time a Justice of the peace of said county and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature. 
[court seal affixed] I testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said County this tenth day of August. 1833. 
/s/J. S. Leigh Clk.
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Myers
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Brief in the case of Mary Myers formerly widow of John Blanchard Bennington County and State of Vermont. 
act 3d February, 1853. 
Claim, ("original," ['or "for increase"' crossed out) [blank]
Proof exhibited. (if original.) [blank]
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
Husband was a pensioner, under act of 7" June, 1832. 
Marriage proven by parole evidence, certified to be credible. 
(If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? 
[blank]
/s/S. C. Boynton, Examining Clerk. 
/s/J. M. Thayer, Esq'r Present, 
Name and residence of Agent
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Pen. Office May 23th/33,
L. P. Waldo,
Recd. May 26th/33
Chas Randall
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[handwritten letter]
Pension Office,
25th May 1853. 

Sir,
Be pleased to inform me, to what time John Blanchard, a revolutionary pensions, who drew a pension at the rate of $33.34/100 per Annum was paid. He was inscribed upon the Vermont roll, under Act of 7th of June, 1832, & was paid at the Burlington, Vt. Agency. 
I have the honor to be, Sir, Respectfully Your Obt. Serv't 
/s/L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions.

Francis Burt, Esq'r
Third Auditor of the Treasury.
Died 10th December 1840 Paid to his death
/s/T Burt
3d Auditor
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State of New York
Cayuga County ss Reuben Blanchard, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with John Blanchard who now resides in the town of Cambridge in the County of Washington & state of N. York. And that this deponant knew him the said John Blanchard when he the said John enlisted as a soldier in the Army of the United States in the revolutionary war between Great Brittain and the said United States. Which enlistment took place on the first of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine, And the said John Blanchard served from that time until the first of March in the year the next following, in the company commanded by Captain Phillip Traffin in Colonel John Toppin's Regiment. And Lieutenant Clark Parker, of the said company, was the officer who took the said enlistment. 
Further this deponant saith not. 
/s/X his mark Reuben Blanchard
Sworn the 22nd day of March 1819 
Before me /s/John Grover Judge of Cayuga Comm. pleas
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STATE OF NEW YORK,
Cayuga County, } I CERTIFY THAT John Grover Esquire, was on the twenty second day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Cayuga, duly commissioned and sworn as such Judge and that full faith and credit are to be given to his acts in that capacity. I FURTHER CERTIFY, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and verily believe the signature to the annexed affidavit or certificate to be his.
[court seal affixed] IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, and my name subscribed, this twenty second day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen 
/s/James Glover clerk
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State of New York
Cayuga County ss
On the 22nd Day of March 1819 Personally appeared Ebenezer Phelps to me known to be a credible witness being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he has been acquainted with the within named Reuben Blanchard & for a number of years & should say without hesitation that is a man of credibility
/s/Ebenezer Phelps
Sworn & subscribed 
Before me /s/John Grover Judge of Cayuga Com pleas
Reuben Blanchard affidavit 
John Blanchard's Case
Page 38

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } Benj Blanchard being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with John Blanchard of Rupert in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont and that he was acquainted with the s'd John Blanchard in the State of Rhodeisland in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine and then resided in the same house with him - and this deponant well recollects that some time in the Spring of the past mentioned year 1779 the s'd John enlisted into the army under Lieutenant Clark Parker at Coventry in the State of Rhodeisland and marched with the Troops under s'd Parker to join the Army as I understood at Tiverton - their deponant further says that some time in the same season the s'd Lieutenant Parker returned home & it was said had resigned and the s'd Parker informed this deponant that the s'd John Blanchard remained in the army under the care or in the company of Capt P Traffin. and this deponant further saith that the s'd John Blanchard was absent (and said he was with the army) about one year from his enlisting when marching [illegible] join the army, when he returned home - Further this deponant saith not - 
/s/Benjamin Blancahrd
Sworn the 8th day of March AD 1819
Before me /s/H. Hodges Judge Rutland County Court
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State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } On the 8th day of March 1823 personally appeared Caleb Blanchard to me known to be a credible witness being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is named Benjamin Blanchard for a number of years and should say without hesitation that he is a man of credibility
/s/Caleb Blanchard
Sworn and subscribed before me this 8th day of March 1823
/s/Henry Hodges Judge } Rutland County Court  
State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } I Robert Pierpoint, clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland do certify that the said Henry Hodges is an assistant Judge of the county court in & for said County of Rutland and that the foregoing are his signatures 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Rutland This 10th day of March AD 1823
/s/R. Pierpoint
Page 40

I Moses Durkee of White Creek Washington County state of New York  of Lawful age and Being duly sworn do Depose Testify & say I am sevinty two years of age and that I am well acquainted with Joh Blanchard of Rupert County of Bennington State of Vermont & that in the year seventeen hundred & eighty one In the Month of April I think I commanded In the Revolutionary services of the United States stationed at Castleton Vermont Under the Command of Colonel Samuel fletcher, & Capt John Starks 
And that the aforesaid John Blanchard served in the same company with Myself for the United States service for the time of about Nine Months & then I was discharged And further I say not 
/s/Moses Durkee
State of Vermont Bennington County ss. Shaftsbury This Seventh Day of August AD 1833, then Moses Durkee of White Creek County of Washington State of Newyork personally appearing and after being carefully examined and Duly Cautioned Made Solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed Contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth
Before me
/s/Malachi Cox Justice of the Peace 
State of Vermont - To all to whom these presents shall come - Greeting. 
I Henry Robinson Clerk of the County Court for Bennington County do hereby certify that Malachi Cox Esqr whose signature appears to be foregoing was at the date thereof & He is a Justice of the peace for s'd County, duly qualified by Law as such & that his Signature I believe to be genuine - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of Our s'd Court at Manchester this 14th day of Aug't AD. 1833. 
/s/Henry Robinson