Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 25064, for John Spafford, Vermont
Page 1

Service                             Number
Vt          Spafford, John       W25064
                             Mary
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5.351
Vermont, Bur

Mary Spafford dec [illegible]
widow of John Spafford
who died on the [blank] in [blank] 1823.
of [blank] in the State of [blank] 
who was a Captain [illegible] commanded
by Captain [illegible], of the Purchases commanded by [blank] in the revolution
line for 1 mo. & 23 days Captain
             4  "       " 13 "  Asst C of Purchases.

Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington
at the rate of 146 Dollars 36, cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March 1830. and end 9th Septr 1842

Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of 
April 1856 and Sent to BH Baldwin

Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending
[signature illegible]

Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836
Section the

Recorded by [signed] GT Getty Clerk,
Book 36  Vol.1  Page 102
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Col John Spafford Born August 31st D1752
Mary Spafford wife of Col J Spafford 
Born April 20th, D1750
John Spafford Hillary Baldwin Married
March 19th 1772
_______
Hancock Spafford born Nov 29th 1772
Died Dec 3 1772
~~~~
Herman Spafford Born Dec 4th 1773
~~~~
Eleazer Baldwin Spafford Born Sept 24th 1775
Died April 26th 1778
~~~~
Horatio Getty Spafford Born February 18th 1778
~~~~
Polly Spafford Born Sept 10th 1779
~~~~
John Spafford Jr Born Oct 7th 1789
~~~~
Hannah Spafford born Nov 23rd 1783
~~~~
Hiram Spafford Born Sept
[illegible]
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FAMILY RECORD.

Births                    Deaths
John Spafford
August 31st 1752
-
Mary Baldwin
April 20th 1750
-
Married March 19th 1772
-
John Spafford
Died April 24th 1823
-
Mary Spafford
died September 9th 1842
-
Herman Spafford born
December 4th 1773
Eleazer B. Spafford do-
Sept 24th 1775   died Apr 26th 1778
H.G. Spafford do-
Febr 18th 177x    died August 1833 at 55
Polly Spafford do-
Sept 10th 1779
John Spafford do-
Oct 7th 1781
Hannah Spafford do-
November 23rd 1783
Hiram Spafford do-
Sept 21st 1785
Gecy C. Spafford Aug 21st 1787   died Oct 16th 1796
Phebe Spafford June 16th 1789   Sept 14th 1791
Sophia Spafford Jan 19th 1791
Phebe Spafford Dec 5th 1792
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FAMILY RECORD.
Marriages.
Herman Spafford
&
Betsey Spafford
Nov 17th 1805
_
Caleb Magee
&
Polly Spafford
Oct 30th 1797
_
H.G. Spafford and
Hannah Bristol
May 19th 1800
_
[illegible] Royal Phelps
&
Hannah Spafford
February 2nd 1806
_
Richard Williams
Sophia Spafford
June 7th 1807
_
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14 Stone St,
New York, Oct'r 20th 1854

To the Commissioner
of Pensions, & Claims for
Revolutionary soldiers,
[illegible]
Washington, D.C.

Sir:
At the request of my Uncle, Capt. John Spafford, of Comer's Mills C.W. I addressed a letter to you about a month ago with regard to a Revolutionary Claim.

The letter contained two or more letters and some gov't money from Vermont, and gave an account of the service of Col John Spafford, his Father, in the American Revolution.

Capt. Spafford is now at Lowville, Lewis Co. N.Y., and has had no answer to the above letter.  He has requested me to again address you on this subject and hopes to receive a favorable reply at Lowville.

I should be glad to know the reply you may make, and be happy to communicate it to him.  Hoping that it may be a favorable one, I have the honor to be

Sir, Your obed't Servant,
R.P. Wilbur
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the 3d section of the act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836.
State of Vermont
Georgia District ss} On this 3d day of April 1838 personally appeared Mary Spafford a resident of Richford in the County of Franklin and state aforesaid aged eighty eight years on the 20th day of April last 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 4th 1836;
That she is the widow of John Spafford who was a captain in the army of the Revolution That according to the best of her recollection has said husband John Spafford engaged in the service of his country in the year 1776. about that time s'd Spafford was elected a Lieut in the company of militia in the town of Tinmouth in the county or Rutland & state afs'd that said Spafford served in s'd company as a Lieut under Capt McNeal until Gen Burgoyne's army came up the lake, at which time Captain McNeal deserted to the British upon which her s'd husband was elected Captain of said company of Militia and soon after joined the army and went into actual service. her belief is that he took the field against the common enemy about the time Ticonderoga was evacuated. Just previous to the surrender of the Garrison at Ticonderoga & Mount Independence said Spafford sent his family from Tinmouth to Sailsbury (Salisbury) in Connecticut for the country at that time was in great consternation and continually in a state of alarm, the inhabitants being in great dander from the British Indians & Tories and especially the last named the towns from whom the inhabitants suffered much; they were more dreaded than the British themselves; they were constantly
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prowling about with kept th whole northern frontier in a constant state of excitement & alarm committing depredations upon the inhabitants which called forth all the energies of the people and kept the most active and influential men inhabitants of the frontier tours almost constantly in the field and from July 1777 to the year 81 my s'd husband was constantly engaged in army. He was at Crown Point and Ticonderoga in the battles of Bennington & Saratoga and was afterwards stationed at Rutland Pittsford Castleton and Skenesborough but how long he was engaged at each of those places she is not able to say; But knows that he was absent in the army most of the time from July 1777 to the year 1780 & believes he was in one or two short tours of duty in 81. In regard to the field officers under whom her s'd husband served during the time he was engaged in the service of his country she is not able to state excepting at the battle of Bennington. In that engagement he served (as her s'd husband informed her) under Col Starks, has often heard him when speaking of his services in the army mention the names of Col's Warner, Herrick, Brown, Allen, & Brownson, and many other officers whose names she does not now recollect. She further states that she has no documentary evidence in support of her claim. 
She further declares that she was married to the said John Spafford on 19th day of March one thousand and seven hundred and seventy two that her husband the afs'd John Spafford died on the 24th day of April 1823 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereunto annexed. 
/s/X her mark Mary Spafford
Sworn and subscribed to the day & year above written
Before me /s/William Bridges, Judge of Probate
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State of Vermont
Franklin County ss} 
Personally appeared before me A. G. Brush a justice of the peace within and for the County of Franklin and state of Vermont Mrs. Mary Royce and John S. Royce both of Richford in the county of Franklin aforesaid and made solemn oath, that Cap't John Spafford the father of the said Mary Royce died in Lowville in the state of New York on the [blank] day of April A.D. 1823 - and that his wife the widow Mary Spafford died at Rutland in the state of Vermont and previous thereto (this day) at Richford in this state of Vt. on the 19th day of August A.D. 1842, and that as we are now informed there are at [illegible] of the children of the said Capt. John Spafford now living. Heman Spafford, John Spafford, Sophia Williams, Phebe Stephenson, Hiram Spafford, and Mary Royce
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State of Vermont
Franklin County

I Joseph H. Brainerd clerk of the County Court of said County [illegible] at St Albans in said county certify that Alonzo G Brush esquire before whom the forgoing oath of Mary Royce and witnesses was taken [illegible] at the time a Justice of the Peace in afor said [illegible] [illegible] commissioned and qualified and that they are genuine signatures.

In testimony as here of I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the County Court of the County of Franklin aforesaid and Subscribed my name officially at St Albans in the County of Franklin aforesaid this Sixth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five
Joseph H, Brainerd Clerk
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No. 3. 510

Mary Spafford
Act July 4, 1836
___ " ____
Certificate of 
Probate Court of
death & [illegible] of
living Children
____
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State of Vermont
District of Rutland ss

I, Henry Hall, Register of the Probate Court of the said District of Rutland in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont, hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said [illegible] to [illegible] the affidavits of Herman Spafford, John L. Marsh & Daniel Platt all of Clarendon in said district, (all of whom I am well acquainted with & know to be highly respectable & credible persons) by the leaf taken from the Bible of Herman Spafford, & by an inspection of the record kept by the Sexton of the town of Rutland in said District in which town her burial took place, that Mrs Mary Spafford the widow of Col. John Spafford a Revolutionary Officer late of Tinmouth in said Count & District deceased, died in said Clarendon on the 9th day of September A.D.1842 & that she left surviving her six children and whose names are John Spafford, Hiram Spafford, Herman Spafford, Mary Royce, Sophia Williams & Phebe Stevenson. all of whom are now surviving except said Hiram Spafford who died the 7th day of April A.D. 1855.

I also certify that it appears & is well known to me by personal conversation with the survivors of the first settlers, that the said John Spafford was well known throughout this county as an active decided [illegible]
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officer in the American Revolutionary War.

I also certify that George W. Webb Jr. before whom the accompanying affidavits were taken is & was at the time of the execution of said affidavits a justice of the peace within as for the said County of Rutland & that I believe his signatures thereto to be genuine.

In witness whereof I hereto affix the seal of said Court & my official signature at Rutland in said District this 27th day of March A.D. 1856-

Henry Hall. Register
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I, Nathaniel Blanchard of Malone in the [illegible] Franklin in the State of New York, aged 80 years, do depose [illegible] and say, that during the American Revolutionary war, I [illegible] Rutland in the State of Vermont, - that I was then, and [illegible] time afterwards, well acquainted with Capt. John Spafford, then of Tinmouth, Vermont, now deceased; a
[whole line illegible]
officer, in the cause of liberty, throughout the period of the war.  I was myself a soldier and an officer during that war, but belonging to a different company, I was not personally
acquainted with all the services rendered by Capt. Spafford.  I remember, however, that in November 1779, in an application to Brandon Vt. consisting of about 300 men commanded by Lieut. Col James Claghorn (which was made up of detachments of several militia companies) for the purpose of cutting off
a body of the enemy that had come up the valley of the Otter Creek; Capt. Spafford joined the expedition, with his company from Tinmouth, and was out one week.  I was there
myself, and commanded the Company to which I belonged, as Ensign Commandant; my Captain, and Lieutenant being absent.
In April, 1780, I was appointed a Captain of Militia; and in the fall of that year, I was ordered, with my Company, to Castleton, where I served five weeks.  I fix the term at five weeks, because, I recollect that I drew pay for that term, for myself and Company.  Capt. Spafford was at Castleton with his company
during the same term. That part of Vermont where I resided was in the years 1779, 1780, and 1781, a frontier, and was constantly in a
State of alarm; so that the militia more required to hold themselves constantly in readiness for Service, and actually was a great portion of the time under arms.  The services rendered by them, as I then considered, and do now verily believe, amounted to full one half of the time.  And further this [illegible] saith not.

Nathaniel Blanchard [signed]
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State of Vermont
Rutland County

Be it known that on this 30th day of
September, 1836, before me the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for said County, personally approved the said Nathaniel Blanchard, who hath subscribed the preceeding deposition in my presence, and made solemn oath, that the same contains the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.  And I do hereby certify that the said
informant is a credible witness.
Moses Watkins  Justice Peace


State of Vermont
Rutland County

I, Robert Pierpoint, Clerk of the County Court
in and for said County, do hereby certify that
Moses Watkins is a Magistrate, as above
written, and that the foregoing signature,
purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto
affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my
name, this 10th day of October, in the
year, 1836.-
R. Pierpoint
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Caveat-

East Berkshire  [illegible]
August

[illegible] Aug 9
caveat care of 
Mrs. Spafford

Pension Office
Washington City
D.C.
Page 17

Berkshire Aug 4, 1838

I take the liberty to address the
Department on a subject about which
it may seem [illegible] gratuitous in
me to say any thing and it is only
from a sense of justice that I am
inclined to do so.  I allude to the applicant
that I learn has lately been made to
procure a pension for the Widow of a Capt.
John Spafford who it is said [illegible] resided
in Tinmouth in this State - this old lady 
I learn is [illegible] was ninety years old
and had [illegible] within a [illegible]
resided within [illegible] living in 
Rutland in this State [illegible] is said
received properly from the [illegible] for the
purpose of the allotment support this [illegible]
has witherto supported been well and is
still able and willing so to do.  The [illegible]
come into this section of the State [illegible]
on a visit for the last time to her relatives
and stayed mostly at the town of
Richford adjoining this town with [illegible]
[illegible] who [illegible] a Daughter
of [illegible] has a son who is [illegible]
[illegible] and destitute of all moral principle
and is the active person in getting with this application
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and if he succeeded in getting a Pension, he will
in all probability pocket every dollar of
the money and The Old lady is I understand
[illegible] to return to Rutland in a few months
for support - I can say with safety that the
general kinship among mother [illegible] the best
means of knowledge is that Spafford was never 
in the service and that this Pension ought not
to be granted and that the application is a
[illegible] of this [illegible] to file the money out
of the Government.  I understand that [illegible]
of this town has made an affidavit
in the case - I do not know who he has
sworn to, but he is not in a [illegible] to the
[illegible] an oath and has [illegible]
[illegible] - and from what I have
learned of the [illegible] is mostly from such
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the applicant - as I have no motives but
justice in this case, I do not wish to [illegible] the
lists of controversy about it, and would therefore
wish that this might be considered and confidential except as to Mr. Burk & Hoit
With great respect
Joseph Smith
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Bush the she senior is so nigh [illegible] there is
[illegible] to see his sign [illegible]  land of the
For [illegilbe] the [illegible] sky Herman  delight
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Boo [illegible]
[illegible] soul is happy when I [illegible]
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[illegible]
Page 23

Salisbury County  May 8.1838

Sir

I have examined the Record of 
our town and can find no Record
of Marriage between John Spafford
& Mary Baldwin

 [illegible] Benton Town Clerk
JS Royce Esq
East Bershire Vt
Page 24

State of Vermont
County of Rutland SS

On this 27th day of March 1856 personally appeared
before me the undersigned Justice, Heman Spafford
who being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he is
82 years of age a resident of Clarendon in said State
That he is a son of Col John Spafford formerly of
Tinmouth in said State.  That the said John
Spafford his father died in the year 1823 at Lowville
in the State of New York leaving Mary Spafford
his widow who was the Mother of this deponent
He further says his Mother the said Mary Spafford
lived with him a portion of the time and a [illegible]
of the time with her daughter Mary Royce in
Richford in said State and finally died at his
house there in this time & was buried in Rutland on the 9th day of September 1842. That at the time of the death she had in her posession an old family bible containing a record of her family. from which bible this deponent soon after has death transcribed the [illegible] contained [illegible] into his own family bible upon
the leaf hereunto attached which leaf is taken out
of said Bible.  Deponent also at the same time
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entered upon said word the time of his Mothers
death in his own handwriting as now appears.
He further says that at the time of his Mothers
death as aforesaid she left six children
Surviving her as follows John Spafford, Hiram 
Spafford. Heman Spafford. Mary Royce
Sophia Williams and Phebe Stephenson, all
of whom now survive excepting the said Hiram
Spafford who departed this life on the 7th day
of April 1865 and that the five surviving
Children above [illegible] are the only
surviving Children of said Mary Spafford
deceased.  Deponent further says that his
Mother the said Mary Spafford was the widow
of Col John Spafford of Tinmouth who was
an officer of various Grades in the Revolutionary
War. and is the same Mary Spafford who in
her life time applied for a Pension in virtue
of said services.
Herman Spafford

Subscribed and Sworn before me. and I certify
that the [illegible] was erased and the word
Stephenson [illegible] before signing

Geo W Webb Jr Justice Peace
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State of Vermont
County of Rutland

On this 27th day of March. 1856 before the [illegible] personally appeared Daniel Platt John L Marsh who being duly sworn depose and say that they have read the forgoing affidavit of Heman Spafford and beleive the same to be true.  that Deponents were both from the said town of Clarendon and have always lived there need were all acquainted with Ms Mary Spafford [illegible] widow of Col John Spafford formerly of Tinmouth and known she died at the house of her son Heman Spafford who then lived [illegible]
Miles distant in the town of Clarendon & was buried in Rutland in the year 1842 and by the examination of the record made by said Heman Spafford they believe her died on the 9th day of September. and that Her only
Children of Said Mary which now survive her are John Spafford. Heman Spafford. Mary Royce. Phebe Stephenson and Sophie Williams.
Daniel Platt
John L. Marsh

subscribed & sworn before me and I certify that the words. "Clarendon & was buried in Rutland" were interlined before signing and the same was interlined in the
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[illegible] affidavit of Heman Spafford
[illegible] and I further certify that
the said Platt and Marsh are all known
to me and are highly respectable & credible
witnesses.

Geo W. Webb for Justice Peace
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1842 Sep 10 the Death of Mrs Spafford
[illegible] aged 93 years x $1.24
Page 29

I Pheobe Blakesley of Berkshire in the county
of Franklin and State of Vermont, aged seventy
three years do depose testify and say that I
lived in the family of my father, Solomon
Bingham in Salisbury (Connecticut) and
[illegible] with them to Tinmouth, Rutland
County Vermont, but soon after returned
to Salisbury when I resided [illegible]
her close of the revolutionary war. That I
was acquainted with Mr. John Spafford in
said Salisbury and with Mary Baldwin,
who were married to each other. at said
Salisbury as was then well understood -
I can after which they [illegible] to said
Tinmouth- a few years afterwards. but the
exact length of time I cannot state, I
again came to Tinmouth and lived in
my fathers family until my was married [illegible] of about fifty four years ago that in
Tinsmouth aforesaid has lived neighbours
to said Spafford who was then called
Captain - afterwards Major and finally
Colonel Spafford.  He was always an active
man and a leading man in town.  He and 
his said wife always lived together as man
and wife and raised a family of children
in said Tinmouth.  About forty years
ago said Spafford [illegible] with his wife
& unmarried children from said Tinmouth 
with the state of New York as I understand
and he was expected to have died several
years since at his residence on the Black
Rion in am of the [illegible] counties of 
New York.  Said Spafford and his wife
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and [illegible] , as far as I
can [illegible] or heard, were people of respectability.
I further say that the marriage of [illegible]
Spafford and his said wife, and their
[illegible] to Tinmouth of aforesaid took
place before the commencement of the
revolutionary war.
I also say that the widow of said Spafford, being the same woman of whom I have before spoken in this deposition, is now living at Richford in this county, in her family of a son in law, as I understand and further this deponent saith not.
Phebe Blakely

State of Vermont
Franklin County

Berkshire May 23rd AD. 1838
Then personally appeared Phebe Blakely signor of the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath that said deposition contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth - before me - and I further certify that said deponent is a credible witness - still retaining her intellect and prowess of recollection - to all appearance unimpaired by age.
Stepehn Royce Judge of [illegible]
Page 31

I Sarah Barber of Berkshire in the county of Franklin and state of Vermont, aged seventy years, do depose testify and say - that my father, Stephen Royce, moved into the town of Tinmouth in the present county of Rutland and State of Vermont, in the year One thousand seven hundred and seventy five - that at that time Captain John Spafford and his family, consisting of a wife and one or two children, lived in said Tinmouth, about one mile from my family.  I do not know when he was appointed captain, but within two or three years after we commenced living there [illegible] because much disturbed by the troubles of the war, the militia was frequently called out upon alarms, and to man the forts at Pittsford, Castleton, and other places and said Spafford was then called the captain of the Tinmouth company - and I understand that he went as  [illegible] of the company whenever they were called out as [illegible] of his [illegible] of his being absent, [illegible] out of his returning home.  My father was [illegible] an officer in the militia - and he with my oldest brother, Samuel, were frequently absent for different periods of time in the public services against the British.  My second brother, Stephen was also out several times, at Pittsford, Castleton, and Hubberton, as I understand.  The inhabitants of Tinmouth mostly left the town and went south as [illegible] came from Canada; our family [illegible] as far as I understand in this state, where I remember
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seeing the [illegible] towards Bennington my father and brother [illegible] were in the battle at Bennington, and I always understand that Captain Spafford with most of his company was also in it.  One of them, W. John Chandler, a near neighbor of [illegible] at Tinmouth, was killed then.
Said Spafford afterwards became a major, and a colonel in the militia.  I learned of his death in the state of New York about twelve or fifteen years ago, and his widow is now living at Richford, about five miles from me. She is the same person who was the respected wife of said Spafford, and who lived with him as such, [blotted ink] AD 1775, & afterwards till the death of Col. Spafford as I always understand.  I was acquainted with several of the [illegible] of said Spafford and his wife, and they were all respectable people.  And further this deponent saith not.
Sarah Barber
(written by her directions, her hand being disabled.)

State of Vermont
Franklin County
Berkshire May 15th AD 18[blot] then personally appeared Sarah Barber signor of the foregoing deposition, and with solemn oath, that said depostion contained the whole truth and nothing but the truth, before me.  And i certify that the said deponent is a respectable woman, and a credible witness.
Stephen Royce Judge of [illegible]
Page 33

I Caleb Royce of Richford in the county of Franklin and state of Vermont, aged sixty three years do depose certify and say that forty [illegible] years ago I married Mary Spafford daughter of Col. John Spafford then of Tinmouth in the county of Rutland in this state. That a few months after our marriage but this exact length of time I do not [illegible] recollect, took the copy of record [illegible] deposition from the family record of Col Spafford kept in his bible, and that it had been kept by my wife. That about two years after our marriage Col Spafford [illegible] into the [illegible] past of the state of New York, where he resided until his death about fourteen years since.  That the widow of Col Spafford has resided with a son in Rutland in this sate nearly all of the time since the death of her husband. That she came to reside with me in February last. That she brought with her, her family bible, which contains the record of her family and which record agrees with then our hereunto [illegible]. She also brought with her the deposition of Nathaniel Blanchard of [illegible] (New York) which I understand from her and also from her son with whom she resided [illegible] at Rutland in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty six, Caleb Blanchard then being at Rutland, and that they them thought of making [illegible] after [illegible] Mrs. Spafford to obtain [illegible]
Page 34

but that in consequence of the [illegible] of her son, which at the time and ever since had been very poor, and also the health of his wife who has since died. the easy [illegible] [illegible] pursued [illegible] & further the deponent said not.
Caleb Royce
Page 35

State of Vermont
Franklin County

Berkshire May 21st AD 1838.

Then personally appeared Caleb Royce signor of the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath - that said deposition contained the whole truth and nothing but the truth - before me - and I further certify that said deponent is well known to me to be a respectable and credible witness.
Stephen Royce Judge of [illegible]
Page 36

S. Bingham
Page 37

I, Solomon Bingham of the Deigncovy of Noyan in the District of Montreal & Province of Lower Canadee in seventy second year of my age testify & say, that from my early childhood & before the commencement of the Revolutionary war I lived with my father in Tinmouth now in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont; that John Spafford late of said Tinmouth deceased lived near neighbours, that I was well acquainted with sd John Spafford, his wife & all the family, that I knew more of sd Spaffords family & basing him of any other of my father's neighbour; sd Spafford was appointed Captain of militia in said Tinmouth about the time that Burgoyne took Ticonderoga in the year one thousand seven hundred & seventy seven; that soon after the battle at Hubbardton colonel Seth Warner marked the remnant of his regiment by my father's door; that several of the neighbours & sd John Spafford met Col. Warner at my father's house & asked of him his advise, whether they had better move off to the south or not; Sd Warner advised them to move off to the south; & the inhabitants mostly moved off; Sd Spafford & my father moved to Salisbury in Connecticut, whence they had moved to Tinmouth before the war began; Sd Spafford with a considerable number of his men inhabitants of Tinmouth move in Bennington Battle, one of whom is Mr Chandler was killed in said battle; from& after that time Spafford was actively engaged in defending the frontier against British invasion until the close of the war.
Page 38

that the winter after Bennington battle my father, sd Spafford & most of the inhabitants moved their families back to sd Tinmouth; my father soon after this command keeping tavern & kept it till the close of the revolutionary war;  The people of Vermont built a fort at Pittsford & another at Castleton, & as Vermont received no assistance from the other states she defended her own frontiers; there forts were manned by the militia, who were called out in rotation to do town of duty with said forts; my father belonged to sd Spaffords company, & in the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty one or eighty two my father was called upon by sd Spafford to do a tour of duty at Castleton fort; as it was very difficult for my father to leave home I volunteered to go as his substitute, & as his
substitute I performed a tour of duty at said Castleton fort; That for three or four of the last years of the war my father either by himself or a hired man carried the Albany Newspapers through the county to Castleton & Pittsford forts; I had the means of knowing & did know at that time when sd Spafford was on military duty, & for four or five years I think he  was in actual service as much as one half of the time. Said Spafford was an active, energetic & [illegible] man; & he was appointed a major & then a colonel of militia soon after the close of the revolutionary war. The name of sd John Spafford's wife, now widow, was before marriage Mary Baldwin; I was acquainted with her mother & three of her brothers, they were a respectable family, seven days ago I saw & conversed with the said widow Spafford & I know her to be the same woman that was wife of the sd John Spafford when I was a little child. - And further
Page 39

this deponent saith not; Dated May 20th 1838,
Solomon Bingham-

State of Tinmouth
Franklin County
Richford
May 20th 1838

Thus personally appeared Solomon Bingham maker & signor of the foregoing deposition & made Solomon oath that said Deposition contains the whole truth & nothing but the truth before me
Ariel Parker Justice Peace

and I further certify that the sd Solomon Bingham is a highly respectable man and that he is in all respects a very credible witness
Ariel Parker Justice Peace
Page 40

State of Vermont,
{Secretary of States Office
{Montpelier, Dec. 21st 1855.

I hereby certify that there is on file in this Office, " A Petition of John Spafford, of Tinmouth, in Rutland County" to the General Assembly of this State, bearing date, "Rutland, Oct 18.1792", praying compensation for 'ten bushels of wheat & twenty-seven bushels of Indian corn, for the use of the troops at Pittsford and Rutland.
Said grain, as appears by said petition, was delivered to Joseph Bowker, then a Commissary officer, and his receipt taken therefor.  This petition is signed 'John Spafford", and sd signature is in the opinion of the Sec'y of this State, genuine. 
Also, an order, as follows:
"Tinmouth 24rd June, 1790.
Sir - please to let Lieut. Landon have that State money Olef blark left in your hands for that purpose, it being forty shillings
John Spafford
Gudg Mattocks."
This order is endorsed "Colnel Spafford to Esq Mattocks", and the signature is in the same handwriting as the aforesaid signature to the petition.
there is also on file in this office, two certificates, bearing date the one 'July 5th 1780", and the other 'July 18th 1780" to the following effect: viz.
1. That John Spafford bought of 'James Claghorn, [illegible] one hundred and sixty acres of land lying in Tinmouth. the property of John Mckeil, and forfeit to this State, " by his reasonablo cenduct," for which he paid the sum of six thousand four hundred dollars. This certificate is endorsed "Capt. Spafford's Certificate 6400 dollars"
(over)
Page 41

2.  That John Spafford, in behalf of Abijah Pratt, bought a piece of land, in Tinmouth, bring the property of John Hait (or Hoit), forfeit to this State "for his reasonable conduct", for which he paid one thousand pounds, continental money: Both these certificates are sworn to before a Justice of the Peace, and signed "John Spafford" in the same handwriting as all the other signatures mentioned in this certificate.
There is also on file in this office, a writing, as follows:  "Provision Return for one field officer, three days, in Col. See's Reg't Militia, commencing this ending the thirty first, inclusive.
Fort Warren, 29th Oct. 1781 John Spafford Mag'r"

This writing is endorsed as follows:
"Rec'd of E.Clark C.I. three rations (viz.) three pounds and three quarters beef and three pounds flour."
John Spafford."

These signatures are also in the same handwriting as all those mentioned in this certificate. 
Also, a receipt, as follows:
"Rec'd at Fort Warren, 30th Nov.1781, from Elisha Clark Commissary of Issues twelve hides weighing when green, six hundred fifty eight pounds, which I promise to account for to the public.  Rec'd per me- John Spafford A.C.P."

This is endorsed as a receipt from "J. Spafford. A.C.P., and is signed in the same handwriting as all the above mentioned signatures.
Also, an order as follows:
"Sir- Please to deliver to the bearer, Mr. Jared Baldwin, the hides of them 12 beeves I sent you, or others to that value, and you will oblige. yours
John Spafford. A.C.P.

Elisha Clark. Esq. C.I.
Castleton 3rd Dec 1781-
Page 42

The signature of this order is in the same handwriting as the forgoing.
There is also, an account of provisions, received at Fort warren, in the month of August, 1781, on which occurs the name of John Spafford, as A.C.P.
Also, another similar account, received at Fort Warren in the month of October, 1781, on which occurs the name of John Spafford as A.C.P.
Also, another similar accounts of stoves received at Fort Warren, "in the month of Dec.1781 and Jan'y, 1782", on which is recorded the name of "John Spafford, A.C.P, opposite the date, Jan 1st 1782.
There are some other similar entries, between the dates mentioned, and the same are, in my opinion, made out by John Spafford, A.C.P., as the handwriting is very similar to that of the signatures heretofor mentioned.
There are other papers, relating to the services of John Spafford, now in the hands of a Commissioner appointed under a resolution of the General Assembly, providing for the completion of the Rolls and other evidence of service. They appear, by our indexes, to be as follows:
"Ac't of money paid to John Spafford by order of Pay Table for cattle delivered to C.P. Mar.2,1781 by John Spafford,
Ac't of money of money, as above pd John Spafford for military service - June 6.1781
"    "    "   "   "   beef -  -       August 16.1780
Ac't of John Spafford, & order on Treas. for cows - August 16.1780
John Spafford's order on Treas. for 1 yoke of oxen - October 18. 1780
Ac't of money rec'd by Treas. from Capt.John Spafford - June 3.1779."

There is no other John Spafford, as appears by the files and records in this office, than the one mentioned in this certificate, and but one, who have, as herein appears, at different times the title of Capt. Major, Colonel and A.C.P.
Page 43

There is no proof of service by any person of that name, other than that mentioned or alluded to in this certificate, on file in this office.
The military service, proper, of John Spafford, is as follows:
There is on file in this office, "A Pay Roll of Capt. John Spafford's Company in Col.Eben'r Allen's Regiment of Militia, commencing the 19th day of October,1780, and ending the 27th day of [blank] inclusive, the money being due from the State of Vermont, at Castleton. "on which is the name of "Capt. John Spafford, with an allowance for five days service and twenty-five miles travel.
Also, "A Pay Roll" of the same company and in the same Regiment "for service done in an alarm, commencing the 10th day and ending the 11th day of June,1781, both days included, "on which occurs the name of "Capt. John Spafford' with an allowance for two days service and fifteen miles travel. 
Also, "A Pay Roll" of the same company, in the same Regiment, for service at Castleton, "from the 12th to the 17th day of October, 1780" on which is the name of "Capt. John Spafford" with an allowance for six days service and twenty-five miles travel.
Also, "A pay Roll of the same company, in the same Regiment, for service at Castleton, from the 25th to the 28th of Oct.1780, inclusive, on which "Capt. John Spafford" is allowed for four days service and for twenty-five miles travel.
Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. William Uphanis Company of Militia for service done at sundry times -1780." on which occurs the name "john Spafford" with an allowance for thirty four days service and thirty six miles travel.
Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. John Spafford's Company, in Col. Gideon Warren's Regiment of Militia, in the service of the State of Vermont, in the month of March. AD.1780, from the 22nd to the 29th" on which occurs the name of "Capt John Spafford", with an allowance for four days service and twenty-five miles travel.
Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. John Spafford's Company, in Col. Eben'r Allen's Regiment of Militia, in the service of the State of Vermont.
[illegible]
Page 44

5. 
in the month of August,1780, from the 4th to the 18th,both days included, at Pittsford" in which occurs the name of "Capt. John Spafford" with an allowance for fifteen days service, and twenty-five miles travel.
Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. John Spafford's Company, in Col. Eben'r Allen's Reg't of Militia, in the service of this State, commencing the 31st day of May,1780; and ending the 6th day of June,1780, inclusive, the money being due from the State of Vermont", the whole of which company are allowed for seven days service and forty-five miles travel, but the name of Capt. John Spafford does not occur, except in the Caption, as aforesaid.
Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. John Spafford's Company in Col. Gideon Warren's Regiment of Militia, in the service of this, and the United States, commencing Nov.7,1778, and ending the 13th of the same month, inclusive, nearly the whole of which company are allowed for seven days service, but the name of Capt. John Spafford does not occur, are in the caption, as aforesaid.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of this Office this 21st day of December, AD 1855.
Charles W. Willard,
Secretary of State
Page 45

State of Vermont.
Secretary of State's Office,
Montpelier November 26th A.D, 1855

I hereby certify that it appears by the files and records in this office that "John Spafford" of Tinmouth in said State was known and called at various times by the title of Captain, Major, & Colonel during the war of the Revolution, and that there is no evidence of any other John Spafford from said Tinmouth on file in this office, and there does not appear to have been any other John Spafford bearing the title of Captain, Major or Colonel in this State during the Revolution.
I also certify that there is on file in this office an account of one Mary Spafford bearing date "An. 1781" against this State for "twenty six meals of vicleral, supplied the State troops," which account as appears by endorsement then on was duly examined and allowed by the Pay Table office

Given under my hand and the seal of this Office this day and year above written,
Charles W. Willard
Secretary of State
Page 46

State of Vermont}
District of Georgia}

Probate Office July 10th 1855
in St Albans

Be it known to all persons whom it may or shall concern that Mary Royce of Richford in the County of Franklin and district aforesaid, was, on the 26th day of June AD 1855, appointed by this Court Administration of all and singular the goods, chattels, rights, credits and estate of Mary Spafford, late of Richford aforesaid, deceased, and has given bond in the sum of two thousand dollars for the faithful discharge of said the duties of said office, and that by virtue thereof, she has full power and authority by the laws of said State to deceased, collect and receive all monies, as well as all and singular the rights & credits, due and belonging to the said deceased; and to adjust and settle all just claims and demands against her or in which she stood bound.

In testimony whereof I have hereto affixed the seal of said Probate Court and subscribed my name as the judge thereof the day and year above written

James Davis, Judge
Page 47

[illegible] Office
June 20th 1855.

Sir
I have very carefully examined the additional testimony submitted by you in the case of Mary Spafford, deceased widow of John, late of Vermont, under the Act of July 4th 1836, in connexion with the papers previously filed; and you are informed that this office is willing to admit that her husband was the Captain John Spafford who, according to the certificate of the Secretary of Vermont, dated January 17th 1855, was paid for fifty-three days service as Captain, rendered from November 7, 1778, to November 1780, but that there is no testimony in the case which would connect him with the Major John Spafford who, in October 1781, drew three days rations for himself and one man at Fort Warren or with the party of the same name who was an Assistant Commissary of Purchases, from August 29,1781, to January 1, 1782, and who appears also to have received sundry payments for "military service", on the 6th of June,1781.  It is probable that neither the Major Spafford nor the Assistant Commissary of Purchases was the husband of the applicant.  If all three were, however, one and the same person, that fact could no doubt, be
Page 48

readily shown by the testimony of old and respectable neighbors, and also by the Archives of Vermont, which will show whether there was but one John Spafford holding a commission under its authority during the Revolutionary War.  Mrs. Spafford, in her declaration did not claim that her husband held the rank of Major; nor did she allude to his service in the Commissary Department.  She merely said he served two tours of duty in 1781, after which , it is informed, his service terminated. 

I am, respectfully,
Yours Obt. Svt,
LP Waldo
Commissioner
Page 49

[illegible]
March [illegible]

Herman Spafford
Rutland Ct

PM. please
Page 50

Green, [illegible]

Mr Spafford

Sir one
Montpelier Last year as
Stevens of Barnet in this
him if he was a Decendant of Col John Spafford of the Revolutionary War my brother told that he was not exactly a Decendant of Col Spafford but that he supposed the Spafford race event all related and Stevens remarked that he had been employed by this State to hunt up and investigate Claims of [illegible] of the old Revolutionary Pensioners, consequently he had made a number [illegible] to the City of Washington and he said that as near as he could ascertain from Books and Papers there.  There appeared to be, some 3 of 4 thousand dollars or more due from government to the sd Col Spafford or his heirs Stevens Remarked that he had not been able to fully ascertain who her sd Col Spafford was nor when none his heir Nor whare they reside.  I have of late been looking this business up. I was over your side of on my way house the mountain a few days ago and accidentally on Providentially found out that one Herman Spafford lived in Rutland and thinking from what I could learn that Probably he [illegible] a descendant of Col Spafford I therefore thought best to write you and ascertain the facts & her case - now if you can inform me of any [illegible] in relation to this matter we may find out something that may be of great advantage to both of us I have also written Mr Stevens uppon the subject I am confident from all the facts in the case that there is something to it - please write me immediately and direct to Weathersfield Green [illegible] P. Office Ret
Yrs in haste
Henry H. Spafford
Page 51

East Clarendon, Jan 12 1849

with and assign to John Spafford
[illegible] to the right of property
[illegible] as [illegible] on [illegible] to my
Revolutionary Services
Heman Spafford
Page 52

St Albans Oct 27th 1838

Hon JL Edwards

You will please have the goodness to examine the enclosed and return the result as soon as convenient

Very Respectfully
[name illegible]
WM Bridges
Page 53

Brief in the case of Mary Spafford, died who was widow of John Rutland County and State of Vermont, act July 4, 1836,
============================
Claim ("original'" of " for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Record under a of marriage on the 18th of March 1772, and under a fifty-three days service as Captain, and of [illegible] [illegible] days service of [illegible] of Purchases, from the Archives of Vermont, at Montpelier, As Administratix has been appointed, and the [illegible] are names of her children certified as [illegible] illegible]

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Page 54

Ticonderoga Essex Co NY.
April 3rd 1856

John Johnson Esqr

Dear Sir  I have a little case hanging along in the Pension Office Mary Spafford, [illegible] July 11,1836 which has been admitted all but proving the death of the claimant and the names and members of her children by a court of [illegible]- His testimony I send you herewith, and I wish you to present it to the Chief Clerk and ask him as an especial favor to refer it to Col Niles, as he has been all through the case & understands it fully.  If Mr Cole should for any reason decline to do this, you will please retain the papers sent until I go to Washington as I have had trouble enough with the case, and am afraid if the case is taken up and seen through by a new examiner it will stand a chance to be again suspended- Colonel Niles has spent a good deal of time upon it and is better qualified to do Justice to the case than any else.

Respectfully Yours
Benj H Baldwin
Page 55

Additional Evidence
in case of 
Mary Spafford
of Vermont.
Act July 4, 1836
_________ " __________

Cert of Probate Court of}
death and names of living}
children                             }

Col Niles

Benj J Baldwin
Atty
Washington DC
Page 56

Ticonderoga April 3rd 1856

Hon J Minot}
Court of Pensions}

Sir Agreeably to your letter of Jany 28th (herein enclosed, I forward you the requisite proof from a Court of Record showing the date of the death of Mary Spafford [illegible] whose claim number the act of July 4, 1836 filed from Vermont is suspended.  I have heretofore filed a certificate of the Judge of the Probate Court of Franklin Co V.T showing that Mary Royce one of the daughters had born duly appointed administrator and had filed a bond of two thousand dollars. 
As the claim has been pending a long time and the children most of them in need [illegible] somewhat discouraged, they are disposed to accept of a pension for the 53 days service as Captain as admitted in your letter of June 20th 1855. and the service as a [illegible] Court of Purchases from Aug 1781 to Jany 1782, in all a little over 6 months. all of which appears by the certificates of the secretary of Vermont now on file.

I am Respectfully
Ben H Baldwin
Page 57

Grand Rapids Kent County Michigan
March 19 1856

Court of Pensions}
Washington D.C.}

Dear Sir

Mrs Phebe Stephenson sent the enclosed papers to me and wanted to know what to do about them.  I told her not to sign the order but to write to Washington and find out whether her mother as the wife of Capt John Spafford had drawn any Pension Money if she has, Mrs Stephenson does not wish to be [illegible] out of it by asigning it a way for ten dollars I have wrote the above at her request and forward the inclosed which she wish returned.

[illegible]
S.O. Kingsbury
Page 58

Pension Officer
Jan'y 28, 1856

Sir:
I have examined the additional testimony filed by you to sustain the claim asserted in Right-of Mary Spafford, widow of John late of Vermont, under the [illegible] of July 4, 1836 and you are informed that no [illegible] objection will be made to the identity of her husband as the party who served as a captain & A.C.P. under the Authority of Vermont. On examining the testimony however, I find that the evidence of said Mary's death and of the names and ages of her surviving children, was taken before a justice of the Peace instead of a Court of Record.
It is, therefore, necessary before a certificate for the arrears of pension
Page 59

can be issued that her [illegible] been shown by a certificate from such a court, based on the description of testimony indicated by the 2nd Regulation on the accompanying printed sheet.

Your sir
Very Respectfully
R Mc Rae
for Comm
Page 60

Washington Jany. 11/5h

Hon [illegible]
Court of Pension

Sir  I beg leave to file herewith a further certificate of the Secy of Vermont in the case of Mary Spafford widow of John of V.T. which seems to settle the question as to the identity of claimants husband with the Capt John Spafford of Tinmouth, and the assistant commissary of Purchases.  From your letter of the 20th June 1855 it appears that you had doubts about such identity. This doubt I think will now be [illegible] by the explanatory certificate herewith filed. Rather than have any further delay in the admission of the Claim. I am willing to accept a certificate for 53 days as Captain and 4 months and 12days as Asst. Com'y [commissary] of Purch's [purchases] as indicated in said letter of June 2 11/55, which I herewith enclose.
The case seems so clear for at least the time above claims that deem it necessary to enter into any argument in the case
Respectfully.  Benj J Baldwin
Page 61

Washington Dec. 4th 1955
Hon J Minot
Court of Pensions    Sir
I beg leave to file herewith additional evidence in the case of Mary Spafford widow of John Spafford of Vermont under the act of July 4, 1836.  The certificate of the Secy [secretary] of State herewith filed shows the identity of claimants husband with the service as Capt. Major. and Asst Comy[commissary] of Purchasers, as set forth in a [illegible] Certificate of the Secy [secretary] of Vermont now on file.  I beg leave also to call your attention to the [illegible] of the witnesses - who speak of claimants husband as Major & Colonel Spafford, and before [underlined] the question was ever raised on this point_  Also I would refer to the late correspondence between John Spafford the son and Mr Stevens the [illegible] of Vermont to be found with the papers on file _ It evidently appears through all the papers that claimants husband was a noted name [underlined] of the Revolution and held
Page 62

high trusts_ I am satisfied that with the evidence now existing & filed in the case, there will be no doubt about the claim being admitted__
In your letter of June 20/55 (which I herewith enclose, you allude to the fact that the widow did not declare specifically for service as asst Commissary in 1781 _  I am sure not much [illegible] will be put upon this omission when it is considered how old Mrs Spafford was at the time she made the declaration and how little she must have known of the various grades of military service _ Her statement known about her husbands absence[underlined} in 1781 corroborates the Certificate of the Secy[secretary] of Vermont _ As also does the account of Mary Spafford for twenty six meals of [illegible] to the [illegible] in Nov 1781 show that her husband was absent, and that she [illegible] at home. I trust the claim will now be admitted
Respectfully
Benj H Baldwin
I file also herewith. letters of Administration
Page 63

State of Vermont
Treasurer's office, Windsor
Sep. 22. 1838
I Allen Wardner Treasurer of said State do hereby certify that there is a paper on file in this Office purporting to be a "PayRoll of Capt. John Spafford's Company in Col. Gideon Warren's Regt of Militia in the service of the State of Vermont in the month of march ad 1780 from the 22d to the 29th both days included" I further certify that the name of John Spafford appears upon said Roll with an allowance for four days service as Captain annexed.
I further certify that there is another paper on file in this office purporting to be a "PayRoll of Capt. John Spafford's Company in Col. Eben. Allen's Regt. of Militia in the service of the State of Vermont in the month of Aug.1780 from the 4th to the 18th both days included, at Pittsford"  I further certify that the name of John Spafford appears upon said Roll with an allowance for fifteen days service as Captain annexed. 
I further certify that there is another paper on file in this office purporting to be a "PayRoll of Capt. John Spafford's Company in Col. Eben. Allen's Reg. of Militia in the service of the State of Vermont in the month of October AD 1780 from the 12th to the 17th both days included at Castleton."
I further certify that the name of John Spafford appears upon said Roll with an allowance for six days service as Captain, annexed. 
I further certify that there is another paper on file in this office purporting to be a "PayRoll of Capt. John Spafford's Company in Col. Eben. Allen's Regt. of Militia, commencing the 19th day of oct. 1780 and ending the 23rd day of [blank] 1780 inclusive, the money being due from the State of
Page 64

Vermont at Castleton." I further certify that the name of John Spafford appears upon said Roll with an allowance for five days service as Captain annexed.
I further certify that there is another paper on file in this purporting to be a "PayRoll of Capt. John Spafford's Company in Col. Eben. Allen's Regt. of Militia in the service of the State of Vermont October AD 1780 from the 25th to the 28th both days included, at Castleton." I further certify that the name of John Spafford appears upon said Roll with an allowance for four days service as Captain annexed.
I further certify that there is another paper on file in this office purporting to be a "PayRoll of Capt. John Spafford's Company in Col. Gideon Warren's Regt. of Militia in the service of this and the United States, commencing Nov 7th 1778 and ending the 13th of the same month both days encluded. [included]
I further certify that there is another paper on file in this office purporting to be a "PayRoll of Capt. John Spafford's Company in Col. Eben. Allen's Regt. of Militia in the service of this State commencing the 31st day of May 1780 and ending the 6th day of June 1780 inclusive, the money being due from the State of Vermont" I further certify that upon the two last named PayRolls there does not appear any service of the said Capt. John Spafford recorded thereon.
I further certify that all the above described PayRolls appear to have been properly authenticated, allowed and paid
Allen Wardner, Treasurer of the State of Vermont
Page 65

Barnet February

Dear Sir
A few days since I received a letter from L.M. Drury of [illegible] in the state of N. York he wishes to be informed in what token Capt John Spafford lived during the Revolutionary War particularly in A1779. and so and 1781
I wish you would inform me by return of mail.  It appears that LM Drury wishes to procure a pension for one [illegible] who served under Capt John Spafford in two alarms in 1780. Also for a time under Capt Abraham Irus he wishes to share the town that each lived in.  I wrote you a hasty letter a short time since. Im looking over your letter again this morning. I don't know but you expected that I must give you some account of your fathers Revolutionary services. If that is your wish I will aid you all in my power.  All the files in the state department previous to [illegible] one being [illegible] into columns.  I shall soon commence the index when completed you can be furnished with all information that is whom received. In my last to you I asked for a short biography of your father Also as to any manuscript papers he may have left to write me as soon as you can
Your friend
Henry Stevens
Page 66

Washington Feby 8.1855

Hon L.P. Waldo
Court of Pensions

Sir, I enclose herewith additional evidence in the case of Mary Spafford widow of John of Vermont whose application for Pension under the act of July 4, 1831 is suspended. I am in hopes sufficient evidence is now filed to make siz six months service_

Very Respectfully
Benj H Baldwin
Page 67

h Ret. March 20./uy

of my brothers was at
[illegible] se Hon[on underlined] Henry
[illegible] - and Stevens asked
Page 68

I hereby relinq [illegible]
all claim or de
or [illegible] of M
Father for
Page 69

Certification
of [illegible]
witness by
E Tobes
Page 70

Ellisburgh Jefferson County State of New York [illegible] the [illegible]
I hereby certify that [illegible] born in the year of seventeen hundred sixty two and I have much pleasure to state that  I believe that Capt John Spafford of the green mountains rangers was one of the officers at the takeing of the British General Bergoyn, and I further state that I have much pleasure in recomending John Spafford [illegible] his lawful heir to the favourable consideration of the proper authority for remuneration, signed sealed and delivered in presence of 
Nathan French
Witness Ebnr Fobes
Page 71

I Benjamin B. Searles of Berkshire in the county of Franklin and state of Vermont aged seventy three years do depose, testify and say that I resided at Sunderland in this State nearly all of the time from the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy four until the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine, that I was well acquainted with Capt John Spafford then of Tinmouth in this State. I became acquainted with Capt. Spafford from his being an intimate friend of Col. Bronson the gentleman with whom I [illegible] and who he any frequently called upon when in that town on business.  That I then understood that Capt Spafford moved from Salisbury in Connecticut some time previous to the commencement of the war of the revolution. I further say that about the time Burgoin [Burgoyn] took Ticonderoga the inhabitants of some of the towns north of Sunderland left their houses and went to the south some as far a Sunderland and others event further for the reason as I understood that they were in danger from the approach of the Brittish [British] army. That I distinctly recollect having seen Capt. Spafford and his family moving south with others, that the next time I saw Capt. Spafford was at Bennington on the morning of the sixteenth of August seventeen hundred and seventy seven a few hours before  the battle [illegible] with Col. Bronson, Capt. Spafford fought in that battle I am well aware having been there through the whole day that it was fought myself, I also saw Capt. Spafford at Bennington a few days after the battle and again in the winter of one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight when he was returning with his family to Tinmouth. I further say that early in the spring of one thousand seven hundred and eighty I enlisted into this company of Capt. Daniel Comstock for the term of nine months and went immediately to the fort in Pittsford in this state, where I served for that
Page 72

term of time as a soldier being sent at different times with dispatches to Sunderland and Arlington and sometimes with a team and provisions. That Capt. Spafford with his company from Tinmouth was at the fort and record serving the same period of nine months which I record then. That part of Vermont was at that time a frontier and the business of our treaty and to guard the same against this invasion of the Brittish [British] and to watch the movement of their army.  There was a fort at that time at Castleton about fifteen miles from Pittsford when we frequently went on alarms during the summons & [illegible] that I was a Pittsford.  The regiment to which our company belonged was commanded by Lieut. Col. James Claghorn. When my term of service expired at Pittsford I returned to Sunderland where I resided until early in the spring of the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty one [illegible][illegible] into the state of Norfolk and joined the regiment commanded by Col. Willits
I further say that Capt. Spafford was an active good officer, and an influential and highly respectable man and I think I can safely say from having frequently seen him at Col. Bronson and other places, and what I then understood respecting his services that he was in the actual service of this country as much at Cast as any half of the time during the period of the war that I resided in Vermont and particularly that part of the war after this taking of Ticonderoga by Burgoyn until I left for the State of New York as I in that time [illegible] frequently saw and heard of him. And I further say that the widow of Capt. Spafford is now residing with a son in law in Richford in this state about six miles from us whom I saw and conversed with her but a few days since and know less to be the same person who was the [illegible] wife
Page 73

of the said Capt John Spafford and who lived with him as such in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy five when they were at Sunderland. And that I also saw Capt Spafford and his wife at this house in Tinmouth in the year seventeen hundred and eighty five and seventeen hundred and eighty nine when hoping through that town. And further this deponent saith not

Benjm B Searle

State of Vermont} Berkshire May 23 AD. 1838
Franklin County  } 
Then personally appeared Benjamin B. Searle signor of the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath that said deposition contained the whole truth and nothing but the truth - before me and I further certify that I have been acquainted with said deponent for about forty years, during all which time he had been a practising physician in this county _ and that he is entitled to full credit as a witness
Stepehn Royce Judge of (illegible) Court
Page 74

Mr John Spafford
Richford
VT
Page 75

STATE OF VERMONT,
-------------------
To HENRY STEVENS, ESQUIRE,

VERMONT FREEDOM AND UNITY (seal)
Horace Eaton

Greeting:
Whereas, the Legislature of Vermont, at its annual session, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty-six, passed certain Resolutions, as follows, to wit:

"Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives, That His Excellency, the Governor, be hereby authorized to take such measures as he may deem expedient, to procure one copy of the Statues and Journals, and State papers of every description printed by the General Assembly of this State, from the beginning of the Government to the present time, and cause the same to be delivered to the agent of the managers of the British Museum in the City of New-York, upon such terms as he may consider just and equitable."
"Resolved, That the Governor be hereby authorized to take such measures as he may deem expedient, to procure the originals, if practicable, if not, copies of all such documents in the public offices of Great Britain, or elsewhere in Europe, as in his judgement may seem necessary to complete the records, or illustrate the early history o this State, and that the Governor be authorized to draw his warrant on the Treasury, on the delivery of such papers."
"Resolved, That the Governor be hereby authorized to take such measures, as he may deem expedient, to procure the originals, if practicable, if not, copies of all such documents as may be found in the State Departments of other States, and in the hands of individuals, which go to illustrate the early history of this State; and that the Governor be authorized to draw his warrant on the delivery of such papers for such sums as he may think proper."
"Resolved, that the Governor be hereby authorized to take such measures, as he may consider necessary, to secure the remaining papers pertaining to the Surveyor General's Department, and cause them to be arranged and bound into volumes, with a suitable index; also, cause the compass, chains and instruments belonging to the State to be deposited in the State Department; and that the Governor be authorized to draw his warrant on the Treasury for such expenditures as he may consider just and proper."
Now, I, Horace Eaton, Governor of said State, do hereby appoint you, Henry Stevens, Esquire, to act under and carry into effect the said foregoing resolutions. You will by correspondence, by examinations and copies of records, and such other means as are necessary, accomplish the purposes of said resolutions, and from time to time report to me your progress in the matters specified.
Witness my hand and the Seal of said State, at Montpelier, this Fourth day of November, in the years of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty-six.
By the Governor,
Frederick Billings, Secretary.
Page 76

Bennet January 31th A1849.
Dear sir
yours I received yesterday. your kind offer of your Fathers (illegible) from the governors at Bennington 16th August A1777 one worthy of preservation whatever we can recover at this late day of articles (illegible) from the governors by the Green Mountain is highly valued. one will be deposited in the societies rooms for preservation.  Have you any (illegible) writings of any kind belonging to Mr Spafford, any old letters newspapers. pamphlets. Family Records.
Can you make up a short Biography of your Father where was he born. who did he marry. how many children their names where did he die. Is there a gravestone what is the (illegible) on the stone. Is it possible for me to (illegible) you any service if so say what whatever you wish to present. you will do up in a secure manner and send it to George F Houghton (illegible) at St Albans. he will forward it to me I will send you (illegible) or to (illegible) Also Mr. Houghtons (illegible) as soon as (illegible) and (illegible). I send you a (illegible) ready money.  the only kind that Antiquarians have to pay for donations
Your friend
Henry Stevens

Mr John Spafford
Richford Vt
Page 77

Comer's Mills (illegible) Sept.22 1854.

To the Commissioner of Pensions
& Claims against Revolutionary Soldiers,
Washington, DofC.

Sir:
I have the pleasure to present you with an account of Capt. John Spafford my Father, who served in the American Revolution.
Said John Spafford was born in Salisbury Conn, in 1753 and died at Lowville N.Y. in 1823 aged 70 years. He was married to Miss Mary Baldwin and afterwards moved to Tinmouth, Rutland Co'y Vermont, where he had borne to him Five Sons and four Daughters viz:
Heman, Horatio Gates, John, Hiram, & Guy Carlton, and my sisters, Mary, Hannah, Sophiah, & Pheby, He resided there for thirty years or more and afterward removed to Lowville, Lewi's Co. N. Y. with his family. My Brother Horatio Gates was the author of Spafford's Geography & The Gazeteer of the state of New York. The degree of Doctor of Arts and sciences was afterward conferred on him. As near as I can learn from the best authority, I, as his only legal heir am entitled to some fifty or a hundred thousand Dollars, Interest and Principal, according to the opinions of Col. Rice, a nephew of Col. John Spafford, and nephew to the present Governor of Vermont, but of course beggars must not be choosers and I shall be glad to accept of any sum which the Government may think proper to grant me. I enclose three letters with regard to  same one of which contains Continental Gov't money. You will observe the letter of the Hon.
Page 78

Henry Stevens speaks of a sword and Razor taken from a hession officer by Capt Spafford, which I have in my possession and they can be produced if required. They were either taken at the Battle of Bennington or Saratoga.
I may also state that he was a minute man in Vermont during the whole of the 8 years war. As is well known he was driven from Vermont and did not return to his farm until late in the fall and after he had sustained heavy losses. I have a certificate from Judge Daniel Chipman corroborating the above statement, which I will forward you if necessary. Judge Chipman is now ninety years of age or more.
Trusting to receive a favorable reply and recommending the claim to your best attention.
I have the honor to be 
Sir,
Your obedt, Humble  Servant
John Spafford
Please address to Comer's Mills C.W.
Page 79

State of Vermont, } ss.
County of Franklin}

Be it remembered, that on this 30th
day of December A.D. 1854. I do make known and declare that I am the Daughter_ and heir-at-law to Capt John Spafford who was (illegible) a Revolutionary officer who served during the war as an _ (illegible) in the forces raised in the State of Mass (I think and Vermont) and that he and his said wife were married about the month of Sept A.D. 1774, that he died about the month of April.1823 Ad, and that his said wife also died about the month of August 19 A.D. 1842, and that no pension was drawn by said Capt Spafford or his wife

And that the claimant is now 75 years of age; and it is understood and believed that there are arrearages of pension and other claims due for said services; Now, therefore, the true intent of all this is to qualify and irrevocably appoint and empower Benjamin H Baldwin Esq, of Washington, D.C., as my true and lawful Attorney with power of substitution to investigate, substantiate, and demand the avails of said claim or claims and to say and do all things relative thereto, as amply as I might do, hereby ratifying every thing said or done by said Attorney or his substitute in virtue hereof, also revoking all powers of Attorney or other authority previously given for any such purposes.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, day and date first above named,

Witness
John Blaisdell
Mary M Royce
Mary Royce
L.S. (stamped)
Page 80

Burlington Vt Agency

May Spafford (illegible) who has the watch of John, who was a Captain (illegible) Com of Purchases (underlined)

(illegible) Act July 4, 1836,
1 mo 23 days Capt. of In $35.53
4 mos 13 " A.C.P.      110.83
                             $146.36

(illegible) March 4,1831
(illegible) Sept.9, 1842, (illegible)

To Mary Royce, Administratix,
Her use, and that of John Spafford,
Heman Spafford, Sophia Williams, & Phebe Stevenson, only children.
    ____
Benj H Baldwin
(illegible)
Page 81

V 3,510
Mary Spafford, Vt.
See let to Hon. H. Allen June 19th,1838. do to Joeph Smith [caveat] August 9, 1838.
Let to Hon. B. Swift
Jan 7. 19, 1839.
July 13 b
Page 82

John Spafford decd}
Vt Susp - 32  } 2 cases

Mary Spafford - widow of John _ Vt     
Sus 1836
Briggs Road - Vt 32 Suspd

Charged to Mr Dodge
Oct 19 _84
Page 83

3510
Mary Spafford
Widow of John Vert

Hon H Allen June 19 1838_
Joeph Smith Aug 9 1838 _
Hon B Swift Jany 19 1839_
Jno Spafford Sep 29 1854_
BHBaldwin June 20 1855_
Same Dec 8 1855_
same Jan 28/56.
S.O. Kingsbury
April 11/56

July 4 1836
Page 84

Resy WIDOW, &c.
            _______
File No. 25064
Mary Spafford
Wid of 
John Spafford
Capt Rev War
Act: July 6th 1836
Index: -- Vol. L,  Page 236
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 85

3510
Mary Spafford
Widow of John
Vermont
Hon. H Allen June 19 1838
Joseph Smith Aug 9 1838 (caveat)
Hon B Swift Jany 19 1839
Jno Spafford Sep 29 1854
  " B H Baldwin June 20/55
    B H Baldwin Dec. 8/55

July 4, 1836
Page 86

State of Vermont

Secretary of State's Office
Montpelier, Jan. 17. 1855

I hereby certify that there is on file in this office, "A Pay Roll of Capt. John Spafford's Company, in Col. Ebenz'er. Allen's Regiment of Militia, commencing the 19th day of October, 1780, and ending the 27th day of (blank) inclusive, the money being due from the State of Vermont. At Castleton."; on which is the name of "Capt. John Spafford" with an allowance for five days service and twenty-five miles travel.
(5 days)

Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. John Spafford's Company, in Col. Ebenz'er. Allen's Regiment of Militia in the State of Vermont for service done in Alanu, commencing the 10th day and ending the 11th day of June 1781, both days included." on which is the name of "Capt. John Spafford" with an allowance for two days service and for fifteen miles travel.  (2 days)

Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. John Spafford's Company, in Col. Ebenz'er. Allen's Regiment of Militia in the service of the State of Vermont in the month of October, AD. 1780, from the 12th to the 17th, both days included, at Castleton," on which is the name of "Capt John Spafford" with an allowance for six days service and for twenty-five miles travel.
(6)

Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. John Spafford's Company, in Col. Ebenz'er. Allen's Regiment of Militia in the service of the State of Vermont, Oct. AD 1780, from the 23th to the 28th, both days included, at Castleton" on which "Capt John Spafford" is allowed for four days service and twenty-five miles travel. (4)

Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. John Spafford's Company, in Col. Ebenz'er. Allen's Regiment of Militia in the service of the State of Vermont, in the month of March, AD. 1780, from the 22nd to the 29th, on which (illegible) the name of "Capt. John Spafford" with an allowance for four days service and for twenty-five miles travel. (4)

Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. William Uphanis "Company of Militia for service done at sundry times _1780" on which is the name of "John Spafford" with an allowance for four days service from "Nov 1st" and for thirty-six miles travel, as a private.

Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. John Spafford's Company, in Col. Ebenz'er. Allen's Regiment of Militia in the service of the State of Vermont, in
Page 87

[margin note: 15 days]
the month of August, 1780, from the 4th to the 18th, both days included, at Pittsford," on which is the name of "Capt John Spafford" with an allowance for fifteen days service, and for twenty-five miles transit. 
Also, a "Pay Roll of Capt. John Spafford's Company in Col. Eben'r Allen's Regiment of Militia in the service of this state, commencing [margin note: ['6' crossed out] 7] the 31st day of May, 1780, and ending the 6th day of June, 1780, inclusive, the money being due from the state of Vermont."
Also, "A Pay Roll of Capt. Spafford's Company in Col. Gideon Warren's Reg't of Militia in the service of this and the United States, commencing Nov. 7. 1778, and ending the 13th day of the same month, both days included." [margin note: 7]
I also certify that the name of "Capt. John Spafford" occurs on the records of the Council of Safety - 1778. as an officer of the 5th Regiment. 
There is, also, on file in this office "An account of provision and other stores issued to Col. Lee's Regiment of Militia by Elisha Clark, Commissary of Issues at Fort Warren, in the month Oct. 1781" from which it [margin note: 3] appears that Maj. Spafford on the 29th day of said month drew rations for himself, or one man, for three days, and an order for the same is on filed signed - "John Spafford, Maj.
I also certify that there are various Accounts of provisions and other stores on file, bearing the several dates "Aug. 24th, Oct. 30th, Dec. 3d all of the year 1781, and one bearing date Jan. 1st 1782, on which occurs the name "John Spafford, A.C.P." as receiving various orders for provisions and stores. The said stores were received into Fort Warren. 
There is also on file in this office an "Account of monies paid on order &c - Pay Ira Allen Esq. Treasurer" on which account occurs the name of "Jno. Spafford" as having received an order, by order of Pay Table, the 2d day of March, AD. 1781, for "Fat Cattle delivered Sam. Billings, C.P. on certificate.
It also appears from the Treasurer's books that "John Spafford' received for "military service" as follows: - 
"June 6th 1781 - Pay order of Pay Table - £32-6-8
   do   do   do   do - 53-13-7
   do   do   do   do - 36-5-1
   do   do   do   do - 50-9-8
   do   do   do   do - 23-12-10" -
Page 88

Also, "John Spafford" pay table delivered an order to said Spafford for beef delivered Wm. Port, D.C.P., the 16th day of August, 1780.
I also certify that there is on file in this office the following certificate to wit, 
"State of Vermont. Rutland, July 5, 1780.
These may certify that I the subscriber have bought of James Claghorn, Com'r one hundred and sixty acres of land lying in the township of Tinmouth, in the Easterly part of the town, being two home lots, No. 40&42, Lately the property of John McNeal and now 'for fit' to this state by his treasonable conduct, for which I have paid s'd Claghorn the sum of six thousand and four hundred dollars and no more 
(Signed) per me John Spafford - 
Date above personally appeared John Spafford, the above signer, and made oath to the truth of the above certificate.
Before me Joseph Bowker, Asst."
There is also on file the following order, to wit: - 
"Tinmouth, Oct. 18, 1780 Received of Capt. John Spafford two yokes of fat oxen for the use of the state troops --- two thousand eight hundred and fifty pounds, continental money, as a --- equivalent, which I promise to pay in behalf of this state on demand.
(signed) Sam Billings Comi'y. -"
On the back of the above is endorsed an order on Ira Allen, Treasurer, signed by Tho's Chittenden and Tim'o Bronson for £39-11-8d and a receipt signed "John Spafford" for £16.-15s-6d, which receipt bears date Jan. 31st 1781, and the said order is dated Jan. 5, 1781. The spaces marked with a dash (---) contain illegible words. 
I also certify that there is on file a petition signed John Spafford and addressed to the General Assembly of the State of Vermont, praying for compensation for bushels of wheat and corn furnished troops at Pittsford, through commissary, and that the Assembly allowed the said John Spafford £6-11s for the same. There is no receipt of the said John Spafford on file to my knowledge.
I also certify that there is on file in this office, an account of Mary Spafford for twenty-six meals of victuals furnished this State's troops; Dated "November 1781" and also an order on the Treasurer, signed by ['Thomas Chittenden and' crossed out]
Page 89

Timo. Brownson and Israel Smith; and also a receipt for the amount of said order signed in behalf of said Mary Spafford, by "Benj" Wait. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affix'd the seal of this office this the seventeenth day of January, AD, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five. 
/s/George R. Thompson, Deputy Secretary of State
Page 90

[verso]
V3.510
Mary Spafford. of Canada Vermont

[recto]
3510
Sarah Barber's Deposition
Hon. H. Allen H.R.
Page 91

[verso]
V3.510
Mary Spafford. of Canada Vermont

[recto]
3510
Sarah Barber's Deposition
Hon. H. Allen H.R.
Page 92

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss} I Joseph H Brainerd Clerk of the Supreme Court in & for the county of Franklin afs'd do hereby certify that the Hon Stephen Royce who has affixed his name to the annexed is Judge of the Supreme Court for the State of Vermont; that William Bridges who has affixed his name to the same, is Judge of Probate for s'd County, and Ariel Parker who has affixed his name is a Justice of the Peace duly qualified to act as such, and that their signatures are are genuine. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have set my hand and seal of office this 7th day of June 1838
/s/Joseph H. Brainerd Clerk
Page 93

I Benjamin Spencer of the seigneury of St Armand & Province of Lower Canada aged seventy nine years depose Testify & say that I lived with my father in Clarendon Now in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont on the banks of Otter Creek in in the years seventeen hundred & sixty four at that time north of us was no settlement untill we came to Ticonderoga none South untill we came to Manchester the settlement soon commenced in Tinmouth the adjoining Town South in the year Seventeen Hundred & Seventy three John Spafford Spafford settled in that Town in the years seventeen hundred & seventy five the Militia company was organiz'd in Tinmouth John Mcneal was chosen Capt John Spafford Lieut & Orange Train Ensign, not long after the People began to have suspicions that Capt Mcneal held a Secret Correspondence with the British being absent several days at a time without any one knowing when or what his business was knowing the Charge of his Company to Lieut Spafford who was Chosen Capt not long after I was well acquainted with s'd Spafford & his business it was well understood that s'd Spafford was one of their soldiers when Col Ethan Allens men that [illegible] he took the Garrison at Ticonderoga in the Spring of Seventeen Hundred & seventy five s'd Spafford was a Firm whig & from that time to the time I left the Country which was in the year seventeen hundred & Eighty was actively engaged in defence of his country against British in action the services of Capt Spafford were not stationary in that year nor in the two following years but was rendered when & where they were most needed the Towns north of Dorsett Mountain parties were all considered a Frontier & Guard & Scouting parties were constantly kept up as I lived on the only road leading from Bennington to Lake Champlain & down Otter Creek & when not out on duty allways had an opportunity to know who went from the South of us in scouting parties from my personal knowledge of the actual services of Capt John Spafford in the three years above mentioned I can Safly Say they amounted to four months in Each year above mentioned
Page 94

after Burgoins (Burgoyne's) army was taken in the fall of Seventeen hundred & Seventy seven - the Inhabitants there were settled & means of defence better arranged fast were man'd at Pittsford Castleton & Rutland all was leaving a share of the  & arms at home as British Spies & Cowboys were constantly out in the woods, [illegible] killed a man by the name of Goss who I know was shot dead in the road in Pittsford one day in going to a Neighbours the Gun was heard but no one ever found that shot it Guard, were kept up in almost all the Town Now the County or Rutland for the two following years that frontier rec'd assistance from the Towns South of Dorsett Mountain now the County of Bennington which I think came on in full Companies after Burgoins (Burgoyne's) Army surrendered than that were friend to the British went & found them (to wit) Capt John Mcneal of Tinmouth & several others & did not retain unless secretly from my own personally knowledge of the actual Services of Capt John Spafford in the year seventeen hundred & Seventy eight & the two following years in defence of his Country as I have before mentioned was at least four months in Each of those years I then thought & still think that we had no officer in that vicinity that we Judged better or did more in Defence of his Country than said Spafford did the Service of s'd Capt Spafford when Stationary were purposed at the Forts of Pittsford & Castleton but in that last mentioned years was scarsely paid a month at any one time Except in dead of Winter without being call'd out on Suden Alarm & was sometimes out a week scouting man & I distinctly recollect & know that s'd Spafford served at Pittsford three months in the Spring of Seventeen hundred & eighty soon after I left the state & did not return again untill after the War clos'd I allso know that s'd Spafford & his men help build those forts & further your deponent saith not
/s/Benj'n Spencer
Page 95

I William Rogers of Richford in the County of Franklin & State of Vermont hereby certify that I have Resided in this Town for the Last ten years during Which time I have been a Settled Minister & for the same time have been acquainted with Benjamin Spencer the Subscriber to the foregoing deposition & that he is a respectable man & a Credible Witness
/s/William Rogers
Page 96

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss } Richford 22 July AD 1838 There personally appeared Benjamin Spencer the signer & maker of the foregoing Deposition and made Solemn oath that that said Deposition Contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth and I further Certify that I have long been acquainted with the s'd Benjamin Spencer and that I consider him a very Credible and respectable witness 
/s/Ariel Parker Justice Peace
State of Vermont
Georgia District ss } I William Bridges Judge of the Court of Probate in & for the district of Georgia afs'd do hereby certify that Ariel Parker who has affixed his name to the above certificate is a Magistrate duly qualified to act as such in the county of Franklin and the signature above purporting to be his is genuine
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at St. Albans in s'd county this 27th day of October 1838
/s/William Bridges Judge
Page 97

And I further say that my husband was appointed Lieut. of the militia company of Tinmouth under  Capt. John McNeal in April in the year seventeen hundred & seventy five. That Col. James Claghorn who I think then resided in Rutland about twelve miles north of us commanded the regiment to which the Tinmouth company belonged as I then understood. Major Stephen Royce who resided in Tinmouth & was a  neighbour of ours was also an officer in the same regiment. 
I further say that a short time after my husband was appointed Lieut. he left home with Mr. Ebenezer Allen & saw others on an expedition to the towns north of Tinmouth I did not know at the time what his business was & do not now recollect. He carried his gun, knapsack and some provisions with him, and was absent three weeks. That was the first time I believe that he was absent with his arms on any outing connected with the war. I well recollect that I was very much alarmed about him because I did not now when he was goin or what his outing was. 
I further say that my husband was frequently absent with the Company & as I understood generally took the command of them when they were called out in cases of alarm & guard the frontier, & sometimes only a part of them were out on a scouting party. Capt. McNeal was suspected of holding a secret correspondence with the enemy (as afterwards was found to be true) & was sometimes absent when the company was called upon & frequently would not go with them when he was at home.
Page 98

I remember that my husband frequently had orders or letters from the officers at Ticonderoga & counties ['dispatched' crossed out] expressed some times calling upon him to perform some kind of service, which I can safely say he always did perform. I further say that my husband was absent on scouting parties & other business connected with the war at least four months in the year seventeen hundred & seventy five & as much as that time in seventeen hundred & seventy six. 
In the spring, summer, & fall of seventeen hundred & seventy seven, he was absent nearly all of the time, sometimes in our own town attending to military business, but mostly out of town. I well recollect that our hay was not harvested at all that summer & but a very little of our grain in consequence of his being absent in the service. He carried me to my friends in Connecticut the latter part of the summer but only staid there one day when he returned to Vermont. - I think I can safely say that my husband was in the actual service of his country as much as six or seven months in the year above mentioned
/s/X her mark Mary Spafford
Subscribed and Sworn before me this 29th day of September 1838 
/s/Wm Bridges Judge of Probate -
[court seal affixed] name and seal of office