Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19,200, William Dunton, Mass. Vt.
Page 1

SERVICE
Mass
VT

Dunton, William
Mary

NUMBER
W. 19, 200
Page 2

Vermont 18.550
Mo.
William Dunton
Dorset, in the State of Vermont
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Lemuel Stewart, the Regt commanded
by Col. Easton in the Mass ma
line for:

11 mo. 14 da. Private

21 da. Corporal

19 da. Sergeant

Inscribed on the Roll of ___
at the rate of 48 Dollars 88 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of Sept 1833 and sent to
S. Swift, Manchester V.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833:
$122.20

Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 34:
$24.44

Total: $144.64

Recorded by
Book E
Vol. 3
Page 60

Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Brown — Clerk
Page 3

Vermont Poultney
 Mary Dunton
Widow of William
who served in the revolutionary
war as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
48 Dollars 88
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
26th day of Feby 1849
and sent to
S. A Peugh
Present
recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 57 Vol 3
Page 4

Let to P Agent May 30, 1849
reported
Reported Sept 16, 1849
Page 5

State of Vermont ⎬  
On this 11th day of August in the year 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Hon. Myron Clark, Judge of the Probate Court, for the Probate District of Manchester in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont, now sitting, William Denton, a resident of the Town of Dorset in said County of Bennington, aged 77 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 7, 1832:

That he was born in the Town of Weston in the County of Worcester, State of Massachusetts, on the 7th day of January A.D. 1755, & he has understood by his parents that there was a record of his age made in the town records of said Town of Weston. That in the month of October 1760, as he believes, he removed with his parents to the Town of Williamstown in the County of Berkshire & said State of Massachusetts where he lived until some time in the month of October 1780.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated:  
Sometime in the month of July 1775, he now believes, he enlisted at said Williamstown for the term of six months in the company commanded by Capt. Samuel Stewart, Lieut. Ezekiel Blain, but the name of the Ensign not recollected, and in the regiment commanded by Col. Easton in the Massachusetts State Troops, as he believes.

From thence they marched to Bennington, Manchester, Castleton, etc., in the State of Vermont, and to a point on Lake Champlain, where he was stationed and went down the lake in boats at different times on scouts until in or about the month of October of the same year, when the regiment was ordered to go up said lake to Ticonderoga, where he was stationed for some time. Having taken sick after remaining sick for some time in the hospital there, an order came, as understood, from the commanding General Schuyler, that such of the sick in the hospital as chose might retire from the fort and provide for themselves. That he availed himself of that privilege, and that sometime in the month of November of the same year, as near as he can now recollect, he was sent with others in boats up said lake by the commanding officer at said fort to Skeensborough (since called Whitehall), from whence he was sent to his father, who came to him and by many short stages conveyed him home.

He was in actual service at least 4 months, having been sick and so remained until after the expiration of his said term of service.

That afterwards, according to his best recollection, soon after the capture and destruction of the fleet on Lake Champlain under Col. Arnold & Waterbury, in the latter part of August or first of September 1776, he was called out and volunteered in an alarm at said Williamstown in the militia of the said State of Massachusetts under Lieut. Ezekiel Blain. He with others constituted a company and had Capt. Danforth as Captain and the said Blain as Lieutenant. They marched to Bennington, etc., to Skeensborough at the head of Lake Champlain, and from there went in boats sent for them to Mount Independence.
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in Tremont & opposite to Ticonderoga, when they were stationed for above
or as much as five weeks, as he now believes, when other troops
came in & the commanding Officer of said garrison, Genl Gates, as he thinks,
gave liberty to his company & other volunteers to return home, then with others
accordingly left in Boats provided for them returned to said Keysborough
& thence home, & said Company was disbanded, the only field officer, as far as
he now recollects was Major Hyde of Lenox afterwards sometime in the
fall of the same year 1776, thinks it must have been in the month of November
draft was made in the company to which he belonged, & other companies
in said County of Berkshire, for men to go out upon a winter in
of 4 months, & a man belonging to said Company of the name of Elisha Will
was drown & being unwilling to go, offered to hire him to go in 
but he refused to be hired, & said that if he went, he would go on his own as
count, finally concluded to volunteer & have the name of the said Williams
ceased, & his own substituted on the roll of said company which was done
then engaged in said service at said Williamstown, under the command
of Capt. Wm Douglass, & Ensign Danl Burbank, the name of the Line he has for
then & in the Regiment commanded by Col. Benj Simon Maj Hyde the
name of Col. He has forgotten, in the Mass
to New Lebanon in the State of New York from thence was ordered marched
to Albany N.Y. when they were detained until on or about the first day of
January 1777. from thence marched to Saratoga, when they staid Sunday
from thence to Skeens Borough & from there on the in on Lake Champlain to
Ticonderoga, when he was stationed until the 18th day of March of the same
year 1777. the said Regiment was marched across said lake to Mount
dependence, where they were discharged by Parol & each one permitted to
return home, by Genl When Col. as he believes) Wayne who then com
at said afterwards, sometime in the month of April of the same
year 1777, but precise time cannot recollect, he enlisted at said William
town by Lest Ezekiel Blair for the term of six weeks, to go furnish a team,
as to the for the United States Army, & immediately thereafter went to the
town of New Providence in said County of Berkshire withe yoke of
& Cost, when he took a load of grain & conveyed the same to Albany N.Y. then
caried other leading to Lake George, & from thence returned to Fort Edward took
leading from thence to said Lake George, & so back again & continued there to trans
part flour, cannon & other leading between said two last mentioned places for
several times being constantly employed whatever might be the weather roads
for said term of six weeks, after drawing
during the time from the public stores hirations for himself, & forage prove
under for his oxen and afterwards the narration of Ticonderoga, &
latter part of July of the same year 1777, as he now believes, and was
cited, & a Company was formed & turned out at said Williamstown in which
he was one who chose their own officers - & he thinks that the said Jon. Danforth
was chosen Capt. but the captains & other officers who turned out in said
any thing he is mistaking the one who was chosen to command, they under
Page 7

as Masschusette militia marched this Bennington to Manchester in Vermont, where they placed themselves under the command of Col. Wasses who commanded a Regiment there at that time & there they were stationed for two or three weeks out at least 3 weeks  there were dismissed. & returned home & afterwards in the same year 1777 in the month of August, upon an alarm that the British were coming to Bennington to take or destroy the Stores there, he turned out again with others as a Volunteer as Corpl.  & went to said Bennington not having found any organization before going there where they found a Company & Store there officers who were the said Ian & Danforth as Capt. Ezekl Blair, Ensign Bigelow & attacked them close to the Regiment commanded by Col. Simons & Maj. Issac Stratton & engaged in the Battle the on the 16th August under Command of Genl Stark after which guarded Prisoners to said Williamstown & said company was disbanded, - he was about & in service at least one week.
Afterwards upon an alarm some time in the month of October 1780 he turned out again as a Volunteer at said Williamstown, with others & marched under officers of his own chosing  whose names he does not [illegible] distinctly recollect, Col. Simons Regt. Capt Danforth he thinks   & marched then said Bennington to Caslteton in Vermont where they were stationed at the Fort at that place at least one fortnight & were dismissed by parol & returned home  gone at least 3 weeks  to his fathers house who had previously moved to said Town of Dorset where he remained until some time in the month of December the same year 1780.  Then returned to said  Williamstown, then back to said Dorset where he has since resided & afterwards in the month of Ocotber 1781 upon another alarm he turned out again as a Volunteer & as duly [illegible] in the Vermont militia & in the company commanded by Col. Peals Regt. & commanded by Capt.John Gray & Generl Issac Underhill  no Ensign went out marched to Castleton where they were stationed as a squad at the Castleton mills there, about at least 3 weeks (the Vermont Rangers were at the time at the Fort there) was then dismissed by parol & returned to his home in said Dorset   that he was also called out at several other times during the said revoluntionary war & that on short tours of duty of a day or two, or or three days at a time. Served he was appointed & officiated as an orderly Sargeant in the company to which he belonged.  That he has no documentary widow to substantiate his aforesaid statements. He know at present of no living witness whom he can procure to know his said service that the moment & only Clergyman in that past of said town of Dorset where he resided is the Rev. Wm Jackson, whom he called upon and found that he could not consistently with others engagements come here today to give his Certificate, but who offers to give him a Certificate of said character, but not dismising it as very essential he did not take it & had poduced, & as fact  the testimony of two other respectable witness bound residents in said Town of Dorset to with John Frost Esq & W  Joseph Myrisk as to said character & the correctness of his above statement. Sworn to & subscribed the day & y was aforesaid  Wm Dunton

Written along side of paper
X  White House Capt. afterwards, Genl Issac Clark was sent down the lake to Crown Point with a flag of truce in a board to the Moriah to the Bristish Commander he was saluted & did go as orderly Sergeant of E expendition in consequences was absent on dutly about a week.  Congree then [illegilbe] of Co.
Page 8

We John Pent & Joseph Myrick both residing in the Town of Dorset
in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont, hereby certify that we
are well acquainted with William Denton who has subscribed
& sworn to the above Declaration, that we believe him to be 77 years of age
that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to
have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion
Sworn and subscribed the day and year 
aforesaid Joseph Mack Froth
And the said do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation
of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Depart-
ment that the above-named applicant was a revolutionary soldier &
served as he states. And this further certifies that it appears too 
that John Frost & Joseph Myrick who have signed the preceding Certificate
are Residents in said Dorset, & as both credible person that then
statement is entitled to credit wont certified by & before me
Myron Clark Judge of Probate Court
No 3070
State of Vermont
Henry Robinson, Clerk or Register of the Court of
Probate, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains
the original proceedings of the said Court in
the matter of the application of William Denton
for a Pension-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & seal of our said
Probate Court at Manchester within &
& for the County Bennington, this 24th
day of August AD. 1832 - of the
the Independence of the United States
to
the 57th
Henry Robinson Register
of Probate Court
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3070
Claim of Wm Dunton
Adm
Union 148 Priv
21 day of
No. 19. Leigh
S. Swift Esq
Mandated
Page 10

WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office
22 April 1833
Sir:
    The evidence in support fo yoru claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, had 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 noted you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regularions will show what is necessary to be done.   Those points to which your attentionis more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace (this:  } ).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.  

A Statement showing the Servcie of William Dunton
Period when the service rendered       Duration of the                                 Rank of the claimant                    Names and rank of the Field                     Age at present,                                        Proof by which tthe 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               declaration is supported
                                                              claimant's service                                                                                  officers under whom he served                 and place of abode
                                                           Years       Month           Days                                                                                                                                 when he entered the serviced
1775                                                         ---       6                  0                          Private                                          Col. Easton &                                                  78 years
----------                                                  ----     -----           -----                       ---------                                      Maj. Brown                                                   Williamtown   }                                       Oath of Applicant &        
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Mass            }                                       Traditionary widow
 1776                                                     --------  1                 14                         Private                                          Col. Simonds Hally                                        Hyde  - Do                                         Do  Do
1776 & 1777                                         ---------  4             ----------                 Private                                          Col. Simonds Hally                                           Do                                                      Do   Do
1777                                                     --------     1                14                       Teamster                                       Lt.. Blais                                                            Do                                                        Do    Do
1777                                                   --------      -----           21                         Corpl & did duty}                          Col.  Wasse                                                       Do                                                        Do    Do   
-------------------                            ------------ -----           -----                       of orderly duty 
1777                                                -------       ------               7                         Do   Do                                         Col. Simonds                                                    Do                                                        Do    Do
1780                                                   --------    ------          21                        Sergt.                                               Col. Simonds                                                     Do                                                        Do    Do
1781                                                   --------    -------         21                        Sergt                                                Col. Pearl                                                          Dorset, Vt                                               Do   Do
                                                              ________________________        
                                                                                           9                                             I am respectfully, 
                                                                                                                                           Your obedient servant,
                                               10.14 Priv.
                                                    .21  Corp.                                                                                 J. L.  EDWARDS
Nu War  Duration                   1.19      Sergt.                                                                            Commissioner of Pensions
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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 of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 1. The Regular Troops. 2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 3. Persons employed in the Naval service. 4. Indian Spies. As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance , make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. DECLARATION. In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. State, Territory District of County of On this ---day of --- personally appeared (a) before ----- A. B. a resident (b) of ----- in the county of ---- and State, Territory or District of ----- aged (c) --- years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the pension made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) ----, with ---- and served in the ---- (e) regiment of the ---- line, under the following named officers (Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. I -------------------- of the Court of ----------------------------- do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of --------------- for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this ------- day of ------------------ & c. If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the ------------- and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ---------------- , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be -------- years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. ------ who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ------- and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. I, -----------Clerk of the Court of ---------------- do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this --- of ---- & c. Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission ; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 12

3 will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia. 1. Where and in what year were you born? 2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war , and where do you now live? 4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 6. To a Soldier Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. {a] the declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rules laid down for his guidance [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county were he resides. If he should fail to do so he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. [c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. [d] the declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served [e] Every Continental officer or soldier must give the name of the colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every clamant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly worn, deposes and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the persons mentioned below, and in the following grades: For --- years ---- months, and -----days, I served as a . For months and days, I served as a ----- for ----- months ----days, I served as a ----- and for such service I claim a pension." it is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite , and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the miliia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority ; that was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit, [f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. [g] The opinion of the Court is always required. [h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. [i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which in can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. Mode of authenticating papers. in every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying once, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. Proof of Service. [j] in a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service and the time and manner of his leaving the same as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibly of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. the notes [a] to [i] are equally applicable to the cases of militia men, volunteers, and state troops The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only. [k] This traditionary evidence is indispensible in militia cases [l] if a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. [m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration
Page 13

No 5136  Vert
Mary Dunton
widow of William
Act July 4, 1836
Page 14

State of Vermont
County of Bennington
On this 10th day of March A.D. 1840 personally
appeared before Alexander Bliss an assistant
Judge of the Bennington County Court,
Mary Dunton a resident of Dorset in the
County of Bennington and State of Vermont
aged Seventy eight years, who being first duly
sworn according to law, doth on her oath,
make the following declaration in order
to obtain the benefit of the provision made
by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836.
That she is the widow of William Dunton
who was a private corporal and Sergeant during the
revolutionary war, that he was a pensioner
entitled to receive Forty eight dollars and
eighty eight cents per annum during his natural
life, commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and
payable semiannually on the 4th of March and
4th of September in every year, that he held a
pension certificate which was given at the war
office of the United States the 18th day of September
1833 and signed by Lewis Cass Secretary of War, and
examined and countersigned by J. L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions, that the certificate was filed
Recorded in the pension office in Book E. Vol. 3
Page 60 by Eli Brown Clerk. She further declares
that she was married to the said William Dunton
on the 15th day of November in the year seventeen
hundred and eighty one, that her husband the aforesaid
William Dunton died on the 5th day of February
A. D. 1840 and that she has remained a widow ever since
that period, as will more fully appear by reference to
the proof hereunto annexed, Sworn to and subscribed on
the day and year first above written Mary Dunton
Before Alexander Bliss assistant Judge of the Bennington County Court
Page 15

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
3 -- 525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., ----- 19 ---
In reply to your request of ----- received -----
a statement of the military history of a William Dunton
soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension
on file in this Bureau.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR PPOINTMENT.
July 1775 Aug or Sept 1776
Nov 1776
Apr 1777
July 1777
Aug 1777
Oct 1780
Oct 1781

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
3 mos 5 or 6 weeks
4 mos
6 mos
3 weeks
1 week
3 weeks
3 weeks

RANK.
[blank]
Corp & Sgt
Teamster and conveyed provisions & c from Lake George
Corp & Sgt
"
"
"

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Lemuel Stewart
Wiliam Douglass
Jonathan Danforth
Jonathan Danforth
Jonathan Danforth
John Gray
COLONEL.
Easton Simonds
Benjamin Simonds
Simonds
Simonds
Pearl

STATE.
Mass
Vt

Battles engaged in, Bennington
Residence of soldier at enlistment,[illegible] Mass
Date of application for pension, Aug 1 1832 [illegible]
Residence at date of application, [illegible] Bennington  Co. VT
Age at date of application, b Jany 7, 1755 at [illegible] Worcester Co. Mass
d. Feb 5 1840
Remarks:
[illegible] 1781 or 1782 at Dorset VT Mary Bloomer. [illegible]
[illegible] March 10, 1840 while a resident
of Dorset Vt aged 78 years  Wm B. Son was 53 yrs old
[illegible] a resident of said Dorset at that date
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 16

Rev
WIDOW, & c.
File No.19200
Mary Dunton
Wid of
William Dunton
Priv Rev War
Act: Febry 2d/48
Index: -- Vol. A
Page 200
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 17

1914 Aug 24 Hist to Mrs.
Chas O. Norton V.L.M.
Page 18

BY HIS EXCELLENCY
THOMAS CHITTENDEN,
ESQUIRE, CAPTAINGENERAL, GOVERNOR, AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF, IN AND OVER THE STATE OF VERMONT.
To William Dunton Gentleman GREETING.
You being elected Captain of the 2d Company in the second
Regiment, in the first- Brigade of the militia
of this State; and reposing special trust and confidence in your patriotism, Valour, and good conduct, I DO, by virtue
of these presents, In the name and by the authority of the state of VERMONT, fully authorise and empower you the said
William Dunton to take charge of said Company as their Captain
You will therefore carefully and diligently discharge the said duty by doing and performing all and every matter and thing
thereunto relating: You will observe and follow such orders and directions as you shall from time to time receive from
the governor of the State for the time being, or any other your superior officers, according to military discipline and the
laws of this State: -- And all officers and soldiers under your command, are to take notice hereof, and yield due obedience
to your orders as Captain in pursuance of the trust in you reposed.
Given under my hand and the seal of this dated this 7th day of May AD. 1793
By his excellency's command,
Joseph Forshey  Thos Chittenden
Page 19

Vt.
Rejected [lined out]
Mary widow of Wm.
Denton, private, $20
per ann (six months)
act 1838-
Send cert: to S. Swift
Manchester
Vt
Act 7 July 1838
Page 20

Mary Dunton of Vert
widow of William
Act 1836-No 5736
Let to A. Bliss 3aug
1840, to same Nov 28,40
Page 21

7462
Vt
Rejected
let to A. Bliss
Nov: 28.40
let to S Swift April 15 1843
"   "  S Swift June 12. 1843
Act 7 July 38-
Page 22

7474
Vermont, Poultney

Mary Dunton
Widow of William
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 5 Feby 1840
of Bennington in the State of Vermont
who was a pri. in the Company
commanded by Captain Stewart of the
Regt commanded by Col Easton in
the Mass line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Poultney
at the rate of 48 Dollars 88
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836.
increased from $20.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of
Feby 1849. and S.A. Pugh present
Total amount, $---

Act July 7, 1838.
Recorded by Geo. [illegible] Clerk
Book D Vol 1 Page 125,
Page 23

2719
Vermont Burlington
Mary Dunton
widow of William Dunton
who was a Private
in the Mass line
for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
20 Dollars ---
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
15th day of Nov. 1843
and sent to
S Swift
Manchester Vt

(Act of March 3, 1843.)
Recorded in Book A
Vol. A Page 34
Page 24

[illegible] Nov 15
Page 25

3412
Vermont Poultney
Mary Dunton
widow of William
who served in the Revolutionary war,
as a private
ascribed on the Roll at the rate of
20 Dollars ----
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the
20 day of Jany 1849
and sent to
Hon. Robert Smith
H of R

Recorded on Roll of Pensioner under Act
February 2, 1848, Page 51 Vol 3
Page 26

Reported 
July 26/49
Page 27

Wm Dunton
75 Leml Stewart no roll pri 6 mo
76 Aug Ezekiel Blair Lt  - Capt Smedley 1.12
76 Nov Wm Douglas - [crossed out numbers] 3 mo 6 days 
77 apr Teamster  X
77 July Jonathan Danforth  Vt Corpl  21
77. Aug  "              "              "   "   21
80             "              "            Vt  "  21
81 Oct. John Gray     Serg   21
1777
Page 28

719
Vermont, Poultney
Mary Dunton
widow of William
who was a private
in the Mass Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
48 Dollars   88
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Increased from $20.
Certificate of Pension issued the
26. day of Feby 1849
and sent to
S. A Peugh
Present
{Acts of March 3, 1843, and June
17, 1844.}
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2 Page 11
Page 29

Vermont 7474
Mary Dunton
widow of William Dunton
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 5. February 1840
of Bennington Co. in the State of Vermont
who was a Private in the company
commanded by Captain Stewart of the 
regt commanded by Col. Easton in
the Mass line for 6 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington
at the rate of 20 Dollars ----
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of
July 1843 and sent S Swift Esqr
Manchester, Vermont
Whole amount due $100
(Act July 7, 1838.)
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk
Book A Vol. 2, Page 37

Reported
Page 30

I William Jackson a Clergyman
residing in the town of Dorset
hereby certify that I am well
acquainted William Dunton who
has subscribed and sworn to the above
declaration. that I believe him to be
about seventy eight years of age.
- that I understood him to be
reputed and believed in the neighbourhood 
where resides to have been a
soldier of the revelution, and that
I fully concur in that opinion
Attest William Jackson

State of Vermont
Bennington County
Personally appear Rev Wm Jackson & made oath
to the truth of the foregoing certificate
by him subscribed this 2d day of
Augt, AD 1832
before me
G. Southworth Justice Peace
Page 31

Pension Agency
Burlington May 24 1849
Sir,
A Pension Certificate has been issued
to Mary Dunton, widow of Wm, under the Joint Resolution
of July 1 1848 to draw from the 4 Mar 1836 for
five years. - It also says she will be paid under
act of 3 Mar 1843 and 17" June 1844 - what
I wish to know is whether it is necessary to require
seperate vouchers for the amt due under each act.
If it is not necessary, under what act is the amt
to be charged - waiting a reply at your convenience
I have the honor to be
Very Resply
your Obt Sert
JH Peck Pen Agt
By Chas F. Warner

J L Edwards Esqr
Comm of Pension
Washington
Page 32

Payment to be made at Poultney
by Merritt Clarkly
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the
Agency of Vermont
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the
Roll of Pensions under act February
2d, 1848, Page 54 Vol. 3
Leo Jenkins Clerk

Adu Acts
'38
'43 7 '44
'48
at $48.88 per annum
[illegible] former paymts
at $20 per annum
Page 33

WAR DEPARTMENT
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2, 1848
Mary Dunton
widow of William
who was a private
Dunton
in the revolutionary war
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of
twenty dollars
cents per annum, commencing
on the
4th of March 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again
many; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the War Office of the United States
this 26th day of January
one thousand eight hundred and forty nine
C. S. Marcy
Examined and Countersigned.
J. G. Burt
for Commissioner of Pensions
Secretary of War.
Page 34

State of Vermont, Bennington County ss.
On this 4th day of October 1843 personally appeared before the Subscriber a
Majistrate within & for the County of Bennington aforesaid Mary Dunton
Resident of the town of Dorset in said County of eighty-one years, who
being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following
Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act
of Congress passed on the 3d March 1843 granting Pensions to widows of per
sons who served during the revolutionary war that she is the widow
of William Denton late of said Dorset deceased who was a Private in the
army of the United States during that war, & who enjoyed on therefore
until the time of his decease, under the act of June 7, 1832, when said
services she also since his decease, has received a pension of twenty Dollars
per annum, under the act of July 7. 1838. she further declares that she
is still a Widow,
Witness G Southworth
Mary Dunton
Wm G Dunton
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year last above mentioned before me
And I do further certify that the above-named Mary Dunton the grant
is personally well known to me & that she is a reputable & respectable
Person, Attest
Gordon Southworth - Judge & Justice of the peace
State of Vermont
Bennington County
I Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk of the County Court within
for the County & State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that
Gordon B. Southworth is a Judge of said County Court
& ex officio a Justice of the peace in & for said County, duly
commissioned & qualified - that his Commission bears
date from the first day of December 1842, & will expire on the
30th day of November 1843, & that his signature above written
is genuine Given under my hand, & the seal of said County
Court, this 6th day of October 1843 & of the independence of the
U.S. the 68th
Saml H. Blackmer Clerk
Page 35

Mary Dunton
James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 36



Mary Dunton
James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 37

Manchester June 30th, 1843
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Hon Sir Since And your proposition respecting
the claim of Mrs. Mary Dunton I have seen her & stated the same
to her & she at length come to the conclusion that at the time
preferred to receive the full amount, & felt somewhat unwilling to
accept of less & also considered herself entitled by the services of her
late husband to as large a Pension as he received in his lifetime 
and although by reason of her infirmities, advanced age, ill health she needs
it yet not being so entirely dependent thereon for her support,
as many others-- & considering the difficulty & expense, if not the
impossibility, at this late day, unacquainted as she is with the proper
persons, is now alive, to apply to, who were consent of the facts to prove
the full services of her husband & in deference to your better discretion &
understanding, she consents to accept the proportion so made by you
provided you still remain of opinion that the proof already addend
will not warrant the allowance of a greater sum at this time-- but
with a resume, nevertheless that it shall not be considered, as an admission
 of any want of confidence, or doubt of the integrity, or truth in the statements 
of her husband as to his said services, in any particular
With due respect, I am Hon Sir
Your most obedt &
S. Swift
Page 38

May 3, 1843
VT
Mary Dunton
of
Hon. James L. Edwards
Washington
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 39

May 3, 1843
Mary Dunton
Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 40

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Manchester Apr. 28th, 1843
Hon Sir: In your far relative to the case claim
of Mrs. Mary Dunton, bearing date the 14th inst about or month and
week since & have defend an answer until I could have some communication
with her & her family Today I have seen them, 
but as head in some measure anticipated, she not having known her
husband during the period, where the greater part of his services in
the revolutionary war was performed, & indeed, until a short time
before they were married & living & having ever lived in a place remote
from when he resided when these services were prepared, that they
are unable to give any right or information, to remove thou difficulties 
& obstacles suggested by you, as in the way & opposed to her claim
& know nothing in relation thereto, except what they have heard stated
by him Best her husband, & the estimation in which he was generally
& I may add universally held by others, I have known for many years,
& can say with confidence, never knew man where character
stood fair & higher for truth integrity than him, & against whom I
never heard a syllable lisped implicating in the least moral honesty
he was the carnally refund to
uprightness & veracity, & for the
as a mode exemplar indeed, he was we sedulously conscientious
in all his statements of facts, & such he appeared to me, nor more
so, than any other for whom I have drawn declaration for Pensions at
the time his was made out, & he served to be party careful not to statuary
service, nor for a longer time, than he actually performed but I am wholly
unable to explain the Verance & discrepancy which appears but his
statement & thereto of the art of service under Capt. Douglass yet
do not hesitate to say that I fully believe that if he were alive, he could
entirely satisfactorily explain them, & that heartfully served, or suffered
he was entitled, in some way to the allowance of the full term 
& was then long, at least absent from home, on that duty.
Page 41

As a proof of the estimation in which he was held by his Townsen
Neighbours, authorisms office this to which he sustained feretory
course of years such a Magistrate of the County, County Surveyor, Representative
 from his town, in the State legislation, Town Clerk, Libberton
Captain of Militia & F. besides he was for many years, & I believe at the
time of his death, a Deacon of Church & in fire, he was considered as one of the
father of the town
As to these terms of service which he states to have performed under
Capt. Leml Stewart L Blair in Capt. Smedley Co & Capt. Danforth I
have little or no doubt that his statements were court as to the three
first named Gentlemen, I had formerly some knowledge of they all resided
in Williamstown in the State of Massa bordering upon Vermont it is
not unlikely that they might have turned out in alarms & otherwise in
conjunction with & to assist the Vermont militition in her defense, that the
services were not paid by the State of Massa nor the Rolls then returned
or registered as to Capt. Stewart, I very well recollect to have heard Mr.
Eli Pettibone formerly of this town & who died last year in that he
was at the north upon the Lake, & think in Canada during sea
& belie the season named (1775) & be mentioned sedition
which induces me to recollect the fact, & I think it probable that Capt.
acts name is mentioned in connection, in Mr. P. Declaration now in the
Pension Office but I have in some way either lost, mislaid or destroyed
Mr. P. statement which I formerly took & preserved, cannot therefore be any
confident as to the contents but whether Capt. Stewart this time out
under Col. Ethan Allen as I have understood that some of the Berkshire
Petitioned or under Col. Herrick who was also a Vermont or under
Col. Easton who belonged to Massa or in what if any Regt cannot say
but I presume that of the Rolls of the above Companies of the period named
are ever found, the name of William Dunton will be found upon them
 Grantors have been well in
formed, & frequently, with a part of the whole of his during the war, & I
same that at the time mentioned & afterward Esq. Denton turned out with
them, as he belonged to that C. & afterwards commanded it, this Capt. Commission
thereof herewith enclose, to show that fact, & also to show that enjoyed that
1
confidence respect among this mighboun which he would not have received
Page 42

ad he been capable of making & swearing to a tissue of false representations
satisfaction at the time
Under all the circumstances above stated, your Honor will readily perceive
that it would be extremely difficult, if not out of the power of the widow to
hunt of & procure testimony to prove those services of her husband, which
by the existing laws regulations at the time be made out his own declaration,
 he had a right to establish by his own oath, & the absence of the confirm
tory testimony of the Rolls, may at this time be well accounted for by the
by them not having been duly returned to the Secy of State Office, or if still
existing below & rain in the archives of some other Station Department
fundant proof of the high character of Esq. Dunton for truth & integrity
will avail anything, I will prove forward it, if required Orsattis
or some of the
probable that some of the aged people in Williamstown County who were
knowing directly, or by general repute, to the sect tour of duty refund to in
the statement of Esq. Dunton, are still living, if their testimony to that
effect will be satisfactory I will also endeavor to obtain and on the same
or if any other mode of proof or be suggested as an equivalent or
substitute for the Rolls not found, which can be sought out; we will in
endeavor to hunt up & supply the same-- I do acknowledge that for the
reasons already suggested, & also for that I was showed today a letter
lately from a M. Addison, where presented that he had been for some
 a Clock in the Pension office addressed to Mr. Dunton, in which
he stated in effect that there could be not diffidently in her obtaining the
Pension, which her husband enjoyed in his lifetime I feel somewhat
anxious in this case, & believing as I do also, that it is property just honest
that at the time he had stated and tenor tour of duty term of
service she might have been entitled, enjoyed it for her lifetime.
I have in my possession also the declaration taken some time since before
the proper authority, and on today for the additional one year's pension
under the late law, but as the former remain in suspended
& besides, as I know not that it will be required, or proper, I shall defend
it until the result be known
I am and Sir, very respectfully
our mothers
S. Swift
Page 43

7462
Mary Dunton
VT
Act 7 July 38
Page 44

State of Vermont, Bennington County ss.
On this 23d day of October 1840 personally appeared before the Hon Alexander
 Bliss one of the Judges of the County Court within & for the County of Bennington
 aforesaid, being a Court of Record, Mary Dunton a resident of the town of
Dorset in said County, aged seventy-eight years, who being first duly sworn and
ordering to law, doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain
the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled
An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows"" that she is the widow
of William Denton late of said Dorset deceased, who was a Private Corporal &
Sergeant in the Army of the United States, during the revolutionary war & for
which services he obtained & enjoyed, during his lifetime, a Pension from the
United States, under the Act of the 7th of June 1832 of forty-eight Dollars 88 Cents
or about that sum per annum for the particulars & certainty of which she begs
leave to refer the files, more rolls in the Pension Department at Washington
She further trusts for the said William D
on the 15th day of November in the year seventeen hundred & eighty
Katherine Bloomer that he and stands
believes that a minute entry of their said marriage was Dis preserved
amongst the Town of said Town of Dorset acetified Copy
expects to be able to promise forward herewith that her husband then for
said William Denton side the 5th day February A. 1840 & that she has
since that time, and his wife single formed that she was not
married to him prior to his having the service, but the marriage
previous to the first of January, seven hundred and ninety-four, to wit
at the time above stated & that she has no documentary witnessing
 to prove his services, or support her claim to a pension
Mary Denton
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written before me And I do
further certify that the above applicant Mary Dunton is well known to
& that she is a person of respectability, and I do further certify
that she is unable account attend Court from, & by reason of bodily infirmity
last
Alexander Bliss Judge of County Court
Page 45

Heman Morse Town Clerk of the Town of Dorset in the County of 
Bennington & State of Vermont, do hereby certify that I have examined the town
Records of said to on now in my possession custody & find there a minute
or entry therein recorded in the following words, viz: "William Dunton
married to Mary Bloomer November the fifteenth day, seventeen hundred
and eighty-one, & I do further certify that the same is a true Copy of the
Record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the Record in fair
legible figures as follows, "November the 15th day 1781." Attest
Heman Morse Town Clerk
I Heman Morse above named, depose & say, that I hold the office of Town
Clerk in the County, Town & State aforesaid, & that the above is a true extract
from the Records of said town with the exception above named as certified
by me
Heman Morse Clerk of the town of Dorset
Sworn before me this 4th day of November 1840. Attest
Alexander Bliss Judge of Bennington County Court
I William B. Dunton a resident of the town of Dorset in the County of Benington and
State of Vermont, aged fifty-three years, do testify depose & say that
I am the reputed son of the above-named Mary Dunton & the said William
Dunton Esq. deceased that I am well knowing that he the said William
Dunton enjoyed a Pension from the United States, in his lifetime of the
sum or about the sum of forty-eight Dollars 88 Cents for his services
during the revolutionary war & as I believe under the act of the 7th of June
1832. That agreeably to my best present recollection & belief he died on the
5th day of February A. 1840. that since his said decease the said Mary has
remained his widow & unmarried that previous to his death, they resided 
in the same house with me & that since that time, she has continued
to live with me.
Wm G. Dunton
Sworn to & subscribed this 23d day of October 1840 before me - And I do
farther certify that the above affiants on all is well known to me
all persons of respectable standing, & stance credibility, & their statements in
titled to full credit. Attest
Alexander Bliss Judge of Bennington County Court
Page 46

Henry Robinson Clerk
of Bennington County Court
hereby certify that Mr Alexander
Bliss whose signature appears
 to the foregoing is an
Assistant Judge of the County
Court within & for the County
of Bennington aforesaid, duly
Commissioned & qualified by law
as such that I am well as aquaint
with his handwriting & believe
by signature to be genuine-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed
my name & affixed the seal of our said Court
at Bennington in the County of Bennington 
this fifth day of November A.D. 1840

Henry Robinson
Page 47

Mar 20 43
VT
Mary Dunton
Hon. James L. Edwards
Washington
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 48

Mar 20 43
Mary Dunton
VT
Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D.C.
Page 49

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Alexander Bliss
Manchester March 14th, 1843
Hon Sir Enclosed I send you the Declaration of 
Mary Dunton for a Pension she formerly (I believe in the fall of the
year 1840) made application under the same law, but as understand
her application was then rejected, on the ground that her husband
was alive at the time of the passing of the law, & that of cause decease
did not then come within it & believe that the proof of her marriage
& other necessary proof in such cases, was forwarded at the same
time, & will probably be found therewith in the Pension Department
& for that reason, that proof is now omitted & for the same the Certificate 
of the County Clerk, to the official character & signature of the Judge
before whom this declaration is taken, has not been obtained as I presume
it will be considered unnecessary but if otherwise, there is
another case presented, which I expect will be obliged to be taken
within a few days before the same Judge, to the Certificate in which
I will procure to be attached, the proper certificate seal of the County
Clerk, attesting the official character & signature of the Judge &
The Papers above referred to were sent on I think by Judge Alexander
Very respectfully, I am Hon, Sir
Your most obed 
S. Swift
Page 50

I certify that Mrs. Mary Dunton above named, 
from bodily infirmity cannot attend in Court, and that her character for truth and veracity is 
undoubted
Alexander Bliss assistant Judge of
the Bennington County Court
I Darius Moore
of Dorset in the County of
Bennington and State of Vermont of lawful age
being duly sworn do depose testify and say that
I am acquainted with the widow Mary Dunton
and have known her for thirty years last past
that her husband William Denton died on the
5th day of February 1840 and that she has remained
a widow ever since that period. -- Sworn to and
subscribed this 10th day of March A.D. 1840-
Before me,
Darius Moore
Alexander Bliss assistant Judge of the
Bennington County Court
I certify that the above-named Darius Moore
is a man of credibility for the truth. -
Alexander Bliss assistant Judge
of the Bennington County Court
William Dunton Married to Mary Bloomer
November the fifteenth day seventeen hundred and eighty
one, I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the
record, with the exception of the date which is expressed
on the record in fair legible figures as follows
November the 15th day 1781
Heman Moore Town Clerk
I Heman Morse above named, depose and say, that I hold the
office of Town Clerk in the town of Dorset, Bennington County and state of
Vermont, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said
Town, with the exception above named as certified by me
Herman Morse
Sworn before me Alexander Bliss, assistant Judge of the Bennington
County Court
Page 51

State of Vermont
Bennington County
I Henry Robinson Clerk of Bennington
County Court, hereby certify
that Hon
Alexander Bliss, Esq whose signature appears 
to the foregoing, was at the taking
of the aforesaid Deposition & State is an 
Assistant Judge of the County Court within & for the County of Bennington
 aforesaid duly commissioned
 & qualified by law as such &
that his foregoing
signature is genuine-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal
of Our Said Court & Subscribed my name at Bennington
in the County of Bennington this 18th day
July A D. 1840 -

Henry Robinson
Page 52

Application for
benefit of VT Res, of
July 1st, 1848, and
for renewal under
act of 2d Feb. 1848.
Robert Smith
Page 53

State of Vermont
County of Bennington Be it known that on this 25th day
of November in the year one thousand eight hundred
and forty-eight before the subscriber, a Justice 
of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared
Mary Dunton and made oath in due form
of law, that she is the widow of William Dunton
who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution
and who drew a pension from the United States
at the rate of forty-eight Dollars and eighty-eight at per annum, that he died 
on the 5th day of February
1840, that she this deponent has drawn a pension
at the rate of twenty Dollars per annum from 
the 4th of March 1836, and is the identical persons
who knew a pension of the same rate under the
act of 17th June 1844. that she is 86 years of age,
and resides in the Town of Dorset in the County
of Bennington and State of Vermont, and is still
the widow of the said William Dunton
minded and sworn to
Before me, this 25th day of
November 1848.
C Farwell, Justice
of the Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with
the above-named Mary Dunton and I believe that
she is the same person she represents herself to be
in the foregoing affidavit, a widow and a
pensioner
Dated, Dorset Vermont
Cyrus Farwell,
Nov. 25. 1848
Justice of the Peace.
Page 54

State of Vermont
Bennington County
Bennington County Court do hereby
certify that Cyrus Farwell whose name
is subscribed to the within was at
the date thereof a Justice of the peace
within & for the County of Bennington
duly commissioned & qualified & that
believe his signature is genuine-
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed
my name & affixed the seal of said County this 30th
day of November A.D. 1848-
Saml H. Blackmer Clerk
I Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk of Court
Page 55

Oct 17, 1843
Mary Dunton VT
to care
May 3d 1843
James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
Manchester VT
Page 56

Oct 17 1843
S Swift
Manchester VT
Mary Dunton
James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 57

Manchester Oct 12th 1843
Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Hon Sir Enclosed I return you the Declaration of Mary Shattuck 
with the County Clerks Certificate & seal annexed, which is all the correction
which I can discover as requisite-I also send you the Declaration of Mary
Dunton taken anew, with the amendation become necessary under the different
circumstances of her case, & with the County Clerks Certificate also attached
The reason why I did not before procure the certificate of the County Clerk
was, that his general certificate for the Magistrate taking the same was
annexed to other declarations which had been previously taken, (towit) in the
case of Mary Shattuck, to the Declaration of Judy Clark to the declarations
of Sarah Warner & Anna Norton for the same Magistrate, who took Mrs Dunton's
which I had supposed was sufficient, & would answer the requisitions of the
regulations in reference thereto-
Very respectfully I am Hon., Sir
Your obedt sevt &c
S. Swift

P.S. Oct. 14th - have deferred sending the papers above referred to for a few
days that I might transmit at the same time the Declaration of Sarah
Warner, which I had procured to be taken anew & which I had sent to
Bennington, to be authenticated by the attestation & seal of the County Clerk
& which being now returned, I also herewith enclose
Respectfully I am &c
Page 58

State of Vermont
Bennington County

On this 13th day of March 1843 personally appeared
before the Hon. Gordon B. Southworth one of the Judges of the County Court
within & for the County of Bennington aforesaid Mary Dunton resident 
of the Town of Dorset in said County of Bennington aged 81 years who
being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following
Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act
of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and
Pensions to certain widows"" that she is the widow William Dunton
late of said Dorset deceased who was a Private soldier in the army of the
United States, during the revolutionary war & for which services he received a
Pension during his life time, under the act of June 7, 1832

She further declares, that she was married to the said William Dunton
on the 15th day of November in the year seventeen hundred & eighty two
that her husband the aforesaid William Dunton died on the 5th day February
in the year eighteen hundred & forty that she was not married to
him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous
to the first of January seventeen hundred & ninety four viz at the time
above stated,
Mary  X Dunton her mark
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written before me
G B Southworth
Judge &c

And I the said Gordon B. Southworth Judge as aforesaid, do hereby
certify that the above Applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend the
Court Certified by me G Southworth Judge &c
Page 59

7462 Nov 23 1840
Vt 
July 7 1838
Mary
Dunton
'32


Dorset Vt Nov 18 free
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 60

7462 Nov 23 1840
Vt.
July 7 1838
Mary
Dunton
'32


Dorset Vt Nov 18 free
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 61

Dorset Bennington County Vt
Nov. 14th 1840
Sir
Enclosed I send you the papers of
the widow Mary Dunton in which
she applies for a pension under the
act of 1838, having once before applied
under the act of 1834
-
After examining her claim you will
please return an answer to me-
Respectfully your obt. Servt
Alexander Bliss

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Washington D.C.
Page 62

Dunton
Page 63

Dorset, Bennington Co. Vermont
July 24th 1840
Dear Sir
Enclosed I send you the
declaration of the Widow Mary
Dunton, and other evidences of her
claims to a pension
You will please examine the same
and in due time return the answer
to me
Respectfully
your obt. Servt.
Alexr Bliss

Hon J.L. Edward
Washington
[illegible]
M Nov 15 87.
Page 64

State of Vermont 
County of Bennington 
On this 7th day of May in the year 1833 personally
appeared in open Court before the Hon. Probate
Court, for the Probate District of Manchester, in the County of Bennington 
& State of Vermont, now sitting, William Dunton a resident of the
Town of Dorset, in said County of Bennington, aged seventy eight 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 7. 1832

That he was born in the Town of Western, in the County of Worcester
& State of Massachusetts, on the 7th day of January AD. 1755. he has
been informed by his Parents, that his birth was recorded in the
Town Records of said Town of Western, but has no other knowledge
of that fact, that in the month of October 1760 as he has understood,
& believes, he removed from thence to the town of Williamstown in
the County of Berkshire, in said State.

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

That some time in the month & as early at the latter part of July 1775
as he now believes, he enlisted at said Williamstown, for the time
of six months into the Company of Massachusetts State troops,
as he now believes, commanded by Capt Lem Stewart, Lieut
Ezek'l Blair, & if not mistaken, Ensign James Easton, & in the Regiment 
commanded by Col Easton & Majr Brown that on or about
the first of August agreeably to his present recollection in the same year, they marched from sd Williamstown thro Bennington Manchester Castleton & in the State of Vermont, to
Crown Point on Lake Champlain, where he was stationed, but went down
the Lake in Boats, at different times on scouts, until some time in the
month of October, in the same year, agreeably to present recollection
when said Regiment was ordered up said Lake, to Ticonderoga
where he was stationed for some time & was taken sick & placed in
the Hospital there, & whilst then an order was issued, as he understood
from Genl Schuyler who then commanded at that fort, that such of the
sick in the hospital, as chose, might retire from the fort & provide
for themselves that he amongst others, availed himself of that
privilege, & that some time in the month of November in the same
year as he now believes, he was sent with others in Boats up said
Lake by said commanding Officer, from whom he received a permit
to Skeensborough since called Whitehall at the head of said Lake
from whence he sent to his father at said Williamstown, who came to
him & by short stages conveyed him home, he still continuing very
sick, & so remained, until after the expiration of his said term of six
months enlistment, & on that account did not return to said Regiment
& that according to his best recollection & belief it was at least three months
before he left the same in consequence of his sickness as aforesaid
- that soon after the destruction of the fleet under Col. Arnold & waterbury, 
& as he now thinks, in the latter part of August or first of September
1776, he was called out in an alarm, I volunteered at said Williamstown
under Lieut Ezek. Blair, who belonged to the Company [illegible] commanded by Capt.
Page 65

Smedley & he with others constituted a separate Company, & whom Capt
Danforth as Capt & the said Ezek Blair as Lieut said companies belong to thethe Regiment
commanded by Col. Simonds, marched from S. Williamstown this Bennington
&c to Skeensborough, at the head of Lake Champlain, thence were conveyed in Boats
sent for them, to Mount Independence, opposite to Ticonderoga, in Vermont
they were stationed at least five weeks as he now believes, when the troops
arrived, & Genl Gates the commanding officer of said garrison, as he thinks, gave 
liberty to his company & other volunteers to return home, he, with others, accordingly
left there in Boats provided for returned to said Skeensborough, & from
thence to his home in said Williamstown, having been absent upon said
expedition not less than six weeks as he believes was then disbanded, the whole 
having been under the command of Maj Hyde of Lenox, who according to his best 
present recollection was the highest in rank & only field officer belonging to said
Regiment, which was out in said expedition - that some time in the month
of November in the same year 1776, as he now believes, a draft was made in
several companies of militia in said County of Berkshire for a winter campaign of four
months amongst others, one Elisha Williams belonging to his company was
drawn, but being unwilling to go, he volunteered to go in the place of the said
Williams, his name was substituted upon the Roll of the said Company, at said
Williamstown under the command of Capt Wm Douglasof Massachusetts militia & ensign Danl Burbank the name of the Line he has at present forgotten
In the regiment commanded by Col Benjn Simonds, & Maj Hyde the name of the Sgt
has also escaped his memory
that they marched from said Williamstown, to New Lebanon in the State of
New York from thence were ordered & marched to Albany in S. State of N.Y. where
they were detained, as he now believes, until on or about the first day of Jany
1777. then marched to Saratoga N.Y. where they staid a few days thence to said
Skeensborough thence on the ice on Lake Champlain, to Ticonderoga, when
he was stationed until the 16th day of March of the same year 1777. agreeably to
present recollection, when said regiment was marched across, to Mount 
Independence, on the opposite side of said Lake, where they were discharged by [illegible] &
permitted to return home, by Col. afterwards Genl Wayne, who, as he now believes
commanded at said Fort. He then returned to his said home in S. Williamstown
having been absent in service during the whole of the said Term of four months, as
here believes that afterwards in the month of April of the same year 1777 as he
believes, but the precise day he is not able to remember enlisted at said Williamstown, 
for the term of six weeks, as a Teamster for the United States Army He furnish his own team by
Lieut Ezek. Blair, who as he understood & believes, had a charge & authority in
that Department in sd army- that immediately thereafter he went with two yokes
of oxen & last of his own, to New Providence in said County of Berkshire, when he
took a load of grain, & conveyed the same to Albany N.Y. thence carried other loading 
to Lake George - from thence returned to Fort Edward, & thence back with other load
to said Lake George then again to Fort Edward & thus continued to transport
flour & other provisions & supplies for the army, cannon & other loading between the
said two last mentioned places, being constantly employed in all weather, whatever
was the State of the roads, during the said full term of six weeks, drawing during the
whole of said time from the public house rations for himself, & forage & provender
for his oxen that soon after the [illegible] of Ticonderoga, in the latter part of
July of the same year 1777. agreeably to his present recollection, he with others turned 
out at said Williamstown upon an alarm, & formed a Company & those their own 
officers that there were several Captains & other officers who had turned out it is possible
that his memory may not serve him as to the names of those selected to command at
the time, but he now believes that the said Capt Jon Danforth was chosen to command said 
Company, but the names of the other officers chosen he does not distinctly remembers as
Page 66

to state positively- that he was then appointed & served this said expedition as a
Corporal, altho he did the duty of orderly Sergt - that they all belong to the Regiment
of Massachusetts Militia commanded by Col. Simonds, but did not turn out under
his particular command - that they marched from said Williamstown through
Bennington to Manchester in Vermont, where they placed themselves under the
command of Col. Warner who commanded a Regiment there at that time, there
they were stationed & did duty at least three weeks - they were dismissed by [illegible]
the returned to his home in Williamstown - that soon afterwards in the month of
August of the same year 1777, upon an alarm & notice [illegible], that the British were on
their way & as was said to take or destroy the public house & provisions at Bennington
with others allied & turned out at said Williamstown, as a volunteer, & even without
previous organization embodying to sd. Bennington, where they formed a company &
chose their Officers who were the said Capt Jon Danforth, Lt. Ezekiel Blair & Ensign Bigelow - 
even attached to the regiment of  Massachusetts militia commanded by Col Simonds & Majr Isaac Stratton & he with the others ever engaged in the Battle fought there on the 16th day of August 1777 under command of Brig genl Stark aforesaid, which they guarded some prisoners taken in
Battle of Williamstown when said Company was disbanded - that he was absent
in service in said last mentioned expedition not less than one week, during which he
held the appointment & did the duty of a corporal, as well as orderly sergt in said
Company - that in another alarm, sometime, again to the best of his recollection, sometime in the month of October 1789 he turned out again at said Williamstown, as a volunteer, he with others so volunteering from the Regiment of Massachusetts militia commanded by the said
Col. Simonds, formed a separate Company for the occasion & attached to the same
Regiment, & where the said was Capt Danforth, agreeably to the best of his present
recollection, but the names of the other company officers so chosen he does not now 
distinctly remember to state with confidence, that he was appointed & did the duty of a well as [illegible] that they marched from Williamstown 
thro Bennington to Castleton in Vermont, when they were stationed at the Fort at 
that place but under whose command the fort was at that time, he does not now distinctly remember Isaac Clark was dispatched with a part of [illegible] and then regularly dismissed by [illegible] he returned from there to his fathers house in said Dorset, to which his father had a short time previously removed, he having been absent & in service in last mentioned expedition, not less than three weeks that he continued at said Dorset until some time in the month of
December in the same year 1780 as he now thinks, when he returned to Williamstown
and within about 3 or 4 weeks as he now thinks afterward went back to said Dorset, when he has
since resided-- that in the month of October 1781, according to the best of his
recollection, in another alarm, he turned out again at said Dorset, as a volunteer in
the company of Vermont militia, commanded by Capt John Gray, Lieut Isaac
Underhill, but agreeably to this present recollection & belief no Ensign turned out
& in the Regiment commanded by Col. Peart that he had the appointment
did the duty of orderly Sergt during the whole of the said expedition that they
marched from said Dorset to Castleton, when they were stationed as a guard
at the Castleton mills so called then under the command of the said Col. Pearl that
at the same time the Vermont Rangers, so called, were stationed at the Castleton
Fort) at least three weeks, when he with said Company, was regularly discharged
by paid & he returned to his home in said Dorset - that by reason of old age
& the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to dates
& the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection
he served not less than the periods mentioned above & he might also add
several other short tours of duty, or for short periods of that for the said
times during which the said several periods of service were performed he
was not employed in evil pursuit that he has now no documentary
evidence to corroborate his aforesaid statements, he knows at present of no living
witnesses whom he can produce to prove his said services, except that during the
said last mentioned term of service at said Carleton in the fall of the year 1781.
Page 67

Joseph Curtis Esqr of said Dorset, whose memory has become  very considerably
impaired, & who has become very deaf, by reason & in consequence of severe
sickness, & old age, belonged to & held the grade of first Sergeant in the same
Company with him, agreeably to his best present recollection - that for the
reasons aforesaid he has omitted to apply for his Affidavit - that to substantiate 
& prove the witness of his aforesaid statement, & his credibility & also to
show the general understanding opinion of his neighbours, as to his said
services, he expects to be able to produce the testimony of the Revd William
Jackson the nearest clergyman resident in said Town of Dorset & also of
Sylvanus Sykes Esqr another respectable neighbour residing in Post
who are both well acquainted with his standing in society, I have also
same traditionary knowledge of his said services. He hereby relinquishes 
every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present,
the declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of any agency of
any State
William Dunton
Sworn to & subscribed the day year aforesaid in open court before
Henry Robinson Register

We William Jackson a Clergyman residing in the Town of Dorset
in the Town of Dorset, in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont
& Sylvanus Sykes, residing in the same place, hereby certify that
we are well acquainted with William Denton who has subscribed
& Sworn to the above declaration - that we believe him to be seventy
eight years of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood
where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we
in that opinion
William Jackson
Sylvanus Sykes
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid, in open court before
Henry Robinson Register

And the said Court do herby declare their opinion after the 
investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed
by the War Department that the above named Applicant was a revolutionary 
soldier & served as he states. And the Court further certifies that
it appears to them that William Jackson who has signed the preceding
Certificate is a Clergyman resident in said Town of Dorset, & that 
Sylvanus Sykes --- who has also signed the same is also resident of
said Dorset & is a credible person, & that their statement is entitled to
credit Certified by me Myron Clark Judge of the Probate Court

I Henry Robinson Register of the Court
of Probate, do certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the
said Court in the matter of the application 
of William Dunton for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of
Probate Court at Manchester this 7th day of May AD
1833-

Henry Robinson Register
Page 68

Vt May 14
The Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of the Pension office
Washington
Page 69

Vt May 14
The Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of the Pension office
Washington
Page 70

Manchester May 7. 1833
To the Hon. James L. Edwards Comm &c
Hon Sir Enclosed I transmit you
the declarations of Wm Dunton & John Frost taken anew & tho made
out in considerable haste, I trust, that they are so far corrected from
the former [illegible], that they will meet with your acceptance
they say, that it is impossible for them, after this lapse of time to be more
definite, as to the time of service & other particulars but they are
both very cautious as well as conscientious men&  have ultimately 
fixed upon terms of service, of which they have no doubt, & probably
much short of the true-- I am Hon., Sir, very Respectfully
Yours &c
S. Swift
Page 71

MRS. CHAS. O. NORTON
KEARNEY, NEBRASKA
Aug 17, 1914
To the Hon
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
Dear Sir-
Please send me the Pension record of William Dunton-who was 
pensioned as a Private Corporal and Sergeant of Mass troops
pension dated Sept 12, 1833, granted in Bennington Co. Vermont
are especially the PERSONAL and family data contained - in
the application as well as the War record-
Yours very truly-
L.G. Norton
Mrs. Charles Oliver Norton