Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14,565, for John Spafford, New Hampshire

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Service
Green Mt. Boys
N. H.
Spafford, John
Number
S.14,565
carded
Contents 
[blank]

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33292
Vermont Burlington
John Spafford, decd,
of ---- in the State of ---
who was a pr. corp Serg. & Lt in the --- commanded
by --- in the Revolution
line for
Green Mountains Boys and N.H. Records completed Dec. 20, 1906 ss.
Inscribed in the Roll of Burlington
at the rate of 25. Dollars 77 Cents per
annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834
& end 14th April 1840.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of March, 1853 and sent to 
Arrears to the 4th of 
[illeg] allowance eding
B. H. Baldwin Present
Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by G. T. Getty, Clerk
Book E2 Vol. 3 Page 100

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Not on rolls of Capt Saml Wetherbee Co
northern Campaign 1776
White not Lt of that Company.
No Capt Abel Walker in service 1776
Capt William Walker went to New York
John Spafford Lieut in Abel Walker Co Bellows
called out 28 Dec 1777 in service 12 days
Abel Walker Co again called out 21 July 1777
and served until 20 Sept
But John Spafford did not serve in it
no Capt Kary [previous word crossed out] a Cary in service in 1777
yes there was!

John Spafford

John Gates jr. Reg.
Franklin Co Vermont

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[the following arranged in columns]

76 6 mos priv. Wetherbee
76 3 -               "              Col. Warner
76 4 1/2 -         Walker    " Bellows
77.         21.       same       same
              21 Lieut
12 most 12
21.00 Lie

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BRIEF in the case of John Spafford 
of Franklin Co.  in the State of Vermont
(Act 7th June, 1832.) 

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Probate Court 

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily injury? [blank] 

3. How old is he? 78 years 

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
In 1776 Feby 1 - 37 months[days?] - Private - Capt Wetherby, Col. Warner - N.H. Mil.
in Sum or Autumn - about 4 months - private  -  Capt Walker, Col Bellows
1777 June - 5 months - private - [dittos of above]
1780-two tours of 3 weeks each (42 days) - private - [blank]

5. In what battles was he engaged?  [blank] 

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Charlestown N.H.

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Living  & Traditionary 

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and, if so, how?  Improperly attached

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case
[signed] D. Brown Examining Clerk.

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Wm Bridges
Vt
d. Jno Spafford June 7

Jno Spafford decd
32

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State of Vermont Franklin Co.
St. Albans Nov 30th 1843.
Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Sir
It is the wish of the Heirs of John Spafford late of Cambridge Vt deceased, that his claim to a Pension under the act of June 7th 1832, be again reexamined under the agency of Henry H. Sylvester Esqr of Washington City D. C. You are respectfully requested to make your answer to this communication to Mr Sylvester the gentleman above named.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
[signed] Wm Bridges.

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John Spafford
Declaration
8143

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Declaration.
Revolutionary claim, under an Act of Congress, Passed June 7th, A. D. 1832.
State of Vermont
District of Georgia ss.
Franklin County Probate Court,
August 16th A. D. 1832.
Personally appeared in open Court, being the Probate Court for the County of Franklin, and a Court of Record for said County, and state of Vermont, as will appear for the first section of a Statute Law of said State, entitled "An act, Constituting Probate Courts Courts of Record," passed November 15th, A. D. 1821, [see 1sr. section of said act,] John Spafford aged 78 years, resident in Cambridge in said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, A. D. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
On the first day of February 1776 at Charlestown State of New Hampshire, he volunteered under Capt Samuel Wetherbee as a private; that on the 10th day of February afsd the sd Spafford with his fellow soldiers arrived at St. Johns L. C. [Lower Canada] same day he enlisted or signed articles of agreement to serve under Capt. Wetherbee & Lieut White although at that time they were not commissioned by the government, is not positive how long he engaged for thinks six months, that on the 11th he, with the company to which he belonged marched from Chamble [Chambly] & on the 13th arrived at Montreal. and from thence to Quebec in the company afsd arrived at Quebec on the Plains of Abraham, and there joined Col Seth Warner Regt on the 24th day of February 1776, and on the 6th day of May following the American Army raised the siege of Quebec, and the deponent with the army on the same day, began the retreat, by taking up their line of march for St. Johns; the day he arrived at St. Johns he does not recollect; he was dismissed soon after his arrival at the latter place, (had no written discharge) and arrived at Charlestown on the 25 day of May 1776.
This deponent further states, that in the latter part of summer or early part of autumn 1776 at Charlestown afsd he enlisted under Capt Abel Walker, Col Bellows Regt. marched immediately for Ticonderoga, on Lake Champlain [bottom of document cut off] the first of September 1776 -

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latter place, (had no written discharge) and arrived at Charlestown on the 25th day of May 1776. This Deponent further stated, that in the latter part of summer or early part of autumn 1776 at Charlestown afsd he enlisted under Capt Abel Walker, Col Bellows Regt, marched immediately for Ticonderoga, on Lake Champlain arrived there on the first of September 1776 - 
Stationed there and did duty as a soldier till December following when he was dismissed from said service - does not recollect at what time in the month aforesaid he left the Fort - That in the month of June 1777 he again enlisted under the same Capt & [illegible - crossed out] Col marched to Ticonderoga and on his arrival was under the command of Gen St Clair  stationed at the Fort until a retreat was ordered, retreated with the American Army & when Gen Burgoyne came up the Lake he was sent on a scout through the wood to Otter Creek in Vermont to spy out the enemy - he thinks in the month of July 1777, and again about the first of Augt (same year) was sent to Clarendon Vt to spy out the enemy, and continued to serve in various situations in the army of the United States till after the capture of Burgoyne, when in the month of October 77. he was dismissed from the service then under the command of Capt Kary [Cary], Capt Walker being absent. The applicant further states that during his last campaign he was at Fort George on Lake George in one of his scouts he, with the assistance of his comrads took fifty four Indians, much of his last campaign was scouting, often ordered out by Gen St. Clair Gates & their officers.
That afterwards in the year 1780 (he thinks) he was called out at the time Royalton in Vermont was burnt and was from home in that alarm three weeks.
That in the year 1782 he read a Lieut. commiss [bottom of document missing]

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ker being absent. The applicant further states that during his last campaign he was at Fort George on Lake George in one of his Scouts. he with the assistance of his comrads took fifty four Indians, much of his last campaign was scouting, often ordered out by Gen St. Clair Gates & their officers.
That afterwards in the year 1780 (he thinks) he was called out at the time Royalton in Vermont was burnt and was from home in that alarm three weeks.
That in the year 1782 he recd a Lieut. commission. Soon after was called out with his company to Canada on one other alarm, was out three weeks more.
The applicant claims nothing on account of his commission, but wishes that his Militia service, and the alarms in which he was called out might be named to show the whole of his service in defense of his country, for which he received but little compensation.
In support of his claim I hereunto annex at the applicants request his commission aforesaid and the minutes of his first campaign at Quebec taken from an old Book the appearance of which remind me of the ancient manuscripts found by [the - crossed out] Rev Buchannon in Assyria.
The applicant claims that his first campaign at Quebec was three and a half months at least. That his 2d campaign at Ticonderoga was at least three months 3d campaign at the time Ticonderoga was evacuated, his scouting service, battle of Bennington & Stillwater at the taking of Burgoyne was at least four and a half months.
[bottom of document missing]

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The applicant claims that his first campaign at Quebeck was three and a half months at least. That his 2d campaign at Ticonderoga was at least three months 3d campaign at the time Ticonderoga was evacuated, his scouting service, battle of Bennington & Stillwater at the taking of Burgoyne was at least four and a half months. 4th campaign in 1780, he served at least twenty one days. Fifth campaign in 1782 he served twenty one days, in the whole twelve months & twelve days. Service in the army of the Revolution, which time sd court is convinced was spent in the Revolutionary war in defense of his country.
He has no documentary evidence whatever, unless his old papers hereunto annexed stand be so considered.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except he present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid [signed] John Spafford.

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And the Court do hereby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
[signed] William Bridges Judge
I John Gates, jr. Register of the Court of Probate for the district aforesaid do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matters of the application of John Spafford for a pension.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 13th day of September A. D. 1832.
[signed] John Gates jr. Register.

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No. 8143
John Spafford 2nd
Franklin co
Vermont
John Gates jr Reg
St Albans co
Vermont

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WAR DEPARTMENT, 
Pension Office, 
18 June 1833 
Sir: The evidence in support of your claim. under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margins with a brace, ( thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 

A Statement, showing the Service of [blank]
[the chart is blank]


I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 
J. L. Edwards, 
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, or District of_____} County of_____ } ss. 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7, 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: 
[in brackets:] Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. (L.) 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. [end of brackets] 
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 for the State of Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [in brackets:] 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 to and subscribed the days and year aforesaid. 
[in brackets:] 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 clergymen, 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 _____day 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  [end of page]

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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the county in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. 
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State Troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State Troops of Virginia. 
1. Where and in what year were you born? 
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live? 
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. To a Soldier { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? 
To an Officer { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. 
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons---one of whom should be the nearest clergymen, 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 Clergymen, 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 inquiry 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 the 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 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 authorized before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 

(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. (
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he 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 claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of 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 sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: - For _____ year _____months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____months, and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension." 
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase [in italics: about three or four months,] in the militia, &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 he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
(g) The opinion 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 it 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 officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 

Proof of Service. 
(j) In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. [double brackets] The notes from (a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers, and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note (j) applies to continental troops only. 
(k) This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
(m) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration. alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

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Jan 25 1845
Sir
Please place the enclosed with the misplaced papers of Jno Spafford of Franklin Co. Vermont under the Act of June 7 1832.
Respectfully Yours
H. H. Sylvester

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These papers were by mistake placed with the pagers of John Spafford of Ludlow T T

3/1333
444

Page 20

Jno Spafford

Page 21

Franklin
John Spafford
[17]76 February 1 (6 months)-Samuel Withilee Company Lieutenant White not commanded at that time.
H 25 May went to St. John’s and Quebeck and [illegible] Colonel Arnold.
Autumn [17]76 to December Abel Walker - Colonel Bellars
to Lake Champlain
Capt Kary (Cary
July [17]77 1 month Captain Kary (Cary) and to Royalton Vermont.
1780 21 days
1782 21 Canada days
And Jon Grout
See letter 1 month 1 day
1.12
3.25
6,,07
77 28 June 12 days Sergeant Abel Walkers company

William [illegible]

Page 22

H H Sylvester
Aug 17 44

Cambridge Vt  10
Dec 7

Stephen Thomas, Esqr
West Fairlee
Vermont

Page 23

From H. H. Sylvester

Col. Edwards
Commr Pensions

Page 24

Tho P Treadwell
Jany 1 45
Jno Spafford

H. H. Sylvester, Esqr.
Washington D. C.

Page 25

Secy's Office
Concord, N. H. [illegible] 1845
Dr Sir,
From an examination of the Revoltutionary Records in this office I find that John Spafford served under Lt. Uriah Wilcox, Col Bellows Regt. in 1777 twelve days - He also served the same year in Capt. Cary's Co. Col Bellows Regt. One month and one day.
The above are all the services of John Spafford which I have been able to find upon our Rolls.
Very Respectfully
[signed] Thomas P. Treadwell

Sec of Mass 3 - 5
Sec of N. H. 1 " 13
By [illegible] 1" 12
[total] 3 - 30
[scratched out numbers]
5 = 23

Page 26

John Spafford
Vt - sus 1832

Hon L. P. Waldo
Comr of Pensions

Page 27

State of Vermont
Lamoille County ss.
I Philo G. Camp Clerk of Lamoille County Court hereby certify that S. G. Safford is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Lamoille duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission is dated on the 1sr day of Nov. 1837 and will expire on the 1st day of December. 1838 and that his signature attached to the accompanying affidavit is true and genuine. In Witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said Court at my office in Hyde Park in said County this 5th day of January A. D 1838.
[signed] P. G. Camp. Clerk

Page 28

I Henry Stowell Atty at Law of Cambridge in the County of Lamoille & State of Vermont of lawful age testify & say, that I have been acquainted with John Spafford of Cambridge afsd for some seventeen years past. That he is a worthy old Gentleman of Eighty years or occurrence, in my opinion feeble laboring make the infirmities of age & poor health, (maimed) having one of his legs amputated some years ago, think previous to my knowledge of him; and that he sustains a character for truth & veracity that I have never heard questioned or doubted - is literally poor & is & has been (for a series of years past) sustained & supported by a son with whom he lives - and I have no doubt he was a soldier of the revolution, & true to the cause of American liberty & independence, and that the same love of liberty that activated him in 1776 is still alive in the bosom of the veteran old soldiers.
[signed] Henry Stowell
Cambridge January 3d 1838
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 3d day of January AD 1838
[signed] S. G. Safford Just Peace
I hereby certify that the witness afsd is credible & entitled to belief [illegible] Jany 3d 1838
[signed] S. G. Safford Just Peace

Page 29

I Solomon Montague of Cambridge Lamoille County & State of Vermont Aged 71 years do testify & say that I have lived about fifty years within one forth of a mile (the most part of the time) of John Spafford of sd Cambridge & Recollect his being a very sick man much of the time for many years. I think in the year 1810, one of his legs was amputated, his sickness & other misfortunes so involved him in debt, that his son was obliged to take the charge of & support him & his mother, who is also living, for the last 25 or 30 years, Their situation is now somewhat involved. The old people are aged & worthy of a comfortable support. Mr Spafford's character for truth & veracity so far as I have knowledge Stands fair [illegible sentences - crossed out] & further say not.
[signed] Solomon Montague

State of Vermont
Lamoille County ss.
Cambridge January 3rd 1838
Then personally appeared before the undersigned authority Solomon Montague of sd Cambridge, County & State afsd. a credible witness & for many years one of the Deacons of the Congregational Church in sd Cambridge who made oath that the facts set forth in the foregoing deposition by him subscribed as therein contained are true according to his best knowledge information & belief.
Before me [signed] S. G. Safford Justice of the Peace

Page 30

I Zirah Willoughby of Cambridge, Lamoille  County & State of Vermont, of lawful age, do testify & say, That for more than forty years I have been more or less acquainted with John Spafford of Cambridge, & the most part of the time have resided only about one mile from him, previous to one thousand eight hundred & ten he had much severe sickness which terminated in a sore on one leg. & in 1810 Amputation was performed, since that time he has not been able to do much business, his occupation being that of a Farmer. The old Gentleman, & His wife who is now living I should think are over eighty years of age. & have no means of getting their support, only from their son, whose health & circumstances, makes it difficult to perform the duty. I further can testify & say that for the many years I have been acquainted with sd Spafford I have neither doubted myself, or heard any one doubt his character, as to truth & veracity. And from Common report, & conversation I heard about said Spafford many years ago, I think no doubt remains on my mind about his having done the duty of a soldier in the American Revolution, & further say not.
[signed] Z. Willoughby

State of Vermont
Lamoille county ss.
Cambridge January 3rd 1838
Then personally appeared before the undersigned authority Zirah Willoughby of sd Cambridge County & State afsd a credible witness, & for many years one of the Judges of the Court in the County of Franklin, who made oath that the facts set forth in the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed, as therein contained are true according to his best knowledge, information & belief.
Before me [signed S. G. Safford Justice of the Peace

Page 31

I Orson Safford of Cambridge, Lamoille County & State of Vermont aged fifty five years, do testify and say, that I am well acquainted with John Spafford of Cambridge. & have lived on a farm adjoining sd Spafford fifty years, & although not old enough to know the past myself, I early learned from others sd Spafford was the first settler in sd Cambridge; I recollect when young to have seen him about, an active business man, but as near as I recollect about forty years ago, he became sickly & helpless, & in 1810 had one leg taking. Since that time he has been unable to do much labour. He is now almost 83 yrs old according to his own statement, his wife who is living is 82, both of which being destitute of property by misfortune, depend wholly for their support on their son whose health is poor. & circumstances involved; His character for truth & veracity stands fair. I can further say that the stories I heard him & other old Revolutionary men relate, in my youth & boyhood, convinces me that sd Spafford was actively engaged in the service of his country in the war of the American Revolution, & further say not.
[signed] Orson Safford

State of Vermont
Lamoille County ss.
Cambridge January 3rd 1838
Then personally appeared before the undersigned authority Orson Safford a credible witness, & several years a Captain over an independent Company of Lt. Infantry in sd Cambridge who made oath that the facts set forth in the foregoing deposition by him subscribed as therein contained are true according to his best knowledge information & belief.
Before me [signed] S. G. Safford Justice of the Peace

Page 32

Affidavits & certificates in case of J. Spafford
Application for Pension Jany 5. 1838

Hon H. Allen 
HR

Page 33

I Silas W. Brush of Cambridge Lamoille County, & State of Vermont, of lawful age, to testify & say, that I have lived within about one mile of John Spafford of sd Cambridge for more than twenty five years, & during that time have been acquainted with sd Spafford & his circumstances in life, since my acquaintance with him, he has been a feeble man, & cripple, having only one leg, Aged, I should think eighty years or more, Also has a wife living about the same age, sicklyble] and the loss of his limb, reduced his property to a small amount. & for many years has received his support from a son, who is poorly able to support him. The old Gentleman is industrious in any thing he can do, and for truth & veracity stands unimpeached, And from his own, & Statements made by Revolutionary men about him, many years ago. I have no reason to doubt his being a Revolutionary Soldier, And further say not.
[signed] S. W. Brush

State of Vermont
Lamoille County ss.
Cambridge January 2nd 1838
Then personally appeared before the undersigned authority, Silas W. Brush of sd Cambridge County & State afsd. a credible witness, Acting Post Master, & one of the Selectmen of sd Cambridge, who made oath, that the facts set forth in the foregoing deposition by him subscribed as therein contained are true, according to his best knowledge information & belief.
Before me [signed] S. G. Safford - Justice of the Peace

Page 34

Certificate of the neighbrs of the applicant John Spafford

Page 35

We whose names are hereunto subscribed do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Spafford of Cambridge, & we consider him to be a man of truth & veracity, & his testimony entitled to belief.
Cambridge Augt 22. 1832
Z Willoughby
John Safferd
John Fassett
Nathl Read
John Warner
Orson Safford
Oel Safford
Geo. W Ranslow


The court hereby certifies that the character of the above named gentleman stand. High in the estimation of the people in the town in which they reside. The court is personally acquainted with most of the subscribers and know them to be men of truth and veracity whose statement or recommend is entitled to credit - the court further certify that the applicant John Spafford is a worthy man, but dependent on the charities of many of his friends for support. He has been a cripple for more than twenty years and very poor.
[signed] Wm Bridges Judge

Page 36

John Spafford, deceased
Vermont
Act June 7, 1832
Admitted
15.66
Private 4 months 21 days - 15.66
Corporal  1 month -  -  -  -  3.66
Sergeant  12 month  -  -  - - 2.00
Lieutenant  10 months -  -  -  -  -  - 4.44
[total] $25.77

at the rate of $25.77
per annum from March 4. 1831
to April 14th, 1840, when he died

Certificate payable to
Tisdell Spafford, his administrator
for benefit of himself and of
Pamela Megraw,
his only surviving children

Attorney
Benjamin H. Baldwin
Present.

Page 37

Brief in the case of John Spafford, deceased Franklin County and State of Vermont 
act June 7, 1832
Claim, Original
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
[blank]
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
The evidence of service consists of original rolls of service from New Hampshire - of Capt Walkers company in Col Bellows Regiment and others testimony of a comrad, an original diary report by Spafford in 1776 and the commission as Lieut.
Death of John Apl 14. 1840 and of his wife Jany 14 1839 proved by parol and certified - as also the names of the only surviving children - 
Administration and bond certified.

Name and residence of Agent
Benj, H. Baldwin Present
S. G. Dodge Examining Clerk.

Page 38

Service to Canada in 76 proved by two Comrads, 1 a pensioner, & by his own original diary  - as much as (Private) 3. m. j[illeg]

Capt Walkers co. full of 76. Col
Bellows' Rolls (large quarts N.H.
Rolls - service as corpl 1 m. including traid

Capt. Walker's roll June & July 77 Sergt 12 days

Capt Cary's Roll Bellow Regt
Sept &c 1777 at Ticonderoga Priv 1 m 1 d
Priv  3.20
4.21

Commission as Lieut & parol
proof of some 10 das service Lt

Private 4 m 21 das 15.66
Corpl 1 " 3.66
Sergt  12 " 2.00
Lieut 10 " 4.44
25.77

Page 39

Febery [sic] 1 1776
Set out from Charlestown and Camp
Stevens: 6 miles, [Lyz 
Cofens 14 miles [illeg]
Smith auter Crik 25
th 4 day Ruttan m 6 and
then down auter Crik
5 day to Browns camp
20 miles 6 day came
to Sanford 28 miles
day 7 came sheldon 20 miles
day 8 we lay on lack
Champlain 13 miles
1 day 17 miles 10 day
came to Saint Johns 21 miles
11 day came 3 miles
12 day 13 day and soon 
the 14 day  I was [illeg]
at Monall and [illeg]

Page 40

11 day set out for Q
Quebeck the 18 day on
our march Qubeack
Aprel 10 1776 the
camp near Cebeck
to 1 short ... 0:4:0
Aprel 16 1776
the Camp near Qubeck
Seth Cheais Dr
to 1 sort 0:5:0

[second page]
May [illeg]
from Quebeck
I remained veary sick
Jluy 3 I went of work

Page 41

May 13 1776
+ John Simons Dr
to Cash, lent 0:6 X
[line]
Thomas Nott Dr
to Cpyh lent 0:9:3
[line]
Febery 1 1776
I Thomos Nott Dr
to more leather 0:2:6
0:11:9
[line]
November 25 1776
+ Pheneus page Dr
to 5 [illeg] work [illeg]
3 Shilings per day 0:16:6
more to [illeg] 0-15-0
+ to peter page -11-6
[illeg]

[second page]
Febery 1 1776 that day
set out from Charlestown
to Quebeck the fust day to
1 springfield 6 m
2 Cavindish 14 m
3 to Clarendon 25 m [illeg]
4 mondy to Rutlan 6 m
5 to sudbary 20 m [illeg]
6 to waberig 29 m Sanford
7 to Shelborn 22 m
8 to Comberlinbay 36 m
9 to River[illeg] 21 m
10 to SJohns 18 miles
11 to Chamberlee 10 m
12 to - - - 6 m
13 to Moryeal 12 m
then staid at Montreal 4 days

Page 42

and then set out for
Quebeck on Saturday noon and we arrived at the plains of Abram near Quebeck the [illeg] from our seting out which was the twenty[illeg] dey of Febery which our hole merch was 400 miles and thear we was [illeg] 12 day I was taken sick & Broke out with the smallpox Simon powars Brock out with the smallpox 22d march and the 23d of march he died April 4d I [illeg] hom to my Quarters May 6 we Reased our sege and com of from the ground
[second page]
Aprel 5 1776
the Camp near Quebeck
& Seth putnam Dr to [illeg] simon powars
is a state ... 0:13:6
[line]
Asa Avrill X Dr 0:6:0
to turnpline 0:1:0
[line]
Robert Rand X Dr 0:2:6
[line]
& Jedidiah Rice Dr X
to [illeg] 0:2:5
[line]
Robt [Ra]nd X Dr 0:2:6
to [illeg]
& Charlestown New
HHS

Page 43

[tear in paper] th
April 6 1776
[blot] state
Dr to [blot] 
Cash pade
Camp Before 
Quebeck April 6 1776
pade Cash for Simons
Powars 10:2:8
66
[illeg]
20
28
22
36
21
18
18
 6
12
[line]
202382

Page 44

Washington Nov 1. 1854
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comm of Pensions
Sir
I beg leave to file herewith the required Evidence in the case of John Spafford of Cambridge Vermont under the act of June 7 1832 which is now suspended
Very Respectfully
Your obt Sert
Benj H Baldwin

Page 45

Elihu Grout
affidavit
in support of John Spafford Claim

Page 46

I Elihu Grout of Cambridge County of Franklin and State of Vermont being of Lawful Age Do testify and Say that I have been acquainted with Mr. John Spafford afs. Cambridge for about fifty years and Consider him to be a person of Truth and Veracity. I am likewise knowing to his being out in the Revolutionary war Several times. He went in the year 1776 through the woods by St. Johns to Quebec and I further testify and Say that in the same year he went to Ticonderoga under Colonel Bellows and In the Company Commanded by Capt. Walker And also in the year 1777 I am knowing to his going again to Ticonderoga and from there to Saratoga and then Continued until we both had the pleasure to see Burgoyne Surrender and further the Deponent sayeth not
(by St. Johns enlisted before signing)
Elihu Grout
Franklin County ss Cambridge September 5th 1832 Personally appeared Elihu Grout the signer of the foregoing affidavit and made oath to the Same before me
Isaac Griswold Just Peace
I also Certify that Elihu Grout is a person of truth and Veracity
Isaac Griswold
Justice Peace

Page 47

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss
St. Albans Sept 6th 1832. I Horace Janes Clerk of the County Court in said County do hereby Certify that Isaac Griswold of Cambridge is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly appointed by the Legislature of this State, and that I believe the foregoing signatures to be in his own handwriting. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the Public seal of said Court the day & year above.
Horace Janes Clerk
Elihu Grout- 
Affidavit

Page 48

St Albans Jany 27th 1836
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Sir
Enclosed I send you the deposition of Silas Symonds in Support of the claim of John Spafford. You will please examine the same and return me an answer.
Very respectfully
Your obt servt
Wm Bridges

Hon J. L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions

Page 49

Vermont Franklin Co
St Albans July 30th 1836
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Dear Sir,
Enclosed I transmit to you four depositions in support of the claim of John Spafford. I wish you to carefully examine the present evidence, and also the evidence before sent.
The enclosed are all that can be had in support of the claim, as I am informed.
It appears by my minutes that in addition to the Declaration of Spafford, heretofore sent, that he has furnished the following evidence in support of his claim to a Pension.
1st his Journal kept during the campaign in Canada; that document to be sure is not to be considered as positive testimony, but yet it is in my opinion very strong circumstantial evidence, the entrys there made are undoubtedly correct, and the appearance of the journal shows its antiquity. Secondly the depositions of Jona. Grout, Oliver Farnsworth, Elisha Grout, & Silas Simonds all tend to show that Mr Spafford had been considerably in service, and also to establish the character of the man.

Page 50

As it respects the character of the applicant, I have no doubt, (from the knowledge I have of his standing in society) but that he could obtain [the - crossed out] certificates of his good character from every man of his acquaintance. He is an honest respectable but unfortunate old gentleman. Has been a cripple for many years in consequence of the amputation of his right Leg, and if he is entitled to a pension for services rendered his country, no man needs it more.
It does appear to me that upon a re-examination of the papers now in the hands of the Department with the additional evidence herewith enclosed, you will be of opinion that Spafford is entitled to the pay of a private for six months at least.
You will please examine the enclosed and report to me as soon as convenient.
Very Respectfully
Your obt. servt
William Bridges
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comr Pensions

Page 51

Free
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
[illeg]
papers of Cornelius Davis
John Spafford
Charles Roger
wanted

[stamp] 
St. Albans VT
Oct 24

Page 52

St Albans October 24th 1833
Hon Sir
By advise recently recd from the Pension office dated Oct 1st 2d and 10th of 1833 respecting the Papers of Cornelius Davis, John Spafford & Charles Rozer It will be seen by examining the papers on file that the Declaration of Davis is the first and only one recd by you; no one bearing the name of Cornelius Davis has issued from my office except the one namd by you on file It was sent on the 12th day of July 1833. In regard to the papers of Spafford, his Declaration was amended by making additions but nothing taken from it, and the original returned; which was the case with Rogers. In no case has the originals been retained, or any part of the same. You will therefore have the goodness to again examine said declarations I am confident they will be found as I have stated.
very respectfully
your obt Servt
Wm Bridges
Hon. J. L. Edwards

Page 53

Washington Oct 19th 1854
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Court of Pensions
Sir
I beg leave to call your attention to the claim of John Spafford of Cambridge Vermont under the Act of June 7, 1832. It would appear that this claim has become entangled with the claim of John Spafford of Ludlow Vermont and of that of Mary Spafford widow of John Spafford also of Vermont. All of which claims are for entirely different Services ect. That this disarrangement of the papers has had much to do with delaying final or full actions on the Claim. There can be no doubt - I would now call your attention to the testimony in the case and ask that an allowance may be made for at least 6 months Service -
There appears to have been at least 3 Months 25 days Service in the Campaign to Quebec in 1776 as per the old Memorandum took of Claimant which is certified by the Court to be genuine.  Then also appears by the Certificate of the Sec of State to have been in three tours - one month and fifteen days. Making five Months and

Page 54

ten days proved by Record evidence. It would seem that there is sufficient paid evidence to make up the twenty days and entitle Claimant for an allowance for Six Month
Very Respectfully Yours
Obt Servt
Benj H Baldwin
A power of Atty is herewith filed

Hon. L. P. Waldo 
Comm of Pensions

Page 55

The rolls of this service in Canada are not complete.

Page 56

I, Nathaniel Holden of Barre, Washington County & State of Vermont, a private & Corporal in the Revolutionary Service a Pensioner under an Act of Congress of 1832. Aged eighty two years, do testify & say that I was personally acquainted with John Spafford in the year & previous to 1776. At that time were both of us residents of Charlestown New Hampshire, sd Spafford now resided in Cambridge Franklin County & State of Vermont. That in the year 1776, & I think on the 2nd day of Feby a company of Volunteers started from Charlestown to march to Quebec, marched without any officers to command us untill we arrived at St. Johns, lower Canada. We then halted and elected Samuel Wetherbee Capt. Jotham White Lieut. Our Ensign if Elected, I do not recollect. From St Johns we marched to Montreal & Quebec. We thence completed the duty required of us, & returned home to Charlestown. On the 25th day of May following making a campaign of four months & about ten days I have a distinct recollection, of John Spafford belonging to the same Company & performing service through the above Campaign.
[signed] Nathl Holden

State of Vermont
Washington County ss.
Barre July 11th 1836
Then personally appeared Nathl Holden of Barre in said county of Washington and State afsd before the subscribing authority a credible witness who make oath that the facts set forth in the foregoing deposition by him subscribed as thereon contained are true accounting to his best knowledge information and belief
Before me Newell Kinsman Justice of Peace

Page 57

I Seth Putnam of Middlesex County of Washington State of Vermont aged 81 years do testify & say that in the year 1776 & previous to that period I was acquainted with John Spafford then of Charlestown New Hampshire, & now a resident of Cambridge Franklin County Vt. that on the 1st of February 1776 a company of Volunteers was raised in the neighborhood of Said Charlestown & marched from there for St Johns, of which company said Spafford & myself were members. when we arrived at St Johns Lower Canada, not having any Company Officers previously elected, we made choice of Samuel Wetherbee Captain, Jonathan White Lieut. & Oliver Ashley Ensign - from St. Johns we marched to Montreal & Quebec - performed the service required & returned again to said Charlestown the following Spring, making a campaign of from four to five months we performed the aforesaid services together & returned at same time - soon after our arrival at Quebec Capt Weatherbee's Company was attached to Col. Seth Warner's Regiment.
I further testify & say that in Summer or fall of 1777 said John Spafford & myself belonged to Capt Cary's Company of Militia, Capt. Cary belonged to Leominster N.H. this company was formed of Volunteers & was ordered & marched to Saratoga & was there at the Surrender of Genl Bourgoyne's Army and we were in Service I believe six weeks or more at this time
Seth Putnam
Sworn to before me
July 11th AD 1836 - Joshua Y Vale Justice of Peace
I certify that said Seth Putnam is a man of good reputation & a credible witness
J Y Vail Jus Peace

Page 58

State of Vermont
Washington County ss
I Jonathan Vail clerk of the County Court within and for the county of Washington do hereby certify that Newell Kinsman and Jonathan Vail are Justices of the peace within & for said county duly appointed & commissioned under the authority of this State and that their names [attached - crossed out] to the affidavits herewith as such, are their own proper hand writing-
In testimony to thereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Said County Court this 11th day of July AD 1836
Joshua Y Vail Clerk

Page 59

Charlestown November 13th 1834
I Jonathan Grout in the Seventy fifth year of my age do testify and say that in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven I turned out as a Volunteer from Charlestown with John Spafford and went to help take General Burgoin and we were gone one month and that said Spafford staid back a week or ten days more to take care of his brother who broke his leg [in - crossed out] while in Servis Benjamin Bellows was our Colonel and a Cary of Lewiston was our Captain and I shall always remember Capt Cary for when he was appointed Capt, the men stood paraded he ordered them to the right face and then march and they did march four or five rod then he lookt back and they were all drawing their guns on the ground he said why dont you shoulder your guns you know you aught to shoulder as well as I do
Jonathan Grout
State of New Hampshire Sullivan ss. Nov 14, 1834
Then the aforesaid Jonathan Grout personally appeared and made oath that the foregoing deposition contains the truth and nothing but the truth - and I certify that the deponent is a man of veracity and entitled to credit
[illeg] Jus. Peace

Page 60

State of New Hampshire
Sullivan ss
I T. W. Gilman Clerk of the Superior Court of Judication for said County hereby certify that J J Gilchrist is a Justice of the Peace within aforsaid County and that the signature herewith purporting to be his is genuine
Given under my hand & the Seal of said County this 1st Day of December 1834
T W Gilman Clerk

Page 61

I George Gragg of Sterling, Franklin County & State of Vermont aged Seventy nine years, do testify & say, that I was well acquainted in the year 1778, & previous to that time with John Spafford, then of Piermont State of New Hampshire, now of Cambridge, Franklin County & State of Vt. That in the Spring of 1778 four companies of volunteers were raised one in Piermont, to which company sd Spafford & myself belonged, one in Bradford, one in Newbury & one in Haverill, Holding ourselves in readiness at a moments warning to do any Service required of us, our whole Service was performed in Scouting, generally small parities, the four companies were not all called out at any one time to my recollection, some time in the winter of the years service, the company to which sd Spafford & myself belonged in Piermont were called on to go to Newbury to rescue from the hands of a Tory Capt by the name of Pritchett & his associates Col. Thos. Johnson of Newbury, Moses & Jonathan Elkins [of Peacham - crossed out] & two of General Bailies sons, all of Peacham Vt. were all made prisoners in sd Peacham. Moses Elkins was taken sick & left by the Tories in Hardwick, Vt. Jonathan Elkins was sent a prisoner to England & gone 2 or more years. Johnson & Bailies were taken to Montreal & returned the June following, and comp was out that time 2 or 3 days, at an other time our company was called to Newbury, to the relief of General Jack Baily, who was attacked by a party of Tories, the Capt under whom our Company   did Service the above period was Benjamin Patison. I further testify & Say that in the year 1782 [inserted] July 23rd John Spafford had a Lieutenants Commission under Capt Azariah Webb [Company - crossed out] a militia Capt in Piermont. I was a soldier under sd Webb  & Spafford, & was out several times scouting, one time at Newbury, gone a week or more - I further testify & say that in 1778 I distinctly recollect [being called and - crossed out] the volunteer comp. to which Spafford & myself belonged, being called out, to go to Corinth to make prisoner of Capt Pritchett who went there to administer the Oath of Allegiance to the King, to the people there. And further say not
George Gragg

Page 62

[illeg]
State of Vemront
Franklin County ss
Sterling July 16th 1836
Then personally appeared before the underesigned authority George Gragg of sd Sterling Franklin County & State afsd. a credible witness who made Oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed as therein contained are true according to his best knowledge information & belief
Before me Oel Safford Justice of Peace

Page 63

[illeg]
I, Samuel Miller of Johnson, Franklin County & State of Vermont aged Seventy five years, do testify & say, That In the year & previous to 1778 I was well acquainted with John Spafford, then of Piermont New Hampshire, & now of Cambridge, Franklin, & State of Vermont. That in Spring of 1778, four companies of Volunteers were raised, One in Bradford, to which I belonged, One in Piermont, to which sd Spafford belonged, one in Newbury, & one in Haverill, holding ourselves in readiness at all times, at a moments warning to do the duty required of us, as companies we remained in that Situation the term of our engagement says one full year. Often being called out on duty by Companies, or in small parties, & generally for short Scouts, but little time elapsed but some of us were on duty - as the whole of the four companies were not called on duty at any one time I had no means of Seeing sd Spafford out in actual Service, but have no hesitation in saying I believe he was, & performed the duty required - I further testify & say that in the year 1778. the year above alluded to, I was well knowing to a Capt Pritchett, (a Tory Capt) going with a company to the Town of Corinth to a make prisoner of General Jacob Bailey & others - & also to administer the oath of allegiance to the King, to the people there- and further say not-
Samuel Miller
State of Vermont
Franklin County ss
Johnson July 16th 1836
Then Personally appeared before the undersigned authority Samuel Miller of sd Johnson Franklin County & State afsd a credible witness who made oath that the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed as therein contained are true, according to his best knowledge information & belief 
Before me Oel Safford, Justice of Peace

Page 64

Omit
State of Vermont
Franklin County ss
I Joseph H. Brainerd
Clerk of Franklin
County Court, do hereby certify that Oel Safford who has affixed his name to the within is a Magistrate duly qualified agreeably to the laws of this State to act as such, and that the signatures within purporting to be his, is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of sd court at St Albans in said county this 30th day of July 1836
Joseph H Brainerd Clerk

Page 65

Charlestown Dec. 23
Mr John Spafford
Cambridge State of
Vermont

[written along right margin]
Jonathan Grout
affe in support of
John Spafford
claim to a Pension

Page 66

Charlestown December 14- 1836
Sir I send you my Evidence and it is all I can help you to  I paid out twenty five cents and that you are welcom to your 
Real Friend
Jonathan Grout
Mr J Spafford

Page 67

John Spafford

Page 68

I Silas Symonds of Concord, County of Essex, and State of Vermont, Seventy Seven years of age, A Soldier of the Revolution a Pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of March 18th 1818 - do testify and say, that in the year 1776, and for some years previous to that time, I lived within one mile of John Spafford in the Town of Charleston & State of New Hampshire - was well acquainted with him, and  had known that for many years past he has resided in Cambridge Franklin County & State of Vermont - That in the year 1776 I think about the 1st of February, volunteers were called for and turned out, from the towns of Charleston, Claremont, Acworth & Unity, to march to Canada - and have a distinct recollection of John Spafford turning out as a Volunteer at the time - the forepart of January 1776 I enlisted in Capt Potters Company, in Col Warners Regiment of Green Mountain Boys, so called, the Regiment to which I belonged, not being involved, at the time of the draft, was made for the Canada Campain, but were all in the pursuit of their own domestic affairs, Orders were issued for the Regiment to which I belonged and, also to the above named Volunteers to repair immediately in the best manner possible to St. Johns, in Lower Canada, being as, above Stated, an inhabitant of Charleston, the place where most of the Volunteers Started from I fell in Company with sd John Spafford and other neighbors and accompanied them to St Johns, where the Volunteers mostly assembled together, and for the first time elected their company Officers - they elected Samuel Wetherbee their Capt. their other officers I do not distinctly recollect- we then went to Montreal and in about one week after our arrival there the regiment to which I belonged had so much collected together that we were embodied and Capt Wetherbees Volunteer Co. joined to sd Regiment about the same time, our Regiment to Quebec, at which place I frequently saw sd Spafford embodied in our Regm and to my best recollection was there in Service untill about the 6th day of May following, at which time our Army retreated, and have no further recollection of his service during the Canada Campain - And further I do testify and say that in the year 1776 and I think in the forepart of the Summer but cannot positively from want of recollection State, sd Spafford and myself came out together in Capt Abel Walkers Company and Col. Benj Bellows Regiment of N.H. Militia - the Lieut &

Page 69

Ensign were so frequently changed in our Company, I cannot be positive who they were in the above Service - we were Ordered from Charleston to Ticonderoga in consequence of two British vessels arriving at that place. we remained a few days at Ticonderoga a few days our Army then retreated before the British to Hubberton, when some of our troops exchanged shots with the British. From Hubberton we returned to Charleston, and from my best recollection we were gone from home about two weeks-
And further deponent sayeth not. Silas Symonds

State of Vermont
Essex County ss
Concord October 19th 1835
Then personally appeared before the undersigned authority Silas Symonds of sd Concord , County of Essex, & State aforesaid is credible witness, who made oath that the facts set forth in the foregoing deposition by him Subscribed as therein contained, are true according to his best knowledge information and belief
Before me Harvey G Fry Justice Peace

State of Vermont
Essex County ss
I William Gates Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Essex aforesaid do hereby certify that Harvey G Fry whose name is subscribed above is a Justice of the Peace within and fore the County of Essex aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and I believe the same is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court this 19th day of October AD 1835
Wm Gates Clerk-

Page 70

15822
3 - 2233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
Dec. 2. 1827
Chief Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
I have this day received from
A.W. DeGoosh
cash in the amount
of $ 15/100 requesting
photostat copy as per letter herewith.
...
Photos mailed
Finance Director
Notified Jan 5-1928
[unclear] W F
...
0. J. RANDALL
Chief, Finance Division.
H.C.L.

Page 71

1-681
PHONE Branch 476

All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 20016
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications,
Room G 137.
January 3, 1938. 192
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering PENSIONS
Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE,
EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostat copy of one page from the Reve-
Revolutionary War pension claim S. 14565 of John Spafford.
No. of copies 1
Shall form be kept standing?
days
For further information see M.M.H. Finch
Room No. 5033 
Phone No. 541
Approved: O.L. Gaubird [unsure]
Chief Clerk of Bureau
Margaret M. H. Finch
Chief of Branch
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written
below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph single or double space? Facsimile signature?
Mimeograph single or double space? Facsimile signature?
Folding once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling Once? Twice? Side? End?

Electric typewriter Fill in addresses? Dated?
Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size
Proof list
Labels (submit sample)
Fill in letters
Cards, size
Pay rolls
Corrections
Tabulation sheets

Photostat x Size actual Official use? Repay? $ yes $15cts
Blue Print Size actual Official use? Repay? $ yes $

Remarks

(OVER)

Page 72

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal
reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of
bureaus.
.... 192
(Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
Make new addressograph plate
Change present addressograph plate
Destroy present addressograph plate
On list.
as follows:
Now reads
1 ...
2 ...
3 ...
4 ...
5 ...

Should read
1 ...
2 ...
3 ...
4 ...
5 ...

FOR USE OF DUPLICATION AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ... 192 , 
Operator

MULTIGRAPH

The above change was made
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MIMEOGRAPH
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Page 73

December 23, 1927
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir:
I desire photostat copy of one page from the Revolutionary War pension claim of John Spafford S. 14565, Green Mt. Boys and New Hampshire Troops.
Recd. payment
Fifteen cents
Antonia W. Ford
Rev. & 1812 Wars Sec.
AWDeGoosh
US Shipping Board
[illeg]

Page 74

[diagonally across upper left corner] RevWar
14565
Invalid.
File No. 14565
J[name obiliterated] Spafford
Corp: Rev War
Act: June 7" 1832
Index:-Vol. 1, Page 354
[Arrangement of 1870]
John Spafford

1928 Jan 5 Photo 
mailed to A. W. DeGoosh [illeg]

Page 75

No 2
Revolutionary 
Vermont
John Spafford
of Cambridge
Suspended
Act 7 June '32
Letter to John Gates. Jr
St. Albans, Vt
Oct. 2. 1833
W. Bridges Esq
Nov. 11. 1833
B. H. Baldwin Oct 20/54

[along right margin] [illeg] under B Swfit apl 24 1834
Letter to Wm Bridges [illeg]

Page 76

L. P. Waldo Esq
Commissioner of Pensions--
Washington Col D

[along left margin of envelope]: Elizabeth Wylie Pa

Page 77

State of New-Hampshire
The Government and People of said State, to John Spafford Gentleman Greeting.
We reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, Do, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you the said John Spafford to be Second Lieutenant of the fifth Company in the twelth Regiment of Militia whereof Charles Johnston [illeg] Colonel

Regiment of Militia in the said State of New-Hampshire. You are therefor carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of Second Lieutenant in leading, ordering, and [word obscured by crease] said Company in Arms, both inferior Officers and Soldiers, and to keep them in good Order and Discipline; hereby commanding them to obey you as their 2d Lieutenant and yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instruction, as you shall from Time to Time receive from the Council and House of Representatives of said State for the Time being, and in their Recess from the Committee of Safety, or any your Superior Officers for the Service of said State, according to Military Rules and Discipline, pursuant to the Trust reposed in you. In. Testimony whereof, we have caused the Seal of said State to be hereunto affixed : Witness Michael Weare Esq; President of our said Council, at Exeter, the TwentySecond Day of July Anno Domini 1782 and in the Seventh Year of Independence of the United States of America.
MWeare
Joseph Pearson Dep. Secy.

Page 78

Oliver Farnsworth
attt in support 
of John Spaffords
claim -

Page 79

I Oliver Farnsworth of Fairfield in the
County of Franklin & State of Vermont
do testify & say that I formerly resided in
Charlestown State of New Hampshire and
there became acquainted with John
Spafford a resident of Sd Charlston, lived in
said Charlestown thirty years acquainted with
him the said John during that period of time
that in the year 1776 in the month of Jany
or Fely I was knowing to sd John Spafford
going into the service of the United States
under the command of Capt. Samuel Wetherby
of To Charlestown and marching for canada.
I was knowing to his returning home after an
absence of five or six months, have often
heard to John converse about the campaign
and the hardships he endured while at Quebec
and other places in Canada his having the
Small Pox while in canada at that time
all which I have no reason to doubt but
verily believe that his service was extremly
said two of his comrads from Charlestown
And I further state that I am seventy three years
of age
Oliver Farnsworth
State of Vermont ⎬ St Albans August 27th 1832
Franklin County ⎬ Personally appeared before the
undersigned authority Oliver Farnsworth
a credible witness who made oath that the facts
set forth in the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed as therein contained are true
Before me William Bridges Judge

Page 80

State of Vermont
Georgia District ss
I John Gates the Register of the Court of Probate for the district of georgia hereby certify that William Bridges before whom the within affidavit was taken is Judge of the court of Probate for the District aforesaid and the signature is his own proper hand writing -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name at St. Albans in sd district this 27th day of August AD 1832 and affix the seal of said court
att John Gates [illeg.] Registery