Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,244, George Banfill, Vt.

Page 1

Service
Vt.

Banfill, George
Anna

Number W.17,244

[Stamp: This envelope includes FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER Received from GAO]

Page 2

9183
Vermont
George Banfill
of Topsham in the State of Ver
who was a Ser in the Com commanded
by Captain Stevens of the Reg commanded
by Col Bedel in the [illegible]
[crossed out: line for] State Troops - 1 yr

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 60 Dollars 00 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 4 day of April 1830 and sent - Simeon Short - Thetford Vt

Arrears to the 4th of March 1831 $120.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sep 4. 33 40.00
$160.00

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by E.D. Bullock, Clerk
Book E Vol 3 Page 52

Page 3

George Banfill application & certificate Return to be made to Simeon Short Thetford Orange County Vt  No. 2,813

Page 4

STATE OF VERMONT, Probate District of Bradford COUNTY OF Orange ss. On this first day of August personally appeared before the Probate Court of the District of Bradford in open Court now sitting George Banfill a resident of Topsham in the county of Orange and State of Vermont, aged 85  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 entered the service of the United States in the year 1778 with Jacob Fowler, William Tice &  Jeremiah Bowen and served under the following named officers; Captain Simeon Stevens, Lieut, Hawkings & Lieut Martin & was attached to Col Bedels regiment so called, that he enlisted at Newbury in the State of Vermont in the month April of the year 1778 for the time of one year & was stationed at Newbury & Haverhill in New Hampshire & was engaged in guarding the stores  deposited at said places & in scouting between Connecticut River & Lake Champlain & continued in service through the period of his enlistment & from April until the last day of November 1779 & was then discharged & the discharge written on the roll which is on and in the war department .that he served as a Sergeant in said company. He also declares that he stood as a minute man, served as specified one year after his time was out as above stated. Also that he hired a man by the name of Richard Chamberlain to serve tour in 1777 & paid him twenty dollars & took his receipt for the service. which receipt is already in the war department. He refers to documents & papers already forwarded to the department & to the depositions of Patrick Kenedy Wm Tice & Simeon Stevens for further proof. He also states that he has lived in Newbury Vt. since the war & two years ago removed into Topsham when he now lives. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or 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 Vermont. Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. George his X mark Banfill  And the said court do hereby declare their opinion that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. I Simeon Short Clerk or Regt of the court of Probate aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of George Banfill for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this first day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty - two. Simeon Short Clerk

Page 5

Vermont - 2953 - Anna Banfill widow of George Banfill who died on the 19 July 1837 of Orange in the State of Vermont who was a Sergt in the Compy commanded by Captain Stevens of the Regt commanded by Bedel in the Vermont line for 12 mos ?
 Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier at the rate of 60 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the [crossed out: 4th day of March, 1831.] 20 July 1837 - Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of July 39 , and sent to Wm Spencer Corinth VT  Arrears to the 4th of Mar $97.31Semi-annual allowance ending 30.00//$127.31 { Revolutionary Claim Act July 4, 1836, Section the} Recorded by  R. Bardian Clerk, Book A  Vol. 2. Page 42.

Page 6

The affidavit of Simon Stevens Junior of Newbury in the County of Orange and State of Vermont Sheweth- that he is Town Clerk of the said town of Newbury and as such has the care and custody of the town records and books appertaining to said town clerks office. I further testify and Say that I have made careful and diligent search in the records of said Office for an entry of the marriage of George Banfill and Anna Sanborn and I am fully satisfied that no entry exists of said marriage in the records of said Office Simon Stevens Jr. Town Clerk 
State of Vermont Orange County ss. Be it known that on this 25th day of March AD 1839, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Simeon Stevens Junr who hath subscribed the foregoing affidavit, in my presence and made solemn oath that the same contains the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. And I do certify that the said affiant is a credible witness Joseph Berry Justice of the Peace
 I Ephraim Bagley of Topsham in the County of Orange and State of Vermont of the age of forty one years do depose testify and say that I have known and been well acquainted with George Banfill late of Newberry in said Orange County deceased and also with his wife Anna Banfill for about twenty years past. Said George died at said Newberry on the 19th day of July 1837 and said Anna has remained hither to and still is his widow, and is now residing at my house in Topsham Ephraim Bagley

Page 7

State of Vermont County of Orange Ss - Be it known, that on this 27th day of March 1839 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared the said Ephraim Bagley, who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition in my presence, and made solemn oath that the same contains the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. And I do certify that the said deponent is a credible witness Joseph Berry Justice of the Peace 
[five lines faded to illegibility]...She lived at my father's house in Newberry previous to her ? for a ? or ? or more I ? recall it when George ?? was courting  She and said George Banfill were ?? there  a minister of the gospel at Newberry at aforesaid, in the month of February  ?  this deponent believes and has no doubt of the fact of the year 1776 it being in the winter previous to the declaration of independence-- I well recall the day and time though I cannot fix on the particular day. said Persons dwelling house was within fifty rods of my fathers, the next door neighbor at which the said George and Anna were married and they have ever lived together since as husband and wife until the ?  death the year before last  Mr Powers left  [illegibile] John Johnson
State of Vermont  Orange County ss. Be it known that on this 28th day of March 1839, before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared John Johnson, who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition in my presance, and made solemn Oath that the same contains the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. And I do hereby certify that the said deponent is a credible witness Joseph Berry Justice Peace

Page 8

State of Vermont Probate District of Bradford ss,⎬I, J. W. D. Parker Clerk or Register of the  Probate Court for the district of Bradford aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration of Anna Banfill was taken and subscribed in open Court and that Wm Spencer whose name is above subscribed is Judge of Probate  for the District of Bradford aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified as such that his signature above written is genuine and that said Anna Banfill was duly sworn to the truth of said declaration in open Court- In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court this 30 day of April 1839 - J.W. D. Parker Register - I George Banfill of Haverhill in the County of Grafton in the State of Newhampshire aged fifty six years do depose testify and say that George Banfill late of Newbing in the County of Orange deceased was my father and Anna Banfill now residing in Tops have in said County is my mother. My said father died at said Newberry on the 19th day of July 1837. I was present at his death and funeral. My said mother is yet living and remains the widow of said George Banfill deceased. The leaves of the bible hereto attached and mentioned in the foregoing declaration of my mother I said taken from the family bible of my parents and have known it to be their family record for the last twenty or thirty years or more, and with the exception of some of the last entries are in the hand writing of my father and it is the only record that I have any knowledge of George Banfill Sworn to and subscribed in open Court this 30 day of April 1839 before me J.W. D. Parker Register In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court and I hereby certify that said George Banfill is a credible witness. J.W. D. Parker Register

Page 9

I Joseph Berry of Newberry in the County of Orange and State of Vermont do depose testify and say that I was present and assisted in taking the leaves from an old bible which purported to be the old family bible of the late George Banfill of this town, on the 27th day of March 1839 - and from the best in formation I could obtain I have no doubt but that the enclosed contains the record and all the record of the family of Mr Banfill that can be obtained . Joseph Berry
State of Vermont County of Orange ss Be it known that on this 27th day of April 1839 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared the said Joseph Berry who hath Subscribed the foregoing deposition in my presence and made Solemn Oath that the same contains the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. And I do certify that the Deponent is a credible witness Henry Keyes Justice of the Peace

Page 10

State of Vermont
County of Orange - On this 30 day of April
AD 1839 - personally appeared before the Probate Court
the same being a Court of record of the district
Bradford, in the aforesaid County of Orange -
Anna Banfill, a resident of Topsham in the aforesaid
County of Orange, aged Eighty years the 19th day
of last December, 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 George Banfill
who was a Sargeant in Captain Simeon Steven’s
Company in Colonel Timothy Bedel’s
Regiment in the Continental line
stationed at Haverhill in the County of
Grafton in the State of New Hampshire, and at Newbury
in the aforesaid County of Orange in the revolutionary
 War - said George Banfill enlisted into said
company the first of April 1778 the day of the month
not now recollected-- and did the duties therein as an
orderly Sargeant under said engagement, until
the last day of March 1779 when his term expired;
but the said George still continued his said service
in the aforesaid Company and Regiment - as this
declarant believes, and has no doubt, for a further
term of about eight months, ending in November
1779 - The said George at the time of his enlistment
resided in Newberry aforesaid, and he entered the said
service as a volunteer - said company was
employed in guarding the frontier, and also the
military stores and works at Newbury and Haverhill,
the same having been provided in anticipation

Page 11

Of an invasion of Canada by the way of the Hazen
road which was opened for that purpose from Newbury
to near Canada line - 
She further declares that she has no documentary
evidence in support of her claim-- that the subjoined
leaves are taken from the family bible-- the entries
there contained are mostly in the hand writing of
her late husband, that she knows of no record of
any description of her aforesaid marriage, and
that she has no other family record and knows of
no other than the entries on said leaves - 
She further declares that she was married to said
George Banfill the first of February in the year
1774 at Newbury aforesaid by the Reverend Peter
Powers, then a minister of the gospel at Newbury.
but the day of the month she does not now recollect.
that she lived with said George as his wife from
the time of said marriage, until his death;
that he died at said Newbury on the 19th day of
July in the year 1837. and that she has since
remained and now is his widow. she further says
that her said husband was at the time of his death a pensioner
that his pension certificate bears date April 4, 1833 and is numbered
—-- and she would refer to said Banfills declaration
for a pension for further particulars.
Anna Banfill her mark

Witnesses to the signature of Anna Banfill
J. W. D. Parker
George Banfill
Thomas Machelden

State of Vermont
Probate District of Bradford S. Sworn to and subscribed on the
day and year first above written before me in open Court
Wm Spencer Judge

Page 12

FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS. 
[Column One]
Harriet Banfill was born August 2, 1819
Susannah Banfill was born July 4, 1821
Eleanor Banfill was born April 1 1823
David Banfill was born June 25, 1825
Sarrah Banfill was born Feb 13, 1827
WH C Banfill was born Jan 17, 1829
Livera Banfill was born Nov 13, 1831

BIRTHS.
[Column Two]
Augustus Banfill was born April 2, 1833
Augusta Banfill was born June 1, 1835

Page 13

FAMILY RECORD.
DEATHS.
[Column One]
Anna Sawyer wife of John Sawyer died 29th of Febry 1820 about 10 OClock at night -
Enos Sawyer son of John & Anna Sawyer died 16th July 1819.
Saml [Samuel] Battin son of John & Hannah BAttin died 28th July 1819. . 
Reuben Banfill son of Geo. Banfill & Anna died the Eighth Day of July 1823 -
Mark Banfill son of Geo. & Anna B. died July 24, 1831 in the 55th year of his age

DEATHS.
[Column Two]
Polly Rowel daugter [daughter] of George & Anna B died Sept 24 1831 in the 38 year of her age
Mr George Banfill died July 19 1837 in his ninety first year of his age
Augustus H Banfill died Sept 12 1834 Aged 17 mo 11 days

Page 14

FAMILY RECORD.   B74
BIRTHS. 
[Column One]
Mark Banfill was born August 31st, 1776 Saturday about 3 O'Clock afternoon
Anna Banfill was born April 20th, 1778 Monday morning about 3 O'Clock
Reuben Banfill was born Novr. 29th, 1780 Wednesday night about, 11, O'Clock
George Banfill was born July 14, 1782, Sabbath day about 4 O'Clock afternoon 
Hannah Banfill was born Octobr 9th, 1784 Saturday morning about 4, O'Clock - -
Benj'a [Benjamin] Banfill was born Nov. 16th, 1786 Wednesday night about 5 O'Clocl - - -

[illegible] BIRTHS.
[Column Two]
John Banfill was born Decr. 24th, 1788 Wednd. morning 
Saml [Samuel] Banfill was born May 6th, 1792 Sunday morning
Betsy Banfill was born - August 25th, 1795 Tuesday morning, about 1. O'Clock 
Nabby Banfill was born July 16th, 1797 Sabbath day morning
Polly Banfill was born May 9th, 1799 Thursday morning about, 1. O'Clock
Mr George Banfill 
Died AD 1839
Abe George Burger
[illegible]

Page 15

3
Anna Banfield [Banfill]
4th July 36
28 yz

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO

Page 16

Oath of Identity for the Widow or child of a deceased Pensioner.

STATE OF Vermont
Orange COUNTY

Be it known, That before me, Moses Wallace, Justice of the Peace, in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Ephraim Bagley administrator of the Estate of Anna Banfill late of Topsham in said County & State
and made oath in due form of law that the Anna Banfill of Topsham
is the identical person who was a pensioner, and is now dead, and to whom a certificate of pension was issued, of which the following is a true copy.
War Department Revolutionary Claim
I certify that in conformity with the 3rd Section of the law of the United States of the
4th of July 1836. Anna Banfill of Vermont widow of George Banfill, deceased, who was
Sergeant in the Revolution is entitled to receive sixty dollars pr annum, during the 
time she may remain unmarried commencing on the twentieth day of July 1837 and
payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September
Given at the War office of the United States this twenty
sixth day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine.
L. Cooper Acting Secretary of War

Examined & Countersigned
 J.L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions

That the deceased pensioner resided in Topsham in the State of Vermont
for the space of 5 years before her death; and that previous thereto the resided in Newbury Vt Ephraim Bagley
Sworn and subscribed this 11th day of March 1845
Before me, Moses Wallace Justice Peace

in
the
Power of Attorney for the Widow or child of a deceased Pensioner.
know all men by these presents, That I Ephraim Bagley of 
Topsham in the County of Orange and State of Vermont
pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint Jon’n  Jenness
true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to receive from the Agent of the United States for paying pensions in Montpelier at Vermont the balance of said pension from the 4th day of 
September 1844 to the 27th day of February 1845, being the day of her death.
Witness my hand and seal this 11th day of March 1845 Ephraim Bagley

SEALED AND DELIVERED IN PRESENCE OF
O. H. Watson
Moses Wallace

STATE OF Vermont
Orange COUNTY, SS.
Be it known, That on the 11th day of March 1845, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace
in and for said County, personally appeared Ephraim Bagley above named, and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be his act and deed. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
Before me, Moses Wallace Justice Peace

STATE OF Vermont
Orange COUNTY, SS. Be it known, That on the 11th day of March 1845, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by the Laws of the State to administer oaths, personally appeared
Jon’n Jenness the Attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any sale
transfer, or mortgage of the pension, therein authorized to be received by him.
Jon’an Jeness
SWORN AND SUBSCRIBED THE DAY AND YEAR 
LAST ABOVE MENTIONED BEFORE ME:
Moses Wallace Justice Peace

Page 17

State of Vermont
Bradford District ss  I Stephen Thomas Register of
the Probate Court within and for said district
do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has
been exhibited to said Court that Anna Banfill
 was a Pensioner of the United State at the
rate of Sixty dollars per annum, was a
resident of Topsham in the County of Orange
in the State of Vermont and died in said Topsham
 in the State of Vermont in the year 1845
on the 27 day of February-- and that Ephraim
Bagley of Said Topsham  has been duly
appointed Administrator upon the estate of
said Anna Banfill and has filed in
this Court his bond for the faithfull discharge
 of his duties as such Administrator.
In testimony whereof I hereunto
Set my hand and affix the seal
of said Probate Court at Bradford
this 11th day of March A.D. 1845
Stephen Thomas Register

[Next words are stamped]
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER RECEIVED FROM GAO

Received from a
Pension Agency, Montpelier Vermont, 11. March 1845.

RECEIVED of Tho’s Reed Agent, for paying pensions Twenty Eight
dollars, & 92 cents, being 5 23/30 months' pension due to Ephraim Bagley
Ad’r of Anna Banfill from the 4th day of September 1844 to the
 24 day of February 1845, for which I have signed duplicate receipts.
Jon’n Jeness
$28.92

[Next words are stamped]
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER RECEIVED FROM GAO

Page 18

Anna Banfill 
Payment to be made
at Montpelier
by A. Clark Esq
Agent for paying Pensioners, 
in the Agency of
Vermont

Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book A Vol. 2
Page 42 by
R. Burdine
Clerk.

Page 19

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of
the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836,
Anna Banfill of Vermont
widow of George Banfill, deceased
who was a Sergeant in the Revolution
is entitled to receive Sixty dollars and
--- cents per annum, during the time she may remain
unmarried, commencing on the twentieth day of
July 1837 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of
March and 4th of September
Given at the War Office of the United 
States, this twenty sixth day of
July one thousand eight
hundred and thirty nine
S. Cooper
Acting Secretary of War

Examined and
Countersigned.}
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

FINAL PAY VOUCHER
RECEIVED FROM GAO

Page 20

Rev. War Section.
February 23, 1817.

M. Edith Hood,
Piermont,
New Hampshire.

Madam:
In addition to the military history of George Banfill
W File No. 17,344 Rev. War, you are furnished the following
family data from the papers on file in the claim.

Mark Banfill born August 31, 1776 died July 24, 1831.
Anna “  “ April 30, 1778.
Reuben “  “ November 29, 1780 died July 3, 1823.
George “  “ July 14, 1782.
Hannah “  “ October 9, 1784.
Benjamin “  “ November 16, 1786.
John “  “ December 24, 1788
Samuel “  “ May 6, 1792.
Betsy “  “ August 25, 1795.
Polly “  “ May 8, 1799
Polly Rowel died September 24, 1831 in the 32d year of her age.

Harriet Banfill born August 3, 1819
Susannah “  “ July 4, 1821.
Eleanor “  “ April 1, 1823.
David “  “ June 23, 1825.
Sarah J. “  “ February 13, 1827.
W. H. C. “  “ January 17, 1829.
Livera “  “ November 13, 1831.
Augustus “  “ April 2, 1833, died September 18, 1834.
Augusta “  “ June 1, 1835.

Anna Sawyer wife of John Sawyer died February 29, 1820.
Enos Sawyer son of John & Anna Sawyer, died July 16, 1819.

Samuel Battin son of John & Hannah Battin, died July 28, 1819.
Very respectfully,
[illegible - JMSaltz??]
Commissioner.

Page 21

Newbury Sept
September 15th 1777 I have agreed to do
turn in the Stats Servis [State's Service] for George Banfield [Banfill] and to proceed forthwith to our army for which I have Rec'd twenty Dollars and am to Recd the wages alowd [allowed] till my return.
[illegible] Lovewell [illegible]

Page 22

Newbury September ye 3rd 1777
for Value Recd promis [promise] to pay to
Jess McFarlan on order fifty Dollars in three months from the above date

Page 23

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17244
Anna Banfill
Widow of
George Banfill
Sergt. Rev. War

Act: July 4th 36
Index -- Vol. 1 Page 37
(Arrangement of 1870.)

1917 Feb. 23. History to M.
Edith Hood
1921 May 4 Photos to
A.W. DeGoosh. (see receipt
for payment in Daniel
Hall, W 29199) AW

Page 24

Geo. Bonfill [Banfill] Vt Bellows Falls act 7 June-- when last pd?
[illegible initials]
24 July '39-
Geo. Banfield at $60 per an. died 19th July 1837 & paid to that time.
S. H. H.

Page 25

21734
George Banfill
Vermont
Act  18 March 1818
Rejected 5 May
1830. Vide letter to 
claimant

Page 26

Pension Off
May 5. 1831
Sir, 

The documents in support of
your claim have been examined and
will remain in our files. Colonel Biddle
under whom you ser. did not command a
Regiment in the continental establishment
in the year 1778 at which time it
appears that you

Page 27

Here are true
Copies of Certificates,
the Original
sent to the seat of
Government, then
at the time of
the within dates
Geo. Banfill
I took copies from the
original

Page 28

I Edmund Brown of Bradford in the State of Vermont Testify & Say that Geo. Banfill Enlisted into Capt Simeon Stevens company in Col Tim Bedel’s Regiment Rais'd as was suppose to go into Canada, and am, knowing to the said Banfill doing duty in said company for more than Eleven months as a Serj’t [Sergeant] in the Revolutionary War.
Newbury, August 4th, 1818  Edmund Brown

Bath August 4, 1818 Personally appeared Before me Edmund Brown Subscriber to the above Deposition and made Oath that the above Deposition by him subscribed contains the whole trust & nothing but the truth. Before me David Smith Just. Peace

I Jacob Fowler of Orange in the County of Orange and State of Vermont testify and Say that George Banfill enlisted into Captn Simeon Stevens Company in Coln Timothy Bedel’s Regiment Rais’d as was Supposed to go into Canada and an knowing to the said Banfill doing duty in said Company for more than Eleven months as a Serj’t [Sergeant] in the Revolutionary War in the year 1778 and 1779.
Newbury August 1st, 1818  Jacob Fowler

Newbury, August 1st, 1818, Personally appeared before me Jacob Fowler Subscriber to the above Deposition and made Oath that the above Deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth.
Before me – Simeon Stevens, Just. Peace

Page 29

Newbury Sept 11th 1825, State of Vermont
This is to certify that I listed in Capt Simeon Stevens company in Col Bedels Regiment in April 1778 ^ for one year in expectation of going into Canada with our Regiment, we listed at first but for one year but [illegible] till Nov 1779 before we were discharged and did our duty faithfully which took away two summers and one winter that we could not do much on our farms, we being all frontier towns, none between us and Canada which we were eager to help. Soldiers had to keep out [illegible] the enemy being often [illegible], our women and children often had to flee to the woods for safety [illegible].  
[illegible] took 2 prisoners wounded [illegible] in the fall 1778 there were upwards of 150 of Indians come in which pretended to be friendly but we had to watch them very closely as the youngest amongst them attacked and kill some of them. Early in the spring they all went off into Canada [illegible] and had to trust them [illegible] had great store of Provisions to [illegible] to Canada, with some other Regiment that  [illegible] for that Expedition [illegible] of all sorts and we all expected to go into Canada that winter [illegible] we understood that Gen. Lafayette was to be the commander [illegible] 1000 pair of snow shoes [illegible] more pair of maggasons [moccasins] [illegible] that winter for that expedition – part of this Regiment, had to cut roads 
This

Page 30

To Canada Line that fall & first of the winter. there was great stores of Provisions Laid up for that Expedition and part of the Reigment (Regiment) had to guard them, or else they would all have been destroy’d by the Enemy. Guarding keeping out Scouts, making of all our shoes, maggason, etc cutting roads, kept us very busy  - one part [illegible] call'd off to the Continental army while the other part was to guard [illegible] which was far worse than to go into Canada or any other Continental army as we all Expected by the Preparation to go into Canada.  that winter, the money we received was Continental money and of but little value when we received it. An old soldier, now in my 79 year of my age and was well knowing the most of it – it was always call'd a Continenal Reigment and them that are poor that belonged to it right to  draw their pension as much as any other Continental Reigment that ever was in the army.  Sometime in August 1818 I, with some o them, made application for some help, but never have received any, as also, went and did enlist my Papers which I suppose now is in the War Department’s Office.
Geo. Banfill 

There Personally appeared the above named George Banfill and swore to the above and within to be the truth, according to the best of his Remembrance with the help of some old papers, before me.
Topsham, Sept 22, 1825.
Before Me, James Petrie, Jus Peace

Page 31

[illegible]
Leng [Length] 1 year
$60
Simeon West
Thetford
VT

Page 32

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
George Banfill which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?

V. Has he mentioned 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?

V. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

Page 33

2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?

XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? 
[handwritten] No: not in each instance.
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?

XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
[handwritten] No: Lee Jun. 16

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. 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."

Page 34

3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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.

QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 be 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.

QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being in properly attached to the certificate.

Page 35

Corinth Orange County Vermont
May 4th 1839
Hon J L Edwards
Sir, Inclosed is the declaration of Mrs. Anna Banfill for pensioner and his widow to support the same. It is her wish that [illegible] may be directed to the subscriber and oblige, sir respectfully [illegible] 
Wm Spencer

Page 36

State of Vermont
Probate District of Bradford SS, I J.W.D. Parker Clerk or Register of the Probate Court for the District of Bradford in the County of Orange do hereby certify that Joseph Berry and Henry Keyes whose names are herein subscribed as Justices of the Peace are severally justices of the Peace within & for the County of Orange duly commissioned & qualified as such that their commission commences on the 1st day of December 1838 and will expire on the last day of November 1839 and that their signatures within written as such are soundly genuine _
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Probate Court this 30 day of April 1839. 
J.W.D. Parker Register
4505
Anna Banfill
[illegible]
Act 4 July 86
[illegible] 76_d 3 Y_
aoned
17 mo length
60$
Died 19 July '37
pen: com: 20 July '37
[illegible] Spencer 
Corinth 
Vt

Page 37

I Stephen Powers of Newburg in the County of Orange and State of Vermont of the age of seventy six years last July do depose, testify and say that I have known Mrs Anna Banfil ever since and previous to her marriage with Geoge Banfill which took place according to my best recollection and belief in the winter of 1776 _ My father the Reverend Peter Powers was a minister of the gospel, at that time, settled at said Newbury - I know said George and said Anna, whose maiden name was Anna Sanborn previous to their intermarriage _ Their marriage was solemnized by my father at his dwelling house in Newbury; as I believe and I have no doubt, the winter previous to the declaration of Independence, and in presance [presence] of my fathers family - My father and mother have been long dead and I am their oldest surviving child, and know of no records of his being in existance [existence]
Stephen Powers
State of Vermont
County of Orange SS. Be it known that on the 28th day of March 1839 - before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared the said Stephen Powers who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition in my presence and made solemn oath that the same contains the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth - And I do certify that the said deponent is a credible witness
Joseph Berry Justice of the Peace

Page 38

Secretary of War
Pension office
Washington City
NB Please to direct to George Banfill Topsham, County of Orange Vermont.

Baufil Apl 7
Appr. for increase

Page 39

Topsham March 28th 1837
Sir I am a pensioner and am drawing a [illegible] of a pension under the Act of 1818 I have been informed that I am entitled to a larger pension by relinquishing my claim under the said Act of 1818 and claiming my pension under later Acts of Congress - 
I am now in my ninety first year of age and am blind and feeble in health, and am in great need of all the rewards to which I am entitled from my country; therefore petition to you to have my present claim relinquished under the Act of 1818, and have a pension certificate sent to directly to me, authorizing me to draw a pension under the latest Acts of Congress. 
I herewith forward my own declaration which I executed before I lost my eye sight, together with the sworn certificate of Jeremiah Bowen, which may be of some bennefit [benefit] in showing that I am the same man that now draws a pension under the Act of 1818. 
I wish the Department to correspond with me directly upon the subject of my claim Regardless of any agent until I shall see proper to appoint one whose name shall be forwarded to the Department in due form of Law. 
George Banfill
by his special authority in presence of three witnesses
Oliver P. Smith
[illegible] R. Webster
Samuel [illegible] 
Respectfully to the Secretary of War

Page 40

Jeremiah Bowens
Deposition

Page 41

A Deposition
I Jeremiah Bowen of Corinth in the County of Orange and State of Vermont in the 72d year of my age do testify and say that I am knowing the George Banfill of Topsham in the state and county aforesaid was a soldier in the revolutionary army and that he the Banfill was a sergeant in Capt Simeon Stevens Company and in Colonel Timothy Beedele [Bedel] Regiment and that the said Banfield enlisted in APril 1778 and that he the Banfill served in said Beedlels Regiment a full year and further the Deponent saith not
Dated at Topsham this 6th day of July 1832
his mark X Jeremiah Bowen
[illegible] Edmund George
Samuel Banfill

State of Vermont
Orange County ss Topsham the 4th of July 1832
Then Jeremiah Bowen personally appeared and made oath that this instrument by him subscribed contains the truth Before me
Edmund George J.Peace

Page 42

I Simeon Stevens of Newbury in the County of Orange and State of Vermont of the age of Sixty five years do depose and say that George Banfil [Banfill] now of Topsham in the County of Orange and state of Vermont was formerly till within a few years a resident in Newbury [illegible] and I was & am well acquainted with him, since my childhood. My father the late Simeon Stevens deceased was Captain of one or more Companies during the Revolutionary War and the pay rolls and muster rolls of his company came into my hands on his decease, part of which I furnished to applicants under the act of 1818 and am informed and believe were sent to the officer of the Dept of War and have not been returned - One muster roll of said Company is yet my possession which is the name of George Banfil as Sargeant [sergeant] and I have no doubt but that said Banfil was a soldier in my fathers company for one or more years. 
Simeon Stevens
State of Vermont
Cunty of Orange ss - At Newbury in the said County of Orange this 17th day of July AD 1832 the above affidavit of Simenon Stewart was sworn to and subscribed
Before me Joseph Berry Justice Peace

Page 43

I William Tice of Danville in the County of Caledonia and State of Vermont of the age of seventy three years do depose and say that Gorge [George] Banfil [Banfill] now of Topsham in the County of Orange and State of Vermont, was a Sargeant [sergeant] in a company of soldiers commanded by Capt Simeon Stevens during the Revolutionary War in which company I served as a private - The company was stationed at Haverhill New Hmpshire and Newbury Vermont and was attached to the Regiment commanded by Colonel Timoth Beidel [Bedel]- I think said Banfil was enlisted some time previous to the spring of 1778 and am sure he continued from that time for as much as two years or nearly two years, as I have no recollection of his being out of the company during that time --
Wililam [William] Tice
State of Vermont
County of Orange ss. At Newbury in the said County of Orange this 17th day of July AD 1832 the above affidavit of William Tice was sworn to and subscribed
Before me Joseph Berry Justice Peace
[Faint text that is illegible]

Page 44

I Patrick Kennady of Bradford in the County of Orange and State of Vermont of the age of seventy two years do depose and say the George Banfil now of Topsham in the County of Orange & State of Vermont was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He served as a Sargeant [Sergeant] in Capt Simeon Stevens company in which I was a private for one year or more commencing in the spring of the year 1778. This company composed a part of Colonel Timothy Beidel [Bedel] Regiment stationed at Haverhill New Hampshire & Newbury Vermont and he was a good and faithful soldier so long as I continued to know anything about him in the Company which was until I was discharged from it
Patrick Kennedy

State of Vermont
County of Orange ss. At Newbury in the said County of Orange this 20th day of July AD 1832 the above affidavit of Patrick Kennady was sworn to & subscribed before me 
and I certify that Kennadys reputation for truth & veracity is good in the neighborhood to which he belongs
Joseph Berry Justice Peace

Page 45

And the court further  [illegible]
that Joseph Berry by & before whom the enclosed depositions [of] Patrick Kenedy [Kennedy], William Tice, & Simeon Stevens were taken and certified was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Orange & his signature thereunto genuine

Page 46

J H Eaton
War Dept. Pension Office
J.L. Edwards
Mr. George Banfille [Banfill]
Topsham
Orange County
Vermont

Page 47

War Department
Pension Office
May 5th 1831
Sir
The documents in support of your claim have been examined and will remain in our files.  It appears from authentic documents filed in this office that you entered the service in 1778, and was attached to the Regiment commanded by Colonel Bedle. That officer did not command a Regiment on the continental establishment at that time. As the Act of March 18, 1818 under which you claim, provides for none who did not serve on the continental establishment, your claim cannot be allowed.
I am, respectfully your oht: servant
J.L Edwards

Mr. George Banfill
Topsham
Orange County
Vermont

Page 48

War Department
Pension Office
May 5th 1831
Sir
The documents in support of your claim have been examined and will remain in our files.  It appears from authentic documents filed in this office that you entered the service in 1778, and was attached to the Regiment commanded by Colonel Bedle. That officer did not command a Regiment on the continental establishment at that time. As the Act of March 18, 1818 under which you claim, provides for none who did not serve on the continental establishment, your claim cannot be allowed.
I am, respectfully your oht: servant
J.L Edwards

Mr. George Banfill
Topsham
Orange County
Vermont

Page 49

Pension Office
Jan 17, 1831

[Sideways]
To the Secretary of War in the City of Washington

Page 50

To the Secretary of War
Comes the Petition of George Banfill
Now residing in Topsham in the County of Orange and State of Vermont in the eighty fifth year of my age, infirm, lame, and all most blind the petitioner being a revolutionary solder, and listed in the month of April 1778 in Capt Simeon Stevens, Company and Col Timothy Bedle's Regiment for the term of one year and served as sergeant in said Company eighteen months before I was discharged from said Regiment the Petitioner now Prays that Government will compensate him for his services equal to other revolutionary soldiers as he is in indigent circumstances and in duty is ever bound to Pray 
I send inclosed [enclosed] here a receipt that I paid Richard Chamberlain twenty Dollars for his serving a tour for me in 1777 and said Richard served for me I pray Government to consider me in the 20 dollars and the [illegible] Edmund George
George Banfill
Topsham the 4th of January 1831
There personal appeared George Banfill and (and) made oath before me the subscribing authority that this instrument by him signed contains nothing but truth
Edmund George J Peace

Page 51

N B as we never new [knew] whithir [whether] the former Petition was acted on I pray I may have answer Directed to Topsham Post office as soon as convenient

Page 52

Request for Photostating 3-2006
(To be prepared in duplicate.)  Ex. [illegible]
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK
Job No. 3364  Date May 3, 26
Subject Geo Banfill Rev. W 17244
see below (No.) copies of 2 (No.) pieces consisting of 4 (No.) pages to be forwarded when completed to the Rev. &  Ihg Wars Section Division.
Remarks: make 3 negatives of 1 small page & 1 of each of the others
See receipt for payment in
Approved Daniel Hall
W29199

PE Wilson 
Chief Sect.
Chief Clerk.

Page 53

Piermont, N.H.
Feb. 12, 1917
G.M. Saltzgaber,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir: I wish to get the Rev. War record of George Banfield. I think he enlisted from Newburyport or Salem Mass. After discharge he lived in Newbury, Vermont

Page 54

His widow was Anna Sanborn. 
Yours truly,
M. Edith Hood,
Piermont,
N.H.

Page 55

[Illegible top line: In reply to your request of ____, received ____]
for a statement of the military history of George Banfill, a 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.
[illegible] 17.2.44

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Apr. 1778
Discharged
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
18 months
[illegible] 1779
RANK.
Sergeant
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Simeon Stevens
COLONEL.
Timothy Bedel
STATE.
Vt

Battles engaged in, [checked]
Residence of solider at enlistment Newbury, Vermont.
Date of application for pension, Aug. -- 1832 [illegible]
Residence at date of application, Topsham, Orange Co., Vt.
Age at date of application, eighty five [illegible]
Remarks: solider married at Newbury, Vt Feb 1, 1776 Anna Sanborn born [illegible] 19, 1758. He died July 19 1837 at Newbury, Vt and he [illegible] his application executed Apr 30, 1839 while a resident of Topsham, Vt.
Respectfully, 
Commissioner.

[notation in writing:] 
1776
1747
49
1832
85
1747

6 -- 2856