Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25552, William Durand, Conn. Sea Service

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(6-1776)

SERVICE
Conn.
Sea Service

Durand, William
Mary

NUMBER
W. 25552

CONTENTS

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9037
Connecticut

William Durand of Milford in the State of Connt who was a Musician in the Com commanded by Captain Bradley of the Regt commanded by Col. Enos in the Conn's line for 15 mo 12 mo pri-

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Inscribed on the Roll of Connt at the rate of 52 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.  

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Certificate of Pension issued the 19th day of March 1833 and sent to Baldwin Mitford Col

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Arrears to the 4th of March '33: $170.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sep 4, 1833: $42.50
$212.50

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{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by E.D. Bullock Clerk
Book E Vol. 3 - Page 10

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2604
Connecticut
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Mary Durand widow of William Durand who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private.

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Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 85 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

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Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of March, 1848 and sent to Ann J.D. Hiffing

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Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 28, Vol. 1

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Reported Dec 26/2/8

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State of Connecticut
New Haven County

Probate District of Milford

On this 28th day of March in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty-three, personally appeared before the subscriber Judge of Probate for the District of Milford.  Mary Durand, a resident of the Town of Milford in the County of New Haven aforesaid, aged seventy four years, who bring first duly sworn according to law, doth on her Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by an act of Congress passed July 7th, 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows" and an act approved 3rd March 1843 entitled "an act granting a pension to certain (Widows of) Revolutionary Soldiers."  That she is the widow of William Durand, late of Milford now deceased, who was a Musician and Private in the Army of the Revolution.  To the best of my recollection (although I am not positive) the first enlisted under a Lieut.  Pruden, went to Saybrook State of of Connecticut, (from there) went to White Plains State of New York with the same Lieut.  Pruden — Who commanded, (either) the Company, or Regiment to which he was attached, and the length of time, I have no means of knowing.  After (I think in the year 1780) he served in the Fort in Milford for one year.  My impression is that Capt. Peter Hepburn commanded said Fort at the time — for which services, he then said William Durand obtained a pension of Eighty-five dollars per annum from the government under the Act of 1832 — of which proof is now in the possession of the department at Washington which was forwarded when the said William made application for his Pension — 

She further declares that she was married to the said William Durand on the thirteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one — that her husband the aforesaid William died on the twenty-ninth day of April A.D. 1841 — that she was not married to him, prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four—viz: at the time above stated, and that she still remains the widow of the aforesaid William Durand, as well appears by reference to proof annexed.

Mary Durand

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Before me
[signature of Mary Durand]
Judge of Probate"

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Service Conn. Sea Service
Durand, William
Mary
Number
W. 25552

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Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832
State of Connecticut, County of New-Haven, SS.
On this 10th day of August personally appeared, in open Court, before the Probate Court of Milford District now sitting, William Durand a resident of said Milford in the County of New-Haven, and State of Connecticut, aged 72 years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on this oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832: -That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated:-viz. in the spring of 1776 in Milford he enlisted for six months in a Company of State troops commanded by Lieut John Pendden of Milford and served said six months in said Company which was employed most of the time in building a fort at Saybrook for the defence of the sea coast; during which time he served as fifer. In the spring of 1777 in Co Milford he enlisted for & served nine months in a Company of State troops commanded by Capt. Bradley, which belonged to Col  Eno's Regiment - served as a fifer - said Company was employed as [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] & other places near the Ibedson ride in New York state during this tour Burgoyne was taken.
In the year 1778 he entered & served on [illegible] the armed Brig-New-Broom commanded by Capt Israel Bishop for 4 months & during the [illegible] many prizes were taken from the common enemy.
In the spring of 1779 he enlisted for one year in a Company of State troops commanded by Capt Peter Hepburn [illegible] [illegible] & now the whole year against the common enemy in guarding & defending the sea coast near Milford aforesaid. He belonged to the garrison in the Fort at Milford.
In the summer of 1781 was drafted & served three months in a militia company - which was employed most of the time in repairing the fort at West Point from the damage it sustained when it was [illegible] by Arnold: he does not remember the name of the Capt. - but does remember that

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Ensign Porter of Waterbury in C State was an officer in C Company & commanded  C Company.
He was born in Milford April 27, 1760 and has always lived in town, where he now lives and that his age is recorded in the family bible. That Samuel Clark and Ephraim Strong can prove his service in 1776. That Lemuel Durand & Benajah Mallory can prove his service in 1777. That Benajah Mallory & Lemuel Durand can prove his service in 1778. That Garrett DeWitt & John Mallet can prove his service in 1779. That he knows of no one non-living who served with him in 1781; but per deportion, of Benajah Malloroy & Lemuel Durand. He is acquainted with the Rev Asa M. Train and Chas. H Pond who he believes can testify to his veracity; & their belief in his services in the war of the Revolution.
During the time of [illegible] to [illegible] [illegible] in the spring of 1777 to the parts of the state of New York most of which was served under Capt L Bradley - the enlist month take place & [illegible] made under Lieut John Pendden of Milford - & that Capt Bradley jarred the Company on their way to [illegible] [illegible] - the [illegible] not know where Capt Bradley belonged.

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He hereby reliquishes every claim  whatever to any pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, except that of the State of
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, William Durand. Attest David L. Baldwin blk
We, Asa M Train a Clergyman, residing in s Milford and Ch. H. Pond residing in s Milford hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Durand who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him to be 72 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Asa M Train, Chs H Pond
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Deparmtnet, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in s Milford and that Charles H. Pond who has also signed the same, is a resident in sd Milford and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, D.L. Baldwin Clerk of the Probate Court of Milford District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of William Durand for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 10th day of August 1832
Attest David L Baldwin blk
State of Connecticut, Probate District of Milford August 10th, 1832
J William Strong Judge of the

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Probate Court for said District do Certify that David L. Baldwin whose signature is to the foregoing certificate is Clerk of said Court and has the keeping of the records of sd Court, that [illegible] faith and Credit are due to his official acts; that the forgoing is the seal of the s. Court; and that the forgoing attestations are in due form.
Deacon William Durand the declarant; and the [illegible] Sig, Samuel Clark, Sig, Ephraim Strong, Lieut. Samuel Durand, Capt. Benajah Mallory, Garrit DeWitt, & John Mallet are personally known to me to be men of truth & their statements are entitled to full faith and credit.
Agreeably to the direction of the War Departmnet - the Court hereby annex an opinion that the statements of the applicant are true and fully proved.
William Strong Judge of Probate
William Durand,Claim Milford
No 3473

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July 29, 1930
AWF:MLB
Rev. and 1812
Wars Section

Mrs. E.G. Ross
4701 N. Albany Avenue
Chicago, ILlinois
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 25552, that William Durand was born April 27, 1760, in Milford, New Haven County, Connecticut.
While residing in Milford, Connecticut, he enlisted and served with the Connecticut troops, as follows:
From May 1, 1776, six months as a fifer under Lieutenant John Prudden; from April 1, 1777, nine months as fifer in Captain Bradley's Company, Colonel Eno's Regiment; and April 1, 1779, one year in Captain Peter Hepburn's Company; in the summer of 1781, three months in Captain Hotchkies' Company.
He also stated that in 1778 he went on board the brig "New Broom", under Captin Israel Bishop, and served four months.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 10, 1832, at which time he was living in Milford, Connecticut.
He died April 29, 1841 in Milford, Connecticut.
The soldier married February 13, 1791 at Milford, Connecticut, Mary Baldwin.
She was allowed pension on her application executed March 28, 1843, at which time she was residing in Milford, Connecticut and was aged seventy-four years.
There is no reference to children.
Very truly yours E. W. Morgan, Acting Commissioner

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June 26, 1901 Mrs. Dr. Wilson Bridgeport Conn.
1930 July 29 Hist to Mrs. E.G. Ross [illegible]
1931, June 27, hist. of Mrs. Maria Goffin. See correspendence in Rev. claim & the Durand S37898, [illegible]
1931, July 16, hist. to over [illegible] G. Shields. See correspondence [illegible] John Durand. S 37898. recd. 1933 July 24. list to class A Durand awy.
25552 Widow, &c.
File No. 25552
Mary Durand wid of William Durand Priv. Rev. war.
Act: Feb 2 1848
Index: Vol. A, Page 201
[Arrangement of 1870.]

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Connecticut 2872 Mary Durand
widow of William Durand
who was a private [illegible]
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 85 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843
Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of Nov. 1843 and sent to Wm. Durand Milford, Con.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 Page 66

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Connecticut - 7229
Mary Durand widow of William Durand who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June '32 and who died on the 29th April 1841 of New Haven Co. in the State of Cont. who was a priv: [illegible] in the compy commanded by Captain Bradley of the Regt. commanded by Col. Enos in the Connecticut line for 15 mos musician, 9 mos private
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 85 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of May, 1843 and sent to Wm. Durand Milford, Connecticut
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi annual allowance ending
$425.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Uell Stewart - Clerk,
Book A Vol. 1 Page 175

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25552
Wm Durand
Aug 10 1832 - 72 born Apr 27 1760 at Milford Ct.
Spg 76 Milford Ct
depr Mr. Penden
[illegible] 4 [illegible] 6 mos
spg 77 Capt Bradley, Col Eno [illegible] 9 mos
78 [illegible] "New Broom" Capt. Israel Bishop
Marine never took any [illegible]
spg 79 Cp. Peter Hepburn, Enl - priv - 1 yr
81 Cpt Col - priv 8 mos
married Mary Baldwin Feb 13, 1791 at Milford Ct. Died Apr 27, 1847
No Bab

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1876
Mary Durand Con.
died 3 March 43
15 mo musician, 9 mo pri = 85
Wm Durand, Milford Con.

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State of Connecticut
Washburn County
Probate [illegible] of Guilford
On this the of the court of [illegible]
1843 personally  appeared for the Court of Probate for said district 
of Milford Mary Durand a resident of Milford in the County of New Haven aged seventy four years, who
being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the  act of Congress passed on the 3 March 1843 granting pensions 
to widows to persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the  Widow of the William Durand  who was a [illegible] Private
in the Army of the Revolution She also swears that for the services
rendered by her deceased husband (the said William Durand) in the Revolutionary War, she received a pension under the act of July 7th 1838, and the benefits [illegible] 
of July 7 1838- She further swears that shetill a widow.

Mary Durand [signature]
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written in
open Court before me M. Durand Judge of Probate

Personally appeared before the Court of Probate on the day and year
afore named Mary Durand who I am well acquainted with [illegible] declaration
forgoing which she has subscribed & sworn to
to be -I know to be true
W. Durand Judge of Probate

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I, William Strong, clerk of the Court of Probate, in the District of Milford, do hereby certify, that the signatures purporting to be that of William Durand, Judge of Probate, to the forgoing attestations, is his genuine and official signatures taken in open court, and in due form. In testimony hereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said Court, this twelfth day of October, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty-Three. 
William Strong Clk

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Staste of Connecticut, New Haven County SS
probate District of Milford.
On this twenty fourth day of May, A.D. 1843, personally appeared before the Court of Probate for said District of Milford Mary Durand, a resident of Milford in the County of New Haven aged seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the Widow of William Durand who was a musician and private in the army of the Revolution. She also declares that for the services rendered by her deceased husband, (the said William) in the Revolutionary War, she received a pension under the Act of July 7th 1838. She further declares that she is still a widow. Mary Durand
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. Before me Wm Durand. Judge of Probate. Personally appeared before me, on the day and year afore named Mary Durand who I am well acquainted with and the foregoing Declaration which she has subscribed and sworn to is true. Wm. Durand, Judge of Probate

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I, William Strong, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Milford, do hereby certify that the signatures purporting to be that of William Durand, Judge of Probate to the foregoing attestations, is his genuine and official signatures taken in open Court and in [illegible].
In testimony where of, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of said Court, this twenty fourth day of May, One thousand eight hundred and forty three. William Strong, Clerk

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Each claimant under the act of 3 March last is required to state upon oath that she recd. the benefits of the act of 7 July '38. [illegible]
Will you have the kindness to point out the error in her [illegible] me the same. Wm Durand

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William Durand
15 mo musician12 private
$85
5.6.16 17
DL Baldwin Milford
P97

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Brief objections to the admission of pension claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Durand 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? No. He must define the periods & actual service and must then the Brig New Broom to have been a public refel or his service on 60 and cannot be computed
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Not fully
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?

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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? 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? No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?  4 & [illegible]
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: "Perssonally 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."

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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 he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the creditibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistratte 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 improperly attached to the certificate.

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Milford 30th March 1843
Sir,
Accompaning are the papers of Mrs. Mary Durand, asking a Pension under the act passed July 7th 1838, for services rendered in the Revolutionary War by her deceased husband William Durand.
They are her Declaration, affidavits of Marriage, Death and widowhood - all of which are Respectfully submitted.
I am Sir, Respectfully Your Obt. Servant Wm Durand

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8840
Mary Durand connect Act 7th July 38 & Act March 3, 43
Admitted
15 mo musician
12 mo priv.
$85.00 per an
William Durand Milford Cont

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I, Asa M. Train of Milford County of New Haven and State of Connecticut of lawful age do depose and say I was intimately acquainted with the late William Durand now deceased, his death was on the 29 day of April 1841. Know the day from the circumstance of my writing an obituary on his death. I attended his funeral and officiated in the Services thereof - at the time of his death he was a Pensioner - he left a widow who is still living as such, and who I am well acquainted - as I am with all the members of the family as further Deponent saith not. Asa M. Train
State of Connecticut, New Haven County SS Milford 29th March 1843
Personally appeared before me this day Asa M. Train signer of the above Affidavit, and makes solemn oath to the truth of the statement subscribed by him. Mr. Train is the Pastor of the Second Ecclesiastical Society of said Milford to which he aforsaid William Durand formerly belonged - he is entitled to credit. William Durand. Notary Public. duly commissioned & sworn.
I, Elijah Bryan, of the Town of Milford County of New Haven State of Connecticut of lawful age - do depose and say I was well acquainted with William Durand late of said Milford now deceased: By reference to a Record of Deaths in said Milford which I have been in the habit of keeping for several years. I find that the said William died on the 29th day of April 1841: he was a Pensioner at the time of his death and left a widow who I am well acquainted with by the name of Mary Durand who is still living as his widow - further Deponent saith not. Elijah Bryan
State of Connecticut, New Haven County SS. Milford 29th March 1843.
Personally appeared this day before me, Elijah Bryan signer of the forgoing deposition, who being first duly sworn, made oath to the truth of the same. I know him to be a man of unquestionable truth and veracity. William Durand. Notary Public. duly commissioned and sworn.

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Delaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2d of February 1848 entitled "an act making further provision for surviving widow and soldiers of the Revolution.
State of Connecticut, County of New Haven
On this 1st day of Sept. 1848 personally appeared before me a Magistrate in and for the County aforesaid Mary Durand a resident of Milford in the County of New Haven in the State of Connecticut age 77years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 2d February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of William Durand who was a private in the Revolutionary war and musician as is [illegible].
That she received a pension under the act of June 17th 1844 at the rate of Eighty Five dollars per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow. Mary Durand. 
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year before written before me L.N. Beardsley Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above declarant and know she is the widow of William Durand and the same individual who deserves pension as stated in the foregoing declaration. L.N. Beardsley Justice of the Peace

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State of Connecticut, County of New Haven SS
I, Henry G. Lewis Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Lucius N. Beardlsey is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County duly commissioned and qualified that his commission was dated on the 30th day of June 1848 and that his signatures above written are gentuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court this 23d day of September A.D. 1848. Henry G. Lewis, Clerk

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State of Connecticut County of New Haven Probate District of Milford SS
At a Court of Probate held at Milford in and for said District on the 7th day of January 1833
Present William Strong Judge Personally appeared in the Court Samuel Durand of said Milford aged 66 years who being duly sworn deposed and says that, he is and has always been acquainted with William Durand of said Milford, that his character for truth and veracity is good, and that he the deponent, is knowing to his having performed a tour of duty in the summer of 1777 to Firkel, Peckell and other places in the State of New York, and well recollects his being brought home sick after his discharge on said tour - deponent further says, that he is knowing to his having performed services at several different times during the Revolutionary War, and it has always been reported and believed in the neighborhood where the said Durand resided, and never doubted, that he performed the services as a soldier of the Revolution as set forth in his original and supplemental declarations. Samuel Durand
Attest David L. Baldwin, Clerk

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State of Connecticut County of New Haven Probate District of Milford SS
At a Court of Probate held at Milford in and for said District on the 7th day of January 1833
Present William Strong Judge Personally appeared in open Court Richard Baldwin of said Milford aged 66 years, who being duly sworn deposes and says that he is and always has been acquainted with William Durand of said Milford, that his character for truth and veracity is good and that he the deponant, is knowing, to his having performed a tour of duty in the summer of 1780 to Midpoint and other places in the State of New York deponent further says, that he is also knowing to his having performed the services at the Fort or Garrison in said Milford in the year 1779 as stated by him on his original and supplemental Declarations, said Durand having frequently passed my Fathers house on his way to the Fort, which was in the immediate vicinity and where I then resided - that he is also knowing to his having performed services at different times during the Revolutionary War, and it always has been believed in the neighborhood where said Durand resided that he was a soldier of the Revolution. Richard Baldwin
Attest David L. Baldwin Clerk

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State of Connecticut, Courty of New Haven, Probate District of Milford SS
At a Court of Probate held at said Milford in and for said District on the 7th day of January 1833
Present William Strong, Judge, Personally appeared in open Court William Durand of said Mildord who being duly sworn in this his supplemental declaration deposes & says that according to the best of his recollection he served not [illegible] than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades. Viz - For six months from the 1st of May 1776, as fifer, I served in a Company of State troops commanded by Lieut. John Prudden which was employed, & trained for the purpose of working at the Fort Tryon building at Daybrook in this State: our Company was not attached to any particular Regiment. That the Fort at Daybrook was authorized by [illegible] for by the State of Connecticut & ultimately in the United States, refer to the certificate of Hon Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of this State which is annexed to the paper of Ephraim Strong numbered N-4052.
For nine months from the 1st of April 1777 as fifer, I served in a Company of State troops commanded by Capt Bradley of which John Prudden was Lieutenant - our Company went through Danbury to Peckell - in the State of New York - and after our service was performed, returned to Milford down the Hudson river & through White Plains.
The Brig. New Broom was private property & belonged to the late Gov John Broom of New York.

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For one year from the 1st of  April 1779 - I served in a Company of State troops commanded by Left. Peter Hepburn of said Milford. I was employed in the Fort at Milford. My service was not periodical - but constant - our Company was maintained over night at roll call and a guard was kept up every night. So our Company was a guardian for said Fort - it was not attached to any particular regiment.
For three months from the 1st of July 1781 I was drafted & served in a Militia Company. In my original declaration I stated that our Company was commanded by Ensign Porter, this was the case a part of the tour - but on more reflection & after talking the matter over with Mr Nathan Harrison of this State, living in Branford, & whose papers are forwarded for a pension, I am satisfied that our Company was commanded a part of our tour by Capt. Hotchkiss. 
I served 6 months in 1776 - for 9 months in 1777 - for one year commencing 1st of April 1779 - and for 3 months in 1781 as is stated above - and as is stated in my original declaration which is prefixed - and for whose services I demand pension.
In this my supplemental declaration I have given the names of such additional officers as I recollect.
Sworn to 4th July. For the service and tours 1776, 1777 & 1779. I enlisted and was drafted for the service in 1781.
Sworn to 5th July The additional names of such officers as I can recollect are stated above.
Sworn to 6th July. I [illegible] received any written discharge

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but always served the whole tour for which I engaged.
Sworn to 7th July. In addition to the persons named in my original declaration - Richard Baldwin and Samuel Durand of said Milford can testify to my character for truth, & their belief of my services as a soldier of the Revolution. William Durand
I David L. Baldwin Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Milford do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of William Durand for a pension. In testamony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 7th day of January A.D. 1833.
Daniel L. Baldwin Clerk
State of Connecticut Probate District of Milford January 7, 1833.
I William Strong Judge of the Probate Court for said District, do Certify that David L. Baldwin, whose signature is to the above certificate is Clerk of said Court and has the keeping of the records of said Court, that full faith and credit are due to his official acts; that the foregoing is the seal of the said Court and that the foregoing attestations are in due form.

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William Durand the declarant; and the
several deponents are personally known to me
to be men of truth and their statements are
entitled to full faith and credit-
Agreeably to the request of the War Department the Court annex an opinion that the applicant was a soldier of the Revolution
that his statements, and those of the deponents
are true
For proof of the authority under which
the Guards in the Fort at Milford were
established, reference may be had to the
certificate of the Hon. Elisha Phelps Comptroller of this State, which is annexed to
the papers of Samuel Pick; numbered
347  of -
William Strong   Judge of Probate


3473

Page 37

State of Connecticut, County of New Haven Probate District of Milford SS
At a Court of Probate [illegible] at said Milford on the 10th day of August 1832
Present William Strong, Judge personally appeared in open Court - Garritt DeWitt and John Mallet of said Milford and being usually duly sworn depose and say that in the spring of 1779 they enlisted in a Company of State troops commanded by Capt Peter Hepburn in said Milford and served for one year in said Company which was employed as a garrison at the Fort in said Milford & in guarding the sea coast from the common enemy; and deponents further personally say that during said year William Durand of said Milford belonged to & served in said Company in said Fort & in guarding the sea coast as aforesaid & further deponent say not. Garritt DeWitte, John Mallet
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court as above written Aug. 10th 1832
Attest David L. Baldwuin Clk

Page 38

State of Connecticut, County of New Haven
Probate District of Milford SS
At a Court of Probate [illegible] in & for said District on the 10th day of August 1832.
Present William Strong, Judge personally appeared in open Court Samuel Durand of said Milford and being duly sworn deposes & says that he well remembers that William Durnd of Milford in the opening of 1777 enlisted for nine months under Lieut. John Prudden of Milford & went with said Company to Peckell & did not return home to Milford from said tour until the winter of 1777 when he was brought home sick from Stanford to deponent further says it has always been stated & believed in the neighborhood where Wm Durand lives that he served in said tour & statement has never been doubted.
And deponent further says that in the year 1778 P. William Durand entered & served for four months on board the armed Brig New Broom - commanded by Capt Israel Bishop of New Haven which armed against the common enemy - & it is reported & believed in the neighborhood that Wm Durand served as aforesaid the deponent concern in that opinion.
And deponent further says that he well remembers that in the summer of 1781 William Durand of Milford was drafted into a militia Company which  was employed on a tour to West Point in the State of New York & that said tour continued three months before Wm Durand returned home - & deponent further says that it

Page 39

is reported & believed in the neighborhood when P Wm Durand lives that he was a soldier in the Revolution as aforesaid & he concurs in that opinion. Samuel Durand
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court as above written, August 10th 1832. Attest David L. Baldwin Clk
State of Connecticut, County of New Haven
Probate District of Milford SS
At a Court of Probate [illegible] in & for said District on the 10th day of August 1832.
Present William Strong, Judge personally appeared in open Court Benajah Mallory of said Milford & being duly sworn deposes & says that was since the year 1777 to the present time he has been a neighbor of William Durand of Milford & was acquainted with him & that he has heard read the foregoing deposition of Samuel Durand of Milford relative to the service of said William Durand in the war of the Revolution & that he concurs in the statements made in the deposition of Samuel Durand & further deponent saith not. Benajah Mallory
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court as above written August 10th 1832. Attest David L. Baldwin Clk

Page 40

State of Connecticut, County of New Haven,
Probate District of Milford SS
At a Court of Probate held in said District on the 10th day of August 1832
Present William Strong, Judge personally appeared in open Court Samuel Clark and Ephraim Strong both from Milford and being duly sworn personally depose and say that in the spring of 1776 Samuel Clark enlisted as a Sargeant under Lieut John Prudden in Milford & Ephraim Strong enlisted as a corporal under Lieut Prudden for six months & each of them served six months in said Company of State troops, which was employed most of the time in working at a Fort at Saybrook in said State, and they further personally depose & say that William Durand then & now of Milford belonged to and served in said Company during said - six months being employed part of the time in working at said Fort at said Saybrook in said State as aforesaid & that said William Durand was a fifer in said Company during said tour, & further deponents say not. Samuel Clark, Ephraim Strong
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court as above written Aug 10th 1832. Attest David L. Baldwin Clk

Page 41

4701 N. Albany Ave.
Chicago June 17th 1930
Commissions of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
In 1840 an ancester named Wm Durand (Durant sometimes spelled) was drawing his Revolutionary pension in Milford Conn.
Will you be kind enough to give me the name of the wife (possibly Mary Baldwin) and children. It will be deeply appreciated if you will do this.
Yours truly
(Mrs) E.G. Ross
Stamp - June 19, 1930

Page 42

BOARD OF CONTROL
OF THE
MICHIGAN MASONIC HOME
ALMA, MICHIGAN

CHARLES A. DURAND, P. G. M.
PRESIDENT ( 1934 )
718 GARLAND AVE., FLINT

MARK NORRIS (1936)
1107 GD. RAPID SAVINGS BLDG.

CHARLES C. GREEN (1935)
CITY NATIONAL BANK & TRUST
BATTLE CREEK

JAMES E. DAVIDSON (1938)
BAY CITY

ALBERT J. YOUNG (1937)
ESCANADA

GEORGE A. FERGUSON
M. W. GRAND MASTER, EX-OFFICIO
CEDAR SPRINGS

HUGH A. McPHERSON, P. G. M.
TREASURER, EX-OFFICIO
PONTIAC

FRED J. LAWRENCE SECRETARY
IONIC MASONIC TEMPLE, DETROIT

L.M. TEFFEAL, ALMA
SUPERINTENDENT
AND
ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Flint, Mich
July 10, 1933.


Veterans Administration
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.

William Durand, a Ret
Soldier from Milford, Conn was a
Pensioner so I understand.

May I ask if there is any
information on file regarding his
family?

Thanking you. I am.

Very truly,
C. A. Durand.

7. 8. Garland St.
Flint, Mich

Page 43

July 24, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
William Durand-W.25552
BA-J/AWF

Mr. Charles A. Durand
718 Garland Street
Flint, Michigan


Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which
you request the Revolutionary War record of William
Durand, a pensioner of Milford, Connecticut.

The data furnished herein were obtained from
the papers on file in pension claim, W.25552, based
upon the Revolutionary War service of William Durand.

He was born April 27, 1760 in Milford, New
Haven County, Connecticut; the names of his parents
are not stated.

While residing in Milford, Connecticut, William
Durand enlisted May 1, 1776 and served six months as a
fifer under Lieutenant John Prudden. He enlisted
April 1, 1777, served nine months as fifer in Captain
Bradley's company, Colonel Eno's Connecticut regiment.
In 1778 he entered on board the brig "New Broom",
Captain Israel Bishop and served four months. He enlisted
April 1, 1779 and served one year in Captain Peter Heburn's 
Connecticut company, guarding the sea coast. He
served in the summer of 1781, three months in Captain
Hotchkiss' Connecticut company.

William Durand was allowed pension on his application 
executed August 10, 1832, at which time he was
living in Milford, Connecticut, where he had always
lived, and he died there April 29, 1841.

The soldier, William Durand, married February 13,

Page 44

1791 in Milford, Connecticut, Mary Baldwin.

The widow, Mary Durand, was allowed pension on her application executed March 28, 1843, then aged seventy-four years and living in Milford, Connecticut. The names of her parents are not given.

Samuel Durant of Milford, Connecticut in 1832 and then aged sixty-five years, stated that he knew the soldier William Durant in 1843 was Judge of the Probate Court of Milford, Connecticut. David L. Baldwin in 1832 was Clerk of the Court of Milford, Connecticut. There is no relationship shown between the family and the foregoing persons. 

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator