Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,485, for Thomas Pratt, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Pratt, Thomas Lydia
W 17,485
CONTENTS

25 July 1833. transfer - and sent notices to all same day See N. K. Hall request within.
Sec. P. M. Bostcagl. Aug. 16:39 -
12542 To Buffalo 9420 New York from Thomas Pratt
of Aurora in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Drury of the Reg't commanded by Col. Ward in the Chap's ma line for Dis mo.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80. Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of May 1833 and sent to N. Kelley Hall Willink
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $160.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept. 40.00 $200.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk Book C Vol. 4 Page 70

[Declaration of a Revolutionary Soldier who served in the MILITIA, to obtain a Pension under the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.]
State of New York, } On this 25 th day of August 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas, now sitting at Buffalo, in said County, at Aurora in said County  at Aurora in said County a resident of Aurora in the County of Erie and State of New York, aforesaid, aged 79 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
In April 1774 entered for an year a volunteer Company of minute men under the command of Capt. Luke Dine at Grafton in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts where this deponent then resided and of this Company Joseph Sherman was Lieut. & Israel Hamblin. In this Company belonged to the Regt. of Colonel Nathaniel Ward in which our Regular was Major but the name of the Regt. Deponent does not recollect. That he served during the year under the Officers above named and was during the whole time equipped ready for duty & was trained every week but was not marched away until April 1775 when he with his Company went and under the same officers marched to Cambridge and was on the march at the time of the battle of Bunker Hill. At Cambridge and the next day after his arrival he enlisted for eight months under the same Regimental & Company officers and this Regiment was then called a part of the Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment. That under the same officers he staid at Cambridge until about the month of August 1775 when the Regiment marched to Dorchester and under the same Officers he was stationed at Dorchester until December 1775 when his time of service expired. That during said eight months service at Cambridge & Dorchester the Regiment done duty as guards mainly and that he was in no battle or skirmish during said time.
That having served his time out he was discharged and the same day he volunteered for three months under Capt. Moses Smith, Nathl. Sherman (the name of the Capt. does not recollect) and remained at Dorchester aforesaid to the end of said three months. That he cannot now recollect the names of the Field officers of the Regt. to which he was attached during said three months. That after this service he went home and in the month of July 1776 he volunteered for five months & went to New York City under Capt. John, Lieut. Col. Warren, Second Lieut. Robert Deyo & Ensign Madison. This was a Company of One hundred men called New Livies and that he joined the Company at New London in Massachusetts and marching from there through Connecticut & Connecticut River to New Haven & then went on Board a Sloop and went to New York City and got there in the month of July and was there attached to a regiment under the command of Col. Smith the other Field Officers of which he does not recollect. That he thinks the Brigade to which he belonged was commanded by Genl. Fellows & contained three regiments. That he remained in New York until the last of August when he marched with the Army under the Command of General Washington out of the City on Sunday. That about three days after he left New York City and before the Army reached Kings Bridge and at Harlem Heights made a stand, threw up a breast work and had an engagement with the enemy in which this deponent was engaged about an hour. That after the engagement he remained with other troops and while at Harlem and in October moved to White Plains still being under the command of General Washington and remained at White Plains about a month.
That while he was at White Plains, Rodgers Corps of Dragoons & Riflemen had a smart action with a detachment of the American & that in the Battle of White Plains this deponent was engaged for about three hours. There was engaged in this action a Regiment of Blacks which this deponent believes belonged to the Continental Washington Army. That from White Plains he marched to Hog Back Hill on the North River & staid there in the service until his five months term expired.
That in April 1777 at North Kingston, Rhode Island I volunteered and entered a volunteer Company under Capt. McRae for three months and until the three months expired served in guarding the shores at North Kingston aforesaid. That he don't recollect to what Regiment this Company was attached. That he is not positive as to the name of the Capt. but thinks it must have been Mainer or Morse.
That in July 1777 at Grafton in Worcester County Massachusetts he again volunteered under Lieut. Moses Hayden (the Capt. then being absent) & marched to Bennington in Vermont and at Bennington Augt. 16, 1777 was in the attack on Baum & Breckman both in the same day. Baum's command was taken & Breckman's routed and that during this term of service he was engaged in the service of the United States about forty days. That the troops were collected so suddenly and so little organized that he cannot recollect to what Regiment he then belonged.
That in April 1778 he again volunteered and went to Rhode Island & served at Warren & Bristol as one of the Shore Guard under Capt. Francis Lyon for three months the term of his engagement. That he entered the service at Grafton aforesaid and that he marched to Warren & Bristol belonging to no Regt.

of an army states about forty days. That the troops were collected so suddenly and so little organized that he cannot recollect to what Regiment he then belonged.
That in April 1778 He again volunteered and went to Rhode Island & served at Warren & Bristol as one of the Short Guard under Capt. Abraham Sisson for three months the term of his engagement. That he entered the service at Grafton aforesaid and that he marched to Warren & Bristol belonging to no Regt and that the Company to which he belonged was marched there immediately after Warren meeting house was burnt.
In August or September 1781 at Somers in Connecticut volunteered on account of the alarm caused by Arnold's firing New London and entered the service but under what Officers cannot recollect. That at this time he was out about forty days. That he marched from Somers to Pockahon neck and done duty as a Short Guard & in throwing up Breast works & fortifications.
And this deponent further says that he was born at Grafton Worcester County Massachusetts on the 28th day of July 1753. That there is as he supposes a Record of his age at Grafton aforesaid where he was born but that he has none in his possession. That in January 1781 he moved from Grafton aforesaid to Somers Hartford County Connecticut and resided there at the close of the war and continued in Connecticut residing at Somers & Enfield about 12 years from the time he removed to Somers. That he then went to Brockland in North Hampshire County Massachusetts and there he lived about eight years. That he afterwards lived at West Hampton & North Hampton in the same County nearly eight years. That then in the summer of 1808 he removed to his present residence in the Town of Aurora in the County of Erie where he has ever since resided.
And this deponent further says that he never received any written discharge & has no other documentary or other evidence to prove the services above set forth except that of John C. Pratt his half brother whose affidavit is hereto annexed.
And this deponent further states that Col. Calvin Pillsbury Lieut. Jonathan Hays Nathaniel Pillsbury Genl. William Warren Depts Warren Gwynn Jonathan Hays & many others in his neighborhood can testify as to his character for truth & veracity & to the truth of his services as a soldier after the Revolution.
He hereby relinquishes every claim, whatever, to a Pension, or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn and subscribed this 25th day of August 1832
James Hays
Thomas Pratt
State of New York County of Erie ss:
Judge of Inferior Court.
I John C. Pratt of Aurora in said County formerly of the Town of Grafton in the State of Massachusetts being duly sworn depose and say that he was Sixty Eight years of age on the 16th day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Thirty one, and that he well recollects that his half Brother Thomas Pratt served as a Soldier and as a militia man under Captain Luke Sprague

of the Town of Grafton in the State of Massachusetts being duly sworn deposes and says that he was Sixty Eight years of age on the 16 th day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Thirty one, and that he will recollect, that his half Brother Thomas Pratt served as a Soldier and as a minute man under Captain Luke Sprague during the Year 1774 - and that in April 1775 the said Thomas enlisted under the same Captain for the Term of Eight months and was Stationed at Cambridge and Dorchester Point and that from the best recollection of this deponent the said Thomas served his time out faithfully, and this deponent further says that he will recollect that the said Thomas was out as a Soldier in the Revolutionary War immediately after the expiration of the time above mentioned for the Term of three months more under what Captain this deponent does not recollect and was Stationed at the places above mentioned and this deponent further says that he will recollect that the said Thomas enlisted same time in the month of July in the year 1776 under one Captain Foster as this deponent thinks, for the Term of five months as one of the New Levis and went to New York where he served his time out under the said Captain Foster of Mendham in Massachusetts - and this deponent further says that in April in the year 1777 the said Thomas enlisted under a Captain whose name I do not recollect and went to Providence in Rhode Island where he served Three months - And this deponent further says that in the same Year the said Thomas Volunteered and went as a Soldier to Vermont and was in the Battle at Benning- ton, but can't recollect how long he was out at that time, And this deponent further says that in the Spring of 1778 the said Thomas enlisted under one Captain Ephraim Syon for the term of Three months and was Stationed at Providence where he served his time out

and this deponent further says that the said Thomas was out as a Soldier about one month at New London in Connecticut in the year at the time New London was burnt
And this deponent further says that from the best recollection knowledge and belief of this deponent the said Thomas Pratt served as a Soldier in the Revolutionary war for something more than two years and that the said Thomas was a good and faithful Soldier
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3 rd of July A.D. 1832. John C. Pratt I do hereby certify that the above named John C. Pratt is a Creditable person and that his statements are entitled to credit. Dated Aug. 25. 1832.
DeLoaf Warren J.P. DeLoaf Warren J.P.
In County of: Thomas Pratt of Aurora in said County being duly sworn deposes and says that he is from Bodily infirmity unable to go to Buffalo when the Courts of said County are held
from subscribed before me this 25 th August 1832 THOMAS PRATT
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Thomas Pratt who subscribed the foregoing affidavit and do believe that he is from Bodily infirmity unable to go to Buffalo
from subscribed before me this 25 th day of August A.D. 1832 Jonathan Hoyt Practicing Physician
James Stryker Judge of Erie County Courts
We, William Warren & Calvin Fillmore & Eldon Elias Harmon of Erie and near Thomas Pratt residing in the town of Aurora and County of Erie hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Thomas Pratt residing in the same place, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be 79 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.
Subscribed and Sworn, this 25 th day of August 1832
James Stryker Judge of Erie County Courts
Wm Warren Calvin Fillmore Eldon Harmon

We, William Warren & Calvin Fillmore & Elias H. Harmon ty of Erie and man Thomas Pratt residing in the town of Erie  Aurora and Coun- that we are well acquainted with the Thomas Pratt who has sub- scribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be 79 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.
Subscribed and Sworn, this 25th day of August 1832 }
James Stryker Judge of Erie County Court.
Wm Warren Calvin Fillmore Elias Harmon
And the said Judge do hereby declare his opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutiona- ry Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Elias Elias Harmon who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the town of Erie  Aurora and county of Erie  Erie and that Calvin Fillmore William Warren who has signed the same, are residents of the town of Erie  Aurora and county of Erie  Erie and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Noah P. Sprague, Clerk of the said Court of Common Pleas, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the mat- ter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of _____ 1832
And I the said Judge do hereby certify & declare my opinion that the above named applicant Thomas Pratt was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And I the said Judge do further Certify that it appears satisfactory to me that Elias Harmon who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman resident in the town of Erie  Aurora and County of Erie  Erie and that Calvin Fillmore and William Warren who have signed the same are Credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit. And I the said Judge do also certify that the for- going contains the original proceedings before me in the matter of the application of Thomas Pratt for a pension.
And I the said Judge do further certify after examining the said applicant and upon proof offered before me that the said Applicant by reason of bodily infirmity is and will be unable to appear in any Court of Record in said County of Erie to make the above declaration and submit to the examination required in such cases: the said Courts of Record being all held at the City of Buffalo at a considerable dis- tance from the residence of the said Applicant.
Given under my hand, and seal at Aurora aforesaid this 25th day of August 1832
James Stryker Judge of Erie County Court

12.544.
admitted. 94 m. Private.
Thomas Pratt Pension papers.
State of New York
Erie County Clerks Office
I Noah P. Sprague Clerk of the County of Erie and of the Court of Common Pleas thereof do hereby certify that the Hon James Strong before whom the forgoing proceedings were had in the matter of the application of Thomas Pratt for a pension was on the day of the date of the said proceedings to wit on the 25th day of August 1832 and still is a Judge of the County Court of said County duly appointed and sworn and authorized to act as such that he resides in said County and that full faith and credit are to be given to his acts in that capacity. And I further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and that the signatures which to the jurats of the forgoing declaration of Thomas Pratt the affidavits of William Warren Calvin Gillmor & Elias Hearnman are in the proper hand writing of the said Judge and are his genuine signatures and I further certify that the said signature purporting to be that of the said Judge at the concluding certificate in the forgoing proceedings is also his signature.
And do certify that DeLoaf Warren Esquire whose name appears subscribed to the jurats of the affidavits of John C Pratt and to the Certificate under the said affidavit was on the day of the date of the said jurats and still is a Justice of the Peace residing in the Town of Aurora in said County duly elected & sworn & acting as such and that full faith & credit are to be given to his acts in that capacity. And I further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice & that the said signatures are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at the City of Buffalo this 27th day of August A.D. 1832.
Noah P. Sprague Clerk of Erie County

5794 Albany New York Lydia Pratt widow of Thomas Pratt, dec d
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 13 th December 1833 of Erie Co: in the State of N.Y.; who was a Private in the Comp y : commanded by Captain Henry of the Regt: commanded by Col. Mark in the Mass s line for 16 mos & 26 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany N.Y. at the rate of 56 Dollars 22 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 th day of Sept: 1840 and sent P.M. Washington William N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1840 $252:99 Semi-annual allowance ending March: 28:11
$281:10
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by H. C. Addison Clerk, Book 4. Vol. 2. Page 98
See let: to L. Jenkins 21 March 1842,
Letter to P. M. Washington 31 March 1843
Same Aug 31. 1844,
Paid at Treas ry , under act 6 April, 1838, from 4 March 1836 to 31 October, 1838. Agent notified 31 March 1845.

State of New York
Erie County } ss. On this fifteenth day of October 1838. personally appeared before me the undersigned one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, Lydia Pratt a Resident of the Town of Aurora in said County of Erie aged Seventy six years and four months who being first duly sworn, according to Law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838. Entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" —
That she is the widow of Thomas Pratt, late of the said Town of Aurora deceased, a Revolutionary Pensioner under the act of June 7 th 1832; and that the evidence exhibiting the said Thomas Pratt entitled to a pension in his life time, is now on file in the Pension office of the United States —
She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Pratt on the fifth day of February one thousand seven hundred and Eighty nine; that her husband the said Thomas Pratt died on the the thirteenth day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty three; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, nineteen hundred and ninety four; To wit at the time herein before stated — That the said Thomas Pratt resided in the Town of Aurora during the time he drew his pension and until he died — That the said Thomas at the time of his service belonged to the Massachusetts line of Troops, as will appear by the Records aforesaid, herein referred to —
Sworn & subscribed before me the day & year above written
Lydia Pratt
Jonathan Hoyt
State of New York
Erie County } ss. Be it remembered that on the 15 th day of October 1838. personally appeared

before me the within named Lydia Pratt known to me to be the person described in and who executed the within decla- -ration and acknowledged that she had executed the same for the uses and purposes therein mentioned, and I further certify that the said Lydia made oath before me in due form of Law that the facts stated in said decla- -ration were true - And further that the said Lydia Pratt is unable to appear and attend in open Court and make oath to the truth of the facts stated in said declaration.
State of New York, }
County of Erie, ss. }
I, Cyrus H. Anderson, Clerk of the County of Erie, and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for said County, Do hereby Certify, that Jonathan Hoyt Esq, whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, Judge of Erie County Courts -
in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, commissioned and sworn, and author- ised to take the same. And, further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Judge - - - - - and verify believe that the signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court and County, the 17 th day of May A. D. 1839.
C. H. Anderson Clerk.

before me the within named Lydia Pratt known to me to be the person described in and who executed the within decla- -ration and acknowledged that she had executed the same for the uses and purposes therein mentioned, and I further certify that the said Lydia made oath before me in due form of Law that the facts stated in said decla- -ration were true - And further that the said Lydia Pratt is unable to appear and attend in open Court and to the within declaration on account of and bodily infirmity occasioned by her an advanced age -
Jonathan Hoyt a Judge of Erie Co. Com. Pleas

State of New York Essex County 3 p. Levi Pratt of the Town of Aurora in said County being duly sworn says, that he is the Eldest Son of Thomas Pratt late of Aurora deceased, whose name is on the Roll of Revolutionary Pensioners, and who drew a Pension in his life time - That this Deponent is the issue of the first marriage of said Thomas Pratt -
That Lydia Pratt was the second wife of said Thomas Pratt, and this Deponent was in his eighth year when said Thomas was mar- ried to said Lydia, and remembers the fact of their being married in the Town of Enfield County of Tolland and State of Connecticut and as this Deponent states and firmly believes according to the best of his recollection, in the month of February 1781 - That this Deponent has always lived with said Thomas and Lydia and was intimate in their family from the time of their marriage to the date of their decease, and that said Thomas and Lydia lived together during such period as husband and wife -
And this Deponent further says that said Thomas and Lydia had a family Bible in which their family record was kept, and during their life time and before the same was destroyed as herein after stated, this Deponent was conversant therewith and frequently read and examined the same - This Deponent recollects distinctly of seeing in said Bible the record of the birth of this Deponent and of the marriage of said Thomas and Lydia - And also the birth of the eldest first child of said Thomas and Lydia - That this Deponent recollects of reading in said Record an account of the birth of their first child, and a

the said Record stating that said child was born in the month of May 1782, and also that said Record stated the births and decease of other children of said Thomas and Lydia who had been born and deceased after that period - That in January 1800 the dwelling house of said Thomas and Lydia and in which they resided at the time was consumed by fire, and the said family Bible and record there kept as aforesaid was destroyed and burned, and therefore cannot be produced - That the record aforesaid stated as this Deponent will recollect, that said Lydia & Thomas were married by the Rev. Nehemiah Pruden a Minister of the Presbyterian Church in the town of Enfield aforesaid, - and this Deponent says that said Pruden has long since deceased -
This Deponent further says that he knows of no other record than the one before referred to (and which is stated to have been destroyed) of the marriage of the said Thomas and Lydia and the birth of any of their children; and that all the record evidence that can be produced in the case has been forwarded to the Department.
That this Deponent recollects the time of their marriage from the fact that said Thomas this Deponent's father informed him when he left home "that he was going to marry Lydia Bullin" and when he returned brought her with him and informed this Deponent that she "was to be his mother after that" -
And further saith not - Subscribed before me this 8 th day of Augt 1840. Judson Prentice J P
Levi Pratt

State of New York
Erie County ss. Be it remembered that on the 8 th day of August A. D. 1840. personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the Peace of the Town of Aurora and in and for the County aforesaid. Levi Pratt of said Town, well known to me to be the person described in and who signed the foregoing Affidavit: and who being by me first duly sworn said that the facts set forth in the said Affidavit are true to the best of his knowledge and signed by him now true. And I further certify that said Levi Pratt is a man of truth and veracity.
Judson Prentice J.P.
STATE OF NEW-YORK, ERIE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE,
ss.
I, CYRUS K. ANDERSON, Clerk of the County of Erie, do hereby certify that
Judson Prentice Esq. whose name is subscribed to the annexed Affidavit Certificate was, at the time of subscribing to the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly elected and sworn, and acting as such. And further, that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe the signature " Judson Prentice " to be his genuine signature.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, this 10 th day of August A. D. 1840.
C. K. Anderson Clerk

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
June 16 th , 1845.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, the of three children of Lydia Pratt, decd. a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany N.Y. Agency, at the rate of Fifty six ————— Dollars and 22 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th July 1838, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1836, to the 31 st October 1838.
Respectfully, yours,
William L. Harris
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

12.544 Thomas Pratt
admitted
24 mo. Private
M. Belsey Hall Willink P.O. N.Y.

BRIEF in the case of Thomas Pratt  of Aurora in the State of N. York  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? before a Judge  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? it is so certified  3. How old is he? 79 Years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 1775 (enlisted) 02 8 22nd 14.72 As a Gen. Col. Sam d Ward } Mass ts Volunteers Cap t Drury }   Decem r " (Volunteers) 3 no roll Cap t Mops " "   July 1776 " 5 no roll Cap t Fiske } Fellow Col s Smith } Brigade "   April 1777 " 3 Cap t Alcinia or Morse - R. Island   July 1777 " about 40 26 th Cap t Moses Hayden - Mass ts   April 1778 " 3 2. 181 on Cap t Ephraim Lyon "   Septem r 1781 " about 40 Officers not recollected - Connect.  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Harlem Heights, White Plains  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Grafton - Mass ts  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional evidence, and on living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? The papers are not attached as the Regulations direct 
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Wm Gordon Examining Clerk.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section MOR/ce1
November 22, 1929
Thomas Pratt W-17485
Miss Ruth M. Green Village Hall East Aurora, New York
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.17485, it appears that Thomas Pratt was born July 28, 1753, in Grafton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
While residing in said Grafton, he served one year from April, 1774, in a company of minute men under the command of Captain Luke Drury, and Colonel Jonathan Ward. In April, 1775, at the time of the battle of Lexington, he was on the march to Cambridge under the above named officers. The day after his arrival at Cambridge, he enlisted and served eight months as a guard in Captain Luke Drury's Company, Colonel Jonathan Ward's Massachusetts Regiment. On the day of his discharge, he re-enlisted and served three months as a private at Dorchester, in Captain Moss' Massachusetts Company.
In July, 1776, he enlisted and served five months in Captain Foster's Company, Colonel Smith's Massachusetts Regiment and was at the battles of Harlem Heights and White Plains; from April, 1777, he served three months in Captain Mainer's or Morse's Massachusetts Company; in July, 1777, he volunteered under Lieutenant Moses Hayden, served forty days as a private and was in the battle of Bennington; from April, 1778, he served three months in Captain Ephraim Lyon's Company guarding the shores of Rhode Island.
At the time of the burning of New London, Connecticut, he enlisted at Somers, Connecticut, and served forty days, the names of his officers are not given.
In January 1780 , 1781, he moved from said Grafton

to Somers, Connecticut; about twelve years later, he moved to Buckland, Northampton County, Massachusetts, thence to West Hampton in the same county, and in the summer of 1808, he moved to Aurora, Erie County, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 25, 1832, while residing in Aurora, New York. He died there December 13, 1833.
The soldier married in February, 1781 or February 5, 1789, in Enfield, Hartford County, Connecticut, Lydia Bullen (the name also appears as Bullin and Boleyn), of said Enfield. She was his second wife, the name of his first wife is not shown. The soldier's oldest son, Levi, stated that he was in his eighth year when his father and Lydia were married. He did not give the date of his birth. In 1839, he resided in Aurora, New York.
Pension was allowed on the application of said Lydia Pratt which application was executed October 15, 1838, at which time she was aged seventy-six years and four months, and resided in Aurora, New York.
Thomas and Lydia Pratt had nine children, only three were living in 1839, no names are given.
Very truly yours,
Did not use statement concerning widow's death a short time  about a few days after Nov. 1, 1839, as it does not EARL D. CHURCH agree with Agency Book, which states Commissioner. Oct 31, 1838, + the children were paid at that time.
Agency Book gives date of death of Lydia Pratt as Oct. 31, 1838, but I did not use it as both depositions of Levi Pratt are dated in 1839 and he stated that Lydia Pratt was then living in Aurora New York.
Sol's half brother John C. Pratt was born Aug. 16, 1763 + resided in Aurora N.Y. in 1832.

Buffalo Sept 15 1903 Commission of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir Will you please send me the Revolutionary record of Thomas Pratt a Pensioner from Erie Co N.Y. in 1835 although he died in 1833 a Soldier of The Revolution Yours Truly
Geo H Pratt 61 Riley St. Buffalo N.Y.

Albany - Thomas Pratt ad. June 7, 1832 to what time June? V.L.
Died 13 th Dec. 1833 for that period Dec 1833 H

V N. York
Lydia Pratt
Lot. to Pittsborough 22 June 1860
to same 16, Aug. 1839.
" same July 31, 1840.
Act July 1838

Albany N.Y. 16 March '42
General Jenkins Pension Claims of Hannah Atwater John Green Lydia Pratt
Rec d 19 March '42 Ans d
Case of Lydia Pratt. respectfully submitted to the Comm ee of Pensions for a special order to pay 3 d Committee Off ce . March 19 th 1842.
Mr. Evans

Albany March 16. 1842.
Sir,
I enclose the following powers of Attorney Viz. 1 Children of Lydia Pratt to Genl. Sam Brack - from 4 March 1836 to 31 Decr. 1838. 2 John Green to John S. Green - 4 Sept. '40 to 4 March '42. 3. Adm l of Hannah Attwater to M r M c R. Strong - 4 Sept. '40 to 2 d Sept. '41
Please remit to the respective attornies the amt s due at the Agency, to my care and authorize the agent here to pay to John Green's Attorney, the am ts payable here -
Very respectfully
Your obed Serv t
Levi Jenkins
Peter Hoagland Esq r Third Ave t Treasurer Dept t

War Dep
Rev. V.A.
Aug 16 '39
339
Sir
The papers in the case of Mrs Lydia Pratt widow of Thomas Pratt dec'd under the act of 7. Feb. 38 are here with returned that the credibility of the witnesses may be duly certified -
The date of the marriage or the relation of husband & wife prior to 1794 should be established by that grade of evidence which is so universally afforded by the Church - Town & family registers as well of births & baptisms as of marriages -
Upon an examination of his papers under the act of 7 June '32 it appears that he was improperly allowed a full pension. The mass rolls since received shew that the allowance of 19 mo for 4 tours should have been for 16 mo 26 days. and He was also allowed

for two Tours of 40 days each in without furnishing the names of the Officers which are indispensable to an examina- -tion of the rolls. A reputed service in the R.I. militia for which he was allowed 3 mos, was evidently the patrol duty im- -posed upon the citizens of that state by their local situation of which more correct information has been obtained since the adjustment of his claim
O. M. Burrough
Aug. 16: '39
O. L.
J. M. Worburgh Esq Willenk N.Y.

I William Dixon of Enfield in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut do depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk of the Town of Enfield afores., & have held & exercised the same Office from the Year 1827 to the present time & that I have this 24. th Day of September A.D. 1839 carefully examined all the Records of Marriages in said Town of Enfield to find the Marriage of Thomas Pratt with Lydia Bullen but do not find any Record of said Marriage, — I further Depose & say that the Records of Marriages in said Town of Enfield until after 1800 are very imperfect & defective — Further the Deponent saith not. Dated at Enfield the 24. th Day of Sept. 1839
Wm Dixon, Town Clerk
Hartford County ss. Enfield Sept. 24. 1839 Then personally appeared William Dixon & made solemn Oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed, Before me Joseph H. Onou Justice of Peace

I Geer Terry of Enfield in Hartford County & state of Connecticut of lawful age do testify & say that I have by request of Peter Vosburgh of Willinks county of Erie & state of New York made enquiry of several people of upwards of sixty years of age residents of this town concerning their knowledge of the marriage of Thomas Pratt with Lydia Bullen (or Boleyn) formerly of this town. and most of them say they recollect them well, and they appear to have no doubt but they were legally married. I have searched the records of this town at the clerks office for several years including the time, & before, & after they were supposed to be married & find no record of it.
I find but very few marriages recorded at that date which was supposed to be about 1790. considering the number that were probably married in this town about that time.
Geer Terry
State of Connecticut
Hartford County ss Hartford Ap l 10 th A.D. 1839 Personally appeared Geer Terry subscriber to the foregoing Deposition and made solemn Oath to the truth of the same
James Dixon Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut County of Hartford } ss.
I James H. Holcomb Clerk of the County Court in & for said County of Hartford hereby certify that James Dixon who has subscribed the above certificate is an acting Justice of the Peace duly authorized to administer oaths, that full faith and credit are due to his official acts, & that his signature above subscribed is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court this 10 th day of April A. D. 1839.
James H. Holcomb Clerk.

July 30th 1880
Miss. J. J. Brant
Yrs
L. Edwards Esq Comt of Prison's Washington City D.C.

Millville N.Y.
July 25 '1840.
Sir - Your Letter in reference to the application of Mrs. Lydia Pratt for a Pension has been received and submitted to the perusal of some of the Stars entitled in her application -
It is that, that if a copy of her declaration forwarded to the War Department could be procured, the proof requested by your last Letter could be supplied -
The copy of her declaration preserved by me has been mislaid or destroyed and if it should not prove too great an inconvenience with your other numerous duties you would oblige me by forwarding me a copy of her declaration now in file -
Respectfully Yours
Obedt Servant
P. M. Fosburgh
J. L. Edwards Esq P. Comd

5478
Lydia Pratt abt. July 7. 1838
Mar d 5. Feb. 1789 1779 Husband died 13 Dec 1833
Col Ward } Messrs. Messrs. etc. Capt. Dury }
Admitted Private 16 mo & 26 days $56.22
P. M. Vosburgh Esq. Willink New York

26 Payment to be made at Albany N.Y. by S. W. Alcott Esq. Agent for paying pension- ers, in the Agency of Albany New York Payable on the 1 th March and 1 th September in each year. First payment to be made on the 1 th day of next.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book 1 Vol. 2 o Page 98 by K. M. Addison
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Five years' Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Sydia Pratt of New York widow of Thomas Pratt, dec d who was a Private in the Revolution and died on the 13 th day of December 1833 is entitled to receive five years' pension at the rate of Fifty Six dollars and Twentytwo cents per annum, commencing on the fourth day of March, 1836; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 15 th day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty
J. B. Poinsett
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. S
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

18 20 FREE
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm. of Pensions Washington City D.C.
In. att. J. S. Pratt My. M.
Aug 31 '44

Williston P.O. Erie County N.Y. August 26 th 1842.
Sir.
I have before me your Letter of the 3 rd of April 1842, to the subject of which I respectfully wish to refer you, altho' some time has elapsed since its receipt by me. Since its receipt, circumstances have transpired which have made it impossible to write to you ere this late period - I refer to claims of the Heirs of Mrs. Lydia Pratt, for the amount of the Pension which was due her at her decease - After her death, the Heirs have at considerable expenses sent to other States residing in Illinois and other Western States, to get the necessary proof and to lay it before the Pension Agent in order to receive the money - The proof which was in accordance with instructions was forwarded to a Subleman at Albany, to whom a power of Attorney was given to receive the money, but nothing could be learned of the matter after that, till your Letter was received, when I learned that the Certificate had been returned to the Department -
It is a matter of great doubt whether the proof before produced, can be procured except at great expense, and inasmuch as the proof mentioned as requisite in your Letter, has been furnished to the Pension Agent, I suggest whether it would not be in accordance with Law to issue the Certificate on the proof produced -

It appears the Agent at Albany returned the Certificate to the Department, and I presume he returned the proof also, and I respectfully refer you to the same for a decision on this matter -
I trust you will not deem my reference to this subject after so long a period has elapsed undearous, but actuated by by a desire to have finished done in the premises, and with as little additional expense to the claimants as possible -
I am respectfully Yours
Obed servant
P. M. Foster
J. S. Edwards Esq. Comm. of Pensions

T. M. Vosburgh
20 - June 1840
OL

300 Pension Office
20. June 1840
Sir The papers of Mrs Lydia Pratt late widow of Thomas Pratt returned in your letter of the 9 th April last I have to inform you have again been examined - The proof in relation to the date of the marriage marriage is insufficient: If no record evidence of it can be found, it must be established by the testimony of a witness who can testify the date of his own knowledge: & Record evidence of the birth of  the eldest child may be material in  this  case investigation of this case
P. Mr. Vorburgh Esq. William N.Y.

J. M. Worburgh, Esq.
July 31. 1840.
O. C.
3 4 5

377
Rev: A. H. Aug July 31. 40
Sir
In answer to yours of 25 inst respecting the case of Lydia Pratt, I have to inform you that the only difficulty is as to the proof of the date of the marriage — (Claimants are required  expected ) to produce the best attainable evidence and it is therefore expected in this case that the relation of husband & wife prior to Jan'y '94 will be established by that grade of proof which is so universally afforded by the registers of Towns, Churches, & families as well of births & baptisms as of marriages.
P. M. Vosburgh esq. Willink N.Y.

3. April 1843
P. M. Warburgh.

24 23
Pension Office
3 d April 1843
Sir.
In answer to your letter of the 20 th ulto in the case of Lydia Pratt dec d , I have to inform you that as she died prior to the issuing the pension certificate it has been returned and is now on the files of this office. The  children heirs, should therefore make application that a certificate may issue in their names for the amounts due. The applica- tion must contain evidence taken before Ann Sir a court of record showing the names, residence and ages of the children.
Very Respectfully Your P te Serv t .
P. M. Washburn Esq r Millbrook New York.

P. M. Vorburgh Aug 31. 1844

Pension Office
Aug 31. 1844
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 26 th inst. I have to inform you that the vouchers in the case of Lydia Pratt dec d which were sent here from Albany in March 1842 were returned, and the pension certificate only retained. We cannot direct the payment of the pension without a compliance with my letter to you of the 3 rd April 1843.
J. M. Vosburgh Esq Willink New York.

3
Pension business
Oct 1 1843
Mr. Lewis
25
J. L. Edwards Esq. Board of Pensions Washington City D.C.
1

Aurora March 20 1843.
Dear -
Some months since a Pension Certificate was granted to Mrs. Lydia Pratt of this Town, as the widow of Thomas Pratt late of Aurora deceased - Mrs. Pratt died before the amount thereby granted was paid, and consequently her Heirs became the proper recipients of the amount - They requested me to draw powers of Attorney preparatory to getting the money from the Pension Agent, and after some delay, being obliged to forward the power to Illinois to be signed by some of the Heirs, I enclosed the Power of Attorney together with the Pension Certificate, to a Gentleman in Albany to present the same to the Agent and get the Amount - I received an answer stating that I must present the Pension Certificate , and that that, must be delivered before it could be paid - I informed my agent then, that I had sent it, and enclosed an affidavit of that fact, and if not received, it must have been lost or destroyed - The Heirs are very anxious to get the amount due them - I have had no answer to my last communication, and now refer

to the Department for relief in the premises, satisfied at the same time, that the money has not been paid to any one -
Will not the money be paid on my affidavit of the loss of the Certificate, and a release or an acknowledgment signed by the parties entitled that they had received the same - If an affidavit would be sufficient, it would save a great deal of delay and expense to the parties as some of them live in Illinois and other Western States -
From the foregoing you will learn my object in troubling you with this communication, and an answer is respectfully solicited at your earliest convenience -
Respectfully Yours Oldest Servant P. M. Forbrough
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm. of Pensions Wash n City D.C. -

Department of Interior Bureau of Pensions. Washington, D.C.
Revo
Gentlemen: -
Will you kindly send me a statement of the military history of - Thomas Pratt , a soldier in the Revolutionary War who was born at Grafton, Mass. July 28, 1753 - also one for George Ponser - a Revolutionary War soldier - born in or at Germantown Penna. in 1757 - He was in the Pennsylvania Division, Comm- anded by Anthony Wayne.

Thanking you, Sam. Very truly Yours Miss Ruth M. Green
Village Hall. East Aurora New York. Sept. 24, 1929.
C. S. Thomas Pratt and George Ponser are my Great- Grandfathers. R. G.

May 19'99 L.D. Pratt, Elmira N.Y.
Sept. 24, 1903. His, &c. Geo. M. Pratt, Buffalo N.Y. 1929-Nov. 22, 1929. Hist to Miss. Ruth M. Green, M.E.E.
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17485
Sydia Pratt
Widow of
Thomas Pratt
Rev. Rev. War
Act: July 7 th 1838
Index:—Vol. M , Page 1211
[Arrangement of 1870.]

City of Buffalo N.Y. July 10. 1833.
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions, Sir
I send Enclosed the Pension Certificates (under the act of 7th June 1832) of
Thomas Pratt & Calib West.
now payable in the City of New York which the holders wish to have transferred that they may receive payment here.
You will oblige them by issuing them new certificates payable at the Buffalo Agency & sending them to me by mail immediately.
I am Very Respectfully Your obt servt
N. K. Hall
Payts have been made on these to 4th Mar last.

I John Pease of Enfield in Hartford County & State of Connecticut Aged Eighty seven six years retaining my memory nearly as sound & good as formerly do depose & say that after I had served in the war of the Revolution, which was the fore part of the war I became acquainted with Thomas Pratt and for years had known Lydia Bullin (or Boleyn) although living at remote parts of the town from one another. I remember the time it was generally reported that S d Thomas & Lydia were married together and that soon after, he brought her into the neighborhood where I resided, & that no one ever doubted or said but they were lawfully married to my knowledge. They there lived together as husband & wife & I sold them provisions such as meat & grain to live on. It is my belief that he was in the war before he married, & that he went again after his marriage, & that I sold his wife provisions for her support while he was in the war after their marriage. I have no doubt on my mind but that Thomas Pratt & Lydia Bullin were lawfully joined together by marriage at the time before mentioned which was in the time of the Revolutionary war. & further the deponent saith not.
Dated at Enfield at the 24 th day of October 1839
John Pease
Hartford County ss Enfield October 25 th 1839 Then Personally appeared John Pease & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed, before me
Joseph H. Converse Justice of Peace
State of Connecticut Hartford County ss Enfield October 25 th 1839 I William Dixon Judge of Probate for the District of Enfield do hereby certify that Joseph H. Converse is a Justice of the Peace in & for S d County, Duly commissioned & qualified: that he was appointed to serve one year at the May session of Connecticut Legislature in 1839, from that time. & that his signature above written is genuine.
Given under my hand & seal of said Probate district in aforesaid County This 25 th day of October 1839
Wm Dixon, Judge of Probate for District of Enfield
H

5475 May 28 N.Y. 7 July 1838.
Lydia Crabb Mid. of Albany
Pension Papers FREE
J. S. Edwards Esquire Comr. of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Williamsville (Erie County) N.Y.
May 15 1839 -
Sir.
I enclose papers relating to the the evidence of McIntire in the case of Mrs Pratt - an applicant for a Pension -
I also enclose a copy of a declaration made by Mr Pratt deceased in his life, the original of which is on file in the Pension Department, or at least the substance thereof - This will enable you to learn more fully, the right Mrs Pratt has to a pension -
Respectfully Yours
Dear Sir and
A. M. Foster
J. L. Edwards Esq
May 17 1839 P.M.

J. S. Edwards Esq. Four of Pension's Washington

Millville P.O., April 9 th 1840
Sir -
I enclose to you the papers heretofore forwarded to the Pension Department together with the additional proof required so far as the applicant has been able to procure the same - Altho' I have doubts in my own mind as to their sufficiency, still at the suggestion of friends, I am constrained to trouble you again with their perusal, intending to do nothing further upon the subject -
It is proper to state, that a short time after the affidavit of Levi Pratt on the 2 nd day of November 1839. Mrs Lydia Pratt departed this life, but she has heirs living who are deserving of the pittance to which their parent was entitled.
The reason of not forwarding the papers before was the delay in obtaining the additional proof, Clerk's Certificate &c -
With sentiments of respect Am Your
Humble servant
P. M. Westbury
Hon J. L. Edwards -

22 9 3 44 29 9 8 44 4 44 4 44 4 10 07
44 FREE
Aug 18. 1874
Prof. Joseph Lydiat Pratt.
The mail was delayed at New York and was not delivered until the 19th inst. and arrived at Scituate on the 20th inst.
Edward Agassiz Pension Agent Washington City D.C.

Millinick P. O.
Augt 11 th 1840
Sir
I enclose to you the last and any certificate and affidavit which can be produced on the part and behalf of the claim of the late Mrs Pratt.
I trust the same will be considered sufficient, and if not, she he will have the satisfaction of doing all in having done all in her our power to prove her right to a Pension
In haste Yours Respectfully
J. M. Vosburgh
J. L. Edwards Esq.

5475
5475 Lydia Pratt. N.Y.
5475
Lydia Pratt widow of Thomas.
act 7. July 38.
N.Y.
Act. 7. July 38.
Evidence in case of Lydia Pratt wife of Thomas Pratt deceased, on appln for a Pension
Memorandum 5. Feb 1789 First sent 13. Dec 1833
Let to J. M. Vosburgh 16 Aug 1839
Rolls - 16 mo. 26 days pri
16 mo 26 days only Annual
J. M. Vosburgh Esq. Willink N.Y.

State of New York
On this day personally appeared Levi Pratt of Aurora in the County of Erie and State aforesaid being duly sworn deposed and says; That he was well acquainted with Thomas Pratt late of the Town of Aurora deceased before his death, and that he is also acquainted with Lydia Pratt his widow now residing in the Town aforesaid - That in the month of July one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine this Deponent (being then seven years old) went and commenced to reside with the said Thomas Pratt and Lydia Pratt who were then residing and living in the family of the father of the said Lydia as Husband and wife, in the Town of Enfield State of Connecticut. That this Deponent living with said Thomas and Lydia until he was Twenty Years old , part of the time in the State of Connecticut & part of the time in the State of Massachusetts -
In the month of May 1808 this Deponent accompanied the said Thomas Pratt and Lydia Pratt in their removal into the State of New York - and they located themselves in the Town of Aurora County of Erie aforesaid - That from this time of the commencement of their residence in the Town of Aurora aforesaid until the decease of the said Thomas, this Deponent was intimately acquainted with them, and resided on a farm adjoining the farm of said Thomas -
That during the time aforesaid the said Thomas and Lydia lived together as Husband and wife & were reputed as such - Levi Pratt
Subscribed & affirmed before me the 31 st January 1839 P.M. Foxburgh J.P.

State of New York
Erie County ss. p. Jonathan Hoop of the Town of Aurora and County aforesaid being duly sworn says, that he has been a Resident of the Town of Aurora for the last twenty years, and during that time has practiced in his profession as Physician and Surgeon. That soon after his coming into said Town he was called upon in his professional capacity to visit in the family of Thomas Pratt deceased who in his life time and at the time of his death was a Revolutionary Pensioner. That said Thomas was then living with Lydia Pratt as his wife - and from that time to the present this Deponent has known the said Lydia, and that until the decease of the said Thomas, he and the said Lydia lived together as husband and wife - And from reports to be such - And further this Deponent saith not. Sworn & subscribed before me this 8 th Feby 1839. Jonathan Hoop
STATE OF NEW-YORK, ERIE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, ss.
I, CYRUS K. ANDERSON, Clerk of the County of Erie, do hereby certify that Peter M. Vosburgh Esq. whose name is subscribed to the annexed Proof of Affidavit,
was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace
in and for said county, duly elected and sworn and acting as such. And further, that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice
"P. M. Vosburgh"
and verily believe the signature to be his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, this 10 day of May A. D. 1839.
C. K. Anderson Clerk By R. W. Padelford Deputy

State of New York
On this day personally appeared Jonathan Hoyt of the Town of Aurora and County of Onondaga being duly sworn says, that he has been a Resident of the Town of Aurora for the last twenty years, and during that time has practiced in his profession as Physician and Surgeon. That soon after his coming into said Town he was called upon in his professional capacity to visit in the family of Thomas Pratt deceased who in his life time and at the time of his death was a Revolutionary War Pensioner. That said Thomas was then living with Lydia Pratt as his wife - and from that time to the present this Deponent has known the said Lydia, and that until the decease of the said Thomas, th he and the said Lydia lived together as husband and wife - And were reputed to be such - And further this Deponent saith not.
Sworn & subscribed before me this 8 th Feby 1829.
J. M. TenBroek J.C.
Jonathan Hoyt

State of New York } Erie County ss. Levi Pratt of the Town of Aurora in said County being duly sworn says; that he was acquainted with Thomas Pratt and Lydia his wife previous to the year seventeen hundred and ninety four; and a Register of the Births of the several Children of the said Thomas was kept by said Thomas and Lydia in their family Bible - That said Register of Births together with the Registry of the Marriage of said Thomas and Lydia was destroyed by fire in the year 1832 - That this Deponent knows that said Lydia and Thomas had nine children, and that they continued to live together as Husband and wife until the death of said Thomas - Then only of said nine children are now living - and that said Lydia Pratt wife of said Thomas is now living in the Town of Aurora aforesaid - And further Deponent saith not - Levi Pratt
State of New York } Erie County ss. - On the 1 st day of November 1839 personally appeared before me P. M. Vosburgh a justice of the peace in and for said County, the above named Levi Pratt well known to me, and made oath according to law to the truth of the above affidavit - And I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Levi Pratt and know him to be
STATE OF NEW-YORK, ERIE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, CYRUS K. ANDERSON, Clerk of the County of Erie, do hereby certify that Peter M. Vosburgh Esq. whose name is subscribed to the annexed Proof of Affidavit was, at the time of taking the same a Justice in and for said county, duly elected and sworn, and acting as such. And further, that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe the signature "P. M. Vosburgh" to be his genuine signature.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, this 25 th day of March A. D. 1840. C. K. Anderson Clerk By J. B. W. Padelford Dep.

State of New York
One County ss. Levi Pratt of the Town of Aurora in said County being duly sworn says; that he was acquainted with Thomas Pratt and Lydia his wife previous to the year seventeen hundred and ninety four; and a Register of the Births of the the Children of the said Thomas Lydia was kept by said Thomas and Lydia in their family Bible - That said Register of Births together with the Registry of the Marriage of said Thomas and Lydia was destroyed by fire in the year 1832 - That this Deponent knows that said Lydia and Thomas had nine children, and that they continued to live together as Husband and wife until the death of said Thomas - There only of said nine children are now living - and that said Lydia Pratt wife of said Thomas is now living in the Town of Aurora aforesaid - And further Deponent saith not -
Levi Pratt
State of New York
One County ss. On the 1 st day of November 1839 personally appeared before me P. M. Vosburgh a justice of the peace in and for said County, the above named Levi Pratt, well known to me, and made oath according to Law to the truth of the above affidavit -
And I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Levi Pratt and know him to be a reputable man and a man of truth and veracity
P. M. Vosburgh J.P.