Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,269, for William Porter, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Porter, William Mary
W 15,269
CONTENTS

rep d see Let. to Pen. Agt Sept. 13. 44 to Reuben Baldwin Dec 31. 1844
4078 Massachusetts
Mary Porter Dec d widow of William Porter who died on the 15 Feb. 1821 of _____ in the State of Mass a who was a Pri t in the Co mpany commanded by Captain Bicknell of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Mass a line for 9 Mos. 18 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass a at the rate of 31 Dollars 98 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. and end g 19 Dec. 1836 day of her Death
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Sept 1844 and sent to Reuben Baldwin, Boston, Mass a
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d }
Recorded by J. G. Swann Clerk, Book C Vol. 1 Page 62
Payt to Reuben Baldwin, Adm r

V N o 683. 3. sec. Marys Porter widow of William
married 2 Feb y 74
Mass.
on Capt. Bicknell's roll
3 mo. 13 ds pri
Capt. Snow. Vol 22 p 211
1 mo 2 days-
3. 13
1. 2
5. 3
9. 18
Benj. Richards, Boston, Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts - }
Town of Braintree Nov. 14th 1836.
I Asa French do on Oath declare that I am Clerk of the Town of Braintree in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and that I have the custody of the Records of said Town and that it appears by the said Records that William Porter of Abington and Mary Chessman of Braintree aforesaid were joined in Marriage July 2 d 1824
Asa French Town Clerk Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss - Nov. 14th 1836.
Then personally appeared Asa French the subscriber to the above certificate, and made solemn Oath to the truth of the same
Before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
County of Norfolk.
I Jonathan H. Cobb Register of the Court of Probate for the County & state aforesaid hereby certify that Sherman Leland Esquire a Judge of the Court of Probate aforesaid, that Benjamin Richards is a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Norfolk & that Elial Whitman is a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Plymouth & that their several respective signatures on the annexed papers are genuine & true.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & caused the seal of said Court to be annexed this twenty second day of November A.D. 1836.
Jonathan H. Cobb
Register of Probate Co. of Norfolk

I Brackley Shaw of Abington in the County of Plymouth in the State of Massachusetts, being in my seventy sixth year of my age do testify and say that I was well acquainted with William Porter late of Abington deceased; who married Mary Chase man of Braintree now Randolph - it was a common report in the neighbourhood that he was in the Revolu- tionary Army and served there as a soldier in the eight months service at Roxbury and in the State of Rhode Island and at other places; and that said William Porter died a number of years ago. I think fifteen years last February and that his Widow has lived in my neighbourhood here at Randolph ever since, that she has never since his Death been married, and is now a widow — Brackley Shaw
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth County ss. Nov. 16 1836. Personally appeared the Deponent aforesaid, and made oath, that the declarations aforesaid by him subscribed, are true, according to the best of his knowledge and belief. — And I further certify, that I am personally acquainted with the said Deponent and that he is reputed to be a man of truth and veracity
Eliah Whitman Justice of the Peace

I Miriam Hearsey of Abington in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth wealth of Massachusetts being being in my eighty eighth year of my age do testify and declare that I well know William Porter late of Abington in said County now deceased, that he married Mary Chapman of Braintree, in the County of Norfolk now Randolph - and that said Porter was a revolutionary Soldier, as I lived in the same house at the same time of the Revolutionary war - with the said William Porter - and well remember his being in the war at different Periods of time, and that he died a number of years ago. his widow has never been since married & is now a widow.
Miriam H. Hearsey
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth County S.S. Nov. 16 1836 Personally appeared the Deponent aforesaid, and made oath, that the declarations aforesaid by her subscribed, are true, according to the best of her knowledge and belief And I further certify, that the said Deponent, is considered and reputed to be a person of truth and veracity
Eliah Witsman Justice

Randolph in County of Norfolk. (1/2) I Rachel Thayer of Randolph in County of Norfolk. (1/2) Braintree Widow of Timothy Thayer of B o Town do testify & declare that I am in my 76 th year of my age, and well remember that Mary Chessman of Braintree married William Porter of Abington in the County of Plymouth, and said Mary Chessman was a nighbour of mine - I well remember that she came to Braintree and staid a considerable time while her husband was in the Revolution Army my husband is now dead and I have often heard my husband say that said Porter & he were in the same Company, or Reg t and I think according to the list of my recollection in the eight months service at Roxbury in 1775 or 1776 - and at other Places in the Army and it is according to the list of my recollection, that said Porter served at several Periods in the service, and at one time while she was on a visit at Braintree while her husband was in the Army she had a Child taken sick & died I was not married to my said husband till after the War -
Rachel the Thayer M rs .
State of Massachusetts
Norfolk County } ss. November 16 th 1856. Then the above named Rachel Thayer of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts who is a person of truth and veracity personally appeared and made oath that the above affidavit by her subscribed is true.
Before Me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

I Simeon Alden of Randolph in the county of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being in my seventy fourth year of my age. I do testify and say that I well remember William Porter of Abington in the county of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts, that he was a revolutionary Soldier according to the best of my recollection & knowledge the said Porter served with me in two campaigns. one at Rhode Island and one other campaign at New York, at New York if my memory serves me under Capt. Luke Bicknell. as to the Rhode Island Campaign I do not now recollect my officers name. I was born in Plymouth County and in the Town of Bridgewater, and a small distance from where William Porter lived - my memory being very much impaired or I should be able to recollect the officers that were in command - I was placed on the Pension roll for my services & further say not Simeon Alden
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. November 21st 1836. Then personally appeared the above named Simeon Alden the deponent and made solemn oath to the truth of the above declaration by him subscribed and I further certify that the said deponent is considered & reputed to be a person of truth & veracity - Before Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss. on the ninth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty six personally appeared before the Honorable Sherman Leland Judge of the Probate Court in and for said County, Mary Porter a resident of Randolph in said County, aged eighty eight years, who being first duly sworn doth upon her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the Act of Congress of the Fourth of July A.D. 1836.
That she is the Widow of William Porter late of Abington in the County of Plymouth, deceased; that her said husband was a Soldier in the Revolutionary Army and served at least eight months at Roxbury in 1775 - as a Private in a Company of the Massachusetts Militia commanded by Captain Reed or Captain Pool also at least three months at Cambridge as a private in a Company of Massachusetts Militia, commanded by Captain Pool also as a Private in a Company of Massachusetts Militia commanded by Captain Bicknell for a period of at least three months, also as a Private in a Company of Massac- husetts Militia, commanded by Captain Snapp for a Period of at least six weeks also also as a Private in the Massachusetts for Militia for several other different periods under the command of Officers whose names she does not recollect. That one term of service was in the State Rhoad Island & one at  at That she was married to the said William Porter by the Rev d . Moses Toft, then minister of Braintree in the year A.D. 1774. That her said husband died the 15 th day of February A.D. 1821. and that she has remained a Widow ever since as will fully appear by the testimony hereto annexed —
Mary X Porter mark
I sworn to, and subscribed to the day & year first above written. & I hereby certify that by reason of old age & bodily infirmity the said Mary Porter was unable to appear before a court to make the above declaration.
S Leland Judge of Probate.

4078 Massachusetts
Mary Porter, dec d widow of William Porter who died on the 15 Feb 1821 of in the State of Mass s who was a Pri in the Co commanded by Captain Picknell of the reg commanded by in the line for 9 Mos 18 days 1 " 21 " increase
Repr. Let w th ap d 21 '45
from $31.98 pr. ann. Inscribed on the Roll of Mass s at the rate of 37 Dollars 65 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Vending on the 19 Dec. 1836 day of her death
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Apr "45" and sent to R. Salowin, Boston
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending Mass s
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3.
Recorded by J. L. Swan, Clerk, Book 6 Vol. Page 62 Pay d to Reuben Salowin adm l

O
To Mr. William Porter in Abingdon this with care and speed
18
Abraham Dyer Jr Ranchester 1834
Respect affection friendship and admiration

Camp. Wickham near Newport 1778. If I may I take the pen in my hand to let you know that I am well and in good health and I hope these Lines will find you so and all the men that come from Wickham , and so except James  and  they  have  gone  over  to  take care of them I landed on the Wickham the 9 th of July and was at  the  other part of the Island and marched in about two miles of Newport and I Expect to march to new port in a few days we had a very bad Storm here and I suffer much So no more at present I remain your friend tell Beth. Molly Porter
Willem Porter

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15269
Marg Porter Widow of William Porter Pri Rev War
Act: July 4 th 86
Index:—Vol. M , Page 134
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Wm Porter -
75 Wm Reed or Pool - vol 13. 76 alarm Sixcentur not on
76 Jau Pool vol 22. 98 - 3 mo men 80 cost on
Richnell - on 2 days
Nat Snow. on line 78 R.D. not on 22.211.
8 mo.
3 -
3 -
Sam alden 1 term abnerfrane Porter not on - May 71

✓ Suspended See let to Benj. Richards 29 Apr 1837- See let to Benj. Richards. July 12, 1837.
Act 1836

683.
Mary Porter
Dept
Mass s
Act 4 th July '36
Ad d
9m. 18d
prior
$ 31.98 per An
Certificate in favor of Rev Reuben Baldwin Admt. Pen- sion to commence March 4 th '36 and terminate
on the Dec r 19 th '36.
Reuben Baldwin Esq. Boston Mass s

Pension Office Sept 44.
Sir The add d evidence in the case of Ma- ry Porter widow of William Porter claiming a pension under the act of July 4 th 36

1 mo. 21 ds 9. - 18 11. 9
Span new Certificate 11 mo. 9 ds pri 37. 65
deduct what has been paid
Heuben Baldwin Boston Mass.

Boston, Massachusetts,
April 13 th 1845.
Sir.
In your letter, dated December 31 st 1844, in relation to the claim of Mary Porter, widow of William Porter deceased, for a life Pension; It is said "An increase will be allowed for one month & twentyone Days, the service credited to W m Porter of Abington, On the return of the Certificate, now held by by the Administrator."
The Department please Issue a Certificate, for the increase, as indicated in the letter referred to, and forward the same to me. The former Certificate was surrendered to the Agent for paying Pensions in Boston, before the receipt of your letter, above referred to.
Very Respectfully Sir I am Your Obedient Servant Reuben Baldwin.
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions. Washington.

Boston, Massachusetts
March 11 th 1844.
Sir
I transmit herewith sundry documents in support of the claim of Mary Porter, widow of W m Porter deceased, claim the amount accruing on the life Pension up to the time of her death, under the Act 4 th July 1836.
Be pleased to give this case the usual course of investigation & transmit the to me. The above case was replied to in your letters, dated April 29 & July 12 th 1839.
Very Respectfully Sir I am your Obedient Servant Reuben Baldwin
James L. Edwards Esqr. Commis r of Pensions. Washington.

Boston October 29 th 1844.
Sir
I transmit herewith an additional Certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts; as proof of further service of William Porter of Abington, in the Revolutionary War; and in support of the claim for a life Pension, by Mary Porter, his widow, now deceased.
It is extremely doubtful whether the William Porter who served in Captain Nathan Packards Comp y . of Carpenters  Col Regiment 17 Days in 1778, was the husband of the Applicant. Or the William Porter who served 1 mo. 13 Days in 1779 in Capt. Calvin Partridges Company of 6th Pierces Regiment; was the Wm Porter from Abington. However the Department must decide that point; and I give such a certificate as they may think proper, without waiting for further proof.
In the above case - certificate No 4078 for $31.98 per. ann; has been issued - under the act 4 th July 1836, dated 13 th September 1844.
Be pleased to accompany your communication in the above case, with a statement. Specifying such terms of service of Wm Porter, as the Department admit, and such terms as they reject.
Very Respectfully Sir I am, Your Obedient Servant, Reuben Baldwin.
James L. Edwards Esqr., Commissioner of Pensions, Washington.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
Oct 23 1811.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears
that the name of William Porter of Abington is borne upon a pay roll of Capt Christopher Dyer, Col Mitchell from Dec 9. 1776 - 14 days; upon a pay roll of Capt James Allen, Major Crary from April 19. 1777 - 25 days & upon a pay roll of Lt Benjamin Dole from July 30. 1780 - 12 days.
14. 25 12 1.21
The name of William Porter is borne upon a pay roll of Capt Edward Farmer, Col Read from Sept 29. 1777 to the 1st of Oct 1777 - 14 days; upon a pay roll of Capt Matthew Packard, Col Carpenter from Aug 3 1778 to Dec 1 - 100 days; & upon a pay roll of Capt Calum Partridge Col Pierce, from May 21 77 from Plymouth to Little Compton 100 days. no other service is found on the rolls in this Office except that

already allowed by the Commission of Insuring.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the Commrs. letter of July 22. 1837  application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contains all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Packer; Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Samuel Cheesman of North Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth  Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being in my eighty sixth year of my age do testify and say that I was well acquainted with William Porter of Abington in D o County that said Porter was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War and served several months at Roxbury 1775 that he served several months in 1776 about the Shore of Boston as a private in the Massachus- etts Militia or troops. he again enlisted in the service of the United States, and went to Rhode Island and did duty there about six weeks under Capt. Nathan Snow) -
after his return from Rhode Island of my memory further me he again enlisted and Marched to New York with the Massachusetts troops and served several months - The Captains names that he served under were according to the best of my memory & knowl- ge - Captain William Reed of Abington - Capt. Jacob Pool of D o - Captain Luke Bicknell & the aforesaid Nathan Snow - I my self was in the beginning of the War of the Revolution - I was often at his House in time of the War, while he was in the service and those four terms of service as above named I cannot state the period of his service, but have no doubt on my mind that he served upwards of eighteen months - I am now so far advanced in life I do not wish to state with precision as to the particular periods of time, for fear I might mistake but have no doubt the whole length of service in all four terms would amount to what I have stated -
Samuel Cheesman
State of Massachusetts Norfolk County, ss; June 17th 1837. Then the

within named Samuel Chesman, whose reputation as a person of truth and veracity, is good in the neighborhood where he resides, and from a personal knowledge and acquaintance with him for many years, I believe him to be a man who does not swerve from the Truth personally appeared and made Oath to the truth of the foregoing Affidavit by him subscribed
Before Me. Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original document.]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office, June 22. 1887.
I hereby certify that Benjamin Richards is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk in this State & has been such for a week or more past.
Witness my hand & Seal
Seal of the State
John D. Sleeper Secy of the Commonwealth

Mrs Mary Porters heirs Widow of William Porter decd act 4 th July 1836.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston March 11 th 1844.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Benjamin Richards was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Palfrey. Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts =
Norfolk ss. -
I John H. Dyer of Randolph in the County of Norfolk, being of Lawful age do testify and say, that Mary Porter, the Widow of William Porter late of Hingham in the County of Plymouth & state of Massachusetts died at my dwelling House in Randolph in the County of Norfolk, December the nineteenth in the year of our Lord, One thousand eight hundred and thirty six - in her eighty eighth year - she applied for a Pension before her death in consequence of her being the Widow of said William Porter deceased who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution -
John H Dyer
Norfolk ss. February 29th 1844 Then the above named John H Dyer personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed and that said Dyer is a Credible witness
Before Me Benjamin Richards Just ice of the Peace

I Amasa Joy of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and state of Massachus- setts. I being of Lawful Age do testify & declare that I was well acquainted with Mary Porter late of Randolph in the County of Norfolk Widow dec. that she died at the House then occupied by John H. Dyer in Randolph on the nineteenth day of December in the year eighteen hundred and thirty six, and that her late husband William Porter late of Hingham dec. I think in the year 1823 - and at the time of the Death of the said Mary Porter she had but one surviving Brother living and no sister the only Brother now resides in North Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth by the name of Samuel Chessman who I saw a line a few days since - said Mary Porter left no children or Grand children at the time of her death.  Amasa Joy
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk ss. February 29th 1844. Then the above named Amasa Joy personally appeared and made Oath to the truth of the above Affidavit by him subscribed - Said Joy is a credible witness  Before me Benjamin Richwood, Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, January 31 st 1840.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of William Porter is borne on a "Muster Roll of Capt. Abram Washburn's Company of Militia now in the Service of the United States Com- manded by Col. Jacob Gerrish, engaged for Six Months to the 1 st January 1779 taken to the 14. day of August 1778," as a Private, entered Service July 37 th 1778.
The name of William Porter is again borne on "A Muster Roll of Capt. Abram Washburn's Company of Militia, in the Service of the United States - Com- manded by Col. Jacob Gerrish, engaged for Six Months, to the 1 st January 1779, taken to the 3 d day of December 1778," as a Private.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John P. Bigelow
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
COUNTY OF NORFOLK, ss.
I, SHERMAN LELAND, Judge of the Court of Probate, in and for said County, hereby certify, that satisfactory evidence has been allowed to me to prove that Mary Porter of Randolph in said County, widow of William Porter, deceased, who was a Soldier in the Army of the Revolution, died on the nineteenth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six, leaving no issue that at the time of her death she was an applicant for a Pension under the Act of Congress of the United States of July 4th 1836. as the widow of the said William Porter, deceased. I further certify that Reuben Baldwin of Roxbury in said County, has been duly appointed Administrator of the Goods and estate of the said Mary Porter and that he is now fully authorised to act in that capacity
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, the said Judge, have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, this fourth day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty four . The words "leaving no issue" were interlined before signing by me. S Leland

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Norfolk County ss.
I Jonathan H. Cobb, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Norfolk hereby certify that Reuben Baldwin of Roxbury in the County of Norfolk Esquire was duly appointed Administrator of the estate of Mary Porter late of Randolph in the County of Norfolk Widow, deceased, at a Court of Probate held at Roxbury in said County of Norfolk on the fourth Tuesday of February A.D. 1844 & continued by adjournment to the second day of March A.D. 1844. that he gave bond, & was duly qualified to act as such —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court of Probate this fourth day of March A.D. 1844.
Jonathan H. Cobb Reg. Prob. County of Norfolk

6
Stephen Baldwin Esq. at the Franklin Office court 11. Boston

Mrs Mary Porter widow of William Porter decd.

Randolph June 19th 1837.
Sir, having recd. your communication from the Pension Office - April 29. 1837. in the case of Mary Porter, of Randolph Widow of William Porter, late of Abington in the County of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts, in stating the declaration & statements, are so imperfect that the examination of the rolls cannot be made as there were several Capt. Reeds & Pools in the Massachusetts service - That his name is found on Capt. Bicknells roll for 3 M th 13 days - I herewith transmit the deposition of Samuel Chessman, of what knowledge he has of the facts in her case; also the Christian names of the Captains &c - Mr. Chessman is an Honorable Old Gentleman in good standing in society - with the Affidavit of Samuel Chessman & I transmit an Old letter, found among the old papers in the possession of Mrs. Porter - which may throw some light upon the case if you should think proper to consider it any thing in its present situation & not attached to - altho' it goes to show he was in the Rhod Island service as stated by her - I have no further evidence directly to make in her case - other than what you now have - the evidence in these cases must come from those who are aged, infirm - and on the verge of the Grave - which I deem so unpleasant to take - whose minds & memories are so much impaired by the hand of time, and whose lives will soon expire, and they plained from the reach and assistance of their fellow mortals - Should you decide in favor of giving her a pension the amount will be left by us to you who have all the papers & evidence in the case - Please to forward the decision as soon as convenient, as her case has been some time pending -
Very Respectfully, Your M c . Ob t . St.
Benjamin Richards
Mr. please to write Benj. Richards Randolph (Ms) }