Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18783, for William Prior, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental (Conn) or Prior William Prior
W 18783
Elizabeth
CONTENTS

3355.
Vermont Roll
William Prior, 4
private. ————— Saml. B. Webb's Reg't C. Line In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 30 th of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th of Oct r 1818 and sent to Mrs. Brayton Esqr — St. Albans Vermont
  Arrears to 4th of Sept th — 1818  33.33    Semi-annual all ee ending 4 th Mar 1819  48.00    Arrears 4 Mos 5/30  $81.33  
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
3 years
Cambridge, Franklin Co. Assigned Co.

St. Albans May 9 William Morris
30th April
Correct
W. Branton Esq. St. Albans H.

State of Vermont ) On the 30 th day of April A D 1818 Franklin County ss ) Before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the State of Vermont personally appears William Prior aged fifty six and upwards resident in the Town of Cambridge in the County of Franklin and State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary wars - That on the 31 st day of month of November 1777 at Enfield in Connecticut he enlisted for three years in the Company of Capt Joseph Walker in the Regiment of Col Samuel B Webb but he being a prisoner the Regiment was commanded by Major Hunter and the brigade consisted of troops from the Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts lines until the latter part of any time when said Regiment was returned to the Connecticut line, that he continued to serve in said corps until the month of of November 1780 when he was honorably discharged at West Point in the State of New York, but his discharge has been lost, that he was in the battle on Rhode Island, and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services than the testimony herewith transmitted sworn to & declared before me the day & year aforesaid
William Breayle Judge Supreme Court And the said William Prior also hereunto subscribes his name William Prior

I William Bragton Judge of the Supreme Court of the State of Vermont as afore said do certify that it appears to my Satisfaction
That the said William Prior did serve in the continental establishment for the term of nine months at one period of service in the continental establishment
in the preceding declaration against the common enemy and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and heard before me to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the directions of the above- mentioned act of Congress.
St Albans May 5 1818
William Bragton Judge Supreme Court Vermont

State of Vermont Franklin County ss Franklin County Supreme Court Clerk's office May 8th. A.D. 1818
Horace Jones clerk of the Supreme Court of the State of Vermont in and for the County of Franklin do hereby certify that the William Brayton Esq. is one of the assistant Judges of said Court duly qualified to act as such and that the foregoing certificates are signed by him in his own proper hand-writing
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the public seal of said Court
Horace Jones Clerk

William Prior —

1818 1771 47 15
I Herman Prior resident in the Town of the town of Underhill in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont aged Sixty nine years and upwards do testify that William Prior resident in the Town of Cambridge in the County of Franklin & State aforesaid is my brother that my brother William first enlisted in the Service of the United States before he was sixteen years of age but that our father refused his consent and prevented his Service. That as soon as he became sixteen years of age, he enlisted for three years in the Service of the United States, that he belonged to the Regiment commanded by Col Sam B Webb which I recollect from my father's directing letters to my brother in that Regiment that I am confident he continued to serve in the Army of the United States for and during his said term of three years, and further this deponent saith not.
Herman Prior
Cambridge May 2. 1818.
The above statement I swear before me according to law and I certify that the said Herman Prior is a credible witness
William Brington Judge Supreme Court

Swan D. April 30 1892

We the subscribers both of Cambridge in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont do testify and say that we are personally acquainted with William Prior of Said Cambridge that the said Prior is not possessed of property sufficient for his support without bodily labour and that from reduced circumstances he is compelled to labour for his support and that he is in need of the assistance of his country for such support.
James B. Gilmore Silas Sears Benjamin Griswold
Cambridge April 30 1818
The above statements shown before me according to law, and I certify that they are all credible witnesses
William Bragton Judge Supreme Court

I Thomas Parker of the Town of Cambridge in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont aged thirty nine years do testify & say that I am personally acquainted with William Prior resident in said Town of Cambridge that I have been acquainted with him in said Town about nineteen years that the said William Prior sustains a good character for truth & veracity, and that he has always professed to have been a Soldier in the revolutionary war, and on training days. Some years. Since he has been employed as the single man on account of his expertise in the use of the market - and further this deponent saith not - Cambridge May 2 1818 Sworn Thomas Parker
Cambridge May 2 1818 The above deponent sworn according to law before me I certify that the said Thomas Parker is a credible witness Wm Breton. Judge Sup Court

I John Andrews of the Town of Alburgh in the County of Grand Isle State of Vermont, aged Sixty one years do testify & say that I am personally acquainted with William Prior now resident in the Town of Cambridge in the County of Franklin State of Vermont. I was acquainted with the said William Prior in the year 1777. 1778. & 1779. he was a Soldier in the Company commanded by Capt Joseph Walker in Cold Webb's Regiment after served in said Regiment most of said until I was discharged in February 1780. during the term of three years, I was a Soldier in the said Regiment in each of those years - and further this deponent saith not John Andrews Sworn May 3-1818
St Allean May 3-1818. The deponent Sworn according to law before me and I certify that the said John Andrews is a credible witness William Bragton Judge Sup Court

William Prior Declaration Copy of Record
Continue
3355-
March 1819
[Handwritten flourish or signature]

Revolutionary Claim, under Act of Congress, May 1, 1820.
STATE OF VERMONT, } Franklin COUNTY, ss. }
Supreme Court. July. Term 1820
ON this Eleventh day of July A.D.
1820 personally appeared in open Court, being the Supreme Court for the County of Franklin and a Court of Record for said County, having the Power of fine and imprisonment  William Prior aged fifty eight years, resident in Cambridge in said County, who being duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath, declare that he served in the revolutionary war, as follows:—
I enlisted on the 8th day of November 1777. in the company commanded by Capt Joseph Walker in the Regiment commanded by Col. Sam d Webb. of Connecticut that I served until the 8th day of November 1778. when I was discharged at West Point that I was in the Battle at New Port Rhode Island that My original declaration is dated April 30th 181. and my pension certificate is numbered three thousand three hundred fifty five
And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me: nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto
annexed, and by me subscribed. one Pot ash kettle 10 dols one Spade kettle damaged 1 dolt. one pail full 2 dollars one dish kettle 1,25 one Spider 1,25. one tea kettle 1,00 one fire Shovel 1,00 one fire tongs 1,50. earthen Platter 70 cents 10 earthen Plates 50 cents three earthen Bowls 25 cents one tea C. one canister. 9 saucers 8 tea cups. 1 cream cup. 1 salt cellar, 1 sugar mug one Butter Dish 1 glass tumbler. 3 table Spoons 8 tea Spoons, one glass bottle, one coffee pot. one turnmill, one bread loaf. one brown earthen Jug - 3 earthen milk pans 1 Brown earthen platter one milk pail. 3 water pails 1 wash Tub. one small tub one bread trough two wooden trays one brown earthen

rities, contracts, or debts, due to me. I have no other schedule
annexed, and by me subscribed.
one Pot ash kettle 10 dolls one Spade kettle damaged 1 doll. one pail full Pot. 2 dollars one dish kettle 1,25 one Spider 1,25. one tea kettle 1,00 one fire shovel 1,00 one fire tongs 1,50, earthen Platter 70 cents. 10 earthen Plates 50 cents three earthen Bowls 25 cents one tea set. 1.50 cannister. 9 saucers 10 tea cups. 1 cream cup. 1 salt cellar, 1 sugar bowl one Butter dish 1 Glass tumblers. 3 tables. Spoons 8 tea Spoons, one glass bottle, one coffee pot. one turnstall, one bread board one brown earthen Jug - 3 earthen milk pans 1 Brown earthen platter one milk pail 3 water pails 1 wash tub. one small tub one bread trough two wooden trays one brown earthen Pot. one churn. one small wooden pail 2 flat irons. 1 chest 2 drawers two small chests 7 old chairs. 2 old wheeled yoke knives old forks one wooden clock one old meat barrel old sugar tub, cider Barrel. one old pair bell yards one horse old ap. old hoe, old manure fork. old scythe, one single sleigh and harness one swarm of honey bees 1 barn shovel, one old large salt cask one old hand saw one old drawing knife old chopping knife 1 two year old heifer 3 goats two sheep 1 old table one old grindstone one iron crane 1 old sheep hitch 1 old single Waggons all those articles are old ones a lease of sixty five acres of land with a log house during life that I am by occupa- tion. a farmer. but am some what infirm in consequence of a tumor on the my thigh that my wife Elizabeth is aged. sixty years but almost a cripple I have one daughter with me aged. 14 years, that according to my best calculations I owe one hundred sixty seven dollars and have due to me about sixty eight dollars.
Sworn to and declared on the 11 th day of July 1820
Before
the court
Attest. Horace James Clerk
William Prior
STATE OF VERMONT, } Franklin COUNTY, ss. }
Horace James
Clerk of the Supreme
Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is one hundred nineteen dollars and nine cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court, on this 17 day of July 1820
Horace James Clerk.

The letter to Hon Wm Lipton Davis 20 March 1849
Reprinted 9 Mch 1849.
4156.
Vermont Maritalier Elizabeth Prior widow of William Prior Conn. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9, day of Mch 1849 and sent to
Henry Stowell Cambridge
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 179 Vol. 3

5075 Elizabeth Prior
W.
Act. 7. July 38
m. 88. d 37
Adm.
2 yrs pri
80/6
Died 4 Jany 37 pen. com: 5 Jany 37.
Henry Stowell Cambridge W

State of Vermont ss. I, Phoebe G. Camp Salem county ss. of Weyau Park in the county of Salem Clerk of Salem County Court, hereby certify that Gardner Bates was a Justice of the peace within & for the county of Salem, duly com- missioned & qualified, that his commission was dated Nov. 14 th 1837. & expired on the 1 st day of Dec r . 1838. I also further certify that the same Gardner Bates is now a Justice of the peace of Salem County Court, duly commissioned & qualified, that his commission is dated Nov. 6, 1838. & will expire on the 1 st day of December 1839. & that his signature attached to these papers is true & genuine
In Witness whereof I have set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at my office in Weyau Park aforesaid This 20 th day of March A. D. 1839
P. G. Camp Clerk

State of Vermont
Lamoille County ss
On this 15 th day of March A.D. 1839 personally
appeared before me Gardner Gates 2 d ap t Judge of Lamoille County Court Elizabeth Prior of
Cambridge of County of Lamoille aged twenty-eight years, who being duly sworn
to tell the truth, on her oath makes the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of
the provisions of an act of the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1858 entitled "an act granting
half pay & pensions to certain widows, that she is the widow of William Prior deceased, who
was a private in the army of the revolution. And I always understood from him that
he enlisted in the fall of 1777 for the term of three years, after he served out the full
term of his enlistment, & that his Captain was Walker, & his Colonel Webb - & that
he was in some battle, I think in Rhode Island. But he was a Pensioner of the United States
under the act of March 18 th 1818, & drew a pension from the great amount to his death of ninety six dollars a year, & for the particular of his revolutionary services, reference is hereby made to the application upon which he was pensioned -
The further declares that she was married to the said William on the day of January 1783 at Brattleboro Vt

by Nathaniel Kinsey Esqr. that her Husband the to William Dose on the 4 th day of Feb. y 1858 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1859 - to wit at the time, along stated
Elmhurst March 15 th Oct 1839 Sur Elizabeth X Poor Mark
the bearer of - Silas Dickinson Cramus Thompson
I hereby certify that Elizabeth Prior the Subscriber to the foregoing Declaration from ill health & bodily infirmi- ty is unable to attend Court, & is a person of good character. & full faith & confidence is to be given to her Statements

I Joseph Austin of Cambridge Grafton County State of Vermont agree With six years ago say that I have lived in Cambridge about thirty years past, & during that period have been well acquainted with Elizabeth Prior, Widow of William Prior (Deceased) & also was equally well acquainted with William Prior up to the time of his decease, which was I believe in the Winter of 1887. Some two years, I think, before the death of the said William they the said William & Elizabeth moved to the State of New York, the town of Westport - I think, to live with a son there residing in said town of Westport - but the said Elizabeth Prior now lives in Cambridge with another son of hers, she removing back to Cambridge after the death of her husband I further testify say that Alva Prior, son of William & Elizabeth Prior, with whom the said Elizabeth now lives, married a daughter of mine - & our families having been thus connected by marriage, have been well acquainted with them. That from my past knowledge of the said William & Elizabeth they lived together in the relation of Husband & Wife, also continuing until his death, & remained off all their children, and I further testify say that the said Elizabeth has not married since the death of her husband, & now lives as a widow, with my son in law, & her son in Cambridge, and she was a member of the Congregational Church in Cambridge

in regular standing of which Church I am the Deacon, & full faith & credit is due to her when she moved to New York.
Statements. And I further testify that she is a Woman, labouring under a great degree of bodily infirmity, & I further testify that she is
William was a pensioner of the United States in his life time, & was a man of good charac- ter & standing in the community in which he lived. - & I further testify that the son with whom she now lives, is Albee Prior -
Further I say not -
The above "was" when she moved to New York, intended for & remains this affidavit
Cambridge Mass.
16th 1839
Attest. H. H. Russell
Joseph Austin
Seven subscribers to you and the day & year last above written
Gardner Gates 2 d Cpt Lodge of Scituate County Court
I hereby certify that Joseph Austin the subscriber to the foregoing affidavit is a man of truth & sincerity & entitled to full belief -
Gardner Gates 2 d Cpt Lodge of Scituate County Court

I Daniel Prior of Marlinton in the County of Cheshire State of Vermont. Son of William Prior & Elizabeth his Wife, was born in Chester Massachusetts on the 14 th Day of February 1784. And lived with my Father & Mother until I was thirty years of age, in the Town of Chester & Cambridge Middle County Vermont, & in Marlinton from that period to the present time, they always lived peacefully happily together as Husband & Wife, until the death of my Father, & raised a Family of seven children of which I am one - My Father & Mother some two years before the death of my Father moved to Westport New York to live with a Brother of mine, where they were when he (my Father) died in February 1837, the Day I do not recollect. & after the death of my Father, my Brother Noah Prior of Cambridge, went over to Westport New York & moved my Mother back to Cam- bridge, where she now lives with my Brother Noah Prior, & I further testify & say she has not married since the death of my Father of Cambridge November 24 th 1838 -
Daniel Prior
Sworn & subscribed to before me this 24 th Day of November 1838 -
Gardner Bates Just Rev

I hereby certify that Daniel Prior the Subscriber to the foregoing Affidavit is a man whose character for truth & veracity is good & without reproach.
Glensburgh November
24th 1838
Garner Guts Just Penn

William Prior of Malone in the County of Franklin & State of New York (now on a visit to my friends & connections in Cambridge & Middle- bury in the State of Vermont) aged seventy years I hope soon, that William Prior formerly of Cambridge (Cambridge County & State of Vermont) but now lately of Westport New York, deceased my brother, that our Father lived in Chester Massachusetts, at the time my brother the ? William was married to Elizabeth Ellis who then lived in Becket Massachusetts - that I was well acquainted with her before her marriage to my brother, she having lived in my Father's family for quite a length of time. Before her marriage, I further testify & say that my brother the ? William & the ? Elizabeth were married some time in January A.D. 1783, as I am confident & easily believe; I was not, however at the wedding but I had an invitation, sent for some cause did not attend - After they were married they lived in my Father's family, about one year, coming then directly after they were married & after that built a house on my Father's farm in ? Chester & lived there some five or six years, & there, I think, three children, & then sold out, & moved to Cambridge Vermont where they lived until about two years before his death - having moved about two years before

This estate to Westport New York, where he died I think in the Winter of 1837. though I did not see him after his removal from Cambridge
And I further testify & say Elizabeth Prior (after my brother's decease) after the estate of my brother removed back to Cambridge, where she now lives with her son Oliver Prior, in a state of widowhood - And I further testify that I gave my Affidavit, relating to his my brother's revolutionary services, at the time he applied for a Pension under the act of 1818, which can be seen by referring to the evidence upon which he was pensioned - I further state & testify, that I well recollect that the Law of Massachusetts at the time of my brother's marriage was, that the con- sent of the Parents, must be obtained, & the Certificate of that consent presented to the marrying Officer before he was authorized to marry - & I well re- member, that my Father gave a written Certificate to of his consent to my brother's marriage before he went to be married - & I have no more doubt that he was married to the woman that is now his Widow, than I have of any facts that I was not an Eye Witness of. In fact I have no doubts of their lawful marriage And I further state that Mrs. Elizabeth Prior my brother's Widow, has ever sustained a good character for truth & honesty Cambridge Nov 20 th 1838 S. H. MANSELL

The "Word" my brother,, intulins upon scrip
Arthur H. Sturtevant Gardner Gates
I Sworn & Subscribed to before me this 20th Day of November 1858
Gardner Gates Jus Reum
I hereby certify that William Prior the Subscribed to the foregoing Affidavit, is a man of good character & credit, so far as I am acquainted with him, though he is in degree a stranger to me -
Clarence Norcross 20th 1858 - Gardner Gates Jus Reum

I Liberator Baker of Cambridge in the County of Lamoille & State of Vermont, age eighty seven years, testify & say that I am now a Pensioner of the United States for services rendered in the Revolutionary war that I have lived in Cambridge for the term of fifty three years past - that I was ever acquainted with William Pierce & Elizabeth his Wife for forty eight years, that they lived in Cambridge for nearly that period before the Battle of the 3 Walls, having when they first moved into Cambridge some two or three children & lived together in Cambridge as Husband & Wife & there while living in Cambridge some four or five additional children, & I further testify & say that the William & his Wife always lived in Cambridge from my first acquaintance with them until within about two years before the Battle of the 3 Walls when they moved to the State of New York where they died, & they always possessed the character of good, honest & respectable people - I further testify & say that that I am acquainted with their Children, most of them living in the County and I further testify & say that William Pierce

Once in the State of New York as I surely believe & am credibly informed sometimes had the country of Ossipee, And Mrs. Melvin, Elizabeth Prior now lives in Cambridge with her son Oliver Prior, an old  esteemed Lady not having again married. & is an old Lady of good character for truth & veracity.
I became acquainted with the family of Oliver Prior after they came to Cambridge, the country then being new & things rather, & was frequently at his house when at home, & our friends maintained that intercourse that is usual in such cases, & as I have here since they have passed together as husband & wife & raised up a respectable family, who are all moved off, & settled in life, & William Prior the heir of the family is deceased, & his widow yet remains, though I know not when they were married, yet from my long & intimate acquaintance have no doubt of the fact of their lawful marriage there I heard of it at the fact, the events of which I have every reason to believe - Cambridge. (The above from my first acquaintance with them, November 27th 1858 - } intended for printing. Gardner Gates
Yezbon Bunker

Sworn & subscribed to before me this 27 th day of November 1858 —
Gardner Gates Just Pe
I hereby certify that Babylon Baker the person of the foregoing affidavit is a man of the first respectability of character in the town in which he lives —
November 27 th 1858 — Gardner Gates Just Pe

I Alva Prior of Cambridge in the County Linnun & State of Vermont agree forty years testify that I am the Son of William & Elizabeth Prior, that I always lived with & in the & neighborhood of my Father & Mother, from my Childhood up to the time they moved into the State of New York some year or one half before his Death, and my Father & Mother always lived together as Husband & Wife, & brought up a large fami- ly. My Father died at Westport New York on the 4th Day of Feb y 1837, & after the death of my Father as is known to my Mother back to Cambridge, where she now lives, with me, & has not intermarried but continues the business of my Father. My Father was in his fifteen a Prisoner, & after my Father's Death I went with my Mother, to the Pension Agents office at Burlington Vermont, where my Mother rec d the Pension due my Father, from the 4th Day of September 1836 to the 4th Day Feb y 1837 the day of his death & further say not
Cambridge
Alva Prior
March 16 th 1839 - I sworn & subscribed to before me this 16 th day of March 1839 -
Gardner Gutes
{ 2 o Asst Judge of Scarsdale County Court

I hereby certify that Alvin Prior the Subscriber to the foregoing Affidavit is a man of trust & fully to be believed -
March 16 th 1858 -
Gardner Gates 2 nd Cpt Sledge of Scituate County Court

I Silas W. Brattle of Cambridge in the County of Linnunlaulusta State of Vermont. Thirty seven years of age, & Postmaster of 1 st class of Cambridge lastly say, that I was born in Cambridge & have lived since in 1 st class, have been well ac- quainted with Elizabeth Prior widow of William Prior deceased from my earliest acquaintance with any body in 1 st class & also well knew William Prior in his lifetime. While they lived in Cambridge they were members of the Congrega- tional Church in 1 st class, & were worthy respecta- ble people as any of the inhabitants of 1 st class they moved from Cambridge some one or two years after the death of the 1 st William, & after his death Mrs Elizabeth Prior the widow of the 1 st William moved back to Cambridge & now lives in 1 st class with her son Silas, & full faith & confidence is to be placed in her statements as she is an old lady of good character — I further testify she has not remarried but remains the widow of William Prior deceased —  March 16. 1859
S. W. Brattle Post Master Cambridge Vt
Sworn to before me this 18 th day of March 1859 — by the 1 st class Postmaster who is Postmaster of 1 st class a man of high respectability — Gardner Gates 2 nd Cpt Judge of Supreme Court Com

365
Reported
Vermont, Montpelier
Elizabeth Prior
widow of William Prior who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of — 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of June 1843 and sent to H. Stowell, Esq. Cambridge, Vt.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1. Page 29.

Wm Prior V. re Burlington act 1818. when last p'd?
G. Wm C.
18 July 39 —
Wm Prior V. Burlington act 1818. when last p'd?

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18783 Elizabeth Prior Widow of William Prior His Rev. was
Act: Feb 2 d 48
Index:—Vol. M , Page 141
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Mar 20/49
Answered March 20/49
Hon Wm Lloyd

Senate Chamber - Washington D.C. March 19 th 1849.
Col. Edward,
Sir, will you have the kindness to examine the part of the accom- panying letter not crossed, and inform me what has become of the cases therein men- tioned. Mr. Powell desires you to bring the matter to a close soon as possible -
I am Sir, very Respectfully yours
W m Upham

Cambridge Vt March 28, 1878
Jan 2 Hon J. G. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. Columbia

Cornwall Cambridge March 18 th 1839
Mrs. S. G. Howland
Deer
You will find Enclosed the Declaration of Elizabeth Prior, & sundry Affidavits in support of it, to be inscribed on the Pension rolls. I have sent to the Town of Bracket Mass. where she was married, & have got the Certificate of the Town Clerk, that there is no record as you will see, & also have sent for Ministers at that place, but there are none there living & she knows of no one who was at the Wedding that is living, hence she is strong upon her strength of testimony by reputation, & to that effect we have prepared sundry affidavits, that I suppose must be as satisfactory as even a record. The Law as settled by our Supreme Court, is that in cases of Divorce Marriage by reputation is sufficient, & so Marriage by reputation is sufficient to charge one Town with the support of a Pauper - when that question comes up - I presume the testimony is sufficient as you will find the affidavits of two children, & testimony of respectable people in support of the character of Mrs. Prior, upon this subject you may add any

me, as I am the Agent for the purposes of her Pension of the late Mrs Prior
Respectfully I am yours &c
Henry Studd

17 Vermont - 3871
Elizabeth Prior, widow of William Prior,
who was a pensioner under the Act of 18 th Mar. 18 and who died on the 4 th Jany 1837. of Lawrence in the State of Vermont who was a Pvt. in the Co. commanded by Captain Walker of the Regt. commanded by Webb - in the Col. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Mountpelier at the rate of 80 Dollars & Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836. 5 th Jany 1837
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of July 39, and sent to Henry Stowell, Cambridge, Vt.
Arrears to the 4 th of Mar. - $173.32 Semi-annual allowance ending 40.00
$213.32
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by R. Buel Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 Page 52

Hon. J. G. Edwards Washington D. C.

Cambridge Vermont Nov 18. 1848
Hon. J. L. Edwards
De Sir
Enclosed you will find the Declaration of Elizabeth Prior, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the Act of Congress of Feb. 7 d 1848 granting pensions to Widows &c. which is duly authenticated by the proper official according to the Act &c.
Mrs Prior as you will see by her Declaration is a very old lady & very poor, & hence in great necessity of her pension for support -
I hope therefore you will investigate her case with all the convenient despatch, that your order will warrant, and forward her certificate to my address - Her pension has been heretofore, allowed for many years past at Montpelier, & it would be more convenient to have it still paid there, if consistent with your regulations.
Respectfully I am your humble Servt. Henry Stowell Cambridge Vermont

Becket Feb 10. 1839
Mr Sedgwick Sir you will much oblige me by certifying that Calvin B. Williams is one of the Justices of the Peace for this County and direct this to the  Honry Steele Esq (Cambridge Ft. Vermont) Yrs Respectfully Mark D. Carter I will send you for in one or two weeks Enclosed is yours for Mr Carter
I Mark D. Carter of Becket in the County of Berkshire & State of Massachusetts do hereby and say that I am the Clerk of the Town of Becket and have in my custody the Records of this Town and that I have examined the same and find no Record of the Marriage of Wm Prior & Elizabeth (or Betsey) Ellis Becket Feb 10. 1839 Mark D. Carter Clerk of the Town of Becket
Before me the undersigned on this day personally appeared Mark D. Carter and acknowledged that the foregoing is a true copy of the original whereof the same is true
Before me Calvin B. Williams Justice of the Peace Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire ss.
Charles Sedgwick Clerk of the Judicial Courts within & for said County certify that Calvin B. Williams Esq is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly Commissioned & qualified and that the above signature purporting to be his is

genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas at Exeter this twenty second day of February 1839.
Chas. Sedgwick Clerk.

269 Elizabeth Prior Declaration
Adv, private p 80. Send to H. Stowell Cambridge Vermont
Manufactory Agency

State of Vermont On this 3 rd Day of Lamoille County ss April A D 1843 personally  appeared before me Joseph Sears a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Lamoille of Elizabeth Prior a resi- dent of Cambridge in the County of Lamoille of age Eighty three years 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 the 3 rd of March A D 1843. granting Pensions to Widows of persons who serv d during the revolutionary war - That she is the Widow of William Prior Deceas d , who was a private in the Army of the revolution - that she is not particularly informed as to his services as a soldier in the war of the revolution, but have often heard him say that his Captain's name was Nathan D r his Colonel Webb, & that he was in some battle in Rhodestland, & would have refer to the evidence upon which he was pension d under the Act, I think, of the 18 th March A D 1818 - She further declares that she drew a Pension of Eighty Dollars a year under the Act of 7 th July A D 1838 She further declares that she is still a Widow
In presence of Henry Sturtevant
Elizabeth Sur Prior Mark
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year above written
Joseph
Joseph Sears Justice Peace

State of Vermont } Cambridge April 3 rd Lamoille County } A.D. 1843
I hereby certify that the Declaration of the J o Elizabeth Prior is personally & well known to me, is still a J o Mother & a person of truth & veracity -
Jesse Searle Justices
State of Vermont } Lamoille County } I, Philo G. Camp clerk of Lamoille County do hereby certify that Jesse Searle is a Justice of the peace within & for the County of Lamoille duly commissioned & qualified. That his commission is dated on the 9 th day of Nov r . 1842. & will expire on the 1 st day of December 1843. & that his signature as such and the foregoing is true & genuine
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of S r Court at my Office in Ry deposited this 11 th day of April A.D. 1843
P. G. Camp Clerk

Christ's Priory Declaration ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
aa 365

State of Vermont ) On this 15 th Day Chittenden County of November AD 1848 personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Chittenden aforesaid, Elizabeth Prior of Essex in said County of Chittenden aged eighty eight years, 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 on the 2 nd day of Feb- ruary AD 1848. granting pensions to Widows of per- sons who served during the Revolutionary War - That she is the Widow of William Prior deceased. who was a private in the army of the Revolution, and have often heard him say he served in Capt. Joseph Walker's Company in the Regiment Com- manded by Col. Samuel B. Webb. and served some three years, and for further particulars of his service as aforesaid. I refer to the declaration of the said William and the evidence upon which he was pensioned under the act of 18 th March AD 1818. I think - and she further declares that she received the annual amount of eighty dollars pension under the act of the 17 th June AD 1844 - and that she is still a Widow - In presence of George M c Ree Henry J. Strong
Elizabeth her Prior Mark

Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written
Before Deborah L. Castle Jus peace
State of Vermont } Essex November Chittenden County } 15 th AD 1848.
I hereby certify that the Declarant above is personally known to me and is a woman of truth and veracity - and has drawn a pension as stated by her in her declaration against said
Deborah L. Castle Jus peace
State of Vermont Chittenden County ss. To all to whom these presents shall come, I, Edward A. Stansbury Clerk of Chittenden County, do hereby certify that Pearl L. Castle Esq. was on the 15 th day of November inst. a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. duly commissioned & sworn That I am well acquainted with his handwriting and know his signatures above to be genuine In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Chit- tenden County Court this 16 th day of No- vember A.D. 1848
E. A. Stansbury, Clerk