Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5557, for William Porter, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn.
Porter, William Hannah
7/4 5 5 5 7 B.L.Ht. 3978-160-55-
B. Comm. 1760 Nov.
CONTENTS

1412.
New Hampshire William Porter
of Lyme in the State of N H who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain  of the  Regt commanded by Col Schoudles in the N H line for 17 Mos
Inscribed on the Roll of N H at the rate of 56 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of Nov 1832 . and sent D L John Child  Lyme  N H
  Arrears to 4th of Sep r 1832  $ 84.99    Semi-ann t . allowance ending 4 th Mar ch 33  28.33     $113.32  
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J H S Blair Clerk, Book D . Vol. 1 st Page 176 .
W

9337 Dear William Porter Lyme N.H.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
State of New-Hampshire, } ss. County of Grafton
On this 27th day of August 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges of the Court of Probate for said County, now sitting, William Porter a resident of Lyme in the County of Grafton and State of N. H. aged 71 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 the month of December, 1776 he enlisted into a company of militia commanded by Capt. Wright for the term of three months, was then living in the Town of Coventry in the State of Connecticut, County of Windham (now County of Tolland) said Company was raised for the defence of Greenwich the inhabitants in the vicinity. But soon after his enlistment was ordered to march to New Rochelle in the State of New York where he joined the Regiment commanded by Col Webb , when he was stationed about three weeks, marched from then to a place called Horse neck where he continued (with the exception of scouting from place to place) in east Christie and west Christie , having served the full term of three months was dismissed at said Horse neck and returned home to Coventry in the month of March 1777. He further states that about the middle of April in the year 1877 he enlisted for the term of eight months, in the continental Army, in the Company commanded by Paul Brigham , in Col Chandler's Regiment, soon after his enlistment at Coventry he marched through Hartford to Danby there joined a number of companies, continued there a few days, then marched the most direct course to Pikskills - there joined the Regiment of Col Chandler at a place called Gallows Hill , was stationed there until the month of August (he thinks) marched from there across North River
crossed to New Jersey at Kings Ferry , marched down the river to Elizabethtown , marched from place to place and crossed the Schuykill River into Pennsylvania, marched from place to place until the Regiment was ordered to march to German town in October where a severe Battle took place in which he was engaged, after the Battle returned back to the place where he marched from, immediately after which he was taken sick and carried from said Regiment to Bethlehem and put into the Hospital, continued there about two weeks, was then carried about fifteen miles to a place called the Haymoss - stayed there about three weeks and recovered his health to such a degree that he received a pass from the Physician to go and join his Regiment - but on his way to join the Regiment was again taken sick and conveyed to a Hospital near Schuykill River , continued there a short time and was carried to Princetown and put into a Hospital, (it being the College at Princetown which was used for that purpose) where he continued until the forepart of January in the year 1778, the term of his enlistment having expired he was dismissed and returned home to said Coventry after having served eight full months.
He further states that in the month of June A 1781 at said Coventry he enlisted for the term of six months, marched to White Plains in the State of New York there joined the continental Army in Col Durkee's Regiment, The Captain's name he does not recollect, continued in said Durkee's Regiment a few days, was then taken from said Regiment and placed in a Regiment in Capt Bell's

He further states that in the month of June A D 1781 at Coventry he enlisted for the term of six months, marched to White Plains in the State of New York then joined the continental Army in Col Durkee's Regiment. The Captain's name he does not recollect, continued in said Durkee's Regiment a few days, was then taken from said Regiment and was joined to Col Scamell's Regiment in Capt Bell's Company - The next day after joining Col Scamell's Regiment commenced a march to Yorktown in Virginia, continued at Yorktown about twenty days until after the surrender of Gen Wallau, after which he was taken sick on account of which he with others was detached from said Regiment and conveyed back by water and land to the Highlands so called on North River to the Regiment of Col Durkee, and there remained with said Regiment until about the 10 th of January 1782, his term of service having expired was dismissed and returned home to said Coventry having served the full term of six months. He further states that he has no Documentary evidence, and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service - he having served in all the full term of Seventeen months.
He was born in the Town of Coventry in the State of Connecticut in the month of November in year 1760.
He knows of no record of his age except in his family Bible - He lived in the Town of Coventry in the State of Connecticut when called into service - and in March 1782 he moved to Lyndon in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire where he has ever since and now lives.
He volunteered -
General Washington was frequently with the troops where he was. General La Fayette was at Yorktown with the army when he was, he cannot be more particular as to the circumstances of his service than he has above stated.
He had a discharge given by Col Durkee for the last term of his service but what has become of it he does not know - he never received

in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire where he has ever been and now lives —
The Volunteer —
General Washington was frequently with the troops when then he was. General La Fayette was at Yorktown with the army when he was, he cannot be more particular as to the circumstances of his service than he has above stated
He had a discharge given by Col. Decker for the last term of his service but what has become of it he does not know — he never received any other discharge for the two other terms of his service but was dismissed at the expiration of his terms of service
He refers to the Rev. Erdis Tenney & D. C. Churchill who live in his neighborhood & can testify to his character as to veracity & their belief of his services as a soldier of 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 to and subscribed, the day 3 of year aforesaid
Wm Porter
We, Erdis Tenney residing in Lynn N.H. and D. C. Churchill residing in said Lynn hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with William Porter, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 71 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a sol- dier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day 3 of year aforesaid
Erdis Tenney D. C. Churchill
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court certifies, that it appears to them that Erdis Tenney who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Claremont resident in the town of Lynn and that D. C. Churchill, who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Lynn & a Magistrate and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Edward Webber Judge of Probate
I, Moses Dow — Clerk of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of William Porter — for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this twenty seventh day of Augt A.D. 1834
Moses Dow

809 New Hampshire - O.
Hannah Porter widow of William Porter
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private M. H. Line
Described on the Roll at the rate of 50 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
3 February 1857.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of May  1853 and sent to
D. G. Churchill. Lynn N.H.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act January 2, 1848, Page 20 Vol. C
Act 3 Feb. 1857

no. 47 Declaration of William
Hannah Porter for a Pension
N.H.
Hannah Porter Widow of William
Isle of Man Conwn. 3. Feb. 1833
Death alleged 3 March 47 admit if correct by 20 Oct. 47. Comp?
D. Churchill Lyons N.H.

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of 3 rd February 1853 State of New Hampshire, Grafton County ss.
On this 12 th day of March A.D. 1853 personally appeared before me David G. Churchill a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County Hannah Porter a resident of Hanover in the said County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire aged 74 years last May who being duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed 3 rd February 1853 that she is the widow of William Porter late of Lyne in the County & State of said deceased, that at the time of his death under the act of the 7 th of June 1832 — he was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, at the rate of Fifty Six Dollars and sixty six cents per annum, his pension was paid at the New Hampshire Agency at Concord.
She further declares that she was married to the said William Porter at Hanover N.H. on the fourth day of January eighteen hundred and thirty seven, that her husband the aforesaid William Porter died at his residence in Lyne on the third day of March eighteen hundred and forty seven — that she was married to him at the time above stated. She further declares that she was a widow at the passage of the act and is still a widow and that she has never before made application for a Pension.
Hannah X Porter mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
Before me
D. G. Churchill Justice of the C. C. Pleas
The widow above mentioned in my opinion is unable to appear in open Court from old age and bodily infirmity.
D. G. Churchill Jus; C. C. Pleas

State of New Hampshire } Grafton County ss }
I J. Sleeper Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within & for said County of Grafton a Court of Record hereby certify that D. C. Churchill before whom the within Declaration purports to have been taken was at the time of taking and certifying the same an associate Justice of said Court duly Commissioned and qualified. I further certify that the within signatures purporting to be the said D. C. Churchill, are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court this Seventeenth day of March Anno Domini 1853.
J. Sleeper, Clerk,

The State of New-Hampshire.
Grafton County ss.
I, J. D. SLEEPER, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire, do hereby certify that D. C. Churchill Esquire, before whom the foregoing and annexed affidavits were was taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Grafton, duly commissioned and sworn, and to all whose official acts as such, full faith and credit are due, and that the foregoing signature S purporting to be his are genuine as I believe.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Haverhill, this Seventeenth day of March A. D. 185 3 ,
J. D. Sleeper Clerk.
He gives as follows "Janu 24 1837 Mr William Porter and Miss Hannah Wright both of Hanover,"
I C. C. Morgan above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County Town and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town with the exception above named as certified by me
C. C. Morgan Clerk of said Town of Hanover
Sworn to before me
D. C. Churchill Jus: Peace

State of New Hampshire Drafton County ss Town Clerks Office Haver March 12 th 1853
I certify that I find among the records of Marriages performed by the Rev J Burky the following viz "January fourth Eighteen hundred thirty Seven Mr William Porter and Miss Hannah Wright both of Haver"
C. G. Morgan Town Clerk
I further certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows
"Janu 7 th 1837 Mr William Porter and Miss Hannah Wright both of Haver"
I C. G. Morgan above named do hereby certify that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County of Drafton and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Haver with the exception above named as certified by me
C. G. Morgan Clerk of said Town of Haver
Sworn to before me
D. C. Chamberlain Jus: Peace

I Oliver K. Porter of Lyme in the County of Grafton State of New Hampshire aged 63 years depose and say that I am a son of Deacon William Porter late of said Lyme deceased - I further say that the said Dea William Porter died at his residence in said Lyme on the third day of March eight hundred and forty seven leaving a Widow whose name is Hannah Porter and who now resides in Hanover in said County of Grafton -
I further say that my Father the said William Porter was, at the time of his Death a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of the 7 th of June 1832 - at the rate of Fifty six Dollars and sixty six cents per annum payable at the New Hampshire Agency
I further say that I have this day seen what purports to be a copy of the record of the marriage of said William Porter & Hannah Wright certified by the Town Clerk of said Hanover, by which it appears that said William Porter and Hannah Wright were both of Hanover, at the time of their marriage, there must, there must be an error in the record or in copying the same, I know that my said Father never lived in said Hanover and I know that he married Miss Hannah Wright of said Hanover for his third wife and they were married at said Hanover on or about the 11 th of January 1837, and she lived with him within ten rods of my house in said Lyme until he died, soon after which she returned to said Hanover and has since resided there among her former Friends and relations Oliver K. Porter

State of New Hampshire Grafton County ss. Lynn March 14. 1853 Then personally appeared the within named Oliver K. Porter and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit - by him subscribed is true. Before me I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named O. K. Porter he is a respectable person and a credible witness D. G. Blanchard Justice of the Peace

I Henry Robbins of Lynn in the County of Grafton State of New Hampshire aged 76 years depose and say that I have lived in the Town of Lynn aforesaid adjoining in said County more than 40 years last past Hanover, and for some fifteen years or more I lived near the northerly line of said Hanover and my wife was a native of said Hanover I further say that I was personally acquainted with Dea William Porter late of said Lynn deceased from the year eighteen hundred ten until he died he always lived in said Lynn while I knew him - I further say that I have been personally acquainted with Hannah Porter who is now the widow of said Dea William Porter deceased for forty years or more she was a native of said Hanover and always resided there until she was married to said Dea William Porter which took place as near as I can recollect in the winter of 1837, at which time she came to Lynn and lived with her husband until his death, soon after which she went back to said Hanover and has lived with her friends there until the present time - she was at the time of her marriage with said Dea Porter a Maiden Lady, her name was Hannah Wright - I have been well acquainted with the people in said Hanover more than forty years last past and I know that there was no man residing in Hanover during said period by the name of William Porter
Henry Robbins
State of New Hampshire Grafton County ss. Lynn March 12. 1853 Sworn to and subscribed before me - and I further certify the said Henry Robbins is a respectable person & a credible witness D. G. Churchill Jus: Peace

33881 Act 3 March /58 April 23 /58
Hannah Porter, widow of William Porter and Hannah, Widow Pinnate
N. H. Private Col Chandler's Regt. Conn't Cont. Line
Revolutionary War. Pensioner.
Boyston Conn 160 acs Aug 18/55 Dodge
3978 ip Aug 22/55
Timothy Kenrick Lebanon N. Hamp.
N 42 ad N 43 no 569
Vol R page 109,

33881.
Hannah Porter

Form of Declaration
To be made by the widow of a deceased person who has not had a Land Warrant.
State of New Hampshire County of Grafton
} ss.
On this Twenty third day of March A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty- five personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Hannah Porter aged 70 years, a resident of Hanover in the State of New Hampshire who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of William Porter
deceased, who was a private in the company commanded by Captain [blank] in the [blank] regiment of of the Revolution  with Great Britain, declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812; that her said husband enlisted at [blank] on or about the [blank] day of [blank]
A. D. [blank] for the term of Six months and continued in actual service in said war for the term of [blank] and was honorably discharged at [blank] on the [blank] day of [blank] A. D. [blank]
She further states that she was married to the said William Porter in Hanover on the Fourth day of January A. D. (1837) Eighteen Hundred and thirty seven by one J. Birkby a Minister of the Gospel and that her name before her said marriage was Hannah Wright that her said husband died at Lyme on the Third day of March A. D. Eighteen Hundred and thirty seven - 1847.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855." She also states that she is now a pensioner of the US under the act of July 5, 1853 rate of 56.66 dollars per month No 509 -
Hannah Porter

State of New Hampshire.
Secretary's Office, Concord,
March 28. 1855
I hereby certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Osmyr I. Ingalls was a Justice of the Peace for the county of Grafton in the said State, duly commissioned and qualified; 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 State, the date above written.
John L. Hadley
Secretary of State.

WE, Laban Chandler and Sally Chandler residents of St. Louis in the State of New Hampshire upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Hannah Porter in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
..... Laban Chandler ..... Sally Chandler
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
..... O. S. Ingalls Justice of the Peace.

Ym Porter
No 9337. Pmali. 17 Months
the State Col Chambers Rest. unknown 28 Apr 1777 8 Months. died 11 Jan 1778
the State Col. Service's Rest. unknown 1 Jan 1781 died 18 July 1781
6666
$ 5666
From W.C. Church Dunn N.Y.

BRIEF in the case of  Wm Porter  of  in the State of  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 71 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.     Dec In 17 76 " 3 " Private Col Webb & Capt King   Apr 77 " 8 " " Capt Bringham, Col. Chandlers   June 80 " 6 " " Col. Marka & Starnes  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Germantown  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Country Connecticut  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional evidence  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
L. L. A. O. S. M. Examining Clerk.

v 3.978
S
Stoans

Rev.
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 5557
Hannah Porter
Wid.
Wm Porter
Port. Rev. War
Act: Feby. 3rd/53
Index:—Vol. 86 , Page 135-
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No. 33881
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received April 2 nd , 18 55
Hannah Porter wid. of William Porter private Col. Chandler Conn. Cont. line Revolutionary War
Warrant 3978-160-55
Timothy Brewick Lebanon
A. H.

553
Mayo
Hon. Robert M. Cleveland Secretary of the Interior
As to the Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

March 23 1853
Appt. of Hannah Porter widow of William
N.H.
1412
Act 3 rd Feby 1853
Rev.
Dr. Church Lyne on it.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business

Repay referred to the Comm. of Pensions G. A. Whitings Dept. Post. C.C. March 21/533

Lynn N.H. March 18. 1853
Sir
At the request of the widow Hannah Porter I herewith forward her Declaration for a Pension with the accompanying papers in support of her claim, for your examination and decision.
I have the Hon to be very respectfully your Obl Servt
D. G. Churchill
Professor Pms Frank Pierce
Hon C. G. Northcutt U.S.S.
" Moses Norris U.S.S.
Mr. L. C. Robbins of Washington City
agent for applicants for Patents
Hon Robert M c Cllland
Secretary of the Interior
or To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. G.

Be pleased also to give the same information as to William Porter, pensioned under same act, at $56.66 per ann. Payable at Concord N.H.
R. W. Rae
Died 3 d March 1847.
Paid to his death
F. Burch 3 d Auditor.

Brief in the case of Hannah Porter Grafton County and State of New Hampshire act Dec. 1873
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband pensioned act of June '72 Manner proved by certificate of Town Clerk - Widow's identity established by witnesses
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
J. G. Churchill Lyons N.H.
M. H. [unintelligible] Examining Clerk.

Wm Porter
109 B37
From D. C. Chenche Syria N.Y.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Wm Porter which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides ? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides ? No III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so ? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served ? Yes V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled ? Yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations ? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832 ? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion ? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate ? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed ? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal ? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Yes
XIV. †If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.”

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.