Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15265, for John Porter, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Nass.
NUMBER
N 15265
Porter, John Mary
CONTENTS

let of Apr 37 J. M. Cook
10.687
Massachusetts
John Porter -
of Frampton in the State of Mass who was a Lieutenant in the Company commanded by Captain Porter of the Reg t commanded by Col ~ in the Mass line for 10 months Service at
Ans
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 33 - Dollars - 33 - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of March 1833 and sent Home to Sarah J. West-Springfield Mass
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $266.66 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept 1 st 66.67
$333.33
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by John Brown Clerk, Book C Vol. 2a Page 65

2523 John Porter

Commonwealth of Massachusetts ss. County of Hampden
On this eighth day of August 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of Probate the court of Probate for said County now sitting John Porter a resident of West Springfield in the County of Hampden aforesaid a state of Massachusetts aged ninety one years last March 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 & served as herein after stated -
That he entered into the service of the United States in the month of December 1778 & marched to Roxbury near Boston - that a company of sixty men was raised in Springfield & neighborhood of which Thomas Stebbins was the Captain & I was Lieutenant - that we remained at Roxbury & in the neighborhood for the term of three months, & were discharged same time in March - Our Company was employed for the greater part of the time in raising breastworks, keeping guard & in camp duty - That I was discharged till after he got to Roxbury that he was then a Lieutenant before he left home, but did not receive his Commission
That he was born on the twenty ninth day of March 1741 in the town of Mansfield in the State of Connecticut - That he removed to West Springfield in the year 1771, & has ever since that time resided in West Springfield - That in every instance, when he entered into the service during the revolutionary war, he went as a volunteer - That he never received any written discharge & has no documentary evidence of any kind relating to his services, except his commission as a Lieutenant, which is hereto annexed -
The said John Porter further declares, that in the latter part of the summer 1776 or beginning of September, he again went into the service as a Lieutenant, & went to Ticonderoga - This was soon after the defeat of Arnold - He had part of a company of men under his command, but he believes that no other inferior officer accompanied him, but he was there subjected to the command of the commanding officer, & continued there until the British had so far withdrawn, that no danger of any molestation was expected from them that fall, or winter, when he was discharged & returned home - That he cannot now recall the name of any of the officers who were there, nor does he think that any one is now living who accompanied him on this tour of duty - He recollects that John Egleston was there in the service when he arrived & that he was there when he came away -
The said John Porter further declares, that when the militia was called for in 1777 to turn out & oppose the advance of the army

under General Burgayne, he again turned out as a volunteer & went & joined himself to the army under Genl Gates - That he was not attached to any particular company when he left home - but after he had been with the army a few days, & it appearing that there was a large number of officers in the same situation with myself & the Colonel of the Regiment from this neighborhood (Some namely of Westfield) proposed that the supernumerary officers should meet together form themselves into a company & choose their officers - That the officers elected his advice & chose one Morley of Westfield, his christian name I have lost, Captain - they chose me as their Lieutenant & - Bates of Granville as Ensign - & that he the said Porter continued to do duty there till the surrender of Burgayne - That the militia from this part of the country were all of them stationed on the east side of the river - & that he remained near the place, where Burgayne crossed the river in his march down, during the fighting with the main army on the West side, & at the time of his surrender - That soon after his surrender, he was discharged & returned home.
The said Porter further declares that he again turned out as a volunteer in the army under General Sullivan, and performed duty as a Lieutenant in the company commanded by Nathan Rawley, on Rhode Island in the summer of 1778 - That he went into the service, according to his best recollection, in the month of August, it might have been in July, was there in the battle with the British army, & accompanied the army in their retreat from the island across Howland's ferry to Tiverton - According to the best of his recollection he was discharged, soon after they left the island & he then returned home.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn & subscribed to the day & year aforesaid
That he is well known to nearly all the old inhabitants of the town of West Springfield. to Dea. Worthington Esq. Herman Day Esq. Justin Ely Esq. Col. Rice Esq. Saml Lathrop Esq. Major Genl Warren, Col. Roger Cook, who can testify to his character for veracity, & to their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
Sworn & subscribed, the day & year aforesaid.
J Porter

We Herman Day & Samuel Lathrop both of West Springfield in the County of Hampden, do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Capt. John Porter of said town who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration - that we believe him to be Ninety one years of age - that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution - & that we concur in that opinion -
Subscribed & sworn the day & year aforesaid
Herman Day Sam d Lathrop
And the said Court - Present the Hon. Oliver B. Morris Judge - after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, do hereby declare their opinion that the abovenamed Applicant was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states -
And the said Court further certifies that it appears to them that Herman Day & Samuel Lathrop who have signed the above certificate are residents in said West Springfield and are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to credit
I Justin Willard Register of said Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of John Porter for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this eighth day of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & thirty two
Justin Willard

1258 Massachusetts
Mary Porter
widow of John Porter
who died on the 16 th March 1834 of Hampden Co in the State of Mass ts who was a Lieutenant in the Company commanded by Captain Moseley of the Reg t commanded by Col. _____ in the Mass. Militia line for ten months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 133 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st  16 March 1834 day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 day of July 1837 — and sent to James W. Crook Esq. Springfield
Arrears to the 4th of March 1837 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep r 37, $ 66.66
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by J. H. Hlison Clerk, Book A Vol. 1 Page 65
Lett to P. Capt. Aug 22. 1837 Lett to D. D. Addison Aug 1. 49.

V1045 - 3. Sur Mary Porter Marp. widow of John Porter. -
admitted Sient 10 months £133.33 T.R.
died 16 March 1834

The Declaration of Mary Porter, widow of John Porter, a Lieutenant in the Army of the Revolution, deceased, —
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } County of Hampden — } ff.
On this tenth day of January A. D. 1837, personally appeared before me Oliver B. Morris Esquire Judge of the Court of Probate of Mills St. being a Court of Record, within & for the County of Hampden Commonwealth aforesaid, Mary Porter a resident of West Springfield in said County of Hampden, aged Eighty three years and eight 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 4. 1836.
That she is the widow of John Porter who was a Lieutenant in the Army of the Revolution ; that the said John Porter was a Revolutionary Pensioner & had in his possession a pension certificate from the War Department of the United States , dated April 19 th 1833. and number 10.687 - by which certificate the said John Porter on account of his services in the War of the Revolution was entitled to receive the sum of one hundred & thirty three dollars & thirty three cents per annum during his natural life, which Certificate is herunto annexed, and to which as well as the Declaration of the said John Porter on file in the War Office of the United States she begs leave to refer as the only evidence

or testimonial she can furnish of the Revolutionary services of the said John Porter her late husband -
She further declares that she was married to the said John Porter in Middletown in the State of Connecticut on the first day of October in the year Seventeen hundred & seventyone; that her Father's name was Benjamin Daron who lived & died in said Middletown; that on the day after her intermarriage with the said Porter she & her husband removed to West Springfield aforesaid, where she has ever since lived; - that her husband, the said John Porter died at said West Springfield on the sixteenth day of March in the year eighteen hundred & thirty four; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Sworn to & submitted on the day & year first above written - MARY PORTER
And I the said Oliver B. Morris Judge of Probate as aforesaid, certify that the said Mary Porter, by reason of bodily infirmity, could not attend Court, but that the foregoing examination was had before me out of Court.
OLIVER MORRIS Judge Prob. Court

I Harvey Porter of West Springfield in the County of Hampden Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age testify & say that I was well acquainted with Capt. John Porter late of this town, deceased, who, I always understood had been a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War, and who was at the time of his death a Pensioner. The said Capt. Porter was my grandfather & died on the 16 th of March A.D. 1834, at the house where I then & have ever since lived. I was present when he died & attended his funeral on the day following. His widow, Mary Porter is still living, and has never married since the death of her husband the said John Porter. Harvey Porter
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } County of Hampden } ff.
On this tenth day of January A.D. 1837, Personally appeared before me James M. Cook, Esquire a Justice of the Peace for said County, Harvey Porter, to me well known & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed; and I further certify that the said Harvey Porter, the affiant, is a person of truth & veracity & that his statement is entitled to credit.
James M. Cook Justice of the Peace

I George Blake of Springfield in the County of Hampshire Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy eight years, testify & say that I was born in Middletown in the State of Connecticut and was well acquainted with Mary Bacon daughter of Benjamin Bacon. The said Mary was married sometime in the latter part of the year seventeen hundred & seventy one, to John Porter, who has lately deceased at West Springfield, to wit, in March 1834. I was present at the marriage ceremony; they were married by Esquire Homblin who was a Justice of the Peace, in the absence of the minister of their Parish, the Rev. Mr. Huntington. About a year after this after the marriage I went to live with said Porter & learnt the Clothier's trade of him. Said Porter was a Lieutenant in the Army of the Revolution & a Pensioner at the time of his death. His widow Mrs. Mary Porter is still living & has never married since the decease of her husband, the said John Porter - Geo: Blake
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } Hampshire County } ss On this tenth day of January A.D. 1837- Personally appeared before me James M. Brooks (sworn)

Being a Justice of the Peace for said County, George Blake, to me well known, I made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed -; And I further certify I declare that the said George Blake, the affiant is a person of truth & veracity, & that his statement is entitled to credit -
Edward H. Brooks Justice of the Peace

Payments to be made at Boston Mass by W. B. D. Pratt Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Mass
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E Vol. 2 Page 15 by W. C. N. Tison Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, John Porter of the State of Massachusetts who was a Lieutenant in the army of the Revolution is entitled to receive One hundred thirty three dollars and thirty three cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this twelfth day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Three
Lee
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Capt. Thomas Stebbins's company of Militia

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Hampshire ss
I Justin Willard Clerk of the Probate Court within & for said County the same being a Court of Record do hereby certify that Oliver B. Morris before showing the annexed declaration of Mary Porter, was made in the said Probate Court within & for said County & that his signature subscribed to the certificate then & subjoined is genuine. I further certify that James W. Brooks before showing the foregoing & annexed deposition of George Blake, of Haverly Porter was taken in a notice of the Pleas within & for said County and that his signature subscribed to the certificate then subjoined to said deposition is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this eleventh day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty seven
Justin Willard Clerk

I Mary Portu of West Springfield in the County of Hampden Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Widow depose & say that I can find no Records or Documentary evidence of my marriage which was solemnised at Middletown then in the County of Hartford, now County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut, on the first day of October A. D. 1771, as stated in my declaration on file in the Pension Office in order to obtain a Pension —
My late husband then lived in West Springfield, a Parish of Springfield; — he came to Middletown on Monday the first of October, according to my best recollection as to the day of the week; his friends the late Maj. Thos. J. Douglass & Daniel Leonard of this town who have both deceased accompanied him; we were married the same evening & returned to W. Springfield the next day; we were married by John Harrison Esq. who was a Justice of the Peace & a Judge of the Court, but can find no Records of the same on any of his papers after diligent search & enquiry.

It was our intention to have been married by the Rev. Enoch Huntington but he was absent out of town attending on a Association of Ministers or some ordination I left town that morning; and as Mr Porter was anxious to return home on account of his business which was that of a Clothier, we did not wait for the return of our minister, Mr Huntington. I am now about eighty four years of age, have one son, Elijah Porter living, and nine grandchildren & ten great grand children all living - and further deponent witt not
Mary Porter
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampden ss. June 6 th 1837. Then personally appeared Mary Porter & subscribed & made solemn oath to the foregoing deposition before me. And I hereby certify that the said Mary Porter above named is a person of truth & veracity, entitled to full credit, and that she is known & reputed as the widow of John Porter deceased, a Revolutionary pensioner.
James M. Melcher Justice of the Peace

I George Blake of Springfield in the County of Hampden Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy eight years before I say that sometime last winter, I think in the month of January the widow Mary Porter of West Springfield with her grand son, Henry Porter called at my house and requested my deposition in relation to her marriage with her late husband Capt. John Porter, which deposition I made, as the fact of this marriage I will remember as I then lived in the family of her Father & Brother at Middletown in Connecticut, then in the County of Hartford but by a division of the County is now in the County of Tolland. Her Father's name was Benjamin Daron and the said John Porter & Mary Daron were married at her Father's house in said Middletown in the fall of the year 1771, by Reginald Rowlin whose christian name I believe was John & lived in Middletown. He was then a Judge of one of the Courts & a Justice of the Peace. I will remember that it was the intention of the said John & Mary to have been married

by the Rev. Mr. Huntington the Minister of the Parish, at their disappoint- ment that Mr Huntington was out of town at the time. I also well remember that the intentions of marriage had been published or cried off in Church some two or three weeks before I heard the family talk about it at the time.
Said John Porter had a year or two before settled in said West Springfield I was a cloth dresser by trade & when I was about fourteen years old I went to live with him as an apprentice apprentice to that business & remained in their family till I was of age - Their first child Elijah Porter is now living in West Springfield, with whom I have always been intimately acquainted. They had several other children while I lived with them but they are all now dead.
The late Maj: Douglass of Westfield & Daniel Leonard of West Springfield friends of said John Porter came down with him to Middletown & were present at the marriage ceremony. These gentlemen have been dead several years & I am not aware that any persons are now living, who were present at the

marriage except Mrs. Porter & myself.
Mrs. Porter now lives with one of her grandsons & on the farm that was owned by her late husband, Capt. Porter, & remains his widow & unmarried.
George Blake
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } Hampden County } ff.
On this seventeenth day of July A.D. 1837 the above named George Blake to me well known personally appearing subscribed & made oath to the foregoing deposition before me, and I do hereby certify that the said George Blake is a person of truth & veracity & that his statements are entitled to full credit.
James W. Cook, Justice of the Peace "

Concord, north of Nashua Hampshire Co. town of West Springfield June 30. 1837
I certify that I have examined the records of the town of West Springfield & find therein the following entries, viz.
Mary Porter, daughter of John & Mary Porter was born March 5. 1774 -
Harvey Porter, son of John & Mary Porter was born May 24. 1773
Abigail Porter, daughter of John & Mary Porter was born July 5. 1772
I further certify that the town of Northfield was incorporated in the year 1793 and its town government instituted on the 10th month of March 1794. Having been a part of the original town of Springfield.

I further certify that I was well acquainted with the late Capt. John Porter of this town, & am also well acquainted with his aged widow Mrs. Mary Porter; that she is a person of truth & veracity & her statements are entitled to full credit. Nathan Chapman Town Clerk of West Springfield
November 11. June 30 th 1837.
Then Richard Chapman, subscriber of the foregoing certificate, personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the things before me; and I further certify that the said Chapman is the known & reputed Town Clerk of the town of West Springfield & that his certificates as such are entitled to full credit; and also that his statements are entitled to full credit. James M. Clapp Justice of Peace

No 2523
John Porter of
Scituate 10 Months
has not mentioned with precision the length of his service; no clergyman can be a sure  organ  organ why he cannot be obtained before not properly an Shepherd
Nov 7 1832
Samuel Lathrop Junr. West Springfield Mass

BRIEF in the case of  John Porter of the County of Hampden in the State of Massachusetts.  (Act 7 June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Spont  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 91 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 Dec. — 3 — Lieut. Gen. Genl Gates Capt. Thos. Stebbins   1776 Sept. . 2 . ditto —   1777 . 3 . cl. Capt Moseley who was chosen with himself by the Company —   1778 . 2 . ditto Genl. Sullivan Capt Rowley  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? at the surrender of Burgoyne & on Rhode Island  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? West Springfield  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? by living witnesses & a Commission  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
Regular
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Levin P. Bell Examining Clerk.

I Elijah Porter of West Springfield in the County of Hampden & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of Lawful age testify & say that I am the eldest son & child of John Porter now dec d . and his wife Mary Porter of said West Springfield - that I know my father was born at West Springfield (then a part of the town of Springfield) on the 19 th day of July A.D. 1772 - that after since the days of my earliest recollection I have heard my father & Mother say that their marriage took place at Middletown, now County of Middlesex, State of Connecticut, the place of her residence in the month of August A.D. 1771 - & that it was celebrated by a Justice of the Peace called Squire Hamblin - and that her maiden name was Mary Bacon. I have had one brother & two sisters, - all being now dead but myself. The sister next to me in the order of birth died of the Small pox in the Spring of 1778.
My Mother is now living, a Widow, in said West Springfield, & she resided with him the said John as his wife from my infancy up to the time of his death.
Further the Deponent saith not
Elijah Porter
Hampden ss. June 26. 1837 Then Elijah Porter above named personally appearing subscribed & made oath to the foregoing deposition before me, and I do certify that the said Elijah Porter is a man of truth & is entitled to belief.
James M. Crooks Justice of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden County ss. Town of Springfield June 26 th 1837 I certify that I have examined the Records of the Town of Springfield and find a record of the Birth of Elijah Porter as follows, viz.
"Elijah Porter son of John Porter & Mary Porter of Springfield was born July 19 th A.D. 1772"
And I further certify that in 1772 the town- ship now called West-Springfield was a portion of the town of Springfield, and was set off as a separate town in February 1773.
William Bliss Town Clerk of Springfield
Hampden ss. June 27. 1837 Then personally ap- peared William Bliss subscriber of the foregoing Certificate & made oath to the truth thereof before me. and I further certify that the said Bliss is the known & reputed Town Clerk of the Town of Springfield, & that his certificate as such an entitled to full credence.
James M. Rooty Justice of Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampden ss.
Justin Willard Clerk of the Court of Probate within & for said County do hereby certify that James W. Crooks Esq. before whom the preceding Depositions of George Blake, Reuben Champion, Elijah Potter William D. 1877 and Mary Porter purport to have been executed is a justice of the Peace duly commissioned & qualified & acting as such, and that Oliver D. Morris Esq. before whom the preceding Deposition of Gad Warvum purports to have been executed, is also a justice of the Peace duly commissioned qualified & acting as such, within & for said County, and that the signatures of the said Crooks & Morris respectively, which are subscribed to the foregoing certificates of the execution of said Depositions, are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Probate Court, at Springfield this nineteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
Justin Willard

I Gad Wariner of West Springfield in the County of Hampden & Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy nine years do testify and say that I am now well acquainted with Mary Porter widow of Captain John Porter deceased - that in the year 1775 I went to live at said West Springfield with the said John Porter as an hired man  apprentice , that the said Mary was then living with the said John as his wife and had at that time two or three children - that I have lived in the neighborhood ever since, and know that the said Mary lived with the said John as his wife until the decease of said John and that since his decease she has remained his widow & unmarried.
I further say that I was acquainted with the said John and Mary previous to their marriage, that her name was then Mary Bason - that she then resided at Middletown Conn. and that the oldest child of the said John and Mary, who was born two or three years before I went to live with them is named Elijah - and that said Elijah is now living in West Springfield!
Gad Wariner
Hampden ss June 12 1837 Then Gad Wariner above named personally appearing subscribed and made oath to the foregoing deposition before me, and I do certify that the said Gad is a man of truth and is intitled to full credit Nathan Morris Justice of the Peace

At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of His Majesty's English Colony of Connecticut in New England in America held at Hartford in said Colony, on the second Thursday of May being the ninth day of said Month, and continued by several adjournments until the seventh day of June next following Annoque Dom ni 1771:
This Assembly do appoint Jabez Hamlin, Esq. Justice of the Peace for the County of Hartford the year ensuing.
State of Connecticut, ss Secretary's Office:
Hartford, June 7. 1837.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Record in this Office: and I do further certify that by the Laws of the Colony of Connecticut in force in the year 1771, Magistrates were empowered to join persons in marriage.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the public Seal of said State.
Royal A. Kimball Secretary

I, ROYAL B. HINMAN , Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern,
THAT Samuel W Griswold Esquire, is, and for more than six months last past, has been a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Middlesex in said State, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified, having full power and authority, by the laws of said State, to take the acknowledgement of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer oaths to witnesses and to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to the official acts and attestations of the said Griswold in Court and Country.
In testimony whereof, I have, in my capacity of Secretary as aforesaid, hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at the City of Hartford, in said State, the 13 th day of
June
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
And I further certify that the signature of Samuel W Griswold hereto attached is his genuine signature —
Royal B Hinman Secretary

I John Fisk of lawful age depose & say that I have been Town Clerk of the Town of Middle- town from the Year 1797 to the present Time that I have examin d the Records of Marriages & cannot find that any Record has been made of the Marriage of John Porter to Mary Baron.
That I was well acquainted with the Hon ble Gabe r Hamlin who died ab t the Year 1790. & that from examining the Records of Deeds I find that he was an Assistant & a Justice of the Peace by his taking the acknowledgmt t of Deeds as far back as the Year 1767 to 1790. — That I have made diligent Search & enquiry for the Records & papers of S d Hamlin — & cannot find them — none of his Family being alive except a Daughter of his who is ab t 81 Yrs of age & she knows nothing respecting his papers — & further the Deponent saith not Middletown (Conn.) June 9. 1837 J. Fisk
State of Connecticut, ss.
Middlesex County. Town of Middletown
On the 9 th day of June A. D. 1837. at Middletown aforesaid, personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace within & for said County of Middlesex, John Fisk, Esq. who has subscribed

The preceding deposition, I make solemn oath in due form of law that the matters & things stated, contained & represented in my deposition are the truth, the whole truth & nothing but the truth
Samuel M. Griswold, Justice of the Peace

John Porter Maps: act 7 June 1832 to what time paid?
Pr. office April 6:
Paid t. the 4 March 1834
918

Mary Porter Massachusetts
Suspended Oct. 7. April 1837 to J. M. Crooks.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15265
Mary Porter Widow of John Porter Lt. Col. Prov. War
Act: July 7 th 1836
Index:—Vol. M , Page 134
[Arrangement of 1870.]

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John 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? yes 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? no except one enlistment 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? no  XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no  XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?  XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? yes  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? yes  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, deposeh 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.”

Springfield Mr. Lang. 11. 1837
Sir.
Accompanying this is the Declaration of Mrs. Mary Porter Widow of Lieut. John Porter, late of West Springfield, deceased. & her application for a pension -
I will thank you to forward her certificate to me, if action on her application should be favorable, and I have no doubt it will be. Please inform me soon if any further evidence is necessary -
Very Respectfully, I. L. Edwards Esq.      your obed. Servt. Commr. of Pensions      James W. Brooks

Commonwealth Bank,
Pension Dept,
Boston 17 th Augst. 1837.
Sir,
On the 29 th & 31 st ult o the names of Priscilla Dickinson & Mary Porter were reported to this agency the former entitled to $23.37 from the 2 nd of April 1836. and the latter to $133.33 from the 16 th March 1834. It appears by the Book of this Office that the husband of the former was paid up to the 11 th of March 1836. and the latter to 11 th March 1834.
Be pleased to inform me if payment is to commence from the last named periods.
I am, very respectfully Your Ob t S vt
Charles Hove Burles
in the absence of
Jn o W. Simpson ag t
J. L. Edwards Esq r . Com r of Pensions Washington D.C.

Maj. J. L. Edwards
Cour. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Springfield July 21, 1837
Sir -
I have assisted Mrs. Porter in looking up evidence in support of her claim for a Pensions - We were surprised that further evidence was called for as to the fact of marriage. Here is one of our oldest inhabitants, of the very first respectability, well known to all our citizens as the widow of an old & respectable Revolutionary Officer who had lived together husband & wife 20 years, half a century or more, having children & grandchildren settled around them - and yet proof is wanted & required by law, that the Porters were legally married! This is right, no doubt, & do not believe any thing more is required of good officers than ought to be required.

However I submit now with confidence the case, having obtained all the in- formation is one power -
The deposition of Mr. George Blake it would seem, would be sufficient in the absence of all other evidence. But there is no record of the marriage can be explained only by the fact of the records of Judge Howland being lost or destroyed, for which diligent search has been made.
I will thank Maj. Canard to give early attention as may be to this case & if no difficulties are in the way, forward me a certificate for Mrs. Porter - and if any further explanation are necessary please state what - Yours O.K. Lusk James M. Cook J. L. Edward Esq. Comm. Pnt.

Washington July 11 th 1849
Sir,
Enclosed herewith you will find a letter from Mr. Elijah Porter, requesting a re-examination of the claim of his Mother, Mrs. Mary Porter, under the act of July 4 th 1836, with a view to an increase of pension.
In order to enable me to procure additional evidence in support of this claim, I have respectfully to request that I may be furnished with a statement of the services of her husband, John Porter, as set forth in her declaration.
I am, Sir, respectfully, W. H. No. 66. St R. D. Addison
*Nap o toll act 1836.
J. S. Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions

Springfield Feb. 15. 1837
Sir -
Several weeks ago I sent to your office the application of Mrs. Mary Porter, widow of John Porter, a Revolutionary Pensioner, late of West Springfield Conn. - Having heard nothing of the matter since, and the old lady being very in- portunate . I beg leave to enquire whether a certificate cannot be sent me soon, for her -
Yours very Respectfully
J. S. Edmond Esq. Comm. - Pens.
James W. Cooks

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace for the County of Hampden & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, John Porter of West Springfield in said County, who, being duly sworn, deposes & saith, that by reason of old age, & 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, & in the following grades:
For three months, I was in the year 1775, at Roxbury, I served as a Lieutenant. In the year 1776 at Ticonderoga I served for two months as a Lieutenant. In 1777 I served for three months in the army as a Lieutenant under General Gates. & in Rhode Island in the summer of 1778 I again served two months as a Lieutenant; & for such service I claim a pension.
John Porter
Hampden ss.
West Springfield December 18 th 1832.
Then the above named John Porter personally appearing made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing disposition by him subscribed.
before me
Amos Worthington Justice of Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden ss. I John Ingersoll a Clerk of the Common Pleas Court being Clerk of Record in the County of Hampden do hereby certify that Amos Worthington Esq., before whom the above affidavit was verified is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Hampden - that his name & qualification is as proper to have written & that my hand and attestation whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Common Pleas Court at Springfield on this 20 th day of December A.D. 1832 John Ingersoll Clerk

Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay. }
The Major Part of the COUNCIL of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England,
To John Porter Gentleman, Greeting.
YOU being appointed for Lieutenant of a Company whereof Thomas Robbins is Captain raised by this Colony as a temporary reinforcement to the American Army — By Virtue of the Power vested in us, WE do by these presents, (reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct,) Commission you accordingly.—You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a first Lieutenant in leading, ordering, and exercising said Company in Arms, both Inferior Officers and Soldiers; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline: and they are hereby commanded to obey you as their first Lieutenant, and you are yourself, to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from your superior Officer —
William Caleb Cushing Winthrop Gushing John Whitecomb Jas. Foster John Taylor James Mott Chas. Chauncy Edw. Payson Lincoln Palmer Moses Gill Shelton Prescott Gannett
GIVEN under our Hands and the Seal of the said Colony, at Watertown, the Tenth Day of December, in the Sixteenth Year of the Reign of his Majesty King George the Third, Anno Domini, 1775.
By the Command of the Major Part of the Council. }
Peter Wentworth Secy.

I Herman Day of West Springfield in the county of Hampden & commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age depose & say that about the first of December 1775 I enlisted into the United States service & immediately marched to Roxbury in this state. That John Porter of this town was Lieutenant of the company & Thomas Stebbins of Springfield I believe was Captain. That the company was discharged in the latter part of February or first of March & that the aforesaid John Porter was acting Lieutenant of the company during all the while we were there, enlisted with me & was discharged at the same time. The company was engaged for the most of the time in raising breast works, standing on guard & in camp duty. Herman Day
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampden ss. On the fourth day of August 1832 the above named Herman Day with whom I have been long acquainted & who sustains a good reputation for truth & veracity personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed
Before me Saml Lathrop Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampden ss. I John Ingersoll a Clerk of the Common Pleas Court being a Court of Record in the County of Hampden do hereby certify that Samuel Lathrop Esq. before whom the four annexed depositions were verified is a justice of the Peace for the County of Hampden & that his name thereto subscribed is his true & genuine signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Common Pleas Court at Springfield on this twentieth day of December A.D. 1832. John Ingersoll Clerk

I John Egleston of West Springfield of lawful age declare & say that in July 1776 he enlisted for five months into the service of the United States, & went to Litchfield & other places in that neighborhood - that same time time in the fall of the year, I cannot now tell at what particular time, a company of men came to Litchfield, of which John Porter was a Lieutenant, & remained there some time - I was acquainted with the said Porter before that time & well recollect his coming & remaining - While he was there, I was sent off to Green Point & was gone some time, & I found the said Porter & his men there on my return - I was discharged about the fifth of December, & I think that the said Porter had left before that time - John Egleston
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden ss. on the fourth day of August 1832. The above named John Egleston made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed - Before me Saml. H. Smith Justice of the Peace

I Gail Warren of West Springfield in the County of Hampden & Commonwealth of Massachusetts depose & say, that in the month of August 1777, there was a call for the militia of this town to go to the Northward to meet the British army advancing under Genl. Burgoyne that in the latter part of that month or the beginning of September John Porter turned out as a volunteer went up & joined himself to Gates's army - The said Porter had been a Lieutenant in the army before this time, & when he turned out to join Gates's army was not attached to any company - while with the army, he had no command in any particular company, but was often employed as an officer of the guard, or of a party on some particular occasion - I often saw the said Porter there, and know that he remained there until after the surrender of the British army under Genl. Burgoyne - He was frequently out upon scouting parties - he was a very active, enterprising man, & was then thought to have been very useful -
I further testify & say, that I was in the army under Genl. Sullivan on Rhode Island in the summer of the year 1778 - & that the said John Porter was there during a part of the time - but how great a portion of the time I cannot now recollect - I well recollect that he was there before the battle with the British - that he was there in the battle & retreated with the army, when they left the Island - I cannot recollect to have seen much of him after we left the island -
Gail Warren
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampden Jr. On the fourth day of August 1832, the above named Gail Warren, with whom I am well acquainted, & who sustains a good character for truth & veracity, personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed
Before me Samuel H. Smith Justice of the Peace

I Simson Smith of West Springfield in the county of Hampden & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age depose & say that I enlisted into the United States service in April 1775 as minute man & marched immediately to Roxbury in this state & that my time of service expired about the first of January 1776 - That sometime in December John Porter of this town arrived there as a sub Lieutenant in the company commanded by Captain Thomas Stebbins & remained there during the remainder of the time that I continued which was but one or two weeks & I left him there at that time & further as to the time of his service at Roxbury I cannot say -
I further depose & say that about the 1st of September 1777 I again enlisted & immediately marched to Bennington in the state of Vermont & from thence to a place called Ballenkile near Stillwater in the state of New York where we I joined the army & from thence we proceeded to near Saratoga in the state of New York & was present at the surrender of Genl Burgoyne soon after which I was discharged. The said John Porter of this town was a volunteer on this expedition & acted as a Lieutenant, & performed the duties of that office during the whole time - He left this town in company with myself & served all the time we were absent & was discharged at the same time - He did not belong to any particular company or regiment but was ready to perform the duties of his office in such places as he was most needed - I should think we were absent at this time about six weeks - Simson Smith
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampden ss on the fourth day of August 1882 the above named Simson Smith with whom I have been long acquainted & who sustains a good reputation for truth & veracity personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed -
Before me Sam Lathrop Justice of the Peace