Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1070, for Abijah Porter, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Porter, Abijah Sarah
W. 1070
B.L.M. 26327-160-55
CONTENTS
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[Blank lined area for contents]

17. 683
Connecticut
Hijah Porter
of Berlin in the State of Conn who was a Music in the Conn commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded by Col Talcott. in the Conn H. F. V. time for 7 mo -
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 25 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Sept 1833 and sent - Mrs - Lee New Britain Conn
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833 $ 64.15 2 Semi-ant. allowance ending Mar 4 34 12 8.3
$ 76.98
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E. D. Bullock Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 3 Page 35

State of Connecticut Hartford County
Ss. Berlin Aug 18 th 1832
On this 18 th day of Aug. A. 1832 personally appeared, in Open Court before the Court of Probate for Berlin District, in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut, now sitting, - Abijah Porter a resident of said Berlin, aged seventy-five years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832, - That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated, in the Connecticut State service -
1 st . In the year 1776 I enlisted in the State troops & served as a musician in the company commanded by Herchiah Wells Capt. Charles Churchill Lieut. - Abraham Williams Ensign. - On or about the first of January, we marched to Roxbury near Boston through the towns of East Hartford, Bolton, Ashford, Pomfret Dedham &c. to Roxbury, the Americans fortified Dorchester hill and we continued there untill the British evacuated Boston, we were dismissed the last of March or the forepart of April I was out on this tour three months or more. -
2 d . The second tour of duty I performed was in the militia, in a company commanded by Lieut. Aaron Porter of Withersfield, in Col. Talcott's Regt. - I left home, I think in July 1776, marched on the post road to New Haven, and from thence we went by water

to New York, we were on Long Island at the time Gen. Washington ordered the retreat in the night, & left at that time; we were at Hornshook near Hurlgate, at the time the British built a fort on the opposite shore on Long Island under cover of a wood, when finished, the wood was cut down during one night & a heavy firing commenced early the next morning & continued for several days, but few killed or wounded, - we were discharged the last of September, I served in this tour about two months.
3 d - as a musician - This tour of duty I performed at Peekskill in the State of New York in the year 1777, as a musician and began in the month of March & ended in the month of May, being out on that tour two Months. - The Company to which I belonged was commanded by Chester Wells Capt. - Butler Lieut. & J. Miller Ens. all of Wethersfield; we were stationed at that time in Barracks, some considerable distance above the landing at Peekskill, under the command of Gen. M c Dougall and Col. Hooker of Farmington served as Brigade Major. - during the time of this tour of duty, the British troops landed & marched to Danbury in Connecticut & burned the public stores & part of the town, at which time the troops at Peekskill marched nearly all one night to intercept them & went as far as Bedford; being informed that they were out of our reach, we gave up the pursuit & returned, lying out in the woods the remainder of the night. - I have no documentary evidence of my service. - I lived in Wethersfield in the time of the Revolutionary war, in that part of it which now constitutes

a part of the town of Berlin where I have ever since lived Interrogatory 1 st ————— Ans. In Withersfield
" 2 d ————— Answer As In my Bible
" 3 d ————— Answer In Withersfield 2 since in that part of said Withersfield which is now in Berlin
" 4 th ————— do. In my declaration
" 5 th ————— do. In do — do.
" 6 th ————— do. I had none in writing.
" 7 th ————— " Rev. Samuel Goodrich & Luther Babbly Esq
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present; & declare that my name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any State.
Abijah Porter
Sworn to, and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Thomas L ss Judge of Probate Berlin District,
Hartford County ss. Berlin Aug. 18 th 1832 This may certify that I am personally acquainted with Abijah Porter, who has signed the foregoing declarations, I have always lived near him for more than seventy years; and in the year 1776 he enlisted in the same company with me as a musician under Capt. Hezekiah Wells, Lieut. Charles Churchill & Absalom Williams Ens. all of Withersfield. on or about the first of January we marched to Roxbury near Boston; where we remained in the State Troops, & in the service of our country, until about the last of March; we were out on this tour about two months & three weeks. — In the month of July the same year, the said Abijah Porter, was in the same company of Militia with me, under the command of Lieut. Aaron Porter

in Col. Talcott's Regt. we were employed in the service at New York, Long Island, Hornshook & that vicinity untill about the last of September, we were out in this tour about two months. — he served as a Sifer. — I was also knowing to his going an-other tour in 1777. out to the North River, at the time Danbury was burnt. — I have no doubt but he served the whole time he has stated in his several declarations; he sustains a good moral Character, is a man of strict veracity & his testimony may be relied on, I am now 76 years old
Samuel Churchill
Sworn & subscribed to in my presence, the day & year aforesaid Thomas Lee Jdge of Probate Berlin District
State of Connecticut
Hartford County, ss. Berlin Aug 18 th 1832
I Nathaniel Dickinson of Berlin aforesaid, Do certify, that I have known & been well acquainted with Abijah Porter of Berlin from my childhood i.e. for 70 years or more, we have always lived in the same town & neighborhood; I was knowing to his being in the service in the Revolutionary war, in the year 1777 in the month of March, I was in the same company with him commanded by Chester Wells Capt. — Butler Lieut. & Joseph Miller Ens. — we marched to Peekskill in the State of New York, & were under the command of Gen. M c Dougall. at the time Danbury was burnt; we were discharged in the month of May being out two months. — I have no doubt but

what said Porter was in the Revolutionary service as he has stated in his declarations; — I know him to be a man whose testimony may be relied on at all times. —
Nathaniel Dikenson
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. —
Thomas Lee Judge of Probate Berlin District
State of Connecticut Hartford County } ss. Berlin Aug. 18 th 1832
We Samuel Goodrich Clergyman residing in Berlin aforesaid and Luther Beckley residing in the same, a Magistrate.
Hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with Mr. Abijah Porter who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration. That we believe him to be seventy-five 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. —
Samuel Goodrich
Luther Beckley
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Thomas Lee Judge of Probate Berlin District
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & putting the interrog- atives prescribed by the War department, that the aforesaid named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. — And the Court further certifies.

That it appears to them that the Rev. Samuel Goodrich who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Berlin, Parish of Worthington; and that Luther Buckley Esq who has also signed the same is a resident in said Berlin and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. — And the Court further certifies, that Solomon Buckley residing in Wethersfield an adjoining town to Berlin, in the same County; and Nathaniel Dickinson of Berlin aforesaid, who have signed & sworn to the foregoing certificates, are all of them, well known to the Court, as sustaining good moral characters, men of truth, and their statements are entitled to credit.
Certified by me Thomas Lee Judge of Probate Berlin District
I George Washington Southworth, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of Berlin do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matters of the application of Abijah Porter of said Berlin for a pension, And I also certify that Thomas Lee Esq. who has affixed his name in his own proper hand writing as above, is Judge of Probate for Berlin District. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 18 th August 1832. — Geo. W. Southworth Clerk

Alijah Porter Berlin Conn
New Britain P. O.
No 5407.

At a Court of Probate held at Berlin within & for the District of Berlin on the 25 th day of May A.D. 1833
Present Thomas Lee Esq. Judge. —
Abijah Porter the foregoing applicant for a pension appeared in Court, and made statement that he is not able to mention any thing more definitely as to his services, and moved to have his affidavit taken as to his service according to the direction in the brief. — whereupon this Court proceeded to take the following affidavit. —

State of Connecticut } Hartford County }
ss. Berlin May 25 th 1833
Personally appeared before me the undersigned Judge of Probate for Berlin district, Abijah Porter who being duly sworn, deposeth & saith that by reason of old age, length of time past, & 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 three months in the year 1776, he served as a musician For two months he served in the same year as a Fifer. For two months he served in the year 1777 as a musician Making in the whole service seven months. — And for such service he claims a pension. —
Thomas Lee Judge of Probate Berlin District
I George W. Southworth Clerk of the Court of Probate for Berlin District, do certify, that the foregoing contains the additional proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Abijah Porter of said Berlin for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 25 th day of May A. 1833. Geo. W. Southworth Clerk

Date of m rs death not on a p
1627 New York Albany Sarah Porter widow of Abijah Porter who served in the Revolutionary Con n war, as a Musician
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 25 Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1818. 3 rd February 1833 Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of Aug/53 and sent to
Maria Lake Buffalo N. York
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 20, 1818 , Page 81 Vol. A
Feby 3 rd 53 1832

State of New York Erie County } ss.
On this 24 th day of May in the year 1853 personally appeared before the Erie County Court held at Buffalo in and for said County, before the Hon. James Sheldon Judge thereof. Sarah Porter a resident of Buffalo in the County of Erie and State aforesaid, aged twenty three years, who first being duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 5 th February, 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, that she is the widow of Abijah Porter who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death, at the rate of about twenty four dollars per annum, and which will appear on reference to the proofs on file in the Department with his application for pension. She further declares that she was married to the said Abijah Porter, by the Rev. Ambrose Edson pastor 3 d Congregational Church at Berlin Hartford County Connecticut, on the 28 th day of August Eighteen hundred and thirty three; that her said husband died on the 13 th day of April Eighteen hundred and forty five at Berlin Hartford County Connecticut; that she was not married to him prior to the second of January Eighteen hundred, but at the time above stated. She further declares that she is now a widow. —
Sarah Porter
Sworn and subscribed
in open Court before the Hon. James Sheldon Judge presiding by me — William Andrews Clerk

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the said County this 24 th day of May A D 1853
Wm Andre Clerk
State of New York Erie County ss. Linus P Hubbard and Mary Hubbard being duly sworn according to law on their oaths say they are personally well acquainted with Abijah Porter in his lifetime who was a pension- er of the United States for Revolutionary Service and died on or about the month of April 1845 as within stated. The deponents are not present at the death but testify from the common report and which they believe is true - That at the time of his death he left the within named Sarah Porter his widow, who is still a widow and resides with the deponents, and that she is the mother of Mary Hubbard one of the above deponents, that the deponents have no interest in making this deposition - Sworn and subscribed this 9 th day of June 1853 Before me -
Linus P. Hubbard Mary Hubbard
State of New York. } ss. Erie County Clerk's Office.
I, WILLIAM ANDRE, Clerk of said County, and of the Courts thereof, certify that Samuel Lake Esq. before whom the annexed affidavit was taken, and whose name is subscribed in the certificate of proof thereof, was at the time of taking the same, a commissioner of deeds, in and for the City of Buffalo, in said County, duly sworn and acting as such, and authorized to take the same; and further, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe the signature thereto, to be his genuine signature.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County and the Courts thereof, the 10 day of
June A. D. 1853.
W Andre Clerk.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the said County this 24 th day of May A.D. 1883
Wm Andrew Clark
State of New York Erie County ss. Linus P Hubbard and Mary Hubbard being duly sworn according to law on their oaths, say they are personally well acquainted with Abijah Porter in his lifetime who was a pension- er of the United States for Revolutionary Service and died on or about the month of April 1845 as within stated. The deponents are not present at the death but testify from the common report and which they believe is true - That at the time of his death he left the within named Sarah Porter his widow, who is still a widow and resides with the deponents, and that she is the mother of Mary Hubbard one of the above deponents, that the deponents have no interest in making this deposition - Sworn and subscribed this 9 th day of June 1883. Before me -
Linus P. Hubbard Mary Hubbard
Samuel Lake Commissioner of Deeds for the City of Buffalo

79.029
Mch 3/53
Civ. S. Lake, Nov. 17/55
Apr 18/55
Sarah Porter 31 Wid of Nijah Porter musician
Husband was a Pensioner
ms 26327
Court Mil
Rev. War
ms 26327 1627
W: 1600 Benton ms 20/56
BB/DA
J
Samuel Lake Buffalo NY
Vol P. page 115.

Application for Bounty Land.—ORIGINAL CLAIM.
State of New York } ss. COUNTY OF Erie }
On this 13 th day of April A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me Henry H. Clapp a Commissioner of Deeds for the City of Buffalo within and for the County and State aforesaid Sarah Porter aged 75 years, a resident of Buffalo in the state of New York who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Abijah Porter deceased, who was a Musician in the Company commanded by Captain not known in the Connecticut line of troops in the war with Great Britain declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812  called the Revolutionary War  She refers her application for pension for proof of her Husband's death & their marriage that her said husband her Husband served during the Revolutionary war two or more years, but she cannot state the time or the Officers under whom he served and continued in actual service in said war for the term of time he engaged and was honorably discharged at the Close as she believes, and that reference may be had to his appli- cation for a pension for proof of his service She further states that she was married to the said Abijah Porter in the town Berlin Connecticut on the 28 th day of August A. D. 1833 by one M c Edson Minish and that her name before her said marriage was Sarah Hulbert that her said husband died at Berlin on the 13 th day of April A. D. 1844  according to her best recollection and that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the Act approved March 3d, 1855. Samuel Lake of Buffalo N.Y. is hereby appointed my Attorney to prosecute my claim and receive any Warrant which may be issued thereon.
Sarah Porter
We Linus P. Hubbard and Mary Hubbard residents of Buffalo, Erie County in the State of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Sarah 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.
Linus P. Hubbard
Mary Hubbard
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.
Henry H. Clapp Commissioner of Deeds for the City of Buffalo

State of New York
Erie County ss. Simon P. Hubbard & Mary Hubbard being duly sworn according to law on their oaths say that they were acquainted with Abijah Porter previous to his death, that he died at Belling about the spring of the year 1844. That the deponents have been acquainted with Sarah Porter his widow since the death of her husband the said Abijah Porter, and that she is still a widow and unmarried and is the identical person who has signed and sworn to the foregoing declaration. The deponents reside in the City of Buffalo and have no interest in the claim of the said Sarah Porter for Bounty Land. Sworn and subscribed this 13 th day of April 1855 Before me He And I certify the deponents are credible Ward A
Mary Hubbard I. P. Hubbard
State of New York, } ss. ERIE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE,
I, WILLIAM ANDRE, Clerk of said County, and of the Courts thereof, certify that Henry H. Clapp Esq. before whom the annexed affidavit was taken, and whose name is subscribed in the certificate of proof thereof, was at the time of taking the same, a commissioner of deeds, in and for the City of Buffalo, in said County, duly sworn and acting as such, and authorized to take the same: and further, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe the signature thereto, to be his genuine signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County and the Courts thereof, the 14 th day of April A. D. 1855
W Andre Clerk.
79.0 29

State of New York
Erie County ss. Simon P. Hubbard & Mary Hubbard being duly sworn according to law on their oaths, say that they were acquainted with Abijah Porter previous to his death, that he died at Berlin about the spring of the year 1844, that the deponents have been acquainted with Sarah Porter his widow since the death of her husband the said Abijah Porter, and that she is still a widow and unmarried and is the identical person who has signed and sworn to the foregoing declara- tion. The deponents reside in the city of Buffalo and have no interest in the claim of the said Sarah Porter for County Land. Sworn and subscribed this 13 th day of April 1855 Before me the And I certify the deponents are credible persons.
Mary Hubbard S. P. Hubbard
Henry H. Clapp Com. of Deeds in for the City of Buffalo

District of Connecticut, ) HARTFORD COUNTY, } ss. County Court, Clerk's Office. )
I, Samuel F. Jones Esq., Clerk of the County Court, within and for the County of Hartford, and keeper of the seal thereof, and of the Commissions of the Jus- tices of Peace for said County, hereby CERTIFY—That
Henry Nash _____ Esquire was on the 18 th day of May 1853, ever since has been, and now is, a Justice of the Peace within and for the said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, with power by the laws of this State, to administer OATHS , and take the acknowledgment of DEEDS , and other instruments; that his Commission is dated the day of _____ 184 4 ; and will expire on the 20th day of June, 184 ; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature to the instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and the seal of said Court, this 4 th day of June 1853.
Samuel F. Jones Clerk.

Town Clerk's Office New Britain Oct May 18. 1853
I hereby certify that the following certificate is a true and literal copy of a Certificate duly registered in Book 1 Page 52 Berlin Records, which said Records are now the property of said Town of New Britain, by virtue of an act of Assembly of said Town of Berlin, to wit:
"This Certifies that Mr Abijah Porter and Mrs Sarah Hartwell both of this town were on the 28 th ult lawfully joined in Marriage by Amos Edson pastor 3 rd Cong Ch h Berlin 18 th Sept 1835 Rec d & recorded Oct 9 th 1835. Abijah Hagg Reg r is true"
Attest
Spencer Coe Assistant Town Clerk New Britain
State of Connecticut New Britain May 18. 1853 Hartford County
Personally appeared Spencer Coe Asst Town Clerk of said Town and made solemn oath that he is Assistant Clerk of said Town, and that the above and foregoing certificate by him attested and sub- scribed is true in every particular - and that said Certificate of Marriage is literally copied from the Registry of said Town before me
Henry Nash Justice of Peace

mailed without return
September 18, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Miss Mary Francis 101 Elm Street Hartford, Connecticut
ABIJAH PORTER W. 1070 BA-J/MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the pension record of Abijah Porter, widow, Sarah, B.L. Wt. 26327-160-55, W. 1070.
You are furnished herein the record of Abijah Porter as found in the papers on file in pension claim, W.1070, also in his  the claim for bounty land, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Abijah Porter was born in Wethersfield, Hartford County, Connecticut; the date of soldier's birth and names of his parents are not given.
While residing in that part of the Town of Wethersfield which later became Berlin, in Hartford County, Connecticut, he enlisted in 1776, served as musician in Captain Hezekiah Welles' Connecticut company, marched to Roxbury near Boston where he remained until the British evacuated Boston and was discharged the last of March, or early in April, following, after having served about three months. He enlisted in July, 1776, served as fifer under Lieutenant Aaron Porter (relationship to soldier not stated), in Colonel Talcott's Connecticut regiment, was at Long Island at the time of the retreat and was discharged the last of September, 1776. He enlisted in March, 1777, served as musician in Captain Chester Wells' company, Colonel Hooker's Connecticut regiment, and was discharged sometime in May, following.
After the Revolutionary War the soldier continued to reside in Berlin, Connecticut.
Abijah Porter was allowed pension on his application executed August 18, 1832, at which time he was aged seventy-five years and a resident of Berlin, Connecticut. He died there April 13, 1845.

Abijah Porter married August 28, 1833, in Berlin, Connecticut, Mrs. Sarah Hulbert or Hulburt; her maiden name and the given name of her former husband not shown. Abijah Porter and Mrs. Sarah Hulbert were married by the pastor of the 3rd Congregational Church of Berlin and their marriage was recorded in the town clerk's office of Berlin but by virtue of the division of that town, the record became the property of the Town of New Britain, Hartford County, Connecticut. It is not stated whether the soldier had been previously married.
Soldier's widow, Sarah Porter, was allowed pension on her application executed May 24, 1853, at which time she was aged seventy-three years and a resident of Buffalo, Erie County, New York.
Sarah Porter was allowed bounty land, also, in full satisfaction, for services rendered in the Revolution by her husband, Abijah Porter, on her application executed April 13, 1855, while a resident of Buffalo, New York.
In 1853, Mary Hubbard, of Buffalo, New York, daughter of soldier's widow, Sarah Porter, made joint affidavit with one Linus P. Hubbard (the relationship of the two not shown), in which they stated that soldier's widow, Sarah, was then living with them. In 1855, Mary and Linus P. Hubbard again made joint affidavit in behalf of Sarah, at which time they were both residents of Buffalo, New York. No further reference was made to children.
If you desire to know the location of the land referred to above, you should apply to the Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and cite the following:
Bounty Land Warrant No. 26327-160-55.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

June 13. 1853
No 2134
App. of Sarah
Porter widow of
Abijah
NY
City Hall #24
17683
Act 3rd Feby 1853
Rev:
Allowed $25,66 per an
Com. Feb. 3, 1853
Sam. Lake
Chairman
Buffalo
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business

v
26.327
S Moo Am

Pension Office Aug 24/53
Sir
Please report time of last payment to or death of within named pensioner
Respectfully &c
J. Burt Esqr. J. Cole & and for comm ee Present
Abijah Porter, act 1832 $25.66 p. an. — Died 13 th April 1845, Paid to his death.
J. Burt Auditor.

1935 Sept 18 - Hist. 4 Miss Mary Francis - m R B
Rev  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1078
Sarah Porter
Widow
Elijah Porter
Musician Rev. War
Act: Feb. 23, 1853
Index: — Vol. M. , Page 134
[Arrangement of 1870.]

5407—
Abijah Porter
✓
5.16—
went
7 th anniversary
$25.66
Th rs Lee
N. Brilian
Leon

5407
BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Abijah Porter which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? 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? 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 — VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? 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?

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? 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? 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? Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? 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? — no — XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
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 official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡ 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.

Brief in the case of Sarah Porter of Abijah Erie County and State of N York act of Feb 3rd 1853
Claim, ("original," or " for increase. ")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. Husband a pensioner under act of June 7 1832 at $ 25 \frac{66}{100} per annum
D re
(If for increase) Marriage proved - public record Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Death Aud. & rep.
Identity (circumstantial)
Name and residence of Agent
Saml Lake Buffalo N York
Examining Clerk.
A H Gray

Baton. Nov. 11 th 1853.
Dear Mr. Waldron Com. of Pensions — } Sir,
Will you please inform me by letter of the regular form of Pension Papers, that Mrs. Sarah Porter — Widow of the late Abijah Porter, a drummer of the Revolution, and of the Connecticut line, who was in receipt of a pension when he died in 1845, and the Widow is entitled to the Pension since that time. She has not received any thing since the death of her husband and is old and very Poor & much in want of it. you will confer a great favour upon the poor widow by giving the information required
Yrs with Respect Capt. Saml. Crapin No. 87 Orleans St.

MISS MARY FRANCIS REGISTRAR, RUTH WYLLYS CHAPTER 101 ELM STREET HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT
September 12, 1935
Veterans Administration Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I am writing to ask if you will please send me a copy of the pension record of,-
PORTER , Abijah, wid. Sarah, BLwt. 26327-160-55 ..... W 1070
I would like his service record and I would especially like to have any details about his wife and family that are available.
Thanking you in advance,
Sincerely yours,
Mary Francis,
Registrar Ruth Wylllys Chapter

State of Connecticut, Hartford County ss. Alfred North being duly sworn, on his oath says he was personally acquainted with Abijah Porter who died in the town of Berlin in said County on the 13 th day of April A D 1845, that the said Abijah Porter was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the reigning United States, and left a widow him surviving, whose name is Sarah Porter, who now resides in the City of Buffalo as he has been informed and believes.
The deponent was appointed administrator of the estate of the said Abijah Porter, sworn and subscribed } Alfred North this 8 th day of June A D 1853 before me, and I certify that the deponent is a credible person
William Bulkeley Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut } County of Hartford } ss. Samuel F. Jones, Clerk of the County Court in and for said County, the same being a Court of Record & having a seal, hereby certify that William Bulkeley Alfred North Esq was on the 8 th day of June A D 1853, a Justice of the Peace in and for s d County, duly commissioned and qualified by the Laws of this State to admin- ister oaths. That I verily believe the above signature purporting to be s d Bulkeley's, to be his genuine official signature. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of s d Court this 8 th day of June A D 1853 at Hartford in s d County
Samuel F. Jones Clerk

L. P. Waldo Esq Comr. of Pensions
Buffalo Jan. 11th 1853
Sir - Last Evening I mailed to the Department a claim for Rev. Julian for Sarah, Widow of Abijah Porter dec. who was a Rev. Pensioner when he died - It was mailed through a mistake the enclosed Certificate of death should have been enclosed with the other papers and I herewith forward the same hoping you will be able to put them on file together without much trouble or delay as they cannot be more than 24 Hours in the receipt of the two letters -
Respectfully Yours Samuel Lake