Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 28,846, for Ephraim Porter, Connecticut

SERVICE
Porter, Ephraim
NUMBER
S 28.846
born
CONTENTS

32.283
New York
Ephraim Porter, deceased late of Sullivan in the State of N.Y. who was a Pri in the Com commanded by Captain Sherwood of the reg Conn Col d Sheldon in the Tex  N.Y. line for 10 mos. 10 days
Inscribed on the Roll of N York City at the rate of 34 Dollars 44 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831. Vending Oct r 27. 1838 when he died
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of Feby 1845 and sent to Hon S. Simons, A Repy
Arrears to the 14th of Pemi=ant. allowance ending
Revolutionary Claim, let June 7, 1832. Recorded by J. A. Swann, Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 4 Page 55
Let. to Agt. April 29 th 45.
Ref d see Let. to Agt. 14. Feb y 45.
pay t to Gershon, Tho s , Abijah & Alanson Porter Polly Adgate, Patience Russell only sur. children
Cert. Com d April 29 45 returned to Isaac Sherman Bridgeport Conn.
Letter to Pen Agt. 18 Feb 1845.

Joseph S... afford
The Papers of Ephraim Porter
21.210
Rev. C. Root
Send to G. B. Haver Attorney at Law Bloomingsburgh Sullivan Co. New York

State of New York 2
Sullivan County ss. On this nineteenth day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty four personally appeared before me Samuel Smith one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County at my house in the Town of Mamakating in said County Ephraim Porter a resident of the Town of Mamakating in the County of Sullivan and State of New York aged seventy eight years the ninth day of April last past 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 7th 1832
That he is unable to attend the sittings of the Court of Record of said County on account of the rheumatism the place of the sittings of said Court being twenty miles distant from his place of residence
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated
That this deponent entered the service of the United States in the month of February October in the year 1776 That he resided at this time in the Town of Stratford County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut. That he was drafted into the service aforesaid at the place aforesaid into a Company of Militia commanded by Captain Philip Benjamin with whom this deponent was well acquainted, but the lieutenants names this deponent cannot now recollect. That the company aforesaid rendezvous at the Town of Fairfield aforesaid in the first part of the month of February in the year 1777 That he was drafted in the month of October aforesaid for the term of six months that the only reason this deponent can give that said Company was not in actual service sooner after time of drafting aforesaid, was that the Officers of said Company did not sooner order them out
That said Company marched from Fairfield aforesaid to the city of New York, and was engaged in guarding the powder belonging to the American Troops which was deposited in a bank or cell excavated in the earth. said magazine was situated on the north river side of the city

And that General Washington then Commanded the American Troops then laying in the city of New York in person. And that there was no other Company of soldiers called out of Stratford aforesaid except the one to which this deponent belonged at that time. That this deponent recollects well that General Washington and General Putman visited the Company to which this deponent belonged almost daily while engaged in guarding the magazine. And that some times the Company aforesaid was employed in guarding the Hospital and was some times upon guard at Fort Washington situated in the city aforesaid. That this deponent continued in the service aforesaid until the first or second week in May of the same year. That the whole Company was discharged at that time aforesaid and returned home. That the Lieutenants of the Company to which this deponent belonged were not residents of the Town of Stratford aforesaid but from other towns and the names this deponent does not now by reason of great age remember them, but he well remembers that one Lampson was the Orderly Sergeant of the Company aforesaid. That this deponent was verbally discharged at the time aforesaid and that during said period of service he served faithfully and was not engaged in any civil pursuit -
That in the Month of June in the year 1777, as near as this deponent can now remember. He volunteered again with a Company of Militia aforesaid at the town of Fairfield and County of Fairfield aforesaid under the Command of Captain John Sherwood. And Samuel Daly Lieutenant and Benajah Bennett Ensign. That said Company and another company from Fairfield Town went up the Long Island Sound to there in the same boat to the city of New York said Companies being having volunteered to protect the city of New York it being expected daily that said city would be attacked by the British forces. And that they were stationed in the city aforesaid. And that every morning the troops of Militia were reviewed by General Washington and Putman in person. That this deponent remained in the city

until it was attacked by the British forces. That this deponent was sick with the dysentery at this time and the night before the British forces entered the city this deponent with four three others who were likewise sick were by the order of General Putman carried out of the city about five miles towards Harlem Heights where the Continental troops lay at this time. That they were left by the side of the road with directions to make their escape as well as they could as the British it was expected would be in the city the next morning. That the waggon which brought them out of the city returned again that this deponent and the three other persons aforesaid then made their way back to Fairfield that they were four days in traveling home the distance being about eighty miles and this deponent remembers that one of the three persons names was David Bradly and another by name of Brad Cy. That this deponent after he returned to his home aforesaid was confined with the sickness aforesaid about one month. That the Company to which this deponent belonged were discharged after the capture of the city and returned home about a week after this deponent returned home. That at this time this deponent served at least two months at the place aforesaid under the Officers aforesaid
That in the fall of the year 1777. in the last part of the month of September as this deponent now believes, he was again volunteered into a company commanded by Captain Benjamin Bennett at the Weston in Fairfield County aforesaid. and also a company from Fairfield Town, and a company from Gilbert Town and one or two others which this deponent cannot now recollect. That the said companies marched to Franklin and from thence to Green Pond & from thence followed up the Hudson River to Kingston this was the same time that the British forces took Fort Montgomery and Burned Kingston village on the Hudson River that said company volunteered to protect the inhabitants along said river from the British who were moving up said river. that he was engaged in said service at least five weeks at this time when he was verbally discharged by the Captain aforesaid and

this deponent returned home. That Joseph Sherwood was at this time his lieutenant, That General Sullivan was the commander of the forces and his son the adjutant.
That by reason of this deponents great age and infirm memory he is unable to state the years and particular times of his service, But he knows that from the year 1777, to the end of the war he served at least four months by drafts at Green Farms under Captain Joseph Bennett Captain Nash and Benajah Bennet. that the service was in tours of one month each, that he also served. And that in Fairfield aforesaid he served at least five months in tours of one month each one of the months was under Captain Lacey one month under Lieutenant Seely and one month under Goodsell who commanded guards at the place aforesaid for the protection of the inhabitants from the incursions of the British forces. as they were in the habit of making excursions from Long Island Sound and robbing the inhabitants of their property that he is unable to state definitely the times he entered or was discharged or the names of all the officers under whom he served, but he well knows that he served at Green Farms and at Fairfield at least the times above stated. That one month after at Fairfield was in guarding General Sullivan's house who had before that time been kidnapped by the British and carried to Long Island that he had been exchanged and that this deponent was ordered into service by a draft from the Captains aforesaid but from what authority the Captains got their orders he is unable to state That he was also occupied three months in keeping guard at Wells Longue on Long Sound in keeping a guard aforesaid said service was done in tours of three one month each That this time he was under the command of a Sergeant or Lieutenant who had command of the guard to protect the inhabitants from the Tories and British that during all the above services a regular guard was kept at the places aforesaid. but the officers names not recollected

That during all said terms aforesaid this Depo- nent was engaged in no civil pursuit and served his tours faithfully and was discharged verbally by his officers. That there are but three persons living who are acquainted with this deponent's services that are now known to this deponent to wit Samuel Gregory Samuel * Gregory & Joseph Seely. That Sam- uel * Gregory was one of the officers under whom this deponent served. And that the persons above named are all pensioners of the United States
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or an annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state or territory
That there is no clergyman living near this deponent who can state his belief from reputation of his services as no clergyman resides within five miles of his residence and those are persons recently settled in said church But that Grant B Marvin and David B Luckey are persons acquainted with this deponent and can state their belief from reputation and from their knowledge of his reputed services.
In answer to the interrogatories required this deponent says that he was born in the Town of Stratford County County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut on the ninth day of April April 1756. -
That he never saw any record of his age but obtained his information from his father.
That he was living in the place last mentioned when called into service and has lived there until about twenty four years since he removed to Sullivan County in the State of New York where he now resides That he volunteered two terms above stated and the others he was drafted into the service.
That he can state the names of none of the officers except those before mentioned General Washington & Putnam
That he was so verbally discharged each time of his service

That he is acquainted with Grant B Mavin and David B Luckey who can testify to his reputed services and his character for truth and veracity.
Sworn and subscribed before me the above named judge this 19 th day of May 1834. Samuel Smith
Ephraim Porter
We Grant B Mavin & David B Luckey both of the Town of Mamakating in the County of Sullivan hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ephraim Porter who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and that we believe him to be seventy eight years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid May 19 th 1834 Samuel Smith
Grant B Mavin David B Luckey
And I the said Samuel Smith the judge before who the aforesaid declaration of Ephraim Porter was subscribed and sworn to. After putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department to said applicant and hearing his answers thereto do declare my belief that the said applicant has served in the Revolutionary war as above stated by him and I do believe him to have been a soldier of the revolutionary war. And that I also believe him to be a man of truth and veracity and his statements entitled to credit. And I also certify that I believe the said Ephraim Porter by reason of bodily infirmity to be unable to attend the sitting of the Court of Record of this County and also that Grant B Mavin and David B Luckey are credible persons to me known and their

statements entitled to credit —
Samuel Smith Esq.
State of New York } Sullivan County }
§. I Jesse M Foster Clerk of said County do certify that Samuel Smith Esq. before whom the foregoing Affidavits were sworn and also who subscribed the certificates annexed was at the dates of the same one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for Sullivan County. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge and verily believe that the signatures to the said Affidavits & Certificates are genuine. Witness my hand and seal of Office this 20 th day of May 1834!
Jesse M. Foster CLK

State of Connecticut } Trumbull May 5 th 1834 Fairfield county }
personally appeared Daniel Gregory United States Pensioner of the Town of Trumbull County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut who deposes and says that he is well acquainted with Ephraim Porter of the Town of Mamakating County of Sullivan and State of New York who was formerly of Fairfield County State of Connecticut that he served with said Porter in the revolutionary War two Hubs at Green Farms do not recollect the year served under Capt Bennett said and left said Porter in service when I left said Company at Green Farms and that said Ephraim Porter is a man of excellent character whose said Declaration in relation to his service is entitled to full credit
Daniel Gregory
State of Connecticut Fairfield County
Personally appeared Daniel Gregory and made Oath to the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed Samuel Brainerd Justice of the Peace
Weston May 6 th A 1834
Daniel Gregory the signer of the foregoing Deposition is personally known to me and is a man of truth and veracity
James Litch Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut Fairfield County
St. Weston May 6 th 1834
I Harvey Hubbell Notary Public for said Fairfield County certify that Samuel  Bradley is a Justice of Peace for said Fairfield County duly qualified & sworn, & that full faith & credit are due to his official acts, & that the signature within purporting to be his is his genuine signature — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office the day & year last above written —
Harvey Hubbell Notary Public

I Joseph Seely of Weston in Fairfield County & State of Connecticut being, seventy seven years of age, Depose & say. That I am well acquainted with Ephraim Porter, of the town of Mamakating County of Sullivan, & State of New York, who was formerly of Stratford, Fairfield County & State of Connecticut, & that I have been acquainted with him for more than sixty years, and that about the middle of May 1778. Cap: Bennaja Bennet called out his company, said Porter & myself were members of said Co, we were ordered to march to Franklin above Danbury & from thence to Crompond in the State of New York was under the command of Gen: Wadsworth, we served one month & were discharged - In July 1779. when Fairfield was burnt, said Capt Bennet called out his Co, marched them to Fairfield, after a few days marched them to Norwalk & from thence to New Canaan this tour was about 3 weeks, said Porter & myself served the time in full & were discharged - In 1780 said Captain Bennet called out his Co. & marched them to Greensfarms, said Porter & myself served one month & were discharged, In 1781. in the month of April, said Porter & myself were drafted for one month to go to Greensfarms, to guard L: Island Sound, we were commanded by Capt Joseph Bennet of said Greensfarms we served the time in full & were discharged - said Porter is a man of good moral character & his own declaration I think is entitled to full credit, -
Joseph Seely
State of Connecticut
ss. Weston May 6 th A.D. 1834
Fairfield County
Personally appeared Joseph Seely signer of the foregoing deposition, who is well known by me as a man of truth & veracity, & made solemn oath that said Deposition is true
Before me James Peasey Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut Fairfield County
vs. Weston May 6, 1834
I Harvey Hubbell Notary Public for said Fairfield County certify that James  James  Stiles  Stiles is a Justice of the Peace for said County duly qualified & sworn & that full faith & credit are due to his official acts, & that the signature within purpor- ting to be his is his genuine signature. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & seal of Office the day & year above written —
Harvey Hubbell Notary Public

State of Connecticut County of Fairfield ss Bridgeport I Philo Hurd Clerk of the Court of Probate held at Bridgeport within and for the District of Bridgeport in said County & State do hereby certify that Satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Ephraim Porter was a resident of the Town of Liberty, County of Sullivan, State of New York and that said Ephraim Porter died in said Town of Liberty on the twenty seventh day of October A D 1838.
That he left no widow and that his only surviving children are as follows viz: Gershom Porter & Thomas Porter, both residents of said Town of Liberty, Polly Adgate and Patience Russel both residents in some Town (name not known) in the State of Ohio and Abijah Porter a resident of said Town of Bridgeport all of whom are of lawful age.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this 31 day of December A D 1844.
Philo Hurd Clerk of Probate Court
I, Philo Hurd Clerk of the Court aforesaid do further certify that Isaac Sherman is a Justice of the within & for the said County of Fairfield duly commissioned & qualified that his Signature to the Disposition of Thomas Edwards hereto annexed is genuine. — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this 10 day of January A D 1845.
Philo Hurd Clerk of Probate Court

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
8340
P. O.
Ephraim Porter
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18

B2.397
New York Ephraim Porter Suspended
Let #18 Feb 17 to Appomattox Disbursed 1835
" to Isaac Sherman Mar 27 '44

New York Ephraim Porter Rev. 7. Rejected Let to Hon C. Bodle June 11. 1834. —
83210
Act 7 June '32

28846 Rev INVALID.
File No. 28,846
Ephraim Porter
Rev Rev War
Act: June 7 th 32 nd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 326
[Arrangement of 1870.]

  76  Sherwood  Levi  x (comp)  NY  roll  2  DD    "  Benjamin  Sheldon  x roll  "  "  1  14    77  March  Sherwood  Sheldon  Fairfield  roll 26 day  x  26    "  Aug  Bennet  x  Hudson  "  2  x    78  March  Hawley   Bridgetport  Rome  x  1    "  "  "   "  "  x  1    "  "  "  x (comp)  "  "  x  1    79  June  Bennet   NY  "   1    "  July  "   Fairfield  "   1    "  Oct  Loey  x Comp.  Bridgetport  home  x  1    80   Seely  x "  Fairfield  "   1    81   Bennet  x roll  Fairfield  Greens farms  roll  1  
  x  2 mo.     1. 14     26     2. —     1. —     1. —     1. —     1. —        10. 10  
3333 1111

New York City Pension Agency July 15. 1845
Sir
I herewith transmit voucher of 5 of the 6 children of Ephraim Porter, deceased, for authority to pay the amount due them, and retain the share of Alanson Porter, whose residence cannot be ascertained until called for. The pension certificate does not accompany the voucher, but will be forwarded when payment is authorized.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant
W. A. Wheeler Pension Agt.
J. H. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Comptrollers Office
Hartford Conn: 28 Decem: 1841.
I Certify, that on application for evidence of the service of Ephraim Porter in the War of the Revolution, I have examined the documents remaining in this office relating to that War, and in the "Pay Table" accounts there entries—
"Cap. Geo. Benjamin — Sillimans Regt. — D r "
1776 June 24 To order in Treasr. in acct. for his C o P t Aaron Benjamin rec d . £580. 0. 0"
"Cap. Geo. Benjamin — Col. Sillimans Regt. — C r "
1777 Feb. 15 — By his acct. for his Company rend d . viz: Listing Bounties Wages &c. 582. 11. 0"
"Col. Ichabod Lewis for y e 1 st Regt. Militia to New York C r "
"By acct. rend d . by Maj r Dimon — "Bounty 529 Men" &c. &c. 773. 19. 2"
"United States . . . . . D r "
" " — To order in Treasr. in full 1 st Regt. to New York, Aug. & Sept. 1776 " &c 773. 19. 2"
No mention has been found of Col. Shelton, or Cap. Samuel, or any other Cap. Sherwood, or officer by name of Sherwood. No officer of the name of Goodsell has been found. The name of Cap. Benajah Bennett has not been discovered — but this evidence of the service of Col. Samuel Whiting, in whose Regt. this C o is said to have been — at the time mentioned —
"A Pay Abstract for Cap. Jabez Wheelers Company in Col. Samuel Whilings Regt. of Militia in the State of Conn. for a short Campaign at the "Fishkills in Oct. 1777" — &c In which, Ephraim Porter is credited for 26 days service.
In "Haskells Receipts", under head of "Expense of Coast Guards" Lt. Aaron Hawley is credited for Guard at Stratford £85. 3. 8 3 / 4 . The date

of the entry being April 1. 1778.
In "Haskells Receipts," Col o Samuel Whiting is mentioned as serving "with the Army in West Chester County in the State of New York." The date of the entry, (supposed to be that of the time of settlem t !) is 21 st Sep r . 1779.
And in the same book, under head of "Expense of Coast Guards," Ensign Daniel Lacey is credited for "Coast Guard at Fairfield £56.13.9 Specie." The date of the entry, is 30 January 1782.
Also, under the same head, Lt t Nathan Seeley is credited for "Coast Guard at Stratford £53.14.4½ State Mony." Date of entry 25 Feb. 1781—supposed to be, as also the preceding, the date of settlement.
In the "Pay Table" accounts, May 25. 1780 War is charged "To order in Treas r W t Col o Whiting for Amt t his Pay of Services sea-coast £1148.3.10 —"
Also, 12 Dec r 1780—"War Dr t To order in Treas r W t Col o Abijah Sterling Pay Roll Coast Guards £144.6.1" — The date of service is unknown.
No Pay Rolls of the Companies named have been found except the one herein mentioned.
It appears by the "Pay Table" acco nt that Col o Ichabod Lewis rec d an order in Treas r 21 Aug. 1776 for £500. "in acct o for your Militia Reg t to New York." And 7 March 1777 an order for £273.19.2 for Bal o his Account rend d on that day for Bounties paid &c. as before stated in this Certificate. And it further appears that Col o Lewis was not Pay Master to his Regiment. It also appears from an entry in the "Pay Table" accounts of 30 May 1777 that Col o Sam l Whiting was probably Pay Master to his Batt n under Maj r Gen l Wooster, previous to that date. But no evidence is found of his having been so, subsequently to that service.
Harrington, Comptroller

Aug 12 '44
Elkhart Port Ind Indp 10 32
J. Edwards Esq Comm. of Pensions Washington City D.C.

State of Connecticut Bridgeport A. L. Edwards Esq. August 9 th 1844
Sir - will you do me the favor to send me an account of the different terms of service - what years performed what No. & Regt. that is claimed in Ephraim Porter's declaration for a Pension under act of June 7 th 1832 he was a resident of the State of New York when his declaration was made at some time between the year 1834, & 1838, as I believe also please state what part of his service has been satisfactorily proved, and whether it is necessary to procure any further evidence from the Comptroller of Conn. Saw Porter Reside in Connecticut near Bridgeport during the Revolutionary War, and died in the Town of Liberty, County of Sullivan State of New York about the year 1838, leaving no Widow, one of his sons viz. Abijah Porter is now living in sd Bridgeport and it is at his request that I solicit this favor, as he confidently believes that he can

now procure Sufficient Testimony. To establish said claim in favor of said Orphaned Children — which is the reason of his wishing to obtain an a/c. of the same claimed by his father.
Yours Respectfully
Isaac Sherman

State of Connecticut. County of Fairfield ss. Bridgeport. Probate Court within and for the District of Bridgeport.
Whereas it was proved before said Court held on December 31 1844. by the Testimony of Abijah Porter that the only surviving children of Ephraim Porter deceased of the Town of Liberty. County of Sullivan & State of New York were Gershon Porter, Thomas Porter, Abijah Porter, Polly Adgate and Patience Russell.
Said Abijah Porter this day appears before said Court. for the purpose of correcting an error in his Testimony before said former Court. as he has within a few days discovered that his youngest brother Hanson Porter is still living in the State of Ohio Town & County to him unknown who is of lawful age. That said Hanson had been reported to have died several years ago. which himself & family believed to be true. but in a few days past he has heard from said Hanson who is still living therefore he now testifies and declares before said Court that the before named persons, including said Hanson are the only surviving children of said Ephraim Porter deceased who are

all of lawful age, all of which facts are Satisfactorily proved before said Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Probate Court, at Brattleboro this 26 th Day of April 1845
Richard D. Dummer Clerk of said Court

State of Connecticut
Bridgewater April 26 1845
J. L. Calvards Esq.
Sir I send you the Pension Certificate granted to the Children of Ephraim Porter and to which I wish you to add the name of Hanson Porter. Also I wish you to authorize the Pension Agent in New York to pay their Shares, Separately when applied for as it may be impossible to unite them all in one application. You will please to return the certificate when corrected to me - I am sorry to trouble you but it is one of those unforeseen events. That could not have been avoided - If it can be returned without delay I shall consider it a Special favor
Yours Respectfully
Isaac Sherman
P.S. I would respectfully solicit a decision in the Pension case of the Widow Lucy Porter of Danbury in Connecticut.

State of Connecticut } Fairfield County } Trumbull May 5 th 1834
personally appeared Samuels Gregory United States Pensioner of the Town of Trumbull County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut who Deposes and says that he is well acquainted with Ephraim Porter of the Town of Mamakating County of Sullivan and State of New York who was formerly of Fairfield County State of Connecticut that he served with said Porter in the revolutionary War one Month at Greens Farms and do not recollect the year served under Capt Bennett and two Weeks at Fairfield and Norwalk at the time said Fairfield and Norwalk was burnt and that said Ephraim Porter is a man of excellent character whose own Declaration in relation to his service is entitled to full credit
Samuel Gregory
State of Connecticut } Fairfield County } Trumbull May 5 th 1834
Personally appeared Samuels Gregory and made Oath to the foregoing Deposition by them subscribed
Samuel Prender Justice of the Peace
Winton May 6 th 1834
Samuel Gregory the signer of the foregoing Deposition is personally known to me and is a man of truth and veracity
James Salis Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut } Fairfield County } St. Weston
I Harry Hubbell Notary Public for said Fairfield County certify that Samuel Beardslee is a Justice of the Peace for said Fairfield County duly qualified & sworn, & that full faith & credit are due to his official acts, & that the signature within purporting to be his, is his genuine signature In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 5 th day of May 1834 -
Harry Hubbell Notary Public

32397 Ephraim Porter dec d
Bapt. abt 7 June '37
adm d
10mo. 10d pri
34 44
to 27
abt 38. the day of his death to Gershom Thomas & Abi- jah Porter - Polly Adgate & Hattie Russell my surviving children
Am. S. Simons H.R.

Hon. J. S. Edwards Coon. Pns.
Sir
I send you
Mr. Parton papers with such evidence as can be obtained, hoping it may prove as the claimants are honest & needy -
I am Sir very respectfully your ob. Servt. Sam l Simon
Washington Jan 14 - 1845

I William E Cady Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Sullivan do hereby Certify that the within contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Ephraim Porter for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this Thirty first day of January in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty five.
William E. Cady. Clerk

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June the 7 th 1832.
State of New York Sullivan County ss.
On this 29 th day of January 1835 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas held at the Court House in the Town of Thompson in the County of Sullivan, the same being a Court of Records, now sitting, Ephraim Porter a Resident of the Town of Liberty in the said County of Sullivan and State of New York aged seventy eight years, who being 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 the 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein after stated. In the first part of the month of February 1775 he was drafted in Captain John Sherwood's company of Connecticut Militia commanded by and belonging to Colonel Shelton's Regiment. The company belonged in the Town of Weston in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut. He was placed under the command of Captain George Benjamin as a private militiaman, went to the city of New York and was placed under the command of General Wadsworth as he believes. He stood guard for three months at various places on York Island, was verbally discharged by the Colonel but received no written discharge.
On the first of July at Weston in Fairfield County aforesaid, he volunteered in Captain Sherwood's company, went again to the city of New York and thinks Colonel Shelton commanded but is not certain. He remained there six weeks, and was taken sick, and while sick, the Regiment was compelled to retreat to Harlem. He and four others, were allowed by their Officers, to make the best of their way home that they could.
They left the main body of the Troops and started on their way home, and he this deponent was detained a considerable time on his way, by occasion of his sickness. After he reached
1-14

home, he remained sick and was unable to do any kind of business until the 1 st of January 1777.
About the 1 st of March 1777 he was this deponent was drafted in said Captain Sherwood's company in Weston afresaid. He went to Fairfield, was put in Captain Goodab's company in said Colonel Shelton's Regiment, and served as a Guard for the term of one month and was there verbally discharged by the commanding Officer. A few days after his return to Weston, the enemy landed at or near a place called Compo Hill, and from thence marched towards Danbury. The Militia were all called out to repulse them. He was one week in Captain Sherwood's company on this occasion. At this time 'bout about the 10 th of August 1777 Danbury was burned by the enemy. Immediately after the burning of Danbury, he volunteered his services as a private Militiaman, at Weston afresaid, as he thinks for two months and a half under Captain Benajah Bennett, who had obtained command of the company, formerly under the command of Captain Sherwood. At this time he recollects that Joseph Sherwood was Lieutenant and Daniel Gregory Ensign. He went with the company through the County of Westchester to the Hudson river in the State of New York. At this time the enemy were moving up the said River to meet General Burgoyne.
Colonel Samuel Whiting commanded the Regiment to which he belonged and General Silliman the Brigade. He marched up the said River with the Troops, was at Frederick'sburgh Fishkill and Krom pond. He with the Troops lay at Fishkill, when Esopus East Crum John was burned by the British, and until the surrender of Burgoyne, and the British shipping had returned to New York. He was verbally discharged at Krom pond, being absent from home, on duty over two months and a half and this last campaign Deponent says is the one alluded to in the affidavit of David Porter as the campaign at the White Plains in West Chester County.

Early in the month of March 1778 he this Deponent volunteered as a private Militiaman for one month in Captain Aaron Hawley's company of militia belonging to the Town of Stratford, in Colonel Shelton's Regiment aforesaid. He stood guard at the mouth of Bridgeport harbour. Immediately on the expiration of this term, he volunteered for one month in a company of Militia Guards, as a Private commanded by Captain Lemuel Sherwood in said Colonel Shelton's Regiment and stood guard for one month at the same place vizt. the mouth of Bridgeport harbour.
Captain Sherwood's company was succeeded by a company of guards from the same Regiment, commanded by a Captain Sterling whose christian name he this deponent has forgotten. He volunteered as a private in said company of guards, for one month, and served at the mouth of Bridgeport harbour aforesaid making three months steady service at this place.
In the month of June 1778 he, this deponent joined a Company of Militia commanded by Captain Benajah Bennett aforesaid as a Private, went from Weston aforesaid, where he joined the company, to Westchester County in the State of New York was a short time at Frederickburgh in said County, marched from Frederickburgh to Chron pond in said County, was verbally discharged at Chron pond, one month from the time he entered said service. Colonel Whiting had the immediate command of the Regiment to which he belonged while in Westchester County. He can not say whether he was drafted or joined as a volunteer on this expedition.
In the month of July 1779 he this deponent volunteered as a private Militiaman for one month, in a company commanded by Captain Benajah Bennett aforesaid. He went in said company to Fairfield, at the time that place was burned by the enemy. He had with the other Troops had an engage

ment with the Enemy's light horse. In this engagement several of the enemy were killed. A few days after went in the company to Nawalk which place the enemy were burning at the time. Himself and a few others were placed on a hill near by, to guard two field pieces; was attacked by the British and compelled to surrender them. At the expiration of one month he was verbally discharged by his commanding Officer.
In the same year about the last of October or first of November he this deponent was drafted out of Captain Benajah Bennett's company aforesaid, went to Bridgeport harbor, and was put under the command of Captain Daniel Losey who commanded a company of Militia Guards, in Colonel Shelton's Regiment aforesaid and served one month as a guard at Bridgeport harbor aforesaid and was verbally discharged by his commanding Officer.
In the summer of 1780 he this deponent was drafted out of Captain Benajah Bennett's company aforesaid, but cannot state the precise time in the summer, and was put under the command for the space of one month of Captain Nathan Seeley, of Fairfield, in Colonel Shelton's Regiment aforesaid and served for the said month at Fairfield aforesaid, and was verbally discharged at the expiration of said month by the commanding Officer.
In the spring of the year 1781 he this deponent was drafted for one month in Captain Benajah Bennett's company aforesaid as a private Militiaman. He stood guard at Greene's farms in Fairfield on Long Island Sound and was verbally discharged by his commanding Officer.
This Deponent further deposes and says that by reason of his advanced age, and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively to the precise length of his services, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the times specified in than the services above mentioned. He further

deposes and says that he does not know of any clergyman in this county, who is sufficiently acquainted with him to testify to his general character or their belief of his military services. But this deponent deposes and says that two of his neighbors Jonathan Robinson and Thomas Crary are now in court, who reside in his neighborhood, and who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief as to his services as a soldier of the Revolution. That he does not recollect serving with any troops serving in the Continental line. That he was born in Stratford in Fairfield County in the State of Connecticut in April 1750 and is now seventy eight years of age. That he has no record of his age, nor does he know there is any such record. That he never received any written discharge as he recollects. That he resided in Fairfield County aforesaid until about twenty five or twenty six years ago at which time he came to reside in the County of Sullivan and State of New York and has resided in said County until the present. That he resided at Weston, then a part of Fairfield in Connecticut aforesaid when he first entered the service of the United States. That he hereby relinquishes every claim to an annuity or pension whatever, except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Before me
William E. Cady. CLK of Sullivan County
Ephraim Porter
We Jonathan Robinson residing in the Town of Liberty and Thomas Crary residing in the Town of Liberty in the County of Sullivan & State of New York neighbors of the said Ephraim Porter, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with the said Ephraim Porter, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be

seventy eight years of age; that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion and further that we believe his character to be good as to truth and veracity.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
William E. Cady Clerk of the County Sullivan
Jonathan Robinson Thos. Crary
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 further certifies, that it appears to them that there is no clergyman with whom he is acquainted but that Jonathan Robinson resident in the Town of Liberty and Thomas Crary resident in the Town of Liberty in said County of Sullivan are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
I William E Cady Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Sullivan do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Ephraim Pater for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this twenty ninth of January in the year one thousand eight hundred & thirty five.

Dan Porter of the Town of Solon Courtland County State of New York A Pensioner of the United States 86 years of age Deposeth & saith that he is own Brother to Ephraim Porter of the Town of Liberty County of Sullivan & State of New York that he & his Brother were both born in the Town of Weston in Fairfield County State of Connecticut and bothe resided in said Weston in said Fairfield County during the Revolutionary war - that Deponent & his said Brother both belonged to Capt John Sherwoods Militia company of Weston in said Fairfield County in 1776 when said Company was ordered to New York that the Col who commanded the Regiment to which said company belonged was Col Shelton of New Town in said County and when in New York said Company was under the immediate command of Genl Wadsworth - That he & his said Brother went to New York in 1776 in said Company and performed together six weeks service in said Company was in New York when the City was taken and retreated out before the enemy to Harlem he also remembers that said Ephraim Enlisted in to a company commanded by Capt George of Stratford in said Fairfield County remembers said Ephraim went in said Benjamin's company to New York and as he belongs in the Spring of 1776 cannot say how long he served in said Benjamin's company but thinks it was several months Also remembers said Ephraim served one campaign of several months in the Revolution at White Plains in the State of New York -

remembers That their Father went to White Plains to carry Suppllys to said Ephraim cannot remembn how long he served in this 3 campaign nor what company he served in but remembn perfectly well that he went into The service one campaign at White Plains —
Also remembers that Ephraim served in a company of Gards under command of Capt Hawley for three months at a place called Mutton Lane at the mouth of Bridgeport Harbour on Long Island sound remembers visiting his Brother when he was in said service Thinks it was in 1777 or 1778.
Also remembers that said Ephraim was in service One Week in Capt Bennett Benajah Militia company of said Weston at the time Stanfield & Norwalk was burned — also one Week in said Militia company at the time Danbury was burnt. said Militia company was the first part of the War commanded by Capt John Sherwood and was seconded by Capt Benajah Bennett
David Porter

State of Connecticut } Hampden County } ss Bridgeport June 25 1834 personally appeared David Porter before me & subscribed and made Oath to the foregoing Deposition who I certify is a person well known to me and is a credible Witness Isaac Sherman Justice of Peace
State of Connecticut } County of Hampden } ss Bridgeport I Henry Shelton Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Stratford County & State aforesaid do hereby certify that Isaac Sherman is a Justice of the Peace in and for said Hampden County duly commissioned and qualified; and that his Signature above Written is genuine - Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 7 day of October 1834
Henry Shelton Clerk of Probate

Samuel Gregory of The Town of Trumbull in the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut 72 years of age.
Deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Ephraim Porter of the Town of Liberty County of Sullivan State of New York - That said Ephraim Resided in the same neighbourhood with him during the Revolutionary War and remembers of belonging with said Ephraim to Capt Benajah Bennett's Militia company of the Weston, in Fairfield County when said company was ordered to the North River at the time the British Troops were moving up the North River to meet Genl. Burgoyne we both went together in said company to Frederick Borroughs, Fishkill & Poughkeepsie in the State of New York. and was in said company two months or more. said company was a Regular Militia Company in service by Authority of the State of Connecticut. commanded by Benajah Bennett & as I believe the Regiment to which said company belonged was commanded by Col Saml. Whitney & belonged to Genl. Godeb S. Silliman's Brigade That said Ephraim is a man of good Reputation for Truth & Veracity. Samuel Gregory
State of Connecticut ss Benajah November 3 1834 Fairfield County
Personally appeared Samuel Gregory before me & subscribed & made oath to the above Deposition who I certify is a person well known to me and is a credible Witness
Isaac Sherman Justice of Peace

Daniel Gregory of Trumbull in the county of Trumbull State of Connecticut a pensioner of the United States 80 years of age — Deposith & saith That Ephraim Porter of the Town of Liberty in the State of New York Resided during the Revolutionary War in Weston in Trumbull county State of Connecticut in the same neighbourhood with him and belonged to Capt Benajah Bennetts Militia Company of said Weston in Col Samuel Whitings Regiment in Genl. Lord Shelburnes Brigade when said Militia Company was ordered to the North River in the State of New York the same season that Genl. Burgoyne was taken with his Army. Remembers that said Ephraim went in said campaign together with him & his brother Samuel Gregory to Fredericksborough Fishkill & Crumpond. near the North River has personal knowledge that said Ephraim performed as much as two months service in said campaign and also remembers that said Ephraim went with him said Militia Company when the Town of Fairfield was Burnt a few days

That said Ephraim is a man of good character for Truth & Veracity and any Declaration he may make concerning his service I should consider it entitled to full credit — That he was  was absent from home in different terms of service during the Revolution & have not personal knowledge.
concerning his service any further than As he has stated — Daniel Gregory
State of Connecticut County of Fairfield ss. Bridgeport November 3 1834 Personally appeared Daniel Gregory before me and subscribed and made oath to the foregoing Deposition who I certify is a person well known to me and is a credible Witness.
Isaac Sherman Justice of Peace
Joseph Sully of the Town of Weston in the County of Fairfield State of Connecticut, a person of the United States 78 years of age Deposition & Saith that he lived during the Revolutionary War in said Weston and that he was well acquainted with Ephraim Porter who has applied for a pension — and who now resides in the State of New York — That in June 1778 the Deponent & said Ephraim both belonged to the Regular Militia company of said Weston (which Weston in the Revolution was a part of the Town of Fairfield) under the command of Benjamin Bennett and belonged to Col Samuel Mather's Regiment

in Genl Godd & Sillamans Brigade and marched in said company from said Weston into the State of New York and encamped at a place called Frederick Borough and from there to Cumberland and performed One month or more service in said company in sd campaign That said Ephraim joined said company the same time that Pehont did and was dismuss the same time at Cumberland with him by Genl. Wadsworth had no written Discharge - also Remembers of being in service in sd Militia company when Hanford & Norwalk was burnt in July 1779 and that said company was in service One month at this time was some time at New Canaan after Hanford was burnt and that said Ephraim was with him in sd company and performed One months service in sd campaign was discharged at New Canaan That in the year 1781 in the Spring they both belonged to sd Militia company when said company was ordered to a place called Greens Farms in said Town of Hanford on Long Island Sound That he has personal knowledge that said Ephraim served with him in sd company in this campaign One month was discharged at said Greens Farms That said Ephraim is a man of good character and was a True Whig - Joseph J. Kelly November 5 1834 State of Connecticut ss County of Fairfield ss Joseph J. Kelly personally appeared before me and subscribed & made oath to the foregoing Deposition who certainly is a person well known to me and is a credible Witness - Isaac Sherman Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield ss Bridgewater.
I Henry Shelton Clerk of the court of Probate for the District of Stratford County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Isaac Sherman is a justice of the Peace in and for said Fairfield County duly commissioned & qualified and that his signature to the Depositions of David Porter, Samuel Gregory, Daniel Gregory and Joseph Seely — are genuine —
Given under my hand and the seal of said court this 5 th day of November 1834
Henry Shelton Clerk of Probate
I Hanson Warmlin Judge of said Probate court hereby certify that Henry Shelton is Clerk of said court & that the signature purporting to be his is genuine with the seal of said court annexed
November 5 1834
Hanson Warmlin. Judge

Ms. A. 9. 2. 135 Ms. A. 9. 2. 135 Ms. A. 9. 2. 135
Ms. A. 9. 2. 135
State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield & Bridgeport
I Henry Shelton Clerk of the Court of Probate in & for the District of Stratford in said County hereby Certify That the papers herewith attached by a tape under the seal of said Court are the same original papers referred to in my former certificates under date of Octobr 7 1834 & November 5 1834. and the reason of this certificate being now made is that said papers by an oversight were not so attached under seal at the time the aforesaid certificates & seals was made — Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at Bridgeport aforesaid On this 20 Day of December A.D. 1834 —
Feb. 11. 1835 Mr. A. G. Dyer Atty
(Note. The Words Octobr 7 1834 were interlined before signing)
Henry Shelton Clerk of Probate
I, Almon Hamlin, Judge of said Court of Probate, do hereby certify that Henry Shelton is Clerk of said Court, & the above signature of his name is in his handwriting & the seal thereto annexed is the proper seal of said Court —
Almon Hamlin Judge

Thomas Edwards of the Town of Bridgeport in the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut will be 81 years old next May. (Deceased) and I believe that he lived in the Town of Weston in said County during the Revolutionary War, and was well acquainted with Ephraim Porter who resided during the Revolution in said Weston near a different place, but since said War said Ephraim moved into the State of New York, and I well remember that said Ephraim in the forefront of the War, before New York was taken enlisted under Capt George Benjamin of Stratford and went to New York as I understood with said Benjamins Co. but how long he was in said service I cannot say. Also I remember said Ephraim went to New York after he went with said Benjamin in the fall of 1776 in Capt John Sherwood's Militia Co. of said Weston. Major Bennett a Son of the Man I lived with at that time was Insign of said Militia Co. - said Major was brought home from New York sick with the Camp Distemper. Also I remember said Ephraim was in service as understood near the North River when Burgoyne's Army was taken. Also I remember that he was in service in the Coast Guards at Newfield Harbour in the Town of Stratford. I remember that said Ephraim was in many Short Services - Also remember that said Ephraim was in service with said Benjamin at a place called Grunsparons in the Town of Fairfield, the latter part of said War, cannot specify further particulars Relative to his service but I only believe said Ephraim was in said service at different periods in all at least ten Months, as a faithful private Soldier -
Thomas his X Edwards mark

State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } Yes Bridgeport January 8 th 1845 Personally appeared Thomas Edwards who subscribed and made oath to the foregoing Deposition, before me who I certify is a credible witness. Isaac Sherman Justice of Peace