Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 20984, Avery Denison, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Denison, Avery Prudence
W 20984
CONTENTS
[Blank lined area for entry]
[Blank lined area for entry]

Connecticut 1.760
Andreee Kenison
Widow of Avery Kenison dec d
who died on the 23 August 1800 of New London Co in the State of Connecticut. who was a Sgt & Pri. in the Company commanded by Captain Latham of the Reg t commanded by Col. Sedgwick in the Cont t time for 12 mos Sergeant 9 " Private
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of -90- Dollars - Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of Feb y 1838 and sent Hon. E. Moaley No. of Rep t
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 1838 $85.00 Semi-annual allowance ending Mar ch 38 - 45.00
$30.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Not July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d }
Recorded by W. Addison Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 a Page 67

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4 th July 1836.
State of Connecticut
New London County } ss. Probate District of Norwich.
On this 22 d day of February A.D. 1837, personally appeared (before) the court of Probate for said District, Prudence Denison, a resident of Preston in the County & State aforesaid, aged Eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 4. 1836: That she is the widow of Avery Denison, who was a private and Sergeant in the War of the Revolution. That according to the best of her knowledge and belief, the said Avery Denison enlisted as a Private in the company commanded by Oliver Smith Major commandant, the first of March 1776 for the term of nine months. That he was marched with said company to Stonington Point Conn t , thence to New London in the County aforesaid, and was employed at each of said places in erecting forts, and that he served, until said nine months expired, in said company and was then honorably discharged: said company having been commanded the first part of said nine months by said Major Smith and the last part of said time by Nathan Palmer who was promoted to Captain during said time.
That soon after that time viz, in the beginning of the winter of 1776-7 the said Denison enlisted as a Sergeant in Captain William Setham's company of Matrop and in Col Sedgwick's Regiment, said Setham's company being at that time stationed at Fort Griswold in Groton in the County aforesaid, that said Denison served in said company as Sergeant until some time in the winter of 1778-9 when he was discharged.
She further declares that she was married to the said Avery Denison on the 13 th day of August A.D. 1778, that at the
12m Sept and

time of her marriage the said Avery Denison belonged to the aforesaid Capt. Sathan's company and continued in said company until some time in the winter following and was then discharged as aforesaid, and in the spring after they commenced house keeping.
That her husband the aforesaid Avery Denison died on the 23 d day of August A.D. 1800 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
In presence of Asa Root J. W. Wood
Prudence X Denison mark
Sworn to, and subscribed, on this 22 d day of February A.D. 1837 before the aforesaid court and the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, that the said Prudence Denison is the widow of the said Avery Denison deceased, and that she was lawfully married to him as she states in her declaration, and that she still remains his widow, and that she is a respectable person whose testimony is entitled to full credit.
Asa Root Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Norwich
I James Holbrook Clerk of the court of Probate for the District of Norwich aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing and annexed contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Prudence Denison for a pension, and I further certify that Samuel W. Wood before whom the depositions of Amos Gallup, Joshua Bill, William Gowsyth, Walter Brown, & William Brown were taken is a Notary Public hereto annexed, were taken is a Notary Public within and for the State of Connecticut and that his signature written to the certificate thereto annexed are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court.
James Holbrook, Clerk.

I George Crary of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 77 years after being duly sworn according to Law do depose and say that I knew a man by the name of Avery Denison who lived in that part of Stonington which now is North Stonington and that said Denison died in the year 1800. I was well acquainted with said Avery Denison from the time I was a boy. That said Avery Denison married Prudence Brown daughter of Walter Brown of Preston and I think was married in the month of August 1778.
That I married Esther Brown daughter of Amos Brown of Preston. That Amos Brown & Walter Brown are Brothers and S d Denison's wife (now his widow) & my wife were Cousins. That in the year 1778 & before, & after, I lived within about half a mile of S d Avery Denison & we frequently visited each other.
That said Avery Denison just before his marriage was gone to Groton Bank and was engaged as was then stated (and the statements then were reported and believed) in Fort Griswold and belonged to the company then stationed there. That I well recollect of his coming home when he was married and soon after his marriage (to wit a few days) returned again to Fort Griswold to perform his duty.
How long S d Denison served in S d Fort Griswold I cannot say but I do know that he was absent during the year 1778 prior to his wedding and also after he was married and it was then stated by him and by all his acquaintances that he was a member of the Company stationed in Fort Griswold, Ct. and such statements were then believed and fully credited by all. That said Avery Denison was at S d Fort Griswold a soldier.
George Crary
State of Connecticut } New London County } for North Stonington Nov 4 1857
Personally appeared George Crary subscribed to the above Deposition & who is personally known to the

subscribed as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit & belief and made Solemn Oath to the Truth of the same before me In Testis Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my S e seal of Office the day & year first above mentioned
Wm. Stanton Notary Public
[Handwritten flourish]

I William Brown of Lisbon in the county of NewLondon state of Connecticut, aged Eighty two years, being duly cautioned and affirmed, do depose, testify and say that I was personally acquainted with Avery Denison, late of that part of the late town of Stonington, that is now North- Stonington and in the county aforesaid, deceased, that said Denison was married to Prudence Brown, a sister of mine in the month of August 1778, that I was pres- ent at their wedding and saw them married; and that I have not the least doubt, but that said Denison, at that time, belonged to Capt William Latham's company then stationed at fort Griswold in Groton in the county aforesaid, that I so understood from him and others at that time, that said Denison came to Preston in the county aforesaid a few days before he was married, and from said fort as I understood at the time, and that he was then dressed in his military uniform,
That I well remember of my father, Walter Brown's making some objections, to said Denison's being married to said Prudence, as he, the said Denison was then in the military service in Capt Latham's company afore- said, but as the time, for which he had enlisted, would expire some time in the winter following, and as he, the said Denison did not intend to enlist again, after his then term of service should expire, my father, the said Walter Brown waived his objections to their being married at that time,
That I well recollect of said Denison's having a furlough at the time he came home to be married, that I saw and read it; and that according to the best of my recollection said furlough was for or about six days.
That I well recollect of said Denison's coming to said Preston, in the fall after he was married, that he then wore his military uniform, and came to purchase sheep for the commissary, as I understood from him at the time, that I went with him, and he did purchase sheep, after which he returned to the fort, as I understood.
That he was absent from home, and was in the service in said company until some time in the win- ter following - viz in the winter of 1778-9 as I understood, and was then discharged as I verily believe, and then return- ed home and commenced house keeping the next

Spring. viz in the spring of 1779.
Preston 24 May 1837.
William Brown
State of Connecticut - ss. New London County
Be it known that on the 24 th day of May 1837 personally appeared before the subscriber a Notary Public within and for the state of Connecticut, William Brown named in the foregoing deposition and made solemn affirmation that said deposition by him subscribed is true, according to the best of his recollection and belief.
And I certify that said Brown is a credible person and that his testimony is entitled to credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal.
Samuel W Wood Notary Public.

V1322
Prudence Denison widow of Asa Denison cont. Mar ch 1778-died 1800
Respect
Adm re per 9mo 30 Serg 12m 60 per ann $90 Com. 4 Mar 1831
Capt Sathan (L Sedgwick Conn Stat troops
Hon. Elisha Haley H.R.

Henry Haskell clerk of the Town of Preston County of New London & State of Connecticut Do hereby certify that I find the following entry on the Records of said Town Se Wit
Every Denison of Stonington and Prudence Brown of Preston were married August 13 th A.D. 1778
Preston February 22 nd 1837
Attest Henry Haskell Town Clerk
State of Connecticut ss. New London County,
Be it known that on the 22 nd day of February A.D. 1837. before the subscriber a Notary Public within and for the State aforesaid, personally appeared Henry Haskell clerk of the town of Preston, County of New London, State aforesaid, and made oath that the above certificate by him subscribed is true.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and my official seal.
Samuel W. Wood Notary Public.

Roy
WIDOW, &c.
Jan
File No. 20984
Prudence Denison
Widow of
Avery Denison
Sergt Rev War
Act July 4 th 86
Index: Vol. 177 , Page 177
[Arrangement of 1870.]

I William Brown of Lisbon in the county of New London and State of Connecticut - aged eighty two years, being duly cautioned and affirmed do depose testify and say that I was personally acquainted with Avery Denison, late of that part of the late town of Stonington, that is now North Stonington and in the county aforesaid, deceased, that said Denison was married to Prudence Brown a sister of mine in the month of August 1778 that I was present at their wedding and saw them married, and that I have not the least doubt but that said Denison at that time belonged to Capt. Mr Latham's company then stationed at Fort Griswold in Groton in the county aforesaid, that I so understood from him and others at that time - that said Denison came to Preston in the county aforesaid a few days before he was married and from said fort as I understood at the time - that he was then dressed in his military uniform - that I well remember of my father Walter Brown making some objections to said Denison's being married to said Prudence as he the said Denison was then in the military service in Capt. Latham's company aforesaid, but as the time for which he had enlisted would expire sometime in the winter following, and as he, the said Denison did not intend to enlist again after his then term of service should expire my father the said Walter Brown waived his objections to their being married at that time -
That I well recollect of said Denison, having a furlough at the time he came home to be married, that I saw & read it & that according to the best of my recollection said furlough was for or about six days -
That I well recollect of said Denison coming to said Preston in the fall after he was married - that he then wore his military uniform, and came to purchase sheep for the bon-misay as I understood from him at the time - that I went with him and he did purchase sheep after which he returned to the fort as I understood -
That he was absent from home and was in the service in said company until some time in the winter following, viz in the winter of 1778-9 as I understood & was then discharged as I verily believe and then returned home - and commenced house keeping the next spring viz in

the spring of 1779
Elizabeth Heyrick
Dennis
Copy of Mr. Parsons deposition

Prudence Denison widow of Avery Denison Cont.
Rejected. See let Hon E
Haley March 3 rd 1837
S.W. Wood at same June 16. 1837
Some transactions of 1728
Married Aug. 1778
At 4 July 1836

I, Andrew Gallup of Ledyard in the county of New London & State of Connecticut, aged seventy six years being duly cautioned and affirmed, do depose and testify that I enlisted into Capt Wm Latham's company of Matross and served three several tours in succession. The first tour commencing in the summer of 1779 & continuing for nine months, the second commenced immediately after the first expired and continued for 12 months, the third commenced immediately after the second had expired (likewise) & continued for 12 months, and I was discharged in the spring of 1782, having served two years & nine months in succession.
It was the custom to enlist the men into said company, (while I was (a member) thereof) for the term of 12 months; they were in some instances enlisted for a shorter period, but seldom. Andrew Gallup
Ledyard Dec. 30. 1837
State of Connecticut ss. New London county. Be it known that on the 30th day of December 1837 personally appeared (before the subscriber) Andrew Gallup above named and made solemn affirmation, that the above deposition by him subscribed is true, according to the best of his knowledge & belief, And I certify that said Gallup is a credible person (and that his testimony is entitled to credit).
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand (and affixed my official seal).
Samuel W. Wood Notary Public

I Nehemiah Gallup of Sedyard in the county of New- London State of Connecticut, aged eighty six years, being duly cautioned and affirmed do depose testify that I enlisted into Capt M c Lethom's Co. of M c Intosh's Stationed at Fort Griswold. Col Sedyard's Regt. in Groton in said county, & in Col Sedyard's Regt. that I served in said company as Sergeant for two tours, of one year each, that while I was a member of said company I had enlist- ing orders and frequently enlisted men, that they were generally enlisted for the term of one year. That in some cases when their year's service expired they enlisted they served two years in succession, enlisting for a year at a time, making two tours of one year each. That according to the best of my recollection Mr Henry Mason late of New London, deceased. Mr Nathan Sarrow late of Groton deceased, & Mr Eldridge Chester late of said Groton, (the last of whom was wounded at said fort at the time it was taken by the British in Sept 1781 & understood, and died soon after,) each served two tours in succession, of one year each.
That it was reputed that there was a garrison kept at said fort from the early part of the year 1776 until the said fort was taken by the British in 1781 & afterwards.
Nehemiah Gallup
Sedyard 30th Dec 1837.
State of Connecticut ss. New London county
Be it known that on the 30th day of Dec 1837, personally appeared before the subscriber a Notary Public within and for the State aforesaid Nehemiah Gallup above named and made solemn affirmation to the truth of the above deposition by him sub- scribed according to the best of his knowledge & belief, and I certify that said (Gallup) was a credible person & that his testimony is entitled to credit. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal, Samuel W. Wood Notary Public,

I David Main of North Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut Aged 85 years and upwards a Soldier & a pensioner of the United States after being duly Cautioned and sworn do Testify and say That I have always resided in that part of Stonington which is now North Stonington and during the year 1781 I belonged to a company of Militia Commanded by Capt Amos Main, and the company to which I belonged was on the 6 Sept 1781 all ordered out to March to Groton Forthwith , That I was a sergeant in said company Capt Main Did not March with the company a Lieutenant Joshua Brown took the Command The company arrived in the afternoon of 2 nd day and joined the Regiment of Militia which were about a mile from the Fort on Groton Bank or Heights , Then under the command of Col Oliver Smith - That we were engaged after the fort was evacuated by the British in gathering up and burying the dead & in keeping a Guard at said place until the 9 th Sept 1781 in the afternoon when the company in which I then served left and returned home That I came home with the Soldiers of the comp. This service was not set forth in my declaration
That I was at the time aforesaid acquainted with Avery Denison Then of the town of Stonington and that from the best of my recollection Avery Denison was at said place & in the same regiment with me but from the great length of time since the service was rendered I cannot recollect what Company he was in that he arrived on the afternoon that I did and I left him there whether he or the Troops generally left soon after I did I cannot positively state as I do not know what transpired after I left. said place.
I was at the time acquainted with the

family of Denison & also well acquainted with the family of Brown in which Dr Asa Denison Married his wife which is now a widow Dr A. Denison died some years since.
I do not know the precise time of Dr Asa Denison Marriage David Maine
State of Connecticut } New London County } for North Stonington Nov. 3 d 1837
Personally appeared Capt David Maine signer to the foregoing Deposition & who is known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to credit and belief and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me
In Testimony of which I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my seal seal of office the day and year Last above mentioned
Winstedton Notary Public

State of Connecticut New London County
Probate District of Norwich
I James Holbrook Clerk of the Probate Court of the District aforesaid do hereby certify that Samuel M (whom) Wood before the deposition of Andrew Gallup & Jeremiah Gallup were taken hereunto annexed, were taken is a Notary Public within & for the State aforesaid, and that his signatures written to the certificates annexed to said depositions are genuine. I also certify that Wm C. Stanton, before whom the depositions of George Gray & David Main hereunto annexed, were taken, is also a Notary Public within & for the State aforesaid and that his signatures written to the certificates annexed to said depositions are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 27 day of January 1838.
James Holbrook Clerk
Hon. E. Haley Hon.

Sedgwick 25 th May 1837.
Sir.
Your letter of the 3 rd March 1837 relative to the claim of Mrs Prudence Denison widow of Avery Denison dec d has been received.
The testimony in this case appears to have been misunderstood.
It appears by the testimony of William Forsyth that the said Forsyth was in the service in Capt. Latham's company & was discharged on or about the first of March 1778, and that said Denison was in the service in said company, during the same time that he was, and that he left said Denison in the service in said company.
It also appears by the testimony of Joshua Bill that he, the said Bill was discharged in the spring of 1778, but that said Denison continued in the service after said Bill's discharge.
We have made diligent enquiry, to ascertain whether there is any person living, that was in the service in said company, from the spring of 1778 to the spring of 1779, and have not been able to find one.
The deposition of William Brown has been again taken, and is herewith enclosed, in his last deposition he states several particulars relating to said Denison's service, not mentioned in his former deposition.
I would respectfully request a reexamination of Mrs Denison's papers in connexion with the deposition herewith enclosed, trusting that the proof adduced will be sufficient to establish her claim.
I would thank you for returns as soon as may be convenient.
I have the honor to be very respectfully your most obed t serv t .
Samuel W Wood
Hon James S t Edwards
Comm r of Pensions

I Amos Gallup of Stonington in the County of New London and State of Connecticut, aged eighty one years, and a pensioner of the United States, being duly cautioned and sworn do depose testify and say that I enlisted into the company commanded by Oliver (Smith) Major commandant the first of March 1776 for nine months, that Nathan Palmer was at the time John Belcher 2 d Lt & 6 Miners Ensign, of said company the first part of said nine months, & until said Oliver Smith was appointed Lt. Col. when said Nathan Palmer was appointed captain of said company & commanded the same, the remainder of said nine months, that I served in said company until said nine months expired and was then honorably discharged.
I further testify that I was personally acquainted with Avery Denison late of North Stonington in said County, deceased, that said Avery Denison served in said company as a private during said nine months and was honorably discharged, & further deponent saith not. Stonington January 3 d 1837 Amos Gallup
State of Connecticut—ss. New London County,
Be it known that on the 3 d day of January 1837, before the subscriber a Notary Public within and for the State of Connecticut, personally appeared Amos Gallup Esq. above named & made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed, and I certify that said Gallup is a credible person and that his testimony is entitled to credit. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, Samuel W m Wood Notary Public,

I Joshua Bill of Ledyard in the county of New- London and State of Connecticut, a pensioner of the United States, and age seventy six years, being duly cautioned and affirmed do depose, testify and say, according to the best of my recollection, that I enlisted into Captain William Latham's company of Metrop and in Col Ledyard's Regiment in the fall or autumn of 1776, and served in said company eighteen months, and was then honorably discharged. Said ser- vice was performed at Fort Griswold, in Groton, in the county aforesaid and in the vicinity of said Fort.
I further testify that I was well acquainted with Asa (Denison, deceased, late of North Stonington or a of that part of the late town of Stonington that is now North Stonington and in the county aforesaid, that according to the best of my recollection said Denison enlisted into said company as a Sergeant in the early part of the winter of 1776-77, and served as Sergeant in said company, as I verily believe, until I was discharged, being in the spring of 1778, and said Denison still continued in said com- pany after I was discharged, as I verily believe, but how long I do not know, and further depo- nent saith not.
Ledyard 3 rd Feb 1837,
Joshua Bill
State of Connecticut — ss. New London County,
Be it known that on the 3 rd day of February 1837, before the subscriber a Notary Public within and for the State of Connecticut aforesaid personally appeared Joshua Bill above named and made solemn affirmation to the truth of the above deposition, by him subscribed

according to the best of his recollection and belief, and I certify that said Bill is a credible person and that his testimony is entitled to credit,
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal,
Samuel W Wood Notary Public

I William Forsyth of Ledyard in the county of New- London and State of Connecticut, aged seventyfour years, and a Pensioner of the United States being duly caution- ed and affirmed, do depose, testify and say, that accord- ing to the best of my recollection and belief, I enlisted on or about the first of February 1798 into the company commanded by captain William Southam and in Col. Ledyard's Regiment for the term of one month, and served in said company at that time, during said term of one month and was then honorably discharged.
I further testify that I was well acquainted with Avery (Denison late of North Stonington, deceased, in said county of New London, deceased, that said Deni- son was Sergeant of said company, and served as Sergeant thereof during said term of one month above named according to the best of my recollec- tion and belief and said Denison still continued in said company after I was discharged as I verily believe, and further deponent saith not.
Ledyard Jan 3 d 1837 s In presence of Lydia Williams J. W. Wood William his Forsyth mark
State of Connecticut - ss. New London county,
Be it known that on the 3 d day of January 1837 before the subscriber a Notary Public within and for said State personally appeared William Forsyth above named and made solemn affirmation that the above deposi- (by him subscribed) tion was true according to the best of his recollection and belief. And I certify that said Forsyth is a credible person and that his testimony is entitled to credit,
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official seal. Samuel W. Wood Notary Public,

I Walter Brown of Preston in the county of New- London & State of Connecticut, aged Seventy three years, being duly cautions and affirmed according to law, do depose testify and say that I was personally ac- quainted with Avery Denison late of North Stoning- ton in said county, deceased, that said Denison was reputed to have been married to Prudence Brown a Sister of mine, in the month of August 1778, and I verily believe that he was. And that said Denison was reputed to have belonged to a company stationed at Fort Griswold in Groton in said county at the time he was married, and before, & after the same, and was discharged some time in the winter of 1778 & -79 and was a Sergeant of said company as I have understood and verily believe but how long he belonged to said company I do not know,
I further testify that said Prudence the widow of said Denison now resides in Preston aforesaid and still remains the widow of said Denison as I verily believe.
and further deponent saith not
Walter Brown
Preston Jan 18th 1837
State of Connecticut — ss. New London county
Be it known that on the 18th day of Janu- -ary 1837, before the subscriber a Notary Public within and for the State of Connecticut personally appeared Walter Brown above named and made solemn affirmation to the truth of the above deposition (according to the best of his knowledge and belief) by him subscribed. And I certify that said Brown is a credible person and that his testimony is entitled to credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal.
Samuel M Wood Notary Public

I William Brown of Lisbon in the county of New- London & State of Connecticut, aged eighty two years, being duly cautioned and affirmed, do depose, testify and say that I was personally acquainted with Avery Deni- son, late of North Stonington in said county, deceased,
that said Denison was married to Prudence Brown (who is sister to me) in the month of August, and according to the best of my recollection and belief, they were married they were in the year 1778 - that I was present at their wedding and saw them married.
I further testify that said Denison was reputed to have belonged to a company of Matrosss stationed at Fort Griswold and to Col. Ledyard's Regiment, at the time they were married, and for more than a year before they were married, and I verily believe that he did -
and he was reputed to have been a Sergeant of said company - I saw said Denison in Preston in said county of New London a few days before he was mar- ried and he then had his regimentals or military uniform on - and some time in the fall after they were married the said Denison came to Preston aforesaid, and I went with him to buy sheep for the commissary, and he then had his regimentals on - and said Denison called at my house in the fall or winter after they were married and he then belonged to the company aforesaid as I verily believe.
And the said Denison died at North Stonington aforesaid more than thirty years ago.
And Prudence Denison the widow of said Avery Denison now resides in Preston aforesaid, and still remains the widow of said Denison as I verily believe, and further deponent saith not.
Lisbon 19 Jan. 1837.
William Brown

State of Connecticut - S. New London County
Be it known that on the 19 th day of January 1837, before the subscriber a Notary Public within and for the State of Connecticut, personally appeared William Brown named in the within deposition and made solemn affirmation that said deposition by him subscribed is true, according to his the best of his knowledge and belief - and I certify that said Brown is a credible person and that his testimony is entitled to credit -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal -
Samuel W Wood Notary Public