Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14880, Ephraim Hall, Mass

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Hall, Ephraim Hannah
W. 14880
CONTENTS

Vermont 19446
Ephraim Hall
of Windham in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Stearns of the Regt. commanded by Col Rand in the Mass. line for Ohio
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Aug. 1832 and sent to James Elliott. Newfane
Arrears to the 4th of March 1832 $40.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept. 10.00
$50.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 3. Page 19

6202 Mement. Montpelier Namah Hall widow of Ephraim Hall Meh who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Pirate
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of Jan'y 1834, and sent to
Joseph Stan Battleborough Vermont
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 56 Vol. 3 ,

Hannah Hall
Declaration.

STATE OF VERMONT, } Windham COUNTY.....SS. }
On this 17 th day of June A. D. 1853, before Hollis T. Robinson a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by the laws of the State to administer oaths, personally appeared Hannah Hall a resident of Newfane in said County, aged 88 years who, being first 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 the second day of February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revo- lutionary War; that she is the widow of Ephraim Hall, late of said County
who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, under the Act of 1832. That her name before marriage with said Ephraim Hall was Hannah Spear & that she was married to said Hall on the 26 th of November A.D. 1789. and that my said Husband died on the 18 th day of January A.D. 1853 - and that my said Husband died a Pensioner for his services in the War of the Revolution up to the time of his death -
She further declares, that she is still a widow.
H.T. Robinson } Cynthia Hall }
Hannah K Hall Sworn
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year last above written, before me.
Hollis T. Robinson JUSTICE PEACE.
I also certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and is the same individual she represents herself to be.
Hollis T. Robinson JUSTICE PEACE.
I, Clerk of the County Court in and for said County, do hereby certify that is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, this day of in the year A. D. 18
CLERK.

No. 29. Windham Co. Vermont- Ephraim Hall - Dec. 2. V.C. for Pension - July 31. 1832.
N o 2, 880

STATE OF VERMONT.
County of Windham ss.
Probate District of Marlborough - At the Probate Court, within and for said District, being a Court of Record, so declared by the Statutes of this State, and having a Seal and Register.
On this Thirty first day of July A. D. 1832 - Personally appeared in open Court, At Newfane in said District, - Present - The Hon. Marshall Miller, Esquire, Judge of said Court.
Before the said Probate Court, within and for said District, - now sitting - Ephraim Hall a resident of Newfane in the county of Windham and State of Vermont, aged seventy years - years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 - That he entered into the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That he enlisted at Rutland Mass. for three months, he thinks in 1780 in Capt. Henry's company was employed in guarding the prisoners at said Rutland the whole three months and one week after one time elapsed - enlisted again in June 1780 - for three months, at said Rutland, in Capt. Ephraim Hemen's company, of Peterboro Mass., in Colo. French's regiment - marched from Rutland to West Point and there served out the term of the last mentioned three months - Does not recollect ever receiving any written discharges was under Massachusetts militia officers - He relies upon the accompanying affidavit of Robert Tinson, knows of no other person living with whom he served by whom to prove his services -
Ephraim Hall
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
To the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, he answers, upon his said oath, as follows:
1. Was born in Rutland Worcester county Mass. 8 th Sept. 1761 -
2. Lived Rutland Massachusetts when he enlisted - Removed to Newfane Vermont about fifty years ago and still resides there -
3. Has a private record of his age in his Bible -
4. Entered the service voluntarily in both instances
Recalls that Donald was at West Point when went to the British army -

6. Never received any written discharge before the militia received none —
7. He refers to Marshall Newton Nathan Knowlton as witnesses under this declaration
Ephraim Hall
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Marshall Miller Judge of Probate
We Marshall Newton citizen  a clergyman , residing in the town of Newfane — in said county — and Nathan Knowlton of Newfane — in said county — hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Ephraim Hall, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy years — 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, the day and year aforesaid. Marshall Newton Nathan Knowlton
Marshall Miller Judge of Probate
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 Marshall Newton who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman , resident in the said town of Newfane and that Nathan Knowlton who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Newfane in said county, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I James Elliot, Register of the Probate Court, within and for the District of Marlborough aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Ephraim Hall for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 31st.
day of July,
A. D. 1832
James Elliot, Prob. Regr.

State of New Hampshire.
Secretary's Office, Concord.
June 27. 1853
I hereby certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Edward M. Isaacs was a Notary Public
in the said State, duly commissioned and qualified; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the State, the date above written.
John L. Hadley Secretary of State.

Be it known that on this twenty sixth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine (Nov r 26 th 1789) "Ephraim Hall was married to Hannah Spear."
Stephen Farnar
Minister of the Gospel
I Charles A. Whitney of New Ipswich in the county of Hillsborough & State of New Hampshire on oath say that I am Town Clerk of said town of New Ipswich. And that the foregoing is a true Copy or abstract from the Records of Marriages on the town books of said town in my possession except the date which is in fair and legible figures as follows Nov r 26 th 1789 23
Charles A. Whitney. Town Clerk.
Hillsborough June 25 th 1853
Sworn to before me.
E. M. Daggas
Notary Public

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14880
Hannah Hall widow of Ephraim Hall Was born Feb
Act: Feb 21 48
Index:—Vol. a Page 311
[Arrangement of 1870.]

747 Vermont. Montpelier Nannette Hall, widow of Ephraim who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
18 th January 1844 Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of Jan'y/54 and sent to
Joseph Huen Brattleborough Vermont
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 2.
Page 69

No 801
Hannah Hall, widow of Ephraim Hall Windham County Vermont
Acts June 17, 1844 and February 2, 1848
Amount $20 per annum
Commencing January 18, 1847 (date of husband's death)
Pay to widow - certificate to be sent to
Joseph Stuen, Brattleborough Vermont

July 6, 1853.
App. of Hannah Hall, widow of Ephraim Hall, Vermont.
Act 2, Feby., 1848.
Joseph Steen, Brattleboro', Vermont.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE, OFFICIAL FILE

The Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
FREE
May 21

2 Feby 1/48
Hannah H
S
1893 Letter
1893 Letter
Walter
Comr of Police
Woking S.G.
FREE

No 84 Hannah Hall widow of Ephraim Windham Vt
Joseph Steen Sep 8 1853
Same Oct 6. "
Same Nov 23. "
Same Dec. 23 "
DOM $20 per annum commencing 4th March 1848
Certificate sent to
Joseph Steen
Brattleborough
Vermont
Act 2 Feb 1848
No 801
Hannah Hall widow of Ephraim
Act
Act June 17/44 see over

Hannah Hall
Ephraim
Leicester
Vermont
Washington
Vt
Received 6th 1837
FREE

Hannah Hall
Dec 27th 48
The Commonwealth Press Washington D.C.
FREE

Please address
Mr. Joseph Steen
Shattuck Vt.

The Judge of Probate has taken the Declaration of Mrs Hale, agreeably to the forms you forwarded me - for which forms please accept her thanks -
Providence Dec 19, 1852,
Joseph Stearns

v
30/11/53 67
Pension Office December 23. 1853
Sir,
Please certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid; and, if in your power, the date of his death
Very respectfully Your obedt. servant J. C. Gode For Commissioner
H. Burt Esq. } 3d Auditor, } Present }

Ephraim Hale, Act 1832, § 20 per annum, Paid 18 January 1847. paid.
F. Bush Auditor

Spear Hannah Hall, widow of Ephraim.
Married 26 November 1789 X
Husband died 18 th Jan. 1853 1847
X Town Records

New Bedford June 18, 83
Sir. Permits you have affidavits with Secretary of State Certificate. The Clerk of Court is in the Legislature. I waited to send them as soon as I could by our Representative. and the Clerk was not then that day. And as I requested him to return it to me immediately. he obtained the Secretary Certificate instead which I enclose with answer your case as well.
Yours very truly Chas A Whitney
L G Mead Esq
History, Secretary, & Town Clerk fees for which you may remit by mail if you please. (Casson)

Sept. 15, 1853.
FREE let in case of H. H. at H. H.
Ingraham Brattleboro, Vermont.

1 Brattleboro Sept. 12. 1853.
J. S. Waldo. Esq.
Your Commission of 8 th inst. is just rec d in which you say - "The Informal Declaration of Hannah Hill has been examined & filed under the Act of July 2 d 1854 & - Her Declaration must be made before a Court of Record & her identity proved &c - I have forward - proof of identity - In making succeeding her Declaration I forward the Instructions & Form of Declaration - pay 5/2 - 3 of Mayo & Monitor Book - It will be extremely difficult to get the Declaration re-executed if not absolutely necessary, she would like to be spared the expense - will you please write me whether this can be dispensed with - I have made many Declarations under Act of July 2 d 1854 before Justices of the Peace which have passed the Department. Is there any new Regulation? Yrs Joseph Stearns -

Brattleboro
Nov. 15/83
Hon.
J. P. Waldo. for the District Attorney Mr. Joseph Hemenway 114 State Street Boston
I am informed that the Application of Hannah Hall is suspended because her Declaration was made before Royal Tyler Esq. a Justice of the Peace . This same Magistrate is Judge of Probate for the District in which Mrs Hall lives and on the very day on which he took Mrs Hall's Declaration as just. Peace - took the Declaration of Catherine King who lives in the same neighborhood and certifies as Judge of Probate - as will be seen by Reference to Mrs King's Declaration - on which a Pension has been granted - He certifies on the case of Mrs Hall, as Justice of the Peace , because he was so instructed by the person who gave the instructions supposing it must be made before a Justice of the Peace - Mrs Hall was unable to appear in your Court at the Judge, in consequence invited her at her house - Judge Tyler, whom I have just seen, says he can conscientiously make a Certificate as to her having been properly

sworn by him & was unable to appear - in Court & certify it under the seal of his Court - if the Department considered the proper & will be accepted. He might just as well have made the Certificates in the other form - but was misled by a Printed Declaration - not soon furnished him, by a person long unacquainted with business & who was supposed to know the requirements & proper form. -
If the Commission will return the Declaration for the purpose of having the proper certificates made - it will save the old Lady an expense which she is ill able to bear - If this cannot be done - please return the Declaration to enable the Judge to make another by - and he will make a journey to N. Haven to swear her to it again - The reason for wanting the Declaration returned, - I don't know whether she will recollect the date of her marriage or the Record was obtained from another State where the marriage was solemnized -
Very Resp'tly Yrs. &c
Joseph Steen

Incluse a printed form for each of the jugs.

Pension Office Dec. 23 d 1833.
Sir,
In the first declaration of Mrs. Hannah Wall, she states that her husband Ephraim Wall, died on the 18 th day of January, 1833. There was no pensioner of that name who died at that date. She must consequently forward proof fixing the exact date of his death before the claim can be allowed.
Very Respectfully, J P M c Leod Commissaire
Joseph Stern Esq r Brattleboro' Vermont,
(G 2 105)

Brief in the case of Hannah Hall, widow of Ephraim Hall Windham County and State of Vermont acts June 17, 1844 and February 2, 1845 —
Claim, ("original," or "for increase." )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Ephraim was a pensioner under the act of June 7, 1832, at $20 per annum. He died January 18, 1847 as proved by paid testimony certified to be credible.
Marriage (Nov 26, 1789) proved by duly verified copy of Town records.
Claim allowed to commence Jan. 18, 1847 —
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Joseph Steen Esq. Brattleborough, Name and residence of Agent Vermont.
W. D. Dyer Examining Clerk.

We Cynthia Hall and Mary Morse both of Newfane in the County of Windham and State of Vermont of lawful age do testify and say, that we were well acquainted with Ephraim Hall late of said Newfane deceased, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner being near neighbors of said Hall, That said Hall died at said Newfane on the Eighteenth day of January in the A.D. one thousand eight hundred and forty seven and was buried in our neighborhood, The said Hall was the Husband of Hannah Hall who now lives a neighbor to us, and who has applied for a Pension, as his widow under the act of February last
Cynthia Hall Mary Morse
State of Vermont } Windham County ss }
Newfane December 31 st 1853
Subscribed and sworn to before me, and I certify that the said Deponents are well known to me and that they are credible witnesses
Hollis T. Robinson Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont, }
WINDHAM, S. S. }
I, ROYALL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
Amos T. Robinson
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the Certificate therein written is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State,
and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough, this Third day of January Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty- four .
Royall Tyler Clerk.

State of Vermont County of Windham S s .
On this 10th day of June A.D. 1833, personally appeared be- fore me Henry Wheelock, a justice of the peace within and for said county of Windham, Ephraim Hall a resident of said county in said county, aged 71 years, who being first dal- ly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the fol- lowing, supplementary declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832. — That he enlisted in the service of the United States (he thinks in December 1779) at Rutland Mass, for the term of three months; served in the Massachusetts militia under the follow- ing named officers, — Henry Capt. — Pratt of Petersham Mass, Lieut. — does not recollect to what regiment the company in which he served belonged, was employed in guarding the pri- oners at Rutland aforesaid, during the whole of said term of 3 months, and during one week next thereafter, that at the time of his enlistment in said service, he was a resident of said Rut- land, & served as a private soldier said time — was discharged in the month of March 1780, but had no written discharge, That he cannot now find any person living, who was know- ing to his enlistment or service aforesaid — That the reason of his remaining in said service the one week mentioned, was in consequence of the necessary recruits not having arrived — That about the last of June 1780 he again enlisted in said service in the same militia for the term of three months entered the service about the first of July following; enlisted at said Rutland being then a resident of the same, under Captain Ephraim Stearns of Petersham Mass. in a company belong- ing to Col. Rains regiment — other officers of the company he does not recollect, — The name of the Adjutant of said Regiment was Houghton — March d from said Rutland to said Petersham, where he passed the winter, thence thro. Dorth.

compton, Great Barrington joined up to the State of New York on Hudson river, marched down said river to Fish kill thence to West point, being the place of destination and there was in garrison during the whole term of 3 months that he served said term as a private soldier was discharged about the 1 st October following here no written discharge cannot find any person living who recollects or was knowing of his service, as aforesaid, except what is related in the affidavit of Robert Simson, accompanying this declaration.
To the 7 th Interrogatory presented by the court department he admits the names of W m H. Hoelger, Isaac Duncane, W m Bartlett, Ethan Darrin, Nathan Stone Esq., Sylvanus Sherwin Esq. & Joshua Stone.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Ephraim Hall
Sworn and subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me,
Henry Wheelock, Justice of the peace.
And the said justice doth here by declare his opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states.
Henry Wheelock, Justice of the peace.
We William H Hoelger, a clergyman, residing in the town of Newfane county of Windham & State of Vermont, and Isaac Duncane, residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ephraim Hall who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy one years of age; that he is reputed and believed for the neighborhood where he belongs to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
W m H. Hoelger
Isaac Duncane
Sworn & subscribed this 12 th June 1833 before me, Henry Wheelock, Justice of the peace.

And the Justice hereby certifies that William H. Hodge, who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resi- ding in the town of Newfane in the Windham County State of Vermont & that Jason Duncum Jr who has also signed the same certificate is a resident in the same town, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Henry Wheelock, Just of peace

• Robert Timson of Newfane county of Windham and State of Vermont, of the age of Seventy six years, do depose & say that about the year A.D. 1780 I was knowing Ebenezer Hall then of Rutland, county of Worcester & State of Massachusetts (now of said Newfane — from component then belonging to said Rutland) that I was then knowing that said Hall, turned out as a volunteer in the militia of said State of Massachusetts, to serve in the war of the revolution for the term of three months, that said Hall was gone that term of time, that I have no doubt but that he served as a private soldier in the war of the revolution during said term — and further your component saith not —
Robert Timson
State of Vermont, } Newfane the 31st day of July A.D. 1832 county of Windham. } Then Robert Timson personally appeared, and after being duly examined made solemn oath, that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed, contains the truth & nothing but the truth, before me — Henry Wheelock, Justice of the Peace.
State of Vermont Windham County Court Clerk's Office New Haven, July 31. — A.D. 1832.
I certify, that Henry Wheelock, Esquire, is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windham aforesaid, and that the above is his signature —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County Court on the day and year above written —
Jamies Elliot, Clerk.
(Over)

Windham county ss. I hereby certify that Robert Simson, the deponent within named, is a lawful person & that his statement is entitled to credit —
Henry Wheelock Just. peace.
State of Vermont. Windham County Court Clerks Office, New Haven June 18. A.D. 1833.
I certify that Henry Wheelock Esquire, is one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Windham aforesaid, and that the above within and annexed are his signatures. Witness my hand and the Seal of the said Court.
James Elliot, Clerk.
Robert Simson

Clarion & Ephraim Hall
[New Declaration.]
Admitted
6 months
$20
James Elliott Esq
New Paine
V

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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 each 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. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the years, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Sept 16 - 53
Hannah Hall vt

WE Asa H Marsh and Margaret Marsh both of Newfane in the County of Windham & State of Vermont on with say that we were once acquainted with Ephraim Hall late of said Newfane who was a Revolutionary Pensioner and with Hannah Hall his wife & know they lived together many years as man & wife - We now know said Hannah Hall as the widow of said Ephraim & the same person who has applied for a Pension, as the widow of said Ephraim - We know her to be the widow of said Ephraim - recollecting with the time of Ephraim's death - we have no interest in said Hannah Hall's Pension.
Asa H Marsh
Margaret Marsh
Newfane
Sept 19th 1853
Sworn to & subscribed by the said Asa H. Marsh and Margaret Marsh
State of Vermont, }
WINDHAM, S.S. }
I, ROYALL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
Asa H. Robinson
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the Certificate
Asa H. Robinson is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed
according to the laws of this State,
and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at
Brattleborough, this 21 st day of September
Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty- three
Royall Tyler Clerk.

We Asa H Marsh and Margaret Marsh both of Newfane in the County of Windham & State of Vermont do hereby say that we were once acquainted with Ephraim Hall late of said Newfane who was a Revolutionary Pensioner and with Hannah Hall his wife & know they lived together many years as man & wife - We now know said Hannah Hall as the widow of said Ephraim & the same person who has applied for a Pension, as the widow of said Ephraim - We know her to be the widow of said Ephraim - certainly with the time of Ephraim's death - We have no interest in said Hannah Hall's Pension.
Asa H Marsh
Margaret Marsh
Newfane Sept 19th 1855 I subscribe & affirm to the said Asa H. Marsh and Margaret Marsh and I certify that the deponents are credible witnesses
Holeo T. Robinson Not Public

State Vermont County of Windham ss
On this 16 th day of December A.D. 1853 personally appeared before me Royce Tyler, Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Marlboro' in said County, Hannah Hall of Newfane in said County, aged 88 years, and who by reason of bodily infirmity is unable to appear and attend in open Court - 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 Act of Congress passed on the 2 nd of February 1848 granting Pensions to the widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War That she is the widow of Ephraim Hall late of New- fane aforesaid, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the Act of 7 th of June 1832 drawing a Pension of $20 per month. She further declares that she is still a Widow - Hannah H. Hall mark
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written - Nathaniel Judson, Judge of Probate for the District of Marlboro'
I Frederick Holbrook, Register of the Probate Court for the District of Marlboro' in said County of Windham, hereby certify that Royce Tyler is Judge of said Court - that the same is a Court of Record & that the above is the genuine signature of the said Judge - In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court the day & year above written -
Frederick Holbrook, Register of Probate for the District of Marlboro'.

We Nahum Houghton and Lydia Houghton of Newfane in the County of Windham & State of Vermont do hereby say that we are well acquainted with Hannah Hall the widow of Ephraim Hall deceased - That said Ephraim was a Revolutionary Pensioner - We know that he died and that the said Hannah who has signed & made the foregoing declaration is his widow - Nahum Houghton Lydia Houghton
Sworn & subscribed before me and I certify that the above named deponents are well known to me & they are credible witnesses -
Hollis T. Robinson J. P. Peace -
State of Vermont, } WINDHAM, S. S. }
I, ROYALL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
Hollis T. Robinson
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the certificate Hollis T. Robinson is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough, this 17 th day of December 1853 Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
Royall Tyler Clerk.