Denison Avery

Revolutionary War Service: In the fall of 1776 Denison was drafted into the militia company under the command of Capt. Joseph Gallup in the regiment commanded by Col. Clevis Smith; ordered to White Plains, NY; did not engage in the battle commanded by Gen. George Washington, however "frequently saw him". Became sick with distemper, was treated and verbally discharged; returned home to Groton. Rejoined the militia company in Groton the following winter under the command of Capt. John Williams who succeeded Capt. Gallup; serving shore patrol against British intrusions.

In the fall of 1780; marched to Newport RI; joined a militia company commanded by Benjamin Adams, in the regiment commanded by Adam Gallup (perhaps Benadam Gallup); upon completion of 3 month service, dismissed and returned to Groton.

In the spring of 1781; drafted for duty at Fort Griswold in the company commanded by John Williams; served 6 months; states the following in his pension declaration letter of 1832: "I should have been in the garrison when it was massacred - had not a lame knee excused me from duty a few days. I drove a load of wood into the fort only a few hours before the enemy spoiled it; saw and spoke with Col. Ledyard who was then walking on the platform encouraging his men from the fort. I went with my wagon and helped remove some goods out of the reach of the British. I had three brothers (Daniel Avery, Solomon Avery, and Hubbard Burrows, a brother-in-law) slain on that day in the fort and carted their dead bodies home with others the following morning"

Removed to Coventry, Tolland County, CT in 1822 (SAK)

source: Declaration letter to the board of pensions dated 29, September 1832 on record with his pension application.

THE GROTON AVERY CLAN, Vol. I, by Elroy McKendree Avery and Catherine Hitchcock (Tilden) Avery, Cleveland, 1912. p 190