Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 9259, Robert Commans, Penn.
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Penn.
Commans, Robert or Cummins
S. 9259

Boneair Ireland
carded
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3530
Virginia
Robert Cummins of Brook in the State of Virginia who was a private in the compy commanded by Captain Adams of the Regt. commanded by Col. Williams in the Penna. line for 17 months from 1776

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 56 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of pension issued the 26 day of Dec 32 and sent to Adam Kuhn, Pittsburg, Pa

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 84.99
Semi=anl. allowance ending 28.33
$113.32

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk,
Book D Vol. 7 Page 94

Date of death not [illegible] AB

Let. Agent July 27 1831
A. Kuhn
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Robert Cummins
No. 3390

Robert Cummins from 1776 private 17 months
$56.66

(address)
Wellsburgh
Brooke County, Va.
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State of Virginia
County of Moore

On this thirteenth day of July 1832 personally appeared before the court of Moore County, Robert Commins, resident of said county and state, aged eighty years 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 provisions made by the act of Congress passed June 7 1832. 

That in the town of Carlisle in the state of Pennsylvania in the month of February or March in the year 1776 he, with a number of others, volunteered his services to go to the assistance of the Americans near Boston under the command of Capt. Adams, Lieutenant Samuel McFerrin and Second Lieutenant Bratton.  When intelligence was received that Bunker's Hill was taken and that the contemplated volunteers services would be of no use; this declarant and a majority of the said company of volunteers enlisted in the army of the United States with the said captain Robert Adams and his two (illegible) lieutenants to serve as a private for the term of one year.  The major's name (as well as declarant can recollect) was Dunlap and the colonel was (illegible) William Irwin.

From Carlisle we were marched to Philadelphia, thence to New York, then by water to Albany, thence to Lake George, thence to Ticonderoga, thence to St. John's, thence to Chambales, thence to the Three Rivers, where under the command of Col. Irwin and Lieut. Col. Hartley we had an engagement with the British and were defeated.  Col. Irwin was taken prisoner.  

We then retreated under the command of Lieut. Col. Hardley to Banke, a small lake in Cananda, then returned to Chambles, thence to St. John's, Crown Point and Ticonderoga, at which place (Fort Independence) remained all the winter of 1776 and until Feb. or March 1777.  

On our retreat the declarant's commander, Captain Adams, with three other Americans were killed at (illegible), by Indians and declarant assisted in burying them.   On declarant's return he passed through New Jersey and the eastern part of Pennsylvania to his residence at Carlisle, having served in the army of the United States, under this enlistment, fifteen months.  No written discharge was ever given to this declarant.

In the latter end of the month of March in the year 1778, the said declarant was drafted to serve two months as a militia man under the command of Capt. Buchanan.  Col. Watts of Carlisle commanded the regiment, and Sanuel Ross was Lieutenant Col.  We were marched from Carlisle to a place called "the crooked billet" where on the next day after our arrival, we had an engagement with the British and were defeated.  General John Lacy commanded the Americans.  

After our defeat Capt. McClay and a number of American wounded and killed soldier were stripped of their clothing and burned by the British in a heap of buckwheat straw.  The battle at "the crooked billet" was in a field of buckwheat.   For the last-mentioned service declarant has no documentary evidence and he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure.
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He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that he his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.

Sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid.
Signed:  Robert Commans

We,Samuel Herdman and William McCluney, residing in the county of Moore, state of Virginia, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Robert Commins who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be eighty years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resided to have been a soldier of the Revolution; and we concur in that opinion.
Signed:  Samuel Herdman, W. McCluney

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 stated.  And the court further certified that it appears to them that Samuel Herdman and William McCluney, who have the preceding certificate, are residents in the county of Moore and state of Virginia aforesaid and are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.  

I, Adam Kuhn, clerk of the county court of Moore in the state of Virgnia do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Robert Cummins for a pension.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 10th day of August 1832.
Signed:  Adam Kuhn
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State of Virginia County of Brooke ss
At a court holden for the county aforesaid, on the 26th day of November AD 1832, personally appeared in open court the Revd. Edward Smith a clergyman residing in the said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, says, that he is well acquainted with Robert Cummins, a resident of the said county, who this deponent is informed made a declaration at last July term of said court, in order to receive the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832. And this deponent further states that he believes the said Robert Cummins, to be eighty years of age past, and that he is respected and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that he concurs in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Edward Smith

And the court further certifies that it appears to them that the Revd. Edward Smith, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the county of Brooke aforesaid, and is a credible person, and that his statement is entitled to credit.
Attest. Adam Kuhn C.B.C.
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Robert Cummins
Pen. Brook Cty.
draw too much
Mr. Edward will examine this case in connection with the cases of Wm. Stephens & Richard Matthews of Brook County & James Holliday of Ohio cty. They are all in the same expeditions & none I think longer than one year. If so Cummins draws too much.
W. G. Singleton

Note. Holliday, Stevens & Cummins all claim 15 mos. Mathews, alone claims only 12 mo.
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Robert Cummins
Alledges to have served 1 yr. & 5 months under Col. Irwin Major Dunlap & Capt. Adams (so says abstract for Brook cty).

I the undersigned Robert Cummins, in pursuance of the requisitions of the secretary of War, make the following re, declaration of my Revolutionary services for the purpose of testing any depht to a pension.
I shall be 85 years old this day of October next. Born a native of Ireland, came to the United States in 1771. And in Cumbeland County Pa. during the war of the Revolution. And until [illegible] the last 40 yrs. during that time I have lived in this country.
In February or March 1776 (I think in February) I enlisted under Capt Robert Adams for one year. My company marched to Philadelphia there joined the 7th Batallion commanded by Major Dunlap. The battalion marched from Phila. to [illegible] thence [illegible] to N. Jersey to New York and thence to Albany by a [illegible], from Albany across lake George to Ticonderoga, from there across lake Champlain to St. Johns, thence to Chamberland, thence down the St. Lawrence to the 3 river at the Calter place. We had an engagement with the British army in a tract [illegible] "crators". The american army retreated to Chamberlain and from there to Ticonderoga and thence to [illegible] under [illegible], [illegible] [illegible] at the Callin place until [illegible] in March, at which time the army [illegible] every man left at [illegible] to work his way home in the best way he could. I finally got back to [illegible]. I enlisted for twelve months as before stated. I considered myself in service until I returned to [illegible]. I cant [illegible] recollect. [illegible] [illegible] it was from the [illegible] was marched from Pennsylvania as before stated. until we were discharged at [illegible] Independance, but I am confident that it was not less then one year. I know that I was from home fifteen months.
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at the battle of the three rivers. Genl. Irwin [illegible] the [illegible], and was later prepared. So also was Col. Smith taken prisoner, Genls. Thompson and Sullivan were in the engagement. So also was Col. Heartly.
After my return and when the British army was in Philadelphia, (I cant tell the year, I was drafted for a two months tour, and served under Capt Buckhannon at the Crokes Billet, and was attached to Col. Watts Regt., Genl Lacy commanded whilst in this service we had an engagement which results in the defeat of the american army. It was at least 2 months before I got home, although only drafted for two months. The [illegible] [illegible] all the same I done. Capt. McCluney wrote my Declaration. I gave him the same statement in substance [illegible], except that I told him I was in service for fifteen months in the first expedition. I know my services by Wm Stephenson who was in service with me, In [illegible] of all [illegible] I here to subscribed my name July 10, 1835.
Robert Cummins - X his mark
Witness Wm. McCluney
A copy W G Singleton
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Robert Cummings
Virginia
No 3390
P-60
11.12.14

See let Nov 14 -32
Adam Kuhn
Willsburgh Va
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Brief in the case of Robert Cummings of Brook County in the State of Virginia
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 80 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period. Enlisted in 1776
Duration of Service. 1 Year, 3 Months
Rank. Private
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Col. William Irvin, Sr. Col. Hartley, Major Dunlap, Capt. Robert Adams. Pennsylvania Regular Troops

Period. March 1778
Duration of Service. 2 Months
Rank. Private
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Genl. John Lacy, Col. Watts Regmt., Sr. Col Ross, Capt. Buchannan. Militia

5. In what battles was he engaged? Three Rivers, Crooked Billet
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Carlisle Pennsylvania
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
C Liele, Examining Clerk.
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August 15, 1936.
Copied by I. Lerch, Miss Luke away.

Ruby A. Roberts
Box 387
Cambria, Virginia.

BA-J/EEL/ILL
Robert Commans
S. 9259

Dear Madam:
The data given herein were found in pension claim, S. 9259, based upon service of Robert Commans (Cummins) in the Revolutionary War.
Robert Commans (as he signed pensioned Cummins) was born in October, 1750, in Ireland, and emigrated to American in 1771.
While residing at Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted in February, 1776, served in Captain Robert Adams' company, Colonel William Irvine's Pennsylvania regiment, marched to Canada, was in the battle of Three Rivers, and was discharged in March, 1777, at Fort Independence. He enlisted in March, 1778, served two months and was in the battle of Crooked Billet.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 30, 1832, while residing in Brooks County, Virginia (now West Virginia).
There are no data as to soldier's family in the papers in the pension claim.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner,  Robert Commans (Cummins) S. 9259, you should address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing the following data:
Robert Cummins, Certificate No. 3530, issued December 26, 1832, rate $56.66 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Virginia Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. Hiller,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Other postals with all other requests are filed with carbon miscell. letter in Miscellaneous Correspondence, at request of Mrs. Finch.
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James L. Edwards Esquire
U. States Pension Office
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Wellsburg, Brooks County, Va. Nov. 28, 1832.
Sir,
A few days ago I received, returned from your office, the applications of Robert Cummins, Robert McIntire and William Stevens, to be placed on the pension list, each of them has procured a clergyman of this county, to certify in their behalf, and Stevens has amended his application by stating the precis time for which he claims pension. Herewith you will also receive a clergyman's certificate in the case of William Baxter, and additional testimony and clergyman's certificate in that of Isaac Linton, whose applications have some time ago, been forward to the war department.
I have the honor to be your most obd. servt.
Adam Kuhn

James L. Edwards Esquire
U. States Pension Office.
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August 15, 1936.
Ruby A. Roberts
Box 287
Cambria, Virginia.

BA-J/ILL
Robert Commans
S. 9259

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letters in which your request the Revolutionary War records of Robert Cummings, pensioner of Brooks County, Virginia, Jacob Sowder (Souder), John Carmicael, George Stepp, Colonel John Gibson, and Jesse Hall, and the War of 1812 record of James Houchins, whose wife was Mollie Harvey.
Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War and War of 1812 data and the limited trained clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is not possible to comply in full with each request for data pertaining to soldiers of those wars.
The record of Robert Commans (Cummins) is furnished herewith as found in pension claim, S. 9259, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Very truly yours,
A. D. Hiller,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Other postals with different post office box numbers and addresses are filed with copy of this letter in Miscellaneous Correspondence, as directed by Mrs. Finch.
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Veterans Administration, Washington
August 29, 1933
BA-J/KEL

Mr. Harold Gibson
306 Lincoln Street
McMinnville, Oregon
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to William Wilson, a soldier of the Mexican War, whose wife, Elizabeth Wilson, you state, received a pension for his services, also in regard to Robert Cummins, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and a pensioner.
The record of Robert Commans is furnished you herewith. That name has been found only once on the Revolutionary War records of the Veterans Administration, the name having been search under various spellings.
Your letter has been referred to the proper division in regard to William Wilson, of the Mexican War.
Very truly yours
A. D. Hill
Assist to Administrator.
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August 29, 1933
BA-J/EEL
Robert Commans - S. 9259
Mr. Harold Gibson
306 Lincoln Street
McMinnville, Oregon
Dear Sir:
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 9259, based upon the military service of Robert Commans in that war.
Robert Commans (as he signed - pensioned Cummins) was born in October, 1750, in Ireland, and emigrated to American in 1771.
While residing at Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted in February, 1776, served in Captain Robert Adams' Company, Colonel William Irvine's Pennsylvania Regiment, marched to Canada, was in the battle of Three Rivers, and was discharged in March 1777, at Fort Independence. He enlisted in March, 1778, served two months in Captain Buchanan's Company, Colonel Watts' Pennsylvania Regiment and was in the battle of Crooked Billet.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 30, 1832, while residing in Brooke County, Virginia (now West Virginia).
There are no data as to soldier's family in the papers in the pension claim.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Robert Commans (Cummins) S. 9259, you should address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing the following data:
Robert Cummins, Certificate No. 3530, issued December 26, 1832, rate $56.66 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Virginia Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator.
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Rev. #100
BA-J/MCS
May 10, 1932
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
541
Rev. War pension claim, Robert Commans, 
S. 9259 Actual 1 of each page

$0.60 4 pages

Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 inches at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number.
Chief of Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
The word "omit" is written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
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General Accounting Office, Washington
August 1, 1936.
Received Aug 5 1936 Mail Sub-Div. Vets, Adm. Reader 68
Records Division
In reply please quote R-50249-WGS

Veterans Administration, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Sirs:
There is transmitted herewith for your consideration and direct reply letter, dated June 28, 1936, from Ruby A. Roberts, Box No. 287, Cambria, Virginia, requesting information regarding a pension in the case of Robert Cummings, who is alleged to have served in the Revolutionary War, and enlisted under Captain Adams, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
The writer has not been advised of this reference.
Respectfully,
P. D. Fallon
Asst. Chief, Records Division.
Encl.
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The Cromptroller General
General Accounting Office
Records Division
Washington D.C.

Records Division
Misc. Case #
Claim #
No. Claim KM7
Debt Record

Received Aug 5 1936 Mail Sub Div. Vets Adm. Reader 68

Cambria VA. Jun 27 4 PM

June 28 1936
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Cambria Va.
Bx. 287
June 28/36
Dear Sir:
Please give me any information you may have on the last payment or any genealogical information  as to wife or childrens names given in the application for Rev. pension of Robert Cummings Brooke Co. Va. (now W.Va) July 13, 1830 (date app. for) enlisted under Cap. Adams Cumberland Co, Penns.
Thank you,
Ruby A. Roberts
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May 10, 1932
Administrator of Veterans Affairs
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
Kindly furnish me uncertified photostatic copies of four pages from Rev. War pension claim, Robert Commans, D. 9259.
Very truly yours,

Kate S. Curry
1420 Girard N.W.
Washington, DC
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Soldiers deposition dated July 30, 1832 2 pages
July 10, 1835 2 pages
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Rev War
Invalid.
9259
File No. 9259
Robert Cummins Pri. Rev War
Act: June 4th 32
Index: Vol.  [illegible], Page 85
[Arrangement of 1870.]