Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 2133, Alexander Comins, Md. Penn.
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SERVICE   Md  Penn
Comins, Alexander
S.2133
Born in Ireland
carded
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Let to Alexr Johnston May 13 1842 
Dead, 
5210 
Pittsburg Pennsylvania 
Alexander Comins 
of Saltlick in the State of Pennsylvania was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain  Leard of the Regt. commanded by Col McAllister in the Pennsylvania line for 11 months 
Pa. and Md. Line. Records corrected   Dec 8 ‘03
Inscribed on the Roll of Pittsburg Pa.  at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of Febry 1833 and sent to Hon A Stewart Ho. Repres
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 -   $54.99 
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar ‘33 18.33 
$73.32 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.} 
Recorded by Jno Cromwell Clerk 
Book  D  Vol.   2   Page 169
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Prothy
Fayette County 
Pennsylvania } ss 
On this third day of December A D 1832 personally appeared before Samuel Nixon one of associate Judges of the Court of Common pleas for the County of Fayette State of Pennsylvania Alexander Cummings a resident of Saltlick township county & State afforesaid aged Eighty two years the first day February last, 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 the 7th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated. 
That at the time he entered the service of his country he resided in York County Pennsylvania - That on the first day of August AD 1776, he was drafted in Captain James McKinly company of Militia for the period of two months. That he was marched from York County to Philadelphia and from thence to “Perth Amboy” New Jersey & from thence to “Bargain" opposite to the City of New York I was at that place at the time the British took New York, that while at this place his term of two months expired, a few days before which he enlisted in the “Flying Camp” by the consent of his officer under Captain John Leard untill the first day of January 1777 being a private of a few days over three months having enlisted the last of September 1776 that during this Service Capt Leards company to which he belonged was attached to Col McAlisters Regt. That this deponent was marched under the command aforesaid from "Bargain” to Fort Lee at which
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place they remained untill the British drove them away & from thence he was marched to Trenton and was there at the time of the Battle at that place a few days after which he was ordered to Philadelphia & there discharged having served out his full term of enlistment and was discharged the first of January having served in both tours Just five months    
And this deponent further saith on his Oath afforesaid, that about the first of Sept 1777 he Volenteered in Captain John Leards company of Militia for two months & thinks he served in McAlisters Regt of this however he is not certain. That he was marched from York county to the British lines who were encamped on Iron hill and were kept on the lines of the enemy untill the 14th day of Sept when they engaged them in the battle of Brandywine in which he was engaged from beginning to end. That after this he was kept on the lines of the enemy till his term of service expired and was discharged on the lines after the British took possession of Philadelphia - That he was his discharged the last of October or first of November 1777 - That during this two months service he was in a severe skirmish at the “White Horse”.  
That in May 1778 while the British were in Philadelphia he was drafted in Capt Pollys company of Maryland Militia, (living during was near the line between Pa & Maryland he some times lived in the one & sometimes in the other state) attached to Col McComas Regt for two month and was marched from thence to the Head of Elk for the purpose of guarding the public stores and remained there the two months for which
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was drafted. And this deponent further saith that the first of August 1782 he was drafted in a company of Pa Militia of York County but cannot recollect his Captains name for two months and was attached to a Battalion commanded by Major Baily of York town they were taken out for the purpose of guarding the prisoners surrendered by Lord Cornwallis & was marched to "Camp Security” and remained there during the whole of his term (two months) and was discharged at that place, having served in all eleven months 
To the General questions propounded by the War Department. the deponent answers as follows   
1st That he was born in Antrim County Ireland on the first day of February AD 1757 
2  That he has no record of his age 
3d That he lived at the time he was [unreadable] in to the service in York County Pa  - that the manner of his service as above stated.  That he continued to live a short time after the war in York County Pa. & then removed to Fayette County Pa where he now resides  
4th That the names of his officers as for as his memory will serve are as above stated & the circumstances of his service as above 
5th That he received a written discharge for the service in the Flying Camp but has long since lost it he cannot recollect whether his discharge was signed by his Capt or Col
7th That he has no documentary evidence of his service nor does he know of any person at present by whom he can prove them that R P Flenniken & Josiah Kerns
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I am well acquainted with Alexr Cummins the within named applicant he is in very needy & destitute circumstances but perfectly honest & correct in his deportment I also know R. P. Flenniken Esq & Josiah Kerns who testify for him they are both highly respectable & credible person's 
A Stewart Jany 26 1833
Alexander Comins 
Revolutionary Soldier
Adm’d
11 mo pri
$36.66
A Stewart H. R.
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I Samuel Nixon do hereby certify after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories  prescribed by the war deportment That Alexander Comins who has [unreadable]  and sworn to the foregoing declaration, was a soldier of the revolution & served as he states. And I do further certify that from age and infirmities it was utterly impossible for the said applicant to appear in open court, as he is entirely broken down by infirmities and hardships till it is with difficulty he can hobble about the house. And I do further certify that Robert P Flenniken resident of Fayette County Penna and Jonah Kearns resident of the same place or respectable men, and that their statement is entitled to credit 
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 4th day of December A.D. 1832 Pensylvania Fayette County 
Samuel Nixon [seal]
Pennsylvania
Fayette County} ss
I Henry W Beeson Prothonotary of the Court of Common pleas in & for said County do hereby certify that Samuel Nixon by whom the above certificate is signed is one of the associate Judges of the Court of Common pleas in & for said County & that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine 
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Union town the 21st day of January 1833 
Henry W. Beeson
Prothy
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Will certify as to his reputation
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to any pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State 
Alex Comins  
Sworn and subscribed the 4th day of December A.D. 1832 before me 
Samuel Nixon Judge
We Robert Flenniken of Fayette County State of Pennsylvania & Josiah Kerns of the County & State afforesaid, hereby certify that we are acquainted with Alexander Cummings who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration. That we believe him to be Eighty two years of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution that we concur in that appinion. 
R. P. Flenniken
Josiah Kerns
Sworn and Subscribed the 4th day of December A.D. 1832 before Samuel Nixon
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Alexander Cummings
Admd
Hon Andrew Stewart
H. R.
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BRIEF in the case of Alexander Cummins Saltlick Township County of Fayette in the State of Pennsylvania (Act 7th June, 1832.)  1.  Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Before a judge    
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 
3. How old is he? 82 
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
Period.   Was drafted in Augt in 1776  Duration of Service.  2 Months  Rank.  Private  Names of General and Field officers under whom he served.  Cap James McKinley  Pa Militia}
Period.   A few days prior to expiration of prior Service; enlisted last Sepr 1776   Duration of Service.  a few days less 3 months  Rank. Private  Names of General and Field officers under whom he served.   Cap John Leard and Col. McAllister – Flying Camp
Period.  Volunteer about 1 Sept 1777  Duration of Service.  2 months  Rank.  Private  Names of General and Field officers under whom he served.  Cap John Leard [unreadable] Col. McAllister
Period.  Drafted May 1778   Duration of Service.  2 months   Rank.   Private   Names of General and Field officers under whom he served.   Col. McComas Capt Jolly } Maryland Militia
Period.  Drafted 1 August 1782  Duration of Service.  2 months  Rank.  Private   Names of General and Field officers under whom he served.    Does not recollect his Captains names the Battalion was commanded by Major Bailey Pa. Militia
5. In what battles was he engaged? Brandywine, the white horse 
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? York Co Pennsylvania, 
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary evidence, 
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? No 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.  
Chas G Wilcox 
Examining Clerk 
28. Jany 1833
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In reply to your request of received for a statement of the military history of Alexan Comins a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his  application for pension on file in this Bureau. 
S. File 2133 
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.   Aug 1 1776   LENGTH OF SERVICE.  2 mos. RANK.   OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. Captain James McKinley   STATE   Pa.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  Sept 1776    LENGTH OF SERVICE.  3 mos  RANK.  Pri    OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.   Captain John Leard  Colonel McAllister  STATE   Flying Camp
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.   Sept 1 1777   LENGTH OF SERVICE.   2 mos. RANK.   OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain John Leard Colonel McAllister    STATE
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  May 1778    LENGTH OF SERVICE.  2 mos.  RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Jolly  Colonel McComas  STATE  Md.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.   Aug 1 1782   LENGTH OF SERVICE.  2 mos.  RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.   Colonel Bailey STATE  Pa.
Battles engaged in,  Brandywine  White Horse 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, York Co. Pa.  
Date of application for pension,  Dec 4 1832. 
Residence at date of application, Saltlick Twp, Fayette Co. Pa.  
Age at date of application, born County Antrim Ireland  - Feby 1, 1750 
Remarks: Soldier son William survived him in 1842. 
to and for death & beneficiaries
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May 13, '42
Wm. Comins
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Connellsville, Fayette County  Pa. 11 May 1842 
Dear Sir
At the request of A Neighbour of Mine, a son of Alexander Comins, late a pensioner of the Revolutionary Army who resided in this County at time of his Decease his son William Comins Resided with his father from January untill his fathers Decease And it was his fathers death that he William [unreadable] little business of his Remained unsettled at his Decease - the Accordingly, Made Application to draw the Ballance due of his fathers pension had his papers filled According to a Blank form Received from your office some Months since the proofs adduced was satisfactory to the Court of Comon Pleas of the County then in [unreadable], the names are furnished of two Brothers and one Sister returned (as there was no widow) accompanied with a Certificate of the Prothonotary and County seal He also sent his power of Attorney to a friend in Pittsburgh to [unreadable] the Ballance of pension Due, Accompany with your circular of the Act of June 19th 1840. The Agent for paying pensions at the Exchange Bank of although utterly refused payment Aledging
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No the only Reason for refusing payment was Applicant William Comins Decd  not Administered – Mr. Wm. Comins thinks and it is the opinion of many others, that according To the 3d Section in Act of 18th June there is no Necessity for Administering in this Case – [unreadable]  the duties of your office which is no doubt many [unreadable] will admit of so much time you will please drop me a line on the Subject this of that your well might be in this Matter, the aforesaid to be [unreadable] is Small And not [unreadable] days Letters of Administration and Contingent ones would take rep so much of the balance due as to leave little with looking for. Excuse me Dear Sir for the liberty I have taken of Addressing you at this time, Before me to have with Due Esteem Yours  Alexander Johnston  Esqr
J. L. Edwards Esqr
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O. W. & N. Division. 
M.S.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. 
Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C. June 3, 1895.
Sir:
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of ALEXANDER COMINS a soldier of the REVOLUTIONAR WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his or his widows application for pension on file in this Bureau. 
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.   Aug 1776   LENGTH OF SERVICE.  2 mos. RANK.  Pri.  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. Captain James McKinley  Colonel Not Stated   STATE   Pa.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  Oct 1776    LENGTH OF SERVICE.  3 mos  RANK.  Pri    OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.   Captain John Leard  Colonel McAllister  STATE   Pa
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.   Sept 1777   LENGTH OF SERVICE.   2 mos. RANK.  Pri.  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain John Leard Colonel McAllister    STATE  Pa.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  May 1778    LENGTH OF SERVICE.  2 mos.  RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Jolley  Colonel McComas  STATE  Md.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.   Aug  1782   LENGTH OF SERVICE.  2 mos.  RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.   Captain not stated  Maj.  Bailey STATE  Pa.
Battles engaged in,  Brandywine   Trenton and Brandywine
Residence of soldier at enlistment, York Co. Pa.  
Date of application for pension,  Dec 3 1832. 
Residence at date of application, Saltlick Twp, Fayette Co. Pa.  
Age at date of application, born County Antrim Ireland  - Feby 1, 1750 
Remarks: 
Very Respectfully
Commissioner
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June 5 / 93 Hist to J. W. Cummings, 327 Superior , Toledo, Ohio. 
1907 Oct. 7. Hist. to Miss Ada B. Cummings 
Revy War
2133
INVALID
File No. 2133. 
Alexander Comins 
Privt Rev War 
Act:  June 7. 1839 
Index: - Vol. A, Page 72 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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F S. 2133
5210
U.S. Commissioner of Pensions, 
War Department 
Washington, D.C. 
Dear Sir:-
I am seeking information, concerning one Alexander Cummings who enlisted and served as a private in the Artillery during the Revolutionary War. 
I do not know where the enlistment took place, but his home at the close of the war was near Mill Run, Pennsylvania where his died and was buried
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He received a pension for many years 
If I have not given enough in detail, upon request, will send what I can. 
This Alexander Cummings (my great-grandfather) married a Pennsylvania woman by birth, whose maiden name was Livingston - any thing concerning her would also be acceptable 
James Cummings (son of Alexander Cummings) born in Pennsylvania, married a Pennsylvania woman named Christina McMillen; any information
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concerning her would be accepted. 
My request about my grandmother is also whether their father fought for Independence, and other facts concerning them. 
I am Gratefully, 
(Miss) Ada B. Cummings 
Santa Paula 
Ventura County California
September 7 - 1907.
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J. W. CUMMINGS. S. W. LOTT. 
CUMMINGS & LOTT, 
ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW. 
ROOMS 5 & 6 KAUFMAN BUILDING. 
NO. 327 SUPERIOR STREET. 
C
Toledo, Ohio, May 24, 1895 189
Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C., 
Dear Sir:  
I desire an exemplified copy of the pension certificate of Alexander Comins found in Book D. Volume 2, page 169 of Revolutionary Pension Claims. Advise me of the cost of same and I will forward it a at once. 
Very respectfully,
P
J W Cummings