Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16267, for Freegift Taylor, New Jersey
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
New Jersey

Taylor, Freegift

NUMBER
S.16267.

Carded
===
CONTENTS
Page 2

25.947 [?]
Ohio, Pittsburgh agency
===
Freegift Taylor
of Wayne Co. in the State of Ohio
who was a Pri [?] in the Company commanded 
by Captain C[illegible] of the Reg't. commanded
by Col'o C[illegible] in the [illegible] Jersey
line for [illegible]
===
Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio [illegible]
at the rate of 28 [?] Dollars 77 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
===
Certificate of Pension issued the 23d day of July
'34 and sent to [illegible]
John T [illegible] ville, Ohio
===
Arrears to the 4th of [illegible] $86.31
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4. Sep  14.38 1/2
[total] $100.69
{ Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by P. T. Sprague Clerk,
Book C, Vol. 8. Page 129.

[Right side]
see letter 13 March
1835 to applicant
Page 3

Affidavits of
Rebecca Sooy and
Abraham Oakly

D Dresskill
Authorised
[illegible]
Page 4

The State of Ohio Medina County ss

Before me David Inman one of the Justices of
the Peace in and for said County Personally came
Rebecca Sooy who being duly sworn acording to
Law Deposeth and saith that she is the Daughter
of Free Gift Taylor and aged fifty seven years
And that from her earliest recolection she has always
heard her father Free Gift Taylor reputed to have
been a Revolutionary soldier And that for herself
she has allways believed him to be such And
that she has never heard it disputed by any one
But it has always been believed as far as she knows
by all that were acquainted with him that she has often
heard him tel of his service in the war and of being
in the Battle of Monmouth and other services And
further this deponant says she has often heard his
Brother Edward Taylor who is now dead and who alls
drew a Pension tel about the service of Free Gift
Taylor and that he knew him to have been a Revolutionary
soldier and actually served in the war of
the Revolution

Rebecca Sooy

Subscribed and sworn to at the County above written
before me this sixth day of August A D one thousand
eight hundred and fifty two David Inman
Justice of the peace

And I hereby Certify that Rebecca Sooy has been for
many years well known here and that she is a
woman of unquestionable character for truth and
veracity

David Inman JP

Also Before me David Inman Personally came Abraham
Oakly who being duly sworn according to Law deposeth
and saith that he has for nearly fifty years been
well acquainted with Free Gift Taylor and that he
Page 5

has always been reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolution
And that he concurs in the belief and that he Free Gift
Tay is a man of unquestionable character for truth and
veracity And further this deponant says he was well
acquainted with Edward Taylor his Brother who is
now dead and who drew a pension for service in the
Revolutionary war say that he knew that freegift
Taylor was in the Battle of Monmouth And served
in the war as he has said in his Declaration
And that he has never heard it disputed that he was
a Revolutionary soldier

Abraham Oakly X his mark

Subscribed and sworn to At the County of Medina
before me this sixth day of August AD one thousand
Eight hundred and fifty two

David Inman
Justice of the peace

State of Ohio
Medina County ss }

I John B Young Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas in and for the County &
State aforesaid do hereby certify that
David Inman is a Justice of the Peace
in & for said County duly commissioned
& qualified that his Commission was
dated on the 8th day of November A.D. 1851 and
will expire on the 8 day of November AD 1854,
and that his signature above written
is genuine.

Given under my hand & seal The
4th day of Oct [?] AD 1852

John B Young Clerk
Page 6

Freegift Taylor's
31,581
Pension Papers
---
Act of 7th June 1832
aged 74 years
Served Eleven months
and Two weeks,
as a Private.

Address, John Faulks Esq
Jerome Ville, P.O.
at Jeromeville
Wayne Co. Ohio
---
for 1776 p 8 m 16 da
$28.77/100
Page 7

I Edward Taylor, being duly sworn
depose and say, that I am personally
acquainted with Freegift Taylor
the applicant for a Pension, that
In the year 1776, 1777. 1778 & 1779
and 1780, and 1781, I lived in
Hunterdon County in the State of New Jersey
and that I know he was six or
seven Years Drafted, in the
Militia of Hunterdon County in
the State of New Jersey, that I
know he served at various intervals [?]
as often as six or seven Times During
said Periods or years above speif [specified?]
and that I know he served under
Capt Snook, Capt. Oakem, and
Capt Redding, Capt John Taylor,
and Capt Klung, as he has within
mentioned, and that I resided in
Hunterdon County in New Jersey
and I had a personal knowledge
of the said applicant for the
Periods above specified, and
I often saw him in the Army
and I had a Constant
Page 8

knowledge of the said applicant
and his service, during the years
above specified and I am
Positive from the knowledge &
acquaintance which I had
of the applicant & his service
during his said Tours of Duty
above mentioned that I had
such a personal knowledge of
his said that I know he served
as much as Eleven months and
Two weeks during the years above
specified.

Edward Tay [Taylor]

Sworn to and subscribed
this fourth day of June 1834

James Robison associate Judge

I certify that Edward Taylor
who has sworn to and subscribed the
foregoing Deposition is a credible
Person, and that his statements
are entitled to full faith & Credit,
this fourth day of June 1834.

James Robison
Page 9

Personally appeared Freegift
Taylor a citizen of the County of Wayne
in the State of Ohio aged 74 years -
Before me, who being 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 7th,
1832.

That he entered the service of the United
States, under the following named officers,
for a Period of two months, and
served under Capt. George Oakum,
of Hunterdon Co, Amwell Township,
in the State of New Jersey, and served
from 1st February, of 1777, and served
from the first of Feby. 1777, to the
first of April 1777. and I served,
under Capt. Oakum, and Two of my
mess mates were "George Genae" and
one of the name of "Andrew Higgins,"
and one other whose name I do not
recollect at this time, and the Col
of the Regt. was Col. William Chambers,
that I served said tour of duty as a
Private Soldier.

That this applicant was stationed at
a place called "Wood Bridge"
a small town in East-Jersey, not
for from Brunswick New-Jersey.
Page 10

that this applicant served said
Two months as a Private
Soldier in the New Jersey
Militia, and served said Time
to guard against the Tories and
the refugees who were engaged
as enemies at that Time, and
this Applicant and the Corps
of Militia in which he served
were acting and serving as a
Guard against the British and
the refugees, as they were called,
and this applicant, says the
Lieutenant of the Company in which
he served was of the name of
Lieutenant Fisher, of Hunterdon
Co. New Jersey.

And this applicant further says
that he was again in the service
and was drafted to serve in the County of
Hunterdon, for a Second Term
of Two months, in the State of New Jersey
in the months of May and June
of the year 1778, and served from
the first of May 1778 to the first of
July 1778, and served as a Private
Soldier said Two months, in the
State of New Jersey, in the Militia
of said state.
Page 11

that he and served
Two months, under Capt.
"Charles Redding," of Hunterdon
Co. New Jersey, the Lieutenants name
was Lieut "Este", or Eastee"
in a Regiment, commanded by
Col "Chamberlin," that this Two
months Tour of Duty was served
at a station on the
Delaware River
near Trentown [Trenton], and Camped
near Trenton and Lamberton,
that the soldiers some of them
got into Houses and some Had
nothing but Tents, that This applicant
says the troops, Paraded on the
Commons, or open Fields near
Trenton, where the soldiers laid
that this applicant served this
Second Tour of Duty in Marching
from Hunterdon Co. to said Place
on the Delaware River, a Part of
the Country that was open, and
Plain, that this applicant was
one of a scouting Party, and
Page 12

was shot at, by a party of the
British Draggoons [Dragoons], that the Scouting
Party was attacked by the British
who were Too Strong for them
that the Americans got over a
Fence & then Turned & fired on
the British, that the British received
the Fire of this applicant and
his Comrades Consisting of Two
Companies, that this applicant
says that he did not see them
fall, but he says he verily
Believes they were many killed
or Badly Hurt, in that Skirmish,
that this applicant and his comrades
had a fair Fire on the Enemy,
as the Enemy after the Fire, retreated
as fast as they could Gallop,
and were soon out of sight,
and this applicant was on the
first of July 1778, verbally discharged
from the Service, after the expiration
of his said Two month service
as above specified and
set forth.
Page 13

that said time was served,
as a Private soldier in the
Militia of the State of New Jersey
as above specified,

And this applicant further says
that he was again drafted out,
to serve in the militia of New Jersey
in the County of Hunterdon, and served
a Third Period of one month,
and Two weeks in the year 1778,
that this applicant entered the Service
Under Capt John Taylor
a Brother of this applicant, who
was a Militia Captain, and this
applicant says he was in the
Service for Six weeks as a Drafted
Militia man for said six weeks,
from the first of August 1778
to the 15th of September 1778,
and served as a Private soldier
during the said Six weeks,
under Col Chambers of the
Militia of New Jersey.
Page 14

That this applicant was in the
service and served said Tour of
Duty at Elizabeth Town and
at places on and along the
Delaware River, that During
this Tour of Duty this applicant
met with a Body of the Hessians
and took them Prisoners and
Delivered them up to the
officers at "Head-Quarters"
at a Place called Monmouth
Meeting House, where the army
laid for some time,
and this applicant says that,
he was on the 15th of Sept. 1778
verbally discharged from
the service by Capt John Taylor
a Brother of this applicant,
under whom this applicant,
served the said six weeks
as above specified & set
forth.
Page 15

and this applicant further
says that he was again in the
service as a Drafted Militia man
for one month, under Capt
John Taylor his Brother in the
Militia of Hunterdon Co. New Jersey,
During the month of June 1779,
and served from the first of June 1779,
to 1st July 1779, that this Tour of Duty
was served at a place called
Green Brook in the State of New Jersey
and served under the Command of
Col Luce.

And this applicant further says
that he was again drafted out to
serve in the Militia of Hunterdon
Co. New Jersey for the Period of
Two months and served
under Capt "Philip Snook" and
the Ensigns name was, Moses Stout,
and the Lieutenants name was "George
Sarvey" the Col was "Joseph Chambers"
Page 16

and the Lieutenant Col. name
was "William Chamberlin," and
this applicant says the General
who Commanded was General
Dickerson [Dickinson], that General Dickerson
Rode a very Fine, Brave, Dunn
Colored Horse with a Black list [?]
from his Head to his Tail, that
this Horse, the applicant recollects
this Horse & his Color & the activity
and obedience of this Military,
Horse to Genl Dickerson,
that this Tour of Two months
above mentioned was served
in and about Elizabeth Town
and at "Middle Brook" in the state
of New Jersey, and served
During the months of Octr and
November of 1779.
Page 17

and this applicant further says,
that he was again in the service
as a Drafted militia man for a
Period of Two months, during the
months of May and June 1780,
that this applicant served from the
first of May 1780 to the
first or second of July 1780,
Under Capt "Joseph Klung,"
Under the orders & command of
of Col "William Chamberlin"
that this applicant served
said Two months as a Private
Soldier, and that said Time
or Tour of Duty was served
at Middle Brook where the
army laid for a Part of the
time and a part of said
Time this applicant says he,
was stationed at Green Brook
and was on the first of July
Page 18

in the year 1780, verbally
discharged from the service
By Capt Klung under
whom this applicant served
his said Tour of Duty as above
specified & set forth,
and this applicant further
says that he was again in
the service for a Period of
one month under Capt.
George Taylor in the Year
1781, during the month of June
1781, and served from the
1st of June 1781 to 1st of July
1781, and served as a Private
Soldier, under Col Seeley, and
was During said Time commanded
By Genl Dickerson [Dickinson] of the New Jersey
Troops.
Page 19

and this applicant, further
says, that he was for a part of
the Time above mentioned in
the militia Service under
Genl Heard, and Genl Wines
that no other living witness
can be had or procured to prove
the above services other than
By the annexed Deposition
Herewith Exhibited and attached
that this applicant is now very
Infirm and his memory is very
much impaired By Bodily
Infirmity & Old age & his
consequent loss of memory
has rendered his recollection
so Imperfect that the above
is as Specifick as he is able at
this Time to make, relative to
the length and period of his services.
Page 20

and that during the said
Eleven months and Two weeks
of the above Services, he was
not at any time engaged
in any Civil pursuit but
was wholly devoted to the
service of his country -
as above mentioned & set forth.

"Interrogatories"
1st where & in what year were you
Born?

Anr I was Born in the year 1760
in the County of Hunterdon, in Amwell
Township State of New Jersey, not far
from Corrells [Coryell's] Ferry.

2d. Have you any Record of your age?
An'r I have no Record of my age.
But my Brother has a Record of
my age & from that I know my age.
Page 21

3d, where were you living at the Time
you entered the service, where have
you lived since the Revolutionary war
and where do you now live?
An'r At the Time I Entered the Service
at Each Period, I resided in
the County of Hunterdon in the
State of New Jersey about
three miles and a half
from "Corells [Coryell's] Ferry."
And after the Revolutionary war
I have resided in the County
of Hunterdon in New Jersey,
and in the County of Allegheny
in the State of Pa. and in the
County of Columbiana in the
State of Ohio, and I now live
in the State of Ohio, in the County
of Wayne, of said State of Ohio.
Page 22

4th How were you called into the
Service?
Anr I was at seven times Drafted
out and served as a militia man
for Eleven months and Two weeks
as a private Soldier.

5th state the names of some of the
officers under whom you served
Capt Oakum, Col. Chambers,
Lieut Fisher, also Capt. Charles
Redding Lieut Este, Col Chamberlin
Capt Taylor, Col Chambers,
Capt Snook, Ensign Stout,
Lieut. Sarvey, Col. Joseph Chambers,
Lieut Col.s name William Chamberlin,
Genl Dickerson who rode the
Finest Horse I ever saw,
Capt. Joseph Klung,
Capt. George Taylor,
Page 23

Col. Seeley, Genl Heard, and
Genl Wines,
all of whom were in the Service
with me, that Capt. Taylor
above named was a Brother of
this applicant.

6th did you ever receive a written
discharge from the service,
Ans I did not receive any written
discharge whatever.

7th did you ever receive a
Commission.
Ans. I never did but served
as a Private Soldier for Eleven
months and Two weeks as above
mentioned.

8th State the names of Persons in your
Present neighborhood who can testify
To your character for truth & veracity & their
Belief of your services as a solder of the
Revolutionary War.
Page 24

Ans I will name
John Ericks Esquire, J.G. Bedford
Esq E Taylor. John Wilson Esq
William Adams, Henry Long,
Wm Reed Esqr. J. Smyser, Esqr
and Jacob Harsseter,
John Hull, Jacob  'over

Freegift Taylor

Sworn to and
Subscribed Before me
this fourth day of June 1834,
James Robison Associate Judge

Relinquishment

I the said applicant do Hereby
certify that I do hereby relinquish
Every Claim whatever to a Pension or
annuity except the present, and
I declare that my name is not on
the Pension Roll of the agency of any
State

Freegift Taylor

Sworn and subscribed this
fourth day of June 1834

James Robison Associate Judge
Page 25

and We Mathias Wonder a
Clergyman residing in the
County of Wayne, in the State of Ohio
and J. G. Bedford Esq, of the County
of Wayne in the State of Ohio,
do Hereby Certify that we are
well acquainted with
Freegift Taylor who has
subscribed and sworn to the
above declaration and that
we believe him to be Seventy
four years of age and that
he is Reputed and Believed
in the neighborhood where he
resides to have been a Soldier
of the Revolutionary War
and that we concur in that
opinion

Mathias Wonder
J G Bedford

Sworn to and subscribed
This fourth day of June 1834
E. Ingman Jus Peace
Page 26

and I the said Judge
do Hereby certify that, I declare
my opinion after the
Investigation of the matter and after
the Putting the Interrogatories
prescribed by the war Department,
that it is my opinion
that the said Freegift Taylor
was a Revolutionary Soldier,
and served as he states, and
I do further certify that it
appears to me that Mathias Wonder
who has signed the preceding
Certificate is a Clergyman
residing in the County of Wayne
and State of Ohio, and that J. G.
Bedford who has signed the same is
a credible person and that their
Statement is entitled to
full faith and credit
and that said applicant is unable to attend
a Court of Record By reason of old age
& Bodily infirmity

In testimony whereof I have
subscribed my name & affixed my seal
this fourth day of June 1834.

James Robison
Page 27

State of Ohio
Wayne County ss
I John Sloane Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas of Wayne County Ohio
do hereby certify that James Robison
Esquire before whom certain parts of
the foregoing proceedings were had
and who certifies the same was at the
time thereof and still is an Associate
Judge of said Court duly commissioned and
qualified And that Edward Ingman Esquire before whom
certain other parts were had was then and still is an
acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County
duly commissioned and qualified and that all the official
acts of said Judge and Justice are entitled to full
faith and credit. In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court
at Wooster in said County the 4th day of June AD 1834

J. Sloane
Clerk
Page 28

Spencer July 14th /53

Sir

I would like to know something
more about the case of Free Gift
Taylor to whom a Pension Certificate
was issued allowing 28 77/100 dollars per
Annum You also stated that he
served 8 month and 14 days which
would entitle him to a pension
at the rate of about $33 dollars
I would like to know what you
intend to do in the matter it
very plain you can see by reconing [reckoning]
it your self if 24 month draw 18
per month what would 8 month &
14 days draw. The claimants have had
others figuring on the matter and make
it about the same that I have And
they think, that there is something not
right about it. Now if I am not
Correct and you are right I want you to
inform me for the satisfaction of
others how you recon the pay for his
time of service which you say is
8 months & 14 ds

Yours Respectfully
D Dresskill

L P Wald [Loren P. Waldo?] Com [Commissioner]
Page 29

(13)
Spencer May 30

Sir

Just returned home from
a journey and recovering a little from
a severe Surgery occasioned by Rail
Road accident & reply to your letter
informing me that Free Gift Taylor
served 8 months and 14 days
Sir I wish to inform you that if 24
months would intitle him to full pay,
or 96 dollars pr year that eight months
& 14 day would Entitle him to about
thirty three dollars am a half for
during Eight months would entitle him
32 dolls Allowing him an amount
in proportion to the term of two
yrs

I am your Obt servt
D Dresskell
Page 30

Spencer Feb 9th /53
Mr Heath

Dear Sir

I would be exceeding
happy to hear from my matters at
your office when I see others that have
sent claims since, those of mine and
have had them attended to long since
I am led to believe that my business
there is neglected I hope and expect
that you will immediately attend to
all my matters there the claimants
are pressing me very hard and some
say they will apply again or inform
the Department of their matters
please inform me in refference to
the Pension Claim of Free Gift Taylor
as I think I have made out a good case &
in every respect met the requirements of
the Law and the regulations of the Department
I want to know the decision so that
I may be advised what course to take in
the matter if the claim is not allowed *

[in left margin:]
* D Dreskel - (writer).
Page 31

Spencer Oct 25th 52 [?]
Mr Heath
Dear Sir

When I sent the last papers in the Case of Free Gift
Taylor Claiming a Pension for Revolutionary
service I did not send any word
in regard to Record proof. It was not
until very recently that I ascertained
that there was no such proof to [be]
found on the muster rolls But they
are very imperfect what few remain in
Existence And as no Contemporaries can be
found that we can proove his service by
I have furnished the best proof in the
Case that can be had And I think fully
Complied with the rules of the Department
in that respect

Yours Respectfully
D Dresskill Esqr

Jas E Heath
Page 32

Spencer Oct 11th /52
Mr Heath Sir

I send you some
Affidavits in the case of Free
Gift Taylor Claiming a pension for
Revolutionary services. To obtain postive
proof from contemporaries would be
imposible for me and unjust to
be required of him I think that I
have fully complied with the requisitions of the Law
touching the case. I also sent a Claim for Bounty
land for Elizabeth Davis widow of Fineus
Davis about a year ago have heard nothing
from it the old Lady is very anxious
please inform me soon

Yours in haste
Dresskill

Jas Heath Com
Page 33

Affidavits in case
of Free Gift Taylor
D Dresskill
Atty
Page 34

The State of Ohio Medina County ss

Before me Samuel Sooy A Justice of the
Peace in and for said County and State
of Ohio Personally came the Rev William
Moody of Chatham Township Medina County
who being duly sworn according to Law
deposeth and saith that he is a Clergyman in
good standing in the Disciple Church And
that he has for may years been acquainted with
Free Gift Taylor of Spencer Township Medina
And that he is a man of good moral Character
A member in good standing in the Disciple
Church in Spencer of which he is the Pastor
And that he is of unquestionable character for
truth and veracity And is Generally reputed
and believed in his own neighborhood to have
been a revolutionary Soldier And that he
concurs in that belief

William Moody

Subscribed and sworn to At the County of
Medina before me this ninth day of August
A.D. one thousand Eight hundred and fifty two

Samuel Sooy JP

The State of Ohio Medina County Ss

Before me Samuel Sooy a Justice of the
Peace in and for said County Personally Came
Abel Woods who being duly sworn according
to Law deposeth and saith that he is a
Clergyman of good standing in the Methodist
Episcopal Church in the Township of Spencer
Medina County Ohio. And that he has been
for many acquainted with Free Gift Taylor
of Spencer Township And that he is a man
of unquestionable character for truth and
Page 35

veracity And is generally reputed and believed
the neighbourhood where he resides to have been
a Revolutionary soldier And that he concurs
in that belief

J Abel Wood

Subscribed and sworn to at the County of
Medina before me this ninth day of August
one thousand Eight hundred and fifty
two

Samuel Sooy, JP

And I Samuel Sooy do hereby Certify that
from my personal knowledge of William
Moody and Abel Woods who have signed
the Preceeding Certificates are Credible persons
and their statements are Entitled to Credit
And that they are Clergymen and living
in the places they have stated

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal this ninth day of Aug
AD 1852

Samuel Sooy
Justice of Peace

State of Ohio Medina County ss
Before me Samuel Sooy personally came
Dr Henry Warner [illegible] Spencer
Township Medina County Ohio who being duly
sworn according to Law Deposeth and Saith
that he has for many years been acquainted
with Free Gift Taylor And that he is a
man of good moral Character And is Generally
reputed in the neighbourhood where he lives
to have been a Revolutionary soldier And
that he concurs in the belief And that
Page 36

He is a man of unquestionable character for truth
An varasity [and veracity]

Subscribed and sworn to at the County
of Medina before me this eleventh day of
August A.D. 1852

State of Ohio
Medina County ss
I John B. Young Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas in and for said State &
County do hereby certify that James
Sooey is a Justice of the Peace in & for
said County duly commissioned & qualified
that he commission was dated on the
1rst day of May AD 1851 & will expire
the 1rst day of May AD 1854.
And that his signature above written
is genuine

Given under my hand & seal
this 4 day of Oct AD 1852

John B Young Clerk
Page 37

Trenton June 21, 1852

Sir

Your letter of the 14th was duly received
-- but the letter enclosing five dollars, which you
say was transmitted several months ago I
have no recollection of ever seeing. This
will account for the nonreceipt of a reply,
which, as you state occasioned so much
Surprise to yourself and client.

I have made search, however, for
the name of Free Gift Taylor, upon the revolutionary
records in this office, but do not find
it.

Respectfully
Thos J. Allison
Sec. of State

D Dresskell Esq
Page 38

Brief in the case of Freegift Taylor
Medina County and State of Ohio,
act June 7, 1832.
===
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

In this case a certificate was issued
the 3d of July 1834, but withheld
from applicant in consequence of certain
information received at this office. But
a reconsideration the feats in the case,
and especially the continuance of the name of
Edward Taylor on the Roll, Freegift's
witness, and for whom he, Freegift, also
testified, induced the Commissioner to
direct a new certificate to be issued.
---
See case of Edward Taylor, Ohio
(Pittsburg,) Agency No 26, 457.

Name and residence of Agent
D. Dressler,
Spencer, Ohio

Examining Clerk.
Ogden Niles
Page 39

No. 38.299

Pension Claim
Freegift Taylor

Dennis Dreskell
Authorised Aty
Page 40

(5)
State of Ohio
Medina County ss }
On this 13th day of August AD 1851
Personally appeared before me Charles Castle One
of the associate judges in and for said County of
Medina and State of Ohio, Free Gift Taylor a
resident of Spencer Township in said County of
Medina and State of Ohio Aged Ninety One
(91) years, Who being first duly sworn according
to Law doth On his Oath make the only
Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of
the act of Congress passed June 7 1832

That he Entered the service of the United States
as a drafted soldier under the following named
officers But 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 in the
following grades. That he Entered the service of the
United States as before said, some time in the fall
of 1778 as a drafted soldier under the command of
Captain George Oakum. That of the Officers under
whom he served was a General Dickinson, Colonel
Seeley, And Major David Chambers, that he served
out the time for which he was first drafted. And,
Page 41

was again drafted and served out the full term
for which he was the second time drafted. Under
the same Officers as before mentioned Except
Captain Oakum, the Captain under whom he
served during the term of the second draft was
Captain Redding. During those two terms
of service he served not less than nine months

That his first service was as Guard at Woodbury
in "East Jersey" he served there not less than two
months- From thence he went to Trenton, Where he
remained something like two months. Then
went under the command of Captain Charles
Redding to Monmouth, was in the Battle at
Monmouth. That he served first under Captain
Oakum not less than four months and
that He served not less than five months
under Captain Redding, that subsequently he
Volunteered under the command of Captain
Oakum, for such a term of time as his services
were Wanted. He started under command of
Captain Oakum, to go to Germantown Pa. but
before they arrived the Battle was Over and
they then marched to Pittstown to Guard the
Stores Baggage Wagons &c. From thence he marched
under Command of Captain Cornelius Johnson, into
Morris County after some "Tories," who would neither
Fight nor pay the fine" that he was in various
other service Guarding the frontier against the
Hessians and Tories, That during said service he
Page 42

was taken sick, and remained sick for a long
time, that during said sickness his Father came for
him and took him Home. That on account
of his disability by reason of said sickness he
was discharged from further service. He did not
receive a written discharge. His discharge
was from Captain Oakum. He was born in
1761 in Amwell Township Hunterdon
County in the State of New Jersey and living there when he
was called into said service. That he has no
documentary Evidence. And that he knows of no
person whose testimony he can procure who can
testify as to his service.

He states the names of Samuel Sooy, Jacob
Hanes, Charles Dougherty and James Inman
as persons residing in his neighborhood and
with whom he is acquainted.

That the whole time he served in said service
including the time he served under said drafts
also the time of service as Volunteer was not less
than 12 or 15 months, beside the time he was sick
for which service he claims a pension,

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever
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

Free Gift Taylor X his mark
Witness Dennis Dreskell

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 13th day of
August AD 1851
Charles Castle Associate Judge
Page 43

[This page is faint and some text is conjectural.]
I hereby certify that the within named
Free Gift Taylor is not only aged but so infirm
as to render it entirely inexpedient and impracticable
for him to appear in Open Court Whilst in session

Charles Castle Associate Judge
Spencer August 13th
AD 1851

[State of Ohio]
Medina County ss }
I Herman Canfield Clerk [of the Court?]
of Common Pleas of the county & state
aforesaid do hereby certify that Charles
Castle is an associate Judge of the Court
of Common Pleas of said county, duly
Commissioned & qualified that his
commission was dated on the 20th day of December [?]
1845, and will expire on the 20th day of December 1852
and that his signature above written is genuine.
Given under my hand and seal of said County this 15th
day of August AD 1851.

Herman Canfield Clerk
Page 44

State of Ohio
Medina County } ss
We Samuel Sooy and Jacob Hanes residing
in the Township of Spencer County of Medina
and State of Ohio hereby certify that for many
years we have been well acquainted with
Free Gift Taylor, who has subscribed and sworn
to the above Declaration, that we believe him
to be ninety one years of age, that his is
reputed and believed in the neighborhood
where he resides to have been a soldier of the
Revolution And that we concur in that
Opinion

Samuel Sooy
Jacob Hanes X his mark

Subscribed and sworn to before me this
13th day of August AD 1851
Charles Castle Associate Judge

And I Charles Castle Associate Judge
as aforesaid, do declare my 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 I further certify from my own
personal knowledge of Samuel Sooy and
Page 45

Jacob Hanes that they are residents of
the Township of Spencer County and
State aforesaid and that they are
Credible Persons and that their
statement is Entitled to Credit

Charles Castle Associate Judge
Spencer August 13th
AD 1851

The State of Ohio
Medina County ss } I Herman Canfield Clerk of the
Court of Common Pleas of the
County and State aforesaid do hereby
certify that Charles Castle is an Associate
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
of said County duly commissioned and
qualified that his commission
dated on the 20th day of December A.D. 1843 and will expire
on the 20th day of December A.D. 1852, and that
his signature above written is genuine.

Given under my hand and and seal of said County this 15th
day of August AD 1851.

Herman Canfield Clerk
Page 46

Trenton Jan 2 1851

Sir

Your letter of 24th ult. is received.
The records of Revolutionary Service in this State,
are extremely defective, although all that are
preserved are here. The pay for services
performed in this office, is derived exclusively
from fees, and there is an imperative rule
established, to require payment in advance.
Upon the receipt of five dollars from you,
search will be made through all the records
in the office, and certificate made out, in the
Case of Free Gift Taylor, whom, you say
was a revolutionary soldier

with much respect
Your obedient Servant
Thr'o S. Allison
Secretary of State

Dennis Dreskill Esq.
Page 47

free
J. L. Edwards Esq'r
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

[written vertically]
O
Mar 13
Page 48

(3)
[obscured] March 6- 1835
J. L. Edwards Esq

Sir, I made application last summer
for a pension for revolutionary services.
Mr. Bedford attended to the preparatory
business & either by him or -- Folks
the papers as I understand were sent to
the department, as both these men here
left this County I am unable to learn
what has been done in my case,
and am under the necessity of asking for
information for Washington. I think
my claim must have been allowed.
Will you do me the favor to write
me, and let me know how the business
stands, and you will much oblige.

Yours Respectfully
Freegift Taylor

From Freegift Taylor
Page 49

Payments to be made
at Pittsburgh, Pa
by [illegible]
Agent for paying Pensioners,
in the Agency of

Recorded in the Pension Office,
in Book C Vol. 8,
Page 179 by
P. T. Sprague Clerk
Page 50

(N)
WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United
States of the 7th June, 1832, Freegift Taylor
of the State of   Ohio
who was a Private during the Revolutionary War
is entitled to receive Twenty eight dollars and
Seventy Seven cents per annum, during his natural life,
commencing on the 4th of March, 1841, and payable
semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in
every year.

Given at the War Office of the United 
States, this 23d day of
July, one thousand eight
hundred and thirty- four

John Smyth
Acting Secretary of War.

Examined and
Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

[Overwritten vertically:]
Cancelled and new Certificate
issued this 16th day of April 1853
L P Waldo Com'r
Page 51

[This page is very faint, many uncertainties in transcription]
(10)
Spencer Aprl 23rd/53 [?]

I have just received a certificate
from the Secretary of [illegible]
which says that Free Gift Taylor
is Entitled to receive Twenty Eight
dollars and seventy seven Cts semi-annually
from the 4th of March 1831
during life. I cannot see how you
have reconed [reckoned] the time of service
It strikes me evidently that you have
made a mistake. It should be at
least forty eight. I think he proved
some fifteen months service & was
discharged on account of sickness which
would entitle him to sick pay, But if
he should not be [illegible] any thing for
sickness he would be entitled to some
sixty dollars. I think it would be nothing
more than [illegible] to allow him half pay
at least which would be forty eight per
annum I wish to be informed if he
is entitled to interest on the [illegible]
payments hope you will look at the
Matter again if mistake, correct same

Yours Respectfully
D Dresskell

S. D Waldo
Commissioner
Page 52

(15)
Spencer Apr [illegible]

Sir

Yours of 13th [?] March was [illegible]
But I have deferred answering until the
present on account of other matters [?]
[illegible] me to [illegible]

The service of Free Gift Taylor
I had supposed the Case to have been
fully made out acording to the
regulations as the department furnished one
on Mr. Heatts [Heath's?] I believe that according
to that no presumption exists against
militia Cases on account of the existence
of muster rolls. And I know of no case
that it has been required except his
His Brother Younger than him obtained
his Pension without any such proof
And was in the same service And
I believe under the same officers
(in part at least) But in case a
Presumption should arise in this
case on account of his name not
being found on the Revolutionary
records at Trenton It would be
very unfair to withhold his claim
on that account or to require proof
from contemporaries which would
be imposible I think in his case
Enclosed I send you the statements of
the secretary of State of New Jersey
in regard the Revolutionary records of that state
And from that you will see they
are so defective that no reliance
can be placed upon them And in
Page 53

are little better than no Record [at all]
And I do not feel willing to abandon his
case on any such grounds And feel
satisfied when you come to look into
the case you will be of the same opinion
I feel in the case that I have fully
met the claims of the Law and can
immagine no possible reason why the
claim should not be allowed If any
thing further by way of tradition[ary] Evidence
would benefit him abundance of it can
be furnished on the Affidavit of the
Secretary of State of New Jersey in regard
to the muster rolls But doutless as the
intention of the Law is to allow Evy reasonable
Claim I think enough has been furnish to fully
establish the fact of his service And by
[illegible] you in allowing his Claim You will
please inform me at your Earliest Convenience
if the proof is not sufficient And [illegible]
what is required in the case

Yours truly
D Dresskill

PS
I wish you would look up the case of
Elisabeth Davis widow of Fineus Davis Claming
bounty land for services in the war of
1812 It has been there over two years &
I have never heard from it yet if
it is not to be found we must send
another Affidavit

Direct to Spencer
Medina Co Ohio
Page 54

Cleveland (Ohio) Agency
(19)
Freegift Taylor, who
was a private New Jersey
Militia -
Ad Act June 7, 1832
8 mo 14 days private
$28.77 ascts per
Ann. Com. March 8, 1831
---
To
Claimant
Con of D Dreskell
Spencer,
Ohio.
Page 55

(20)
Augt 27 1851
Decl. of Free Gift Taylor
Inplete [?]
Original
Dennis Dreskell
Wooster
Ohio

[Written downward, page torn off]
Official Busin[ess]
James E H[eath]
Commissioner of P[ensions]
Washington
D.C.
Page 56

(21)
No 38.299
Freegift Taylor
Ohio
Act June 7, '32
---
Letter to Dennis Dreskell
Nov'r 12, 1851
To same, Feb. 20th 1852
Same March 31 1853
Page 57

Feb. 14. 1853
Rel; to case of
"Freegift Taylor"

D. Dreskell,
Spencer,
(State not mentioned)

[Written downward]
Pension Office
Official Business
P. E. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D C
Page 58

[Left side]
(18)
33.117
Ohio, Cleveland
Freegift Taylor
in the State of Ohio
who was a private in the -- commanded
[by] Captain -- of the -- commanded
[by] -- in the New Jersey
Militia Revo War
8 mo 14 days
===
[Inscribed] on the Roll of Cleveland
[at the r]ate of 28 Dollars 77 Cents per
[annum,] to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
===
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of
April 1853 and sent
Pensioner
===
Arrears to the 4th of
Semiannl. allowance ending
Con D. Dreskell
Spencer
Ohio
{ Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832. }
[Record]ed by Weightman Clerk,
[Book] 2 Vol. 8 Page 57

[Right side]
Let to D. Dreskell 5 May 53
Same 23 July "
Page 59

P 16267
INVALID
File No. 16.267
Freegift Taylor
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7" 32
Index:-- Vol. 1, Page 445
[Arrangement of 1870.]