Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,673, David Dunnells, Mass
Page 1

SERVICE  
Mass
Dunnells, David or
Dunnels, Avis
NUMBER
W. 15.673
Page 2

1401
Massachusetts
Avis Dunnells
widow of David Dunnells
who served in the Revolutionary
war, Mass, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars ___Cents 
per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
23 day of August 1848
and sent to R. C. Brown
Cheshire Mass
[illegible] Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page   41 Vol. 2

Reported
Page 3

THE
NEW TESTAMENT
OF OUR
LORD AND SAVIOR
JESUS CHRIST,
TRANSLATED
OUT OF THE ORIGINAL GREEK
AND
Page 4

David Dunnals and Avis Read were Married July 17th 1785 - - - - 1785
Betsy Dunnals born May 20th - - - - - - - - - - 1786
David Dunnals Born June 19th - - - - - - - 1788
David Dunnals Died November 23rd in his 30th year of his age - - - 1792
Willmarth Dunnals Born January 17th - - - - - - 1793
David Dunnals Died April 14th - - - - - - - - 1814
Willmarth Dunnals Died September 17th 1819 in 26th year of his age - - - 1819
Betsey White died January 6th 1837 in the 51st year of her age
Page 5

This Bureau can furnish the military
record of only such Revolutionary soldiers
as were pensioned or whose widows were 
pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay
rolls of the Revolutionary War and the
War of 1812 as are now in the possession
of the Government are on file in the 
Record and Pension Office, War Department.
Original rolls and other records
pertaining to service in the Revolutionary
War may also be found on file in the
archives of many of the original States.

L. W. B.
W. 15673
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON, d. c.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.

July 14th, 1899
Madam:-
In response to your recent communication you are advised that
Avis, widow of David Dunnells, made an application for pension on 
October 10th, 1838, at which time she was 73 years of age and residing
at Cheshire, Mass., and her pension was allowed for the actual service
of her husband as a private in the Mass. troops, Revolutionary war, for 
a period of two years.  He enlisted at Attleboro, Mass.  Officers
under whom he served not stated.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mrs. A. M. Cain,
92 Beacon Avenue,
Holyoke, Mass.
Page 6

V 4986
Avis Dunnells
wife of David
Mass.
Act July 1838
Chs [Charles] Sedgewick
Lenox
Mass.
Page 7

State of Massachusetts 
Berkshire County} ss
On this tenth day of October, in the year; one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight,
personally appeared before the Court of Probate held at Adams within and for the
County of Berkshire, Avis Dunnells aged seventy three years who being first
dully sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration,
in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made the Act of Congress, passed
July 7, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows:" That
she is the widow of David Dunnells, who was a soldier for three years, and waiter to an 
officer of the sixth Massachusetts Regiment of Militia.
She further declare, that 
she was married to the said David Dunnells, on the Seventeenth day of
July in the year, Seventeen hundred and Eighty five; that her husband, the
aforesaid David Dunnells, died on the twenty third day of November, 
Seventeen hundred and ninety two; that she was not married to him prior
to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the
first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz: at the time above
stated.                       
Avis Dunnells
Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year above written,
before me                 
William P Walker Judge of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire p.  I Henry M Bishop, Register of
the Court of Probate within and for the said 
County of Berkshire do certify that the 
foregoing contains the original proceedings
of said Court on the matter of the
application of Avis Dunnells for a pension
that the Hon. William P Walker is the Judge
of said Court and that his signature annexed
is his genuine signature__________
In testimony whereof I have hereto
set my hand & the seal of said
Court this tenth day of October
Page 8

in the year of our Lord on thousand
eight hundred and thirty eight.
Henry W. Bishop, Register of Probate
Page 9

I Avis Dunnells of Cheshire in the County of Berkshire
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and widow of
David Dunnells mentioned in my declaration aforesaid do testify
and say that the paper hereto annexed is the Family
Record of the said David Dunnells, and that the same
has always been kept in my possession.
Cheshire Nov. 23rd, 1838.                Avis Dunnells
Berkshire ss. Cheshire November 23rd, 1838.
Then personally
appeared the above named Avis Dunnells and made oath that
the above affidavit by her signed, is true.
Before me, T. O Sayles Justice of the Peace.
Page 10

Rev WISOW, &tc.
File No.  15673
Avis Dunnells
widow of
David Dunnells
Pri Rev War
Act: Feb 29 48
Index: - V A, Page 200
{Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 11

June 14 '99
Mrs. A McCain
Holyoke, Massachusetts
Dec 27 '99
To above (account
return papers).

Febr 3, 1900
Mrs. A McCain
Holyoke Mass
Can't furnish copies
Page 12

4986 V Mass
Avis Dunnells, wid
of David, act 1838
Get to Sedgwick
6 July 1839 
Hon G. N Briggs 12 Dec '40
Page 13

[illegible]
Page 14

please 
to [illegible] this 
one
[illegible] records
Page 15

These certifie [certify] that David Dunnells and Avis Reed
Both of Adams are joined together in Marriage 
Adams July 17 1785 
Peter Wenden
Page 16

5016
Massachusetts
Avis Dunnells
widow of David Dunnells
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars --- Cents
per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 
26th day of Feby 1844
E R Colt
Pittsfield
Mass
{Act of March 3, 1843.
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1, Page 266

[illegible]
Page 17

Massachusetts
5998
Avis Dunnells,
widow of David Dunnells,
decd. [deceased]
who was a pensioner under the Act of -----------and who died on the 23rd November 1792
of Berkshire in the State of Mass.
who was a private in the compy commanded
by Captain ___ of the 6 regt commanded
by Col. ___ in the Mass.
line for 2 years. 
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass.
at the rate of 80 Dollars ------- -Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of January
1841, [illegible] Hon. G. N Briggs
House of Representatives 
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1841 $ 400.00
Act July 7, 1838.
Recorded by D McCurdy, Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 1. Page 83
Page 18

[illegible] act '43 to N. O Sayles
Jan. 26, 1844
Page 19

David Dunnells
Discharge
Page 20

By his Excellency George Washington, Esq.
General and Commander in Chief of the Forces
of the United States of America.
These certify that the bearer hereof David
Dunnells, Soldier in the late 6th Massachusetts
Regiment being waiter to an officer who retires
on furlough, and by an arrangement with the
Secretary at War for that purpose, he is hereby
discharged from the service of the American
Army.
Given at Head Quarters this
22 day of June 1783.
G Washington
By His Excellency Command}    
D Humphrys Aide de Camp
Registered in the books of the Regiment
A Tuppie Adjutant

I certify that the above named David Dunnells
as Soldier for three years is waiter to an officer.
Page 21

Saml [Samuel] Jenks
affidavit.
Page 22

I Samuel Jenks of Mass, in the County of Berkshire
and Commonweath of Massachusetts, do depose and
say that, I have been acquainted with Avis Dunnells, Widow
of David Dunnells who it was said was a soldier in the War
of the Revolution, for nearly forty years, and was partially
acquainted with the said David Dunnells, and verily believe
that the said Avis has, from the death of the said David
to the present time, remained unmarried, I am now
seventy five years of age, and have resided within three or four
miles of the said Avis for about forty years.
Adams February 23, 1839.  Samuel Jenks
Berkshire ss Adams Feby 25th, 1839
Then personally appeared
the above name Samuel Jenks and made oath that
the above affidavit by him signed is true.
Before me F. O. Sayles
Justice of the Peace
Page 23

I Alden Werden of Cheshire in the County of Berkshire and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age do testify
and say that Elder Peter Werden of said Cheshire, [illegible]
[illegible] and father; that I was acquainted with his handwriting;
that the signature which appears upon the annexed
certificate, I believe to be the genuine signature of the said
Peter Werden.
Adams Nov. 22d 1838
Alden Werden

Berkshire Ss. Adams November 22d 1838
Then personally
appeared the above named Alden Werden and made oath
the foregoing affidavit  by him signed in [illegible]
Before me F.O. Sayles Justice of the Peace.
Page 24

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Berkshire, ss.
I Charles Sedgwick, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for
the County of Berkshire, do certify, that Franklin O Sayles
Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereunto annexed, was, 
at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the peace, within and for said County,
duly commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that
full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that 
capacity; and that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Sayles
and believe his signature to said certificate is
genuine.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the 
seal of the Court of Common Places
for said Commonwealth, this twenty fourth day of 
November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and thirty eight
Chs Sedgwick CLERK
Page 25

Hon G. N. Briggs
[illegible]
Page 26

I Avis Dunnells of Cheshire, in the County of Berkshire and 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, widow of David Dunnells deceased,
who served in the War of the Revolution, do depose and say, that the said
David Dunnells enlisted as a soldier or to serve in said War, where he
resided in the town of Marlborough in the County of Bristol, Mass,
as I believe.  I cannot now state the time when he enlisted, I
further state that I have never been married since the decease
of my said husband, David Dunnells.
Avis Dunnells
Adams January 12th 1841.

Berkshire Mass, Jany. 12th 1841
There personally appeared,
the above named Avis Dunnells and made oath that the foregoing affidavit, by her subscribed is true, 
Before me, T. O Tayler, Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County ss. I Henry W Bishop Register
of the Court of Probate within and for said
County, do certify that Franklin O Sayles before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken was
at the time of the taking thereof one of the
Justices of the Peace within and for said 
County of Berkshire duly commissioned
and qualified and that the signature subjoined
to the foregoing certificate of the oath 
administered purporting to be his is his genuine
signature. In witness when of I have
hereunto set my hand and the seal
of said Court this thirteenth day 
of January in the year eighteen
hundred forty one.
Henry W Bishop Reg Probate
Page 27

Declaration.  In order to obtain the
benefits of an Act of Congress of the 3rd March
1843, granting pensions for one year to certain
widows who have received pensions under this
act of July 7, 1838
State of Massachusetts
County of Berkshire} ss
On this twenty ninth day of January, 1844
appeared before me Ezekiel R Colt, a Justice 
of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid
Avis Dunnells, a resident of Cheshire in said
County of Berkshire, aged seventy eight 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 on the 3rd March
1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who 
served during the revolutionary War.  That she is
the widow of David Dunnells, late of Cambridge in the 
State of New York, decd, who was a private in the Revolutionary
army, that she is unable to state the Regiment 
or corps in which he served or the officers under 
whom he served.  She further declares 
that she is still a widow, and that the
amount of pension which she received annually
under the act of July 7, 1838 was eighty dollars.
Sworn and subscribed on the day}
and year above written, before me}  Avis Dunnells
Ezekiel R Colt, Justice of the Peace Allen Tucker 
Berkshire Mass. Jan ? 29, 1844 there personally appeared before 
me, Allen Tucker of Pittsfield in said County, and made
oath in the form of Law that he is personally acquainted
with Avis Dunnels, who made & subscribed the foregoing
declaration and that he knows her to be the individual
subscribed in this declaration, which is to me satisfactory evidence
of those facts.
Ezekial R Colt Justice of the Peace
Page 28

State of Massachusetts
Berkshire County } ss
I Charles Sedgwick clerk of the Supreme Judicial
Court of the state aforesaid for the county of Berkshire
do hereby certify that Ezekial R Colt, Esq.
Justice of the peace in and for said County of
Berkshire, duly commissioned and qualified; and
that his commission was dated on the thirteenth
day of December 1839, and will expire on the
thirteenth day of December 1846, and that his
signatures within written are genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of this
said court this 30th day of January 1844
Charles Sedwick Clerk

5341
Page 29

Admitted
R. C. Brown
Cheshire
Mass
Page 30

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled,  "An act
making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution."

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,} ss
Berkshire COUNTY, 
On this twenty eighth day of July 1848, personally appeared
before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, and for the county aforesaid,
Avis Dunnells
a resident of Chesire in the county of Berkshire aforesaid
aged eighty three 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 on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to
widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war.  That she is the widow of
David Dunnells who was a resident of Cambridge
in the State of New York and who was a Private
in the War of the Revolution
and is the identical person who drew a pension
under the Act of 17 June, 1844, on account of the Revolutionary service of her late husband
aforesaid, at the rate of eighty dollars and     cents per annum.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Avis Dunnells
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written,} Before me,
In presence of 
J. C. Wolcott                                   J. C. Wolcott     Justice of the Peace
A. A. White
I Certify, That the declarant is personally known to me, a widow and a pensioner,
as she declares.                             J. C. Wolcott,     Justice of the Peace

COMMONWEARLTH OF MASSACHUSETTS } ss.
Berkshire COUNTY,
I Charles Sedgwick Clerk of the Supreme Judicial
Court, of the County and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that the aforesaid
John C. Wolcott, is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly
commissioned and qualified; and that his signature, above written, is genuine.

Given under my hand, and the Seal of said Court, this first
day of August 1848
Charles Sedgwick Clerk
Page 31

James L. Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 32

Chester Mas
[illegible]
Mr Cole
Page 33

Cheshire Massachusetts
Berkshire Co. Aug 3rd 1848
[illegible] Edwards.
Enclosed are two documents
which are supposed to be sufficient
under a recent law of Congress
to secure the continuation of the pensions
to the persons therein named, [illegible]
certificates as may be required to obtain
the pensions.  If anything further
is required I will thank you to write
me, if all is right the certificates may
be forwarded to me or to the pensioner.
R. C. Brown
Page 34

Jan21, 1841
Mass.
[illegible]
Avis Dunnells

J L Edwards, Esq
Comps of Pension
Private

Hon G. N. Briggs
[illegible]
Page 35

19 Jany 41
Hi
Enclosed is the further
declaration of Mrs Dunnells
Yours
G N Briggs
Page 36

4986
Avis Dunnells
Wid of David
Mass
Act July 1838
Married 1785
died 1792
Allow $80 per anm [annum]
2 yrs Mass. line
[illegible]
Co. See map [illegible] Vol
34 enlistd Apl 1781
[illegible] 1783
Page 37

[stamp - PITTS FIELD
Mass.
Nov 18]
Nov. 1843   4890 S
Avis Daniels
Oct 1843
Mass.


FREE
Page 38

[This document is nearly all illegible as it is so light.  Perhaps it can be enhanced so it can be read]
Page 39

5341 Feb 7, 1844
[stamp Pitts Field Mass. Feb 3]
[illegible] Mass
Avis Dunnels
3 March 1843
$80 per an [annum]
FREE
J. L Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions.
Washington City
E. R. Colt
Pittsfield Mass.
Page 40

Pittsfield, Ms. Feb. 3, 1844
Sir,
I enclose the Declaration of
Avis Dunnels to obtain a pension
under the law of 3 March 1843, for
one year; she having been a pensioner 
under the law of July 7,1838.
If on examination the declaration
shall be found correct, please
forward the certificate to me.
Respectfully
Your Obt Serv
Ezekiel R Colt
Page 41

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.

Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.

O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY

L. W. B.
W. 15673.

DEPARTMENT OF TH EINTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
December 27th, 1899.

Madam: -

In response to your recent communication, wherein you request the discharge papers of [underlined "David Dunnells,"] a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and concerning when you were furnished information under date of July 14th, 1899, you are advised that the said papers form an important part of the records of this Bureau and cannot be taken from the case.

Very respectfully,

Commissioner,

Mrs. A. M. Cain,
92 Beacon Avenue,
Holyoke, Mass.
Page 42

[circle - ink stamp at top of page, inside the stamp are the words "PENSION" below that a symbol, below that "OCT" below that "14" below that "1899" below that "OFFICE." on the outside of the date on the left "U." on the right "S."]

Holyoke, Mass.
Oct. 12-1899

Mr. H Clay Evans
Commissioner of Pensions. 

Dear Sir:- Some time ago, I wrote you in regard to the [underlined "discharge papers"] of David Dunnels, a Revolutionary soldier. Is it possible for me to procure them? What would be necessary for me to do in order to get them? When Avis Dunnels, his widow applied for a pension they were sent there and
Page 43

[circle ink stamp on top right of page. inside the circle are the words "PENSION" below that "H" below that "OCT" below that "14" below that "1899" below that "OFFICE" on the left side of the date "U." on the right side "S."]

never returned:
Very respectfully

Mrs. A M Cain
92 Beacon Ave
Holyoke
Mass
Page 44

[a mark on top right of page, looks like an "8" or a "J"]

Holyoke, Mass.
April 28-1899

Mr. H. Clay Evans - Commissioner 
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

Dear sir: Will you please inform me as fully as possible of David Dunnells a Revolutionary soldier - His wife, Avis Reed Dunnells received a pension for his service - When her pension was applied for, his discharge was sent to Washington and was never
Page 45

returned. I am very desirous to have it. So it possible for me to get it and how could it be obtained? It would be of value to me as I am his great granddaughter.

Avis Rud Dunnells died July 24-1852.

Very respectfully
(Mrs) A. Mm Cain
#92 Beacon Ave
Holyoke
Mass.

[a circle ink stamp is next to the address. inside the stamp are the words "PENSION" below that "H" below that "MAY" below that "2" below that "1899" below that "OFFICE." to the left of the date a very faint lower left of a "U" can be seen, and to the right of the date "S."]
Page 46

Holyoke, Mass.
June 26-1899-

H. Clay Evans, Esq.
Commissioner
Bureau of Pensions-

Sometime ago I wrote for information concerning a David Dunnells who served in the Revolutionary War. His wife Avis Dunnells drew a pension until her death in July 1852. When she applied for a pension his discharge papers were sent to Washington and never returned to her.

I desire information
Page 47

of him sufficient to join the Daughters of the Revolution - and all obtainable for my family interests - If it were possible, I should like to secure his discharge papers. If there is anything there in regard to him will you write me, if not, will you also advise?

very respectfully
(Mrs) A. M. Cain
92 Beacon Ave
Holyoke
Mass.

[to the left of the address, a circle ink stamp reads "U.S. Pension Office H" "JUN 27 1899"]