Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23207, Josiah Dunning, Conn. New York Vt.
Page 1

(8-1776)

SERVICE
Conn.
New York
Vt.

Dunning, Josiah

NUMBER
S.23207 [what appears to be a small checkmark]

CONTENTS
Page 2

New York.
2.4.828
24.826
Josiah Dunning
Wayne w in the State of New York
who was a Sgt. &Priv. in the Compt. command
Captain Noble of the Regt. command
Col. Anrold in the MN ma
[beginning of word cut off]ne for 4 mo. Sergeant -$20
6 mo. 18 days Priv. 21.66

Inscribed on the Roll of New York
[beginning of word cut off]t the rate of 41 Dollars 66 Cents per annu[end of word cut off]
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.

Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of March 1834 and sent to Cephas Dunning.
Williamson Wayne co. QF.

Arreats to the 4th of March: '34 $ 124.98
Semi-anl. Allowance ending 4 Sept: '34 20.83
$145.81

{Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by Ele Brown Clerk
Book E.  Vol. 4 Page 96
Page 3

NOTE: left side of document has been folded. Writing on the visibly folded side may or may not be part of the page being transcribed.

A Wright Aug. 18
do. to Pay. 10 Nov
owes to pay Dec. 29, 1836
4Feby 13 8 W Dunning that
must the object of the enquiry & 
eine to be made of the information
& July 25 S.W. Dunning with military
*91 other history for family record
Oct 16 S.W. Dunning  his to prece
Page 4

State of New York
Wayne County SS

On this fourth day of October 1833 before me Russell Whipple one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas in and for the County of Wayne aforesaid personally appeared Josiah Dunning a resident of the town of Williamson in said County Aged Seventy eight years the 7th day of October 1833 Who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his Oath Make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 1832. That he volunteered into the Army of the United States under the following named Officers and served as follows That some time in the month of April 1775 he resided in the town of Pownal Bennington County and State of Vermont and assisted to organize a volunteer company to enter the service of the United States We proceeded to choose Samuel Wright Captain William Wheeler Lieutenant and Daniel Welch Ensign. That on or about the fifteenth day April aforesaid they marched for Ticonderoga fort he with some of the company went by the way White Hall (the head of Lake Champlain) there he fell in with Benedict Arnold who held the command of a Colonel and a ray of troops under him and Joined him and sailed for Ticonderoga with him and under his command they arrived at the fort the morning after the garison had surrendered to Col Ethan Allen. He here distinctly recollects a dispute that arose between Cols '' Arnold and Allen which should take the command. Arnold claimed it by virtue of his commission from the Continental Congress. And Allen by having taken the fo  rt with volunteers under his command. They however settled their disputes for this time by the resolute interference of a private soldier by the name of Edward Richards who stept between them after Arnold had drawn his sword and his men cocked their guns and Allen had cocked his gun and presented the bayonet to Arnold with his men ready presented to fire upon Arnolds party, in this situation Richards commanded them to put up their arms and called upon the men of both sides to assist in arresting them both if they did not immediatily desist they then stipulated a deal after the war was over and Arnold he thinks took the command. After some days they proceeded down the Lake to St. Johns with Steen's Schooner and battesux and there took a vessel belonging to the British and brot [brought] it home to crownpoint
Page 5

They were engaged on the Lake and at the fort until about the first of September of that year when he with the remainder of his company were dismissed without any written discharge. In this campaign he served as a private soldier four and a half months.

The following year 1776 on or about the first of April he again entered the Service of the United States in Albany under Captain John Humm as waiters for him and served in the capacity until after Christmas and then went home he thinks he got home New Years Day. Capt John Hunn a part of that year was in the Quarter Masters department and during that time he was engaged in various duties he was dispatched with expresses to Fort George at the head of Lake George White hall Still Water or during this season there was no fighting in any part of the Country where he was engaged and does not recollect of hearing arms to any amount during the season. He served in this capacity from the first of April until the First of Jany a period of nin months and was dismissed without any written discharge that he recollects

The following year 1777 he was engaged early in the spring about two months in the town of Sunderland in Bennington County Vermont guarding some public stores as a private soldier under the command of Saml Robinson of Bennington he then returned home and in a few days about the first of July the whole company to which he belonged was called out he was the orderly Sergeant of the Company and warned the men being a company of Militia of the town of Pownal in Bennington County Vt. Commanded by Capt. Elli Nobles the Lieutenants he does not distinctly recollect any but Daniel Welch as this Militia was poorly organized at that time. They forthwith marched to Bennington and made headquarters they were upon scouting duties and guarding public stores attending to the tories until what in denominated the Burlington Battle ensued on the 11 day of August on which day he was detached with a Sergeants guard upon a scout to reconnoiter the Enemy and ascertain their position and the situation of the reinforcements which were known to be several miles in rear of their advance force under Colonel Baum of the British army - he did not arrive on the field of battle until after Baum had surrendered and about the same time the British reinforcement arrived a formed a line of Battle and immediately within about one mile of the battle ground were me by the Americans upon which they forewith retreated and were not followed far by the Americans
Page 6

After disposing of the wounded and prisoners and making some preparations the Company under the command of Colonel Saml Robinson proceeded into the State of New York and crossed the North River at Still Water. We encountered a few Indians near Tulls Mills who suddenly fired upon our men and killed two men who were at the time some little distance from the main body baking. We were then ordered to Fort Edward and kept the Garrison until near the time Burgoin Surrendered where we participated in the capturing of his Army. We soon after returned to Bennington and were dismissed on or about the first of November of that year without any written discharge that he recollects During this year he served two months as a private soldier and four months as Orderly Sergeant. The different times as specified above that he served as a soldier he was engaged in no civil pursuit. This declarant further saith that he is now near three hundred miles from the residence of his associates in the Revolution and he knows of no one but the witness herewith transmitted to prove his services, as a soldier of the revolution.  He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present and he declared that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state. This declarant further saith that in consequence of a fit of the palsey and old age he is wholly unable to appear in open Court. 
Josiah Dunning
Questions & Answer by the Judge 
Where were you born and in what year 
Ans.  I was born in Newtown Connecticut in October 1755. I left there when seven years old Have you any record of your age and if so where is it
 Ans.  I have no regular record 
Where were you living when called into service  Where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live Ans. When called into service I lived in Pownal Bennington County Vermont. I have lived in that town till within six years. I now live in the town of Williamson Wayne County N.Y. 
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute? And if a substitute for whom 
Ans.  I went in to the army as a volunteer; when occasion required we got together [illegible] our officers and went on [illegible] with some Regiment we might fall in with and stayed until our officers would dismiss us then return home
Page 7

[Entire document handwritten in script]
Ques 5th State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops where you served such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your services 
Ans. I lived in the State of Vermont before it had any State government or regular organization and we were generally a sort of Volunteer Minute Men we generally turned out enmass we would volunteer for certain purposes such as for taking Ticonderoga to fight Burgonis army guard public stores Suppress the tories  I do not recollect of meeting or knowing much about the regular army as they were not generally required in those parts except at the taking of Burgonis. Then our stay was but momentary with Genl Gates' troops at Saratoga and if I then did know any of them it has escaped my memory. My memory is of late very much broken by receiving a paralytic stroke within three years. I can get the date of time of service by recollecting certain things that was [sic] going on at home when I started away and returned for instance I ran away from my father when we were [illegible] to Ploughton the Spring and went to Albany and enlisted until the army went into winter quarters & returned New Years Day 
6 Did you ever receive a discharge and if so by whom was it given & what has become of it
Ans. I never did receive a written discharge to my recollection 
7 State the names of persons in your neighborhood to whom you are known and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution 
Ans.  I am in this part of the Country as it were a stranger I have been here but six years I have transacted business with but few I live with my son and have kept my room for about three years Wm Noble and Wm Sanforth Wm Rose and a few others were from the part of the country I was and have known me from their childhood 
Sworn to and subscribe the day and year aforesaid 
Josiah Denning 
before me Russell Whipple Judge of Wayne County Courts 
  And do hereby [illegible] my opinion after the investigation of the the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And I certify further that it appears to me that William Danforth and Wm Noble whose affidavits are herewith transmitted are credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit And I further certify that the declarant is unable to attend Court 
Russell Whipple Judge of Wayne County Court
Dunning, Josiah
8 23 07
Page 8

Josiah Dunning
Wayne Co
N. York


e.u.j.K

Admitted
Lagr 4 mo
Private 6 mo 15 days
(unknown word)

Service as Waiter not allowed

Cephas Dunning Esq
Williamson Wayne Co N. York
Page 9

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183

Sir:
     The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
________________________________________A Statement, showing the service of Josiah Dunning Wayne Co N York [words from Josiah to York handwritten]
________________________________________
Headings: Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service: Years, Month. Days,. Rank of the claimant. Names and rand of the Field Officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.  Proof by which the declaration is supported. 
- Apr 1775. Not stated. Priv. Col. B Arnold, Capt L Wright, Lieut Wheeler.  Mistake 79 years, Bennington CC N. Hampshire -. One Witness.
- July 1777. Not states. Sergent. Capt Noble. Blank. Blank.
_________________________________________________
- Apr 1775. Blank. 4, 15,. Private. Col B Arnold, Capt Wright, Lt. Wheeler. 78 years, Bennington County Vt. One Witness.
- Apl 1776. Blank. 8, 20,. Private. Capt John Hunn. Albany N.Y.  Blank.
-Apl 1777. Blank, 2, 00,. Private. Col Saml Robinson. Bennington County Vermont. Blank.
- do. blank, 4, 00,. Sergt. Capt Eli Noble. Bennington Co. Vermont. Blank.
-Whole time. 1, 7, 5,. Blank, Blank. Blank. 
x 4.15
2
4 Sergt
10.15
Service as a waiter not allowed
I am, respectfully
Your obedient servant, 
J.L. Edwards, 
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 10

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line." "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers, all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of } ss. 
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged(c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers: 
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] [before the last sentence, there is a small icon of an outline of a hand pointing to the right]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c. 
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he 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.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
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 states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration,(l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 11

3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service ; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or where you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6{To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - on of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionay Soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or if the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is  Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
-------------------------

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words :"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. N. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, 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 o the best of his recollection, he served not less that the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For_______year -________months, and _______days ; and for ssuch service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely sate that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours. the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served, the duration of each tern of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed ; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority ' that he was either in the field or in garrison,; and for the time during which the r service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law maked the relinquishment indispensable
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. 
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbons the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who ae required to ser forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering their service, and the time and manner of his leaving the save, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged.  The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must by certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule is [j] applies to continental troops only
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Joseph Rowen Exe clerk
Page 12

In reply to your request of
for a statement of the military history of Josiah Dunning
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension
on file in this Bureau.
S. File 23.207
received
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Apl 15, 1735, Apl. 1776, Spring 1777, July 1777.
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 4 mos., 9 mos. 2 mos. 4 mos.
RANK. Private
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
Capt. Samuel Wright John Dunn Samuel Robinson Eli Noble
action at Bennington
COL Benedict Arnold
Samil Robinson
Expedition to second
Battles engaged in,
surrender of Genl Burgoyne -
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Pownal, Bennington Co. Vt.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 22, 1832
Residence at date of application, Williamson, Wayne Co. Ky
Age at date of application, Born Oct. 1755 Newtown Conn.
Remarks: and for last Paytm etc.
In 1833 he was living in Williamson, my with a son, name not stated
nor name of wife
Page 13

23204
INVALID.

Revolution

No. 23207 (crossed out)
Josiah Dunning
Sergt Rev War
Act: June 7 32
dex:-Vol. 2, Page 115
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 14

June 1, 1903 Hist
Elizabeth D. Rowe Erie, PA
Oct 16 1905 History to F D Stamp Adam's Basin, NY
1909 Mar 23, hist to Mrs. W. Scoville
1922 Jan 6 hist to Mrs. E M Duncan  Esq
1928 Apr 11 Photos to Capt Byron McCanahan
MMTI
Page 15

 Williamson Nov 5 1833
Sir
 We have corrected all particulars in our declaration for Josiah Dunning. We have found no new evidence and presume there can no new evidence be found as Josiah Dunning is now unable to leave his room and will probably continue so from a fit of the Palsy and he would be under the necessity of going 300 miles to the State of Vermont then might not [illegible] Please address any communication to the subscriber at Williamson Wayne Co. NY
 Your Humble Servt 
Cephas Dunning
JL Edwards
Page 16

Williamson Jany 3rd 1834

Sir

I herewith transmit the original Declaration of Isiah Dunning to the Pension Department Washington

We thought proper to make an entire new declaration upon the return of the first papers.  Therefore, supposed the original would be of no use to the department.  At the time the original declaration was made to the department the declarant was labouring under the effects of a severe Parallytic Stroke and could hardly tell his story at all.  We therefore thought best not to claim for about nine months service in Albany & vicinity as he had no direct proof to that point.  But at the time of the last declaration he had so far regained his faculties as to be able to recollect more about it.  We know of no other papers returned and not forwarded but the enclosed.

I am respectfully yours
Signature Cephas Dunning

J.L. Edwards Esq
Page 17

War Department
Pension Office
Dec 24 183
The supplemental declaration of Josiah Dunning is received.  The original necessary form a first of the papers in the case; as soon as it should have been transmitted a further examination of the claim will be had. The papers received and on file.
Cephus Duning, Esq
Williamson New York
Page 18

OC 24 Dec (illegible)
Cephus Dunning
Page 19

To the Sect of War,
Sir, at the request of  Mr. Horace Dunning, I enclose a Pension certificate which has been rejected by the Agent of Albany for reasons noted in the margin.  He wishes to inquire whether [illegible] the dates [illegible] to a certificate are necessary to be the same as it has not been so considered and is thought, immaterial.  The reasons of the difference in these dates are these.  The papers were made out and sent by the Attorney to Albany [illegible] for payment and examined and approved but could not be paid for want of a certificate of identity which being made out and attached as you see the papers were presented again and rejected for the reason your Sec noted by the agent in the margin it is thought, by many that this is not a sufficient cause for rejecting and as majority others have been rejected and Pensions  [illegible] out of their money and put to great trouble and expense for reasons like small and trifling. Therefore information on this point is no greater and also whether Pensioners living in the western part of New York can [illegible]
Page 20

paid at Albany can by petition be changed to the city of New York as their money can be drawn through the agency of the Merchants much easier than at Albany, and also whether duplicate receipt signers by the Atty named in the Pension together with his order are not sufficient for the Agent to pay the money without the Attorney being present.
Respectfully, A C Wright for Horace Dunning
Clarence N Y Aug 6 1836
Page 21

Merchant & Farmers Bank
Albany Pension Agency
December 14, 1836

James L. Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,
I enclose [illegible] in the case of Josiah Dunning, a Pensioner under the Act of June 7 1832 who claims pay from 4 March 1835 to 4 Sept 1836.
Be planned to instruct on whether or not we should pay him.
I am, sir,
very respectfully
your obt sevt
Tho M Olcott

We have not yet received instructions to pay Esan King whose certificate was sent to L Jenkins [illegible] days ago.
Page 22

Joseph Dunning
23239
Page 23

State of New York
Wayne County
On the twenty seventh day of November 1832 before Daniel Poppino Esquire, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said county personally appeared William Danforth and William Noble, residents of the Town of Sodus in the said county of Wane and State of New York, being duly sworn according to law, do on their oath say that they have been for twenty or thirty years personally acquainted with Josiah Dunning, the applicant for a pension above and that he has always sustained a good character for truth and veracity and that he the said Josiah Dunning has always had a reputation of being a revolutionary soldier.
Wm Danforth
Wm Noble
Subscribed and sworn on the day above written before me.
Daniel Poppino, Justice
I certify that Wm Danforth and Wm Noble are to be [illegible] on for truth and veracity.  Daniel Poppino, Justice of the Peace of New York
State of New York 
Wayne County
I, Cullen Foster, acting clerk of said County do hereby certify that Daniell Poppins, Esq before whom the above affidavit purported to have been sworn, was at the date the same as Justice of the Peace aforsaid county and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe his signature to the above affidavit to be his proper handwriting.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county at Lyons this 23 January 1833.
Page 24

State of New York
Wayne County ss
I Cullen Foster acting Clerk of said County do her
certify that Russel Whipple Esq. before whom the wit
affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the de
of the same a Judge of the County Court in & for
County, that I am well acquainted with his hand
writing and verily believe his signature to the in
affidavit to be his proper hand writing
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
hand and affixed the seal of said County at
the 23d January 1833
Cullen Foster
Page 25

State of New York
Wayne County
ss
On the twenty second day
of September 1882 before
.
Russell Whipple Esquire a Judge of the Court of
Common Pleas in and for said County personally
appeared Josiah Dunning a resident of 
Williamson in the County of Wayne and
of New York aged Seventy-nine years the 7th day of October
next 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 7th, 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the
following named officers and served as herein stated
That sometime in the month of April 1775 he resided
in the town of Pownal in the County of Bennington
and Hampshire Grants and assisted to organize a volunteer
company to assist in the taking of Fort Ticonderoga 
we chose Samuel Wright Captain William Wheeler St
and Daniel Welch Ensign the company forthwith
Marched I was detained three or four days and
then proceeded to join them I first went to the head of
Lake Champlain there some Col. Benedict
Arnold and proceeded down the Lake with Arnold
in Skeen Schooner and arrived at the Fort (he thinks)
the day after the past Surrendered to Col. Ethan Allen
He there named his company original Townal afore
said under Capt Samuel Wright we soon proceeded do
the Lake under the command of Col. Arnold to Crown
Point after this we proceeded in boats & down the Lake
to St Johns in Canada and took a vessel belonging
to the British and returned back to Crown Point and ┃
were engaged on the Lake and at the forts until some time
the latter part of August what time Arnold left them this depodent
 does not recollect but thinks he went on the recruiting
Price the thinks apart of the company he belonged to
enlisted for furth Service and he with the remainder of
the company returned home. In this campaign he served as a private
Page 26

this deponent further saith that on or about the first of July 1777 he belonged to a company of Militia in the town of Pownal aforesaid commanded by Capt Eli Nobles in which company this deponent did the duty of orderly Sergeant.   That on getting the
news of the appearance of Burgoyne's Army at Ft. Ticonderoga he forthwith had orders to warn out the company and accordingly the company turned out and made head quarters at Bennington and was upon scouting duties and guarding public stores until what is denominated the Bennington battle ensued, on the 16 day of August at which day he had his detached with a party of men upon a scout to reconnoiter this enemy and ascertain in what direction they might probably come into the field and did not arrive upon the field of battle until about the close of the day. After disposing of the prisoners and preparing
for a short time we proceeded into the State of New York.  I recollect of a circumstance that took place near Tulls Mills.  Indians appeared and fired upon some men who were baking for the army and killed two men.  We crossed the Hudson and were then ordered to Fort Edward and was on the spot when Burgoin Surrendered which took place the 17th day of October and returned home soon after by about the 1st of November. This deponent further says that during this campaign he with the remainder of the company served as volunteers and were dismissed without any written discharge

The deponent further says that he knows of no other witnesses that he can obtain
attest to his services in the Revolution.
This deponent further testifies that from bodily infirmity that he is wholly unable to attend Court.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State/

Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Josiah Dunning

Sworn and Subscribed
the day and year above written 
Powell Whipple Judge
Page 27

I Daniel Welch of Pownal in the County of Bennington & Vermont of lawful age depose & say that Josiah Dunning formerly of Pownal aforesaid but now a resident of the State of New York as I am informed volunteered at Pownal [illegible] some time in the Spring of 1775, with me and several others to assist in the taking of Fort Ticonderoga we chose Samuel Wright Capt & William Wheeler Lieut. I was chosen Ensign & marched to Castleton Vermont [illegible] Ethan Allen took the command & Marched with us to Lake Champlain & crossed it in Boats.  I recollect that Benedict Arnold was there and had a command as an officer but the rank I do not recollect. We took the fort some time in the month of May 1775 but whether said Dunning was on the Lake at the surrender of Fort Ticonderoga or at the Fort I do not recollect. I known he was in that expedition and a faithful active Soldier for nearly six months according to my best recollection.  I saw the said Dunning in the Army several times afterwards during the Revolution.  I think he was at the Battle of Bennington & I recollect he was with me at Tulls Mills in the State of New York and under the [illegible] on to join Genl Gates Army & then were ordered to Fort [illegible] and and at some other times on alarms a month or two at a time.  He served with me in the same company when Burgoyne.  I can not say but he was detached at this time on a [ilegible] was always a faithful prompt soldier.  I was acquainted the said Dunning for more than 50 years and resided in the same town with nearly all that time and I further say I am the same Daniel Welch who was placed on the pension roll of the United States as an ensign under a law of Congress passed in 1818 and have drawn the pay of Ensign since that time & further say not.
Daniel Will

I certify that Daniel Welch the subscriber to the above Deposition is now dead but when he was living and at the time of signing the above deposition was a credible witness.

Bennington 18th October 1833
N. W. Robinson
Justice of Peace
witness
Page 28

State of Vermont
Bennington County

Pownal 6th August 1832 
There personally appeared Daniel Welch and after being carefully  examined & duly cautioned made solemn oath that the within deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth before me according to his best recollection 

U. M. Robinson
Justice of Peace

State of Vermont 
To all to whom these presents shall come or may concern-Greeting
I hereby certify that U M Robinson whose signature whose signature
appears to the foregoing, was at the date thereof & still is a Justice of the peace in & for the County of Bennington duly qualified by law to act as such, & that his sign I believe to be genuine-

In testimony whereof I Henry Robinson Clerk of the County Court in & for the Court Bennington, have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of our said Court at Manchester this 10th day of September A.D. 1832 & of the Independence of the United States the Fifty Seventh
Henry Robinson Clerk
Page 29

State of New York
Wayne County

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County Josiah Dunning who being duly sworn deposeth and saith by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory his 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 and in the following grades for one year and three months & five days as a [illegible[ soldier.  I served as Sergeant four months and for such service I claim a pension.
Josiah Dunning 
Sworn and Subscribed this fourth day of November 1833 before me
Russell Whipple

State of New York
Wayne County ⎬ ss
I certify that Russell Whipple before whom the above affidavits purport to have been sworn was at the dates of the same a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County
and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signature
so subscribed to the above affidavits is his proper hand and signature-
Witness my hand and seal of office 
this Fifth day of November 1833.
Cullen Foster Acting Clerk
Page 30

8-871.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by S.D.L.
Claim No.
Certificate No.
Claimant
Soldier Josiah Dunning
Service VT
Additional Service Rev. War
No. claim, State records, 190
No claim, combination records, 190
REMARKS:
No claim
Try J #23207
Chief Division
Page 31

15822

3-2233

BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division

Mar 30 1928
Chief, Rev and 1812 Wars Section Division.

I have this day received from Byron McCandless
money order in the amount of $60, requesting phototstat
copy as per letter herewith.
O.J. Randall
Chief, Finance Division.

Copies mailed and Finance Div. notified
Apr 11 '28
Page 32

S M Dunning (illegible)
May 28 1891
Josiah Dunning VT (illegible)
Ix
Page 33

Chicago Ill May 28 /91

Court ofPensions
Washington D C
Dear Sir

Being a grandson of Josiah Dunning a Soldier of the war of the revolution from Vermont. and who while living at Williamson, Wayne Co N Y I understand about the year 1833 applied for and obtained a pension.
I desire to obtain from your office or copy of his application or so much of it as relates to his history as a revolutionary soldier as detailed himself.

I merely want to form a family Record and also to show
Page 34

my eligibility to become a member of the Society of the "Sons of the American Revolution" and not for making any claim against the government.

There is a historic incident related by him in his application or papers which I wish to obtain as such.

If consistent with your rules I should be glad of a complete copy of his application.

Very respectfully
SF. M. Dunning
107 D[illegible] St
Chicago, IL
Page 35

Office of the [Logo of the Railroad Gazette, with the letters R, G, and E partially visible]

S. WRIGHT DUNNING,
W. H. BOARDMAN,
MATTHIAS N. FORNEY,
DIRECTORS.

No. 73 Broadway,
New York, Feb. 8, 1884.

Commissioner of Pensions;
Sir: I desire to ascertain the facts relating to my great-grandfather, Josiah Dunning, who was a revolutionary pensioner living most of his life at Pownal, Vt; and died in 1841, in Sodus or Williamson, Wayne Co., N.Y. I suppose that when his pension was granted some evidence of his military service was presented to the office. This evidence may be of considerable service to me -- a statement of the company, regiment or other corps that he served in, or the time and places when and where he served, especially the date of his first enlistment and the date of his death; ["and the date of his death" is underlined] the names and rank of the persons who certified to his military service. 
Of this information, on any fit, can be readily ascertained in your office, I shall be much obliged if you will furnish it as will be many other descendants of the said Josiah Dunning. 
Respectfully, 
S. Wright Dunning.
Page 36

Office of the [Logo of the Railroad Gazette, with the letters R, G, and E partially visible]

S. WRIGHT DUNNING,
W. H. BOARDMAN,
MATTHIAS N. FORNEY,
DIRECTORS.

No. 73 Broadway,
New York, Feb. 15, 1884.

W.W. Dudley,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir: My inquiries concering my great-grandfather Josiah Dunning, former revolutionary pensioner, are for the poses of tracing the descent of the family from the original colonists; the investigation is apparently complete but for one step, which the information asked for may enable us to complete.
Respectfully,
S. Wright Dunning
Page 37

Erie, Pa. May 6th 1903
U.S. Pension Office,
Washington, D.C.
Will you kindly furnish me the records concerning one Josiah Dunning who was in the War of the Revolution. ["revolution" is underlined] As near as I can ascertain he enlisted at Pownell, Vermont. He lived for a number of years in Wayne County, N.Y. and received a ["received a" is written over existing words which appear to be "there received"] pension. He died in Sodus, Wayne Co. N.Y. in 1841. Any information

[rectangular stamp in top left, says "U.S.P.B. [illegible] & NAVY FILES. MAY 9, 1903"]
Page 38

you can give me will be gratefully received.
Yours truly.
Elizabeth Dunning Rove.
1615 Myrtle St.
Erie, Pa.

[circular stamp at bottom of letter, says "PENSION U.S. OFFICE. C MAY 7 1903"]
Page 39

[small faint stamp in top left corner, reads "P.D. Stamp, Adam's Basin, N.Y."]
[handwritten under stamp in top left corner, "owu"]

Oct. 9. 1905.
Bureau of Pensions, 
Will you kindly give me the record of Josiah Dunning a native of Massachusetts probably- who was a Revolutionary pensioner and died in 1842.
And oblige
Yours Truly
F.D. Stamp.

[large rectangular stamp in bottom left corner, reads "U.S.P.B. OCT 11 1905 FILES"]
[circular stamp overlapping rectangular stamp in bottom left corner, reads "U.S. PENSION OFFICE A OCT 10 1905"]
Page 40

Ottawa Feb 23. 1909.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Dear Sir;
Will you kindly inform me if the name of Josiah Dunning born 1755 Pownal Vt. who served in the battles at Bennington + Saratoga is on the records of the Pension office. I am very much interseted in the matter.
your respectfully
Mrs W. H. Scoville
Ottawa
Kans.
912 Cedar St.
Page 41

Dec. 13, 1921

The U.S. Pension Office

[Circular stamp that reads "PENSION D U.S. OFFICE" on the edges with the date "DEC 15 1921" in the middle]

Dear Sirs; -
Will you please give me the record of services of Josiah (or it may have been Joshua) Dunning, born Newton, Ct., Oct. 12, 1755, died at Wayne Co. N.Y. 1842. He was a soldier of the Revolution at Ticonderoga, Bennington and Saratoga.
When you tell me his services please give me
Page 42

reference by volume and page to the documentary where record can be found.
Thanking you for an early reply I am
Very truly
[illegible] E.M. Duncan
[oval stamp that reads "RECORD DIVISION DEC 19 1921"]
1016 South Blvd, 
Charlotte, N.C.
P.S. Also will you give me the same information of Lt.(or Captain) Benjamin Peabody. Lt in the American Army at Boston (over)
Page 43

and after Captain in the Continental Militia at West Point where he was stationed when Arnold betrayed his country. After peace he was made Colonel in the militia.
Thanking you again for this added name also I am
Truly
[illegible] E.M. Duncan
Page 44

U.S.S. Brazos,
Port Arthur, Texas,
25 March 1928

[Stamp that reads: FINANCE DIVISION 
BOOK-KEEPER'S DESK
MAR 30 1928
BUREAU OF PENSIONS]

My dear Mr. Commissioner

I wish to thank you for the very courteous letter of Mar 10, 1928 (Rev & 1812 War Section) and the information therein.
Inclosed please find Postal Money Order for sixty cents to cover the cost of photostatic
copies of four pages of the declaration of Josiah Dunning, S.23207 who described the incident of Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen.

I am sorry that I cannot obtain the name of the pensioner to the reference 19049. I obtained the number from page 156 Guide to the Archives of the Government of the United States in Washington by the Carnegie Institution
of Washington 1904. Under Department of the
Interior Bureau of Pensions under heading New York xxx 2. November 8, 1775 to February 26, 1776. Orders, instructions and general
Page 45

2.
diary showing daily paroles, countersigns etc of Arnold's expedition to Canada (19,049).
I would greatly appreciate this item if it could be located from the above data but as I cannot in the name of the applicant for pension I imagine it would be too much trouble and of such be the case - please do not bother.

With many thanks for your courtesy in the matter

I am
Sincerely Yours
Byron M Candless
Captain U.S. Navy
U.S.S. Brazos,
o/o Postmaster
New York

The Commissioner
Bureau of Pensions
Department of the Interior
Washington D. C
Page 46

U.S.S. Brazos,
o/o Postmaster,
New York
16 February 1928

The Chief Clerk,
Bureau of Pensions,
Department of Interior
Washington. D.C.

My dear Sir:
I would greatly appreciate information as to how I may obtain photostat copies with estimate of cost of the following manuscripts in your files

#23,207 May 1775 Josiah Demming describes the dispute between Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen as to command.

#19,049 Nov 8, 1775 to February 26, 1776 Orders, Instructions and General Diary showing daily paroles, countersigns, etc. of Arnolds Expedition to Canada.

#10,026 September 7 to November 30, 1775 Ephriam Squires Diary of march in Arnold's Expedition to Quebec.
(over)
Page 47

With many thanks,
Sincerely Yours,
Byron M Candless,
Captain U.S. Navy
U.S.S Brazos,
o/o Postmaster,
New York City
Page 48

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.
1-681
PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No.
22508
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
April 7, 1928
CHIEF, Division of Publications,
Room G 137.
Please furnish work specified below.     
Deliver to Room No. 5033

(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)

Title and description of job - photostatic copies of four pages from Rev. War pension claim of Josiah Dunning, S. 23207
No. of copies - 1 of each
Shall form be kept standing? ______days
For further information see M.M. H. Finch   Room No. 5033
Phone No. 541

A D Wilkinson Actg Chief Clerk of Bureau
Margaret M. D. Finch
Chief of Branch or Division

NOTE:  No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by  Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering.

CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph      Single or double space?    Facsimile signature?
Mimeograph   One side or both sides?     Facsimile signature?
Folding            Once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling           Once?    Twice?    Side?     End?
Electric typewriter   Fill in addresses?       Dated?
Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size                Cards, size
Proof list                          Pay rolls
Labels (submit sample)   Corrections
Fill in letters                     Tabulation sheets
Photostat x  Size actual   Official use?   Repay? yes  $.60
Blue Print     Size             Official use?    Repay?

Remarks
(OVER)
Page 49

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal
reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of
bureaus.
(Date) 192
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.   
Make new addressograph plate
Change present addressograph plate
Destroy present addressograph plate
as follows:
On list .........................

Now reads
1...................
2...................
3...................
4...................
5...................

Should read

1...................
2...................
3...................
4...................
5...................

FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made............   192
Operator........................................................

MULTIGRAPH
Operator..............Date...........Type set by........Date.........
Remarks................................................
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator..............Date.......... Cut by................
Remarks..................................................
Page 50

Rev. &1812 Wars Section.
April 11, 1928.
Captain Byron McCandless
U.S.S. Brazos,
o/o Postmaster,
New York City.
Sir:
I advise you that you are herewith furnished photostatic copies of four pages from the Revolutionary War pension claim of Josiah Dunning, S. 23207.
A further search of the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau shows that the "Orders, instructions etc. " referred to by you as 19049, were removed from the Revolutionary War pension claim of Ann Smith, widow of James Smith, Widow File Number 19049, and transferred to the Library of Congress February 9, 1909, under the provisions of the Act of Congress of February 25, 1903.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 51

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
March 10, 1928.

Captain Byron McCandless,
U. S. S. Brazos,
o/o Postmaster,
New York City.

Sir:
I advise you that the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to a Josiah Demming.
The records show one Josiah Dunning [underlined], S. 23207[underlined], who described the incident of Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen. If you desire photostatic copies of the declaration of that soldier for pension, the same will be furnished you under the provisions of the Act of August 24, 1912, at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification if that be desired.
The number of pages to be copied is four.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
The papers referred to by you as in claim of Ephraim Squier (R.10026) were transferred to the Library of Congress, this city, on February 9, 1909.
Page 52

In order to identify the record in the other reference made by you, 19049, will you please furnish the name of the pensioner also.
Respectfully, 
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.

[line drawn through "identify", handwritten above is "there are R.S. + W with this no. so I thought best to ask for name"]