Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19,199, James Dunn, Penn.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Penn

Dunn, James                                         
 Elizabeth 

NUMBER
W.19.199
------------------------------------
CONTENTS
[Rest of card blank]
Page 2

24.318
New York
----------------------------
James Dunn
Chautauque in the State of New York who was a Private in the Corps commanded by Captain Long of the Regt commanded by Col. Murray in the New York line for 2 Years----
Pa.
-----------------------------

Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
-----------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Nov. 1830 and sent to A. Smith
Westfield
------------------------------
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. '33
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Mar '34

$260
20
$240 [double underlined]

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Geo Ashley Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 4 Page 96
Page 3

[left-hand side of page]

2727.
New York Albany
--------------------------------
Elizabeth Dunn
widow of James Dunn
N. Y.
who served in the Revolutionary 
War, 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 
30 day of Dec. 1848.
and sent to 
Hon H. White 
H of R [house of representatives]
--------------------------------
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 59 Vol. 4

[right-hand side of page]
Reported 
Dec 30/48
Page 4

18114
James Dunn
Chautauque co
New York 

Adm 2 years $80

Austin Smith
Westfield
N. York
Page 5

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 a 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 James Dunn of Chautaugue county N.Y. 

Period when the service was rendered
1776
1777
1778
1779
Duration of the claimant's service
Years,     Months,      Days, 
1776          3
1777           1
1778          12               48
1779            3

Rank of the claimant.
Private

Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. 
Capt. Long

Captain Dougherty
Capt. Campbell
Capt. Dodd
 Maj. Aston

Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. 
Col Murray 
Gen. Potter
Col Long 

Battles in which the applicant was engaged. 

Country through which he marched. 
Trenton 
Morristown
Hanesfort
Anten's fort
Murray Hills
Wallace's fort

Place of abode when he entered the service and age at the present period. 
70
Big Island
of Susquehannah [sic]
Pennsylvania 
Evidence by which the declaration is supported. 
living in twp
tradition

Witnesses persons
in '77 & '78 not
less than 1 year


I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 
J. L. Edwards, 
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 6

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 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 benefits of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians 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 of 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. [hand arrow pointing right] 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.]

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 day 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 services of each person
Page 7

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 at-tempted; 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.
Where and in what year were you born?
Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
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.
{To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it giv-en 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?
State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can tes-tify 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—one 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 Revolutionary 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 char-acter 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 be-fore 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 cannot, 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 of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a 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 7, 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 pro- cure, 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.
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.
(6) 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.
The declarant must state the period or periods of the war when he served.
The age of the claimant must invariably be ascertained.
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 the 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. B. 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 to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For months, and days, I served as a ____and for such service I claim a pension. For _____months and _____days, I served as a ____
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank as 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 state 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 term 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 service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.

The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
The opinion of the Court is always required.
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 ribbon, 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.
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 are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the service, the regiment, company, and corps 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 be 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 in note [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}.
Page 8

12061

Elizabeth Dunn
July 29,1845.

Elizabeth Dunn, 
widow of James 
July 7,1838
mgid 23 Oct. 38    Pa [underlined]

admd
9 mo pri
30$ from 23
Oct. 38--
also acts 43 & 44
30$

Hon. Abner Lewis
H.R.
Page 9

State of New York    }
Chautauqua County } ss.

On this 30th day of June A.D. 1845 personally appeared before the court of common pleas in the County of Chautauqua aforesaid Elizabeth Dunn aged seventy three years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by 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 James Dunn who was a private in Revolutionary Army and a Pensioner as appears from his pension certificate hereunto annexed.  She further declares that she was married to the said James Dunn on the fourteenth day of June in the year seventeen hundred and ninety one; that her husband the aforesaid James Dunn died on the twenty third day of October Eighteen hundred and thirty eight; 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.

Elizabeth Dunn [signature]
Sworn and subscribed on the
day & year above written before
W. Campbell
First Judge of County Court.

State of New York    }
Chautauqua County } ss.
David Dunn of the town of Portland in the county and state aforesaid being duly sworn deposes & says that he was well acquainted with James Dunn in his lifetime and that he died on the twenty third day of October Eighteen hundred and thirty eight; that he was the husband of Elizabeth Dunn the above declarant, who has been; and now is the widow of the said James Dunn.
David Dunn [signature]

Sworn & subscribed before me
June 30th A.D. 1845.
T B Campbell first Judge
of County court
Page 10


And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, that the above name applicant is the widow of the said James Dunn deceased; that the said James Dunn died on the 23d day of October A.D. 1838, as set forth in the foregoing application and declaration of Elizabeth Dunn, and in the affidavit of David Dunn thereto annexed:  And the court further certifies that the said Elizabeth Dunn and the said David Dunn are credible persons, and that their statements are entitled to credit.

J.M. Campbell  }
N. Packett       }  Judges of
J. M. Edson     }  Chaut. Com Pleas

Chautauqua County ss.

I, Alvin Plumb Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county, do herby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court , in the matter of the  application of Elizabeth Dunn for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office the 30th day of June A.D. 1865 .
Alvin Plumb Clerk
Page 11

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

State of New York        }
County of Chautauqua } ss.

On this twelfth day of October, one thousand and eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas held in and for the County of Chautauqua, at the Court house in the village of Mayville, now sitting, James Dunn, a resident of the Town of Portland in Said County, and State, aged Seventy 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 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 at the time he entered into the service he resided at Big Island in the west Branch of the Susquehannah in the State of Pennsylvania.  He volunteered with his father and entered into service in the first part of December 1776, under Captain Cookson Long, Col Murray.  The Lieutenants name was Reed.  He went first to Trenton in N. Jersey.  Arrived there soon after the battle of Trenton.  Was marched on to head quarters in Morristown.  He was then sent with the Company to which he belonged to guard the frontier near Amboy, under under [sic]Col. Murray & General Potter. While there he was engaged in several skirmishes with the enemy.  In one of these skirmishes which took place on Sunday Gen Potter and his troops were attacked and driven from their station before they had finished their Breakfast in the morning.  They however drove the enemy back and resumed their stations in the Course of the day.  Several prisoners were taken from the enemy in this engagement.  This applicant took one.  He served on this occasion three months, which was the whole time for which he had volunteered, and obtained an honorable discharge, but does not know whether it was in writing or not.

After this applicant returned from this service, he served under the same Cookson Long who had been promoted to Colonel, at and about Big Island against the

{Written along the left-hand margin}
This applicant was born in Maryland at Mary Arms furnace the 27th day March 1762 as informed by his parents
That he had a record of his age taken from his fathers bible.  That his parents moved (illegible) York Co. Pa. when he was but 6 month old, from there up the Lancaster & from there when this applicant was 8 yrs of age to Big Island.
Page 12

Indians, almost Constantly, until June 1778, when they were driven from Big Island by the Indians before they had reaped any of their Crops of grain  This applicant cannot remember precisely, the number tours he served but knows he was almost constantly in the service there; that he enlisted as a substitute for 3 months of the time;  That the rest of the time he volunteered.  He cannot state the precise length of time he served there, but in all, he thinks it could not be less than a year.  He came home from New Jersey in March 1777 and the Soldiers & inhabitants were driven from that place in June 1778.  When they were driven away as above stated. they stooped [sic] a short time at Horns fort & then at Antes' fort below Big Island, but were obliged to abandon that, and went to Northumberland, thence to York County where this applicant with his father and family took up a temporary residence.  While there in August following he thinks while he was ploughing in the field, an express came that Fulens fort was taken by the Indians and the inhabitants that were in it, and that Capt. Boon was killed.  This applicant left his horses in the field took his gun and pursued on after them, Overtook the army and joined a Company under Capt. Dougherty a little above Northumberland, and followed on over the Mundy hills, till we came to Wallaces fort where the Indians lay the night before.  Their guns were not yet out.  A part of the Company followed on and overtook the Indians or a part of them, and took back a part of the plunder.  He was out at this time 6 weeks or more.
Late in the fall of the same year, this applicant volunteered under Capt. Campbell to make an excursion against the Indians at Big Island and recover back property that had been left there.  He was out on this excursion from 6 weeks to two months.  Does not recollect the precise time.
Afterward, in October of the year 1779 he thinks, though he is not positive as to the time, he enlisted as a substitute to serve at Camp Security below little York, in York County Pennsylvania, to guard prisoners for 3 months, afterwards he enlisted as a Substitute for 3 months more.  The first 3 months he served as a Common soldier till near the close of the time when at the request of Major Aston who Commanded the fort, teams being scarce; he procured a team and worked out the rest of the time with a team.  The second enlistment he also worked out with a team, but was under the direction of  the officers and subject to Military Service.  During both these enlistments, this applicant was under Capt. Dodds and Major Aston.  Does not recollect the name of the under officers.
Page 13

Thus making in all two years actual service in the Revolution, when this applicant was subject to military duty.

He also served three months with a team under Capt. McMaster, waggon [wagon] master, but does not recollect upon what timing. The business was hauling clothing [illegible] to Camp Tappan. 

At another time, he does not [lined out word] recollect exactly the time, he went with a team under Gen. Crittenden from Little York Pa [Pennsylvania] while he was conducting the prisoners to Albemarle in Virginia. 

After the close of the war, this applicant went back and lived on Big Island 22 years according to the best of his recollection; when he moved to the County of Genesee, now Portland, Chautauqua Co. N.Y. when he has [illegible] since residence, and still does reside.

He hereby relinquishes every claim ["to" lined out] 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. 

[Signature of] James Dunn

Sworn to an subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
[Signature of] James B. Lowry, Clerk

Mr Nathanial Reader a clergyman residing in the town of Portland and county of Chautauqua, and John Crane residing in ["the same place" lined out] Pomfret, same county, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with James Dunn who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him to be seventy years of age; that he is [illegible] & [and] believes 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 day & [and] year aforesaid.
[Signatures of] Nathanial Reader
J. Crane

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogations prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he stated. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Nathanial Reader who has signed the forwarding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the town of Portland and County of Chautauqua, and that John Crane, who has also signed the same is a resident in the Pomfret said County and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Page 14

Answers to interrogatories
2d. interrogtory. Ans. I have a record of my age in my family Bible, taken from the gathers family Bible. See first page. Margin.
5th " Ans. Did not mention the names of any Regular officers, [illegible] some of those already mentioned were regulars, not any Continential or Militia Regiments [illegible] then mentioned. Applicant was young, & served most of the time in places where there were no Regular Station, and applicant at the time knew but little, farther than to do his duty as commanded. Recollects a Militia Captain by the name of Hamilton, at the Big Island under Col. Long.
7th " Ans. Applicant is acquainted with Col Hame Mc Mahan of Westfield Thomas B. Campbell Eqqr, a Judge of County Courts of Chau Co. same town, Jonathan Cass, merchant, same place, Col. J. B. Babcock merchant same place, Hon. David Eason - same place who will all Certify as to their belief of his service as a soldier of the Revolution, & as to his character for truth & veracity.
I hereby certify that the above interragatories were recorded all in the affirmation before me this 13th day of June 1833 upon Oath, by the said James Dunn, who I am well acquainted with and know him to be a mand truth & veracity -
Thomas B. Campbell a Judge - of Chau. Court Judge
James Dunn,
Declaration for a Pension, under Act of June 7th 1832
18114
passed
Page 15

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section 
EEL

December 12, 1929

Mrs. Rufus C. Adams
357 Chestnut Street, Mosier Place 
Meadville, Pennsylvania

Dear Madam: 

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.19199, it appears that James Dunn, the son of William, was born March 27, 1762, at Mary Ann’s Furnace, Maryland, and when six months old moved with his parents to York County, Pennsylvania, thence up the Juniata River, and when he was eight years old, to Big Island on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania.

While residing at Big Island, Pennsylvania, he volunteered with his father, in December, 1776, and served at various times, amounting to two years in all, as a private and teamster under Captains Cookson, Long, Dougherty, Campbell, Dodds and McMaster and Colonels Murray, and Cookson Long and Major Ashton, in the Pennsylvania Troops and was in several skirmishes with the British and Indians.  He also states that he went with a team under Gerneral Crittenden from Little York, Pennsylvania, when he was conveying prisoners to Albmarle, Virginia.  

After the Revolution, he lived at Big Island, Pennsylvania for twenty-two years, then moved to Genesee (later Chautauqua) County, New York.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 12, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Portland, Chautauqua County, New York.

He died October 23, 1838.

The soldier married June 14, 1791, Elizabeth Alexander.  They were married by the Reverend James Johnston, a Presbyterian clergyman residing in Kishacoquillas Valley, Mifflin
Page 16

County, Pennsylvania.
The widow, Elizabeth, was allowed pension on her application executed June 30, 1845, at which time she was aged seventy-three years.  The application was made in Chautauqua County, New York.
In 1845, David Dunn was a resident of Portland, New York, relationship to the soldier not shown.
The Revolutionary War records fail to show that pension was ever claimed on account of the service of William Dunn, the father of James.
Very truly yours,
F.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner.
Page 17

Rev Widow, &c.
File No. 19199
Elizabeth Dunn
Wid of James Dunn
Priv Rev War
Act: Feb. 2nd '/48
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 200
{Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 18

1929 - Dec 12 - Hist.
to Mrs Rufus C. Adams
E.Eaf
Page 19

No 9904
New York
---
Elizabeth Dunn
Widow of James Dunn
who was a pensioner under the Act of '32,
and who died on the 23d Oct. 1838,
of Chautauque (in the State of N. York,
who was a private in the
commanded by Captain _______ of the
commanded by ________   in
the New York line for 9 mo.
---
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany
at the rate of 30 -- Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the
23d October, 1838,
---
Certificate of Pension issued the 14
day of March,1846 and sent to Hon: A
Lewis, H. R
---
Total amount,    $71.92
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Will Stuart _____ Clerk,
Book D Vol. Page 153
Page 20

7618
New York Albany
---
Elizabeth Dunn
widow of James Dunn
who was a private
in the New York line
---
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars ___ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
increased from $30 per annui
---
Certificate of Pension issued the
30 day of Dec. 1848
and sent to Hon. H. White H. of R.
--
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June
17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 2 Page 83.
Page 21

9904.
New York Albany
Elizabeth Dunn
Widow of James Dunn
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 23 October 1838.
of Chataqua in the State of N. York
who was a private in the
commanded by Captain ___ of the
commanded by ____ in
the New York line for 9 mos.
---
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany
at the rate of 80 Dollars ___ cents
per annum, to commence on the 23 day of
October 1838.
Increased from $30. pr ann:
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of
Dec. 1848 and sent to Hon H. White H. of R.
---
Total amount $_____
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Leo Jenkins ____ Clerk,
Book D. Vol. 1, Page 153.
Page 22

7618.
New York
---
Elizabeth Dunn
widow of James Dunn
who was a private
in the New York, line
A
---
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
30. Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
---
Certificate of Pension issued the
14. day of March,1846,
and sent to Hon. A. Lewis
H. R.
---
[Act of March 3, 1843. & 7 June, 1844]
Recorded in Book A 
Vol. 2 Page 74.
Page 23

Declaration of
James Dunn &
Affidavit for
pension under act of
June 7. 1832.
Page 24

State of New York
Chataqua County
I James B Lowry Clerk of the said County Do Certify that Thomas B. Campbell whose
name is above subscribed was on the 13th day of June 1833 one of the Judges of the County
Courts in & for the County of Chataqua and that his name above subscribed is genuine. Also that the papers hereunto attached contains the original proceedings of the Court of Common Pleas of said County in the application of James Dunn for a pension as will appear by reference to my hand & seal thereunto affixed -
Witness my hand & seal this 14th 
day of June 1833
James B. Lowry Clerk
Page 25

Affidavit of
James Dunn
of Services in the Revolutionary War
---
Austin Smith
Westfield N. York
Page 26

State of New York
Chautauque County Ss.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Chautauque James Dunn 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 to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following years.
For three months I served as a private soldier, volunteered under Capt Long, Col. Murray.
enlisted as a substitute & the window of time as a volunteer, under Col. Long -
For one month & a half I served as a private soldier under Capt Dougherty -
For one month & a half I served as a private soldier under Captain Campbell -
For six months I served as a private soldier under Capt. Dodds; viz: 2 Tours of 3 months each -
and for such services I claim a pension -
James Dunn
Sworn & subscribed before me Oct 23.1833
David Mann J.P.
Page 27

Elizabeth Dunn
ud act 1838 at $80.
per an, con'g 23 Oct 1838,
ded'y former pay'ts at
$30, per an.
Ad act 23 Mch 43 & 17th
June 44 at $80 pr an.
deduct former pay'ts
at $30.
Act 1848 at $80
---
Hon Hugh White
H of R
Page 28

Declaration for renewal of  under the Act of 2d February, 1848, and for the benefit of the provisions of the 2d section of the Act of 7th May, 1846 - of the 26th June, 1848, and the Joint Resolutions of 23d January 1845, and 1st July, 1848, and Acts of Congress of July 7th 1838 - 3d March, 1843 and 17th June 1844.
State of New York, Chautauque County Ss.On this twenty ninth day of December, 1848, personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Mrs Elizabeth Dunn, a resident of Portland, Chautauque County, State of New York, aged 75. years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benegits of the provisions made by the several Acts of benefit and Joint Resolutions above recited - That she is the widow of James Dunn, who was a Private in the New York Militia in the War of the Revolution, and who prior to his decease drew a pension from the Untied States under the Act of Congress of 7th June 1832; - and that she has drawn a pension at the rate of Thirty dollars per annum under the Act of 7th July, 1838 - 3d March 1843, and 17th June 1844. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Elizabeth Dunn
In presence of Z C Young
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me Z. C. Young
Justice of the Peace
State of New York, Chautauque County
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same indicivual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit
Nov. 29. 1848
Z. C. Young
Justice of the Peace
I also certify that [illegible] November, [illegible] the now Westfield [illegible] & the [illegible] Portland inter[illegible] before the above declaration was Executed by the declarants - Z. C. Young
Page 29

State of New York
Chautanqua County
Clerks Office Ss:
I Matthew P. Bernus County Clerk & also Clerk of the County in & for said County do hereby certify that Zenas C. Young Esq whose name is subscribed to the finat of the within Declaration and who to the withing Certificate was on this day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in the afor said County duly Elected & sworn. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice & verily believe that his signature to the said jurat and certificate are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said county this 5th day of December A. D. 1848
W. P. Bernus Clerk
By R. O. Green [illegible]
Page 30

[A cover for a letter addressed to]

Pension Office
City of Washingon
Dist. of Col. USA

[In the upper right-hand corner]
40

[Written vertically along the left-hand edge]

12061 Jul 29. 1848.
A[illegible] 
Jno Tennant
Elz. Dunn
July 7. 1838. 

[A faint, illegible circular stamp appears behind this writing]
Page 31

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

Westfield  Chaut. CO. N.Y.
July 25. 1845

Enclosed is the application of Elizabeth Dunn Widow &c for a pension.  

Also additional papers in support of the application of John Tennant for a pension.  His papers were received by the department some time in Nov. last, examined & pronounced unsatisfactory for the reason as stated in a letter to me, that the lateness of the application (since  
every [illegible] diminished the evidence of such claims) raised a suspicion of the validity of the claim & would require further evidence of services:  

I was also referred to the Comptroller's Office of the State of Connecticut, where probably evidence might exist confirmatiry off the Statements of the applicant.  The Certificate of the Comptroller to the evidence there found is herewith sent:

And also the affidavit of the applicant excusing the delay.  I trust they will be found satisfactory in explanation of the stated objections of the department. Mr Tennant may have forgotten the precise times of his services, the names of his officers, or confounded them, & indeed it would be amasing if he could remember at this distance of time with certainty, & in exact order of time, the particulars of his services.

That he is incapable of deliberate fraud, deception, or perjury is justly believed by all who know him and should the evidence be satisfactory under the rules of the department, to authorize a pension, be assured that a worthy old gentleman, poor but honest, will be the recipient of its benefits. 

Yours Respectfully
David Mann
Page 32

In case of James Dunn Pension

Affidavits of George Long & James Hamilton
Page 33

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Crawford County Ss.
Personally came before me R. L. Potter one of the Justices of the peace in & for said county. George Long Esqr. of Woodcock in said county, who on his solemn oath saith, that he was acquainted with James Dunn of Chanatanqua County in the State of New York, in the year 1776 on the west branch of the Susquehannah river in Penna. That he knew him to serve as a militia man under Co. Cookson Long (who was an Uncle of this deponent) not less than one year, in 1777 & 78 at which time the American settlement was breaking up and removed down the river to Northumberland. That John W. Faddin, William W. Faddin, William Dewit, David Delong, Alexander Read, William Read, Robert Richie, David Hannah & Anthony Lattoman served as militia at the same time with James Dunn - After the peace and in 1784 or 85. That settlers returned to the settlement at the Big island on the Susquenhannah, and this deponent lived a near neighbor to the said James Dunn for ten or twelve years - during all which time the events of the war was frequently talked over among the settlers, and well understood and known in the settlement at time, that James Dunn, son of William Dunn, had served as a soldier.
Page 34

In new Jersey under Cookson Long, who this department thinks was a Capt. at that time but was afterwards Col. Long. That he has often seen the said James Dunn since he removed to the state of New York, and that he has ever known[illegible] him [illegible] and [illegible] to be a man of truth and veracity
George Long
Sworn and subscribed before me at the Borough of Meadville Penna Sept 26 1932
R. L. Potter
James Hamilton Esquire of Meadville on this solemn oath said, that he was acquainted with James Dunn of Chauntanque in New York in 1778 at the Big island on the Susquehannah River in Penna at which tie the settlers at that plae were drawn into Horns fort a few miles below the Island, by the Indians. That James Dunn above mentioned, and son of Wm Dunn, served as a militia man at that time: from Horns fort the settlers were driven by the Indians to Aticus fort about six miles down the river, and from there to Northumberland - from the best of his recollection he thinks that said Dunn must have served in the militia at that time at least four months. That after the [illegible] the settlers returned to the Big island where this deponent lived in
Page 35

The immediate neighborhood of James Dunn till 1795.  That it was well known and always admitted in the neighborhood that said James Dunn had served in the war of the revolution as a militiaman in New Jersey under Capt. Long, Col. Morris & Genl. Potter — that this deponent has of ten seen and known Said Dunn after he served to the State of New York.  That he has [illegible] him [illegible] and known as a man of truth and veracity – 

James Hamilton 

Sworn and subscribed before me at the Borough of Meadville Penna. Sept 26th 1832 } 

R.L. Potter 

State of Pennsylvania       }
Crawford County             }  Ss

I Edward A. Reynolds Prothy & Clk of Courts of said County do certify that Robert L. Potter Ewq. whose name is subscribed  to the foregoing depositions is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County and commissioned as such and further that full faith and credit is due to all his official acts as well in courts of Justice as elsewhere.  

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the courts of said County this 26th day of September A.D. 1832

Edward A. Renyolds Prothy & Clk of Courts
Page 36

I certify that 

I have been acquainted with George Long Esqr. Of Woodcock township and who made the within deposition by him subscribed for more than seventeen years – And that I have been acquainted with James Hamilton Esqr. Of Meadville and who made the within deposition by him subscribed, during the same time:  that they are both acting justices of the peace and of unimpeachable credibility of character—

Meadville Penna.      }
Crawford County [illegible]  1833}        R. L. Potter

I Edward A Reynolds  Prothonotary & Clerk of the General Court of Said County do certify that Robert L Potter Esq. who has signed above certificate is an acting Justice of the peace duly commissioned and that full faith and credit is due to all his official acts as well in courts of Justice as elsewhere and that the Signature of the Said Justice &c the above certificate is [illegible]and of his own handwriting. 

In testimony whereof I have herunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court the 4th of [illegible] of June A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty three. 

Edward A Reynolds
Prothy & Clk of the [illegible] Court of Crwford County
Page 37

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

State of Pennsylvania    }
Mifflin County               }   Ss

I Joseph Kyle, one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Mifflin County and State of Pennsylvania Do Certify that William [too faint to read] before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn to is, and was, at the time the same purports to have been sworn to, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the Said County and State, duly Commissioned and qualified, and that to all his official acts, full faith and credit is and aught to be given, and further that the Signature thereto, purporting to be the Signature of the Said William [too faint to read] is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this [illegible] day of August AD 1843.  

Joseph Kyle [The word "seal" inside a handwritten doodle] 

State of Pennsylvania    }
Mifflin County               } 

I John R McDowell, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Mifflin County and State of Pennsylvania Do Certify that Joseph Kyle who has attached his name and affixed his seal to the foregoing Certificate is and was at the time the same purports to have been done an acting Associate Judge of Court of Common Pleas of Mifflin County, and State of Pennsylvania aforesaid and also that the Signature thereto purporting to be the signature of the Said Joseph Kyle is genuine.

[An illegible seal apparent to the left]

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Lewiston this 7th day of August A.D. 1848

John R. McDowell Prothonotary
Page 38

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

State of Pennsylvania  }
Mifflin County            } SS

Personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for Said County, and State, William B Johnston, residing in Brown Township, County and State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say, 

That he is a Son of the Reverend James Johnston deceased who was a Presbyterian Clergyman residing in Kishacoquillas Valley Mifflin County Pennsylvania, in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety one, That he holds in his possession the book in which the records of the persons married by the Reverend James Johnston were kept and that it appears from the aforesaid book of records that James Dunn was married to Elizabeth Alexander on the fourteenth day of June, Seventeen hundred and ninety one – and further Saith not ---

Sworn and subscribed to this day of August AD 1843   }

W. B. Johnston
Page 39

Westfield Feby. 25. 1846

Hon. Abner Lewis.

Dear Sir, 

I endorse to you a letter from the Commissioner of Pensions in relation to the application of Mrs Dunn of Portland for a Pension:  Her poverty compels her to accept the small pittance offered:  You will discover from the enclosed letter that an imputation rests upon the character of her deceased husband of deception upon the department:  She has made efforts to repel the imputations but it is too late, the witnesses are dead:  Will you please call, with the enclosed letter, upon the commissioner &c & pro[illegible] such a certificate as he may be disposed to give & oblige 

Your Humble Servant 
D. Mann
Page 40

Payments to be made at New York by Pres. U.S. [illegible].  Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of New York

Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E. Vol. 4, Page 96. by Go. C. Stiles Clerk
Page 41

May
March 4th 1826, Capt. Dunn
had resided in Portland about 32 years
previously he resided in Pine Creek township [illegible] County - Penna
Page 42

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, James Dunn of the State of New York who was a private in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and " [next word crossed out] cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and the 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 21 day of November one thousand eight hundred and thrity-three
Lew Cross
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
JL Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 43

October 24, 1929.
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Dear Sir -
If it be in accordance with the duties of this department, will you kindly inform me as to whom pensions were paid or what names were mentioned in regard to William and James Dunn. Their names appear in Capt. Cookson Long's company of the second battalion Northumberland militia commanded by Col. James Potter certified by Co. James Murray Dec 3 1776.
Thanking you for this kindness and courtesy.
Very truly,
Mrs Rufus C Adams
#557 Chestnut St. Meadville Penna
Mosier Place -
Page 44

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
NAME Dunn, James GRADE Private LINE Virginia
WARRANT NUMBER s 12067 and 12703 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED December 16, 1795 to - not shown -
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commisioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.