Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 9,810, John Backus, Mass. New York
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(8 - 1776)
SERVICE                              Number
Mass.        Backus, John      S 9,810
New York

CONTENTS
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31829
New York

John Backus
Cortland in the State of New York
who was a pri & Sergt in the Compy commanded
by Captain Douglass of the regt commanded
by Col. Simons in the Mass.
line for 5 mos. 10 days private
24 " Sergt

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany
at the rate of 21 Dollars 77 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Feby
1841, Sent to the Hon. A Dana 
and
H o Reps

Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $217.77
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep '41  10.88
$228.66

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by D. McCurdy, Clerk
Book E2 Vol. 4, Page 7.
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Declaration of John Backes of Freetown in Cortland
County and State of New York in order to obtain the benefit of the
act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
When I first entered the service I reside in Hancock
in the Bay state (Massachusetts) says the militia were called
for to go to Tianterogen (Ticonderoga) to keep the fort hill troops
could be raised and brought from other places he volunteered
William Douglass was captain of the company to which he was attached
but cannot remember the names of the other commissioned
officers of the company the orderly sergents name was [Douglas (crossed out)] Becon he
heard he was afterward killed at the battle of Bennington
Col. Simons of Williams Town commanded the regt. he was an
old man understood he had been taken prisoner in the French war
cannot remember the names of the other field officers
The regt. marched to Albany and was there at Christmas and
new years days and then went from there to Ticonderoga had 
been there but a short time when he was placed in a Redout
a short distance from the main fort as an artillerist together
with others of the same regt, the time of service of those stationed
in the Redout having expired he thinks Gen Wayne [or (crossed out)]
had the command as there was such an officer there but
thinks he had only a Col. commission the officer who had
the care of the hay and wood went by the name of maj.
Hay There were some of continental soldiers there.
During the winter there was much work done in [making) inserted)]
something like a bridge across a marsh or a part of the lake
from the fort to the foot of mount independance with which
he had nothing to do after he was placed in the Redout
as above mentioned where he continued till the ice
on the lake began to break up then other troops, began
to come in and his time of service had expired he went
sworn does not remember whether he received a discharge in
writing or not but thinks all who went out with him
went home the same time says they had to get home as
well as they could served this tour three months he can
[inserted, not] better designate the period in the war when this service was
Page 4

performed than that it was the winter before Bergoyne surrendered.
His next tour was when Bergoyne was at Saratoga. The alarm came to Hancock and he with others of his neighbours turned out armed and equiped and furnished with amunition at their own expence and rode there own horses to Pawlet in Vermont without being organised or commanded by any one. The commanding officer at Pawlet selected twenty men with their horses of which this applicant was one to carry flour in bags from that place to what is now called White Hall in this business. He continued twenty days and carried their arms and amunition with them all the time. The flour he carried for the army and as a soldier was not hired by any one and says he never received a cent of pay for it.
The troops assembled at Pawlet were he thinks the militia from the country about that place and recollects a company of light horse from Plainfield and its vicinity were then as some of them said they were from that place but cannot recollect the names of any of the officers as he was not with the main body then collected more than one day at a time.
And further the next year after Bergoyne was taken I moved to Granville in Washington county in this state.  Soon after I came with my family to this place an alarm was made that the tories and indians were expected at Skeensborough. The militia were called out and I went with them. Capt. Child (or Chillds) afterwards [illegible] commanded the company were out between two and three weeks but will put it down at two weeks. The enemy did not appear as expected. Cannot remember the name of any other officer but thinks Capt. Child commanded the whole party.
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And cannot better designate the period of the war this service was rendered than that it was about a year or two after Bergoynes surrender but cannot positively state which.
Not long after this alarm but says it is impossible to tell how long the tories and Indians burned old Skeem house and other buildings at Skeensborough. The militia again turned out and he also with them went to Skeensborough found two old people murdered also a young man. They buried the dead made an effort to cut off the retreat of the enemy but did not succeed. A lieut. Parker commanded the party (of which this applicant was one) sent to reach the front of the enemy. Went thirty miles through the woods and also now recollects that this same lieut. Parker was an officer under Capt. Child in the expedition before mentioned but cannot remember the name of any other officer in this last mentioned service. And further that I resided at Granville till the war had closed and was frequently called out on alarms similar to those above mentioned and I also spent considerable time in making excursions through the country to [illegible] if the enemy were approaching which according to my best recollection now I should think would amount to two months or more but venture to put it at that time.
And further there is as I suppose a witness living in Livonia in this state by whome I can prove some of my service in the revolution as above stated whose affidavit I shall make an effort to [illegible] and forward herewith.
And that I have no documentary evidence by which I can prove an;y of my services.
And that I have no record of my age.
And that I never rcd. any discharge that I can recollect cannot remember the names of any officers of the regular army but Col. or Gen. Wayne whome he believes was an officer of the regular army. When I entered the service as above stated in every case I volunteered or went on the request of others.
Was born at Canterbury Windham County in Connecticut.
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In the year 1747 and am now ninety three years old. Mooved from Canterbury to Hancock from that place to Granville and from the last mentioned to where I now live and have lived here 30 years.
I do hereby relinquish every claim to a pension or anuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
And further that I have never been willing to call on my country for help till all my own resources failed and having lived longer than I expected I should and now need help from some quarter. I present this claim on my country. John Backus

Subscribed & sworn to this 7th day of October 1840 before me. William Bartlit, Judge of Cortland County Courts

I hereby certify that the above named applicant John Backus is unable to attend court by reason of old age and bodily infirmity. William Bartlit, Judge of Cortland County Courts
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State of New York, Livingston County ss.
Timothy Baker being duly sworn desposes and says that he is a resident of the town of Levonia County & state above mentioned, is aged Eighty one years last September. That he is well aquainted with John Backus now residing at Freetown Cortland County state aforesaid and has been aquainted with him about seventy three years. That he married the sister of this deponent, that the said Backus & this deponent at the commencement of the Revolutionary War both resided at the town of Hancock in the state of Massachusetts and during the said war removed to the town of Granville in the state of New York. That while residing at Hancock knows of said Backus volunteering into the army and going to Ticondaroga in the state of New York under Captain William Douglass of said Hancock in Col. Simmon's Regiment. Thinks it was late in the fall & previous to Burguyne surrender and was absent something over three months. Also knows that when Burguoyne came down to Stillwater in New York the said Backus went again and according to the best of deponent recollection to carry provision for the army. Intended to cutt off Burguoyne retreat does not recollect the precise time he was absent but thinks it was over twenty days & thinks that it was under Captain Wm. Smith but is not positive. And further that he recollects distinctly that while residing at Graville above mentioned the said Backus was out to the army & in service as many as three or four times of from two to four weeks each time.  Recollects one time in particular that deponent returning from Fort Ann upon furlough he found all the male inhabitants of the neighbourhood gone into actual service at Pawlet in Vermonth. Deponent being obliged to call out the women to secure the corn crop that said Backus was with them at that time & absent about three weeks. That this deponent resided a near neighbour to the said Backus during the whole term of the Revolutionary War and that said Backus and this deponent were in the habit of takeing care of each others family during the absence of the other and further this deponent saith not. Timothy Baker

Sworn & subscribed to before me this 16th day of October 1840. Shepard Peirce, Com of Deeds in & for Livingston Co.
Page 8

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Timothy Baker the individual described in and who executed the within affidavit and have been for the last eight years. That he is a man of good moral character, a respectable standing in society and of unquestionable character for truth and veractiy. Date Livonia Oct. 16th 1840.
Shepard Peirce Com of Deeds in & for Livingston County
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State of New York, Livingston County ss
Ebenezer Backus being duly sworn says that he now resides in the town of Livonia County & State above mentioned. That he is seventy years old next January. That he is the son of John Backus of Freetown county of Cortland state of New York. That his father and family at the commencement of the Revolutionary War resided in the town of Hancock in State of Massachusetts and during the war removed there from to the town of Granville state of New York at  which time this deponent was aged nine years old. Recollects that while residing at Hancock there was a muster and of his father's saying that he had enlisted and that his father went away and was absent from late in the fall untill sometime in the spring. Often heard him say on his return that he was at Ticondiroga under Genl. Wayne in Captain Douglass Company. Also recollects a while at Hancock of his father being absent again at the time of Burguoyne comeing down to Stillwater state of New York. From the circumstances of his taking with him a sorrel horse & returning with a roane one and that immediately on the return of his father, his father was attached with the camp distemper which confined him for some time. His father saying that he had been in the army the main body lying at Pawlet in the state of Vermont. He haveing been employed in transporting provisions to a detachment at Skeensboro now White Hall in state of New York. Also recollects that soon after removeing to Granville his father was drafted and absent some time and on return said that he had been in the army at White Hall. Also recollects of his being absent several other times. The length of time cannot recollect but thinks in all as much as two months or more. Recollects one time in particular of his father's goeing from the circumstances of the party being called the great scout party and there being many of the Continental Troops quartered at his fathers house at the time & haveing to back wood to make fire for warming the soldiers & cooking. Also recollects of his fathers being absent at the time the Stone House & Stone Barn were burnt at White Hall. Also at the times of takeing Fort Ann & Fort George and of his being absent when he said he had been down Lake Champlain in pursuit of the enemy from the circumstances of the snow being verry deep & the Reverend M. Hibbard goeing with him. Has often heard his father & many other persons retate the circumstances of his being in the revolutionary war & further this deponent saith not. Ebenezer Backus

Sworn & subscribed to before me this 16th day of October 1840. Shepard Peirce Coms. of Deeds in & for Livingston Co.
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I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Ebenezer Backus the person described in and who executed the within affidavit and have been for the last eight years. That he is a man of good moral character of respectable standing in society and of unquestionable character for truth and veracity.
Dated Livonia October 1840
Shepard Peirce, Coms. of Deeds in & for Livingston Co.

State of New York, Livingston County Clerk's Office, ss.
I, William H. Stanley, Clerk of said County, Do hereby certify, that Shepard Peirce Esq whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed insturments and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Commissioner of Deeds in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And Further, that I am well acquained with the hand-writing of such Commissioner, and verily believe that the signatures to the said certificates are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County, this Nineteenth day of October A. D. 1840. Wm. H. Stanley Clerk
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I Alba Gross a clergyman residing in the town of Freetown county of Cortland and state of New York hereby certify that I am well acquainted with John Backus who has resided in the town afforesaid for a number years until about two months past. Since which time said John Bakus has resided in Groton Tompkins County state afforesaid who has sworn to the above declaration. That I believe him to be niety three years of age. That he is reputed and believed in this neighbourhood to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that I concur in that opinion. Alba Gross

Sworn and sbuscribed this 4th day of December 1840 before me. Isaac W. Baker Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that the above named Alba Gross is a clergyman resident in the town of Freetown afforesaid and that his statement set forth in the above affidavit is entitled to credit. Isaac W. Baker Justice of the Peace

I Abraham Aker residing in Freetown Cortland county and state of New York do hereby certify that I have been well acquainted with John Backus who has sworn to the declaration hereunto annexed and have been so acquainted for about thirty years. During the time he resided in this place and that I believe him to be ninety three years of age and that he is reputed and believed in this neighbourhood to have been a soldier in the revolution and that I concur in that opinion. And that I never heard that I can recollect any person express a doubt on the subject. And further that soon after the applicants declaration was drawn and sworn to his son residing in Groton Tompkins county and state of New York remooved said applicant to his own residence in that place for the purpose of providing for him as said son of the applicant stated to this deponent.
And I further certify that at the time the applicants declaration was sworn to the clergyman whose affidavit is given above was absent from the place. Abraham Aker
(turn over)
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State of New York, Cortland County ss
I Oren Stimson Clerk of said County do hereby Certify that William Bartlit Esq and Isaac W. Baker at the time of taking the within affidavits purporting to be taken before them were the said William Bartlit a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and the said Isaac W Baker a Justice of the peace of the said County duly qualified and that I am well aquainted with their hand writings and verily believe their signatures within are genuine.
In testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said county this 12th day of December 1840. Oren Stimson Clerk
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Sworn and subscribed this 4th day December 1840 before me Isaac W Baker Justice of the Peace. I hereby certify that the above named Abrahm Aker is a resident of the town of Freetown afforesaid and that I am well acquainted with said Aker and believe the statement set forth in his affidavit entitled to full credit. Isaac W. Baker Justice of the Peace

Crossed out - Please address Abraham Aker at Freetown Corners Cortland County N.Y. as the applicant has employed me to present his claim.

John Backus
35,145

Hon Amasa Dana H of Reps.
Page 14

for a statement of the military history of John Backus a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau.
S. File 9810

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment. See Mass. book Vol. 11 p. 773
Winter 1776
Length of Service. 3 mos.
Rank. Artillerist
Officers Under Whom Service was Rendered.
Captain.  William Douglas, Exped. to Ticonderoga
Colonel.  Simonds
State. Mass

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment. Fall 1777
Length of Service. 20 days
Rank. Artillerist
Officers Under Whom Service was Rendered.
Captain.  transporoting provisions from Pawlet Vt. to White Hall
Colonel.
State.

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment. 1779
Length of Service. 2 weeks
Rank.
Officers Under Whom Service was Rendered.
Captain. Silas Childs
Colonel. Simonds
State. N.Y.

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment. Shortly after above
Length of Service. 2 mos.
Rank.
Officers Under Whom Service was Rendered.
Captain. Lieut. Parker
Colonel. Simonds
State. N.Y.

Battles engaged in,
Residence of soldier at 1st enlistment, Hancock, Mass., at 3rd enlistment Granville, New York
Date of application for pension, Oct 7, 1840. 
His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Freetown, Cortland Co., N. York
Age at date of application, born 1747 at Canterbury, Conn.
Remarks: In 1840 Timothy Baker stated that soldier married his sister but did not give her name or date of marriage. Son Ebenezer Backus b. in Jany 1771 res. at Livonia, N.Y. Oct 16, 1840. Between Oct. 7 & Dec. 4, 1840 soldier was removed to Groton, N.Y. to reside with his son. No further family data.
Page 15

May 21 1900
Chas L Watrous, Des Moines Iowa
Jany. 25 1904, [illegible]
T.R. Woodward Chicago Ill
1910 Oct.27. Hist. to Mrs. Mary L. Holman
1910 Nov. 8. Mr. M.F. Backus
1911 Jan. 6 To Mary L. Holman
1911 Jan.24. M.F. Backus advised that full copies of papers cannot be furnished
1916 Nov.13. Hist. to Miss Helen F. Backus
1925 Jan.14. Hist. to Mrs. Frane L. [illegible]

Rev War
9810
INVALID.
File No. 8910
John Backus, Sergt. Rev. War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index: Vol. 1, Page 20
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 16

N.Y. 35,145
See let to Hon Ct. Dana
Dec. 28, 1840
To same Feb 17, 1841

Act of June 1832
Page 17

In pursuance of a law passed the 27th day of April, 1784, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz:

1780 Sept 1 1102 John Bakus  Private  1 13 943
1779 Augst 17 1421 John Barckus Private 1 8 543
1779 Dec 31 1488 John Backus Private 1 11 10 2/3
1779 August 17 2027 John Backus Private 0 5 4
1780 March 6 2091 John Backenes Private 0 5 4
1780 Dec 1 7859 John Beckus Private 2 2 8
1779 Dec 1 7928 John Beekns Private 1 13 9
1781 Nov 3 9564 John Beckers Private 1 17 4

State of New-York,
Comptroller's Office, Albany, January 18, 1841.
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 1 V. 2 now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz:

First - under Capt. Henry Miller in Col. Jacob Klock Regiment.
Second, under Capt. Henry Miller in Col. Jacob Klock Regiment.
Third, under Capt. Henry Miller in Col. Jacob Klock Regiment.
Fourth, under Capt Sovrinus Kock in Col. Jacob Klock Regiment.
Fifth, under Capt Sovrinus Kock in Col. Jacob Klock Regiment.
Sixth, under Capt. Silas Childs in Col. Alexander Webster Regiment.
Seventh, under Capt. Silas Childs in Col. Alexander Webster Regiment.
Eighth, under Lieut. Asaph Cook in Col. Alexander Webster Regiment
Charlotte Treyon County
State Washington
County Militia Militia
W.W. Tredway Dep. Compt
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16.66
 1.11
 4.
21.77
Page 19

House of Reps
Dec. 21st 1840
Hon J L Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Sir
I have the honor to transmit herewith the pension papers of John Backus to which I solicit an early attention.
Very Respectfully Your Obt Srvt Amasa Dana
Page 20

Hon J.L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Feb 12. 1841 N.Y.

Hon. A. Dana HR
Page 21

Washington February 12 1841
To J.L. Edwards Esq.
Sir
I send you enclosed an additial document in the case of John Backus which I hope will be satisfactory.
Your obedient Servent A. Dana
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Record Division
Jan 19 1917
Page 23

The National Bank of Commerce Seattle
M.F. Backus, President
January 13th, 1911.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Department of the Interior,
Washington, D.C.
Sir:
I desire to secure full copies of all documents in the matter of the pension granted to my great grandfather, John Backus, (Sur. File 9810), who enlisted in the Revolutionary War, first from Hancock, Mass., and subsequently from Granville, N.Y. I desire copies of the original application, and also any other papers connected with the application, such as affidavits of witnesses, etc.
Any charge for making copies of these papers I shall very gladly remit upon receipt of notice of the proper amount.
Your respectfully.
M.F. Backus
MVK

Pension Office U.S.
Jan 19 1911
Page 24

John W. Lane, Jr., Rhode Island No. 1. Editor
Mortimer S. Woodward, St. Paul Bldg., N.Y. Eastern Representative.
R.W. Larkin, New York No. 16. Advertising Mgr.
The National Engineer
Board of Trustees on Publication
Otto Luhr, Illinois No. 38, Chairman.
E.S. Conser, Tennessee No. 5
Geo. L. Geyer, New York No. 16
Chas. H. Garlick, Pennsylvania No. 15.
Joseph F. Carney, New York No. 1.
Theron R. Woodward, Manager
Official Publication of the National Association of Stationary Engineers.
Offices: 323-324-325-326 Manhattan Bldg., Chicago, ILL. St. Paul Building, New York.
Chicago, January 13, 1904.

E. F. Ware, Esq., Comr.,
Pension Bureau,
Washingotn, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Will you kindly give me for genealogical record in a forthcoming family history the statement of the military history of John Backus who served In Rev. War from Mass. (probably Hancock) and later from Granville, N.Y. He died Feb. 11, 1842 in Groton, N.Y. and was born in Canterbury, Conn. we suppose. Would like all reference to his family.
Thanking you for your kindness, I remain
Yours truly, T. R. Woodward

Pension Office U.S. F Jan 15 1904

Jan 18 1904
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Pension Office.
U.S.
Jan 5 1917
Page 26

Mary Lovering Holman Genealogist
130 Warren St., Roxbury, Mass.
Jan 3, 1910

Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Gentlemen:
Some time ago about 2 months you sent me the Pension Record of a John Backus who served in 1776-7 from Hancock Mass. and applied for a pension in New York in 1840. Under the Heading "Remarks" you state "Son Ebenezer born 1771, resided at Livonia, Livingston Co. N.Y. in 1840".
About 1905, you sent an almost identical pension record to Mr. T.R. Woodward, the original being now among his papers. The exceptions being that whereas in mine, his residence at time of application is given Groton N.Y. in the other it is Freetown, N.Y. and under "Remarks" it states "Son John aged 60 years make affidavit." Can you reconcile these two reports & is there not a fare possibility that there was an earlier application for Pension (perhaps in 1832) at which son John testified. I will be very grateful to you if you can straighten this matter out for with conflicting testimony. I do not like to send the papers to my client and if there is any record of "son John" I'd especially like it as son John is the son from whom my client descends & we lack just the proof such a record would give.
Thanking you for your usual courtesy;
I am Sincerely Yours, Mary L. Holman
Page 27

Mary Lovering Holman Genealogist
130 Warren St., Roxbury, Mass.

Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Will you kindly send me the full record of John Backus Rev. Soldier, born in Canterbury Conn. His service is said to be in Mass and N.Y. His pension certificate is said to be 31,829 and was applied for in New York. He died at Groton N.Y. Feb 11, 1842. I think the pension was not applied for until 1832 or 40.
Sincerely yours, Mary Lovering Holman

Pension Office U.S.
Oct 24, 1910
Page 28

I don't quite see how this went to the Adj. Gen. it was intended for the Pension Bureau.
Page 29

Pension Office
U.S.
Nov 2 1910
Page 30

The National Bank of Commerce Seattle
M.F. Backus, President
Nov 3 1910
October 28, 1910.

To the Honorable Commission of Pensions,
Bureau of pensions, Department of Interior,
Washington D. C.

Sir:
I desire to secure the Revolutionary War record of my great grand-father, John Backus, who enlisted first from Massachusetts, and afterwards from Granville, N. Y.
My understanding is that during his service from Massachusetts he was in Capt. Douglas' Company, Col. Simons' Regiment. That after he enlisted from New York he served in Capt. Childs' Company, Alexander Webster, Lt. Col. He applied for a pension many years afterwards, which was allowed.
I desire to secure all the information I can regarding his services and the allowance of his pension, including a copy of the original application and all other papers making up the record.
If there is any expense attached to the securing of this information I will gladly remit for the same upon being informed of the proper amount.
Very truly yours, M.F. Backus
Page 31

1872 "It was to rear the walls of home the settler blazed the way" 1923
Ingham County Pioneer and Historical Society
Col. L.H. Ives, President
Mrs. Frac L. Adams, Secretary
Wm. M. Webb, Treasurer

Mason, Michigan
Dec. 30, 1924

U.S. Pension Bureau,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs:
I am trying to prove the Revolutionary record of William Ketchum of Connecticut, who, according to the family history, fought under Capt. Turnbull at the battle of Bunker Hill, and who was also at the battle of Ticonderoga.
The records at the State Library at Lansing carry no record of him, that I can find.
Is his name on the Pension roll?
Also can you  give me any information regarding John Backus of Norwich or Windham, Conn, who is said to have participated in the battle of Black Rock in Fairfield Co.? Later he and a part of his family went to Batavia or Stafford, Genesee Co. N.Y.
Any information will be gratefully received.
Yours truly,
(Mrs.) Franc L. Adams

Pension Office
U.S.
Jan 2 1925
Page 32

Backus
Page 33

Rev Sec

Livonia, N.Y. Oct 20, '16

The Pension Dep't
Washington, D.C.

As I wish to join the D.A.R., I write to ask for the record of the following soldiers of the Revolution:
S. 37169
(1) Jabez Lewis who died Mar 13, 1838 aged 83 yrs. His wife, Lucy Lewis died July 1, 1826, aged 74 yrs.
S. 9,810
(2) John Backus, probably from Canterbury, Conn, or some N.E. state or Eastern New York. He had a son Ebenezer who I believe, signed his pension papers for him. In later years may have lived in Granville, Washington Co, New York, at least his son Ebenezer came from that county to Livonia, N.Y. in 1830.
(3) Please give Vol. and page on which record is found, also Vol. and page on which record of Humphrey Hunt only [illegible] W. 23,375 Not. is found, I have a copy of his record.
Very truly yours
(Mrs) Helen F. Backus
Page 34

Record Division.
January 6, 1911

Mary Lovering Holman,
130 Warren Street,
Roxbury, Mass.
Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 3d and received the 5th instant, relative to the only claim on file for John Backus of the Massachusetts troops in the Revolutionary War, (Sur. File No. 9,810), you are advised that he was a resident of Freetown, New York, when he applied for pension, but shortly afterwards removed to Groton, New York, to reside with his son.
His son Ebenezer was a resident of LIvonia, New York, on October 16, 1840; there is no reference to a son John, -- no further family data in the papers on file.
For the date of last payment of soldier's pension and to whom paid, apply to the Auditor for the Interior Department, U.S. Tresury Department, citing the following data: "John Backus, Ctf. No. 31,839, issued February 26, 1841, under the Act of June 7, 1833 at the New York Agency".
Very respectfully, Commissioner.
Page 35

Rev. War Section.
November 13, 1916.

Miss Helen F. Backus,
Livonia, New York.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the twentieth ultimo, you are herewith furnished the history of Jabez Lewis of Connecticut troops, S. File No. 37,169 Rev. War and of John Backus of the Massachusetts and New York troops, S. File No. 9,810 Rev. War, and advised that the official designation of the other pension claim you referred to is, "Humphrey Hunt, New Hampshire troops, W. File No. 23375 Revolutionary War."
Very respectfully, GM Saltzgaber Commissioner.
Page 36

Record Division.
January 24, 1911.

Mr. M. F. Backus,
National Bank of Commerce,
Seattle, Washington,
Sir:
In reply to your letter dated the 13th and received the 19th instant, relative to the pension claim of John Backus, Sur. File No. 9,810, you are advised that owing to the lack of clerical force available for such a purpose, this Bureau is unable to furnish full copies of papers on file, but any person designated by you will be allowed to examine and copy the papers in the above cited claim.
Very respectfully, Commissioner.
Page 37

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
[illegible]

January 14, 1925
Mrs. Franc L. Adams
Mason, Mich.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 9810 it appears that John Backus was born in 1747 in Canterbury, Windham County, Connecticut.
While a resident of Hancock, Massachusetts he enlisted in the winter of 1776 and served three months as artillerist in Captain William Douglas' Company, Colonel Simonds' Massachusetts Regiment.
He volunteered in the fall of 1777 and served twenty days transporting provisions for the army from Pawlet, Vermont to Skeensborough, New York.
About 1778 or 1779 he moved to Granville, Washington County, New York. He enlisted and served two weeks in Captain Silas Childs' New York Company, and two months under Lieutenant Parker in the New York Troops.
He also served on alarms at various times to the
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close of the war.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 7, 1840 while living in Freetown, Cortland County, New York.
In 1840 Timothy Baker stated that soldier married his sister, but did not give her name or the date of marriage.
A son Ebenezer Backus born in January 1771 was living in Livonia, New York in 1840.
In the fall of 1840 soldier went to Groton, Tompkins County, New York to live with his son whose name is not stated.
Respectfully, Acting Commissioner.

Date of death not on [illegible]
Sent this: John because he was nearest to that part of [illegible] [illegtible] who inquired [illegible] & was from Conn & Windham Co.