Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6960, Asa Dains, Conn. Privateer
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(3—1776)
SERVICE
Conn.
Privateer.
Dains, Asa
Jane
NUMBER
W. 6960
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Ohio.  3070
Asa Dains of Meigs in the State of Ohio who was a Private in the Compy commanded by Captain Cady of the Regt commanded by Col. Chapman in the Connt. line for 15 months from 1778 -
Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio at the rate of 50 Dollars _____ Cents per ann. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of 
Decr '32 and sent to M Bosworth, Chester, Ohio
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832  75
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33  25
$400.--
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk,
Book D Vol. 10 Page 56
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Asa Dains
Asa Dains
2308
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The State of Ohio}
Meigs County ss}
Meigs Common Pleas July Term 1832
On this first day of August AD 1832 Personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas for said County now sitting Asa Dains aged sixty eight years a resident of Orange Township in the County of Meigs & State of Ohio 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 A. D. 1832.  That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated to wit, In the month of August A. D. 1778 being then a resident of the Town of Canterbury County 
1"  of Windham State of Connecticut there enlisted for the term of one month in the Company commanded by Capt Daniel Cady in the Regt commanded by Col. Chapman.  that he served most of that time on Rhode Island in what was then called Genl Sullivan's expedition until driven off by the British, that they were then stationed at Providence until the expiration of his time & was there discharged.  In the month of July AD 1779 he 
2d  enlisted for the term of three months at the same Town of Canterbury in the Company commanded by Capt Joseph Ransford in a Battallion commanded by Major Peters that he was stationed in New London during the time of his enlistment & was there discharged.
3d  In the month of Sept. 1780 he enlisted on board the Privateer Oliver Cromwell of New London commanded by Capt William Wattles & served on board of said Privateer until the last of March or first of April next ensuing
4"  & in Sept (as he believes) 1781 he served one month as a Volunteer in the Company commanded by Capt Cargill at the time Arnold burned
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burned New London & massacred the men at Fort Griswold in Groton.  
5"  In Jan. 1782 he enlisted at the Town of Canterbury aforesaid for the term of two months in a Company commanded by Capt. Clough in the Regt commanded by Col. McClarin & served at For Griswold during the two months & was there discharged.
6"  In August next ensuing he enlisted at Canterbury afsd for one year in the Company commanded by Capt. Benjamin Durgee in the Regt Commanded by Col McClarin that he served during the term of his enlistment at New London & was ^then discharged on the 12th day of Autust 1783  He was born in Canterbury Windham County Connecticut where his birth was recorded  that he has in possession a certified copy thereof from the Town Clerk of sd Town - he moved to Royalton Windsor Co. Vermont (now Woodstock Co) in the summer of 1786 or 87 from there to Belpre Washington Co. Ohio in 1793 from thence to his present residence in 1806 where he has since resided that he has no documentary evidence of service & that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure ["who can procure" crossed out] who can testify to his service
his mark [hand drawn X] Asa Dains
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
M Bosworth Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department that the above applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states.  And the Court
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further certifies that it appears to them that Jesse Halsey & Josiah Burroughs who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in the said Township of ["Chester" crossed out] Orange (one of them to wit Jesse Halsy} & that Josiah Burroughs is a resident of Chester that they are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to credit & further that he could not without great trouble & inconvenience procure the attendance of a neighboring Clergyman at this term of the Court
Attest
M Bosworth Clerk
The State of Ohio}
Meigs County ss}
I Marcus Bosworth Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the [app]lication of Asa Dains for a pension.  In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of said Court this 2d day of August AD one thousand eight hundred thirty two & of our State the 30th
M. Bosworth Clerk
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Asa Dains
Ohio
No 2308.
from 1778 private
15 months
5 $50 p. 38
See letter Nov 12 -
M. Bosworth
Chester
O.
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BRIEF in the case of Asa Dains of Meigs County in the State of Ohio
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1.  Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Court
2.  If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3.  How old is he?  68 years
State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period.
August In 1778
July 1779
Sept 1781
Jun 1782
Aug enlisted 1782
Duration of service.
Years, Months, Days.
1 month
3 months
1 month
2 months
1 year
____________ 
1 year 9 months}
Rank.
As a
Private
"
"
"
"
Names of General and field Officers under whom he served.
Gen. Sullivan
Col Chapman Regmt
Capt Daniel Cady
Major Peters Batalion [Battlion]
Capt Joseph Rainsfords Compy
Capt Craigs Compy
Col Clarens Regmt
Capt Clough
{Same Regmt & Officers
{Capt Benjamin Durgees Compy
5.  In what battles was he engaged?
6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Windham County Connecticut
7.  Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Traditionary
8.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication?  and if so, in what respect?
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
C Litte Examining Clerk.
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12432
Rd Dec. 26, 1846.
Jane Dains
Ohio
Act 7th July 1838
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Declaration of Jane Dains
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The State of Ohio}
Meigs County ss}
On this 29th day of November AD 1845 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for said County Jane Dains a resident of Orange Township in Meigs County Ohio aged seventy nine years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make ["the" crossed out] the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838, June 7th 1844 and the Act of April 30th 1844 entitled "An act making appropriations for the payment of revolutionary soldiers and other pensioners of the United States for the fiscal year ending on the 30th June one thousand eight hundred & forty five) that she is the Widow of Asa Dains who was a private soldier in the revolutionary War, that she cannot particularly state the services of her late husband but that the same will be found in the application of her late husband under the act of 1832 for a pension.  that he received a pension under said act of fifty dollars per annum payable at Cincinnati, Ohio.
She further declares that she was married to the said Asa Dains in the month of May in the year seventeen hundred and eighty four.  that her husband the aforesaid Asa Dains died on the 4th day of May AD 1843; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but
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the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred & ninety four viz. at the time above stated
Jane Dains
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year}
above written before me}
Josiah Smith J. Peace.}
I certify that Mrs Jane Dains is infirm & residing about 12 miles from the County seat is too feeble and infirm to attend before the Court to make her declaration
Josiah Smith J Peace
The State of Ohio
Meigs County ss
I Marcus Bosworth Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County do hereby certify that Josiah Smith Esq before whom the foregoing declaration was made by Jane Dains under oath & who has subscribed his name to the certificate thereof as well as to the above certificate appended thereto was at that time and now is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the 12th day of June AD 1844 & will expire on the 12th day of June AD 1847 & that his several signatures above written are genuine.  In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court at Pomeroy this 16th day of December AD 1845
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and of the State of Ohio the 44th
M. Bosworth Clerk
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5775
Ohio, Cin.
Jane Dains widow of Asa who served in the Revolutionary war ^Ct, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 50 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Dedneting [sic] paymts. under Act 29 July 1848
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of Oct 1857 and sent to Dickens & Coombs 
Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 339 Vol, 4
Let to P. Agt 19 Oct 53
M. Bosworth
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The State of Ohio}
Meigs County ss}
Personally appeared before me Josiah Smith a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Jacob Halsey & Jesse Halsey who being severally duly sworn depose & say that they moved to Belpre Washington County, Ohio, in the year 1801 that among those with whom they early formed an acquaintance was Mr Asa Dains and his family who were then residents of Belpre that deponents about the year 1807 moved from Belpre to what is now Meigs County Ohio, & that Mr Asa Dains & family moved to the same vicinity where deponents reside in the year 1806 that the acquaintance of deponents with said Dains and family, commenced in Belpre, continued from that time to said Dains' death and with his widow & surviving children up to the present date, that said Asa Dains and Jane Dains were living together as husband & wife and were recognized by the community as such from the time of their acquaintance, that they always supposed them to have been married in the place of their nativity & that deponents never heard any suspicions that they were not legally married before the birth of their eldest child that deponents, though older than any of Asa Dains children were considered young people & went together in the same social circles  ^with their older children ["said" crossed out] Jeptha Dains the
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eldest child of said Asa & Jane Dains is represented as of the age of 65 years in December last (1850) & that we believe said representation to be true.  they had several other children younger than said Jeptha to wit Nancy, Bia, Calvin, Dolly, Kapon & Jane while living in Belpre before their removal to Meigs County.  Deponents further state that they were acquainted with some of the early settlers of Meigs County who were acquainted with said Dains & wife before their removal to Ohio (which must have been some 10 years before deponents knew them on their removal to Belpre in 1801) and that they verily believe that if the said Asa Dains & Jane Dains had not been legally married & their said childrens birth had not been legitimate that deponents would have been, in the free conversations between the early settlers, ["have been" crossed out] informed of such fact & that they would at least have heard rumors & suspicions to that effect - but ^having never heard any such suspicions deponents state that they verily believe the said Asa Dains & Jane Dains were letally married as early as 1786 ["& further" crossed out] deponents further state that the said Asa Dains was up to the time of his decease ^(& had been for several years) a pensioner of the United States for services in the Revolutionary War as a Soldier & that he died in 1843 & that his widow the said Jane Dains still survives.  And further these deponents say not
Jesse Halsey
Jacob Halsey
Sworn to & subscribed before me}
this 16th day of September AD 1851}
Josiah Smith J. Peace}
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Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
February 20, 1924
Mrs. Chester O. Toye
200 Century Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 6960 it appears that Asa Dains was born in Canterbury, Windham County, Connecticut, date not stated.
While living in said Canterbury he enlisted in August 1778 and served one months as a private in Captain Daniel Cady's Company, Colonel Chapman's Connecticut Regiment; was in General Sullivan's Expedition.
He enlisted July 15, 1779 and served three months as private in Captain Joseph Ransford's Connecticut Company.
On Setember 25, 1780 he enlisted on board the Privateer "Oliver Cromwell", Captain William Wattles, and served until the last of March or first of April 1781.
He enlisted in September 1781 and served one month in Captain Cargill's Company.  He enlisted January 10,
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1782 and served two months as a private in Captain Clough's Company, Colonel McClarin's Connecticut Regiment, and on August 12, 1782 he enlisted and served as a private in Captain Benjamin Durkee's Company, Colonel McClarin's Connecticut Regiment and was discharged August 12, 1783.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 1, 1832 while living in Orange Township, Meigs County, Ohio aged sixty-eight years.  He died May 4, 1843.
Soldier married May 1784, or April 1, 1785 in Canterbury, Connecticut, Jane Kasson who was allowed pension on her application executed November 29, 1845 while a resident of Orange Township, Meigs County, Ohio aged seventy-nine years.  Their children were Jeptha, Nancy, Bial, Calvin, Dolly, Kasson, Jane and Leonard.
Respectfully,
Connissioner.
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2/7/98.
Mrs. J. E. Stule
New Albany, Ind.
Nov. 19/98.
Miss Susan R Hetzel
City.
1917 June 4 Hist. to Clifford V. Peterson.
1924 Feb. 20 - Hist. to Mrs. Chester Toye
WIDOW, &c.
Revy
File 6960
Jane Dains Wid.
Asa Dains
Pvt. Rev. War
Act:  Feby. 2nd/48
Index:—Vol.  A, Page 167
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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770
Ohio, Cincinnati
Jane Dains widow of Asa who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 50 Dollars 
00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of April 1837 and sent to Dickins & Coombs
Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 160 Vol. A.
Let to Dickens & Coombs Aug 21/51.
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to M Bosworth Oct 2/49
to same - Oct. 20/49
sent to same May 9/50
No 889
Jane Dains widow of Asa Rejected under act 7th July 1838 and transfered [transferred] to act 
29th July 1848
12432
Jane Dains
Ohio.
Act 7th July 1838.
Wait till called
to M. Bosworth Sept. 4th 1846
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stamped:  POMEROY
DEC 21
FREE
J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pen
City of Washing[ton]
Jane Dains
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9081
Ohio, Cin
Jane Dains widow of Asa who was a private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 50 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of ["March" crossed out] MAY, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of Oct. 1851 and sent to Dickens & Coombs
Present
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. ~
Page 202
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Dec 26/50
Jane Dains widow of Asa Dains
Ohio
Application for pension under act 29 July 1848.
Dickins & Coombs
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State of Ohio}
Meigs County} SS.
On this seventeenth day of December A. D. 1850, before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Jane Dains, a Resident of said County, and ["made" crossed out] being duly sworn, upon her oath makes the following declaration for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the Act of Congress passed July 29th 1848.
That she is the widow of Asa Dains, late of said County deceased, who was a soldier in the war of the revolution and who received a pension from the United States, at the rate of Fifty dollars per annum, till the time of his decease, which occurred on the 4th day of A. D. May A. D. 1843.
That she was married to the said Asa Dains on ^or about the 1st day of April A. D. 1785 and that she has not again married since his decease, but still remains his widow.
She further declares, that some five or six years ago she made application for a Pension under the
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act of 7th July 1838, which pension has never been allowed her, but the same was refused, as she is informed, upon the ground of the insufficiency of the evidence that she was married to said Asa Dains prior to the first of January 1794.
She further states, that she has been advised that under a recent decision of the Secretary of the Interior, she cannot be allowed a pension under said act of 7th July 1838, or the act of March 3d 1843, or that of June 17th 1844, because her said husband was living at the time of the passage of said act of 7th July 1838.
She further states, that she has been advised that under the act of July 29th 1848, she is entitled to ["the" crossed out] a pension from the 4th of March 1848, provided she can prove that she was married to the said Asa Dains at any time prior to the first of January 1800.  And believing that the evidence on file in her former application is sufficient to prove beyond all doubt her marriage before that date, she now applies
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for the benefit of said act of 29th July 1848, not waiving, however any claim under said prior acts.  She refers to the evidence on file in the Pension Office, in her former application, for proof of all facts necessary to establish her present claim.
Jane Dains
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me
Josiah Smith Justice of the Peace
The State of Ohio}
Meigs County ss}
I Andrew Donnally Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do hereby certify that Josiah Smith Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit was made and who has subscribed his name thereto was at that time and now is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified and that full faith and confidence are & ought to be given to his official acts as such
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court at Pomeroy this 19th day of December AD 1850
A. Donnally Clerk
per A. B. Donnally Dep
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Jane Dains, wid f Asa
O
Act 29 July 1848
Asa 15 mo Pri. #50
per ann June 4 1848
Cin sent to Dickens & Coombs
Present
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Dickins & Coombs
Page 30

Washington, May 26th 1851
Sir:
Enclosed you will please find additional evidence in support of the claim of Jane Dains widow of Asa Dains, of Meigs County, Ohio, for a pension under the act of 1838, and supplementary acts.
A few weeks ago a certificate was issued to Mrs. Dains under act of 1848, but she was not allowed under previous acts for the reason that the evidence was not satisfactory to prove that she was married prior to 1794.  The marriage was proved by parol, but it was objected that it was not shown whether any record of the marriage existed.
Some weeks since I wrote to the Town Clerk of Canterbury, Conn. (enclosing $1.00) and requested him to send a certificate as to the fact whether the records of said Town contained any evidence of the marriage.  To this letter I have received no answer.  In the mean time, however, the inclosed letters sent to Mrs. Dains' Agent some years ago, has been forwarded to me.  As it shows
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that the records of said Town contain no evidence of the marriage, I suppose it opens the door for the admission of parol evidence.
I now file it for the purpose of asking the benefit of the act of 1838, and supplemental acts.  In a few days I shall be in the neighborhood of Mrs. Dains' residence, and if still further evidence can be obtained there, material to her claim, I will forward it
Very respectfully
Your obt Servt
J. J. Coombs
J. E. Heath Esq
Commr of Pensions
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Washington, Decr. 26th 1850.
Sir:
Enclosed you will please find the declaration of Mrs. Jane Davis, of Meigs County, Ohio, widow of Asa Davis, decd. claiming a pension under the act of 29th June 1848.  Mrs. Davis has heretofore claimed a pension under the act of 1838, which claim was disallowed.  The late Commissioner of Pensions, however, told us that if she would make a declaration under the said act of 29th July 1848, he would allow her claim.
She has accordingly made such a declaration, which we now have the honor to present.
We have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your obt Servts
Dickins & Coombs
Jas. E. Heath Esq
Comr. of Pensions.
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Pomeroy Meigs Co. Ohio
Sept. 22d, 1849
J L Edwards Esq}
Commr of Pensions}
Several months since I forwarded to your office the claim of Mrs Higley Widow of Brewster Higley some 3 months (more or less), ^and recd notice that the proof of service and also the proof of marriage were satisfactory-  but the application was not made under the proper form-  I immediately prepared the papers which were executed & forwarded by mail according to the form forwarded to me- since which I have not heard from it.  I supposed that but a short time would elapse before I should hear from it.  I think I enclosed ["back" crossed out] your letter back so that the case might not pass an examination de novo-  but on the receipt of the application in proper form it would be immediately issued-  The friends or rather the Son in whose family the old lady resides has called on me to write & make ["the" crossed out] enquiry respecting an allowance of the Pension, I have not done so hitherto, supposing it would be taken up in its turn-  but am fearful it has been mislaid or that by some casualty it has not been recd-  please give this case your attention as soon as practicable I shall hope to receive for her the certificate soon.
I once made application (say some 4 to 6 years since) for Jane Dains (or Dean) widow I think of Asa Dains decd of Meigs County (I am not positive that I have the Christian names correctly)  You informed me at the time the result of the application-  but it was a
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waver [waiver] of an allowance for some reasons which I do not now recollect-  but the friends inform me that it was because his name was not found on the rolls & referring me to the more full rolls to be found in some office (the title of which I do not recollect nor do they) where the rolls were more fully preserved in Connecticut-  I recollect enclosing $1.00 to some office in Connecticut & writing for information which letter was not answered-  They now wish me to make another effort to establish her claim-  In order to do so I wish to enquire-  what is necessary to establish her claim?-  What is the office where the Connecticut rolls are filed?  Is the application & proof of marriage already on the files sufficient provided his name shall be found on the Connecticut rolls-  As the whole case has passed from my recollection I would further enquire what regiment- ["line" crossed out] whether as a volunteer regular or militia man he claimed to have served in-  I make these enquiries because she resides at considerable distance & if I were to go & see her, she would not probably know, & by learning my enquiries to the office in Connecticut would be much more definite than they could be without this information
Respectfully
M. Bossworth
Page 35

Pomeroy O}
Aug. 18}  
To
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commr of Pensions
Washington City
Page 36

Pomeroy Meigs Co O
Aug 17th 1846
Sir
Some time last fall (Oct or Nov. last) I forwarded the application of Jane Dains of this Co for a Pension-  I have heard nothing from it.  The application may not have been made in such form as that it will be admitted-  but the proof of marriage was complete tho' obtained with some difficulty
I do not like to be troublesome, but think I ought to have heard something from the application ere this & am fearful the papers are mislaid
Respectfully
M Bosworth
J L Edwards Comr of Pensions
Page 37

Pomeroy October 1st 1853
Commr of Pensions
Sir,
Enclosed you will find the application of the Heirs of Jane Dains for balance of pension due at the time of her decease consisting of the affidavit of identity & copy of Pension certificate (certified) the power of Attorney of the heirs with their acknowledgement duly authenticated together with the date of her decease &c authenticated
This paper together with the original Pension certificate was presented by the Attorney to the Pension Agent-  He refused payment for the reasons in pencil marks at the foot of the 1st page  It is made out according to standing instruction for more than 10 years I have made them out thus, repeatedly
Has the Department changed the instructions to Agents?  If the children all resided in the same vicinity it would be comparatively of little consequence but they do not-  If the Department require all to join in the affidavit for what purpose is it done-  All join in the power of attorney.  Is not that sufficient.-  Suppose the (paper) Pension certificate had been in possession of a stranger ["who had" crossed out] with whom she had
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resided & the children had not been conversant with the facts-  Would not his authentication be sufficient.-  The truth is she had resided with Leonard Dains.  he was the Son who alone was active in procuring her pension-  had aided in her procuring her semi-annual stipend-  the certificate when she died was left in his possession & he was the proper person to identify the matter by his affidavit-  perhaps some of the children had never seen the certificate until since her death-  What reason can be given for their being called upon  If they, 
unacquainted with the fact, as they must be in such case  I sit not sufficiently if they when called upon to join in the power of Attorney & acknowledgment thereof & thus become acquainted with the fact, join in the Power of Attorney.
Will you not therefore instruct the Agent ["therefore" crossed out} to pay this small balance of Pension for the Heirs of Jane Dains
M. Bosworth
Page 39

Pension Office
March 1846
Sir
The declaration &c. in the case of Jane Dains has been examined and filed
Asa Dains stated his service as follows, viz.  "Enlisted in August 1778, and served one month as a private under Capt Daniel Cady, Col. Chapman, Genl Sullivan.  In July '79, 3 months.  Capt. Joseph Ransford, Major Peters.  In Sept, /81 1 month, Capt Cargill.  In Jany '82 2 months, Capt Clough, Col McClarin.  In August '82 1 year Capt. Benjamin Durgee, Col McClarin.  In Sept. 1780, he enlisted on board the Privateer Oliver Cromwell of New London Ct. commanded by Capt. Wm. Wattles, and served until the last of March or first of April ensuing"  ["Of this" crossed out] He was allowed for 15 mos. service in all, and received a pension accordingly.  The allowance was made on his own statement, unccompanied by any direct proof.  At that time there ^were no rolls of ^any such service in this office.  Since then, however, the rolls of Capt Benjn Durgee Compy. have been received, including those for '82, '83, on an 
(Examination
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examination of them the name of Asa Dains could not be found
There is nothing in this office to show that he served any of the tours stated.  It will be necessary, before any further action can take in the matter, that the service be satisfactorily proven.  The Office of the Comptroller of Ct. may possible [possibly] furnish the necessary proof.
The alleged date of the marriage should be established by the grade of proof which is so generally afforded by the Register of Towns, Churches and families
If no record proof can be adduced, the witness should disclose the data by which they have preserved a knowledge of dates with the requisite precision to swear to them.
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Brief in the case of Jane Cains widow of Asa Dains, County and State of Ohio.
acts 3d Mch 43  17 June 44 & 2d Feby 48
Claim, ("original," [or "for increase". crossed out])
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner at $50 per ann.  died 4 May '43
Evidence of marriage; ages of children.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent.
Dickens & Coombs
F. F. Kirby
Examining Clerk.
Page 42

Jane Dains wid of Asa
Ohio
Acts 3 Mch 43.  17 June 44 & 2 Feby '48.
$50 per an. from 4 May '43 when her husband died
["Deduct paymts made under Act 29 July 1848" crossed out]
Dickens & Coombs
Present
Page 43

Nov. 30.
Ohio
returned.
Chester Meigs Co.
Nov 23. 1832
FREE
Hon. Lewis Cass, Secretary of War
Washington City
Case of J. E. Edwards
Pension Department
Page 44

Canterbury July 26-
D Barber Ewq
Chseter
Meigs County
Ohio
Dickins & Coombs
Page 45

Town Clerks Office
Canterbury Co. July 25th, 1845
D Barber Esq.
Dear Sir
I have this day received your letter of the 2d Instant, respecting the Marriage of Jane Dains (probably Davis).
I regret to say, that after carefully searching the records in this Office I have not been able to find any record of the Marriage in question.
I return the dollar bill inclosed in your letter
I am very respectfully Sir
Your Ob Servt
Nathan Waterman
Town Clerk.
Page 46

J. J. Cooms Esq
Washington City
Page 47

Pomeroy Dec 19th 1849
J J Coombs Esq.
Dr Sir,
I have a variety of enquiries, Some of which belong to your department & others I suppose do not-  Something more that three years ago I made application for a pension for Jane Dains widow of Asa Dains & sent on ["either" crossed out] at a subsequent time (I believe) an affidavit of a Brother of Mrs Dains (who is since deceased) that affidavit is on file with the papers I had before procuring the affidavit of her brother written to the Clerk of the Township in Connecticut where they were married & could not procure an answer not even an acknowledgment of the rect of my latter altho' I wrote several times & once enclosed a $1 bill to pay the fees I thought & still think that proof to wit, the affidavit of the witness now on file in the pension office sufficient
If my recollection serves me-  Indeed am confident he swore that he was present & saw the rite of marriage performed & I think named the clergyman by whom it was performed.  I wrote some time since & was referred in reply ["that" crossed out] to a for
Page 48

mer letter written in 1846 referring me to the records of the Town where the rites of marriage were solemnized for proof
In reply I have to state that it is tougher to go to Connecticut & I can get no reply to my letters ^of inquiry with money inclosed or without money-  & the only witness then known to be alive is now dead but his affidavit to the fact of the marriage ^is on your files
I write to you-  under these circumstances for I am induced to believe that from age or more extensive business that the Comr does not give that unwearied attention to these matters that he did 20 years since & the Clerks say truly what the rule is-  but what I am desirous of knowing is whether It is a case that will justify a departure from the rigid rule & admit ^the secondary proof now on file.  You too are personally acquainted with some of her sons (Bial Dains & others of Orange Township) ^Mr Vinton too is better perhaps acquainted than you are with the & know the respectability of the family  This would be no proof but character-  would ensure more confidence in the proof ^already adduced & on file
Some years ago I obtained a ["warr" crossed out] notification that a warrant would issue for 320 acres of land for a Sergeant ^ or rather his [illegible] who enlisted in the service-  So far as my recollection serves me about the
Page 49

of the War of 1812-  It was before Mr V. left Congress some years since-  Mr Vinton then informed me that no land was appropriated except in Arkansas to satisfy said Warrants-  that efforts were making to permit them to be located on any of the public lands.  & that if I waited before obtaining the warrant-  he had no doubt but in a few years the law would permit the location at the option of the holder on any of the public lands-  where ^last here & about to leave ^for Washington I asked him about it he could not inform me ^whether the land had been recharged or not & referred me to you for information that if you did not know you would ascertain for me at the ["County" crossed out] proper bureau-
In an Advertisement of a Gentleman in Detroit, Michigan published in the Statesman Columbus O. is the following  "Attention Widows,, children"-  "1st The United States will pay to all who served in the War of the Revolution, to privates 100 acres offered; To Officers from 150 to 950 acres according to rank"
"In case of their deaths their widows are entitled" (to land & pension) "And if they are dead their children are entitled to the land only"  I have only copied a portion of the notice but have copied all ^concerning which I wish to enquire-  Is this so, if it is I would like
Page 50

to be furnished with the forms of application &c.-  I will endeavor not to trouble you often with long letters especially with such enquiries as do not relate to your office
Respectfully
M Bosworth
Page 51

Asa Dains
Page 52

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Asa Dains which require further proof or explanation.
Ⅰ.  Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?  Yes
Ⅱ.  Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?  Yes
Ⅲ.  If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
Ⅳ.  Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?  Yes
Ⅴ.  *Has he mentioned 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?  ["Yes" crossed out] no, Should state the particular period at which he entered on his service in August 1782 for one year.
Ⅵ.  Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?  Yes
Ⅶ.  Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?  Yes
Ⅷ.  Has the Court given their opinion?  Yes
Ⅸ.  Has the Clerk given his certificate?  Yes
Ⅹ.  Is the Clerk's seal affixed?  And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?  Yes
Page 53

2

 Ⅺ.  Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?  Yes
Ⅻ.  If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII.  If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?  Yes
XIV.  †If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
XV.  Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI.  ††Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?  Yes
XVII.  Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily?  And, if not, which of them is not so answered?  Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V.  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 that the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:  For _____ year _________ months and ___________ days, I served as a __________________.  For _______ months and __________days, I served as a ________________; and for such service I claim a pension."
Page 54

3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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.
†QUERE XIV.  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 claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be [he] belonged.  The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
††QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon the end 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.
Page 55

Jane Dains, of Ohio
Widow of Asa Dains
Pensioner under act of 1848
Page 56

The State of Ohio}
Meigs County ss}
Personally appeared before me Obadiah Walker who being duly sworn deposeth & saith, that he moved ["from" crossed out] to Belpre Washington County, Ohio, in the year 1798
That among those with whom he early formed an acquaintance was Mr Asa Dains and family who then resided in Belpre that deponents acquaintance with said Dains & family continued both removing to Meigs County Ohio & residing in the same vicinity.
That said Asa Dains & Jane Dains were living together as husband & wife with their older children from the time of his first acquaintance with them in Belpre
That they were recognized by their acquaintance as husband & wife & that he never heard any suspicions to the contrary, although Deponent was well acquainted with some families residing in the same vicinity who were acquainted with said Dains & wife before their removal to Ohio, from New England.  that he was well acquainted with the children of said Asa Dains & Jane Dains & verily believes that said Jepthah Dains their eldest son is at least sixty five years of age & verily believes that said Asa & Jane were married as early as 1786 probably in 1785.  That said Asa Dains for several years had been a pensioner, as a Soldier in the Revolutionary War & that having heard the affidavit of Jesse Halsey & Jacob Halsey as more fully set forth than in this he verily believes the matters therein stated to be true.
O. Walker
Sworn to & subscribed before me}
this 16 day of September 1851}
Josiah Smith J. Peace
Page 57

I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above deponents Jacob & Jesse Halsey & Obadiah Walker, that they are persons of credibility & that full confidence may be placed in the matters & things stated by them in their several affidavits as is therein set forth
September 16th 1851
Josiah Smith J. Peace
The State of Ohio}
Meigs County ss}
I Andrew Donnally Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do hereby certify that Josiah Smith Esq. before whom the several ["affi" crossed out] foregoing affidavits were made and who has subscribed his name thereto & who has also subscribed his name to the foregoing certificate, was  at that time and now is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified & that full faith and confidence are and ought to be given to his official acts as such  In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court, at Pomeroy, this 23d day of September AD 1851 and of the State of Ohio the 49th
A. Donnally Clerk
Page 58

Amendment to Asa Dains
declaration for Pension.
Page 59

The State of Ohio}
Meigs County ss}
Meigs Com Pleas
Nov 23d AD 1832
At a special session of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for said County held at the Courthouse in Chester in sd County on the 23d day of November A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court Asa Dains aged 68 years a resident of Orange Township in sd County & State who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following amendment to his declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 that in his first tour as set forth in his declaration he enlisted on the 1st day of August 1778  that he went on to Rhode Island on the 13th of August & on the 13th day of Septr was discharged at Providence although it was more than one month, it was called one month service
In his 2d tour of three months in Capt Ransford's Company he cannot state the precise date of enlistment or discharge but thinks he enlisted about the 15th July 1779  it may have been a very few days earlier & served the full term of his enlistment
In his 3d tour as set forth in his declaration, on board the Privateer Oliver Cromwell he cannot swear positively as to the date of his enlistment or of his discharge but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than six months between the 25th of Septr. 1780 & 1st of April AD 1781
In his 4th tour as set forth in his declaration he enlisted for one month in the months of Septr date of enlistment or discharge not recollected ^but well recollects he enlisted two days after Fort Griswold was taken by the British under Genl Arnold & served the full term of his enlistment
In his 5th tour as set forth in his declaration he cannot state precisely the date of his enlistment but according
Page 60

the best of his recollection it was about the 10th of January 1782 he recollects serving the full period of two months
In his 6th tour according to the best of his recollection he enlisted on the 12th of August 1782 & was discharged on the 12th of August 1783 his Captain's name was spelled he believes Durkee but pronounced as it is spelled in his original Declaration.  he has stated the dates of his enlistment as near as he is able at this distand period & is confident he served the full term of his several enlistments as set forth above & in his original declaration making in all two years & one month's service as a Soldier in the Revolution
his mark [hand drawn X] Asa Dains
Sworn to & subscribed in open Court
M Bosworth Clerk
The State of Ohio}
Meigs County ss}
I Marcus Bosworth Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in relation to the amended declaration of Asa Dains for a pension, before said Court at a special session thereof 
Nov 13th A. D. 1832
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of said Court this 24th day of November AD 1832 & of our State the 30th
M. Bosworth Clerk
Page 61

Chester Meigs County
Novr 23d 1832
J. L. Edwards Esq.
I have been more particular in the amendment of the Declaration of Mr Asa Dains than what your objection (in red ink) to query 5th seemed to require.  your statement to query 5 is "No. should state the particular period at which he entered ^on his service in August 1782, for one year"-  Now if he had commenced his service on the last of August & thus failed 19 days of serving a year-  still it would have made 2 years in all-  for that reason I drew out the dates of his enlistment at each period so far as he was able to recollect & especially as on reflection he could recollect with more precision & certainty than when I drew his declaration at first.
I am &c
M. Bosworth
Page 62

No 889
2432 
Jane ["Davis" crossed out] Dains
Ohio
Act 7 July 38
Transferred to Act of July 29 - 1848
Proof of marriage
Page 63

The State of Ohio Licking County ss
Before me personally appeared Samuel Kasson and made solemn oath that he was acquainted with Asa Dains in his lifetime and pensioner according to the laws of the United States of America and that he was married to Jane Kasson sometime during the year one thousand ["eight" smudged out] seven hundred and eighty four in the town of Canterbury, Windham County and State of Connecticut and that in the year 1863 on the 4th day of May said Asa Dains died and left the said Jane a widow
Samuel Kasson
Sworn to and subscribed before me}
this 20th day of October AD 1845}
Eli S. Bell Justice Peace in and for}
Monroe Township Licking County}
Ohio}
Page 64

The State of Ohio}
Licking County ss}
I Gilbert Brady, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for said County hereby certify that the ["fore" crossed out] within named Eli S. Bell, before whom the within affidavits were made, was at the time of making the same, an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such Justice throughout the United States and elsewhere, and his signature as within is genuine
In Witness whereof I have hereunto
set my hand, and affixed the seal 
of said Court, at Newark, this 21st
day of October, A. D. 1845
Gilbert Brady Clerk
Page 65

Pomeroy Meigs Co O
October 13th 1849
J. L. Ewards Esq.
Yours of 2d Inst. has been recd in relation to the application of Jane Dains Widow of Asa Dains for a pension under the act of 7th July 1838-  wherein you say that "the act of 1st July 1848 removes all objections on account of Service" and then enclosed therewith is an extract of a letter ["stating" crossed out] to me of 4 Sept 1846 shewing what proof of marriage was required-  I write from my recollection of the facts- either before or subsequent to the reception of your letter I addressed a letter to the Town Clerk of the Town where Mrs Dains alleged the marriage to have taken place asking for the proof of said marriage & enclosing a $1. bill to pay the charges.  I could not secure an answer & have not since been able nor has the Son as yet been able to get any answer to enquiries-  The only person who saw them married and was by her known to be living was a brother of Mrs Dains residing some 100 miles distant-  her son visited  the old gentleman procured his testimony to the fact of his being present & witnessing the marriage  This affidavit duly authenticated I forwarded to you & suppose it to be on file with the papers-  ^he is now dead  the other obstacle being removed by the act of July 1848 I suppose if you refer to her application on the files of your department  There will be no difficulty in allowing the pension.  I believe the proof of marriage will be satisfactory.  In your letter of 2d inst her name & also her husbands was spelled "Davis"  It is
Page 66

Dains as the Family spell it-  it is spoken ["commonly" crossed out] as ["Dean" crossed out] if written Dean by a large portion of their acquaintance but by many as they write it-  Dains & the pension certificate formerly issued to her husband written as Dains if my recollection is aright
Page 67

Stamped:
PENSION OFFICE
U. S. 
H
SEP 24 1898
New Albany Ind.
Sep. 22" 1898.
Commissioner of Pensions:-
Washington D. C.
Dear Sir:-
It is known that my great grandfather Asa Dains was a pensioner, and it is believed a pensioner of the Revolution, but have no proofs. 
Wishing to join the Chapter of D. A. R. I write to you if there is on record anything in regard to him.
I do not know from what place he enlisted
Page 68

2
but ^it was from one of the Eastern Colonies he was living in Meigs Co. Ohio, where he died, near Pomeroy or Chester.  He was living in 1840 but died a few years after that time, date not known to me, but his ["widow drew" crossed out] wife was living at the time of his death and drew a pension.
These are about all the facts I have in my possession.  I might find something more if I would write to Ohio, but thought possibly could get at the facts more directly by writing to the Pension department.
If you will kindly look it up will be very grateful.  The name might possibly be spelled Dean or Deans
Page 69

3
but the ["rights" crossed out] original way the name was spelled was Asa Dains.
Yours very Sincerely
Mrs. J. E. Steele.
New Albany
426 E. Fourth St. Indiana
Page 70

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary  and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department.  Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
L. W. B.
W. 6960.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
Oct. 27, 1898.
Madam:-
Replying to your recent communication you are advised that Asa Dains made an application for pension on August 1, 1832, at which time he was 68 years of age and residing in Meigs Co., Ohio, and his pension was allowed for 15 months actual service as a private in the Connecticut troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Cady and Col. Chapman.  Place of enlistment Canterbury, Conn.
His widow Jane, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Mrs. J. E. Steele,
426 E. Fourth St.,
New Albany, Ind.
Page 71

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department.  Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the arcives of many of the original States.
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
L. W. B.
W. 6960.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
Nov. 1, 1898.
Madam:-
Replying to your recent communication you are advised that Asa Dains made an application for pension on August 1, 1832, at which time he was 68 years of age and residing in Meigs Co., Ohio, and his pension was allowed for 15 months actual service as a private in the Conneccticut troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Cady and Col. Chapman.  Place of enlistment Canterbury, Conn.
His widow, Jane, made an application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respecfully,
Commissioner.
Miss Susan R. Hetzel,
90 F Street,
City.
Page 72

One 2¢ stamped envelope rec'd
Stamped and ret'd
mek
Rev Sec
OK R.W.S
Central States Life Insurance Company
CRAWFORDSVILLE, INDIANA
CLIFFORD V. PETERSON
SECRETARY
May 28, 1917.
Bureau of Pensions,
Deparment of the Interior,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
I am making application for membership in the Sons of the Revolution and would like for you to be kind enough to furnish me whatever information you have regarding Asa Dains, a Revolutionary War soldier, who enlisted in Canterbury, Conn., and who served with the Connecticut troops under Captain Cady and Colonel Chapman, and who later received a pension.  I understand his pension number to be 26400 in the old war records.  His widow, Jane Dains, after his death, made application and received a pension.  I rather think her number is 60886.
I would appreciate very nuch if you could give this matter your prompt attention and that in your reply you would give me as complete information as you have in your records.
Very truly yours,
Clifford V. Peterson
Ben-Hur Building
CVP/OS

Stamped:
PENSION OFFICE
U. S. 
A
MAY 31 1917
Page 73

Indianapolis, Indiana.
January 16 1924.
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen;-
Will you please refer to your records of the Revolutionary War and give me the available data concerning Asa Dain a private who served 15 months and afterwards drew a pension after his death his widow Jain [Jane] received a pension.  I am his great-great-grand daughter and wish to become a member of the D A R.   I have a cousin that went in on the same time and her number is 82056.  The said Asa Dain enlisted at Cantonburg, Connecticut.
If there is a charge for this information I will gladly pay it.
Thanking you for an early reply, I am
Yours very truly,
Mrs. Chester O. Toye.
20 Century Bldg.,
Mrs Chester O Toye.

Stamped:
PENSION
U. S. 
L
JAN 18 1924
Page 74

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
3—525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., ___________________, 19_____
W. F. 6960
In reply to your request of _________________, received _______________ for a statement of the military history of Asa Dains 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.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
RANK.
Aug. 1778 1 mo. Pvt.
July 15, 1779 3 mos
Sept. 25, 1780 Mch. or Apr. 1781
Sept 1781 1 mo.
Jany 10, 1782 2 mos.
Aug. 12, 1782  -  Aug. 12, 1783
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Daniel Cady
Joseph Ransford
William Wattles on the Privateer Oliver Cromwell
Cargill
Clough
Benjamin Durkee
COLONEL.
Chapman
McClarin
McClarin
STATE.
Conn.
Battles engaged in, General Sullivans Expedition
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Canterbury, Windham Co. Conn.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 1, 1832 His cl. al.
Residence at date of application, Orange Twp. Meigs Co. Ohio.
Age at date of Application, {68years born at Canterbury Conn.
{Died May 4, 1843
Remarks:  He married May 1784 or Apr. 1, 1785 at Canterbury, Conn. Jane Kasson.  She was al. pension on an app. ex. Nov. 29, 1845, while a resident of Orange Twp, Meigs Co. Ohio aged 79 years.  Children:  Jeptha, Nancy, Bial, Calvin, Dolly, Kasson, Jane and Leonard.  There is no other data as to his family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
6—2856