Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 21647, William Blair, Penn.
Page 1

(3 - 1776 )

SERVICE
Penn.

Blair, William

NUMBER
S. 21647

====
CONTENTS
Page 2


Wisconsin
Illinois 7.81
=====

7187 (over)
William Blair
of Schuyler  in the State of Illinois
who was hereto in the Compy command
by Captain Bell of the Regt commanded
by Col. Clark in the Penna
line for 14 mos
=====
Inscribed on the Roll of Illinois
at the rate of 46. Dollars 66 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
=====
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of April
1833 and sent to
Hart Fellows. Rushville, Schuyler Co.
Illinois
=====
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833, 93.32
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4, Sept 1833. 23.33
$116.65
=====
{ Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Wm R Palmer, Clerk
Book E, Page 55



Letter to J. W. Grimese 19 Oct 1839
---
Cin to Pen Agt 12 Dec 1839
---
To Wisconsin from 4 Sept
1837. 24 Feb 1840. Notification
to J. W. Grimes Burlington
Iowa Territory
---
Ill. on Agency book his
clf.  no. is 7817 & on Wisc.
list Agency Book his ctf.
no. is 7187
Page 3


- side note-
William Blair 
17957

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the
of Congress passed June 7th 1832-
State of Illinois
Schuyler County ss   On this third day of September
A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court,
before Samuel McHattan, Erastus Stone and
Isaac Lane the Court of County Commissioners
now sitting, William Blair a resident of
Rushville in the County of Schuyler and State of
Illinois, aged seventy two 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 7. 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States
under the following named officers and
served as herein stated. He entered the
service a private some time in May 1778
as a substitute for his father Alexander Blair
who was drafted for two months., he served
under Capt George Bell Lieut John
Wakefield, and he believes Ensign Aaron
Moore. he was stationed at a place called
Bald Eagle, and at Penns Valley in 
Pennsylvania and served two months, and
was discharged at Penns Valley, at the
time he entered the service he lived in
Cumberland County Pennsylvania.

In May 1779 he enlisted a private for
five months in Cumberland County in the State of
Pennsylvania, and received a Bounty of
Ten Dollars. he was commanded by Capt.
Henry Dougherty and Lieut. Samuel Fields
(the Ensigns name not recollected) The detachment
was commanded by Genl. Sullivan.  he was
marched up the Susquehannah River to
Page 4


Wyomin, and from thence to the mouth of the
Tioge or Shemung River, where Genl. Clinton
Joined Genl. Sullivan with his troops from Albany
New York,  he was in the Battle with the Indians at
Shenning on the Tioga River, and was Injured by
carrying an aminition Box, and was sent to the
Hospital at Sunbury in the State of Pennsylvania.
he afterwards joined the Army, and
was discharged at Coxes Town, in what
was then Lancaster County Pennsylvania
having served the five months for which he
enlisted.

In the month of April 1780 he enlisted
a private for seven months being then a
resident of Cumberland County Pennsylvania
he was commanded by Capt. Gilbert McCoy
Lieut. John Cummins and Ensign Richard
Johnson, and was march to Buffalo Valley
in Northumberland County Pennsylvania.
the head quarters was at Col Clarks. and
ranged on the frontier in that vicinity
he remained at that place until discharged
Some time in January 1781 having served
the seven months for which he enlisted.

he did not preserve his discharges and has no
Documentary evidence of his services, nor does
he know of any person by whom he can prove the
same - He hereby relinquishes every
whatever to a pension or annuity, except the presant, 
and declares that his name is not on the
pension Roll of the agency of any State.

Questions by the Court & answers thereto -
where and in what year were you born.
I was born about seven miles from Lancaster
in the County of Lancaster, Pennsylvania in
the year 1760

have you any record of your age.
I have no record of my age.
Page 5


Where were you living when called into service,
where have you lived since the revolutionary War, &
where do you now live.
When called into service I lived in Cumberland
County Pennsylvania, since the revolutionary war
I have lived in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana
and lastly in Illinois, where I now live-

How were you called into service were you
drafted, did you volunteer or were you 
subsitute, and if a subsitute for whom.
I first entered the service a subsitute for
Alexander Blair and afterwards enlisted as
I have stated.

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 service.
I knew, Genl. Sullivan, Genl. Poor, Genl.
Maxfield, Genl. Hand, and Genl. Clinton -

Did you ever get a discharge from the
service, and if so, by whom was it given,
and what has become of it.
I received a discharge for my first
service from Capt. George Bell. for my 2nd
tour from Capt. Henry Dougherty, and for
my 3rd Tour from Capt. Gilbert McCoy
which discharges I did not preserve -

State the names of persons to whom you are
known in your present neighborhood and
who can testify as to your character for
veracity, and their belief of your services as a
soldier of the revolution -
I am known to Cyrus L Watson a Clergyman 
and to William McCreevy-

Sworn to & subscribed the day and year
aforesaid-
(signed) William Blair   X his mark
Page 6

We Cyrus L. Watson a Clergyman residing in
the Town of Rushville and William McCreevy
residing in the same place, hereby certify, that
we are well acquainted with William Blair
who has subscribed and sworn to the above
declaration. That we believe him to be 72 years
of age, that he is reputed and believed in
the neighborhood where he resides to have
been a Soldier in the revolution, and that
we concur in that opinion. Sworn and
Subscribed the day and year aforesaid-
(Signed )
Cyrus L Watson  /s/
William McCreery  /s/

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 Cyrus
L Watson who has signed the preceeding certifficate 
is a clergyman resident in the Town of
Rushville, and that William McCreevy who
has also signed the same is a resident in the same
place, and is a credible person and
that their statement is entitled to credit-

I Hart Fellows Clerk of the Court of County
Commissioners, do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court
in the matter of the application of William Blair for
a pension.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of said
Court at Rushville this 28th day of September
A.D. 1832.
Hart Fellows clk
Page 7


Territory of Iowa
Des Moines County ss

On this twenty seventh day of September
A.D. 1839 before me the subscriber, a justice
of the Peace in and for said County of DesMoines
personally appeared.  William Blair, who on his
oath said and declairs that he is the same person
who formerly belonged to the company commanded
by Captain Bell & others in the Regiment 
commanded by Colonel ______
in the service of the United States; that his name
was placed on the pension roll of the State of
Illinois from whence he removed lately, that
he now resides in the Territory of Iowa and County
aforesaid, where he intends to remain, and wishes
his pension to be there payable in future; that he
removed hither for the purpose of residing with
and being supported by his sons
William Blair /s/
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and
year aforesaid
Allen Eliot
Justice of the Peace
for DesMoines County

Iowa Territory
DesMoines County ss

On this twenty seventh day of September
A.D. 1839 personally appeared before me a justice
of the Peace in and for said County of DesMoines
David E. Blair who on his oath says that William
Blair who subscribed his name to the foregoing
affidavit is the identicle person therein described
and that his name was on the pension roll of the State of
Illinois as therein set forth.
David E. Blair  /s/

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and
year last above written
Allen Eliot
{Justice of the Peace
ton DesMoines County}
Page 8

Territory of Iowa
DesMoines County  ss

Allen Eliot
a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County
of DesMoines, do hereby certify and declare that
David E Blair who signed and swore to the
last foregoing affidavit is a man of veracity and
truth, that he sustains an unblemished character
and is to be believed on his oath; that I am also
acquainted with the first named person who took
and subscribed the first foregoing affidavit, and
I do hereby certify and declare that has is likewise
a man of veracity and truth. Given under my hand
this 27th day of September A.D. 1839-
Allen Eliot 
Justice of the Peace in
& for said County


United States of America
Iowa Territory   ss

I Robert Lucas //forrman// of the Territory of Iowa do
hereby certify that Allen Eliot, before whome the
foregoing Affidavits were taken was at the time
of taking the  ////// and now is an acting Justice of
the peace in and for the County of Des Monies in
the Territory aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified 
as such. and that full faith and credit
are due to his official acts as well in Corres ////
///// //////// ////

In testimony whereof I hare hereby
Subscribed my name and caused the seal
of the Territory to be affixed
Dow as the bay of Burlington
in the Territory of Iowa the 27th day
of September AD 1839
Robert Lucas /s/
Page 9


No  17957-7.817
William Blair Schuyler
County Illinois

Admitted
from
for 14 months
from 1778

46.66
---
$46.66


Hart Fellows CLP
Schuyler County Court
Illinois.
Page 10


BRIEF in the case of William Blair
County of Schuyler in the State of Illinois
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 72
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
- Period.
Subst. In 1778
Enlisted 1779.
Enlisted 1780
- Duration of Service.
Years, Months, Days.
2
5
7
- Rank.
As a
Private
- Names of General and Field Officers
under whom he served.
Capt Bell
Capt Dougherty Genl Suller
Capt McKay Col Clark

5. In what battles was he engaged? Skirmishes with the Indians
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Cumberland Co Pa.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by
incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary evidence
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above
mentioned.

Oyer Castor  /s/
Examining Clerk.
Page 11


December 9, 1936
William Blair
321647
BA-J/AWF

Mr. W. F. Hathaway, Director
Grave Registration Division
Office of the Adjutant General
Des Moines, Iowa

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you
request information in regard to William Blair, born
in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in 1760, and served
in the War of the Revolution from Pennsylvania.

The data furnished herein were obtained from
pension claim, S. 21647, based upon the service of
William Blair in the Revolutionary War.

William Blair was born in the year 1760 thout
seven miles from Lancaster in Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania. He was the son of Alexander Blair, the
name of his mother not shown.

While residing in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 
William Blair enlisted sometime in May, 1778,
served two months as substitute for his father, as
private in Captain George Bell's company. He served
from sometime in May, 1779 in Captain Henry Dougherty's company, was in the battle of Chemung, where
he was slightly wounded and sent to the hospital in
Sunbury, soon after rejoined the army and continued
in the service until the expiration of his enlistment
of five months. He served from sometime in June, 1780,
seven months in Captain Gilbert McCoy's company and
"ranged on the frontier".

He lived after the Revolution in Kentucky, Ohio,
Indiana and Illinois. He was allowed pension on his
Page 12


application executed, September 3, 1832, at which
time he was living in Rushville, Schuyler County,
Illinois.

The soldier, William Blair, had moved in 1839
to Des Moines County, Territory of Iowa, to live
with his sons, their names not designated.

One David E. Blair was of Des Moines County,
Iowa Territory in 1839; it is not stated that he
was related to the soldier.

The name of soldier's wife is not given, and
there are no further family data shown.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 13


Burlington I. T. Nov 20th 1839

Sir
Enclosed please find affidavit of
Allen Elliot Esqr. the Justice before whom
the affidavit of William Blair in his application
for a transfer was made, the testimony of Esqr
Elliot is confirmed by that of Esqr D.E. Blair
and to the credibility of the latter gentlemen the
Chief Justice of our Supreme Court has certified
It will, I think appear satisfactorily to your
department, that the mistake was a natural
and pardonable one, one which often occurs in
this country, and probably will continue. The
magistrate is rather an ignorant man, but the
Messrs Blairs are men of the highest respectibility
and intelligence. Their veracity is unimpeachable. 
If the enclosed is deemed sufficient
you will oblige Mr. Blair by sending the
transfer to
Your obedt Servant
Jas. W. Grimes

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Com Pensions &c
Page 14


Jan. 10. '40
W Evans

Free

Carmi, Ill
28th Dec

G W Crump Esqr
acting com Pensions
Washington City
Page 15


Carmi Ill
Pension Agents office
26th December 1839

Sir
In answer to your letter of the 12
first I would inform you that William
Blair a Pensioner under the act of the
7 June 1832 has been paid to the
4th September 1837
I am very
Respectfully
Daniel Hay

Geo Wm Crump Esqr
acting Com Pensions
Washington City
Page 16


To.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 17


Burlington J.T. Sept 29th 1839-
Sir
William Blair whose affidavit is enclosed
at the time of taking could not recollect
the name of the Col. under whom he served.
He is an old man, very forgetful & dependant
on the money for his home, which will be sold
at the ensueing land Sales in this place-
It is hoped the name will not be required.
If the evidence is not satisfactory please
address the undersigned; if it is please
forward the Trustee fee to me
I am Respectfully &c
Jas. W. Grimes
Burlington Des Moines
County Iowa
Page 18

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
William Blair    which require
further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
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?
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 amout of pension
he is entitled?
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of
June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
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?
Page 19

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?
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?
XIV. +If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness
or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the
regulations direct?
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 a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ++Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And,
if not, which of them is not so answered?

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 than 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 20


3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served,
and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the
pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite
, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions
merely state 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 shewn 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.

++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 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.

++QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating
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 paper 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.
>>In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
Page 21


Iowa Territory
Des Moines County

Be it remembered that on this
Eighteenth day of November A.D. 1839, personally
appeared before me Charles Mason Chief Justice
of the Territory of Iowa and Presiding Judge of the
first Judicial District thereof, Allen Elliott - who
being first duly sworn, upon his oath says
that sometime during the month of September
of the present year (day not recollected) William
Blair a revolutionary pensioner came before
him to make oath to the necessary papers to
procure a transfer for the payment of his pension 
from Carmi in the State of Illinois
to the agency for Pension in the Wisconsin
and Iowa District. That the papers were all
regularly and duly sworn to, and at the special
instance and request of the said William Blair,
he the said affiant, wrote and affixed the
name of the said Blair to the affidavit made
and sworn to by said Blair. That said Blair
assigned as a reason for his said request that
his (Blairs) hand had become so palsied and
trembled so much from infirmaty and age
that he could not write his name himself
The said affiant further says and qualifies,
that he has no means of knowing the precise
day the afforesaid affidavit was made before
him but to the best of his recollection and
belief it was sometime in September last
Allen Elliot  /s/

subscribed- sworn to
before me this 18
day of November 1839
Charles Mason  /s/
Page 22


Iowa Territory
DesMoines County  SS

Be it Remembered that on this 18th
day of November A.D. 1839 personally appeared
before me Charles Mason, Judge of the first
Judicial District in and for said Territory and
Chief Justice thereof, David E. Blair who being
duly sworn deposed and said, that he was
present at the time the affidavit of William
Blair (referred to in the foregoing affidavit of
Allen Elliott,) was made and sworn to, that
he saw the said Elliot make the signature
of the said William Blair at the special request
of the said William and that he heard the
reasons assigned for the said request as stated
and sworn to in the foregoing affidavit of
Allen Elliot, which reasons were as therein stated.
D.E. Blair

Sworn to & subscribed this
18th day of November 1839
before me
Charles Mason /s/
Chris Justice &c

I Charles Mason Chief Justice as aforesaid
do hereby certify that the signatures of the foregoing
Allen Elliot and David E. Blair are genuine
that I am acquainted with the said Blair
that his character for veracity and truth is
unexceptionably good-
Charles Mason  /s/
Page 23


I, Robert Lucas, Governor of the Territory of Iowa
do hereby certify that Allen Eliot was 
an acting Justice of the peace in and for
the County of Des Moines Iowa Territory
at the time of the foregoing acknowledgement.
Given under my hand and the
great seal of the Territory of Iowa
in the City of Burlington, this
the 18th day of November 1839.
Robert Lucas
Page 24


October 24, 1935
William Blair-S.21647
BA-J/AWF

Mr. B. J. Walter
American Legion
Wabash Post #423
Mt. Carmel, Illinois

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you
request information in regard to William Blair, private
in the Pennsylvania troops, War of the Revolution, and
pensioned while residing in the State of Illinois.

The data furnished herein were obtained from
the papers on file in pension claim, S. 21647, based
upon the service of William Blair in the Revolutionary
War.

William Blair was born in the year 1760 about
seven miles from Lancaster in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; 
he was the son of Alexander Blair, name of
his mother not given.

While residing in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
William Blair enlisted and served as a private with the
Pennsylvania troops, as follows: from /sometime/ in May, l778, two
months as substitute for his father, in Captain George
Bell's company; from /sometime/ in May, 1779 in Captain Henry
Dougherty's company, was in the battle of Chemung, where
he was slightly wounded and sent to the hospital in Sunbury, 
soon after rejoined the army and continued in
service until the expiration of his enlistment of five
months; from /sometime/ in June, 1780, seven months in Captain
Gilbert McCoy's company and "ranged on the frontier".

He lived after the Revolution in Kentucky, Ohio,
Indiana and Illinois. He was allowed pension on his
Page 25


application executed September 3, 1832, then living in
Rushville, Schuyler County, Illinois.

The soldier, William Blair, had moved in 1839
to Des Moines County, Iowa Territory, to live with
his sons, names of sons not designated.

One David E. Blair was of Des Moines County,
Iowa Territory in 1839; it is not stated that he
was related to the soldier.

The name of soldier's wife is not given and
there are no further family data shown.

Very truly yours


A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 26


November 1, 1934.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/AWF
William Blair
S. 21647

Mrs. F. D. Corson
Derry Village
New Hampshire

Dear Madam:

The data contained herein are obtained from the
papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for
pension, S. 21647, based upon the military service of
William Blair in that war.

He was born in the year 1760 about seven miles from
Lancaster in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; he
was the son of Alexander Blair, the name of his mother
is not stated.

While residing in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
William Blair enlisted and served as a private with
the Pennsylvania troops, as follows: from May 1778, two
months as substitute for his father, in Captain George
Bell's Company; from May, 1779, in Captain Henry
Dougherty's Company, was in the battle of Chemung, where
he was slightly wounded, sent to the hospital at Sunbury,
soon after rejoined the army and continued in service
until the expiration of his enlistment of five months;
from June, 1780, seven months in Captain Gilbert McCoy's
Company.

After the Revolution he lived in Kentucky, Ohio,
Indiana and Illinois.

He was allowed pension on his application executed
September 3, 1832, then a resident of Rushville,
Schuyler County, Illinois.

The soldier, William Blair, in 1839 had moved to
Des Moines County, Iowa Territory, to live with his sons,
their names not definitely stated.

One David E. Blair testified in 1839 in Des Moines
County, Iowa Territory; no relationship stated.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 27


November 1, 1934.
BA-J/ILL

Mrs. F. D. Corson
Derry Village, New Hampshire.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you have furnished
information for the identification of the Revolutionary War soldier,
William Blair, whose record you desire, and request also the record
in that war of James Blair who enlisted in Londonderry, New Hampshire;
you state further, that the War of 1812 soldier in whom you are interested
may be Lynus Blair and that he served as private in the New York Militia.

There is no claim for pension on file based upon service in
the War of 1812 of Lynus, or Limus, Blair of New York.

The Revolutionary War records of William Blair and James Blair
are furnished herewith from their respective pension claims.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Assistant to Administrator.

1939
There is a
bounty land claim
which has been
placed in flat
files since Nov. 1
1934
Page 28


May 29, 1834
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
William Blair-S.21647
BA-J/A F

Mrs. George H. Fassett
4417 State Avenue
Ashtabula, Ohio

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you
request the Revolutionary War record of William Blair
of Pennsylvania.

The data furnished herein were obtained from
the papers on file in pension claim, S.21647, based
upon the Revolutionary War service of William Blair.

He was born in the year 1760 about seven miles from
Lancaster in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; he
was the son of Alexander Blair, the name of his mother
is not stated.

While residing in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 
William Blair enlisted and served as a private
with the Pennsylvania troops, as follows: from May,
1778, two months as substitute for his father, in
Captain George Bell's company; from May, 1779, in Captain 
Henry Dougherty's company, was in the battle of
Chemung, where he was slightly wounded, sent to the
hospital at Sunbury, soon after rejoined the army and
continued in service until the expiration of his enlistment
of five months; from June, 1780, seven months
in Captain Gilbert McCoy's company.

After the Revolution he lived in Kentucky, Ohio,
Indiana and Illinois.

He was allowed pension on his application executed, 
September 3, 1832, then a resident of Rushville,
Page 29

Schuyler County, Illinois.

The soldier, William Blair, in 1839 had moved to
Des Moines County, Iowa Territory, to live with
his sons; their names not definitely stated.

One David E. Blair testified in 1839 in Des
Moines County, Iowa Territory; no relationship stated.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 30

and 1812
section
?/HMM

December 28, 1929.

Mrs. Phyllis Chilton
1115 East 15th Street
Long Beach
California.

Dear Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension
claim, S. 21647, it appears that William Blair was born in
1750 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

While residing in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, he served
as a substitute for his father, Alexander Blair, from in May 1778,
two months as a private in Captain George Bell's Pennsylvania Company.

He enlisted in May 1779 and served five months as a private
in Captain Henry Dougherty's Pennsylvania Company, and was in the
battle of Chemung.

He enlisted in June 1780 and served seven months as a private
in Captain Gilbert McCoy's Pennsylvania Company.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September
3, 1832, while a resident of Rushville, Schuyler County, Illinois, 
having previously lived in Kentucky and Ohio.

In 1839 the soldier was living in Des Moines County, Iowa,
with his sons: no names stated. --He later lived in Wisconsin.--

One David E. Blair testified in 1839 in Des Moines County,
Iowa; no relationship stated.

Very truly yours,

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
Page 31

Rev.
Wars
AWF
Rev. and 1812
War Section.

August 8, 1924.

Mary E. Blair,
836 Jefferson Ave.,
Loveland, Colo.

Madam;

I have to advise you that from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 21647, it appears
that William Blair was born in 1760 in Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania.

While residing in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
he served as a substitute for his father, Alexander Blair,
from in May 1778 two months as a private in Captain George
Bell's Pennsylvania Company.

He enlisted in May 1779 and served five months as a
private in Captain Henry Dougherty's Pennsylvania Company,
and was in the battle of Chemung.

He enlisted in June 1780 and served seven months as a
private in Captain Gilbert McCoy's Pennsylvania Company.
Page 32


He was allowed pension on his application executed
September 3, 1832, while a resident of Rushville, Schuyler
County, Illinois, having pre-lived in Ky & Ohio.

In 1839, soldier was living in Des Moines County,
Iowa with his sons, no names stated. and there is He later
lived in Wisconsin.

One David E. Blair tes. in 1839 in Des Moines Co Iowa, no relation stated

Respectfully,

Acting Commissioner.
Page 33


State of Iowa
Office of the Adjutant General
Des Moines

DIVISION OF GRAVES REGISTRATION

November 28, 1936.

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs: -

A copy of the information on file in connection with a claim filed for
a pension made by one William Blair, who served in the Revolution. We have the
following information. He was born in Lancaster county Pa in 1760. He first
enlisted from that county, and served as a private under three enlistments, from
May 1778 to June 1780. His captains under these enlistments were George Ball
Henry Dougherty, and Gilbert McCoy. He was once in the command of General John
Sullivan who fought the Indians and also under Colonel Stark. He also served
as his fathers substitute in 1778 and was in several campaigns against the
Tories British and Indians and was disabled in the battle of Chemung.

A copy of whatever information may be on file with his pension application
is desired.

Yours truly,
W. F. Hathaway /s/
W. F. Hathaway, Director,
Grave Registration Division.
Page 34


AMERICAN LEGION, Wabash Post No. 423
MT. CARMEL, ILLINOIS

B. J. WALTER.
DEPT. OF MILITARY RECORDS
AND GRAVES REGISTRATION

October 1st, 1935.

Veterans Administration.
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

Please furnish the pension record and any other
information available of a one William Blair who served
as private in the Pennsylvania Continental Line
during the War of the Revolution.

This soldier was pensioned while residing in the
state of Illinois.  AWF

Very truly yours,
B.J. Walter /s/
B.J.Walter
Dept. of Military Records
and Graves Registration,
American Legion,
wabash Post #428.

BJW:rpf
Page 35

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON October 15, 1934.

YOUR FILE REFERENCE:
IN REPLY REFER TO:
BA-J/ILL

Mrs. F. D. Corson
Derry Village, New Hampshire.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter herewith, in which you
request the Revolutionary War record of William Blair who married
Catherine Evans, and the War of 1812 record of Linus Blair.

A search of the War of 1812 records has been made and no
record found of a claim for pension on file based upon service of
Linus Blair.

In order to identify the record of the particular soldier
of the Revolutionary War named William Blair, in whom you are interested,
as much as possible of the following information is essential, in addition to
the statement that he married Catherine Evans; approximate
dates of birth and death, and places of residence at enlistment and
after service.

Upon receipt of such information, a further search of the
records will be made and a report furnished.

Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller  /s/
A. D. HILLER,
Assistant to Administrator.

Dear Sir. The best I can do on information regarding
William Blair is that he was born abt 1760 and died
around 1840. He was placed on pension roll of Schulyer Co.
Ill. in 1832 I think his father was Alexander Blair.
If James Blair who enlisted from Londonderry, N.H. in 
1781 and who Mrs. Molly Chaffe was a pensioner please
may I have his record,  He was b. abt 1763.  Thank you very
much for any information you may able to give me.
Your very truly,
Mrs. F.D. Annie P Corson
Page 36


Derry Village, N. H.,
October 29, 1934.

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:

I find, from the Adjutant General's Office, Washington that Lynus
Blair served in the War of 1812 as a private in Captain Imri Case's Detached
company of Militia State of New York, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas
B. Benedict.  He enlisted July 2, 1812, and was paid to January 10, 1813.
For the period from July 2 to September 2, 1812 he was paid on the roll of
Captain Noadiah Hubbard's Company, 14th New York Militia.

I am wondering if the difference in the spelling of the Lynus would
make any difference in your records as I asked for Linus Blair so I am sending
along this information.

Thanking you for any information or suggestion you might make as to
above, I am

Very truly yours,
Annie P. Corson.
Annie P. Carson /s/

/The Lyman Blair in 1812 flat file
served as transfer - Penna troops
(O.K. Mrs. Finch)
Page 37

RECIEVED 
MAY 19 1924
Page 38

May 9 - 1934

Pension Bureau: Only Wm Blair of Pa

Gentleman:

I am seeking the
Revolutionary record of
William Blair of Pennsylvania
I found a little about him
Pa. Archives, Vol I, par: 175.
Did he apply for pension and
Will you please write me all
the data concerning him?
Hoping for a helpful
reply - I am ,
gratefully yours
Mrs Geo. W. Fassett
4417 State Ave
Ashtabula
Ohio
Page 39

Oct //??//

Pension Bureau
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen.
I own appreciate
it very much if you would give
me the service and data of
William Blair,  my ancestor,
who served as a private in
Pennsylvania Continental
line in 1778.

William Blair was born
in 1760 in Pennsylvania
and died in Kentucky in 1840.

I desire the above information
in connection with my papers
for the Daughters of the American
Revolution.

Thanking you  in advance,
Very truly yours,
(Mrs) Phyllis Chilton

From
Mrs. Phyllis Chilton
1115 E 45th
Long Beach, Calif.
Page 40


PENSION OFFICE
JUL 11 1924
Page 41

836 Jefferson Ave.
Loveland Colo.

July 6, 1924
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

For D.A.R. purposes
I am trying to locate some
Revolutionary ancestors,
and would be glad if I
can get some help from
your department.

Have you any records
of William Blair or (Givin
Gavin, or Guian) Allison from
York Co. Pennsylvania?
Also an interested in the
names & Marrow and
Farmer Pennsylvania
stock, probably York Co.

If any payment is desired
for looking up these
records please let me
know.
Sincerely yours
Miss Mary E. Blair
Page 42


ack Feb 24, 1912
Pension Office 
Feb 21 1912
Page 43


McCook Neb. Feb. 17th 1911.
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D C

Will you kindly give me the Revolutionary Record
of my ancestors, Alexander Blair & his son William Blair
Alexander Blair, Enlisted in 1778 at Carlisle.
his home was Cumberland Co Pa. died in 1798.
His wifes name was Elizabeth Blair
William Blair Enlisted in May 1778. residence in
Cumberland Co. Pa. born in 1760 died in 1840. His Wife's name was
Catherine Evans Blair

Thanking you in advance I am sincerly
(Miss) Harriet Rankin
McCook, Neb.
Page 44

PENSION OFFICE
MAR 23 1910
Page 45


Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir-- In order to become
a member of the Patriotic society
of D.A.R.-S   I am desirous of obtaining 
the requisite proof of my
ancestors services in the Revolution.

I am the daughter of
Susan M Blair - Crane
the grand daughter of William Blair
the great grand daughter of William Blair
the great, great, grandaughter of Alexander Blair
Page 46


Alexander Blair (born in Ulster County
County of Annah, died at Blair's Station -
Bourbon Co. Kentucky 1798) sent into
the Revolution three sons, Lieut. John
Blair, Lieut Thomas Blair, and William Blair
and is himself on the Pennsylvania
Rolls as a private soldier - serving under
Capt. John Bell.

My Great, grand father Wm Blair (born 1760) entered
the service as a substitute for his father
before he - Wm was liable to service
Afterwards he enlisted and served
in the war - being permanently disabled
at battle of Chemung-
Afterward reenlisting serving until
discharged Jan. 1781
He was granted a pension of
Page 47


the age of 72 (1833)  Now I have his
all from copies - but I wish a
document from you with such
particulars as will enable me
to satisfy the Committee on
credentials.

Of course I'd like the records,
if obtainable to you of both
Alexander Blair and Wm Blair
his son.

May I hope for a feely
reply-- Respectfully-

Mch 23 - 1910 
Mrs Homer R. Miller
42 and Center Drive
DesMoines, Ia
Page 48

PENSION OFFICE
AUG 20 1898
Page 49


Glendale Iowa
Aug. 16" 1898

Hon -  Clay Evans
Commissioner of Pensions

Dr Sir
I have made
enquiry of many persons relating
to any Revolutionary
soldiers that may have found
their way to Iowa in early
days; this is my reason for
troubling you; I am told
that William Blair, who is
buried near Kossuth Iowa, was a
Revolutionary Soldier, of the
Pennsylvania line, under Sullivan;
then in the Rangers &, can
the Pension office files give any
light on the claim. He died in 1840-
Having facts from archives would be gratefully 
received-
Respectfully
Hiram Heaton
Page 50

CONGRESSIONAL
FEB 27 ?????
US Bureau of pensions
Page 51


FIFTY - NINTH CONGRESS.
THEODORE E. BURTON, OHIO, CHAIR A.
BLACKBURN S. DOVENER, W.VA. J. ADAM BY T. MINN.
ROSWELL P. BISHOP, MICH.  EDGAR C. F.S. MO.
ERNEST F. ACKESON, PA.   JOHN h. BANKHEAD, ALA
DE ALVA S. ALEXANDER, N.Y.   STEPHEN J SPARKMAN, FLA
GEORGE P. LAWRENCE MASS.     JOSEPH E ANSDELL, LA.
JAMES H. DAVIDSON, WIS   GEORGE F. BURGESS TEY.
JAMES McLACHLAN, CAL.   BENJAMIN C HUMPHREYS.
WILLIAM LORIMER, ILL.   JOHN A. MON. TENN.
WESLEY JONES, WASH.
JAMES H. CASSIDY  CLERK.
JOSEPH H. McGANA, ASSISTANT CLERK


COMMITTEE ON RIVERS AND HARBORS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES U.S.
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 26, 1907.

The Honorable.
The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir: --

Herewith you will find letter that is self explanatory.
Will you kindly cause the information desired therein to be looked
up and kindly return the letter to me with your reply.
With kind regards and best wishes, I am,

Very Truly Yours,

B.B. Dovener
Page 52


Revolution
21 647
INVALID.
-----
File No. 21.647
William Blair
Pri  Rev  War
-----
Act: June 7" 1832
Index: -- Vol. Page 41
[Arrangement of 1870.]
to
War 17 order New
F. Bunce, Washing

---
Mch 23/96 Soldier pen
F Bancross Washing
-----
Sept 1998
Hiram Heaton
Glendale
------
Mch. 30-1901
Chas Aldrich Des Moines
-----
1907 Mch. 2. Hist to Hon.
B.B. Dovener for F. R. Stewart
-----
1910 Apl 9. To Mrs Homer R. Miller
1912 Feb. 28. To Miss Harriet Rankin
1924 Aug. 8. To Mary E. Blair awf
1929. Dec. 30. Hist to Phyllis
Chilton awf
---
1934 - May 29 - hist to
Mrs. Geo. F. Fassett awf
-----
1934 Nov. 7. Hist to Mr. F. D.
Corson, a.w.f.
-----
1935 Oct 24 hist to B.J Walter
-----
1936 Dec 9 hist to  W. F. Hathaway