Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 42621, James Blair, Continental N.H.
Page 1

(8-1776) 

Service
Continental 
N.H. 

Blair, James 

Number
S.42621

Contents
Page 2

To [crossed out] (Ohio Pitt Agency)
Ohio  3,918

From 
[crossed out] Pennsylvania.
James Blair
private
New Hampshire [illegible] 81-2 years
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence
the 25th of April, 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26th Oct 1818
and sent to John Vincent to
Waterford P

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1818 10/70 34.55
Semi-anl, all'ce ending 4 Mar 1819. 48.00

$82.66
Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818.
Record Book F Vol. 2. p.107
.
Respecting apt for transfer
Letter to J. Blair, Nov. 29.
Sept. 28. 1829. do. to [illegible]
23 April 1832
Let to Hon L. Cap. Feb
13. 1836
.is Tra. March 17. 36
Transf to Ohio from
4 Sept 1835 - Mar. 28 36
---
[illegible] to Ohio [illegible] Oct 12. 1836
[illegible] removed. [illegible] to same
Nov 3 1836
Letter to J. P. Halsey [illegible]
March 1846


July 30th 1833
[illegible]
See transfer book
Page 3

District of Pennsylvania
Erie County }
On this 25 day of April 1818 before me the subscriber one of the assistant Judges of the Court of Common pleas in said County & District aforesaid personally appeared before me James Blair aged fifty five years & Two years resident in said County and District who being by me first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the late Act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War; that he said James Blair Inlisted Feb 4 1781 in the State of New Hampshire and joined Capt Potter's Company of the 2d Regt of the New Hampshire Line commanded by Col George Reed; that he continued to serve in said Regt or in the service of the United States until Dec 1783 when he was discharged from said service in the State of New York and that he was not in any Battles with the British Troops, the Regt which he belonged to being on duty up the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers the first two years; that the last year of his service was in Gen Washington's Guard; and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of assistance from his country for support, and that he has no other evidence now in his person of his said service
declared before me the day and year aforesaid year 
[signed] James Blair

Sworn & Subscribed  the 25th day of April 1818
Before me  [signed] John Vincent

I John Vincent Judge as aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said James Blair did serve in the Revolutionary war as stated in the preceding Declaration against the Common Enemy
[signed] John Vincent
Page 4

James Blair
Commonwealth of Pennsyl
Erie County ss }
I certify that John Vincent, Esquire, is duly commissioned an associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said County. that he is now in commission - And that full faith and credit ought to be given to all his official acts. In testimony I whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office the 2d day of June 1818.
[signed]  John Kelsoe Prothy
Page 5

Recd 18th Septr 1820.
Erie Sept 7
p A 107
James Blair
FREE
Hon. John C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Washington City

[written over everything, very faint]
[illegible] 
3918
Waterford 
Oct 18
Page 6

Erie County

On this ninth day of Augt one thousand Eight
Hundred and twenty personally appeared in open Court being
a Court of record for the said County James Blair aged fifty
seven years resident in Waterford in said County and State of
Pennsylvania who being first duly sworn according to law doth
on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war (viz)
In the 2nd Newhampshire regiment commanded by Col George
Reed and Company commanded by Capt Potter as will
appear by the original declaration dated twenty fifth day of
April one thousand eight Hundred and eighteen
By which I the said James Blair obtained a certificate
No 3918. and I do solemnly swear that I was a resident [illegible]
of the United States on the 18th day of March one thousand
Eight hundred and Eighteen, and that I have not since that
time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any
part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself
within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled an act to provide
for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the
United States in the revolutionary war. Passed on the 18th day
of March one thousand Eight hundred and Eighteen
and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property
or securities contracts or debts due to me nor have
I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto
[illegible] and by me subscribed
With what the law [crossed out and illegible] his excepted I am the owner
of no other property real or personal than the following (viz)
4 Small Sheep $10.00
and a few dung hill fowls 1.00
By occupation a tiller of the ground, but being severely afflicted
with a disease for many years past which has now wholly
disabled me from doing any thing for my support my
family consists of my wife Molly 55 years old very infirm
also, and one daughter Mary Ann aged thirteen and Healthy
Sworn & Subscribed August 9th 1840 [unclear] James Blair
In Open Court
Thos Wilson Proth
Page 7

It is the opinion of the Court that the value of the foregoing property is
eleven dollars

Erie County State of Pennsylvania
I Thomas Wilson Prothonotary of the Court of Common
Pleas in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the
foregoing oath or affirmation and the Schedule
thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said
Court and I do further certify that it is the opinion
of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property  exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is eleven dollars. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and the seal of the said Court on this fifth day of September
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty 
Thomas Wilson Booth
Page 8

The petition of James Blair
To both Houses of Congress for one Section of  land in the State of Ohio betwixt the big Miama and the Scioto Rivers or the head waters of the same, where he may select it on the Lands of the United States.   For the following reasons.  Your petitioner enlisted into the United States Service in Feb 1781 for the Term of three years, and joined the 2nd Regiment of the New Hampshire line. Commanded by Col George Reed and Capt Potters Company. And in 1782 being stationed on the Mohawk River and there being Several detachments sent up the River from fourt plaine which was head quarters to fourt Harkemer on the German flats and your petitioner being stationed in a small party between the two fourts, but being nighest to Fourt Harkhemer we went there to Draw our provisions once a week and the first time it fell to my lot to go for provisions there being eleven in all were surrounded by a large party of Indians and your petitioner was one of two that escaped unhurt by them, but your petitioner to save his life was obliged to run a mile & 1/2 with the Savage Yell pursuing him and when the pursuit was given up your petitioner found himself Gasping for breath for there was no other way of Escape but by Speed of foot.   and the day being very warm on the 22d of July and your Petitioner imprudently threw himself into the river to recover his Exausted strength and Spirits which shortly after threw him into the fever and ague, when I went to the Regiment at
fourt plaine Dr Henery, the head Dr of the regiment said that he could make me fit for duty in four or five days and gave me a large potion of Tarter emetic with orders to take it so as to begin to work at the commencement of the fit with  orders to not drink one drop of water after I took it untill it had done working which I complied with and took
it according to direction. But found my stomac verry much strained and left Very Sick
Page 9

And when the Dr. came to me againe your petitionar was in a fit and he abraded me with not following his directions but the othere sick and wounded and there attendance told him I had, and he left me another potion to be taken in the same mannor, which I obayed, but half of it never came up, but strained me dreadfully and soft so sick I could eat nothing, the third time he came to me he found me in a fit, and swore he knew I had drank water, for he never knew any person before that he could not cure with two pukes and mostly with one, and I must take another.  But your petitionar remonstrated with him telling it would kill me.  He told me that I should not be clear of duty for that dam'd leasy disorder and your petitionar rook the third which came very nigh ending my days at the time, and when the Dr. came to see me againe he found me in a fit and swore bitterly that I was not composed of the same materials that other people was, and left me a large bundle jiesuts bark to be taken in a very short time, but I had heard the bad effects of large quantitys had had on people and destroid the whole of it.  And when the Dr. asked me if I had taken all the bark I told him I had, and he swore my constitution was different from any that he even heard of, and he did not know what to give me next.  But your petitionar told him if he would quit giving me medison that I might live but if he continued to give me such medison as he had done he would sertainly kill me.  Upon which he said then you may take your own way and left me.  But so much poison as he had poured into me compleatly destroyed my constitution and I never have had a well day since, and when this hapned your petitionar was possed of as good a constitution as he thinks as was ever posessed by any imperfect being, the strength of which partialy restored me in about three months I was able to do my duty, but it destroyed my memery and almost my eyesight which two censes surpassed any persons I ever saw,  And in Decr. 1783 I received my discharge, and in four years after married and had a rapid increase of family with a decreasing constitution but the natural ambition I was posesed of with the remaining
 [end of page]
Page 10

strength of my most execelant constitution with the anxiety I had become an independant citizen in an independant government bore me up for several years.  But at length I had to resine the thought of independance to that of aliyan for my desase forbade my using any means to help out my family and for eleven years was not able to do any hard labor and all the time applying to phesitions for relief but all to no purpose, and at the end of which time I was greately in debt, and there was no other thought presented itself to my mind but the heartrending one that I must seperate my family and throw myself on the town for subsistance, but the Almighty Desposer of Times Seasons and Things ordered it otherwise and kept my family together till my oldest sones became able to manage business we colected a little property and your petitionar having long had an anxiety to move into the western country we collected all we had started from Vermont and landed in this place in Jany. 1816 so far on our way to the State of Ohio by this time our capital was gon and your petitionar laid up sick. my sone was anxious not to live any longer without a home and went and [unknown] for a peace of land and built a house on it and moved the family onto it  But the scarcety and extravagant price of provisions and the the want of money compeled them to get a creadit for that [arlick?] and the seson being very bad, and your petitionar not able to do any thing three quarters of the time, and was still obliged to live on creadit  Still clearing and suspecting that the crops of the ensuing year would clear them of debt. but to the great mortifying of my sons when they had reased a crop it was no better than chips to pay debts.  and all the creadit we had got was now in jeudgement or execution, and my oldest son which had been the princepal contracter when he saw the situation he was placed in that there was no possability of making remitance, left this place and went down into the State of Ohio in order to regaine property to pay up the debts which is about two hundred dollars, which debts was contracted on your petitionars account, out of filial affection and sympethy to their parents have been strangers to the common and natural fealings of young men, and have subsituted all their earnings to the support of the family as if it had been their own since they became of age
Page 11

The oldest of which is twenty six.  And your petetionar is certain that the foregoing statement is the cause of this penuary and distress therefore looks forward to the collected wisdom of these United States taking into consideration at a leat period of the few surviving Revolutionary soldiers that some of them might be in need of aid from the enriched arm of these United States which if it had not been for the united exertions of those that withstood the opressive laws of the Mother Country there is no knowing the lengths that these United States might have been drove to by the wanton and iron handed tirany of a despotic government.  it is time that the aid I gave toward the obtaning of our present Constitution was but a very small mite and the favour that I ask for is but a very small mite in the revanew of the Government.  I want at some reate or other to [be??]  placed before I close with time that I may reap some of the blessings that our present Constitution gurrantees to its citizens, and I feal an ashurance that if the policy of Congress would admit of granting your petetionar his requaist that my sons would make me realise the desiar of my heart. And that Constitution and Government that all the people in the world besides cant produce an equail.  And the only [leven?] that I can see in the whole compact that may [lend?] to use in oposition to its spirit is the admitance of slavery under its jurisprudence.  I never should have thought of this had it not been for the magnenimious and human thought displaied in the presidents message to both houses of Congress and have often wondered that some of his predessors hadn't one thought of what placed them in the Chair of State.
But your petetionar has every reason to hope from the spirit that is displaied by the present Congress that the prayer of his petetion will be answered.  And he as in duty [illegible] will ever pray
[signed] James Blair
Waterford  Feb 7 1818
Erie County Pennsylvenia
Page 12

Application for a Transfer
State of Pennsylvania
County of Erie ⎬ ss  On this 28th day of February 1848 before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County  of Erie, Personally appeared James Blair, who on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain Potter, in the New Hampshire Regiment of Infantry commanded by Colonel Reed, in the service of the United States. That his name was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of Pennsylvania and subsequently transferred to that of the State of Ohio, from where he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State of Pennsylvania, where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable in future. The following are his reasons for removing from the State of Ohio to the State of Pennsylvania, viz. for the purpose of living with his Grandson, his friends in Ohio with whom he had been living, having removed west
James Blair X his mark

Sworn & Subscribed this 28th day of February 1848. Before me
[signed] George Kellogg Just. Peace
Witness  [signed] Freeman R Brown

States of Pennsylvania
Erie County } ss   Before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Erie Personally came Freeman R. Brown who on his oath doth declare and say that he is well acquainted with James Blair, who has taken and subscribed the above affadavit and knows him to be the same person therein described
[signed]  Freeman R. Brown

Sworn & subscribed this 28th day of February 1848 Before me
[signed] George Kellogg Just. Peace

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Freeman R. Brown the above deponent and that he is a person of respectability and of veracity - witness my hand at Erie this 28th day of February 1848
[signed] George Kellogg Just Peace
Page 13

I hereby further certify that James Blair the Pensioner within named, is at this time too unwell and infirm to sign his name, and consequently made his mark, which was done in my presence and in the presence of Truman R. Brown the subscribing witness-- Witness my hand at Erie this 28th day of February 1848
[signed] George Kellogg  Just Peace


State of Penna
Erie County ss}
I Wilson King Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County hereby
certify that George Kellogg whose name appears on the above and foregoing is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly Elected Commissioned and qualified and to all whose official acts full faith & credit are due and further that the above and foregoing signatures "George Kellogg," are genuine
Witness my hand and seal of said Court at Erie this 28th day of February AD 1848
[signed]  Wilson King Prothy
By [signed] Jonas Gunnison
Page 14

February 4, 1935. 

BA-J/ILL [illegible] 
James Blair 
S. 42621

Mrs. Emma J. Mellinger
2020 Jefferson Avenue 
Toledo, Ohio. 

Dear Madam: 

Reference is made to your letter in which you request additional information regarding the family of James Blair, whose record was furnished you November 11, 1931, from Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 42621. 

Another examination of the papers in that pension claim has been made and there is no reference to a daughter of the soldier. The oldest child, aged twenty-eight years in 1820, was a son; his name was not stated, but he was not living with the soldier in 1820. 

In February 1818, James Blair stated that he left Vermont and reached Waterford, Erie County, Pennsylvania, in January 1816 “on the way to Ohio”; also, that his sons built a house there (Waterford), and “moved the family into it”, but did not give any names; further, that his oldest son later went down “into the State of Ohio”. In 1836, when the soldier was a resident of Clark County, Ohio, one Alexander Blair made affidavit in his behalf, but did not state any relationship between them. In 1848, the soldier stated that he had come to live with his grandson on Erie County, Pennsylvania, because his “friends in Ohio with whom he had been living” had moved West. 

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of the pensioner, James Blair, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing the following; James Blair, certificate 3918, issued October 26, 1818, rate $8 per month, commenced April 25, 1818, Act of March 18, 1818, Ohio Agency. 

Very truly yours, 

A. P. Hiller, 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 15

Mrs. F. D. Corson 
Derry Village
New Hampshire

BA-J/ady
James Blair 
S.42621

Dear Madam:

The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.42621, based upon the military service of James Blair in that war. 

The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of James Blair are not shown. 

He enlisted in New Hampshire in February 1781, served in Captain’s Potter’s and Bell’s Companies, Colonel George Reid’s New Hampshire Regiment; was in General Washington’s Guard the last year of his service, and was discharged in December 1783. 

In 1816 he moved from Vermont to Erie County, Pennsylvania; in 1833 he moved from Pennsylvania to Thompson, Geauga County, Ohio; in 1836 he was living in Clark County, Ohio, and in 1848 soldier moved from Ohio, to Pennsylvania, to live with his grandson, his name not stated. 

James Blair was allowed pension on his application executed April 25, 1818 while a resident of Waterford, Erie County, Pennsylvania, aged fifty-five years. 

He died between March 4 and June 3, 1848. 

Soldier married four years after he was discharged. 

In 1820 his wife, Molly, was fifty-five years old, their oldest child [a son] was twenty-eight years old, name not given, and daughter, Mary Ann, was aged thirteen years. Sons are referred to, names not stated. 

Very truly yours, 

A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
Page 16

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 Lyons Blair and that he served as private in the New Your Militia. 

There is no claim for pension on file based upon service in the War of 1812 of Lynus, or Linus, Blair of New York. [There is a Bounty, land claim which has been found + filed since nov. 1 - 1934]

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.
Page 17

November 11, 1931
BA-J/ADY

Mrs. Emma Steedman Mellinger, 
2020 Jefferson Avenue, 
Toledo, Ohio. 

Dear Madam: 

Reference is made to your letter relative to one James Blair, a soldier of the Revolutionary War. 

The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.42621, based upon his military service in that war. 

James Blair enlisted in New Hampshire in February 1781, served in Captains Potter’s and Bell’s Companies, Colonel George Reid’s New Hampshire Regiment; was in General Washington’s Guard the last year of his service, and was discharged in December 1783. 

In 1816 he moved from Vermont to Erie County, Pennsylvania; in 1833 he moved from Pennsylvania to Thompson, Geauga County, Ohio; in 1836 he was living in Clark County, Ohio, and in 1848 soldier moved from Ohio to Pennsylvania to live with his grandson, his name not stated. 

James Blair was allowed pension on his application executed April 25, 1818 while a resident of Waterford, Erie County, Pennsylvania, aged fifty-five years. 

He died between March 4 and June 3, 1848. 

Soldier married four years after he was discharged.


[Note from transcriber: A google earth search was done for the address listed at the start of this letter, and the building appears to have been demolished prior to 2007]
Page 18

In 1820, his wife, Molly, was fifty-five years old, their oldest child was twenty-eight years old, name not given, and daughter, Mary Ann, was aged thirteen years. Sons are referred to, names not stated. 

This is the history of the only James Blair of Pennsylvania found on the Revolutionary War records of this office. 

Very truly yours, 

A. D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 19

In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of James Blair a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow’s) application for pension file in this Bureau. 

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment: 
Feb 1781 
Discharged Dec. 1783

Note: Was in Gen. Washington’s Guard the last year of service. 

Officers Under Whom Service Was Rendered: 

Captain: 
Potter
Bell 

Colonel: George Reid

State: N.H. 

Battles engaged in, [blank]

Residence at enlistment, enlisted in N.H. 

Date of application for pension, apr. 25, 1818. His f. issued Oct. 16, 1818. 

Residence at date of application, Waterford. Erie Co. Penn. 

Age at date of application, 55. Died bet, Mch.  4 & June 3. 1848. 

Remarks: Soldier married 4 years after he was discharged  In 1820 his wife Mary was 55 years old and their eldest child was 28 yrs. old, no name stated, and daughter Mary Ann 13 yrs. Sons are referred to and a grand-son was living in Penn. in 1848 no names are given. In 1836 soldier lived in Clark Co. Ohio. 

Very respectfully, 
[blank] 
Commissioner.
Page 20

Rev. War Section. 

April 28, 1920. 

Miss Ethel E. Smith, 
4754 7th Avenue N. E., 
Seattle, Washington. 

Madam: 
In response to your letter dated the 8th instant, you are advised that the Revolutionary War record of James Blair S. File No. 42,621 was forwarded to you May, 25 1912; it is not the practice of this Bureau to furnish the same statement more than once to the same person. 

Very respectfully, 

Commissioner.
Page 21

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
3 -- 525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., Nov. 14, 1917
V.L.M.
S.F. 42621
Rev. War
Miss Claribel E. Orton
Marietta Minn
Madam:
In reply to your request of No. 7, received Nov. 12 for a statement of the military history of James Blair 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. Feby 1781
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. Capt Potter  Capt Bell  Colonel George Reid
STATE. N. H.
he was in General Washington's Guard the last year of service and was discharged Dec 1783.

Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, enlisted in N Hampshire
Date of application for pension Apr. 25, 1818. His certificated issued Oct. 24, 1818.
Residence at date of application Waterford, Erie Co. Penn.
Age at date of application, 55 years.  Died between Mch. 4 & June 3, 1848.
Remarks: He married 4 years after he was discharged. In 1820 his wife Molly was 55 years old, and their oldest child was 28 years old, no name stated, and daughter Mary Ann 13 years. Sons are referred to and a grandson living in Penn in 1848 their names are not given. In 1836 soldier lived in Clark Co. Ohio 
Respectfully,
[signed] G M Saltzgaber
Commissioner.
Page 22

RECEIVED
JAN 19 1936
[illegible]
12:45
Page 23

Toledo O  Jan 18/1935
Veterans Administration
Rev. Pension Dept

of [eldest?] child 1820 - 28 yrs = born 1792

In re. Rev Claim S 42621
Gentlemen:  I have a letter from your Dept under date of Nov 11 - 1931 referring to pension of James Blair.  Your letter states in 1820 his oldest child was 28 yrs old-  Do papers state whether this child was son or daughter?
Thanking you for this information
Respectfully
(Mrs.) Emma S. Mellinger
2020 Jefferson Ave
Toledo, Ohio.

Also does it state, if this oldest child was living with him in 1820, kindly advise-- The idea is I am trying to locate a daughter of James Blair born about time this oldest child was
[end of page]
Page 24

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON
August 5, 1931.
THIS LETTER REFERS TO YOUR FILE NUMBER: [blank]
IN REPLY REFER TO: Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
ADY

Mrs. Emma Steedman Mellinger,
2020 Jefferson Avenue,
Toledo, Ohio.
Dear Madam:  You are advised that this office has no general genealogical data on file as a means of establishing ancestral lines.
The Revolutionary War records have been searched in your behalf and no claim for pension found based upon the service of a James Blair of Chester or Northumberland County, Pennsylvania.
It would seem that you must have the record of some other pensioner in mind, other than a James Blair.
Very truly yours,
[signed] A.D. Hiller
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.

Dear Sir: - Referring to above-on page 686 2nd series of Vol, 15 Penna Archives is  given James Blair, private, U.S. Pensioner 1820- While in Washington last April I copied pension information  personally in regard to Samuel Blair, Northumberland  Co. and later found he was not my ancestor.  At the time I spoke to one of the clerks as to papers of James Blair & she stated he was from Chester Co. I replied I would not bother the clerical force as Sam'l  Blair might be one I wanted
I am still wondering if the James Blair (over)
Page 25

pensioner mentioned in Penna, Archive could possibly be the one I am trying get record on.  
I made a personal trip to Northumberland Co. but was not able to trace the James Blair am trying to - otherwise I would not have bothered you.  I also saw in another volume of Penna archives, name of James Blair as U. S. Pensioner, but haven't reference
If you find papers could you kindly advise me if any names are given in same of the man's family & greatly oblige
Yrs Respectfully
(Mrs) Emma S. Mellinger
3020 Jefferson Ave.
Toledo Ohio

1 1/4 /31
Page 26

4754-7th Ave. N. E. Seattle,
April 8, 1920.

The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
I shall be very grateful to you for any information re the James Blair of the Army of this Revolution, who is mentioned in the document, a copy of which I herewith enclose
Respectfully yours
(miss) Ethel E. Smith.
Page 27

Copy of original
War Department
Revolutionary Claim

I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th of March 1818, James Blair, late a private in the army of the Revolution---is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Pennsylvania Agency, at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the twenty-fifth day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this twenty-sixth day of October, one thousand Eight hundred and eighteen.
[signed] J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War

(Seal)

(note) The number (3,918) is written within
(over)
Page 28

[page 2]

and in lead pencil on the back, the words "came to Clark County in (?) 1835 from Geauga County, Ohio.
Also in ink, the words Payable on the 4th of March and 4th of Sept. in each year, at the Bank U. S. at Philadelphia.
And at the foot of the page, is the word "Recorded."
Page 29

[postage stamp]

Pension 

L 

U.S.

May
20
1918

Office
Page 30

Rev War
Marietta Minn. May 15 1918

Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington D.C.
Gentlemen:   I am tracing records of one James Blair, soldier in the American Revolution.
I am a decendent of the soldier and desire any information I can get of his life and military service. His death took place at Erie, Pennsylvania in 1849. He at one time resided in Vermont.  Family tradition says he enlisted from Vermont or New Hampshire and was two years in service.  Of his
[end of page]
Page 31

Birthplace I know nothing but the date of birth is 1763.  He was a pensioner and the only part of claim I am in possession of is the number, 3918. He lived in Pennsylvania after the war and probably claimed pension from that state. Can you give me any other information concerning him? 

Very respectfully, 
(miss) Alta [or Atta] D. Ross
Page 32

[postmark]

U. S. PENSION OFFICE.
O
NOV 12 1917
Page 33

The Orton Park Fruit Farm
C. J. ORTON, Proprietor
Grower of Small Fruits and Plants.
Dealer in Nursery Stock.
Marietta, Minn November 7 1917

The Department of ,the Interior
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:  I would like some information concerning the history of James Blair, a revolutionary soldier. I enclose his revolutionary pension claim. Can you tell me the name of town & state in which he was born(1)  (2) his wifes maiden name (3} names of children and number
(4) town in which he resided at death, also date of wifes death (5) date & place of marriage. The date of his birth is about 1763, his death 1849. I think he resided both in Vermont and Pennsylvania after service.
Very truly
(Miss) Claribel E. Orton
Page 34

one 2 cent stamp [encd?] WW  Otc ab
Rev Sec Stamp retd cer

1326 South Maple Street
Carthage, Missouri June 6, 1917

Mr. G.M. Saltzgaber
Commissioner
Bureau of Pensions.
Washington. D.C
Dear Sir:
Will you send me any existing records in your
department concerning the following Revolutionary Soldiers?
Thomas Blair.  Served in the Pennsylvania Line, said (traditions) to have been at Valley Forge. Was
[end of page]
Page 35

S.35,781
in Kentucky - probably Nelson Co. and in Indiana but died about 1832-3 in Mercer Co. Penna 
2 - James Blair S.42,621 - of Pennsylvania, but said to have served with a New Hampshire Regiment.  Later - about 1817 - Geauga Co. Ohio.
3 -  Do the names John or Nicholas Pittenger, (Pettingar) appear on
the rolls of Maryland or New Jersey?  These men were born in Holland, and probably after the Rev. went to Lycoming Co. Pa. Thence to Ohio (illegible) in 1818
This information will be greatly appreciated.
Very truly yours
(Mrs) Effie Bfair Wall.
and Have you any record of John Blair, who enlisted  at New London Cross Roads when 21?  He lived in Chester Co. Pa. probably later. In 1817 his home was in Lancaster Co. Pa.

[stamp]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE
A
JUN 11 1917
Page 36

Augusta, Wis, May 15, 1912.

The Com of Pensions,
Washington, D.C
Dear Sir:
We are seeking information about one James Blair, who fought in the Revolution The inclosed paper is a copy of one which we have, and we hope thru it, to be able to get the required facts.  Anything which your records show will be gratefully received.
Respectfully,
(Miss) Ethel E. Smith

[stamp]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE
O
MAY 18 1912
Page 37

42621  3918
INVALID.
Revy
File No. 42621
James Blair
Priv Rev. War 
Act:  18 March 1818
Index:--Vol. 3, Page 49
[in brackets] Arrangement of 1870.

[right side of page]
1912 May 23  Hist to Ethel E. Smith V.L.M. 
1917 June 18 Hist to Mrs. Effie B. Wall
1917 Nov 14 Hist to Clarabel E. Reton[Peton?]
1918 May 22 Hist to Alta D. Ross
1918 July 29 Hist to E. M. H[illegible]
letter in W. 891 Thomas Blair
1820 Apr 29 Ethel E. Smith that she has been fur. one copy  &c
193123 Nov 11 Hist to Mrs Emma Steedman Mellinger A. D. Y.
1934 Nov 7 Hist to Mrs F. D. Corson.  See her letter in William Blair, S. 21647.  A. D. Y.
1925 Feb 4 Mrs. Emma S Mellinger advised further regarding family ILC.
Page 38

June 8 [illegible]

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 39

State of Ohio
County of Clark ⎬ ss.
On this 14th day of March 1846, before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for said County of Clark, personally appeared James Blair, who on his solemn oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captains Potter & Bell, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel George Reed, in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Pennsylvania, that he received a certificate of that fact under the signature and seal of the Secretary of War; which certificate on or about the fourth day of September 1845, was lost or mislaid, so that he has since been unable to find it. He had said certificate on that day for the purpose of having his papers executed to draw the semi-annual
payment which then became due. His impression is that his papers were drawn at the office of the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County in Springfield, that the magistrate before whom the affidavit was made, and the power of attorney acknowledged was Samuel Parsons Esqr, and that his agent for drawing the pension was William Werden. He has no knowledge of having seen his certificate since that time, though has made diligent search and enquiry for the same, without any success, and he has very little hope of ever being able to find it, though he does not know in what particular way he lost or mislaid it.  James Blair X his mark

Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid}
[signed] Samuel Parsons J. P.
[signed] James S. Halsey - Witness

The State of Ohio Clark County ss
Before the subscriber a justice of the peace within and for said County came James S. Halsey who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he has known James Blair, who has made the foregoing affidavit, for a period of about ten years or it may be a little longer, about which time as he believes said James Blair became a resident of Clark County.  During that period deponent has generally prepared the papers of the said James Blair to draw his semi annual payment of pension.   Until he called on deponent for the same purpose on or about the fourth day of the present month he always had a pension certificate, which
[end of page]
Page 40

deponent thinks was dated in or about the year 1818, and was signed by "J.C. Calhoun Secretary of War."  Deponent has known the said James Blair well, since the commencement of his acquaintance with him as before stated, knows him to be the same person who is described in the above affidavit, and has not the least doubt that he is the same person to whom said pension certificate was originally granted.  He knows nothing of the manner in which the same was lost.
[signed]  James S. Halsey

The State of Ohio
Clark County} SS
Before me a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared James Halsey a person to me well known as a man truth and veracity and made oath that the maters [matters] and things contained in the above affidavit are true in substance and in fact as he hereby believes
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th day of March 1846
[signed]  Samuel Parson J. P.


State of Ohio Clark County ss
I James S. Halsey Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Samuel Parsons is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, legally authorized to act as such; and that his signatures above written are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at Springfield, this 14th day of March 1846
[signed]  James S. Halsey Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Clark County.
Page 41

Mar 18, 46
Mr [Ewing?]
Issue a new certificate

10

James. L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D. C.
Page 42

Application for a Transfer

The State of Ohio
Geauga County SS}
On this nineteenth day of June AD 1833 before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Geauga personally appeared James Blair who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Potter in Regiment commanded by Colonel Reed of the Newhampshire line in the service of the United States, that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Pennsylvania from whence he has lately removed that he now resides in the State of Ohio County of Geauga and Township of Thompson, Where he intends to remain and wishes his pension to be there payable in future.  The following are his reasons for removing from Pennsylvania to said Town County and State aforesaid (to wit) To Benefit my interest as to property
[signed] James Blair
Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid
[signed]  Harlow Bailey Justice of the Peace

The State of Ohio
Geauga County}  ss.  
We Abram Tappan & Rowland Moseley of the Town of Madison County of Geauga and State aforesaid on our oaths deposeth and saith that we are well acquainted with James Blair a  Revolutionary pensioner who has signed & sworn to the above and foregoing application for a transfer that he has exhibited to us this day his certificate on certifying that he was placed on the pension list Roll of ┃
Page 43

the Pennsylvania Agency dated at the war office of the United States on the 26th day of October AD. 1818 and we further state that from our personal knowledge we know him to be the Identical James Blair described in the original certificate now in his possession and that he now resides in the Town of Thompson County of Geauga State of Ohio & we further state that we have been acquainted with James Blair ever since he has resided in the State of Ohio which has been several years and we further state that James Blair has to our knowledge declared drawing his pension for the last four years previous to last fall on account of his religious opinions which prohibited him from complying with the prescribed form for drawing his Pension on account of his oath or affirmation being required to his papers & we further state that James Blair is a person of good moral character and now has reason
[signed]  Abm Tappen  Rowland Moseley

The State of Ohio
Geauga County} ss
Be it remembered that on this 19th day of June A.D. 1833 personally came before me Harlow Baily one of the Justices of the peace in & for the County aforesaid and State aforesaid Abram Tappan and Rowland Moseley who have signed the foregoing statement by them subscribed.
Sworn and subscribed to in my presence in relation to this application of James Blair for his pension transfer and I further state that I am personally acquainted with them both and that they are persons of high standing and good moral character and entitled to full credit for truth and veracity
[signed]  Harlow Bailey Justice of the Peace
Page 44

The State of Ohio
Geauga County ss.}  I, D.D. Aiken, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County, do hereby certify that Harlow Bailey Esquire, before the foregoing affidavits of James Blair, and of Abraham Tappen and Rowland Moseley appear to have been taken on the nineteenth day of June A.D. 1833, and whose signatures in his own proper hand writing are affixed to the certificates thereof, was at that time, and still is a
Justice of the peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, according to law.-
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court, at Chardon in said County this 21st day of June A.D. 1833
[signed] D. Aiken, Clerk
Page 45

12[1?]
Recd 23 Sept 1820
James Blair

Erie Sept 14

Hon. John C. Calhoun
Secretary of Department of War
Washington City
Page 46

Erie County [Pa?]   On this ninth day of August and thousand eight hundred and twenty personally appeared in open Court being a Court of record for the said County James Blair aged fifty seven years, resident in Waterford in said County and State of Pennsylvania who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows viz -
In the 2d Newhampshire regiment commanded by Col George Reed and Company commanded by Capt Potter as will appear by the original declaration dated twenty fifth day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen By which I the said James Blair obtained a certificate No 3.918, and I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provision of an act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war passed the 18th day of March one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen  And that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the shedule [schedule] hereto annexed and by me subscribed  With what the law has excepted I am the owner of no other property real or personal than the following (viz)
4 small sheep
and a few [deinghill?] fowl
By occupation a tiller of the ground, but being sorely afflicted with disease for many years past which has now wholly disabled me from doing any thing for my support my family consists of my wife Molly 55 years (old very infirm also), and one daughter Mary ann aged thirteen and healthy
[signed]  James Blair
Sworn & subscribed Augt 9th 1820 In open Court
[signed]  Thos Wilson Brother
Page 47

It is the opinion of the Court that the value of the foregoing property is eleven dollars

I Thomas Wilson Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court, and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is eleven dollars
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court on this fourteenth day of September AD one thousand eight hundred and twenty
[signed]  Thos Wilson  Proth.
Page 48

Waterford  June  Penn/ Erie County

To the Honorable Secretary of War
By this I have to acknowledge duly receiving [?] Boyd's friendly information with the
law for the relief of certain persons therein mentioned bearing date April 4th on the evening of the 16th with his advise [advice] to apply for a pention [pension] by your direction.  Which explicitly showed me that the president with all the departments of State was anxious to have the Law apply to all the objects for which it was intended.
But dear sir, altho it is Universally Applauded in this County yet it is basely  [Construed?]  by the [best? least?] informed & will insert a paragraf [paragraph] that was put under the substance of the law, in paper printed at Erie.
N. B. It  does not appear that a claimant is obliged to make a declaration or exhibit proof to the Judge or Secretary of war to that by reason of reduced circumstances he stands in need of assistance for his support.
Perhaps in his application to the Judge before whome he is to make Affidavit of service, he will be required a mere recital to state that his circumstances are such as to requiar [require] assistance for his support. 
And a man that is in Comfortable circumstances told me the other day that if [illegible] got a pention [pension] he should have it too for he was worth two dollars to his one, but it [illegible] to be the opinion of all that if they could exhibit proof to the Judge that they were in the service of the U.S. that was all that was
[end of page]
Page 49

[page 2]
Required and after the foregoing Statement in the Newspaper apeared [appeared] Every man that could have any claim to Revolutionary service [?] to have it certified
But to me the Law is Explicet [explicit] that it only intends for its object those that are in reail [real] want of assistance from their country for their suport [support].  to me it was a timely one, for as perdicted [predicted] in my Communication to the president of U.S. my Sones [sons] that was of age hav [have] both left me, and I have been stript [stripped]  of every means of living and not able to labor any and every nesesary [necessary] of life Exhavigantly [extravagantly?] Dear.
It may be that that I am meddling with that that is none of My business for the departments of State is amply sufficent [sufficient] to watch over its affairs.
But to apologise [apoligize] further for the freedom I have taken I write merely to state that I do not feal [feel] that my duty to myself and Country seased [ceased] with geting [getting] my discharge from its Service and I believe that there is not a man in these U.S. that has a greater Heart felt attachment to the Constitution and General well faire [welfare] of the Nation that I possess.
And with due respect I have the honor Dear sir to subcribe [subscribe] myself as Your hum[ble] and Greasius [gracious] friend
[signed] James Blair
N.B. The inclosed [enclosed] Memorial I drue [drew] up at the time in the letter to the president but I could not get it coppied [copied] and property drafted without paying two dollars to an attorney which I was not able to do and have sent it in its deformed state as an explainer of my other Statements and further would beg the favour of being informed how the pention [pension] law is applied
[signed] J. B.
Page 50

James Blair

O. P. [Penn - crossed out]

to Ohio

Hon. S. Mason
H R
Page 51

State of Ohio
Clark County}
On this twenty second day of February Eighteen Hundred and thirty six (1836) before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in said County personally appeared James Blair who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain Porter in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Reed New Hampshire line, in the service of the United States.  that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Pennsylvania on the 26th of October A. D. 1818, that he has lately removed from said State and now resides in Clark County & State of Ohio where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension in future to be payable at Cincinnati in said State of Ohio, and that his reasons for removing to the state last aforesaid were that he might better his condition of living more comfortably and at less expense
[signed]  James Blair

Sworn to & subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid}
[signed]  Reuben Miller Justice of the Peace

Clark County}
Personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for said County of Clark & State of Ohio Alexander Blair who on his oath declares that he knows the said James Blair who has taken the above oath to be the same person described therein & no other than the identical person to whom the pension of eight dollars a month was originally granted on the 26th day of October 1818, and whose name was then enrolled on the Pension list roll of the Pennsylvania Agency
[signed]  Alexander Blair

Sworn to & subscribed the 22nd day of February 1836
[signed]  Reuben Miller  Justice of the Peace
Page 52

I hereby certify that Alexander Blair who made the foregoing affidavit as to the identity of James Blair is a person of good moral character and of undoubted veracity.
February 22. 1836  [signed]  Reuben Miller


I Saul Henkle Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Clark and State of Ohio hereby certify that the aforesaid Reuben Miller on the 22nd day of February A.D. 1836 was and now is an acting Justice of the Peace for said County of Clark duly elected and commissioned & that
full faith & credit are due to all his official acts.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name & affixed the seal of office this 25th of February A.D. 1836
[signed] Saul Henkle Clk
J. S. Conklin Depty
Page 53

J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 54

James Blair a Revoly Pen. Act of 18 March 1818 has been paid by the Agent at Pittsburgh to the 4 March 1836, on on the return from your office he is transferred from Pittsburgh to Ohio from the 4 Sept. 1835.
[Respectfully]
[signed] H Whitcroft
3rd June off
8 October 1836

J. L. Edfwards Esq
Page 55

[left side]
New certificate issued 21st March 1846, and sent to Pensioner, Springfield, Ohio.
[?] to Pension Agt May 23rd 1848.
Dead
Se to Joseph E Nourse
21 Oct 1848.
Se letter to Hon James Thompson
US Pension Agent Jany 11, 1849.

[right side of page]
3918
From Pennsylvania to Ohio
Duplicate

James Blair
Colo Reed Private
New Hampshire line  81 years
In the Army of the U. States during the Rev.

Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 8 dollars per month to commence 25th April 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued 26 Oct 1818 & sent to John Vincent, Waterford, Pa.

Arrears to 4th Sept 1818
Semi-anl. all. &c

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18 March 1818}

Recorded Book F., Vol. 2, Page 107
For the original, see within.
Page 56

Erie Penn 3 June 1848
J. L. Edwards
Dear Sir
I forwarded to the Department some time in Feby last the papers of James Blair a Revolutionary Pensioner for a transfer - and those of Chauncey Miner an Invalid Pensioner for an Increase of Pension.  Mr. Blair has died since the 4th of March last.  Mr. Miner is very infirm and no means of support but his
Pension - The absence of his Papers preventing his drawing last March has been a great trouble to him-- will you have the goodness to advise me whether the papers ever reached the department, and when their return may be expected.
very Respectfully
Your Obt Sert
[signed] Georg Kellogg
Page 57

Jany 11, 1849

Hon James Thompson
Page 58

Pension Office
January 11th 1849.

Sir,
I herewith return the vouchers in the case of James Blair decd, late a pensioner under the Act of March 18th 1818 and have the honor to inform you that I have this day instructed the pension Agent at Cincinnati to pay the amount due upon the production of the proper vouchers
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your obd Servant.


Hon James Thompson
House of Representatives
Page 59

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 60

Erie, Erie Co. Penna 28 Feby 1848

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions}
Sir
Enclosed I forward the application of James Blair a Pensioner, to be transferred from the State of Ohio to that of Pennsylvania
He requests, returns may be made as soon as convenient, and so that he may draw his Pension due 4th March next at Philadelphia
Very Respectfully
[signed]
Page 61

June 8. 48
Pension Agt
Cincinnati
Mr Evans,

[Tenn?]

J L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
DC
Page 62

Pension Agency [illegible]
June 2. 1818.

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commr of Pensions
Sir
In reply to your  inquiry of 23d Utto, I have to state that James Blair a Pensioner under act of 18 March 1818, (not Invalids) was last paid at this
Agency to the 4 September 1847 at the rate of Eight dollars per month.
Very Respty
Your ob Sevt
[signed]  Wm B Barry
and
Pension Agent
Page 63

Mar 10 46

Mr Evans

10

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.

H.
Page 64

Springfield O. March 6. 1846
Sir
James Blair, a Revolutionary Pensioner, called on me this morning to prepare his papers for drawing his pension for the last six months but has lost his certificate, so that I have been unable to prepare them.
I know him well as I have prepared his papers for several years past. I think his certificate was granted in the year 1818, at all events it was granted under the law of that year and I think is signed by Mr Calhoun as secretary of war. I also think his residence is stated as Geauga County Ohio, but it may be some County in Pennsylvania. His residence was in Geauga County, previous to his removal to this (Clark) County.  I may mistake the statement of this fact in the affidavit, for the residences named in the certificate.  
I suppose he can draw his pension untill he obtains a duplicate of the lost paper. If this cannot be done without some additional evidence of its loss, and I suppose it cannot, I will thank you to forward me the needed instructions.
I am sir, your obt Servt.
[signed] J. S. Halsey


J L Edwards Esqr
Comm of Pensions
Page 65

Oct 31st
Page 66

Pension Agency
Comml. Bk.Centr.
Oct. 21. 1836 .

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
In reply to your letter of the 12th Instant, James Blair, Pensioner Act March 18,1818, claimed his pension from March 4. 1836 and was paid from that time only, instead of Sept. 4. 1835, as advised in yours of the 28th March last.
Be pleased to inform me whether, under these circumstances, your instructions to discontinue the payment of the pension" remain in force
I am
Sir,
very respectfully
Your Obt Servant
[signed]  J S Armstrong
Person Agent.
Page 67

Mr Burdine
Mar 25
[postmark] PITTSBURGH Pa MAR 22

[left side]
M. Tianen
Mar 21, 1836
James Blair

J L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington C
Page 68

Merch. & Manuf. Bank
Pittsburgh 221st March 1836
Sir,
In reply to your letter 17th Inst. have to state that James Blair Esq was last paid to the 4th Sept 1835, as appears by the Pension books received from the Branch of B. U. S.
I am Respectfully
Your most Ob. Serv.,
[signed] J [Comylun?]



J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 69

Mar 8
Mr Burdine

J L Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Washington D C

Hon S, Mason
[HN?]
Page 70

Washington
March 2 1836

J L Edwards Esqr
Dear Sir
Enclosed is an affid[avit] of James Blair in support of his application to have the place for the payment of his pension changed from Pittsburgh to [illegible].  The pensioner is very poor and needs the money  I hope an early and favorable decision will be made and that you will favor me with your answer
I have the honor
to yours Respectfully
[signed] S. Mason
Page 71

[illegible]

[stamp] PHIL 26 JUL

James L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 72

Bank of the United States
Philadelphia, July 26th 1833
Sir,
In reply to your favor of 24th Inst I beg leave to state that James Blair, a private, Revolutionary Pensioner under act of 18 March 1818, of Erie County, was paid at this Agency his Pension up to 4 March 1828, since which time he has not received any payment.
Very respectfully I am, Sir,
Your obedt Servant,
[signed] U Biddle
Pres[ident]

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 73

Harpersfield June 24-1833

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Comm of  Pensions }

Sir  I herewith return James Blair's application for a Transfer of his pension to the Pittsburgh Agency [?].  Mr Blair now is in his right mind & has been for the last 10 months but for some time previous he has been a fanatic & his religious views would not allow him to take an oath in no form & on no occasions, but his restoration to a saner mind has over come those objections.  he is poor & old, but  respectable
If his papers are in form please have the Goodness to [send?] the necessary orders

With Great Respect
[?] yours
[signed] R. Harper
Page 74

Pension Office
25th Sept. 1829


[written sideways]
Unionville [illegible]
S 20

To the Honorable Secretary of War,
Washington City
Page 75

To the Secretary of War, [illegible] Sir:   I have a case connected with your department which I have been discussing with your predecessors, namely, Calhoun, Barbour, and Porter. The case is this, in 1818 I received from the war department of the United States of America, a certificate for a pension of eight dollars per month during life, and at the modification of that law I received another certificate, that my name was continued on the pension list. The way I came to received a pension, was by means of a letter sent to President Monroe in the winter of 1817- stating that I wished him to use his influence with Congress to have them grant me a section of land in the State of Ohio, with the privilege of selecting the spot that it might be in a healthy region, well watered. And as reasons, for making that request, stated to him that I had served the United States, the last three years of the Revolutionary War. And all the compensation I ever received was in final settlement notes what bought me one suit of cloths.  And the first and only answer I ever received from him, I received from the Secretary of War J.C. Calhoun by the direction of the President with a copy inclosed of the pension law - 18 March 1818 - with advice to petition for a pension, also a form of requisitions, to be complied within the application, all which must be tested to under oath before a judge of the court in the County where the applicant lived, which was at that time Erie Co Penn where I resided. And I could have no objection to the restrictions of the law  by requiring satisfactory Tests from the applicant of his being a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, and entitled to a pension in the meaning of the law. But had no conception by the declaration of the law, that a repetition of the oath would be required before any money could be received. But when I found must repeat the oath every six months, before a magistrate to whom I was so personally known with his certificate identifying my person.  And I commenced remonstrating against such useless formalities, for certain the magistrates certificate to whom I am personally known and who knows I [hold?] such a certificate entitling me to 8 dollars per month during life; is all the evidence that can be of any kind of utility that I am still living. without being under the necessity of swearing I have not turned  to a horse or some wild beast, but am the same man I was six months ago.  But the foregoing is not my main objection. Thirty six years ago, I began to distrust the traditions of my fathers and brethren which was belief in the presbyterian creed and catechism. And before I got a family of my own, it went well enough, but after I got married and became the head of a family, I concluded there was something to be done, as a homage due to the creator, as an atonement and palliation for my past sins. And knowing no other way I commenced what my tradition had taught me, was the true way to worship God, and [witness?] what all hypocrits call family worship. And prayed night and morning, and never eat without washing my hands before and after, which the pharisees of our day call asking blessing and returning thanks.  But I had not practiced on that plan more than four years before I clearly saw my prayers were nothing but mockery, and no better than the deception, and deceiver uses to deceive another.  And I made my case known to old experienced church officers, and told them my doubts about prayer, and with one voice they pronounced it a delusion of the devil, and I must keep on praying or he would be sure of me, but I told them in my prayers I asked God to wean my heart from the things of this world, and that I might have no desire in it for them, which is an absolute lie, and he knows it. But they replyed in a mild tone that praying to God to be delivered from that situation, was all that could save me from falling pray to the devil.  And I left there unsatisfied but determined I would follow their advice, and  redoubled my exertions in prayer but all to no purpose, the deception grew more manifest, and I began to doubt reality of scripture being the word of God.  Then I found my admonishers as deceitful and unguarded as myself, and of the two, would take more unjust ways to get much for little, then I could do without feelling a sting of guilt. And that discovery wounded my feellings, more if possible than my own deception. To think that all pretentions to virtue and chastity was wholly deception hypocrisy, and the spirit of [unknown] And I knew not what to do for I dared not pray, and to omit it I felt guilty.    But at last concluded I would give the Bible a candid reading once to see if I could find anything that was able to solve my doubts, for I saw it was unless to apply to man, for they have no  knowledge of my question. And I commenced reading the Bible for that purpose as the first of all my literal studies, and tried as much as in me lay, to shut out all my traditional education for I had [illegible] the bible to find some thing that would support my traditions.  And before I got half way through the [unknown] the prophets, I became a confirmed Universalist, and thought God only kept himself hid from mankind while they wandered in this world of woe and misery. But when he makes them [unknown] the agonies of death, then Jesus stands ready to receive them, and cloth[es] them in his [robe?] of righteousness and presents them washed white and clean in his blood [unknown] for all Adams are upon the cross.  And God will receive them with joy, as tokens of the pure and undefiled obedience of Jesus his beloved Son in whom he was well pleased.  But the security and happiness I enjoyed in these ideas vanished like smoke, for I found they were produced by the spirit of the false prophets of [others?] crying peace peace, when there was no peace, for when I came to the gospel [unknown] my Universalism was no better than my Calvinism, for if that was true there was no foundation for either. But instead of receiving it as the standard of truth, I again  doubted the reality of it being the mind of God. And my heart wicked with the thought that there was no certain account how mankind came exist or what their end was to  be.  But [unknown] I would keep on reading until I got to the end of the volume, and if nothing appeared to convince me of the validity of the scriptures I would give up the search. And live and die without knowing for what I had an existence, or what would be the event at its close, and it would give my blood a death chill where --
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I anticipated that would be the result.  But in the last book John, I discovered Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life and there I stopt.  And said in my heart show me the way and I will follow thee whither ever thou goest, for them three [verses?] short as they are, comprehended all my hearts desire.  And went back to the first book, Matthew, and in the sixth chapter found that my doubts about deception in prayer was well founded, for in the charge Jesus gave to his ministers when he ordained them, He said Take heed that ye do not your alms before me where thou doest alms be not as the hypocrites for they sound a trumpet before them in the synagogues, and in the streets, that they may have glory of man, verily, I say unto thee they have their reward.  But thou, when thou doest alms let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth, that thy alms may be in secret, and thy father which was then love to pray, standing in the synagogues, and corners of the street. that they may be seen of men, verily I say unto thee they have their reward.  Thou when thou prayest, enter into thy closet and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy father which goeth in secret shall reward thee openly.  And I believed his word, and immediately denounced my hypocritical prayers, and all their kindred ostensible ceremonies, and it was not eight and forty hours, before I came to see the consistency of his declarations and felt confident I had found the way.  And never have had a waver in my mind from that day to this, respecting the authenticity of the scriptures, and what they pointed as my duty, which my nature stood in pointed opposition to.  But I found every act of obedience took away that much opposition from my nature, which caused me to search diligently and carefully, to find what Jesus commanded to observe and do, and what to take heed and not do.  And to put in practice [illegible] commanded to be done, which was very distressing to my nature.  But when I came to where the [illegible] man asked him the question what good thing he he should do to inherit eternal life, his answer was to keep the commandments and [repeated?] them to him, and he said, all these things have I observed from my youth of what lack I yet, and his answer was, if thou will be perfect, go sell all thou hast, and give it to the poor, and take up the cross and follow me, and ye shall have treasure in heaven.  But I thought I had felt willing to part with any earthly treasure, for the sake of the information I wanted, yet when I came there I found my desires for the things of this world balanced all my other desires.  But my case was [desperate?] if I did not comply with that particular injunction all my past struggles would amount to nothing.  And I knew not what to do, for if I did not comply with that [illegible] I could not hold what ground I had gained. but must lapse back into my old hypercritical heathen pursuits, which  I concluded would be worse than death.  And after a long struggle came to the determination I would comply if I lost my life in the attempt.  And altho I had nothing to sell, yet my trial was severs, as if I had possessed the [whole?]  For after I had determined in my heart, I would comply with his conditions, in deference of the [illegible] and impulse of any natural life, with the loud cries of delusion by friend and foe, I made the leap oat hazard, let it result in what it might wheather death or life.  This happened in the fall of 1794.  And after I had settled in my resolution to follow the rules and precepts of Jesus, I could discern more definitely the necessity with complying with every rule and precept he gave, which I determined I would do as far as my strength would permit.  And found my desires gradually weaned from the things of this world, and as fast as that took place, my understanding in the principles of [illegible] increased in strength and my capasity to perform them increased.  And I became anxious to let the world know what I had discovered, by implied obedience to the precepts and commands of Jesus my master, but have been unsuccessful from that day to this.  Notwithstanding my increased solicitations to all descriptions of [illegible], but have been put off like the pilgrim beggar calling at the rich mans door soliciting his hospitality for the night, but after viewing him with a haughty eye, he is told his dress and appearance is too mean to be permitted to the privilege of an inmate, to partake of his delicasies. But if you go to such a place you will find reception, and when he gets there, and makes his request known he is told the house is [estranged?] and very much [wounded?] by a certain business they have in hands.  Notwithstanding if you can pay for what you want merely to accommodate, we will try to give you room.  And in this way I have been trying to bestow that to mankind.  They are too indolent to pleasure for themselves, but they will not receive it, being unconscious of its utility.  And that is what I want the privilege of doing, to show them the odds between truth and falsehood, as far as I understand it.  And when I found I could avail nothing by applying to individuals.  I have for ten years past, every session of Congress, been sending specimens of my sentiments, addressed to some one attached to either body of the house.  But mostly to the Speaker
with a request that he would give it a reading to the body he was attached to, but think it most probable no one ever saw or heard of it, but the one to whom it was addressed.  And I have no idea you will think the foregoings are anything more than chimerical, and of no utility to mankind.  But your opinion will not hinder my knowing to the contrary, for my master is represented, to stand to the jews a stumbling stone, and [illegible] of offence, and to the Greeks foolishness.  And there is no good reason to believe the Yankies of these United States view him spiritually in any better light than they did.  But to return to the subject I found by my progress in his science, that I was sated, to fulfill all he commanded to be done, from first to last for it has been clearly shewn me that it belongs to someone of Adams seed to obey all his precepts and commands as they stand worded.  Which is opening the seals of that book, which John saw in the hand of him that sat upon the throne, and he saw a strong Angel proclaiming with a loud voice, saying who is able to take the book out of the hand of him of him that sits upon the throne, and open the seals, and look thereon.  And no man in heaven, nor in earth, nor under the earth, was found worthy to take the book, out of the hand of him.
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That sat upon the throne, and open the seals and look thereon.  But it is a great mistake in mankind to think that, the work of Jesus, the Son of God, for all the work he was appointed to do, he finished [illegible] while he was in the world, for it stands so recorded.  For he said, before he ascended to his father, I have finished the work thou gavest me to do, and how could that be the fact, if that remained his work yet to be done.  But the reverse is the fact, for it is him that sits upon the throne, and holds the book in his right hand, which by his faithful obedience to his fathers commands, he made, and the Angel was calling to Adams seed, to produce the man that will obey the commands of Jesus, as faithfully as he obeyed his Fathers commands, which will entitle him to the book he holds, ready to be delivered to the worthy man of Adams seed, who will be faithful enough to counteract that spirit of falsehood, to whom Adam resigned the dominion of all things God had placed under his care.  And the want will ever remain as it has been, robbing and murdering each other, until it is accomplished, and it also appears clear to my understanding that I am called to accomplish that task, for everything combines in me to confirm it, for no man understands my language.  When I tell them to believe the written word of God and not the traditions of men, they laugh at me, and [illegible] tantalize me, saying no man since the fall is able to keep the commandments of God, but daily doth break them in thought word and deed.  A beautiful precept for corrupt nature; but we can make precepts for ourselves independent of the commands of God, that we can keep, which answers our purpose much better than his and says as love to have it.  But my task is to obey the commands of God, as they stand recorded in the volume of Scripture, to the objection of all human creeds and laws invented by man, throughout the world, as being dictated wholly by the spirit of the devil.  But at times my courage fails, when I consider myself placed as I am in a void space between the heavens and the earth, without power or privilege, to become a sharer of the goods in either, to the world I am an alian, whose speech they understand not, heaven is yet too far off to expect relief from there, until my task is performed.  But how is my feeble nature to be supported without [illegible] or home, or where to lay my head, and sorely afflicted with disease and destitute of every kind of [illegible] by the produce of this world.  And my nature wants to have the produce of the earth as much as as any other person living.  And if I could get the details of what Congress grants me, but turned about, and barred me from getting it, unless I would continue a desciple to the devil.  Now Sir take a viewof the situation I am placed in and tell me if you think I ought to gratify the devil, so much as to forfit my claim to the great and eternal object I have in view, by taking an oath contrary to the positive injunction of my master for a little of his help.  I think I can feel your heartache by no mans, but die a master to the cause you espouse in view of any grateful world.  But if your feelings is like one of your predecessors, who in his final answer on the subject said the rules prescribed opposite a like in all cases, and cannot be altered in your case.  And proposed to your immediate Jurisdiction, that I would take land in in this state, where it is healthy and well watered, in liew of the money, but I received no answer.  But you may rest assured I never will take an oath to obtain it if I was sure I must die in consequence of not doing it.  And if you should say unless you comply with our laws, which I know, if you dont are dictated by the Spirit of the devil.  And you will if you live know it to be fact, before four years role around, for the time of my masters coming is at hand, and when he appears, your tyranical power will fall like [Lagan?] before the ark, for some one of the Sons of Adam will be found worthy and faithful enough to conceive and open the seals book which Jesus must hold, until that event takes place, which I anticipate could be before the end of four years.  But let the time be longer or shorter, your power will cease the power that takes place, for it will have the same effect to counteract all the evil, brought upon all things God put under Adams dominion, by his disobedience.  For when one of the natural sons of Adam resists that Spirit of enmity to God and all life, so as to come one with Jesus Christ in God the Father of all life.  Then the Spirit of God will be one eminent in Adams seed, as the spirit of the devil hath been, since the hour Adam disobayed his Creator.
After you have perused the foregoing and formed a decision, please to let me know the conclusion of the matter, and if you feel disposed to use your influence in my favour that I might receive what Congress hath seen fit to grant me, without having to swear allegiance to the devil every six months.  You will confer a lasting favour on a decrepit old man.  And remain with that respect due to all mankind, your sinceer friend  [signed] James Blair

To the Honorable Secretary of War.
Unionville Geauga Co. Ohio.
Sept 18th 1829.
N. B. Thy master says swear not by any manner of oath but let your communication be yea yeas, nay nays, for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. can any thing be more explicit to inform man kind the certainty of the evil spirit being the author of all manner of swearing, not in the handling the great [illegible] mankind conceive in its use.  Now sir - I will make a proposal:  if you will make up the amount of what is due which is since 4 March 1828, and four years pay, from the above date, without thinking an oath necessary, and transmit the same by mail, by the 1st of January next, I will then transmit all the papers I have received to your hands.  Or grant me the privilege of selecting a Section of land in this State, on the same conditions, all which can be permanently done without an oath as with, and thereby [cleave?] my wants to my wish.