Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1464, John Gray, Va.
Page 1

SERVICE Va.
Gray, John
NUMBER S.146H
carded

This was the next to the last surviving pensioner of the Rev.
Page 2

33428
Ohio
John Gray
Rank Private
Company Virginia Militia
Regiment Revolutionary War

Wheeling W. Va Agency
Rate per annum $500.00
Commencing 1st July 1866

Certificate dated 12th April 1867
Special act of 22nd Feby 1867
Act of 14 July 1862.
Inscribe under act of 7th June 1832
Book 11 Vol. No. 2 Page 69
J.N. Smith

[opposite page]
June 24/96 To A[illegible] for Interior Dept for last payt mcg
Page 3

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

State of Ohio Noble County ss
On this 12th day of January AD 1833 personally appeared before me Phillip Burlingame a Justice of the peace in and for said County John Gray a resident of Brookfield Township in the County and State aforesaid, aged ninety one 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 the 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the first engagement, and under the following named officers, having volunteered to serve in the Malitia [sic] and served as herein stated, the twenty fourth of Febuary [sic] seventeen hundred and eighty one and started the same day from Fairfax County Virginia, where he then resided. and marched to Fredericksburg Va, where the company received their arms and ammunition. from thence the company marched to Williamsburg and from there to Richmond Va, he remained in service untill [sic] the fore part of May of the same year at which time he was discharged at Richmond Va, thinks it was the third of May, he was discharged, knows he got home on the fifth, and thinks he was two day on the Road, served as above stated under the following officers Col. Church, Major Denis Ramsey, Robert Sanford Capt, Edward Sanford Lieutenant, James Neal Ensign
Page 4

under the second Engagement volunteered as before as near as he can recolect [sic] about the latter part of June 1781 was the time he entered the service, and continued therein untill [sic] the 15 day of October of the same year. it being the time of the surender [sic] by the English, and he with the other soldiers were permited [sic] to go at large the time of service under both engagements amounting to same over six months. James Neal who was Ensign during the first engagement, was Capt. of the Company the last Engagement. The names of the other officers not Recolects [sic] this time the company did not leave the County of Fairfax. he was born in Fairfax County in the State of Virginia, in the year seventeen hundred and sixty four. he has no record it having been left with his Mother. [He] lived some time in Virginia and came to Ohio in seventeen hundred and ninety five and have lived in this county since 1829. he volunteered as before stated. The discharge was handed to him by Major Denis Ramsey. how many officers signed it can not recolect [sic], he states he has no documentary evidence of service, he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
[signed] X his mark   John Gray

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written
[signed] Philip Burlingame J.P
Page 5

December 30, 1932
Ba-J/AWF
John Gray-S.1464
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mr. L.M. Burghart
37 Quintard Terrace
Stamford, Connecticut

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter of December 26, in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Gray, pension claim S.  1464, stating that in the former letters, from the office, relative to this soldier were stolen from you.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 1464, based upon the Revolutionary War service of John Gray, who was the next to the last pensioned soldier of the Revolutionary War.
John Gray was born January 2 or 3, 1764 in Fairfax County, Virginia.
He stated that while residing in Fairfax County, Virginia, he entered the militia and served as a private from February 15 or 24, 1781 to May 3 or 15, 1781 in Captain Robert Sanford's company in Colonel Church's regiment, and that he served again from late in June, 1781 until October 19, 1781 in Captain James Neal's company.
He went to Ohio in 1795 and in 1855 was living in Brookfield Township, Noble County, Ohio, where he had lived since 1829.
He was allowed pension under a special Act of Congress dated February 22, 1867, and was at that time
Page 6

resident of Brookfield Township, Ohio.
The soldier, John Gray, died March 29, 1868.
He married a widow, her name is not given, nor is it stated whether they had children. The daughter of his wife, by a former marriage was referred to, but her name is not shown.
It is stated that John Gray's father lost his life in the Revolutionary War. His name and details of death are not given.
There are no further data in this claim relative to the family of said John Gray.
In order to obtain the name and address to whom the last payment of pension of the above named pensioner was sent, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., citing all of the following data--
John Gray
Certificate number 33438
Issued April 12, 1867
Rate $500.00 per annum
To commence July 1, 1866
Special Act of February 22, 1867, inscribed under the Act of June 7, 1832
Ohio Agency

Very truly yours
A.D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 7

May 14/33
Washington, D.C.
We transmit herewith a letter from one of our readers who requests information which we believe you are able to furnish. Your direct reply to this party would be greatly appreciated by
Yours very truly,
PATHFINDER PUBLISHING CO.

R. I. Pleasant City Ohio
May 10th 1923
Pathfinder Publishing Co
Washington D. C.
In Pathfinder of May 5 a question was asked are any veteran of the Revolutionary war living today You stated the last one you had any record of died 1866.
We have in our possession a photograph and atograph [sic] with photo of John Gray Revolutionary soldier who died 1868. We are enclosing a coppy [sic] of the autograph My wife is a greatgrandaughter [sic] of John Gray
[signed] Elmer Jordan
Page 8

Autograph of John Gray of Noble County Ohio
The last Soldier of the Revolution. He was born near Fairfax Court House Virginia June 6th 1764 Entered the service 1780 at the age of 16 years; was with the Virginia troops at Yorktown and present at the surrender of Cornwallis - was made a pensioner by special act of Congress 1867. For the last ten or twelve years of his life he was tenderly cared for by his step daughter and her noble husband Jno. Henry McElroy who without prospect of reward in this life spared no sacrifice to make the last days of the venerable soldier comfortable and happy - This last soldier of Washingtons army died March 29th 18768 aged 104 yrs, 2 months and 23 days. The facsimile autograph was taken from a fly leaf of one of his books written by himself
Page 9

April 14, 1939
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/MMHF:MLB

Mrs. Orville D. Dailey
Albany
Ohio

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you state that you desire to correct what you believe to be an error in certain records, that is, that John Gray of Noble County, Ohio, was the last Revolutionary War soldier to die, that you have facts which prove that the honor belongs to Daniel Bakeman of New York. You request, also, the Revolutionary War record of Elijah Newton of Edenton, Clermont County, Ohio, who died August 20, 1873, aged one hundred fourteen years.
The Revolutionary War records of this office show that Daniel Frederick Bakeman (S. 17265) was the last pensioned Revolutionary War soldier and that he died April 5, 1869, in Cattaraugus County, New York.
John Gray (S. 1464) of Noble County, Ohio, was next to the last Revolutionary War pensioner to die. He died March 29, 1868.
There is no claim for pension on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of an Elijah Newton. The record has been found of an Elijah Newton who alleged service in the War of 1812. He was of Edenton, Ohio. His record is furnished you herewith as it may be of interest to you.
Very truly yours
A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 10

September 7, 1932

BA-J/AWF
John Gray
S. 1464

Mr. L. M. Burghart
Andover Road
Linthicum Heights
Maryland

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter requesting further information in regard to John Gray, Revolutionary War pensioner, S. 1464.
In his claim for pension, S. 1464, the name of the widow to whom John Gray was married is not given nor is it shown that she was his second wife, no other wife is referred to in this claim.
In order to obtain the name and address to whom the last payment of pension of the above named pensioner was sent, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. D., citing all of the following data--
John Gray
Certificatee number 33428
Issued April 12, 1867
Rate $500.00 per annum
To commence July 1, 1866
Special Act of February 22, 1867, inscribed under Act of June 7, 1832
Ohio Agency

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 11

September 1, 1932
BA-J/AWF
John Gray,
S. 1464

Mr. L. M. Burghart
Linthicum Heights
Maryland

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter requesting information in regard to John Gray of Marietta or Washington County, Ohio, one of the "last survivors" of the War of the Revolution, and to John Gray of Butler County, Ohio, a soldier of the War of the Revolution.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon the military service of soldiers in that war.
A search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the services of a John Gray, who after the Revolution lived in or near Butler County, Ohio.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 1464, based upon the Revolutionary War service of John Gray, who was the next to the last pensioned soldier of the Revolutionary War.
John Gray was born January 2 or 3, 1764 in Fairfax County, Virginia.
He stated that while residing in Fairfax Bounty, Virginia, he entered the militia and served as a private from February 15 or 24, 1781 to May 3 or 15, 1781in Captain Robert Sanford's company in Colonel Church's regiment, and that he again served from late in June,
Page 12

1781 until October 19, 1781 in Captain James Neal's company.
He went to Ohio in 1795 and in 1855 was living in Brookfield Township, Noble County, Ohio, where he had lived since 1829.
He was allowed pension under a specific Act of Congress dated February 22, 1867, and was still a resident of Brookfield Township.
He died March 29, 1868.
It is stated that John Gray's father lost his life in the Revolutionary War, his name and details of death are not given.
The soldier, John Bray, married a widow, her name is not given nor is it stated whether they had children. The daughter of his wife, by a former marriage was referred to, but her name is not given.
There are no further data in this claim relative to his family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 13

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
Oct. 30, 1926.

John E. Franzen,
187 N. 8th St.
Newark, N. J.

Sir:
I have to advise you, that the Revolutionary War pensioner, John Gray, S. 1464, was pensioned at the rate of five hundred dollars per annum, under the Special Act of Congress, dated February 22, 1867.
This Bureau has no copies of said act for distribution, but it will be found recorded in the Statutes of the United States, which may be obtained at any large library.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.
Page 14

September 30, 1926

Mr. John E. Franzen
187 N. 9th St
Newark, N. J.

Sir:
In response to your letter addressed to the Service Bureau of the Evening News, Washington, D. C., and referred by them to this Bureau for reply, I have to advise you that the Revolutionary War pensioner, S. 1464, John Gray, who resided in Noble County, Ohio, and died March 29, 1868, was the next to the last pensioned soldier of the War of the Revolution.
He was survived by Daniel Frederick Bakeman, who died at Freedom, Cattaraugus County, New York, April 5, 1889.
You were furnished the above information, June 11, 1926.
Respectfully, 
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
[Handwritten notation underneath] Ok'd by Miss Wilson
Page 15

June 11, 1926.

Mr. John E. Franzen,
187 N. 9th St.
Newark, N. J.

Sir:
I have to advise you, that the Revolutionary War pensioner, S. 1464, John Gray, who resided in Noble Co., Ohio and died March 29, 1866, was the next to the last pensioned soldier of the War of the Revolution.
He was survived by Daniel Frederick Bakeman, who died at Freedom Cattaraugus Co., New York. April 5, 1869.

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.
Page 16

July 24, 1933.

F. L. Arnold,
Curwensville, Pa.

Sir;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 1464, it appears that John Gray was born in Fairfax Co., Va., Jan. 3, 1764 and resided there during the Revolution.
He stated that he entered the militia and served as a private from Feb. 15 or 24, 1781 to May 3 or 15, 1781 in Captain Robert Sanford's Company, Colonel Church's Regiment, and that he again served from late in June 1781 to Oct. 19, 1781 in Captain James Neal's Company, name of Colonel not stated.
He was allowed a pension of $500 per annum, under a special Ac of Congress dated Feb. 22, 1867. He was then a resident of Brookfield Township, Noble Co., Ohio. He died March 29, 1868.
Page 17

[handwritten above first typed line] It is stated

His father lost his life in the Revolutionary War, name and details of his death are not on record. Soldier ["John Gray" written above] married a widow, her name is not given, nor is it stated whether he had children. The daughter of his wife, by her former marriage is referred to, but her name is not given. [last phrase is crossed out. Handwritten notation] names of wife & dau not given
[Typed letter resumes]
There is [crossed out and "are" is written below] no further family data on file.
Respectfully,

Commissioner.
Page 18

March 6, 1933.
J. L. Soule,
Baker,
Oregon.

Sir;
In response to your letter of the 23d ultimo, you are advised that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 1464, it appears that John Gray was born in Fairfax County, Virginia, January 3, 1764, and resided there during the Revolution.
He stated that he entered the militia and served as a private from February 15 or 24, 1781 to May 3 or 15, 1781 in Captain Robert Sanford's Company, Colonel Church's Regiment, and that he again served from late in June 1781 to October 19, 1781 in Captain James Neal's Company, name of Colonel not stated.
He was allowed a pension of $500 per annum, under a special Act of Congress dated February 22, 1867. He was then a resident of Brookfield Township, Noble County,
Page 19

Ohio. He died March 29, 1868.
His father lost his life in the Revolutionary War, name and details of his death are not on record. Soldier married a widow, her name is not given, nor is it stated whether he had children. The daughter of his wife by her former marriage is referred to, but her name is not given.
There is no further family data on file.
Very respectfully,

Commissioner.
Page 20

February 4, 1923.
Mrs. O. M. Dodson,
1850 Resort Street,
Baker, Oregon.

Madam;
In response to your letter of the 28th ultimo, you are advised that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim Survivor File 1464, it appears that John Gray was born in Fairfax County, Va., January 3, 1764, and resided there during the Revolution.
He stated that he entered the militia and served as a private from February 15 or 24, 1781 to May 3 or 15, 1781 in Captain Robert Sanford's Company, Colonel Church's Regiment, and that he again served from late in June 1781 to October 19, 1781 in Captain James Neal's Company, name of Colonel not stated.
He was allowed a pension of $500 per annum, under a special Act of Congress dated February 22, 1867. He was
Page 21

then a resident of Brookfield Township, Noble County, Ohio. He died March 29, 1868.
His father lost his life in the Revolutionary War, name and details of his death are not on record. Soldier married a widow, her name is not given, nor is it stated whether he had children. The daughter of his wife by her former marriage is referred to, but her name is not given.
It is proper to add that this pensioner, John Gray, was the next to the last pensioned soldier of the Revolution.
The last surviving pensioner of the Revolution was Daniel Frederick Bakeman, Survivor File 17365. He died at Freedom, Cattaraugus County, N. Y. Aril 5, 1869.
Very respectfully,

Commissioner.
Page 22

Research Laboratory
U.S. Industrial Alcohol Company

37 Quintard Terrace,
Stamford, Conn.
Dec. 26, 1932.

Subject:
Veterans Administration
Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C.
Refer to
B.A.  J/AWF
John Gray S-1464

Gentlemen:
Some months ago, I wrote to your office and to the War Department, for information regarding one John Gray, soldier. I received replies from both offices, giving what information was available. A few weeks ago we moved from Maryland to Stamford, Connecticut, and on the way, our car was broken into and several suitcases of valuables stolen. All those letters were taken and none of the things have been recovered. There was also included an October or early November letter from your department, or the other, giving additional information, which I had not yet acknowledged. Inasmuch as we have given up all hope of recovering any of the lost stuff, I am writing you to ask if you will please be so kind as to send me copies of all letters which you sent to me in the above connection. At that time our address was Andover Road, Linthicum Heights, Md. The only way I have of retracing this correspondence, is a part copy of a letter from the Veterans' Administration, date of 9/1/1932, and which carried the reference marks given at the top of this letter.
Copies of three or four letters which you sent me will be greatly appreciated. The unacknowledged October letter I assume was from your department. In any case please accept my thanks for your courtesy.
Yours very truly
L. M. Burghart
Present address 37 Quintard Terrace
Stamford, Conn.
Page 23

Research Laboratory
U.S. Industrial Alcohol Company

P.O. Box 1103
Baltimore, MD.

Sept. 3, 1932.
Ref. B. A.  J/AWF
John Gray
S. 1464.

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.,
Attention Mr. A.D. Hiller.
Dear Sir:-
This will acknowledge the receipt yesterday of your September 1st letter in above connection. Please accept my thanks herewith.
I am going to ask one further question. Is there anything in S. 1464, which would give any sort of clue as to the dates on which the widow referred to was still living?
My grandfather was born in 1809 and his father Lewis Meeks married a daughter of John Gray. This means that Gray must have been married about 1790 or 1792 or earlier, and prior to the date 1795 when he removed to Ohio. I am wondering if the claim will not indicate that the widow referred to was not his second wife.
With thanks for your service, I am,
Very truly yours,
[signed] L. M. Burghart
Andover Road,
Linthicum Heights,
Anne Arundel County, Md.

LMB/LCG.
Page 24

Research Laboratory
U.S. Industrial Alcohol Company

P.O. Box 1103
Baltimore, MD.
July 20, 1932.

Veteran's Administration,
Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:-
I am interested in finding out what may be known of a John Gray, presumably from Marietta, or Washington County, Ohio, said to be a Revolutionary soldier, one of the last survivors of that conflict. Any information you can give me will be very much appreciated. I would like to know at the same time whether your records disclose anything in regard to a man of the same name, but from the region of what is now Butler County, Ohio.
Very truly yours,
[signed] L. M. Burghart
Residence: Andover Road,
Linthicum Heights,
Anne Arundel County, Md.

LMB/LCG.

[round mailroom stamp at the bottom]
RECEIVED Jul 21 1932 PENSION [stamp is blurred and rest of wording illegible]
Page 25

[oblong stamp] RECORD DIVISION FEB 26 1923

From    J. L. Soule, Baker, Oregon, Feb. 23, 1923
To         Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, 
                D. C. -
Subject Record of John Gray

Information is desired of John Grey, who was born near Mt. Union, Virginia, Jan. 6, 1764 and died near Hiramsburg, Ohio, March 29, 1868.
He is said to have been pensioned by Special Act of the Congress.
If correct, your giving the data listed, will be appreciated.

Date of the ACT
Page of Volume Record
Date of his marriage
To whom married
Names of children
Dates of their births
Did his widow survive him?
Did she get a pension?

Reference to Pension Office Record
Amount of pension
Respectfully
[signed] J. L. Soule

[round mailroom stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE FEB 28 1923
Page 26

Frederick M. Kerby,                 Alice H. Haffey,
  Director                              Assistant Director

Washington Bureau
1322 New York Avenue Northwest
Washington, D. C.

September 25, 1926

Commissioner of Pensions
Department of Interior
Washington D. C.

The attached letter is respectfully referred to your office with the request that you send all available information direct to the writer.
Thank you.
Very truly yours,
THE WASHINGTON BUREAU,
[signed] Frederick M Kerby
Director.

[round mailroom stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE SEPT 28 1926
Page 27

ESB          WAR DEPARTMENT
ORD    The Adjutant General's Office,
                  Washington,  June 9, 1923.

Respectfully returned to
F. L. Arnold,
Curwensville, Pennsylvania.

The records of this office show that many men named John Gray served in the Revolutionary War in different organizations from different states, and from the data given this office is unable to ascertain which, if any one of them, is the one whose military record is desired.
Possibly the desired information can be obtained from the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
[signed] Benj. Alvord
Acting The Adjutant General.
By MJL
Page 28

2 ct stamped envelope

Baker Or
Jan. 28. 1923.
Bureau Dept of Pensions,
Revolutionary Soldiers.
Would you send me the record you have of John Grey, who was the last survivor of the Rev-war & died March 29, 1868, aged 104 years.
He was pensioned by a special act of Congress, the date of this I would like to
Page 29

know, also his record of service, where he enlisted, &c.
He was my Father's Grandfather and my Father had all the history. His home was burned, and all contents. Since my Father's death, I have no way but from the records to get this, to establish my right to become a daughter of Daughters of American Revolution which I greatly desire.
Any cost there may be, I am willing to pay, a reasonable sum. I omited [sic] to state he died at Hiramsburg Ohio.
You will Oblige
[signed] Mrs. Belle Grey Dodson
1850 Resort St Baker Oregon
Page 30

[letterhead] John E. Franzen
                   187 North 9th Street
                        Newark, N. J.
June 7-26

Commission of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Honored Sir:
I have an old newspaper clipping from "Columbus Dispatch" in which it is stated that one John Gray died in Noble county Ohio died Mar 26 1865 age 104 and that he was the last survivor of the revolutionary war. Please let me know if that is correct that is if
Page 31

he was the last living soldier who served in the war of the revolution.
By furnishing me with this information you will greatly oblige
Resp
[signed] John E Franzen
Page 32

[round mailroom stamp in upper left] MEDICAL DIVISION Certificate Oct 28 1926

[stationery] John E. Franzen
187 North 9th Street
Newark, N. J.

Oct 26 - 26

E. W. Morgan Esq
Act. Com. Bureau of Pensions
Washington

Sir:
Your letter of Sept 30 - 26 in reference to S. 1464 John Gray who resided in Noble County Ohio and died Mar 29th,1868, has been received and I thank you very much for the information it contained.
In reference to this same case, I know that General Bingham John A. I think, received (by) a special act through Congress a pension
Page 33

of $500 a year for John Gray
I would like to know when that act was passed and if possible get a copy of it 
I would also like to know where this proceeding can be found in the Congressional Records, probably you can tell by the records of John Gray
Respectfully
[signed] John E Franzen
Page 34

Mch. 11-1903 Date of death to B. A. Leonard - De Pere Wis
See letter of Mr. March dated Mar. 19.06 to Jas. T. Lewis in claim of D. F. Bakeman Inv. File 17.265
See letter to Hon P. A. Porter in claim of Lemuel Cook S.F33258 Feb. 13, 1908.  aw
1909. Dec. 14 . Hist. to Hon J. S. Simmons. Copy of letter to S. F. 33258. L. Cook.
1923 Feb. 4 Hist to Mrs. O. M Dodson awf
1923 Mar 6 - Hist. to J. L. Soule awf.
1923- July 24 - Hist to F. L. Arnold awf
1926 June Date of death to Jno. E. Franzen aw
1926 - Sept 30 - John E. Franzen again inf as above awf.
1926. Oct. 30. Jno. E. Franzen given date of special act.

Rev. War
INVALID.
File No. 1464.
John Gray, Priv. Militia Rev. War.
Act: Feb. 22d. 1867.
Index: - Vol. A, Page 149
{Arrangement of 1870.}
This was the next to the last surviving pensioner of the Rev.    D. F. Bakeman
S. F. 17265 was the last.

1932 - Sept 1 - hist to L. M. Burgart. awf
1932 - Sept 7 - L. M. Burgart - adv. on [?] data - also learn to get [not sure if previous words correct - difficult to read] & address of [?] of here. awf
1932 - Dec 30 - L. M. Burgart fur cell data 2" [?] stated records stolen awf
1939 - Apr. 14 - Mrs. Orrels D. Dailey adv. date of death. Her letter in Elijah Newton (Nov. 1812) S. O. 224969 MHG
Page 35

[rectangular mailroom stamp] RECEIVED JUN 7 1923 Old Records Division

[clipping from newspaper] TRIBUTE AT GRAVE OF LAST SOLDIER OF REVOLUTION
Caldwell, O., May 27 - Long forgotten, the one of the first American heroes to enlist under Washington in the revolutionary war, and said by official records to be the last revolutionary soldier over whom taps were sounded, John Gray, whose body lies sleeping in a little forty-foot cemetery near this city, is to be honored by a brief service at his grave on Memorial Day.
John Gray died March 29, 1868, at the age of 104 years and 2 months. A small three-foot headstone marks his last resting place.

[handwritten note]
Curwensville, Pa.
Pension or War Dept.
Can you, and will you, give me information as to place of birth &c &c of John Gray Revolutionary Soldier who died and was buried at Caldwell, Ohio Mch 29th 1868
Thanking you in advance for information.
I am yours &c.
[signed] F. L. Arnold.

8 Received A.G.O. Jun 7 1923 [stamped]\[round mailroom stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE. Jun 13 1923
Page 36

Our Grays are Centre Co Penna people 7"/23

Comr Pensions
Can you help me out on records of this John Gray. Thanking you in advance &c.
Yours &c.
[signed] F. L. Arnold.
Page 37

[stationery] John E. Franzen
187 North 9th Street
Newark, N. J.

[stamp] SEP 25 RECD

Sept 22 - 26

Service Bureau of the En. News Washington
I would like to know if John Gray was the last Revolutionary Soldier to receive pension from the government or if he was the last one to pass away
John Gray was born at Mt Vernon Va Jan 6 - 1764 and died at Hirambsburg Ohio Mar 29 1868 he volunteered when 16 years old and was in the War to the end
Page 38

was present at Yorktown and mustered out at Richmond at the close of the war, after the war he went to work for George Washington. in 1795 he left Mt Vernon and went to Ohio and staid [sic] till he died.
Through Gen Bingham he was granted a pension of $500 a year. In his tombstone is inscibed
John Gray
Died
Mar 29, 1868
aged
104 years 2 months 23 days
the last of Washingtons companions
The hoary head is a crown of glory
Page 39

any information will be appreciated by yours truly
[signed] John E Franzen
Page 40

Clerk's Office House of Represen:
Washington D. C.     March 25, 1867.

Sir:
I return herewith all the papers I can find on the files of this office relative to the claim of John Gray, a revolutionary soldier, as requested in your letter of the 23d instant.
I am,
very respectfully yours,
[signed] Enom Mason 
Clerk

Hon. J. H. Barnett,
Cmr of Pensions
Page 41

March 23 64.

Sir:
I have the honor to request a certified copy of an act passed during the 2nd session 39 Congress granting a pension to John Gray a soldier of the revolutionary war.
Your early attention is respectfully solicited.
Very respectfully,
Your obdt sevt.
C

Hon N. H. Lenerd
[illegible] of [illegible]
Page 42

Mch 23. 67

Sir.
I respectfully request the return of the papers in the case of John Gray, a soldier of the revolutionary war, who was pensioned by a special act passed during the 2d session 39th Congress. If not found on the files of your office. be pleased to refer this communication to the Hon Secretary of the Senate.
Very respectfully,
Your obdt servt
[signed] [illegible]

Hon. Edward McPherson.
Clerk H of Reps
Page 43

Mr Prior
What no should I give this case
[signed] Smith

[writing on this paper is extremely light and much of it too light to read]

Look [rest of line illegible]
the certificate [rest illegible]
June [rest illegible]
that the [rest illegible]
[illegible]
Prior

I only have
Books 1836
               48
               53
               58
Page 44

33.428
Brief in the Case of John Gray, Private   Wheeling
Virginia Malitia [sic] Revolutionary War.

Hiramsburg. Noble County and State of Ohio
Special Act February 22, 1867
Claim for New Pension Certificate/Private No. 25/
Inscribe under act of June 7, 1832
Proof Exhibited,
An act approved February 22, 1867, directs the Secretary of the Interior to place upon the pension roll the name of John Gray of Noble Co., Ohio, and that these be paid to him out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, five hundred dollars per annum, commencing July 1st, 1866.
Identity satisfactory.
P. O. Hiramsburg, Noble, Co., Ohio.
Admitted April 9, 1867 to a pension of $500 per annum, payable semi-annually, commencing July 1, 1866.
[signed] John M. Malony 
Examining Clerk.
Name and residence of Agent.
Claiment. [sic]
Case of W.  W. Frazier
Caldwell
Noble Co., Ohio.
Page 45

John Gray
Special act
Revolutionary
War
Page 46

No. 38855.
John Gray,
Ohio.
J. E. Stewart 20 Feb. 1855. [line crossed out]
Act 7 June 1832.

[separate piece of paper]

Sarahsville [sp?] 0
Feb                    10

Act 7 June/32
John Gray
Ohio
original

[written across this is the following address as if on an envelope]
James E. Stewart Esq.                     6 cts paid
Washing City D. C.
Page 47

o.w.J.
File # 1464

[rectangular mailroom stamp]
Old War & Navy
Jul 2 1896
FILES

[round mailroom stamp]
U.S. Pension Office Jul 1 1896
Page 48

3-398. [KC initialed]
O.W.M. Div.
M          Ex'r.

Department of the Interior.
Bureau of Pensions.
Washington, D. C.  June 24, 1896

Hon. Auditor for Interior Dept.

Sir:
Please furnish a report in the invalid pension case described below:
Certificate No. 33428
Name of pensioner, John Gray
Agency, Wheeling W. Va. Last pensioned at $500 per annum from July 1 1866. Special act
Revolutionary War
Very respectfully,
[signed] Wm. Lockren
Commissioner.
Report
[remaining portion of this printed page is left blank]

[Multiple mailroom stamps appear on this form.]
[At the top:] Pension Division Records Jun 26 1896
Mailroom Interior Department Jun 25 1896
[below date] Pension Division Interior Jun 26 1896
Page 49

Capt J. E. Stewart
Feb. 20/55.
Page 50

Pension office.
20th Feby. 1855.

Sir,
The application of John Gray of Ohio, has been received and filed under Act 7th June 1832.
The Declaration has not been made in open Court before a Court of Record as required by the rules of this office. John has not offered the slightest testimony for the purpose of establishing his services. Why is it that John has permitted nearly a quarter of a century to elapse since the passage of the Act of 1832, and has only at this late period applied for a pension?

Capt. James E. Stewart.
Present.
Page 51

Caldwell Noble County Ohio
March 16th 1867
Hon Joseph H. Barrett
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Enclosed I herewith send you application drawn up as near as I could understand the letters of Hon. John A. Bingham informing Mr. Gray of the passage of the act for his relief and directing him to make application to you for the benefit of its provisions.
The old man is very old and truly destitute, he has no relatives living, except one daughter of his wife by a former marriage (his stepdaughter) now over 60 years of age, & her husband, who is also aged and infirm the
Page 52

family are at this time receiving relief from the Infirmity Directors of this County
If you can make this a special case, so the old man can get some of the benefits of the County bestowed upon him by the munificence of the Government he fought to establish and for the cause in which his father lost his life - before he is called hence, you will receive the thanks and blessing of the old man. He is very anxious to receive it as he is very needy
Very respectfully
[signed] W. H. Frazier
for John Gray
Page 53

James E. Stewart
Present
Page 54

We Daniel Stoneking and Merriman Downey who reside in Brookfield Township Noble County Ohio certify that we are well acquainted with John Gray, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be ninety one years of age; that he is respected and believed, in the neighborhood, where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
[signed] Daniel Stoneking
              Merriman Downey

Known and subscribed this twelfth day of January A. D. 1855. [signed] Philip Burlingame J P

And I [blank] a justice of the peace in and for the County of Noble and State of Ohio, do hereby declare my opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after puting [sic] the interagatories [sic] prescribed by the war department, that the above named aplicant [sic] was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states and I further certify that it appears to me that Daniel Stoneking and Merriman Downey who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in Brookfield Township Noble County Ohio, that they are creditbable [sic] persons and that their statement is entitled to credit, and I fully concur with them in their statements vouching the character &c of the aplicant [sic].
The day and year above written} [signed]
Philip Burlingame J. P.
Page 55

Form 432.            }
Pension Division. }
Ed. 2 19 96 2,000.} 
Treasury Department,
Office of the Auditor for the Interior Department,
June 30", 1896

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir: In reply to your letter of June 24", in case of John Gray, Certificate 33428. Wheeling Agency, Revolutionary Roll you are informed that the records of this Office show -- payment to have been made at 500 per annum from July 1. 1866 to March 29. 1868, date of death.

Letter herewith returned.
Respectfully yours,
[signed] G. W. Sanderlin, Auditor
E.P.H.

[round mailroom stamp in upper left] U.S. Pension Office Jul 1 1896
Page 56

[oval mailroom stamp] 
Department of the Interior Pension Office
Mar 21 1867

Claim for Pensions
John Gray
of Noble County Ohio
Special act 2 session 39 Congress
Page 57

State of Ohio County of Noble,
On this Fifteenth day of March A. D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty seven personally appeared before me W. B. Teters clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the county and state aforesaid John Grage age one hundred and three years a resident of Brookfield Township Noble County Ohio who having duly sworn according to law declared that he is the identical John Gray now a resident of Noble County in the State of Ohio, who served as a Private in the company commanded by Captain Jackson [?] in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Church of the Virginia line enlisted about February 15th, 1781 in the revolutionary War for American independence in the Continental army and was honorably discharged at Richmond Virginia on or about the 15th day of May A. D. 1781 and upon [?] was granted a pension by Special or private act of Congress approved [blank] AD 1867 or passed by the Second Session of the 39th Congress of the United States.
He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the pension provided by said Act of Congress and hereby requests that, draft for arrears due or a certificate be issued
Page 58

to him under the provisions of said act, and that said certificate and all communications concerning this claim be sent to him in case of W. H. Frazier Caldwell Noble County Ohio.
And he further states that he has not aided or abetted the rebellion in the United States but now is and always has been loyal to the Government of the United States.
His Dist office address is Hiramsburgh Noble County State of Ohio
[signed] X his mark John Gray
Witnessed by
[signed] Henry McElroy
              Nancy Mcelroy
Also personally appeared Henry McElroy and Nancy McElroy residents of the county of Noble and State of Ohio persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit who being by me duly sworn say they were present and saw John Gray make his mark to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with him that he is the identical person he represents himself to be and they further state that they have no interest in said claim or its prosecution. 
[signed] Henry McElroy
Nancy Mcelroy
Page 59

Sworn to and Subscribed before me this fifteenth day of March AD 1867 and I hereby certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in said claim or its prosecution
Witness my signature and the seal of our said court the day and year aforesaid.
The words "Draft for amount due or a" was interlined before signing said declaration
[signed] W. B. Teters Clerk
Com Plea Court
Noble County
Ohio.
Page 60

Power of attorney
Know all men by these presents: That I John Gray do hereby constitute and appoint James E Stewart of Washington City D.C. my true and Lawful agent and Attorney to prosecute my Claim for any amount of revolutionary pension to which I may be entitled, under the provisions of the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832 or any other act or a resolution of Congress. And I hereby authorize my said attorney to examine all papers and documents in relation to said Claim on file in the department at Washington City or elsewhere, to file additional evidence, or arguments and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim and to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed and to do all things that I might do were I personally present, hereby satisfying and confirming all that my said attorney may lawfully do in the premises [sp?]
Witness my hand and seal this 12th day of January AD 1855
In presence of   X John Gray his mark
[signed] J. K. Casey
Merriman Downey

State of Ohio noble County}
On this 12th day of January 1855, before me Philip Burlingame a justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared John Gray and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned
[signed] Philip Burlingame    J P
Page 61

State of Ohio Noble County /
On this 12th day of January 1855 before me Philip Burlingame a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared John Gray a resident of said County and made oath acording [sic] to Law that he is the identical John Gray who Executed the foregoing Power of Attorney and that he is directly interested, in said claim, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such aditional [sic] Evidence or arguments as my said attorney may use in prosecuting said claim
[signed] X his mark John Gray
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written
[signed] Philip Burlingame J. P.

The State of Ohio Noble County 
I Theodore Parrish Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Noble hereby certify that Phillip Burlingame Esq. whose genuine signature is affixed to the foregoing certificates was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said county duly elected and qualified accordingly to law having full power to take acknowledgements and administer oaths for all general purposes
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our said Court and Sarahsville this 7th day of February A.D. 1855,
[signed] Theodore Parrish Clerk
Page 62

39th CONGRESS }  H. R. 1044.
2D SESSION.       }

AN ACT
For the relief of John Gray, a revolutionary soldier.
1867 - January 25. - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Pensions.

[NOTE: All of the above was Xd out.]

June 7, 1832
41.66 2/3

[very faint mailroom stamp at the bottom and is upside down] Dept of the Interior Pension Office [month is too faint to read] 26 1887
Page 63

Private No. 25. [This was handwritten above the printed heading beneath which was crossed out.]

29th Congress, 2d Session.
H.R. 1044.
2d Session.
In the Senate of the United States.
January 25, 1867.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Pensions.

[Rest of printed page remained.]

AN ACT
For the relief of John Gray, a revolutionary soldier.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of American in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Interior be, and he is hereby directed to place the name of John Gray, of Noble county, Ohio, upon the pension roll, and that there be paid to said John Gray, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of five hundred dollars per annum during his natural life, payable semi-annually, commencing on the first day of July, eighteen hundred and sixty-six.

Approved, February 22, 1867.
Department of State,
Washington, March 25, 1867,
A true copy.
[signed] J. S. Chur
Chief Clerk.
Page 64

H.R. 1044
John Gray,

Filed in Com. on
Rev. Pensions of 
House Rep.
Jay 15 1867
M Welker
of committee.



file
Page 65

I John Gray of Noble County Ohio on my oath do say that I am aged one hundred and Two years on this 6th day of January AD 1866 that I was born in Fairfax County Va. that I served for about three months in the Virginia Line in the War for American Independence, that my Captain was Captain Sanford that I never drew a Pension for my service not having served for sufficient time to entitle me to a Pension under existing Laws, that I have no means of support & am now & have been for years indebted to my neighbors for the means of subsistence.
[signed] John gray
Sworn to & subscribed before me by John Gray this 6th day of January 1867 in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day & year aforesaid. [signed] Philip Jackson. J. P.
Page 66

The State of Ohio, Noble County, ss.
I, W. N. Teters, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Noble, and State of Ohio, do hereby certify, that Philip Jackson at the time of taking the above affidavit, and signing his name thereto, was an acting Justice of the Peace of the State of Ohio, within and for said County, duly elected, commissioned and qualified according to the law of said State, and thereby authorized to take the acknowledgement of Deeds, administer oaths, &c., &c., and that all his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit. I further certify, that I believe the above signature to be his genuine signature.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of our said Court, at the Court House, this the 3d day of January 
A.D. 1868.
[signed] W. N. Teters Clerk.