Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 40,055, Samuel Downing, N.H.
Page 1

SERVICE
N.H. 

Downing, Samuel

NUMBER
S 40,055

B.L. Wt. 293-60-55
and BL Wt. 3064-100-pot
Issued Mar. 22,1796 to Nathan Preston, assignee no papers.

CONTENTS
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1:8 11/18 (illegible)Albany, N.Y.
“ “ Pensioner,
Agrut. June,15”18/15
1886 Nov 29 C E B (illegible)
with histor 12,21 R
New York
Samuel Downing
Edinburg in the state of New York was a Private in the regiment commanded by Reed of the New Hampshire for the term of Three Years.
Scribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 24th of April 1818-
Certificate of Pension issued the 27th of July 1819 and Sent to Avery Stearkweather (illegible)
Galway New York 
Arrears to the 4th of March 1819.
                                     10m   7/3ax4/31..82:89 Semi-an. all’ce ending 4th Sept, 1819  48:-
                                                          _________
                                                               $130:89
Act 18- Revolutionary claim,
              Act 18th March, 1818
Dropper - Act 182
80-No.540
t596
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(illegible) 3
Nov. 27. 1855
224.846 Downing
Samuel Downing
Priv of Pensioner
Capt. Denis
Col. Reed
Col. Sifield
Revolutionary War 
15 May 1828 - 540
Says he is informed of application (illegible) but does not know about ‘N-
Recd Pension Act of May. 1828. $6 66/100 per mo- or $80 per ann -
AO: 60am Aug: 4/56
B (illegible)
Joseph Covell
Edinburgh N.H
No 293 of Aug 11/56
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STATE OF NEW-YORK }SS.
SARATOGA COUNTY.
On this Twenty fourth day of April — 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Saratoga and state of New-York, personally appears Samuel Downing - - - aged fifty two years, resident in the town of Edinburgh- - in the County of Saratoga and- - - in the said state, who being by me duly sworn, Accor to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision 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 the said Samuel Downing enlisted in the Town of Hailstown - - - in the state New Hampshere in the company commanded by Captain Dennick in a Regiment Command by Col Reed being In Second - - of the New Hampshere Line that he continued to serve in said corps, or in the service of the United States until the month of June or July in the year Seventeen hundred Eighty three when he was discharged service in the town of Edinburgh - - - - and state of New York ( crossed out) which discharge is Lost - - and (crossed out) that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of assistance of his country for support ; and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services - - -  Except the affidavit Darius Smead he accounts Ammened and further Saith that he Enlisted in the month of July in the year Seventeen hundred Eighty for and During the War as a Private 
Signed Samuel Downing
Enlisted in the month of July 1780
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid Avery Starkweather Judge of Common Pleas Saratoga County
I Avery Starkweather Judge , &c. as aforesaid, do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Samuel Downing did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the War Department, pursuant to the directions of the aforesaid act of congress. Dated April (illegible) 1814
Avery Starkweather 
STATE OF NEW-YORK,}SS: In testimony that the 
SARATOGA COUNT              above named
Avery Starkweather is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Saratoga and state of New-York, and that the above is his signature, I subscribe my name and affix the county seal, this day of May in the year 1818 
HmStillwell } Clerk of the County of Saratoga.
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State of New York}
Saratoga County
On this thirteenth day of November A.D. one thousand eight hundred & fifty five personly appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of State aforesaid Samuel Downing age ninety three years according to his reckoning of his age a resident of Edinburgh in Said State of New York who being duly sworn according to law & declares that he is the identical Samuel Downing who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Doric whose Christian name he does not recollect in the Second Regiment of New Hampshire infantry Troops commanded by Colonel Reed whose Christian name this declarent believes was George - In the Revolutionary war or in the army of the Revolution That he enlisted at the town of Haliston in New Hampshire by Colonel Fifield recruiting officer in June of July but what year he cannot state precisely but the enlisted during the war & served to the end of the war which was about three years & was honorably discharged at Newburgh State of New York but the date thereof he cannot state exactly the year nor the month but that it was at the time that the Main Army who enlisted during the war was discharged that his discharge is lost long ago and the Said Samuel downing further declared upon his Oath aforesaid that he is the identical Samuel Downing described in a pension certificate which has been for a long time & now is in his possession
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That he received the pay on Said certificate regularly which has been drawn for him seven or eight years last past by Joseph F Spier of Northampton Falton County New York as his attorney & paid over to him by Said Spier That the following is a copy of said certificate - Revolutionary Claims 
Under this act Entitled an act for the relief of certain Surviving officers & Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution approved 15th May 1828
I certify that Samuel Downing of Edinburgh in this County of Saratoga in the State of New York is entitled to receive pay under the above mentioned act as a surviving Private of Infantry in the New Hampshire line of the Army of the Revolution at the rate of six dollars and sixty six 2/3 cents a month payable during his life on the third day of March & third day of September in each year
It is provided by law that the said pay shall not in any way be transferable or liable to attachment Levy or seizure by any legal process whatsoever Given under my hand & the seal of the Treasury of the United States this third day of August in the year one thousand Eight hundred & twenty nine & of Independence fifty fourth
T.D. Tughan
Secretary of the Treasury
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He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty law to which he may be entitled under the act approved March 3 1835 He also declares that he has not received a warrant for bounty law under this or any other act of congress nor made any other application therefor to his knowledge or recollection But that had been informed that it appears from the records in some office at Washington that one hundred acres or some other quantity of law has been drawn on his account But that he has not received a recollection of making any application therefore or of authorizing any person to make such application & has no other knowledge or information that any such bounty land had been obtained as aforesaid except from what he has been informed as aforesaid But that he cannot say positively that no bounty land has been obtained as aforesaid by his authority- that in case it appears that any such bounty lands has been duly obtained on his account then this declaration is made for the purpose of obtaining the additional bounty law to which he may be Entitled under said act
Samuel Downing X
We Ely Bucher and John Barkin residents of Edinburgh in the State of New York upon our Oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed & acknowledged by Samuel Downing in our presence & that we believe from the appearance & Statements of the applicant that he is the identical he represents himself to be
Ely Beecher
John Barker
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The foregoing declaration & affidavit were sworn to & subscribed before me the day & year above written & I certify that I know the affiants to be creditable persons that the claimant is the person he represents himself to be & that I have no interest in this claim
Russel Smith Justice of the Peace
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State of New York,
SARATOGA COUNTA CLERK’S OFFICE.}SS.
I, James W. Horton, CLERK OF THE SAID COUNTY, do hereby That Russel Smith was, on the day of above Declaration and Certificate, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected and sworn, and that the signature to the Jurat of the above Declaration and to the above Certificate purporting to be his, is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 16th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five
James Horton
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Hon. J. Cole Comm of Pensions
Sir Mr Downing informed me that department has the (illegible) Evidence of his Services so I suppose all that is necessary to establish his claim to bounty land in addition to his declaration is proof of personal Identity- I suppose that is sufficiently done by accompanying papers  If not please let me know as soon as may be & he will furnish such other as may be deemed necessary 
I am not very conversant with the Pension laws - Mr Downing thinks from what he has been informed that he is entitled to a larger pension he is receiving ($80.00) as he served three years or thereabouts 
Will the department inform me at as early a day as may be whether any Private is entitled Toto more than $80.00 per year & if so under what act & how much they are entitled to - or rather how much is Mr Downing entitled to according to his statement in his accompanying declaration - & what proof is necessary in addition to what the department is already in possession of - Will any further any further proof be necessary except except to make the proper declaration & fully identify himself as Samuel Downing the Pensioner 
Address Joseph Covile
Edinburgh Sar bo. N.Y.
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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES 
Form VAM-51
12-5-41 Division of Veteran’s Administration Archives
 BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Downing, Samuel GRADE Private LINE New Hampshire
WARRANT NUMBER 3067 and Wt. 293-60-55 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED March 22, 1796 Wt. 3067 - to Nathan Preston, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of “Land Warrant Issued  Prior to 1800” which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be flu in General Land Office records in The National Archives.
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November 15, 1938.
Mrs. Conrad Ellsworth         
406 Union Trust Building    
South Bend, Indiana 
BA-J/ady
Samuel Downing
S.40055
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Samuel Downing, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein were obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claims for pension and bounty land, based upon the military service Samuel Downing in that war.
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Samuel Downing are not shown.
Samuel Downing enlisted in July 1780 in Halestown, New Hampshire, served as private in Captain Dennett’s Company, Colonel Reid’s Second New Hampshire Regiment until June or July 1783, when he was discharged in Newburgh, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 24, 1818, at which time he was a resident of Edinburg, Saratoga County, New York. He then stated he was fifty-two years old.
On account of his service in the Revolutionary War he was allowed one hundred acres of bounty land on warrant No.3067, which was issued March 13, 1855, at which time he was a resident of Edinburg, New York. On account of his services in the Revolutionary War he was allowed sixty acres of bounty land on warrant No.293, under the Act of March 3, 1855. He then stated he was ninety-three years old. There is no explanation in the discrepancy in his statements in regard to his age.
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Samuel Downing died February 18, 1867, place not stated.
There are no family data.
For information in regard to the location of the land you should address The Commissioner of the General Land Office, Washington, D.C., and furnish that official the following data: “B.L. Warrant No. 3067-100, issued March 22, 1796, and B.L. Warrant No. 293-60-55”.
Very truly yours
A.D. Riller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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PENSION DIVISION
Form 432.-9-17-‘91-2,000
REPORT OF PAYMENTS
Treasury Department 
OFFICE OF THE
AUDITOR FOR THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT 
July 16, 1895
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions. 
Sir: In reply to your letters of June 19 & July 12 in case of Samuel Downing, Certificate 12921.
Albany N.Y. Agency, Old War Roll, you are informed that the records of this Office show last payment to have been made at $480 per (crossed out) annum in July 1867 to February 18, 1867 date of death
Letter herewith returned.
Respectfully yours,
Sam’l Blackwell Auditor.
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293
60 acres
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[Stamp imprintOLD WAR & NAVY
July 17 1895
FILES
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ON.TN Div.
N.El Ex’r.
New York Agency.
Act March 18, 1818
Department of the Interior,

BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D.C., June 19, 1895

Auditor for the Interior Department 
[Stamp imprint for Pension Department - 3] P

SIR:
Please furnish a report as to payment of Certificate No. 12921 Samuel Downing of Edinburgh N.Y. who is alleged to have died on the 19th day of February, 1867 The information is desired for use in the claim of the  Rev. pension case No. 12921
Very respectfully, 
(Signature illegible)
Commissioner

REPORT
Payment made to include _____18, with _____ increase. The payment was discontinued on the _____day of , 18____, because of the 
(?) in July 1867 to Feby 18 1867 date of death 189 Albany NY at 24

NOTE - If any change in amount of pension originally allowed, please so state. 9-4
14245-b m
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[Handwritten text on left side]
1911 May 25 Mrs. Laura Downing Niles
1916 April.10 Hanford Robison
1917 July 23 History to John Seales. AW
1918 Mch. 9 - 20 Jay L. Downing 
1921 Feb.10 History Henry R. Drowne 
1928 Oct. 11 Rev. Ralph H.Tibbals adv last surviving pensioners D.Y.
1938 Nov. 15 History for Mrs. Conrad Ellsworth A.D.Y. 
NH
Pere 9illegible0
[remaining text illegible]
Mar. 19 1906
D. F. Bakeman
(?) claim 
Feb 13.1908 
AW

40055
INVALID
Revy
File No. 40055
Samuel (crossed out text)  Downing
Pri Rev War
Act: 18 March 18
Index: -Vol. 8, Page 131
[Arrangement of 1870]

[Handwritten text to right]
1890 May Secy of War - history
July20/93 Hist
Gardner Cox, Holyoke, Mass

July 1 96 sold to JW Thyng Manchester NH
LMB

Mch 11-1903 Date of death -
 B.A.Leonard De Pere

Feby 2, 1905
Anson J. Downing Hastings 
Date of death Not the last surviving pensioned Rev. Soldier

See letter of Mr Marsh dated Mar.19.1906
to Jas . T. Lewis in claim of D.F. Bakemon

See letter to Hon. P.A. Porter of Lemuel Cook S.F. 38258 his claim 1908 Oct.ss. Hist to Ineq. S. Butterfield Feb.13.1908 AW
1909 Dec.14. Hist. to Hon Jas. S. Simmons copy  of same in S. 7.33258.
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Rev.&1812 Wars Section             M.M.H.L.
COPIED BY ADY
October 11, 1928.
Reverend Ralph H. Tibbals,
Box 85,
Antrim, New Hampshire.
Sir:
I advise you that this bureau has only the record  of those Revolutionary War soldiers on account of whose services claims for pension and bounty land were made to the United States and not all the soldiers of that war, hence the name of the last surviving soldier is unknown.
The Revolutionary War records of this bureau show that one Samuel Downing (s.40055) enlisted in Halestown,
New Hampshire. He was pensioned while living in Saratoga County, New York and died in 1867.
There were two Revolutionary War pensioners who survived him, John Gray who died in 1868 and Daniel F. Bakeman who died in 1869. 
Respectfully,
E. W. Morgan,
Acting Commissioner.
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March 9, 1918
Mr. Jay L. Downing,
Kimberly,
Idaho.
Sir:
In response to your letter dated the third instant, are advised that from the papers in the claim of Samuel Downing Survivor’s File No. 40,005 Rev. War, it appears that he enlisted at Halestown, New Hampshire, in July 1780, “for during the War”, and served as a Private in Captain Dennett’s company, Colonel George Reid’s Second New Hampshire regiment until June or July 1783, when he was discharged at Newburgh, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 24, 1818, while a resident of Edinburgh, Saratoga County, New York, and fifty-two years of age.
There is no family data whatever in the papers on file. Samuel Downing died February 18, 1867.
There were two Revolutionary War pensioners who survived him, John Gray who died March 29, 1868, and Daniel F. Bakeman who died April 5, 1869.
Very respectfully,
(illegible)
Commissioner.
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July 23, 1917.
John Scales
Dover, N.H.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 19” instant, you are advised relative to the Revolutionary War pensioner, Survivor’s File No. 40,055, Samuel Downing, that it appears he enlisted at Halestown, N.H., in July 1780, served as a Private in Capt. Dennett’s Co., Col. George Reid’s Second Regiment, N.H.Line and was discharged at Newburgh, N.Y. in June or July 1783.
On April 24, 1818, while living in Edinburgh, Saratoga County, N.Y. he stated that he was fifty-two years old; on November 13, 1855, while residing at the same place he stated that he was ninety-three years old. There is no data on file as to his family and the date and place of his birth are not matters of record.
He was pensioned under the Act of March 18, 1818 at $96 per annum, which pension terminated by the provisions of the Act of May 1, 1820. He was granted $80 per annum by the Act of May 15,1828,; $100 per annum by the Act of April 1,1864; $300 per annum by the Act of February 27, 1865; and $500 per annum by the Act of February 18, 1867 and he died February 18,1867. The place of his death is not a matter of record.
He was not the last surviving pensioned soldier of the Revolution.
Very respectfully,
(illegible)
Commissioner.
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Record Division.
October 22, 1998.
Mrs. Inez Shelp Butterfield
P.O. Box # 16,
New Milford, Pa.
Madam:
In reply to your letter without date received the 15” instant, you are advised that from the papers in claim Sur. File No. 40,055, it appears that Samuel Downing enlisted at Halestown,, New Hampshire, in July 1780 “for during the War”, and served as a Private in Captain Dennett’s company, Colonel Reid’s 2nd New Hampshire regiment until June or July 1783 when he was discharged at Newburgh, New York.
He was allowed pension on an application executed April 24, 1818 while a resident of Edinburgh, Saratoga County, New York, and fifty-two years of age, and he died February 18, 1867.
You are further advised that Daniel F. Bakeman, who died in New York April 5, 1869, was the last Revolutionary War pensioner, and that this Bureau has no means of ascertaining who was the last surviving soldier of the Revolution.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
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J.R.W.Exr.
No 10055-Inv.
Rev. War.
February 3, 1905
Sir:
In reply to your inquiry, you are advised that Samuel Downing died at Edinburgh, N.Y., February 18, 1867, aged 105 years, two months and nineteen days. ? He was not the last surviving soldier of the Revolutionary War who drew a pension.
Daniel F. Bakeman, who died at Freedom, Cattaraugus Co., N.Y.April 5, 1869 years, six months and eight days, is entitled to that distinction. 
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner 
where did the length of service come from
Mr. A son J. Downing,
Hastings, Mich.
Page 24

O. W. & N. Division,
F. S.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,   July 20 1895.
Sir:-
Replying to your communication requesting the military history of Samuel Downing, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that he stated in his application for pension, dated April 24, 1818, that he enlisted in July, 1780, at Hailstown, N.H., for and during the war, under Captain Dennett’s, in the 2nd. New Hampshire Regiment, Continental Line, commanded by Col. Reed, and was discharged in June or July 1783. At the time of making his application he resided in Edinburgh, N.Y., and his age was stated to be fifty-two years.
In “Haitman’s  Historical Register “, a private publication containing the names of officers of the Continental Army, etc., the following is found concerning him: not true
“Samuel Downing was born in Newburyport, Mass., Nov.31, 1781; died in Edinburgh, Saratoga County, N.Y., February 19, 1887, aged 103 years , 2 months, 19 days. He was the last soldier of the Revolution, and received the last pension from the United States Government—- one hundred and eighty dollars per annum.  He enlisted from Antrim, N. H., at Charlestown, N.H., when he was sixteen years old, and served in  the Second New Hampshire Regiment. His one hundredth birth day
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was celebrated by his neighbors and friends upon his farm at Edinburgh, by the firing of one hundred guns, and an address by George S. Batcheller, Esq., of Saratoga. On this occasion Mr. Downing cut down a hemlock tree five feet in circumference, and later in the day, a wild cherry tree near his home of half the size. The trees were sold upon the ground and stripped of their branches by those present for canes and other mementos of the occasion. The stump of the larger one was sawed off and carried to Saratoga by Robert Bevins of that place.”
That part of the above extract which states that he was the last soldier of the Revolution and received the last pension from the Government, is an error. There were two other soldiers who survived him and were pensioned by their services in that war. They died in the year 1869. The amount his pension is also wrongly stated in the above extract. The rate originally allowed his was $8 per month which was increased from time to time by Special acts of Congress, the last act passed in his favor allowing him the sum of $500 per annum. The date of his death is February 18, instead of February 19, 1867.
 Very respectfully,
Dr. Gardner Cox,       Acting Commissioner 
Holyoke, Mass.
Page 26

This paper was written by Mr Pryor a pension office clerk and must not be considered as an original part of claim
Samuel Downing
In his application for a pension dated in April 1818, he stated that he was residing in Edinburgh, Saratoga County, N.Y. & was 52 years old. He enlisted  in July 1780 (when he was 14 years of age) according to his own statement but at Hailstown, N.H. for & during the war under Capt. Dennett, in the 2d N.H. regiment of the Continental line, Commanded by Lt. Colo. George Reed, & was discharged in June or July 1783 - He does not make any allusion to any other military Service or Specified any battles that he was in, (crossed out)
He was pensioned under the first act of- March 18. 1818 - that was passed for service in the Revolutionary war, at the rate of Eight dollars per month, which was terminated by the provisions of the act of May 1, 1820, on account of property (crossed out) but subsequently another pension was allowed to him under the act of May 15, 1823 at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum, which by the act of April 1, 1861 was increased by the additional sum of 10.00 dollar (crossed out) per annum together with all the Revolutionary soldiers (crossed out) on the pension rolls, (crossed out)
Under the provisions of the act of Feby 27. 1865,  his pension together  (crossed out) the pensions of four other Soldiers then surviving ( two of the latter also living in N.Y.) whose names & ages are specified in the act, were increased by the further Sum of three hundred dollars per annum; by the act of Feby 18.1867 Congress directed that Samuel Downing’s (crossed out) should be (crossed out) paid roll at the rate of five hundred dollars per annum, (crossed out) he being the last survivor of those who were pensioners previous to that date on the Feby 22. 1867 Congress by separate acts granted pensions to two aged Soldiers of whom one lived in Ohio & the other in New York & both died very soon after that date (crossed out) Mr Downing received a continuous pension from April 1818 to Feby 18. 1867 - the date of his decease - except for the period from March 4. 1820 to March 4. 1826-
Page 27

Law Offices of
DORAN AND MANION
Union Trust Building
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
October 8, 1938.

M. EDWARD DORAN
CLARENCE MANION
F. KENNETH DEMPSEY

[Imprint of stamp]
RECEIVED Oct 10 1938

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:
Would you have the kindness to advise the writer where I might obtain information upon the life of one Samuel Downing who served in the 2nd New Hampshire Regiment in the Revolutionary War, and who was one of the last twelve survivors, pensioned in the year 1864.
The writer is a great, great granddaughter of the said Samuel Downing, and very desirous of obtaining all available information concerning his life.
A self-addressed, stamped envelope is enclosed for reply.
Respectfully 
Signature of Dorothy D. Ellsworth 
(Mrs.) Conrad Ellsworth

406 Union Trust Building,
South Bend, Indiana
Page 28

ANTRIM TOWN HISTORY 
COMMITTEE
HAYWARD COCHRANE, CHAIRMAN
MRS. HELEN R. BURNHAM, SECRETARY
CHARLES F. BUTTERFIELD, TREASURER 
MRS. MARY M. HURLIN
MORTON PAIGE
REV. RALPH H. TIBBALS, HISTORIAN 
ANTRIM, N.H., U.S.A., Sept. 17, 1928
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
The History of Antrim written by Dr. Warren R. Cochrane, and published about 1880, states that Samuel Downing, who enlisted from Antrim, was the last surviving soldier of the Revolutionary War. Recently, I was informed that this is a mistake; and he was the third from the last. Can you give me the facts with reference to this point? If so, I shall appreciate it.
Very truly yours,
Ralph H. Tibbals
PENSION U. SEP S. 19 1928 OFFICE
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RECORD JAN 11 1928 DIVISION
Page 30

Sons of the Revolution 
I the State of New York
Frances Tavern
Corner Broad & Pearl Streets
New York City
January 10, 1921
Rev./K
Pension Bureau
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Will you please send me the Revolutionary record of Samuel Downing who was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, and died in Edinburgh, N.Y. on February 18, 186.
His service is recorded in Claims Bureau. File No. 4053.
I need this record to establish a claim for Membership in this Society.
Yours very truly,
Henry Russell Drowse
Secretary.
HRD/HT
PENSION U. JAN S. 11 1921 OFFICE
Page 31

PENSION O MAR 9 1918 U.S. OFFICE
Page 32

Rev Sec
Board of Education
INDEPENDENT SHCOOL DISTRICT No. 2
KIMBERLY, OHIO
J.L. DOWNING Superintendent   March 3, 1918
Bureau ofPensions,
Department of War,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
I expect to enter the army soon and before doing so desire to establish my right to membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. My great-grandfather was Samuel Downing, who was either the last or the next to the last survivor of the Revolution. Would you be kind enough to send me an abstract of his record, together with army units served with and who under. Any other information will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance, I am,
Very truly yours,
Jay L. Downing
Page 33

Rev Sec
Dover N.H. July 19, 1917   H
To The Revolutionary Pension Department 
Washington, D.C.
On page 222, of VII of Appleton’s Encyclopedia of America Biography is the following.
My request is that you compare it with the Pension Roll and inform me if it is correct. If not correct, please send me a completed copy of the record.
Yours truly,
Signature of John Scales.

P.S. Was Mr. Downing the last survivor of the Revolutionary army?

[Imprint of stamp]
PENSION O JUL 21 1917 U.S. OFFICE

(over)
Page 34

Copy
“Downing, Samuel, soldier, b [born] near Exeter, N.H., in 1766; d [died] near Amsterdam N.Y., Feb. 18 Feb. 1867. He enlisted in the Continental army in 1780 and served three years. He received a pension in 1818 of eight dollars a month, but this was taken away from him in 1820, on account of his possession of property, but in 1818 he was granted $80.00 per annum. This was increased in 1864 by the addition of $100.00 per annum, and in 1865 by the further addition of $300.00 per annum. By special act of 18 Feb. 1887, the day of his death, Congress directed that he be paid a pension of $500.00 per annum.”
Page 35

[Imprint of stamp]
PENSION O APR 1 1916 U.S. OFFICE
Page 36

Rev  Sec
St. George’s Lodge No. 6, F. & A.M.
Warranted by the Grand Lodge of England, Sept. 14, 1774.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY.

[Faded imprint to left]
OLD SEAL OF THE LODGE   

[Faded imprint to right]
PRESENT SEAL
Schenectady, N.Y., March 31, 1916
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen,
For the purpose of establishing membership in the Sons of the American Revolution will you please give me the military record of Samuel Downing, a soldier of the War, who was pensioned. He died in Saratoga County N.Y. but according to family tradition served in a New Hampshire Regiment. Thanking you in advance  I try to remain,
Yours respectfully 
Signature of Stanford Robison
6 Front St
Schenectady NY.
Page 37

[Imprint of Stamp]
PENSION D U.S. MAY 29 1911 OFFICE

[Imprint of second stamp]
RECORD DIVISION  MAY 19 1911 
S 40055

[Handwritten text]
ACR Aw. May 23 1911
Page 38

Geo H. Niles
Jeweler and Optometrist
Saugatuck, Mich., May 16 1991
U.S. Commissioner of Pensions,
War Department
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
Will you kindly have the pension record of Samuel Downing looked up and send me certificate of same. 
It seems necessary in joining the D.O.R. that this certificate of my great- grandfather be shown . I would greatly appreciate it if you could tell me if great-grandfather was the last pensioner of the Revolution War. He died in the Township of Edinburgh, Saratoga Co. N.Y. on Feb. 18,1867 at the age of 105 yrs. 2 mo. And 18 days. There is a little question as to whether he was the last pensioner and we would be glad to know positively.
Respectfully 
Mrs. Sara Downing Niles.
Page 39

File 40055

[Imprint of Pension Stamp]
PENSION A U.S. OCT 15 1908 OFFICE

[Imprint of second stamp]
RECORD  DIVISION OCT 16 1908
Page 40

New Milford SusqCo Pa
Pension Dept.
Who was the last living soldier of the Revolution or how can I secure this information?
We have a clipping from the Albany Journal Feb. 1867 which claims that Samuel Downing who died then at the age of died then at the age of 105 was. No see illegible. He received a pension, we think.
He was a direct ancestor of mine.
I enclose an addressed stamped envelope 
Respectfully 
Inez Sheep Butterfield
New Milford Pa Box 16
Page 41

[Imprint of stamp to the left]
OLD WAR & NAVY JUL 1 1896 FILES
 
[Imprint of stamp to the right]
PENSION U.S. JUN 29 1896
Page 42

The MANCHESTER UNION DAILY WEEKLY DEPARTMENT of Illustration 
J Warren Thyng Supt.
Manchester, N.H., June 25. 96.
Dear Sir:
Will you kindly inform me who was the last surviving pensioner of the Revolution, in New Hampshire, and where he lived.
Very Respectfully,
J. Warren Thyng
Page 43

[Imprint of stamp - somewhat faded]
PENSION OFFICE
NOV 24 1886
Page 44

OFFICE APPLETONS CYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN BIOGRAPHY 
6 vols., 8 vo.
63 Bleecker Street, New York, 23 Nov 1886
Editors{GEN. JAS. GRANT WILSON
              PROF. JOHN FIKE
Publishers, D. APPLETON & CO.
Will the Commissioner of Pensioners kindly let me know
1. When the pension named in the slip was begun.
2. How long continued 
3. What increase if any was made in it.
And any other fact that may be of interest in a historical work. By so doing he will do a favor that we shall greatly appreciate.
Respectfully 
C. R. Brainward
Page 45

Duplicate 
3-398.
PENSION DIVISION JUL15 1895 RECORD
PENSION DIVISION OFFICE  OF JUL 15 1895 AUDITOR FOR INTERIOR DEPARTMENT 
Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D.C. July 12, 1895
O.W.TN Div.
(illegible) Ex’r.
Rev. War
Act Mch 18 (illegible)
Hon. And. for the Interior Dept.
U. S. Treasury Dept.
Sir:
Please furnish a report in the invalid pension case described below:
Certificate No. 12921
Name of pensioner, Samuel Downing
Agency, New York Last pensioned at$8 per month from April. 24, 1818.
Very respectfully,
Jpg Lockorn Commisioner,
MAIL ROOM OFFICE JUL 13 1895 AUDITOR FOR INTERIOR DEPARTDEPARTMENT 
Report
Last paid to include…, 18…, at the rate of $…per month. Reduced …, 18…, from $… per month to $… per month from …, 18…, and from $… per month to $… per month from …, 18…, 189…
NOTE.- When dropped, so state, giving cause. When reduced, state cause and date from which reduced ; when no reduction, so state. Any discrepancy from the statement of this Bureau shown by the agency records will be noted.
Page 46

REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
No. of Original Payment 540
TREASURY DEPARTMENT 
Augt 15. 1828
Samuel Downing, of Edinburgh, in the County of Saratoga, in the State of New York, has applied to the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled “An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of Revolution,” approved the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he enlisted in the Continental line of the army of the Revolution, for and during the war, and continued until its termination, at which period he was a private in Captain Derrick’s company, in the 2d regiment of the New Hampshire line; and that he received a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars, provided by the resolve of the 15th of May, 1778; and further, that he was not on the 15th day of May, 1828, on the pension list of the United States, and that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, nothing,
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far the several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
By order the Secretary,
A. (illegible)
TREASURY DEPARTMENT 
THIRD AUDITOR’S OFFICE
23d August  1828
It appears by the records in this office, that a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars has been issued to Samuel Downing in the New Hampshire,line 
It further appears that Samuel Downing is not now on the pension list of any agency, and has not been since the 3d March 1826 (crossed out)
(illegible)
Page 47

Michael George’s Deposition
Page 48

Michael George 58 years resident in Fletcher in the state of Vermont being duly Sworn Depose & say. That I have been intimately acquainted with Samuel Downing now of Edinburgh in the County of Saratoga & State of New York from his infancy who is now about 56 years of age. The last three years of the Revolutionary War we were together as Soldiers in the army of the United States he the said Sam Downing belonged to Capt. Dennick’s Company in Col George Reeds Regiment (the 2d New Hampshire regiment he enlisted sometime in the Summer of the year 1780 during the war. We were together when discharged at the close of the war in 1783. I have often seen his discharge since. We went together to the paymaster in New Hampshire after our return & rec’d our final settlement- he is now present & I know him to be the same man to whose services I have sworn. And further your Deponent sayeth not
June 22 1819-           Michael George
State of Vermont Franklin County Ss
Sworn to before me this 22 June 1819 And I further certify that I have been long acquainted with the Deponent & consider him to be a credible Disinterested witness certified for
Jos. D. Farnsworth Chief Judge
Franklin County Court
Page 49

For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Army of the Revolution approved on the 15th of May 1828  I Samuel Downing of Edinburgh in the County Saratoga and in the state of N.Y. do hereby declare that I enlisted in the revolution for and during the war and continued in the service until its termination at which period I was (crossed out) a Private in Captain Denicks (or Derrick’s) company in the 2nd regiment of the New Hampshire line And I also declare that I afterwards received a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars to which I was entitled under a resolving of congress passed the 15th of May 1778 And I further declare that I was not on the fifteenth day of March 1828 on the pension of the U.States 
Samuel Downing
Sworn & Subscribed this 9 Day of July 1828 before me Ely Beecher Justice of Peace
Before me Ely Beecher Justice of the Peace in the town of Edinburgh in the County of Saratoga in the state of New York personally appeared this Day John Cook and Constant Tenent of the said County who did severally make oath that Samuel Downing by whom the foregoing declaration was inscribed is generally reputed and believed to have been a Private in the
Page 50

army of the revolution in manner as therein witness  my hand this 9th Day of July in the year of 1828
Ely Beecher Justice of the Peace
I Thomas Palmer clerk of the court of the County of Saratoga in the State of New York do certify that Ely Beecher before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn was at the time a Justice of the Peace and duly empowered to administer oaths
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court this twelfth Day of June in the year 1828

Act 1828
Settled at Treasury
Conod with
Invalid file
#40.055
Page 51

State of New York Saratoga County ss
Before me Avery Starkweather one of the
Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in an
for the County of Saratoga Come Darius
Smead of the Town of Galway County and
State aforesaid and being by me duly Sworn
Deposeth and saith that he Deponent belong
to the army of the United States in the year
Seventeen hundred and Eighty two in the
first Regt in the Newhampshire Line
Commanded by Henry Dearbone and Deponent
further saith that he deponent was
acquainted with Samuel Downing and
knows that the said Downing belonged to
the Second Regt in the above Line Commis
by George Reed and that the said Downing
Continued in the Servis of the United States
until the End of the war in the
Said Second Regt in the said Line of
New Hampshire Sworn and Subscribed
this Twenty fourth day of April in the
year one thousand Eight hundred and
Eighteen before me  Davies Smead
Avery Starkweather Judge of Common Pleas Saratoga
County
Page 52

Avery Starkweather Jude De Do hereby certify
that I have long been acquainted with
Davies Smead the within deponent
and consider him to be a credible and
Disinterested witness
Given under my hand June 30 1819
Avery Starkweather
Page 53

Samuel Downing
Judge's certificate
as to claimants circumstances wanted
not on roll further
evidence required & the
time of entering service
to be stated.
Page 54

To the Honorable Secretary for the war
Department Sir pleas Direct the pension
Certificate to the post Office in Galway
State of New York to
Avery Starkweather Esqr
by Bequest of applicant
-
Avery Starkweather Judge as within
named Do hereby certify that I am personally
acquainted with the circumstances
of Samuel Downing Named in the
annexed Declaration and know him to be
in reduced circumstances and one who
stands in need of the assistance of his
Country for support
Given under my hand June 30th 1819
Avery Starkweather
Page 55

Dept: Int: Pen: Off: June 15, 1865.
Sir,
On the 8th of last March, You were instructed to pay Saml Downing a
Surviving [unreadable] the sum of $300 in addition to the amt, he was entitled to under
former acts of Congress, and at each semi annual pay, thereafter, that he pay him
the sum of#150 in addition to the amt: to which he was entitled under former acts of
the sum of
I think you were informed, that the pensioners name was inscribed upon the roll under the
the Act of 18 March 1818, at the rate of #96 per Anum and that his pension, and the inc: allowed by act of 1st April, 1844 of $100, together
with the gratuity of $300. made his Annual Stipend Amb to 494. If you were to informed, it was erroneous. The pensioner's name was inscribed
under the act of 15 May 1828, at the rate of #80 per An: instead of
under the Act of 18 March 1818, at the rate of #96 per an: The whole
Amt. of his Annual pension, is #480.
the payments to be made
to him at the ensueing semi annual payments, are as follows, viz:
Under the act of 15th May, 1828, $40, under the Act of 1st April, 1844,
#50, and under the act of 27" Feby 1865. $150
Thank you: &c:
D. Wright Esq.
Pen: Aft.
Albany, N.Y.
540
No. 43

Act 28 -
Page 56

Increase
Congress by act April 1. 1864 added 100 dollars
to surviving Revolutionary Pensioners thus making the
Annual pension of
Samuel Downing, N.Y. roll
$180 pr annum - the increase to commence
Jany 1. 1864
Letters to
Pensioner & Pension Agent sent
April 4, 1864
Act May 15 1828
Ira prior
Clerk
540
596