Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16264, for William A Sumner, New Hampshire

SERVICE
N H.
Sumner, William A.
NUMBER
S. 16264.
md Star 9/18/12
boarded
CONTENTS

33,142
Ohio, Cleveland William A. Sumner of Youngstown City the State of Ohio who was a Private in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the [blank] Station time for 6 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of [blank] at the rate of 28 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of June 1833 and sent to James Callaway
Arrears to the 4th of March 1831 Semi-annual allowance ending Ohio
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. Recorded by [blank] Clerk. Book 62, Vol. 8, Page 52.

✓ 38,436 Aug 23/32 William A. Sumner, Ohio.
June 7 th 1832.
James Hathaway, Chardon, Ohio.

State of Ohio } On this 4 th day of August A.D. 1852 Geauga County ss. } Before me James Rootthaway a Notary Public in and for said County personally appeared John A. Sumner now a resident of Thompson in the County and State aforesaid, and late from Canada West, aged 83 years old who being first duly sworn doth on oath depose and say, that in the time of the Revolutionary war he resided in Claremont in the State of New Hampshire and further states that his brother William A. Sumner served one tour in the Revolutionary war from the State of New Hampshire that he well remembers the time when his brother William A. returned from the army and of his coming to Claremont to see him, that he has often heard his said brother relate his Revolu- tionary service and tell the names of his officers and of his serving six months in said war & of enlisting under Capt Fry, and speaking of Col Scovell & Dearborn that he and his Brother William A. have resided in Canada West for some years past until lately, when they came to Thompson Geauga Co. Ohio. That he never saw his brother William A. bearing arms in said war but from what he has heard him relate of his ser- vice and his knowledge of his living with his uncle in Swanzey joining the army from said Swanzey and returning from the army after dis- charged & seeing him fresh from the Army he has no doubt but what his said brother served six months in said war. and that William A. is a person of truth & veracity, John A. Sumner

Sworn & Subscribed before me this 4 th day of August 1852. And I further certify that from the oath of A. B. Sumner with whom I am well acquainted I believe the above deponent John A. Sumner to be a person of truth & veracity.
Witness my hand & Seal Officially This 4 th day of August A.D. 1852,
James Washburn, Notary Public,

The State of Ohio, On this 17 th day of August A.D. 1852 Geauga County ss. } Before me James Heathaway, a Notary Public in and for said County personally appeared Gordon Mearnsel a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged above 63 years who being first duly sworn doth on oath depose and say that he formerly resided in Bristol Vermont and that he was for a number of years per- sonally acquainted with William A. Sumner who resided in said Bristol and was reported to of been a Revolutionary soldier from Hampshire, that he resided within two miles of said William A. and often heard him relate of his being a Revolu- tionary soldier, the truth of which he never heard any one question, and he has no doubt of the fact, and from his personal knowledge of the said William A. believes him to be a person of truth and veracity, that he was personally acquainted with John A. Sumner and Asor B. Sumner brothers of said William A. and believes them to be persons of truth that the said William A. removed from Bristol Vt to Potsdam in the State of New York he thinks about the year 1812. and from common report removed from Potsdam to Canada West about the year 1816. and that said William A. lately came from Canada West to Geauga Co. Ohio. that he met him not long since and knew him without having any intimation of his being in the country or expected.
Gordon Mearnsel
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year first above written, and from my own personal knowledge the said Gordon Mearnsel is a person of truth and probity, and that the following words were interlined in the above affidavit before signed to wit: "Soldier, Soldier, the truth, the said William A."
Witness my hand & Seal Officially, this 17 th day of August, A.D. 1852.
James Heathaway Notary Public.

The State of Ohio,
Geauga County p)
I Alfred Phelps Judge of the Probate Court in and for said County do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Azor B. Sumner and Gordon Munsell who have made the foregoing affidavits relative to their knowledge from reputation & tradition of the Revolutionary service of William A. Sumner who made his pension application before me on the 31 st day of July A.D. 1852, and from my personal knowledge do certify that they are persons of truth and probity. And I further certify that it would have been attended with much trouble & inconvenience & expense to the applicant to have procured the attendance of said Azor B. Sumner at the time of said application, and that I am informed & believe, that said applicant was at that time ignorant of the fact that said Gordon Munsell resided in this County.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my name and affix the seal of said Court, this 18 th day of August A.D. 1852
Alfred Phelps Probate Judge

The State of Ohio } On this 31 st day of July A.D. 1852 Geauga County ss. Personally appeared before the Probate Judge in and for said county, at his office in the Court House at Chardon, in the County & State aforesaid William A. Sumner now of said County of Geauga and for- merly a resident of Middlesex County, Canada West aged 88 years the 1 st day of last March, who being first duly sworn doth on his said oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act engrossed June 7 th A.D. 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated, that he volunteered at Swanzey in the State of New Hampshire in the year 1780, under Capt. Fry of Colonel Bennett's Regiment to serve in the Revolutionary war for the term of six months, and was accepted by said Capt. Fry which he believes was in May 1780, marched to West Point where he passed muster and was at- tached to Capt. Benjamin Ellis's Company, and signed the Regimental Books with his own hand and was attached to Col. Henry Dearborn's Regiment, he was then seventeen years of age. Then crossed the River at West Point and marched down the East side of the River to Kings Ferry and crossed the River again into Jersey and encamped at a place called the Eng- lish neighborhood above New Ark, there were four Regiments in the Brigade of which Col. Hagen had command, he was in the belief that his service commenced about May 1 st 1780, & was discharged about the 10 th of December the same year, he rec d a written discharge signed by Capt. Benjamin Ellis & Col. Dearborn said discharge has long since been lost, that he had for his General Barron Stuken, who was with them at the Highlands Jonathan Silly was his Lieutenant, Thomas Parker of Swanzey was his Orderly Sergeant, in the same company Corporals Patrick Bane & Mr. Ray and the following were privates with him to wit; Timothy Apple- by, Saml. Willard, Joseph Knapp & Joseph Rosner, Saml. Willard was transferred to General Putnam's Infantry, he further states that he was at Orange Town when Major Andre was executed & marched from Orange Town to West Point and remained there a short time then crossed the River to the Highlands and commenced to build barracks for winter quarters, before the barracks were completed

he with above fifty others were sent to Croton River to guard the ford to intercept cattle stealers, that after he left the service he resided a short time in the State of Vermont, then went to New Brunswick and remained there until 1799, then returned and lived in the Town of Weston in the State of Connecticut until about the year 1802, then removed to Bristol Vermont, and after residing there a few years he removed to Potsdam in the State of New York where he resided until the close of the war of 1812, before the close of said war of 1812 he volunteered into said service under Capt. Polly and some ten or 15 days after the close of said war he removed to Middlesex County Canada West, where he resided until a short time past, that when the Patriot war broke out he left Canada and came to the State of Ohio where he remained until hostilities ceased he has two brothers now residing in Geauga County to wit A. or B. Sumner & John A. Sumner, and Mrs. Hannah White with whom he is well acquainted and who can testify to his character for truth and veracity. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State. He further states that on the 9th day of January 1852, at Port Stanley, Canada West he executed the annexed application on the Secret of Mrs. Hampshire for a certificate of his Revolutionary service that when he executed said application for record proof of his service he had no documentary evidence of his service nor did he know of any, he was in no battles during said service. Sworn & subscribed this 31 st day of July A.D. 1852. Before me Alfred Phelps Probate Judge William A. Sumner
And I the said judge do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states, and that the foregoing contains original proceeding had before me in the matter of the application of William A. Sumner for a pension. Alfred Phelps Probate Judge

101 The State of Ohio I James Northway of lawful age Greene County, Ohio) a resident of Charleston Ohio being first duly sworn according to law do on oath depose and say that in behalf of the in the Summer, the foregoing Pension applicant I forwarded the annexed application for proof of his voluntary service to the Secretary of War, Philadelphia and rec d the return of said application together with the annexed Certificate of service, and further depose saith not.
James Northway
Sworn & subscribed this 2 21 st day of July 1852
Before me Alfred Phelps Probate Judge

Fort Stanley January 9 th 1852.
The Secretary of the State of New Hampshire is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the records in his office of my service in the War of the Revolution. I was a resident of Swanzy in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire, and in year 1780 capt. Fry of Colonel Scamell's Regiment, then commanded by Col. Searbarn who was sent out to raise recruits for said Regiment and in the year 1780, at the said Town of Swanzy I volunteered to serve in said War for the term of six months, and was accepted by the said capt. Fry, and passed muster, then marched to West Point, where I again passed muster and signed the Regimental Books with my own hand and was attached to capt. Benjamin Ellis's company in the Regiment commanded by Col. Henry Searbarn. I was there sometime years rid. we then crossed the River at West Point and marched down the east side of the River to Kings Ferry and crossed the River again into Jersey and encamped, at a place called the English neighborhood above New Ark. There were four Regiments in the Brigade of which Col. Hazen had the command. I entered said Regiment, about the 1 st May, 1780. and received my discharge about the 10 th of December, 1780. My discharge was signed by capt. Benjamin Ellis and Col. Searbarn, said discharge is lost. Amasa Parkin of said Swanzy was an Ordinary Sergeant and corporal named Nathan Rasey, but corporal Ray, in said service, names of recruits, Timothy O'Brien, Langley Willard, Joseph Hughes, and Joseph Rasey brother to corporal Rasey, Langley Willard, was transferred to General Tappett's Infantry. Had for my General Barrow Steuben, who was with us at the Highlands. Also in said service Lieutenant Bass, of capt. Fry's company, and Major Scott of Col. Scamell's Regiment. I was on duty when General Arnold turned traitor, was at Orange Town, when Major Andre was executed. We marched from Orange Town to West Point, and remained there a short time, then crossed the River to the Highlands and commenced to build log barracks for Winter Quarters. Before the Barracks were completed, I was sent with about fifty others to Croton river to guard the ford and intercept British parties. I am now in the 88 th year of my age. I have never duty as in double received one shilling for said service over and above my rations.
App Captain Benjamin Ellis of the 1 st Regiment of New Hampshire Troops.

and received my discharge about the 10 th of December, 1780. My discharge was signed by Capt Benjamin Ellis and Col. Searbarn. Said discharge is lost. Amasa Parker of said company was an Orderly Sergeant and corporal named Salter Rasey, one corporal Ray, in said service, names of recruits, Timothy O'Brien, Langley Willard, Joseph Hughes, and Joseph Rasey brother to corporal Rasey, Langley Willard, was transferred to General Varnum's Infantry. Had for my General Barrow Steuben, who was with us at the Highlands, also in said service Lieutenant Cass, of Capt. Smy's company, and Major Scott of Col. Crary's Regiment. I was on duty when General Arnold turned traitor , was at Orange Town, when Major Andr was executed. We marched from Orange Town to West Point, and remained there a short time, then crossed the River to the Highlands and commenced to build log barracks for Winter Quarters. Before the Barracks were completed, I was sent with about fifty others to Croton river to guard the ford and intercept Loyalist Stealers . I am now in the 88 th year of my age. I have never duty as in duty received and shilling for said service over and above my rations.
William A. Sumner
to the War Dept.

State of New Hampshire. Secretary of State's Office.
I do hereby certify, That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the war of the Revolution, which remain in this office, it appears that the name of William A. Sumner is borne upon the list of New Levies for 1780 — Town he went for, Swansey; Entry June 28. 1780; Discharge, Dec. 19; Days allowed to travel home, 9.
And upon a "Pay Roll for the New Levies raised by the State of New Hampshire in the year 1780 to serve in the Continental Army for the term of six months" is borne the name of Wm. A. Sumner — Time in service 6 months, Amount of wages, £12.; Allowance for Blanket, clothing &c. 5; Interest from Jan'y 1st 1781, 0.13. 7; Amo. in good money 17. 13. 7. —
In testimony whereof, I have

The State of Ohio
Geauga County ss.) On this 4 th day of August A.D. 1852
Before me James Hathaway Notary Public in and for said County personally appeared Azor B. Sumner, a resident of Thompson in the County & State aforesaid, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his said oath depose and say that he is aged about 76, and that he is a brother of William A. Sumner who is now in Geauga County and lately from Canada West, that he well remembers of hearing his father relate the Revolutionary service of his said brother William A. and tell of his serving in said war six months and he has often heard his said Brother William A. relate his service and tell of of serving in the American Revolution one tour of six months of which he has no doubt that said William A. entered the service from Swanzey in the State of New Hampshire as he has always understood where he was living with his uncle Clement Sumner, that he has no doubt but what his said brother Wm A. served in said Revolutionary war at least six months he never heard it related of his serving only one tour, and that he is a friend of his. Azor B. Sumner
Sworn & subscribed before me this 4 th day of August 1852, and I further certify from my personal knowledge that the above deponent is a person of truth & veracity.
Witness my hand & seal officially this 4 th day of August A.D. 1852.
James Hathaway Notary Public.

V34.378 William A. Sumner's Pension Application
on roll M. 76 Vol 4. New Series, 1, from 28 June to 19 Dec 1861
Wm S. Whittier RR

The State of Ohio County of Geauga ss.
On this twenty fourth day of October in the year One thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Geauga William Augustus Sumner a resident of Westminster in the County of Middlesex London district, in the Province of Upper Canada aged Seventy four years on the 29 th day of February A.D. 1837, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832; That he enlisted into the Army of the United States at Swansea in the State of New Hampshire on or about the first day of May in the year 1780 in Captain Benjamin Ellis' Company in the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Scamell, which Regiment he believes, was the first New Hampshire Regiment, that said Regiment was under the immediate command of the Lieutenant Colonel thereof who was Col. Henry Dearborn, Col. Scamell most of the time during the declarants service acting as aid to Genl. Washington. The Major's name was Wait, and the Adjutant Byington. The Lieutenant of the Company was Jonathan Gilley. The Amasa Parker named in the deposition herewith transmitted was the orderly Sergeant of said Company; that he enlisted for six months or during that Campaign and the order for enlistment, was made to fill up vacancies in the above Regiment, which was stationed at West-point, to which place he with 6 other recruits from Capt. Morris' Hills militia Company in Swansea immediately repaired, where he wrote his own name in the Regimental Books and entered upon duty. Soon after he was confined for a short time in the Hospital with a lame foot occasioned by a stone bruise. The Hospital was in what was called the Robinson farm in the Barn. General Arnold who then commanded West-point, had his quarters in Robinson's house, and he recollects frequently seeing him visiting the men at the hospital. After his foot got well he went upon duty. saw Genl. Washington, Green & Heath while there. In a short time after, the Army marched from West-point, leaving Genl. Arnold in command of that post, crossed the River, marched down on the east side

through the highlands to Kings ferry he thinks, where they recrossed & went down as far as to a place called English-neighbourhood where the army remained for a time; he marched to this place with the army & remained with it at English-neighbourhood doing duty until it left. While here he recollects hearing the news of Arnold's treason & escape. For three nights about the time the Army lay on their arms. From English neighbourhood he marched with the army to Hackensack, halted there for a short time, and in the month of September marched to Orange town where the army lay for a while - In the month of October, he left Orange town with the Army marched to West-point, remained in tents a few days, then crossed the River at the ferry above Robinson's farm, marched into the highlands, & commenced building barracks. Soon after he marched with a detachment commanded by Captain Goshin to Pine's Bridge across the Croton River to oppose the Cow-boys, in which service he remained about three weeks when he returned, with the detachment, to the encampment of the Army in the highlands, at which time the barracks were completed, and in a few days thereafter received his discharge signed by Col. Henry Sharborn, which was near the first of December. Having served as he distinctly recollects for three weeks beyond the six months for which he enlisted, viz; having served six months & three weeks. - The discharge he afterwards deposited in the drawer of his Uncle's desk with whom he lived & it got behind the drawer & could not be found when he left his Uncle, & though afterwards discovered, he has never received it again. After his discharge he resided at Swansea afterwards removed to Belmont & resided there several years then to Hebron Connecticut where he married. Afterwards settled in Bristol State of Vermont where he lived 6 or 7 years, then moved to Potsdam State of New York where he lived until 1817 when he removed to his present residence in Canada.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State. -
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Wm. A. S. Sumner
D. D. Aiken Clerk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I David D. Aiken Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Geauga, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Augustus Sumner for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 31 st day of October A. D. 1837.
D. D. Aiken Clerk

William A. Sumner's
Pension Declaration

State of New York } ss: St Lawrence County. }
William Carpenter and Lucina Carpenter his wife of the town of Potsdam in said County, being severally sworn, each each for himself and herself depose and say, that they resided at Swanzy in the State of New Hampshire during the Revolutionary War, that they were well acquainted with William A. Sumner who resided in the same town and who now resides in the township of Westminster in London District in the Province of Upper Canada, and further that the said William A. Sum- ner lived in the family of the said Lucina's father during some part of the Revolutionary War, and the said William Carpenter also boarded there at the same time, and these deponents both say that they well recollect that the said William A. Sumner enlisted into the Revolutionary Army, for the period of six months, and left home, as they both think, in the month of May and returned home in the month of December of the same year, which they always understood to be the same year in which General

Arnold directed the American Army at West Point and joined the British. They both recollect of hearing from the said William A. Sumner while he was absent and learning that he was in the army, and the said William Carpenter saith on his oath that he recollects having conversation with one Amasa Parker who served in the Continental army a long time, soon after the return of the said Sumner, in which the said Parker informed the said William Carpenter that he knew the said Sumner in the army and that he made a good soldier. and the said Lucina for herself saith that she well recollects that the said Sumner was sixteen years of age the 29 th day of February or 1 st day of March, before he enlisted, being one year older than herself, and she also well remembers seeing the discharge which the said Sumner brought home with him from the army and that it was signed by Col. Henry Dearborn. and these deponents both say that they always understood and as verily believe that the said William A. Sumner did enlist into the Revolutionary army for the period of six months, and serve out his said

Period of enlistment and obtain a regular discharge. They think he was not drafted but enlisted as a substitute for some person who was drafted.
Sworn this 3 rd day of November 1836. both the said William Carpenter and the said Lucina Carpenter before me
Benjamin G. Baldwin Justice of the Peace.
I hereby certify that I am acquainted with the above named William Carpenter and Lucina Carpenter and believe them to be respectable persons and that their testimony is entitled to full faith and credit -
Dated November 3 rd 1836. B. G. Baldwin Just. Peace.
State of New York St Lawrence County { J. Haines Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Benjamin G. Baldwin Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits, purport to have been made, and whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Certificate was at the time of taking the said affidavits, and on the day of the date of the said Certificate a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly elected and sworn. And further that

I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice of the Peace and hereby believe that the signature to the said affidavit and certificate is genuine
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County this 25 day of November 1836
A. SMITH (R)
Please to address to Edwin F. Phelps Shardow, Geauga Co Ohio -

William A. Sumner Ohio.
Rejected
for letter 5 th March 1838 To E. Whittelsey.
Served less than six months.

V N o 38.436
W m A. Sumner Ohio
Jas Hathaway Dec 11/52
Adv June 7 1852

March 7. 1853
Asking a re-examination of William A. Sumner's case under the act of 7th June 1852.
Yours
Jas. Hathaway. Chardon Ohio.
Hon. J. L. Washington Cath. Comm. of Pension

P
16264
INVALID.
File No. 16264
William A. Summers
Pr. Ben Was
Act: June 7 th - 89
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 564
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Chardon Geauga Co. Ohio March 1 st 1853.
Sir
I request a re-examination of that pension claim of William A. Sumner, made under the act of June 7 th 1832, wherein I received your report under date of June 15 th December 11 th 1852.
In said report it is stated that "a man of his name performed six months service in the war of the Revolution, but the applicant is not sufficiently identified with that service, none of the witnesses were soldiers nor were they in a position to know of his service, it is remarkable, if he performed this service, that he has delayed until this late day to assert a claim for a pension. The clearest proof of service will be required."
Now Sir
I will in the first place state that Mr Sumner sent me a statement of his alleged service in a letter under date of October 19 th 1851, which was the first knowledge I had of his claim or of him, said letter I here with present, Mr Sumner then living at Canada West I wrote you for instructions in regard to the making his Declaration and received your answer under date of June 15 th 1852, informing that the Declaration must be made before a Court of Record in the U.S. The Certificate of the Secretary of New Hampshire showing the service of William A. Sumner to be for same

length of time and under the same officers as alleged by applicant also the commencement and term of service terminating being the same as alleged by applicant or as near as any one would be likely to remember, which together with the affidavits of Gordon Munsell, Azor B. Sumner & John A. Sumner, showing their traditional knowledge of what they had heard related of the Revolutionary Service of said William A. Sumner, makes a very strong proof of identity together with the oath of applicant places the identity beyond a a doubt, Now in regard to applicants delaying until so late a date before mak- ing his application, by referring to his statement it will be seen that he has resided until of late in Canada, West, ever since any of the Revolutionary pension acts have been passed and knew but little or nothing of his being entitled to a pension which is a good reason for not applying for a pension at an earlier date, it is true that in the time of the Patriot troubles in Canada Mr Sumner left Canada & came to Ohio and remained a short time and returned all of the above- recited proofs now on file with his application; what clearer proof of service can be made in this case than is made or showing the certificate of the Secretary of New Hampshire and the oath of applicant & the oaths of John A. Sumner Azor B. Sumner, & Gordon Munsell, swearing to the credibility of said W m A. Sumner, together with the Certificate of the Probate Judge before whom Mr W m A. Sumner made his application, all is most respectfully submitted, formerly the oath of the applicant & proof of credibility together with some tra- ditionary proof was sufficient, in the case the records of New Hampshire confirm applicant's statement,

Most Respectfully your Obedt Servant James  Heathaway
Hon J. E. Heath, Commr of pensions Washington City D. C.

Memorandum

Wm A. Summers, Ohio (Geauga co) At June 7, 1882
Decl n made July 31, 1852.
Aged 88. years
Volunteered at Swanzy N.H. in 1780, thinks in May, under Capt Fry of Col Scammon's Regt to serve for 6 mos
March d to W Point, joined muster, attached to Capt Ellis' co & signed Reg t books with his own hand, & was attached to Col H. Dearborn's Regt - Was then 17 yrs of age - [Error of 1 year somewhere] Crossed River at W Point & marched down to King's Ferry - Crossed again into Jersey. Encamped at English neighborhood above Newark, - 4 Regts there in the Brigade of which Col Hazen had command.
Dis Discharged about 10th Decr. written discharge signed by Capt Benj Ellis & Col Dearborn. lost -
Genl Aaron Sturtevant - He was with them at the Highlands was silly & orderly Lieut. A. Parker of Swanzy, Corporals Pat Rasey & Ray and the following privates T. Alport, S. Willard, J. Hughes & J. Rosney, Willard transfer d to Lafayette's Infy. Was at Franktown when Andre executed, - From there to W Point - cross d river to Highlands & commenced to build Barracks for winter qrs.

Before barracks completed, marched to Boston Riv to guard ford winter catch cattle stealers -
After left service - resided short time in At Then went to New Brunswick there until 1799 - Weston, Conn till 1802 Bristol Vt few yrs. Potsdam N Y, till after close of war of 12 (Served in that war under Col. Pelly 10 or 15 days) Mid-Hesse Co Canada W. until short time past (Came to Ohio & stayed, during Patriot war) where
Has 2 Bros. & knows Mers Honor White - who can testify to his character &c.
Certificate of Secy of N. H. and rolls in this office show service from June 28. 1780 to Decr 19. 81 as allowed for travel - Pay £12 - Blankets, clothing &c 5; - "Town he went for, Swanzey ".
Service - Aft of his brothers John A- and Azar.
Contemporary understanding & reputation. & tradition.
Gurton Merrill as to reputation of service

Letter of Dec 11. 52. suspending case for insufficient proof of identity and for delay. First letter from Canadian files since, explains much delay accounted for by residence in Canada since 1832.
Identity -
Letter from claimant, written in Canada Oct 17. 1851 giving a circumstantial account of his services.
Similar letter to Secy of N.H. Jany 9. 1852.
Both corresponding with the declaration.
Declarants narrative corresponds with the history of the times. Affts of both his brothers - giving, so far as they go accounts similar to his own, and adding others. not inconsistent with them. Afft of Merrill, who knew him at Bristol Vt. and who promptly recognised him in Ohio, tho' not having had any intimation of his presence or being expected.
Declarant & witnesses all sign their own names.
In declarants letter first mentioned, "he states that Sawyer Wells of Chardon obtained for knowledge of his service from Warrenton his service from Warrenton in 1837. The Patriot troubles  wars commenced, in the year 37. This agrees with his statement that he was in Ohio during the Patriot war.
Recapitulation
Service - proved by Certif of Sec of N.H. & by Rolls in Pension Office
Identity - shown by residence - dates - and by the remarkable correspondence of the narrative with the history of the war, at the same time that it clearly does not depend upon that history.
Also by affidavits of his two brothers and Merrill - and the general correspondence of his entire narrative with known facts.
See former appeal in wrong, rejected - Confirmatory

Chardon Geauga Co. Ohio August 18 th 1852.
Sir
I herewith transmit to your office the Pension application of William H. Sumner, made under the act of June 7 th 1852. together with his proofs.
Very Truly your most Obedt Servant
James Hathaway
Hon J. E. Heath, Comm r of Pensions Washington City, D. C.

William A. Sumner Ohio
Act 7. June 1832
Admitted - private 6 mos from Mar 4. 1831 - at $ 20. per annum
Agent James Hathaway Chardon Ohio

Brief in the case of William A. Sumner Geauga County and State of Ohio act June 7. 1832.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Service - Certif of Secy of N. Hampshire & Rolls in Pension Office clearly show 6 mos service in 1780 - afft of his brother & tradition. Identity - Affidavits of his two brothers and of Munsell - very positive, and remarkable coincidence of his narrative with the known history of his regiment, of the war, and of subsequent facts. (not evidently copying the history) - Delay Explained by residence in Canada since war of 1812
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
During a temporary stay in Ohio during the Patriot war in 1887. The claimant made an application for pension for the same service, which was rejected through a misapprehension of the duration of his service - not allowing the time days allotted for his return from West Point.
In that case the evidence of identity is very strong - being the affts of 2 persons who knew him in N.H. both before & after his service - he having lived in the family of the father of one of them and she having seen his discharge.
The former declaration, gives still other incidents of the service, &c
Name and residence of Agent
Jas Hathaway Chardon Ohio
S. G. Dodge Examining Clerk.

William A. Sumner Port Stanley Canada West of Oct r 17 th 1851 and 30 Oct r 1851. Claim Good,

Port Stanley October 17 th 1851
Sir!
I have in my possession the 'Essex' with your signature signed to it, as agent for Brandy Island, for services of the late War with Great Britain.
In the year 1780. I resided in the Town of Swainsay, State of New Hampshire. Captain Fry (of Colonel, Seammans Regiment, commanded by Colonel Scarbarn) was sent out to raise recruits, to fill up the said Regiment. I then "Volunteered" and passed muster under the said, Capt. Fry. We then marched to West Point, where I again passed muster and signed the Regimental Books, with my own hand. We crossed the River at West Point, and marched down to Kings Ferry, and crossed over into the Jersey, and camped at a place called the English settlement, above New Ark. There were four Regiments in the Brigade, which was commanded by Colonel Hagen. I entered the Regiment, the 13 th of May 1780. and received my discharge about the 5 th of December following. My discharge was signed by Colonel, Scarbarn, and Captain Benjamin Ellis. Our orderly sergeant was Amasa Parker, of Swainsay. I served as a Volunteer in the United States Service, I was on duty when General Arnold turned traitor. Was at Brandy Town when Major Andre, was executed. I regret not having taken care of my discharge. But am satisfied that my name is on the Regimental Books in Washington. I know this from the fact that Sawyer Wells of Charlestown, wrote to Washington in 1834, and informed me that my name was there recorded. I perceive from the recited Act passed June 7 th 1832. that I am entitled to a Pension, from the 1 st March 1831. and perhaps for a much longer period. I am old and infirm, and had all that I can get. If you can procure my back pay, you will please communicate with Mr. Bennett, Custom House, Port Stanley Canada West. Inform him what will be required to secure my claim, and whether he or I will have to see you in person. Say what amount I can get and when, Hold your charge for procuring the same. Your immediate answer, will meet with prompt attention.
Yours truly, William Agustinus Sumner
(Original Will and signed Sumner)