Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W . 4311, for Abner Prior, Connecticut

SERVICE
Conn.
Prior, Abner Abigail
NUMBER _____
Ms. 4311
{ B. L. Wt. 1666-400-Major Issued May 20, 1791. No papers.
CONTENTS

Chic Pittsburgh 47
Abigail Prior of Jefferson in the State of Ohio who was a in the  con  ed by Captain of the  con  ed by in the  con  ed for Moore of Abner Prior who was a Major in the Revolution during the war
Inscribed on the Roll of Chic Pitts at the rate of 600 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of Sept 1836 and sent Hon 76 . H. Leavitt Mansville Ohio
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1836 $3301.00 Pemi-ant. allowance ending Mar 37 307.00 $3608.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Addison Clerk, Book A 1 Vol. 1 — Page 198
Payments in this case to be made to Daniel L. Collier Esq guardian the Pensions who is a non com- mentis
Dead. See letters to Hon H. H. Leavitt 6 October 1836 - & 24 Dec. 1836 to Hon. D. Kilgore - also May 3. 1837 to Hon. H. H. Leavitt, A. M. Hening & P. Agt.

I Abigail Allyn of Hartford in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut do depose and say. That I was well acquainted with the late Major Abner Prior. His wife Abigail (who was her daughter of Benjamin Allyn) before the War of the Revolution. I lived with the family of Major Abner Prior in Windsor during the War of the Revolution, & previous to that War I lived with my father in Windsor. I was well acquainted with their children. Abner Ann & Allyn, who were all born before the year 1776. They afterwards had three more children Harriet Abigail & Sally. I continued to live in the same house with the said Major Abner Prior & his wife Abigail, until they removed from Windsor to the State of Ohio, which I think was in the year 1796. I was born on the 30th day of Sept. 1757 & from my earliest recollection knew them only as husband & wife, so respected by all, & I never heard or doubt suggested of the legality of their marriage.
Abigail Allyn
State of Connecticut } County of Hartford }
August 17th 1836
Personally appeared Abigail Allyn & made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by her subscribed, who is by me known to be a credible witness,
Before me,
Philo A. Goddard Just of Peace
State of Connecticut } County of Hartford }
I. Philo A. Goddard Clerk
of the County Court for the County of Hartford do hereby certify that Philo A. Goddard is a

Magistrate as above, regularly commissioned & sworn - That I am acquainted with his hand writing. That the forgoing signature purporting to be his is genuine, and that full faith & credit are due to his official acts.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said County Court. & subscribed my name this seventeenth day of August in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred & 36.
Phil Algoodin Clerk

I Moses Goodwin of Hartford in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut do depose I say - That I was well acquainted with the late Major Abner Prior, & his wife Abigail (who was a daughter of Benjamin Allyn) before the War of the Revolution. They lived about half a mile from my fathers house & just beyond the Windsor line. I was often at their house, & with their children, Abner, Ann, & Allyn, who were all born before the year 1776. They afterwards had three more children, Harriet, Abigail & Sally. I continued well acquainted with the said Major Abner Prior & his wife Abigail, until they removed from Windsor to the State of Ohio, which I think was in the year 1796. I was born on the 5 th of March 1759, & from my earliest recollection knew them only as husband & wife, so reputed by all, & I never heard a doubt suggested of the legality of their marriage.
Moses Goodwin
State of Connecticut Hartford County } Aug t 16. 1836
Personally appeared Moses Goodwin & made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed: & certify he is a credible witness Before me J. Tousey Justice of Peace
State of Connecticut } County of Hartford } J. Philo Goodwin Clerk of the County Court for said County of Hartford do

hereby certify that Isaac Govey is a magistrate as above, regularly commissioned & sworn - That I am acquainted with his hand writing, & that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine, and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said County Court & subscribed my name this sixteenth day of August in the Year of our Lord A.D. 1836
Philo A. Goodwin Clerk

Department of War Bounty Land Office Dec r 4. 1833
Sir
I have the honor to inform you, that a Land Warrant N o  1066 was issued for 400 acres May 20 1791 to Abner Paine , who was a Major of the Conn a line in the Revol n army. For information respecting its being Patented, may be obtained on application to O'Hayward Esq r Comm r of the Gen l Land Office, the subject of pay &c refers itself to P. Hagned Esq r 3 d Aud r to whom your letter is this day referred —
with respect
Yours Ob t &c E. Stephens
Hon. H. H. Learitt Ho. of Reps

District of Ohio p.
Be it remembered that on the 12 th day of September AD 1836 before Humphrey H. Leavitt Judge of the District Court of the United States for the District of Ohio personally appeared Abigail Hening wife of James G. Hening Esqr. of the town of Steubenville in the county of Jefferson and State of Ohio, who being first duly sworn deposes and saith, that she is the daughter of Mrs. Abigail Prior widow of Major Abner Prior by the marriage of the said Major Prior with the said Abigail Prior - That she is now of the age of fifty six years, having been born in the town of Windsor in the State of Connecticut in May 1780 - That she has no recollection, or personal knowledge of the service of her father Major Abner Prior, in the war of the revolution - but knows from conversation, which she has had with her father, and from what she has repeatedly heard from him and others, that he did serve first as a Captain in the revolutionary war, and afterwards as a Major, in the Connecticut line - That this service was extended till the close of the war - That from the close of the war till the year 1796 he resided according to the best recollection of the affiant, with his family in the State of Connecticut - That some time in the year 1796 he removed from Connecticut, with his family, and settled on the Ohio river, at a place called Point Pleasant, and upon a tract of land which the affiant always understood to have been located by him under a warrant issued in his favour for services rendered in the war of the revolution - That two years after his settlement on the Ohio river as aforesaid he died of the Asthma, produced by a fall from his horse during an engagement in which he participated in the revolutionary war -
This affiant is unable to state the precise time of the

marriage of her father and her mother - though she knows the fact that they had six children before the commencement of the revolutionary war - three of whom died in their infancy - In relation to the marriage of her father and mother she states, that she knows that they lived together as husband and wife as aforesaid and were universally known and reputed as such. - She further states, that the said Abigail Prior, her mother, is the widow of the said Major Prior, and was never legally married to any other person - that they were united in the relation of husband and wife during the whole period of the revolutionary war, and up to the time of the death of Major Prior.
This affiant further states, that from information derived from her mother and others, she is satisfied her mother's age is now about ninety eight years - she has been a resident in this affiant's family for fifteen years last past - during all which time she has been infirm - but latterly she has been entirely helpless, and in a great degree deprived of memory and judgment.
Abigail W. Hening
District of Ohio, p.
It is hereby certified that on the said 12 th of Sept. 1876 the above named Abigail W. Hening appeared before me, and was duly sworn to and did subscribe the foregoing affidavit.
I also further certify, that I have been for several years past personally acquainted with the said Mrs. Abigail W. Hening - that she is a lady of the most unexceptionable character, whose statements under oath are entitled to the most implicit credence.
H. H. Severy Judge of the Dist. Court of the U. States, for the Ohio Dist.

Rev. WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4311
Abigail Prior Abner  Wid. Jefferson  Prior Major Rev. Wadsworth
Act: June 7. 82
Index:—Vol. M , Page 139
[Arrangement of 1870.]

May 3 rd
FREE
James L. Edwards Esq. Com d of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Newberville, (O), April 29 1837
Sir,
The papers entitling the heirs of the late Mrs Prior (widow of Major Abner Prior) to the amount of the pension due them were presented for payment, at the Pittsburgh Agency, some two months since. The agent delayed (upon what I thought a frivolous ground) to the payment of the money, without having first obtained the sanction of the Department, and promised to forward the papers to Washington, for instructions, and to notify the heirs here, as soon as he received his instructions. They have heard nothing from him since - and being anxious to avail themselves of the benefit of the amount due them as soon as possible, have requested me to ask your immediate attention to this subject. Will you do me the favour to see, that the proper instructions are forwarded to the Pittsburgh Agency, as soon as convenient?
I am with the highest respect
Yr. Mo. ob t serv t &c
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions
H. H. Smith

Oct 4
Abigail Prior Oct 1836
for
James L. Edwards Esq. Com r of Customs Washington D.C.
with this note

Heubenville, Sept r 30. 1836.
Sir,
I received, a day or two since, the pension certificate of Mrs. Abigail Prior, widow of Major Abner Prior - but I regret to say, that the old lady died about six days after the pension paper were mailed at this place, and precisely one week prior to the date of the certificate. I suppose, in this state of the case, her heirs can not avail themselves of the pension granted to the old lady. Will you have the goodness to inform me, what, (if any thing) can be done for them? If it is not in the competency of the department to afford any relief, would it not be advisable for them to make an application to Congress? Do you know of any precedent that would justify such a procedure?
The old lady, as I understand, has left but two children - Mr. Herring, of this place - and a Mrs.

Wadsworth, a poor and aged widow, now residing in Connecticut. Mr. Herring, by a reverse of fortune, has been reduced from a state of pecuniary independence to poverty - but poor as he is, and has been for years past, he has unselfishly borne the burden of supporting old Mrs Prior, and upon every principle of justice and equity, is entitled to some relief. He is now quite an old man, and but ill qualified to obtain a livelihood for himself and family.
You will, I trust, pardon me for intruding this matter upon your attention. I am well aware of the pressure of your official avocations - but I doubt not your benevolence will inspire you with a desire to do what may be in your power to smooth the declining years of the poor, but meritorious heir of the deceased widow of the patriotic Major Prior.
Be good enough to write me soon, on this subject - and in the mean time, accept the assurance of the strong personal and official respect of Mr. Mr. obb. servt.
James L Edwards Esq. Commr. Pension
H. H. H. H.

To the Hon. Commissioner of Pensions.
The undersigned, guardian of Mrs. Abigail Prior, now of Steubenville, in the state of Ohio, respectfully represents, that owing to the extreme age and infirmity of the said Mrs. Prior she is no longer in possession of her intellectual faculties, and is wholly incapable of transacting any business - and that your petitioner, in accordance with the statutes of Ohio, in such case made and provided has been duly appointed her guardian. Your petitioner has reason to believe and does believe, that the said Abigail Prior is entitled to an annuity or pension from the government of the United States, under the third section of the act of Congress of the 4 th of July 1836, entitled "An act granting half pay to widows and orphans where their husbands and fathers have died of wounds received in the Military service of the United States in certain cases, and for other purposes," as the widow of Major Abner Prior, an officer in the army of the Revolution, in the Connecticut line. Your petitioner having no personal knowledge of the facts and circumstances connected with the

service of Major Prior, or of the other facts necessary to show the right of the said Abigail Prior to a pension or annuity as aforesaid, would respectfully refer the Commission of Pensions to the affidavits, papers, and documents herewith transmitted, and to the rolls and records of the War Department, exhibiting satisfactory proof in support of the claim of Mrs. Prior. And your petitioner does hereby assert and make known her claim to a pension or annuity as aforesaid, and would respectfully request that it be allowed her.
Newbernville (Ohio), Sept. 12 th 1836. —
S. B. Bullard Guardian of Abigail Prior

service of Major Prior, or of the other facts, necessary to show the right of the said Abigail Prior to a pension or annuity, as aforesaid, would respectfully refer the Commission of Pensions, to the affidavits, papers, and documents, herewith transmitted, and to the rolls and records of the War Department, exhibiting satisfactory proof in support of the claim of Mrs Prior. And your petitioner does hereby assert and make known her claim to a pension or annuity, as aforesaid, and would respectfully request that it be allowed her.
Newbernville (Ohio), Sept. 12 th 1836. —
S. B. Bullock Guardian of Abigail Prior a Spinster

Stenberwille, Sept. 12. 1896
Sir
The letter of Mr. Grump, acting Commissioner of Pensions, under date of the 6 th inst. in relation to the Pension claim of Mrs. Abigail Prior has been duly received. Mr. Grump's letter is in reply to one written by me, asking information as to the proper mode of making claim to a pension, where the person entitled was of non sane mind and memory. Mr. G. suggests that the application in such a case must be made through a Committee . By the statute of Ohio the property and persons of such as are idiots, insane, or lunatic are committed to a guardian and in accordance with the suggestion contained in Mr. Grump's letter Daniel L. Collier Esq. of this place has been duly appointed her guardian, as will be seen from the certificate of his appointment herewith enclosed. He prefers the claim in behalf of Mrs. Prior as will be seen by reference to his petition.
Concerning the services of Major Prior, I apprehend there will be no room for doubt. His Commission as a Major you will find among the papers. There is also other testimony of his service among the papers. I would take leave to mention the fact, that while I had the honor to be a Member of Congress, I caused some inquiry to be instituted in relation to a supposed claim of Major Prior for arrearages of pay &c — This inquiry showed that he had been fully paid his Commission &c and that a warrant had issued for the land to which he was entitled. I refer you to the enclosed communications from the Bounty Land Office and the General Land Office addressed to me. And I would

respectfully suggest, that the establishment of his right to bounty land & commutation, which the record of Hon. Office exhibits, will also establish his service in the revolution under the present application of his widow. —
In relation to the proof of marriage, I trust you will find the proof as satisfactory as could be expected, all circumstances considered. I would hardly state, in relation to the affidavit of Mrs. Herring, (the daughter of Mrs. Prior) that she is a lady of great worth and respectability, and that she is entitled to full credit. Her husband is a man of great worth  high standing & respectability — reduced by a train of misfortunes, from opulence to poverty. If the pension can be procured it will be of the most essential service to a very meritorious couple, who are themselves now quite advanced in life, and on whom the burden of supporting Mrs. Prior has been thrown for many years past.
You can communicate in relation to this application either with D. L. Collier Esq. the guardian, or myself. — I would suggest the propriety of prompt action on this application, for the reason that Mrs. Prior will most certainly die in a very short time — indeed, that event is looked for daily — and I suppose that with her death terminates all possibility of procuring any benefit under the act of 1832.
Yours, with great respect
per Mr. H. L. Sprague
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com. of Pensions

Comptrollers Office Hartford Connecticut August 10th 1836
I certify that the name of Capt Abner Prior appears on the Books of the Connecticut State now in this Office, and it also appears that he served in the capacity of Capt from Jan y 1 st 1777 to Jan y 1 st 1780 and he is credited for amount of wages on the same book $432— He is also noted on the same book as serving in the capacity of Capt from Jan y 1 st 1780 to August 27 th 1780 and is credited for wages $94-16— This service was rendered in the 5 th Connecticut Regiment commanded by Colonel Philip B Bradley.
The name of Abner Prior also appears on the pay table Books where he is named under date of September 18 th 1782 as holding the rank of Major Wm Field Comptroller

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED
For Abner Prior Esquire Greeting. We, Reposing special trust confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct, and Fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you to be Major in the fourth Connecticut Regiment in the Army of the United States, to take rank as such from the 27 th day of August 1780 . You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Major by doing and performing all manner of things therein belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers, under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as then And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time, as you shall receive from this, or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States, or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress forementioned, or a Committee of the States.
Entered in the War Office and examined by the Board
Attest [Signature]
Secretary of the Board of War
Witness His Excellency Thomas M c Kin Esquire President of the Congress of the United States of America, at Philadelphia the 20 th day of October 1781, and in the sixth year of our Independence.
Thos M c Kin President

General Land Office
Decem r 14 1833
Sir,
Land Warrant N o 1666 for 400 acres, in the name of Abner Prior, located in April 1799 by Cairmorand Medowell, with several others amounting to 4000 acres, on Sec 3 in Township 6. Range 8 United States Military District, Ohio.
I am Sir,
Very respectfully
Your O bt Servt.
Elijah Hayward
P.S. Mr. Stephens' letter is returned.
Hon.
H. H. Searritt
House of Reps.

Merchants & Manufacturers Bldg Pittsburgh March 25 th 1837.
Sir, I have the honor to forward Warrant in case of Abigail Frazar deceased, in lieu of Abigail Frazar deceased, at the date of Bro Pullen's per annum commencing on the 1 st March 1831. As the children of said Frazar are living in different States, and the sum being of an important nature will request your kind directions respecting it.
Yours Respectfully Abigail Frazar Heath State for Mr. Frazar M.W.
J. S. Edwards Esq. Carnegie Hall Washington City

2/10/24 M c Clusky J. S. Edwards heirs of Mr. Prior Pitt Ohio roll
FREE
J. S. Edwards Esq. Comm ee of Seniors Washington City P. O.

Stockville April 15 th 1837
J. J. Edwards Esq r D r Sir
Although the subject of the following communication cannot claim your attention as a right, yet I would humbly solicit your attention to it, and an immediate answer.
As Attorney for the collection of a Pension due the heirs of M rs Lewis I presented the necessary papers at the office in Pitt ts - The Agent felt satisfied himself with regard to the correctness of them but said that in paying such an amount it would be necessary for him to submit them to the inspection of the Department. Among the papers was a letter from yourself saying that the pension would be paid in Pitt ts - (and written to Judge Seavitt). The Agent sent the papers immediately to you, and I presume the press of business has prevented you from giving an answer at an earlier date. Will you be kind enough to answer the

letter of the Agent with your opinion as to the immediate payment of it - he wished nothing else than your assent to the payment of it as a matter of course; and by referring to the case, with your former opinion I doubt not you will be enabled to arrive at a favorable conclusion. Please answer immediately, with your opinion to the Agent in Sitt 1 ; and although an entire stranger to you; your kind attention will be remembered with gratitude by Sir
Your Most
To J. L. Edwards Esq y Obedient Servant Com d of Pension P. M. Hening

47 Dec 20
James L. Edwards Esq. Present
H. D. Kilgore H. R.

Hall of the House of R.
Dec. 29 th 1836
James L. Edwards Esq. Sir
I have received a letter from the Hon. A. H. Leavitt of Steubenville, Ohio, stating that through his agency Mrs. Abigail Prior, the widow of a Major Prior, was placed on the pension roll, and that a few days before the date of the certificate, but after the papers relating to her claim had been placed on file, she died. He states further, that some doubt arising in his mind as to the course proper for her heirs to pursue, to obtain the amount supposed to be due at the date of her death, he addressed a note to you requesting information on the subject, and that he received for reply, that you had submitted the question to the Atty: General for his opinion.

Since when he has received no information in relation to the matter. I am requested by Mr. Scavitt to ask you for the information he sought, or the Atty. General's opinion on the subject.
As early a reply to this note, as your con- -venience will permit, will oblige
Your Ph. & Servt
J. Kilgore

Treasury Dept 3 Aud office
Dec. 4. 1833
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that an examination of the Records in this office, it is found that Maj. Abner Prior of the Connecticut Line during the Revolutionary war has been settled with and received the commutation of five years full pay in lieu of half pay for life. The letter of Mr. Hening is returned as you have requested.
With great respect I am noobst Peter Hagner Aud
The Hon. A. H. Leavitt H. R.

No. 100
adm L
2 years magn
600 $
Hon H. H. Leavitt Steubenville

State of Ohio Jefferson County S.
Be it remembered That at the September term of the Court of Common Pleas A. D. 1836, it was made to appear to said Court, by the return of the overseers of the poor of the Township of Steubenville That Mrs Abigail Prior of said Township is lunatick, and incapable from mental inability to take care of herself or her property. — Whereupon the application of said overseers of the poor Daniel L. Collier Esqr. was appointed Guardian of the said Mrs Abigail Prior, who thereupon entered into Bond as such Guardian according to the Statute in such case made & provided
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Steubenville this 12th of September A. D. 1836.
James R. Wells Clerk of said Court

I Alvey Rowland of lawful age depose and say that I read the regular church records of the first society in Windsor And find it there entered upon said record in proper order that Abigail Prior the wife of a Simon Prior was admitted to full communion in the Church of that place on the 11 day of August 1765
Alvey Rowland
State of Connecticut
Hartford County ) ss Windsor August 15. 1836
Personally appeared Deacon Alvey Rowland to me known and subscribed the above affidavit and made oath to the truth of the same before me
James Loomis Just. of the Peace
State of Connecticut
Hartford County ) ss Windsor August 15. 1836
I certify that I am well acquainted with Deacon Alvey Rowland a resident of said Windsor and do consider him a person of strict strict truth and veracity and that his statements and affidavits are entitled to full credit
James Loomis Just. of the Peace
State of Connecticut ) I Philo A. Goodwin Clerk of the County of Hartford ) County Court for said County of Hartford do hereby certify that James Loomis is an acting Magistrate as also regularly commissioned Justice. That I am acquainted with his hand writing, & that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine, & that all his credits are due to his official acts. In testimony whereunto affixed the seal of said Court & subscribed my name this sixteenth day of August in the Year of our Lord A.D. 1836 Philo A. Goodwin Clerk