Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26,353, for Gilbert Ray, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Ray, Gilbert Rachel
N. 26,353
CONTENTS

Albany 2804.
Vermont Roll
Gilbert Ray W 2 d Reg t Spvols Reg t Private
Massachusetts Line in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence the 27 of May 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 of September and forwarded to Thomas Hammond judge Rutland Vermont
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1818 $ 26 36 Semi-annual acct ending 4 Mar 1819  48 00 Arrears 3 Mos 5/31 4/30/19 $ 75 36
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
3 years
Continued
Amount paid

see letter 11 Nov 1836 to J Scott Burlington capt.
Ex - Cr Dec 6 - 36 -
Transf' for Burlington to Albany for 4 - Sep 36 - Dec 21 - 1836 -
white ... which ... 22 ... 1836 ... advising ... N of ...

5227 New York, N.Y.
Rachel Ray widow of Gilbert Ray who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Corporal
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 88 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 7th day of March, 1849.
Certificate of Pension issued the 120 day of Dec r 1849— and sent to
John L. Russell Canton St. Lawrence Co N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 176, Vol. 4

A Book of Records of Gilbert Kay's Family Died

Stock of Records of Gilbert Rays Farnamley Hebron March 7 1933

Gilbert May
Was Born In Wrentham In the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Sixty four August 10 th
Was Married May the 4 th
1786
The wife of Gilbert May Rachel May was Born in Wrentham February the 3 rd 1766
Lord Wilmington.
Loveen May the son of Gilbert May & Rachel May was Born In the year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Seven May the 11 th
Hubberton
Benjamin May was Born in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred & Eighty Eight Died October 2 nd 1835, in 47 years
June 16 1900
Corn May House

Hebron July 12 th 1791 Manson, first Born
Tinmouth July 31 st 1801 John, Ray Born,
Hebron Dec 17 th 1792 James Ray Born,
Tinmouth February 5 th 1804 Abner Ray Born,
Hebron June 1 st 1796 Rachel Ray Born,
Tinmouth Feb 14 th 1805 Manson Born
Hebron September 14 th 1790
Josephine Ray and Departed this Life September 17 th 1805
Gilbert Ray Born,
Tinmouth August 15 th 1806 There was Born Ezra Ray and Died August 26 th 1806
Hebron August 12 th 1800 Olive Ray Born,

Memoranda December
3 1811 Cynthia Ray was born
Benjamin Ray died, October 22 nd 1835 in the 47 year of his age.
Oliver Gray would the wife of Benjamin Gray would died June 27 th 1839 aged, 38 years & 10 months
97 Gilbert Ray died Russell March - 17 1844 aged 84 years and 7 months
pension minutes to commence on the 27 day of May 1818
Given at the War Office of the united States this 23 rd day of September 1818
J. C. Calhoun
Secy of war
for Gilbert Ray
Served in the Revolution ary in the Sixth Mass Regiment under Col Smith. Capt Haywood. Company Discharged from the Sixth Mass. Regiment (Commanded by Col Sprague)
Dec 23 1783
Copy of discharge amongst my papers

In matter of Application of Rachael Ray for Widow's Pension
Testimony of Eden Ray & family Record —

State of New York
St Lawrence County ss: I Joseph Barnes justice of the peace, before whom the annexed deposition of Eden Ray was taken, do certify that I have been acquainted with the said Eden Ray, for more than twenty years.
That he is a man of veracity, whose statement is entitled to full credit. I also certify that I have been well acquainted with the late Gilbert Ray deceased and his family, and I have no doubt of the verity of the foregoing statement of said Eden Ray.
Given under my hand this 3 rd day of September 1849
Joseph Barnes Justice of the Peace
State of New York
County of St Lawrence ss J. Martin Hotchkiss County Clerk
old bible becoming worn and broken, his father the said Gilbert Ray, transferred the record, in his own hand written to the annexed book. That the entries in said book, are all in the hand writing of the said Gilbert Ray, excepting the entry, in blue ink, of the death of the said Gilbert Ray which, is in the hand writing of Cynthia (now widow Clara) the daughter of said Gilbert Ray, & sister of the deponent. That the record annexed, has always been considered the true record of the family. The witness has always understood and believed, that the said parents of the deponent were married, at the town of Wilmington in the State of Vermont, on the 4 th day of May, A. D. 1786, as stated in said record. That the said Gilbert Ray, and his said widow, always, to the decease of said Gilbert Ray, lived together as man and wife.
Sworn and subscribed before me this 3 rd day of September 1849  the figures "1849" written on erasure Joseph Barnes J.P.
Eden Ray

State of New York
St Lawrence County ss: On this third day of September 1849, personally appeared before me Joseph Barnes a justice of the peace in and for said County, Eden Ray, of the Town of Lisbon in the aforesaid County, aged 59 years, who being by me duly sworn deposes as says upon his oath, that he is the son of Gilbert Ray, late of the Town of Russell in said County, deceased, and his wife Rachael Ray, now resident in said town. The deponent further says that he was 59 years of age on the 16 th day of June 1849, and that he has taken to his own family record this date of his age, from the annexed record kept by his deceased father in the hand writing of his father. That, about 40 years ago, his father had an old bible, in which was kept the family records of the said Gilbert
and directed by Law to be held in and for said County To hereby certify that Joseph Barnes Esq. whose name is subscribed to the within Part of the within affidavit of Eden Ray and to the above certificate was at the time of taking said Affidavit and at the date of such Certificate a Justice of the peace in and for the County of St Lawrence. Elected and sworn & by me authorized to take the same, and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verify before my notary to the Part of the said Affidavit and to the above Certificate is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 3 rd day of September 1849 Martin W. Hatchard Clerk,

Vermont Gilbert Ray
27. May
Thos Hammond son Rutland Vt
Com(D)
21 Rep May 1842

State of Vermont, } Rutland County, towit }
On this 25 th day of May, A. D. 1818, before me, the subscriber, one of the Judges of the County Court within and for the said County of Rutland, personally appears Gilbert Ray, aged fifty four years, resident in Tinmouth in said County, who being by me first duly sworn, according to Law, doth on his oath make the 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 he enlisted in the three years service of the United States in the month of April, A. D. 1781, and went from Boston under the command of Capt. K o Daniel  Col. Patten to west point, and continued in the service of the United States, until the twenty third day of December, 1783, when he was discharged honorably by Maj t . Genl. Henry Knox, as by the date of the said discharge under the hand of the said Genl. Knox will appear; that he the said Gilbert Ray was in the battle at the white plains, when

Col. Scammon's party was cut off; and, that he was with the United States' troops at Philadelphia, in 1783, in quelling the insurrection of the malcontent soldiers that rose against the Continental Congress: that he is now in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; and, that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services, excepting the his said discharge which is herewith presented. Gilbert Ray Subscribed, sworn to, and declared before me, the day, 18 and year first above written.
Thos Hammond
I Thomas Hammond, Judge as aforesaid, do certify, I am satisfied that the said Gilbert Ray 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 department of war, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
Dated at Rutland in the County of Rutland aforesaid, this twenty seventh day of April, A. D. 1818.
Thos Hammond

I have affixed the seal of Rutland County Court by order the Hon. Thos. Hammond one of the Judges of said Court R. B. Root Clerk
I Thomas Hammond Judge as aforesaid do further certify that I am satisfied the said Gilbert Ray is in indigent circumstances by reason of her indigent circumstances in life as in need of assistance from her country, for support Rutland Aug. 10 1828 Thos. Hammond

Application of Rachael Ray widow of Gilbert Ray for widow's pension
J. L. Ruffell of Canton N. Law. Co. N.Y. agent

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2 nd February 1848, entitled "an act making further provision for surviving widows and soldiers of the revolution", ; and other acts, relating to widows' Pensions, applicable to this case. State of New York
County of St Lawrence ss; On this 18 th day of July 1849, personally appeared, before the County Court of the County of St. Lawrence, held in and for said County, at the Court House in the Town of Canton, in open court now sitting, Rachael Ray, a resident of the Town of Russell, in said county of St. Lawrence, aged eighty three years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions of the act of Congress passed 2 nd of February 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war, and of other acts and resolutions of Congress relating to widows' pensions applicable to her case; —
That she is the widow of Gilbert Ray, who was a private and corporal, in the war of the revolution for about three years, in the Second Regiment of the Massachusetts line of the Continental Army, and was honorably discharged from service, at West Point, on the 23 rd day of December 1783, by a written discharge signed by Maj. Gen. Knox, which discharge she has often seen, and supposes it now to be on file, in the Pension office at Washington, with the proofs upon which her deceased husband obtained his pension; That said Gilbert Ray, was a corporal, at time of his discharge,
That she believes, about Six months, of his three years' enlistment were unexpired, at the time of his discharge — as she was informed by her said deceased husband; that the applicant believes the records of the pension office, contain evidence of all the services, and discharge of her deceased husband, more particularly than she can state from memory; that her deceased husband was a pensioner, under the act of Congress, of 18 th March 1818, by a certificate, dated 23 rd September 1818 , now in her possession, and produced to said court;

She further declares that she was married to the said Gilbert Ray, at the Town of Wilmington in the State of Vermont, on the 4 th day of May 1786 (Seventeen hundred and eighty six); and that her said husband, the said Gilbert Ray, died, at the Town of Russell aforesaid, on the seventeenth day of March — 1849; and that she has remained a widow, ever since that period — as will more fully appear from the proofs herunto annexed. And she further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed in open court, the day and year above written, before me ? Martin Thatcher Clerk, } his Rachael X Ray Mark.
I, Martin Thatcher, clerk of St Lawrence County Courts, certify that the foregoing declaration of Rachael Ray, widow of Gilbert Ray deceased was made and sworn to in open court, and that said Court, are well satisfied of the truth of the statements contained in said declaration.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this 18 th day of July 1849.
Martin Thatcher Clerk
State of New York
County of St Lawrence ss; On this 18 th day of July 1849, before the County Court of the said County, in open court now sitting at the Court house in the Town of Canton, personally appeared, Elanum Ray, of the Town of Edwards, in said County, surgeon & physician, and being first duly sworn deposes and says, that he is fifty six years of age; that he is son of Gilbert Ray deceased, and Rachael Ray, his widow, the above named declarant; that the said Gilbert Ray, died at the Town of Russell in said County, on the seventeenth day of March, 1849, to the knowledge of the deponent, who attended the funeral; that the deponent

has always understood and believed, and his own family records draw the fact, that his deceased father, and his said mother were married, at Wilmington in the State of Vermont, on the 24 th of May 1786; that his deceased father, had for forty five years, previous to his decease, been a deacon of the Congregational Calvinistic Church, and was a pensioner under the act of 18 th March 1818, from 1818, to his death; that the deponent has no doubt of the truth of all the statements contained in the foregoing declaration. Sworn and subscribed in open court, the day and year above written -
Martin Thatchers Clerk
Ebenezer Ray
I, M. Thatcher Clerk of said court hereby certify that the foregoing deposition of above named Ebenezer Ray, was taken in open court as above mentioned, and that said Ebenezer Ray is well known to the Judges of said court, to whom his statement is entitled to full credit -
Martin Thatcher Clerk

Gilbert Rice Vermont
Property $62-
Mr Edward will play a comedy this find me the result
Bl. Mallory
Y. R. Rep rs
2004
1919
March 10/19.
Em
Mr. C. M. King

STATE OF VERMONT, Rutland County, ss.
On this 8 th day of Decem r 1820
personally appeared before the County court for said county of Rutland in open court, (said court being a court of record, agreeably to the laws of this state, having the power of fine and imprisonment, &c.) Gilbert Ray aged 56 years, resident in Tunbridge in said county of Rutland who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath declare, that he served in the revolutionary war, as follows: in Capt. Hovey's Co. in Col. Smith's Reg t and in Col. Spauld's Reg t of Vols. from April 1781 to Decem r 1783
that he made his original declaration on the 24 th day of May 1818
has received a Pension Certificate, No. 2804 And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818;—and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
1 cow - 2 wheels - 7 old chains - 1 pr. old irons - 1 table - 1 small looking glass - 1 loom - 2 tools - 3 old harrows - 2 hoes - 1 shovel - 1 shovel & fork - 1 pail - 3 pottles - 1 tea kettle - 1 spider - 1 cake pan - 6 bowls - 6 knives & forks - 6 tea cups & saucers - 6 pewter spoons - 3 iron spoons - 3 quill pens - 2 written pens - 1 pr. steel yard - 2 pine stools - 1 jug - 4 old broken pens - 1 old box - 1 mangle - 1 old harness for a horse - 1 pewter tea pot - 1 wooden clock - 4 brown earthen platters - 3 brown earthen plates - 6 white plates -
My occupation has been that of a carpenter, but for 13 years past have been unable to labor, having wholly lost the use of my right hand by a cancer, & otherwise infirm & debilitated from sickness. I have a wife named Rachel aged 55 years in poor health having been afflicted with palsy & unable to labor but little. I have one daughter residing with me named Cynthia aged 29 years in tolerable health - I live with my sons on whom I principally rely for support.
Gilbert Ray
Sworn to and declared on the
8 th day of Decem r 1820
R. Pease CLERK.

State of Vermont Rutland /s- }
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of Rutland County Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing cattle, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of said Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount in value of the property entitled in the aforesaid schedule is sixty two dollars.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Rutland this 8 th day of December 1820
R. Pierpoint

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., Oct. 14, 1921, 1921
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Gilbert Tracy a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his/(or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr. 1781 Dec 23 1782 Col. McDaniel Smith Mass.   Corp. Heywood Sprout        
Battles engaged in, White Plains.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Not stated
Date of application for pension, May 27, 1818. C. d.
Residence at date of application, Yarmouth, Dukes Co., W.
Age at date of application, 6. Aug. 18, 1765 in Framingham - Mass.
Remarks: He mar. May 4, 1786, in Wilmington, Vt. Rachel --- b. Feb. 2, 1766 in Waltham, Mass. d. Mar. 17, 1849 in Russell, St. Lawrence Co., N.Y. She lived here when at home on a trip July 18, 1849. For fur. fam. data see Supp.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Rev. War Section.
October 15, 1921.
Luther D. Bell, 3021 Beverly Avenue, Syracuse, New York.
Sir:-
In addition to the military history of Gilbert Ray, Widow file No. 28353, you are furnished the following family data :-
Children of Gilbert and Rachel Ray.
London Ray born July 11, 1787. Benjamin " " November 28, 1788, died October 28, 1835. Ebenezer " " June 18, 1790. Hanson " " July 6, 1792. Jared " " June 17, 1794. Rachel " " June 8, 1796. Gilbert " " September 14, 1798, died March 17, 1899. Oliver " " August 22, 1801, married Ankahah(?) Gris- wold, died June 27, 1868. John " " July 31, 1802. Abner " " February 5, 1804. Tryphena " " August 25, 1805, died September 7, 1825. Ezra " " August 15, 1806, died August 26, 1806. Cynthia " " December 8, 1811.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

26,353
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26,353
Rachel Ray Wid of Gilbert Ray Coop. Rev. N. S.
Act: Feb. 2 d 1848,
Index:—Vol. R Page 151
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Apr. 23/25 mtd. Hist. to Gideon E. Clark, 9223 Commercial Ave., Chicago, Ill. M. E. Clark
May 10/25 mtd. copy of Hist. etc. to Gideon E. Clark, as above. M. E. Clark
June 23 1921 Hist. to Oscar R. Ray, Lake Mills Wis. on 22/25 mtd. copy as above
1921 Oct. 15 mtd. to Luther D. Bell
D + R

BY THE HONOURABLE MAJOR-GENERAL KNOX,
Commanding the AMERICAN FORCES on Hudson's River.
Gilbert Ray corporal ----- in the second Massachusetts ----- Regiment, being inlisted for Three Years, is hereby honourably DISCHARGED from the Service of the United States.
Given in the State of New-York,
the 23 d ----- Day of
December 1783
By the General's Command,
Wm M c Leod
REGISTERED in the Books of the Regiment,
J. Hopper Adjutant

Gilbert Kay
D th to A th Sept. 1848 - 1849
Scutal line last year?

Dec 20.
Mr Burdine.
FREE
Hon J L Edwards Com. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Bank of Burlington
Dec. 13. 1836
J. L. Edwards Esq Com. of Pension.
Sir,
The Stipend of Gilbert Ray, has been paid up to the 4 th day of September 1836.
Respectfully
Your obedt servant
E. G. Englesby Agt. by Wm. F. Liverold Clerk,

Dec 5.
Mr. Burdine.
Free
Hon J. L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Canton St Lawrence Co. N.Y.
November 25. 1836.
Hon J. L. Edwards Comm r . of Pensions
Sir
I understand application of Gilbert Ray, a pensioner on the roll of the Vermont agency who transferred to the roll of the New York agency.
Very Respectfully Your H. Servant.
Nicholas Russell
N.B. Hon. Ransom H. Gillet representative of the 14th Con t District, is acquainted with the applicant as Deacn. Ray father of Dr. S. Ray.

Savannah Oct 28
FREE
Nov 28 Colt's Bay 20 m
J. S. Edwards Esquire, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City, D. C.
11-8-2 10-21-58

Virginia W Oct 26 1836.
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commission of Pensions
Dear Sir,
Inclosed herewith the proof of identity in the case of Gilbert Ray which the Agent at Washington informs me I must forward to you for an order of payment. Mr. Ray resides in the State of New York, but is on the roll of this Agency
Will you have the goodness to direct the pay- ment of his pension as early as convenient?
Please inform me whether the instructions from the Comptroller requiring the attestation of one name other than the magistrate before whom the power of attorney is ack- nowledged, requires also the name of the magistrate as a witness to the power of attorney.
I am very respectfully, Your obedt. Servt.
J. Scott

Rachel Ray widow of Gilbert N.Y.
Act 2 Feb. 1848
Married 1786 Widowed 17 March 1849
Adm d 2 yrs corporal $88 per annum commg 17 March 1849.
Albany call
John Leffu Russell
Canton St Lawrence N.Y.

Canton St Lawrence Co. N.Y.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Comm r . of Pensions Sir:
Enclosed I send application & testimony in case of widow Rachael Ray for pension. I doubt not the records of your Department will give abundant evidence of about 2½ years of service of her husband, Gilbert Ray , in the Mass. Con t Line, as private & corporal — and that he was discharged as corporal , with honorable commendation.
I have often seen the certified copy of his discharge (now lost) given him on filing Original at the war Office in 1818 or 1819.
Early attention to this case, will very much oblige —
Very Respectfully Your Ob t . Servant Jno. Leslie Russell
P.S. I thank you for your communication, relative to claims of heirs of Samuel Low, who died in service at Niagara (but was not " killed "). It seems to me, that a soldier of the Revolution, who died in service in the war of 1812, ought to call from Government for something for his children — but shall not venture to question your construction of the acts of Congress.
J. L. R. —

Sept 10/49 ap. J. Erid. Rachel R. ... widow of ...
Hon. J. L. Edwards Comm r of Pensions Washington D. C.
FREE

Gilbert Ray
Burlington Dist -
to
Alb. 7

Application for a Transfer
State of New York
County of St Lawrence p: On this second day of November 1836 before me the subscriber a justice of the Peace for the said county of St Lawrence personally appeared Gilbert Ray who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Howard in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Sprout in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Vermont from whence he removed about nine years since, but has hitherto to receive his pension through the Vermont agency; that he now resides in the State of New York where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be payable there in future. The following are his reasons for removing from the State of Vermont to the Town of Canton in the County of St Lawrence and State of New York: that two of the sons of the deponent the said Gilbert Ray and two daughters had removed to the said County of St Lawrence and he wished to reside with his children; and that he now finds it more inconvenient to receive his pension at the Vermont, than at the New York agency.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid
Gilbert Ray
S. Bateman J Justice of the Peace

State of New York,
County of St Lawrence p: On this second day of November 1836 before me the subscriber a justice of the peace for the said County of St Lawrence personally appeared Joseph Barnes of the Town of Canton in the said County of St Lawrence, also being duly sworn by me deposes and says that he is well acquainted with Gilbert Ray who is named in the foregoing affidavit subscribed by him; that he has known the said Gilbert Ray for the last eight or nine years, and has known during said time that he was a prisoner of the United States on the Roll of the Vermont agency and that he has been to for received payment of his pension at Vermont, and that he is the same individual prisoner described in the foregoing affidavit of the said Gilbert Ray.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid
Joseph Barnes
S. Badger { Justice of the Peace
I the above named justice of the peace do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named deponent Joseph Barnes; that he is a man of veracity whose statement is entitled to full credit. Dated the 2 d day of November 1836
S. Badger Justice of the Peace

State of New York St Lawrence County } ss. Harker J. H. in Ohio Clerk of the County of St. Lawrence do hereby certify that Silas Baldwin Junior before whom the foregoing affidavits of Gilbert Ray and Joseph Barnes purport to have been made was at the time of taking the said affidavits a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County duly elected and sworn And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice of the Peace and verily believe that the signature to the said affidavits purporting to be his is genuine
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County this 25 th day of November 1836
A SWITH

Rev Sec
305 1/2 Waverly Ave. Syracuse, N.Y. Sept. 27, 1921.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
Please send me the records of the following Revolutionary Pensioners as on file in Bureau of Pensions:-
Phineas Wemenway was a Private in the New Hampshire line. His annual allowance was ninety-six dollars ($96.00) He received the sum of seven hundred ninety dollars and ninety two cents ($790.92) He was placed on the Pension Roll July 7, 1825. And his pension began June 9, 1825. He was about 71 in 1835. He resided in later life in Howay village, Herkimer Co. N.Y. his place of burial.
Gilbert Gray (1764-1849) was born in Wrentham, Mass; died in North Russell, N.Y. Entered the revolution in the year of his seventeenth birthday. After the war he resided in Fin- mouth, Vt. and then in Russell, N.Y. His wife bore him eleven children and survived after they had lived together 63 years. He left many descendants.
Oliver Tuttle, widow of Tuttle, a revolutionary soldier was 67 years of age in 1840. At that time she resided with James Lemon in Canton, N.Y. Thanking you, I am
Respectfully yours,
Lulu D. Bell.

4223 Commercial Ave South Chicago Ill. Mar. 25/95
ms 2.
Hon. Wm Lachren Commr. of Pensions Washington D.C. Dear Sir
Permit me to address you in the hope of obtaining some information concerning the military service of Gilbert Ray who was a soldier in the Army of the American Colonies during the Revolutionary War? He was a Corporal in the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment and was discharged "By the Honable Major General Knox, Commanding the American Forces on Hudson River" on "the 23rd day of December 1783." In a letter now in my possession, addressed to Hon. Preston King, M.C. and dated May 18 th 1826 it is stated that said Gilbert Ray's discharge was at that time in the Pension Office in Washington. Probably the discharge was filed there because said Ray was then alive and drawing a pension.

(Copy)
By the Honorable Major General Knox Com- manding the American Forces in Hudson River. Gilbert Ray Corporal in the second Massa- chusetts Regiment being enlisted for three years is hereby honorably discharged from the services of the United States.
Given in the State of New York, the 23 rd day of December 1783.
H. Knox M c . Genl
By the General's Command.
Registered in the Books of the Regiment
A. Dapper Adjutant
{Endorsed} No. 1744 - Page 49 Gilbert Ray.
A true copy of the original taken this 27 th day of April 1818 by
Jesse Gooch

He died about three years later at North Russell St. Lawrence Co. N.Y.
I would like to know whether you or any other officer of our government can cause a search to be made for that discharge and whether, if it is found, I can obtain it?
Also I would like to know whether a search of the records can be made to ascertain when and where Gilbert Ray enlisted? Possibly those records were destroyed during the war of 1861.
I have a copy of the discharge and will enclose a copy of it which may possibly aid in some way in the examination desired.
This request may seem trivial and I beg leave to say in explanation that I am a grandson of said Gilbert Ray and am myself a comrade in the G.A.R. and a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion and therefore take a keen interest in my grandfather's record. I hope and trust you will be able and willing to aid me in the manner indicated.
Fraternally and Very Respectfully Yours
William E. Clark
address 9523 Commercial Ave South Chicago Ill.

W. R. & Co. 2 1895
PENSION U. S. OFFICE APR 1 1895

RAY & FRISBIE PRINTING, BOOK BINDING, STATIONERY 811-813 FIFTH AVENUE GRINNELL, IOWA
Oct. 9, 1922.
Commissioner of Pensions. Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I have in my hands a letter written by Wm. Lochren, Commissioner, April 23, 1895 to Gideon E. Clark, 9223 Commercial Avenue, Chicago, Ill., stating that the Pension and Discharge papers of Gilbert Ray, who served in the Revolutionary War would be given to the oldest living descendant of Gilbert Ray. We think the man has been found. Will you tell us what kind of proof is desired and if you furnish a blank for the affidavit.
Stamp Enclosed.
Yours very truly,
W. G. Ray.
W.GR/LF

SBIE
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
O. W. & P. Div.
P. S.
M. E. C.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., April 23, 1895.
Sir:-
Replying to your request for the military history of Gilbert Ray, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you will please find enclosed an official statement containing the desired information.
The soldier's original discharge certificate, referred to in your letter, is now on file in this Bureau with his pension papers. It can be surrendered only to the eldest surviving lineal descendant of the soldier, who should file a sworn affidavit setting forth his relationship to the soldier as above stated.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. Gideon E. Clark,
9223 Commercial Ave.,
Chicago, Ill.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
O. W. N. Div.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
P. S.
M. E. C.
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 10, 1895.
Sir:-
Replying to your communication of April 26th, herewith returned requesting information as to whether Gilbert Ray, a soldier of the Revolutionary war was engaged in the battle of White Plains, you are advised that his declaration for pension has been examined and he states therein that he participated in that battle but it is evident that this statement was an error as he would have been but eleven years of age at that time. He makes no mention of having rendered any service prior to April, 1781.
You will please find enclosed a copy of his discharge as requested.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. Gideon E. Clark,
9223 Commercial Ave.,
So. Chicago, Ill.

Rev. War Section. aw
Oct. 17, 1922.
Mr. W. G. Ray, 811 Fifth Ave. Grinnell, Iowa.
Sir: -
In response to your letter of the ninth instant, relative to a letter from this Bureau, dated April 23, 1895, addressed to Mr. Gideon E. Clark, of 9223 Commercial Ave. Chicago, Illinois, which stated that the original discharge certificate of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Gilbert Ray, W. 26353, would be surrendered to the eldest living lineal descendant of the soldier, upon his sworn statement setting forth his relationship to the soldier; you are advised that in the twenty-seven years that have elapsed since said letter was written, the policy of the Bureau has been reversed in regard to such matters.
It has not been the practice, for many years to withdraw papers from Revolutionary War pension claims, inasmuch as they constitute the record evidence upon which said claims are based and also owing to the large number of

descendants of such soldiers scattered throughout the country, unknown to each other, it would not be possible now to decide as to who was the sole legal heir of the soldier, as the oldest living representative of the family in lineal descent is no longer considered as such heir or as entitled to such a paper.
Very respectfully,
Washington Gardner
Commissioner.
( Gilbert Ray - W. 26353 - )
(W) Oct. 17, 1922. The original of this letter was read and approved by Dr. A. D. McKinnon Acting Chief Clerk of the Bureau to whom I told me to mail a stamp as he did not consider it needed the comm. personal signature