Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3648, Nathan Blackford, New Jersey.

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey.
Blackford, Nathan Rachel
N. 3648
CONTENTS

32.879
New Jersey
William Blackford
of Middlesex Co. in the State of New Jersey who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Gunn of the Regt commanded by Col Dickins in the N. J. Militia line for twelve months
Inscribed on the Roll of Trenton at the rate of 66 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th day of May 1831 and sent to W. S. Allison
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
Present
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by H. P. Wightman Clerk, Book C. 2. Vol. 3. Page 116

(17) Bethel Mass June 7/53
1018 New Jersey Rachel Blackford, widow of Nathan Blackford who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 66 Dollars 66 cents per annum, to commence on 1st of March 1848 21 st August 1851 Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of June 1853 and sent to
Peter P. Bunyon New Brunswick N.J.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 10 Vol. A

March 27/52
App d of Rachel Blackford wife of Nathan.
N.J.
Act: 29 July 1848 ve
Kirby
P. P. Rungon New Brunswick N. Jersey

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 29 th July 1848 and of the Resolutions of Congress in relation to widow pensions
State of New Jersey } On this eleventh day County of Middlesex } of March one thousand } eight hundred and fifty two personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County aforesaid Rachel Blackford a resident of Piscataway in the County of Middlesex aforesaid aged eighty nine years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following de- claration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed the 29 th July 1848 and the Resolutions of Congress in relation to widows' Pensions That she is the widow of Nathan Blackford who was a Private in the Militia of New Jersey in the service of the United States and drew a pension under the act of June 7. 1832 at the rate of sixty six dollars and sixty six cents per annum for Military service until his death This declarant would refer the Commissioner of Pensions to her said husband's declaration now on file at the War Department She also declares that she was married to the said Nathan Blackford her late husband on the eight th day of October one thou- sand seven hundred and ninety four by the Rev d Reuben Henson that she has no certificate of her said marriage but attaches the family record taken from the family bible which said

record was written by John Clark upwards of twenty years ago and has always been in possession of the family of this declarant
That her late husband the aforesaid Nathan Blackford departed this life on the twenty first day of August one thousand eight hundred and fifty one That she was married to him prior to the first day of January one thousand eight hundred viz at the time herein before stated and she further declares that she is still his widow
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before me
her Rachel X Blackford mark
I do hereby certify that the above declarant is known to me as a person of credibility and truth and that on account of old age and bodily infirmity is unable to appear in open Court
Peter H. Murray Judge
State of New Jersey } Before me the subscriber one of Middlesex County } the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County personally appeared Nathaniel Blackford a resident of Piscataway in the County of Middlesex aforesaid who being by me duly sworn according to law on his oath doth depose and say that he is fifty two years of age that he is the son of Nathan and Rachel Blackford That his father the said Nathan Blackford departed this life on the twenty first day of August last and that Rachel Blackford the foregoing named applicant his mother is still his widow

Births
Nathan Blackford was born July 14 th A. D. 1756.
Rachel Runyan was born October 1 st A. D. 1782.
Anne Blackford was born October 29 th A. D. 1797.
Nathaniel Blackford was born September 28 th A. D. 1799.
Ephraim Blackford was born July 12 th A. D. 1801.
Sophia Blackford was born April 18 th A. D. 1803.
Lewis Blackford was born April 25 th A. D. 1805.
Births
August 21 st 1857 born at Piscataway.
1866-66
Providence, Rhode Island

record was written by John Clark upwards of twenty years ago since has always been in possession of the family of this declarant She oh her late husband the aforesaid Nathan Blackford
Margaret Nathan Blackford and Rachel Fleming were married October 8th A. D. 1794.

That the family record hereto attached was taken from the family bible which has been in the family more than twenty years and that the record there written was written by one John Clark and that it has been in family from that time until it was taken therefrom for the purpose of proving the marriage of his said father and mother and that his father aforesaid received a pension for Revolutionary services at the rate of sixty six dollars and sixty cents per annum until his death.
Nathaniel Blackford
Sworn to and subscribed before me the 11th day of March 1852.
Peter P. Wmyou Judge
I do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Nathaniel Blackford the above affiant and that he is a credible person and that his statements are entitled to full credence and belief.
Peter P. Wmyou Judge

State of New Jersey Microcosm County ss, I Nicholas Boor seem that of the County of Cumberland Place in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Peter P. Runyon Esq. whose Genuine Signatures appear within is and was at the time of signing the same a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State aforesaid duly Commissioned and sworn that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit; that the aforesaid County Court is a court of record having General Jurisdiction
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Sub- scribed my name and affixed the Seal of said County at New Brunswick this twenty third day of March AD 1852 N Boor seem Clerk
March 27/52
Wife of Rachel Beackford wife
of Nathan
N.B.
Feb. 29 July 1848
Philip
P.P. Runyon
New Brunswick
N. Jersey

Declaration in order to obtain a pension under act of June 1832,
State of New Jersey } Middlesex County } p.
On this 11th day of March, 1851 personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for said County and State Nathan Blackford aged 95 years of age, who being sworn according to law, state that he entered the service as a militia man of New Jersey in the year 1776, that his first tour was for one month under Colonel Duglass Captain Turner, He was closed and served when his turn came, His next tour was at Woodbridge under the same officer, in the fore part of 1777. There were militia stationed the most of the time at Woodbridge and our company were there four months in monthly tours, during that year, In 1778, we were called out as in the preceding year and were stationed at Woodbridge in monthly tours. In this year I was out at least six months. During this year I recollect that the battle of Monmouth took place, but our company was not in this battle. In 1779 I was called out to serve in monthly tours, and was marched to the shore during one of the tours, At this time some of the militia were ordered over to Staten Island. In this year I served under Captain Randolph, and was out four months. In the year 1780, I was ordered out under Captain Frazier, and performed my monthly tours at Woodbridge, and served five months. during this year we were marched to different points when alarms came of the enemy landing at Sandy Hook and other places. In the year 1781 we

was ordered out and stationed at Woodbridge principally. We were several times ordered to Brunswick and to other places not now recollected. There were a number of incidents which occurred while in service. Col. Simcoe came up to Brunswick at one time, and Captain Brooks was killed at that time. I knew a number who were living a few years ago who served with me but they are now all dead. Aaron Bishop and William Estell were two persons who I now recollect. I have always lived within a few miles of where I now do, in Middlesex County. Having had enough to live on and for my support, I never would consent to apply for a pension but being now aged and infirm, I think I may as well as others claim the bounty of my country.
Sworn and subscribed Before me this fourteenth day of March 1857
his sig Nathan K Blackford Mark
B. Ward Justice of the Peace
I do hereby certify that the above applicant is unable to appear before the Open Court and make the above testimony in consequence of infirmity and old age given under my hand & seal this 14 th day of March 1857
B. Ward Justice
And I do further certify that the said Nathan Blackford formerly could write his name but has been unable for a few years on account of old age
B. Ward Justice

State of New Jersey
Mercer County } I, Nicholas Brown Clerk of the County of Mercer do hereby certify that Bethune Ward Esq before him the within endorsement of Matthew Blackford was made near at the time of the the  the same a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Mercer duly commissioned and sworn and that his signature "B. Ward" to the said said endorsement is his free hand writing
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this fifteenth day of March AD 1857 N. Brown Clerk

Nathan Blackford N. Jersey city June 1832 supplementing decln

15998 00707 State of New Jersey Somerset County ss
On this 4 th day of April 1851 personally appeared before me John H. Voorhies one of the judges of the Inferior court of common pleas, in and for said county aged 96 years, who being first duly sworn, makes the following declaration in order to obtain a pension under act of June 1832, That he entered the service as a militia man of New Jersey as a private under Captain Hugh Dunn, Captain David Granger, and Col. Dickinson, and served as set forth in his declaration made in March last, at different periods not less than two years, That said declaration was made before a Justice of the Peace, then being as judge of Middlesex County living within eight or nine miles, and living near the line of Somerset County, and there being a judge of said county living more convenient to him, now made this amended declaration before him.
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state, or, if any, only on that of the agency of the State of New Jersey. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
John H. Voorhies
his Nathan K. Blackford maker
And the said judge does hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as stated

And he further certifies that by reason of old age and consequent bodily infirmity he cannot appear in open court to make his declaration,
John H. Voorhies
State of New Jersey Somerset County
I Henry D. Johnson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that John H. Voorhies whose signature appears to the foregoing declaration is and was at the time of signing the same a Judge of the Superior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and that all his official as such an entitled to full faith and credit and that the aforesaid Court is a court of record having general jurisdiction.
Given under my hand and the seal of the County at the Clerks office in Somerville this fifth day of April in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and fifty one
Henry D. Johnson Clerk

Rev WIDOW, &c
File No. 3648
Rachel Blackford Widow Nathan Blackford Prst Rev War
Act: July 22, 1848
Index:—Vol. A , Page 66
[Arrangement of 1870.]
✓

Pension Office 27 May 1853
Please state to what time Nathan Blackford, New Jersey Roll, act 7 June 1832, was last paid.
S. Call
The Clerk
To the 3 rd Auditor.
Please give the note in all cases of enquiry. —
Nathan Blackford, $66.66 p. an. (if he is your man,) Died 21 st August 1851, and paid to his death. — F. Buel Auditor.

38.43
Nathan Blackford New Jersey
at 7 June 1832
W. S. Allison Attorney Post

State of New Jersey Middlesex County, } ss.
On this 15 th day of March 1857 personally appeared before me, the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for said state & county, Reuben Runyon, a resident of said County, aged 84 years, who being first duly sworn, testified that at the time the enemy passed through New Jersey in 1776, after the battle of Long Island, his father lived near their court. The family of Nathan Blackford who is now applying for a pension lives a little farther back, and our families being intimate, our family moved back to Mr. Blackford's. I was too young myself to serve but have a perfect recollec- tion of Nathan Blackford who was about twenty years of age at that time, being out from home, and that he was in service in the Militia at different periods, of the revolutionary war. I do not recollect under what officers he served, but knew that Capt. Durn's Fraziers and Col. Dwykins and Martine were out during the war at different periods. I have not the least doubt but that Nathan Blackford served as stated, and further the deponent saith not. Sworn and subscribed Reuben Runyon before me the day and year aforesaid.
B. Ward Justice of the Peace

State of New Jersey } Middlesex County } ss.
On this _____ day of March 1887
Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace, in and for said state and county, Runyon Blackford a resident of said county aged 85 years, who being first duly sworn that he knew Nathan Blackford an applicant for a pension during the revolutionary war, but was too young to serve himself. He knows that said Nathan was out as a militia man a number of times, but does not recollect the particulars of his service. He has heard him speak at different times of his services, and hardships. He lived in that part of the county where the enemy passed through, and still lives in the same neighbourhood. There were a number of incidents which occurred, which we formerly spoke of, but which has now escaped my memory. Nathan Blackford is a distant connection of mine, but I have no interest in his getting a pension, and further deponent saith not. Sworn & subscribed before me the day & year above written
his mark Runyon X Blackford
I do hereby certify that the within witness Runyon and the above Runyon Blackford are both of them well known to me the subscriber to be credible witnesses and of unimpeachable character given under my hand & seal this 15 th day of March A.D. 1887
B. Ward Justice

State of New York
McDermott County. I Nicholas Boor can testify of the county of McDermott of present so hereby certify That Bethune Ward Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavits of Reuben H. H. and Reuben H. H. for a new taken were at the time of taking said affidavits a Justice of the peace in for said county duly commissioned and sworn and that the signature "B. Ward," to the said affidavits is his true signature.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county this fifteenth day of March AD 1857
N. Boor

New Brunswick New Jersey August 7th 1852
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir
Please find the declarations of Susan Wetrell & John Compton for bounty land as well as the supplemental proof of the services of John P. Toomey and Leah Toomey in behalf of Leah Toomey his his widow. The early attention of the Com- missioner is respectfully solicited to these applications. Please communicate the re- sult of their consideration to the subscriber
With respect your ob't serv't
+ Taken out Aug 8th 1853
Peter P. Van Dyke
Dear J. E. Heath
Pension Rachel N. B. The application of Leah Rachel Blackford for a Pension has been at the department for more than four months. She is very aged. If her case is not soon decided it will be too late to do the applicant any good. Please give this claim the attention of the Commissioner. P. P. V.

Notes given by the Commissioners of the several Counties of the State of New Jersey for Militia service during the Revolutionary War.
   NO. OF CERTIF. DATE. SIGNED BY. PAYABLE TO. AMOUNT.     241 June 8. 1784 Thomson Steele Nathan Blackford 2. 0. 10  
STATE OF NEW JERSEY:
I, CHARLES G. McCHESNEY , Thomas Allison Secretary of state of the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true abstract from a Book, headed as above, as taken from, and compared with the original, now remaining in my office. — And I do further certify, that Thomson Steele was, by an Act, passed by the Legislature of this State, December 20, 1783, entitled, "An Act to procure an estimate of the sums due to the Militia and Troops who have been raised for the defence of the frontiers of the State, and to provide for the settlement of the same," appointed a Commissioner for the County of Middlesex for the purpose of settling and adjusting the Pay-rolls of the Militia and Troops of this State, as aforesaid, and also for signing and delivering out to each and every person a note for the payment of what may be justly due them for balance of pay.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office, at Trenton, in said State, this eighteenth day of March A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty one.
Thos Allison
Secretary of State.

J C Heath Esq Sir
Piscataway Middlesex Co Feb 28 1853-
I am requested in behalf of the Widow of the late Nathan Blackford deceased to inquire into the cause of the failure of the pension procured for her husband under the Act of June 7 th 1832.
Mr Stephen Cashin of the Trenton Banking Co. informs me that some pensions have been withheld on account of the unfair management of Mr Allison who had acted as an agent for different pensioners, and advised me to write to you as the proper official for explanation, requesting at the same time that you would have the goodness to inform me what if anything is requisite to be done to effect the object desired.
Living in the immediate vicinity of Mr Blackford deceased and having been called on to take the dispositions in the case, I can speak with certainty of the fairness of the transaction by which the application was made out.
Please Sir to favor me with an answer as soon as convenient.
My post office direction is New Market New Jersey
Most Respectfully Sir Yours &c
J C Heath Esq Commissioner of Pensions
Belmont Ward

Brief in the case of Rachel Blackford widow of Nathan County and State of New Jersey act 29 July 1848
Claim, ("original," or "for increase." )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the act of 7 June 1832 at the rate of $66.66 per annum. He died 21 August 1857.
Proof of marriage - Record. The original leaf from family Bible.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
Peter P Kunyon New Brunswick New Jersey
A. M. Heath Examining Clerk.

New Jersey Agency
Rachel Blackford widow of Nathan (private)
Admitted
Act 29 July 1848
Allowed at the rate of $46.66 per annum to commence 21 August 1857 when he died.
Certificate sent to Peter P Runyon New Brunswick New Jersey

In consequence of the extreme old age and poverty of the claimant as represented to me by Mr. Allison, I take this case up a little out of its regular turn, and although the alleged service is not proven altogether as well as the rules require, yet from the high character & standing of the claimant as well as the witness, as represented by Mr. Allison, who is also a native of that place and acquainted with the parties, I can have no doubt of the service and allow 20 months without hesitation.
Kirby
May 27, 1881.

Nathan Blackford, New Jersey
Act 7 June 1832.
Adv d 20 m s per - $66.66 2 / 3 per Annum from 4 th March 1831.
W. S. Allison Present.