Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 4,267, Abraham Blair, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Blair, Abraham
S. 4,267
CONTENTS

Ohio 7862
Abraham Blair
of Knox Co. in the State of Ohio who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Cose of the Regt commanded by Col. Marbury in the New Jersey line for nine months.
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of 6 April 1835 for service from 1st Sept 1810 to 4 Sept 1811. Age notified 23 Dec 1842
Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of April 1833 and sent to Certify J. DeLano - Mt. Vernon Ohio.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 60.00 Pensional allowance ending 4 Sept. 1833 15.00 $75.00
Revolutionary Claim, 7 Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Palmer Clerk, Book Vol. 8, Page two.

17/52 ✓ Abraham Blair.
Application for pension

The State of Ohio Muske county SS
On this 28 of Sept AD 1832 personally appeared in open court
before the Judges of the court of common pleas now sitting at Abner Blair a resident of Franklin Township, in the County of Muske, and State of Ohio, aged seventy six years. Who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make solemnly the following declaration in order to attain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated
That he entered upon his first term of service in June 1776 does not recollect the precise day, thinks it was about the first of June, he entered under William Leach, (Capt.) David Anderson (Lieut.) and John Patterson (Ensign) ... Mayberry (sergeant) and Joseph Budd (Major) does not recollect the names of any other field officers - thinks he served in the 8. Regiment of New Jersey Militia but is not certain as to the number - he was a volunteer, and left the service for this term about the 1st of Sept 1776, having served the full period of three months - his company was at this time disbanded at Mt. Holly N.J. - When he entered the service he resided in the township of Chester, Burlington County in the State of N. Jersey - he marched from Mt. Holly afd. to Perth Amboy by the way of New Brunswick - While he was at Perth Amboy a soldier who had been arrested and put under guard in the court house, placed himself at full length immediately under the eaves of the building resting on the wall of the building; While in this situation the

British then in possession of Staten Island commenced cannonading the Americans at Perth-Amboy, and the soldier thus situated in the courthouse was killed by a cannon ball from the British.
That he entered upon his second term of service about one month after the British took possession Philadelphia thinks it was about the 26. of Oct 1777 — the names of his officers were as follows: (Colo.) Joseph Hite (Mayor) Joseph Budd (Capt.) William Lease (Lieut.) David Anderson (Ensign) John Patterson - does not recollect the names of any other officers - that he served again for the full term of three months ending about the 26th of Jany 1778. When he left the service again for this term of engagement - he was a volunteer and resided when he entered upon this term of service in the same place described as his residence when he entered on his previous term of engagement - during this term of service he march from Moors-town to Hattenfield - While at Hattenfield he was engaged in a skirmish between his Regiment and a British foraging party from Philadelphia - in which the British were compelled to retreat under cover of their cannon upon the Delaware - that he remained about Hattenfield during this term of service, and was constantly engaged in scouting parties up and down the Delaware - thinks there was no Continental Regiments or companies with him - he was stationed to cut off supplies from the British at Philadelphia - At the close of this term of service he march back to Moors-town and his Regiment and company were then disbanded - he returned to his residence
That he entered upon his third term of service about the first of March 1778 - his officers names under whom

he entered and served men as follows: Col. Joseph Hite Major Joseph Burt, Capt William Coe, Lieut David Anderson. Ensign John Patterson - he left the service for this term about the first of June following is not certain as to the precise day - on entering the service for this term of engagement, he resided at the same place that he has before described as his residence - he was a volunteer - he first marched from Moorstown to Coopers-breek-bridge a distance of about twelve miles - That he was constantly engaged during this term of service in scouting parties Coopers-breek- bridge being the place of headquarters for his detachment.
That during this term of service his Capt was ordered by the Col. to march from Coopers-breek-bridge to Coopers-ferry being distant about one and a half miles - On approaching (he being one of the company) two boats from a British vessel being loaded with British soldiers were discovered approaching the shore on the side towards the Americans - by order of the Capt the Americans immediately secreted themselves behind trees & etc and waited until the British commenced landings when the Americans commenced firing upon them which was continued until the Americans were compelled to retreat in consequence of the guns from the British vessels - he was continually engaged in scouting parties during this term of service and had no engagement other than the one just referred to - he and his company were stationed at Coopers-breek-bridge, with a view to cut off British supplies and prevent plunder - therefore he did not serve with any Continental Regiments or companies during this term - at the expiration

of his time his company marched back to Moore-town and was then again disbanded - That he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever 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 territory.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid - in open court
Alex n Elliott Clerk
We Thomas Rigdon a clergyman residing the township of Clinton in the county of Knox and state of Ohio and John Ackerman residing the township of Middlebury in the county of Knox  of Ohio immediate vicinity being in the neighborhood of the sd Abraham Blair signor of the foregoing declaration hereby certify that we are well acquainted with the sd Abraham Blair who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy five years of age - that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion having no doubt of the facts
Thos Rigdon
John Ackerman
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court - Alex n Elliott
Clerk
And the sd court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states - And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Thos Rigdon who has signed

The preceding Certificate is a clergyman resident in the township of Clinton in the county of Monroe and State of Ohio, and that John Ackerman who has also signed the same is a resident in the county of Monroe and State of Ohio in the township of Mud Run and is a credible person, and that their statements is entitled to credit
I, Clerk of the Circuit Court of the County of Monroe and State of Ohio do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abraham Blair for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this _____ day of A D 1832.
See the other Page  Henson

In following on the answers to the interrogatories propounded by the Court
I was born in the year 1756 Burlington County Chester Township State of New Jersey I have a record of my age at home in my Bible I resided when called into service in the County of Burlington Township of Chester in the state of New Jersey - I was a volunteer I have resided since I was called into service in Monmouth County New Jersey 8 or 9 years When I moved to Pa from thence I moved to Ohio where I now reside - The officers names are as stated in my declarations. I never received a written discharge John Eckerman Thomas Payson Williams Living and others are persons to whom I am known and who can testify to my character for veracity and their belief of my services as a soldier of the revolution
Abraham Blair
Sworn to and subscribed in Open Court. Alex. Elliott Clerk
I Alexander Elliott Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for Muskingum County Ohio do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Abraham Blair for a pen- sion - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand. Seal this 10 th of Oct A D 1832.
Alex. Elliott Clerk

No 17152 N. 7862
Abraham Blair of Knox County Ohio
Adm for 9. Months from 1776 — $30
Curtis & Dulaney M c Vernon Knox County Ohio —

BRIEF in the case of Abraham Blair County of Knox — in the State of Ohio (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 76 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. 8 Regt N. Jersey Militia   Years, Months, Days.     Vol - In 1776 - 3 - private Gen. Col. M c Clure, Major Brd,   Vol - 1777 - - 3 - private Col. S t . Hite, Major S t . Brd, Col. M c Clure,   Vol - 1778 - - 3 - private Col. S t . Hite, Major S t . Brd, Col. M c Clure,  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none, 2 Skirmishes  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Burlington County New Jersey  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Rich d S t eymours Examining Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Abraham Blair 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. S. 4267
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     June 1776 Sept 1. 1776 Pvt. M c base or box Mayberry N.J.   Oct 26. 1777 Jan. 26. 1778 " " " Joseph Haight "   Mch 1. 1778 June 1. 1778 " " " " " "  
Battles engaged in, Skirmish at Haddonfield & Cooper's Creek.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Chester Twp. Burlington Co. N.J.  Thence to Monmouth Co. N.J.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 28. 1832. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Franklin Twp. Knox Co. Ohio.
Age at date of application, 1756 in Chester Twp. Burlington Co. N.J.
Remarks: There is no family data on file
Soldier lived in Pa after Rev. coming a date of res not stated
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]
1832 76 1756

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Blair which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Yes XIV. †If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
 EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
†QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
Nov. 26 th , 1842.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the 3d section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, Abraham Blair — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Ohio Agency, at the rate of — Thirty Dollars and — Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1840, to the 4 th Sept. 1841.  Respectfully, yours,
John B. Vans Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.

SENATOR AND GOVERNOR MCHUGH
332

FACTORY'S, HUDSON, NEW YORK BOSTON, MASS. CHICAGO, ILL.
WILLIAM E. WOOD, PRESIDENT. MALCOLM GIFFORD, VICE-PRESIDENT. ARTHUR GIFFORD, TREASURER. WILLIAM B. WOOD, SECRETARY.
Gifford-Wood Co.
ESTABLISHED 1814 ENGINEERS FOUNDERS MACHINISTS ELEVATING AND CONVEYING MACHINERY ICE TOOLS
HUDSON, NEW YORK.
335 Warren St. Hudson N. Y.
Commissioner of Pensions. Washington D. C.
Dear Sir;—
I would be greatly interested to know if the records of your department show any Revolutionary War service on the part of the three ancestors of mine named below. The first two especially have always been credited with service in the family traditions.—
(1) Abraham Blair . b. June 27/1756. Pioneer farmer in Bedford Co. Penn. Emigrated to Ohio in 1813. Death date unknown to me. (2) Christopher Woods . b. in Ireland 1758. Came to Central Penna. about 1770. d. Milton Pa. Oct 1, 1831. Reputed to have been a fifer in Rev. service. (3) Oliver Pierson . born about 1760. A New Jersey man.
Any information will be thankfully received.
Yours truly E. M. Karr

Reuben
4267 INVALID.
1913. Oct 30: Test. to Mr. E. M. Karr. M.B.H.
File No. 4267
Abraham Blair
Prin. Ref. Line
Act: June 7, 1832
Index:—Vol. A , Page 34
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Nov 30
0.
17152 v
FREE
Genl Lewis Cast
Secy of War.
Washington City
Pension Claims

Mc Vemon Oct 27 th 1832
Ohio
War, Department. Sir Sir.
Enclosed no forward by you the papers containing the application of Abraham Blair for a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832
Will you please to convey to us the result of the application as soon as you can conveniently act upon it — Respectfully Yours &c
Curtis & Deane