Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 39395, William Cummins, R.I.

SERVICE
R. J.
Cummins, William
NUMBER
S 39395
CONTENTS

SERVICE
R. J.
Cummins, William
NUMBER
S 39395
CONTENTS

Dead
19. 052
R
Vermont
William Cummings
of Bennington Co. in the state of Vermont who was a Private in the Com'y commanded by Captain Pierce of the regiment commanded by Colonel Richmond in the R. Island line, for the term of one year
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 4 of August 1823
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 of Sept 1823 and settled S. Danforth Esq. Pownal Vermont
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1823 8. 28
Semi anl. all'ce ending 4 March 1824 48
28/31 4/30
7. 22
1. 6
8. 28
$ 56. 28
{ Revolutionary claim, Acts March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820. }
March 1. 1823

State of Vermont } Bennington County } On this 14 th day of April A D 1818. before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the County Court, within and for the County of Bennington, and State of Vermont, William Cummings Resident of Pawnall, aged 59 - who being by me first duly sworn according to Law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision provided 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 the said William Cummings enlisted Nov r 10 th 1775 for one year in the town of Coventry Rhode Island in the company commanded by Capt. Job Pierce - afterwards by Malachi Harnett - 2 nd Rhode Island Regiment commanded by Col o Richmond; that he continued to serve in said corps, until the 10 th Nov r 1776 - when he was discharged from the service at East Greenwich Rhode Island -
That he again enlisted for one year 1 st April 1778 (but my enlistment was dated back to 16 th March) in Coventry Rhode Island in the company commanded by Captain Philip Trafton - Col o Tophams Regiment; that he continued to serve in the same corps - until the 16 th day of March A D 1779, when he was discharged from the service at Tiverton Rhode Island; that he was in a severe engagement on Providence Island; was in an expedition to the east end of Long Island; was in Sullivan's expedition; - and that he is in reduced circumstances; and stands in need of assistance of his country for support; that he has lost his discharges - Sworn to & declared before me The day & year aforesaid - John H. Olin Judge of C. Court

I John H Olin one of the judges of the bounty Court as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction that the said William Cummings 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 laid before me, to the Secretary for the depart- ment of War - pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned acts of Congress - April 17 th 1818 -
John H. Olin left Judge of C. Court

William Cummins
Declaration —
William Cummins

DISTRICT OF VERMONT, SS.
ON this 8 th day of June 18 22 personally appeared in open court, being a county court and court of record, which has power to fine and imprison, and is constituted a court of record by a special act of the Legislature of the state of Vermont, creating said court, within and for the county of Bennington, and state of Vermont, William Cummings aged 64 years, resident in Pownal in said county of Bennington who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war, as follows:
I served in the _____ company, commanded by Col. Pierce  of the  1 st Rhode Island in the 2 nd regiment, commanded by Col. Richmond of the 1 st Rhode Island line, one year
as will appear by my original declaration on file in the War office, dated the 18 day of April 18 18 on which original declaration I have received a pension certificate bearing the number _____
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.
The following is a schedule of all the real and personal estate, to wit: as appraised on my pension $12.00 two poor beds $9.00 household furniture $8.00
William Cummings
Sworn to and declared at Manchester in the county of Bennington, and state of Vermont, on the 8 day of June 18 22 in open court, before
Idel Pratt Clerk
I, Idel Pratt clerk of Bennington County Court do hereby certify that the foregoing Declaration and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is 29 dollars and _____ cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court, on this 8 day of June 18 22
Idel Pratt Clerk of the Court for the county of Bennington . Vt.

Rev. and War Wars Section.
May 3, 1924.
Eva C. Streeter, 6 East St., Adams, Mass.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 39395, it appears that William Cummins was born May, 1758, place not stated.
When listed at Coventry, Rhode Island, November 10, 1775 and served as a private in Captains Job Pearce and Malachai Hammett's Company, Colonel Richmond's Rhode Island Regiment and was discharged November 10, 1776.
He enlisted April 1, 1778 and served as a private in Captain Philip Traffin's Company, Colonel John Topham's Rhode Island Regiment, was in an engagement on Prudence Island and in General Sullivan's Expedition, and was discharged March 16, 1779.

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 18, 1818, while a resident of Pownal, Bennington County, Vermont.
His family is referred to in 1818, but no names are stated.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

U.L.M.
39395
Rev INVALID.
File No. 39395
William Cummings
Rev Rev Rev
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index: — Vol. 8 , Page 120
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1908 Dec. 21 Hist. to Mrs. E. H. Streeter. 1924 May 3 Hist to Eva C. Streeter AWS. 1924 May 14 Mrs. Eva Streeter info for fam. data 835 ct. stamps returned to her Aug. 1926 Dec. 10 photos. mailed to Wm E. Browne AWS 1926 Dec. 10 to E. Browne info how to apply for dates of death & payment. AWS

I Wardwell Green of Trichfield Ulsego County & State of New York of lawfull age testify & say that some time in the fall of the year 1775 I enlisted as a soldier in the company commanded by Capt Sol Peaver of Col Richmonets Regiment of the Rhode Island line at or near the town of Coventry, in the County of Kent & State of Rhode Island for the term of one year when I became acquainted with William Cumming who was then an enlisted soldier in the same company We both continued in said company to serve as soldiers until some time in the fall of 1776 completing the span of twelve months When the said William Cumming was honorably discharged & from my personal observation knew him to be a good & faithful soldier
Wardwell Green Sworn before me this twenty seventh day of June 1823 Jon d Morgan J g
I certify that Wardwell Green whose name is hereunto affixed is a man of truth & veracity Jon d Morgan J g

State of New York Owego County p
I certify that Jon a Morgan Esq r whose signature appears to the within affidavit was on the day of the date thereof a justice of the Peace in and for the county of Owego duly sworn as such, and that full faith and credit are to be given to all his official acts as such justice.
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the court of common pleas for said county this twenty seventh day of June in the year of our Lord 1823.
William Nichols Clerk Peterman Patchen Sup. Clerk

We the undersigned Solomon Wright & Virgil Page both of Panton in the county of Burlington & State of Vermont & of lawful age testify & say that we are each of us well acquainted with William Cummings of the town county & State aforesaid & have personally known him for several years that he is an man in indigent circumstances & that he is unable to support himself & family by manual labour & further the deponents say not Solomon Wright
Solomon Wright
Virgil Page
State of Vermont Bennington County ss Personal 23 day of March AD 1818 Then personally appeared Solomon Wright & Virgil Page & made solemn oath that the above deposition by them subscribed is true in all its parts. before me Silvanus Danforth Justice of peace
We whose names are herunto subscribed testify and say that we are acquainted with W m Cummings of Pownal & have known him for near twenty years, we believe that he is destitute of property -- except perhaps a barn & a little furniture --
Jonathan Brown David Brown
Swan began Mrs. H. Olin Asst. Judge of C. Court.

I Mansir Greene, town of Peterborough, in the State of New York of Lawful age testify and say that I was personally acquainted with Williams Cummings of Pownal & was raised in the same Town with him, in the town of Coventry State of Rhode Island I enlisted in the company commanded by Capt. Phillip Snappin in Colonel John Sophares Regiment in the Month of May 1778 and I joined said Regiment and Company some time in June following when I found said W m Cummings serving in said Company among the more Early Enlisted. Said Cummings was during my Service in said the Company a good and faithfull Soldier; said Cummings was in the Battle with one on Rhode Island in general Sullivan's Expedition, and conducted himself like a brave Soldier, and continued with me in said Company till the 16 th of March 1779 when we were honorably discharged at Givertown; in the latter part of said Service I did the orderly duty of said Company. I was knowing to said W m Cummings serving in said Company three months or over. Mansir Greene
Peterborough Oct 2 d 1818 then personally appeared Mansir Greene and made solemn oath that the facts by him above stated are true & I hereby further certify that the said Mansir Greene is a man of truth & veracity and a man of Extraordinary Memory
Isaac Saunders for first Person

I George Weaver of the town of Peterborough County of Rensselaer & State of New York of Lawful Age testify and say that I am personally acquainted with William Cummings of the Town of Pownal State of Vermont & that we were both raised in the same neighbourhood in the Town of Coventry State of Rhode Island I remember the said W m Cummings was in the service of the united with me in Col. Taphams Regiment I served in Capt. Trappins Company & I was detached from said company considerable part of the time to the best of my memory W m Cummings served in said Regiment more than nine months I believe he was honorably discharged and was called a good Soldier. George Weaver
- Peterborough Oct 28, 1818 then personally appeared before me George Weaver & made solemn oath that the facts above stated are true & I hereby further certify that the said George Weaver is a man of truth & veracity is a man of Weak Memory
Isaac Saunders for Just Peace
I hereby certify that from the information of respectable persons who are acquainted with Manser Green & George Weaver. I am satisfied that they are men of truth & veracity & that full credit may be given to their testimony -
John H. Olin Esq d Judge of County Court

William Cummins
Peterson -
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page, mostly illegible.]
A proof of Service under Col: Richmond be added to the claimant's Comrs within the time of 1 st of May 1820 This Case will be admitted —

I Francis Bates of Pownal in the county of Bennington & State of Vermont of lawful age testify & say that in the month of June AD 1776 I became acquainted with William Cummins now of Pownal aforesaid who was then an enlisted soldier in Capt. Malica Hammit's company Col. Richmond's Regiment Rhode Island line which company as I was informed was first commanded by Capt. Job Piser and I further say that I and the said Cummins served in said Regiment together as soldiers until some time in the month of November I think the fore part same year when the said Cummins was honorably discharged he having served as I understood the full term of his engagement which was one year the said Cummins while I knew him in said Regiment was a faithful soldier and further say not
Francis Bates
State of Vermont Bennington County ss Pownal August 4 th 1823
Then personally appeared Francis Bates and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth & nothing but the truth to the best of his knowledge
Silvanus Danforth Justice of Peace
I certify that Francis Bates signer of the above deposition to me well known is a credible witness
Silvanus Danforth Justice of Peace

State of Vermont
I Joel Pratt Clerk of Bennington County Court do hereby certify that Silvanus Danforth Esquire is a Justice of the peace in & for the County of Bennington aforesaid acting under the Authority of this State & the within signature is his
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of our Court at Manchester this 5 day of August A.D. 1823
Joel Pratt Clerk

I Benjamin Briggs of Williamstown in the county of Berkshire & commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age testify & say that I enlisted as a soldier in captain Job Pierce's company Col. Richmond Regiment Rhode Island line I think in the month of February or March AD 1776 when I became immediately acquainted with William Cummings now of Pownal in the county of Bennington & State of Vermont who was then an enlisted soldier in said company as I understood. ^ Said Cummings continued to serve as a soldier in said Regt according to my best recollection. until the next fall he was a faithful soldier while I knew him & as I understood had served the full term of his engagement which was one year and was honorably discharged after I had been enlisted awhile capt Pierce left the company and Major Hammett took the command Benjamin Briggs
State of Vermont Bennington County ss Pownal August 4 th 1823 Then personally appeared Benjamin Briggs and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth & nothing but the truth before me
Silvanus Danforth Justice of Peace
I certify that Benjamin Briggs signer of the above deposition to me well known is a credible and disinterested witness
Silvanus Danforth Justice of Peace

State of Vermont
I Joel Pratt Clerk of Bennington County Court do hereby certify that Silvanus Danforth Esq. is a Justice of the peace acting under the authority of this State & that the within is his signature In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand & affix the seal of our said Court at Manchester within 5 day of August A.D. 1823
Joel Pratt Clerk

William Cummings, Bennington County Vermont
Service proved
Richmond Regt. . .
R. Island.
1. year 1776
Pension commencing 4. August 1823

State of Vermont Bennington County Pernal August 6 th 1823
Sir I enclose you the papers of William Cummins of Pernal in order to substantiate his claim to a pension. He made application under the act of 1818 partially shewing that he had served in Col Tophams Regiment for one year stating at the same time that he had served one year in Col. Richmond Regiment he received for answer that further proof of service in Tophams Regiment was required Richmond Regiment not being Continental The proof required was obtained at considerable expense & when received at the war department information was forwarded to the applicant that Tophams Regiment was Rhode Island State troops not an continental establishment and that the claim inadmissible
In 1821 I addressed a letter to the war department detailing the above facts and requesting an explanation how further proof of service in Tophams Regt should have been required and after the applicant had been at the expense of obtaining it should receive for answer that the proof was unavailable. The explanation asked for was given in a letter dated April 2 nd 1821 directed to me by which I was informed that on the first application of Cummins the war department was not in possession of facts in relation to Tophams & Richmond Regt, as it now is and that if proof of

Given under Col Pickmand should be adduced & the claimant come within the act of 1 st of May 1820 his case would be admitted all of which I think is clearly shown by the enclosed papers The intimation of the words (as I understood) in the deposition of Benjamin Briggs was done before signing please on the reception and examination of this claim give me information whether the claim be established or not
I am Sir with great respect J. C. Calhoun your very obedient & Dept of War - humble servant S. Danforth
P. S. The print edition of William Cunnane's -ward to you with this letter Yours S. D

aw
1812 Wars Section
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON
November 27, 1926.
William E. Browne, P. O. Box 432, North Adams, Mass.
Sir:
I have to advise you, that if you wish photostat copies of the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 39395 of William Cummins of the Rhode Island Troops, the same will be furnished at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification, if that is desired.
The number of pages to be copied is fourteen.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau, by money order, or certified check, drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior, (not to the order of the Commissioner of Pensions).
Respectfully,
Winfield Scott
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.
Mr Browne's calculation   14  15   90 error  14   2.30  125   2.55 
mine Aw   14  10   170  14   2.10  125   2.35 so return 20 cents 

6 East Street.
Adams. Mass.
Dec. 8. 1908.
2169.19052
39395-39389
Pension Office.
Washington D. C.
I am looking up the war record of William Cummings - a revolutionary soldier going from Rhode Island. Was afterwards a pensioner in Pownal, Bennington Co. Vt. died in 1829. He was said to be under Benedict Arnold at West Point - & one of the guard when Major Andre was executed. I wish for any information concerning him as stories handed down are not always authentic, although my father, now living, born in 1819. remembers well hearing his grandfather tell of being in the army, & he remembers he was a pensioner, as I have also learned from R. Hammett Tilly of Providence who has referred me to you for more minute information - Any record concerning him will be considered a favor. Very truly yours.
Wm. E. H. Streeter -

Eva C. Streeter,
6 EAST STREET ADAMS, MASSACHUSETTS
Apr 3. 1924
Bureau of Pensions Washington D. C.
Messrs,
Will you kindly send me the war record of Revolutionary war soldier William Cummings. Enlisted as a private from Coventry, Rhode Island served two enlistments between Nov. 20 1776 + Mch 16 1779. You will find it in Rev. War. file. 39395. Born May 1758 — died Oct 19. 1829, pensioner in Remington Co Vermont. aged 70.
Thanking you I am
Very truly yours
(Mrs.) Eva C. Streeter

From Eva C. Streeter 6 EAST STREET ADAMS, MASSACHUSETTS
Mr Washington Gardner My dear Sir
Thank you a thousand times for sending me Revolutionary war record of my great grandfather William Cummings, who was born in England, came to this country just previous to declaration of war, went right into service &c.
In your letter you say his family is referred to in 1818, but no names given. Now will you please tell me just what is said of his family, was his wife living, & were children mentioned Tell me just the wording, will you please? This may help me -
Again thanking you I am Respectfully & Thankfully Mrs. Eva C. Streeter.

All inquiries concerning this job should refer to Requisition No. 11259
Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137.
December 6, 1926
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering Pension Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostat copies of 14 pages from the Rev. War pension claim, S. 39395, William Cummins.
No. of copies 1 of each page Shall form be kept standing? no days
For further information see A. E. Wilson Room No. 5033 Phone No. 541
Approved: _____ Chief Clerk of Bureau _____ W.E. Wilson _____ Chief of Branch on Division
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph single or double space? Facsimile signature? RECORDED
Mimeograph one side or both sides? Facsimile signature DEC 6 1926
Folding once or twice?
Assembling Stapling Once? Twice? Side? End?
Electric typewriter Fill in addresses? Dated?
  Addressograph from lists    Cards, size      Envelopes, size    Pay rolls      Proof list    Corrections      Labels (submit sample)    Tabulation sheets      Fill in letters       
  Photostat x Size actual, please trim all copies to size of largest. Official use? Repay? yes $ 2.10    Blue Print Size Official use? Repay? $  
Remarks

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.
.....192 . (Date)
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Rev. & Pensions Wars Section
November 27, 1926.
William E. Browne, P. O. Box 433, North Adams, Mass.
Sir:
I have to advise you, that if you wish photostat copies of the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 32325 of William Cummins of the Rhode Island Troops, the same will be furnished at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification, if that is desired.
The number of pages to be copied is fourteen.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau, by money order, or certified check, drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior, (not to the order of the Commissioner of Pensions).
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

P.O.Box 432
North Adams, Mass.
Nov 13; 1926
Bureau of Pensions:
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Please send to me photostatic copies of all the papers in the case of William Cunnings--File 39395 . Please send me same with bill of same and I will at once remit.
Truly Yours
Rev. War Service
Wm B Browne
William B. Browne
14 pages

North Adams, Mass.
Dec 13: 1926
Department of the Interior: Rev War Div.
Bureau of Pensions, Wash. D.C.
Gentlemen:
I have received the photostat copies of the papers relating to the service in Rev War. of William Cummings #39395.
These papers do not however give the particular fact I need. Is it possible for you to inform me, to whom, and when the last payment on his pension was made? I would like this information and will pay for the service.
Truly Yours
Wm B Browne

6769
3-2233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
Dec. 1, 1926
Chief Rev. Wm. Linton Division.
I have this day received from William E. Brown qualified check No. .... for $2. 55 ....., requesting
photostat copy as per post-office addresses letter herewith.
1926 Dec. 10 Copies mailed to Finance Div. requested to retain $2. 55 in payment for est. 14 photos and 15 returns 20 cents overpay AW.
J. RANDALL Chief Finance Division. n. b. L.

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. William Cummings Ser. No. 57595
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Nov. 10, 1775 Nov. 10, 1776 Pvt. Col. Pearce Major Hammett Richmond R.I.   Apr. 1, 1778 Mar. 16, 1779 Philip Traffan John Topham  
Battles engaged in, Engagement on Providence Island in Genl. Sullivan's Expedition Residence of soldier at enlistment, Enlisted at County R.I. Date of application for pension, April 18, 1818. He was at Residence at date of application, Bennington Co. Vt. Age at date of application, 59 yrs. born May, 1758.
Remarks:

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
aw aw December 15, 1926.
Mr. Wm. B. Browne, P. O. Box 438, North Adams, Mass.
Sir:
I have to advise you, that the dates of death and of payments of pension in the case of William Cummins , S. 39395 Revolutionary War. are not on record in this bureau.
For the same you should apply to the Civil Division, General Accounting Office, Washington, D. C. citing all of the following data:
William Cummins, Certificate 19052, issued Sept. 8, 1833, rate $8 per month commenced August 4, 1833. Act of March 18, 1818. Vermont Agency.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

Rev. and 1812 Respectfully, War Section.
aws
Commissioner.
May 14, 1924.
Eva C. Streeter, 6 East St., Adams, Mass.
Madam;
I have to advise you relative to the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 39395 of William Cummins, that on March 23, 1818, Solomon Wright and Virgil Page of Pownal, Vermont testified that William Cummins was "unable to support himself and family by manuel labor". There is nothing further on record relative to said family.
Herewith is returned your thirty five one cent stamps.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.