Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,677, Jedediah Commins, Conn. (Pa.)

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn. (Pa.)
Cummins "Jedediah Cummins" or
W. 17677
Born in N.Y. State
Oliver
CONTENTS

New York 28.742
Sedediah Coomins of Livingston in the State of New York who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Ransom of the Regt. - commanded by Col Denison in the Pennsylvania line for 17 months
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 56 Dollars 67 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of June 1834 and sent to Hon S. Beardsley H. Rep.
Arrears to the 4th of March '34 $170.01 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sep r 4 '34. 28.33
$198.34
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Book 8
Sam H. Page Clerk, Vol. 4 Page 131

2297.
New York ab Olive Cummings widow of Jeremiah Cummings,
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a pirate
Increased from $50 Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 50 Dollars 64
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Ded d former payments Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Nov 1849, and sent to
Wm. Valentine Esq. Albany N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 42 Vol. 4
H. C. Robinson
Date of her death not on ab

Jedediah Comming Declaration of
27265

State of New York } Livingston County ss } On this 28 th day of May one thousand eight hundred & thirty three personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the court of common pleas (in & for the County of Livingston in the State aforesaid) Now sitting Jedediah Cummings a resident of Lima in the County & State aforesaid aged seventy six years & upwards, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress passed June the 7 th 1832 — That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated (to wit) That he enlisted as a soldier in the army of the revolution in November 1776 in the town of Kingston in Westmoreland (now Wyoming) County in the State of Pennsylvania; That his enlistment was for during the war unless sooner discharged; That he was placed under the command of Captain Samuel Ransom of the regular service & was marched to Morristown in New Jersey. from thence to Somerville. Thence to Millstone, thence New Brunswick, where said company had a skirmish with the British Troops, after which he returned with the company to Millstone where they were joined by a body of militia & had a slight engagement with a body of the British and Hessians; The company to which he belonged was then marched to Morris- town, from thence to White Marsh where it joined the army under Gen l Washington as near as this deponent can recollect, from thence he marched to Germantown about the first of October 1777 & he thinks it was on the 4 th of October 1777 that the troops at Germantown under the command of Gen l Washington had a battle with the enemy in which this deponent was engaged: That he was afterwards in fort Mifflin during the siege of that Fort — From fort Mifflin he was removed with the sick to Princeton in New Jersey: Soon after which he returned to Westmoreland where in consequence of his continued ill health he was discharged on the Eleventh day February 1778 by Gen l McDougal (to the best of his recollection) having served one year and three months —
On the first of March 1778 he joined the militia in the town of Kingston under the command of Captain Prindle (but does not recollect his given name) & was attached to the Regiment commanded by Col: Nathan Denison of Westmoreland & while attached to said command was engaged in several skirmishes with the Indians in the vicinity of Wyoming and was surrounded a prisoner of war by said Col: Denison at the reduction of Forts Fort to Col: Butler & Brant who commanded the British & Indians: Said Fort was surrendered on the 4 th day of July 1778 according to the best of this deponent's recol- lection — That it was stipulated in the articles of capitulation with Col: Butler & Brant that said prisoners should enjoy their liberty but should not enter the service again during the war or until regularly exchanged. That this deponent was never exchanged to his knowledge & that he served in this town of duty four months & four days previous to said cap-

itulation & that he served in all at least one year & seven months : That he has no documentary evidence & knows of no person living whose testimony he can produce to prove his service: That he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & salary that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State in the Union whatever.
J. D. [unclear] Commissioner
Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid in open court J. G. H. Clerk
1 st Question by the court = When & in what State were you born?
Answer = I was born in the town of Dover, County of Dutchess & State of New York.
2 nd Question by the court = Have you any record of your age, if so when is it?
Answer = I have none.
3 rd Question by the court = When were you living when in service; when have you lived since the Revolutionary war, & where do you now live.
Answer = I was living near Forty Fort, Westmoreland County State of Pennsylvania at the time of my enlistment, after the close of the war I lived five years in the town of Charlotte, Chittenden County in the State of Vermont, from which I removed to the town of Lima Lima, State of New York where I now reside.
4 th Question by the court = How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute, & if a substitute for whom?
Answer = I enlisted for during the war, but after serving fifteen months was discharged on account of ill health, after which I was drafted  volunteered
5 th Question by the court = State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you served, such Continental & Militia Regiments as you can recollect & the general circumstances of your service.
Answer = The company to which I belonged was commanded by Capt Samuel Ransom during my service as an enlisted soldier, & was employed as a company of Rangers = When I joined the army at White Marsh Gen l Washington commanded it in person as he did also at the battle of Germantown - That he was a part of the time under the command of a Col: Durkee & thinks it was while he was at Milltown = That the company was generally detached from the army & under the sole command of Captain Ransom.
6 th Question by the court = Did you ever receive a discharge from the service & if so by whom was it given & what has become of it?
Answer = I received a discharge for which I think was signed by Genl. McDougal but have long since lost it - From my second term of service I never was discharged it having terminated with the surrender of Fort Ticonderoga as above stated.
7 th Question by the court = State the names of persons in your present neighbourhood who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your service as a soldier of the Revolution.
Answer = I am known to James Smith & Samuel Sterling who can testify to my character for truth & veracity and who have generally offered to testify to the truth & veracity of my statements & their belief of my service as a soldier of the Revolution = I am also known to the Rev John Barnard Jr & the Hon ble Matthew Warner.
Sworn & Subscribed

The day & year aforesaid in open court S. G. Haver Dep.
Jedediah Cuming
State of New York } Livingston County ss }
Dr. John Barnard Jr a clergyman residing in the town of Lima in said county & Matthew Warner a Judge of the court of common pleas for said county residing in Lima aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Jedediah Cuming who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be twenty six years of age & upwards, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open court S. G. Haver Def. clk
John Barnard Jr Matthew Warner
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states, & the court further certify that it appears to them that John Barnard Jr who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Lima in the county of Livingston & State of New York & that Matthew Warner who has also signed the same is a resident in the town aforesaid - That they are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to full credit -
I Chauncy R Bond - Clerk of the court of common pleas for the County of Livingston & State of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Jedediah Cuming for a pension - In testimony
I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 28th day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred & thirty three
Chauncy R. Bond clk
By S. G. Haver dep.
8. words in the answer to the 7th interrogatory cancelled. while before the court also. 2 words in the answer to the 10th & 11th interrogatory
S. G. Haver

In case the within claim is allowed Henry S Handy Esq is hereby authorized to receive five dollars for his services, which sum the Secretary of War is hereby authorized to allow said Handy out of said claim: The balance to be remitted in the usual form
Jedidiah Cuming
Lima May 31. 1833
27265

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of New York
Livingston County } ss. On this fifteenth day of June in the year One thousand eight hundred and forty five, personally appeared Mrs. Lemuel Gibbs before one of the judges of Livingston County Courts, Olive Cummins, a resident of the town of Lima, County of Livingston, and State of New York, aged eighty two years and upwards, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7. 1838. entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" - That she is the widow of Jedediah Cummins, who was a private in the war of the Revolution and who enlisted, under Captain Samuel Ransom, at Hington in November 1776, and served in a Company of Rangers, and was in the Battle of Germantown in 1777. and afterwards served at Fort Mifflin & other places. Said Jedediah afterwards served under Col. Nathan Denison, as a volunteer of Militia, and was taken prisoner, at the surrender of said Denison's forces to Butler & Brant, Commanders of the British & Indians -
Declarant further states that her said husband Jedediah Cummins received a pension from the United States, on account of his revolutionary services - under the act of June 7th. 1832, at the rate of fifty six dollars & sixty seven cents per annum, and that he held a certificate therefor - bearing date the 3rd day of June 1834 - signed "Lew. Cass, Secretary of War" & Countersigned by "J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions", and endorsed as follows viz "Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E. Vol. 4 Page 131 by Saml. H. Page. Clerk."
She further declares that she was married to

The said Jedediah Cummins at Sunderland in the State of Vermont by Judge Gideon Bronson, of that place, on the 20 th day of March in the year Seventeen hundred & eighty four - That Declarant resided at Sunderland aforesaid about one year after said marriage, and then removed to Charlotte in Vermont - & resided there about seven or eight years - That Declarant's said husband husband owned a farm at Charlotte, which he sold about the year 1791, or soon after, and removed to the place where declarant now resides - That said Jedediah came to Lima (then the town of Geneva & County of Ontario) before declarant came - and purchased land of Ebenezer Curtis & took a deed therefor, dated November 2 nd 1793.
That Declarant removed to her present place of residence about the year 1794, & has resided there ever since that year. Declarant further says that her first child was born more than one year after said marriage, viz. on the twenty first day of April Seventeen hundred & eighty five and that said child was named Anna Cummins, as appears by the family records hereto annexed - That Declarant has no record evidence of said marriage and is not aware that such record ever did exist - That she & her said husband carefully preserved family records of the births of ourselves & children which records are true & correct records of the births aforesaid - That said records have been preserved in two old Bibles & have been taken therefrom by Declarant and are hereto annexed - The oldest of said records is marked "A" and the more modern record is marked "B".
Declarant further states that she was married at the house of her aunt, Hannah Bingham then widow of Daniel Bingham of Sunderland aforesaid - that she was not married to said Jedediah prior

to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz, at the time above stated.
Declarant further states that her said husband died at Lima aforesaid, on the sixth day of March, One thousand, eight hundred, and thirty six - and that she is still a widow.
Subscribed & sworn the } (See Command) day & year first above } written before me
Leman Gibbs a Judge of Livingston County Courts -
State of New York } Livingston County } ss. I Leman Gibbs - before me known The foregoing declaration was this day taken - Merely certify that the following interlin- eations - erasures & alterations were only made in said declaration before execution - viz - on first page - as follows - "me Leman Gibbs" interlined - "her cap" partly on an erasure - "further" blotted - on second page "I" - "husband" - "her" - "said" - somewhat blotted - & on third page "his" - interlined before execution
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand - this fifteenth day of July 1848 - Leman Gibbs a Judge of } (See Command) Livingston County Courts }
State of New York } Livingston County } ss I certify that the above notice of Erasures & etc. & any Certificate was signed by the said Plain by mistake. Leman Gibbs a Judge of Livingston County Courts

State of New York } Livingston County }
ss. Erasmus T. Cummins of Lima in said County & State being duly sworn says that he is a son of Jedediah Cummins deceased - & of Olive Cummins whose Declaration is hereto prefixed, and is aged fifty  six years & upwards - That said Jedediah Cummins was a Revolutionary pensioner during his life under the act of June 7th 1832 at the rate of $56.67 per annum & held a Certificate therefor dated June 3rd 1834 and signed by Lewis Cass Secretary of War and examined & countersigned by J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
That said Jedediah Cummins drew his said pension up to the fourth of March 1836, and that he died, at Lima aforesaid, March 6th 1836, and was buried on the old farm formerly occupied by him, in Lima aforesaid - and the following is a copy of the inscription entered upon his tomb stone by direction of deponent's brother Jedediah Cummins - viz "Jedediah Cummins died March 6. 1836 at 80 years."
"Another patriot of the Revolution gone." Deponent further says he has been acquainted with the old Bible records of births &c. which are hereto annexed - for a great number of years and knows that they are genuine family records of the family of deponent's father & mother and have been recently taken from said old Bibles by Deponent's said mother, as evidence to establish her claim to a pension, on account of the service of her late husband.
Deponent further says that he has always understood from his said father & mother & believed that and still believes, that they intermarried at Sunderland in Vermont, at the time stated by

her in her said declaration - Deponent knows of no record of such marriage, either public or private - nor is he able to discover, among the papers of Deponent's late father, any written memorandum of said marriage, but he has no doubt whatever but such marriage was duly & lawfully celebrated on the 20th day of March 1784. That ever since the earliest recollection of this Deponent, his said father & mother resided together & cohabited as husband & wife (and were so reported among all their neighbors, friends & acquaintances) up to the death of said Gedediah.
Deponent further says he has often heard his said father speak of his Revolutionary services & he was always reported to be a soldier of the Revolution, in the neighborhood in which he resided. I further say not -
Subscribed & sworn before } Erasmus J. Cummings this fifteenth day of July } 1845 - Loman Gibbs a Justice of Livingston County Court -
Livingston County, ss. - I certify that the following alterations were made in the foregoing affidavit of Erasmus J. Cummings before sworn to - viz - "War" & "ae" were written over erasures. "1834" - "always" & "belined" written in part on erasures - & "that" erased - on first page - And "duly" interlined - and "husband" "reputed" & "reputed" written in part on erasures on second page -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of July 1845 - Loman Gibbs a Justice of Livingston County Court

State of New York Livingston County } ss - I, Lemuel Gibbs, one of the Judges of Livingston County Courts - before whom the foregoing Declaration & affidavit were taken, do hereby Certify that I am personally acquainted with said Aline Cummins. I know that she is the widow of Jedediah Cummins, who was a pension- -er of the United States - & late a resident of the Town of Lima in said County & State - I further Certify that she is in all respects a credible person, possessing the highest Character & reputation for truth, veracity & honesty - I further Certify that in my opinion, she is not able to attend the Courts of which I am a Judge for the purpose of making her aforesaid Declaration, on account of her age & infirmity - & from present appear- -ces - that she will not be able to attend said Courts at the next term thereof -
I further Certify that I am acquainted with Erasmus T. Cummins - who made the foregoing affidavit - & that he is a credible person & that the statements of said Aline & said Erasmus T. in said Declaration & said affidavit respectively are true & are fully entitled to confidence & credit -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand at Lima in said County the fifteenth day of July - 1845 -
Lemuel Gibbs a Judge of Livingston County Courts

Oliver Cummings Born May 11 th 1785 Born the 11 th November 1785 Anna Cummings, born Born April 21 st 1785 Nathaniel was Born Sept. 11 th Erasmus was Born Jan y 21 st Jedediah was Born July 9 th Joel was Born October 11 th Ezra was Born May 3 rd Oliver was Born Sept. 23 rd
A.

Family Record.
BIRTHS.
Pedediah Commings born at Dover N. Y. Sept. 11. 1756
Oliver Whipple born at Sheffield. Berkshire County Massachusetts Nov 11. 1762
Anna Commings born at Sunderland Vermont on April 21. 1785
Wealthy Commings born at Charlotte Vermont Sept. 16. 1787
Erasmus T. Commings born at Charlotte Vermont Jan 29. 1789
Pedediah D. Commings born at Charlotte Vermont July 9. 1790
BIRTHS.
Lord Commings born at Linn County of Livingston New York October 18. 1796
Ezra W. Commings born at Linn County of Livingston NYork May 3. 1799
Oliver Commings born at Linn County of Livingston New York Sept. 23. 1800
B

27265
Indian Commis
de
Hon. S. Beardsly HR
Hugh S. Hurd Present
3 3/4 16 57
Commissioner of Pensions.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sept. 3 d 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Judiah Cummings
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1776 — 1 3 — Pvt Capt Ransom 74 years   1778 March 1 4 — " " Pierce  
+ Not allowed his widow being in consuetudo with the Ruler - Cause of the matter - Service of Host of Pa
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
3 26 57

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }  On this                      day of                      personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of                      in the county of                      and State, Territory or District of                      aged (c)                      years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)                      , with                      and served in the                      (e) regiment of the                      line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. (This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.)]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                      of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                      for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of                      &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the                      and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with                      , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said 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 named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the                      and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the                      and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,                      Clerk of the Court of                      do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this                      day of                      &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
 6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. 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 that 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 shown 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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.
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 papers 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[t] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

October 9, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/EE aw Jedediah Gommins-W.17677
Mr. George McK. Roberts 570 Livingston Avenue New York, New York
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the pension record of Jedediah Gommins, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
A very careful examination has been made of the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.17677, based upon the military service of Jedediah Gommins in that war and his history, as found in those papers, is given below.
Jedediah Gommins was born September 11, 1756, in Dover, Dutchess County, New York.
While residing near Forty Fort, Westmoreland(later Wyoming) County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted in November, 1776, served as a private in Captain Samuel Ransom's Connecticut Company of Rangers, was at the battle of Germantown, the siege of Fort Mifflin, in skirmishes at New Brunswick and Millstone, New Jersey, and was discharged February 11, 1778, on account of ill health; he again enlisted about March 1, 1778, served in Captain Pierce's Company, Colonel Nathan Denison's Connecticut Regiment, was in several skirmishes with the Indians and on July 4, 1778, was at Forty Fort when it was captured by the British and Indians under Colonels Butler and Brant(this was the Wyoming Massacre) but was not held as a prisoner as according to the articles of capitulation, those captured were allowed their liberty on condition that they would not again enter the service during the continuation of the war.
After the Revolution, Jedediah Gommins lived at Sunderland, Vermont, and at Charlotte, Chittenden County, that state; about 1791, he sold his farm near said Charlotte, and bought land near Genesee(later Lima) New York, the deed for said land being dated November 2, 1793, (according to a statement by his widow) and in 1794, he moved his family to that place.
Did not use Col. Durkee as I think he meant Capt. Durkee who had the other Wyoming Co. Proofs these Co's were independent Col Durkee was apparently never in the Wyoming service - Col Zebulon Butler was at the Wyoming Massacre - for acct see Loaming

Jedediah Commins was allowed pension on his application executed May 28, 1833, while residing at Lima, Livingston County, New York.
He died March 6, 1836, at said Lima, and was buried on the old farm formerly occupied by him near that town.
The soldier married March 20, 1784, Olive Whipple, who was born November 11, 1762, at Sheffield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts. They were married at the home of her aunt, Hannah Brigham, widow of Jedediah Brigham, in Sunderland, Vermont, where she and her sister, Hannah, were living, their mother having died. The names of Olive's parents are not shown and it is not stated whether or not said Hannah Brigham was their mother's sister.
Soldier's widow, Olive, was allowed pension on her application executed July 15, 1845, while residing in Lima, New York.
The names of the following children appear in the claim:
Anna Commins born at Sunderland, Vermont, April 21, 1785. Wealthy Commins " " Charlotte, " September 16, 1787. Ebenezer T. Commins " " " " January 29, 1789, in 1845, residing in Lima, New York. Jedediah D. Commins " " " " July 9, 1790. Joel Commins " " Lima, New York, October 18, 1796. Ezra W. Commins " " " " " " May 3, 1799. Olive Commins " " " " " " September 23, 1800.
In 1845, the widow's sister, Hannah W. Acer, the wife of John Acer, was aged sixty-five years and resided in Pittsford, Monroe County, New York.
There are no further family data.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Olive Commins, widow of Jedediah Commins (W. 17677), you should address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing the following data:
Olive Commins (Gunnins), widow of Jedediah Commins (Gunnins), Certificate No. 2397, issued November 13, 1849, rate $56.67 per annum, commenced March 4, 1848, Act of February 2, 1848, New York (Albany) Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLIER Assistant to Administrator.

12053,
Olive Cummings
PO July 23, 1875. widow of Sedemiah
NY
act 7 July 1838
Married 1784
husband died 6 March 1836

State of New York County of Livingston
ss. Hannah M. Acers of the town of Pittsford in the County of Monroe and State of New York aged sixty five years & upwards, being duly sworn says that she is the wife of John Acers, that her maiden name was Hannah Whipple, and when she was very young she was placed in charge of Mrs. Hannah Brigham of Sunderland, in the State of Vermont, in consequence of the death of Deponent's mother and that Deponent was brought up by said Hannah Brigham - who was an aunt of Deponent - and was the widow of Jedediah Brigham deceased -
Deponent further says that she is a sister of Olive Cummins, the widow of Jedediah Cummins & whose declaration is hereto prefixed -
She further states that she very well recollects that when she was a small girl she heard the family of her aunt Brigham say that Deponent's said sister Olive was to be married to said Cummins, at the house of said Hannah Brigham, where Deponent then resided - that she well recollects the day & the circumstances of the wedding - and particularly that Deponent & others who were small children were dressed up to attend the wedding of said Olive in the evening - That she further well recollects seeing the people assemble at the house of her said Aunt, to attend said wedding, at the appointed and designated time -
Deponent further says, that, as she now recollects, before the performance of the ceremony of marriage, she became sleepy & fatigued, and was sent to bed - and was not present at the performance of said ceremony - But the next morning, after the Circumstances above stated took place, she was informed that her sister Olive was married to said Cummins - and that said Jedediah Cummins was then deponent's

brother - and Deponent well knows the fact that said Olive & said Gedeon Cummins cohabited together from that time, as husband and wife, until the death of said Gedeon Cummins, which took place as she is informed & believes on the sixth March 1836.
Deponent further says that she is not now able to state the precise date of said marriage - but she well remembers the birth of the oldest child of said Olive Cummins, whose name was Anna & of her removing from Sunderland to Charlotte in Vermont, & that said Olive & said Cummins resided at Charlotte aforesaid for several years after said marriage & before they removed into the State of New York - That Deponent was well acquainted with said Cummins up to the time of his death; and has also been well acquainted with the family of said Cummins from the time of said marriage up to the present time & that said Olive & said Cummins from the time of said marriage always recognized each other as husband & wife & were so recognized & treated by all their neighbors, friends & acquaintances, both in Vermont & in this State - and this deponent is just as well satisfied of the fact that said marriage actually took place, at the time above alluded to, as if she had seen the ceremony performed - that she was in the fore part of the evening in the room where the company was assembled for the purpose of witnessing said marriage and then & there saw both said Olive & said Gedeon Cummins & heard the company talk about the wedding which was about to take place between them - and which she always from that day understood did take place the same evening, & that Judge Bronson officiated on the occasion. That Deponent saw both said Olive & said Gedeon at the house of her said Aunt the next day, and some of the family told Deponent that said Cummins was her brother - All which circumstances are as fresh in Deponent's recollection, as the most recent occurrences -
Deponent further says she was well acquainted with the children of said Olive whose names are contained in the annexed family records - I well knows that the several births of said children took place after the aforesaid marriage of said Olive & Gedeon - and she verily believes the said records to be herewith

Aunt the next day, and some of the family told Deponent that said Cummins was her brother - All which circumstances are as fresh in Deponent's recollection, as the most recent occurrences -
Deponent further says She was well acquainted with the children of said Olive whose names are contained in the annexed family records - I well knows that the several births of said children took place after the aforesaid marriage of said Olive L. Jedediah - and she verily believes the said records to be perfectly true records of such births -
Deponent further says that she knows the time of the removal of said Olive with said Jedediah to the place where she now resides, & she is positive that said removal was long after said marriage & as early as the year 1793 or 4. and that the same is truly set forth in said Olive's aforesaid declaration & further saith not Subscribed and sworn to Hannah H. Acers this 13 th day of July 1845 }
Before me
Leman Gibbs a Judge of Livingston County Courts

State of New York - ) Livingston County - ) I hereby Certify that I am personally acquainted with the foregoing above named Hannah Deer - and further that she is a credible person. Her statements are entitled to full confidence & credit -
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of July - 1845 - Luman Gibbs a Judge of Livingston County Court

State of New York, Livingston County - ss I, William H. Whiting County Clerk of the County of Livingston aforesaid do hereby certify that Lemuel Gibbs above named is one of the Judges of Livingston County Courts - as aforesaid and that the several signatures above purporting to be his are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my Seal of office at Geneseo this fifteenth day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred & forty five - Wm H Whiting. clerk

State of New York Livingston County } ss
Asahel Birchard of Lima in said County & State being duly sworn says that he is aged eighty three years and upwards and removed into the Town of Lima aforesaid in the year 1791 and that in the year 1793 Jedidiah Com- mins moved into the Town of Lima aforesaid and became a neighbor to this deponent built a house about the first of January 1794 and within a short time after moved his family into it which consisted of his wife Olive and his children Anna, Matthy, Erasmus T. and Jedidiah D.
Deponent further says that the said Jedidiah and Olive cohabited together as husband and wife from the time the time they removed into Lima aforesaid and became the neigh- bor of this deponent aforesaid until the time of the death of the said Jedidiah which was as this deponent recalls, was on or about the sixth day of March 1836
This deponent further says that from the acquaintance that he has had with the widow Commins the widow of the said Jedidiah Commins (the said Olive) he has no hesitation in saying that she is reputed a woman of truth and veracity and that her statements in her declaration to obtain a pension hereto attached is entitled to credit.
And further this deponent saith not
sworn and subscribed this fifteenth day of July 1845. Before me
Leman Gible, a Judge of Livingston County Court
Asahel Birchard

REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Tzediah  Commins of the State of New York who was a Private in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive Fifty Six dollars and Sixty Seven cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 3 d day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four
L. Wood Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

Payments to be made at New York by First Mech s Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of
New York
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book 8 Vol. 4 Page 131 by Sam l H. Page Clerk.
Revolutionary Claim

State of New York Livingston County ss Ebenezer T. Cummings being duly sworn says that the Certificate of Pension of his father the said Frederick Cummings refused to in the deponents foregoing deposition as well as in the declaration of the Widow Eliza Cummings deponents mother dated June 3. 1834 etc. is hereto annexed or attached.
Sworn & subscribed
This 12 th day of July
1845. Before me
Lowackibby a Judge of Livingston County Court
E. T. Cummings

Memorandum

Syracuse Onondaga Co. N.Y.
July 19. 1845 -
Dear Sir,
I herewith enclose you papers in favor of a claim of Mrs. Abigail Cummings or Cummings - for a pension under the act of July 7. 1838. It seems to me that more time may be made out than was made out by the old settlement. I believe Cummings himself - Her declaration seems full, minute & I presume will prove in all things accurate - I suppose it is well known to your department that your record of marriages where not made in Vermont so early as 1784 - so probably none can be found. The marriage was celebrated before a Judge. So no church record can probably be found - The family record (two are enclosed) seems to take the marriage for granted. I go largely into the matter of Births - The evidence as to the marriage however is conclusive: Mrs. Acar. Tho' young, could not fail to be accurate as to the facts which she states - These facts prove the marriage abundantly - The afft of Mr Birchard is to the point - I that alone would be enough in this state or Pennsylvania - I presume in

The other States - to establish the marriage of these parties - in any litigation, where the civil rights of the wife, as such , were in controversy - & depended upon the fact of marriage - Marriage is a civil contract & requires nothing more than the mutual assent of the parties - accompanied or followed by cohabit- ation as husband & wife - to perfect the contract - to consummate marriage - We have here also the affidavit of E. C. Cummins - whose age & relationship enables him to prove constant recognition, & cohabitation of the parties as husband & wife - as to identity, there can be no question - The Original Certificate is returned. & the widow's statement - & the other affidavits prove all that - I think in this case I may safely calculate on speedily receiving a certificate for her portion - Yours Truly
A. H. Brown
Hon. J. L. Edwards Court & Co

Hon. Lewis Cass

Washington May 30 1894
Hon. Lewis Cass Country of War.
Sir, I have recently been written to from Lima, Livingston Co., N.Y. in behalf of Jedediah Cummings an applicant for a pension. On inquiry I found that his papers had been sent to an agent (H.S. Handy) here, a long time since. — On writing to him, I have been able to obtain them today. May I ask you Sir, to look at them and determine whether the objections taken by Mr Edwards ought to be regarded as decisive? I confess that as far as I can venture to express any opinion, it seems to me they are founded in greater strictness than

is usual in cases of this character.
I send the papers and this letter to Mr Edwards, as I am aware that you will desire to have him appear before you when you take up the case.
I am Sir,
Cyr. Wood, M.P.
Truly

J. L. Edwards Esq Pension office
Adm d
= 17 mo. private =
Hon. S. Beardsly

Washington May 30 - 1834
G. L. Edward Esq
Sir, Please to look at the enclosed letter to Gov. Lapp, which explains my object in sending the papers to you. I hope you will present the papers to him & obtain his decision at some early day.
I am Sir Yrs &c H. Beardley

J. J. Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir enclosed is Mrs. Cummings Declaration and Affidavit with the County Clerk's Certificate attached.
If it is sufficient please forward and the necessary papers.
Respectfully Yours
Seth Johnson
Sims N. York 14th August 1848

2294
New York Albany Aline Cummings widow of Jeremiah Cummings who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Reported Dec 18/48
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 50 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 day of Dec. 1848 and sent to
Seth Johnson Lima Livingston Co. N.Y.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 40 Vol. 1,

Aug 18, 1848 Special
Adams case Columbus
Rev. J. L. Church Court of Sessions Washington City DC

Syracuse N.Y. Aug. 11 th 1845 - -
Dear Sir, I herein enclose three additional affidavits, which go to establish the relationship of husband & wife between Jedediah Cummings, late of Lima, & Celina Cummings his widow, previous to the year 1794 -
These affts confirm Mrs. C's account of their removal to Lima - of his going on in 1793 - of her going with her children in 1794 - February - They took with them four children of the marriage, as fully appears by other affts - I apprehend so full collateral evidence will preclude the necessity of any other evidence of identity or secondary evidence of the marriage -
I shall forward the proof from the town clerk where the marriage took place as soon as received -
I hope to hear as soon as may be, from this case -
Yours Truly Edward H. Brown
Hon: J. L. Edwards Comm ee of Pensions?

7320 - Glen
Mr. Colb
10
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Com. of Persian Washington City

7320 New York A Olive Cummins widow of Jeremiah Cummins who was a private in the Revolutionary War
Inc. from 57 Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 56 Dollars 67 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. ded former payments Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Nov 1849, and sent to
Wm Valentine Albany N.Y.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book a 88. Vol. 2 Page
W.C. Robinson

Letter to S. Johnson, Sept 2, 48
7320. New York
Oliver Cummings, widow of Jedediah Cummings, who was a private, in the Pennsylvania line.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 50 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of Oct: 45 and sent to E. A. Brown, Syracuse, N. Y.
[Act of March 3, 1843.] + 17 June, 44.
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 73.

9649.
New York.
Oliver Cummings, widow of Jedediah Cummings, who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832, and who died on the 6th: March, 1836 of Livingston in the State of N.Y. who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Ransom of the company commanded by Denison in the Pennsylvania line for 15 Months —
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany, at the rate of 50 — Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day of March, 1836. 6 March, 1836. —
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th: — day of October, 1845 and sent to E. A. Brown, Syracuse, N. York, —
Total amount, $ 249.66
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Wellstern Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 — Page 151.

No 12053
Oliver Cummings Mason of Jeremiah NY
Act 7 July 1838.
Adm d 15 mo per $50 —
Commencing on 6 March 1836
Adm d Act 3 March 1843 and 17 June 1844 $50 00 / 100 per ann
Edward A. Brown Syracuse NY

M. Cole J. J. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
M

Lima. Liv. Co. N. York 30th. Sept. 1848
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions } Dear Sir
Enclosed is Mrs. Cummings Declaration & Affidavit with Clerk's certificate attached. Please forward the necessary vouchers as soon as may be convenient.
Respectfully Yours
Seth Johnson

Letter To: D. S. Edwards Esq
Sir
in order to inform you of the interest rate I have been offered since the 1st of Oct 1848 I have 1st 10% then 8% then 6% then 5% I have been offered since the 1st of Oct 1848 I have been offered since the 1st of Oct 1848 I have been offered since the 1st of Oct 1848
Yours faithfully John W. Foster

Albany N.Y. Nov 3 d 1849
Sir
Enclosed is the papers in the application of Olive Cummins, widow of Lideclicah Cummins due for an increase of her pension under the Resolution of Congress of July 1 st 1848. And herewith return her pension Certificate under the Act of July 2 d 1848 in order to obtain one at the increased rate —
I am Yours very respectfully, Wm Valentine
J. L. Edwards Esqr Court of Pensions Washington

Payment to be made at Albany by Res  Thos. W. Cleveland  Increased Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Act '38 Agency of New York  43844  48 at $56.67  for annum ded g  former payli at $50.  for annum, com'g 
Payable on the 4th September and 4th 6 March 1881 March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 40 , Vol. 4 .
 Geo. H. King Clerk.
 M c Intire  Albany  N.Y. 

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848,
Oliver Cummings,
widow of Jerediah Cummings,
who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Fifty, dollars and _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the War Office of the United
States this 7th day of December one thousand eight hundred and forty eight,
W. L. Marcy.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Secretary of War.

9649.
New York Alb
Olive Cummings Widow of Jeremiah Cummings who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 6th March 1836 of _____ in the State of _____ who was a private in the Co commanded by Captain Ransom of the commanded by _____ in the Penn a line for 15 mos line? from 50
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany N.Y. at the rate of 56 Dollars 67 Cents per annum, to commence on the 6th day of March, 1836.
Former payments to be deducted Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Nov 1849 and sent to Wm Valentur, Albany N.Y.
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by H. C. Robbins Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 Page 541.

STATE OF NEW YORK, } ss. Livingston County Clerk's Office. }
I, WILLIAM H. WHITING, Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Jamies Raymond Esquire, before whom the annexed Instrument in writing was proved or acknowledged, was, at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe that the signature to said Certificate is genuine, and that the annexed Instru- ment is a correct and acknowledged according to the laws of this State.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County, at Geneseo, this 29 day of Oct A. D. 184 9 . Wm H Whiting , Clerk.

State of New York County of Livingston ss
On this 25 th day of October 1849 before me Garris Raymond a justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Olive Commins a resident of the town of Lima in the County aforesaid aged Eighty Six 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 provision made by the Resolution of Congress of July 1 st 1848 relative to services of those who served in the War of the Revolution, That she is the widow of Jedediah Commins who was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of June 7 th 1832 at the rate of Fifty Six dollars and Sixty Seven Cents per annum That she has received a pension under the Acts of July 7 th 1839 July 3 rd 1843 June 17 th 1844 - and now receives a pension under the Act of February 2 nd 1848 at the rate of Fifty dollars per annum In support of which claim she refers the pension Department to the evidence on file in that office and to the Resolution aforesaid. She further declares that she is now a widow
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 25 th day of October 1849. Garris Raymond
Justice of the Peace
Olive Commins
I Certify that Olive Commins above named is personally known to me and is the identical person above described and who executed the foregoing declaration before me - Garris Raymond Justice of the Peace

STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. LIVINGSTON COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, }
I Certify, that Jarris Raymond Esquire, was, at the date of the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, a
Justice of the Peace
in and for said county, duly authorized to take the same; that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily believe that the signature to said certificate is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County, this Eighteenth day of September A. D. 1848.
Wm. H. Whiting Clerk.

State of New York } On the 14 th day of September 1848 Livingston County } personally appeared before me having
known me a justice of the peace of the said county. Olive Comming a resident of the town of Lima in the county of Livingston aged eighty five years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declar- ation, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2 nd February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war that she is the widow of Frederick Comming who served as a private in the militia in the Revolutionary war. And the annual amount of the pension which she received under the act of 4 th June 1848 was fifty dollars She further declares that she is still a widow
I further certify that the declarant is to me personally known to be the identical person named in the above affidavit -
Sworn & subscribed before me on this 14 th day of September 1848. James Raymond Justice of the peace
Olive Comming

State of New York Livingston County ss Mrs Hannah Knepp of the town of Limer in Seneca County being truly sworn deposeth and saith that she is aged 77 years & upwars that she is per- sonally acquainted with Oliver Conning named in the foregoing papers that she was acquainted with her late husband Frederick Conning & said Oliver Conning early in the spring of 1794 having each & all of us moved into the town of Limer then Genesee in February previous that they brought four children with them and knowing that they had three children after moving that they resided together as man & wife and were generally & universally reported to be husband & wife up to the time of the death of the said Frederick Conning further this deponent saith not Sworn & subscribed before me this 31 st day of July 1845 David Haysom Justice of the peace Hannah Knepp

State of New York Livingston County ss 3 Mrs Mahitable Sterling of the town of Lime in Said County being duly sworn deposeth and saith that she is aged 70 least mark that she is personally acquainted with Oliver Comming named in the foregoing papers that she was acquainted with the late husband Frederick Comming in his life time and that this deponent first became acquainted with Said Frederick Comming as early as the year 1793 in having residence in her family a part of that year and that the spring following in the Said Comming moved his family in to the Said town and that he brought Children with him and that she was present at the birth of one or two of his Children after he moved in Said town, and that he and the Said Oliver Comming resided together as Husband and wife and were universally reported to be husband and wife up to the time of the death of the Said Freder- ick Comming further this deponent saith not - Sworn & subscribed before on this 31 st day of July 1845 } Mahitable Sterling Sarris Raymond Austin } of the peer } }
The words "one or" interlined before signing Sarris Raymond Austin }

State of New York } Livingston County } ss
Asahel Warner of the town of Lima in Saiee County being duly sworn deposith and saith that he is aged eighty years & upwards and that he was formerly acquainted with Fidelity Conning in Saiee town as early as March 1795 and that he also became acquainted with Oliver Conning his wife about the same time and that he has continued to be acquainted with her and her family up to the present time (Except the Saiee Fidelity who deceased about nine since) and that they resided together as husband & wife and that such connection never was questioned by any of his neighbours and that they were always reported to be husband & wife and that he readily believes them to have been such - further this deponent saith not
Sworn & Subscribed before
on this 31 st day 1845
Jarris Haysmire Justice
of the peace
Asahel Warner

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted acquainted with the several individuals named in the annexed affidavits & that they are persons of good reports and in good standing in society when they live and that I have full confidence in the statements made in the annexed affidavits, and that I have been personally acquainted with Mr & Mrs Corning from the year 1819 up to the death of Mr Corning and with Mrs Corning & family to the present time and that they are persons of truth and veracity and of good standing in society when they live —  Liine City 31 st / 45 — Davis Raymond Justice —
State of New York Livingston County Clerk's Office }
I William H Whiting clerk of said County do hereby certify that James Raymond Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits purport to have been taken and subscribed, was on the 31 st day of July 1845 an acting Justice of the Peace in and for Livingston County, duly Elected and qualified to act as such and further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signature subscribed to the said affidavits to be genuine
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County at Geneseo the 4 th day of August 1845
Wm H Whiting Clerk

OFFICERS
President Brig.-Gen. Louis W. Stotesbury 1st Vice-President David W. Jagger 2nd Vice-Pres. Joseph N. Greene 3rd Vice-Pres. Frederick W. Swan Secretary Maj. Chas. A. DuBois Treasurer Rexford Crewe Registrar Francklyn Hogeboom Historian Richard V. Goodwin Chaplain Rev. J. Lewis Hartsock, D.D.
PERMANENT MANAGERS
Louis Annin Ames Brig.-Gen. Oliver B. Bridgman Hon. Sanford T. Church Ganson Depew Hon. Cornelius A. Pugsley Hon. Harvey F. Remington
TELEPHONE: WICKERSHAM 2-7373
THE EMPIRE STATE SOCIETY SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
ORGANIZED FEBRUARY 11, 1890 HEADQUARTERS: THE LEXINGTON LEXINGTON AVENUE AT FORTY-EIGHTH STREET NEW YORK, N. Y.
October 6, 1933
MANAGERS
Ambrose S. Arnold Lt.-Col. Charles H. Bauer George Royce Brown Dr. Nelson Courtlandt Brown Fredk. H. Cone Bertram de N. Cruger Capt. Charles Curie Robert Wilson Evans Hon. Edward R. Finch Eugene A. Gurnee Willard Haff Harold S. Hull Col. William E. Marble Philip Schuyler Miller D. Frederic Potter Wilfrid T. Pratt George McK. Roberts ✓ Hon. Bernard Ryan Hon. Townsend Scudder Lee Thompson Smith Hon. Oscar J. Smith Walter L. Titus Hon. James W. Wadsworth Col. G. Creighton Webb Hon. Charles S. Whitman
Veterans Administration Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Under date of September 1st I addressed a letter to the Pension Bureau requesting an abstract of the Revolutionary Pension Record of Jedediah Commins who was pensioned June 3, 1934 for services as a Private in the Pennsylvania Militia. In 1835 Pension Record he is shown as a resident of Livingston County, New York. Possibly my inquiry went astray so I take occasion to say that any data as to his military service, family, etc. will be very helpful as I am interested in tracing his family in connection with a genealogy which I am compiling.
Very truly yours,
GMcKR:Q
GEORGE McK. ROBERTS 570 LEXINGTON AVENUE NEW YORK CITY

GEORGE MCK. ROBERTS 570 LEXINGTON AVENUE NEW YORK CITY
September 1, 1933.
PENSION BUREAU Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Will you kindly send me an abstract of the Revolutionary Pension Record of Jedediah Commins who was pensioned June 3, 1934 for services as a Private in the Pennsylvania Militia. In 1835 Pension Record he is shown as a resident of Livingston County, New York.
Any data as to his military service, family, etc. will be very helpful as I am interested in tracing his family in connection with a genealogy which I am compiling.
Very truly yours,
GMcKR:Q

W 17677 L. W. B.
February 19, 1897.
Madam:
Replying to your request for information concerning the military record of Jedediah Cummins, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you are advised that he made an application for pension on May 28, 1833, at which time he was 76 years of age and residing at Lima, N. Y., and his pension was allowed for seventeen months' actual service as a private in the Pennsylvania troops, Revolutionary War; a part of the time he served under Capt. Ransom and Col. Denison. He enlisted at Kingston, Pa.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Mrs Kittie Smithers, 229 First Street, Akron, Ohio.

Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D.C.
Can you give me any information whatever concerning Jedediah Comstock who tells years of his life served as private in the Revolutionary War. Records show us he was born at Dover N.Y. Sept., 11, - 1756. died at Lima Livingston Co., N.Y. March 6 - 1836. He drew a pension in the several last years of his life, which at his death was transferred to his wife Abigail Comstock, who died at Lima, Livingston Co. N.Y., Dec. 27, 1851. If you can enlighten me as to what Regiment he selected in, how long he served, and what

battles he fought or anything else concerning him, it will be greatly appreciated, as he is all endeavored to establish a branch of the Daughters of the Revolution.
Very Truly Yours.
Kattie C. Smithers.
Address —
Mrs. Kattie Smithers,
229 Fir St.,
Akron Ohio.

Rev War (3-469.)
Bureau of Pensions.
Old File # 17677 Application No. _____
Certificate No. _____
NAME OF SOLDIER, Jedediah Commins Co. Prov Reg't
INFORMATION DESIRED.
Papers for him

History to ms. the frs, 229 Akron, Ohio.
1933 - Oct 9 - Dist. To Mr Geo. M. Roberts - Ecl
WIDOW, &c.
17677
Oliver Cummings
Widow of
Jedediah Cummings
Pr. Rev War
Act: Feb 29 48
Index: Vol. 14, Page 162
[Arrangement of 1870.]