Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 9844, Prosper Deming, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Deming Prosper
S. 9844
CONTENTS
carded

See Hon. P. King July 19, 1850
30.233
Harry N. C.
Prosper Dumar.
He was in the State of New York who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Lowel of the reg t commanded by Col. Whitecomb in the ★ line for 17 months and 14 days
Mass. Line 1814-15 Records completed
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany N.Y. at the rate of 58 Dollars 21 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 d day of October 1835 and sent to N.Y. Brown Osceola
Arrears to the 4th of March 1835 $233.84 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept e 28.10 $262.94
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7 1839 }
Recorded by Dan G. S. Ex 82 Vol. 4 F

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1832 -
State of New York 3/4 St. Lawrence County 3/4
On this 24th day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County now sitting Prosper Deming a resident of the Town of Elizabethton Upper Canada State of New York who being first duly sworn according to Law doth hereby make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1832 that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and in the following units as herein stated viz that in the year 1775 in the month of November at New York City in the State of New York he enlisted in a company commanded by Colonel  John  Brook in 600. Whitcomb's  Regiment of Artillery and the said company were in the town of New York and the said company were in the said city marched to Roxbury near Boston where the said company joined and were attached to the above Regiment that they remained there until the first day of April 1776 at which time they entered Boston that the said company thereafter remained in Boston until the 1st day of February from thence they were ordered to Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain in the State of New York at which place they arrived some time in the month of August and following there remained in the said service until December thereafter when the said company & Regiment were discharged & discharged by reason of the term of enlistment of one year having expired that he the said Prosper Deming returned to Lenduffsport and in the month of June 1777 and thereafter for some time was enlisted in a company of the Continental  Line in the State  of  New  York  Regiment .

saith that he knows of no person whose testimony he can produce who can testify to his said services nor does he know that they have survived or are now living - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Army of any State - In answer to the interrogatories propounded by the said Court -
Firstly That he was born in the Town of Norwich in the State of Connecticut in the year 1760
Secondly That he has no other record of his age the same was learnt in his dwelling house in Sandwich in Massachusetts, in the year 1786
Thirdly that he was living in Sandhurst in the State of Massachusetts when he developed water in the service of the trust and that since that time or since the Revolution he has lived in Sandhurst in the State of Connecticut in the State of Connecticut in the Province of Upper Canada in the State of New York his last place of residence
Fourthly That he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer in the State Troops, is above declared -
Fifthly That the names of the officers under whom he served with whom he was acquainted are - Genl. C. S. Blair Genl. Glauv. Genl. Ashley, late abbl. previous Genl. Gates Col. Whitcomb Col. Ashley Col. Thorne Capt. Morris Saul Capt. Dunning Capt. Burbanks Capt. Harrington Smith That Col. Buel's Regiment relieved them at Fredericksburg also Col. Stark's Regiment & the circumstances as above set forth in his forward Declaration.

Seventh That he is known by the following persons in his present neighborhood viz Samuel Wright & Timothy Wright Presbyterian Ministers. Presbyterian Ministers Henry Bogart the Methodist Priest who can testify as to his character for truth & veracity - & their belief of his Revolutionary services as a soldier.
Given & subscribed the 20th day of May 1833 - day and year aforesaid
Proper Dunning
(S.D. CLE)
We Henry Bogart a clergyman residing near the town of Greenwich in the County of Saratoga State of New York town of Elizabeth town in the Province of Upper Canada and Samuel Wright & Timothy Wright of the town of Greenwich in the County & State aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Proper Dunning who has subscribed and sworn before us a declaration that we believe him to be seventy two years of age that he is respected & beloved in the neighborhood where he resides & has been a soldier of the Revolution & that we are well acquainted with him & that he is a man of truth & veracity.
Given & subscribed the 20th day of May 1833.
Henry Bogart M.D. Samuel Wright Timothy Wright
John Fine Hose Reed Isaac Van Horn
In Saratoga County ss. I Alvin C. S. Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that John Fine Esquire before whom the preceding Certificate purports to have been subscribed & sworn was at the date of the same first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and for said County duly Commissioned & sworn and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Judge and truly believe that his signature to the said Certificate is genuine - Witness my hand and seal of office this 28th day of May 1833 A. C. S. Clerk

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 Certify that it appears to them that Henry Bogack who has signed the preceding Certificate is auryman resident in the Town of Elizabeth-Town in the Province of Upper Canada and that Samuel Wight and Timothy Wight who have also signed the same are residents in Town of Oswegatchie in the County of St Lawrence and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Alvin C. Town Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County, aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Prosper D r ving for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of office this 28 th day of May 1833
A. Town Clerk

25707
out 5 th July 1780 13 th Aug a. m. 10
Ent - Capt. Gould as " N. Adams Company 11 th Dec 1775. 27 th Nov 1776

No 25704 Prosper Deming St Lawrence County New York
Earl Rolle 57 82 5716 Ent July 5 th 1780 5 Mo
to Capt C. D. Bangs. Feb 20 16 th 33
Admitted
Private of M c V an Am er g
56.66
1.53
58.81
The Service of applicant is proved. Therefore it is hoped this application will be attended to immediately Potsdam
Alvin C. Low Col. St Lawrence County New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
24 Dec. 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 subjjoined 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 Prosper Deming St. Lawrence County New York
   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.     Enlisted 1775 1 4 - private Capt Bowl, Colonel {Whitcomb 72 years Sandusfield Traditionary evidence, papers correct   Enlist June 1777 - 9 - " Capt Dunning, Colonel {Ashley Massachusetts   Vol June 1779 - 9 mo 10 5 - " Capt Smith, Major Allen Battle at Saratoga  
+ Vide rolls of Capt Allens Company - Enl d 11 Dec 1775 - Must d to 27 th Nov - 1776
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Since the first examination of these papers it has been ascertained that there are rolls of the Militia & State Troops in the Office of the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts E. D. Bangs Esqr, to whom the applicant is referred for proof of his service.

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
It cannot be admitted that all the facts in the case are in the nature of proof - The declaration is not sworn to in his statement

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 enquiry 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.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

No 25707 Prosper Deming St Lawrence County New York
Earl Rolle 80 5 Mo Ent July 5 th 1780 5 Mo
to C.D. Bangs. Dec 16 th 33
Admitted Private of Mrs & H's Comp 56.66 1.53 58.19
The Service of applicant is proved. Therefore it is hoped this application will be attended to immediately Potsdam
Alvin C. Low Colt s St Lawrence County New York

October 4, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS Prosper Deming, S. 9844
Mr. Rolland R. Drake 1333 Thorndale Avenue Chicago Illinois
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for information in regard to John and Prosper Deming, soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S. 9844, based upon the military service of Prosper Deming.
He was born August 7, 1760, in Norwich, Connecticut. The names of his parents were not given.
While a resident of Sandersfield , Massachusetts, he enlisted and served as private with the Massachusetts troops as follows: from November, 1775, one year in Captain Moses Soule's company in Colonel Whitcomb's regiment; from June, 1777, nine months in Captain Elijah Deming's company in Colonel Ashley's regiment; and was in the battle that took place when Burgoyne was captured; from June, 1778, nine months in Captain Ebenezer Smith's company; in 1780 he served nine months in Captain Noah Allen's company in Colonel Sprout's regiment and was present at the execution of Major Andre.
Five or six years after the Revolution he moved from Sandersfield , Massachusetts, to Salisbury, Connecticut, and about ten years later he moved to the "Province of Upper Canada" and from there he moved to Oswegatchie, St. Lawrence County, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 21, 1833, at which time he was living in Elizabethtown, Province of Upper Canada.

In 1835 he was living in Oswegatchie, St. Lawrence County, New York.
There are no data relative to the soldier's family.
The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to afford any information in regard to a John Deming who enlisted from Sandisfield, Massachusetts.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator
Death not in Agency Book

April 30, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS Prosper Deming, S. 9844
Mr. Rolland R. Drake 1015 North Seventh Street Burlington, Iowa
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of April 24, 1935, requesting information in regard to Prosper Deming, S. 9844, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The date and place of death of this soldier are not on record in this office.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension of Prosper Deming, the name and address of the person to whom it was paid and possibly the date of this soldier's death, it is suggested that you address the Comptroller General, Records Division, General Accounting Office, Washington, D.C., citing the following data: Prosper Deming, Certificate 30233, issued October 22, 1835, rate $58.21 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Albany, New York Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

L. W. B. I. 9844.
This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
September 10, 1893.
Sir:-
Replying to your recent communication you are advised that Prosper Demming made an application for pension on May 21, 1833, at which time he was 73 years of age and residing at Elizabethtown, Upper Canada, and his pension was allowed for two years and six months' actual service as a private in the Mass. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Deming and Col. Ashley. He enlisted at Sandersfield, Mass.
It appears that the above information was furnished you under date of March 3rd, 1896.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. Amos Bissell,
1132 - 18th Street,
Denver, Colorado.

Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., _____, 189___
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Hosper Deming , a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will please find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Nov 75 1 yr. Pri Moses Lord Whitcomb Mass   June 77 9 mos " Deming Ashey "   June 78 9 " " Ebenezer Smith Major Root "  
Battles engaged in, Burgoyne's surrender Residence of soldier at enlistment, Sauersfield Mass Date of application for pension, May 21, 1833 Residence at date of application, Elizabethtown Upper Canada Age at date of application, On Norwich Mass 1766
Remarks: He was present at the 1760 execution of Maj Andre
Very respectfully,
Alice M Stanley  New Britain Conn
3
Commissioner.

1015 No. Seventh St. Burlington, Iowa. Apr. 24, 1935.
Veterans Administration Washington, D. C. Gentlemen:
BA - J/MC.S. Prosper Deming S. 9844
Do your records show the date and place of death of Prosper Deming S. 9844? If not, please tell me when and where he received his last pension check.
Thanking you in advance, I am
Yours very Truly, Rolland A. Drake.

1333 Thorndale Ave. Chicago, Illinois Sept. 9, 1934.
U.S. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Will you kindly tell me whether or not Prosper Deming and/or his father John Deming who served in the Revolution, enlisting from Sandisfield, Mass. were Pensioners? (See Mass. Men in the Rev. p. 662)
Respectfully yours, Rolland R. Drake.

D
//
Hon. Com. of Pensions Dear Sir.
I desire all items of information, in the possession of the Pen- sion Bureau concern- ing Prosper Deming a Pensioner of the Revolution, His pen- sions were drawn at Ogdensburg N.Y. Your kind attention

Will greatly oblige Yours Truly
Alice M. Stanley Regent D.A.R. New Britain Ct.
Sept 26 th , 1894

Denver Colo
May 27/79
My Dear Mother
(Enclosed find a letter from Col Bissell addressed to the Hail Com te of Purvis - The letter was returned to him saying that the data called for could be furnished upon evidence that it is to be used in the interest of the pension - Col Bissell is the grandson of Prosper Deming, and he wants the data for his own gratification and satisfaction - Bissell is a perfect gentleman and what he says can be relied on - I will consider it a

great personal favour if you will see the Com ee in person & get from him the data asked for - am sorry to hear that your health is bad - hope your trip across the Continent & the Sandwich Islands will restore your health fully - Reg'd the Letter Correc n System is not panning out as we hoped for - we have 30,000, people, and a Census taken now will prove it - Reg'd you can't push in the $5000. Yours Sincerely E. P. Harriman

79 Col. Bissell informed service and enlistment. white.
4 Mil. Hist. to Miss Alice M. New Britain, Conn. M.C.
Nov. 3, 1896.
her pensioned to Anas Bissell Denver, Col.
Sept 19'98
A. Bissell (as above)
1934, Oct. 4. Dist. to the Rolland R. Drake. M.C.
1935, Apr. 30 Mr. Rolland R. Drake informed re: obtaining date of soldier's death, etc. M.C.
Rehran
9844 INVALID.
File No. 9844
Prosper Demming Priv. R. War.
Act: June 4th 1832
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 92
[Arrangement of 1870.]

New York
Prosper Deming Rev.
Suspended
See let to A. C. Low Esq Apr 14 - 1834
let to Hon R. H. Gillette
June 17, 1835 -
let to A. C. Brown Esq June 4 th 1835
Act of June '32

OFFICE OF AMOS BISSELL, NO. 1132 18TH STREET.
DENVER, COLO. July 23 1898
The Hon: Sec'y of the Interior Washington D.C.
Sir =
Will you kindly furnish me the Record of my Grand Father, Deooper Deming who served from Connecticut, in the Revolutionary War of 1776 - giving date & where Enlisted, the name of Col: of Regt & Capt of Company he served with his Pension, when granted & at what city payable
My only object is to obtain as much as possible of his record in that War for purpose of Biography. It will greatly oblige,
Yours Very Respectfully
Amos Bissell

OFFICE OF AMOS BISSELL, NO. 1132 18TH STREET.
DENVER, COLO. Aug 1 1898
The Hon: Commissioners of Pensions, Washington D.C.
Sir,
Herewith find Enclosed correspond- -ence from the Sec'y of War & Interior, relation to the War Record of Cooper & Ewing, who served in the War of 1876-
If you can give me the desired information, you will greatly oblige
Yours Respectfully
Amos Bissell 7

Denver, Colorado. May 7. 1879.
To the Hon Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C. Sir
Will you please give me from the Records on file in your office, the Reg't & Co., date & place of Enlistment of a Soldier by the name of "Prosper Deering". Who enlisted from Connecticut and served in the War of 1776.
Also, the date he last drew Pension
Yours Truly Respectfully Amos B. Bell
Mr. W. Schuler J. S. P.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Feby 8 th 1834.
* hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the roll of Capt. Moses Gove's Company in Col. Whitcomb's Regt. as described by Prosper Deming, who claims for services under the said Captain, in 1776, is not found in this Office. Edward D. Bangs Secy

No. of Reps.
Washington D.C. July 15 th
Col. J. L. Edwards, Com. of Pensions Sir
I have rec d a letter enquiring whether Prof r Deuring a revolutionary Pensioner now living in Canada - is entitled to Bounty land - can you inform me - Yours Respectfully Paston D. King.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Aug t 15 th 1835.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Prosper Deming, as a private, is borne on a pay-roll of Capt. Elijah Deming's Company, in Col. Ashley's Regt. where he is allowed from July 8 th to the 21 st 1777, fourteen days. m. d o = 14
Prosper Deming claims for services under Capt. Moses Soul, in Col. Whitcomb's or Ashley's Regt. from Novem r 1775, - but the roll is not found in this Office. The muster roll of Capt. Moses Soul's Com ty in Col. John Fellows' Regt. from May 8 th to August 17 th 1775, is found in this Office, but the name of Prosper Deming is not borne on it.
for E. D. Bangs Secretary
Wm. Suffs. Ch: Clerk.

Boston August 15 th 1835
Sir,
We have again thoroughly examined the rolls, and are unable, to find any further evidence of Prosper Demings services, than that, in the Certificate now sent. In your first letter, you stated that he claimed for services under Capt. Moses Soul in Col. Whitcomb's Regt. from Nov r . — We have therefor mentioned Whitcomb's and Ashley's Regts. in the Certificate in hopes that it may prevent any delay of Mr. D. in obtaining his pension. — The rolls in this Office, though numerous, are very defective, irregular, and incomplete, and requires much time and patience to examine them thoroughly. The only compensation we have, is the small fee of two dollars we charge each one we examine for, — we therefor must charge two dollars for the Certificate now sent. — You will recollect you sent but a three dollar bill, to pay for searching for Isaac Perry, and Prosper Deming's last

23 d 1834. - and we then searched, & sent two Certificates dated Feb y 3 d of all the evidence that was then found -
Yours Respectfully Eleazer Homer Henry White
U.S. A. E. Bronson Esq re Cydenburgh St Lawrence County N.Y.

Dated July 23 1898. From Bissell Amos 1132 18th Street Denver, Colo. RECORD & PENSION OFFICE WAR DEPARTMENT
BRIEF OF CONTENTS.
Wishes to secure the record of Prosper Deming, a Revolutionary soldier.
Wrapper,
(See next fold.)
1-470.
gpe J.D.O.
Department of the Interior,
Respectfully responded for the Honorable Secretary of War and the writer so advised. July 25 1898. [Signature] Secretary.
AUG 8 1898
(See next fold.)
Record and Pension Office, WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, July 28 1898.
Respectfully returned to
Mr. Amos Bissell, No. 1132 18th street, Denver, Colorado.
The name Prosper Deming has not been found on the rolls, on file in this office, of Connecticut or Continental troops in service during the Revolutionary war.
It is proper to add, however, that the collection of Revolutionary war records in this office is far from complete, and that the absence therefrom of any name is by no means conclusive evidence that the person who bore the name did not serve in the Revolutionary army.
It is suggested that some information relative to the soldier may be obtained from the Adjutant General of the State of Connecticut.
For information as to when a pension was granted on account of this soldier's services, application should be made to the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C., who is the custodian of the pension records of all wars, and whose office is separate and distinct from the Record and Pension Office of the War Department.
By authority of the Secretary of War:
[Signature] Colonel, U. S. Army, Chief of Office.
(300a-a)
3047blm

State of New York } Lawrence County } }
Eliphalet Holman
of the town of Morristown State and County aforesaid. Being duly sworn deponeth and saith. That he was and is well acquainted with Prosper Deming who resided in the town of Sandisfield in the County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts and that in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty five he the said Prosper Deming enlisted into a company com- manded by Capt. Morris Soul, who raised a company for the term of one year and this deponent vividly believes, that the said Deming did serve in a Regiment commanded by Col. Whitcomb of the Massachusetts line for the full term of one year. And in the year nineteen hundred and eighty the said Deming as this deponent vividly believes, was a soldier in the Continental army and was with the troops under arms at the time when Major Andre the spy was executed. And this deponent further says that he was present at the time of the Execution of Andre and thinks and very likely he saw said Dem- ing under arms on that occasion - and further saith not.
Eliphalet Holman
Sworn & subscribed to } at Morristown this 20 th } day of September 1833. }
Before me - Jacob J. Wood Justice of Peace

State of New York St Lawrence County ss The undersigned Justice of the Peace of the town of Morristown in said County before whom the within deposition was taken Do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Elephat Holman whose name appears to the within deposition and that he resides in the said town of Morristown & is reputed to be a Soldier of the Revolution & draws a pension as such and is a credible witness and that his statements are entitled to credit
J. J. Wood J.P.
State of New York St Lawrence County ss I, Allen C. Jew Clerk of the said County, do hereby certify that Jacob J. Wood by whose name the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the time of taking the said affidavit a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly qualified and sworn, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice of the Peace and truly believe that his name subscribed to the said affidavit and the foregoing certificate is his proper hand writing and signature In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office This 24 th day of October, 1833
A. C. Jew Clerk
E. Holman's Affidavit

N.Y. 3 June 1835- Pension Office Letter No.
REC'D The Honorable Lewis Cass Secy of War Washington

Read & June
Ogdensburgh 26 May 1835
Dear
Sir
I inclose to you the affidavit of Mrs. Smith who shows the Service of Prosper Deming. It is with the other testimony I hope he will now receive his Pension. The Poor old man has been to great expence to obtain testimony it will be hard indeed if he still must be put off. There is no doubt of the Justness of his claim the heretofore proved a part of his services by B. Holman which is on file with his papers. Those who actually served their country in the revolution are entitled as a matter of right to the benefit of the law of Congress. Prosper Deming is one of those. I hope he will not any longer be deprived of his rights. Please to attend to his claim as soon as possible.
Yours Respectfully A. Howard agent

The Hon Lewis Cass Secretary of War Washington City

State of New York } St Lawrence County }
Prosper Denning of Asse- gatchie in said county being duly sworn says that he formerly resided in Elizabeth town in Upper Canada; that about the time he made his application for a pension, he changed his residence to Assevegatchie in the county aforesaid. That the reason this de- ponent did not apply for a pension under Law of 18 th March 1818, was, that he was informed, and believed it to be true, that it would be necessary for him to swear, that he was in very indigent circumstances, poor & unable to support himself; which was not then the case. But this deponent has since lost all his property & is now in indigent circumstances & unable to support himself
Subscribed & sworn before me This 28 th day of August 1832 J C BROWN J P
Prosper Denning

Ogdensburg 31 Oct 1875
Dear Sir
I send inclosed an other certificate from the Secretary of State of Massachusetts. The Secretary in a former communication stated there were but fragments of books remaining in his office. Therefore there could not be any great reliance placed upon them. I have, in behalf of the applicant, again complied with all of your requirement. You have already on file proof of Service by two disinterested witnesses. The Poor old man has been to great expense; & I hope he will not meet with any further disappointment by his pension being any longer delayed. There is no doubt of his being entitled to a full pension.
Yours respectfully R. C. Bicknell

B. 30. M. 9.
W. L. L.
8 October 1835.
Pension Office

State of New York }
Greene County ss }
Peer Smith of the town of LeRay in said County being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith that he was acquainted with Prosper Perring now of Ogdenburgh St Lawrence County & state aforesaid in the army of the Revolution, that he was brought up in the same town that said Perring was, to wit Sandersfield County of Berkshire state of Massachusetts - That said Perring enlisted under Capt. Moses South of New Marlborough in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Whitcomb in the year 1775 and marched away for Boston from Sandersfield There was John Baxter, Isaac Smith and others enlisted at the same time under Capt. South and marched away at the same time, that their friends had frequent correspondence with them, and heard from them every day or two, That said Perring enlisted for a year, and he said Peer recollects well of the return of said Perring & others to Sandersfield after they were discharged & had served their time out -
That he said Peer was in the army of the Revolution in the Massachusetts in Capt. Noah Allen's company in Col. Sprague's Regiment in Genl. Glines's Brigade, that he knows that said Perring was then a soldier in the army in the same company with him, That that season Andre was executed and he said Peer & said Perring witnessed it together, and that said Perring served nine months at that time under Capt. Noah Allen to the certain knowledge of him said Peer and that he said Peer saw him said Perring daily during that time, that the army was in Orange town, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh & other towns in the state of New Jersey, that he said Peer is now a pensioner of the United States for services rendered in the Revolutionary war as a soldier of the Revolution Subscribed & sworn to this 9 th day of May. A.D. 1835 before me Augustus P. Marshall a justice of the Peace of said County.
Peer Smith
I hereby certify that I am acquainted with the above named Peer Smith, and that he is a credible person and his statement is entitled to credit and that he resides in the town of LeRay in the County of Greene.
Augustus P. Marshall Justice of the Peace

State of New York 3
County of Seneca I, Timothy Fitch Clerk of said county certify that Augustus P. Hascall Esquire before whom the within Affidavit purports to have been taken and made was at the date of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and that his signature to the head of the within affidavit is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal this eleventh day of May 1835
Timothy Fitch Clerk By B. Pringle Deputy