Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21,610, John Cummings, Mass

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Cummings John Alexander Sarah
W. 21.610
William →
of Former widow
CONTENTS

Maine. 8123.
Sarah Alexander, dec. widow of John Cummings who was a Private in the Mass. Line -
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 24, Dollars 32
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843, and Nov. 24. 1844, when she died. Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of March 1847. and sent to
F. Bradford, Esq. Portland, Maine.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book a. Vol. 2. Page 1.
Payable to David and Bethiah Alexander, Hannah Michels and Polly Burker, only children.
Rep. 2 certfs. 1838 1/2

Payment to be made at Portland by W. Woodbury Agent for paying Pension- ers in the Agency of Maine
Payable on the 4th March, and 4th September in each year.
Recorded in the Pension Office in Book D Vol. 1.
Page by _____
D. A. Wood Clerk.
Insured

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Sarah Alexander, dec d . late of Maine widow formerly of John Cummings who was a Private in the Mass. Line and died on the — day of — is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Twenty Four dollars and Thirty Two cents per annum, commencing on the 4 th March 1836, and terminating on the 4 th of March, 1841, unless the Pensioner married or died before the above mentioned date; in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death, payable to David, & Bethiah Alexander, Hannah Michael, and Polly Bunker, only children. She { Given at the War Office of the United died 24 Nov r . 1844. } States, this 19 th day of March one thousand eight hundred and Forty Seven.
Examined and Countersigned.
Secretary of War.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Duplicate.

State of Maine
On this 9 th day of February in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and forty seven personally appeared before the Hon Ashur Ware judge of the United States for said District Daniel Alexander a resident of Brunswick in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine aged 58 years who being first sworn doth upon oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the acts of Congress passed July 7 th 1835, March 3 rd 1843, & June 19 th 1844.
And this declarant states that his mother Sarah Alexander late of Brunswick was formerly the widow of John Cummings and he has heard his mother say that her first husband the said Cummings was a native of Harpswell and that he resided in that town in the time of the war of the Revolution. He further states that his mother in her life time has informed him that the said Cummings was a soldier of the Revolution and such has always been the report in the town of Harpswell and vicinity and this declarant has no doubt of the fact. His mother has informed him that said John Cummings was employed as a soldier much of the time during the war of the Revolution. This declarant cannot state from his own recollection of what he has heard, the names of the officers under whom the said Cummings served, but he believes

and has no doubt that he served in the year 1775 in manner set forth in the certificate of the Secretary of State hereto annexed and which he has heard read to him.
And this declarant further states that his mother Sarah Finney was married to John Cummings on the 16th of December 1779, and that said Cummings died more than sixty years ago. And this declarant further states that after the death of said John Cummings his widow your declarant's mother married William Alexander his father who died on the Eleventh day of October 1833. That the said Sarah Alexander survived him and died on the 24th of November 1844 and that she was a widow at the time of her death, as will appear by the testimony annexed.
And this declarant states that the only surviving children of said Sarah Alexander are the following viz - David Alexander this declarant Hannah Michels Polly Bunker & Bethia Alexander, who claim the pension due their mother aforesaid.
As witnesseth Ashur Ware his David Alexander mark
Signed & sworn before me this Feb. 9. 1847 Ashur Ware

United States Maine District
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
I hereby certify that the Honorable Arthur Ware before whom the foregoing proceedings were had, is Judge of the United States in and for Maine Dis- trict and that the signatures thereto pur- porting to be his, are genuine.
In testimony of which I have here- to set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Circuit Court this seventeenth day of February A.D. 1847
John Nufsey Clerk
U.S. Cir. Court
Maine

STATE OF MAINE.
PROBATE COURT, Cumberland County, ss.
Be it Known, That on this Seventeenth day of February 1847 it has been satisfactorily proved in open Court, being a Court of Record, That John Cummings  soldier late of Harpswell was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, and that he died at  some sixty years since, on the _____ day of _____ 184____. And that his widow Sarah Cummings intermarried with William Alexander , who died on the 11th day of October , A. D. 1833, that the said Sarah , widow of said William Alexander died on the 24th day of November A. D. 1844, and that David Alexander, Hannah Michaels, Polly Bunker, & Bethiah Alexander , are the children and the only living children of the said Sarah Alexander deceased, and that he left no widow.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court, and subscribed my name, this Seventeenth day of February in the year 1847
G. G. Tobie
Register of Probate for Cumberland County.

State of Maine, County of Cumberland Town of Harnswell — Town Clerk's office February 7th 1846 — In the book of Records of marriages for said Town page 86 I find the following as return of marriage of Rev. Samuel Eaton — December sixteenth one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine John Cummings and Sarah Finney — The foregoing is a true copy of the Record ex- cept the date — which is expressed in fair legible characters thus "Dec 16th — 1779 —" Attest — Washington Garcelon Town Clerk
I Washington Garcelon, on oath before and say that I am Town Clerk of Harnswell aforesaid, duly chosen and sworn — That the Records of said Town are in my cus- tody — That the foregoing certificate was taken from said Records and is a true copy of the same excepting the date as above no- ted.
Washington Garcelon
State of Maine Cumberland County ss Feb. 7th — 1846 subscribed and sworn before me
Jacob Herrick Just. Peace.

Rev WIDOW, &c. cur
File No. 21610
Sarah Alexander widow of John Cummings Pris New Mus
Act March 24/84 June 1876/11 11
Index : Vol. _____, Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Maine. 10.2.24.
Rep?
Sarah Alexander, dec d . Widow of John Cummings who was a pensioner under the Act of — and who died on the — of — Co. in the State of Maine who was a — in the — commanded by Captain — of the the — commanded by Col. Co. in the — line for 7 mo. 9 ds.
Inscribed on the Roll of Portland at the rate of 24 Dollars 32 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. She died Nov. 24. '49.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of March 1847 and sent to Freeman Bradford, Portland, Maine.
Total amount, $12 1.60
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. H. Wood Clerk, Book R. Vol. 1. Page 1.

I Margaret Alexander, of Brunswick in the county of Cumberland and State of Maine aged sixty six years, on oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with William Alexander late of said Brunswick deceased and also with his wife Sarah Alexander. That said William died in said Brunsw- ick on the 11 th day of October 1833 — That said Sarah died on the 21 st day of November 1844 — I also depose and say that I lived in the family or in the immediate neighborhood for nearly forty years — I also depose and say that said Sarah was reputed to have been formerly the wife of John Cummings of Hampswell — That she did not intermarry after her second husband's decease but died a widow. Margaret by Alexander mark
State of Maine Cumberland County ss — July 26 th 1846 Personally appeared Margaret Alexander the above affiant, who is reputed a witness of necessity and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by her signed before me
Jacob Herrick Just. peace.

I Seth Toothaker of Harpswell, County of Cumberland and State of Maine aged eighty seven years, on oath depose and say that I was born in Harpswell and have lived there from my childhood. I was well acquainted with John Cummings of said Harpswell, who was a Revolutionary soldier — said Cummings married a woman of the name of Sarah Finney of said Harps- well, with whom I was also acquainted — said Sarah, after the death of her husband Cummings, married William Alexander and removed to Brunswick. John Cummings above named, died as near as I can remem- ber more than sixty years ago . The manner of his death was as follows. in crossing a bridge in the night he fell from the bridge and, being unable to help himself lay there and perished. I know the spot well, where this took place. the interlineation ago was inserted before signing Seth Toothaker
State of Maine Cumberland ss. Dec. 9th 1846 Personally appeared Seth Toothaker above named and made oath that the above affidavit, by him signed, (the word ago having been interlined before signing,) was true before me Jacob Herrick Just. Peace.

State of Maine Cumberland ss Dec. 9th - 1846 I hereby certify that Seth Southwick who has signed the within affidavit and made oath to the same is reported a witness of veracity and that his statements as such are entitled to full credit. Jacob Merrill Just. Iss.

Rev. Board of Trade.
Sir, you are the Commander Fifty men for this city. N. G. P. Thursday, July 13 th 1775.
The Committee appointed to consider the Petition of the Selectmen and Committee of Safety of the District of Harpswell, reported, That the consideration of said Petition be referred to the General Assembly . The Report was accepted.
Monday Jan y . 22 d 1776. Petition of James Curtis of Brunswick setting forth that he raised a Company of Fifty men, and was ordered by Col o Phinney to march them to Head Quarters, where we arrived the 30 day of July, and on the 9 th day of August received orders from the Honorable Council to return to Deer Island in the County of Lincoln, under the command of Col o James Burgill. Your Petitioner would further set forth, That he has made up his Muster Rolls upon the Establishment untill he received Orders, and also his Rolls from said 9 th of August upon the sea coast, and has been at great cost and charge therein, and still at great charge, and the Hon ble Committee refuses to pass said Rolls, by reason they are not made up to, and from the 1 st day of August, and also refuses to allow the men their coats and blankets, according to Establishment. They enlisted in when they marched to Head Quarters without your Honors approbation. Your petitioner prays your Honors would allow them the same as others that enlisted upon the Establishment.
The Committee chosen to take into consideration the Petition of Capt o . James Curtis beg

leave to report as their opinion, that said Curtis have leave to make up his Muster Roll from the time the men enlisted to the 9 th day of August, but cannot find that they are entitled to any coats or blankets.
In the House of Representatives, Read and accepted and Resolved that the Committee on Muster Rolls be directed to pass upon said Curtis' Roll when made up agreeable to the above report on the Establishment of the Army.
In Council Read and Concurred. Concurred to by Fifteen of the Council.
Friday Sept 13 th 1776.
Petition of William Sylvester and Anthony Coombs, Selectmen of Harpswell, setting forth, That whereas the Provincial Congress did pass a Resolve that all the Soldiers that did enlist into the Colony service in the year 1775, that they should be furnished with blankets, and did order the Selectmen to furnish each and every soldier that should so enlist with a good blanket, and in compliance with the said Resolve they have furnished seventeen soldiers that did enlist in the town of Harpswell into the Colony service in Capt James Curtis' Company of Brunswick, and have delivered them to the Persons hereafter named, viz: John Erving, Jacob Curtis, David Johnson, William Tarr, Elijah Doyle, Ephraim Pothacre, James Barstow, Jonathan Johnson, Joseph Tarr, John

Cummings, Thomas Adams, Nathaniel Curtis, John Blake Jr., James Bibber, William Rodick, Samuel Ginsent, and James Johnson, and have taken their receipts for the same at nine shillings and four pence each blanket, with the expence of sending to Falmouth to purchase said blankets, which in the whole amounts to eight pounds, six shillings, and eight pence, all which the petitioners humbly beg the Honorable Court will take under consideration and order pay therefor.
In the House of Representatives, Resolved, That the Treasurer and Receiver General be directed to pay out of the public Treasury of this State, the sum of eight pounds, six shillings and eight pence to William Sylvester and Anthony Boombs, in full discharge of their account for furnishing blankets for seventeen soldiers enlisted in Cap t . James Curtis' company above mentioned.
In Council Read and concurred. Consented to by the major part of the Council—
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Jan. 13. 1846.
I certify the foregoing to be true copies from Records in this office.
John D. Sleeper.
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Secretary's Office, Boston
January 13 th 1847
I further certify that I find in this office a petition dated Harpswell July 8 th 1775 signed by John Rodick and William Sylvester, Selectmen of said District and Paul Randall and William Sylvester, Committee of safety for said District, in which petition among other things they say, "That some of said inhabitants cheerfully enlisted for the public safety to ward off that despotic and arbitrary power with which administration is aiming to govern the colonies." *** "That the enlisted men were upon the 20 th June last put upon duty by order of their superior officers to guard said district from the plundering of troops which were daily expected with cutters &c." *** "That should the men already enlisted be called away to join the army, said District is liable to fall an easy prey to the ravages of Troops which may attack it for fresh provisions." They conclude their petition by requesting Congress to allow said district the number of men already enlisted.
John G. Parsons,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

(From other side)
$24:32 per annum, payable to same persons as before mentioned, from 4 March 1843, to 24 th November, 1844, when she died.
(B 3 certificates)
J. Bradford Esq. Portland, Maine.
13263 9231 1384
Sarah Alexander, Dec d . widow of Jno. Cummings Me.
Act 7 July 1838
admitted
7 mo. 9 days private
J. Bradford Portland Maine
$24:32 per annum, from 4 March, 1836 to 4 th March, 1841, payable to David + Bethiah Alexander, and Hannah Michaels and Polly Burken, only surviving children.
Also
acts '43 & '44 (B over)

State of Maine - Cumberland County - Town of Brunswick - Town Clerk's office Apr. 18 th 1846 In the book of Records of deaths, belonging to said Town - The following entries appear viz, William Alexander died the eleventh day of Octob -r, eighteen hundred and thirty three -
Sarah Alexander widow of William Alexander died November twenty fourth, eighteen hundred and forty -four - The foregoing is a true copy of the Records excepting the dates which are expressed in Arabic figures and words thus - "Oct. 11 th 1833.,, and "Nov. 24 th 1844.,,"
Attest
Nathaniel Badger Town Clerk.
I Nathaniel Badger, on oath depose and say, that I am Town Clerk of Brunswick aforesaid duly sworn and sworn - That the Records of said Town are in my custody - That the foregoing certificate was taken from said Records and is a true copy of the same, with the exception above noted.
Nathaniel Badger
State of Maine Cumberland County ss - Apr. 18 th 1846 subscribed and sworn before me.
Joseph Merrill, Just. Peace.

Cumberland
Cape Curtis
Col. Porgies

I, William Barnes of Harspence in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine, aged eighty four years, on Oath, desire and say, that I am a native of Harspence and have lived there from my childhood. I was well acquainted with John Cummings, who was reported to be a Revolutionary Soldier, and died in this place some sixty years ago. The manner of his death was, that he was benighted or disabled and lay out through the night, and was found dead the next day. — After his death his widow whose maiden name was Sarah Finney, married one William Alexander and removed to Brunswick. Dated at Harspence the 23 rd day of Dec. 1846.
William Barnes
State of Maine, Cumberland ss. Dec. 23 rd 1846 Subscribed and sworn to, before me — Washington Garcelon Justice of the Peace
I, Washington Garcelon, a Magistrate, for the County of Cumberland aforesaid hereby certify that the above named William Barnes is a Witness of respectable and that his statements under Oath are entitled to full credit Washington Garcelon Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
January, 16, 1846.
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 John Cummings of Harps well, is borne upon a Muster Roll of Capt James Curtis's Company, in Col James Gargill's regt, as a private, from August 9, 1773. 5 Months and 3 days. The above, is all the evidence of service, which can be identified with the individual described in the annexed application.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Parsons, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

To the Secretary of State Massachusetts David Alexander Child of widow and son David Alex- who was formerly wife of John Cummings de- ceased requests evidence of said Cummings serv- ices in the Revolutionary war — This applicant believes that said Cummings was a soldier in the army of the Revolution and that he served three full years therein, but he is unable to state what officers he served under — He believes that said Cummings was a native of Hapswell in the County of Cumberland — and said State of Maine and that he enlisted into the service from that place. He therefore requests the Secretary to cause the Rolls and Revolutionary documents in his office to be examined and a certificate granted of all the service of John Cummings or Cum- mings of Hapswell aforesaid in whatever Company or Regiment the same may be found — and for the purpose of this applica- -tion I hereby appoint Freeman Bradford Esquire of Portland my attorney.
his David and son Alexander
State of Maine Cumberland ss. N o 24 — 1826 Signed before me Jacob Merrill just. peace.
of the Commonwealth, the date above written.

Supplemental
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
January 13 1847.
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 John Cummings is borne upon a Muster Roll of Capt James O'Callaghan's Company, in the Eight Months Service, as a private of Hapswall, from June 10 to August 9 1775. 2 Months and 29 days. probably travel is included.
The above would have been given in certificate of John Cummings service issued from this Office the 15th January last, if the name had not been omitted in the search.
[Decorative flourish signature]

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Peabody,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

STATE OF MAINE.
CUMBERLAND, ss...
I Charles C. Harmon, Protem Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, certify that
Jacob Henrick and Washington Garcelon are acting Justices of the Peace within and for the said County of Cumberland as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that they are duly qualified to act as such; that the commission of the said Jacob Henrick is dated September 21. 1841. and will expire September 21. 1848.; that the commission of the said Washington Garcelon is dated February 27. 1845 and will expire February 27. 1852. and that the following signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, this Seventeenth day of February. Anno Domini 1847
Chas C. Harmon CLERK Protem

Payment to be made at
Portland by
W. Woodbury
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
Maine
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A Vol. 2, Page
J. A. Mason Clerk.
Duplicate

War Department.
Widow's Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the acts of March 1863 June 17, 1844, Sarah Alexander, dec d . late of Maine widow formerly of John Cummings who was a Private in the Mass. Line and died on the _____ day of _____ is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Seventy four dollars and Thirty two cents per annum, commencing on the 4th March, 1848, and terminating on the 4th of March, 1848, unless  21. November 1841,  the Pensioner shall marry or die before the last mentioned date, in which  when she died; payable to David & Belknap  case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death.
Alexander. Given at the War Office of the United States, Hannah Michals, { this 19 th day of March, and Polly Bunker, } one thousand eight hundred and 48.
Examined and Countersigned.
Secretary of War.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Duplicate.