Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 44,887, Abel Gunn, Conn. Continental

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn Continental
Gunn, Abel
S. 44,887
CONTENTS

Dead
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6. April 1838 from 4 th Sep 1841 to 9. Feb 1842. Age notified 2 nd Oct 1844
Note of Death 1844 Date of death not on file 1820 to the present
2376
New York
✓ Abel Gunn
Drummer
Connecticut Line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 11 th of May, 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th of Sept. 1818 and sent to James Smith Esq. Poughkeepsie N.Y.
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1818. 3 mos. \frac{21}{31} 30.47 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 th Mar 1819 48.00
Wille
$78.47
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Six years Dec 1723
Coat of Arms
Revolutionary War

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
Oct. 25, 1843.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The Children of Abel Gunn, decd. a Pensioner on the Roll of the New York Agency, at the rate of eight Dollars and 18 3/4 Cents per month annum, under the law of the 18 th March 1818, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1841, to the 9 th of Feb'y 1842.
Respectfully, yours,
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

To the honorable James Eno, first Judge of the court of Common Pleas, of the county of Dutchess which is a court of record of the State of New York The declaration under oath of Abel Gunn formerly a drummer engaged in the service of the United States during the revolutionary war and now a citizen of the United States, and resident of the town of Poughkeepsie in Dutchess county and State of New York Respectfully sheweth that the said Abel Gunn in the month of December in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy five enlisted in the American service as a drummer in a company commanded by captain Isaac Bostwick in the nineteenth regiment of the Continental army commanded by Colonel Charles Webb of the Connecticut line for the term of thirteen months that the said Abel served as a drummer in the said company under his said enlistment the full term of thirteen months and until he was discharged at Trenton in New Jersey, that during his said service he was in the battles at White Plains & Trenton that in the spring of seventeen hundred and seventy seven upon receiving his pay from the Paymaster he delivered over his discharge as a voucher since which time he has not seen the same - And the said Abel Gunn further saith that he is now a citizen of the United States and residing in Poughkeepsie aforesaid and is by reason of his reduced circumstances in life in need of assistance from his country for support, and that he has never received any pension from the government of the United States: Therefore he conceives himself entitled to the benefit of the act of the congress of the United States entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war" approved March 18 th 1818, requests that you honor will examine into the truth of the matter aforesaid, certify and transmit the testimony in this case and the proceedings had thereon to the honorable the Secretary at War to the end that such relief may be had in the premises as is by law in such case made and provided, and in support of the facts above set forth he refers to the affidavit of himself hereafter set forth and the affidavit of Elisha Bostwick hereto annexed. Dated May 11 th 1818 Abel Gunn
County of Dutchess ss. Abel Gunn being duly sworn says that the matter by him set forth in the foregoing declaration are in all respects just and true Sworn the 11 th day of May 1818 before me W. M. C. [Signature] Abel Gunn

State of New York
Dutchess County ss.
Be it remembered that on the eleventh day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighteen before me James Smoot first Judge of the court of Common Pleas of the county of Dutchess, which is a court of record of the state of New York personally appeared the aforesaid Abel Gunn Applicant for the benefit granted by the act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war, and made oath as aforesaid, and produced to me the affidavit of Elisha Bortwick hereto annexed
Whereupon I being satisfied that the said Abel Gunn did serve in the army of the United States on the Continental establishment, in the revolutionary war against the common enemy for the term of nine months, and longer to wit for the term and in the manner stated in the declaration of the said applicant, and that he is fairly and justly entitled to the benefit of the act aforesaid
Therefore I do hereby certify and transmit the testimony in the case and the proceedings had thereon as before set forth to the Honorable the Secretary of the Department of war
Given under my hand and the Seal of the said court the day and year last aforesaid.
James Smoot
I Wm Henry Pickley Deputy Clerk of the County of Dutchess in the State of New York do hereby certify that James Smoot before whom the within affidavit was taken was at the time of taking the same first Judge of the court of Common Pleas of said County acting under the authority of this State and that the above is his signature.
In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court this eleventh day of May one thousand eight hundred and eighteen
Wm Henry Pickley

At a Court of Common Pleas held at the Court House in the Village of Poughkeepsie on Monday the ninth day of October One thousand eight hundred and twenty
Present The Hon d James Emnett First Judge Abraham D. Van Wyck } Esquires Thomas Sweet } Judges Emas Hopkins }
Dutchess County ss: Be it remembered that on the ninth day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty, personally appeared in the Court of Common Pleas in open Court, the said court being a Court of record for the County of Dutchess in the State of New York, Abel Gunn, aged about sixty six years resident, in the Town of Poughkeepsie in the said County of Dutchess who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows—
That in the month of December in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy five he enlisted at Newberry (now Brookfield) in the State of Connecticut, in a company commanded by Captain Isaac Postwick in the Nineteenth regiment of the Connecticut line of the army of the revolution commanded by Colonel Charles Webb as a drummer for thirteen months, that he served in the said company, and regiment, as a drummer under his said enlistment, the full term of his said enlistment, and until he was discharged at Trenton in New Jersey in the month of January in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven, and that his original declaration is dated according to his recollection and belief the eleventh day of May one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that his pension certificate is N o 2376
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift, sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war" passed on the 18 th day of March One thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts, or debts

due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed - to wit
Real estate I have none.
I have debts due to me amounting to forty or fifty dollars, and am indebted to others for rent and other demands in about the sum of $130-
Personal estate, wearing apparel & bedding excepted, as follows to wit-
  Brought up $ 13 00   3 Meat Barrels, unch $11 50 1 Butchers Steel 25   3 Pines 75 1 cooper's bue 12 1/2   1/2 Barrel 45 1 do Tointer 1 00   1 cooper's Adze 1 75 3 Young Hogs 3 00   1 Frying pan 75 1 Lamp .. 62 1/2   2 Small Iron Kettles 1 12 1/2 1 Pail .. 56   1 Grid Iron 75 1 Butcher's Knife 25   Shovel & tongs 75 2 measures 87 1/2   1 Shovel 50 1 meat dish 31   1 Spade & line 1 50 2 1/2 Barrel wash tubs 25   1/2 doz dining plates 25 1 Bread dish 37   1 Small Pitcher 12 1/2 8 Repacker brands (old) 3 25   Scale & Beam & plates (old) 2 50   carried up $13 00 $23 86 1/2 
And the deponent farther saith that his family consists of himself and his wife aged about sixty three years, and two daughters aged forty and twenty four years, that his said two daughters occasionally work at sewing but from their state of health are unable to do more than maintain themselves; This deponent himself was bred a farmer but for a number of years past has followed the occupation of a Repacker of beef & pork but no longer holding the Office of Repacker, he has his labor only to depend upon for his support, and from his age and terms of sickness he has lately had he is unable to labour much at any business -
Abel Gunn
Sworn in open court this 9 th day
October in the year 1890
John Johnston Clerk

Sarah Lewis of Brookfield in the county of Fairfield & State of Connecticut, of lawful age, disposeth and saith - That she is intimately acquainted with Abel Gurnn of Poughkeepsie and has been from childhood, he being her Brother. That after the month of December A D 1775. (he, then being 21 years of age) Enlisted a Division in Capt. Isaac Bostwick's company in the 19 th Regiment of the Connecticut Line in the Continental Army. commanded by Colonel Charles Webb. and continued in the service of the United States until the 1 st of January 1777. When he was discharged from said service that he said Gurnn was in the battles of White Plains & Forts, that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support - further the depositor saith not Sarah Lewis
Fairfield county ss. Brookfield August 6 th A D 1818. Personally appeared the above depositor Sarah Lewis and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by her subscribed before me
Hermon Burch Justice of Peace This may certify that I am acquainted with the above depositor. That her character as to truth and veracity is good. This 6 th day of August 1818 - Hermon Burch Justice of Peace

To the Honorable James Emmott, first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Dutchess in Poughkeepsie in the State of New York The disposition of Sarah Lewis, taken and sealed up by me this 6 th day of August A.D. 1818
Heman Burch Justice of Peace

March 29, 1939
Mr. Charles R. Hale 30 Oak Street Hartford, Connecticut
BA-J/AWF Abel Gunn S. 44887
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Abel Gunn, pension number S. 44887.
The data which follow concerning Abel Gunn were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, S. 44887, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
The date and place of birth of Abel Gunn, and names of his parents are not given.
Abel Gunn enlisted in Newberry( which was later Brookfield), Fairfield County, Connecticut, sometime in December, 1775, served thirteen months as drummer in Captain Isaac Bostwick's company in Colonel Charles Webb's Connecticut regiment, was in the battles of White Plains and Trenton.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 11, 1818, at which time he was aged sixty-four years, and a resident of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York; he was at this time referred to as formerly of Brookfield, Connecticut.
He referred to his wife in 1830, After years aged sixty-three years, and two daughters, aged forty years and twenty-four years; he did not give the names of wife

daughters, and children.
The soldier, Abel Gunn, died February 9, 1842, leaving children, their names not recorded in this office.
Sarah Lewis, sister of the soldier, was living in 1818 in Brookfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible family data.
In order to obtain the name and address of the person who received the last payment of this pension, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following data-
Abel Gunn Certificate #2376 Issued September 17, 1818 Rate $8.00 per month Commenced May 11, 1818 Act of March 18, 1818 New York Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Apr. 30. 1897 - History Rt. Rev. William M. Barker D. the Bishop's House Tacoma Washington.
1910 Nov 23 Mrs. Chas. H. Beach that this is not the soldier she wants. V.L.M.
1910 Dec. 8 Mrs. Chas. H. Beach furnished full history. V.L.M. 1911 Sept. 19. to Mr. L. B. Curtis 1928 Oct. 20 Hist. to Robt. Cowville 1939 mcl 29- " " Chas. MNW R. Hale 9-17
44 887 INVALID. Rev
File No. 44 887
Abel Gunn
Pais. Rev. War
Act: 18" March 1818
Index: Vol. 3, Page 208
[Arrangement of 1870.]

October 20, 1928
Mrs. Robert Conville 1435 Poinsetta Place Hollywood, California
Madam:
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 44887, it appears that Abel Gunn enlisted in Newberry ( which was later Brookfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut), in December 1775, served thirteen months as drummer in Captain Isaac Bostwick's Company, Colonel Charles Webb's Connecticut Regiment and was in the battles of White Plains and Trenton.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 11, 1818 while a resident of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York, at which time he was referred to as formerly of Brookfield, Connecticut.
In 1820 he was aged sixty-six years and stated that his family then consisted of his wife, aged sixty-three years, and two daughters, aged twenty-four and forty years, no names given. He died February 9, 1842, leaving children, their names not recorded in this bureau.

In order to obtain date of last payment of pension and name of person paid, you should apply to the Records Division, General Accounting Office, this city, citing the following data: Abel Gunn, Certificate No. 2376, issued September 17, 1818, rate $8.00 per month, commenced May 11, 1818, Act of March 18, 1818. New York Agency."
Due to the very large number of inquiries similar to yours, and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, only two histories are furnished each person.
Respectfully,
Sol' sister Sarah Lewis of Brookfield, Conn in 1818
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- si. in this Bureau. Abel Gunn P.T. 44887
   DATE OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Dec. 1775 13 mos. Drummer Isaac Bostwick Charles Webb Conn.                                                        
Battles engaged in, White Plains, Trenton  Residence of soldier at enlistment, enlisted at Newbury, wh was later Brookfield Conn.  Date of application for pension, May 11, 1818 His cl. was al.  Residence at date of application, Poughkeepsie Dutchess Co. N.Y.  Age at date of application, 64 yrs.  Remarks: In 1820 his wife was 63 yrs and two daughters aged 40 and 24 yrs. No names are stated.

November 23, 1910.
Mrs. Charles M. Beach, New Milford, Conn.
Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 17" and received the 18" instant, you are advised that a careful search of the Revolutionary War pension records fails to show that a claim for pension was ever filed on account of the services of Abel Gunn born at New Milford, Connecticut in 1747 and died in 1818, whose widow Martha Tryon Gunn died in 1830.
In the claim of Abel Gunn, Sur. File 44,887, Rev. War, it is shown that he was born in 1754, and applied for pension in 1818, hence he is not the soldier described by you.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
April 30, 1897.
Sir:-
Replying to your request for information concerning Abel Gunn, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that he made an application for pension on May 11, 1818, at which time he was 64 years of age and residing at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and his pension was allowed for one year's actual service as a drummer in the Conn. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Bostwick and Col. Webb. He enlisted at Brookfield, Conn.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Rt. Rev. William M. Barker, D. D.
The Bishop's House,
Tacoma, Washington.

Dear Milford Carr,
Bureau of Pensions
In the claim of Abel Gunn, Ser. File 44,887 Rev War, which shows that he was born in 1754 and applied for a pension in 1818 does it tell how he was?
If possible give me the name of his Father

Mark whom company he enlisted in and the regiment and where he enlisted.
Yours Truly
Mrs. Charles M. Brach
Dear Milford
Dec. 3 rd 1910 Conn.

187
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by a. mar d. 19/11/10
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant _____
Soldier Abel Gann
Service Conn.
Additional Service Rev.
No. _____ claim, State records _____, 191_____
No claim, combination records _____, 191_____
REMARKS:
Enr. 7, 44, 887 (Conn.) { Drummer No other Enr. any service from 36,000 or below 36,000 P.M. No Will. any service Re: about

2
Rev Milford Carr. Pension Bureau Washington D.C.
In "Connecticut Men in the Revolution" page 105 "The names of the officers and men in Capt. Bastwick's Co. (Col. Webb's Regt.) who crossed the river Delaware to Trenton on the evening of the 25 th of December 1776. The name of my ancestor Abel Gunn appears (or as it is there) Dumar Gunn. On page 642 his name again

appears. "Abel Gunn. Immune among the list of pensioners under the Act of 1818.
My ancestor, Abel Gunn, son of Nathan & Hannah Welch
Gunn was born in the year 1747 in the town of New Milford State of Connecticut and died in the same town in 1812 aged 65 years.
As Abel Gunn died six years before the pen- sion was granted I am at a loss to understand it.
Was the pension granted to his widow Martha Gunn who died in 1830.
Any information you can give me from the records I

will be very glad to get as all the old papers have destroyed by fire many years ago.
Yours truly Mrs. Charles M. Beach
New Milford
Nov. 17 th 1910
Conn.

CABLE ADDRESS - CURTIS - BRIDGEPORT. WESTERN UNION CODE. A.B.C. CODE 4TH EDITION USED.
The Curtis & Curtis Co. ENGINEERS & MANUFACTURERS OF The Forbes Patent Die Stock Pipe Cutting and Threading Machinery.
MAIN OFFICE & WORKS, Cor. RAILROAD AVE. AND GARDEN ST.
FOR HAND OR POWER STEAM & GAS FITTERS, HAND TOOLS.
Bridgeport, Conn. Sept. 15, 1911
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
May I trouble you to send me a transcription of your records in reference to Abel Gunn, who was a drummer in Captain Postwick's Company, who crossed the Delaware River on the 25th of December, 1776, Colonel Charles Webb's regiment, 19th Continental, recruited mostly in Connecticut?
All information given in regard to this soldier will be greatly appreciated.
I am enclosing you herewith, a stamped envelope for a reply.
Very truly yours,
L. B. Curtis
DICT LBC/H
RECEIVED SEP 18 1911

THE BISHOP'S HOUSE, TACOMA, WASHINGTON.
March 31st, 1897.
The Honorable The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly place this letter in the hands of the proper person to furnish me with the following information?
I desire the Revolutionary War record of Mr. Abel Gunn , who died February 14th, 1842, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Mr. Gunn was under the personal command of Washington during all the early part of the Revolution and was also with him at the crossing of the Delaware, and was one of the party which overturned the statue of George III in New York at the commencement of the War. He had a pension for his Revolutionary War services.
May I ask for as full information concerning Mr. Gunn as the records of your office can furnish?
Very truly yours,
Bishop of Olympia.
Address:-
Rt. Rev. William M. Barker, D.D., The Bishop's House, Tacoma, Washington. W 11/6

1435 Poinsettia Place, Hollywood, Calif. Sept. 19, 1928.
To the Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen;
Please send me a copy of pension records, showing application , and any other information available in regard to the following Revolutionary soldiers in the Connecticut Line. They are ancestors of mine and I particularly desire names of parents and wives, also dates of birth and death and military service:
1 ✓ Abel Gunn. Born about 1754. Died in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Feb. 13, 1842. On pension list of 1818. He was a native of Conn. Resided in New York state. Drew pension from 1818 to 1840.
The following, also in Conn. Line. Resided and died in Penn.
2 Aaron Perkins - Survivor. Conn. Line. Residence Penn. 3 Richard Halstead " " " " " 4 John Halstead " " " " " 5 David Brown " " " " 6 James Brown (wid. Deborah) " " " " 7 ✓ James Brown (wid. Silence) " " " "
Thanking you, I am
Yours truly
Louise H. Conville (Mrs. Robert Conville)
1435 Poissetia Place, Hollywood, Calif.
This is the first inquiry made.

HEADQUARTERS COMMANDERY-IN-CHIEF SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR
CHARLES R. HALE, CHAIRMAN COMMITTEE ON MARKING GRAVES 30 OAK STREET HARTFORD, CONN.
March 23, 1939
Revolutionary and 1812 War Record Section Veterans' Bureau Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Please send me Revolutionary War record of Abel Gunn who received a pension under application number S44887. We would like to get a Connecticut headstone for him if this was the right person who had the service.
Yours very truly,
Chas. R. Hale
CRH:MB

Abel Gunn
Abel Gunn - Poughkeepsie N.Y.
2376
11 Sep '18
Confession sent to Honble R. Street, Home of Representation
Dec 11. 1820

I John Johnston Clerk of the County of Dutchess and State of New York. Do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the records of the said Court and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is not to exceed One Hundred Fifty Dollars.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, this ninth day of October 1820.
JOHN JOHNSTON. Clerk.

State of Connecticut Fairfield County
For, I David Burr of Fairfield in the County of Fairfield, Clerk of the County Court, or Court of Common Pleas within and for said County, do certify and make known that Herman
Brinch Esq. is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned, with full power and Authority to Administer Oaths, take Affidavits and do all other matters and things, appertaining to the Office of a Justice of the Peace — And that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his Official Acts and proceedings — In Testimony whereof, have hereunto set my Hand and the Seal of said Court in said Fairfield this 6 th day of August A.D. 1818
David Burr

Dutchess County ss. Elisha Bartwick of Newmilford in Dutchess County State of Connecticut being duly sworn says that Abel Gunn formerly of Brookfield in Fairfield County in said State but now of Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County State of New York Enlisted as a drummer in the army of the United States in the month first of December in the year 1775 & continued in the service from that time until the first of January in the year 1777 - That he belonged to the 19 Regiment of the Continental army  of the Connecticut line commanded by Col. Charles Webb, to the Company in said Regiment of which Isaac Bartwick was Captain, & that he the deponent was Lieu- tenant in said Company - That the said Abel Gunn was honora- bly dismissed after having served in said Army about thirteen months during which time he was in the battle at the White Plains & also in the battle at Trenton - Further saith not.
Sworn this 4 th day of May 1858. before me
Elisha Bartwick
David L. Boardman
J. D. Pierce
To the Hon. James Emott First Judge of The Court of Common Pleas for Dutchess Coun- ty and State of New York -

not on roll
The claimant must exhibit further proof of his service - The deposition of two credible witnesses will be accepted
Abel Gann

I James Croot within named do further certify that I am personally acquainted with Abel Gunn the applicant and that he is of good character and is in indigent circumstances
August 10. 1818
James Croot