Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4221, John Gray, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Gray, John
R. 4221
CONTENTS

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th of June, 1832 & 4 July 1836.
State of New York Onondaga County ss;
Be it known that on this 22 day of December, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, personally appeared before the Hon. Ralph McPherson Special Commissioner in and for the County of Onondaga and State of New York, John Gray a reputable person aged 58 years, a resident of Higginsville in the County and State aforesaid, and Lewis Gray a credible person aged 56 years, of the same place, who are the children and legitimate heirs of John Gray and Charity Gray both deceased, and who being severally duly sworn according to law doth each for himself make oath to the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 or an other act of Congress under which these declarants may be entitled to the arrears of pension which was due their said father John Gray deceased, and which he neglected to apply for in his lifetime, and also to any amount which might have been due his widow Charity Gray, who survived him, and who never applied for the same under the act of July 4 th 1836, or any other act of Congress which might have entitled the said Charity Gray — (act 7 July 1836)
That the said John Gray entered the service of the United States under the following

officers, and served as herein stated, to wit, that the enlisted sometime in or about the month of January or February in the year of our Lord 1779, as a Private in the Third Regiment of New York Troops in Continental Lines Commanded by Colonel Peter Gansevoort in a Company Commanded by Captain Van Rensselaer in the Revolutionary war and served therein for the full period of three years when he was honorably discharged sometime in or about the month of January or February in the year of our Lord 1781, as these declarants were informed by their said father and which they verily believe true. They further declare that their said father died at Astabula in Astabula County in State of Ohio on the 20 th day of September, A. D. 1847, at the age of 86 years, leaving a widow Charity Gray
their mother formerly Charity Chase to whom he was married by the Rev Mr. Ashley on the 14 th day of September A. D. 1785, immediately after the expiration of his service who continued to live and unmarried at the town of Franklin with in the County of Ashtabula and State of Ohio until the 16 th day of December 1849, when she died without having applied for the pension or arrears to which she was entitled as they have understood and believe true, and therefore hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except said arrears herein claimed. And these declarants further say that there is now in the possession of the first named de-

declarants the old family bible of said John Gray deceased, which contains the following Record in the handwriting of the said John Gray much obliterated by lapse of time, to wit;
"1785 14 th Sept."
"John Gray was married to Charity Chase "Births"
"Benjamin Gray was born May 16 th 1785. "Hannah Gray was born Dec 30 th 1788. "Gusdo Gray was born Oct 13 th 1790 "William Gray was born May 10 th 1793 "John Gray was born May 29 th 1795 "Lewis Gray was born April 2 nd 1797 "David Gray was born Oct 17 th 1799 "Samuel Gray was born March 23 rd 1801 "Draper Gray was born Sept. 20 th 1805."
Also "Deaths" in the handwriting
of Lewis Gray
"John Gray died 20 th Sept. 1847 "Charity Gray died 16 th Dec. 1849 "Benjamin Gray died _____ "Hannah Lewis Gray died 11 th May 1851 "William Gray died 15 th June 1848 "Samuel Gray died 20 th Oct. 1852."
which is all there is recorded in said bible and the whole of said original Record and these declarants further claim that by reason of bodily infirmity they are prevented from appearing in Open Court is the reason why their declaration is made before the Hon. Ralph McFetrick at the Office of Hon. Timothy Jenkins M.C. in the village of Anicla Castle the second named declarant

said Lewis Gray being unable to go to his office in the village of Kenosha. They further say that they are informed that there will be no Court held in said County of Oneida until the 14 th day of March 1858, when the Supreme Court will be held at Utica a distance from the residence of these deponents of about 80 miles, and they verily believe at the setting of said court they will be incapacitated to attend said court.
Witness
A. S. Jenkins R. M. Tuttle
His John X Gray mark
His Lewis X Gray mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day and year first above written. And I hereby certify that the following contains the original proceedings had before me, and that I believe the said John Gray and Lewis Gray to be credible persons of the ages above written and unable to attend open court. That the copy of the record of the marriage & birth of children & deaths is a correct transcript of the original Record of said John Gray & the whole of said Record -
Ralph M. Tuttle Special Surrogate
We the undersigned do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Gray & Lewis Gray the legitimate heirs of John Gray & Charity Gray deceased, and know them to be reputable and credible persons, and

That we believe their declaration is entitled to the fullest faith and credit —
George H. Poppelton James B. Jenkins
State of New York. Oneida County ss:
James B. Jenkins of Oneida Castle County and State aforesaid being duly sworn saith that he has examined the old family bible of John Gray deceased and find in said bible a record much faded so as by lapse of time, of which the following is a correct transcript therefrom —
"1783 14 th Sept."
John Gray was married to Charity Chase
"Benjamin Gray was born May 16 th 1785 "Hannah Gray was born Dec 30 th 1788 "Gerda Gray was born Oct 13 th 1790 "William Gray was born May 16 th 1790 "John Gray was born May 29 th 1795 "Lewis Gray was born April 2 nd 1797 "David Gray was born Oct 17 th 1799 "Samuel Gray was born March 23 rd 1801 "Deaper Gray was born Sept 20 th 1803" also Deaths in the hand writing of John Gray the within named applicant "John Gray died 20 th Sept. 1847 "Charity Gray died 16 th Dec. 1847 "Benjamin Gray died ————— "Hannah Lewis died 11 th May 1851.

William Gray died 15 th June 1848 Samuel Gray died 20 th Oct. 1852
which was all of said Original record contained in said family bible, and the whole of said record - and this deponent further saith - that he is entirely disinterested in the application of John and Lewis Gray for arrears of pension -
Witness.
C. M. Jenkins
James B. Jenkins
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 22 nd day of December 1852. And I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with James B. Jenkins and know his affidavit to be entitled to full faith and credit -
Ree Gosh M. Gosh
Special Surrogate
State of New York Oneida County ss.
Andrew R. Lewis of Verona in said County of Oneida a credible witness aged 43 years. The son of Hannah Lewis deceased mentioned in the foregoing record and grandson of John Gray deceased, who being duly sworn saith, that he was intimately acquainted with John Gray and Charity Gray both deceased, from his infancy up to the time of their deaths, and that they, the said John and Charity lived together as husband

and wife, and were so reported, and as such raised a family of nine children all of whom were well known to this deponent the oldest Benjamin being about 66 years when he died. That one of said children Hannah was the mother of this deponent who died on the 11 th day of May 1881 in the 68 th year of her age.
That John Gray lived to be a very old man, and died at Astoria in the year of 1847 leaving a widow Charity Gray who continued to live and unmarried until on the 16 th day of December in the 1849 when she departed her natural life that he knows of said fact by reason of being present at their deaths and burials.
This deponent further says that he had repeated conversations with the said John Gray concerning his military services in the war of the Revolution, that he told this deponent that he enlisted in the in the month of January or February 1779 and served for the term of three years when he was honorably discharged. That he served  in the in the Third New York Regiment in Continental Line commanded by Col. Peter Gansevoort Capt. Van Benschoten's Company. That he, said John Gray was a man of the highest moral character and he verily believes that what he told him in regard to his services in said war was true; that the said John and Lewis Gray are uncles to this deponent and he believes them to be the lawful and legitimate heirs of John Gray & Charity Gray, both deceased, and that he believes the foregoing copy of the record of the marriage, births, & deaths is in all respects true, and

correct, and further saith that he is entirely disinterested in the application of said heirs for arrears of pensions and further deponent saith not —
Witness R. M. Tutlock
Andrew R. Lewis
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 22 d day of December 1852. And I further certify that I believe the said Andrew R. Lewis is entitled to the fullest faith and credit —
Ralph M. Tutlock Special Surrogate
We the undersigned do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Andrew R. Lewis and that we believe him to be a person of good character and entitled to the fullest faith and credit.
Preceden. 22 d Dec. 1852
George H. Poppleton R. M. Tutlock Jas. B. Jenkins

State of Ohio Ashtabula County ss: }
On this 14 th day of April A. D. 1852, before me, personally came Draper Gray, a resident of Cherry Valley, Ohio, aged Forty Seven Years, who being duly sworn declares that he is the son and heir at law of the identical John Gray, who was a private or member of Captain Heacock's company David Heacock's company in Col. John Field's regiment of New York militia during the revolutionary war, but how long he served therein, said deponent is unable to say; that said John Gray served also in Capt. Van Bunschotten's Col. Peter Gansevoort's 3 d New York regt of the Continental Line company, in said war for nearly two years - to wit from on or about 23 rd day of February 1779 to January 1781; that he was honorably discharged from his said services but deponent has no written certificate of discharge which belonged to his father, and if his father ever had any they are now lost -
His said father John Gray served also under Genl. Wayne in said war for three months but what his, said John Gray's captain's name was, deponent cannot say now, and doubts much if he ever can say - His said father John Gray died January 18 th 1843 at Cherry Valley, Ashtabula County, Ohio, aged eighty two years ; said John Gray was interma- rried with Charity Chase at ( cannot now say )

in the county of Dutchess, and in the state of New York on or about the year 1781 by one (cannot now say)
who was a (cannot now say), that they continued such husband and wife until his said wife died October 24 th 1840 at Cherry Valley, Ohio; that said John Gray died that during said intermarriage they acknowledged themselves such husband and wife to each other and to the world, in a free and public manner; they were reputed as such husband and wife during said inter- marriage amongst their neighbors & acquaint- ances and were during  at all such time received into and treated by respectable society as such husband and wife; that during said intermarriage they had the following named children and heirs at law, to wit John Gray, residence, Oneida Co., New York; Lewis Gray, residence, Oneida Co., New York; Judah Gray, residence, Wayne, Ashtabula Co., Ohio; David Gray, residence unknown, he left his father & mother & connection , about twenty years since, and has never been heard of since by any of his said family or friends; William Gray, residence unknown, he left his father & mother & connection , about thirty years since & has never been heard of since by any of his said family or friends; Benjamin Gray, who is dead; Samuel Gray, who is dead; Hannah Gray who is dead;

the aforesaid heirs at law of said John Gray, deceased, revolutionary soldier as aforesaid, are the whole of the issue of said intermarriage named aforesaid; that said John Gray, said revolutionary soldier, never applied for a pension from the United States, nor any other government for his said services during his life, nor never received any such pension.
Deponent, as one of the heirs at law of said soldier John Gray, believing that there is arrears of pension due him and the other heirs of said John Gray, makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining any monies that may be so due as aforesaid for his said father's revolutionary services, as aforesaid. -
Draper Gray
Sworn to & subscribed before me the day & year aforesaid; and I further certify that I know the above declarant Draper Gray, and that he is a man of good moral character, and there is not a doubt in my own mind but that his said statement is to be strictly true. His age is as he has stated it, in his declaration above.
Frank Cressy
Justice of the Peace

Know all men by these presents, that I Draper Gray of Cherry Valley, Ohio who made the foregoing declaration for the purpose obtaining the arrears of revolutionary pension money due the heirs at law of John Gray named in said declaration do hereby appoint and constitute Gilbert Hind, of West Springfield, Penna my agent and attorney to prosecute said claim and obtain for me and for said heirs at law whatever monies may be due said heirs at law therein and in their names and stead to receipt for the same - Witness my hand & seal this twenty first day of April 1854
Attest Frank Creasy Dryden Creasy
Draper Gray
State of Ohio Ashtabula County S.S. On this twenty first day of April 1854, before me a Justice of the Peace in & for said county, personally came Draper Gray, to me known, and acknow- ledged that he executed the foregoing power of attorney for the purposes therein expressed -
Frank Creasy
Justice of the Peace

REJECTED 4221.
P. O. _____
John Gray
Service: of N.Y. & of Ohio
This case embraces applications from separate parties, giving the name on both
Enlisted: Cases of a widow of same, 18
Name, yet the date of death of one soldier Discharged: _____, 18
is different from the other in several years & the testimony for identification in conflicting as to persons - 1
Application filed: In Brief , 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contr:
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

John Gray dec
My
for Arch d Campbell
May 21 / 1853
By Jenkins May 30 / 1853
Evans & Faut Aug 26 / 1853

John Gray, act 1832 $80 per annum. Paid to 11 Sept 1841. No widow of John Gray appears on the N.Y. rolls at $80 per annum.
F. Burt Auditor
Pension Office. May 18/54
Sir,
John Gray, New York roll, was pensioned Nov. 31. 1832, under act of June 7. 1832, at $80 per annum. Please state the terms to which he was paid; and also if his widow was placed on roll.
The within applicant appears to claim pension for the service performed by the above pensioned, whose papers have been lost or mislaid.
Very respectfully
Your obedient Servt
L. D. Hales Commissioner
F. Burt Esq. 3 d Auditor. Present.

The enclosed applications are based upon the services of the same soldier. Said statements as to dates of death are conflicting, and as they are different as to whether soldier left a widow, only one claim has been counted, that of Rejected soldier .
F.W. Aug. 16, 1911.
R. H 221. John Gray.

REJECTED
11222
P. O. _____ 1832 Ohio
John Gray #4221
Service: See reg d files Same Name & read below
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
July 2nd July 20 1875
Application filed: _____, 18
Reg d files #4221 of same name embraces two applications - one from Ohio
Alleges: with a widow of same name as in case from N.Y. & both claiming for same military service yet the
Re-enlisted: residence of one is different from the other as well as the date of death - so conflicting is the testimony that neither could be identified as rendering the service
Attorney: J. McPrier
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Conti
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

D Gray Jan 9/53
West Springfield co. pa. 5
Rev. S. Hend
Rev. S. Hend
Jan 6

January 4/85 E
Mr G heard it has been some time since i heard from you i thought i would write again to you i would like to hear from you to know if you are like to get it or not and i want to know if you received that three dollars in money i sent you i want you to write to me as soon as possible all about the pension i feel in a great hurry about it for i need it very much
Draper Gray
G. Heard

W West Springfield, Penn. a
Jan 8. 1853
Mr. Gray -
As soon as I got your money I wrote to Albany, but, as yet have rec d . no answer; as soon as I do you may rest assured I will promptly communicate with you -
Yours &c G. H. and

11 1/2 AM PAID 18 3/4
Mr. Dazee Gray Cherry Valley Ashtabula County Ohio

West Springfield, Penna. June 18 th 1853.
Sir—
I rec d your letter of a late date and in reply beg to say, that, I have been and am still doing all I can in your case, to find out all I can in regard to your father's services, without which your application would be good for nothing at the pension office; & again the length of time too is important the amount of pension depending on that altogether. I have been quite successful so far, though the rolls in one instance show that your father deserted, but after that he enlisted again and served a long time in the regular army. I am now trying to find out his militia service which I hope to succeed in soon, when I will send you the necessary papers to be sworn to. These old claims are of necessity somewhat tedious on account of the lapse of time from the revolution till now and the loss of all papers etc but I am always anxious to hurry such things along and will Mr. Gray as fast as I can, but if you shall see proper to employ some one else I shall not interpose any obstacle.
I regret that you labor under adverse fortune, I can feel for you, for I am poor myself.
Yours truly G. H. And
Mr. D. Gray

100 P
Mr Gilbert Hurst West Springfield Erie Co Penna Pa
Cherry Valley, N.Y. June 27 th 185-

Draper Gray Cherry Valley June 24 th 1853

June 24 th 1853
Mr G Hurd i received your letter i did not want to get any one else if you thought you could get the pension i had not heard from you for some time do as well as you can and i will be satisfied with you
I Gray G Hurd

Pension Office May 20 1853
Sir
The application of John Gray dec d has been examined and filed under the act of June 7 1832.
He lived until 1847. Often spoke of his services, recollected so well all the particulars of his enlistment & as to tell one of the witnesses that he entered the service in the 3 d New York Reg t under Capt Bunnshotten, S er Peter Gansevoort on the 23 d Feby 1777, and remained in service until Jany 1781, and yet never made application for a pension. If he performed meritorious service, why did he not assert a claim? Before this case can be allowed his ser- vice must be proved by those who knew with him, The certificate of the Compt rolling clerk must be furnished. The original family Record must be for- warded to this office for inspection,

A certificate of birth must be furnished showing the number and names of the children living at and the evidence upon which the court bases it; Certificate must be furnished, also, by certificate of birth, as above, showing the date of his death and his address.
The date of the dog Certificate seems to have been altered. See copy letter to H. Campbell of May 21 1853, & his answer in papers.
J. B. Jenkins Esq Oneida Castle Oneida Co Ny

Arch d Campbell Albany, 9 Aug / 53 Dep. Sec. State

State of New York } Secretarys office }
Albany March 9. 1853
I certify that it appears by the Military Register in this office that on the 11 th day of December 1776 John Gray Enlisted as a Soldier in the Third New York Regiment commanded by Col. Peter Gansevoort Capt Gregg's company (term of Enlistment not given) and DISERTED December 21 1776.
And I further certify that it appears by the said Register that on the 23 d of February 1779 John Gray Enlisted as a Soldier in the said Regiment Capt. Van Dunschotten's Company for three years and was mustered to January 1781.
I find no other soldier on the said Register of the name of John Gray - There is none such in Col. Van Cortlandts Regiment, and I find no captain of the name of Hecock in any of the Regular Regiments of this State.
If any other person of the name of John Gray served as a soldier in this State he must have served in the Militia and we have no list of Militia Soldiers in this office - I find a Capt David Heacock in Dutchess county in Col John Fields Reg t of Militia - John C. Wright Comptroller of this State has the Pay Rolls

of the Militia who did Service and by apply- ing to him some information may be obtained
It is to be hoped that nothing more shall be sent to this Office about John Gray or any of his kith kin or allies.
Arch d Campbell Depr. Sec. of State

State of New York } Secretary's office } Albany January 3. 1883
I certify that it appears by the Military Register in this office that on the 23 d day of February 1779 John Gray enlisted as a Soldier in the Third New York Regiment commanded by Colonel Peter Gansevoort, Capt Van Ryn-Schottens Company to Serve for three years & was mustered to January 1781
Arch d Campbell Dep. Sec of State

Draper Gray Cherry Valley O. Sept. 20, 1852
18 2 7
11 1
29 121 40
2 32

Mr Gilbert Hurd West Springfield 5
Erie . lo . pa
CURRENT VALLEY, O.
Sept 23
Cherryville Washington Co Pa

Cherry Valley Ashtabula Co Oh
Mr G Hurd September 20 - 1852 i received your letter you wrote you wanted to know all the particulars of his services he served nine months the last of the war he was with the old regulars soldiers the last of war or when the war ended he was under general washington and colel Cortland major wilkison and Captain becock he served in the state of new york the first year three months the last year lasted six months till the close of the war he never receive any pay nor took any certificate he come of in such a hurry father and mother lived with til they died and father give the pension to me if i could get it i am a poor man and very weakly i cant prove his service for they are all dead if this aint enough you must write all the particular of it
Drahee Gray
Gilbert Hurd

G. H. and M.
Mr. Draper Gray Cherry Valley Ashtabula Co. Ohio

M
M
West Springfield Erie Co. Pa.
Sept. 8 th 1852
Sir — I rec d yours of a late date, but it came during my absence in Iowa — I hasten to answer it and assure you that I will do for you all I can —
I wish you would sit down and write to me all the particulars of your father's service in the revolution, in what state he served when he entered; how long he served whether for a certain period less than the whole war, or for during the war? I will then give you what I think is necessary — If you have ever made a statement to me, the same is mislaid or lost —
I am yours truly
G. Hurd
Draper Gray Esq
Henry Valley Pa

Mr Gilbert Hazard 5 th West Springfield Penn Erie Co
THERAL FARM, N.Y.
Nov 22
Drafer Gray Ashtabula Co. Nov. 20 th 1832

Ashland Co Cherryvale Ohio Sept -
Nov 20 th 1852.
I received your letter the 18 th of this month you wanted to know my father's given name his given name is John - Gray John is his write given name and Gray his sio name I have sent you the three dollars in money you wanted I want you to write as soon as convenient whether you think you can get it or not I want you to drive it as fast as possible for I am in need of it if you get it you shall have your pay for all your troubles what you think right for getting the pension for me
G. Hurd
Deborah Gray

W H and Pn
Mr. Draper Gray Cherry Valley Ashtabula Co. Ohio

West Springfield, Penn. Nov 12 th 1852
Mr. Draper Gray - Sir - Some time since I wrote to the Secretary of State, of the state of New York, at Albany, who has charge of the rolls containing the evidence of your fathers revolutionary services and he replied by a letter of which the following is a copy
Office of Secy of State Albany Oct 28. 1852
G H and Co
Sir - Yours of the 26 th inst is rec d - It will be necessary for us to know Gray's first name to make the search  search . you wish as the name is a common one & occurs frequently on the list.
Respy Yours
J. E. Hulbert Dep. Secy "
I looked over all the letters in my hands from you but failed to find your father's given name, so I am obliged to write to you to learn it - Please write immediately and inform me his entire name and also in the same letter send the fees of the Secy of State above named which I suppose to be $3. as I wrote you before, still it may be more or it may be less. I think that is what he has charged me before & we had better begin with that sum - Yours truly G H and

West Springfield Erie Co. Penn. a Sept. 26 th 1852
Mr. Rufus Gray Esq r Sir
I will attend to your case hereafter with promptness. - I am very sorry to hear that you are poor and in feeble health, but I have the pleasure to inform you that if the facts can be properly arrived at you can recover from the U.S. Treasury whatever your father was entitled to at his death. - I am sorry you did not write at what time your father died, also your mother - can you prove their death? It will be necessary to establish their marriage. Who married them? Where, and when, and by whom was your father and mother married? Is there any public record of their marriage or a private record in your father or mother's hand writing or the hand writing of any one else entered at the time it took place by their request &c? Is there any record of your birth? &c &c This is all to establish you as the legitimate heir. Have you any brothers & sisters?
The most important thing to be done is firstly send to the State Department of New York and obtain a certified copy, if it is there, of the original disbursement & services of your father for the year 1844  for the year 1845  for the year 1846  for the year 1847  for the year 1848  for the year 1849  for the year 1850  for the year 1851  for the year 1852 if you'll send me $3. I will send it to Albany for that purpose.

and if no rolls are there, and they return the money, I will return it to you. This is a very important step and I wish to know whether your circumstances or the wants of your family will prevent you from raising & forwarding the money? Don't fail to answer immediately —
I am Sir very cordially Your friend &c
Gilbert Hurd H

West Springfield Erie Co. Pa Oct. 6. 1857
Sir
Yours of the 4 th of Aug t came duly to hand but as it got mislaid I have been unable until now to answer.
You are entitled to and can recover your father's pension. You want to prove his services and your heirship.
An authentic discharge, the proof of two persons who knew of his serving, etc will be enough. His marriage must be proved also.
Where did he serve & when, under whom and when, and where discharged?
After I hear from you again I shall be probably better able to advise you further.
I will be pleased to assist you -
I am very Truly Your friend
C. Hurd

Draper Gray Cherry Valley Nov. 10 th 1851

Cherryvalley Ashtabula Co Ohio
Nov. 10. 1857
Sir we received your letter i cant prove his service for there all dead i can prove my kinship by daniel & I tell and by others if you want i can prove that he said he was in the service i can prove that father and mother lived to gether and said they was married he served in the jersey by new york captain heco he was under and washington he served under general Wayne three months i took care of them both till they died mother was sic two years with a cancer father died with the consumption and i am a very poor and wea- kly myself
i want you to write to me about it
yours respectfully
D G Gray
G Hurd

D. Gray Letter July 3/51

Cherryvale Ashtabula Co Ohio
Sir
July. 8. 1851
I have wrote three letters to you and haint got only one answer from you i thought i would would again to you as i feel very anxious to would hear from you i want you to write to me whether i can get my father's father's pension or not and
what has got to be done to get it i took care of father and mother both until they died and i am a very poor man and a very weakly man to and stand in need of it if i can get it i will be much obliged to you if you will assist me in getting the pension and you shall have your reward for it to what it is worth as i have wrote about his services in the two last letters. i will not write any more about them until i hear from you again i want you to write as soon as you can make it convenient to write to me
Y. Hurd Duper Gray

Hon Jas. E. Heath Comm te of Pensions
Sir
On the 30 th Dec. last I sent you the Declaration of John & Lewis Gray with accom- panying affidavits, for certain arrears of pension as heirs at law of John Gray decd. who was a private in the Rev. War.
Enclosed I send you a Certificate of his service from Dep. Sec. of War of S. Fols. Be pleased to file the same with the other papers above named & oblige
I am Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. Jas. B. Jenkins
Merida Castle Pinedale Co. S. F. January 4 th 1858.

May 28-1853.
Addl. evi: in case of John Gray decd. claiming arrears of pension under act 7th June 1832.
See family Bible on my desk.
Mayo.
Jack Jenkins
Oneida Castle
N.Y.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, PENSION OFFICE, OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Commissioner.

In the matter of the Application of John Grey deed. of New York for Arrears of Pension Copy of letter to Dep. Sec. State for service of John Grey. =
Evans J. Hart.

Union Castle January 2 o 1853 Hon Archd Campbell Sec. of State.
Will you please send me a certificate of the service of Adam Hame with Private in the Revolutionary War. He enlisted in the spring of 1777 & served three years under Captain Joseph House in Gen. Hlecks Regt. Also send me a certificate of the service of John Gray a Private in said War. He enlisted in the month of Jan'y. on February 1777 in under Capt. Van. Renschutten. in the 3 Regt. Continental Regt. Commanded by Col. Peter Gansevoort. for three years, & served his time. Enclosed is fee in letter stamps.
Be pleased to forward said Cert. as soon as practicable & oblige Most Respectfully Yours Just D. Jenkins

for copy of them
State of New York County of Oneida S.
I hereby certify that the letter herewith annexed is a true and correct transcript of a letter sent to Hon. A. Campbell Deputy Secretary of the State of New York, on the 2 nd day of January last, in the cases of Adam Hauser, and John Gray for pensions - and the whole of said Original -
Sworn to and subscribed this 3 rd day of June 1853. Before me.
James D. Jenkins
Silas Blackwell Justice of the Peace

Haynesville March 6 th 1833
5-
W. B. Jenkins Under Castle No. 5.
John & Lewis Gray-
Recd. 6 th March 1833

Mr Jenkins
March 5 th 1838
Sir
Lewis told me you wanted the bible and my father's family record which I sent to you by the stage driver. I would like to keep it in then you get them with it and let it be sent by some one

In the application of John & Lewis Gray for letters of administration
= James B. Jenkins
to
Evans & Fanta
= Power of Attorney
Power of Atty
Case of
John Gray
New York
Susp. Act of June 1832.
Evans & Fanta

I know all men by these presents: That I James Bosen Williams, of Oneida N.Y. by virtue of the power and authority to me given in and by the letters of attorney, of John and Lewis Gray of Verona, in the County of Oneida bearing date the 22 nd day of December 1852. A Certified copy of which is on file in the Pension Department with the papers of said John & Lewis Gray for certain arrears of pension, to which reference is made, do substitute and appoint Evans & Faut of Washington D.C. to do, perform and execute, every act or thing which I might or could do, in, by, & under the same, as well for me, as being the true and lawful attorney and substitute of the said James Bosen Williams; hereby ratifying and confirming all that the said attorneys and substitutes, hereby made and appointed, shall do in the premises, by virtue hereof, & of the said letters of attorney - reserving to myself full power of revocation at any time -
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the 3 rd day of June eighteen hundred and fifty three -
Attest:
Daniel Clark
James B. Williams
J. H. Curtis State of New York County of Oneida ss.
On this 3 rd day of June 1853.
Before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid. Personally appeared James B. Williams above named and to me well known, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, the day and year last above mentioned. Silas P. Blagden Justice of the Peace.
I hereby certify that Silas P. Blagden Esq whose general signature appears above is & was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace: duly commissioned & sworn.
Onondaga Castle June 3. 1853.
Timothy Jenkins

No 38756
John Gray, deceased, Pa.
Let Gilbert Hurd,
May 19/54
Same Oct 17/1854
Draper Gray July 16 1855
Same Aug 7. 1855
Gilbert Hurd April 26, 1858.
Act June 7. 1835

West Springfield, Erie Co. y Penn. a
May 4 th 1854.
Sir;
Enclosed I send you the application of Draper Gray, a child and heir at law of John Gray a revolutionary soldier, for such arrears of pension as may have been due said John Gray at his death.
Will you please to have the case duly examined, and, in case any thing is found due the claimant, allow the same; but if the claim is good and the proof insufficient I wish you would give me such instructions in regard to the necessary steps to be taken, as will lead to a proper consummation of the said claim?
If Mr. Gray's right to the arrears of Pension money claimed as aforesaid is not lawful, I wish to know it now, and not subject myself to the trouble and Mr. Gray to the expense of making out more papers and obtaining more evidence in the prosecution of it.
Should the claim have been established in the life time of the soldier himself, to make the claim of the heirs valid?
I am, Sir, very respectfully Your Obs. Servt.
Gilbert Hurd
Hon. S. P. Waldo, Comr. of Pensions

Mr Gilbert Hand P.M. West Springfield Erie Co Pennsylvania
Chazy Valley N.Y. April 23

April 20 8155
Mr Hurd it is a long time since i heard from you i would be glad to if you would write to me now you unlike to make out i have wrote one letter before but received no answer from you as i want you to an answer as soon as you receive this letter please direct your letters to newtime post office as i live there now
Yours truly Gray
J Gilbert Hurd

Yrs. &c.
Mr. Gilbert Howard, P.M. West Springfield Erie Co. Pa.
Cherry Hill O.H. June 28.

New Lyne June 3 1855
Mr J Gilbert Stuart
it is a long time since i heard from you i had recd three letters before and received no answer and i want you to write to me whether you are going to get my pension or not and i think if i do not get it i will be going to have get one pension i need it now in these hard times and if you cant get it i want you to write to me and i want you as soon you receive this letter
Isaac Gray
Gilbert Stuart

July 14 9. 1855
Mr. Stark - Sir please to inform me whether Gilbert Hunt has ever done any thing about concerning my fathers pension whose name was John Gray I received your copy from Mr. Hunt and he requested me to send all of the letters I had receiv- ed from him and the copy also back again which I done so he wanted to send them to to Washi- ngton please to inform me if any thing has been done about it I have wrote three letters since that and received no answer from him please write as soon as you receive this direct your letters to Newryme Ashland County Ohio
Yours with respect Frazier Gray
Mr. Stark Commissioner at the pension office

West Springfield, Penn. March 28 th 1858
Sir -
You will find enclosed all the papers that I have in regard to John Gray & his son Mr. Draper Gray -
I supposed Mr. D. Gray to be an honest claimant & do yet -
I do not know Mr. Draper Gray personally as  never saw him.
I have tried to aid him by my services merely as far as I could fairly.
I took Mr. Gray's statements to be correct & acted for him accordingly.
If his claim is not meritorious it is for you to settle it -
I am Yours Resp y
Gilbert Hurd
To the Com e of Pensions

West Springfield, Penn a May 3 d 1858
Sir -
Yours of April 26. th ult. is received - My object in sending the correspondence you refer to between Draper Gray & myself in regard to his claim to pay for his father's services in the revolution was to let you know where and how I got my first knowledge of John Gray &c &c & also why I engaged in the prosecution of the claim -
I done this in reply to an insinuation in the latter part of the "last letter" from your office previous to the one of April 26. th ult. -
Yours Truly
Gilbert Hurd
Hon. George C. Whiting Comr. Pensions

West Springfield, Penn. Oct. 6 th 1854
Sir -
In reply to your letter of May 19 th 1854, I have the honor to reply and state, that, on its reception I wrote to Mr. Draper Gray the claimant as heir of John Gray dec d for revolutionary services, under act of June 7 th 1832 and asked him to state where his father lived when he entered the army. In reply he sent me the letters which I herewith enclose. It seems the first of his knowledge of his father's residence, was at Quaker Hill in Dutchess Co. N.Y. and that his subsequent residences are

given - I hope you will have the claim looked into - Mr. Gray thinks there is something wrong about the matter, some where -
Is the John Gray who served in capt. Heacock's company of militia , the same as he who served in capt. Van Buren- Chitten's company in the 3 d reg t N.Y. line?
Yours &c
G. Hurd
Hon L. P. Waldo Comm r of Pensions

Draper Gray Cherry Valley July 1. 1854
Mr. Gilbert L. Hunt West Springfield Enn Country St. Pennsylvania Cherry Valley July 3

July the first 1854
i received your letter the first of july you wanted to know the name of
the town father lived in i do not know the name of the town where he lived it was called Guaguaer Hill
guaguaer hill in Dutches county town of Grafton new york town of Verona new york town of Singgrove pennsylvania town of Cherry Valley ohio
and Gilbert Hurst Ingraham Gray

Mr Gilbert Hunt at west springfield Erie County
St Pennsylvania St Chautauqua Oct. 19 5-

October the 15 1854 Mr Gilbert Hurd it is a long
time since i have heard from you i want to hear from you very much for it seems to me that it is time to get the pension and i want you to write to me whether you can get my fathers pension or not for me other people around here get their pensions and it seems along time to me to wait for mine
you wrote you was coming out here but i haint seen you yet i want you to write as soon as you receive this
Gilbert Hurd
Fraser Gray

November 11 1857
Sir. Cheryvalley • Ohio
you wanted to know why i made my declaration in ohio for it was because i lived in ohio and my father lived and died with me in ohio and because he gave the pension to me for taking care of father and mother till they both died father was six two years and mother three years this is the reason why i made my declaration in ohio the reason why i placed his death in 1843 was because he died in 1843 and i now know he died then for i stood over him till he breathed his last breath. Richard Lewis Gray lived a good many years when their father died and knew nothing about where he died they had not seen their father for a good many years and i hadn't seen neither of them since nor wrote to them since his death you said i forgot to mention about any declaration i never mentioned anything of any other declaration being made before you wanted to know how i was able to describe his services he told me all about his services the fall before his death in January so that if it ever come so it could be got i could get it
The reason why my father never applied was because he was poor and he thought it would cost a good deal of money to get his pension and he did not get the money and father thought he would have to go to Washington himself or he could not get his pension
Yours truly (Yours)

Mr. Gilbert Hurd West Springfield Erie Co Pa 6 Postages
Cherry Valley Pa Nov 18
mm

November 11 1854 Cheryvaly chū
Sir
i have answered that copy as well as i now know if there is any thing more write in partem all what you want and i will answer your letter this is the thing that need concern the they they now nothing about where he died i never wrote to them what time he died nor any thing about it
i want you attend to it as well as you can i wish you would would write as soon you find out about the trouble i receive your letter the 10
Mr G. Stuart
D. Young

Dear Gilbert Hand Wistlingfield Cic ... pöyloania

March 4 th 1855
My Mrs. Hunt I ha'nt heard from you in some time i want to hear from very much i want you to write to me whether you are like to get my pension or not if you can can't get my pension i shall try some body else for i am inclined if it is can get it it seems like a long time to wait for it if it can be had and if you can't get it i will write to Washington and see what they can do about it the pension i want you to write to me as soon as you get this
Fraser Gray
Gilbert Hand

Drapus Gray Cherry Valley O Feb 9. 1854
Gilbert Hunt
West Springfield
Eric County
Pennsylvania
Cherry Valley
No 7

february 9 1854
mr hurd it has been a long time sinse i hurd from you so i
i thout i would write to you and find out how you made out with the pension it seems like a long time to wait
i have wrote two letters before but received no answer from you i want you to write whether you think you can get it or not
Defer Gray
Gilbert Hurd

Draper Gray Cherry Valley Ohio March 16 th 1854

0349 West Springfield Pa.
Erie Co Pennsylvania
Gilbert - Had Cherry Valley Pa March 16

6 March 16 1815
Mr Slurd sir it is a long time since i herd from you i have wrote three letters before and received no answer i want you to write to me whether you can get the pension or not
Y Slurd
Draper Gray

Copy
Pension Office ..
May 19 th 1854 ..
Sir
I have received and examined the papers transmitted by you in support of a claim for pension of the heirs of John Gray act June 7 th 1832 ..
Our pension Rolls show that John Gray received during his life an allowance of $80. per annum, under the above act, for service precisely similar to those now declared for. It is required, therefore, that the claimants, in this application particularly set forth the place of residence of their father, at the time he entered the army, and the different places at which he resided afterwards, with the duration of each, and such other facts as may tend to distinguish him from any other "John Gray" who may have served in the New York line
For reply to your question, I have to say that it was not essentially necessary that the soldier should have made out his claim to entitle his children to pension, although his failure to apply casts a suspicion upon the claim —.
Very Respectfully
L. P. Waldo Commissioner
Gilbert Hurd esq (signed) West Springfield } Erie Co. Pa. }

West Springfield Penn a July 23. 1852
Sir Enclosed I send to you a copy of a letter which I rec d from the Pension Office in answer to the application made by you as "John Gray's" heir at law for arrear of Pension, and which I transmitted for you to the Pension Office. You will discover what is necessary and if you can assist in throwing any light upon the subject of course I will be as ever ready to assist you —
I am very Truly Yours Gilbert Hurd
Mr. Draper Gray

Draper Gray Cherry Valley Nov. 25-1853

Gilbert Hand
West spring field
Erie Co
Pennsylvania
the ... is ... a ...
See ...

November 27-18 53
Cherryvalley Ashtonula CC
Mr Hurd i wrote to you and have not heard from you since i then thought i would write to you and see if you received my letter and find out how you made out about the pension
i want you to write to me how long long it will  will be before you can get it
Isaac Gray
G. Hurd

I super G Hand Ma
Mr. Draper Gray Cherry Valley Asht la cor Ohio

West Springfield Penn a Aug t 6. 1853
Sir -
I wish you would inform me of the names of two or three persons by whom your heirship to John Gray can be proved and also proof of the marriage between your father and mother & the names of your father brothers and sisters, of your mother before she was married, where and when and by whom they were married also where they were  respectively died and when -
Be very particular and state all the facts minutely. I want to fix out the papers.
Yours G. H. Hinds
Draper Gray Esq
(Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page)

(copy)
Pension Office
Oct. 17. 1853
Sir
Will Mr. Draper Gray of Ohio, son of John Gray, formerly of N.Y., explain why he makes a declaration from Ohio for a pension for his father's services, and placing his father's death in 1843, when John & Lewis Gray of N.Y., have made the same declaration from N.Y., stating his death to have occurred in 1847? Mr. Draper Gray forgets too to mention the fact that any declaration from N.Y. is on file. Will Mr. Gray also state how he was able to describe his father's services and show why his father did not apply during his life time? According to the statements of John & Lewis Gray, their father frequently talked about his services. It strikes me as being somewhat singular that he did not apply.
I desire a full and explicit explanation of all the circumstances attending the getting up of this case, and I hope for your own sake you will render sufficient aid in the matter.
I am respectfully
(Yours Obt. Servt.
(Signed)
L. P. Waldo
Commissioner
Henry C. West Springfield Pa

West Springfield, Pa Oct. 24, 1852
Sir
In reply to yours of a late date I beg leave to say that the next day after I got your letter I rec d from the Pension Office a letter of which the annexed paper is a copy - by carefully reading which you will discover how your application for your father's pension now stands -
Please to make the explanation the Commission asks for and particularly state if you please why your father did not apply during his life time.
I wish Mr. Gray that you would have the goodness to send back to me all the letters that I have written to you at any time in connection with this claim or business of yours as I wish to send them to the Pension Office, with your letters to me -
Please to do so as soon as your earliest convenience will allow -
Yours &c
Gilbert Hurd
Mr. D. Gray

Draper Gray Holliston Mass Massachusetts May 30 th 1853

West Springfield Erie Co Penn Mr Gilbert Hurd Cherry Valley N.Y. June 2 nd .

May 30 1853
Mr G Hurd sir it is some time since i herd from you you wrote you found my fathers services i dont know how long my father was in the militia the regular soldiers lost some men and they had their choise out of the company that my father was in and he was one of their choice they wanted size men to fill out their company i want to know how you get along with the pension whether you can get it or not if you cant get it i want to try some one else else for i am sick and need it very much if you can get it i want you to write to me how long it will be before you can to me how long it will be before you can get it i do write as soon as you get this letter
G Hurd
Draper Gray

Dodge

Dear Gray
Enlisted about July or Feb 1779, as a private in 3 d Reg t NY Troops Continental Line. Commanded by Col Peter Gansevoort, Col Van Buren Schotters, Served 3 Yrs K d  discharged Feb 1781 , died 20 Sep 1847, married to Charity Chase, 14 Sep 1783, who died 15 Dec 1849, copy of Family Record, (not good) no proof of service,
I fraudulent case I have no double I think so too
His name is on the Roll here as described above, entered 23 Feb 1779, mustered July 1781 ,

Hon. J. D. Heath Sir
We, pleased to file the enclosed papers in the matter of the application of John and Lewis Gray heirs of John Gray decd. for Annuity of Pension.
I am Respectfully Your obt. Servt. Just. B. Gurnee
Orion Castle Dec. 26 th 1852
My Address is Orion Castle Oneida County N. York 9189.

Thos G Hunt Esq West Springfield, Pa.
Mr. Draper Gray Cherry Valley Ashtabula Co. Ohio

Washington City D.C. Apr. 18. 1853
Sir —
Just before I left home I wrote you a letter in regard to your father's services so far as I had then ascertained them in the regular service or continental army.
I think I will go by the way of Albany when I return home and enquire as to his service in the militia in Capt. Hecox's company and advise you of the result. I am very resp. Yours &c &c
G. H. Arnold
D. G. Grayson

Page 5 of 100
Mr. Draper Gray Cherry Valley Ashtabula Co. Ohio

West Springfield, Penna. April 3 rd 1853.
Sir
Yours of a late date was duly rec d - I am happy to inform you that I have found out the full service of your father in the regular Continental Service to have been one year, ten months & seven days, - His service you spoke of to me was in the militia service & I have written to another quarter to learn fully about it - The man I wrote to about it had not the rolls in both cases - Your father's service in the regular army appears to have been performed under a different captain from what you have named, if he is the same John Gray will write you in a short time again. Such old matters are rather slow to dig out
I am Yours
G. H. H.
John Gray Esq

Draper Gray Cherry Valley March 30 th / 53

West Springfield 5 Erie Co. Pa.
Gilbert Hurd
CHERRY VALLEY, N.
Mar 31

March 20. 1853
Mr Hurd Sir it is some time since i heard from you i thought i would write and find out how you made out whether you can get it or not others are getting their pensions here if you think you cant get it then i want to write to the pension office and see what i can do about it myself
Draper Gray
G Hurd

State of New York Secretary's office } Albany May 25. 1853
Sir,
Your letter of the 21 st instant enclosing a certificate signed by me relative to the services of John Gray as a revolutionary Soldier, has been received. In answer I have to state that on Examination I cannot find any letter or written memorandum asking for the said Certificate. It is probable therefore that some person called at the office for the same. This is often done. I think that in all probability the date was meant for January 3. 1853, but having written 185 2 so often, I may have written it January 3. 1852 inadvertently, and that the person who got it, or some one for him, may have altered the 2 to 3- It certainly does not look like my figure. I return the certificate.
Yours very respectfully Arch d Campbell Dep Sec of State
Hon G. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions

June 13/53
Mays
Q

Washington, June 13 th 1853
Dear Sir,
We herewith enclose a copy of the letter of J. B. Jenkins, of New York to the Secretary of State, as required by your letter of the 30 th May 1853 in the case of John Gray, deceased. We presume that it is now a suspended case under the Act of June 7 th 1832.
As it is probable, that this is all that is required by the Office to perfect the claim, which in fact, has nothing to do with the evidence in the case, we hope, that it will not be inconsistent with your rules, to hand these papers to the examiner who had it in hand, so that it may have immediate adjudication. We also enclose a power of Attorney authorising us to receive the Pension Certificate.
Hon. S. P. Waldo, Caretaker of Pensions.
Very respectfully Evans J. Taint.

In the matter of the Application of John & Lewis Gray, heirs of John Gray deceased for arrears of Pension =
Jas. B. Jenkins Atty.
Onida Castle Onida Co. S.D.

State of New York Onondaga County p.
John C Smith of Astabula, in the State of Ohio, a credible witness aged 78 years who being duly sworn says that he was well acquainted with John & Charity Gray in their lifetime and had been well acquainted with them from his childhood. That John & Charity Gray lived in my family for several years previous to their deaths and that they died in my house; that said John Grey died on the 20 th day of September 1847 and his widow on the 16 th day of March 1849. That after the death of said John Grey, said Charity remained unmarried by her death; that he heard the said John Grey say in his lifetime that he served in the Revolutionary War for a term of three years & that he was honorably discharged. That he enlisted as a private on the 28 th day of February 1779 in the Third New York Regiment commanded by Col Peter Gansevoort and that he was discharged on the 23 rd day of January 1781. Which this deponent verily believes true; that the said John Grey was a man of strict moral habits and integrity & that whatever the said John Grey said he believed true - He further says that the said John and Charity always lived together as man and wife. That he had 3 children & the youngest is 48 years of age and that he believes they were married as early as 1782 or 3. He further says that he has been making a visit among his friends in Vermont is the reason why he makes this Affidavit in Onondaga County. He further says that he is entirely disinterested in the application of John Grey.

and Louis Grey the lawful and legitimate children of John and Charity Grey deceased for all purposes of succession. John C. Smith Witness: Justus G. Grafton R. M. Hutoth
Sworn to and subscribed before me this day of December 1852. And I hereby certify that John C. Smith has been much known to me by respectable persons and that I know him to be a credible person, and I concur in that opinion -
Ralph M. Hutoth Special Surrogate

State of New York Oneida County
George H. Appleton of Verona in the County and State aforesaid, a cred- ible person aged 78 years who being duly sworn doth depose and say, that he has well acquainted with John Gray and Charity Gray both deceased, in their lifetime for more than fifty years. That during said pe- riod he had frequent conversations with said John Gray about his military service in the Revolutionary War. That he often times told this deponent that he enlisted in January 1779 to serve a term of three years in the Third New York Regiment of Continental Troops under Colonel Peter Gansevoort in Capt. Dan Burns- Shotten's Company, and that he served his full period and was honorablely discharged which fact this deponent believes to be true, for he remem- bers that the said John Gray was a Christian and a man of strict moral principles. That said John & Charity lived together as man and wife from his first acquaintance with them until he died in the year 1847 and that they were always reputed to be husband and wife by all who knew them and as such they raised a family of nine or ten children. That he believes they were married as early as 1782 or 1783. That he heard that the said Charity Gray died in the month of December 1849, which he truly believes true. Deponent further says that he frequently heard John Gray say in his life time, that he had neglected to obtain his pension so long, that he could live without it, and that he had enough for himself and family."

This deponent further says that the said John Gray and Lewis Gray are the lawful and legitimate heirs of John and Char- ity Gray both deceased. That he has been well acquainted with them from their infancy and that they are honest and respectable men. He further says that he is entirely dis- interested in the application of said John and Lewis Gray for an annuity of Pension and further deponent saith not.
George H. Poppleton
I have to and subscribed before me this day of December 1832. And I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Geo. H. Poppleton and have known him for many years. That he is one of the first class of men in our county. And a man of the strictest moral principles.
Wolfe M. Melosh Special Surrogate

State of New York County of Onondaga,
Benjamin West of Verona in the County and State aforesaid a credible and disinterested witness aged 91 years, who being duly sworn saith, that in the year of our Lord 1811 this deponent and John Gray moved from Rensselaer Co., to Verona in said County of Onondaga and that he lived of Onondaga  near to the said John Gray decd. for upwards of forty years and knew him to be a man of "unblemished Char- acter and strict integrity." That he was also well acquainted with Charity Gray, his wife, and knew them to live together as hus- band and wife and as such raised a family of nine children, four of whom he believes are now dead. That the said John Gray died about six years ago as nigh as he can remember, and that his widow Charity survived him, and remained unmarried about two years, that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise date of their deaths but that the period since their deaths is quite short. That he had frequent conver- sations with John Gray in his lifetime about his military service in the Revolutionary war; that the said John Gray (deceased) often told this deponent that he enlisted sometime in the year (he believes) 1779 and continued in the service for the term of about three years when he was honorably discharged; this deponent further says that he has forgotten the officers under whom he served, but he very believes their names were Colonel Peter Gansevoort and

Capt. Van Bunsekollens in the Third New York Regiment but as to that fact he cannot with much certainty say. He also says that he has been well acquainted with John and Lewis Gray who makes application for an eas- of possession on account of themselves and the other heirs of the said John Gray & Charity Gray both deceased, and that he has been well acquainted with them from their childhood and knows them to be the lawful and legiti- mate offspring of the said John & Charity Gray both deceased as aforesaid, and that he is en- tirely disinterested in the application of the said heirs of John & Charity Gray both dead for an eas of possession &c. - and further he saith not.
Witness Andrew H. Lewis Hiram Gray
Benjamin West.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 22 d day of December 1852. And I hereby certify that I believe the said John Benjamin West to be a credible person, and that his affidavit is entitled to the fullest faith and credit and that he is of the age above written.
Ralph W. Ingersoll Special Interrogate
We the undersigned do certify that we have been well acquainted with Benjamin West for many years that he is a man of strict moral principles, and entitled to as much credit as any other man. Andrew H. Lewis George H. Poppleton Jas R. Gen. West

died in the Revolutionary war from the 28 th day of Jan y February 1779 in the Third New York Regiment Com- manded by Col. Peter Gansevoort in Capt Van Buren's Chattens Co.pany to on or about the 20 th day of January 1781
And Whereas, we are advised that the said John Gray deceased was entitled to a larger annual allowance of pension than he received at the time of his death and also to certain arrears of pension which were withheld from him in his life time; and that his children are entitled to such arrears of allowance of pension, and also to such arrears withheld as aforesaid . NOW THEREFORE we do hereby, on be- half of ourselves  ourselves and the other children of the said John Gray deceased consti- tute and appoint JAS. B. JENKINS of Oneida Castle Oneida County New York our true and lawful attorney and agent for us, and in our behalf to prosecute our claim to said allowance & arrears  an increased allowance of pension, as above mentioned; and also to any arrears of pension withheld as aforesaid ; Hereby giving and granting to our said attorney and agent full power and authority to present and prosecute our said claims before the proper officers of the Government of the United States, and in the prosecution of the same to do any act or thing which we or either of us might lawfully do if personally present—and for the purposes aforesaid, to appoint or substitute agents or attorneys under him, or in his place and stead: Hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever our said attor- ney or his agents or substitutes shall lawfully do in the premises.
Witness our hands and seals this 20 th day of December A. D., 1852.
Executed in the presence of
R. M. McIntosh H. J. Jenkins
John Gray S.S. Lewis Gray S.S.
STATE OF NEW YORK, )
County of Oneida ) ss.
On this 20 th day of December
A. D. 1852, before the subscriber, a Special Surrogate in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared John Gray & Lewis Gray above named and to me well known, and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be their  his act and deed. & that the above intimation was made before me. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, the day and year last above mentioned.
Ralph Bro. McIntosh Special Surrogate
STATE OF NEW YORK, )
County of Oneida ) ss.
John Gray & Lewis Gray of Verona in the County and State aforesaid, being duly sworn, deposeth that they are  he is one of the children of John Gray deceased above named and described, now deceased , and as such child, this deponent is directly inter- ested in the claim within referred to.
Subscribed and sworn to this day of December A. D., 1852, before me.
John Gray Lewis Gray
Ralph Mc. McIntosh Special Surrogate

State of New York County of Oneida ss.
I Ralph Wm McIntosh Special Surrogate of Oneida County New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings had and affidavits made before me as such Surrogate in the matter of the application of John and Lewis Gray for themselves and the other heirs of in right and as legitimate heirs at law of John Gray and Charity Gray both deceased for certain ar- rears of Pension. And I do further declare my opinion after the investigation of the claim aforesaid, that John Gray served in the Revolu- tionary war as above set forth, that he was mar- ried to the said Charity in the year 1783, that said John Gray died on the 28 th day of September 1847, leaving a widow Charity aforesaid who remained unmarried until the 16 day of December 1839 when she died, and that John & Lewis Gray above named are two of the heirs of the said John & Charity Gray both deceased.
In witness whereof I have here- unto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Surrogate Court this 22 day of December 1852.
Ralph W McIntosh Official Surrogate

State of New York County of Oneida
I Othniel S Williams Surrogate (pro tem) of Oneida County, after the investigation of the foregoing Claim to Arrears of Pension do declare my Opinion, that John Gray who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war in the Third New York Regiment Commanded by Col. Gansevoort in Capt. Van Benschoten's Company and served for three years. Died on the 20 th day of September, 1847, leaving a widow Charity Gray who continued to live and unmarried until on the 16 th day of December, 1849, when she died. That the said John was married to the said Charity on the 14 th day of September, 1783, and that Lewis and John Gray the above named Applicants are true of the line & legitimate heirs at law of John & Charity, both deceased.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office This 22 nd day of December 1852
Othniel S Williams Surrogate

D. Gray Letter Oct 2 / 52

Mr Gilbert Hunt 25
West Springfield Wis Co pa
CHERRY VALLEY, N. Y. HELEN CALLENTON
Oct 4

Cherryvale - Ashtabula Co - Ohio
Mr Gilbert Navel
Oct 2 nd 1852
I received your letter and was much pleased with it my father died nine years last January the 18 day and was eighty two years old that day his death can be proved by two or three if you want my mother died twelve years ago the twenty fourth day of this month she died with a cancer and was sick three years father was sick two years I can prove her death to what way do you want their death proved the record was lost destroyed by moving I have no record of their marriage what do you mean by establishing their marriage I don't know who married them in Dutchess Co New York they was married fathers writings when moving was stole trunk and all and the record of their marriage too I was forty six the 11 of last month I can prove my age by my sister I have one sister here I don't know whether my brother is alive or not my father give the pension to me if I could get it because I took care of them both til their death and I can prove it the money you spoke of I will send to you if you need it I don't take it you want the money now when you write to me again if you want any witnesses I want you to write to me whether you want them sworn or not and I will attend to it
Dorsey Gray

Draper Gray Claim for the arrears of his father's, John Gray's pension, —
Revolutionary claim
Presented by Gilbert Hard May 4 th 1857 West Springfield Erie Co. N.Y. Tenn. a
That same thing was

State of Ohio Ashtabula County SS: }
On this Twenty first day of April _____, 1854, before me personally came John C. Smith _____, aged Seventy two years, a resident of Cherry Valley, Ashtabula county and Dryden Gerry _____, aged Forty six years, a resident of Cherry Valley _____, both of said county and state, who being duly sworn declare that they are and have been for many years well acquainted with Draper Gray who made the foregoing declaration to obtain the arrear of pension due John Gray at the time of his death for his services as a revolutionary soldier in Captain David Heacock's company, in col. John Field's reg't of New York militia, and in Captain Van Bunschottan's company, in the 3 d reg't New York Continental line, & in the command of Genl. Wayne in New Jersey &c. That they were well acquainted with the said John Gray himself while he lived in Cherry Valley, Ohio; that he said John Gray died there (Cherry Valley, O.) Jan'y 18 th 1843, deponents saw him dead -
The said Draper Gray, is a child of said John Gray & an heir at law of said John Gray; that the said John Gray & his wife Charity Gray, formerly Charity Chase lived with and were supported by said Draper Gray for years before they died; that they acknowledged said Draper Gray as their son and child & treated him as such; that said Draper Gray was reputed, and

known by the public as their child; that said Charity Gray died at Cherry Valley, Ohio, October 24 th 1840, deponent, saw her dead.
Deponent, further state that said John Gray always, since they knew him, asserted that he was a soldier in the revolutionary war as aforesaid &c; that he was reputed to have been such, in Cherry Valley, Ohio, and wherever known; that he was a staid, honest, upright and respectable old gentleman, and much respected by his neighbors & acquaintances.
Deponents believe, from said facts and circumstances, solemnly, that said John Gray was in the service aforesaid, and that the John Gray who died in Cherry Valley, Ohio aforesaid is the very identical John Gray who performed the services in the revolutionary war, as aforesaid.
The said John Gray, and said Charity Gray formerly Charity Chase, lived together as husband and wife, acknowledged each other as such to each other, and to the public at large; said John & Charity Gray they have, or had & left a large family of children now men and women grown, born and raised during such cohabitation and intermarriage; they were reputed and known by the public at large.
Dryden Greely John C Smith
Sworn to & subscribed before me this day of year

aforesaid - I certify that I know both of the aforesaid deponents Dryden Creasy — & John C. Smith; that they are persons of good repute for morality, and sustain good and upright character as citizens -
I have no hesitation in saying that I verily believe the said Dryden Gray to be an honest claimant, and that he is undoubtedly the heir at law, as these witnesses testify, of John Gray who served, as stated in said deposition, in the war of the revolution -
By Frank Creasy
Justice of the Peace L. T.

THE STATE OF OHIO, } Ashtabula County, ss:
I, Abner Kellogg, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Ashtabula, certify that Trask Grusey Esquire, by whom the annexed and foregoing Subpoena and Affidavits were taken, was, at the dates thereof, an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the said county, duly qualified, and as such duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am acquainted with the Hand-Writings of said Justice, and believe the
Signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of said court, at Jefferson, the 25 day of April A. D. 1854
A. Kellogg , Clerk.

Draper Gray Chevy Valley Sept. 13 th /53
MS. A. 9. 2. 1

Gilbert Hunt West Springfield Erie Co Penna
Philadelphia Sept 19
1751 0 0 00 1779 2 23 1 = 9 7

Cherryvalley Ohio September 19. 1853
You wanted to know the names of two or three persons who knows of my heirship John C. Smith I. Lydon. Creacy Trask. Creacy knows of my heirship i cant prove their marriage but but i can prove they lived together by the same persons i can prove my heirship my mothers name was Charity Chase before she was married they were in Litchfield County married in Litchfield County on Speaker hill but i dont know who married them nor when i have a brother John and two Lewis. Judah is my sister there three is all i know that is living my brother David went off twenty years ago and i dont know where he is and my brother William went away about thirty years ago and i dont know where he is what of them are dead or not Benjamin i dont Samuel Hannah is dead John and Lewis lives in Oneida Co. St N.Y. Judah lives in Wayne Ashtabula Co Ohio my father and mother died with me in Cherryvalley Ashtabula Co Ohio mother died twelve years ago last October father died ten years ago last January if there is any thing else you must write again D Gray G. Powell
John C. Smith wants to know if you have received his letter concerning his fathers pension write in my letter

Draper Gray Cherry Valley Ohio June 14 th 1854

June 24 1852
Sir you wanted to know where my father resided he resided  in in the state of newyork dutchess county when he entered the army and he lived there till he was twenty five years old then he moved from there to the town of grafton ransler county state of newyork and he lived there about twenty five years and then he moved from there to town of verana B oneida Co state of newyork and lived there twenty years and then he moved from NY there to pennsylvania state county of warren town of pine grove and he lived there seven years and then he moved from there to the state of ohio astoria ashtabula county town of cherry valley and lived there and lived here four years i have always lived with my father ever since i was born and now he never had no pension and i can prove he never drawed any pension i want you to write to me as soon as you get an answer from washington and whether if you can get it or not they can tell by finding whether their wives names are alike or not my father never had but one wife and by the diferent places where he lived
Mr Gilbert Hurd
Draper Gray

May 28. 1853

In the matter of the Appli- cation of John & Lewis Gray heirs of John & Charity Gray both deceased for lands Certain annuities of pension Under the Act of 7. June 1882
Hon Jas E. Heath Comm of Pensions
Dear Sir
Enclosed is the family Record of John & Charity Gray deed which I send you, as requested, to be used as evidence in the above Claim -
I am Respectfully Your Abt. Servt Just B. Jenkins
Encelo Castro March 18 th 1853 -

July 23. 1885
Sir
you wanted to know why i made a declaration from Ohio because i live in Ohio and lived here where my father died you wanted to know why i stated my father's death in 1873 the reason why was because he died then and i knew he died then because he lived and died with me John and Lewis did not know when he died it is 12 years ago since i saw any of them and i can prove he died then by people here who were moving to his death now nothing of John and Lewis making a declaration and they had no rite to do so for my father told me when on his death bed i might have his pension if i could ever get it you wanted to know how i was able to describe my father's services it was because he told me all about it he told me the officers names this is the reason the reason why my father did not apply was because when he was discharged he did not get a certificate when he was discharged he did not think of ever getting a pension then i have wrote your letters to Gilbert Stuart and received no answer from him want i you to inform me what can be done about this case
Isaac Gray
S P waldor 88 g