DUNCAN, Ja
Revolutionary War
Pension Applications
 

Revolutionary War Pensions, Bounty Land Warrant Application Files; National Archives Microfilm Publication, Microcopy 804, Roll 863 and 864 and 867
      Duncan, Alexander to Duncan, Jesse (FHL film 970,863; National Archives Roll 863)
      Duncan, John to Dungan, Thomas (FHL film 970,864; National Archives Roll 864)
      Dunikin to Dunlap (FHL film 970,867; National Archives Roll 867)
      Did not copy envelopes or most requests for copies of documents.
 

JAMES DUNCAN, S-37901, PA, NC, GA (MS) (FHL film 970,863; National Archives Roll 863)
      James Duncan, of Baldwin Co. GA, who was a private in the company comm. (torn edges) .y Captain Waggoner of the Regt. con... by Colonel (too faint) in the Virginia line, for the term of 2 years from the year 1776 to the year 1778; Inscribed on the Roll of GA at the rate of $12 per month to commence ?? day of ??? (torn edges); Certificate of Pension issued 28 March 1829 and delivered to the Pensioner. Died Feb. 17, 1834. Acts 3/18/1818, 5/1/1820.
      Declaration of James Duncan, 19 Nov. 1827, to Baldwin Co. GA Superior Court; he is at present a resident in town of Milledgeville in state & co. aforesaid, aged 74 (75?) years in Feb. last; in order to obtain provisions of Act 18 Aug. 1818 and 4 May 1820; that he in the year 1776 enlisted for the term of two years at Pittsburg on the Ohio under the command of Capt. Andrew Waggoner attached afterward to the Regiment of Col. James? Word (Wood?) in the Continental Line. That he served nearly the whole of the tour (term?) of his enlistement and was honorably discharged by Col. Wood at wm? Charles Virginia. That some time in the year 1781? a few days before the Battle of Guilford in NC deponent lost his pocket book containing said discharge which he has never been able to find. That he was 18 months by a ??? in the Southern Army under Gen. Gran?; that during the whole of the Rev. War he was engaged in the services of the US; that he was in the Battles of Brandy Wine, German Town, Guilford, Eutaw Springs, at the seige of Ninety Six and in divers? others; He wishes? & sworn? something? partin?; that in pursuant to the Act of the ?? of May 1820. I do solomnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the US on 18 March 1818 and that I have not since that time (disposed of property to bring himself within provisions of act of Congress) and that I have not nor has any person (for him been owed any contracts or debts). /s/ James Duncan.
      Deposition of Benjamin Gilbert, 21 Nov. 1827, of Putnam Co. GA before JP of Baldwin Co. GA; he is acquainted with James Duncan a Rev. Soldier, who is (making application for pension); that he knew said Duncan in the service in the Continental Line in the year 1777; that Duncan was attached to the 12th and Deponent to the 14th Regiment; that Deponent and Duncan were in the Battles of Brandywine, Germantown and Guildford, that he was with Duncan from time to time during the greater part of the Rev. War and that he believes Duncan served his country as a faithful soldier.
      Letter from Wm. Y?. Hansell, Secy. State Georgia, 11 Nov. 1828; the bearer hereof, James Duncan, ... his way to the City of Washington (applicant for a pension) I have ... many years acquainted with Mr. Duncan and can with propriety say that he is a sober, honest ... friend capable of action an industrious man. He is in indigent circumstances and from his Rev. Services and correct deposition? entitled to the respect and aid of his fellow citizens of the US; also that I am acquinted with Mr. Gilbert whose deposition with the testimonial of State is in the possession of said Duncan and that said Gilbert is a man of respectible character.
      Declaration of James Duncan, 22 January 1850, before Baldwin Co. JP; that he is the son of James Duncan who was a pensioner and is now dead and to whom a certificate of pension was issued which is lost or mislaid; that the deceased pensioner resided in Baldwin Co. GA for the space of 4 or 5 years before his death and that previous thereto he resided in NC.
         Statement by James Duncan, 22 Jan. 1850, of Milledgeville, Baldwin Co. GA, child of James Duncan who was a Rev. pensioner, appointing the Hon. A.H. Stephens attorney to receive from the Third Auditor of US at Washington City the balance of said pension from 4 March 1833 to 17 Feb. 1834, it being the day of his death.
         Statement by Clerk of Inferior Court 22 Jan. 1850; that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to the court that James Duncan was a pensioner of the US at the rate of $96 per annum, was a resident of Baldwin Co. GA; and died in Baldwin Co. GA in the year 1834 on the 17th day of February; that he left no widow and that he left only four children that has been heard of in 4 or 5 years that is known to be living whose names are James Duncan, John Duncan, Jane Duncan now Jane Harris and Edy Duncan now Edy Neely.
      Warrant 12 Feb. 1851 to James Duncan, one of the four children of James Duncan, deceased, inscribed as a pensioner on the roll of GA agency per act 18 March 1818; his portion of pension from 4 March 1833 to 17 Feb. 1834 at $96 per year, $23.08.
      Affidavit of Eady (X) Nealy, 16 June 1851, Jasper Co. MS; Eady Neeley formerly Eady Duncan, of said county, daughter of James Duncan late of GA deceased who was a Rev. Pensioner of US on GA Roll at rate of $96 per annum, appoint my brother James Duncan of GA attorney to apply for and collect from the 3rd Auditor at Washington City, my proportional part, it being the 4th part, of the Pension due my deceased father James Duncan when he died it being from 4 March 1833 to 17 Feb. 1834, the day on which died. Wit. N. McKinstry. Certification of Probate Court that Eady Neely acknowledged the power of attorney.
      Similar warrant to Edy Neely for $23.08, 17 July 1851.
      Affidavit 26 July 1852, of John Duncan and Jane Harris formerly Jane Duncan, both residents of Pontotoc Co. MS; appoint our brother James Duncan of Baldwin Co. GA our attorney to apply for and collect our proportional part of pension due our deceased father James Duncan who was a Rev. Pensioner of US on GA Roll at rate of $96 per annum, from 4 March 1833 to 17 Feb. 1834, it being the day of his death.
         Added note by James Duncan, attorney, Milledgeville GA, same date, to pay the amount due to W.M. Varuim of Dahlauga, GA.
      Similar warrant to two of the 4 children of James Duncan decd, $46.16, 20 Aug. 1852.
 

JAMES DUNCAN, S-2187, PA: (FHL film 970,863; National Archives Roll 863)
      James Duncan, Pittsburgh Agency, of the State of PA, who was a Private in the Co. commanded by Capt. Ramsey of the Regt. commanded by Col. Porter in the PA line for Private 6 mo. $20; inscribed on the Roll of Pittsburgh Agency at the rate of $20 per annum to commence 4 March 1831; Certificate of Pension issued 10 Jan. 1833 and sent to (House. of Reps).
      Declaration of James Dunkin (/s/ Duncan), 13 Nov. 1832, before Washington Co. PA Court; in order to obtain benefit of Act 7 June 1832; James Dunkin, a resident of Nottingham township in Washington Co. PA, aged 77 years; that he entered service of the US under following named officers & served as herein stated: In Aug. 1776, I was draughted under first Lieutenant John Hickman with a number of others, in Lancaster Co. PA, and marched to the city of Philadelphia, thence to Trenton, NJ, and thence to Amboy in same state, where there were a number of regiments of militia, under the command of Genl. Irwin of VA? (PA?) & Genl. Armstrong, Col. Greenwalt & Col. Porter & other field officers, whose names I do not recollect. After being there at Amboy for some time, a portion of the militia were taken to form the Flying Camp & the remainder were discharged, and I returned home in October after an absence of two months. In Dec. of this same year I was drafted again under Capt. Robert Ramsey & Lt. John Hickman & John Ramsey as Ensign, and marched from Lancaster Co. through Philadelphia to Corrells ferry, 30 miles alone? (close?) the City, where we met Genl. Washington with the Army. On the same day in the evening, we all crossed the Delaware river. Genl. Washington & his Army, being in the front and the militia under Genl. Roleideum? in the rear. We marched the whole night & about the dawn of the day we arrived at Trenton, NJ, & the militia through the direction of Genl. Washington surrounded the town, while he with his army marched in & took prisoners, about nine hundred Henians?. This memorable capture was made the 26th of December 1776. We remained there two or three days & then proceeded to Princeton in the same State. Upon arriving there we commenced commanding? the town & finally took about three hundred British as prisoners. We then returned to Trenton, when 2 or 3 companies were dispatched to Philadelphia to strengthen the forces in that place and prevent the British who were then in Brunswick, NJ, from crossing the river & making an attack upon the City. I served out my tour & returned home after an absence of two months. In the month of August in 1777 I was again drafted under Capt. John Scott of Lancaster Co. PA & marched to Old Chester on the Deleware river where we met the whole PA Militia under the command of Genl. Armstrong. At this place there were two regiments of Rifle men, made up from the militia. Our company with the exception of one member, under Capt. Scott, entered the first regiment, which was placed under the command of Col. James Dunlap of Cumberland Co. PA. Our regiment immediately marched onto the State of Delaware and were stationed on the lines at the head of Elk River. The day after our arrival here, we returned to New Crk? in Delaware, where there were a pents? of British who immediately retreated to their main body at Elk. We flanked? them on their march till they reached Brandywine. The day after our arrival there, the 11 of Sept. 1777, we fought the battle of Brandywine under Genl. Washington & Lafayette & others & were defeated. On the same night, we retreated to Old Chester, thence to Philadelphia, thence up the road? near to Downings? town. Then we went? to Shuylkill & lay for about one week at Potts grove. We then went down to Germantown, and on the next day after we met the British & fought the Battle of Germantown & defeated the enemy. On the next day after the battle, we proceeded to a place called White Marsh & were then discharged after a service of two months. In the years 1778, 79 & 80 I served three tours, two months each, in the weygon service. This service was performed under the order of the officers. The orders were that every tour of two months in the weygon? service should be deemed as so much service under arms. I served my country in all twelve months. I have no documentary evidence to prove my service nor do I know of any person to prove my service except my sister Elisabeth McCord? who has been blind for a numer of years and who is entirely unable to attend court. I was born in 1755 in Lancaster Co. PA. I have no record of my age. As before stated I lived in Lancaster Co. PA & have lived in Washington Co. for 43 years past? I was always draughted. I am not able to state the names of any of the continental regiments with whom I served. The names of a number of regular officers I have already stated. I never received a written discharge. I am well known by said? (Lewis?) Hamilton Esq., Robert Sore?, John Witherow, & the Hon. John Hamilton & Robert Barr who can testify to my character for veracity & who believe that I was a soldier in the revolution. ...
         Certification by David Hamilton of Nottingham Township and David Bolton of Hollowfield? township in same county; we are well acquainted with James Dunkin of Nottingham township ... that we believe him to be about 77 years of age, that he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion.
         Certification by court 13 Nov. 1832, that James Duncan was a Rev. soldier & served as he stated; the court further certifies that David Hamilton who signed the preceding certificate is a Justice of the Piece in Nottingham Township and as such took the deposition of Elizabeth McCord who is entirely unable to appear in Court and that David Bolton who has also signed the same certificate in Hollowfield township and that they are all credible persons and that their statement is entitled to wait.
         Declaration by James Duncan, 25 Dec. 1832, before Washington Co. JP; in relation to the waggon service, he was pressed into it by Robert Ramsy? who was a Captain of the militia; I was also compelled to take with me two of my horses, one of which I lost in the service, for which I had paid 25. in silver. At the time of performing these waggon tours, I was told by the Captain that if I would go, it would serve me of so much service under arms. I had the choice presented & I was persuaded to go into the waggon service. At the different times of these waggon tours my neighbours were going out on militia tours & I would have been compelled to go along if I had not entered in the waggon service. I never received one dollar for the service in the waggon business. I served six full months under arms & six months in the waggon service.
      Statement by Elisebeth (X) McCord, 11 Sept. 1832, before David Hamilton, JP; the deponent age 60? (two digit) years; James Dunkin do 70 years. Elisebeth McCord, a creditable witness,; that she lived in the same family with James Dunkin in Lancaster Co., Pearth? township in the time of the Rev. War; that he was three times draughted two months each tour?, that he was in Brandwine Battle and Germantown Battle; we could hear the cannon at Brandwine where we lived and that her brother James Dunkin went three torps? wagoning to the North River and to Corrells army? for the American Army; that this deponant husband Mark McCord was likewise draughted in the Militia and taken prisoner by the British on Long Island and remained a prisoner five months who is long since dead and that this deponent has been inheritely? blind for 11 years past and have to presently? depend on brother James Dunkin for maintenance and support who is in low circumstances.
      Letter, Jacob Barrick, Wayneboro, Franklin Co. PA, 2 Dec. 1843: I am authorized to ask some information by the widow of James Duncan who was a pensioner of Washington Co. PA and did receive $20 per annum. Now the question is if the widow produces two certificates from the Auditor Genl. Office at Harrisburg on the pay rool showing that James Duncan received upwards of $250 for services as belonging to the 10th PA Reg. whether she would be entitled to any thing more for time her husband lived after his application which appears he commenced his pension March 4, 1831, died some time in 1835. It is supposed that he was only able to prove six months service at that time, now if the pay rool will be an evidence I think this can be 2 certificates produced to the amount above stated and if entitled, please let me know how she is to proceed to obtain it.
      (MAD: do not have anything more with more info)
 

JAMES DUNCAN, widow Margaret, W-3400, PA: (FHL film 970,863; National Archives Roll 863)
      James Duncan, deceased, of Cumberland Co. PA, who was a Corporal in the Compy. commanded by Captain Gorcy? (Gorey?) in the PA line for 2 years; inscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia at the rate of $88 per annum to commence on 4 March 1831 & ending 1 Jan. 1838; Certificate of pension issued Dec. 1845 and sent to G.M. Phil. City Precinct; Act of 7 June 1832.
      Margaret Duncan, widow of James Duncan, who was a pensioner under Act of 32 and who died on 1 Jan. 1838, of Cumberland Co. PA, who was a Corporal in Company commanded by Captain Gorcy? of PA Line for 2 years; Inscribed on roll of Philadelphia at rate of $88 per annum to commence on 1 Jan. 1838; Certificate of Pension issued Dec. 1845 and sent to G.M. Phila. Precinct; Act of 7 July 1838.
      Margaret Duncan, PA, widow of James Duncan who was a Corporal in the PA Line; Inscribed on Roll at rate of $88 per annum to commence on 4 March 1843; Certificate of Pension issued 15 Dec. 1845 and sent to G.M. Phillips, Present?; Act of 3 March 1843 and 17 June 1844.
      Reverse of one of these: Margaret Duncan, Sept. 30, 1845 ... 1 Jan. 38 the day of her husbands death ...
      Declaration of Mrs. Margaret (+) Duncan, 27? Sept. 1845, before Judge of Cumberland Co. PA Court of Common Pleas; in order to obtain benefit of act of 7 July 1838; she is the widow of James Duncan who was a Corporal of 10th PA Regiment in army of Rev.; that to the best of her knowledge and belief he resided in Lancaster Co. PA previous to going into the war; that she has not now in her possession any documentary evidence proving his services, but that she knows he served in the Rev. War; that she thinks his Captains name was Gorey?. She was married to James Duncan on 30 Dec. 1788; her husband James Duncan died on 1 Jan. 1838; she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to 1 Jan. 1794, viz, at the time above stated.
         Statement by Judge that the applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend the court, and that the affiant is worthy of belief. Wit. T.C. Miller, Judge; Sam? W. Diswort?, Wm. Maxwill?.
      Affidavit of Margaret (+) Duncan, 3 Sept. 1845, before Cumberland Co. PA JP; widow of James Duncan a soldier of the Rev. War; appoint George? M?. Phillips attorney to ask, ... receive from the proper officer of US ... any sum or sums ... coming from the US to myself as the widow of James Duncan.
      No. 18; Certificate for L56.11.3 1/4 Specie; We do certify the State of PA is indebted to James Duncan Corporal of the 10th PA Regiment in the sum of 56 lbs 11 shillings and 3 pence 1/4 specie, with lawfull interest from 10 April 1781, being the amount of the residue of the depreciation of his pay. Pursuant to two acts of Assembly passed at Philadelphia, 18 Dec. 1780 and 10th April 1781. /s/ by Auditors, Philada., May 30, 1781. Certificatation by Auditor General 5 Sept. 1845 the above is a true copy of the original remaining on file in this department.
      "A list of persons married in Carlisle by Robt. Davidson, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church: James Duncan to Margaret Johnston." Certificate that the above is a true copy of the record of marriages kept by Robert Davidson whilst Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Carlisle in Cumberland Co. PA, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in face? legible figures as follows, viz, "Dec. 30th 1788". Certification by Henry Duffield, Clerk of Sessions of Presbyterian Church, Carlisle, 4 Sept. 1845.
      Transmittal letter from G.M. Phillips, 26 Sept. 1845, of Power (marked No. 1) from Mrs. Margaret Duncan of Cumberland Co. PA, widow of James Duncan, a soldier of the Rev. War, authorizing me to prosecute her claim to a pension under Act 7 July 1838, together with following papers. No. 2, declaration sworn to before Hon. T.C. Miller, one of Judges of Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland Co. No. 3, certificate of her husband's services from the office of the Auditor General of PA. No. 4, certified copy from the marriage record kept by Rev. D. Davidson, late of Carlisle, proving her marriage.
      Tenth Regiment 1780: We and each of us whose names are hereunto subscribed, do acknowledge to have received from Major Thomas B. Bowen and Captain Ercurious? Beatty, agents for the late PA Line, the several sums opposite to the names respectively, in Certificates dated July 1, 1784, bearing interest at 6% from Jan. 1, 1781. Signed by John Pierce, Commissioner and described as below, being for the balance of a Settlement between the US and us for Pay &c to January 1781:
         (column headings) Date of Issue, No. of Certificates, Letter, Names, (blank), Sum, Signers.
         (next line) June 23d, 1789; 67981; Ax; James Duncan; 2160; $33.30; Saml. Nicholson
         (next line) (blank date); 67982; Bx; William Douglass; (blank); $33.30; (blank)
         Certification by Auditor General 19 Nov. 1845 that the above is true extract taken from the records pertaining to the Rev. War on file in this department.
      (Printed form) War Department, Revolutionary Claim; 15 Dec. 1845; that in conformity with law of US of 7 June 1832, James Duncan, deceased, who was a Corporal, was entitled to a pension at the rate $88 per annum comg.? on 4 March 1831 and endg. 1 Jan. 1838, the day of his death; which will be paid upon the production of the proper vehicles? to Margaret Duncan his widow.
      Declaration by David Forman, Magistrate (JP) of Cumberland Co. PA, 20 Sept. 1848; that on 17 Sept. 1848 personally appeared Margaret Duncan, resident of Southampton Twp in Cumberland Co., aged 85, in order to obtain benefits of act of 2 Feb. 1848; she is widow of James Duncan, who was a Corporal, and the pension she received under act of 17 June 1844 was $88; she is still a widow of James Duncan.
 

JAMES DUNCAN, wife Temperance, S-42681, PA (FHL film 970,863; National Archives Roll 863)
      James Duncan, Private in PA line 3 years; Inscribed on PA Roll 14 April 1818; certificate of pension issued 21 Sept. & sent to David Steward, Huntingdon, PA; "He died Aug. 29, 1832; see agency book."
      Statement 14 April 1818 in Huntingdon Co. PA Court of Common Pleas by James Duncan of the Township of Henderson in Huntingdon Co.; that he entered into the army of the United Colonies raised for the defence of American Liberty ... as a private soldier in the Company of Captain William Heiser in a body of troops called the German Battalion commanded by Colonel Hooseacre and Lieutenant Colonel Hasker in 1776; that he was at the Battle of Trenton at the taking of the Hessians; in another battle at Trenton, Battles of Princeton, Brandywine & Germantown in 1777, after which he went into winter quarters at the Valley Forge where he remained all winter; the next year he was in the Battle of Monmouth; afterwards went with Gen. Sullivan to Wyoming in pursuit of Indians; served in the army for 3 years when he was discharged about 14 miles above Wyoming, which discharge was lost when he was removing from Frederick Town to Kragers Town in Maryland; he is now about 66 years of age and by reason of his reduced circumstances in life he stands in need of assistance from his country for support. /s/ James (X) Duncan.
      Statement 16 Aug. 1820 in Court of Common Pleas, Huntingdon Co. PA; James Dunken, who being duly sworn, ... doth declare and say that he entered as a soldier in the Rev. War for the term of 3 years in Company commanded by Capt. William Hyser in Regiment called the Germin Battallion commanded by Col. Husaker, and after Col. Welkner as set forth in his declaration orig. made the date of which he doth not now recollect but ... some time in April 1818 ... on which a pension certificate was issued to James Dunken dated 14 April 1818 ... numbered 2909 and is in possession of James Duncan; in pursuance of act of 20 May 1820 makes following declaration: I was a resident citizen of US on 28 March 1818; I have not disposed of property ...; he is 67 years old at this time, that he is a black smith by trade but does not follow it at this time for a livelyhood by reason of his old age & other infirmities, that he has a wife named Temperance aged 55 years, that he follows farming on a place rented upon the shares (one third to the landlord) having no person to assist in farming his crops are but small & not adequate to the support of himself & wife. /s/ James (X) Dunken.
         Schedule of property not copied here; total $180.30, including 2 horses $60, 2 cows $20, 6 sheep $6, 6 hogs $12, 1 old waggon $30, ...
         Debts due by Petitioner to Joseph Dorland, Henry Clapbough, John Yoaun?, Peter Hess, Alexander McCall, Alexander McConnell, Samuel Steel, Stewart Steel, William Corben, John Fee, C. Garber, Wm. Jackson, Peter Swoope, Isaac Dorland, David Reec, (total $76.25).
         Statement 16 Aug. 1820 by John (X) Shorthill, acquainted with James Dunkin & his circumstances, and estimates the property to be worth $170.15, the utmost extent of its value, his bed & bedding excepted.
 

JAMES DUNCAN, S-47181, Continental Service, PA (FHL film 970,863; National Archives Roll 863)
      Bounty Land Warrant 626-300 Capt. issued Sept. 22, 1789; no papers; PA residence and agency.
      File No. 47181, #315; old war invalid; James Duncan, Capt. of Dragoons, Colo. Hazens, Pen; Rev. War ad. May 15, 1828.
      Affidavit of James Duncan, before Justice of Peace in Mercer Co. PA, 27 June 1828; for benefits of Act approved 15 May 1828; of Pymatuning Twp, Mercer Co. PA; I was an officer in Continental Line of Army of Revolution, served to end of war when he was Capt. in Regiment commanded by Col. Moses Hazen; that he afterwards received a certificate of commutation for sum equal to amount of five years full pay, which sum was offered by resolve of Congress 22 March 1783 instead of the half pay for life to which I was entitled under Resolve of 21 Oct. 1780; he has never received a pension. (Treasury Department form; he has received $2400 in final settlement certificates for commutation of five years full pay.
 

JAMES DUNCAN, NY, B.L.Wt. 7070 Prt.; to Anthony Maxwell, Assignee; no papers. (not copied; this info from Index from SC Archives) (FHL film 970,863; National Archives Roll 863)
 

JARED DUNCAN, widow Dolly, R-3122, NY, CT (FHL film 970,863; National Archives Roll 863)
      Treasury Department form, 9 April 1840, directing payment to the widow of Jared Duncan, decd, invalid pensioner on roll of Albany, NY, at $8 per month, paid from 4 Sept. 1822 to 1 Feb. 1823, the day of his death.
      Declaration 29 Jan. 1820, Columbia Co. NY, by Jared Duncan of Hillsdale, Columbia Co.; that in December 1809 he was plaised on the pension list of the US as an invalid soldier of the Rev. at the rate of $5 per month; the disability under which deponent then labored and under which he now labors and for which his pension was granted is an almost total deafness and wounds received in the Rev. War; the deafness was produced by a disorder artiched? (artached?) in the Rev. War; in Sept. 1816 the pension was raised to $8; in the fall of 1814 to the best of his recollection he was travelling in the night over Hearlem Hights near NY, he was knocked down by two men and robbed of his pocket book containing his pension money and original Pension Certificate; that his deafness encreases as he grows older and that his disability is in every respect greater than when he first obtained his pension.
         Petition by Jared Duncan 29 Jan. 1820 for a new pension certificate so he can claim his pension money.
      Affidavit, 3 Nov. 1841, in Fairfield Co. CT Court of Probate, Dolly Duncan, resident of Redding in said county, age 82 years; to obtain benefit of act 7 July 1838 to grant pension to certain widows; she is the widow of Jared Duncan, formerly of Weston in said county, decd, who was according to her best knowledge and belief, a soldier in the Continental Army and has often heard him say that he was wounded by the enemy at the battle of White Plains and has often seen the wound which appeared to have been made by a sworn as he said it was ... and also served in the coast guards and that he was afterwards ... pensioned under act of Congress 18 March 1818 ... $96 a year ...; she was married to Jared Duncan on 13 August 1780; that her husband died on 1 Feb. 1823; she was not married to him prior to his having this service but the marriage took place prior to 1 Jan. 1794. /s/ Dolly (X) Duncan.
         Statement 3 Nov. 1841 by Thornton Lee, age 53; he was well acquainted with Jared Duncan and Dolly Duncan his widow and knows that Jared Duncan died 1 Feb. 1823 and that Dolly Duncan has continued his widow and is now his widow.
         Statement 26 Oct. 1841, by John Noyes, Pastor of the Congregational Church of Parrish of Norfield, Town of Weston, Co. of Fairfield, State of CT, ... Revd. Samuel Sherwood, former Pastor of the Church in Norfield in said Town, ... I find recorded on the record of marriages of said church and solemnized by Revd. Samuel Sherwood now deceased, viz, Jared Duncan to Dolly Osborn, August 30, 1780.
      Declaration 17 May 1841 to Probate Court by Jonathan Godfry of Weston, Fairfield Co. CT, age 87; was well acquainted with Jared Duncan formerly of Weston and lived within a short distance of him during the Rev. War and well remembers that Duncan belonged to the Coast Guard ...
      Declaration 31 Jan. 1852 in Probate court for Town of Redding, Fairfield Co. CT, by Mrs. Polly O. Lee, that she; including Mrs. Sarah Meeker age 70, and residing in said town; and Joseph Duncan, age 68, resident of Unionville, Duchess Co. NY; William Duncan age 65 resident of Camden [Oneida Co.], NY; Dosher Whitlock resident of Luzerne Co. PA; are the only surviving children of Jared Duncan and Dolly Duncan, deceased; that their father, Jared Duncan, was a US Pensioner and died on 1 Feb. 1823; that their mother Dolly Duncan made application for pension in 1841 but never received a pension; this statement made in order for the declarant to obtain all arrearages of pension due to her mother Dolly Duncan to the date of her decease; that Dolly Duncan departed this life 19 March 1847; her father Jared Duncan was a Private in the Rev. War; that she has heard her father and mother relate the Battles he was in, which were the Battles of Ridgefield and of White Plains and at Norwalk at the time that town was burnt by the British; Polly O. Lee age 54.
      Declaration 22 Jan. 1852 by Polly O. Lee, resident of town of Redding, Fairfield Co. CT, appointing F.J. Evans Esq. attorney to prosecute my claim for arrears of pension ...; Declaration 16 Oct. 1851 appointing Edwards & Smith to examine documents in file.
      Statement 22 Jan. 1852, to Jas. Stevens, a Notary Public of Redding, Fairfield Co. CT, by John (X) Griffin, aged 83, resident of said town; he was intimately acquainted with Jared Duncan deceased and father of Mrs. Polly O. Lee; that Jared Duncan was a private in the War of the Rev.; that he served 2 years & upwards; ... Deponent makes the foregoing statements from his long and intimate acquaintance with the said Duncan having known him since childhood and living a near neighbor to said Duncan. They frequently conversed together in relation to said war, Duncan often mentioning his services in said war; Deponent has heard other aged people relate the fact of Duncan having served as aforesaid & he has repeatedly heard people mention that they saw him while in service and that some of said service was performed under Capt. Daniel Duncan & Col. St. John in the coast guards. ...
      Declaration 22 Jan. 1852, Mrs. Polly Bennett, age 73, was well acquainted with Jared Duncan deceased; that she knew him several (?) years about 70? years previous to her oath, that Duncan was respected and always believed by his neighbors to have been a soldier in the Rev. ...; she was well acquainted with Mrs. Dolly Duncan, widow of Jared Duncan decd, that Mrs. Dolly Duncan died 19 March 1847; she attended her funeral; she is acquainted with Sarah Meeker, Joseph & William Duncan, Dosher Whitlock and Mrs. Polly O. Lee and that they are the only surviving children of Jared and Dolly Duncan deceased.
      Declaration 22 Jan. 1852 by Elias Bennett, aged 73, similar statement to Mrs. Polly Bennett.
      Statement 9 July 1852 in Westport, Fairfield Co. CT, by Daniel Dikeman, age 90, resident of said town, a pensioner; personally acquainted with Jared Duncan decd. husband of Dolly Duncan decd; he knew him during the Rev. War; that Duncan was a private for 2 years & upwards ...; that he has a distinct recollection of seeing and conversing with Duncan during that period ...; entered service in vicinity of Westport now called Weston ...
         Transmittal letter 14 July 1852 of affidavit of Daniel Dikeman; the case was suspended on 4 June inst.; letter of suspension says "it does not appear that John Griffin, affiant, was in a position to know the services of Duncan." The affidavit enclosed is by a soldier of the revolution who swears he was in the same service with Duncan and this witness is a pensioner on the CT Rolls.
      Letter 18 Feb. 1853 from Bridgeport; in respect to the application of Mrs. Polly O. Lee of Redding; Mrs. Lee (a very worthy woman) in her application set forth that her father Jared Duncan was a pensioner till the day of his death (1823) and her mother Dolly Duncan applied for but did not receive a pension after that time till her own death in 1847. ... The other deponents are Mr. & Mrs. Elias Bennet of Redding who state their acquaintance with Jared Duncan decd and that he always declared himself & was believed to have been a soldier of the revolution; John Griffin who speaks from personal knowledge of Duncans service & battles; & Daniel Dickerman who also had a recolection of the services of Duncan, having himself been in the same service at the same time. Lemuel Sanford also Judge of Probate in Redding gives his official certificate to the names of the surviving children, to the date of Mrs. Duncans death, & to her having remained a widow till her death. The statements of Mrs. Lee & of Mr. & Mrs. Bennett ... Mr. Griffin did not testify to any personal knowledge of Duncans services, he had Duncan speak of his services but knew nothing more of them ... Mr. Griffins memory & faculties are too far gone to recall the matter to his recollection but his children who occupy the same house with him are very positive that their father never gave any other deposition with regard to Mr. Lees claim than the one he gave before Sanford. They stated they were not in the habit of leaving him alone & should certainly had known if he had done so. With regard to Dickermans statement, from what I have seen of the old man I do not hesitate to say no reliance can be placed upon any deposition enumerating from him. His mind is entirely gone, cannot be sallied (?) to frame an intelligent reply to questions proposed him & loses all recollection of the most recent events. I have not thought it necessary to call on him with relation to this matter as I believe it would be difficult if not impossible to make him comprehend it all. On the whole notwithstanding the fraud in respect to Griffins statement and the uncertainty of Dikemans, I am inclined to think especially from the fact of Duncans having been a pensioner in his life time that he actually served in the Revolution. I think it certain that his wife survived him till 1847 and remained a widow to her death. I have no doubt also that the surviving children are correctly set forth in the application. Whether this entitles Mrs. Lee to any arrearges which have not been paid her mother is for the Department to decide. /s/ Henry T. Blake.
 

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