Pages 214-216: The Last Surviving Pensioners of the Revolutionary War

Department of the Interior
Pension Office, June 14, 1876
J. M. Dalzell, Caldwell, Ohio.

Sir:--Yours of the 9th inst. is received, requesting information as to who was the last surviving pensioner who served as a soldier in the war of the Revolution. As it may be of public interest in the centennial year, you will have annexed the names of the last survivors on the pension rolls, with their age, date of death, residence and so much of their military services as they gave in their applications for pensions.
J. A. Bentley, Commissioner.

Waldo, Daniel -- Born in Windham, Conn., September 10, 1762, and died July 30, 1864, aged 102 years. He entered the service in June, 1779, and December 20, 1780, at Horse Neck, in the south-east corner of Connecticut. Colonel Levi Wells, himself, with twenty others, were taken prisoner by refugees, carried to New York City, and confined at the notorious Sugar House. After the war, studied for the ministry; a Presbyterian clergyman; officiated in Lebanon and Suffield, Conn., particularly at the latter place, for many years. In 1837, removed to Wayne County, then to Owondago county, were he deceased. At the session of Congress for 1855-6, when the honorable N. P. Banks, after a protracted struggle, was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Waldo was appointed chaplain to it, the duties of which he faithful performed, besides repeatedly officiating in the churches in the city on the Sabbath, his age at the time being over 93 years.

Hutchins, William -- Born in York, Maine in 1764, and died May 3, 1866, aged 102 yaers. He enlisted at New Castle, Maine, 1780-1, in the Massachusetts regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel McCobb. The 4th of July previous to his decease, he attended the celebration of that day at Bangor, in which he was an active participant.

Downing, Samuel -- Died February 18, 1867, age unknown. In 1828, resided in Edinburgh, Saratoga county, New York, and, it is understood, died there. His military service was in one the New Hampshire regiments.

Gray, John -- Born in 1764, and died March 29, 1868. While residing in Fairfax county, Virginia, he enlisted, in 1781. Removed to Ohio in 1795, and has lived in Noble county since 1829.