Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 17,455, for Michael Ploss, New York
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
New York

Ploss, Michael
or
Plass, Elizabeth

NUMBER
W 17,455

CONTENTS
Page 2

New York 20472
Michael Ploss
of Ulster in the State of N. Y.
who was a Fifer in the company commanded
by Captain Sharp of the Regt commanded
by Col Fourman in the State Troops
line for 13 mo. 26 days

Inscribed on the Roll of N.Y.
at the rate of 50 Dollars 84 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Sept
1833 and sent to J.W. Fairfield, Hudson, N.Y.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 33. - $127.10
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 34.- $25.42
[total] $152.52
-
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by F.F. Franciosi Clerk,
Book E,  Vol. 4 Page 72
Page 3

Michel Plass
Pension Papers
Page 4

State of New York Ulster County ss: 
On this second day of July 1822 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common pleas of Ulster County at a Court of Common Pleas held at the Court house in Kingston in said County being a
Court of record within the said State with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount keeping a record of their proceedings with the power of fine & Imprisonment having a Seal & Clerk of its own, Michael Plass of Woodstock in the County of Ulster and State of New York
aged 64 years & upwards who being first duly
sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18 March 1818 and the 1st May 1820, that he the said Michael Plass for the term of nine months in the month of March (according to his best remembrance) 1777 at Lansingburgh in the State of New York in the company
commanded by Capt. Marcus Platner, Colonel Van Rensselaer's regiment, General Schuyler's Brigade in the line of the State of New York on the continental establishment, that he continued to serve in the said corps until the end of the nine months when he was discharged from the said service in Columbia
County in the State of New York, that he was in the Battle at the taking of Burgoine [Burgoyne] and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services- And in pursuance of the act of the 18 May 1820 I do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or
any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish
Page 5

it as to bring myself within the provisions of an
act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for
certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval
service of the United States in the revolutionary war" passed on the 18th day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not nor has any person in Trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is
contained in the schedule hereto annexed and
by me subscribed to wit - 
Real Estate  - none
personal Estate - necessary bedding & wearing apparel excepted-- 
One Table, 4 chairs, 3 Iron pots, Iron Tea Kettle, 6 knives & forks, 6 or 7 earthen plates, 2
earthen dishes, 2 pails, wash tub, Tongs, 2 bedsteds, old small ax, 6 or 7 lasts [used in making shoes] 3 or 4 shoemaker's awls,
knippers, 2 knives:  by occupation a shoemaker
but am not capable of pursuing that occupation on account of having lost in some measure my eye sight, my family consists of myself & wife who is now aged 62 years & upwards; that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of assistance from his Country for support.
[signed] Michael Plas (X) his mark
Sworn to & subscribed in open
Court before the Judges thereof this 2nd day of July 1822

Jonathan Dubois First
Judge of the Court of Common
pleas of Ulster County
Page 6

I Jacob Snyder Clerk of the Ulster Common
pleas Court do hereby certify, that it appears
to the satisfaction of the Court that the said
Michael Plas did serve in the revolutionary war
as stated in the preceding declaration
against the Common enemy for the Term of
nine months under one engagement on the
Continental establishment. I also certify
that the foregoing oath and the Schedule are truly copied from the records of the said Court 
and I do further certify that it is the opinion
of the said Court that the Total amount in
value of the property exhibited in the afore
said Schedule is Ten dollars and eighty
seven and a half cents. In Testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
affixed the seal of the said Court on this
second day of July 1822.
Jacob Snyder
Page 7

Michael Ploss


J. W. Fairfield
Hudson
Page 8

State of New York
Columbia County  } ss. 
On this 3d day Aug. 1832. personally appeared in open Court, before the Justices of the Justices Court of the City of Hudson, County aforesaid, sitting, Michael Ploss, aged seventy three years, a resident of Woodstock in Ulster County, State aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
That at Bustenkill [Poestenkill] in Rensselaer County in the year 1775 he enlisted as a volunteer in the company of Capt George Sharp, Regiment of Colonel Frowman & Brigade of Genl Henry Van Rensselaer. 
He enlisted for three months about the first of
summer, Marched first to Albany, thence to Schoharie, at Breakabeen Fort so called,
where he tarried till the expiration of the said
term of three months, when he was duly discharged.  These troops were called rangers.
Again in the year 1776, he enlisted in the Company of Capt Mark Platner; Peter Livingston, Colonel; Henry Livingston Lieut. Colonel; & Saml Ten Broeck, Major. Marched first to Albany, thence to Schenectady, & there received orders from Genl. Schuyler to scour the woods northerly;  till they reached Saratoga; which they did passing through Balltown [Ballston] & finally encamped at Saratoga and was there discharged after a service of six weeks. Again in the year 1777 he enlisted thinks in March of that year in the Company of said Capt Mark Platner & same officers as before.
This enlistment was for nine months. Marched
by Albany, Fort Edward (where they staid some
time) to Skenesboro, (now Plattsburgh) on Lake Champlain.  There they staid till Burgoyne came across the Lake. There were only 1500 Americans there at the time. They retreated thence to Fort Edward &c. till they arrived at Half Moon Point, and there they halted.  Subsequently, when Burgoyne fell back
they advanced to Still Water & Saratoga. After
Burgoyne's Surrender he marched to Lansingburgh where the troops were discharged & he came home at the expiration of the nine months. He afterward went under the same officers to Albany on an alarm, & was gone two weeks when he was duly discharged-
Page 9

and this applicant further declares that he
has in all said service, served the United States
fourteen months. In answer to the interrogatories he declares & says that he was
born in April of the year 1759 in the town of
Clermont, County of Columbia aforesaid; that
the Record of his age is in the family Bible which he has in his possession.
That when called into service he lived at Bastenkill [Poestenkill] aforesaid, has since the Revolution lived fifteen years at Germantown in said Columbia & since that date he has lived at Woodstock aforesaid where he now resides.
That the names of the officers under whom he served were Captains Sharpe & Platner, Colonel Frowman & Livingston, Generals
Van Rensselaer & Schuyler.
That he always served as a volunteer.
That he had two written discharges & has lost them.
That he never had any commission, but always
served as a musician, playing on a fife.
That the names of those who can certify to his veracity & their belief of his service as a soldier of the Revolution are Mr Rice, a Clergyman;
William Wigram, John Wigram & many others.
And this applicant further declares that he
knows of no living witnesses of his said service
other than those whose testimony herewith
forwarded - that he has no documentary testimony - that he hereby relinquishes all claim to any pension or annuity except the present, & that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, that his application is made in this County because his witnesses reside here.
[signed] Michael Ploss (X) his mark
Subscribed & sworn to
day & year aforesaid
Hiram Wilbur Clerk
Page 10

State of New York
Columbia County ⎬ ss:
On this third day of August 1832
personally appeared in open Court
before the Court aforesaid, Samuel Ten Brock
aged Eighty six years, who being duly sworn
says he has been well acquainted with the above named applicant Michael Ploss, that in the year 1776 he marched with a Regiment, which he, being a Major, commanded in the absence of Colonel Livingston, to Saratoga by the way of Albany, Balltown & Schenectady. That he was out about six weeks & to the best of his recollection. the said Michael Ploss was in service in his regiment during that Campaign.  that again in 1777 he marched with his said Regiment to Fort Edward on the approach of Burgoyne. he started early in the Spring & marched to said Fort, via Albany &c. and he recollects that said Michael Ploss was
then in service in his Regiment, & the troops
were out till after the taking of Burgoyne
which he believes to have been nine months
or more, & he further says he believes said
Michael to be a man of truth & veracity.
[signed] Saml Ten Broeck
Subscribed & sworn to the
day & year aforesaid
Hiram Wilbur Clerk

State of New York
Columbia County } ss:
On the day & year aforesaid personally
appeared in open Court before the Court
aforesaid David Potts a resident of the City of
Hudson aforesaid, aged seventy five years,
who being duly sworn says, he is well acquainted with Michael Ploss the above named applicant & was so acquainted with him during the War of the Revolution. That said Ploss was in the same Company under Capt Platner, with this deponent on an expedition to Balltown & Saratoga which lasted six weeks
Page 11

this he thinks was in the year 1776-
again this deponent enlisted in the same company in the spring of 1777 for nine months
& went to Skenesboro, now he thinks called
Plattsburg & he knows that said Michael
Ploss was there with him & served with him
for said nine months. And he further says
that he believes said Michael is a man of
truth & veracity & he has no doubt he served
as he states.
[signed] David Potts (X) his mark
Subscribed & Sworn to
the day & year aforesaid 
Hiram Wilbur, Clerk

And the said Court hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war Department, that the above named applicant was a soldier of the Revolution & served as he states, & the said Court further certify that Samuel Ten Broeck & David Potts who have subscribed & sworn to the
above affidavits are credible persons & of high
standing for truth & veracity.

Application of Michael Ploss

I, Hiram Wilbur Clerk of the Court
aforesaid hereby certify that the above contains the original proceedings of said Court
in the matter of the application of Michael
Ploss for a pension.
In Witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & seal
of office the day & year
aforesaid
Hiram Wilbur Clerk
Page 12

We Phillip (his (X) mark) Bonastal & Andrew P. Newkirk of Woodstock in Ulster County, New York, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Michael Ploss who has subscribed &
Sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy three years of age and that he is reputed & believed in the
neighborhood where he resides to have been
a soldier of the Revolution & that we
concur in that opinion.
Subscribed & sworn this seventh day
of Aug. 1832 at Woodstock, Ulster Co.,
Alexander Hunt Justice of the peace

State of New York
Ulster County Clerks Office ⎬ ss:
I Jacob Snyder Clerk of the County of Ulster
and Clerk of the Court of Common pleas of Ulster County do hereby certify that Alexander Hunt Esquire was on the day of the date of 
the above affidavit a Justice of the peace in and for said County - duly authorized to take affidavits &c and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe the signature "Alexander Hunt" subscribed to the above affidavit to be genuine-
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed my seal of office this 7th
day of August 1832.
Jacob Snyder
Page 13

M Ploss papers
18108

J W Fairfield
Page 14

Ulster County } ss:
County Michael Ploss an applicant for a
pension under the act of Congress passed June 7 1832 being duly sworn says that he made his said application before the Justices of the Justice's Court in Columbia County for this reason - Viz - that the Witnesses of his service resided in Columbia & he supposed that
if he made his application in Ulster County, he
should be obliged to take said witnesses to Ulster County & before the same Court where he made his application - And he further says that he was born in said Columbia County that his friend & relatives resided there & this was another reason for his going to said County
& he further says that in addition to said reasons, he did not know that it made any difference where he made his application, untill his said application was ready to execute & then he stated his reasons as above to said
Court. His only impression was that the witnesses must go before the same Court where the applicant did.
I further state that my witnesses were unable to come to this County on account of their infirmity of age-
[signed] Michael Ploss (X) his mark
Sworn before me this  11th day of June 1833 
Alexander Hunt Justice P.
Page 15

Michael Ploss
J.W. Fairfield, Hudson

State of New York
ULSTER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. } ss.

I, Jacob Snyder, Clerk of the County of Ulster,
and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County, Do hereby Certify
That Alexander Hunt Esquire, was on the day of the date of the Certificate to the annexed Affidavit. a Justice of the peace
in and for the said County of Ulster
duly authorised to take affidavits, &c; and further that I am well acquainted with
the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe the signature "Alexander Hunt "
 subscribed to the Certificate of the said annexed affidavit to be genuine.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, this eleventh
day of June- 1833
Jacob Snyder
Page 16


3739
New York

Elizabeth Ploss (pens.'d 1832) 
widow of Michael Ploss dec'd
who died on the 5. July 1837
of Ulster Co in the State of N. York
who was a pri & fifer in the Comp commanded
by Captain Sharp N.Y. Regt commanded
by Col Fourman in the N Y
line for 25 days private
13 mos. 26 days Fifer

Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 53 Dollars 60 Cents per annum
to commence on the 6th day July1837
when he died,
=
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of June
1842 and sent to H. Clarke Esq. Hudson NY
---
Arrears to the 4th of March. '42 - $249.86
4 yrs., 7 mo., 25 days
Semi=annual allowance ending 4 Sept '42 - $26.80
[total]  $276.66

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836
Section the }

Recorded by Theodore L. Moody, Clerk
Book C,  Vol. 3, page 125

Reported
.
Date of Death widow not on AB
Page 17

4625
Elizabeth Ploss
N. Y.
Act 4 July 1836

m 80 d 37.

Adm'd. by Secy of War
25.00 pri
13.26. - fifer -
53.60/100-

died 5 July '37
pen. com. 6 July '37

Wheeler H. Clarke
Hudson
N.Y-
Page 18

State of New York
Ulster County Clerks Office } ss:
I John Ferguson, Clerk of the County of
Ulster do hereby certify that Henry Wynkoop Esq. before whom the annexed Declaration of Elizabeth Ploss and the affidavit of Maria Yerry purport to have been taken was at the respective dates of the same a Judge of
County Courts of Ulster County and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Judge and verily believe his signature to the said Declaration & affidavit to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the said County this 14th day of January 1834.
John Ferguson Clerk
-
Saugerties Ulster County N. York State
June 15th 1839

Sir
The annexed papers of Elizabeth Ploss have been delayed for Several reasons, in the first place on the decision of the department-- she was not entitled, and lastly for the want of Record proof of marriage which after
a diligent search is not to be found.
I have therefore substituted an affidavit and the record of Baptism, which in consequence of the ignorance of the Justice who took the affidavit was informal but I hope you may pass it over and examine her case and see whether she is entitled by the reference to the declaration of her husband before you add
any more trouble or expenses in correcting the form of the proof of marriage
And please return your answer to me
I am respectfully your most
Page 19

obedient Servant
Henry Wynkoop

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Washington City
Page 20

State of New York
Ulster County } ss:
Maria Yerry of the town of Woodstock,
County and State aforesaid being duly sworn deposeth and saith that she is Seventy Eight years, that she is well acquainted with Elizabeth Ploss widow of Michael Ploss deceased of the same place, that said Elizabeth was a cousin of deponent that her maiden name was Shultis, that she was married to the said Michael Ploss in the town of Germantown, County of Columbia by the Reverend Mr Crutts Clergyman of the German Lutheran
Church of said town, deponent being present when the ceremony was performed.
And this deponent further saith that after
the revolutionary war the said Michael Ploss
and the said Elizabeth moved into the town
of Woodstock where the said Michael Continued to reside untill the day of his death & where the said Elizabeth still resides.
And this deponent further saith that the
said Michael Ploss died the fifth day
of July in the year one thousand eight
hundred and thirty seven and that the
said Elizabeth Ploss has ever since that
period remained and is still the widow
of the said Michael Ploss deceased and is
now an applicant for a pension and further
this deponent saith not.
[signed] Maria Yerry (X) her mark
Sworn and subscribed before me
this 7th day of September 1837
Henry Wynkoop one of the Judges of the
County Courts of the County of Ulster
Page 21

And I do hereby further certify that I am personally acquainted with Maria Yerry the above
named deponent and believe her to be a credible witness.
Henry Wynkoop Judge &c.
Page 22

Declaration
In order to obtain to obtain the benefit of the
third section of the act of Congress of the 4th July 1836

State of New York
Ulster County } ss:

On this Sixth day of September in the year one thousand Eight hundred and thirty Seven personally appeared before me Henry Wynkoop one of the Judges of the courts in and for said County of Ulster aforesaid, Elizabeth Ploss a resident of the town of Woodstock, County of Ulster and State of New York aged Seventy Six years, being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836.
That she is the widow of Michael Ploss deceased, who in the revolutionary war resided
in the County of Columbia, that he was a
fifer in the revolutionary war for which he
the said Michael Ploss obtained a pension
under the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832
allowing him at the rate of $50.84 per annum
which said pension he received untill the 4th
of March 1837.
She further declares that she was married to
the said Michael Ploss the Second day of April
in the year one thousand Seven hundred and
Eighty, that the marriage ceremony was performed by the Reverend Mr Crutts Clergyman of the German Lutheran Church in the town of Germantown, the place where she then resided and that her maiden name before her marriage was Elizabeth Shultiz
Page 23

She further declares that shortly after the revolutionary she with her husband the said 
Michael Ploss moved into the town, where her husband resided untill the day of his death
She further declares that her husband the
said Michael Ploss died the fifth day of
July in the year one thousand Eight hundred and thirty Seven, and that she has
remained a widow ever since that period
as will more fully appear by reference to
the proof hereto annexed.
[signed] Elizabeth Ploss (X) her mark
Sworn to and Subscribed on the
year above written before me
Henry Wynkoop one of the Judges of the County Court of the County of Ulster

And I do hereby further certify that Elizabeth
Plop the above named from bodily infirmity cannot attend Court
Henry Wynkoop Judge, &c.
Page 24

Columbia County,
Clerk's Office, } ss:

I, KILLIAN MILLER, Clerk of the county of Columbia, Do hereby certify, That
Simon Rockefeller
before whom the affidavit purports to
have been sworn, was on the day of the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county. And further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and verily believe the name of the said Justice
subscribed to the said affidavit, to be his proper hand writing and signature.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of the said county, this 5th day of January 1839
K. Miller
Page 25

Sworn and Subscribed before me
this Ninth day of October 1838 }
and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named deponent and that he is the Clergyman of the Protestant German Reformed Church in said town of Germantown
Simon Rockefeller Justice of the peace
Page 26

State of New York
Columbia County } ss: 
Jacob Wm Hangen of the town of Germantown
County and State aforesaid being duly sworn
deposeth and saith that he is the present Clergyman of the Protestant German Reformed Church in said town,
That it appears by the records of Baptism
in said Church that "Philip," Son of Michael Ploss and Elizabeth Shultiz was Baptized the Sixteenth day of December in the
year one thousand Seven hundred & Eighty
which is Expressed on said record in plain
legible figures and letters as follows viz

1780 " Getauft"   "Kinder"    "Eltern" 
      16. Dcmbr.      Phillip      Michael Ploss
                                          Elizabeth Shultiz
   "Jungen"*
Phillip Rohkefeller

*["Getauft" is the German word for "baptized,"
"Kinder," is the German word for "children," "Eltern" is the German word for "parents" and "Jungen" is the German word for "boys."]

I Jacob Wm Hangen above named do depose
and say that I hold the office of Clergyman
in the church abovementioned, that the above
is a true extract from the records of said church
and I do further certify from the year 1773
untill 1792 no marriage records appear to have
been kept and that the marriage of Michael 
Ploss with Elizabeth Shultiz does not appear
on any of said records in said church and further this deponent saith not
Jacob W. Hangen
Page 27

18108
Michael Ploss
Ulster County,
N. York

b 

Admitted
Fifer 13. mo. 26 days

J. W. Fairfield
Hudson
NY
Page 28

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
2 May 1833

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

A Statement, shewing the service of Michael Ploss, Ulster County N. York

(1) Period when the service was rendered:
Enlisted 1775
Duration of the claimant's service. 3 mo.
Rank of the claimant. - private & fifer
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. - Capt Sharp
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. - Col. Frowman
Battles in which the applicant was engaged. -
Country through which he marched. -
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. - 73
Rensselaer Co., N.Y.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported
Living witnesses and Tradition

(2)  Enlisted 1776
Duration: 1 mo., 12 days
Company Officers : Capt. Platner
General & Field Officers:  Col. Livingston
Country through which he marched:  Albany

(3)  Enlisted 1777
Duration:  9 mo. 16 days
Names & Rank of Officers:  same officers
Battles in which applicant was engaged:  Saratoga
Country through which he marched:  Saratoga, Lake Champlain, Half Moon
Evidence by which declaration is supported:  witnesses prove the services

I am, respectfully
Your obedient servant
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 29

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. 
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops, "militia" and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 
1. The Regular Troops. 
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service. 
4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. 
DECLARATION. 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. State, Territory, or District of County of } ss. On this ___day of ____personally appeared (a) before __________A B. a resident (b) of____in the county of____and State, Territory or District of aged (c)____years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)_____served in the_____(e) regiment of the_____line, under the following named officers: Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court] And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. I, _______of the Court of______ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of______for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this_____day of____ & c. If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: 
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the____and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with_____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be______years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the_____and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the_____and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. I, Clerk of the Court of_____do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of_______for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this___day of____& c. Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 30

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia. 
1. Where and in what year were you born? 
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live? 
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. To a Soldier: Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? 
To an Officer: Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates. The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 
(a)The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. (b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. 
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. 
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: --For---year----months, and days, I served as a -. For - months and - days, I served as a___ ; and for such service I claim a pension." It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase "about three or four months," is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; places where the service was performed, that the applicant served with all embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required. 
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. 
(i) The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. 
Mode of authenticating papers. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
 Proof of Service. 
(j) In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
 [picture of a pointing finger] The notes from (a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note (j) applies to continental troops only. 
(k) This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. 
(m) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 31

August 8, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
MICHAEL PLOSS
W. 17455
BA-J/MLB

Lena F. Kent
34 Lucas Avenue
Kingston, New York

Dear Madam:

The data which follow in regard to Michael Ploss ( Plass or Blass) were obtained from the papers in pension claim, W. 17455, based upon
his service in the Revolutionary War.
Michael Ploss was born in April, 1759, in the Town of Clermont, Columbia County, New York. The names of his parents were not stated.
While residing in Bastenkill, Rensselaer County, New York, Michael Ploss volunteered early in the summer of 1775, and served three months
as fifer in Captain George Sharpe's company of rangers, Colonel Frowman's (possibly meant for Vrooman's) New York regiment. He volunteered in 1778 and served six weeks as fifer in Captain Marcus or Mark Platner's (or Blatner's) company, Colonel Peter Livingston's New York regiment. He again volunteered in January, February or March, 1777, served as fifer in Captain Marcus Blatner's company, Colonel Peter Livingston's New York
Regiment, was at the surrender of Burgoyne and was discharged after having served nine months. He afterwards served two weeks on an alarm at Albany, New York, date not stated, under the same officers. About October, 1780, he served a tour of twenty-five days as private in Captain Tiel Rockefeller's company, Colonel Henry Livingston's New York regiment.
After the Revolution, the soldier resided fifteen years in Germantown, Columbia County, New York, then moved to Woodstock, Ulster County, same state, where he was living in 1822.
Michael Ploss was allowed pension on his application executed August 3, 1832, at which time he was still living in Woodstock, New York,
He died there July 5, 1837.
Michael Ploss married Elizabeth Shultiz or Shultis, April 2, 1780, in Germantown, Columbia County, New York, of which place she was a resident. The date and place of birth and names of the parents of Elizabeth were not given.
Page 32

Elizabeth Ploss was allowed pension on account of the Revolutionary War service of her husband, Michael Ploss, on her application
executed September 4, 1833, at which time she was aged seventy-six years and a resident of Woodstock, Ulster County, New York. In 1842, she was living in Saugerties, in Ulster County,
The only name in the claim designated as that of a child of Michael Ploss and his wife, Elizabeth, was the name of a son, Philip, who was baptized December 16, 1780, the name of his birth not stated.
In 1837, Maria Yerry, aged seventy-eight years, a cousin of soldier's wife, Elizabeth Ploss, was living in Woodstock, New York.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension in the case of Elizabeth Ploss, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data: Elizabeth Ploss, widow of Michael Ploss, certificate #3739, issued June 21, 1842, rate $53.60 per annum, commenced July 6, 1837, Act July 4,
1836, New York Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 33

1938, Aug. 8. Hist to Lena F. Kent

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17455
Elizabeth Ploss
Wid of 
Michael Ploss
Fifer Rev. War
Act July 4, 1836
Index: Vol. M,  Page 133

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 34

Michael Ploss N.Y. act 7 June 32 last pd?
GWC

20 June 1842
-
Died 5th July 1837 p.t. that [illegible]
IH
Page 35

State N York
Aug. 26, 1841
Compt Office
certificate of the service of
Michael Blass
Page 36

Hudson NY
May 12. 1842
Wheeler H. Clarke submitting
evidence in case of Elizabeth
Ploss widow of Michael -
Page 37

Act of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873. [crossed out]

8280
Michael Plass
Service:
Enlisted: REJECTED, 18
Discharged:          18
Page 38

State N. York
11th May 1842
Henry Dick & Barent
Shipperly's affidavits of
their knowledge of Elizabeth
Ploss & her husband Michael
Page 39

Elizabeth Ploss 462
NY

Let to W. H. Clarke, June 4. 1842
Act 4 July 1836
Page 40

August 8, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/AHEMLB

Lena F. Kent
34 Lucas Avenue
Kingston, New York

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Michael Plass (Blass) who served in the Revolutionary War in the
New York troops, also the Civil War record of Fred. V. Kent who was a sergeant in Company B, 102nd Regiment of New York State Volunteers.
The record of Michael Ploss or Plass is furnished you herewith. No other record has been found of a Michael Ploss, Plass or Blass, or other spelling, on the Revolutionary War pension records.
Your letter has been referred to the proper official for reply in regard to the Civil War soldier.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 41

19118
Michael Plass,

Lucas Elmendorf
Kingston, N.Y.
-
Rec'd 9 Feb. 1824 -

Not Continental

Rejected
June 1. 1824
see letter to
L. Elmendorf

8280
City of Washington

[written sideways over above text: To the Honorable J.C. Calhoun, Sect'y of War, City of Washington]

[written upside down:  Mr. Elmendorf]
Page 42

Kingston Feby 4th 1824-

Sir
The mere omission of Michael Plass' residence 
having been been made, his papers are now returned.  He is known by my self to have resided  in this County ever since the Revolutionary war.
Yours &c
Lucas Elmendorf first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County
the State of New York
Page 43

[circular stamp:  HUDSON NY AUG 28]

Add. evidence case Mrs. Ploss
D.C.
Eliz Ploss

FREE 

Pension Office

Hon. Jas. L. Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 44


Hudson New York Aug 27. 1841.

Sir
The case of Mrs Elizabeth Plass has been
handed to me.
Your letter to Henry Wynkoop Esqr date
Oct 3. 1839 is before me.
It appears Mrs Plass states her marriage in April 1780.
By the papers, you state, it appears that he was not in the service after the year 1777.
I do not know particularly what services Mr Plass stated, but by the enclosed certificate of
the Comptroller of New York her husband did serve after the marriage as she has stated, nearly one month.  It is requested that her case be again examined with the help of the enclosed certificate.
The certificate of the Comptroller is for Michael
Bloss, this is the way it was anciently spelt, as you will see by reference to the pay Roll on which he is found in 1777. It is now generally spelt Plass.
Very Respectfully yours
Wheeler, H. Clarke.

Hon J. L Edwards
Page 45

May 16. 1842
NY

E. Ploss
[circular stamp: HUDSON N.Y. MAY 19]

FREE

Pension Office
Hon J. L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington,
Page 46

Sir:
I send you enclosed the deposition of
Henry Dick and Barent Shipperly in the case
of Mrs Elizabeth Plass widow of Michael
Plass dec'd.  By your Letter to Henry Wynkoop
Esqr dated 5th Oct 1839- you state that Michael Plass alleged no service after 1777. & this is relied upon by the Department as conclusive against his widows claim
under act of 4th July 1836. But he does not say that he performed no service after 1777- as I understand he merely through forgetfulness or through the Carelessness or want of skill of the person who drew his papers omitted to specify this service as having been performed in 1780.
What is the evidence on the other side heretofore sent you. 
First. The widow says she was married in April
1780.  this is considered settled by the Department.
Second. She says her husband Michael Plass
served after she & he were married. Is not the
fact of that character that she would be most
likely to remember. certainly, she would remember such a circumstance. Did a man by the name of
Page 47

Michael Plass serve after April 1780. The certificate of the Comptroller sent by me, proves the fact that Michael Plass served in Diel Rockefeller's Company in Oct 1780 - and Michael Plass the late pensioner - performed
all or most all of his services under this
same Diel Rockefeller.
The additional Evidence I send you
in the enclosed Depositions of Henry Dick &
Barent Shipperly- they both identify Michael Plass and both say that he was up in this their last expedition-- These men have always lived
here, knew Plass & wife when children, brought up together-- and they say he was their Fifer.
Besides by the Comptroller books at Albany
these men Henry Dick & Barent Shipperly
are both found on the Roll of the Company
of Diel Rockefeller with Michael Plass
& Each are paid L 2.4.4 (2 pounds, 4 shillings, 4 pence].
It appears to me nothing can be more
satisfactory.
If the Department have not that company
for 1780 & wish it, I will get a certified
copy from the Comptroller & forward it.
Page 48

It is desired that this case be again taken up & that Michael Plass's own statement be examined & see if in fact he does not state the service though he may mistake the year.
Then Examine all the other testimony and take into consideration the distinctive fact that he was their Fifer.
Can they possibly mistake the man or the time.
All is however respectfully submitted.

Rest'y & truly yours
Wheeler, H. Clarke
Page 49

Appeal from
Com'r of Pensions
Case of
Elizabeth Ploss, N.Y.
Act 4 July 1836
6210. Recd June 10/42
Pension Office
(see over)
entd.
W.H. Clarke
Hudson
New York
Agent
Page 50

Hudson N York
June 7. 1842

Sir:
I this day received from the commissioner
of pensions a letter of which the following is a
copy, Viz.

"Pension Office."
"June 4 1842" }

"Sir,"
"The additional evidence in the case of Elizabeth Ploss is unavailing. Her late husband who set forth his service in great detail did not claim for any such term of service as you are now asserting in her behalf nor did he name
Capt. Rockefeller as an officer under whom he served.
Her claim is limited by the pension he was entitled to under the act of 7th June 1832 and as he had regularly  asserted his claim & was pensioned under said act, the Dept. cannot admit any other narrative, which enlarges his
services by the addition of another term to override that which he furnished under every inducement to make it as large as he could.
She certainly is not entitled under the act of 4 July 1836 and by a late decision of the Attorney General.  She is not entitled under that of 7 July 1838 as her late husband received a pension under act of 7 June 1832.
I am very respectfully,
Your obed Ser
(Signed) J.L. Edwards"

"W.H. Clarke, Esq., Hudson, N.Y."
Page 51

The decision of the Pension Commissioner is appealed from as made in the case of Mrs Ploss, as stated in said Letter,
If the husband of Mrs Ploss did not set forth this service performed by him under Captain Diel Rockefeller in Oct 1780, she is not thereby precluded from claiming it.
I did not draw Mrs. Ploss's application & cannot therefore state particulars.
My information is that she & Michael Ploss her late husband were married in April 1780.
That her said late husband in his life time obtained a pension under act of 7th June 1832 & Enjoyed it until his death.
That after his death his said widow made an
Application for a pension under act of 4th July 1836, Mr. Henry Wynkoop acting as her agent,
That she in that application alleged that her said husband served after ["after" is underlined 3 times] the marriage, which service was
found & duly certified by the Comptroller of New York and now proven by several witnesses who are still living. They identifying him as they served in the same company with him in this very tour.
The identity & the service is proven past question and the widow claims it as her right.
The following propositions are submitted
to the decision of the Secretary of War
"as follows"
Page 52

First -
Michael Ploss, the husband in his application
does not mention this service. He does not
say he did not perform this service, but he
omits saying any thing upon the subject,
Elizabeth Ploss, his widow claims the service
swears to the service after the marriage.
The legal inference is that a service
was performed after the marriage,
which service she remembers but he has
forgotten it, or by the unskillfulness of those
who did his business it was not inserted in
his claim.
Second -
This service being after the marriage
and only one tour, ["one tour" is underlined] she would remember it more distinctly than he would as her mind had only this tour to dwell upon, while his had many, which of itself would
after lapse of a long time tend to produce indistinctiveness and confession of recollection.
Third -
There is no principle of law that I am
aware of to sanction the decision contained
in the Com'rs Letter, Viz.
That the Acts, & declarations or omission
in declaration of a party, shall prejudice a
another, who had no knowledge of & who was in no way may participating in those acts or Declarations
Page 53

Where two witnesses testify, each having the same opportunity of observation, the one testifies that he saw or heard, the other testifies that he did not, the inference is that the one remembers & that the other
has forgotten.
Where one witness certifies that he remembers that a certain act was done, another witness having had the same opportunity, certifies that he does not remember it,
The inference is that the thing was done.
Michael Ploss does not state this service done
although, it is admitted he had an interest in doing so.
Elizabeth Ploss his widow states it was done
then, was, she says, a service after my marriage.  My husband was after I married him absent from me in service.
Can she be mistaken, is not her evidence
true and is not the legal interpretation of
this seeming incongruity, this,
That Elizabeth Ploss remembers this distinctly & that it is true that her husband Michael Ploss
served in October 1780,
That Michael Ploss in making his statement may have supposed himself stating this service & have forgotten the year, and having served principally under other officers, those under whom he served this short tour
Page 54

were misremembered.
His attention may not have been called to
this matter & his agent in putting down his
services may have supposed this service
if mentioned to have been under the same
officers the residue were performed.
The omission should not conclude Elizabeth Ploss, if he served after the marriage, she is, whether he asserted the service or not,
entitled to a pension.
These matters are respectfully submitted
to the Secy of War for his decision, with however a proper deference to the decision of the Commissioner of pensions.
very Respectfully & truly
Your obt Servant,
Wheeler, H. Clarke

Hon. J.C. Spencer
Sect'y of War
Page 55

I do not think the omission of the husband
to specify his last service in 1780 should
destroy the perfectly conclusive proof provided
by the Comptroller's certificate and the affidavits
that such served was rendered - he was
a private, and the affidavits say "he was a fifer"
which is not inconsistent.  He probably
acted in both capacities in the short tours
in which he was engaged.  I think
the widow should be allowed
her pension under the act of 1836.

J.C. Spencer
June 18. 1842.
Page 56

June 10. 1842
N.Y.
Eliz Ploss

Pension Office

Hon J.L. Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
Washington

[circular stamp:  HUDSON N.Y. JUN 3]
Page 57

Hudson N York
June 7th 1842

Sir:
In yours of the 4th instant in Mrs. Plass' Case
under act of 4th of July 1836 you inform me
that the attorney General by a late decision, has decided that a widow, like Mrs Plass is not entitled to a pension under act of 7th July 1838 as her late husband received a pension under act of 7th June 1832.
I have in my possession the Document
No 126 Entitled " "Pension Laws now in force.
Letter from the Secretary of War &c &c
January 19, 1838."
"Read & laid upon the Table March of 1840."
Is the decision to which you refer in that Document - if so, will you refer me to it.
If made since, will you, if convenient
send me the decision.
& very much oblige, Sir
truly yours,
Wheeler H. Clarke

Hon J. L Edwards,
Page 58

Pension Office
June 14 1842
Commissioner of Pensions
in the case of the appeal of
W. H. Clarke Esq of Elizabeth
Ploss
Page 59

Pension Office
June 14 1842

Sir.
I have the honor to submit the appeal of
Wheeler H Clarke Esq. in the case of Elizabeth
Ploss and the evidence on which he relies.
Her late husband applied and received a
pension under the act of June 7, 1832, and set
forth 4 terms of militia service, one of which,
was but 4 days. Upon his death in 1837 she
made the usual declaration of her right of pension under the act of 4 July 1836 and previous to that of 7 July 1838. She made no statement of her husband's services but relied solely on his declaration and proofs as to his services. Her claim was rejected on the ground that according to her proofs she was married in Spring of 1780, and agreeably to his declaration and evidence, his last service was in 1777.  At no time either before or subsequently to the rejection of her claim has she asserted, as the rules require, any other term of service than such as her late husband has set forth. The term of service now claimed of 25 days in
Page 60

fall of 1780 under Capt. Rockefeller is set up
by Mr Clarke upon finding that the Comptroller's Books credit that term to one bearing the same name with her late husband. He made no allusion to any other service than that set forth in his declaration, and asserted that he "always served as a fifer." The soldier in Rockefeller's company was a private.
Your attention is called to my letter of the
4 inst. in which the general rule of limiting a
widow to the narrative of her deceased husband is laid down.

I have the honor to be
very respectfully
Your Obed Ser.
J.L. Edwards

Hon. John C Spencer
Secretary of War.
Page 61

Elizabeth Ploss
widow
Michael Ploss
File # 17455  Admit

NY
Henry Wynkoop [crossed out]
Elizabeth Ploss
'38 or 86

[written upside down]: J.L. Edwards
War Department
Pension Office
Washington City
Page 62

Jan 18. 1840
NYork

5 cases


Hon. J. L. Edwards
War Department
Pension Office
Washington City
Page 63

Washington January 18th 1830

Sir
1st - Please permit me to put the following interrogatories viz Elizabeth Ploss widow of Michael Ploss, deceased a revolutionary
Pensioner - under the act of 4th July 1836, was denied a pension on the ground of her husband having performed no service after
1777
Will your honor have the goodness to inform me if sufficient evidence exist in the Department of her husbands services to entitle
her to a pension under the act of 7 July 1838, your answer would, if not entitled, save a bill of cost and labour
2nd - The widow of John G. Happy deceased also a revolutionary pensioner-- made her declaration some time since-- and the papers are now in my possession - please inform me whether sufficient exist in the Department, to justify a heavy Expence & labour to prove her marriage-- which I have reason to believe will be difficult
3rd - Anna Rightmyer formerly widow of Peter Wells deceased and Elizabeth Cooper widow of Robert Cooper deceased both soldiers
of the revolution-- have each obtained a small pension under the act of 4th July 1836 have each obtained a Small pension-- but not satisfactorily to them nor in accordance to
their declarations-- please inform me what part of their husbands' Services were allowed & what rejected
4 - At the request of the Department I sent an abstract of a Pay Roll of Col Johannis Snyders Regiment in 1837 or 8 with a promise of a compensation or a return of the document
to the owner. To my enquiry in relation to the same some or 8 months since, I received for answer that it would be returned as soon as it could be copied by the Department-- I am now
anxious to ascertain its fate before I have an interview, with the owner thereof
5th - Is a declaration under the act of the 7 June 1832 made by Peter Bogardus late of Greene (now deceased) on file in the
Department and if so what is its situation
Your answers to the foregoing interrogatories before my
Page 64

departure from the city will be esteemed as a particular favor by
Respectfully your most obedient
Servant
Henry Wynkoop

P.S.
The four first questions propounded relate to Ulster County the latter to Greene all of the State of New York
H. W.
Page 65

Mrs Elizabeth Ploss's case
Act July 4, 1836.
Wheeler H. Clarke
Hudson N York
Agent
Page 66

In pursuance of a law passed the 27th day of April, 1784, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz:

1780 Oct. 30 - 35294 Mich'l Blass pri 2-4-4
25 days
--------------------------------------------------
STATE OF NEW YORK.
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, August 26 1841. }
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 7 -- now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz:

First-under Capt Diel Rockefeller in (Lt.) Col. Henry Livingstons Regiment
Second,
Third,
Fourth,
Fifth,
Sixth,
Seventh,
Eighth,

John A. Collier
Comptroller
Page 67

Elizabeth Ploss
widow of 
Michael Ploss

W. H. Clarke
Hudson N York
Agent
Page 68

State of New York
Columbia County } ss:
I, Henry Dick of Germantown in said County being sworn say I am Eighty one years old, I have lived in Germantown during my
whole life time. I was acquainted with Michael Ploss in the time of the war of the Revolution & since & when he was a pensioner. I know his widow Elizabeth Ploss, who lives in Saugerties in Ulster County as I am informed, I have known Elizabeth Ploss since she was a girl, we went to school together.
I was out in service in the same company with
Michael Ploss in the war of the Revolution several times. Once I remember after the year
Burgoyne was taken. It was in the fall of the
year, I was in Diel Rockefeller's Company and
were under Genl Robert Van Rensselaer. He
commanded the militia of Claverack & other
regiments. We went upon the Mohawk River above Schenectady after the Indians. The Indians had come down the Mohawk & burned Houses, Barns &c. I saw things burnt.  The year I cant tell, but it was after Burgoyne gave up.
Said Michael Plass or Blass was along the last
time I was along & the time above mentioned.
Said Michael Plass was along every time I went as fifer.
[signed] Henry Dick
Sworn & subscribed before
me this 11th day of May
1842 by said Henry Dick
who is a credible person &
Witness
Michael De LaMater Justice Peace
Page 69

State of New York
Columbia County } ss:
I, Barent Shipperly of Germantown in said County being sworn depose & say I am Eighty two years old, I have always lived in this town, I have always known Henry Dick named in the foregoing deposition, since we were boys. I also knew Michael Ploss & wife for many
years before said Michael's death, said Elizabeth is still alive as I hear. The said Henry Dick above named was up under Captain Diel Rockefeller when Brant & Butler came down & destroyed things on the Mohawk in (1780) seventeen hundred & Eighty. I was up at the same time. It was in the fall of the year. This was the last time I went. Michael Bloss or Ploss above named was along at this time. Said Ploss was in service with me in said Rockefeller's Company every time I went, and I remember distinctly he was our Fifer.
[signed] Barent Shipperly (X) his mark
Sworn & Subscribed before
me this 11th May 1842 by
said Barent Shipperly 
who is a credible person &
Witness
---
Michael De Lamater Justice

[note:  several lines of text at bottom of page are crossed out]
Page 70

State of New York
Columbia County } ss:
I Jehoiakim A. Van Valkenburgh, Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Michael Delamatter, whose name is subscribed
to the annexed depositions of Henry Dick
and Barent Shipperly was on the day of the
date thereof one of the Justices of the peace
in for said County duly qualified to
act as such.  That I am well acquainted with
the hand writing of said Justice & verily believe his signatures thereto to be his own hand writing & signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & affixed the seal of said
County this 12th May 1842
J.A. VanValkenburgh, Clerk
Page 71

Michael Ploss

Let the residence of the
applicant be stated in the
fore part of the declaration
Lucas Elmendorf, Esq.
Kingston
N. York
Page 72

State of New York Ulster County } ss: 
Abraham Van Steenburgh being duly sworn on his oath says that he, this deponent, is well acquainted with Michael Ploss, a soldier in the war of the Revolution and now an applicant for a Pension under the act entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States during the Revolutionary War" and the 1 May 1820. That this Deponent was in the service of the United States in the war of the Revolution for during the war, in the Company commanded by Captain Watkins, Colonel Henry B Livingston's Regiment and well knew the said Michael Ploss -- that the said Michael Ploss belonged to the company commanded by Captain Marcus Platner in Colonel Henry Van Rensselaer's Regiment and this deponent frequently saw the said Michael Ploss in said service and knows that he was in said corps for nine months, that the said Michael was enlisted in the month of January or February
1777 according to his best remembrance for nine months in Captain Platner's Company.  That the said Michael was in the service of the United States in arms against the common enemy until the end of the said nine months when he was discharged from service as this deponent understood at Clermont in the State of New York.
[signed] Abraham Van Steenburgh (X) his mark
Sworn this 13th day of August
1822 before me, and I do certify
that the said Abraham Van Steenburgh
is a credible witness who is personally
known to me 
Lucas Elmendorf
One of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County in the State of New York
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State of New York 
Ulster County }  ss: 
Zacharias Short being duly sworn on his oath says that he, this Deponent, is well acquainted with Michael Ploss a soldier in the war of the revolution and now an applicant for a Pension under the act entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land & naval service of the United States during the revolutionary War" and the 1st May
1820. That this Deponent was in the service of
the United States in the war of the revolution in the company commanded by Captain Philip Swart, his regiment not at present recollected, and well knew the said Michael Ploss.  That the said Michael Ploss belonged to the company commanded by Captain Marcus Platner, Colonel Henry Van Rensselaer's Regiment and well knew the said Michael Ploss.  That the said Michael Ploss belonged to the company commanded by Captain Marcus Platner in Colonel Van Rensselaer's Regiment and this Deponent frequently saw the said Michael Ploss in said service and knows that he was in said Corps for nine months. That the said Michael Ploss was enlisted in the month of January or February 1777 according to this Deponent's remembrance for nine months in Captain Platner's Company, that the said Michael Ploss was in the service of the United States in arms against the common enemy until the end of the said
Page 74

nine months when he was discharged from
service at Clermont as this Deponent then &
has always understood.
[signed] Zachariah Short
Sworn this 13th day of August
1822 before me and I do
certify that the said Zacharias
Short is a credible witness and
is personally known to me
Lucas Elmendorf
One of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Ulster in the State of New York.
Page 75

Ulster County }  ss: 
Lucas Elmendorf, Esquire before whom the within depositions have been taken is duly qualified as a Judge of the Court of Common pleas of Ulster County and his signature within made is his own hand writing - witness the seal of said Court of which I am Clerk
Dated 13th day of August 1822
Jacob Snyder Clerk

Michael Ploss

Let the residence of the
applicant be stated in the
fore part of the declaration

Lucas Elmendorf
Kingston
N. York