Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6637, Richard Caslar, New York
Page 1

(3-1776) 

SERVICE 
New York 

Caslar, Richard 
or Casler, 
Margaret 

NUMBER 
W. 6637 
B.L.Wt. 26707-160-55 

CONTENTS
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[left side]
3d Auditor 
Feb 26/56.
Reg 3 M 55-60043 & 208547


[right side]
New York 28.756 
Richard Casler of Herkimer in the State of New York who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Ellsworth of the Regt. commanded Col Willet in the New York line for 9 months 

Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 30 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of June 1834 and sent to George H. Feeter Little Falls N. Y. 

Arrears to the 4th of March '34   $90.00 
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sept 4 ‘34 15.00 
[total] $105.00 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Saml. H. Page Clerk 
Book E  Vol. 4  Page 131
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Richard Casler – 72
16113 

write to 
George H. Feeter Esq 
Little Falls
Herkimer Coy., N. Y.
Page 4

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. 
State of New York 
Herkimer County ss. }
On this tenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before Michael Hoffman first Judge John Mahon Augustus Beardslee judges of the Court of Common Pleas in the County of Herkimer now sitting, Richard Casler, a resident of the town of Little Falls in the county of Herkimer and state of New York, aged sixty five 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 Act of Congress passed April 7, 1832 – 
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He entered the service of the United States in the spring of the year 1781 as a nine months man, (and he thinks it was into the state troops of the New York lines,) at Fort Herkimer - The name of the officers of the company into which he entered are as follows - Captain Ellsworth – Lieutenant – Bloodgood - Ensign Shaw - He cannot give the Christian names of either of the said officers, nor can he possibly state the day of the month on which he entered the service, as he kept no record thereof - The said company belonged to a regiment commanded by Colonel Marinus Willet - His first service after entering the army was to assist in the building & repairing of a redoubt near fort Herkimer for the better defense of that place, and in the building of block houses - From Fort Herkimer he went with his company to Fort Dayton repaired one and built another redoubt at that place, and he went thence with his company to a place called in those days fort house, which was near where the East Canada Creek empties into the Mohawk
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in said County of Herkimer but then County of Tryon - He was here employed as a guard to the fort & the people of the surrounding county who were at that time mostly assembled in that fort - This was, he believes, some time in the fall & at Fort [illegible] in Harvest 1781 - About that time, he went with his company by the order of Col. Willett to join a detachment under him, and he met said Willet at Caughnawaga & with that detachment under Col. Willet he proceeded to Johnstown, to oppose the indians & tories & some Brittish soldiers who were advancing towards that place, under the command of Walter Butler & Major Ross and who had come from Canada, as he (Casler) was informed, destroying the settlements on the said Mohawk - He was in the battle at Johnson hall, at John's town - Col. Willet, he believes commanded the American’s on that occasion - The force of the Brittish was greatly superior to the American, & the Enemy drove the American's from the bush - After this Battle the Enemy retreated towards Canada & Col. Willett & his men of whom he (Casler) was one followed them (he thinks this was in the fall of the year 1781) & Col. Willet overtook the enemy at West Canada Creek that empties into the Mohawk river - From Johnstown Willets force went to Fort Herkimer in the then county of Tryon & from that place they want on rapidly 20 or 30 miles when they overtook the enemy - When Willets men came upon the enemy they were drying their cloaths by fires & were surprised at that place Walter Butler was killed by an indian (he believes) an Oneida Indian - He (Caster) was there & saw the indian who killed Butler & who had Butlers coat and scalp - The indian shot Butler from across the Creek Butler's Sergeant was also killed at this place as Casler Believes - [crossed out: He saw Butler stripped naked and]
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[crossed out: lying on his back on the ground]
From this place, which was named Butler's Ford, Col. Willet followed the enemy for a considerable distance, but being unable to overtake them relinquished the pursuit & went to Snell's bush, as he believes & thence to fort Plain - After the pursuit of Butler was abandoned, the detachment separated & each company went to different places and it was the company in which he (Casler was) which went to Fort Plain - At Fort Plain the company was dismissed & Casler returned home after lying the till winter or late in the fall is uncertain as to time - He was in active service all the time after listed untill dismissed at Fort Plain - He never received a discharge in writing from service He went in for nine months for a class and served out nine months 
He was born in the town of Little Falls, the call German flatts in the State of New York in the year 1767 on the 14th day of April - There was a record of his age kept by a clergyman, one Abraham Rosecrantz, of the Parish - but said clergyman is dead & he believes the record is in the possession of one of his sons, but he does not certainly know - and has not seen the said son for some years - He lived in the place of his birth when he was called into the service - and since the war he has resided in the same place but as the town has since been divided, he is now in the New town of Little Falls in Herkimer County – 
That he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer, in this way - each company of Militia was obliged to send a certain number of men into the service, & his father was one who was drawn, and the applicant took his place & performed the service for nine months, but he was in the service actually for as long a time as a year - His fathers name was Jacob Casler –
That the names of some of the regular offices who were with the troops where he served are Colonel Marinus
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the pursuit of Butler was abandoned, the detachment separated & each company went to different places and it was the company in which he (Casler was) which went to Fort Plain - At Fort Plain the company was dismissed & Casler returned home after lying the till winter or late in the fall is uncertain as to time - He was in active service all the time after listed untill dismissed at Fort Plain - He never received a discharge in writing from service He went in for nine months for a class and served out nine months He was born in the town of Little Falls, the call German flatts in the State of New York in the year 1767 on the 14th day of April - There was a record of his age kept by a clergyman, one Abraham Rosecrantz, of the Parish - but said clergyman is dead & he believes the record is in the possession of one of his sons, but he does not certainly know - and has not seen the said son for some years - He lived in the place of his birth when he was called into the service - and since the war he has resided in the same place but as the town has since been divided, he is now in the New town of Little Falls in Herkimer County – That he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer, in this way - each company of Militia was obliged to send a certain number of men into the service, & his father was one who was drawn, and the applicant took his place & performed the service for nine months, but he was in the service actually for as long a time as a year - His fathers name was Jacob Casler – That the names of some of the regular offices who were with the troops where he served are Colonel Marinus Willit, I knew General Nicholas Herkimer, Colonel Cox & Colonel Peter Bellinger 
That he never received any written discharge from the service & does not know that any of his company did receive any –
That he is known to Henry Grim now residing in the town of Warren in said County & has been known to him since the war, and also to Marks Casler residing about two miles from the applicant who can testify to his character for truth & veracity, and their belief of his services and revolutionary soldier -.
That he is not able to find any other witness than said Grim, who can give any statement of his services, all the other members of his company being now dead, nor is he known to any clergiman, residing in his neighborhood
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who can certify to his character for truth & veracity or to a belief of his services – 
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state 
[signed] Richard Caslar
Sworn in Open Court This 10th day of October 
[signed] F. E. Spinner Dept. Clerk 

We Marks Casler residing in the town of Little Falls in Herkimer county and Henry Grim residing in the town of Warren in said county hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Richard Casler who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 65 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and we concur in that opinion –
[signed] Heinrich Grim  Marks Casler X his mark
sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid in Open Court 
[signed] F. E. Spinner Dept Clerk
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We Marks Casler residing in the town of Little Falls in Herkimer county and Henry Grim residing in the town of Warren in said county hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Richard Casler who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 65 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and we concur in that opinion – 
[signed] Heinrich Grim  Marks Casler  X his mark
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid in Open Court, 
[signed] F. E. Spinner Dept Clerk 

And the said court to hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department
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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 Marks Casler who has signed the preceeding certificate, is a resident of the town of Little Falls in Herkimer County; and that Henry Grim who has also signed the same is a resident of the town of Warren in said county, & that they are entitled to credit 

I, Julius C. Nelson Clerk of the County of Herkimer & of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Richard Casler for a pension 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this tenth day of October A.D. 1832 
[signed] Julius C Nelson Clerk
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No 16113.
Rich’d Caster [Casler]
Herkimer Co 
N.Y. 

e.j.

Admitted 
Private 9 months 

only Col Willet men enlisted not drafted 

George H Feeter 
Herkimer Co 
Little Falls 
N.Y.
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WAR DEPARTMENT. 
Pension Office, 
183

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 Richard Caster Herkimer Co NY

[BEGIN TABLE]
Period when the service was rendered  |  Duration of the service Years. Months. Days.  |   Rank of the claimant.  |  Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.  |  Rank of the General and Field officers.  |  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.  |  Evidence by which the declaration is supported.  |
enlisted vol sprg 1781 up to Fall 81  |  9 Months  |  private  |  Captn Elsworth Lieut Bloodgood Ensign Thorn  |  Col Willet Col Butler & Maj Boss [Ross] Col Willet  |  Phessians [Johnsons] Hall  |  Fort Herkimer Fort Dayton Fort house Caughnawaga Johnstown Fort Canada Creek Butlers Ford Snells bush Fort plain  |  65 years Fort Herkimer N York  |  Traditional evidence & Evidence of Henry Grim for 9 mo in the year 1781 from the sprg until the fall of the same year 81  |
[END TABLE]
he states he was in service a full year in all
I am, respectfully 
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2 
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 } 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 ___  ages (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 provion made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) ___  , with ___ and 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 enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which 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 day 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 applicacation 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
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3 
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?}
6. {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 he 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 enquiry 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 in 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 claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his 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 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 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; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an 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 affix 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.
[ ] 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 in 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.
John [illegible]
Page 15

Date of death not given on A. B. 

1204 – 
New York Albany 
Margaret Casler,
widow of Richard Casler NY who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on 16th day of Sepr. 1855. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of February 1856 and sent to Thomas Petrie Little Falls N York 

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 2. Vol. [illegible]
Page 16

208.547 Consd. with 60.043 Act March 3 Sept. 3 Six

Margaret Casler, wid. Richard Casler, pri.

Capt. Ellsworth, 
Col. Willett, N.Y. Ma.
Enl. Novr. 1782 
Dis. July 1883.
Revy War 
Pens. cert. numbered 28.756. 
July 48 1204 

[written diagonally across page] No 26.707 iss May 22/56

Av:160 ac. May 17/56 
Boynton

Claimant 
German Flatts N.Y.

Nov. 1/56. Warret. Missent remaited to Solomon Petrie, Little Falls N.Y.

Claimant Oct: 12”/55.
Vol. C1 – 15. -
Page 17

State of New York 
County of Herkimer } ss.
On this twenty sixth day of September AD. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and State aforesaid Margaret Casler aged Seventy five years a resident of the town of German Flatts in the State of New York who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Richard Casler deceased who was a private in the company commanded by Captain - Elsworth in the Regiment of Volunteers commanded by Col Willett in the War of the Revolution. that her said husband volunteered at German Flatts in the month of November A.D. 1782 for the term of nine months and continued in actual service in said war for the term of about nine months and was honorably discharged at Fort Plain in the County of Montgomery State aforesaid in the month of July A.D. 1783. that her said husband the above named Richard Casler deceased was at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States. The certificate granting said pension is numbered 28.756. 
She further states that she was married to the said Richard Casler in the town of Herkimer on the tenth day of September AD 1799 by one - Beak a German Clergyman and that her name before her said Marriage was Margaret Casler; that her said husband died in the town of German Flatts on the sixteenth day of September A.D. 1855. and that she is now a widow. 
For further proof to establish this claim reference may be had to the application for bounty land numbered 60.043 made by her said husband the above named Richard Casler under the act approved March the 3. 1855. 
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining
Page 18

the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3 1855. She also declares that she has not heretofore made any other application for bounty land 
[signed] Margaret Casler X her mark
We Alfred Shoemaker and Samuel Itick - residents of the town of German Flatts in the State of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Margaret Casler in our presence; and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be 
[signed] Alfred Shoemaker   Samuel Itick

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim. 
[signed] Robert Casler 
Justice of the peace 

N.B. the letter (I) in the first line of witnesses affidavit written on an erasure before signing. [signed] Robert Casler  Justice of the peace
Page 19

Richard Casler and Margaret Casler were married on the 10th day of Sept 1799. by a clergiman named – Beak – 
Richard Casler died 16 September 1855. 

State of New York 
County of Herkimer } ss
John Shoemaker Jnr aged sixty six years a resident of the town of German Flatts in aforesaid county and state being duly sworn says that he resided for many years a near neighbor of the above named Richard Casler deceased & Margaret Casler widow of said Richard and applicants named in the annexed declaration that he was quite intimate with them and their family was often in their house and frequently see their family Bible which said Bible contains a record of the marriage of said Richard & said Margaret and also the death of said Richard Casler of which marriage & death the writing & figures next above this affidavit is a true and correct copy of the words and figures as written in said record in the said Bible. that he was present at the time said Richard died & knows the above copy of the record to be true & correct.
[signed] John Shoemaker Jr
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 26 day of September 1855 & I certify that he is a very credible person 
[signed] Robert Casler  Justice of the peace
Page 20

State of New York 
County of Herkimer } ss
Alfred Sharmalton aged thirty eight years a resident of the town of German Flatts being duly sworn says that he heard the within affidavit read & knows it to be correct in all respects except that he has not heretofore examined said Bible but thinks it to be the same Bible that he has frequently seen in the house of said Richard Casler 
[signed] Alfred Shoemaker
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 26 day September 1855 & I certify the above deponent is a credible person – 
[signed] Robert Casler Justice of the peace 

State of New York, 
HERKIMER COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE, } ss. 
I, E. T. CLELAND, Clerk of the County of Herkimer, DO CERTIFY that Robert Casler Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate and jurat of affidavit of the annexed instrument, was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, duly elected and sworn; and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting, and verily believe the name subscribed to the said certificate and jurat of affidavit, to be his genuine signature. 
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, at Herkimer, this 28 day of Sept A. D. 1855 
[signed] Wm H Barry Dep Clerk.

208.847
Margaret Casler wid of Richard 
To be filed with his case No 60.043
Johnson 
Widow’s application to be consd with No 60.043
Johnson
Page 21

60.043 Act March 3/55
April 11/55
Richard Casler Jr
Capt Elsworth 
Col Willett 
Revolutionary War 
Rev Pensioner 
N.Y. Enne. 32 – 28756
[illegible section]
Solomon Petrie 
Little Falls 
N. Y. 

Cir: S. Petrie, Sept. 29" 1855,
Page 22

Richd Casler
No 60.043
Page 23

State of New York 
County of Herkimer } ss
On this twenty second day of March A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Richard Casler aged Ninty Eight years a resident of the town of German Flatts in the State of New York who being duly sworn according to law declares that he is the identical Richard Casler who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Ellsworth in the Regiment of Nine months men commanded by Colonel Willett in the war of the Revolution that he volunteered at German flatts on or about the month of November AD 1782 for the term of Nine months and continued in actual service in said war for the term of fourteen days and was honorably discharged at Fort plain on or about the fourth of July A D 1783. that this declarant also further states that he is now a Pensioner of the United States under act of June 7th 1832 
He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which he may be entitled under the act approved March 3, 1855. He also declares that he has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress nor made any other application therefore 
[signed] Richard Casler 
We Joseph R Casler and Amelia Getman residents of the Town of German Flatts in the State of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing
Page 24

declaration was signed and acknowledged by Richard Casler in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that he is the identical person he represents himself to be 
[signed] Joseph R Casler   Amelia Getman 

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person he represents himself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim 
[signed] Robert Casler Justice of the Peace 

State of New York, 
HERKIMER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss. I, E. T. Cleland, Clerk of the County of Herkimer, do certify that Robert Casler Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate and jurat of affidavit of the annexed instrument, was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, duly elected and sworn; and that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily believe the name subscribed to the said certificate and jurat of affidavit, to be his genuine signature. 
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, at Herkimer, this 7 day of April A.D. 1855
[signed] E. T. Cleland Clerk.
Page 25

No 1437 
Margaret Casler, 
wid of Richard 
New York 
To the evidence of the marriage on the 10th of Sep. 1799 see claim for Land No 60043 
And 20.8347
[Solomon] A. Petrie
Little Falls 
New York

State of New York,
HERKIMER COUNTY CLERK' S OFFICE } ss.
I, C. T. E. Van Horne Clerk of the County of Herkimer, do certify that Robert Earl Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate and jurat of affidavit of the annexed instrument, was, at the date thereof, a County Judge, in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, duly elected and sworn; and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting, and verily believe the name subscribed to the said certificate and jurat of affidavit, to be his genuine signature.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, at Herkimer, this 31 day of January A.D. 1856
[signed] C. T. E. Van Horne Clerk.
Page 26

State of New York 
County of Herkimer } ss
On this thirty first day of January AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty six personally appeared before me the undersigned a Judge of Herkimer County Courts and Surrogate of said county and State Margarett Casler a resident of the town of German Flatts in the county and state aforesaid aged Seventy five years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress of the United States passed July 29, 1848 also act of the 3d of February AD 1853. That she is the widow of Richard Casler who was a private as she has been informed by her said husband the said Richard Casler in a company commanded by Captain Elsworth in a Regiment commanded by Colonel Willett during the Revolutionary war. That said Richard Casler was a Pensioner and was as declarant has been informed pensioned under the act of the United States passed the 7th June 1832. To ascertain the performance of said service by said Richard Casler during said Revolutionary war, reference may be had to the evidence contained in his application on file in the Pension department upon which a pension was granted to him, and to which application, reference may also be had to establish this claim 
She further declares that she was married to the said Richard Casler in the town of Herkimer in aforesaid county and state by one Beak a German Clergyman on the tenth day of September A.D. one thousand seven hundred and ninety nine, that her said husband the aforesaid Richard Casler died on the sixteenth day of September AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty five. For proof of above named marriage and death, this declarant respectfully refers
Page 27

the Pension Department at Washington DC. to the evidence in connection with her application for Bounty land under the act of the 3d of March 1855 now on file in said Department. And that she is still a widow. 
That she had by the said Richard Casler the following children Viz Nancy Casler, Delia Getman wife of Rudolph Getman, Jonas R Casler, Joseph Casler, Peggy Casler wife of Marks Casler, Lydia Goal wife of Charles Goal, Elizabeth Shell wife of Jacob Shell, Phidelia Maxfield wife of Jacob Maxfield, Melinda Passage wife of Adam Passage - All of whom are over twenty one years old. 
She further states that she has never before made application for a Pension 
[signed] Margarett Casler X her mark In presence of Solomon Petrie
Sworn, examined and subscribed before me in open Court this 31st day of January 1856 
[signed] Robert Earl County Judge of Herkimer County 
Exofficio Surrogate 

State of New York,
HERKIMER COUNTY CLERK' S OFFICE } ss.
I, C. T. E. Van Horne Clerk of the County of Herkimer, do certify that Robert Earl Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate and jurat of affidavit of the annexed instrument, was, at the date thereof, a County Judge, in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, duly elected and sworn; and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting, and verily believe the name subscribed to the said certificate and jurat of affidavit, to be his genuine signature.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, at Herkimer, this 31 day of January A.D. 1856
[signed] C. T. E. Van Horne Clerk.
Page 28

December 12, 1936. 
BA-J/ILL 
Richard Caslar 
W. 6637 
Emma P. Barrow 
Box 433, 
Broadalbin, New York. 
Dear Madam:
The data given herein were found in pension claim, W. 6637, based upon service of Richard Caslar in the Revolutionary War. He signed his name Caslar, but his name was borne as Casler on the pension rolls.
Richard Caslar, a son of Jacob Caslar, was born April 14, 1767 in German Flatts, (a part of which town was later Little Falls) in Herkimer County, New York; the name of his mother was not given. He lived there during the period of the Revolutionary War and, with many of the other inhabitants of that place, sought safety from the Indians in a block house, a few miles from Fort Herkimer. Richard was an unusually large, robust boy and, at the age of fourteen years, was better fitted for service than many of the older men. 
Richard Caslar enlisted in the spring of 1781, and served nine months as private, as substitute for his own father, in Captain Peter Elsworth's company, Colonel Marinus Willett's New York regiment against the Indians; during this service, he assisted in building Fort Dayton, was at Fort House, was in the engagement at Johnson Hall, went in pursuit of the enemy to Canada Creek, was in the battle at Butler's Ford [side note: Oct 29], where he watched the Indian shoot Walter Butler from across the Creek and take his scalp, went in pursuit of the Indians, then returned home.

[handwritten note]
His service can be verified in Vol. 1 Lossing – ending page 291.

Richard Caslar was allowed pension on his application executed October 10, 1832, at which time he resided in Little Falls, Herkimer County, New York. In 1855, he resided in German Flatts in that county, and died there September 16, 1855. 
The soldier married September 10, 1779, in the town of Her- [Herkimer]
Page 29

[Herkimer] kimer, New York, Margaret Casler; they were married by the German Minister. The names of Margaret's parents were not given. 
Margaret Casler, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed January 31, 1856, at which time she was aged seventy-five years; the date and place of her birth were not given. She was living then in German Flatts, New York. She was pensioned Casler. 
In 1856, Margaret Casler, the soldier's widow, stated that she had by her husband, the following children: Nancy Casler, Delia Getman, wife of Rudolph Getman, Jonas R. Casler, Joseph Casler, Peggy Casler, wife of Marks Casler, Lydia Goal, wife of Charles Goal, Elizabeth Shell, wife of Jacob Shell, Phidelia Maxfield, wife of Jacob Maxfield, and Melinda Passage, the wife of Adam Passage; all were then more than twenty-one years of age. 
In 1832, one Marks Casler was a resident of Little Falls, Herkimer County, New York; he made affidavit in behalf of Richard Casler's claim for pension. In 1856, Joseph R. Casler and Amelia Getman were residents of German Flatts, New York; then, Robert Casler was a Justice of the Peace for Herkimer County, New York. No relationship between these persons and the soldier's family was stated; they signed Casler. 
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death, of Margaret Casler, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following: Margaret Casler, certificate #1204, issued February 29, 1856, rate $30 per annum, commenced September 16, 1855, Act of July 29, 1848, New York Agency. 
Richard Caslar, the soldier, was allowed 160 cares of bounty land on warrant #26707, under the Act of 1855, on account of his service in the Revolutionary War. Information regarding the location of this land, might be obtained from the Commissioner, General Land Office, this city. 
Very truly yours, 
A. D. HILLER, 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator. 

2.
Page 30

Revy WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 6637
Margaret Casler Widow Richard Casler
Pri  Rev.  War 

Act: July 29, 1848 
Index:-- Vol. A, Page 114 
{Arrangement of 1870.} 


1916 June 15. Hist. to Mrs. Allie Brewer. ¢.
1916 Nov. 25. History to Emma Rankin ¢.
1919 Aug. 11. To J.P. Casler. ¢.
1936 Dec. 12 - Hist. to Emma P. Barrow -  ILL.
Page 31

No 1437
Margaret Casler wid of Richard 
New York 
Let. S. Petrie Feb 6/56. 
3d Aud Feb 26/56 
Let T. Petrie, Feb 28/56 

July 29, 1848.
Page 32

26.707

160 acres
Page 33

Act 7 June 1832
Richard Casler
Suspended
See letter to
Geo. H. Feeter
6 March 1834
Page 34

208.547 Act March 3/55 
60.043 
Margaret Casler widow of Richard Casler private 
Capt Elsworth 
Col Willet 
N.Y. Militia 
Enl Nov. 1782
Dis July 1783
Revolutionary war 

Pension certificate numbered 28.756 

Admd 160 acres 
May 17th/56 
No 26.707 May 22/56 
Original Bill Enclosed 

Claimant 
Germantown N.Y.
Page 35

New York  (Albany) Roll 
Margaret Casler widow of Richard, who was a private New York troops
Act of July 29, 1848 
$30 pr Ann 
Can Sept, 16, 1855, when her husband died

Thos. Petrie Esq 
Little Falls 
New York
Page 36

State of New York 
Herkimer County ss - Richard Casler of Little Falls in said county personally appeared before me the undersigned Justice of the peace, & being duly sworn deposeth & saith, that as he has been informed by a letter from the pension office, his original pension papers are on file in that office & the application suspended for further proofs that since said letter was received he has made search for other proof of his actual service as a soldier of the revolution & of his ability at the time to perform such service, that he has not been able to find any other witness who can state his service in detail or give any particular statement of the same more that he has heretofore done, with the addition of the affidavits hereto attached - deponent further saith that he refers to his said papers on file for the statement particularly of his services & desires to have these papers attached thereto & to make apart of the same - that deponent did enter the service as a substitute for his father & was accepted as a substitute by Captain Elsworth, & did serve as stated in his former declaration for nine months, during which time he was not engaged in any other kind of employment, & performed all the services required of him the same as other & older soldiers, & no difference or allowance to deponents knowledge or belief was ever made to deponents age, by reason of his age, as he was as large & strong at the time of such service, as the majority of his company & deponent claims to be allowed a pension for the said nine months service, as detailed in his original declaration, & supported by the testimony thereof & of his ability to perform the same herewith
Page 37

said to be added to the said original declarator 
[signed] Richard Caslar
sworn to before me this 20th day of May 1834 
[signed] John Dygert Just Peace

State of New York 
Herkimer County ss - I John Dygert the above named justice of the peace do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Richard Casler who has subscribed & sworn to the above affidavit & that he sustains a fair character for truth & veracity & that his statement is entitled to full faith & credit – 
Dated May 20 1834 
[signed] John Dygert
Page 38

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855. 
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS. 
PENSION OFFICE,
October, 12" 1855. 
Madam,
The claim of Margaret Casler, for bounty land under the act of the 3d of March, 1855, No. 208,547 has been examined and suspended. 
The revolutionary service of Richard Casler, the husband of the applicant, does not appear of record in this office. 
The 3d section of said act requires a service of "FOURTEEN DAYS" to be established by "RECORD EVIDENCE.”
Upon the production of such evidence of service, the claim will be favorably considered. 
Very respectfully 
J. MINOT, Commissioner.

Mrs. Margaret Casler, 
German Flatts N.Y. 

Please see next Page 
S Petrie
Page 39

Little Falls New York 
September 15th 1856 – 
Dear Sir 
Under the amendment of the 14 May 1856 of the act of the 3d March 1855 I for the purpose of establishing the within named claim for bounty land under said act of Margaret Casler widow of Richard Casler refer the department to the evidence on file with the application for a pension of said Richard Casler and also the evidence on file with the applications of said claimant for a pension and also for said bounty land under said act of the 3d March 1855 
Your Obt Servant 
[signed] Solomon Petrie

Hon. J. Minot 
Commissr of Pensions 
Washington D.C.
Page 40

State of New York 
Little Falls Feby 1st 1856 
Dear Sir 
I herewith send an application for a pension made by Margarett Casler Widow of Richard Casler deceased who was a pensioner at the time of his death, with said widows particular request that the same may receive early attention by the Department 
When said certificate is issued, You will please send the same to the at this place 
& oblige your obt Servt 
[signed] Solomon Petrie 
P.S. The above named Margaret Casler recd a communication from the department suspending her claim for bounty land under the act of 3d March 1855 for want of record evidence under the 3d Section of said act. I would merely ask is not the granting of a pension to her deceased husband for services rendered by him
Page 41

during the Revolutionary war of sufficient record that said services were rendered & so recorded in the Department. To grant to her bounty land under said act of the 3d March 1855 
Your's &c
S Petrie 

Hon J. Minot 
Comr of Pensions 
Washington D.C.
Page 42

Little Falls 18 Feby 1856 
Dear Sir 
Your communication of the 7th Feby. instant, relative to the claim for a Pension of Margaret Casler widow of Richard was duly recd 
In which you state "We cannot refer to Mrs Casler's application for land, unless the number of it is sent to this office, or the letter which you state was written in relation thereto," 
I therefore herewith enclose said letter which contains the number of said application for Land
Your Obt Servant 
[signed] Solomon Petrie 

To R McRae Esqr 
Pension Department 
Washington
Page 43

Treasury Department 
Third Auditor's Office 
Feby 27. 1856 
Sir. 
I herewith return the papers on which Richard Casler, was inscribed on the New York Roll, under Act of June 1832, at the rate of $30.00 per annum, enclosed in your letter of the 26th inst, & I have in reply to inform you that his pension has been paid to 4 Sept 1855. 
Very Respectfully 
Your Obt Servt 
[signed] Robert J Atkinson
Auditor

J. Minot Esqr 
Commr of Pensions
Page 44

Richd Casler
[main body illegible]
W Cole
Ex by Mr Valentine
Jan 20-52
Page 45

To the Commissioner of Pensions 
Sir
Mr. William Valentine of the City of Albany in the State of New York is hereby authorized and empowered to act. as my attorney in establishing my claim to an increase of Pension. Should he desire to refer to my papers on file in your office under the act of 7th June 1832. You will confer a favour on me by permitting him to do so. 
Dated at German Flatts N. York this 10th day of October 1851 
[signed] Richard Casler
In presence of Rudolph Getman  Benjamin Orendorff
Page 46

Brief in the case of Margaret Casler, wid. Of Richard
Herkimer County and State of New York
act July 29. 1848.
Claim, (original " or " for increase.) 
Proof exhibited, (if original.) 
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Her husband was a pensioner of the New York Roll under the Act of June 7, 1832, and died Sept. 16, 1855. Record evidence of her marriage prior to 1800. 

(If for increase.) 
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Examining Clerk. 
Ogden Nilson [?]

Name and residence of Agent 
Thos. Petrie
Little Falls
New York
Page 47

Little Falls June 4 1834 – 
Dear Sir 
Herewith are supplemental affidavits of Richard Casler & others in support of the application of said Casler for a pension 
In a letter of yours under date of 6th March last among other things it is states that Richard Casler alledges nine months service in Col Willets regiment, and declares that he was received as a substitute for his father. At the age of thirteen the applicant cannot be considered as having been capable of performing the duties of a soldier, and unless it is clearly shown that there were circumstances in the case which made this an exception to the rule, the claim cannot be admitted. 
It is believed, that the accompanying affidavits, will satisfactorily establish the fact, that Mr. Casler, was capable of performing the most laborious duties of a soldiers and certainly his services love of liberty, & firm support of Democratic principles during a long life, entitle him to the favorable notice of the Department, over which it may in truth  be said you preside with so much care and precision 
I am Respectfully 
Your Obedt. Servt. 
[signed] G. H. Feeter 
Par. J. M. Sake 

J. L. Edwards Esq 
Comr of Pensions 

N. B. The Hon. A. Mann Jur. our efficient representation, is well acquainted with the character & standing of Mr. Casler, to whom I bey leave to refer you for any information that you may desire on that subject
Page 48

State of New York 
Herkimer County ss - Henry Grim of the town of Warren in said county being duly sworn before the the court of Common Pleas of the county of Herkimer now sitting doth depose and say that he is now seventy years age and was a soldier of the revolutionary war, and was acquainted with Richard Casler now residing in the town of Little Falls in said county, and he verily believes said Richard is sixty five years of age and that said Richard Casler was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and deponent knows said Richard Casler entered the service of the United States in the spring of the year 1781 in the state Troops of the New York lines, as a nine months man at Fort Herkimer, that deponent was a soldier in the same company with said Casler that the Captains name was Peter Ellsworth and the Lieutenant Bloodgood and Mr. Shaw Ensign, and said Company belonged to Colonel Marinus Willets regiment that said Casler was employed to guard the fort, and that he came up to Fort Dayton and helped build a redoubt there and stayed there some time, and there said Casler went down to Fort House where he was also employed with deponent & others to quart said fort, where most of the settlers in that section of the country were assembled for protection - that deponent was with said Casler, when he was ordered to go and join Colonel Willet, and they met said Willet at Caughnawaga & they went under Colonel Willet to Johnstown - that he knows said Casler was in the battle at Johnson Hall fought by the American's under Col. Willet & the Brittish indians & tories under Butler & Brant - But deponent stopt on the way back from Johnstown at Fort Herkimer, and did not go on with Col. Willet, and therefore cannot state whether said Casler was present at the skirmish at Butlers ford, but he saw said Casler after that at Fort House and said Casler then gave deponent a history of the death of Walter Butler from which circumstance deponent verily believes said Casler did go on with Col. Willit; deponent further saith that he has been acquainted with said Richard Casler before and ever since revolutionary war and saith that said Richard Casler has always sustained a good character for truth and veracity, and deponent saith he verily believes said Richard Casler served in the revolutionary war as much as nine months 
[signed] Heinrich Grim
Sworn in Open Court, This 10th day of Oct 1832. 
[signed] F. E. Spinner Dept Clerk
Page 49

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace of the town of Little falls in the County of Herkimer Richard Casler who being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he can swear positively as to the precise length of his service; 
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, in the spring of the year 1781 - as a nine months man, and he thinks it was into the State troops of the New York line - Deponent thinks that he entered the service the first of April, at Fort Herkimer - The name of the Captain of his Company was Ellsworth - the Lieutenant’s Bloodgood & the Ensign’s Shaw - Deponent cannot recollect the Christian names of said officers - nor can he state the day of the month that he entered the service, but is very certain that it was the first of April - his company belonged to a regiment commanded by Col Marinus Willet - and deponent states positively that he served the full nine months for which he entered the service - although he cannot state positively the time he was discharged - the services performed during his term of engagement, are correctly stated in his former declaration, to which the begs leave to refer thinking it unnecessary to again repeat them here - Deponent stated in his former declaration that he was engaged in active service as much as one year, but now states that the only service he performed under regular officers, was the nine months afore stated, & the service to which deponent referred in his former declaration - besides the nine months - was that during the war a number of families collected for mutual safety at a small block house about 3 miles east of fort Herkimer - & when the men went out to
Page 50

work on their farms, they would all go & work for one man one day & then all for another the next & so alternately till the work was completed, & while a part of the men were at work, the others would go at a distance & stand guard to prevent the men from being surprised by the Indians & Tories while at work - & while the men were at work, one or two were generally left in the house to guard it, & deponent used to take his turn with his neighbors in laboring on the farm & in standing guard at above mentioned and further deponent saith not – 
[signed] Richard Caslar
Sworn & Subscribed this 19th day of December AD. 1833 before me 
[signed] John Dygert Just Peace

Herkimer County ss  I John Dygert the above named Justice do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Richard Casler who subscribed & swore to the foregoing affidavit & I do further certify that he sustains a fair character for truth & veracity that his statement is entitled to full credit & belief
Decr 19th 1833  [signed] John Dygert 

State of New York 
Herkimer County Clerks office ss: I Julius C. Nelson Clerk of said county do hereby certify that John Dygert Esquire before
Page 51

whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have the sworn, was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the peace in & for said County & that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice & verily believe the signature "John Dygert" to be in his own proper hand writing – 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of office this 9th day of January AD. 1834. 
[signed] Julius C Nelson Clerk
Page 52

State of New York 
Herkimer County ss 
Thomas T. Shoemaker, and Nicholas Woolaver of said state & county, being the first 69 years of age & the second 65 years of age, personally appeared before me John Dygert one of the Justices of the peace of the town of Little Falls in said county, in their own proper persons, and each of them being severally duly sworn by me, do depose & say and first the said deponent Thomas T. Shoemaker saith, that he was well acquainted with Richard Casler an applicant for a pension, during the war of the American Revolution, and knew him at fort Herkimer, while said Casler was there on service as a soldier, in a company commanded by one Captain Ellsworth - deponent further saith, that he was well acquainted with said Casler, that said Casler was a very large, robust, young man at that time, & was in the fourteenth year of his age as deponent then understood & verily believed & still believes, that he was much larger & more muscular, than persons generally of his age, & was nearly as large as he is at this time, being now a man of more than ordinary size, & powerful for an old man - that said Casler was at the time of said service as strong & large as may persons there in service of sixteen & eighteen years of age & did as much & was able to do as much as many of his comrades of those ages - deponent further saith that he knows that said Casler served as a nine months man, & in Colonel Willets regiment - deponent well knew Captain Ellsworth, & that said Casler performed regularly & faithfully all the various service under such captain that was done by others of his company - deponent was not a member of said company, but at the time deponent resided in the
Page 53

said, Fort Herkimer, and was well acquainted with many of the soldiers & their employment & services at that post - deponent also knows that said Casler marched from fort Herkimer to fort Dayton, but deponent does not know how much service said Casler did there & elsewhere except at fort Herkimer, but deponent often heard from said Casler, when he was in service at other places, from other persons who knew him, & it was generally understood in the neighborhood that said Casler was on service as a nine month’s man, & this deponent verily believes, that said Casler, did serve as much as nine months of regular service, in which time he was not as deponent believes, engaged in any other employment - & deponent further saith, that said Casler is now & has always been reputed to be a man of good character & habits, on whose word & statement implicit reliance may be placed & further he saith not - and this other deponent Nicholas Woolaver, for himself saith, that her was well acquainted during the war of the revolution, with Richard Casler of the town of Little Falls, an applicant for a pension - that said Casler at the time to which deponent refers being while said Casler was at Fort Herkimer (deponent cannot remember the year sufficiently certainly to state the same) was about thirteen or fourteen years of age, and was a large stout person, being much larger & stronger than most persons of that age & was very active and was larger & stronger & more able to do military services the many persons older that him & who were in service. said Casler is now a large & athlitic old man, much more so than most of his companions of the revolution - & further deponent saith not -
Page 54

said, Fort Herkimer, and was well acquainted with many of the soldiers & their employment & services at that post - deponent also knows that said Casler marched from fort Herkimer to fort Dayton, but deponent does not know how much service said Casler did there & elsewhere except at fort Herkimer, but deponent often heard from said Casler, when he was in service at other places, from other persons who knew him, & it was generally understood in the neighborhood that said Casler was on service as a nine month’s man, & this deponent verily believes, that said Casler, did serve as much as nine months of regular service, in which time he was not as deponent believes, engaged in any other employment - & deponent further saith, that said Casler is now & has always been reputed to be a man of good character & habits, on whose word & statement implicit reliance may be placed & further he saith not - and this other deponent Nicholas Woolaver, for himself saith, that her was well acquainted during the war of the revolution, with Richard Casler of the town of Little Falls, an applicant for a pension - that said Casler at the time to which deponent refers being while said Casler was at Fort Herkimer (deponent cannot remember the year sufficiently certainly to state the same) was about thirteen or fourteen years of age, and was a large stout person, being much larger & stronger than most persons of that age & was very active and was larger & stronger & more able to do military services the many persons older that him & who were in service. said Casler is now a large & athlitic old man, much more so than most of his companions of the revolution - & further deponent saith not -
Page 55

[signed] Thomas T Shoemaker  Nicholas Wollaver
sworn to this 20th day of May 1834 
[signed] John Dygert Just Peace

State of New York 
Herkimer County ss } I, John Dygert the above named Justice of the peace do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Thomas T. Shoemaker & Nicholas Shoemaker [sic] & with each of them, who have subscribed to & sworn to the above affidavit that they both sustain a good character for truth & veracity & that their statement is entitled to full faith & credit & belief – 
Dated this 20th day of May 1834 
[signed] John Dygert 

State of New York 
Herkimer County ss – 
Christopher P. Bellinger of Little Falls being sixty four years of age & upwards, personally appeared before me on the 20 day of May 1834 & being duly sworn by me deposeth & saith, that Richand Casler, an applicant for a pension, was in the revolutionary war, brought up in the neighbourhood where deponent lived & deponent knew him, that said Casler was unusually large & stout always & much more so at the age of thirteen than many in the neighborhood of sixteen & seventeen years - deponent knows that said Richard Casler did military duty as a soldier in said war of the revolution - & was at
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the time of such service about thirteen or fourteen years of age - deponent saw said Casler doing duty in the ranks regularly at Fort Dayton marching & exercising with other soldiesr, in a company commanded by Captain Ellsworth deponent does not know the length of the military service of said Casler, but deponent often heard & the time that said Casler was on duty at other places as a nine month’s man, & deponent verily believes from what he then saw & heard of said Casler that he did serve as much as nine months from the time he was absent from home - deponent cannot state with certainty the year when he saw said Casler on service as above stated at Fort Dayton, but from his present recollection he believes it was in the year 1780 or 1781 & in some part of the summer season - deponent was not himself on service but lived in the fort for protection with his fathers family & saw said Casler there daily for some time, & at different times, but deponent cannot state the length of time - but he said Casler called out in the morning with other soldiers to exercise, & he stood on guard as other soldiers & did other service as the other soldiers did - & further deponent saith not 
[signed] C P Bellinger
sworn to before me this 20th day of May 1834 
[signed] John Dygert Just Peace

State of New York 
Herkimer County ss - I John Dygert the above named justice of the peace do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Christopher P. Bellinger, who has subscribed & sworn to the above affidavit & that his statement is entitled to full faith & credit - Dated May 20 -1834 – 
[signed] John Dygert
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Herkimer County 
Clerks office ss: 
I Julius C. Nelson, Clerk of the County do hereby certify that John Dygert, before whom the foregoing affidavits of Richard Casler Thomas T. Shoemaker, Nicholas Woolaver & Christopher P. Bellinger purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date thereof an acting Justice of the peace for said County & that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice & believe the signature “John Dygert" to be in his own proper hand writing, in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 3rd day of June AD. 1834 
[signed] Julius C Nelson Clerk
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one 2ct stamp received, J.N.M. 
Stayton Marion Co Oregon
Osc, Rev. Stamp held  Revo sec
Pension Burean Dept 
Wash. D.C. 
Gentlmen, 
Dear Sirs 
I am writing to you for information. I am about join the D.A.R. America revolution but my Ancesters are all dead, but knoing my Grandfather drew a Pension and after
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his death my Grand mother his wife continued to draw the Pension still, 
His name was 
Richard Casler and his wife name was Margret Casler 
He died in 1854 or 5 some along there and was 95 years She died in 1859 or 60 being somewhere 87 years old
Close after My Grandfathers death she went to live with her youngest Daugher.
Mrs Adam Passage who did her business for her
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until he died Now all this happened in Herkimer County New York. Now I want to know if he was a Patriot or Volenteer. I know by hearing my relatives tell that he fought with Gen Herkimer - and in 1812 - My Mother was born in 1814 she passed away in 1883  I was born in Herkimer New York and lived there until I was 15 Now will you Please look it up and give me what information you can My Ancesters were Pioneers in that Country
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Hoping to hear from you soon
I Remain 
Respt 
Mrs Allie Brewer 
Stayton Marion Co
Box 207

[stamp] 
U.S. Pension Office Jun 10 1916
Page 62

Pension Office
Recd Aug. 4, 1919 -
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Hudson Mich, Aug 1, 1919 
Revolutionary War Records 
Richard, Casler was my Great grandfather, 
I wish you to send me a Record of his services while in the Revolutionary War, and oblige 
J. P. Casler 
200 School St.
Hudson,
Mich.
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Rev D
DIVIDING RIDGE STOCK FARM 
MRS. JENNIE M. STARKWEATHER 
JORDANVILLE, HERKIMER CO. N.Y.
Jordanville N.Y.
Nov 7” 1916
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington D.C. 
My dear Sir – 
Will you please send me certified copy of the services rendered by Richard Casler of the Town of German Flatts Herkimer Co. N.Y. during the war of the Revolution -. I wish to join the D.A.R. and need this record – 
Yours very truly 
Emma Rankin
Jordanville N.Y.

Nov 7 – 1916

[stamp]
U.S. Pension Office NOV 10 1916
Page 65

In reply to your request of ___ received ___ for a statement of Richard Caslar or Casler the military history of a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. W. 6,637

[BEGIN TABLE]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  |   LENGTH OF SERVICE.   |   RANK.   |  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN.   |   COLONEL.   |   STATE.  |
Volunteered Spring 1781  |  9 mos.  |  Private  |  Peter Ellsworth  |  Marinus Willett  |  N.Y.  |
Served as a substitute for his father Jacob Casler.
[END TABLE]

Battles engaged in, Johnstown
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Little Falls (formerly German Flatts) N.Y.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 10, 1832. His claim was allowed
Residence at date of application, Little Falls, Herkimer Co New York
Age at date of application, born Apl. 14, 1767 German Flatts, N.Y.
Remarks: sol. married Herkimer, N.Y. Sept. 10, 1799 Margaret 
He died Sept 16, 1855 at German Flatts, N.Y. & she was allowed pension on her appln. executed Jany 31, 1856 while a resident of German Flatts ae 75 yrs. Children referred to in 1856: Nancy Casler, Delia wife of Rudolph Getman, Jonas R. Casler, Joseph Casler, Peggy wife of Marks Casler, Lydia wife of Charles Goal, Elizabeth wife of Jacob Shell, Phidelia wife of Jacob Maxfield & Melinda wife of Adam Passage.

Respectfully, 
Commissioner.

6-2856
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December 11, 1936. 
BA-J/ILL
Richard Casler 
W. 6637 
Emma P. Barrow 
Box 433 
Broadalbin, New York. 
Dear Madam: 
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Richard and John Casler, and the Civil War record of Silas, or Silas W. Rankin, all of Herkimer County, New York. 
The record of Richard Casler, a pensioner of Herkimer County, New York, is furnished herewith as found in pension claim, W. 6637. In order to identify the record of the particular John Casler in whom you are interested, it is essential that you furnish as much as possible of the following data: approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service. and given name of widow. Another search of the records will be made then and a report furnished. 
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.