Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 40271, for John Polhemus, New Jersey
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
New Jersey
Polhemus, John
NUMBER
S. 40271 
B L Wt 671_300
and
{B L Wt.1696_300- Capt.
{Issued July 22, 1789
{No papers
CONTENTS
Page 2

No 671.

John Polhemus
Captain (Sup. G)
New Jersey Line of
the Revolutionary Army.

Warrant issued under date
12th. March 1817. to himself,
and delivered to him the same 
day.

A [wm2?] had [illegible]
No. 1696 on 22d July 1789


March 12th 1817
Page 3

[Treasury?] Department
[3 Auditor] [illegible]
March 11, 1817 

I certify that it appears from the Register of Officers of the late Revolutionary War entitled to Land that John Polhemus, Captain of the New Jersey Line is returned as Supernumerary and as such entitled to Land.

Peter Haynes

I do hereby Certify that during the revolutionary war I was acquainted with John Polhemus, whom I have seen this morning, and who is present while I write this Certificate _ and knew him to be a Captain in the first Regiment of New Jersey _ I remember that he was taken a prisoner - and that during the time he was prisoner, a new arrangement of the Jersey Line was made - and Capt. Polhemus was [denied?] or left out.
Jos. Anderson late a Captain in the Jersey line - a [illegible] Comptroller of the Treasury
March 12th.. 1817

The Identification must be made by his own affidavit and the affidavit of Two other individuals whose credibility the said Magistrate will Certify. 
The quality and signature of the said Magistrate must be Officially attested by the County Clerk. _ (Colo. Wm. Brent).
Page 4

ting service, see letter to Sec. of War
8. 1828.
Stricken off the Roll, under
Act 15th May 1828, having
availed himself of the
provision thereof -

Hon. Thos. B. Florence
Sept. 14/59

Pennsylvania
New Jersey
John Polhemus,
Colo. Ogden
Major, New Jersey
In the army of the U. S. States.

At $20 er mo: to comd. 28. Mar: 1818.

Cert: issued 2d April, 1818.
Sent to Hon. Genl. Bloomfield,
House of Reps. U. S. ---

Ans. to 4th Sept. 1818. 5 5/28 MP. $103.57
(Revy.. Claim,)
(Act 18th March, 1818)

Jersey Line war
5 years
Notification sent to the Hon Joseph Bloomfield
Burlington NJ 26 July 1820
Mount Holly
Page 5

Major Jno. Polhemus.
Page 6

1818.9.4
1818.3.27
______________
5. 5/28
20
________
$100
      3.51
Page 7

State of New Jersey
Burlington County Ss.  John Polhemus of Mount holly in the County of Burlington aforesaid being duly sworn According to law doth depose and say that early in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and seventy five this deponant entered the service of his Country in the Revolutionary War against Great Brittain and raised a company of eighty six men for the term of one year and was afterward on the twenty second day of November in the same year Commissioned by the Honorable the Continental Congress as fourth Captain in the first Battalion of New Jersey Troops whereof Lord Sterling was Colonel _ that this deponant marched with his Regiment to Canada and after the expiration of the year for which his Company was enlisted this deponant recruited and raised a full Company and joined the American Army on the Continental establishment to serve during the War in December Seventeen hundred & Seventy Six and was Commissioned a New as Captain in the first New Jersey Regiment Commanded by Colonel Matthias Ogden _ that this deponant continued in the service of the United States, until after the Battle of Monmouth in the year Seventeen hundred and  Seventy eight when he was taken Prisoner by the British & Refugees and carried into New York_ where he continued a Prisoner in close confinement in the Provo until
Page 8

the spring of the year seventeen hundred and eighty when he returned to New Jusey on Paroll - and that not having been exchanged he was
prevented from forming his Regiment
and this deponent further saith that
he is a native born Citizen of the
State of New Jersey and that he now
is and for the whole of his life hath
been resident within the United States
and that he is now in the
Seventy sixth year of his age is infirm
and in very reduced circumstances
and is in need of assistance from his
Country for support - And further
saith not
Jn Polhemus

Sworn & Subscribed}
this 28th day of March}
A.D. 1818 before-}
Jno Blackwood one}
of Common pleas for the}
County of Burlington}

I John Blackwood Esquire one of the
Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Burlington in the State of New Jersey do Certify to the Secretary of the department of war of the United States of America that it does satisfactorily appear to me that the aforesaid John Polhemus served in the
Revolutionary war against the common enemy for the time and in the manner set forth in the affidavit of the said John Polhemus - In testimony whereof I have set my hand this twenty
Page 9

eighth day of March in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and eighteen_
Jno Blackwood

I Joseph McIwaine Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Burlington in the State of New Jersey do Certify that John Blackwood Esqr before whom the deposition of John Polhemus is taken and certified was at the time of taking the same and now is one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Burlington in the State of New Jersey and that full faith and Credit is due to his Official acts as Judge of the said Court_ In testimony whereof I have hereto affixed the Seal of the Said Court & signed my name this twenty eighth day of March eighteen hundred and eighteen. __
J McIlvaine clk
Page 10

State of New Jersey
Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Burlington on this 13th day of July 1820 personally appeared before the said court being a court of record proceeding according to the course of the common law
with unlimited Jurisdiction in point of amount
for the said County of Burlington, John Polhemus aged 78 years resident in the city of Burlington in said State who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he served
in the revolutionary war as follows-towit was a
captain in the first New Jersey regiment
raised in 1775 and commanded first by Lord Sterling next by Colonel Winds and afterwards during the war by Colonel Matthias Ogden in the New Jersey brigade. This deponent continued with the said regiment until some time after the battle of Monmouth in 1778- this deponent was taken prisoner and confined in the Provost and on Long island by the British until 1780 when he was released on parole.
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th
of March 1818 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 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 & naval service of the United States during the revolutionary war" passed on the 18th March 1818 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 and is as follows_towit this deponent has no real estate
Page 11

resides with his wife who is in her 71st year in a
hired house in the city of Burlington with two rooms deponent was formerly in the milling business but being afflicted with the rheumatism and very infirm follows no occupation. Deponents personal estate
(Bible necessary clothing and bedding excepted) consists of one pine table six chairs as many queens ware cups and saucers tea pot tea kettle shovel and tongs and some old chests and lumber of little value
certificate of pension to this deponent not numbered dated 28 March 1818 - has drawn at the rate of twenty dollars a month from the 2nd April 1818 to the fourth of March of the current year 1820-
J Polhemus
Sworn to and declared}
on the 13th day of July 1820}
before the said Court}
Joseph Budd}
President of the said Court}

I Joseph McIlvaine Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the county of Burlington in New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the record of 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 aforesaid schedule is ten dollars__

In testimony whereof I have here
unto set my hand and affixed
the seal of the said court on this
thirteenth day of July 1820-
J McIlvaine
Page 12

Treasury Department,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
May 14 -  1838.

Sir.

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States; The heirs of John Polhemus deceased a Pensioner on the Roll of the Philadelphia Agency, at
the rate of 480 - Dollars and_____ cents
per annum, under the law of the 15 May 1828 have been paid at this Department, from the third of March 1834 to the 25th May 1834, the day of the death of said pensioner, reserving
one fifth, say $21.91 for Ellen Axford, an absent
heir, who did not apply-
Albion K. Parris

To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.
Page 13

In the matter of John Polhemus, a Revolutionary Soldier

Declaration of Sarah Kurtz and Margaret Kneass both of the County of Philadelphia State of Pennsylvania, the only surviving children (with the exception of Deborah McCarr of the City of New York) of the late Captain John Polhemus, a Revolutionary Soldier - for the money the said heirs for services rendered by the late John Polhemus - in accordance with Act or Acts of Congress as made and provided, & c

State of Pennsylvania 
County of Phila  ⎬ Ss

On this Fourteenth day of December A D 1883, personally appeared before me, an Alderman and ex officio a Justice of the
peace for the County and State aforesaid, Sarah Kurtz, aged 79 years, and Margaret Kneass, aged 69 years, both of the County of Philadelphia, who being severally Sworn
according to law, depose and say that they are the children of John Polhemus, deceased, 4th Captain in the First Battalion of the New Jersey Troops, whose commission bears day Twenty
Second day of November AD 1775 and who was at various [illegible] and battles during the years 1775-6-7 and at Valley Forge in
December 1777 where he was made Major of the Regiment, and in about the 28th of June, 1778, was at the Battle of Monmouth and soon after taken prisoner and sent to New York and there confined until 1780. He was placed on
the Pension List about March AD 1818 and drew the Pension until his decease, which took place at Philadelphia May 25, 1834, aged 94 years, and that the original Pension Certificate was filed in the Department in the early
part of the year 1838, when application was made, and the amount received of the balance due of his Pension at the time of the decease of the said John Polhemus; said paper
and papers relating to the said John Polhemus will all filed
Page 14

in the Pension Department. The said John Polhemus was married about the year 1769 to Susanna Hart at Pennington, N J. since changed its name, and we are the only surviving children, with the exception of Deborah McCarr of the City of New York, of the said marriage, and of the said John Polhemus and Susanna, his wife. The said Deborah McCarr we understand has given a Power of Attorney to L. Miller, Member of Congress from the City of New York to receive her portion of the claim.
We make this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress for the Revolutionary Soldiers & c
Sarah Kurtz
Margaret Kneass

Sworn to and Subscribed before me}
the day and year above written}
James W. Fletcher
Alderman
ex officio a Justice of the Peace
Please transmit to Henry J. Buckins, No 213
S. Ninth Street, District of Moyamensing, County of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, (The Power of Attorney is herewith transmitted).
Page 15

State of Pennsylvania
COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA, ss:

I, JOHN A. SCANLAN, Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions of said County, Do CERTIFY, that, James W. Fletcher Esq
before whom the annexed affidavitt was made, is & was Alderman and ex officio Justice of the Peace of the County of Philadelphia, duly commissioned and qualified to administer oaths and affirmations, and to take acknowledgments, &c. and to all whose acts, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, as well in Courts of Judicature as elsewhere, and that his signature thereto is genuine.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said
Court, this Fourteenth day of December A.D. 1853
O. P. Cornman  CLERK.
Page 16

March 1, 1940.

Gladys Westcott Vaughan
500 N. W. 20th Street, Apartment C.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

BA-J/ILL
John Polhemus
S. 40271

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Polhemus, who was born in New Jersey, and whose children were Thomas, Betsey, Susan,
Ann, and perhaps, John.

A search of the Revolutionary War records of this office has been made and the record found of one John Polhemus who was
born in New Jersey. The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in his claim for pension, S. 40271.

John Polhemus was a native of New Jersey; the date and exact place of his birth were not given, nor the names of his parents.

Early in 1775, John Polhemus entered service and raised a company of eighty-six men, was commissioned November 22, 1775, Captain of the 4th company, 1st New Jersey Regiment, commanded by Colonels Lord Sterling, Wind and Matthias Ogden, went on the expedition to Canada, was at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-1778, where he was promoted to rank of Major, 1st New Jersey regiment, was in the battle of Monmouth, after which battle he was taken prisoner near South Amboy, New Jersey, taken to New York, confined in the old Sugar House and dungeons, remained a prisoner until the spring of 1780, when he was released on parole, returned to New Jersey and became a supernumerary officer.

John Polhemus was allowed bounty land on account of his service as an officer of the New Jersey Line, War of the Revolution;
warrant #1696 for 300 acres was issued July 22, 1789, and warrant #671 for 300 acres was issued March 12, 1817. If you desire information in regard to the location of this bounty land, you should
Page 17

apply to the Commissioner, General Land Office, this city, and and furnish the warrant numbers, acreage, and dates of issuance given herein.

John Polhemus was allowed pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War on his application executed March 28, 1818, at which time he resided in Mount Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey. This officer was then in his seventy-sixth years. In 1825, Major John Polhemus had moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He died there May 25, 1834.

He married about the year 1769, in Hopewell, or Pennington, New Jersey, Susannah Hart; neither party had been married previously.
The date and place of her birth and the names of her parents were not stated. In 1820, she was in her seventy-first year. She died
February 2, 1832.

In December 1853, the only surviving children of Major John Polhemus and his wife, Susannah, were- Sarah Kurtz, aged seventy-four years; Margaret Kneass, aged sixty-nine years, both of Philadelphia; and Deborah McCaw of New York City, Ellen Axford was one of the heirs of Major John Polhemus, her relationship not shown, nor the place of her residence.

One William Kneass was a resident of Philadelphia in 1828. In 1853, one Emma C. Kneass witnessed the signature of Margaret Kneass, this officer's daughter; no relationship between these persons and the
family of Major John Polhemus was stated.
Your 3-cent stamp is returned herewith.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.

/She asked for both John Polhemus & Cornelius
another letter
in Cornelius Polhemus
April 6-1946
ILL S. 14205
Case drawn by Mrs. Cartwell

2.
Page 18

[Postal stamp: OIL CITY, PA.
MAY 15
2-PM
1923]
SOUTH SIDE STATION
THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS
Commissioner of Pensions
Department O,
Washington, D.C.

[Official stamp: U.S. PENSION OFFICE. G
MAY 16 1923]
Page 19

Dear Sir:
Kindly send (the)
copies of the pension records
(Revolutionary War) of the
following:
(1) Major John Polhemus of the
New Jersey Militia who was
born in Hopewell, N.J., 1738
and who died in Philadelphia,
1831.
(2 ) Capt. John Axford, born
Dec. 22, 1761; at Axford,
New Jersey, May 14, 1843; m.
Ellen (Eleanor) Polhemus.
Sincerely,
Nancy C. Morrow
109 Hill St.,
Oil City, Pa.,
May 15, 1923.
Page 20

[Official stamp: U.S. PENSION OFFICE. O
JUL 2 1917]
Page 21

Box 753 BIllings, Mont.
June 26, 1917.

Pension Bureau
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen: -
Have you any
record of a John
Polhamus who
fought in the
Revolutionary
War?
Yours sincerely
Mrs. J. W. Salsbury
Page 22

HORN R. KNEASS
ATTORNEY AND COUNSELLOR AT LAW.
NO. 14 SOUTH BROAD STREET.
OPPOSITE CITY HALL.
IN RE....

PHILADELPHIA, PA...July 2-1900-....189

To Hon. H. Clay Evans,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir,
I am desirous of obtaining some information in reference to John Polhemus who was commissioned a captain in the New Jersey
line 1775 & 76.

A pension was granted him by the U. S. Government about the year 1818. I desire to obtain the data which was furnished by him in
in his application for said pension to wit; the date and place of his birth, also the date of his death &c. Can you furnish her with this information.
.
Very truly yours-
H.R. Kneass

[Official stamp: U S PENSION OFFICE K
JUL 24 1900
Page 23

40271
INVALID.
Revy

File No. 40,271
John Polhemus
Major Rev War

Act: 18th March 18

Index: -- Vol. G, Page 398.
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 24

Aug - 13 - 1900
H.R. Kneass - Phila Pa
Data for tombstone purposes forwarded to Q. M.  [G?] U.S.A.
Oct 6, 1905.  A.V.T.
June 7, 1907. History to Mrs. Ellen I. Sutton. V. L. M.
1917 July 7 Hist to Mrs. [Illegible] W. Salsbury
1922 - Dec. 12 Hist.'to Mrs. D. W. Moore MMH
1923 - July 2 - Hist to Nancy C. Morrow AW
Dec 6 - Hist. to Emily Marshall - ILL.
July 28. Hist. to J. Wilbur [Illegible} I,L.L.
Hist. to Mr. Ray Meyers.
March - Gladys Westcott
[Vaughan?]. ILL.
Page 25

John Polhemus, Captain - Act of
May 15, 1828 - Penna Roll.

Be pleased to say to what time
he appears from your books to
have been paid 2

Pension office
Nov 11, 1837.

he appears not to have
been paid since the transfer
to this office, is reported Dead
JH
Page 26

Pennsylvania
Act 15th May 1828
John Polhemus
$480 per annum

Paid at the Treasury under the
Act of the 6th April
1838, from the 3d March
1834 to the 25th May 1834 the
day of his death, reserving
one fifth, say $21.91 for
Ellen Axford, an absent
heir who did not apply
Page 27

John Polhemus,
Penna. roll - Act
May 15, 1828 -
Capt $480 per Ann:
Order given to pay
Arrears Nov 11. 1837.
from 2d Mar to the 25th.
May 1834.
Page 28

No _
John Polhemus decd.
Pa.
Letter to
Hy. J. Bockins 17th Dec. 1885.
Rejected.
See Vol. 9 -No. 825.
Act 15th May 1828.
Page 29

September 1, 1936.
BA-J/ILL
John Polhemus
S. 40271

Mr. Ray Meyers
16801 Chapel Avenue
Detroit, Michigan.

Dear Sir:

You are furnished, herein, as requested the Revolutionary War record of John Polhemus, from pension claim, S. 40271, based upon his service in that war.

John Polhemus was a native of New Jersey; the date and exact place of his birth were not given, nor the names of his parents.


Early in 1775, John Polhemus entered the service and raised a company of eighty-six men, was commissioned November 22, 1775,
Captain of the 4" company, 1" New Jersey regiment, commanded by Colonels Lord Sterling, Wind and Matthias Ogden, went on the expedition to Canada, was at Valley Forge in the winter 1777-1778, where he was promoted to rank of Major, 1" New Jersey regiment, was in the battle of Monmouth, after which battle he was taken prisoner near South Amboy, New Jersey, taken to New York, confined in the old Sugar House and dungeons, remained a prisoner until the spring of 1780, when he was released on
parole, returned to New Jersey, and became a supernumerary officer.

John Polhemus was allowed bounty land on account of his service as an officer, New Jersey Line, War of the Revolution: warrant
#1696 for 300 acres was issued July 22, 1789, and warrant #671 for 300
acres was issued March 12, 1817. If you desire information regarding the location of this bounty land, you should apply to the Commissioner of the General Land Office, this city, and cite the warrants numbers,
acreages and dates of issuance, as given in this letter.

John Polhemus was allowed pension on his application executed March 28, 1818, at which time he resided in Mount Holly, Burlington
County, New Jersey; Major John Polhemus was then in his seventy-sixth
Page 30

year. In 1820, he was living in Burlington, New Jersey. In 1825, Major John Polhemus had moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; he died there May 25, 1834.

John Polhemus married about the year 1769, in Hopewell, or Pennington, New Jersey, Susannah Hart; neither party had been married
previously. The date and place of said Susannah's birth and the names of her parents were not stated. In 1820, she was in her seventy-first year. She died February 2, 1832.

In December, 1853, the only surviving children of Major John Polhemus and his wife, Susannah, were: Sarah Kurtz, aged seventy-four years, Margaret Kneass, aged sixty-nine years, both of Philadelphia; and Deborah McCaw of New York City. Ellen Axford was one of the heirs of Major John Polhemus, her relationship not shown, nor her place of residence.

One William Kneass was a resident of Philadelphia in 1828. In 1853, one Emma C. Kneass witnessed the signature of Margaret Kneass, the officer's daughter; no relationship between these persons and the officer's family was stated.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Adminsitrator.

2.
Page 31

July 28, 1936.

BA-J/ILL
John Polhemus
S. 40271

J. Wilbur Clayton
39 Johnson Road
West Orange, New Jersey.

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Polhemus, a captain and major in the
New Jersey Line, and the record of any other John Polhemus of New Jersey.

The data given herein were found in pension claim, S. 40271, based upon service of the above named officer, John Polhemus. It is
the record of the only John Polhemus that is found on the Revolutionary War pension records.

John Polhemus was a native of New Jersey; the date and exact place of his birth were not given, nor the names of his parents shown.

[Handwritten: See below]
Early in 1775, John Polhemus entered the service and raised a company of eighty-six men, was commissioned November 22, 1775, Captain of the 4" company. Colonels Lord Sterling and Wind's 1" New Jersey
Battalion and went on the expedition to Canada, serving one year; immediately afterwards, he was again commissioned Captain of the 4" company, Colonel Matthias Ogden's 1" New Jersey regiment, was at Valley Forge, was promoted to rank of Major (the date not given) and served as such in
the battle of Monmouth, after which battle, he was taken prisoner near South Amboy, New Jersey, was carried to New York, confined to a dungeon and in the old Sugar House, and remained a prisoner until the spring of
1780, when he was paroled; he returned to New Jersey and became a supernumerary
officer. [Handwritten: here - John P. was allowed bounty land etc.]

He was allowed pension on his application executed March 28, 1818, at which time he resided in Mount Holly, Burlington County New

[Handwritten: Early in 1775, J. P. entered the ser. and raised a co. of eighty-six men, was commissioned Nov. 22, 1775, Captain of the 4" co., 1" N. J. regt., commanded by Cols. Lord Sterling, Wind & Mathias Ogden, went on the expedition, to Canada, was at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-1778, where he was promoted to rank of major, 1" N. J. regiment, was in the battles of Monmouth after which battle he was taken prisoner near South Amboy, New Jersey, taken to New York, confined in the Old Sugar House and dungeons, remained a prisoner until the spring of 1780, when he was released on parole, returned to New Jersey and became a supernumerary officer.
Page 32

Jersey: Major John Polhemus was then in his seventy-sixth year. [Handwritten: In 1820, he was living in Burlington, New Jersey.] In 1825, he had moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He died there May 25, 1834.

John Polhemus married about the year 1769, in Hopewell, or Pennington, New Jersey, Susannah Hart; neither party had been married previously. The date and place of said Susannah's birth and the names of her parents were not stated; however, in 1820, she was in her seventy-first year. She died February 2, 1832.

In December 1853, the only surviving children of Major John Polhemus and his wife, Susannah, were - Sarah Kurtz, aged seventy-four years, Margaret Kneass, aged sixty-nine years, both of Philadelphia County, Pa., and Deborah McCaw of New York City. Ellen Axford was one of his heirs, her relationship not shown, nor place of residence.

[Paragraph crossed out: At the time of the death of Major John Polhemus, the name of
Ellen Axford appears in the papers as one of his heirs; there are no further data regarding her.

One William Kneass was a resident of Philadelphia in 1828. In 1853, one Emma C. Kneass witnessed the signature of Margaret Kneass, this officer's daughter; no relationship between these persons and the officer's family was stated.

John Polhemus was allowed bounty land on account of his service as an officer, New Jersey line, War of the Revolution, warrant #1696
for 300 acres was issued July 22, 1789, and warrant #671 for 300 acres was issued March 12, 1817. If you desire information regarding the location of this bounty land, you should apply to the Commissioner of the General Land Office, this city, and cite the warrants numbers,
acreages, and dates of issuance as given herein.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 33

December 6, 1932.

BA-J/ILL
John Polhemus
S. 40271

Emily H. Marshall
2801 Adams Mill Road, N.W.
Washington, D.C.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the history of service of Major John Polhemus, a Revolutionary War officer and a pensioner.

The record given below is obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 40271, based upon the military service of John Polhemus in that war.

John Polhemus was a native of New Jersey; the date and place of his birth are not given.

Early in 1775, John Polhemus entered the service and raised a company of eighty-six men, was commissioned November 22, 1775,
Captain of the 4th Company, Colonels Lord Stirling and Wind's 1st New Jersey Battalion and went on the expedition to Canada, serving
one year; immediately afterwards, he was again commissioned Captain of the 4th Company, Colonel Matthias Ogden's 1st New Jersey Regiment, was at Valley Forge, was promoted to rank of Major (the date not given) and served as such in the battle of Monmouth, after which battle he was taken prisoner near South Amboy, New Jersey, and was carried to
New York, confined to a dungeon and in the Old Sugar House and remained a prisoner until the spring of 1780, when he was paroled; he
returned to New Jersey and became a supernumerary officer.

He was allowed pension on his application executed March 28, 1818, at which time he resided in Mount Holly, Burlington County, New Jersey; he was then in his seventy-sixth year. In 1825, he had moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Major John Polhemus died May 25, 1834 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

John Polhemus married about the year 1769 in Hopewell, or Pennington, New Jersey, Susannah Hart; the date and place of her birth
Page 34

are not given, but in 1820, the soldier stated that she was in her seventy-first year. She died February 2, 1832.

In December, 1853, the surviving children of the soldier and his wife were Sarah Kurtz, aged seventy-four years, and Margaret Kneass, aged sixty-nine years, both of Philadelphia, and Deborah McCaw, of New York City.

The name of Ellen Axford appears in the papers as one of the heirs of the soldier at the time of his death, no further information in regard to her.

In 1828, one William Kneass, was a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, [Crossed out: made affidavit in behalf of Major Polhemus] no
relationship to the family stated. In 1853, one Emma C. Kneass [Handwritten: appeared in Co]  [Crossed out: made affidavit] in behalf of the soldier's daughter, Margaret Kneass, no further information in regard to said Emma Kneass given.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Assistant to Administrator.

2.
Page 35

O. W. and N. Divison.  3 -- 525.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., .....190__

V.L.M.
Inv. File 40271
Rev. War

Madam

In reply to your request of May 24th, received May 27th for a statement of the military history of John Polhemus 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.

DATES OF|
ENLISTMENT OR|
APPOINTMENT.|
Nov 22, 1775|
--------------------
LENGTH OF|
SERVICE.|
--------------------
RANK.|
Capt.|
Major|
--------------------
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS| RENDERED.|
CAPTAIN.|
4" Co.|
COLONEL.|
Lord Sterling, 1st Battalion|
Winds|
Matthias Ogden|
---------------------
STATE.|
N.J.|
---------------------
Taken prisoner after the battle of Monmouth and detained as such until Spring of 1780 when he returned to New Jersey on parole.
-------------------------------------------------
Battles engaged in, Monmouth
Residence of soldier at enlistment, not stated
Date of application for pension, Mar. 28, 1818. His claim was allowed 
Residence at date of application, Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.
Age at date of application, 75 years, born in New Jersey, died in Phila. May 25,1834.
Remarks: Soldier married at Hopewell or Pennington N.J. Susanna Hart about 1769. She died Feby 2, 1832. Their only surviving children in 1853 were Sarah Kurtz 74 years old and Margaret Kneass 69 years old both being in Phila. Co., Pa. and Deborah McCaw, living in New York City at said date. No other family data
Very respectfully,
Mrs Ellen L Sutton
Armada, Mich.

Commissioner.
OK

27225b3ml-07
Page 36

STUKELY WESTCOTT, 1592-1677, planter and coloniser, one of the 13 original proprietors
of Providence Plantations and Colony of Rhode Island; of Salem, Mass., 1635, Providence, R. I., 1638, and Warwick, R.I., 1647. His wife: Juliana Marchange. Their children: Damaris (Arnold), Samuel, Robert, Amos, Mercy (Stafford), Jeremiah.

SOCIETY OF STUKELY WESTCOTT DESCENDANTS OF AMERICA
ORGANIZED JANUARY 13, 1934

OFFICERS: 1939-40-1
Leo E. Westcott, M. D., President,
420 John St., Kalamazoo, Mich.
Harry J. Westcott, Vice-President,
345 Lafayette Ave., Passaic, N. J.
David A. Westcott, Vice-President,
24 Algonquin St., Boston, Mass.
William M. Westcott, Chaplain,
Apponaug, R.I.
Miss Rachel C. Wilkins Historian.
5 Rogers Ave., Hoosick Falls, N. Y.
Roscoe L. Whitman, Registrar,
109 Dudley Ave., W., Westfield, N. J.
Miss Ethel Clarke, Secretary.
603 West 139th St., New York City.
Mrs. Chester W. Demond, Rec. Sec'y.
24 Soundview Cir, White Plains, N. Y.
William C. Driver, Treasurer,
52 Kingsbury Rd., New Rochelle, N. Y.

DIRECTORS: 1939-40-1
Leo E. Westcott, M. D.
Harry J. Westcott
David A. Westcott
William M. Westcott
Miss Rachel C. Wilkins
Roscoe L. Whitman
Miss Ethel Clarke
Mrs. Chester W. Demond
William C. Driver
Dr. Allan F. Westcott
V. Stukely Westcott
Joseph R. Westcott
Mrs. George W. Trainor
Mrs. Frank E. Waterman
Mrs. Charles W. Weaver

Formed to Create and Develop Interest
and Pride In Family Achievement.

To Commemorate Outstanding Anniversaries.

To Promote Further Genealogical Study of
the Family.

To Support the Defense of the Country Our
Forefathers Helped Create and the Conservation of the Constitution of the
United States and the Liberty of the
American People.

To Meet, Know and Enjoy the Companionship of Kindred.

Family Motto: Renovato Nomine
Meaning the Name Renewed.

Society Motto: Know Your Kindred Better.

CHAPTERS:
No. 1 -- Milford, N. Y.
No. 2 -- Rhode Island.
No. 3 -- Greater N. Y.
No. 4 -- Northern N. Y.
No. 5 -- Vermont.

Oklahoma City, Okla.
500 N. W. 20 St. Apt. C
Feb. 6 - 1940

U.S. Comm. Pensions,
Do you Revolutionary record for John (maybe Johanis) Polhemus born in New Jersey, Married M. ___ their children's names.
Thomas, betsy, Susan, Ann, Parmelia, and I believe son John. 
The children, may be the parents later lived in Cayuga N. Y.
I will be glad to pay fee for copying same.
Respt.
Gladys Westcott Vaughan

[Official stamp: RECEIVED FEB 9 1940]
Page 37

39 JOHNSON ROAD,
WEST ORANGE, N. J.,
JULY 8, 1936
(J. WILBUR CLAYTON)

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION,
WASHINGTON,
D. C.

I AM WRITING TO GET WHAT INFORMATION YOU MAY HAVE ON THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORD OF JOHN POLHEMUS, WHO WAS A MEMBER OF THE CONTINENTAL TROOPS, "JERSEY LINE", AS CAPTAIN AND MAJOR, AND TO FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE AMONG YOUR RECORDS ANY DATA ON HIS IMMEDIATE FAMILY (WIFE, CHILDREN, BROTHERS, ETC.) SO THAT IT CAN BE CONNECTED UP WITH OTHER DATA IN THE POSSESSION OF THE FAMILY.

I WILL NOTE BELOW DATA WHICH STRYKER GIVES IN HIS " N. J. OFFICIAL REGISTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR". WE KNOW WITHOUT QUESTION THAT THAT RECORD, PUBLISHED 1871, IS
INCOMPLETE SO THAT IF YOU HAVE ANY RECORD OF ANY OTHER JOHN POLHEMUS OF NEW JERSEY PLEASE SEND BOTH.

STRYKER ON PAGE 14 SAYS, "CAPTAIN JOHN POLHEMUS, CONTINENTAL TROOPS- JERSEY LINE- FIRST ESTABLISHMENT -- FIRST BATTLION-FOURTH COMPANY; ON NOV. 10, 1775 GARRISONED FORT IN THE HIGHLANDS ON HUDSON RIVER. STRYKER ON PAGE 29, GIVES AS FOLLOWS," JOHN POLHEMUS, ORIGINALLY CAPTAIN, 4th COMPANY, THIS NEW SECOND ESTABLISHMENT, AUTHORIZED 2 - 6 - 1776, LATER PROMOTED TO MAJOR.

STRYKER ON PAGE 63 GIVES, " MAJOR JOHN POLHEMUS, CONTINENTAL TROOPS, CAPTAIN 1st BATTALION- 1st ESTABLISHMENT - NOV. 22, 1775, CAPTAIN 1st BATTALION, 2nd ESTABLISHMENT, NOV. 29, 1776,
MAJOR OF THIS LAST 1st BATTALION, 2nd ESTABLISHMENT RETIRED SEPT. 26, 1780.

I TRUST THAT YOUR DATA WILL PERMIT YOUR GIVING MORE DETAILS ON THE FAMILY IN WHICH SOME COUSINS ARE INTERESTED, AND AS A POSSIBLE HELP I WILL GIVE BELOW THE CHILDREN OF THE JOHN POLHEMUS WHO WAS THEIR ANCESTOR IN THE HOPE THAT THE ADDITIONAL DATA MAY BE OF HELP:

FROM A VERY OLD BIBLE, DATE PRINTED NOT ASCERNIBLE, IN THE POSSESSION OF RACHEL A. ( POLHEMUS) ORTLEY OF POINT PLEASANT, N. J., WHICH BIBLE HAS INSCRIBED THEREIN,
" JOHN POLHEMUS, HIS BOOK,"
ARE GIVEN THE DATES OF HIS CHILDREN AS FOLLOWS,
JOHN POLHEMUS; BORN APRIL 26, 1760 (MARRIED LYDIA ______:PER CORSON McKELVEY)
JAMES POLHEMUS; BORN JUNE 21, 1762
SARAH POLHEMUS; BORN JULY 26, 1765
RACHEL POLHEMUS; BORN MARCH 9, 1768
(PROBABLY RACHEL ELLIS REFERRED TO IN WILL OF NATHANIEL POLHEMUS, PROBATED MAY 20, 1802, MONMOUTH CO. CASE 8506, BOOK 40, PAGE 50, SEC. OF STATE, TRENTON)
WILLIAM POLHEMUS; BORN JUNE 18, 1770 (MAY BE THE ONE MENTIONED IN SALTERS HISTORY OF MONMOUTH & OCEAN COUNTIES Pg. XLVI, THAT MARRIED MARY
CHADWICK OF DOVER TOWNSHIP, ON 7-19- 1797, AND AFTER WHOM POLHEMUS MILLS (PRESENT SILVERTON, N. J.) WAS NAMED, SEE BISHOP ASBUR'S 4-26-1809 DIARY, PG/ 102 ot om
DANIEL POLHEMUS; BORN FEB. 24,1774
JOSEPH POLHEMUS; BORN JAN. 22,1779
(THE FAVORITE OF ABOVE NATHANIEL POLHEMUS, AND THE IMMEDIATE ANCESTOR OF THE ABOVE REFERRED TO COUSINS.
HE DIED 8 -10 - 1855, HIS WIFE FREELOVE WOOLEY, BORN NOV 5, 1779 DIED 8-23-1857. BOTH INTERRED SILVERTON, N. J.)
(He named his first child, born 7-20-1803, Nathaniel. This N. died 2-17-1868, Married Rachel Totten 6/92)

IN THE SAME BIBLE ARE TWO OTHER NAMES AND DATES OF WHICH I'M UNCERTAIN OF THE SIGNIFICANCE
AARON POLHEMUS BORN DEC. 27, 178 (? 4 )
ELIZABETH POLHEMUS BORN Dec. 21, 1809

I DO KNOW THAT THE JOHN POLHEMUS, WHO IS THE FATHER OF THE ABOVE 7 CHILDREN, AND WHO MAY ALSO BE THE MAJOR JOHN POLHEMUS ABOVE, WAS ALIVE IN 1802, BUT WHETHER HE WAS ALIVE TO APPLY FOR A PENSION UNDER THE 1832 ACT ISN'T KNOWN. THIS JOHN WAS PROBABLY BORN 1740 AT LATEST.

THE JOHN POLHEMUS, ANCESTOR OF MY COUSINS, WAS A BROTHER OF THE ABOVE REFERRED TO NATHANIEL POLHEMUS WHOSE WILL WAS PROBATED MAY 20, 1802. IT IS ALSO BELIEVED THAT THIS NATHANIEL
IS THE CAPTAIN NATHANIEL POLHEMUS REFERRED TO IN STRYKER ON PAGE 405, AS OF MONMOUTH 1777.

IN NATHANIEL'S 1802 WILL HE MENTIONS HIS BROTHER JOHN, MAKES ONE OF HIS EXECUTORS JOHN SON OF DANIEL POLHEMUS (DANIEL APPARENTLY ANOTHER BROTHER OF JOHN & NATHANIEL) GIVES 50   (1 ?) TO TOBIAS BARKELOW (BROTHER IN LAW? ), 25 (1?) EACH TO MICHAEL, SAMUEL, JACOB & FORMAN, SONS OF JACOB HEN -
DRICKSON ( BRO. - IN-- LAW? ), 50 (1?) TO JOHN SON OF DANIEL P., 25 (1?) EACH TO HIS  NEPHEWS JOHN, WILLIAM, DANIEL, & RACHEL ELLIS, AND 5 (1?) TO NEPHEW JAMES P. 10 (1?)  YEARLY TO BROTHER JOHN, ALL AS
BEQUESTS TO BE PAID BY JOSEPH POLHEMUS, HIS NEPHEW, WHO GOT ALL HIS PLANTATIONS ", PAYABLE IN 4 YR.

THESE "PLANTATIONS" WERE NEAR CREAM RIDGE, UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, MONMOUTH COUNTY, N. J., BETWEEN FREEHOLD AND TRENTON, N. J., JOSEPH POLHEMUS LATER SOLD THE LANDS GIVEN HIM BY HIS BACHELOR UNCLE NATHANIEL P. AND ACQUIRED 500 ACRES OF LAND &C AT THE PRESENT SILVERTON, NEAR TOMS
RIVER, N.J. ANY DATA SENT ME WILL BE APPRECIATED, RESPECTFULLY J Wilbur Clayton
above address
Page 38

Veterans Administration
Washington D.C
Please said record of John Polhemus,
S. 40271.
Ray Meyers
1680 Chapel Ave
Detroit Mich
Aug. 29 1936
Page 39

2801 Adams Mill Rd., N. W.
Washington, D.C.
November 18, 1932.

Veterans Administration
Pension Service
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

Please send to me the history of the service
of Major John Polhemus, Revolutionary soldier, who it appears was a pensioner. Also any family data that may be of record.

Yours truly,

Emily H. Marshall
Emily H. Marshall

[Official stamp: RECEIVED NOV 19 1932
PENSION FILES]
Page 40

Rev Sec
25 S. Broad Street, Hillsdale, Mich
Dec. 4, 1922

Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Will you please send me the pension record of Major John Polhemus, a Revolutionary veteran, who was born in Hopewell, N.J. and was buried in Philadelphia?

Thanking you for an early reply-

Very truly yours-
Vivian Lyon Moore
(Mrs. D. K.)

[Official stamp: U.S. PENSION OFFICE
DEC 7 1922
Page 41

Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company,
MACOMB COUNTY.

OFFICERS.
John McKay, President, Romeo.
J. E. Barringer, Vice-Pres., Armada.
East, Gass, Treasurer, Washington.
E. W. Sutton, Secretary, Armada.

DIRECTORS.
J. E. Barringer, Armada.
Wm. Kern, Roseville.
Eugene H. Lamb, Washington.
Jacob H. Hosner, Romeo.
F. G. Hacker, Mt. Clemens.
Bruce Phillips, Utica.

-- OFFICE OF--
E. W. SUTTON, Secretary.

No. Members belonging to Company, 3086.
Amount of Property at Risk, $4,517,924.19.

Armada, Mich., May 24, 1907.

U. S. Pension Dept.,
Washington, D. C.,

Dear Sir:-

I write you regarding the necessary papers from your office which will entitle me to join with the Daughters of the Revolution as I
have been informed that I would have to send to your department for the necessary papers before I could join. I am a direct descendent of John Hart one of the signers of the declaration of independence as you will see by the following: --

John Hart, signer of the Declaration of Independence, baptized Feb. 21, 1713 - 14, died May 11, 1779, un 1741, Deborah Scudder daughter of Richard and Hannah (Reeder ) Scudder. She was born about 1721, died Oct. 26, 1776
Susanah Hart, daughter of the above, born Aug. 2, 1750, died Feb. 2, 1832
un Nov. 23, 1766, Major John Palhemus, who was born May 25, 1742, and died May 25, 1834.
Elanor Palhemus, daughter of the above, born April 1767, died June 22, 1848, un John Axford, who was born Dec. 22, 1761, died May 14, 1843.
John Axford, son of the above, born Feb. 1, 1787, died Sept. 18, 1865,
un (2nd wife) 1826, Charity Johnson, who was born Feb. 1, 1800, died July 11, 1891.
Ann Axford, daughter of the above born Sept. 4, 1827, un May 12, 1845,
William Garner Taylor, who was born Sept. 5, 1816, died July 23, 1887.
Ellen Irene Taylor, daughter of the above, born Nov. 31, 1868, un June 19, 1889, Edward Worth Sutton, who was born July 24, 1861.
If any charges please send with papers and would like to get them as soon as convenient for you, I remain,
Yours Very Truly,
Ellen J. Sutton
Macomb County. Armada, Mich.

[Official Stamp: U. S. PENSION OFFICE A
MAY 27 1907]
Page 42

Hon. Th. B. Florence,
Sept. 14, 1859.
Page 43

Pension Office, Sept. 14, 1859.

Sir,

In answer to the enclosed letter I have the
honor to state that it appears from the records
of this office that John Polhemus of Pennsylvania was a pensioner under act of March 18, 1818 at $240 per annum from April
2, 1818; which he subsequently surrendered under the provision of the act of May 15, 1828,
in order to be pensioned under the latter Act at the full pension of $480 per annum, which  amount he continued to receive from 4th March 1826 to 4th March 1834 - His surviving children it would seem drew the arrears for
accruing between the latter date and 25th
May following, which was the date of his
death. No arrears could consequently be now
due. His heirs made application in 1853
for further allowance, but their claim was
of course, rejected.

Hon Thomas B. Florence
Present.
Page 44

Nov 9
Jno Polhemus
Pa Wh
Ans Nov 11 1837  Free
J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Jno Polhemus,
Capt. $480
to Mar 34.
Page 45

Philadelphia Nov. 7th 1837

Dear Sir

Captain John Polhemus
a late pensioner under the United States [Army?] for services rendered while attached to the Revolutionary Army died on the 25th
day of May 1834.

The heirs surviving are desiring
of recovering the arrears of pension due
the decedent at the time of his decease
Would you have the kindness to
inform me of the steps which should
be taken for the accomplishment of
that purpose

Very Respectfully
J. L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Wm. D Baker
131 Vine St.
Page 46

Henry J. Backius
Dec 17/53
Page 47

250
Pension Office.
17th Decr. 1853.

Sir,

The application of the heirs of John Polhemus decd of Pennsylvania, has been received
and filed under Act 15th May
1828, and rejected.

According to the evidence adduced, John drew a pension up to the date of his death.
The date of his widows death, if he left any, has not been shown. If his wife did not survive him, there is no claim under any of the Acts.

Henry J. Bockius Esqr.
Philadelphia.
Pa.
Page 48

Hon. Mr. McIlvaine,
Senate
Page 49

County of Philadelphia SS
On this Sixth Day of January 1825 before me the subscriber a Justice of the County of Philadelphia personally appeared John Polhemus who on his Oath declares that he is the same Person who was a Major
in the Regiment Commanded by Col Lord Sterling afterward by Col Mathias Ogden in the service of the United States that his name was Placed on the Pension Roll of the
State of New Jersey from Whence he has lately removed
that he now resides in the City of Philadelphia State of Pennsylvania where he intends to Remain and wishes his pension to be there payable in future
Jo Polhemus

Sworn & Subscribed to before}
me the day & year aforesaid}
James Barker}

Philadelphia County S.S.
I Matthew Randall Prothonotary of the
Court of Common Pleas for the City and County of Philadelphia do hereby certify that James R. Barker Esquire before whom the preceding affidavit was made and who has thereto subscribed his name was
at the time of so doing and now is one of the Aldermen of the City of Philadelphia duly commissioned and qualified to all those
acts as such full faith and credit is due as well Courts of Justice [Illegible]

In Testimony whereof I have hereto
set my hand and affixed the Seal of the
Said Court at Philadelphia 6 January
1825
Matthew Randall
Page 50

520.  527
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
August 1. 1828.
John Polhemus, of Philadelphia, in the County of_______ in the State of Pennsylvania, has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled ""An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution, approved on the 15th of May, 1828.
He states that he was as an officer on the Continental line, and served as such to the end
of the war, at which period he was a Captain in the First regiment of the New Jersey
line; and that he has not received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by the resolve of 22 March, 1783; and, further, that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, four hundred and eighty
dollars, paid to him by the agent in the State of Pennsylvania.
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated
by the records in his office.
By order of the sentary,
A. Dickins

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
7. August 1828

From the Book containing the names of officers entitled to land, it appears that Capt. John Polhemus became a supernumerary officer in the New Jersey line, and as such it appears by the Books of this Office, he received the [specific?] value of one years pay - consequently he was not entitled to commutation, and for which it appears he Petitioned Congress in 1826 - 
Major John Polhemus is on the Pennsylvania Pension Roll and has been sinve the 3rd March 1826 at the rate of $20 p. mo. Peter [Hagmenland?]
Page 51

527.

Major John Polhumus.
Declaration-
Power to Aaron Ogden

Wants Col Ogden's affidavit
which will be made on his
return-
Page 52

Revolutionary Claims.

Under the act, entitled ""An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution, "" approved 15th May, 1828.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
6 Nov 1828

The annexed paper, relating to the claim of John Polhemus under the abovementioned act, is respectfully referred to the Secretary of War, with a request that he will be pleased to cause me to be informed whether a commission, and, if so, what commission, was received at the War Department, from the claimant, on an
application stated to have been heretofore made by him for a pension.

Richard Ruch,
The Hon. the SECRETARY OF WAR.

letter War Dept 8 Nov 1828
Page 53

Revolutionary Claims.
[A.]
Form of a Declaration to be made by the Officers.

For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an act, entitled ""An act for the relief of
certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution,” approved on the
15th of May, 1828, I, John Polhemus of the
City of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, do hereby declare that I was an officer in the Continental Line of the Army of the Revolution, and served as such* to the end of the war and a general exchange of prisoners being a prisoner of war from a short time after the battle of Monmouth at which period I was a Major in the First regiment of the New Jersey
line. 
And I also declare, that I afterwards received certificates (commonly called commutation
certificates) for a sum equal to the amount of five years' full pay; which sum was offered by the resolve of Congress, of the 22d of March, 1783, instead of the half pay for life, to which I was entitled under the resolve of the 21st of October, 1780.

And I do further declare, that I have received of the United States as a pensioner since the 3d day of March, 1826,+ the sum of Six hundred dollars paid to me by the agent for paying pensions in the State of Pennsylvania

Witness my hand, this fourth day of October, in
the year one thousand eight hundred and
twenty eight.
Jo Polhemus

Before me,++ James N Barker, an Alderman
in the City of Philadelphia, in the State of
Pennsylvania, personally appeared this day, 
William Erwin and John Stack, of the said city, who did severally make oath that John Polhemus, by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, is generally reputed and believed to have been an officer in the Army of the Revolution, in manner as therein stated.

Witness my hand, this Sixth day of October
in the year one thousand eight hundred & twenty eight.
James N Barker

I, Matthew Randall, Prothonotary, of the Court of Common of the county of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify, that James N Barker Esquire, before whom
the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was, at the time, a alderman of the City of Philadelphia,
and duly empowered to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the [L. S.] said Court, this sixth day of October AD 1828

Matthew Randall

*Here insert, To the end of the war, or, (as the case may be,) to the time when the arrangement of the Army provided by the resolves of Congress of the 3d and 21st of October, 1780, was carried into effect; and that I was reduced under that arrangement.
+Here insert, The sum of______dollars, paid to me by the agent for paying pensions in the State of ________. If the claimant has not been a pensioner, this part of the declaration may be omitted.

++A Justice of the Peace, or other magistrate duly empowered to administer oaths, as the case may be.
Page 54

Revolutionary Claims.
Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved 15th May, 1828.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
7 Nov 1828.

The annexed paper, relating to the claim of John Polhemus under the above mentioned act, is respectfully referred to the Secretary of War, with a request that he will be pleased to cause me to be informed whether it appears, by any records in the War Department, that the claimant has received, or is entitled to receive,
the bounty in land granted by Congress for service in the Continental line of the Army
of the Revolution; and, if so, whether he became entitled to the same by service to the
termination of the war, or in what other manner.

Richard Roth,

The Hon. the SECRETARY OF WAR.

War Department
Bounty Land Office

I hereby certify that it appears by the records of this office that John Polhemus was returned as a supernumerary captain of the New Jersey line in the revolutionary war and as entitled to bounty land of the United States- And that warrant No. 1696 issued to him for 300 acres as his bounty on the 22d of July 1789. And that [thro' mistake?] another Warrant No. 671
issued to him for a like quantity of land on the 12th day of March 1817 - which seems to have been founded on the certificate of the 3d Auditor of his condition as aforesaid sustained by the statement of the first Comptroller that he personally knew him to have been
a captain in said line, to have been taken prisoner and deranged from the line.
Robert Taylor C.B.L.O.
8th Novr 1828
Page 55

for the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an Act entitled "an act for the relief of certain surviving officers and Soldiers of the army of the revolution" approved on the 15th March
1828.

I John Polhemus of the City of
Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania formerly of Mount Holly in the County of Burlington in the State of New Jersey, do hereby declare that I was an officer in the continental line of the Army of the Revolution & served as such until taken prisoner near
South Amboy in New Jersey in the year 1778 or 1779 during which imprisonment I suffered very severely in Dungeons, sugar house &c under Old Cunningham __ I was liberated on parole about the time the Army was 
disbanded__during my service I was Captain
of the 4th Company of the first New Jersey Regiment, at first commanded by Colonel Sterling and afterwards by Col. Mathias
Ogden in the New Jersey line__I never received the Commutation certificates__I do further declare that I have received from the United States as a Pension since the third
day of March 1828 the sum of Four hundred & Eighty dollars paid to me by the agent for paying Pensions in the State of Pennsylvania

Witness my hand this 14th day of July in the
year one thousand eight hundred & twenty Eight

Jo Polhemus

Inclosed is my commission from John Hancock to serve in Col. Lord Sterlings Regiment the one I had when the same Regt was commanded by Col. M. Odgen under whom I also served was lost__ Joseph Anderson of the Treasury Department can answer any question relating to the facts as stated in the above declar
Page 56

Commission in favor of John Polhemus
as Captain in the 1st Battalion N. Jersey line
dated 22 November 1775.-
Page 57

520
J. Polhemus.
re'd 17 July 1828
anpr. 1. acknd.
Page 58

Before me James N. Barker one of the Aldermen of the City of Philadelphia personally appeared this day William Kneass, & Henry Horn, both of the City of Philadelphia who did severally affirm & swear that in John Polhemus by whom the foregoing or annexed declaration was signed
is generally reputed & believed to have been an officer in the Army of the revolution in manner as therein stated
Witness my hand this fourteenth day of July in the year one thousand Eight hundred & twenty Eight.
James N Barker

Philadelphia County S.S.
I Matthew Randall Prothonotary of the Court
of Common Pleas for the City and County of Philadelphia do certify that
James N Barker Esquire before whom the preceeding qualification was taken and who has thereto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing and now is one of the Aldermen of the City of Philadelphia and ex officio a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and qualified to all whose
acts as such full faith is due and aught to be given as well in Courts of Justice as elsewhere

In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my
hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court
at Philadephin the fifteenth day of July
Eighteen hundred & twenty eight
Matthew Randall
Page 59

Revolutionary Claims.
Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved 15th May, 1828.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
24 Dec. 1828.

SIR:
I have the honor to inform you, that John Polhemus formerly a Captain in First
Regiment of the N. Jersey, line of the Continental Army; and who has heretofore received a pension at the Pennsylvania
agency, has been admitted to the benefits of the abovementioned act.

I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant.

Richard Rush
The Hon. the SECRETARY OF WAR.
No 127-
Page 60

Act 1828
Settled at
Treasury
Cousd with
Invalid file
#40271
Page 61

Philada Septemr 16. 1828

To the Honourable Richard Rush}
Secretary of the Treasury}

Sir
your communication of the 7th of August acknowledging the Rest of my Claim under the Act entitled an Act for the Relief of certain surviving Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution has been Received

As many of the officers embraced in the said act are already in possession of the Relief it affords, and as my circumstances are urgent, you will excuse the anxiety which prompts me again to Request that you will be pleased to inform me as early as practicable
of the Result of the investigation of my claim

Very Respectfully
your obt Servt
Jno Polhemus

Late Major Revolutionary Army
N Jersey Line

address care of Horn & Kneass
Phila
Page 62

Philada Nov 4, 1853

Hon N P Waldo -
Commissionar of Pensions, Washington City, D.C.

Dear Sir - Your reply, dated October 28, 1853, to my letter relative to the claim of the heirs of the late Captain John Polhemus, a Revolutionary Soldier of New Jersey [late?] was duly received, and, in answer to the interrogatories therein contained, the following appears to be the State of the case, as near as we can gather now - though if the heirs is entitled to any claim, the proper records and vouchers will be obtained and forwarded to your office.

The said John Polhemus was married at Hopewell (since changed its name), New Jersey, to the mother of the said Children, between the year 1760 and 1770

He died May 25, 1834

His wife, Susan Polhemus, died February 2, 1832 and there are now 3 Children living issue of the bodies of said John and Susan Polhemus. Neither of them were ever married but this once.

The records are in the State of New Jersey, and I would endeavor to obtain them at once and forward them to you, but as the heir has called on me for information from your department whether they are entitled to anything, we have deemed it proper to wait an answer before undertaking the collection of the necessary and legal proof which will be done at once if the answer of the Department is favorable
With Sincere Respect, I remain yours truly
James W. Fletcher
Alderman
No 248 Shippen Street, Philada, Pa

To
Hon N. P. Waldo,
Washington City
D.C.
Page 63

Congress [Illegible] Apr. 1: 1818.

George Boyd Esqr

Sir,

I send you the Depositions
of
Major John Polhemus
Capt. John Heard
Privates}
Soldiers}
Chs. Steward
John McAllister
Isaac Blanchard
Peter Firkins
Benjn. Newman
Barent Herturch
Garret Nevius
Henry Post
Richard Debs

Made, I believe, confermably [to the Rules of regular trans?] of the Secy. of War of 26. March last -
The Pension to be made payable in all cases in New Jersey.
"At the Trenton Banking Co."
the [Wife?] of the Rev W _
I will receipt for the Pension Certificates -
Very respy.
yr mo. obt.
S. Bloomfield
Page 64

Printed and Sold at No. 7 South Sixth Street.

Know all Men by these Presents, That We, Sarah Kurtz and Margaret Kneass, both of the County of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, two of the surviving children of the late Captain John Polhemus a Revolutionary Soldier have constituted made and appointed, and by these Presents do constitute, make and appoint
Henry J. Backius, House [Carpenter?] of the District of Moyamencing County of Philadelphia State of Pennsylvania, our lawful Attorney for us and in our name and stead, and to make use to ask, demand, sue for, levy, recover and receive, all such sum and sums of money, debts, rents, goods, wares, dues, accounts, and other demands whatsoever, which are or shall be due, owing, payable, and
belonging to us or detained from us in any manner or ways or means whatsoever, by
the United States Goverment as [illegible] of the surviving children of Captain John Polhemus, deceased, 4th Captain in the First 
Battalion of the New Jersey Troops &c in the Revolutionary War 
giving and granting unto the said Attorney by these Presents our full and whole power, strength, and authority, in and about the premises, to have, use and take, all lawful ways
and means in our name for the recovery thereof; and upon the receipt of any such debts, dues, or sums of money aforesaid, acquittances, or other sufficient discharges, for us and in our names to make, seal, and deliver, and generally all and every other act and acts, thing and things, device and devices, in the law, whatsoever needful and necessary to be done in and about the premises, for us and in our names to do, execute and perform, as fully, largely, and amply to all intents and purposes, as we might or could do, if we were personally
present, or as if the matter required more special authority than is herein given; and Attorney, one or more, under our names 
for the purpose aforesaid, to make and constitute, and again at pleasure to revoke, ratifying, allowing, and holding for firm and effectual, all and whatsoever our said Attorney or his substitute shall lawfully do in and about the premises, by virtue hereof.

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seal the Fourteenth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & Fifty three
Sarah Kurtz
Margaret Kneass

Sealed and Delivered}
in the presence of}

James W. Fletcher
Emma C Kneass
Page 65

The fourteenth day of December A.D. 1853, before me, the subscriber, an Alderman and exofficio a Justice of the Peace, came
the within=named Sarah Kurtz and Margaret Kneass and acknowledged the within Letter of Attorney to be their Act and Deed, and desired the same might be recorded as such, according to law.

Witness my hand and seal, this Fourteenth day of December 1853
James W. Fletcher-  SEAL
Alderman
exofficio a Justice of the peace
Page 66

State of Pennsylvania,
COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA, ss.

I, JOHN A. SCANLAN, Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions of said County, Do CERTIFY, that James W. Fletcher Esq before whom the annexed affidavitt was made, is and was  Alderman and ex officio Justice of the Peace of the County of Philadelphia, duly commissioned and qualified to administer oaths and affirmations, and to take acknowledgments, &c. and to all whose acts, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, as well in Courts of Judicature as elsewhere, and that
his signature thereto is genuine.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said
Court, this Fourteenth day of December A.D. 1853
O. P. Cornman  CLERK.