Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3991, James Giberson, New Jersey
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
New Jersey
Giberson, James
or
Gibertson,
NUMBER
R. 3991.
Page 2

James Giberson
----------

26.802

Forwarded by
R.W. Cook
of New Jersey



J. C. Smallwood
Woodbury
N.J.
Page 3

The State of New Jersey
Gloucester SS:
Be it Remembered that on the
eleventh day of November 1833 before me
the subscriber one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County
of Gloucester, personally appeared James
Giberson an applicant for a pension
under the Act of Congress of June 7th 1832
who being duly sworn according to law
saith, "that he was born in the County
of Gloucester New Jersey in the year 1747,
That he has no record of his age, his
house was burnt about twenty five years
ago and that with other records and
papers was burnt at that time"
"That he was living when called into
service in the County of Gloucester aforesaid
that he has lived since the Revolutionary War
in the same County, and that he now lives in the same County of Gloucester"
"That he was Drafted when called into service under Capt Estill, and always excepting that time he volunteered."
"That General Putnam was with the Troops where he served at Princeton, Colonel Proctor at Eggharbour and Pulaski at the same place, and during the time that they lay at Somerset in the Winter 1777. he and a number of others went to Morristown where they saw General 
Washington, he also saw many Regular
Officers at Trenton and Princeton but
did not know their names "he face
Gen Washingtons Army or part of it
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at Trenton and Princeton and also when they went to Morristown as abovementioned, Colonel Ellis Regiment of Militia was with the Troops where he Served at Mount Holly, Colonel Somers at Eggharbour, Colonel Taylors at the same place"
"That he thinks he received a discharge from Capt. Joseph Estell which was burnt about twenty five years ago when his house was burnt, he never received any other discharge for the service.
That he is acquainted with Daniel Baker Esq. Gideon Leeds, Daniel Lake, Jacob Glover Esquire and many others in his neighborhood.
That the whole length of time that he served whilst engaged in a Regularly Organized body was sixteen Months during all which time he served as a private, and during the time, he was not engaged in any Civil pursuit. And was all the time either in the field or in the Garrison. in his original application he has stated that he volunteered whenever called into the service, he did not always volunteer he was drafted once, when he went with Capt. Estell, and as he is hard of hearing he supposes the mistake must have occurred in his not fully understanding the question, as it was put to him and this deponent further saith during the last service
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and while he was stationed at Chestnut Neck a large body of Refugees and Tories was Collected and quartered on the Burlington County side of Little Eggharbour River, and plundered and harassed the Inhabitants whenever an opportunity presented. a Considerable number of vessels were lying at Chestnut Neck, and the British had been three times to that place and burnt the vessels or took them off with them, they also burnt the houses barns Etc. the British Cruisers were Constantly hovering around the Coast and Occasionally Landing and plundering the Inhabitants which Circumstances made a force necessary at that place, in order to protect the Inhabitants and their property. and this deponent further saith that a force was Kept at the same place for the next two years after the expiration of his service in December 1780.
Sworn & Subscribed date above before me Michael. C. Fisher } James Giberson (his x mark)
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Gloucester County ss State of New Jersey
On the Sixth day of November 1833 before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of said County, personally appeared John Thomas a resident of the said County aged seventy nine years and upwards. a person of credibility whose statement is entitled to full credit and belief who being first duly sworn according to law saith that he is well acquainted with James Giberson and has known him since before the Commencement of the Revolutionary War. And this deponent further saith that he remembers very well when the Company Commanded by Capt. Joseph Estell Marched from the Forks of Little Eggharbour River to go to the Easter part of New Jersey, it was in the winter of the year 1776-7 he this deponent was there and saw them march away, he was well acquainted with Capt. Estell and many of his men and he knows that the said James Giberson was one of his men, and that he marched with them, and was gone until the next Spring he lived in the same neighborhood with the said James Giberson at the time and this deponent further saith that after that time he and the said James Giberson performed a tour of duty together in the same Company, the Company was Commanded by Capt. Richard Higbee in Col. Taylors Regiment. the service commenced in the month of August 1778 and lasted two months
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two months. they paraded at the Forks of Little Eggharbour River where they remained sometime, they then Marched down the River to Leeds Point and from Leeds Point to Somers Point, during this term or tour there were Troops from the Counties of Salem, Gloucester, and Burlington at places above mentioned and Col Proctor was there with some of his Artillery, and this deponent further saith that immediately after this term of service had expired he entered in what was then called "The Eggharbour Guard" and in their operations marching along the Sea Shore and along Little Eggharbour River and places in the neighborhood, he frequently met the said James Giberson as he and others of his Company would be Marching about the neighborhood of the Forks of Little Eggharbour Chestnut Neck & the said James Giberson belonged some part of the time to the same Capt. Higbees Company and sometimes to Capt. Westcotts Company.
Sworn & subscribed the date above before me
Michael. C. Fisher }
John Thomas (his x mark)

Gloucester County SS On the eleventh day of November 1833 before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the said County, personally appeared Samuel Sooy of the said County aged Seventy Seven years and upwards a person of Credibility, who being first duly
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Sworn according to law. saith that he is well acquainted with James Giberson and that he has known him since before commencement of the Revolutionary War and this deponent further saith that he remembers very well that the said James Giberson was in the service in the Revolutionary War as follows. he remembers that he belonged to a Company Commanded by Capt Richard Higbee and that he was in the service at the time of the Capture of the British Transport Ship Rebecca & Francis in the fall of the year 1775 he remained in this service he believes as long as two months but is not certain as to the time. He this deponent further saith that he remembers that the said James was in the service from the Month of December 1776 till the month of March 1777 in a Company Commanded by Capt. Joseph Estell in Col Clarks Regt. and that during the time he was with the Company at Haddonfield from Haddonfield they marched to Mount Holly Where they remained until the Hessians drove them from that place which was but two or three days, they retreated to Haddonfield, from there they Marched through the County of Burlington to Bordentown, where they lay perhaps three or four days, from Bordentown they went to Trenton and were in the Rear of the Army the day of the Battle, he remembered seeing the said James at Princeton
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immediately after the Battle, he also remembers that he was at Somerset Court House after the Battle at Princeton, where he remained until March. this deponent saw the said James very frequently while at Somerset, he believes almost every day. And this deponent further saith that he well remembers that the said James Giberson was in the service in the Month of August September & October 1778 at Little Eggharbour River. It was during this period that Col. Proctor was at Eggharbour a part of the British Fleet lay at the time at the Mouth of Little Eggharbour River and this deponent further saith that in the year 1780 he remembers that the said James Giberson was in the service in Capt. Higbees Company and that the Company was stationed at Chestnut Neck on Little Eggharbour River. he does not know how long the said James Giberson was in the service because this deponent was there but a short time, he has always understood however , that Troops were pretty generally Kept at Chestnut Neck a number of Vessels were always lying at this place and the British had been three times up in the River to this place and had taken the vessels and burnt them, as well as the Houses Barns Hay Etc. A party of refugees from the Easterly side of Little Eggharbour River
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River, were very troublesome to the people in the neighborhood of Chestnut Neck _ which made it necessary to have a force constantly on duty at that place. and this deponent further saith that he and the said James Giberson have always lived in the same neighborhood, he lived on one side of what was called "the Shore Road" and this deponent the other side. this Road was the division line between the Companies to which he and this deponent belonged, so that they were always he believes in different companies, but belonged to the same Regt. and battalion, and further that this deponent was at all the places abovementioned at the times abovementioned and saw the said James Giberson as he has before stated
Sworn & Subscribed
date above before Michael. C. Fisher } Samuel Sooy
Gloucester County on the eleventh day of November 1833 before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of said county personally appeared John Giberson of said County aged seventy nine years and upwards a person of credibility, who being first duly
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sworn according to law saith that he performed a considerable amount of service during the Revolutionary War, and part of the time he was stationed at a place called Chestnut Neck on Little Eggharbour River he was there from the month of March or April 1780 till late in the Month of December of that year and he remembers very well that his Brother James Giberson was there at the same time and performed service together most of the the time in a Company Commanded by Capt Richard Higbee, in Col. Leeds Regiment . he this deponent was not out in the same Company with his brother at any other time, he knows that the said James was away from home and it was believed by the family that he was in the service, and he this deponent believes that he was, but they were never together but at this time, this deponent understood when the said James had gone away at one time that he was in the service in Capt. Estells Company. he was gone all that Winter.
Sworn and Subsribed date above before "1780" interlined
Michael. C. Fisher } John Giberson (his x mark)
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I John Smallwood Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Gloucester in the state of New Jersey, do hereby Certify that Michael C Fisher Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits of James Giberson, John Thomas, Samuel Sooy, and John Giberson were made was at the time of the doing thereof one of the judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Gloucester, duly Commissioned and qualified and that the Signature of the said Michael C. Fisher subscribed to the said affidavits is in the proper handwriting of the said Michael C Fisher
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Woodbury in said County this eleventh day of November A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Smallwood Clk.
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State of New Jersey Gloucester County } S.s.
On this nineteenth day of March in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared in open court before the honorable Judges of the Inferior court before the honorable Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the county of Gloucester James Giberson aged Eighty Six years and upwards, who being duly sworn according to Law doth upon his solemn oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated.
In the month of October 1775 I entered in a Company Commanded by Capt. Richard Higbee, in Col. Richard Somers' Regiment; that company met at Capt. Higbees house in Gloucester County near the sea shore; from there we crossed over to Brigantine Beach, where we took the British transport ship called Rebecca and Frances. She was bilged and lay in the surf. We took out of her a considerable amount of stores; wine, beef, bread, butter, etc. and stripped her other rigging, guns and a quantity of cannon shot and made prisoners of a part of her crew, about fifty, I think. The prisoners were sent to Philadelphia under a Guard. I formed part of the guard; when I returned from Philadelphia I again joined the company and served some time longer, in all, two months at least and was discharged.
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I next entered, in the month of December 1776, in a company commanded by Capt. Joseph Estell in Col. Elijah Clark's Regiment; The Company paraded at the Forks of Little Eggharbour River, in the county of Gloucester; from there we marched to Mount Holly and thence, through Bordentown to Trenton, from there to Princeton, it was not long after the Batter at that place I recollect seeing the horses killed in the action lying about the battle ground we remained at Princeton two or three weeks and were quartered in the College; we marched from there third Kingston to Somerset and quartered. I think, in the Court House where we remained until discharged, in the month of March 1777. This Service continued three month. While we lay at Somerset we had many skirmished with the scouts and foraging parties of the British Army which lay at New Brunswick, in which we took some prisoners and rescued considerable property. Gen. Putnam commanded us while at Somerset.
In the early part of the month of September 1778. I again entered in Capt. Higbee's Company; we paraded at the Forks of Little Eggharbour River when we joined a number of other companies from the Counties of Gloucester and Salem. Cols. Taylor, Ellis and Clark were there, but I do not recollect which of them commanded the regiment. From the Forks we frequently marched down the river to Leeds Point and sometimes stayed there several days. A squadron of the British fleet lay at that time in Little Eggharbour River and did much damage by robbing the inhabitants and by destroying grain and Forage and killing cattle. We remained in the service until the fleet left the
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river. In going out, one of the enemy's ships grounded on the Outer Bar and they set her on fire and blew her up. I was out at this time two months or more, and was discharged some time in November 1778.
In March 1780 I again entered the service under the same Capt. Higbee. I think, in Col. Enoch Leeds Regiment. The company paraded at Chestnut Neck, on Little Egg harbour river in the county of Gloucester, where we quartered and I remained in the service until December of the same year being nine months in the service this tour. Part of the British Fleet lay at Little Eggharbour Inlet and they came up the river in their Boats and Row Gallies and as we had no artillery they were enabled to land under cover of their guns and did much damages burning Houses, Barns, grain, hay and vessels. This section of the country was likewise much distressed and harassed by the frequent incursions and robberies of the Refugees with whom we had many skirmishes and frequently took them prisoners. It was during this tour that Gibertson, a notorious Refugee was wounded and taken prisoner by Benjamin Bates. We took at one time two Refugee Boats commanded by Capt. Bacon and a man by the name of Stivers, we killed Bacon in the action and took most of his men prisoners.
I was born in March 1747 in Gloucester County where I lived when called into service and in which I have resided ever since. I had a record of my age and also a written discharge from Capt. Joseph Estell, but they were burnt with my house which was destroyed by fire about 25 years ago. I now reside in Gloucester County. 
I saw Gen. Putnam at Somerset and Gen. Pulaski at Eggharbour.
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The whole time that I was in actual service of the United States and whilst in a regularly organized corps was sixteen months, during all which time I served as a private and always volunteered.
I am well acquainted with David Baker Esq., Gideon Leeds Esq. Formerly revenue master at the Port of Great Eggharbour, Daniel Lake Esq. and Matthew Collins Esq.
I have no documentary evidence that I can can procure; had a discharge from Capt. Joseph Estell but it was burnt with my house about 25 years ago.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatsoever to a pension, or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Ephraim Milley } James Giberson (his x mark)

We Daniel Steelman and Jacob Endicott residing in the county of Gloucester in the State of New Jersey do hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with James Giberson, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty six years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Page 17

Daniel Steelman above
named affirmed & Jacob 
Endicott from in open
Court, March 21 1833 } Daniel Steelman
           Ephraim Miller }  Jacob Endicott

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation 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 the said Daniel Steelman and Jacob Endicott who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in the said County of Gloucester, and credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to Credit-
Ephraim Miller
Page 18

State of New Jersey

I John C Smallwood Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Gloucester in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the Original proceedings
of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Giberson for a pension.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this twenty first day of March A. D one thousand eight hundred & thirty three.
Smallwood Clk
[seal affixed at left]
Page 19

State of New Jersey, Gloucester County Ss
On the 21st day of March AD 1833 before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common pleas of the County of Gloucester; personally appeared Job Giberson of the said County aged Seventy Three years and upwards who alleging himself to be Conscientiously Scrupulous of taking an oath upon his solemn affirmation saith that he is well acquainted with his brother James Giberson, that they served together during the Revolutionary War at several different times and places they served together at Chestnut Neck at the time the British Came up and burnt that place served together at the  Forks of Little Eggharbour, and also at Leeds Point in the County of Gloucester and this affirmant further saith that he remembers very well that his brother James was gone all the Winter of the year that the British Army was in the neighborhood  of Trenton, New Brunswick, and other places in the Easter part of New Jersey and that he went away about the time of the Battles at Trenton and Princeton, and believes that he was under Capt Joseph Estell because when he went from home he said he was going with Capt. Joseph Estell and he was always understood to since
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since, and he thinks that he has heard Capt. Estell speak about it himself.
Affirmed and subscribed date above Michael. C. Fisher } Job Gybrson

State of New Jersey Gloucester Countty Ss.
On the 21st day of March AD 1833 before me the subscriber one of the judges of the inferior Court of Common Pleas of said County, personally appeared Charles Bartlett of said County aged nearly eighty nine years, who being duly sworn according to law saith that he is well acquainted with James Giberson and Knew him during the Revolutionary War. and before the War Commenced and this deponent further saith that he and the said James Giberson Served together during the said War in a Company Commanded by Capt. Joseph Estell, the Company marched from the Forks of Little Eggharbour River through Mount Holly, Bordentown from there to Trenton then to Princeton from there to Somerset. General Putnam Commanded us while at Somerset, we remained out during this tour three months and were discharged in the Spring of the Year
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1777, We were not at the Battle of Trenton and Princeton; having arrived a day or two after they had been fought. the company paraded in December 1776 and marched from Little Eggharbour River in the latter part of that month
Sworn & Subscribed date above before Michael C Fisher } Charles Bartlett (his  x mark)

And I the said Michael C Fisher judge as aforesaid do certify that the said Job Giberson and Charles Bartlett are Credible persons and that their statements above written are entitled to full credit. Michael. C. Fisher

I John C. Smallwood Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the county of Gloucester in the state of New Jersey do hereby Certify that Michael C. Fisher Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits of Job Giberson and Charles Bartlett were mad was at the doing thereof, one of the Judges of the said Court of Common Pleas duly Commissioned and Affirmed and that the signature of the said Judge subscribed to said Affidavits is genuine. Witness my hand and seal of Office this twenty first day of March AD Eighteen hundred & thirty three
Smallwood Clk
Page 22

March 11, 1940


BA-J/MCS
James Giberson, R. 3991

Mrs. Charles E. Blake
1106 South Shore Road
Pleasantville, New Jersey

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your request for information relative to Revolutionary War soldiers, James Giberson (R.3991) who applied for pension from Gloucester County, New Jersey, and Parker Clark who was born in 1766 in Gloucester County, New Jersey, and died in that county in 1844. You state that the records in the Adjutant General's office in Trenton, New Jersey, show that Parker Clark received a pension from the Federal Government.

Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land made to the United States and based on the military service of soldiers in this war. A careful search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the service of a Parker Clark. In the event that the pension, to which you refer, was granted by the state of New Jersey, it is suggested that you consult the archives at Trenton, New Jersey, for the application papers.

The data which follow were taken from papers on file in the pension claim, R. 3991, based on the Revolutionary War service of James Giberson.

James Giberson was born in March, 1747, in Gloucester County, New Jersey. The names of his parents are not shown.

James Giberson applied for pension March 19, 1833, while a resident of Gloucester County, New Jersey.

It was alleged that while living in Gloucester County, James Giberson served as private with the New Jersey troops as follows; from October, 1775, two months in Captain Richard Higbee's company in Colonel Richard Sommers' regiment; from sometime in December, 1776, three months in Captain
Page 23

Joseph Estell's* company in Colonel Elijah Clark's regiment; from August or September, 1778, two months in Captain Richard Higbee's
company in Colonel Taylor's regiment; from sometime in March, 1780, nine months in Captains Higbee's and Westcott's companies in Colonel Enoch Leed's regiment.

The claim for pension was not allowed as proof of the alleged service was not furnished in accordance with the requirement of the
pension law.

In 1833, James Giberson's brother, John, aged seventy nine years and upwards and his brother, Job, "aged seventy three years and upwards" were living in Gloucester County, New Jersey. There are no further family data shown.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

*See "New Jersey
men in Rev." for
correct spelling
Page 24

[left side]
1903 Oct. 30 Hist to William
M. Clevenger V.L.M.
Letter in S.F. 2235 John
Giberson
1914 Apr. 17 Hist to Ida K. Horner
Letter in S.F. 2235 - John Giberson
1920 Oct 26 Hist. to Mrs. Chas. W. Blake
1927. Nov. 14.  "     "   Frank A Kendell
------------------------------
1940 Mar. 11 Hist to Mrs. Chas.
W. Blake        MCS
Mic

[right side]
3991
P.O. __________________
James Giberson
Service: ________________
REJECTED
Enlisted: ______________, 18 
Discharged: ___________, 18

Application filed: __________, 18

Alleges: The printed list of 1852
gives cause of suspensio
Re-enlisted: "For further proof
from the State records."

Attorney: ___________________
P.O. ________________________
____ Recognized. ____Contra-
___ Cert. of Dis.   Searched for____ ,18
Page 25

New Jersey
Revo
Act 7 June 1832
James Giberson
Suspended
3991
Letter to
J. C. Smallwood
Woodbury
['30 Nov 1833 Same - May 15 1834' crossed out]
Page 26

James Giberson

Suspend

['R M Cooper Camden N.J.' crossed out]

J.C. Smallwood
Woodbury
N.J.
Page 27

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
19 Sept 1833

Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compl[y]ing with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
---------------------------------
A Statement, shewing the Service of James Giberson
[table follows with 6 columns; column headings as follows:]
(1) Period when the service was rendered.
(2) Duration of the claimant's service. {sub-headings:  a. Years. b. Months. c. Days.}
(3) Rank of the claimant.
(4) Names and rank of the Field officers
under whom he served.
(5) Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
(6) Proof by which the declaration is supported.
[No data entered in table; end of table]

I am, respectfully

Your obedient servant,

J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 28

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, mucicians [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 [blank] } 
County of [blank] } ss.
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] 
years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. -->This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank]

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 [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
[blank] day of [blank] & 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 [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] 
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] day of [blank] & 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

[following hand-written at bottom of page:]
The terms of service are much longer than
were usual with the militia of New Jersey in[cut off] 
and require explanation proof
Page 29

3

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. {To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.  If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
-----------------------
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: --For [blank] year [blank] months, and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]. For [blank] months and [blank]days, I served as a [blank]; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the 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.

[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 to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

actual service
Page 30

Depart. of War
Pen. Office
May 15 1834

Sir

In reply to your letter of the 26th - of Feby. last,
I have to state that the claims of George Rudd and James Giberson have been suspended and their papers placed upon the [illegible].  I herewith enclose you copies of the letter written to Mr. R M Cooper in the care of Mr
Rudd on the 4th of June 1833.

I also enclose an extract of a letter addressed
to yourself on the 30 of Nov. 1833, in the care
of Mr Giverson.  These papers still remain on
file.

I am &

J.C. Smallwood
Woodbury
County
Page 31

[illegible]
P.B.
Nov 30. '33

Sir

Here James Giberson in his declarations alleges [strikethrough]that[end strikethrough] contrary to the general course of militia serving in New Jersey as fixed by law, that he was called out for two months in 1778 and for nine months in 1780. Services of that character must have been [illegible] provided for by the legislation of the State. The papers are placed on file until [illegible] shall be made in the laws under which these troops were embodied.

Similar remarks apply in the claim of John Thomas for a year in 1778, for a year in 1779 and for four months in 1780. Such [illegible] cannot be admitted unless it appears they were authorized by law. As a permanent case as this is stated to have been, must have been paid it is probable that [illegible] may be found by  [illegible] among the archives of the state in this proper often the papers  are also placed on file.

WJ    MC
Page 32

the claim & Edwards Downes who alleges he
served in the militia, entire years in succession
must be corroborated by similar evidence.  The
papers are tho placed on file

J.C. Smallwood
Woodbury N J
30th Nov '33
O.C.

Recorded Vol. 29 p. 169

J.C. Smallwood Esq.
Woodbury
New Jersey
Page 33

Mrs. Charles W. Blake
1106 South Shore Road
Pleasantville, New Jersey

October 4th, 1939

[stamp:]. RECEIVED OCT 6 1939 MAIL SUB-DIV Reader No. 19 VETS ADM

Veteran's Administration,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs:

Will you please let me know the cost of
having a photostat copy of pension application
papers of James Giberson, Revolutionary Soldier from Gloucester County, New Jersey File 3991.

Also of the pension application papers of
Parker Clark, Revolutionary Soldier from Gloucester County, New Jersey. He was born in Gloucester County, New Jersey in 1766, and died in the same ( present Atlantic County) in 1844. The records in the Adjutant General's office in Trenton, N. J., show he received a pension from the Federal Government.

If you will let me know the cost of a photostat
copy of the Application papers of each of these men, I will send you a check for the same.

These papers are desired for historical
purposes only.

Very truly yours,
Georgiana C. Blake
Mrs. Charles W. Blake.

Mrs. Finch said send
abstract instead of photos.
MCS
3/11/40
Page 34

824 N. 4th St.
Camden N.J
Nov. 3rd 1927

Mr. E. W. Morgan.\:-

Dear Sir:-

Will it be possible for me to get a copy of a pension claim made by James Giberson a
private in the American Revolution, from Gloucester County New Jersey, affidavit for pension taken November 11th 1833.  pension was rejected (rejected No. 3991) I am told it is on file in Washington, he being an ancestor of mine, I would like to get a copy, have you application forms to fill out for a search, and is a fee charged, if you will inform me in regards to it, I will thank you very much.

Resp
Frank A. Kendell
Page 35

Camden N.J
June 15th 1927.

Mr. Winfield Scott,
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir:-

I would like to have a copy of the rejected
pension claim No. 3991 of James Giberson, a private in the American Revolution from Gloucester Co. New Jersey, affidavit taken
Nov. 11th 1833.

Will you please let me know in regards to it. thanking you I am

Sincerely
Frank A. Kendell
824 N. 4th St
Camden N.J.
Page 36

Rev N J

[stamp:] U.S. PENSON OFFICE. SEP 14 1920

612 S. Shore Road
Pleasantville, N. J.
Sept. 11th 1920

Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

Sirs-

I wish a copy of Pension papers & application for same of John Gibeson or Giberson and James Giberson (or Gibeson, spelled both
ways in Revolutionary Records) who served during the Revolutionary war from Galloway Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey.

John Giberson(or Gibeson) died in 1792 and his
son James died in 1836. I understand James applied for but did not receive a pension because of insufficient service, am not sure of this however.

This information is sought only for data to enter the Daughters of the American Revolution.  If there is any charge for copies of these papers,
please let me know the amount and I will send check.  (They are U.S. Pension Appl. 3991.)

Very truly yours
 Mrs. Charles W. Blake
Historian Gen'l Lafayette
Chapt. D.A.R.
Page 37

Rev. War Section.
April 17, 1914.
Mrs. Ida K. Horner,
Merchantville, N. J.
Madam:

In reply to your letter dated the 11" instant, you are furnished herewith the history of James Giberson (R. File No. 3,991 Rev. War) who was the brother of John Giberson.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to a soldier named John Gibeson or any other John Giberson of the New Jersey troops
than the one whose history was furnished you November 15, 1910.
Very respectfully,
G M Saltzgaber
Commissioner.
Page 38

Information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
James Giberson Rej. 3991
-----------------------------------
[table follows with 5 columns; column headings as follows:]
(1) DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
(2) LENGTH OF SERVICE.
(3) RANK.
(4) OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. {sub-headings:  a. CAPTAIN.
b. COLONEL.}
(5) STATE.

[text beneath column headings as follows:]
(1) Oct. 1775, Dec. 1776, Aug or Sept 1778, 
Mch 1780
(2) 2 mos., 3 mos., 2 mos., 9 mos.
(3) Pvt.
(4) a. Richard Higbee, Joseph Estell, Richard Higbee,        Higbee,            Westcott
b. Richard Somers, Elijah Clark,         Taylor, 
Enoch Leed
(5) N.J.
[end of table]

Battles engaged in,  [check mark]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Gloucester Co. N.J.
Date of application for pension, Mch. 19, 1835
Residence at date of application, Gloucester Co.  N.J.
Age at date of application, b. Gloucester Co. N.J. Mch 1747
Remarks: This claim was not allowed - there was not sufficient proof of service as required by the Act of June 7, 1832 under which he applied for pension

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

1565b3m10-08

(Sus. for further proof from the State records, did not serve such long tours in N.J. mil.)

brothers John & Job
Page 39

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section.
November 14, 1927
Frank A. Kendell
824 N. 4th St
Camden, N. J.
Sir:

I have to advise you from the papers in
the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 3991,
it appears that James Giberson applied for
pension, March 19, 1833, while a resident of
Gloucester County, New Jersey, and alleged that while residing in said Gloucester County, he served as a private with the New Jersey Troops, as follows-
From in October 1775, two months in Captain
Richard Higbee's Company, Colonel Richard Somers' Regiment; from in December 1776, three months in Captain Joseph Estell's Company, Colonel Elijah Clark's Regiment; from in August or September 1778,
two months in Captain Richard Higbee's Company, Colonel Taylor's Regiment; and from in March 1780, nine months in Captains Higbee's and Westcott's Companies,
Page 40

Colonel Enoch Leed's Regiment.
The claim was not allowed, there was not sufficient proof of service, as required by the Act of June 7, 1832, under which he applied.
It also appears in said claim that James Giberson was born in March 1747 in Gloucester County, New Jersey.
It is not stated that soldier was married.
Owing to the very large number of similar inquiries and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, the Bureau is unable to make immediate reply to each inquiry, pertaining to soldiers of the Revolution.
Such information is furnished by courtesy of the Government and without fee, and letters are being answered as rapidly as possible in the order of their receipt.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.