Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17959, John P Gramps, New York
Page 1

(3-1776)

Service
New York

Gramps, John P. 
Nancy 

Number W. 17959

Contents
Page 2

Genl Preston 

Agent April 
30th 1841

Hon. John Sanford Feb. 11
H.P. Alexander 1st June 1852 

6146

Albany New York

Nancy Gramps dec'd late 
widow of John P. Gramps 
NY
who died on the 5th August 1819
of Montgomery Co. in the State of New York
who was a Private in the Compy commanded 
by Captain Gray of the Regt commanded 
by Col. in the N. York 
line for 2 years 

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany NY
the rate of 80 Dollars - cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836 & ending
on the 5th September 1838. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of April 1841 and sent D.F. 
Sacia Canajoharie N Yk 

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1838 $200.00
allowance ending 5th 
Sept 38 the day of her death    .22
$200.22

Act July 4,
1838

corded by D.D. Addison Clerk, 
ok A Vol. 2d Page 80 
Payment to be made to Eliza 
& others, children of
deceased
Page 3

43809

Widow Nancy Gramps's 
papers for Pension 

N.Y. 7 784
Act 7 July 38

aomd

2 yrs pri 
80$ 

To Elizabeth Faney-
Lany Cook- Catharine 
Vedder- Peter Gramps
& Mary Reese, children 
of Nancy Gramps
dec'd widow of John 
P. Gramps- from 4 March '36 to 5 Sept 
1838 the day of her death 

D.F. Sacia esq. 
Canajoharie
NY
Page 4

Declaration 
In order to obtain the benefit of the 3d Section of the Act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836
State of New York
Montgomery County} ss. On this 23rd day of August 1838 personally appeared before me David F. Sacia a Judge of Montgomery County courts being a court of Record- Nancy Gramps, widow of John P. Gramps dec'd of the town of Palatine County and State aforesaid aged seventy eight years past, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 4th 1836 that she is the widow of John P. Gramps, who was a private soldier in the militia in the company commanded by Lieut. Andrew Dillenbagh until 6th August 1777 when the said Lieut. Dillenbagh was slain at the Battle of Griskany, as always understood. Under the Chief command of Genl. Nicholas Herkimer and in the Regt, commanded by Col. Jacob Klock
deponent further saith, that evidently after Lieut. Dillenbagh was slain at Friskany battle, Lieut. Severinus Cook proceeded in taking command and continued in having the command of the same company from and after the aforesaid 6h day of August 1777 from year to year until the final termination of the War of the Revolution excepting three different tours in rendering batteaux service, she the said claimant saith, that she had heard her husband after and frequently observe, that he had been enlisted in the Batteau service at three different seasons, first as understood under the command of Capt. William Petterson. She the said Claimant believing from the early part in Spring until late in fall, in the year 1777-
And the claimant further saith, that her husband often and frequently told and saith, that he hath been enlisted under the command of Capt. Samuel Gray two tours, viz in the year 1779, and 1780, that early in Spring 1779, commencing in transporting with Batteaux provision and other necessaries from Schenectady up along the Mohawk river to supply the Garrison at Fort Stanwix and some other forts situated up along the said river until the time of Genl Clintons expedition down to Susquahanny Capt. Gray with his batteaux and boat as understood from Otsego Lake  boating down the Susquahanny River with that section of the army then under the chief command of Genl. James Clinton to Tioga Point, this ascerting the arrival of Genl. Sullivan with the main army at the time, when General Sullivan and Genl. Glinton dispersed the Indians and Tories to the west in destroying their cattles and habitations, and that they the said company viz
Page 5

2

Capt. Gray with his company of Batteauxmen did not return to their respective places of residence, until forepart in winter, calculated to have rendered at least the length of 9 months United States Service, during said tour in 1779-1780. Claimant further saith that she has likewise often and frequently heard her husband observe and say, that he again was enlisted under the said Capt. Saml. Gray early in Spring, in a company of boatmen and they had commenced early in Spring, and continued in transporting provisions and other necessaries from Schenectady up along the Mohawk river to supply the Garrison at Fort Stanwix, and other Forts, [up along is crossed out] situate up along the said Mohawk River. 
And that by the statement of her dec'd husband, he at least must have rendered nine months service to the United States, during said tour, viz 9 months in the year 1780. 
Claimant further saith that it is impracticable for her to remember or recollect all and the numerous tours, which she heard her deceased husband relate rendered to the United States during the war, shall only select, one or a few tours in each and every year from the year 1776 from year to year to the final termination of the Revolution. 
1776 Jan, as instructed not only by her husband but also by [her husband is crossed out] others, that her Husband was ordered out in mass under the Genl. Command of Genl. Herkimer with the whole Brigade of then Tryon militia, when joined Genl. Schuyler at Caughnawaga from thence to the Village of Johnstown causing surrender of Sir John Johnson with as stated 400 associates of Johnson. 
do. Claimant further saith that same year in fall again ordered out in mass, the whole Brigade, again under the command of Genl Herkimer, at the time of the General Conflagration at Ballstown, marched to tribes hill when remanded to Stonearabia saith continued from first to last 3 weeks. 
do. Claimant further saith, that the militia were often alarmed, and called out frequently drafted, and satisfied and appeared that her deceased husband could not screen himself in being an idol spectator. 
1777 Claimant further saith that her deceased husband declared to her that he was engaged in the boat service under the command of Capt. William Peters and understood that the Capt. with his company of boatmen have rendered their batteau service to the United States on the North River from Spring until late in fall, but cannot specify the precise length of time but should suppose nothing short of eight months.
Page 6

1778 Claimant further saith that this was a serious and distractive year to several parts of the then County of Tryon, she believing in June, the warriors and General conflagration at Springfield- again in October, at the time of the incursion and Genl. conflagration at Herkimer on the South side of the Mohawk down to Fort Herkimer, and on the North side of the said Mohawk river down to Fort Dayton, all made desolate. 
And again sometime in November at the time of the cruel massacre at Cherry Valle, not saving the mother with the child unborn, in her womb. When to claimant's own observation and knowledge, Col. Jacob Klock's regt on each and every of the three foregoing mentioned occurrences were ordered out and satisfied that the deceased soldier, at no time has kept back by looking on in seeing his fellow associate militia soldiers advancing towards the common enemy with at his sharing the same faith with all others besides various occurrences have transpired during the course of this year, which has drawn the militia from their places of residence, drafted, sometimes in consequence of alarms, and watching and in rendering Garrison duty. 
1779 & 1780 Claimant further saith that her husband from the early part in Spring until forepart in the winter, was engaged and enlisted under the command of Capt. Samuel Gray in rendering boat service, as aforesaid viz Eighteen months in the course of two years viz 18 months. 
The applicant further declare, that Capt. Gray with his company of boat men during the latter year viz 1780 have met with some serious obstacles in consequence of the enemy from Canada, when on the 19th of October same year, that claimant has reason to believe that her deceased husband with his Capt. & others of the same company of Batteauxmen were engaged twice in Battle first under the command of Col. Brown in Stonearabia in what is called Col. Brown's Battle against Col. John Johnson, with his incendiary associate army, from Canada when Col. Brown was slain in Battle, when the said John P. Gramps, again with his Capt. and some others of his company, pursuing the enemy, at a distance of about eight miles, again engaged in a battle on Klock & Failings field under the command of Col. Lewis Debois when the enemy withdrew themselves in confusion
Same season in July Capt. Gray was waylaid by Capt. Brandt & detained for ten or eleven days when relieved by Col. Klock & Col. Clyde's Regts.
Also in may previous, when on their way to Fort Stanwix stopped at Fort Hunter with their boats, by Sir John Johnson saith with 800 incendiaries

3
Page 7

4

1781 the applicant further declare that her dec'd husband, latter past in July was engaged in what is called Sandmans battle against a large party of Indians and tories, headed by Lieut. Jacob Klock from Canada, the Americans, commanded by Capt. henry Miller, Capt. Saml. Gray & Lieut. Jacob Sammons, when the enemy took flight. 
do. Claimant further saith that from the early part in Spring until late in fall her dec'd husband almost continually kept on the alert, after and frequently called out in consequence of the incursions of the Enemy as claimant may know by what her husband did frequently observe to her, besides personally recollect, that frequent serious occasions have been perpetrated by the common enemy, at the time of the General Conflagration at and all around Fort Timmerman. When her deceased husband beyond any doubt under the command of Col. Willett went in pursuit of the enemy.
do. again engaged in Johnstown battle under the Command of Col. Willett against Major Ross, with his incendiary associates from Canada, and again after Battle pursuing the enemy to the West Canada Creek under the command of Col. Willett, when Capt. Butter and others of the British were killed and a number of prisoners taken of the British. 
1782 during the course of this year, Claimant saith and declare, that a number of serious occurrences have inhibited itself, murdering, burning, and many prisoners taken to Canada, that from the early part in Spring until late in fall, the Militia were continually kept on the alert, and that the deceased soldier, has done his full casual part of duty on behalf of the United States during said season. 
1783
The applicant further state and declare that at the time of Col. Willett's expedition to Owego, that her husband was pressed with Slay [sleigh] & horses and personally knows that her husband did start and went with and under Col. Willett on the expedition to Owego, and not returned until Col. Willett with his was returned again.
She further declare that she was married to the said John P. Gramps on the 17th day of January 1783, and that he went under Col. Willett to Owego on his Expedition, in February and not returned until some time March same year 1783, that her husband the said John P. Gramps died on the 5th day of August 1819 - And that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. 
her
Nancy x Gramps
mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the 23rd 
day of August 1838 before me
D.F. Sacia Judge
Page 8

her 
Nancy x Gramps
mark

day of August 1838 before me 
D.F. Sacia Judge
of Montgomery County Courts

State of New York 
Montgomery County ss. I certify that on the 23rd day of August 1838 personally appeared before me the above named Nancy Gramps an applicant for a pension who was by me personally known and who was duly sworn to the above declaration. That she is in infirm & unable to attend court to make said declaration and that she is highly respectable and entitled to full credit. and that she made her mark to said declaration because she could not write. 
D.F. Sacia Judge of
Montgomery County Courts

State of New York
Montgomery County 
Clerks Office ss. 
I certify that David F. Sacia Esq. whose name is subscribed to the Jurat & c of the preceding affidavit & proceedings was on the day of the date thereof a Judge of Montgomery County Courts duly commissioned & sworn 
And that his signature subscribed as aforesaid is his genuine signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this eleventh day of September A.D. 1838. 
A.J. Comrie Clerk
Page 9

State of N. York
Montgomery County Ss
on the 11th day of August 1838 Personally appeared before me John W Hawn a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Montgomery, aforesaid, Delia Ehle Widow of John C. Elle deceased of the Town of Minden County & State, aforesaid Aged Seventy years past, who has been duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith, that she has been personally acquainted with John P Gramps and [Catherine is crossed out] Nancy Bellingger Cister to the said deponant [illegible cross out].
And deponant further saith that she perfectly recollects and remembers that the said John P. Gramps and Nancy Gramps otherwise, then Bellinger, were legally and lawfully joined in lawful Matrimony in January 1783 by the Revd Doct Johan Daniel Gros. D. D. that she was present when the marriage Ceremonies was performed that at the time, [the time is crossed out] of marriage she observed seeing them joining hand in hand until the marriage covenant was concluded, deponant further saith that according to the best of deponents knowledge and belief, that the said John P Gramps [have lived and cohabited tog is crossed out] and Nancy his wife have lived and cohabited together as becoming husband & wife until the 5th day of August 1819 when he the said John P. Gramps died, when she the said Nancy P. Gramps became the widow of the same John P Gramps, and yet remaining his widow to this present day, and is yet living, and not intermarried again.
And deponant further saith that the said John P. Gramps, as she always understood hath been a faithful and enterprizing Revolutionary Militia Soldier from the early part of the war to the end of same. deponent further saith that the said deceased soldier, which she well [illegible] that in the month of February 1783 after he had joined in lawful wedlock, with her Cister Nancy, that her husband had been pressed with with Slay [sleigh] & horses and go under the command of Col Marinus Willett, at the time of his campaign to Oswego that she well recollects his pair of black horses, drove before his slay [sleigh],--
And deponant further saith, the reason why she hapened to remember and recollect the same occurrence, were particulary, because they had only been married for such a short period before, considering it an unpleasent precarious tour and further deponant saith not
her
Delia X Ehle
mark
Sworn to and subscribed this 11th day of August 1838 before me
[Signed] John W. Hawn Justice Peace
[page #] 6
Page 10

State of New York
Montgomery County Ss
This may certify that I the under named Subscriber a Justice of the Peace have been personally acquainted with Delia Ehle the within witness sworn to the within affidavid for many years past who is a person of truth and veracity and her testimony Entitled to full Credit and I do further certify that the reason why the said deponent signed the within affidavid by making her mark that she was not taught to write Given under my hand at Minden in said County this 11th day of August 1838
[Signed] John W. Hawn Justice

State of New York
Montgomery County
Clerks office Ss. I do hereby certify that the above named John W. Hawn Esquire whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the foregoing affidavit and proceedings was on the day & of the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and duly authorized by the Laws of the said State to administer oaths and that his signature subscribed to the [illegible cross out] same is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of my office this 13th day of August 1838
[Signed] A. J. Comrie Clerk

[No seal is visible]
Page 11

State of New York
Montgomery County ⎬ Ss  On the 10th day of August 1838 Personally appeared before me Jacob G. Snyder a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Peter Sits of the Town of Minden, County and State aforesaid, who has been duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that he has been Personally Acquainted with John P. Gramps and Nancy Gramps, as is his widow, when she was the daughter of John Bollingger-- Previous to the Revolutionary was, during the same until the conclusion thereof, and until the time of his death.
And deponant further saith that the said John P Gramps has been an Revolutionary Militia Soldier that he belonged to the Company of Militia Commanded by Capt Andrew Dillenbach in the Regiment commanded by Col Jacob Klock, in the then County of Tryon. And deponent further saith that the deceased soldier has rendered service to the United States under the command of the aforesaid Capt Andrew Dillenbach until the 6th day of Augt 1777 when the aforesaid Capt Dillenbach was slain in Battle at the time of Oriskany battle, against Part of the British army under the command of Genl St Leger, from Canada, and under the command of Genl Nicholas Herkimer who commanded the Brigade of the Tryon Militia, who also was wounded and soon thereafter died, in Consequence of his wound.
And deponent further saith that Lieut Severenus Cook succeeded to the command of the same Company, in the same beat, to which the aforesaid John P Gramps was attached and belonged to, and that he did render faithful service to the United States, on each and every Incursion or alarm when the Militia were called and ordered out, as well on drafts as on all other occurrencies, appertaining to the hazardous and precarious Revolutionary War, until in the early part of Spring 1779-[When Ordered is crossed out]
And deponant further saith that the said John P. Gramps was enlisted in March 1779. under the command of Capt Samuel Gray in the Company of Batteaumen, in the same Company to which deponent was attached to, and enlisted, same, Also George Kelly, Peter Keysor, Andrew Gray and William Feeter, and a number of others were Enlisted, under the command of the said Saml Gray, with himself the said deponant and the said John P. Gramps, when the said Company were ordered to meet at Schenectada, When Capt Gray, could not proceed on, in consequence of
[page #] 8
Page 12

[Page #] 9
The ice, in the mohawk river, when engaged in other United States Service for about eight days, directed by Mr Henry Glen Deputy Quartermaster when as soon as it was practicable in consequence of the ice in the Mohawk river, the Company commencing in transporting Provisions and other necessaries for the supply of the Garrison at fort Stanwix, and so continued boating until about the middle of July, when Capt Gray with his company of boatmen and boats, conveying that section of Genl Sullivan Army then under the command of Genl James Clinton down the Susquehanna to Tioga Point, there awaiting the arrival of Genl Sullivan, and finally, the said Company were kept Engaged with the army until the Indians in the Western Country were dispersed, and their Castles and habitations destroyed, and Capt Gray with his company not returned to their families until forepart in winter, when the aforesaid John P. Gramps was present with the said Company of boatmen from the early part in Spring until the time mentioned in the foregoing & being engaged during said tour at least nine months in the United States Service - vizt Nine Months -
1780 deponant further saith, that himself with the aforesaid John P Gramps and all and each one named and mentioned in the foregoing, besides this year Henry Genter, John J. Suts, John P Suts, Peter N. Kilts and Johan Henry Wafle otherwise commonly called Henry Waufle.  Again Enlisted under the command  of Capt Samuel Gray, and commenced in the boat Service in the early part of Spring, and continued during the whole tour, from the time the mohawk river would admit of boats to run, in consequence of the ice, and until the same was again so situated to render it impracticable to use with boats, in consequence of the ice, causing the preventative from running, when the Company did not reach to their respective places of residence until forepart in winter, same year, that the Company were again ordered Early in Spring to Schenectady before the Mohawk was clear of ice, when engaged in Public Service by order of the deputy Quartermaster Mr Henry Glen at Schenectady an as soon the said Mohawk river was passable in boating, Capt Gray has increased in transporting Provisions and other Necessaries up along the Mohawk river to Fort Stanwix to supply the Garrison of said Fort and some other forts up along the said river, so that the said John P Gramps with him said deponant has been engaged under the command of Capt Samuel Gray for the two years in succession vizt in the year 1779 & 1780 and in which service the said John P. Gramps has behaved alike a true and faithful American, and that he has and did under faithful Militia Service from the year 1776 from year to year until the years 1779 & 1780, when engaged in the boat Service as aforesaid, and so continued from year to year, again as a brave Militia Soldier, until I had reason to [illegible due to fold in paper]
Col Marinus Willett to Oswego, by [illegible due to fold in paper] with his Slay & horses Under the command of Col Willett, as deponant was Instructed, and do belief it to be true.
And deponent further saith that the aforesaid deceased soldier, vizt John
Page 13

from year to year, again as a brave Militia Soldier, until I had reason to [illegible due to fold in paper]
Col Marinus Willett to Oswego, by [illegible due to fold in paper] with his Slay & horses Under the command of Col Willett, as deponant was Instructed, and do belief it to be true.
And deponent further saith that the aforesaid deceased soldier, vizt John P. Gramps at least did under the lenght of Eighteen months United States Service as a Militia Soldier, Exclusive of the two tours, in the years 1779 & 1780, in the Batteau Service Under Capt Samuel Gray as aforesaid, the lenght of Eighteen months and further this deponant saith not--
[Signed] his
Peter X Sits
mark
Sworn to and subscribed this 10th day of August 1838 before me
[Signed] Jacob G Snyder Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Montgomery County Ss
This may certify that I the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace have been personally acquainted with Peter Sits the witness sworn to the foregoing affidavit for many years past who is a person of truth and veracity and his testimony Entitled to full credit and I further certify that the reason why the above named deponant signing his name by making his Cross mark, because he was not taught to write his name that he never could write, Given under my hand this 10 day of August 1838
[Signed] Jacob G Snyder Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Montgomery County
Clerks Office ss 
I do hereby certify that the above named Jacob G. Snyder Esquire whose name is Subscribed to the Jurat of the preceding affidavit & proceedings was on the day of of the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in & for said County and duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer Oaths and that his Signature Subscribed to the same is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of my office this 13th day of August 1838
A. J. Comrie Clerk 
[page #] 10
Page 14

State of New York
Montgomery County ss. Aaron Vedder of the town of Palatine in the County aforesaid being duly sworn says that he is son in law of Nancy Gramps widow of John P. Gramps deceased that he has always understood from this said mother in law and Father in law before his death that they had no family record of their marriage which deponent believes to be true, and also understood from them that they were married before the close of the Revolutionary war and this deponent further says that he has been informed by Jacob Snell in his life time that the church records of marriages kept by the Revd Daniel Gros in 1783 had been distroyed or were lost and not to be found which deponent believes to be true and that the said John P. Gramps died in 1819 - and that said Nancy Gramps has always since that time remained his widow and further says not-
[Signed] Aaron Vedder
Sworn this 10th day of September 1838. before me
[Signed] D. F. Sacia Judge of Montgomery County Courts

State of New York
Montgomery County ss. I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Aaron Vedder & that he is reputable and his affidavit is entitled to full credit Sept 10th 1838-
[Signed] D. F. Sacia Judge of Montgomery County Courts
Page 15

State of New York
Montgomery County Ss. William Snell of the town of Palatine in said County being sworn says that he is a son of Jacob Snell late of Palatine aforesaid who died on the 28th day of August last past - that after the death of the said Jacob deponent examined his papers & that deponent found the annexed affidavit intended for the said Jacob to sware to in the application of Nancy Gramps amongst said Jacob papers drawn up in his own proper hand writing, and this deponent further says that he heard the said Jacob say before his death that he intended to make an affidavit in the case of Nancy Gramps and that he knew of her husband having performed the services therein stated, and further deponent saith not.
[Signed] William Snell
Sworn this 10th day of September 1838, before me -
[Signed] D. F. Sacia Judge of Montgomery County courts

State of New York
Montgomery County Ss  I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named William Snell & that he is reputable and entitled to full credit as a witness Sept 10. 1838.
[Signed] D. F. Sacia Judge of Montgomery County Courts

State of New York
Montgomery County
Clerk's office Ss  I certify that Daniel Sacia Esqr whose name is subscribed to the Jurat &c of the foregoing affidavits & proceedings was on the day of the date thereof a Judge of Montgomery County Courts duly commissioned & qualified & further that the signature subscribed as aforesaid is his genuine Signature
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official Seal this Eleventh day of September A.D. 1838.
[Signed] A. J. Comrie Clerk
[Page #] 12
Page 16

State of N. York
Montgomery County ⎬ Ss On the _day of August 1838 personally appeared before me Jacob Snell of the Town of Palatine County and State aforesaid, who was duly sworn according to Law, deposeth and saith that he has been Personally Acquainted with John P. Gramps, from the time they went to school together, that they had always lived near neighbours, not one mile apart, from the time they were born, until the dec'd died. deponant further saith that he likewise was personally acquainted with Nancy Gramps when she was the daughter of John Bellinger, at the commencement of the Revolutionary War, during the said war, until she became the lawful and legal wife as deponent always  considered her to be, and always did belief her to be of John P. Gramps aforesaid, and deponent further saith, that although not being Present at the time of their Marriage, but always did belief that the said John P Gramp, with the said Nancy Bellinger were legally and lawfully Joined in lawful Wedlock by the Rev'd Daniel Gross D.D. Previous to the final close or termination of the aforesaid Revolutionary War, and deponent further saith that they have cohabited together as Becoming husband and wife according to the best of deponents knowledge and belief, from some time in January 1783, until sometime forepart of August 1819 when he died, when and since which time the said Nancy, became the widow of the said John P Gramps, dec'd and not intermarried again, and yet Living and remaining the widow of the aforesaid John P. Gramps dec'd deponent further saith that he has and did make a thoughrough Search, for the Church records kept by the Rev'd Daniel Gross, D.D. and his Consistory of the Reformed Dutch Church of Canajoharie, but by the best and all the information, deponent has been able to assertain, the said Church at Canajoharie then situate near Fort Plain, latter part of July 1780, and Chiefly all the upper part of then Canajohary, now Minden, was made desolate, and that the Church record kept of marriages and Baptisms gott burned, by the Incendiaries from Canada, and that none of there old records are no more to be found. deponant further State that no doubt can exist, but that the aforesaid John P. Gramps with Nancy Gramps, were legally and lawfully joined in lawful Wedlock sometime in January 1783, previous to the final termination of the aforesaid Revolutionary war, and that in the month of February, the said
[page #] 13
Page 17

[Page #] 14
deceased Soldier was pressed with his slay & horses, and constraint to go under the command of Col Marinus Willett at the time of his Expedition to Oswego deponant further saith, that the deceased husband of the said widow Nancy Gramps has been an Interprizing, faithful, and a true Militia Soldier, that he was attached and did belong to the Company of Militia commanded by Lieut Anrew Dillenbach, who acting as Comm't of said Company, vs, Capt John Keysor Junr. accepted a Lieutenancy und Capt Christopr. P. Yates in the regular army, in the year 1775, and when on the Campaign to Canada, same year taken sick & died & were returned to his place of residence any more, viz to Stonearabia, Town of Palatine, then Tryon County now Montgomery County - that the said John P. Gramps. did belong to the Regt of Militia Commanded by Col Jacob Klock, Genl Herkimers Brigade deponant further saith that the first United States Service which the said dec'd Soldier has rendered, was in the winter believing in January 1776, at the time when the militia were ordered out by Brigade under the command of Genl Nicholas Herkimer, and Genl Philip Schuyler, at the time of the surrender of Sir John Johnson and as always understood with 400, disafected associates &c
deponent further saith that the Militia, during the course of this year, have been frequently and Almost Generally embarged and often and frequently drafted and ordered out in consequence of serious alarms, &c and that the said John P Gramps always from and after the year 1776, from year to year, until, in February 1783 did render United States Service as a brave Militia Soldier, as well as in rendering Batteau Service to the United States.
1777 deponent further saith that the deceased Solder according to the best of his knowledge and belief, was Enlisted and engaged in the Batteau Service Under the command of Capt William Peterson for and during the said tour of boating on the North river, a lenght of boating deponent cannot particalar say, but do declare that he was gone from home at least Seven Months of 1777
1778 deponant further saith that this was an uncommon and Serious year
for the Militia and the Inhabitants of the North & South Westermost part of Tryon County, although impossible to specify each and every Occurrence, but deponant being possitive that the husband of Nancy Gramps, the present widow of John P. Gramps deceased, did not any one tour when thereunto required and commanded omit or neglect in obeying his superiour officers in discharging his duty faithfully,
deponant further saith that Lieut. Andrias viz
Page 18

Andrew Dillenbach on the 6th day of August 1777, the year previous was slain in that ever memorable battle at Oriskany who had the command of the same Company to which the husband belonging to, when under the chief command of Genl Nicholas Herkimer, who was wounded and soon after died. When soon after the same Engagement. Lieut Severnus Cook succeeded in taking the command of the same Company, and continued in command until the final termination of the said Revolutionary war and that during the year 1778, the husband of the present claiment did belong to the Company of Militia commanded by Capt Severenus Cook 
1778 deponant further saith, that the militia during the course of this year from the early part in spring, during summer, until late in fall, have been Generally alarmed and kept on the alert, often times drafted, frequently stationed at their respective forts, in rendering Garrison duty, and that during the Intermedient time or times, when the Incendiaries from Canada, have been committing & causing three different, and Searious Incursions and depredations, Vizt at the time of the General Conflagration in June or July at Spring [illegible] again latter part of September or forepart in October, at the time of the General Conflagration on both sides of the Mohawk river at Herkimer, on the South side of said river down to fort Herkimer, and on the north side down to fort dayton, and at a distance all around the two forts respectively all made desolate,
And again on the 11th day of November at the time of the Cruel Massacre at Cherry valle, when even the life of the mother, was not spared with the child in her womb, and that on each and every incursion as mentioned in the foregoing. Col Klocks Regt was ordered out in mass to each place mentioned, as above, deponent further saith, that once, believing in June same year, ordered to Fort Countryman [there is crossed out] Col Klocks Regt there stationed, when Lieut Wormooth and Ensign Sits were send express to Cherry Valle Lieut Wormooth killed, and Ensign Sits made a prisoner, when the whole Regt were ordered to march to Bowmans Creek, and from Bowmans Creek to Cherry Valle, at least fifteen days, by the time returned, and that during said year the said John P. Gramps at least did under the lenght of 4 months and 15 days United States Service
Page 19

State of New York
Montgomery County ss: On this 8 day of August 1840 personally appeared before me David F Sacia one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County aforesaid Caty Vedder and Aaron Vedder her husband both residents of the town of Palatine in the County aforesaid, the said Caty being of the age of forty eight years & the said Aaron being of the age of sixty one years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on their oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision madeby the act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." that the said Caty Vedder is one of the heirs of John Gramps & Nancy Gramps both now deceased, that the said John Gramps died on the 3d day of August 1819 and the said Nancy Gramps died on the 5th day of September 1838, that the said Nancy Gramps was the wife of the said John Gramps & that after the death of the said John Gramps the said Nancy his wife remained a widow until the time of her death, that as
evidence of the fact that the said John Gramps was a soldier in the revolutionary war & also for evidence of the rank the said John Gramps held in the army of the Revolution & of the services he performed in said war, these applicant refer to the affidavits & papers already on file in the Pension Office, and their applicant also refer to the affidavit & papers on file as
aforesaid for evidence of the fact that the said Nancy Gramps was married to the said John Gramps & of the time when they married & of other facts necessary to establish the claim of these applicants. That these applicants make this declaration as well on the behalf of the said Caty Vedder as on the behalf of the other children & heirs of the said John Gramps & Nancy his wife, that Peter Gramps now a resident of the town of Lafaette, Van Buren County & State of Michigan is a brother to the said Caty Vedder & one of the heirs of the said John & Nancy Gramps and that Edward Shults also of the town of Lafaette Van Buren County State of Michigan & John A. W. Shults of some place unknown to these applicants in the State of Georgia are both children & heirs of Nancy Gramps wife of Christopher Shults, also one of
Page 20

the heirs & children of John Gramps & Nancy his wife the said Christopher Shults & Nancy his wife both being dead, and also that Elizabeth Gramps now a resident of the town of Minden in the County of Montgomery aforesaid & Laney Cook wife of Samuel Cook both now living & residents of the town of Danube in the County of Herkimer & State of New York are each and all of them children & heirs of the said John & Nancy Gramps and that there are no other than those before mentioned, heirs of the said John & Nancy Gramps save Mariah wife of John Reece both now living and residents of the town of Virgil in the County of Cortland & State of New York who is also one of the children and heirs of the said John & Nancy Gramps
[Signed] Aaron Vedder
[Signed] Caty Vedder
Sworn to & Subscribed before me
[Signed] D. F. Sacia Judge of Montgomery County Courts the day & year first above written

State of New York
Montgomery County Ss: Harman Vedder of said County being duly sworn says that he is a Brother to the above named Aaron Vedder and is intimately acquainted with each & all of the individuals named in the foregoing declaration & was also intimately acquainted with John & Nancy Gramps up to the time of their deaths respectively and that the above declaration is true to the knowledge of this deponent as to the heirs & children of the said John & Nancy Gramps now living and that there are no other Children & heirs of the said John & Nancy that are mentioned in the foregoing declaration, that deponent is sixty six years of age-
[Signed] Harman Vedder
Sworn to & Subscribed before me this 8th day of August 1840.  [Signed] D.  F. Sacia Judge of Montgomery County Courts
Page 21

State of New York
Montgomery County ss. I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Aaron Veeder and Caty Vedder the deponents in the first above petition or declaration and also with Harman Vedder the deponent in the second above affidavit and that they are reputable and their statement on Oath is entitled to full credit.
Dated Canajoharie August 8th 1840
[Signed] D. F. Sacia Judge of Montgomery County Courts

State of New York Montgomery County Clerk's office Ss:
I certify that the above named David F. Sacia whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the foregoing affidavits &c. was on the day of the date thereof a Judge of the Montgomery County Courts and duly authorized by the laws of the said State to administer Oaths; and that his signature subscribed to the same is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County & Court this 15th day of September 1840
[Signed] John M Tubbs, Dep. Clerk
Page 22

June 10, 1937
XXXXXX
BA-J/EEL
John P. Gramps-W.17959

Mrs. Geotge Hildenbrand
111 Prindle Avenue
Johnstown, New York
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of John P. Cramps, pension number W.17959, Lieutenant Johannes Ballinger, killed at the battle of Oriskany and Jacob James Kronkheit, variously spelled. Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited trained clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is impossible to comply in full with each request pertaining to soldiers of that war. The record of John P. Grumps is furnished you herein, the data for which were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 17959, based upon his military service in the Revolutionary War.
John P. Gramps (the name appears, also, as Gremps and Grumps) was born in Tryon County, New York. The names of his parents and date of his birth are not shown. While a resident of Stone Arabia, Tryon (later Montgomery) County, New York, John P. Gramps belonged to a company of militia under the command of Lieutenant Andrew Dillenbagh and Colonel Jacob Klock. He entered the service in January, 1778, under the above named officers and served at various times on tours throughout the entire war. Lieutenant Dillenbagh was killed at the battle of Oriskany, August 6, 1777, after which Lieutenant Severinus Cook or Klock took command of the company. Soldier served also under Captain Harry Miller and Colonel Lewis Dubois and Marinus Willett.
It was stated that he participated in the battles of Oriskany, Newtown, Stone Arabia, Klock's Field and Johnstown and in many skirmishes with the Indians and Tories in said Tryon County and along the Mohawk River. He was in a battle called "Landmans Battle" and marched to Cherry Valley at the time of the massacre at that place. He also served three tours as a batteau man, one tour of the Hudson River under Captain William Peterson, in 1778, and two
[Handwritten note in left margin pointing to line stating that Lt. Dillenbach was killed at Oriskany] Verified this in New York Archives

[Handwritten note in right margin] This service was very long & greatly mixed up & I had to make it more or less general

[A handwritten note pointing to "Landmans Battle"] Could not identify
Page 23

tours on the Mohawk in 1779 and 1780, under Captain Samuel Gray. This service lasted from the time the ice broke up in the river until late in the fall of each year. In 1779, the boats conveyed the troops under General James Clinton to Tioga Point on the Susquehanna River where they joined the army under General Sullivan and went under that officer in his expedition against the Indians. In 1780, the boats carried provisions and other necessary supplies from Schenectady to Fort Stanwix and other forts along the Mohawk. In January, 1783, he went under Colonel Marinus Willett on an expedition to Oswego Fort, and drove his team of black horses and sleigh and did not return until sometime in March of that year. The entire length of his service was over two years.
John P. Gramps married January 17, 1783, Nancy, daughter of John Bellinger. The date and place of birth of Nancy and the name of her mother are not shown. They were married by the Reverend Johann Daniel Gros, D.C., pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church of Canajoharie, New York.
The soldier died August 5, 1819 at Stone Arabia, New York, and his widow died at Palatine, New York, September 8, 1838, aged seventy eight years.
The widow was survived by the following heirs:
Catharine or Caty Gramps, who married Aaron Vedder. In 1840, they were residing in Palatine, New York, she aged forty-eight years and he, sixty-one years.
Peter Gramps, of Van Buren County, Michigan,
Elizabeth Gramps, widow of Daniel Feney, of Fort Plain or Minden, New York.
Laney Gramps, wife of [Daniel is crossed out] Samuel Cook, of Danube, Herkimer County, New York.
Mary or Mariah Gramps, wife of John Reece, of Virgil, New York.
Edward Shults, of Van Buren County, Michigan and John A. W. Shults, of Georgia, children of Nancy Gramps and her husband Christopher
Shults, both deceased.
The pension which was due Nancy Gramps was allowed for the benefit of her surviving heirs.
[Page #] -2-
[Handwritten note top right margin pointing to Tioga Point] Verified this in [illegible]
Page 24

In 1838, Delia Ehle, a sister of Nancy Bellinger Gramps, was aged about seventy years and resided in Minden, New York. She was the widow of John Ehle.
Soldier had a brother, Peter Gramps, also a cousin Hendrick Gramps. There are no further data in regard to Peter or Hendrick.
Harmon Vedder, a brother of Aaron Vedder, husband of Caty Gramps, daughter of the soldier, was living in Montgomery County, New York in 1840, and stated that he (Harmon) was born in 1773.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 25

State of New York
Montgomery County SS:
On this 17th day of December 1840 in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County now sitting. Peter G. Laucks and Peter Cook residents of the town of Palatine County and State aforesaid who being severally first duly sworn according to law doth [depose and say: crossed out] each for himself depose and say that he was acquainted with John P Gramps late of the town County, and State aforesaid who was reputed to be a Revolutionary soldier. that said John P. Gramps died on the 3d day of August 1818 & that he was also acquainted with Nancy Gramps late of the place aforesaid who was the wife of the said John P. Gramps, that the said Nancy died on the 5th day of September 1838, that the said Nancy remained a widow from the aforesaid time of the death of said John P. Gramps her said husband until the aforesaid time of her death, that the following named persons are the only remaining & surviving heirs of the said John P. Grimes & Nancy Gramps to wit Elizabeth Gramps Widow of Daniel Feney now dec'd who now resides in Fort Plain in said County. Laney Gramps wife of Samuel Cook who now resides in the town of Danube, Herkimer County and State aforesaid, Catharine Gramps wife of Aaron Vedder who now resides in the town of Palatine aforesaid, Peter Gramps who now resides in Van Buren County State of Michigan, Edward Shults who now resides in the last mentioned County and State, John A W Shults who resides at some place unknown in the State of Georgia and Mary Gramps wife of John Reese who resides in the town of Virgil, Cortland County and State of New York. that all of the before mentioned Heirs are children of the said John P. Gramps & Nancy his said wife except Edward & John A. W. Shults who are their Grand children and are the children of Nancy Gramps now decd daughter of said John P Gramps & Nancy his said wife and who was the wife of Christopher Shults also now decd. and that all of said, Heirs are of the age of twenty one years & one.
[Signed] Peter G Laucks
[Signed] Peter Cook
Sworn in open Court this 17 December 1840
[Signed] A J Comrie Clerk
Page 26

And the said Court certifies that it appears to them that Peter G Laucks and Peter Cook who have subscribed the foregoing
affidavit are credible persons and that their affidavit is entitled to full credit.
I Alexander J. Comrie Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of the Heirs of John P. Gramps & Nancy his said wife also decd for a pension
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 17th day of December 1840
[Signed] A. J. Comrie
[No seal is visible]
Page 27

August 17, 1937.
BA-J/ILL
[Handwritten note] John P. Gramps W.17959

Mrs. George Hildenbrand
111 Prindle Avenue
Johnstown, New York.

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Lieutenant Johannes Bellinger, who was killed in the battle of Oriskany, New York, the record of Lieutenant Peter Cook and of Colonel Frederick Fisher, or Visher, also of New York. You state also that the name of the husband of Laney Gramps Cook, reported in letter to you in regard to John P. Gramps, W. 1799, as Daniel Cook, should be Samuel Cook.
There is no claim for pension on file based upon service of the Johannes Bellinger, Lieutenant, who was killed at Oriskany, nor of a Frederick Fisher of any northern state, nor of any Frederick Visher or Peter Cook.
The record has been found of Ensign John Bellinger who died in service in the Revolutionary War, which record is furnished you herewith and may aid you in your research.
The papers in pension claim, W. 17959, based upon service of John P. Gramps, here have been re-examined. The name of the husband of Laney Gramps Cook was Samuel Cook and not Daniel Cook, as stated previously. The error is regretted.
[Handwritten note pointing at the last paragraph] Miss Luke's history

Very truly yours,

GEORGE R. SWEET,
Acting Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.

[Handwritten note at bottom of page] See letter in Rev., John Bellinger- W. 16424
Page 28

[This is a 1 cent US Jefferson Postal Card] 
[Round postal stamp top center] JOHNSTOWN N.Y. APR 27 1937 830PM
[Top Right side] 1 cent Jefferson U.S. POSTAL CARD
[Handwritten left side] 25

THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS

Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.
[Round Stamp with numbers 1 to 12 around the outer rim]
RECEIVED APR 28 1937 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS. ADM. [illegible] 5
Page 29

[Back of 1 cent Jefferson postal card]

111 Prindle Ave., Johnstown, N.Y. Apr. 27, 1937.
Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen: (date of birth and death and where?
Kindly give me all information, especially parents, if possible, of John P. Gramps, Rev. War Pension-W17959 and children. Also all information relating to Lieut. Johannes Bellinger, b. abt.1719, killed at Oriskany, Aug 6 Aug. 1777. (He was son of Burnetsfield Patentee, Frederick Bellinger Sr. He died 1768.)
Have you anything regarding JACOB JAMES KRONKHEIT,
also spelled Cronkheit, and sometimes Conklin.
Thank you.
-
Yours respectfully,
Leora M.G. Hildenbrand
(Mrs. George)
Page 30

VEDDER & SNYDER,
FINE HATS AND FURS, CANES, GLOVES,
TRAVELING BAGS, TRUNKS,
WHIPS, UMBRELLAS,
ROBES AND HORSE CLOTHING.

JOSHUA VEDDER.
W. H. SNYDER.

GENTLEMEN'S
FURNISHING GOODS
A SPECIALTY.

Fort Plain, N. Y. Sept 16, 1896.
Kind Sir,
I enclose, herewith, copy of a paper in our family which I trust will prove of use in proving Eligibility to one of the "Patriotic Hereditary Incentive."
May I be favored with information relative to records of your department for which I will be greatly obliged.
Your early favor will be appreciated.
Very truly yours
A.G. Vedder
Page 31

VEDDER & SNYDER,
FINE HATS AND FURS, CANES, GLOVES,
TRAVELING BAGS, TRUNKS,
WHIPS, UMBRELLAS,
ROBES AND HORSE CLOTHING.

JOSHUA VEDDER.
W. H. SNYDER.

Fort Plain, N.Y., ________189
GENTLEMEN'S
FURNISHING GOODS
A SPECIALTY.

Copy
Received of Aaron Vedder One Dollar in full for my share of the pension money of Nancy Gramps
Palatine March 7, 1842
Peter Gramps
-
Nancy Gramps was wife of John P. Gramps born 1758
Page 32

Rev WIDOW, &c.
17959
File No. 17.959
Nancy Gramps widow of John P. Gramps
Priv. Rev. War
Act: July 7th 1838
Index:--Vol. A, Page 290
[Arrangement of 1870.]
[Handwritten note on left margin is illegible]
]Handwritten note on right side of page] Sept 25 [illegible]
Page 33

4
N. York
Nancy Gramps 
letter to D.F. Sacia 5. Nov. 1838
to same 7. Aug. 1839
to same 18 Oct. 1839
Rejected
to same 25. March 1840
same 6 April 1840
to Hon. A. Vanderpoel 16 April 1840
P.J. Wagner 21. April.1840
to same 1. July 1840.
to D. Sacia 17 Nov. 1840
Act 4, July 1830
to D.F. Sacia 21 Sep. 1840
to Hon. P.J. Wagner 21. Oct.1840 [Checkmark]
Page 34

N. York
Nancy Gramps
let. to Hon. J. P. Wagner 19, Dec. 1840
Act July 1836
Page 35

[Written sideways on left side of page] Feb 4. 1842 Catharine Gramps
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC

[Written sideways on right side of page] Hon. J. Sanford H.R.
Page 36

House of Representatives Feb 4 1842
To J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Enclosed I send you an affidavit in relation to the claims of Widow Gramps for Pension.
Please give it such consideration as it merits + inform me.
Most Respectfully
Your Obt Sevt
John Sanford
Page 37

Dec 30 40
F[illegible] Sacia [illegible]
Canajoharie

N.Y.  add proof Nancy Gramps

Canajoharie Dec 26

Free

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Penson Com [Commissioner]
Washington D.C.
Page 38

Canajoharie Decr. 25, 1840
Hon J. L Edwards
Sir
According to your views of the Pension of Nancy Gramps I send you the proceedings of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery showing the death of John P. Gramps & Nancy Gramps and the names of their heirs - to entitle them to a pension under the act of '38.
Respectfully Yours &c
[Signed] D. F. Sacia
Page 39

In the matter of the pension of Widow Gramps
Affidavit
Page 40

State of New York
Montgomery County Ss: David F. Sacia of said County, being duly sworn deposes and says that Judge Snell of the town of Palatine in the County of Montgomery a revolutionary Soldier made out the original pension papers of Catharine Gramps widow of John P Gramps of said town of Palatine Deceased. That within a few days after making out such papers the said Snell consulted this Deponent as to the sufficiency of the proof relevant to the services of said Gramps after the marriage of said Gramps to said Catharine and during the revolutionary war
That this deponent was of opinion and so informed said Snell that the evidence contained in said Original papers was not sufficient, that thereupon the said Snell informed this deponent that he Snell could swear to services performed by said Gramps after his marriage with the said Catharine and before the close of the revolutionary war sufficient to entitle the said widow to a pension under the act of 1836. That he had known him during that period to perform services on scouting parties to stand centry in garrison at Stone Arabia and elsewhere besides the services that he rendered in going with Colonel Willett on an expedition to Oswego, that the said Snell writing a few days thereafter and before he made affidavit of the
Page 41

above services suddenly died and further this deponent says not
[Signed] D.F. Sacia
Sworn and subscribed this 28th day of December 1841 before me -
[Signed] J. F. Van Alstine Justice
Page 42

Sept 18 1840
N.Y. 
Add proof
Nancy Gramps
[illegible]
Fr
Hon. J. L Edwards Pension Com'r [Commissioner] Washington D.C. 
[circular stamp] [illegible] Sept [illegible 20?] N.Y.
Page 43

Canajoharie Sept 15. 1840
Hon J L. Edwards
Sir
Enclosed I send you papers in behalf of the heirs of the Widow Gramps for her pension under the act of 1838  I find no form for such an application but I presume a full
statement of the facts of the case is all that can be required & this I have given & it is duly proved as will be seen  
I have since I rec'd [received] your last on this subject concluded to put the application in this shape & you will recollect that the services by her husband are fully proved in the former
papers & by you admitted. I hope you will do the best you can in this case - & should we hereafter discover sufficient proof to bring this case within the act of 36 that it will not be too late to do so-- I am told that it can be proved that Gramps not only took his arms with him in the Expedition with Willett to Oswego, but that he helped carry the ladder with which they intended to scale the walls after they left
the sleighs  would that be sufficient to bring the case within the act of 36?
Yours truly
D.F. Sacia
Page 44

State of New York
Montgomery County ss. 
Henry Murphey [Murphy] of the town of Minden in said County being duly sworn says that he is Seventy Eight years of age that this deponent this one of the party who went with Col [Colonel] Willett on his expedition to take the fort of the British at Oswego in the Revolutionary war - that this deponent went as a substitute for one John Loucks with whom deponent lived at that time as an apprentice
to the Tanner & currying [curing?] business and who was ordered into said service with
his sleigh and hacks-- that this Expedition took place according to deponants best recollection in Jany & February 1783 this deponent was
personally acquainted with John Gramps of Stone Arabia in the County aforesaid before said Expedition and this deponent has a distinct recollection that said Gramps was one of the soldiers under said Willett in said
expedition that said Gramps had his sleigh and horses with him and carried a load of Soldiers that said party under said Willett on their way towards said Oswego Fort till they got to place called Fort Brewington and about three miles down the River below said Fort Brewington when the said party could get no further with the sleighs and horses that said John Gramps left his sleigh and horses in charge of a German by the name of Ship and then went in company with the soldiers who accompany'd [accompanied] said Willett armed and equiped [equipped] for the purpose of aiding said Willett on said expedition-- that this deponent remained with the Sleigh & horses of said Loucks until the said party returned, the said
party returned  - that said party according to deponents best recollection returned to their sleighs after about two or three days that they declared that they had not been able to find the fort at Oswego & that the expedition had wholly failed & that many of said men were badly frozen and that said deponent well recollect of seeing said Gramps when said party returned & deponent has no doubt that said Gramps was at that time not only but in other occasions during the Revolution a good faithful soldier and that deponent during said Revolutionary war lived in Canajoharie in said County & further says not
Henry Murphy
Subscribed & Sworn this 29th day of September 1840 - before me-
D.F. Sacia Judge of Montgomery County Courts
Page 45

State of New York
Montgomery County ss.
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Henry Murphy who made the within affidavit & that he is reputable & his affidavit is entitled to full credit - Canajoharie September 29th 1840
D.F. Sacia Judge of Montgomery County Courts & [illegible]
State of New York Montgomery County Clerk's Office ss
I certify that the above named David F. Sacia whose name is subscribed to the [illegible] of the foregoing affidavit &c. was on the day of the date thereof a judge of the Montgomery County courts and duly authorized by the laws of the said state to administer oaths; and that his signature subscribed to the same is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of the said county this 13th day of October 1840.
John M. Tubbs, Deputy Clerk of Montgomery County
Page 46

of
P.J. Wagner
M.C.
James A. Edwards Esq
Washington D.C.
Page 47

Fort Plain Oct 15 1840 

Dr. Sir, 
Let me again call your attention to the case of Mrs. Gremps who resides but 3 miles from me. The omissions you objected to last spring & summer in this case, I believe to be now fully supplied in the affect of Mr. Murphy, an old friend of mine for 30 yrs, who in the Revolution & ever since resided from Gramps residence, but from 3 to about 8 miles & of course must probably know much of Gremps & his services.
I cannot but hope you will now be able to give Mrs. G the pension for which she has so long struggled & which I believe she richly deserves, both in fact and (may I not add?) from the papers now before you; Try again sir, & "Old Sir" shall & will reward you for attentions to soldiers & widows. his motto is 
"When has I a friend that was not Polidore's be Polidore a foe, that was not mine"
With sentiments of upmost respect, yours & c. 
P.J. Wagner
Page 48

[Written sideways on the page] Oct 19 1840
N.Y.
Free Sacia P.M.
Canajoharie

Free
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Pension Comr.
Washington D.C.

Canajoharie Oct 16
Page 49

Canajoharie Oct 15 1840 

Hon J.L. Edwards

Dr Sir
I have rec'd yours on the subject of the last application of the heirs of Mrs. Gramps stating that they must all join in the application before a court of record. You will see from the declaration that that is impossible for some are in Michigan & some in Georgia or in parts unknown consequently we shall be compelled to abandon that application & still claim her pension under the act of 30. I have accordingly procured another affidavit from a Henry Murphy who was in service with Gramps after the marriage as will appear from his affidavit which I handed to Hon. P.J. Wagner member of congress to present to you calculating as the last resort to lay the papers all before the proper committee at next session provided this application is still rejected. I confess that I think it a very clear case as it now stands with the aid of Murphy's afft. 
Very respectfully yours &c
[Signed] D.F. Sacia
Page 50

[Written sideways on the page] Nov 10. 40
N.Y.
 
free 
Hon. J.L. Edwards
Pension Comr.
Washington D.C.
Page 51

Canajoharie Nov. 7. 1840
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir
Henry Murphey whose afft last sent you in behalf of the heirs of Widow Nancy Gremps, lives some distance from me & I have not yet been able to see him to ascertain whether he recollects the Capt under whom Gremps served in the Expedition against Oswego. I have however seen some of the heirs of the widow who say that they think it must have been Capt Saml Gray unless these men were commanded by Regular officers & they alledge that they have understood that there were some Regular officers with Col Willett - how this is I know not - If you look at the Rolls of that expedition I think you will find John Gremps on Grays list - if Gray was there which I presume he was - there was also a militia Capt living in that quarter by the name of Cook then called Kouch [Kouch is underlined] he might have been under him. When I took the declaration in this case for Judge Snell (now dec'd) he consulted on the point in question. I told him that he had not sufficient evidence to establish service after the marriage - he then told me that he was himself known to service after the marriage that was to be satisfactory & that he intended to make an afft in this case which it appears he had not done before his death for he died very soon after he mentioned the service in the Expedition under Willett & other service in guarding a fort & in driving back some Tories & Indians who appeared in that quarter. You will do us a favor by having the Rolls Examined for we are confident his name will be found there a soldier.
I will see Murphey soon & if he remembers the Capt or officer under whom Gremps served I will send you an afft. We are sorry to give
Page 52

to much trouble in this case I hope it will be done soon-
Very Respectfully Yours
D, F, Sacia
Page 53

[Written sideways on the left side of page] Nov 18. 1840 N.Y. 

[Written sideways on the right side of page] Heirs of Nancy Gramps
 Nov. 18. 1840

[25 is crossed out]
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Pension Comr
Washington D.C.

Canajoharie Nov 15
Page 54

Hon J L. Edwards      Canajoharie Nov. 14. 1840-
Sir
Since I wrote you last I have seen Henry Murphey on the subject of the claim of the Heirs of the widow Gremps-
Murphey says he has no recollection of the officer who commanded the party to which John Gramps belonged in the Expedition with Willett ag't Oswego in 82-83. he says that the party to which he (Murphey) belonged were commanded by an officer who came with Col. Willett from Albany by the name of Pierce, thinks he
was a Capt & believes he was a Regular officer-
He says he saw Gremps often with Willett with whom he was intimate & he says he believes that the whole party was commanded by regular officers such he says has always been his impression-- Yet as to this he says he may be mistaken. The probability is (as those men are all pretty much dead) that we will get but little more light on this subject unless it is to be found in your papers or rolls found at Albany - I do hope that your conclusions in this matter will be favorable.
Very Respectfully Yours &c
[Signed] D. F. Sacia
Page 55

[A calculation is written on the left side of the page] 240 / 1500 (62
1440
600

free

Hon Peter J. Wagner
Member of Congress
Washington D.C.

[Round postal stamp]
FONDA N.Y. DEC 1
Page 56

Canajoharie Nov 30- 1840-
Hon J. L. Edwards
Dear Sir/
If it be true that there is no evidence to contradict the affidavit of Henry Murphey & others which are before you in the case of Nancy Gremps as to the services of John P or John Gremps as a soldier in the expedition of Willett to Oswego in 82-3- why is it that she is refused a pension under the act of 36. I confess that I am no little surprised at the strictness held in their case when the fact is & so it  appears from the papers in my humble opinion that no man who served as a soldier in Revolutionary war in the county of Montgomery was more meritorious than John Gremps. I should like to have an answer whether the pension in this case will or will not be allowed upon the evidence before you under the act of 1836 -
Respectfully Yours
[Signed] D. F. Sacia

Mr Wagoner
Dear Sir
I intended to have sent the above letter directly to Mr. Edwards but have concluded to have it pass through your hands to him- he wrote me that there was no record evidence on Rolls to contradict Murphey & others affts as to the service after the marriage - in the case of John Gremps- the Commisioner has already adjudged that he had proved sufficient services to entitle him to a full pension but that the evidence as to services rendered by Gremps after the marriage [after the marriage has been underlined] was not sufficient- well now Murphey & others have sworn/ veratively as to his service at Oswego & that he went & served as a soldier and this is admitted to be after the marriage-now if
Page 57

[Written sideways on the left side of page] Dec 11. 1840 J.W. at N.Y. Nancy Gramps

James L. Edwards Esqr.
Washington D.C.

[Written sideways on the right side of page]
Hon. P. J.  Wagoner H.R.
Page 58

House Reps December 10. '40
Dear Sir
You see I am again delegated to ask you again to look at this Gremps matter - try once more, if then I will quit under act of '36 & I hope Judge Sacia will
Yours Tr.
P.J. Wagner
Page 59

[Written sideways on the left side of page] June 30. 1840 N. Gramps

P. J. Wagner M.C.

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Washington D.C.

[Written sideways on right side of page]
Hon P. J. Wagner H.R.
Page 60

House Reps     June 29, 1840
Sir
We unite in earnest desiring your attention to the enclosed case of Judge Sacia & to grant it, if possible -  We hope this effort will be successful 
Truly yours ,
P.J. Wagner
A Vanderpoel
Page 61

State of New York
Herkimer County ⎬Ss:
William Foster of Manheim in said County, being duly sworn saith that he was Eighty four years old on the 2d day February last - that he was well acquainted with John Gramps late of Stonearabia in the town of Palatine in the County of Montgomery now deceased that he became acquainted with said Gramps at Stonearabia in the early part of the Revolutionary War that this Deponent and the said Gramps were enrolled and served in the same company of Militia at Stonearabia from the year 1777 to the close of the war - that this Deponent does not mean to be understood that their Militia service in said company was a continual uninterrupted service but the same was occasional only and at times when this Deponent & the said Gramps were not otherwise employed in service- that this Deponent and the said Gamps were also enlisted together for two successive years being the years 1779 & 1780 in the Boat Service on the Mohawk River and with Genl Sullivans Expedition under Capt. Samuel Gray, that the Militia company in which this Deponent & the said Gramps were enrolled was for several years in said was commanded by Capt Sefreinus Koch (or Cook)
Page 62

that from the time of their first acquaintance until the death of the said John Gramps which occurred about twenty years ago the said John & this deponent lived on terms of intimacy -- that this deponent was also acquainted with Nancy (or Anna) the wife of the said John Gramps whose maiden name was Bellinger -- that the said Nancy & the said John intermarried towards the latter part of the war but this deponent cannot state the precise time but is certain it was before the close of the war --
And this deponent further sayeth that he well reccollects the expedition of Col. Marinus Willett with the Mohawk Militia to Oswego just about the close of the war, to destroy the enemy's fort at that place -- that on the occasion of the said expedition all the militia on the Mohawk from Tribes Hill to Herkimer were ordered out in masse and did accompany the said expedition and amongst others the whole of the said Militia Company in which the said John Gramps & this deponent were enrolled, was ordered out and did proceed to Oswego with Col. Willett on said expedition
Page 63

enrolled was ordered and also did proceed to Oswego with Col Willett on said Expedition although this deponent did not personally accompany the said Expedition for the reason that he this Deponent was at the time absent to Albany and the said expedition had proceeded on before the return of this Deponent home from Albany - that although this Deponent did not attend yet he on his return home from Albany learnt that John Gramps accompanied the said Expedition and this deponent on the return of the said Expedition was informed by the said John and by others who accompanied him that he the said John was in said Expedition and this deponent does not now nor did he ever doubt the truth of the said John's accompanying the said Expedition and this deponent further saith that the said expedition was undertaken in the winter season and that many of the men ordered out on said Expedition, who owned sleighs & horses took with them their teams, and this Deponent notwithstanding that he did not attend always understood and believed and now believes that the said John Gramps took with him on said Expedition his sleigh and team - that the brotherinlaw of this Deponent a man by the name of Martin Leffler of Albany Bush in the neighborhood of Tribes Hill & Johnstown accompanied the said Expedition as a member of a Militia company with his
Page 64

sleigh & team - that from the understanding which this deponent [which he: is crossed our] at the time had and now has of the said expedition and service he this Deponent then believed and now believes that the said Gramps and the said Leffler and others of the Militia who accompanied the said Expedition with their teams carried with them also their arms and all the equippage of the Militia and that they were subject to and performed all the services and duties of Soldiers on said Expedition - that this Deponent on the return of the said Expedition was informed also that all the men that went on said Expedition when they came in the vicinity of Fort Oswego left their sleighs and were piloted towards the Fort on foot and Snow Shoes and were misled by their pilot and conducted in a different direction from the Fort and the men having become unable to proceed from cold and suffering were compelled to return to their sleighs and return home and the expedition entirely failed, that many of the men were badly frozen-- that another reason that this Deponent has for believing that the men who accompanied this Expedition with their Sleighs, carried with them all their arms and performed the usual duties of the soldier is that during said war, this deponent on one occasion which was in the winter season also accompanied a detachment of Militia who were ordered out from
Page 65

Stonearabia to proceed up the Mohawk River to take a Tory and some of his friends who were sheltering & protecting him by the name of Klock, when the detachment proceeded also with sleighs and teams carried with them also their arms and performed the same duties that were discharged by the rest of the men - that another reason for his believing is that whilst this deponent was in the Boot service the company of Boatmen in which he served left their Boats in Oneida Lake under arms and proceeded on with the Expedition to Onondaga Castle to take the Onondaga Indians and performed all the duties of the regular soldier notwithstanding that they had been enlisted into the Boat service- that from those circumstances as well as the understanding which this Deponent always had of the service on the said Oswego Expedition, this deponent believes and always believed that the said John Gramps notwithstanding that he attended the said Expedition with his team attended the
Page 66

same also as a soldier and performed all the duties that were required from the Soldiers attending the said Expedition - and this deponent further saith that he is almost blind and cannot write his name without assistance.
[Signed] William Feeter
Subscribed and sworn to this 12th day of June 1840 before me Charles Gray and I the said Charles Gray do hereby further certify that on account of almost total deprivation of eye sight I assisted the said William Feeter & unto his name to the foregoing Affidavit and further that I am well acquainted with the said William Feeter and that he is a person of good reputation and his statements are entitled to full credit - and also that two interlineations were made on the first page, one on the 4th two in the 5th and that two unimportant obliterations were made in the foregoing Affidavit before the same was sworn by Mr. Feeter-
[Signed] Chas Gray a Judge &c & Counsellor &c
Page 67

State of New York
Herkimer County
I hereby certify that Charles Grey Esq the person making the above certificate & before  whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been known was on the day of the date thereof a Judge of the Herkimer County Court duly Commissioned and qualified and further that I am well acquainted with his life and writing & verily believe the above deposition purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my license and affixed the seal  of the said County this fourteen day of June One thousand Eight hundred
E.A. Munson Deputy
for John Dyget Clerk
Page 68

[Written sideways on the page]
Apr 3.1840
[Illegible] No Svce
Nancy Gramps

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Pension Comr.
Washington D.C

[Round Postal Stamp]
CANAJOHARIE [Illegible]
Page 69

State of New York
Montgomery County Harmon Vedder of the town of Palatine in said county being sworn says that he  the Deponant was born in the year 1773 that he has ever since his birthlive in said town at a place called Stone Arabia- that during Revolutionary War deponant lives within a very short distance of John Gremps the husband of  
Nancy Gremps an applicant for a pension= & within a quarter of a mile & that Deponant in the year 1783 was well acquainted with the said John Gremps & Nancy his wife- that Deponant knows that said John & Nancy were married before Col. Willets Expedition to Oswego in 1783-  and Deponant also will recollect that said John Gremps was one of the party who left Stone Arabia in company with Col Willets  & others in the month of January 1783 for  Fort up the Mohawk in order to serve in said Expedition that Deponant saw said John Gremps leave home in a sleigh in company with said Willet- that Deponant after his return heard the said John relate the circumstances attending said Expedition & its failure & their causes- such as being misled by an Indian guide being deep snow that many of the men were frozen in their feet & that they were out of provisions fodder of and this Desponant further says that he has no doubt of the fact that said John & Nancy were married some time in the year 1782 or the first of the year 1783 & before said Expedition & further says not-
Harmon Vedder

Subscribed & sworn this 16th day of April 1840 before me-
D.F.Sacia Judge of Montgomery
common pleas & counsellor
Page 70

State of New York
Montgomery County Ss. I certify that I am personally acquainted with the within named Harman Vedder & that he is one of our most reputable citizens & his affidavit is entitled to full Credit April 14, 1840
[Signed] D. F. Sacia Judge of Montgomery County Court
Counsellor &c

State of New York
Montgomery County
Clerks office Ss I certify that the above named David F. Sacia Esquire whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the foregoing affidavit &c was on the day of the date thereof a Judge of the Montgomery County Courts Counsellor &c and duly authorized by the Laws of the said State to administer Oaths and that his signature Subscribed to the same is genuine
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of my office this 15th day of April 1840
[Signed] A J. Comrie Clerk
Page 71

Canajoharie March 31. 1840.
Hon J. L. Edwards
Sir
I have rec'd yours of March 25. stating that in the case of Nancy Gremps the affidavit of Col Wm Feeter proves 3 years service as Batteauman - this I have no doubt is right - I have no copies of the affidavit of Sits & others in support of the claim; but if my recollection serves me Sits proves only two years & I presume rightfully so far I believe that Sits did not serve with Gremps or know any thing of the service of Gremps on the Hudson river. I have the utmost confidence in the statement and recollection of Feeter he is a strong minded & very reputable man, and although others may not remember the same length of service yet that should not discredit Feeter. Since I sent you Feeter afft I sent you in this case the certificate of the Comptr showing that this Gremps performed some land service also, and an afft of Charles Gray who had all his life lived in the neighborhood of Gremps, heard Gremps & his (Gray) father & uncle talk this matter & their revolutionary services all over & at a time when no pension as thought of & in which he confirms every fact stated in the papers of the widow so far as hear say evidence & reputation will go. Finally Mr Edwards I think there can be no doubt of the justice of this claim- it is notorious amongst us who live in the neighborhood where those Gremps growed up when they fought during the Revolution & have lived ever since- (save such as were killed in the war) that they were amongst the best men that lived in this quarter during the days of the revolution & that they were in fact all fight [all fight is underlined] & I hope you will not hesitate to give her a full pension. The widow is now dead & the fact is that you will not be troubled long with any of those widows for they are going to their long home rappidly-
In haste your Respectfully
[Signed] D. F. Sacia
Page 72

February 24, 1840
FM

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commr. of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Page 73

Canajoharie N.Y. Feby 18. 1840
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Dear Sir,
 Enclosed I send you additional evidence in the case of John Gremps, an applicant whose heir, (striked through) an applicant for pension, in my last letter I stated that thecomptroller had examined his office & could find no evidence of the service of said John, but since then an Individual whom affidavit is here in enclosed has made search in the Comptroller office & found an entry of service which the Comptroller has certified as you will see, this is all the evidence which can be obtained and this affidant of Mr. Gray herein enclosed shows why more cannot be obtained & shown too state this application has merit in it, a speedy completion of this matter will oblige all concerned.
Truly Yours
D.F. Sacia
by Brk
Page 74

Jan 20 1840
NY 
Aoo Proof 
Mrs. Gramps
Thee
Hon J. L. Edwards 
Pension Com-
Washington D.C.
Page 75

Canajoharie Jany 13 1840

Hon John L. Edwards
 Dear Sir
In the case of the application of widow Gremps it was stated in one of your letters that further proof was wanted in order to entitle her to pay for more than 9 months service- Enclosed is an afft which I think will satisfy you that this John Gremps was in truth a good soldier & that his widow is entitled to a full pension. Please give me an answer soon_
Respectfully Yours
D.F. Sacia
Page 76

State of New York 
Herkimer County

Ss: William Feeter of the town of Manhein recently of Little Falls in said county being duly sworn saith that he will be eighty four years of age on the second day of February next that he was born in Lyon now Montgomery county in said state and came to reside at a place called Stone Arabia in said county in the month of August 1777 a short time after the Oriskany Battle- that at Stone Arabia he immediately after his arrival he became acquainted with John Gremps who is now deceased and that  he continued an intimate acquaintance with him through the Revolutionary War and until the day of said death- that said John Gremps died at Stone Arabia about twenty years ago- that in the winter of the year 1778 which was the winter after this deponent came to reside at Stone Arabia this deponent was the said John Gremps and one Andrew Gray who is now also deceased went from Stone Arabia to the city of Albany together for the purpose of enlisting into the Boat service of the Untited States on the Mohawk River- that on their arrival at Albany they ascertained that no enlistments for the service on the Mohawk River were made for that year that the said John Gremps and the said Gray both enlisted into the Boat service on the Hudson River for the period of nine months in a company commanded by Capt. William Peterson and this deponent was present at the time the said Gremps& Gray were mustered into service which was at Albany in the month of February
Page 77

1778 - that this deponent did not himself enlist for the reason of his unwillingness to serve on the Hudson River - That this Deponent returned to Stonearabia where he had been previously enrolled in a company of Militia commanded by Sefrenus Cook & in which he this deponent had served until that time [following winter; has been crossed out] that from the time that the said Gremps entered upon his said term of service under his said enlistment which was early in the spring of 1778 the said Gremps and the said Gray both remained absent from Stonearabia which was also the residence of the said Gremps & Gray until the winter following after the expiration of the said period of nine months enlistment when they both returned home together to Stonearabia from their said service on the Hudson River. That from the fact of the said enlistment and the continued absence of the said Gramps for the said term of his said enlistment and from the declarations and statements of the said Gremps & Gray on their return home, and at all times during their lives thereafter this Deponent believed and now believes and has no doubt whatever that the said Gremps served in the Boat service of the United States on the Hudson River for the term of nine months in the year 1778.
And this Deponent further Saith that in the winter of the year 1779 this Deponent and the said John Gremps & the said Andrew Gray at Albany enlisted together into the Boat service of the United States in a company commanded by Capt. Samuel Gray for the period of nine months and that
Page 78

the said Gremps & Gray & this Deponent severally served the said term of nine months that they were mustered together in Albany in February 1779 but did not enter up active duty until the opening of navigation on the Mohawk early in the Spring following - that this service was rendered by accompanying the expedition up the Mohawk and from thence through Wood Creek into the Oneida Lake to the Onondaga Castle of Indians, under the command of Col. Van Dyck or Van Schaick and whether Van Dyck or Van Schaick this deponent cannot now state - that they took about thirty prisoners whom they carried in their Boats to Schenectady, that the said Company of Boatmen afterwards returned with their Boats up the Mohawk River in company with Genl James Clinton to the neighborhood of Fort Plain whence they crossed over by land to Lake Otsego and from thence down to Tioga Point where they joined Genl Sullivan and proceeded up the Chemung River with Sullivan Expedition to Newtown where they had a battle - that said company remained on said service and in the fall of the year returned with Genl Sullivan down the Susquehannah to Wyoming and from thence by land to Eastown in Pennsylvania where they were they remained until they were discharged the later part or November or 1st of December 1799
And this Deponent further saith that in the winter of 1780 this deponent, the said John Gremps & the said Gray again enlisted into the Boat service of the United States in the
Page 79

[In the left side margin] 9
said Company of Boatmen commanded by the said Capt Samuel Gray and that they all again served together the said full term of nine months-- they were again mustered together at Albany in February and early in the ensuing spring entered upon duty on the Mohawk River- this last term of enlistment was served on the Mohawk River wholly in the transportation of supplies for the troops and men stationed at different places and Forts on the Mohawk River from Schenectady to Fort Stanwix. That the said two last mentioned periods of enlistment were each for nine months that the said Gremps and Gray & this deponent at each time enlisted together served together & were discharged together.
That besides the said service of the said Gremps aforesaid the said Gremps performed duty also as a private in the said Company of Militia commanded by Sefrenus Cook in which [this Deponent: is crossed out] the said Gremps was also enrolled - that said Company was attached to a Regiment commanded by Col. Jacob Klock & Lieut. Col. Peter Waggoner that in this company the said Gremps & this Deponent continued to be enrolled and to serve until the close of the war. That during the periods of their enlistment in the Boat service they were occasionally called from their Boats and with the Militia pursued the enemy or resisted their attacks. That in the year 1780 as this deponent believes this deponent & the said Gremps & Gray with a party of Militia under the command of Capt Jacob Sammons went in pursuit of a party of Tories & Indians about three miles north of Palantine Church where they
Page 80

fell in with the enemy and when an Indian of the enemy's party was shot by said Gray- that this Deponent Recollects distinctly that said Gremps was then there present - that this Deponent believes said Gremps was also in the engagement at Johnstown in the fall of the year 1781 called the Johnstown Battle under the command of Col Willett - that this deponent does not remember seeing said Gremps in the engagement but knows that the company to which he belonged at the Battle and that said Gremps always alleged that he was in said Battle and this deponent never doubted the truth of his having been in said Battle That the Johnstown Battle was late in the fall of 1781. That the said Gremps was a true and spirited soldier and a man of true courage. That said Gremps was engaged also [illegible cross out] in the Battle at Stonearabia [in the year: crossed out] called Brown's Battle being the battle wherein Col Brown was killed, as this Deponent believes.
And this Deponent further
Page 81

saith that he is almost deprived of his eye sight, and is therefore unable to write his name with the same uniformity that he has heretofore done and which is the reason of the dissimilarity of his signature
[Signed] William Feeter
Subscribed and sworn to this 27th day of December 1839 before me Charles Gray a Judge of Herkimer County Court, and I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said William Fester and have known him for more the twenty five years and that he is a person of fine character and his statements are entitled to full credit.
[Signed] Chas Gray
Page 82

Herkimer County
Clerks Office
[County seal is illegible]

I hereby certify that Charles Gray Esq before whom the above affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date thereof a Judge of the Herkimer County Courts duly commissioned & qualified and further that I am well acquainted with his handwriting & verily believe the above signatures to the said affidavit & to the above certificate purporting to be his are genuine. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affirm the seal of the said County this 30th day of December, AD 1839. 
[Signed] E. A.  Munson Depty for John Dygert Clerk
Page 83

Free
Hon J. L. Edwards
Pension Commissioner
Washington D.C.

Canajoharie N.Y.
Oct 4th 1839

[Written sideways on the left side of page]
Oct 9. {illegible]
Page 84

Hon J.L. Edwards    Canajoharie Oct. 5.1839
Dr Sir
In the application for a Pension on the part of the widow Gremps I am advised to refer you to the affidavit of Col William Feeter in the application of Widow Catharine Gray - widow of Andrew Gray and it is supposed that that affidavit discloses services rendered by John Gremps the husband of the applicant during the Revolutionary War.
It is supposed that Peter Sits the witness in Mrs Gramps case is probably mistaken as to the place of rendering one Year of the service claimed, that one years service was rendered in boating on the Hudson River instead of the Mohawk. How this is I know not You will be better able to judge when you look at the papers.
Esq. Gray of Herkimer who has examined the case of Mrs Gremps and who drew up the papers above referred to or some of them says that he has no doubt of the fact that it appears from Col Feeters afft that Gramps rendered one years service under Capt Peters (I think) on the Hudson River.
Please look at this matter & let me hear from you as to this case if the Evidence is not satisfactory let me know what is wanting as I have no doubt it can be supplied & I have full faith that this is a meritorious case.
Yours truly
[Signed] D. F. Sacia
Page 85

Aug 19
NY Aooe proof
Hon John L. Edwards
Pension Court Washington
Page 86

Canajoharie Aug. 14, 1839
Hon J. L. Edwards
Dr Sir

I have inserted the name of "Peter Sits" where it should have been but was omitted by mere mistake. he lives some distance from me & to retake his affidavit would be attended with some trouble & Expense to the party. But if this will not do please return it to me & I will see it property done and as you may require - if this is all right then please make this widow suit allowance as under all the circumstances you may think just and send me the certificate.
Very respectfully yours &c
[Signed] D. F. Sacia

Permit me to call your attention to the papers of the widow of Silas Stilwell. She is a very poor worthy, woman & ought to have some relief.
Page 87

State of New York
Montgomery County Ss. On the 28th day of December 1838 personally appeared before me David F Sacia one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas of said County Peter Sits who being by me duly sworn says that he was seventy Eight years old on the 15th day of August last past that he the deponent was in the service of the Revolutionary War as a Batteauman and for the term of Two years under Samuel Gray who was captain-- that the deponent knows of his own knowledge that John P. Gramps with whom the deponent was intimately acquainted was also during the said Two years in said Batteau service- and this deponent says that said Gramps was under the command of said Captain Samuel Gray during the whole of two years service that this deponent & said Gramps together with the other men in said service commenced their service each year early in the spring & as soon as the ice was out of the Mohawk and continued their service in boating up & down said River and Elsewhere until stopped by the rivers closing by ice-- that this deponent cannot state in what year he & said Gramps served as aforesaid but he is positive that the second years service was the year when Clinton went on the Military expedition down the Susquehannah River to Tioga Point and that this deponent & said Gramps under said Gray were engaged in that service in managing the boats & that this deponent & said Gramps and said company under said Gray went down the River as far as Wyoming - and that this deponent & said Gramps under said Gray were engaged continually six months in this Expedition-- and he further says that during the residue of the season of that year the said Company under said Gray including said Gramps & deponent were engaged in boating provisions liquor and ammunitions of war from Schenectady up the Mohawk to Canajoharie at a place near one Freys from which place the boats & provisions &c was transported by land to Cooperstown-- And this deponent further says that the other years that he served as such boatman under said Gray was the year previous to the year above stated and that said Gramps also served in said company that year to his knowledge, and that said company the first year of their service began boating as soon as the ice left the river at Schenectady & that said Gramps was also in this company during the whole of the season the last mentioned year, that the said company were principally employed the last mentioned season in boating provisions liquors & ammunitions of war from Schenectady to Fort Stanwix and that they assisted Col Willet in carrying soldiers in their boats to Oneida Lake when he went on some indian
Page 88

Expedition and that after Willets army landed they want & destroyed some Indian Settlement & took some squaw prisoners & then returned to where the boat lay which this deponent said Gramps & said company guarded & then the said army was brought back to the fort Stanwix by said boats- and that the said company in this Oneida Lake Laurie including said Gramps spent about 14 or 15days- that said company was constantly imployed during the whole of said Service above specified and that he has no doubt but that said Gramps was engaged in said service with deponent under said Gray for the term of 8 or 9 months in each of said two years- that during said first year Service being the year before the Expedition under Clinton- that said company were generally about one month going with their boats & loading from Schenectady to 
Fort Stanwix & back again to Schenectady, including delays in loading & unloading & occasional high water - & that they performed during the first season Eight trips from Schenectady to Fort Stanwix- besides the trip they took to Oneida Lake as foresaid- & that said John P Gramps was a bold determined soldier and rendered during all the time a foresaid- faithful services-
Sworn this 28th day of December 1838 before me
D.F.Sacia Judge of the court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County
Peter Sits + his Mark

State of New York
Montgomery County JS. I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Peter Sits that he is reputable this affidavit is 
entitled to full credit and that he made his Mark to the above affidavit in my presence because he could not write- Dated December 29th, 1838-
D.F.Sacia Judge of the court of Common Please of Montgomery County-

State of New York
Montgomery County
Clerk office J. I do certify that the above named David F. Sacia Whose name is
Page 89

Expedition and that after Willets army landed they want & destroyed some Indian Settlement & took some squaw prisoners & then returned to where the boat lay which this deponent said Gramps & said company guarded & then the said army was brought back to the fort Stanwix by said boats- and that the said company in this Oneida Lake Laurie including said Gramps spent about 14 or 15days- that said company was constantly imployed during the whole of said Service above specified and that he has no doubt but that said Gramps was engaged in said service with deponent under said Gray for the term of 8 or 9 months in each of said two years- that during said first year Service being the year before the Expedition under Clinton- that said company were generally about one month going with their boats & loading from Schenectady to 
Fort Stanwix & back again to Schenectady, including delays in loading & unloading & occasional high water - & that they performed during the first season Eight trips from Schenectady to Fort Stanwix- besides the trip they took to Oneida Lake as foresaid- & that said John P Gramps was a bold determined soldier and rendered during all the time a foresaid- faithful services-
Sworn this 28th day of December 1838 before me
D.F.Sacia Judge of the court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County
Peter Sits + his Mark

State of New York
Montgomery County JS. I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Peter Sits that he is reputable this affidavit is 
entitled to full credit and that he made his Mark to the above affidavit in my presence because he could not write- Dated December 29th, 1838-
D.F.Sacia Judge of the court of Common Please of Montgomery County-

State of New York
Montgomery County
Clerk office J. I do certify that the above named David F. Sacia Whose name is
Page 90

J. L. Edwards Esq
Herewith I send you as required a plain Statement of what Sits knows of the service of Gramps. I have stated the facts precisely as he related them & I hope it will be satisfactory-- this  Sits is now in good health, has a strong mind, but could not remember dates or years & I therefore stated the facts as he related them without supplying dates from history
Your respectfully
[Signed] D. F. Sacia
Jany. 2. 1839-
Page 91

War Department
Pension Office
Nov. 5, 1838

Sir,
The papers of Mrs Nancy Gramps, widow of John P. Gramps, have been examined and filed. The witness Peter Sits is required to make a plain statement of what he knows of the revolutionary services of the claimant's husband. If of his own knowledge he can say that John P. Gramps was in the service as a Batteauman, the name of the Captain should be given, the date, the duration of the tour, and the place or places where rendered.

I am respectfully
Your Obt. Sevt.
[Signed] J L. Edwards

D. F. Sacia Esqr.
Canajoharie
N. York
Page 92

[Written sideways on left side of page] 3809 Sept 17 N.Y. 4 July 1836

Hon J.L. Edwards
Pension Commissioner
Washington D.C.
Page 93

Canajoharie Sept 12. 1838-
Hon J. L. Edwards
Dr. Sir

These papers have been put into my hands in consequence of the death of Judge Snell who was conducting the business. I think they are full and that she will of course receive a pension-
Your truly
[Signed] D. F. Sacia
You will please forward the certificate or any other communication on the subject to me.
as before
[Signed] Sacia
Page 94

The Number and amount of Certificates issued by the Treasurer of the State of New York for Levies & Militia Services &c. Continued from Book No. III.
To whom given | 1782 Dec 31. | 18.832 John Kreams Say't. | 6 | 2 | 8.
1.17

State of New York 
Comptrollers Office
Albany, Jany. 21st, 1840

I hereby certify the above to be true Extracts from Book 4 now remaining in this Office, and also that it appears from the same Book, that the tour above named was under Capt. Sevrinus Klock and that on the first of May 1783, Peter Wagoner was a Lt. Colonel and that Richard Copernol & Samuel Gray were Lieutenants, and also that Peter Kreams was ensign.

[Signed] Bates Cooke
Comptroller  

Fey 38
Page 95

Certificate of Comptroller & Afft. of Chas Gray in respect to service & identity of John Gremps on the application of Anna Gremps his widow for a pension.
Page 96

State of New York
Herkimer County
Charles Gray of the Town of Herkimer in said County being duly sworn saith that he is forty years old and upwards, that he was born at Stonearabia in the town of Palatine and County of Montgomery, in said State and continued to reside there constantly until he was over twenty years of age, when he came to reside at Herkimer where he now resides and where he has resided unintermittingly ever since, that at Stonearabia he was well acquainted with John Gremps from the time of the earliest recollection of this Deponent until the death of the said John which occurred according to the present best recollection of this Deponent twenty years since that said John until his death resided within half a mile of this deponents father and family, being the nearest neighbor of this Deponents father, and that said Gremps and this Deponents father, and their respective families were always during the life time of said John living on terms of intimate Social intercourse. That Andrew Gray deceased who died on or about the 17th day of December 1823 was the father of this Deponent. That this Deponent from the time of his infancy until they afterwards severally died was acquainted also intimately with Peter Gremps who was the brother of the said John Gremps. Henry Gremps who was a cousin of the said John, Samuel Gray, Adam Gray & Robert Gray who were uncles of this Deponent and this Deponent had also seen in his life time. John
Page 97

2
 Gray another Uncle of the deponent, whom this deponent was was about four years old died at Stone Arabia. That this deponent was also acquainted with Sefrene Cook in his life time- that all these persons were residents in their life time of Palatine in the neighborhood where this deponent had born & brought up and that they are now all dead- that this deponent was also acquainted with Anna(or Nancy) Gramps the wife and widow of the said John Gramps who died in August 1938 as this deponent was informed and believes is now and for whom an application for a pension as this deponent is informed and believes is now pending, which application since the death of the widow is now claimed and prosentry by her heirs- that this deponent at the request of Aaron Fedder who is the husband of one of the daughters of the said John & Anna Gramps, recently examined the records of payments made by the State of New York to liners her said on account of Militia& other Military Services rendered in the Revolutionary War in the comptroller office of this state at Albany on the   day of January now last past- that on said examination this deponent saw the entry of payment to John Kearns in the annexed certificate of the
Page 98

of the State of New York set forth and mentioned that this Deponent in the same Book and on the same identical page of the Book discovered also entries of payments made on account of [the same: is crossed out] similar services, to Sefrenus Klock which this Deponent has no doubt was intended for Sefrenus Kock, which surname is now by the present generation and descendants of said Kock written Cook that on said book and page were entries of payments for similar services and simultaneously rendered & Samuel Gray as a Lieutenant [illegible cross out] Adam Gray John Gray & Robert Gray who were Uncles and Andrew Gray who was the father of this Deponent, and this Deponent and the same page found entries of payments also to Peter Kreams who was the Brother of the said John as Ensign, and to Hendrick Kreams who was a Cousin of the said John Gremps deceased - that the payment made to said Sefrenus Klock was made to him for services as a Captain in the Regiment of Col Jacob Klock which service purports to have been rendered simultaneously with the said services
[Page #] 3
Page 99

[Page #] 4
of the other above named persons that from the fact that this deponent always understood from his father and others of the persons abovenamed that Sefrenus Kock or Cook was a captain in the Militia and to whose company in the Revolutionary War they were attached and from other information which this Deponent in making out the papers of pension applicants, has more recently required this Deponent has no doubt that the person named on said Record as Sefrenus Klock was in fact Sefrenus Cook or Kock - and this Deponent further saith that the families of the Gremps or some of them now also as he believes write their [illegible cross out] surname different from what it was formerly written and this Deponent thinks that different members as branches of these similar now write the said name differently - that this deponent recently drew an affidavit for Col. William Feeter with whom this Deponent is well acquainted on behalf of the same application in relation to the service of the said John Gremps deceased and in said Affidavit of said Feeter this Deponent wrote the name Gremps and who is the same person to whom this deponent in this Affidavit also [the rest is crossed out]
Page 100

alludes that from the fact that this Deponent had repeatedly and very frequently heard the said John Gremps and this Deponent father in their life recount their revolutionary services, and [have: crossed out] at all times learnt from them and from others that in the said war the said Gremps and the father of this deponent and the several other persons herein before named had served together in the said Militia company of the said Capt Sefrenus Kock or Cook, and from the fact that [all: crossed out] these persons after the war and until their deaths all continue to live and reside in the neighborhood [illegible cross out] of one another and also the same neighborhood where they all resided in the war except the said Capt Sefrenus Koch who for several years previous [illegible] with had moved from Stonearabia to a place or the neighborhood of a place called Mapletown in the Town of Canajoharie or that in the said County of Montgomery where he died as this deponent now believes but cannot state this latter fact respectively and from conversations with the rest of their relations on the war this Deponent believes and has no hesitation to say that the John Kreams mentioned in the comptrollers certificate hereto annexed and
[Page #] 5
Page 101

[Page #] 6
whose name this deponent has personally examined and seen upon the records in the Comptrollers office is the same identical personal referred to in the Affidavit of Col. William Feeter shown by this Deponent as hereinbefore mentioned that From the conversation had with Col Feeter at the time of drawing said affidavit in respect to the said John Gremps and with whom the said Feeter had as he alleged been acquainted from the war down to his death this deponent thinks therein no reasonable doubt but that John Kreams on the Record named our John Gremps in the Afft. of Col Feeter sworn before this Deponent named is the same identical person and this deponent further saith that in the frequent conversations between the father of this deponent and the said John Gremps upon the subject of their Revolutionary services had at the house of this Deponents father where the said Gremps in his life time was in constant habit of visiting, and at other places, [illegible cross out] this deponent always understood from them and which this deponent always believed and now believes that they were
Page 102

of about the same age, were brought up together, and during the whole of the Revolutionary War whenever services were demanded of them [served together: is crossed out] almost always served together - that this Deponent from their conversations learnt and has no reason to doubt the truth thereof, that the said John Gremps and this Deponents father served together in said War in the Boat service on the Hudson River under a Capt. Billy Peterson or Peters and that they also served together on the Mohawk River under Capt. Samuel Gray who was the uncle of this Deponent but this Deponent cannot say that he recollects having the period for which they served but this deponent does remember distinctly there saying and both agreeing in the statement that when they served on the Hudson they were in danger of falling in the hands by Burgoynes army which was then advancing and the American forces retreating and that the said Andrew Gray being at the time sick with the measles was attended upon by said Gremps and was so sick as to render it extremely difficult to [illegible cross put] move him but that by the Exertions of said
[Page #] 7
Page 103

[Page #] 8
Gremps the said Andrew Gray was saved from falling into the hands of the enemy. From the fort that a Burgoynes Army surrendered in 1777 this Deponent believes and has no doubt they must have served in that Boat service on the Hudson as early as 1777 and further this Deponent saith not.
[Signed] Chas Gray

Subscribed and sworn & this 3rd day of February 1840
before me
[Signed] J. Dygert Clerk of Herk Co
Herkimer County Ss
I certify there I am well acquainted with Charles Gray Esqr. that he is man of truth whose statements are entitled to full credit, this 3 February 1840
J. Dygert Clerk

Chas Gray
[illegible] of identity
John Kreams & John Gremps