Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16559, Samuel De Forest, Conn.
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 (3-1776)
SERVICE
Conn.
De Forest Samuel
Mary
NUMBER
W.16559
CONTENTS
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No 1102
New York
Samuel De Forest
of Ballston in the State of New York
who was a Private in the Company commanded
by Captain Blackman of the Reg. commanded
by Col. Lewis in the Connect
line for upwards of
two years.

Inscribed on the Roll of Newport.
at the rate of 80. Dollars 00 Cents per Anem
to commence on the 4th day of March 1834.

Certificate of Pension issued the 26. day of Oct.
1832 and sent to Pensioner.
Arrears to 4th of September '38. 120
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar. '33 40
$160
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New York (A.)2260
Mary De Forest
Widow of Samuel De Forest, [illegible]
who died on the 18th February 1807
Saratoga in the State of N. York
who was a private  in the company commanded
by Captain Blackman of the regt commanded
by Col Lewis in the Connecticut 
for 2 years (struck out) Conn.
9 months & 25 days pri
Inscribed on the Roll of New York (A.)
at the rate of 32 Dollars 78 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 19th day of Feb. 1837, 
the day after her husbands death.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of August, 1838. and sent to Aaron
Nash, Esq. Ballston Spa, Saratoga Co N.Y. 
Arrears to the 4th of March, 1838 = $35.58
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. “ 16.39
$51.97
{Revolutionary Claim}
{Act July 4, 1836,}
{Section the 5}
Recorded by S.A. Elliot, Clerk,
(B)ook A, Vol. 2, Page 106
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[partial stamp – illegible]
Declaration, in order to obtain the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832
State of New-York
Saratoga CO
On this fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court, before the court of Common Please of the county of Saratoga and State of New-York, now sitting, Samuel De Forest, a resident of Ballston in the county of Saratoga, and State of New-York, aged seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
He was born in the Town of Stratford in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut July 18th 1758 the Record is in his Bible He is known to Moses Williams & Joseph Jenny of the Town of Milton in the County of Saratoga and state of New York and to the Rev. Reuben Sears, Capt. N. Booth Captain Hubbell. Doctor Samuel Davis & David [illegible] of the Town of Balliston [Ballston] in the county of Saratoga and State of New York. who can certify to his character for veracity & their belief of his services as a Revolutionary Soldier.
That during the Revolutionary War, he resided at the Town of Stratford in the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut where he continued to reside four or five years after the close of the War. When he removed to the Town of Balliston [Ballston] in the county of Saratoga & State of New York where he has continued to reside ever since he moved from Stratford aforesaid, and that he now resides in the Town of Balliston [Ballston] in the county of Saratoga and State of New York.
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that he resided in the Town of Stratford in the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut when he Volunteered & entered in the service of the Revolutionary War, into a Company commanded by Captain Blackman of the Militia of Stratford aforesaid. that he entered the service at Stratford aforesaid on the first day of November 1775 and served as a private in said company until about the 15th of April 1776 – he served at the city of New York as herein after stated
he has no other evidence of his said service than what is contained in the affidavits of Abel Deforest and Gideon Deforest hereto annexed
and further he on a general call of the Militia of Stratford aforesaid (his then place of residence) was again called into the Service of the Revolutionary War into the Company of Captain Tomlinson in the Regiment of Militia commanded by Col. Lewis – he entered the service at Stratford aforesaid on the 1st July 1776 and served two months & twenty days in Manner herein after stated. he was stationed at New York and was dismissed at New York by Colonel Lewis aforesaid
the evidence of his said service is contained in the affidavit of Abel Deforest & Gideon Deforest here to annexed
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he resided at Stratford aforesaid when he enlisted & entered in the service of the Revolutionary Was. he enlisted into a Company commanded by Lieutenant Isaac Burr on the last of September 1776 for one year and served in said Company being Militia or State Troops of Stratford aforesaid until the Period of one year was expired that on the last of September 1777. he was dismissed by Lieut. Burr he served at Black Rock in the town of Fairfield in manner herein after stated
the Evidence of his said services are contained in the affidavits of Abel Deforest & Gideon Deforest hereto annexed.
And further he being still a resident of Stratford aforesaid when by a general call of the Militia of said Town he was called into the service under the Command of Captain Wells and Lieutenant Enoch Lewis of the Militia aforesaid that he served from May 1778 on a scouting party in the State of New York at or near Peekskill under the aforesaid Officers for the term of two months and ten days. his service as herein after stated & and was dismissed at Frederic’s Burgh [Fredericksburg] in the State of New York & returned home. the proof of the aforesaid service is contained in the affidavits of Abel Deforest & Gideon Deforest here to annexed. 
that he was drafted into the service of the Revolutionary Was into a guard under the command of _________________ sergeant of the Militia of Stratford aforesaid (his name don’t recollect) in order to keep guard at Old Stratford
that he entered the service on or about the _______ and service on guard at Old Stratford in the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut for the term of two months under the said Sergeant who commanded the guard – the evidence of his said service is contained in the affidavits of Abel Deforest & Gideon Deforest here to annexed.
that in the summer of 1779 he was called on an alarm to New Haven Fairfield & Norwalk & served fourteen days. Had no commanding officer went to guard the towns aforesaid
he has no evidence of the aforesaid service except what is contained in the affidavits hereto annexed.
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In the fall in 1775 when the British evacuated Boston and went to Halafax [Halifax] and there wintered Genl. Lee with direction from Washington went to New York to advertise them to make preparration [preparation] to receive them the next spring on his way to New York he gave notice to Connecticut that they would be invited to turn there [their] strength towards New York.  Captain Samuel Blackman an inhabitant of New Stratford a parish of the town of Old Stratford was Captain of a company of Lighthorse made a declaration that he would not wait to be drafted but would raise a company of volunteer infantry and would march on foot with them to New York  He raised the company at once  I inlisted [enlisted] in the company and we commenced our march as well as I can remember about the first of November and passed old Fairfield Norwalk Middlesex Stanford HorseNeck the last town in Connecticut  the first town in New York  Rye New Ratchel [Rochelle] Estchester [Eastchester] Westchester Kingsbridge Harlum [Harlem] New York 
Captain Blackman was introduced to the New York Committee which was the highest authority in the country Captain Blackman was the first company of Volunteers or Militia which had offered there service in fortifying New York. He proposed that we might soon set about it 
over
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the New York companies by Genl. Lee’s orders met us on the grand parade. It was on a cold day and he was dressed with a coase [coarse] blue duffelse [duffle] overcoat.  He gave us a short address. It was with perth and brevity. he went on to Philadelphia where congress then set. from some authority we were sent up to Harlum [Harlem] swamps to make fashsheens [fascines]. it was inquired for what are they and how made. fashsheans [fascines] are a substitute for stones to make walls or forts. they were used for those purposes long before the Christian era. history informs us that Julius Ceasor [Ceasar] by seting [setting] a row of post in the ground and an othere [another] row on the opposite side and then by placing bunches of fashsheans [fascines] the inside of the two rows of post and then casting in the center gravil [gravel] or sand their course will make a strong wall or a fort. we eat breakfast early and travelled from 7 to 8 miles and did our Stent which was to make two bunches of fashsheans [fascines] and return to our lodgings. a fashshean [fascines] must be about 8 feet long 7 or 8 inches thick fastened with a with at each end and a withe in the middle. the New York committee imployed [employed] Carmon to convey the bunches of fashsheans [fascines] where they were to be used for forts. when warm weather began to com [come] on we made a tryal [trial] and proceeded well ^in making a fort with fashsheans [fascines] but by this time a new
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Genl. [General] presented himself to us his name was Thomson he was the first European who had presented himself before Congress with recomendatory [recommendatory] documents for office under our new government his personal appearance was elegant and his address to his adopted country was Eloquence he left us that ^day^ and went to our northern army Capt. Blackman soon began to make arrangements to return home there was an eastern man lay at the dock with a vessel he hired him to take us to Fairfield or Norwalk. but he landed at Middlesex. I cannot tell nothing about the date except ^5 months and a half^ people were ploughing and sowing grain. I had a short respet [respite] we began to hear from New York that the British army was fast assembling and pitching there [their] tents on Statton Island and that Genl. Washington was calling in the Militia from all quarteers [quarters] and according to the best of my recollection sometime about the first July Col. Lewis’s Regt. was called on to repare [repair] to New York with his Regt. Cap. Thomlinson of the parish of Ripton and Leiut. [Lieutenant] Peter Curtiss of the parish of New Stratford was to make out a company between them. I think we commenced our march not far from the first of July. I have some impression on my mind that Capt. Tomlinson with most of his men went by water and that Lieut.  [Lieutenant] Curtiss and myself who was a waiter to Lieut.  [Lieutenant] Curtiss and some  there [other] ones went by land
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Col. Lewis had for his allarm [alarm] post the Grand battery and at the beatting [beating] of revolee [revalry] every morning was with his Regt. [regiment] at his post. a riged [ridged] and strict discipline was observed through the army and Militia troops were flocking in from all parts of the country and to quench the ardor of the British army and in some measure keep them at bay. all the commesaries [commissaries] and the Stuards [stewards] in the army were proclaiming almost continually that they issued more than one hundred thousand rations a day. Soon after we arived [arrived] in the city. the declaration of independence was read in Genl. orders at the head of all the Regts. Majour Generals, Lord Steriling [Stirling] and Sullavan and Severral [several] Brigadeer [Brigadier] Genls. [Generals] with more than 20000 troops went over to Long Island and the British mean while where [were] Sending troops from Stratton to Long Island. on the 28th day of August before Col Lewis had left his larrum post we could see boats passing and repassing from Stratton to Long Island loaded with men. after sun rise we returned to our quarters and after breakfast Col Lewis with some of his officers among the rest Lieut. Curtiss bring his waiter. I was permited to follow the company up several flites of stairs till we reached the top of the roof
(4)
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from which we could plainly see the British soldiers were landing at the foot of a road perhaps 3 quarters of a mile south of brooklan [Brooklyn] ferry leading an eastern direction. the road appeard [appeared] about 4 rods wide and the road was constantly filled with men. the road ascended gradually about forty rods and then lay on a level. the motion of the men's bodys [bodies] while under march which of course would give motion to there [their] furnished arms which came in contact with the rays of a brillient [brilliant] morning sun which to the eye greamed [gleamed] like sheats [sheets] of fire. this road was filled with reinforcements from Statton Island for about six hours and this time and much longer the battle was fithing [fighting]. about eleven o’clock Col Lewis had orders to march his Regt. along the dock opposite Brooklin ferry. and when there was an officer on horseback we concluded he was one of the Genls aides. he informed us that the was calling for volunteers to turn out and man every watercraft which lay along the dock. all must know there was dreaful [dreadful] fighting and if our men were driven to retreat we wish to be able to bring them over this tide. one Wells Judson and myself turned out. a perreanger [prisoner] was committed to our charge and we landed at Brookly [Brooklyn] ferry about One oclock. the thunder of the British artillary [artillery] the roaring of the small arms of both armies was tremendious [tremendous].
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Judson and I walked up the ferry road and lay down under a shade for it was very warm and drank some cold water while we lay under the board fence perhaps an hour ruminating on the terrors of that day. we heard the traping [trapping] of men just over the knowl [knoll] but we hardly time to think before they have in sight and the road was filled with red coat regulars. and again we had hardly time for Surprise before we saw they were prisoners and the [they] were hurried over the ferry and threw the city and over the Hudson into Jerseys. we concluded there was between two or three hundred of them. the firing ceased a little before sundown and a number of us go into a small boat and went back to our Regt. [regiment] we learned soon that the flower of the army was killed and taken prisoners. that Genl Lord Sterling and Genl. Sullavan [Sullivan] and several Brigadeer [Brigadier] generals and between 9 and ten thousand soldiers were taken prisoners. the remaining of our army on Long Island retreated and pitched on the best land highest ground just back of Brookling [Brooklyn] and intrenched [entrenched] themselves as sudingingly [suddenly] as well as they could. the British army left flath [Flat] Bush where the late and dreadful ilfated [ill-fated] battle had been lately fight and were planting themselves alongside our troops in order to give the finishing stroke to Washington army
(5)
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But shortly after I do not remember how many days a most wonderful thunderstorm took place it commenced about one O'clock in the day. the thunder and the lighting was dreadful the clouds run so low that they seemed to break over the houses and the water run in rivers the darkness was so great that the two armies could not see each other altho [although] within one hundred rod of each othere [other] through the whole of that stormy afternoon they were crossing as fast as possible but they themselves did no [know] that they were retreating. they came over to get a little rest and we to go over and take there [their] places. the Serjant [Sergeant] major told us that Col Lewis told him we must be prepared to go over the next morning in one hour after the Serjent [Sergeant] Major come to Captain Tomlinsons ^quaters  [quarters] and warned us all forth to march up to the Grand parade in order to pass a review and take furthere [further] orders the storm began at one and it was five ^o'clock it now rained but not so had [hard] the company would not turn out a Mr Otheniel French a nice and good man a friend and neighbour [neighbor] to my fathere [father]. he says to me the men will not turn out Saml. [Samuel] you are a minute man. will you turn out with me and go up to the grand parade and see what is going to be done. I says yes Mr French I will go with you
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There was a few in othere [other] companies belonging to Col. Lewis’s Regt [regiment] fell in and we marched up to the grand parade and we found 3 or four hundred men. there was an officer there who says to us come my brave boys. I am glad you are not afraid of a few drops of water. by this time the rain had subsided it appeared to be turned into mist and fog a picket Gard [Guard] is to be set tonight a little this side Bunker hill on the bowry [bowery]. Mr French says to me again Saml [Samuel] keep close to me I will sir and we marched on and we come to the house where the picket was to be kept and the serjents [sergeants] began to distribute the centinals [sentinels]. Mr French says to the serjent [sergeant] I wish you would be so good as to let this young lad stand next to me for there is none that either of us are aiquanted [acquainted] with. and the Serjent [sergeant] placed me close to the gaurdhouse [guardhouse] and Mr French next. I found out the whole of the whole of the 3 or four hundred men who marched with us was to form a line of centeris [sentries] from the north river to the east river once in forty feet. as soon as the centries [sentries] were set an officer on horseback he rid close to me and says to me let no man pass you this night. take no countersign nor watchword. if any man come to you see that he is put under gaurd [guard]. you must keep your station here till morning. there was no more throug [through] the night. the fog thickened and all was Silent as death__
(6)
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at about 12 O'clock and so on the dogs began to bark the cattle to low the indians to howl and yell all the noises from Long Island by reason of the thick and heavy fog and all the othere [other] dense qualities which conspired to tune the air [text crossed out] like an organ. we supposed that the barking of the dogs and the lowing of the Cattle and the howling [of crossed out] and yeling [yelling] of the Indians was two miles from us it was said afterwards that perhaps there was 3 or four hundred Indians attached to our army on Long Island. they maid [made] as much noise as the Yelling of a thousand under othere [other] circumstances. it was said that the indians was set to yelling that night by the counsel of Genl. Putmans [crossed out text] about day the noise was all Still and about Sun an hour high the fog began to go off. at this instant a man in the appearance of an officer came up to the gaurdhouse [guardhouse] one of the officers asked him where he was going. he replyed [replied] from Long Island Sir. whats [what's] the word from there our army has all came off the night past the officere [officer] says gentleman [crossed out word] this man aught [ought] to be put under guard the gentleman who had Just came up ^said you can put me under guard if you please ^Sir but I presume that in less than forty minutes you will find out what I tell you is true the officer of guard now says gentleman if this is true we shall be all Sacrificed what can hinder the whole british [British] army now [it - crossed out] on Long Island flushed with conquest thirty or forty thousand can march there [their] army up the Island till [until] [get- crossed out] they get opposite to Kingsbridge in four hours
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And there [their] fleet can send them boats which we see them cross there [their] army from Statton Island to Long Island in as short a time by this time Mr French and I began to think about hunting up our couragious [courageous] comrads [comrades] and to learn whethere [whether] they had kept themselves dry through the Storm I have but a confused recollection of what passed after this Scene all bussel [bussel] and preperation [preparation] to retreat out of the city as soon as possible. Mr French and I after the fatigue of the stormy day and standing centry [sentry] all night in our wet cloaths [clothes] was quite sick and preparation was to leave the city next morning and he saw a man with a waggon [wagon] that night from New Katchel [Castle] and he hired him to carry us both to his house we got our pass and went on and Stoped [stopped] and recruted [recruited] and went on as I could I reached home the last of Sept. and soon listed under Leiutennant [Lieutenant] Isaac Burr of Old Fairfield in the Black Rock battery Service 3 months end of the draft last of September 1779. according to my best memory for one year Black Rock on Battery lay on the top of a Rock alongside of a narrow and croked [crooked] channel environed on every side with rocks which made it dangerous for vessels unacquainted with the channel to enter. I cannot remember how many cannon was placed on the platform. I think six or eight it belonged to the town of Fairfield and lay about half a mile East of the Courthouse and Jail I believe the Fortifycation [fortification] was kept up till piece [peace] I have forgotten how many me (text missing) its defence [defense] whethere [whether] thirty or forty I cannot
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There was no pirticular [particular] occurrence took placed of notice untill [until] about the close of the year 1776. near the last of December Col.  Abel a Patriot and promonant [prominent] character in the town and county early in the morning he sent his waiter a coulored [colored] man by the name of Bil molat [Molat]  with a message to Lieutnt.[Lieutenant] Burr. when Molat had reached within perhaps fifteen rods of the baraks [barracks] he begin to Shout and hollo Huzza Huzza Huzza to them & up knocked his heels together and Shouted Col Abel has news from Washington and he has taken the whole Hessian army Lieutnt [Lieutenant] Burr Holloed for Molat to come to the Barraks [Barracks] and when he came he presented a short breaf [brief] statment [statement] in print Stating that Washington agreable [agreeable] to a preconcerted plan commenced his march at dark through rain hail and slait [sleet] on Christmas-day evening. he arrived at Trinton [Trenton] the next morning before daylight and as they had been holding Christmass [Christmas] frolik [frolic] drove them out of there [their] bunks and took them all prisoners. thus the seting [setting] sun of the dreadful Summer of 76 Sheds some rays of light on her horizon and was presageful [?] of better days. and in fact this event was the dayspring to those better days and the news flew swift throw [through] the land in three days after we had news that while twelve thousand british [British] Soldiers was [were]  raceing[racing] after Washingtons whole army of less than two thousand
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While Lord CornWallise [Cornwallis] was ^in pursuit of Washington and his little army the british [British] army halted on a hill and pitched there in encampment at night. Washington halted on a hill in sight [text crossed out] and pitched his encampment and began to Set fires at dark and left men enough to recrute [recruit] them with nails through the night and comnced [commenced] his march with his little army of less than two thousand twenty miles reached princtown [Princeton] colledge [College] in a dark foggy morning where there were three Regmts [Regiments] of british [British] regulars encamped and them he made prisoners and the fifth day after at night were marched to old Fairfield under a gaurd [guard] of Major Joseph Hoyt. the next morning Col. Abel Sent a writen [written] request by his waiter Bil Molat for Lieutnt.[Lieutenant] Burr to Send two of his men to come to town and take charge of two of the prisoners Major Hoyt had left behind and go with them to Harford the place of there [their] destination as Major Hoyt had but a small gaurd [guard] with him. Leiut. [Lieutenant] Burr says John Parent and Saml [Samuel] Deforest be you willing to go on to Harford with the prisoners. we both answered we were went over to town at once. Col Abel commited them to our Charge. Major Hoyt had been gone about two hours. one of the prisoners name was Birk Serjent [Sergant]  Birk a smart inteligent [intelligent] young man. I do not remember the others name this was an interresting [interesting] and Joyous Scene when contrasted with the dreadful Scenes which flashed in our eye and Stoned our ears in New York -
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The recks [wrecks] of three British Regts [regiments] of prisoners had Just passed the doors of a people whose hearts palpitated with Joy and would come into the Steet to meet us [crossed out text] with greetings and greatful [grateful] Salutations to heaven for Such a Snding [Ending] and Such an unexpected deliverance as we passed through old Stratford and Milford Gentlemen yea and men of every grade would almost block up the path we traveled Major Hoyt and his prisoners were bilited [billeted] among the citizens the same as they had been in fairfield [Fairfield] this was in New Haven  John Parent and I was taken to Mr Elias Beers’s where we were treated with all the kind civilities we could wish this was the hapiest [happiest] enterprise I was engaged in we reached Wallingsford the next day we reached the pretty little city of Middledown [Middletown] the next the fourth and last day we arrived at Harford  before I dismiss this Subject I will ^related a little short narrative give us on our way from Fairfield to New Haven Serject [Sergant] Burk said after Genl. Washington had made Such a Suding [sudden] and Successful assault in taking 3 or 4 Regmts [Regiments] of Hessians at trinton [Trenton] and as many as twelve thousand of there [their] best troops was in full pursuit of him and it was thought they would most assuredly get hold of him and the last accounts was ^a army had come up with him when we were taken it was a warm very foggy morning
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We had eaten our breakfast and were in the colledge [college] yard striped with our coats and hats of playing ball and as to having any fear about an enemy we felt as Safe as if we had been in the kingdom of heaven  but at once we heard the sound of mens [men's] feet traming [tramping] and I stooped down and looked under the fog and I could see there [their] legs as high as there [their] hips not more than six rods from us not a moment was left to look for our coats and hats I run for the pare [?] of bares[?] they were pretty high I sprung and threw my breast a crost [across] the top rail at that instant a ball from a field piece struck in the middle of the rail I was at one end and an othere [other] man at the othere [other] end the of the rail the ball took the rail in too [two] in the middle and I was cast to the ground swift and gave me such a Fare [scare] I thought myself mortally wounded and to sum it up you see we are all prisoners  --------
the events of two weeks appears to have rolled on a pivot which has sealed and gave a Stamp to the destiny of America
Washingtons hundred thousand men which was destroyed on Long Island at the Storming of Fort Washington and Fort Lee at the White Plains and finally where chaced [chased] and hunted through the Jerseys untill [until] they were melted away to nothing
(9)
that he served a private until the expiration of his said enlistment he was dismissed by Lieut. Isaac Burr about the 10th of Sept. 1777 having [illegible]

(separate page)
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State or [blurred]
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
in open Court
Thomas Palmer Clerk [signature]
Samuel DeForest [signature]
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Surrogate, Cert
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The People of the State of New York
To all to whom these presents shall come
or concern, Send greeting

Know ye that at a Surrogate Court holden at the Village of Saratoga Springs in and for the County of Saratoga and State of New York aforesaid on the 13th day of March 1850 before John C. Hulburt Esquire Surrogate of our said County, the most Satisfactory evidence was exhibited to Said Court to prove that Samuel Deforest was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States. at the rate of Eight dollars per annum, under the Act of June 7th 1832. was a resident inhabitant of the County of Saratoga in the State of New York, and died in the Town of Ballston in the County of Saratoga and the State of New York on the 18th day of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven 1837, and that he left to him surviving a Widow whose name is Mary and that she did not intermary but continued the Widow of the said Samuel Deforest. deceased was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of thirty two dollars and Seventy Eight (32.78) cents per annum under the Act of July 4 1836  was a resident inhabitant in the County of Saratoga and State of New York, and died in the Town of Ballston in the County of Saratoga and State of New York on the Eighteenth day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty (1840) leaving her surviving a son. whose was William C. Deforest and that he died on or about the 7th day of November 1844, That he left him surviving the following named children who were the only Legitimate Heirs at Law of the said William C. Deforest and were Minors
1st Samuel Deforest resident within the Village of Ballston Spa New York
Joseph Deforest of California
Jane W. Deforest of New York
Anna M. Deforest Georgia
Zilpha C. Deforest      "
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Saratoga Springs this 13 day of March in the year of our Lord 1850
Jhn C Hulbert
[illegible]
[vague seal illegible]
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Declaration Deforest
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State of New York
County of Saratoga

Be it known before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid  duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Samuel Deforest of the Town of Milton in the County of Saratoga and State of New York (of lawful age) who being duly sworn according to Law deposes and says, that he is the Administrator of the Estate of Mary Deforest deceased, late of Ballston in the County of Saratoga in the State of New York who was the Widow of Samuel Deforest a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of eighty dollars per annum under the Act of Jun 7th 1832 and died on the 18th day of February 1837, And that his widow the said Mary Deforest continued to reside in Ballston aforesaid, and drew a Pension under the Act of July 1836 at the rate of thirty two dollars and Seventy Eight cents per annum; from the 19th day of February 1837 until the 4th day September 1840 and died on the 18th day of October 1840 at said Town of Ballston and her surviving a son whose name was William C. Deforest and his place of residence was Ballston Saratoga County New York. and that he died on or about the 7th day of November 1844. Deforest further states he has been informed and verily believes his grandmother the said Mary Deforest deceased, received a Certificate of Pension, for the annual amount of Pension mentioned above but does not know what is become of it. The paper was probably destroyed.
It is therefore Respectfully requested that such additional amount of Pension may be allowed a may where added to the annual amount received by the said Mary Deforest deceased make the same equal to the annual Amount of Pension received by her late husband the said Samuel Deforest, deceased.
The difference between the amount of Pension received by the said Samuel Deforest under the Act of Jun 7th 1832 and the amount received by his widow the said Mary Deforest deceased under the Act of July 4 1836, will clearly appear by reference to the foregoing statement.
It is therefore requested that a certificate of Pension may be paid accordingly
Subscribed and sworn before me this 11 day of April 1850
David Maxwell
Justice of the Peace

Samuel Deforest
Administrator of Mary Deforest Deceased
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State of New York
County of Saratoga: And I the within named Justice of the Peace do hereby certify that Samuel Deforest, who made oath to the within instrument or declaration is to me known to be the identical person described therein.
David Maxwell
Justice of the Peace

I, James W. Horton, Clerk of the said County, do hereby certify, That David Maxwell was on the day of the date of the above Declaration and Certificate, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected and sworn, and that the signature to the Jurat of the above Declaration and to the above Certificate purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 11 day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty. 
James W. Horton Clerk
[faint but illegible seal noted]
Page 26

State of New York
County of Saratoga: And I the within named Justice of the Peace do hereby certify that Samuel Deforest, who made oath to the within instrument or declaration is to me known to be the identical person [text blocked by overlapping paper]

State of New York
Saratoga County Clerk's office
I, James W. Horton, Clerk of the said County, do hereby certify, That David Maxwell was on the day of the date of the above Declaration and Certificate, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected and sworn, and that the signature to the Jurat of the above Declaration and to the above Certificate purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 11 day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty. 
James W. Horton Clerk
[faint but illegible seal noted]
Page 27

See Comptrollers Certificate
Mo days
4     18 – Lt. Burr
5      7  - Capt. Tomlinson
_______
9      25

Admitted
Private – 9 mo & 25 days
$32.78
Pension to commence 19th
February 1837

Aaron Nash Agent
Page 28

State of Vermont
Essex County
I William Gates Clerk of this County Court within and for the County of Esses aforesaid do hereby Certify that Abdiel Blodgett of Lemington in said County is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified for that purpose
In testimony whereof I have herein subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Lewisburg in said County this 9th day of May AD
Wm Gates Clerk
[faint seal with no apparent wording or images]
I Mills De Forest of Lemington in the County of Essex and State of Vermont do depose and say that I am seventy four years of age & that on Thanksgiving day in the month of December in the year 1780 or 1781 I saw & heard the Revd. Elisha Rexford Pastor of  a church & congregation in New Stratford in Connecticut marry Samuel De Forest to Mary Curtis both them of said New Stratford but afterwards removed to Ballston Saratoga County in the State of New York & I further say that the said Saml & Mary have lived together as Husband & Wife ever since until Feb last when the said Samuel died, as I have been informed.
I further say that I am knowing to the full that the said Samuel was in the service of his country both before & after his said marriage with the said Mary Curtis, & my personal belief is said Samuel served between two or three years in the Revolutionary Was. Mills De Forest

State of Connecticut
Essex County
Lemington May 15 – 1837
Sworn to before Mr
Abdiel Blodgett Justice of Peace
Page 29

State of New York
County of Saratoga

On this 7th day of July 1837 personally appeared before me the undersigned first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County Mary De Forest a resident of Ballston in the County aforesaid  aged seventy eight years on the 3rd day of March last; who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration; in order to obtain a benefit of the provisions of the Act of Congress passed the 4th day of July 1836.
That she is the widow of Samuel De Forest who was a soldier in the Army of the War of the Revolution who resided in the Town of New Stratford in the County of Fairfield in the state of Connecticut. when he entered into the service of the United States in the Army of the Revolution as a private in the Company of Militia Infantry commanded by Captain _____ Blackman in the Regiment commanded by Colonel  Ichabod Lewis of the County of Fairfield aforesaid,
And she this desposent further declares that her husband the aforesaid Samuel De Forest was a Pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of the 7th June 1821 at the time of his death at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum from the 4th of March 1831, that his certificate was dated on the 26th day of October 1832,
That the account of the Revolutionary service of the said Samuel De Forest deceased, her said husband, the names of the officers under whom he served, and the particular circumstances of his services, will more fully appear by reference  to his declaration for a pension under the Act of Congress of the 7th June 1832, and now on file at the War Department in the City of Washington,
And further she this deponent declares that she was married to the said Samuel De Forest on the 13th day of December in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one (on Thanksgiving day) in the congregational church at New Stratford aforesaid by the Reverend Elisha Rexford Pastor of said church 
And further she the said Mary De Forest states that the said Samuel De Forest her said husband, died, at Ballston in the County of Saratoga and State of New York aforesaid on the 18th day of February A.D. 1837, and that she has remained his widow ever since that period, as will fully appear by reference to the proof texts annexed
Mary De Forest
Page 30

Sworn and Subscribed to before me this day & year first within written.
Samuel Young

And I the said Judge, do hereby Certify that Mary De Forest the within named applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend Court
17th July 1837
Samuel Young
Page 31

State of New York
County of Saratoga

Be it known that before me Samuel Young a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Saratoga aforesaid Personally appeared William C. De Forest a resident inhabitan in the Town of Ballston in the County of Saratoga & State of New York who being first duly sworn according to law, says that he is thirty nine years of Age & that he is the son of Samuel De Forest the Pensioner late of Ballston deceased, that the following is a true copy taken from the Family record, in the Family Bible of his father the said Samuel De Forest deceased in his own hand writing. to wit namely.
“Samuel Deforest born July 18th A.D. 1758, was married to Mary Curtis on the 13th day of December A.D. 1781 who was born the 3rd of March 1759”

And further he this deponent says, that his Father the said Samuel Deforest was a Pensioner of the United States (at the time of his death) under the Act of Congress of the 7th June 1832, at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum from the 4th of March 1831, whose certificate was date the 26th day of October, 1832. that he died at Ballston aforesaid on the 18th day of February 1837. leaving Mary De Forest his lawful widow and that she has continued the widow of the said Samuel De Forest deceased, Pensioner, ever since that period.
Dated 17th July 1837		Wm C De Forest
Sworn & subscribed the day &
year last above mentioned
Before me Samuel Young

And I the said Judge do hereby certify that the above named William C. Deforest is to me well known & is a person of Respectability & a credible witness.
Samuel Young
Page 32

State of New York
Saratoga County Clerk’s Office

I Alpheus Goodrich Clerk of the County of Saratoga, do certify that Samuel Young before whom the foregoing and annexed affidavits purported to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County and I am acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavits to be his proper hand writing and signature-
Witness my hand and seal of Office the 18th day of July 1837
A Goodrich Clerk
Page 33

Mary De Forest
declaration
Page 34

Mary De Forest
for a Pension. M. Williams asst.
Page 35

State of New York
County of Saratoga

Be it known that before me Abel Meeker a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Saratoga aforesaid Personally appeared Moses Williams of Ballston Spa in said County who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he is fifty years of age & that from his infantile years he has been well acquainted with Samuel Deforest Esquire late of Ballston deceased & also has been intimately acquainted with his family, and that the following is a true copy taken from the Family Bible of his father the said Samuel De Forest deceased in his own hand writing. 
(Viz)
“Samuel Deforest born July 18th A.D. 1758, was married to Mary Curtis on the 13th of December A.D. 1781 who was born the 3rd of March 1759”

And further he this deponent says, that the said Samuel Deforest was a Pensioner of the United States at the time of his death, under the Act of Congress of the 7th June 1832, at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum from the 4th of March 1831, his certificate was date the 26th day of October, 1832, and that he died at the Town of Ballston in the County of Saratoga on the 18th day of February 1837. leaving Mary De Forest his lawful widow and that she has remained a widow, ever since that period.
Sworn & subscribed this 			Moses Williams
18th day of July 1837			
Before me Samuel A. Meeker Justice

And I the said Justice do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Moses Williams that his character is fair & he is a credible witness.
A. Meeker Justice 
[smudged illegible seal]
Page 36

State of New York
Saratoga County Clerk’s Office

I Alpheus Goodrich Clerk of the County of Saratoga, do certify that Abel Meeker before whom the annexed affidavit purported to have been sworn, was at the date of the same, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, and  that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit, to be his proper hand writing and signature-
Witness my hand and seal of Office the 18th day of July 1837
A Goodrich Clerk
[faint & illegible seal present]
Page 37

10.508
Samuel Deforest
Page 38

State of New York
Oswego County 

Abel De Forest of Edmeston in the County of Oswego being duly sworn doth depose and say that he was a soldier of the Revolution, that he was acquatined with Samuel De Forest who was his Brother & at the commencement of the Revolutionary War they were living together in the Fathers family at Stratford in the State of Connecticut  that he the deponent was knowing personally that the said Samuel De Forest went some time in the fall of the year in Capt Blackmans Company as a volunteer to New York  & that he came home in the spring following in April  that he went in the fall 1775 & Returned in 1776 & that he was gone from home five or six months & further that he was not in the service at this time with the said Samuel De Forest but knew that he went with the said company as waiter for Captain Blackman & that he returned with the company in the spring
& further that he knew that in the year 1776 some time he thinks in June or July that the said Samuel De Forest went in Capt. Tomlinsons Company of drafted Militia in Col Lewis’s Regiment from Stratford aforesaid to New York & that he returned with the same company some time in the fall of the
Page 39

same year
and further that [illegible smudge] fall of the same year 1776 and within a few days after returning with Capt Tomlinsons Company he knew that the said Samuel De Forest Enlisted under Lieutenant Burr for one year, at a battery at Blackrock in the town of Fairfield Connecticut & that he served at that place through the year & was discharged in the fall of 1777
and further that in the spring he the deponent went in Capt David Wells company from Stratford aforesaid in Company with the said Samuel De Forest in the Militia to Fredricksborough & other towns in Dutchy County New York & that he served in this town  the Deponent thinks two or three months. the year does not recall & further that he knew that the said Samuel De Forest was on Guard at Stratford aforesaid under a sergeant for two months. don’t recollect the year –
further that at the time of the British Expedition to New Haven Fairfield & Norwalk under Tryon he that the said Samuel De Forest went in the militia & a part of the time was with him & that the said Samuel De Forest was out at this time two or three weeks
Abel De Forest
Subscribed and sworn before
me this 25th day of August 1832
Philo Bennet Justice of the Peace
Page 40

State of New York
Oswego County 

I Horace Lathrop Clerk of the said County do certify that Philo Bennett before whom the preceding affidavit purports to have been sworn, was on day of the date thereof a Judges Justice of the Peace in aforesaid County. Further that I am acquainted with his hand writing, & verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit, to be his own proper hand writing and signature-
Witness my hand and seal of Office the 27th day of Augt 1832 
Horace Lathrop
By Tho. K. Cory Dept
Page 41

That he was acquainted with Colonel Swift. Colonel Miegs. Colonel Bradley. Major Joseph Hoyt. Major Eli Levingsworth. Colonel Canfield. They were Continental Officers.
Page 42

S. De Forest
[small cross drawn below]
Page 43

We, Reuben Sears, a clergyman, residing in the Town of Ballston in the county of Saratoga, State of New York, and Nathaniel Booth residing in said Town & County hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Samuel Deforest who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy four years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
Sworn, and subscribed, that day and year aforesaid.			Reuben Sears
in open Court						Nathl Booth
Thomas Palmer Clerk 

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Reuben Sears who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Ballston, county of Saratoga, State of New-York, and that Nathaniel Booth who has also signed the same is a resident in the said Town of Ballston is a credible person, and their statement is entitled to credit.

I, Thomas Palmer, clerk of the court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Saratoga do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Samuel De Forest for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 5tth day of September 1832.
Thomas Palmer Clerk

1.	Where, and in what year were you born?
2.	Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it?
3.	Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you live now?
4.	How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5.	State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served; such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstance of your service.
6.	To a soldier - Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and, if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an officer – Did you ever receive a commission; and, if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7.	  State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood, and who can testify to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution
Page 44

State of New York 
Oswego County 
Gideon De Forest of Edmeston Oswego County being duly sworn doth depose and say, that he is acquainted with Samuel De Forest who is his Brother that the Revolutionary War they were members of the same family   that he knew that in the fall of the year 1775 that the said Samuel De Forest went in Captain Blackman’s Company as a volunteer & that the said Samuel returned some time in April 1776 & that the said Samuel was gone five or six months & Returned with the said company ---
& further that some time in June or July in the year 1776 he knew that the said Samuel De Forest went in Capt. Tomlinsons Company of drafted Militia in Col Lewis’s Regiment to New York & that he returned with the said company some time in the fall of the same year 1776 and within a few days after returning with Capt Tomlinsons Company he knows that the said Samuel De Forest enlisted under Lieutenant Burr for one year at a Battery at Blackrock in the town of Fairfield Connecticut and that
Page 45

 during the said year the deponent frequently accompanied the Said Samuel to & from Black Rock aforesaid & that in the fall of 1777 he the deponent went & fetched the said Samuel home at the time of his discharge - - - - 
and further that he knows that the said Samuel De Forest went in the Militia in Capt Wells’s company to Fredricksborough or Fredericks Burgh [Fredericksburg] in the State of New York & was gone from home two or three months does not recollect the year ----------
And further that the said deponent knows that the said Samuel De Forest was on Guard under a sergeant at Stratford [illegible] months year  does not recollect the year ----------
and further that at the time of the British Expedition to New Haven Fairfield & Norwalk that the said Samuel De Forest went in the Militia & was gone two or three weeks ---
Gideon De Forest
Subscribed and sworn before
me this 25th day of August 1832
Philo Bennet Justice of the Peace
Page 46

September 11, 1936

[illegible]
Samuel De Forest [illegible]

Mr. George Junkin
[illegible]
New York, New York

Dear sir,

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Samuel De Forest, who received a pension on Certificate No. 1102

A very careful [illegible] has been made of all papers in the [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] based upon the service of Samuel De Forest in the Revolutionary War and the following was found

Samuel De Forest was born July 18, 17[illegible], in Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecticut. The names of his parents are not shown. 

While residing in his father’s home in said Stratford, Samuel De Forest volunteered about [illegible] 1, 177[illegible] and served five and a half months as a private in Captain [illegible] [illegible] Company, went to [illegible] City and assisted in building fortifications. He enlisted about July 1, 1776, served under Lieutenant Peter Curtiss in Captain Tomlinson’s Company, Colonel John

[illegible – typing is too blurred to decipher]

After the Revolution, he moved to Balliston, Saratoga County, New York, where he was residing when he was allowed pension in his [illegible] [illegible]. It was stated that he was a Justice of the
Page 47

Peace for Balliston, New York, for many years and was also an elder of the Presbyterian Church for a long time.

Samuel De Forest died at Balliston New Yok, February 27 [illegible]

The soldier married December 13, 17[illegible], Mary or Polly Curtis or Curtiss. Both of them of Stratford, Connecticut and they were married at the Congregational Church in this place by the Reverend [illegible] [illegible]. The widow stated that they were married on Thanksgiving Day. Mary was born March [illegible], 17 [illegible]. The names of her parents are not shown.

Soldier’s widow, Mary, was allowed pension on her application [illegible] July 17, 1837, while residing in Balliston, New York

She died October 18, 18[illegible] at said Balliston.

She was survived by one son, William C. De Forest, who was age thirty-nine years in 1837 and resided in Balliston, New York. William died November 7, 1844. He was survived by the following children. The name of his wife was not stated.
Samuel De Forest …. Of Balliston Spa or Milton, Saratoga County, New York in 1850.
Joseph De Forest …. of California.
Jane [illegible] De Forest …. of New York
Anna [illegible] …. of Georgia
Zilpha C De Forest.

In [illegible], soldier’s brothers, Gideon and Abel De Forest lived in Edmeston, Osage County, New York. It was stated that Abel De Forest served several terms in the legislature of the state of New York.

In 1837, one Mills De Forest lived in Boone County, Vermont; no relationship to the soldier was shown.

Very truly yours

A.  D. Hiller
Executive Assistant 
to the Administrator.
Page 48

Mrs. Robert W. de Forest.
7 Washington Square.
New York City.

Madam:
In response to your letter of the sixth instant, herewith is enclosed a tracing of the signature of Samuel de Forest Revolutionary War pensioner W. File No. 16.559

Very respectfully,

G. M. Saltzbaber
Commissioner.
Page 49

George Junkins
46 West 52nd Street
New York 

July 26/36

My Dear Sir

I am very anxious to secure a complete copy of Pension Cert. # 1102 issued Oct. 16, 1832 (Pa. of Rec.) Samuel de Forest of Balston Spa N.Y. together with copies of any other data or letters in this file.
If you will be so good as to inform me as to the cost of this I will be very glad to remit. 
Sincedrely,

George Junkin
Stamp: Received Aug 5 1936
Mail Sub Div
illegible 37
Page 50

7 Washington Square
Dictated.	New York		May 6, 1914.

Miss Annie Wilson,

Curator Pension Records of Revolutionary Soldiers,
Pension Building, Washington, D. C.

Dear Madam – 
Will you do me a favor? I am interested in the narrative of Samuel de Forest which you have in the records of the Revolutionary soldiers. There is a record of only one Samuel de Forest and so there can be no question as to the right man.
If you can have it done for me, I would like very much to have a careful tracing of his signature. He made this signature in 1832, when he was an old man.
If you will let me know how much this will cost, I will gladly send you the money. You would also be doing me a favor if you would have this tracing made without delay, as I am just about to publish a book in which I wish to use it.

Yours very truly,

Emily J de Forest
(Mrs. Robert W.)
Page 51

1914 May 7. Tracing of signature sent to Mrs. Robt DeForest
1936 Sept 11 – Hist to Leo Junkin – EL

Rev.
Widow, &c.
No. 16559
Mary De Forest
Widow of 
Samuel De Forest
Pri Rev War
Act July 4th 36
Vol. A, page 176
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 52

Mary De Forest
New York 
Suspended
See let to Aaron
Nash Aug. 31st
1837
to same 2 May 1838
to Hon J.J. De Graff 28 June ‘38
Mch [March] 1836
Page 53

Lt. Aaron Nash 7th June 1837
Page 54

New York – Albany

Samuel De Forest a pensioner under the Act of June 7th 1832 at the rate of $80 per annum At what time paid?
Yours Scl
N. Luce
John Harry Esq
3 Auditor Office
Died 18th Feb 1837 p% that period. JH
Page 55

[Stamp in upper left corner stating:]
Ballston, N. Y. July 29

[Stamp in upper right corner stating:]
FREE

[cross writing on side]
July 24
N.Y.
4 July ‘38
E. Lee
Mary De Forrest
Saml
Saratoga, N.Y. 
A. Nash

James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 56

[illegible] Albany 
[illegible]

J. L. Edwards Esquir
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.

[Stamp in lower left corner stating:]
Ballston, N. Y. [illegible date]
Page 57

Ballston June 20th 1850

Sir

On the 11th of April last the papers of Samuel De Forest Administrator of Mary De Forest a Revolutionary Pensioner of the U. S. under the Act of 4 July 1836, For the arrears of Pension due said Widow were by me transcribed to the Commissioner of Pensions and no returns have been received.
The Enquiry is most Respectfully solicited desiring to be informed. Whither the said papers have been received at the Pension office, if so, have they been acted on, and what is the result. Please answer the above early as convenient. 

Very Respectfully, 
Your obedient Servant
Aaron Nash

J. L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 58

Ballston Saratoga County
N. Y. April 11th 1850

Sir

Herewith you will receive the papers. Samuel De Forest Administrator of the Estate of Mary De Forest late of Ballston deceased, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the U. S. the arrears of Pension due, which please examine and make returns to me early as convenient. 

Very Respectfully, 
Your obedient Servant
Aaron Nash
Atty. for claimants

J. L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 59

[vertical writing on side]
[illegible Aug 9
N. Luce
 
[stamp in upper right corner]
FREE

Hon. James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C. 
 [stamp in lower left corner]
Ballston N.Y,
Aug [illegible]
Page 60

Ballston Spa August 4. 1838

Sir

Mrs. Mary De Forest widow of Samuel De Forest requests me to say that she has decided to accept a Pension for the term specified in your Letter to the Hon. John J. Degraff dated 28 June 1838 and wishes her certificate issued accordingly & transmitted to me by mail at this Post Office, the said Letter is herein enclosed

Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servant
Aaron Nash

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 61

War Department
Pension Office
June 28 1838

Sir,

It appears from the certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut in the case of Mrs. Mary Deforrest, enclosed in your letter of the 25th inst. that there is no evidence of her husband’s revolutionary services, except as to four months and eighteen days under Lieut. Isaac Burr, at Black Rock, and five months and seven days under Captain Tomlinson, which is all the claimant can be allowed upon the proof on file. If it be decided to accept a pension for that term; a certificated will be issued accordingly.

I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obet. Svt.
J. L. Edwards



Hon. John J. De Graff
House of Representatives
Page 62

J. L. Edwards
2nd Mary 1838
Copy
Page 63

War Department
Pension Office
May 2. 1838

Sir,

The Supplemental Affidavit of Mary Deforest has been examined. It is alleged by the Claimant that she has no knowledge of the Officers under whom her husband served during the Revolutionary War.

It would seem from his declaration that he served about six months under Capt. Samuel Blackman in 1775 and a tour in 1776 under Capt. Tomlinson Col. Lewis Regt; 12 mo under Lieut. Burr at Black Rock in 1777, and a tour in Capt. Well’s Company period not mentioned. In order to a satisfactory investigations of this Claim, a Certificate from the Comptroller of Connecticut should be produced, showing what evidence in support of the claim is to be found there.  

I am [illegible]
J. L. Edwards
Page 64

J. L. Edwards
dated May 2nd received May 3d 1838
Page 65

War Department
Pension Office
May 2. 1838

Sir,

The supplemental affidavit of Mary Deforest has been examined. It is alleged by the claimant that she has no knowledge of the officers under whom her husband served during the revolutionary war.

It would seem from his declaration that he served about six months under Capt. Saml. Blackman in 1775 and a tour in 1776 under Capt. Tomlinson Col. Lewis’ regiment; 12 months under Lieut. Burr at Black Rock in 1777, and a tour in Capt. Well’s company period not mentioned. In order to a satisfactory investigations of this claim, a certificate from the Comptroller of Connecticut should be produced, showing what evidence in support of the claim is to be found there.

I am respectfully 
Your Obit. Servt.
J. L. Edwards



A. Nash, Esq.
Ballston Spa
N. York
Page 66

Ballston Spa
Saratoga Co.
N York
December – 15 1837

Sir

Herewith you will receive the depositions of Mary De Forest widow of Samuel De Forest deceased & other affidavits in support of her claim to a Pension under the Act of July 4 1836

Very Respectfully
Your Mo Obt Servt
Aaron Nash
Page 67

State of New York
County of Saratoga

Be it known that before me, Abel Meeker a Justice of the Peace in & for said County personal appeared Mary De Forest of Ballston in the County aforesaid  the Claimant for a Pension under the Act of Congress of the 4th July 1836, aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, says That Samuel De Forest her late husband in his delcatation doubtless set forth the names of the Officers under whom he served, His services, if rightly remembered, is proved by respectable witnesses,  no Copy of that declaration is accessable to the Claimant, nor is any known to exist.

The Claimant does not know the names of the officers under whom her (late) husband served.
M. B. The work “accessable" above written partily on erasure, before subscribed & sworn.

Mary Deforest

Sworn & Subscribed before
me, this 29th day of November
1837
Abel Meeker Justice
Page 68

State of New York
County of Saratoga

I, Alpheus Goodrich Clerk of the County of Saratoga, Do certify that Abel Meeker before whom the within affidavit purports to be sworn, was at the date of the same, one of the Justices of the Peace in & for said County and that I am acquainted with his hand writing.  And verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing & signature.

Witness my hand and Seal of office
the 13th day of December A.D. 1837
A Goodrich Clerk
Page 69

Mary De Forest
appd. Nov. 1837
Page 70

War Department
Pension Office
August 31, 1836

Sir,
The papers of Mary Deforest widow of Samuel Deforest have been examined and filed.  claimants under the provisions of the 3rd Section of the Act of July 4, 1836 are required to produce & send evidence of marriage. If such evidence cannot be found in the church or town clerks office of the town in which the claimant then resided, secondary evidence may be received. If the claimants husband served as alleged in his declaration some evidence of it may be had provided the names of his officers are specified by application to the Comptroller of Connecticut
I am Very Respectfully
Yr Mo. Obt. St.
J. L. Edwards

Aaron Nash Esq.
Balston Spa
New York
Page 71

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
Washington
D. C.
Page 72

Ballston Spa July 18th 1837

J. L. Edwards Esquire

Sir

Your receive herewith the application of Mary De Forest Widow of Samuel Deforest late of Ballston deceased who was a Pensioner of the United States
Will you have the goodness to examine her claim to a Pension as early as convenient & transmit the decision to me by Mail

Very Respectfully
Your Most Obt. Servt.

Aaron Nash
Page 73

For the Pension Office
The Honorable Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Washington City
D. C.

[Stamps]
Ballston N. Y. (date illegible)

FREE

[vertical hand writing]
10508
N. Y. 

Sep 25
Page 74

Ballston Spa N. Y. Sept. 8. 1832

Sir

Samuel De Forest requests me to forward to you his papers. I have known him from my youth. He was many years a Justice of the Peace in this county residing in Ballston. He is & long has been an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in that town. His character for truth & integrity is unimpeached, it is above suspicion.

His brother Abel De Forest one of the Witnesses is also known to me. He is a man of much respectability. He has several times  represented the County of Oswego in the legislature of this State.

This certificate may be addressed to him directed to the P.O.

Very respectfully
Your obedt. servt

John W. Taylor
Page 75

State of New York
Oswego County

I [torn paper] [Horace Lathrop] Clerk of the said County do certify that Philo Bennet before whom the preceding affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County & that I am acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe that his name subscribed to the said affidavit is his own proper hand writing & Signature Witness my hand & Seal of Office this 27th day of Augt 1832

Horace Lathrop
By the Thoms. K. Cory Dep.

0.5.0 	Capt Blackman
	“ Tomlinson
1.0.0 Lieut. Burr Black Rock
2. 0	Guard of Stratford
Page 76

Know all men by these presents that I Samuel Deforest of the Village of Ballston Span in the County of Saratoga and State of New York. Administrator of the Estate of Mary Deforest late of Ballston in the county and state aforesaid deceased do hereby constitute and appoint Aaron Nash of Ballston in the County and State aforesaid my true and lawful Attorney for me and in any name to prosecute my claim for all arrears of Pension due the deceased Mary Deforest at the of her decease or otherwise due the said deceased from the Government of the United States to do all things necessary& lawful to obtain the same, and attornies one or more under him for the purpose aforesaid, to make and again at pleasure to Revoke, Ratifying and confirming and by these presents allowing whatsoever my said Attorney shall in my name lawfully do, or cause to be done, in and about the premises by Virtue of these presents
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my and Seal this 11th day of April in the year 1850
Samuel De Forest
J. W. Culen
David Maxwell

State of New York
County of Saratoga

On the 11th day of April 1850 before the undersigned Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Samuel Deforest within named, and to me known to be the person described in the foregoing Power of Attorney, and acknowledge that he Executed the same as his free act and deed
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last mentioned 
and I further certify that the words (“true and”) were interlined between the 5th and 6th lines above before Execution
David Maxwell
Justice of the Peace
Page 77

State of New York
County of Saratoga

I James W. Horton Clerk of the said County, hereby certify that David Maxell Esquire who has subscribed the foregoing acknowledgment officially was at the time of doing so a Justice of the Peace in & for said County of Saratoga & State of New York duly Elected and authorized by the law of the State to Administer oaths and take acknowledgments and that the within is his signature.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand as Clerk of Said County and affixed my Official Seal at Ballston Spa, in the said county this 11th day of April 1850

James W. Horton
Clerk
Page 78

The People of the State of New-York, by the Grace of God Free and Independent: To – 
Samuel De Forest of Ballston Spa, Saratoga County N.Y.

Send Greeting:
Whereas Mary De Forest of the town of Ballston As is Alleged, lately died intestate, having whilst living, at the time of her death, goods, chattels and credit within this state, by means whereof, the ordering and granting administration of all and singular the said goods, chattels and credits; And Also, the auditing, allowing and final discharging the account thereof, doth appertain unto us; And We, being desirous that the goods, chattels and credits of the said deceased may be well and faithfully administered, applied and disposed of, Do grant unto you, the said
Samuel De Forest 
full power, by these presents, to administer and faithfully dispose of all and singular the said goods, chattel and credits, to ask, demand, recover and receive, the debts which unto the said deceased whilst living, and at the time of her death did belong; And to pay the debts which the said deceased did owe, so far as goods, chattels and credits will thereto extend, and the law require; hereby requiring you to make, or cause to be made, a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the goods, chattel and credits of the said deceased, which have or shall come to your hands, possession or knowledge; and the same so made, to exhibit, or cause to be exhibited, into the office of the Surrogate of the county of Saratoga at or before the expiration of three calendar months from the date thereof; And Also, to render a just and true account of Administration when thereunto required. AND WE DO BY THESE PRESENTS, depute, constitute and appoint you, the said
Samuel De Forest
Administrator of all and singular the goods, chattels and credit which were of the said Mary De Forest dececase3d.

In testimony whereof, We have caused the seal of Office of our said Surrogate to be hereunto affixed.
Witness John C. Hulbert, Esquire, Surrogate of the said county of Saratoga Springs, the 9th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty and of our Independence the Seventy Fourth

Jhn C. Hulbert
Page 79

I Abel French of the Town of Monroe in County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut aged seventy two. having having been duly cautioned and sworn do depose and say that I was present and witnessed the Marriage of Samuel De Forest to Mary Curtiss (then called Polly Curtiss) who is now the widow of the late said Samuel De Forest. The marriage took place in the Congregational Church in the Town the called the Parish of New Stratford. The Reverend Elisha Rexford was then the Clergyman in said Church and the said Samuel and Mary were by him married
It occurred in the Winter season and according to my best recollection in the year 1781. Monroe November 15th A. 1837
Abel B. French

State of Connecticut, Fairfield County. Monroe November 15th A 1837 – 
Personally appeared Abel French signer of the foregoing deposition and made sworn oath that the above deposition is true before me. 
Cyrus H. Beardslee Chief Judge of the County Court for Fairfield County
Page 80

State of Connecticut,
Fairfield County
Stratford November 18th 1837 
I certify that from a careful examination of the Records of the town of Stratford in said Fairfield County, of which I have I have the Custody, that the Marriage of Samuel De Forest to Mary Curtiss, is not to be found therein Recorded. I also further Certify, that the town now called Monroe in said Fairfield County, was formerly, and until after the close of the Revolutionary War, a part of the town of Stratford in sd Fairfield County. and separated therefrom, in the year 1788 or fore part of the Year 1789 as appears by the Records of sd town of Stratford –
Attest. David Brooks Town Clerk 

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County
Monroe November
18th A 18th 1837

I as certify that David Brooks Esquire whose own proper signature known to me to be genuine is annexed to the above certificate is, and for more than one year last past has been Town Clerk of the Town of Stratford in said Fairfield County

Cyrus H. Beardslee
Chief Judge of the 
County Court for
Fairfield County
Page 81

I Samuel B. Beardslee of Monroe (formerly New Stratford) having been duly cautioned and sworn do depose and say that I am and for more than one year last past have been Clerk of the Congregational Church – that the records of said Church were kept by the Reverend Elisha Rexford while he acted as the Clergyman over said Church and that since the death of the said Rexford, the said Records kept by him, have been lost, so that no hope is entertained of their recovery & that the marriage of the widow Mary De Forest to her late husband Samuel De Forest does not appear on the records now preserved.
Dated Monroe November 15th
A 1837.-
Samuel B. Beardsley
Clerk of the above named Church

State of Connecticut, Fairfield County. Monroe
November 15th A 1837
Personally appeared the above deposed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed before me –
Cyrus H. Beardslee
Chief Judge of the County Court
for Fairfield County –

State of Connecticut, Fairfield County. Monroe
November 15th A 1837
I do certify that the above name deponent (Samuel B. Beardslee) is, after more than one year last past has been Clerk of the Congregational Church in this Town. 
Cyrus H. Beardslee
Chief Judge of the County Court
for Fairfield County
Page 82

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County
I Thomas B. Osborne Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Cyrus H. Beardslee Esquire, who [illegible] signatures, known D[illegible] to be genuine, are [illegible] to the Certificates to the foregoing Depositions, is now and for than one year last past has been Chief Judge of said County Court within aforesaid Fairfield County. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and the Seal of said County Court in Fairfield this 18th day of November 1837.
Thomas B. Osborne Clerk