Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17117, for Duncan Mc Ewen, New York
Page 1

(3-1776) 

Service
New York 

McEwen, Duncan
Martha 

Number W.17117

Contents
Page 2

New York 5791

Martha McEwen
widow of Duncan McEwen dec'd 
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1808
and who died on the 11th of April 1788
of Orange Co in the State of N York
who was a private in the compy commanded
 by Captain Barrett of the Regt commanded 
by Col. Willett in the New York 
line for 21 mos and 3 days private 
Increased from $40.33 per ann

Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 70 Dollars Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836

Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of February 1841 and sent to Hon. Nathaniel Jones H. of Representatives

Arrears to the 4th of March, 1841

$357.65

Act July 7, 1838

Recorded by S.A. Elliot Clerk
Book A Vol 2 Page 

Dead
Order to pay 10 May 1841
do do 20 July 1841
do do 20 Aug 1841
see ceb Hon J.G. Clinton
Sept. 9 1841
Page 3

Aug 5 1841
No Evans
Page 4

Pension Office
Mechanic Bank
New York 4th Augt 1841

Sir
The pension of Martha McEwen dec'd a pensioner under the Act of July 7th 1838 at $70.33 per annum was paid on the 18th May 1841, retaining the shares of three of the heirs. The share due to James McEwen was paid on the 29th ultimo, as per your letter of the 20th July last. I now enclose for your examination, the papers of the two remaining heirs, Deborah H. Little and Jane T. Hultslander. 
I am very Respectfully
Your obt Servt. 
S Knapp [Prit?]
by Sylvester Spencer
Chf Clk

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 5

Pension Office
Mechanis Bank 
New York 12th July 1841

Sir
The pension due to the heirs of Martha McEwen dec'd a pensioner under the Act of July 7 1838 at $70.33 per annum was paid as per your letter of the 10th May 1841, on the 18th May last, retaining the shares due to James McEwen, Deborah H. Little, and Jane T Hultslander, three of the children. The power of attorney of James McEwen has subsequently been presented for the payment of his share, which I herewith enclose for your examination and decision. 
I am very respectfully
Your obt servt
S. Knapp [Prit?] 
by Sylvester Spencer
Chf Clk

James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 6

State of New York
Orange County ss 
On this 26 day of December 1839 personally appeared before me the undersigned one of the Judges of the court of common pleas in and for said County Martha McEwen a resident of the town of Wallkill Orange county and state of New York aged seventy five years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the pension made by the Act of Congress passed July 7 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. That she is the widow of Duncan McEwen who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution that as she has been informed and believes to be true, her husband the said Duncan McEwen entered the service of the United States in 1776 in a company commanded by Capt Hasbrook Col Paulding regt and served six months in 1777 he served under Capt John A Hardenburgh four months as a sergeant and in 1778 he was in the Battle of Monmouth in the State of New Jersey and in 1779 he was on the Frontiers against the Indians and 1780 and 1781 he served on the Frontiers under Capt Burnet.  But this deponent is unable to name all the different tours of services or the officers names under whom her said husband served. And that she has no documentary evidence in her possession of her said Husband's services and must rely upon the records and such living witnesses as she may be able to find. She further declares that she was married to her Husband the said Duncan McEwen the 28th day of May
Page 7

1783 by the Reverend Andrew King Minister of the Presbyterian Church in the Town of Montgomery then Ulster but now Orange county and State aforesaid. That her name before marriage was Martha Dickerson. And that her husband the said Duncan McEwen died on the 11th day of April 1808 and that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband the said Duncan McEwen that the marriage did not take place previous to his leaving the service but the marriage took place prior to the first of January 1794 viz at the time above stated. 

her
Martha x McEwen 
mark

Sworn and subscribed the day 
and year above written by making
her mark she being unable 
to write before me
W Westcott Judge of 
Orange Com Pleas

I hereby certify that I am acquainted with Martha McEwen and although she was somewhat indistinct in her recollection upon many subjects yet she did recollect matters of ancient date and I believe he to be of good moral character of truth and veracity and from bodily infirmity unable to attend court. 
H Westcott
Judge of Orange Com Pleas
Page 8

Duncan McEwen and Martha Dickerson
Married the 28th of May in the year of AD 1783
James McEwen Born May the 8th in the of AD 1784
Clara McEwen Born December 9th in AD 1785
Nancy McEwen Born Dec 30th in the year of 1787
John McEwen Born Dec 28th in AD 1789
William McEwen Born January 24th in 1792
Deborah H. McEwen Born April 9th in AD 1797
Jane and Andrew McEwen born October 30th in 1799
Thomas C McEwen Born Jany 25th in 1802
Jesse McEwen Born March 28th in 1804
Milton McEwen Born May 11th in 1807
Page 9

January 8th 1809  [D?] unto John McEwen
the first son of four
Page 10

State of New York
Sullivan County} ss
Personally appeared before me Alexander Patterson a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Thomas C McEwen of the Town of Mamakating County and State aforesaid and make oath in due form of Law That the annexed family memorandum on record of the marriage of Duncan McEwen said Martha Dickerson and the Births of the family has been in possession of this Deponent for the term of fifteen or sixteen years and that this deponent took said records out of his mothers chest (the said Martha McEwen) to identify or determine the period of said deponents time as an apprentice to Tanning and curing trade. 
Thomas C McEwen

Sworn to and subscribed
Before me this 24th day
of December 1839
A Patterson JP 

I do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Thomas C. McEwen the above deponent that he is a person of fair moral character and fully entitled to belief. 
A Patterson J.P.
Page 11

State of New York
Sullivan County } ss I Darius Martin Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Alexander Patterson and James Devens Esquire whose names are subscribed to the proof of the foregoing affidavits and thereon written were at the time of taking the same Justices of the Peace residing in said County commissioned and sworn. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justices and verily believe their signatures to the same to be genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 9th day of January 1840
Darius Martin Clk
Page 12

April 24, 1934. 

BA-J/ILL
Duncan McEwen
W. 17117

Mrs. DeWitt Van Buren 
30 Pierrepont Street
Brooklyn, New York. 

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Duncan McEwen, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, who died April 11, 1808. 

The record of the above noted soldier is given herein as shown in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 17117, based upon his service in that war. 

Duncan McEwen was a Scotchman by birth, the date and place of his birth and names of his parents not shown, nor his residence at the time he enlisted in the war. 

He enlisted and served in the New York troops as follows: in 1776 five or six months as private (leave out rank next time) in Captain Hasbrook's company, Colonel Pawling's regiment; in 1777, four months as sergeant in Captain John A. Hardenburg's company; after that, he wintered at Valley Forge and was in the battle of Monmouth in June, 1778, under Colonels Van Cortland and under Captain Barnet and Colonel Lewis DuBois, in all about three months and three days. 

The soldier married on May 28, 1783, in Montgomery, Ulster (later Orange) County, New York, Martha Dickerson; the wedding ceremony was performed by a Presbyterian minister. 

Duncan McEwen died April 11, 1808, in Orange County, New York. It was stated that he was a tailor by trade. 

Martha McEwen, soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed December 26, 1839, at which time she resided in Wallkill,
Page 13

Orange County, New York. Martha McEwen was then aged seventy-five years, the date and place of her birth and names of her parents not shown. She died prior to May 8, 1841, the date not shown. 

The names of the children of Duncan McEwen and his wife, Martha, are shown as follows:

James McEwen born May 8, 1784
Clara  "                "     December 9, 1785
Nancy     "           "     December 30, 1787
John         "         "      December 28, 1789
William     "         "      January 24, 1792
Martha     "         "      March 9, 1794
Deborah  "          "      April 9, 1797
Jane & Andrew  "    "  October 30, 1799
Thomas C.   "      "       January 25, 1802. 
Jesse               "       "   March 28, 1804
Milton          "              "  May 11, 1807

In December 1839, when the widow, Martha McEwen, applied for pension, John McEwen, aged fifty, was a resident of Wallkill, New York, but is was not stated that he was the son, John, listed above. The son, Thomas C. McEwen was then a resident of Mamakating, Sullivan County, New York; in 1840, his address was Wurtsboro, in said Sullivan County.

The names of the children who survived their mother in May 1841, are shown as James McEwen, Deborah H. Little, Jane T. Hultslander, and Thomas C. McEwen. Reference was made to other heirs, no names shown. 

In December 1839, one David Dickerson was a resident of Mamakating, Sullivan County, New York, aged then eight-three years; he stated that he had lived near a neighbor to Duncan McEwen from the time after the Revolutionary War until his death, but he did not state any relationship to Martha, the soldier's widow. 

Very truly yours, 
A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator. 

2.
Page 14

Rev 
Widow & c. 

File No. 17117

Martha McEwen

Widow of 
Duncan McEwen

Priv. Rev. War. 

Act: July 7th 1838

Index:- Vol. M, Page 24

[Arrangement of 1870.]

1916 Mch 2 Hist to Frances
McEwen V.L.M.
1916 Dec 29 Frances E. McEwen 
that she had one copy 
1917 Jany 9 Hist to Ruth F King
1934 April 24 Hist to DeWitt Van Buren J.L.L.
1939 July 18 Hist to Frances E. McEwen J.L.L.
Page 15

5791

New York
Martha McEwen
widow of Duncan McEwen dec'd
and who died on the 11th of April 1808
Orange Co in the State of NY
who was a private in the compy commanded 
by Captain Burnett of the Regt commanded
by Col. Willett in the New York 
line for 12 mons and 3 days

Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 40 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of Sept. 
1840 and sent Hon. Nathl Jones Warwick NY

Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1840 $181.40
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 March 40 20.16
$201.56

{Act July 7, 1838}

Recorded by D.D. Addison Clerk,
Book A Vol 2 Page 90
Page 16

N. York
Martha McEwen
let to Hon. N. jones 22 May 1840 (crossed out) 
To same July 10, 1840
to same August 1840 (July- August 1840 crossed out)

Act July 1838
Page 17

Hon J. G. Clinton 
Sept 9 1841

G. C.
Page 18

143

Pen Off
Sept 9 '41

Sir
I have the honor to return you the letter of Mr Mc Ewen respecting an increase of allowance to the late Mrs. Martha McEwen dec'd and in reply to state that she was allowed for all the service as settled by the roles and parol testimony on file. The grade of sergt was not allowed because it was not established either by the warrant or accounting for the warrant by satisfactory proof.
With respect to there being a man of the same name her late husband in Dubois Company of Clinton's regt in '75 it is sufficient that no claim has been asserted for such a term and no allusion whatever to it in the papers. 
No claim has been registered in the name of Charlotte McCain. 
Hon. J.G. Clinton 
H.R.
Page 19

Warwick NY August 26 1840

Hon. J.L. Edwards, 

Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 22nd instant in relation to the claim of widow Martha McEwen and in reply to which will respectfully request that a certificate may issue to her for the amount of service admitted viz " 5 mo in 1776, 4 mo in 1777 and three months and three day s in Captain Barrets company established by the certificate of the comptroller of N.York" Should the widow be enabled hereafter to establish additional services to the satisfaction of the Department she will expect and will doubly receive an increase of pay.
With great respect
Your obt. servant
Nathaniel Jones
Page 20

Washington Sept 4. 1841

Sir
Herewith enclosed I send you a certificate from the Comptroller of the State of New York, the object of which is explained in the accompanying letter of Mr Thomas C McEwen. 
Mr. McEwen also wishes me to enquire of you whether the claim of Ms. Charlotte McCain was not asserted under the law of 1838. 
I remain sir
Yours very respectfully
Jas. G Clinton 

J.L. Edwards Esquire
Com of Pensions
Page 21

Hon N Jones
22 Aug 1840 

OC
Page 22

253

Pension Office
22 August 1840

Sir 
The additional evidence in support of the claim of Mrs. Martha McEwen enclosed in your letter of the 11th instant. I have the honor to inform you have been examined. The tour said to have been rendered ^ by the claimants husband in the New York Line is not supported by sufficient proof - All that can be allowed upon the widow on file is the tour of 5 months in 1776, 4 months in 1777 and 3 months and three days in Capt. Burnetts company established by the certificate of the Comptroller of New York

Hon Nathl Jones
Warwick 
New York
Page 23

Pension Office
August 22, 1860

Sir,
The additional evidence in support of the claim of Mrs. Martha McEwen, enclosed in your letter of the 11th inst. I have the honor to inform you, has been examined. The tour said to have been rendered by the claimant's husband in the New York line, is not supported by sufficient proof. All that can be allowed upon the evidence on file is the tour of 5 months in 1776, four months in 1777, and three months and three days in Capt. Barnet's company, established by the certificate of the comptroller of N. York. 
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J.L. Edwards

Hon. Nathaniel Jones
Warwick
N.York
Page 24

Wrote Comsr of Pensions
Aug 26 1840

Con
Hon. Nathaniel

Warwi[ck]
 FREE

Hon N Jones
H R
Page 25

Wrote Comsr of Pensions
Aug 26 1840

J L Edwards
Com of Pensions

Hon. Nathaniel Jones
Warwick
N. York
Page 26

Washington 
AUG 22

Wrote Comsr of Pensions 
Aug 26 1840

J L Edwards
Com of Pensions

Hon. Nathaniel Jones
Warwick 
N. York

Hon N Jones 
H R
Page 27

Hon. N. Jones

July 10, 1840
O.C.
Page 28

138

Pen off

July 10 1840

Sir

I have the honor to inform you that the certificate of the Compt. of NY enclosed in yours of 4 inst in the case of Mrs. Martha McEwen establishes the alleged services of her late husband under Capt. Barnett in 1780 for 3 months. But the deposition of James Ivory as to the alleged service in the N. Y. Line for 9 mo embracing the period while the amy was in winter quarters at Valley Forge (winter of '77'8) and the battle of Monmouth (June '78) is not confirmed by the rolls of the New York Line. There is a Duncan McGowen in Smith's Company of Livingston  (4th) Regt but his 9 mo service in the Line commenced in May '78. Some parol* evidence of the alleged service of 9 mo in 76 under Capt. Hasbrook should be adduced as there are no doubt some of his surviving comrades whose testimony the claimant with proper diligence may procure. 
Hon. Nathl Jones
H.R.
* [parol evidence: legal term, preventing parties from introducing outside evidence]
Page 29

Washington Jul 4 1840

Hon.

J.L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions, 
Sir, I herewith enclose to you the supplemental afft. of James Ivory in relation to the case of Duncan McEwen's widow - also a certificate of N.Y. Comptroller for 3 months service. I am desired to call the attention of the Commissioner. Also to the pay rolls for 1777 of Capt. John A. Hardenburgh on file in his office, left there last summer, by Mr. Joseph Ellis on which rolls is to be found the name of said Duncan McEwen and which goes to sustain said widows claim-viz Martha McEwen. Please refer to the same and oblige your friend 
and obt servt
N. Jones
Page 30

May 18 1840

NY
McEwen 

Jn att

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commsr of Pensions

Hon. Nathl Jones 
HR
Page 31

6282

Martha McEwen

Act Jul 7 1838

Married 28 May 1783
Husband died 11 Apl 1788 [wrong: it was 1808]

Col Willett 
Capt Burnett
NY Lines 

Hasbrouck
Hardenburgh 
Militia

Col Livingston 4th NY Reg
Cert 15 May 1778 died 5 Feb 1779

Admitted
Private 12 mo and 3 days 
21 3
$40.33

Adm 9 mo 30 
$70.33

Hon Nathl Jones 
Warwick 
New York
Page 32

House of Representatives
May 18, 1840

Will Col. Edward have the goodness early as convenient to favor me with his report upon the case of Martha McEwen widow of Duncan McEwen under act of July 7th 1838 whose papers were presented some time since by T.C. McEwen Esq
Respfly 
Nathl Jones

No 6282 apr 25 NY
Page 33

Hon. N. Jones
22 May 1840
OC
Page 34

Pension Office 
22 May 1840

Sir 
The papers of Mrs Martha McEwen widow of Duncan McEwen enclosed in your letter of the 18th instant I have the honor to inform you have been examined and filed. For the proof of the service alleged to have been rendered under Capt Burnett and Capt John A Hardenburgh may be obtained by application to the comptroller of New York. It is said by the witness, James Ivory, that the claimants husband served in Col Van Cortland's regiment in 1778 but the roles of this regiment furnish no evidence of it. If the name of his Captain were to be given while in the New York Line a more satisfactory examination might be had. 

Hon. Nathl Jones
House Reps
NY
Page 35

Warwick Orange Co NY
August 11th 1840

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
Enclosed is Samuel Weld's affidavit proving additional services of Duncan McEwen whose widow Mrs. Martha McEwen is now applying for a pension. This evidence has been sought and found since the receipt of your letter to me of July 10th and which with that heretofore submitted to the department will as I trust establish her claim to a certificate. 
I remain Sir with due respect & c
Your obt servant
N Jones
Page 36

Payment to be made 
by S. Knapp Esq. 
Agent for paying pension
cis, in the Agency of
New York 
Payable on the 4th March 
next. 
Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book A Vol 2[d?] 
Page 90 by D.D. Addison
Clerk.
Page 37

War Department, 
Five years' Pension.

I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Martha McEwen of New York widow of Duncan McEwen dec'd who was a Private in the Revolution and died on the 11th day of April 1788 [incorrect; it was 1808] is entitled to receive five years' pension at the rate of Forty dollars and thirty three cents per annum, commencing on the fourth day of March, 1836; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the expiration of said five years, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death. 
Given at the War Office of the United 
States, this 14th day of 
September one thousand
eight hundred and [ink stains covering year]
J Poinsett
Secretary of War.

Examined and Countersigned. 

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 38

Apl 25 1840
6282
NY
July 7 1838

Hon. J.R. Poinsett
Secretary of WAr
City Washington
Page 39

Westboro 20th April 1840

Sir 
Enclosed I hand you the papers of Mrs. Martha McEwen Widow of Duncan McEwen applicant for a pension under the Act of July 7th 1838. Please to report to me at Westboro Sullivan Co N York
Respectfully yours
Thomas C, McEwen 

Hon. J.R. Poinsett
Page 40

Phillipsport 27th Jan 1841

Sir
Enclosed I hand you the affidavit of David Dickerson together with the comptrollers certificate and wish you to have the goodness to present them to the pension department with the pay certificate of Mrs Martha McEwen and request an increase of pension. 
You will see by the enclosed letter that they admit 5 months in 1776, 4 months in 1777, and 3 months and 3 days under Cap Burnet.
The 4 months in 1777, Duncan McEwen was a Sergeant, which would entitle the widow to $20. And the remaining 8 months and three days would give her $27. You will see by this that they did not allow what she was entitled to in the first instance. 
You will please to call their attention to the above fact. The pay roll of Capt. John A Hardenburgh show that Duncan McEwen in 1777 was a Sergeant this four Mos above spoken of
I am Sir very respectfully yours
Thos. C McEwen

Hon. N. Jones

over
Page 41

Washington
Feb 2 1841

To Hon. J.L. Edwards

Sir
Having just received the enclosed certificate of Mr McEwen with the other papers. I have have thought it as well to enclose the whole of them. 
Please give them your favorable consideration. 
Yours, 
in bad health
Nathl Jones
Page 42

Mechanics Bank 
New York 8th May 1841

Sir
I enclose for your examination the papers in the case of Martha McEwen dec'd late an applicant for a pension under the act of 7th July 1838 who died before the pension certificate was issued. 
I am informed that all of the heirs will not make application for their shares at present therefore I am requested to ask the favor of you to allow payment to those who have applied. 
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
S Knapp [Publ?]

James L. Edwards Esq. 
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 43

Martha McEwen
Page 44

State of New York
Orange County }ss On this 26 day of December 1839 personally appeared before me the undersigned one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County aforesaid John McEwen a resident of the Town of Wallkill County and State aforesaid, aged fifty years. Who being duly sworn according to law says on his oath that he is well acquainted with the within named Martha McEwen who subscribed and was sworn to the foregoing declaration and also was acquainted with the within named Duncan McEwen the late Husband of the said Martha McEwen and that the said Duncan McEwen died on the 11th day of April 1808. And further says on his oath that the said Martha McEwen has remained a widow ever since the death of her late husband the said Duncan McEwen
John McEwen

Sworn and subscribed the day first above written before me and I further certify that John McEwen is a reputable witness. 
H. Westcott Judge of Orange Comm Pleas
Page 45

State of New York 
Orange County } ss I Albert S Benton Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do certify that Horace W. Elliott is a Justice of Common Pleas as within and that the within signatures purporting to be his are genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said court this 16th day of April 1840. 
A.S. Benton Clerk 
per A Dunning Depy Clerk
Page 46

6282

Martha McEwen

Act July 7 1838

Married 28 May 1783
Husband died 11 Apl 180[8]

on Rolls 4 NY Regt Duncan McEwen 9 mo in 78 from May but the witnesses assert that he was in the line at Valley Forge the winter of 1778
Page 47

7

State of New York
Sullivan County} ss
Be it known that James Ivory a resident of the town of Mamakating in said county aforesaid, aged 90 years, personally appeared before me, James Devens a justice of the peace in said County of Sullivan aforesaid and made oath in due form of law that he was in the service of the United States in Col. Van Cortland regt. and this deponent was well acquainted with Duncan McEwen late of Orange County deceased, that said McEwen was a soldier in said regt. during the time that the army laid in winter quarters at Valley Forge in the state of  Pennsylvania in the year 1778 when the army pursued the enemy, the said McEwen was a soldier in said service, and in the battle of Monmouth. After the battle of Monmouth, the troops marched to West Point and from there to Albany, and up the Mohawk River to Fort Stanwick, and there went into winter quarters, this deponent cannot now recollect the Capt.'s name that he said McEwen served under but is confident that he cannot be mistaken in the service of the said McEwen during the said term of said service, afterwards this deponent was wounded and taken to the Hospital and did not see said McEwen till peace after the war they resided near a neighbour and had frequent conversations about the war, and respecting the services in the war and was well acquainted with the said McEwen untill the time of his death} the word (with) was first interlined between the 6 & 7 line before executed
by me James Devens J.P. 

his 
James x Ivory
mark

Sworn to and subscribed by 
making of his mark December
27th 1839 before me
James Devens Justice of the Peace

I do certify that I am personally acquainted with James Ivory who made the foregoing affidavit that he is entitled to full credit and belief. 
James Devens  Justice of the Peace
Page 48

State of New York
Sullivan County} Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said County 
David Dickerson a resident of the town of Mamakating County and State aforesaid aged eighty four years who being duly sworn according to law makes the following supplemental affidavits that this deponent was a member of Captain Sackets company in Colonel Livingston's regiment in the war of the revolution and was in winter quarters of a place called Valley Forge in the state of Pennsylvania. That this deponent there became acquainted with Duncan McEwen and that the said Duncan McEwen was doing the duty of a soldier of Valley Forge up to the time of the battle of Monmouth and in the said battle of Monmouth which took place the 28th day of Jan 1778 this deponent well recollecting the day. 
And this deponent further says that in an affidavit made by this deponent on the 29th day of December 1829 in which he stated that he was "unable" on account of old age and loss of memory to give the officers names under whom the said Duncan McEwen served he did not intend nor aim to mean that he had forgotten the names of the Colonel under whom the said Duncan served but the officers of the company under whose commanded he was now immediately placed that this deponent then and now well recollects that said Duncan McEwen was in the regiment under the command of Colonel Livingston and according to the best of this deponents recollection as to the company
Page 49

said Duncan was in the same company with this deponent. And this deponent further says that he cannot a mistake as to the said Duncan being in the service at Valley Forge and at Monmouth as above stated in said battle and up to the time this deponent was stationed in Connecticut and this deponent further says that from shortly after the close of said war until the death of said Duncan this deponent and said Duncan lived within a quarter of a mile of each other on friendly and intimate terms and frequently had conversations often respecting the war and of their services at Valley Forge and the battle of Monmouth and further the said Duncan McEwen was a statesman by birth as this deponent always understood and believed and a tailor by trade. 
his 
David x Dickerson
mark
Sworn to and subscribed
by making his mark
the 22d day of January 1841 
Before me 
James Devens Justice of the Peace

I do certify that David Dickerson, who made the foregoing affidavit, I have been acquainted with for a number of years, and believe his affidavit to be entitled to full credit and belief. 
James Devens Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Sullivan County Clerks OIffice ss I Henry W Howell Clerk of the Court of common pleas in Sullivan County certify that James Devens Esq is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my official seal of office and subscribed my name this twenty sixth day of January AD 1841
Henry Howell Clerk
Page 50

In pursuance of a law passed the 27th day of April 1784 entitled "An act for the settlement o the pay of the Levies and militia for their services in the late war and for other purposes therein mentioned the following certificate have been issued bearing initial & a [?] per cent per annum"
1779 Novr 22 70 5 Duncan McCure pri 2.18 7 3/4

State of New York
Comptrollers Office
Albany October 15 1840

I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No [?] now remaining in this office and that the service for which the above certificate was issued was performed under Captn Jacob Conklin in a regiment commanded by Col. John Hathorn. 

W.W. Tredway 
Dep. Comptroller
Page 51

Hon. Nathl Jones
HR
Page 52

State of New York
Sullivan County} Ss.  Be it known that before me James Devens a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared James Ivory a resident of the town Mamakating County of Sullivan and State aforesaid aged Ninety years past and made oath in due form of law. Who on his oath makes the following. Supplemental affidavit
  That he was a Soldier in the Service of the United States in Col Van Courtlands Regt, in Capt Hamtramicks Company, and this  deponent well recollects that the said Duncan McEwen the late Husband of Martha McEwen was with the said Regiment as stated in a former affidavit, but cannot say positively on account of the loss of memory what Captain the said M'Ewen served under but thinks that he served in Capt Pells or Capt Peltons company. He further says on his oath that he was well acquainted with the said Duncan M'Ewen in the war and after the war and lived a near Neighbor to the said M'Ewen ^ from the close of the war up to his death and had frequent conversations with him about the war and their Service together and cannot be mistaken in the man and the Service of the said Duncan M'Ewen as stated in a former affidavit.
 The words (from the close of the war up to his death) was interlined between the 6th & 7th line from the bottom before Executed
  James Ivory  his X mark
Sworn and Subscribed by making his mark this 8th day of June 1840 before me  James Devens Justice of the peace
Page 63

see env
Box 176
Revo Sec.
Dekalb, Illinois
12-11-16

U.S. Pension Bureau
My ancestor Duncan McEwen was born on Jan 1 1755 in Pertle Scotland and died in Wallkill N.Y. April 11, 1808. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was wounded. His wife Martha Dickerson was born in Suffolk Co. N.Y. June 10 1765 and died in Wallkill N.Y. Jan 1 1841. There was a pension granted. Shall you kindly send me a certificate with all the data concerning the army history of said Duncan McEwen and greatly oblige. 
Miss Frances E. McEwen
Page 64

[stamp] RECEIVED MAY 10 1939
Mail Sub Div 
Vets Adm. 
Reader 14

125 W. Locust St
DeKalb, Ill 
5-8-39

Pension Bureau
Washington, D.C.
On Dec. 26, 1839 the widow of Duncan McEwen applied for a pension and the application was allowed. 
Her maiden name was Martha Dickerson and her residence was Wallkill Orange Co N.Y.
Will you kindly give me the amount of the pension per annum? I would be very grateful. 
Sincerely
(Miss) Frances E. McEwen
Page 65

Rev - 1 CBH
Department of Interior
Bureau of Pensions
DeKalb, Ill [Illinois] 
1-1-17
Bureau of Pensions -
 Duncan McEwen, born in Scotland Jan. 1, 1755 and died in Wallkill New York Apr. 11, 1808, came to this country 1773.
 His wife's name was Martha Dickerson.
  I have the statement that he served in the war of the Revolution and was wounded but have no proof - If he received a pension will you kindly forward me a pension certificate that may be used as a credential in applications
Page 66

for membership in D.A.R.
 I am direct descendant on my mother's side.
 Thanking you in advance  I am
 Yours truly
 Ruth F. King
125 Locust St.
 DeKalb, Ill [Illinois]
Page 67

King
[postal mark]  U.S. Pension Office O  Jan 4 1917
Page 68

One 2c stamped envelope mil
OK EWS    Revo Sec
Stamped env retd
Box 414 DeKalb, Illinois
2-29-16
U.S. Pension Bureau
 Being desirous of becoming a member of the D.A.R. a friend of mine tells me that she obtained her credentials thro the Pension Bureau.
 I have only the following data to offer -
  Duncan MacEwen was born in Perth, Scotland Jan 1, 1755 and died in Walkill, Orange Co., N.Y. April 11, 1808.
 He came to this country in 1773 He was a member of the third
Page 69

regiment of the New York line and served with it throughout the struggle for independence.
 He was badly wounded during the struggle.
 If from this statement you can send me anything of help I shall be very grateful.
 Yours truly
  Frances E. McEwen

[postal mark] U.S. Pension Office A FEB 23 1916
Page 70

[typed letter]

30 Pierrepont Street Brooklyn, N. Y.
April 8, 1934

Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C. 

Gentlemen:

Duncan McEuen [underlined & handwritten "OK"] or McEwen was one of the Ulster County, New York, militiamen in the Revolution and served in the 3rd. Reg. from that County in the Company commanded by Cols. Levi Pawling and John Cantine. His name appears in the 1790 census at page 177. He married Martha Dickerson or Dickenson of Long Island who was born on June 10, 1765 at Sagg Harbor, Suffolk County, New York. I would like to know if she ever had a pension made to her. McEwen died in the Town of Wallkill, Ulster County, New York, on Apr. 11, 1808 and she died Jan. 1, 1841. I understand that the pension record for her, if there is one, would show the names and homes of her parents and it is this information I would like to obtain, if possible. Could I ask if you will please let me know and also what the cost will be for this service.

Thanking you, I am,
Yours very truly,
[signed] Derbett VanBuren

[stamped] RECEIVED
APR 10 1934
MAIL SUB-DIV.
[illegible]
Page 72

July 18, 1939.
Miss Frances E. McEwen
125 W. Locust Street
DeKalb, Illinois.
BA-J/ILL
Duncan McEwen
W. 17117
Dear M dam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Duncan McEwen, whose widow, Martha, applied for pension December 26, 1839.  
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 17117, based upon service of Duncan McEwen in the Revolutionary War.
Duncan McEwen was a Scotchman by birth; the date and place of his birth, the names of his parents, and his residence at the time he enlisted in the Revolutionary War were not given.
He enlisted and served in the New York troops at different times, shown as follow: in 1776, five or six months in Captain Hasbrock's company, Colonel Pawling's regiment; in 1777, four months
as sergeant in Captain John A. Hardenburg's company; after that, wintered at Valley Forge and was in the battle of Monmouth in June 1778, under Colonels Van Cortland and Livingston; in 1779 and 1780, guarding the frontiers against the Indians, under Captain Barnet and Colonel Lewis Dubois, in all about three months and three days.
The soldier married, May 23, 1783, in Montgomery, Ulster (later Orange) County, New York, Martha Dickerson; they were joined in marriage by a Presbyterian Minister.
Duncan McEwen died April 11, 1808, in Orange County, New York. It was stated that he was a tailor by trade.
Martha McEwen, the soldier's widow, was allowed pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War on her application
Page 73

executed December 26, 1839, at which time she resided in Wallkill, Orange County, New York; she gave her age then as seventy-five years, but did not state the date and place of her birth, nor
the names of her parents. She died prior to May 8, 1841, the date not given.
The names of the children of Duncan McEwen and his wife, Martha, are shown as follow:
James  McEwen     May 8, 1784.
Clara     December 9, 1785.
Nancy     December 30, 1787.
John     December 28, 1789. 
William     January 24, 1792. 
Martha     March 9, 1794.
Deborah H.   April 9, 1797. 
Jane & Andrew     October 30, 1799.
Thomas C.    January 25, 1802.
Jesse     March 28, 1804. 
Milton     May 11, 1807. 
In December 1839, when the soldier's widow, Martha McEwen, made application for pension, John McEwen, aged fifty years, resided in
Wallkill, New York, but it was not stated that he was the son, John, enlisted above. The son, Thomas C. McEwen, resided then in Mamakating,
Sullivan County, New York, and in 1840, his address was Wurtsboro, in that same county,
The names of the children who survived their mother, Martha McEwen, in May 1841, are shown as James McEwen, Deborah H. Little, Jane
T. Hultslander, and Thomas C. McEwen. Reference was made to other heirs, no names stated.
In December 1839, one David Dickerson, was a resident of Mamakating, New York, aged then eighty-three years; he had lived as a neighbor to
Duncan McEwan, the soldier, from the time of the Revolutionary War until
his death. No relationship between this David Dickerson and the soldier's
widow, Martha, was stated.
In order to obtain the name of the person to whom the last pay-