Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 42597, Benjamin Van Ette, New York
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
New York

Van Ette, Benjamin or Van Etten.

NUMBER 
S.42597

CONTENTS
Page 2

Notifications sent to Geller A. Fonda, Esq.
Schenectady NY
June 3. 1820

15.421
New York
Benjamin Van Ette / Van Etten

of Schenectady in the State of New York
who was a private in the regiment commanded
Colonel Wyncoop of the New York
line, for the term of one year

Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence the 17 of Apl 1818

Certificate of Pension issued the 9 of Oct. 1819
and sent to J.K. Paige Esq
Schenectady New York

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1819 - $132.80
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Mar. 1820. -$48.00
[Total] $180.80

Died Apr. 22, 1823

{Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818.}

Continued
Page 3

Proof of Service in Case of Benj'n Van Ette

[crossed out language]

Adm'd.
Page 4

State of New York
County of Schenectady} ss:
On this seventeenth day of April 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges
of the Court of Common Pleas in for the County of Schenectady, personally appears Benjamin Van Ette, aged sixty years, resident in the City & County of Schenectady & State of New York, who being by me first duly sworn, according to Law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late law of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war" :
that he the said Benjamin Van Ette enlisted sometime in the month of February in the
year 1776, in the then Town of Schenectady and State of New York, for the term of NIne months, in the company commanded by Captain Garret S. Veeder of the Regiment of New York State Troops commanded by Colonel Wynkoop; that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States, untill the month of March in the year 1777, when he was discharged from service, having remained in service between Three & four months after the term for which he had enlisted expired in the the town of
Schenectady and State of New York. That
he was not during this time of service in any
battles, but was afterwards having been
drafted into service, in the battle of Saratoga
at the time General Burgoyne Surrendered.
And that he is in reduced circumstances
in life, and stands in need of assistance
from his country for support. That
Page 5

he has no other evidence now in his power
of his said services, except that hereunto annexed - having lost his discharge.
Sworn to & declared before me
17th of the day year above written
[signed] Benjamin Van Etten (X) his mark

John Yates, one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas for the County of Schenectady

State of New York
County of Schenectady } ss:
Walton Swits of the City and County of Schenectady, being duly sworn says
that he has for many years been personally
acquainted with Benjamin Van Ette who has
made oath to the facts set forth in the said
Declaration - that he this Deponent belonged
to the same Company at the time stated by
the said Benjamin Van Ette, & believes the facts set forth by him in relation to his service
to be true & further he saith not -
[signed] Walton Swits
Sworn before me this
17th day of April 1818

John Yates one of the Judges of the Court on
pleas for the County of Schenectady

I John Yates Judge &c. as aforesaid
do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction
that the said Benjamin Van Ette did serve
in the Revolutionary war as stated in his
preceding declaration, against the Common
enemy, and I now transmit the proceedings
Page 6

and testimony taken and had before me, to the
Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant
to the directions of the aforementioned act
of Congress--
John Yates

I John Yates Judge as aforesaid do hereby in addition to the above certify that Benjamin Van Ette is in reduced circumstances & stands in need of assistance from his country for support.
John Yates

State of New York
County of Schenectady }  ss: 
In testimony that John Yates before whom the above affidavits were taken, & who signed the foregoing certificate was on the 17th day of April instant one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Schenectady, and that the above are his signatures, I subscribe my name & affix the seal of the said Court of Common Pleas this 17th Day of April 1818.

Gelles A. Fonda
Clerk of the County of Schenectady
Page 7

Benjamin Van Ette
App'ln for Pension

Not on Rolls
Page 8

State of New York
County of Schenectady } ss:
Gerrit S. Veeder, Junior of the
City & County of Schenectady being
Duly Sworn deposeth & saith. That during the
War of the Revolution he was a Captain
in the Continental service & commanded 
a Company of New York State Troops in a
Regiment commanded by Colonel Cornelius
D. Wynkoop-- That he has for many years 
been personally acquainted with Benjamin 
Van Etten  - That the said Benjamin Van
Etten Enlisted into his Company on the 17th
day of March 1776 for the Campaign. That 
he was Discharged on the 15th day of February
1777 as appears from an old pay Roll now
in his possession making his whole
term of service more than nine months.
This deponent further says that he is
uninterested in the application of the
said Benjamin Van Etten & further
saith not--
[Signed] Gerrit S. Veeder, Jun'r.
Sworn before me this
18th day of February 1819
M.T.E. Veeder, one of the Justices
of the Peace in & for the City
& County of Schenectady

I certify that Gerrit S. Veeder Junr the
above Deponent is a credible witness-
M.T.E. Veeder
Page 9

State of New York
County of Schenectady } ss:
Schenectady } ss:
John Lighthall of the City & County of Schenectady, being duly sworn deposeth & saith that in the year 1776 on the 18th day of April he enlisted for the term of Nine months in a company commanded by Captain Gerrit S. Veeder; that on the 20th of the same month he joined the company -- That he has for many
years been personally acquainted with
Benjamin Van Ette - that on this Deponent's
joining his company on the day aforesaid
the said Benjamin Van Ette was in service
& attached to the said company. That they
continued in service together untill some
time about the middle of February in the
year 1777, when this deponent having 
re-enlisted,  joined the first New York Regiment - This Deponent further says that he is disinterested in the application of the said Van Ette & further he saith not --
[signed] John Lighthall

Sworn before me this
1st day of August 1818
Nathan N. Whiting
Justice of the Peace

I certify that John Lighthall the above Deponent is a credible witness
Nathan N. Whiting
Page 10

State of New York
County of Schenectady } ss:
In testimony that M. T. E. Veeder & Nathan N. Whiting before whom the foregoing
affidavits of Geritt S. Veeder, Junior, & John
Lighthall were taken were on the dates
thereof Justices of the Peace in & for the
County of Schenectady & the foregoing their
signatures, I subscribe my name and affix
the seal of said County this 11th day of
February 1819.
Jelles A Fonda
Clerk of the County of Schenectady
Page 11

Benjamin Van Elton
15421

Continue
Page 12

STATE OF NEW-YORK.
County of Schenectady } ss:
On this fifteenth day of May 1820 personally appeared before me David Boyd one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, Benjamin Van Etten a Pensioner under
the act of the 18th of March 1818, Certificate No. 15421, dated Oct 6, 1819, --- aged sixty three years, resident in the County of Schenectady, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows:  he enlisted in Capt Gerrit S. Veeder's Company, Col Wynkoop's Regt., 1776- afterwards transferred to Col. Van Schaick's
Regt - discharged in 1777-
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled, "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.

Schedule.

Real estate -- none.
Personal estate -- none.
Income -- none
Occupation -- none.
---
Family.
Benjamin Van Etten myself aged 63
James,  Son - 5 yrs
Helen, daughter - 8 yrs

Sworn to and declared, on the 15 day of May 1820, before me David Boyd, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County examined and approved in open Court May 10th 1820
[signed] Benjamin Van Etten (X) his mark

I, JELLES A. FONDA, Clerk of the county of Schenectady, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount in value of property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is ____ dollars and ____ cents.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county, s 9th day of June 1820.
Jelles A. Fonda
Clerk of the County of Schenectady
Page 13


January 17, 1933
BA-J/EEL
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Benjamin Van Ette-S.42597

Mrs. B. Van Natta
604 Wall Street
Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Benjamin Van Etten, a soldier of the Revolutionary War
and a pensioner.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.42597, based upon the military service of Benjamin Van Ette in that war.
Benjaim Van Ette (pensioned Van Ette; the name also appears as Van Etten) enlisted in Schenectady, New York, March 17, 1776, served as private in Captain Gerrit S. Veeder's Company, Colonel Cornelius D. Wynkoop's New York Regiment; was transferred to Colonel Van Schaick's New York Regiment and was discharged February 15, 1777. He stated, that he was in the battle of Saratoga; no details of this service were given.
[handwritten note in right margin: "See Heitman which shows that Veeder & Wynkoop's service ended in Nvo 1776-"]
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 17, 1818, at which time he was aged sixty years and resided in Schenectady, New York.
In 1820, he referred to his son, James, as aged five years and to his daughter, Helen, as aged eight years. The name of his wife is not given and there are no further family data.
He died April 22, 1823. The date and place of his birth are not stated.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 14


1933 - Jan 17 - History to Mrs B. Van Natta - EEL

42597
INVALID.
Revy
File No. 42,597

Benjamin Van Ette
Pri Rev War

---
Act:  18 March '18

Index: - Vol. 3, Page 524
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 15

Salt Lake City Utah
Dec 27, 1932.

[circular stamp: RECEIVED JAN % 1933
MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS. ADM. READER 1 '29]

Veteran's Administration
Washington D.C

Dear Sirs:
Will you kindly send me the a Copy of facts
concerning Benjamin Van Etten who was born in or near Schenectady, N.Y. 1757, d.  April 22. 1823.
enlisted Mar 17 1776. Capt Gerrit S. Veeder Colonel Cornelius Wynkoop's regiment.
He was a pensioner under the act of March 18, 1818
I wish to know as much about him
as possible his wife's name and parentage
Very Resp. Mrs B. Van Natta

604 604 wall at Salt Lake Utah
Page 16

2 Old Cases
Recd Sep 14 1819
John Keyes Parge Esqr
Agt.
Schenectady, New York

Hon. J. C. Calhoun
Sec'y of War
Page 17

The Hon. C. Calhoun
Sec'y of War

Sir:
I return the application of Benjamin
Van Ette for a Pension for Revolu'y services, together with the original Commission of Capt Garret S. Veeder, which was required-
The Commission Capt. Veeder was willing should be forwarded for the benefit of the applicant, provided it could be returned to 
him; for he says he values it so highly that he
would not upon any consideration relinquish
altogether the possession of it. I would therefore request that it may be returned after examination to be handed to him.
Van Ette States as to the query upon his application, that at the time he made his declaration, he was not aware that there were any documents from which the precise time of
his enlistment & discharge could be ascertained, & that he stated his time of service as near as he could from his best recollection. Though he has no question but he was mistaken, and that the time stated in the affidavit of Capt Veeder as taken from the old pay roll is the true time-
Page 18

George Shannon another applicant requested me to enclose his papers. He says the same question exists in his case, that he also served under Capt Veeder.
Resp'y,
Your obdt. Svt. 
Jno. Keyes Paige

Schenectady N.Y.
11th Sept 1819
Page 19

Application of
Benj Van Ette 
for a Pension
with additional Proof

O}  The applicant states that he
served from Feb. 1776 to March
1777; and the officer states that the
applicant served from March
1776 to Feb. 1777. Which of these
statements is true?
The original commission must
be forwarded before any further
investigation can be had.
Page 20

(Copy of Captain Garret S. Veeder)
"In Congress"

"The Delegates of the United Colonies of
New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode
Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, the Counties of New Castle,
Kent & Sussex in Delaware, Maryland,
Virginia, North Carolina & South Carolina, to
Garret S. Veeder Esquire,--
We reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and fidelity, Do by these Presents constitute and appoint you to be Captain of the fourth company of the Fourth Battalion of New York forces in the Army of the United Colonies, raised for the Defence of American liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof.  You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Captain by doing & performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command, to be obedient to your orders as a Captain.  And you are to observe and follow such order and directions from time to time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of
Page 21

Congress, for that purpose appointed, or commander in chief for the time being of
the Army of the United Colonies, or any other
your superior Officer, according to the rules
and discipline of war in pursuance of
the trust reposed in you.  This Commission
to continue in force untill revoked by this or
a future Congress. Dated this First day
of March 1776. By order of the Congress."
"John Hancock President."
"Attest Chas Thomson Sec'y"  (Signed)

State of New York
City & County of Schenectady } ss:
Garret S. Veeder of the City & County of Schenectady being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he is the same person named in & to whom the original Commission of which the foregoing is a verbal & literal copy, was
directed. That the said Commission now
is, and has continued in his possession
from the time of its receipt. That it is
the same Commission under which
he this Deponent served & held the rank
of Captain in the Regiment of New York
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Forces commanded by Colonel Wynkoop
in the war of the revolution.  That
it was while serving as a Captain by
virtue of said Commission, that the said
Benjamin Van Ette enlisted into his company on the 17th day of March 1776, and served untill he was discharged on the 15th day of February 1777, as stated in the first affidavit of this Deponent hereunto annexed - & further he saith not.
[signed] Garret S. Veeder

Sworn before me
on  this 14 day of May 1819
M.T.E. Veeder Justice of the peace in & for the
County of Schenectady & State of New York

We certify that the above Deponent is a
credible witness.
M.T.E. Veeder

Schenectady County
Clerk's Office }

I certify that Matthew T.G. Veeder whose signature appears to the Jurat of the affidavit of Gerrit S. Veeder, is a Justice of the Peace of said County at the date thereof.   In testimony whereof I subscribe my name, & affix the Official seal the Court of Common Pleas of said
County May 14. 1819.
Jellis A. Fonda Clark