Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 251, Abram A Hopper, New Jersey
Page 1

SERVICE  New Jersey
Hopper, Abram A        NUMBER W.251.
  Elizabeth                  B.L.Wt 91124-160-55
Page 2

New Jersey
Elizabeth Hopper
widow of Abram A. Hopper
who served in the Revolutionary 
Capt Hopper   NJ.
war, as a Private
Increased from $30
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of October 1860 and sent to 
A. Van Buskirk
             Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under February 2, 1848, Page 166 Vol [smudged]
Page 3

304,607 Act Mar 3 55
Dec [illeg]  19 59
Elizabeth Hopper Wid. 
91.124 yrs  isd Dec. 22 59
Elizabeth Hopper wid
Abram A. Hopper Dec.
Abram A     Private
Revolutionary war
av: 160 ac. Dec. 21/59
[illeg] M Boyton
NJ ab 2d Feb 48-6458
Abram Van Buskirk Esq
Present 

Vol H 2 page 98
Page 4

Act of 1836
N.J.
Elizabeth Hopper
widow of Abraham A. Hopper
[Dea ??] of N.J.
for a Pension
I think this case has been heretofore filed + that this may be additive evidence - as I am not fully informed as to the case these paper having been sent me 
Filed by
Jas. [James] G. Austin Atty  Present
Page 5

MARRIAGES.
Abraham A Hopper
Elizabeth Van Horn
was married the 18th Day of August 1793
Page 6

Elizabeth Van Horn was born the 1st Day of January 1773 Wife of Abraham A. Hopper
Page 7

DEATHS.
Maria Van Houten Dyed 
the 11th Day of September 1815
Page 8

DEATHS.
Abraham A. Hopper died the 10th day of February 1831 Aged 72 years 2 months and 28 days
Page 9

State of New Jersey 
Bergen County Ss}
   On this ninth day of November 1854 personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the said County duly authorized by law to administer oaths Elizabeth Hopper of Hopper town County of Bergen aged eighty two years and upwards who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith and makes the following declaration as follows that the papers hereunto annexed purporting to be a family record was taken from the old family Bible of Abraham A. Hopper decd. this deponents husband and now and always in her possession and that the said papers were always regarded as the family record of her and her said husband 
       Elizabeth [her mark] Hopper
Sworn and subscribed before me this ninth day of November 1854
Abm. J. Ackerman Justice of the peace
State of New Jersey
Bergen County Ss}  I Abrm J. Ackerman a Justice of the peace in and for said County do hereby certify that Elizabeth Hopper who took and subscribed her name to the foregoing affidavit is well known to me that she is a credible person that her statements in the foregoing affidavid are entitled to credit that I am disinterested and not concerned in its prosecution
Page 10

State of New Jersey
Bergen County ss.
I Garret G Ackerson Clerk of the County of Bergen and Clerk of the Court of Common pleas in and for said County do certify, that Abraham J Ackerman before whom the foregoing deposition of Abraham J Ackerman was taken and to which he has subscribed his name was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and sworn and fully authorized to take the same and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe that his signature to same deposition is genuine
    Witness my hand and seal of said county and court this tenth day of November AD 1844.
          Garret G Ackerson Clerk
Page 11

State of New Jersey
County of Bergen}ss
     On this ninth day of November AD 1834 personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said county duly authorized by law to administer oaths Elizabeth Hopper a resident of the town of Hoppertown County of Bergen + State of N.J. aged eighty two years + upward who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress granting pension to certain widows. that he is the widow of Abraham A. Hopper decd.  of Hoppertown Bergen County + state aforesaid her first + only husband who was a Privit in the revolutionary war + as she has been informed  and truly believes was mustered in the American army in Bergen County and State of N.J. + that he served in the field + in garrison under Capt. John Hopper + others and that for more proof of her husbands service in the revolutionary war as well as [     ] her said husbands marriage + births of their children. She more fully relies upon the proof which she may be able to obtain + anex hereunto + trusts that the Department will grant him such pension as the proof + the merits of the case shall warrant.  She further declares that she was married to the said Abraham A. Hopper on the 18th day of August A.D. 1793 + that her husband the aforesaid Abraham A Hopper died on the eighteenth day of February A.D. [ written over the word August     ] and that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred + ninety four + at the time above stated she further swears that she is now a widow + that she nor her said husband ever before made any application for a pension. before this present. Also that she has no documentary evidence in support of the claim at present  + knows not of any....+ also, that she hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present + further more that his service was performed in the militia of N. J.
Page 12

the word tenth & the word February }
written over, & the figures altered 1831 }
and the erasure over eigh, all done }
before execution. }

Sworn and subscribed before me }
this ninth day of November 1854 }
Abrm J Ackerman Justice of the peace }
                her
Elizabeth  X  Hopper
               mark

State of New Jersey }
County of Bergen } ss.  I Abrm. J.  Ackerman Justice of the peace, in & for said County do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Elizabeth Hopper who took & Subscribed his name to the foregoing that she is a credible person & her statements in the foregoing are entitled to full credit & belief.  Also that I am disinterested in the above claim & are not concerned in its prosecution - and also the said Elizabeth Hopper being unable to attend in open Court on account of old age and bodily infirmity.
Abrm J Ackerman Justice of the peace

State of New Jersey
Bergen County SS.   I Garrett G. Ackerson Clerk of the County of Bergen and Clerk of the Court of Common pleas in and for said County do certify that Abraham J. Ackerman before whom the foregoing declaration of Elizabeth Hopper was made and his certificate thereto, was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and
Sworn and fully authorized to take the same and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe that his signature to said declaration
and certificate is genuine.

Witness my hand and seal of said County
and Court this tenth day of November
AD 1854
Grant G. Ackerson Clerk


Declaration - wid.
Page 13

State of New Jersey SS
County of Bergen. On this ninth day of November 1854 Personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace - duly authorized by law to administer Oaths Stephen Lutkins a resident of the Town of New Barbados  Bergen County aged eighty six years & upwards who being duly Sworn according to Law Deposeth & saith that he was well acquainted with Abraham A. Hopper, from his youth up & 
lived a neighbour of him in the time of the Revolution and well remembers the time that he entered the American Army as a volunteer at Hopper town in Bergen County N. J. This was some time in the month of July 1778, that he was mustered into the Army & Dun [done] all the duty of a soldier & was under a soldiers
obligation from that time until some time in December 1780 under Capt. J. Hopper & others, as a privit [private] & I well remember the Battle he was engaged in at Hoppertown, where the army was quartered with the Brittish 
in which the commanding officer was kil[le]d & a number wounded this battle with the British was in 1780, in the spring.  his marches in the army were in the vicinity of Hopper town in said County & between that place & N.Y. for the protection of the inhabitance [inhabitants] from the incursions of the enemy & the time the service was perform he was not employed in any other pursuit to my knowledge.I. Further more that I am disinterested in the above matter.

the word Hopper erased before Execution

Sworn and subscribed before me this ninth }
day of November 1854. }
Abrm. J. Ackerman Justice of the peac } 
               his
Stephen  X  Lutkins
             mark

State of New Jersey }
County of Bergen } ss.   I, Abrm. J. Ackerman a
Justice of the peace in it for said County do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Stephen Lutkins who took & Subscribed his name to the foregoing affidavit that he is a credible Person & his statements in the foregoing are entitled to full credit and Belief

over
Page 14

Further more I am disinterested in above case
not conserned in its Prosecution.
Abrm. J. Ackerman Justice of the peace

State of New Jersey
Bergen County SS. I Garret G. Ackerson Clerk of the County of Bergen and Clerk of the Court of Common pleas in and for said County do certify that ['Stephen Lutkins' crossed out] Abraham
Ackerman before whom the foregoing deposition of Stephen Lutkins was taken was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and fully authorized
to take the same, and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice  that his signature to said deposition is genuine.

Witness my hand and seal of said County 
and Court this tenth day of November A.D. Garret G. Ackerson Clerk
Page 15

304 Coy

BOUNTY LAND CLAIM
-----
Act of March 3, 1853
-----
ORIGINAL CLAIM FOR LAND WARRANT.
-----
Mrs. Elizabeth Hopper
Widow of Abram Hopper
of New Jersey
----------------------
Mrs. Hopper is on
Revolutionary Pension



--------------------------
Abram Van Buskirk
Atty for Claimant,
WASHINGTON, D. C.

INSTRUCTIONS.
1. Claimant's name.
2. Soldier's name.
3. Here specify the service as follows : "in the company commanded by Captain [blank] in the [blank] regiment of [blank] commanded by Col. [blank]" or "a [blank] on board of the United States ship [blank] commanded by [blank] in the war of [blank]," or as the case may be.
4. Enlisted, volunteered, was drafted, or shipped
5. Add "that she has never before made application for Bounty Land," or "that she made application for Bounty Land," for said service, and her claim was rejected or suspended.
6. The claimant will here state that no public or private record of her marriage exists, or can be obtained, if such is the case.  If there is a County, Town, or Church record of the marriage, a duly certified copy of such record must be sent.  If there is no public, but a private or family record containing the marriage or the births of children, a copy of such record must be sent, and the magistrate will certify that it is a correct copy of the original.  Parol evidence of the marriage or of cohabitation, is not admissible until the absence of record evidence is accounted for. If the testimony of persons who were present at the marriage can be produced, it should be sent, and if such testimony can not be had, the Claimant will so state.  This form will not alone be sufficient for the claim, without amendment or additional evidence of the marriage, unless the declarant is unable to present either public or private record evidence of or the testimony of persons who were present.
7. Claimant's signature.
8. Witnesses' signatures.
9. Magistrates' signatures.
Page 16

State of New Jersey }
Passaic COUNTY   } ss.
I, Silas D. Caufield,  Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State above named,, do hereby certify that Cornelius G. Van Riper Esq., before whom the foregoing affidavits were made, and who has thereunto signed his name, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State above named, duly commissioned and sworn, that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit, and that his signature thereto is genuine.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my official seal this 14 day of December 1859
S. D. Caufield all
[seal affixed at left]



Forwarded by ________________________
Page 17

Declaration to be made by a Widow who has never received Bounty Land.
-----------
STATEOF New Jersey }
Bergen COUNTY, } ss:
On this 14th day of  December 1859 before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State above named personally appeared (1) Elizabeth Hopper aged 87 years, a resident of Acquackanonk, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of (2) Abram A. Hopper who was a ( 3 ) a 
Private in the Revolutionary & is in the want of a pension for his service that he (4) resided at Hoppertown Bergen. Co in the State of New Jersey on or about the ---  day of --- 18  , and continued in actual service fourteen days, and was honorably discharged at --- on or about the --- day of 18.  , and ( 5 )
She further states that she was married to the said Abram A. Hopper at Bergen County on the
--- day of     , A. D.     by one                , a                  
                    that her name, before her said marriage was, Elizabeth Van Horn that her said husband died at Bergen County on the 10th day of February, 1831 aged 72, and she is now a widow (6) and in the receipt of a Revolution
Pension on the New Jersey Pension Roll.  

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she is entitled under the act of March 3, 1855, never 
having received Bounty Land or knowing that she is entitled except for the above service;
and she hereby constitutes and appoints Abraham Van Buskirk of Washington, D. C., her attorney to prosecute her claim and procure her warrant. Hereby authorizing and empowering her said attorney to obtain from the proper authorities at Washington city, or elsewhere, certified copies of any Army or Navy records or documents in which her said husband's services may be recorded, and to procure any or all other evidence that may be necessary to establish her claim as fully as if personally present; and revoking and countermanding all former authority that may have been given for
the above specified purpose, and for the proper proof of her claim refers to her papers for a Revolutionary pension. (7)
               her
Elizabeth X Hopper
              mark

Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged before me the day and year first above written; and on the same day personally came before me A. J. Ackerman, a resident of Bergen County County [sic], in the State above name, and Corns. A.  Hopper, a resident of Passaic County, in said State, who being duly sworn, declare that they are personally acquainted with (1) Elizabeth Hopper widow of (2) Abram A. Hopper who has made and subscribed the foregoing declaration; that they were personally acquainted with ( 2 ) Abram A. Hopper and his wife during the lifetime of the former, and know that they lived together as man and wife, and were so reputed; and they believe that the husband of the said (1) Elizabeth Hopper was the identical person who performed the service mentioned in the above declaration; that the above named (2) Abraham A. Hopper is now dead, and the said (1) Elizabeth Hopper is now a widow.  And they further swear that they are disinterested in this claim.
Abrm J Ackerman
(8) Corns. A. Hopper

Sworn to and subscribed before me, and I certify that I am not interested in the claim or concerned in its prosecution, and I further certify that I know the above affiants to be credible witnesses, and the claimant is the person she represents herself to be.
(9) Corns. A.  Van Riper Justice of the peace
Page 18

251
Revy WIDOW, & c.
-------
No. 251
Elizabeth Hopper
Widow
Abram A. Hopper
Priv. Rev. War.
-------
Act: Feb. 2d. 1848,
Index: --Vol. A, Page 340

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 19

Elizabeth Hopper wid.
of Abraham A.
----------
Copies to be made of
the enclosed papers for
Court or Rev. Pens. of
H. of Reps.
Page 20

No.
Elizabeth Hopper
widow of Abram A.
Passaic Co. N. Jersey
Increase from $30 to $80.
---------
Allowed Act July 7 1838
&c, at rate of $80 pr annum-
commencing from 4th March
1836 excepting 2 years, & 
deducting the amount heretofore
paid-

Certificate to be sent to
A. Van Buren
Purt.-
Page 21

9,718
New Jersey
--------------------
Elizabeth Hopper
widow of Abram A.
who was a private
in the Revolutionary war.
--------------------
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 30 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence
on the 4th day of March, 1843.
--------------------
Certificate of Pension issued
the 12th day of Decr. 1854
and sent to
S.G. Dodge
Present.
---------------------
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and
June 17, 1844. ]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 1, Page 154
Page 22

97[illegible]
New Jersey
------------------
Elizabeth Hopper
widow of Abram A.
who was a Private
in the Revolution.
Increased from $30-
--------------------
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 80. Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence
on the 4th day of March, 1843.
--------------------
Certificate of Pension issued
the 10th day of October 1860
and sent to
Acts of March 3, 1843.
--------------------
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and
June 17, 1844. ]
Recorded in Book H
Vol.1.   Page 154
Page 23

91,124

160 Acres
Page 24

11.883
--------------------
New Jersey
Elizabeth Hopper
widow of Abram A. Hopper
who died on the -----------
of --------- in the State of -------
who was a private, in the ---- commanded
by Captain ------ of the -------- commanded
by ----------- in the Revolution
line for Increased from $30.00
------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Trenton
at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of 
March, 1836.
------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of
October 1860 and sent to
------------------------
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending

[Revolutionary Claim, }
{Act July 7, 1838. }

Recorded by G. T. Getty Clerk,
Book H Vol. 1  Page 142
Page 25

11,883
New Jersey
---------------------
Elizabeth Hopper,
widow of Abram A. Hopper
who died on the [blank]
of ---------- in the State of -------
who was a private in ------ commanded
by Captain -------- of the ----- commanded
by --------in the Revolutionary war
line for [blank]
-----------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Trenton
at the rate of 30 Dollars ---- Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836.
------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of
December 1859 and sent to
S.G. Dodge
------------------------
Arrears to the 4th of [blank]
Semi-annual allowance ending Present

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act July 7, 1838. }

Recorded by G.T. Getty Clerk
Book A  Vol. 1  Page 142
Page 26

[left side]
6.458
New Jersey
---------------------
Elizabeth Hopper
widow of Abram A.
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private,
-----------------------
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
30 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence
the 4th day of March, 1848.
-----------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the
12th day of Decr. 1859
and sent to S. G. Dodge,
Present
-----------------------
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 166 Vol. H

304607

[right side]
Let .enclosing copies of his a
certificate of Secy of N. Jersey
to Hon. J. F. Potter, Clk. Court
Shv. Pen. H.R. Mar. 26/60RRRRR

Let. S.A. Peugh Apl 19/60
" to Hon. Jno. F. Potter, Clk
H. of Reps. - April 26 /60
A. Van Buskirk Augt. 27/60

copies of papers sent - Comm. Pleas Pen. H. of Reps. April 30/60
Page 27

Article of agreement made between Elizabeth Hopper and Abrm. Van Buskirk with regard to presenting a claim to Congress for a Pension for Servises of her husband, is as follows that the said Abram Van Buskirk is to prosecute said claim at his own exence also before the Pension Dept. 

dated November 9th 1854 } A.V. Buskirk
in presence of        }                  her
Abrm J. Ackerman  } Elizabeth  X  Hopper
                                                    mark
Page 28

Ge. C. Whiting
Comm.

Sir

Having employed Stephen G. Dodge Esq to assist me in the prosecution of the Claim of Elizabeth Hopper of N.Y. The Comm. will please
recognize her accordingly.
S.A. Peugh

Washington City
19th Nov 1859
Page 29

St. Joseph's Male Orphan Asylum,
Washington June 185[blank]

Sir:

You are hereby notified to attend a Meeting of the Trustees of St. Joseph Male Orphan Asylum, at [blank]  on [blank] evening, the [blank] at [blank] o'clock

Sec.
Page 30

Brief in the case of Elizabeth Hopper, widow of Abram A. Hopper decd.
Passaic County and State of New Jersey-
Alld. act July 7. 1838 & subsequent acts amendatory
-------------------------------
Claim, (['original or' crossed out] "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
The former allowance in this case was made upon parole testimony, the service proved by record not amounting to six months. That testimony proves two years service as fully as
nine months service.

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Increase allowed for two years at the rate of $80 pr annum, commencing the 4th March 1836 deducting 2 years, and also the amount which has been heretofore paid.

A. Van Buskirk, Esq
Present
Name and residence of Agent

W. H. Woodley.
Examining Clerk
Page 31

Pension Office,
Sept. 24th 1860

Sir,

In reply to your letter of 31st ulto., enclosing additional evidence in the pension case of Elizabeth Hopper, widow of Abraham A. Hopper, decd.  I have to state that the point, presenting in my last to you under date of Aug 21st for not then considering it whilst a petition for the same purpose was pending before congress, is now waived; and that upon a minute examination
of all the evidence previously filed & on which
the claim was allowed at the rate of $30 pr annum, the office adheres to its former decision as not only just, but liberal.-- The term "neighborhood service" do not, perhaps, express the idea of the precise character of the service so designating, with sufficient clearness. I will endeavor to be more explicit.

Personal service in such as was rendered
under some express authority of law, continental or,
Page 32

State.  But service rendered by the militia upon
the mere impulse of the moment or of patriotism, without the sanction of such a law of the State or some recognition of it by the state as payment, &c. is not of that discription which entitles a claimant.

Under this explanation, therefore, the additional
evidence, as well as all the parole evidence, you have filed does not bring the claimant within its meaning, so as to justify the increase of pension now sought.  Admit, as is contended,  that the station at which the service is alledged to have been rendered was important & subject to frequent invasions of the enemy & that her husband actually rendered continuous service but without authority of law, and under officers not required by law to serve continuously, still such service could not be considered as embraced within the act of June 7. 1832 as pensionable-

The only record evidence in this case is that of
two certificate from the Secretary of the State of N
Page 33

Jersey, showing that the sum of $317.6 was paid to Abraham A. Hopper through Peter Wilson, a commissioner appointed under the authority of the Legislature for the County of Bergen, & that the sum of $17.9.0 was paid to Capt. John Hopper "in full for bounty due his company of 23 men", of $48.00 "for service under Col. Dey" (Bergen).  And allowing that these two last sums paid to Capt. Hopper were intended for his company & Abram A. Hopper was one of them, it would show only about $3 each, which added to the sum of $3. 17. 6 would still be less than a service of nine months; but as it appeared to the satisfaction of the office that the different tours of service combined as indicated by the parol evidence
amounted to as much as nine months the liberal
allowance of that time was made.
A. Van Buskirk
Present
Page 34

His [illegible] thirteen [illegible] paymentes does not cover 6 Mo. but the Office has
admitted 9 mo. - upon parol testimony-- that
testimony if good for 9 is good for 2 years- &
I dont think the [illegible]ment against the character of the service can be maintained, or that it would be right to infer it- I think we are committed by the former action of the office 
to an allowance of 2 yrs service 
GCW
Page 35

Letter of Com. of Pen.
Elizabeth Hopper -
Page 36

Pension Office-
March 17. 1858 -

Sir:

In compliance with your request of the 11th inst.- I have the honor to enclose the papers filed in this Office in the case of Elizabeth Hopper widow of Abram A. of N.J.

The claim is asserted under the act of 7 July 1838, granting pensions to the widows of Revolutionary Soldiers who served six months and over. It has been suspended for the reason that the service was not established by record evidence and the parol proof filed in its support did not establish the duration of service with any sufficient degree of certainty-  The witnesses allege a general fact that he was in service, but they fail to indicate any reasons why they think the service was for any given
period.

In reference to the cases of Elijah Stevens & Mary Dusenberry it will be necessary for you to inform this office from whence the applications were made, and, of convenient, to state the
acts under which the claims an asserted-

I am, Sir

Very Respy Your obt. sert.
Geo. C. Whiting
Commissioner

Hon. H. M. Shaw
H. Reps.
Page 37

PENSION OFFICE. DEC 13 1953
Page 38

Brief in the case of Elizabeth Hopper, widow of Abram A.
Bergen County and State of New Jersey,
act 7" July, 1838.
----------------------------------
Claim, ("original," [or ' "for increase" ' crossed out] )

Proof exhibited, (if original)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Certificate of Secy of State of New Jersey shows that Abrm. A. Hopper was in service from Bergen Co. N.J. The Rev. pensioner  testifies he was raised with Hopper, served with him.   Knew him intimately to his death. He swears positively to Hoppers service in 1778-79 & 80 in N.J. State Troops & subsequently in the Militia. His details very clearly show his distinct
recollection of the service, its character, the events which transpired &c.   His testimony
corresponds with the known history of the times to which he refers, is correct in his statement in relation to the Officer, under whom Hopper served, their residence & the duration of their service is evidently of very clear mind of excellent probity. The service established by this witness could not be less than nine months. Another Co[n]temporary with the pensioner & Hopper confirms the statement of the first witness in relation to the Service.  Knew Hopper 
personally in service before he entered & to his death.

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been fled since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?
Is positive in relation to the facts he states, is certified to be of sound mind & a very truthful person. Another witness who knew Hopper in the service at different times corroborates the statements of his co[n]emporaries. I find the Hopper family were numerous & ardent & active men in the war. They were all residents of Bergen Co. N.J. & were much in service. It is a historical fact that the Militia of Bergen Co. was
actively engaged in the war & were not arranged or patrolled as the Militia of other Counties.  It was the service of active conflict throughout the war.  Record Evidence of Marriage is filed. The date thereof was 18 Aug: 1793. Soldier died in 1831. Claimants 
widowhood and identity is clearly established by record & parol evidence.  
Admit Act 7" July 38 acts 43 & 48 & 2d Feb/48 at $30 per An.
Stephen G. Dodge, Esqr
Name and residence of Agent Present.

S.C. Boynton
Examining Clerk.
Page 39

In the case of Elizabeth Hopper, widow of Abraham, (or Abram A.) of N.J. for pension, the certificate filed by me since the return of
of the papers from the Ho. of Reps. shows
that Capt John Hopper and Col. Dey, (sometimes pronounced Die) held command under Brig. Genl. Winds during the time within which the witnesses testify that the claimant's
late husband served under them, and also at and about the place specified.  The Washington papers, as well as the published correspondence of Washington, and the general history of the country, show that Paramus, or Hoppertown, was an important headquarters and depot of army stores, &c.

These important confirmations of the parol testimony, already on file puts a new aspect upon the case, and, taken together with the other certificate of the Sec. of State of N. Jersey, in my judgment warrant the allowance of the claim.

The additional affidavit of the claimant now
filed, with the usual proofs of identity, I think makes the proofs complete.
S. G. Dodge
Washington, Decr. 10th 1859
Page 40

Washington City D.C.
2d August 1860

Geo. C. Whiting Esq. 
Comr. of Pensions

Sir

I herewith enclose the affidavits of Stephen Lutkins & Stephen Westervelt, to be used in the case of Elizabeth Hopper widow of Abram Hopper, a Pensioner on the New Jersey Roll under act 7th July 1838.  It is very apparent from the very nature of the case & the situation or condition of things in the County in which Abram Hopper served, that his service was strictly Military in its character & of sufficient
duration to give his widow a full pension for the service of her husband. I therefore respectfully request that the increase to $80. pr annum be granted her as the evidence fullyjustifies & sustains the claim for this amount.

I am very Respectfully
Yours
A. Van Buskirk
Page 41

Elizable Hopper
wid. of Abram A. -
N.J. - d. 2d Feb. 1848
Page 42

Washington, DC.
22d March 60

Geo. C. Whiting Esq.

I herewith enclose additional evidence in the case of Elizabeth Hopper widow of - a pensioner on the New Jersey Roll under act 1838 for the purpose of an increase of pension.

The service of those soldiers who served in that portion of the state were  in service nearly all the time and in view of which the claimant thinks it should be admitted at $80. per annum.

I am my Respy
Your &c.
S.A. Peugh
Page 43

County of Passaic }
State of New Jersey }
On this seventh day of December 1859
before me the subscriber a Judge of and in & for the County aforesaid personally appeared Elizabeth Hopper who makes solemn oath that she is the identical Elizabeth Hopper widow of Abram Hopper deceased & who has been for some time past applying to the Pension Office for a Revolutionary pension, & makes this statement respectfully requesting the Office to
grant her such pension for the Revolutionary service of said husband.

Attest. }                                         her
Corns. H. Hopper         Elizabeth  X  Hopper
B.W. Cleveland                             mark

Subscribed and sworn to this Seventh
day of Dec 1859
B.W. Cleveland    

State of New Jersey }
County of Passaic }
On this Seventh day of December 1859
before the subscriber a Judge of and in & for the County aforesaid personally appeared. Albert G Hopper and Garret C. Hopper both residents of said County & known to me who depose & say that they are well acquainted with the above named Elizabeth Hopper & know her to be the person she represents herself to be
& further more that they are reputable persons-
B.W. Cleveland
Page 44

State of New Jersey
Passaic County ss: I Silas D Caufield Clerk of aforesaid County do hereby certify that Benjamin W. Cleveland Esq before whom the foregoing affidavits were made was at the time of taking the same a Judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of said County duly
Commissioned Sworn and qualified to take such affidavits, and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Benjamin W. Cleveland and believe his signature to the said affidavits to be genuine.

In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and the Seal of said County at Paterson this 7" day of December AD 1859.
S. D. Caufield Clerk
[seal affixed at left]
Page 45

6

Affidavit of
Elizabeth Hopper
Pen
-------------------
Elizabeth Hopper wid.
Abram A.  N.J. sus. 1838
--------------------

letter, charged to Mr. Boynton
Nov. 14th 1859-
---------------------

S. A. Pugh
Received for [or from]
A. Van Buskirk
W. City
D.C.
Page 46

No. 15.512
Elizabeth Hopper
Wid:
Abram A.
N. J.

Admit act 7" July 1848 acts 
3" March 1843 17" June 1844
& 2d Feb. 1848. at $30. pr
an. deducting two
years from 4 Mch. 41 to
4" Mch. 43.

1859.94
1848.34
_______
   116.0

  30
    5
___
150

( )30
____
  330
    15
_____
  345

Cert. to S.G. Dodge
Present.
Page 47

additional
affidavit of
Stephen Westvelt
in the case of
Elizabeth Hopper
of New Jersey
---------------------
9
Westvelt says he never
made their statements-- that
knows no one of the name
of Hopper who could have been
in the Rev. War. He seems to
have a vivid recollection of
the battle at the Block House
near Bulls ferry-  was then
living near by, at English
neighborhood  & heard the guns
& saw them retreating - one
was overtaken & refused quarter
& shot at or near his fathers
house.
Page 48

State of New Jersey
County of Bergen}
    On this 13th day of February 1869 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in + for the county aforesaid personally appeared teen Westervelt who being by me duly sworn deposes + says that he is about 93 years of age, that he was well acquainted with Abm A. Hopper from the earliest period of his recollection; that they were near neighbours of said Hopper before, during, and since the Revolutionary war, knew him until his death many years ago; that he also knew his widow who is now a pensioner, that he well recollects the service of said Hopper during the war + knows he was in service several years.  He well recollects the service in 1778 beginning in the spring of that year, + is fully satisfied that he was out as much as 6 months. He also remembers that he was in service as much as 9 or 10 months in 1779 + about 8 or 9 months in 1780.  Being young at that time + not having anything to engage his attention except the war his memory is very distinct in reference thereto, + he knows that all the able bodied men in the neighborhood were out on some duty or other, as the British were so near + the trouble from the Tories so great that from
Page 49

the year 1778 they were nearly all the time under arms either as regular soldiers or on some party to protect the inhabitants, or military stores, or to repel the Tories; the whole population were more properly under arms all the time for these reasons, + while a soldier might not have been on strict military duty, all the time his service was more properly a continuous one than otherwise, + he is fully satisfied that from 1778 to 80 late in the year he must have served about 2 or 3 years, that the British came out of New York + burned the property of Captain Hopper, (brother of said Abram). All the stores of the U.S. Army were placed in custody at Hoppertown and consequently required a great amount of vigilance on the part of those in the neighbourhood to protect it from the destruction of the British, + being a River County so near New York there was scarcely any respite from military duty + further deponent saith not.  + likewise I have no interest in the above 
                              Stephen [his mark] Westervelt [seal]
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 13th day of February 1860   Abm J Ackerman
State of New Jersey
County of Bergen } ss
I Abm J Ackerman a Justice of the Peace in + for the County aforesaid
Page 50

I hereby certify that Stephen Westervelt who took and subscribed his name to the foregoing affidavit are well known to me + that he is a credible person and that his statements are entitled to full credit + belief and furthermore I am not interested in the claim + am not concerned in its prosecution
       Abm J Ackerman Justice of the Peace
State of New Jersey
Bergen County SS 
   I Garrett Ackerson Clerk of the County of Bergen and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county do certify that Abraham J Ackerman before whom the foregoing deposition of Stephen Westervelt was taken and to which he has subscribed his name was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the peace in and for said county duly commissioned and sworn and fully authorized to take the same. And further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the same is genuine. 
Witness my hand and seal of said county and court this 13th day of February AD 1860
   G G Ackerson Clerk
Page 51

County of Washington }
District of Columbia }
On this 29th day of Novem. 1859 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid personally appeared Abram Van Buskirk now a resident of this City who being by me duly sworn deposes & says that he is in the receipt of a letter from Peter H. Bloubelt of the 17th Oct. inst. from [illegible] 
in the State of New Jersey, in reply to an inquiry 
as to whether Mrs Elizabeth Hopper widow of
Abram Hopper was alive or not, in which his
correspondent says that she is alive & well & this deponent believes that said Elizabeth
is now alive & that said letter comes from a near
neighbor of said Elizabeth Hopper & further
deponent saith not other than that said Elizabeth is the same person who is now applying to the Pension office for a Revolutionary Pension.
Attest
Jno. St. Johnson               A. Van Buskirk

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of November, A.D. 1859.
Jno. St. Johnson J.P.      {seal}
Justice of the Peace-
Page 52

Elizabeth Hopper
widow of Abraham A.
N. J.
Act 1838

Brief for claimant
Page 53

Elizabeth Hopper
Widow of Abraham A. Hopper,
of N. Jersey Sus. Act 1838

The reasons for the continued suspension of this claim are expressed in the Commissioner's letter to Hon. Mr. Shaw, of March 17, 1858, and are
1st want of Record evidence of the service, and
2d  That the parol testimony is uncertain as to the duration of the service, and that the witnesses have not afforded any sufficient data for ascertaining its duration.

The refusal of the Office to allow this claim upon Secondary evidence until after the sources of record evidence should be explored and exhausted, is justified upon the soundest principles of law and policy.

This objection is obviated by the certificate from the Secretary of State of N. Jersey dated the 11th inst. which shows that under the act of N.J. of Dec 20, 1783 - after the war for settlement and payment of all sums then due to the militia, consisting almost exclusively of balances, generally of small sums, (as the Miscellaneous rolls show) a payment
was made for Hopper's services, of $3.17.6-
Page 54

As to the second objection:
Stephen Lutkins testified that Hopper commenced service as a soldier in July 1778 and continued to do duty as a soldier (in Capt.  Hoppers Co.) &c until December 1780. And that Hopper was in a "battle" at Hoppertown.

Peter Van Buskirk - a pensioner - made affidavit
in this City, in Decr. 1857-

That Abraham A. Hopper commenced service
under his brother, Capt John A. Hopper, about July 1778 and was in active service until January '79- &c again from March '79 to Novr. '79 and some time in 1780-

This witness described the service with great
particularity and intelligence, giving numerous
incidents, the names of Hopper's officers, &c.

He describes Hoppers compy. as State troops. 
And this may account for the apparent continuity of their service.

Garrett Bell - testified to the same service and to the fact that Hopper's Company was engaged in guarding stores as well as scouting, and this adds to the proof that the service was continuous between the periods mentioned.
Page 55

I ask that the affidavits may be carefully considered - as they are evidently intelligent - and their testimony shows that the Hopper family seven brothers were noted for their zeal and patriotism.

A glance at the map will show that Hoppertown or "Paramus" was a point of great military importance, and that no zealous and brave whig could have lived there from 1778 to 1780 without being in service a great part of his time.

The marriage is proved by record evidence.

S.G. Dodge
Washington Novr. 21/59
Page 56

Petition of Elizabeth Hopper
Widow of Abram A. Hopper a 
revolutionary soldier, praying 
to be allowed a pension.

January 25, 1858 Referred
to the Committee on
Revolutionary Pensions


Mr. Wortendyke
Page 57

The State of New Jersey }
Passaic County }
To the Honorable the Senate & House of Representatives of the United States

The Petition of Elizabeth Hopper widow of Abram A. Hopper, a soldier in the war of the
revolution respectfully shows.

That her said said husband was one of eight brothers who served for more than five years in said war.  That he was a private in the service and served gallantly & was honorably discharged that he never applied for the benefit of the pension laws and died many years since.

That after his death your petition his widow,
(who was married to the said Abram A. Hopper before the end of said war) after his death applied for the pension to which she was entitled, to the Commissioner of pensions - being unable to particularize the services he specially rendered & by a rigidity, & as your petition believes, unnecessary & unjust degree of proof, she has been denied her pension. By reference to the petition & the proof accompanying it on file in the office of the 
Commissioner of pensions reference being had thereto, your Honorable Body will find she has legally & equitably proved his services in said war & still is denied her pension. Wherefore

Your petition prays that your Honorable Body will take her case into consideration & grant her relief, by authorizing & directing the Secretary of the Interior to place her name upon the roll of Revolutionary pensioners of New Jersey.
Page 58

as the Widow of a revolutonary soldier to wit the act passed on the 4th day of July A.D. 1836.

And your petition as in duly bound will ever 
pray &c.
                 her
Elizabeth  X  Hopper
               mark
Page 59

No 167.
Received Morristown 21st November 1778 of Joseph Lewis Seventeen pounds nine shillings proc. in full of bounty due to my company of 23 men of Col. Deys Regt. at Acquacknock under Command of Brig. Gen. Winds from the 23d Sept. to 12th October last for which I have this day given duplicate receipts.
$17.9.0
John Hopper, Captain

State of New Jersey
I Thomas S. Allison Secretary of State of the
State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the
foregoing is true copy of a receipt given by Capt. John Hopper for Bounty &c as taken from and compared with the original on file in my office.  And I do further certify that the pay rolls of Joseph Lewis, Paymaster for the Counties of Sussex, Morris & Bergen, in Book B. of Auditors accounts p. 63. shew a payment of $48. to Capt. Hopper of Deys Bergen Regt. on the 12th October 1778, serving at Acquacknock under Brig. Winds.  In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Trenton this first day of June Eighteen hundred and fifty three.
Thos. S. Allison
Secretary of State
Page 60

Elizabeth Hopper
wid.
Abraham A. Hopper
8

Papers in Clks off.
Ho Rep.
[illegible] Appl. act
38
-----------------
Wro: Clk Ho. Reps
Nov. 14" for papers
-----------------
To Dr. Wilson or Senate
-----------------
Ch. to Col .Anderson
& he will ch. to
Me.
Boynton
Nov. 14 /59
Page 61

Notes given by the Commissioners of the several Counties of the State of New Jersey
for Militia service during the Revolutionary War.

[table follows with 5 columns; column headings as follows:

(1) NO. OF CERTIF.
(2) DATE.
(3) SIGNED BY
(4) PAYABLE TO
(5) AMOUNT.

[text beneath column headings as follows:]
(1) 69
(2) Oct. 15. 1784
(3) Peter Wilson
(4) Abm A. Hopper 
(5) $3.17.6
[end of table]

STATE OF NEW JERSEY,
I, THOMAS S. ALLISON, Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true abstract from a Book, headed as above, as taken from and compared with the original, now remaining in my office.--
And I do further certify, that Peter Wilson was, by an Act passed by the Legislature of this State, December 20, 1783, entitled, "An Act to procure an estimate of the sums due to the Militia and Troops who have been raised for the defence of the frontiers of the State, and to provide for the settlement of the same ," appointed a Commissioner for the County of Bergen for the purpose of settling and adjusting the pay-rolls of the Militia and Troops of this State, as aforesaid, and also for signing and delivering out to each and every person a note for the payment of what may be justly due; and that the records of this office furnish no evidence that said service was of no longer duration than the payment would seem to indicate.
[seal affixed at left]

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office, at Trenton,
in said State, this Eleventh day of November
A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine.
Thos. S. Allison
Secretary of State.
Page 62

Elizabeth, Widow of
Abram A Hopper
Depositions of
Peter V. Buskirk
Garrett Bell
------------
N.J. Sus. 1838
5



Abraham Van Buskirk
Washington City
D.C.
Page 63

The District of Columbia }
County & City of Washington }
Personally appeared before me Thomas J. Williams, a justice of the peace, in & for said County, Peter Van Buskirk, who being duly sworn says that he is now ninety six years of age, and resides in the City of Washington 
but was born and formerly resided in Harrington, Bergen County, State of New Jersey. Deponent avers that his health is good, and his memory sound especially as to events that transpired in the neighborhood where he
resided at the time of the revolution, & with which he was then conversant. As proof of the health and strength of deponent, he would
state that having been on a visit to his family and friends in New Jersey the past Autumn, he arrived in this city last Thursday (thanksgiving
day ) having travelled from Patterson, New Jersey to this City, in one continuous journey, and during all of one night without sleep, & without stopping other than the usual delays at the several rail road depots and that he has not suffered any visible inconvenience from the journey.

Deponent avers that he heretofore gave his deposition of the services of Abraham A. Hopper, in the application of his widow Elizabeth and gave it in accordance with the deposition presented to him at the time all of which is true so far as it goes. That on his late visit to New Jersey he has seen the said Elizabeth, widow of the said Abraham A. Hopper who is yet alive & living at Patterson, or was living then the last Wednesday before thanksgiving day. That upon conversing with a few of his old companions, and inspecting his old family papers he has been enabled recollect
many of the fact & dates of events that occurred in the days of the revolution, & which for some time past, tho' not forgotten are dim to his memory.  Deponent avers that he personally knew the late Abraham A. Hopper, late of Bergen County, New Jersey, & knows his widow the said Elizabeth Hopper, & he know her since her marriage with him, & knew her before her marriage when she was Elizabeth Van Horn.  That deponent & said Abraham A. Hopper were raised boys together in Bergen County in the same neigh-
Page 64

borhood, & lived neighbors in manhood, and until the said Abraham A. departed this life in the spring of 1831, perhaps the winter before. It was cold weather. Deponent distinctly remembers that previous to October 1779 the said Abraham A Hopper was a private in the company of State troops commanded by his brother Captain John A. Hopper since deceased. Deponent remembers that in the summer of 1778, about the beginning of July said Abraham A. joined the company aforesaid and went into active service at Hoppertown, where there were stored supplies, arms & ammunition for the use of the Army. Hoppertown and the neighborhood were for a considerable time after, a depot for stores for the American Army, and where from time to time afterward considerable bodies of american troops were quartered & encamped. Deponent remembers this from the fact that number of the officers were from time to time quartered at the house & farm of deponents father, & among them. Gen. Wayne, Gen. De Kalb, Gen. Gates, Col. Lee & others, Deponent also avers that this depot of stores was for some time guarded by troops under the command of Major Boyles all of whom deponent personally knew.

Deponent personally knows that Abraham A. Hopper performed duty from the beginning of July 1778 until January following, principally
scouting the country between New Jersey & New York, protecting it from the inroads of the British. In January his company returned to Hoppertown & went into Winter quarters, most of the neighbors composing it went home, Abraham A. among them, living as he did, just there at Hoppertown, but often deponent has seen him back at Camp often.

Deponent further avers that in March 1779, the company of Capt. Hopper was again called out & went into service, and deponent saw the said Abraham A. among the performing those performing the same service.  The other members of the company performed, mustering, answering to his name, & drilling, and then from time to time leaving camp in scouting parties as was alledged to guard still the county bordering on New York, the enemy being at this time on Long Island, N.Y. and who made frequent & sudden inroads into New Jersey & burning property & robbing & killing the inhabitants.
Page 65

and it required constant vigilance to repel them, and watch the tories. The said Abram A. Hopper served from March to November 1779.

Deponent himself this year entered the service, on the first of October (1779) and was in garrison when Captain John A. Hoppers company was discharged in November. Deponent was a private in the company
commanded by Captain Callinder. There were six brothers of the Hoppers, and all of them in the service, & they were notorious for their
zeal & hatred to the enemy, especially the tories. They became so obnoxious, that on one occasion, taking advantage of a temporary visit
home from duty, one of the brother,s Jonathan Hopper ,was surprized at night & murdered in his bed, along side of his wife - bayonetted to death.

Deponent further states, that in the early part of April 1780 the said Abram A .Hopper was again on active duty, his brother Capt. John A. Hopper having been again called out. Deponent knows this from the fact, that before day on Sunday morning about the middle of the month, a party of British from Long Islands, suddenly attacked our troops at Hoppeton, or Paramus as it was sometimes called, then in command of Major Biles, mortally wounded him, killed one of the brothers Hopper, burned the dwelling and store house of Captain Hopper. It was a complete surprise, though the enemy were repulsed, & were pursued by Captain Hoppers company to Bergen Point about 18 miles. The company continued in active service, all the year until December, when it was discharged, or rather went into winter quarters most of the men going home living as they did around, in the neighborhood, but yet were considered as on duty whenever required or called for.

Deponent believes this was the last regular tour of duty performed by Captain John A. Hoppers Company, or by the said Abram A. Hopper, though he was known as a minute man, & considered as in for the war.

General Winds was the General, and Colonel Days was the Colonel of Captain Hoppers  regiment, and Joseph Lewis paid off the troops. Deponent knew them all personally. Deponent served under Gen. De Kalb till he went south, when in a few months, after news was brought us that he
Page 66

was killed at Camden in South Carolina.

Deponent avers that he is not related to the said Abram A. Hopper, or to his widow, Elizabeth & has no interest in her application for a pension. Deponent personally knows when the said Elizabeth was a girl before her marriage with the said Abram A. Hopper. Her maiden name was Van Horn. She, and Abraham A. were married in 1793. They lived together & were universally known as husband & wife until he
died. We were all near neighbors.

Deponent is a Revolutionary Pensioner now on the rolls.
Peter Van Buskirk

Sworn to & subscribed before me
this 7th day of December 1857.
Thos. J. William
J. P.
Page 67

Application of Elizabeth, 
Widow of Abram A. Hopper
Deposition of   }
Peter Van Buskirk }
Page 68

The State of Pennsylvania }
City & County of Philadelphia }
Be it known that on this 10th day of December A.D. 1857, personally appeared before me, the undersigned, Alderman of the City of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania & ex officio a Justice of the peace in for said City, Garrett Bell, who being duly sworn says that he
is ninety four years of age & past, & was born in Bergen County, New Jersey, & is now a resident of the City of Philadelphia. That he is in good health, & under no infirmity but his old age, that his memory of event not transpired in the revolutionary war is as fresh & good as when he witnessed them, that is the principal events,
and the persons engaged in them.  Deponent knew personally Abram J. Hopper & his seven brothers personally. He is now dead, but at the time of the revolution he resided near Hopperton, Bergen County, New Jersey, was also personally acquainted with his brother Capt. John A Hopper who commanded a company of State troops at that time. Deponent at the time of the revolution sometimes worked for John Hopper the father of Abram A. Hopper, especially in herding cattle.

Deponent remembers well the first time Abram A. Hopper entered into his other company. It was the Summer the British evacuated Philadelphia, in the year 1778. He entered the company commanded by his brother John A. Hopper who had raised a company of volunteers and was called into service of the State. They rendezvoused at Hopperton, and acted as guard to the stores, arms & ammunition, stored at Hopperton. But the company was often absent scouting & guarding the country on the line of New York & Pennsylvania. Colonel Day commanded Capt. Hoppers regiment, and General William Winds was the General. I knew them both personally. In the first tour, Abram A. Hopper remained away from home from June or July until Christmas, when he came home, & the company was garrisoned at Hopperton, & he with them every day tho' he slept home. Two or three months afterward he was called out again & I saw him mustered in his company at Hopperton.  He remained again on duty, except occasionally at home for a day or so on leave,
until the winter following, as the British were in possession of New York & very troublesome. He returned home in the winter of 1779 to winter quarters. He remained home all winter, but every day at the Camp where Major Boyle, was in command of a body of Continentals. About the beginning of April 1780, the company
Page 69

was again called into garrison & Abram A. Hopper joined them. A week a so after the British surprized Major Boyle & after a sharp battle of two hours or more, he was killed & old Mr Hopper, & Captain Hoppers houses & mill set on fire by the enemy & destroyed.  Deponent saw them burned, was awoke by the noise of the fight as the attack was before day on the 16th of April, Sunday morning, 1780. Abram A. was on service after the battle, until Christmas following, & it was his last tour of service.
Garrett Bell

Be it known that on the day & year hereinbefore
written, personally appeared before the undersigned, an officer duly authorized to administer oaths, in and for the County
& State aforesaid, the within named affiant, who being duly sworn deposeth & saith, that the matters & things set forth in the within affidavit or statement are connectly & truly set forth & avered. That the affiant is a person of good character & entitled to full credit. Given under my hand & seal the day & year aforesaid.
.Williams Ogle.    {seal}
Alderman
Ex officio Justice of the Peace

House of Representative U.S.
I am familiar with Alder William Ogle of Philadelphia & with his signature. I believe the foregoing to be his signature & in his hand writing.  He is an alderman ex officio Justice of the Peace.

Washington Jan. 4 1858
Henry M. Phillips

[illegible]
Page 70

Elizabeth widow of
Garrett [sic] Hopper

Deposition of
Peter V. Buskirk
2
Page 71

Additional
affidavit
of
Stephen Lutkins

Stephen Lutkins before lives with his grand daughter's husband- John Vouland - very deaf
 & no teeth - so that it is not easy to talk with him.  This is in Washington township- says
he will be 93 in Oct. next- that he knew Mr. Van Buskirk & also Abraham & Peter-  that he always heard & believes but does not know that Abm. was in the war, knows he came home sick-  Peter was not- was too young- as was he - that Peter was nearly but on quite so old as he was - about the same age.  If affts. sworn to by him said differently he was imposed upon in the drawing up of them-
A Van Buskirk   over
W. City J . 

Says he knew from interpretation that Capt.
John Hopper was in the War, but knows
nothing as to Abraham A. Hopper - 
Recollects the killing of the Dog - & the 
shooting of Maj. Biles-  Does not know
Elizabeth Hopper - 
Stephen Westerville & Berdan, the J.P. 
Night this witness about the age of Westerville - about 6 mos. difference probably but this was merely their opinion.  Was difficult to tell the age of persons for me, their appearance only-  
To look at Westervelt he appears quite old, but when you seen his mind though his conversation then i ss a strong contrast with looking-  Genrl
Page 72

State of New Jersey }
Bergen County ss }
Personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County on this 18th day of August 1860 Stephen Lutkins of Bergen Co. who being duly sworn on his oath saith that he is the same Stephen Lutkins who testified in the case of Elizabeth Hopper widow
of Abraham A. Hopper of New Jersey he now further states that the service performed by the said Abraham Hopper was not a neighbourhood service but was a service rendered under regularly organized commissioned State Officers such as Gener. Wayne, Genl Gates, Baron De Kalb, & Col. Lee, the whole was under the control of these men and were under the military discipline having to answer to roll call & muster and that no part of the service in the Army was more a part of the Military Organization than that in which Abraham Hopper Served - Captain Hopper was a commissioned officer & Also Col. Day and
all were liable to be tried by Court Martial as this
deponent always understood, the whole of the service of said Hopper as he verily believes was rendered under the Laws of New Jersey, and was sanctioned by the rules of War. This deponent well remembers the burning of Hoppertown - the same day a valuable dog belonging to his Father was shot by the
British on their march up-- about 1½ miles below said place he well remembers the enemy being drove back by the Militia regiment and the
Continental troops  The regular organized Militia
under command of Capt. Hopper, under whom
the said Abraham Hopper did Military duty  drove the British back to the City of New York
Page 73

Bergen County at that time extended as far as
Jersey City (Now Hudson Co) and the British
were continually robbing and plundering the inhabitants, he will remember how his mother buried her silver spoons, finger rings &c. to avoid them being taken by the enemy, so that the Militia of our County, were almost in service continually throughout the war. The next day of the burning of Hoppertown Major Boyle was shot-
             his 
Stehen  X  Lutkins
             mark

Sworn and subscribed
before me this 17th Aug 1860
Abrm. J. Ackerman Justice of the peace

State of New Jersey
Begin County SS.
I Garret G. Ackerson Clerk of the County of Began and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do certify that Abraham J. Ackerman before whom the forgoing deposition of Stephen Lutkins was taken, was at the time of the doing thereof and still is a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and sworn and fully authorized to take the same and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the same  is genuine.

Witness my hand and seal
of said County and Court
this 18th day of August AD 1860
G.G. Ackerson Clerk
[seal affixed at left]
Page 74

the Evidence of
Abrm. Van Buskirk
of
Ont. Co. N.Y.

3
Page 75

STATE OF NEW-YORK,b}
COUNTY OF ONTARIO, } ss.
I, JOHN J. LYON, Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify that Henry C. Swift whose genuine signature appears above, is, and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county and State aforesaid,
duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid county court is a court of record, having general jurisdiction.
[seal affixed at left]

Given under my hand and seal of office, at Canandaigua this 18 day of April 1855.
John J. Lyon Clerk
Page 76

Affidavit.

State of New York }
County of Ontario ss. } On this 17th day of April  personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in & for said County duly authorized by Law to administer Oath Abraham Van Buskirk a resident of the town of Phelps, Ontario County State of New York aged fifty six years & upwards who being duly Sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that he is well acquainted with Elizabeth Hopper widow of Abraham Hopper, Decd. of N.Y. & that I was present at the time the said Elizabeth made application for a Pension at her house and saw her make her mark on the application, & saw it acknowledge by the aforsd. Abraham J. Ackerman on the 9th of November 1854, at his House & also that the said Elizabeth is still his widow).
Abraham Van Buskirk

State of New York }
County of Ontario,  ss. } I, Hy. C. Swift a Justice
of the Peace in & for said County of Ontario
State of New York do hereby certify that I am
well acquainted with Abraham Van Buskirk who took & Subscribed his name to the foregoing
affidavit that he is a person of good moral
Character and his statements are entitled to
full credit & belief, & also that I am disinterested
in the above matter of Pension & are not conserned in its prosecution.
H. C. Swift J. P.
Page 77

State of New Jersey
Bergen County ss }   On this twenty second
day of February 1855 personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer Oaths Abraham J. Ackerman a resident of the Township of Hohokus Bergen County State of New Jersey aged forty six years & upwards who being duly sworn doth on his oath depose and say that he is well acquainted with Elizabeth Hopper only widow of Abraham Hopper of Bergen County N. J. and that I was present at the time the said Elizabeth made application for a pension at her house and saw her make her mark on the application and that I
am well acquainted with the family and also believe that the said Abraham Hopper died in New Jersey as stated in her application of November 9th 1854 and that the said
Abraham Hopper it was reputed and believed
in the neighbourhood to have been a revolutionary soldier and that the belief is general and no doubts have ever existed upon the subject to my knowledge and also that the
said Elizabeth is still his widow.
Abraham J Ackerman

Sworn and subscribed before }
me this 22d day of February 1855 }
Garret S Demarest
Justice of the peace

State of New Jersey }
County of Bergen ss } I Garret S. Demarest a Justice of the peace in and for said County of Bergen State of New Jersey  do hereby certify 
that I am well acquainted
Page 78

with Abraham J. Ackerman who took and
subscribed his name to the foregoing
affidavit that he is a person of good moral character and that his statements therein are entitled to full credit and belief & also that I am disinterested in the above matter of pension and am not concerned in the same.
dated February 22d 1855
Garret T. Demarest
Justice of the peace

State of New Jersey
Bergen County SS.  I  Garret G. Ackerson
Clerk of the County of Bergen and clerk
of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do certify that Garret S. Demarest before whom the foregoing deposition of Abraham J. Ackerman was taken and to which he has subscribed his name was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and fully authorized to take the same and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of
said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the said deposition and Certificate is genuine.

Witness my hand and seal of this County
and Court this 22' day of February AD 1855
Garret G. Ackerson Clerk
Page 79

additional
affidavit
of
Stephen Westervelt
---------------------------
I read this affidavit to Mr.
Stephen Westervelt, in presence
of Mr. Peter Willis & William Dickens - both 
of whom heard Mr. Westervelt during 
having made the same, and laugh at the idea
of his professing a know the facts, herein stated.

G.C.W.
Bergen Co. Poor House
May 15, 1861


A. Van Buskirk
Washington City
D.C.
Page 80

State of New Jersey }
County of Bergen SS.} On this 18th day of August A.D. 1860 before me the Subscriber
a Justice of the Peace in and for the County 
aforesaid personally appeared Stephen Westervelt, & made oath that he is the Same Stephen Westervelt who testified in the case of Elizabeth Hopper, widow of Abraham A. Hopper of New Jersey he now further states the Service performed by the said Abram Hopper was not a neighbourhood Service but was a Service rendered under regularly organized commissioned State officers, as much a part of the military organization. of the Army at that time as any service performed during the war that though the Service was under the State organization whenever the Continental officers such as Genl. Wayne, Genl. Gates, Baron
Kalb or Col. Lee were in the neighbourhood the
whole was under the military Control of these
men, & that they were under the Strictest military discipline having to answer to roll call & Muster and that no part of the Service in the army was more a part of the military organization than that in which Abram Hopper Served. Captain Hopper was a regularly commissioned Capt., Col. Day also regularly commissioned officer, and they were all liable to be tried by Court Martial for any disobedience of orders and that the whole of the Service of said Hopper, as he always understood & believed was rendered under the laws of New Jersey and was sanctioned
over
Page 81

by the rules of War and further deponent
Saith he well recollects the burning of Hoppertown by the British in 1780 & the death of Col. Boyl in the Conflict with the British
at that time and that the malitia [sic] regiment
as well as the Continental troops pursued the
Enemy after the conflict & drove them back to
New York the said Abram being one of the
regular organized malitia [sic] men at that time
under Capt Hopper in pursuit of the Enemy
Bergen County being a river County opposite 
New York City the British were all most
Continually making incursions in to N.J to Burn & plunder the inhabitance [inhabitants], that
the malitia [sic] of that County were all most
Continually in service throughout the War.

Sworn and Subscribed
before me this 17th
August 1860
Abrm. J. Ackerman  Justice of the peace

              his
Stephen X Westervelt
            mark
Page 82

State of New Jersey
Bergen County SS
I Garret G. Ackerson Clerk of the County of Bergen and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do Certify that Abraham J Ackerman before whom the foregoing deposition of Stephen Westervelt was taken was at the time of the doing thereof and still is a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and sworn and fully authorised to take the same and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the same is genuine.

Witness my hand and seal of
said County and Court this
18th day of August AD 1860
G G Ackerson Clerk
[seal affixed at left]
Page 83

Washington City D.C.
31st Augt. 1860

Geo. C. Whiting Esq.
Commr. of Pensions

Sir

I herewith enclose evidence of my Attorneyship 
in the case of Elizabeth Hopper & respectfully ask that the claim be taken up & the proper allowance of pension be made.

The additional affidavits [illegible]
by me a few days ago, show conclusively that the service was a continuous one, & that it was rendered under properly commissioned officers
of the State of New Jersey.

There can be no doubt of the facts, two full years service in the case, & I have to request a certificate accordingly.

I am very Respty
yours
A. Van Buskirk
Page 84

[stamp:]. PENSION OFFICE. APR 25 1860
Page 85

Commn. on Rev. Pensions
22 April 1860

Sir,

Will you have the kindness to furnish for examination by the Conmte. copy of the affidavit of William Van Rensalaer, filed in the case of Nancy G. Van Rensalaer, also the
papers in the case of Elizabeth Hopper widow 
of Abraham Hopper, with cause for rejection of application, also the papersin the case of
George Dearman of N.J. with reasons for rejection-

Very truly
Your obt. ser.
N. W. Fletcher Clerk
for Chairman

Geo. C. Whiting
Comr. of Pensions
Washington
D.C.