Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23140, Simon A Groot, New York
Page 1

SERVICE
New York
Groot, Simon A
or
Groote
Rebecca
NUMBER
W.23140
CONTENTS
Page 2

New York, Albany 534
Rebecca Groot
NY
widow of Simon A. Groot
who was a Private & Artificer
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
120 Dollars
Cents [cents is crossed out by hand, indicating 0 cents] per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
23rd day of June 1843 
and sent to Richard M. Michael
Schenectada, N. York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. 
Vol. I. Page 106.
Page 3

Reported
Les to Dickens Coombs
24 Sep[illegible]
Page 4

24 5/9
New York
Simon A. Groot
of Schenectady in the State of New York
who was a Private in the Comp commande
by Capitan Fonda of the Regt. commande 
by Col. Wemple in the New York
line for 15/2 months
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 52 Dollars - Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March. 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of [smudged/ineligible]
1834 and Seutts G. F. [smudged/ineligible]
Schenectady
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. '33 $ 13 [smudged/ineligible]
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Jn. '34  26
$136
Revolutionary Cham,
Aot Young 7, 1832.
Recorded by Geo. C Stiles
Book 3. Vol. 4. Page 102
Page 5

A new certificate issued for $120 pr. annum 
payable from 4th March 1831 to 4th March 1838 
the day of his death to his widow. First de-
ducting the amt he was paid at the for-
mer rate of $52. Dec 30. 1839
By order 
50.60
104
26
130
Page 6

State of New York 
County of Schenectady Yss.
On this thirteenth day of oc=
tober in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and thirty two personally appeared in open court before the 
Judges of the court of common pleas in & for said County now sit=
ting Simon A. Groot a resident of the city of Schenectady in
said county and state; aged seventy five years and upwards 
who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his
oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the 
benefit of the act of congress passed June 7th 1832.
He was born in the then township of Schenectady in
the then County of Albany (now Schenectady) in the state, then
colony of New York on the twentieth day of November 1756. He 
has no record of his age except that contained in his family
bible, and the Register of Baptisms of the reformed Protestant
Dutch Church of said City.
When he was called into the service of the United States in
the army of the revolution, he was living in said township & since
the revolutionary war he has lived in the same place he now 
lives in the City of Schenectady aforesaid.
He entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herin stated.
In the spring of the year 1775, he was enlisted as a private in Capitan Thomas B. Banker's company of militia in
the regiment commanded by colonel Abraham Wemple. The 
names of his other company & first officers whom he recollected
were Aaront Veeder Lieutenant
He served in said Company of militia until the end of
the war except on the occasion when he engaged as an artificer
in the army of the revolution as herein after particularly set
forth. In the beginning of the month of January 1776, he went
with the detachment of troops called out from colonel Wemple's regiment aforesaid to Johnstown on which occasion Sir 
John Johnson & his tenants of dependants surrendered themselves
Page 7

prisoners of war. He was out in this expedition for the term of six=
teen days. It is impossible for him to specify the particular
dates of all the other expeditions in which he engaged as a mili=
tia man, nor yet all the expeditions. Those which he now recollects
and the principal ones in which he served, are as follows with the 
time he served in each. 
At the cepper, middle & lower forts of Schoharie more than
two months. Walter Vrooman & Jellis Fonda Captains had the 
command. This was after Cobles kill was burnt _  and he served
one half of the time pursuant to a draft, the other half as a vol=
unteer. At fort Clyde under Capitan Jesse Van Slyck for
the term of one month. At fort Plank fifteen days _ at the Ger=
man flatts pursuant to a draft two months or sixty three days
under said Captain Banker _ at Lake George twenty days & 
more _ At Germantown with his regiment to guard the har=
vesters sixteen days. At fort Paris pursuant to a draft
two months _ To Cherry Valley one month _ to Bemis
Heights pursuant to a draft under Capitan Jesse Van Slyek & 
Lieutenant Abraham Truax one month and fifteen days. To 
fort Edward fifteen days _ to fort Plain with his regiment one
month _ To Cooperstown under Captain Simmons in General Sullivan's 
expedition for the time of one month_ to west Canada Creek when Wal=
ter Butler was killed for the term of fifteen days. on which occasion
he took a prisoner _ To Ballston & Galway in scouting parties in pur=
suit of torries about one month _ To Skeenesborough eighteen days _ 
making in all more than fifteen months actual service as a militia
man. When not out in distant expeditions he maintained guard at Sche=
nectady & verily believes that the different terms of his services as
such guard when added toghether will not be less than six months
In the year 1775, he enlisted as an artificer in a company com=
manded by Jacob Vrooman and served at Lake George for the term of
six months. He served at lake George landing in the same capacity
for the term of one month. In the year 1776, for the term of eight months
at Skeenesborough under captains Vrooman\Bradt for the term of nine
months under Capt. John V. Dason at Tyconderoga continuting service
there till that fortress was evacuated in July 1977. At Coeymans he thinks
Page 8

in the year 1778, under Captain Teunis Bradt for the term of six
months
He was in the battle that took place under Genl.
Arnold against the British forces under Burgoyne when the 
former took the Hessian Camp. He was also in the battle
at Ticonderoga when that fortress was evacuated
The claimant was for a long time captain of the
city guard at Schenectady_
Page 9

THE FOLLOWING are the names of some of the regular officers whom he knew, or who
were with the troops where he served, and such continental and militia regiments or companies with
which he served, or as he can recollect, viz: [written in black ink. "Those herein before
statin"]
He never received any written discharge from the service.
He has no documentary evidence, and knows of no person whose testimony he can
procure who can testify to his service [written in black ink. "except those whose affidavits are annexed"]
The following are the names of persons to whom he is known in his present neighborhood, and
who can testify a to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the 
revolution, to wit. [signed in black ink. "Isaac Degraff & John Saunders"]
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever, to a pension or annuity except the present, and 
declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State
Subscribed and sworn to the
day and year first aforesaid
[signed at the bottom in black ink. "John S. Vrooman"]
Clerk
[signed at the bottom in black ink. "Simon A Groot"]
Page 10

County of Schenectady & State of New York
Ss. We being sworn do depose and say 
that we were in the time of the Revolution
ary war & still are well acquainted with
Simon A. Groot that we knew at the time, 
and plaeer herein state that is that is to say, I John
Vrooman knew the said Simon A Groot
who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing 
declaration that he was at Fort Plank with
me in the company commanded by Thomas B.
Baker
I Joseph Peek also knew the said
Simon A Groot at Scheensboraugh in
the service of the United States as a soldier 
in the Company Commanded by Jacob Vrooman
that he was there 
and at Lake George as deponent believes 
Kois near as he can recollect as stated in
the foregoing declaration. [signed in black ink and crossed out. "Joseph Peck"]
And I John Quackenbush do swear that 
I knew the said Simon A. Groot when
he was in the service of the United States
at Schohanie as a soldier I recollected also
that at Canada Creek the said Simon A. Groot
took a British soldier prisoner and delivered
him to Col Willet Also knew him at Stone
Arabia knew him as a soldier at Fort Clide
and at various other places in the service
of the United States [signed in black ink and crossed out. "John Quackenbush"]
And I John N Marselis knew
the said Simon A Groot at Saratoga
as a soldier
Page 11

& at German & Fort Clide and Cohene
he was out in the service of the United 
States as stated in his declaration.

And I Jacob P. Clute also knew him the said 
Simon A Groot at Canada Creek and
recollect his taking a Prisoner and delivering 
him to Col Willett [illegible] I knew him as a soldier
at German Flatts and Stone Arabia and at
various other places in the service of the 
United States as a soldier we all swear
the said Simon was a Firm Whig and a good
soldier. 

Subscribed & sworn in
open court this 18th
Feb. 1832
John S. Vrooman Clerk

John N Marselus
Joseph Peck
Jacob P Clute
John Quakenboss

[signed on left side of the paper. "Simon A. Groot"]
Page 12

We John Sanders residing in the town of Glenville
in the county of Schenectady aforesaid, and Isaac De Graff
residing in the City of Schenectady
do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Simon A Groot
who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him
to be seventy six years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in
the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, 
and that we concur in that opinion.
Subscribed and sworn the
day and year aforesaid
John S. Vrooman Clerk
John Sanders
Isaac De Graff

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the in=
vestigation of the matter, and after putting the [illegible]
prescribed by the War Department
that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and serv=
ed as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them 
that John Sanders, who has signed the
above certificate s a resident in the town of 
Glenville within a quarter of a mile of said
City of Schenectady, and that Isaac De Groff
Page 13

who also signed the same, is a resident in the City aforesaid & 
are both credible persons and that their statement is entitled
to credit, and the Court further certifies that it appears to 
them that John N. Marselis, Joseph Peck, Jacob P. Clute &
John Quackenboss are all witnesses of credibility
I John S. Vrooman clerk of the court of common Pleas, in and for the
County of Schenectady do hereby certify



that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said
Court in the matter of the application of Simon A.
Groot for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal of office, this eighteenth day of 
october in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and thirty two
John S. Vrooman Clerk
Page 14

This certifies, that as appears from the Register of Baptism
belonging to the PROTESTANT REFORMED DUTCH
CHURCH in the City of Schenectady, Simon, son of Abraham Groot, and Willempje Donbar
his wife, was baptized on the 31 day of October in the year, 1756.

Certified, Jacob Van Vechten
V. D. M. 
Schenectady, Oct. 12.1832.
Page 15

State of New York
Co. of Schenectady
In the matter of 
the application of 
Simon A. Groot
for a Pension - 
Proceedings 
Rec ? 23? November 1832
18440

No 44
to the Care of 
Giles F. Yates
Schenectady
N.Y.
Page 16

State of New York
County of Schenectady 
I the aforesaid
Simon A. Groot being further only sworn
do depose and say, that by reason of 
old age and the Consequent loss of memory
I cannot swear positively as to the precise
length of my service during the revolu-
tionary war, but according to the best of
my recollection I served not less
than the period mentioned below in 
the following groder.

As a private in Captain Thom-
as B. Banker's Company of militia in the 
Regiment commanded by Colonel Abraham
Wemple as aforesaid,  I served in an ex-
pedition for a term of sixteen days.

As Private as aforesaid under 
Command of Captains Walter Vrooman &
Jellis Fonda at the upper middle & 
lower forts of Schoharie for a term ex-
ceeding two months. At Fort Clyde
under Captain Jesse Van Slyck for 
the term of One month. Under said
Page 17

Captain Banker at Fort Plains fif-
teen days and at the German Flatts
two months, at Lake George more 
than twenty days, at Germantown
with the whole Regiment aforesaid
(where they guarded & protected the
farmers from the enemy while bringing
in their harvest) for the term of sixteen
days- at Fort Paris two months- at cher-
ry Valley one month- all under com-
mand of said Captain Banker, but the
particular years & days of tehe month
or date of said service I cannot with
certainty call to mind- As a private
as aforesaid I served under Captain Van
Slyck aforesaid & Lieutenant Abra-
ham Traux against Burgoyne in the
face of the year 1777, at [illegible] is
[illegible] & Fort Edward for a term
of at least two months- at Fort Plain 
with said regiment & under its offi-
cer not less than one month- To Coopers-
town under Captain Simmons in General
Sullivan's expedition for a term not
less than one month- at West Cana-
da Creek when Walter Butler was killed
under said Captain Van Slyck at least
fifteen days- at Skeenesborough
[in the left margins. "
3.16
-15
2-
-20
-16
2-
1-
2-
1-
1-"]
Page 18

at least eighteen days. At Ballston
& Galway & places in the vicinity, 
I served in several scouting par-
ties of the militia for a term in
the whole not less than one month
making in all more than fifteen months 
actual service as a militia man, &
in different expeditions or time of ser-
vice out of Schenectady, In addition
thereto I mounted guard at the sche-
nectady garrisons under Command &
by orders of the Officers of said Reg-
iment for a term in the whole dur-
ing said war, not less than six months
and was for more than half of said six
months captain of the guard -

In the year 1775 I enlisted as 
an artificer in Captain Jacob Vrooman's
Company & served at Lake George for
the term of six months at Lake George
landing for the term of one month-

In the year 1776 I enlisted & served
for the term of eight months at Skeenes-
borough under Captain's Vrooman & Bradt
& for the term of nine months at Ticondoro-
ga under Captain John Van Dusen [illegible]
[illegible] in service there till that fortress was 
evacuated in July 1777. In the year 1778
I enlisted & Served for the town of
Page 19

six months under said Captain
Bradt at Coeymans making in in all four years
and two months & more, in which I
was actually & actively engaged in 
the discharge of military duty
during said war, and during said
period I was not engaged in any
Civil Pursuit whatsoever-

Subscribed &
Sworn this 24th day
of June 1833
before me note the words "at
[illegible]
John Corl
Justice of the Peace
Simon A Groot

And the aforesaid Jacob P. Clute do
swear that said Simon A. Groot served as this 
[illegible] for a term not less than
six months at Coesmans in saud Company
of Captain Bradt, and at Saratoga & Lake
George for a term exceeding nine months
in addition to the services performed by him
which [illegible]
[illegible] in open court on this 18
day of October last past.
Subscribed & Sworn this
27 June 1833, before
John Corl - Justice of the Peace
Jacob P Clute
Page 20

New York. Groot or Groote Simon A.   W23140
Rebecca
Page 21

Service Number
New York Groot, Simon A H23140
or Groote
Rebecca
Page 22

560A
In the matter of the application of Rebecka Groat 4220 widow of Simon A. Groat for a pension under the rest of 7th July 1838.
Married 17 Sept 1785
Husband died 4 March 1838
Admitted Capt Jellis ineligible
Col ineligible
Private 15/2 months
-
Agent
Giles F. Yates
Schenectada
N. Y.
Page 23

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An act granting half-pay and pensions to certain widows."
____________
State of New York, ss:
On this ninth day of October 1838, personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Schenectada in said State, Rebecka Groot a resident of the City of Schenectada in the county of Schenectada aged seventy years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order ot obtain the benefit of the provision 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 Simon A. Groot who was a private in the war of the revolution, and served as set forth in the papers now on file in the War Department in the matter of the application of said Simon A. Groot for a pension, under the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832, and that he received a pension under the act last named of $52 per annum - and this Declarant saith further that her maiden name was Rebecka Vedder --
________________
She further declares, that she was married to the said Simon A. Groot on the seventeenth day of September in the year seventeen hundred and eighty five; that her husband, the aforesaid Simon A. Groot died on the fourth day of March 1838; 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 and ninety-four, viz. at the time above stated  Rebeca Groot [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before the Judges aforesaid, in open Court - W. W. Tredway [signature] Dep. Clk

I certify the foregoing to be the original proceedings in the said court, in the matter of the application of Rebecca Groot for a pension. Witness my hand, and the seal of said Court, this 9th October 1838.
W.W. Tredway, Dep. Clerk [signature]
Page 24

State of New-York
County of Schenectada.} ss.

I certify that the following is a true copy of the record of the marriage of Simon A. Groot and Rebecka Vedder as contained in the Register of the Reformed Dutch Church of Schenectada with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair, legible figures, as follows: "September 17 1785. Simon A. Groot wed Rebecka Vedder beyde van Schenectady Bevestight Sept. 17 1785"

[illegible] which register it appears that Rebecka Vedder and Simon A. Groot were regularly married on the seventeeth day of September one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five by the Rev. Dirck Romeyn their pastor of said Church. Jacob Van Vechtern

I, Jacob Van Vechten above named, depose and say: that I hold the office of pastor of said Church and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Church with the exception above named, as certified by me Jacob Van Vechtern 

Sworn before me, this 31 day of August 1838

[illegible signature] Justice of the Peace

STATE OF NEW-YORK
COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY 
CLERK'S OFFICE} ss.

I, William W Tredway Deputy Clerk of said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That A. A. Vedder before whom the foregoing Affidavit was subscribed and sworn, was at the time of taking the same Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified as such; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said A. A. Vedder and verily believe that the signature to said Affidavit and Certificate is genuine. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, this 21 day of November 1838

W. W. Tredway Jop [signature]
Clerk
Page 25

State of New York
County of Schenectady} ss

On this 4th day of July 1850 before me B.V.S. Nedder, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county personally appeared Mary Anderson - a resident of Schenectady in said county who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain and increase of pension in the case of Simon A Groat deceased who was a pensioner of the United States, also in the case of Rebecca Groat - who was also a pensioner of the United States at the rate of one hundred & forty four dollars per annum. That the said Rebecca Groat - died in said county on the twenty fifth day of March - in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty five. That the following named are the only children of the said Rebecca & Simon Groat that are now living viz John S Groat, Aaron V Groat, Simon S Groat, Mary Anderson, Catharine Swart, & Esther M Myers - And each of them are over twenty one years of age. In support of which claim Declarant refers the pension Department to the evidence on file in that office. And hereby appoints William Valentine of Albany N.Y. the agent for the prosecution of said claim for the term of one Year, - And the Pension Department is hereby authorised and requested to correspond with no other person than the said Valentine for the aforesaid term

Subscribed & Sworn to before me this Fourth day of July 1850 the won "fifth" [illegible] before execution - 
B.V.S. Nedder [signature] Justice of the Peace} Mary Anderson [signature]

I certify that I am personally acquainted with Mary Anderson and that the is the identical person above named and described, and her statement is entitled to full faith & credit.

B.V.S Nedder [signature] Justice of the Peace
Page 26

State of New York
County of Schenectady

Samuel Myers and Catharine R Anderson
residents of Schenectady in said County being duly sworn according to law ineligible forth that Rebecca Groat a pensioner of the United States ineligible in said County on the twenty fifth day of March in the year one
thousand eight hundred and forty five.  That the following are the only children of the said Rebeca Groat that are now living viz-
John S Groat, Aaron V Groat, Simon ineligible Groat, Mary Anderson, Catharin Swart, and Esther M Myers and each of them are over twenty one years of age-
-
Subscribed & Sworn to before me
this 4th day of July 1850 -
Ineligible, Justice of the Peace
Samuel Myers
Catharine R. Anderson

I certify that I am personally acquainted with Samuel Myers and Catharine R Anderson - that they are intelligent credible and
competent witnesses and their statements are entitled to full confidence
and belief -
ineligible Justice of
the Peace
Samuel Myers
Page 27

STATE OF NEW-YORK,
County of Schenectady, - Clerk's Office, } ss.

I, DAVID P. FORREST, Clerk of the County of Schenectady, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Benjamin V. S. Vedder Esq. before whom the foregoing two Affidavits were subscribed and sworn, was at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected, commissioned and qualified as such; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice of the Peace and verily believe that the signature to the said Affidavits and Certificates are genuine.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County, this 6th day of July 1850.

D.P. Forrest [signature] Clerk.
Page 28

State of New York
County of Schenectady
Surogates Court } ss

On this sixth day of July 1850 it was proved by the adduction of the annexed testimony which is satsifactory to said Court that Rebecca Groat a pensioner of the United States died in said County on the twenty fifth day of March in the Year one thousand eight hundred and forty five. That the following are the only children of the said Rebecca Groat that are now living viz John S Gorat Aaron V Groat Simon S Groat Mary Anderson , Catharine Swart and Esther M Myers. And each of them are over twenty one Years of age

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the official seal of said Court the day and Year first above written 

S. W. Jones, county
Judge of Schenectady County 
performing the duties of the office of
Surrogate of said County
Page 29

Simon A Groat New York
C.
Admitted
Private 15 mo & 18 days
Service as an ineligible
not allowed
9 yrs Capt Van Dusen
6 " " Bratt
15 May ineligble allowed

Giles F. Yates agent
Schenectady New York
Page 30

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will. by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing the Service of Simon A. Groot of Schenectady New York.
Page 31

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line,"  "State troops,"  "militia,"  and  "volunteers,"  all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contacts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides.  And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of 
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provion made by the act of Congress passed June 7th, 1832.  That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)  , with and served in the the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service, (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the services, the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched.  This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the 
Agency in the State of 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.  A. B. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
1  of the Court of 
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of  for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this 
day of  &c.

If, on examination of proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are will acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the say and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.  And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. who signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
1, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in this power.  This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected herewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person
Page 32

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts state I will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.
All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.

1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war
, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.

6. {To a Soldier {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?}
To an Officer {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?}

7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further product in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
Page 33

Rev. War Section

August 29, 1923

Mrs. H.H. Murray
Riverton, New Jersey

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 23140 it appears that Simon A. Groot, son of Abraham Groot and his wife Willempje Donbar, was born November 20, 1756 in Schenectady Township, Albany County, New York.

While a resident of Schenectady, New York he enrolled in the Spring of 1775 in Captain Thomas B. Banker's Company, Colonel Abraham Wemple's New York Regiment in which he served as a Private at various times, and also under Captains Jesse Van Slyck, John Van Dusen, Simmons and Teunis Bradt until the close of the War, except when engaged as an Artificer in Captain Jacob Vrooman's New York Company. He was at the battle of Ticonderoga, the first battle of Stillwater and in General Sullivan's Expedition.

He was allowed pension on his application executed
Page 34

October 13, 1832 at which time he was a resident of Schenectady, New York. He died March 4, 1838 in said Schenectady.

Soldier married September 17, 1785 in said Schenectady Rebecca Vedder who was allowed pension on her application executed October 9, 1838 while a resident of said Schenectady aged seventy years. She died in said City March 25, 1845.

The following children were the only ones living in 1850: John S.; Aaron V.; Simon S.; Mary of Maria Anderson (living in Schenectady in 1851); Catharine Swart and Esther M. Myers.

Respectfully,

Commissioner.
 
[handwritten]
The date of baptism is Oct. 31, 1756, birth Nov. 20, 1756. The latter used, soldier's sworn statement; the former copied from Church records.
Page 35

H. H. MURRAY
RIVERTON, N.J.

May 12, 1923,

Bureau of Pensions ,
Washington D.C.

Have you any record of the following Revolutionary soldiers from New York State ? Cornelius Groot, Simon Groot Abraham C Groot, Simon A. Groot [underlined with handwritten note "sent" and "and Abraham C. Truax S13081], John P. Truax, John Truax, Philip Truax, Abraham Truax, Isaac Truax.

I am very anxious to find their record.

Very truly
Georgiana Groot Murray
Mrs. H.H. Murray

Name of widow, Elsje (Alice) Mc Kinney
Name of soldier, Abraham Cornelius Groot
Address of soldier at enlistment and after service, Schenectady, N.Y.
2nd Albany Co. Militia, Company in which he served.
Where enlisted, Schenectady or Albany N.y.
Date of birth,
Date od death, Will proved July 25 1818.

[handwritten]
informed 
[illegible]
2 histories 
furnished 
each 
inquiry

Georgiana Groot Murray

July 16, 1923

[stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
JUL 19 1923

[stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
MAY 14 1923
Page 36

530
Application of Rebecca Groat widow of Simon A. Groat for a Pension

Ach 3 March 1843

Admit ineligible of Artifices
$120
Albany Agency
Agent 
Rich M. Michael
Schenectaday NY
Page 37

March 25th V843
State of New York
County of Schenectady
I Rebecca Groat of the City of Schenectady in said County, aged seventy six years, being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain benefits of the provision made by the act of ineligible 3rd March 1843.

That she is the widow of Simon A. Groat who was a in the war of the revolution. That as his widow she received a pension of $120 per annum, under the act of ineligible of July 1838, towith from the 4th of March 1836, to the 4th of March 1841.

And further that she is still unmarried, and the widow of said Simon A. Groat  Rebecca Groat

Ascribed from this 25th day of March 1843 before me; and I certify that said Rebecca Groat is unable to attend Court by reason of bodily infirmity
Rich M. Michael
Justice Peace
In the same matter fs
George Anderson and Joseph H Vrooman of the City of Schenectady in said County, being respectively duly sworn, depose and say that they are well acquainted with the above named Rebecca Groat and have been acquainted with her for Twenty years ineligible last ineligible- That she was reprinted to be a pensioner of the
Page 38

Service Number
New York Groot, Simon A H23140
or Groote
Rebecca
Page 39

New York 4220
Rebecca Groot
widow of Simon A Groot dec d
who was a pensioner under the Act of
and who died on the 4 March 1838
of Schenectady in the State of N.Y
who was a Priv Artif in the Company
commanded by Captain Fonda of the
Regt commanded by Col. Vromman in
the N.Y. line for 9m Private 15m. Artificer

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany
at the rate of 120. Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836. Sending 4 Mach 1838

Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of
Decr. 1842 and Sent to Hon
A.L. Linn, H. Reps

Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending

[Act July 7, 1838]

Recorded by Theo. L Moody, Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 2 Page 79
Page 40

Service Numbee
New York Groot, Simon A H23140
or Groote
Rebecca
Page 41

Rev
WIDOW, &c.

File No. 23140
Rebecca Groot
Widow of
Simon A. Groot
Priv Rev War

Act: Mar 3rd 1843
Index: --Vol. A, Page 291
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 42

1923 Aug 29 Hist to  Mrs. H. H. Murray MM ineligible
Page 43

Letter to G. F. Yates 1. Nov, 1839

Albany 4220

Rebecca Groot
widow of Simon A. Groot

who was a pensioner under the Act of 7. June 1832 and who died on the 4. March 1838 of Schenectada Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Fonda of the regt. commanded by Col. Vroman in the N. York line for 15 1/2 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 51 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 5th day of March, 1838.

Certificate of Pension issued the 18. day of Sep. 1839 and sent to G. F. Yates 
Schenectady, N.Y.

Arrears to the 4th of Sep. '39 77.35
Semi=annual allowance ending Mar. '40 25.83

$103.18
{Act July 7, 1838}

Recorded by D. Brown
Book A. Vol. 2 Page 79
Page 44

See memo: within

4220
Albany New York
Rebecca Groat
widow of Simon A. Groat deceased
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 4th March 1838
of Schenectada co. in the State of N.Y.
who was a Pri & Artificer in the compy commanded by Captain Fonda of the Regt commanded by Col Vrooman in the N.Y. line for 9 mos Private 
15 mos Artificer Increased fr: $51.66
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany NY at the rate of 120 Dollars-Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of Decr. 1839 and ineligible G.F. Yates Schenectada N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1839 $420.00
Semi=annual allowance ending ineligible 40. 60.00
$480.00
Act July 7,
1838.
Recorded by D.D. Addision Clerk,
Book A Vol. 2 Page 79
Page 45

J.S. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington 
D.C.
Page 46

Schenectada Oct. 25 1839
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,
When the claim of Simon A. Groat under the act of 7th June 1832, was originally investigated, certain services performed by him which are herein after after specified, he was not allowed for, as such services were not then considered continental ineligible 9 months as an artificer in 1776'7 under Capt. VanDusen at ineligible, & also 6 months in 1778 under Capt. Bradt.

Since the investigation referred to Mr. Groat has departed life and his widow Rebecca has been allowed a pension under the act of 8th July 1838, but the amount of her stipend ahs been fixed at the same rate with her husband's.  She therefore prays for a new certificate granting her a full pension, and that she may receive the arrears of pay due her at the window of said Simon A. Groat for the 4th of March 1831.

Yours very respectfully
G. F. Yates
Page 47

Service Number
New York Groot, Simon A.  H23140
or Groote
Rebecca
Page 48

Service Number
New York Groot, Simon A H23140
or Groote
Rebecca
Page 49

Schnectada [Schnectady?] June 15 1839 
J. L. Edwards [illegible]
Commissioner of Pension's 
Sir 
The enclosed application of Rebecka Groot widow of Simon A Groot under the act of 7 July 1838, is one among others prepared sometime ago, but which press of other business has caused me to overlook & prevented me from forwarding until now. 
I am very respectfully 
Your mo: Obt Servt
Giles F. Yates
Page 50

Housey R[illegible]
Dec. 19 1842
J.L. Edwards Esq
Sir
I enclose an
affidavit relation to claims
for pensions of Rebecca
Groot. She requests that
you communicate with
[illegible] on this [illegible].
WM Regards
A.L. Linn
Page 51

in att.
Dec 16 
NY
Rebecca Groot
J. L. Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions 
War Department
Washington
D.C.
Page 52

Schenectada [Schnectady] Dec 11 1839
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
The certificate under the act of 7 July 1838, granted
to Rebecca Groot widow of Simon A. Groot
does not cover the whole amount of
the claims set up by the widow. She
wishes the amount due from the 4th day
of March 1838, when said certificate
commences to run. The object of this
note is to inquire whether any thing
more is required by your rules in substantiation
of the claim last referred to, than
the usual proof that the widow is such,
since as such she is entitle to the
amount of increased pay which her
husband did not receive.
Very respectfully
G.F. Yates
Page 53

Washington, Sept 18th 1851

Sir:
I respectfully beg leave to call your attention to the claim of Mary Anderson daughter of Rebecca Groat, who was a pensioner in the New York roll at $144 per annum, for an increase of said persons service.

Said claim was presented on the 8th of August 1850, but has never yet been acted upon.

Will you be so good as to cause it now to be taken up and disposed of?

I am, very respectfully 
your obt servt 
J.J. Coombs

J.E. Heath Esq
Commr of Pensions
Page 54

Mr. Cooms abandons this case and wants no [illegible]
July
Page 55

Washington, Aug. 8th, 1850

Sir:

We have the honor to present you the declaration of Mary Anderson, on behalf of herself and the other children of Simon A. Groot and Rebecca Groot, late of New York, both of whom have hereto for received pension, for the services of said Simon A. Groot as an artificer in the war of the Revolution. The claimant, or rather Mr. Valentine her legat [illegible], supposes there is an increase of pension due, under the recent decision made in the case of Thomas Ligget of New York.

We know nothing in regard to the facts of the case, but request that it may be examined, and the results reported to us at as early a day as practiceable.

Very respectfully
Your off. legat [illegible]
Dickens Coombs

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com r of Pensions
Page 56

Payment to be made
at Albany 
by T. W. Olcott, Esq. 
Agent for paying Pensioners, 
in the Agency of Albany First
 payment to be made on the 31st December, 1838, and on the 4th March and 4th September in each year thereafter 
Recorded in the Pension 
Office, in Book A. Vol. 2 
Page 79 by 
D. Brown 
Clerk.

Your new certificate for 
15 mo artificer 
9 —  pri 120$
G.F. Yates Schnectady
Page 57

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Five years' Pension.

I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Rebecca Groot, of the State of New York widow of Simon A. Groot who was a Private in the War of the Revolution and died on the 4th day of March 1838 is entitled to receive a pension, at the rate of Fifty one dollars and Sixty six cents per annum, commencing on the fifth day of March 1838; and in case of the death or marriage of said widow before the 4th of March, 1841, the pension will cease on the day of such marriage or death. 

Given at the War Office of the United States, this eighteenth day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine. 

S. Cooper
Acting Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned.}

J L Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 58

Rebecca Groot
NY
Act 7 July 38

__________
120$

from 4 March 36 to 4 March 38. The day of her husbands death
Page 59

State of New York
City & County of Schenectady

Rebecca Groot of said city, aged seventy-six years, being duly sworn that she is the widow of Simon A. Groot late, a pensioner of the United States deceased, that he departed this life on the fourth day of March 1838, that she the dependent received a pension under the Act of 7 July 1838 as his widow & was paid from the day of his death until the 4th March 1841 at the rate of $120 per annum. That pursuant to a recent decision of the Secretary of War. She has understood that she is entitleed to receive pay from the 4th March 1836 until the day of his death and she hereby claims the same. 

Rebecca Groot (X her mark)

Subscribed & sworn this 10th day of Dec. 1842 before me.
T.R Van Ingen 
Commissioner of Deeds
Page 60

State of New York
County of Schenectady
Clerk's Office

I, Archibald Campbell, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Theodor R. Van Ingen Esq. before whom the foregoing Affidavit was subscribed and sworn, was at the time of taking the same a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified, as such; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Theodore R. Van Ingen and verily believe that the signature to said Affidavit and Certificate is genuine. 

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, this 10th day of December 1842.


Arch. Campbell - Clerk
Page 61

Whereas I, Maria Anderson, am the daughter of Simon A. Groot, and Rebecca Groot, both now deceased, who were respectively pensioners of the United States at the rate of $120. per annum, allowed them respectively on account of the services the said Simon A Groot as an artificer in the war of the Revolution, and whereas I am advised that the children of the said Simon & Rebecca Groot are or may be entitled to an increase of this said pension on account of said service as an Artificer 
Now therefore I do herby constitute and appoint Henry H. Sylvester Esq. of the City of Washington my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name, and in the name and behalf of all the children of the said Simon A. and Rebecca Groot to present and prosecute our claim to such increased amount of pension as we may be by law entitled to and hereby revoke all former powers of attorney by me Executed for the purposes above mentioned 
Witness my hand and seal, at Schenectida this 28th day of October A.D. 1851 -- 
Maria Anderson
Executed in presence of B.H. Vedder
Catherine R Anderson
State of New York 
Schnectiday County ⎬ ss. On this 28th day of October A.D. 1851 before me the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Maria Anderson, above named, and to me known, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and deed
B.H. Vedder Justice of the Peace
Page 62

State of New York
Schenetida County
ss
Maria Anderson of the city of Schenectida in said county, being duly sworn, doth depose that she is a daughter of the written named Simon A. and Rebecca Groat, deceased who were respectively pensioners of the United States at the rate of $120, per annum, and that she is directly interested in the claim, and - application about to be made for an increase of this said pension

Sworn to and subscribed on this
28th day of October A.D. 1851
before me-
B.V.W. Edder
Justice of the Peace
Maria Anderson
Page 63

State of New-York, {COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY, CLERK'S OFFICE,} ss.

I, DAVID P. FORREST, Clerk of the County of Schenectady, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Benjamin V S Vedder Esq. whose name is subscribed to the CERTIFICATE of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, dwelling in the said County, elected and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. AND FARTHER, That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine, and that said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this state.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County, the 28th day of October 1851.

D P Forrest (signature) Clerk.