Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25858, John Ward, New York
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE    New York
Ward, John
Rebecca

NUMBER    W. 25858.

CONTENTS
Page 2

[crossed out '24.263' and '24226']
24.226
New York
John Ward 
of Dutche Isles  in the State of New York who was a Sergeant in the Comp. command by Captain Sleight of the Regt. command by Col. Frear in the New York line for 6 months- 

Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of Nov. 1833 - and sent to F.S. Hoffman Pleasant Valley 

Arrears to the 4th of Sep '33                $  75
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4th '34.        15 
$ 90
{Revolutionary claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Go. C. Stiles  Cle
Book C.  Vol. 4.    Page 128
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See let to D. A. Nichols
Aug 12, 1836

F. S. Hoffman    Nov. 30. 1837
Page 4

4919 
New York City 
Rebecca Ward widow of John Ward NY
who served in the Revolutionary war , as a Sergeant 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars --Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. and ending 14 Mch 1849 

Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of June 1849 and sent to Benjn S. Hart New York 

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 242 Vol. 4
Page 5

9846
Rebecca Ward

NY.
Act 7. July  38
m go

add
6 mo Sergt.
30 $


Hon. R. D. Davis
H.R.
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State of New York 
Dutchess County ss  Be it known that before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Rebecca Ward and made oath in due form of law that She is the widow of John Ward the identical person who was a pensioner and is now dead and to whom a certificate of pension was issued of which the following is a true copy 
Revolutionary Claim 
I certify that in conformity with the laws of the United States of the 7th June 1832 John Ward of the State of New York who was a Sergeant in the Revolutionary army is entitled to receive thirty dollars per annum during his natural life commencing on the 4th of March 1831: and payable Semi=annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year 
Given at the War office of the United States this 9th day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty three 
Lew. Cass 
Secretary at War 
Examined & countersigned 
J L Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions 
That the deceased pensioner resided in the Town of Pleasant Valley in said County of Dutchess and State of New York for the Space of twenty years before his death and that previous thereto he resided in Clinton in Said County.  And this deponent further says that She and the said John Ward were married together on the fourteenth day of February in the year one thousand seven hundred and Eighty two -- That the said John Ward left the Service of the United States in the Revolutionary army as this deponent believes in Seventeen hundred and Seventy seven. and as she knows before the year Seventeen hundred and eighty   That after such marriage said John Ward never again joined the army of the United States or served in any military capacity whatever in such service   That the said John Ward died on the thirteenth day of January 1838 and that this deponent has since that time continued and remained the widow of said John Ward 
Rebecca   X   Ward  her mark
Sworn and Subscribed this 9th day of December 1843 before me 
John W Collins } Justice of the Peace of said County 

Witness Presant  George Van De Water
Page 7

State of New York 
Dutchess County ss    Be it known that before me John W Collins a Justice of the peace in and for Said County personally appeared Benjamin F Wile to me personally known to be the individual described in and who made the following affidavit and made oath in due form of law that he is the presiding clergyman over the Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Valley in said County.   That his predecessor as clergyman in Said Church was Wheeler Case and that the following is a true extract from the records of the official acts of said Case and preserved in the records of said Church to wit " Feb 14th 1782 married John Ward and Rebecca Wilde". And this deponent further says that the figures fourteen and one thousand seven hundred and eighty two are written on said Record in fair and legible figures.  And this deponent further says that he is acquainted with Rebecca Ward the widow of John Ward now deceased.  That she resides in said Town of Pleasant Valley and has so resided for many years previous hereto.  That he knew John Ward in his life time. That the said John Ward lived in said Town of Pleasant Valley and as was generally reputed and as this deponent believes was a Revolutionary pensioner until the Time of his death.   And that said Rebecca Ward is the widow of said Revolutionary pensioner - That said John Ward departed this life on or about the thirtieth day of January 1838 leaving the said Rebecca his widow him surviving and who has remained unmarried the widow of said John Ward since his death 
Benj. F. Wile
Sworn and Subscribed this 9th day of December 1843 before me 
John W Collins }Justice of the peace of said County 

State of New York 
Dutchess County ss   Be it known that before me John W Collins a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Abraham Divine of the Town of Pleasant Valley in said County to me personally known to be the individual described in and who made the following affidavit and made oath in due form of law that he was acquainted with John Ward of Said Town a revolutionary pensioner in his life time now deceased.   That as this deponent believes said John Ward left the service of the United States sometime in the year 1777 and as this deponent knows of his own knowledge said John Ward left Said Service before the year 1780 
Abraham Divine
Sworn and Subscribed this 9th day of December 1843 before me 
John W Collins Justice of the peace of said County
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State of New York 
County of Dutchess ss   I Robert Mitchell Clerk of the County of Dutchess Do hereby certify that John W Collins Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit have been sworn and whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavits was at the time of the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid dwelling in the said County and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said John W Collins and verily believe that the Signatures to the said affidavit are genuine 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County the ninth day of December A D 1843 
Robt. Mitchell, Clerk.
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In the Matter of the 
application of John Ward
for a Pension

Amended Declaration
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State of New York }
Dutchess County ss }    Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace of the said County of Dutchess John Ward of the town of Pleasant Valley in said County    The declairant in the annexed declaration named who being duly sworn according to Law doth depose and say, that for six months and upwards he served in the Revolutionary War as sergeant in the militia of New York State troops under Captain Humphrey and the other offices particularly mentioned in his his declaration for a pension hereunto annexed.    That if this deponent ever had a Warrant as such his grant it is now lost or mislaid.   That so far as his recollection now serves him he thinks that in those days it was not the practice to issue Warrants or commissions to under officers of the grade of his grants &c [et cetera] but that they were appointed verbally, that he does not recollect that any one in his company who did duty as a sergeant ever had a written Warrant under which he acted or did said duty. and further saith not 
John Ward
Sworn & Subscribed this 16th day of Sept 1833. before me 
Garret Adriance     Juster of the Peace
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State of New York }
Dutchess County ss: }. Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Dutchess. Robert Recter a resident of the said County, who being duly sworn doth depose and say  That he is of the age of seventy nine years.  That he is perfectly well acquainted with John Ward the Petitioner in the annexed petition named. That he well recollects & knows the facts that said Ward was a sergeant & did do duty as such in the war of the revolution in the company of Malitia under the command of Capt Humphrey, & Lensten and Francis Nelson. That said company rendezvous at Albany and march from thence to the North and were stationed at various places & not now particularly recollected, That he always understood & believed said Ward to be a volunteer in the Malitia & from the length of time & loss of memory he does not now recollect with sufficient clearness to state how long said Ward served as Sergeant aforesaid - 
Robert Recter 

Sworn & Subscribed this 11th day Sept 1833 before me 
Richard B. Jackson Justice of the Peace.

State of New York. }
Dutchess County. ss. }  I Richard B Jackson the above named Justice do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Robert Recter, who has taken and subscribed before me the above affidavit. That he is a person of credit and respectability in his neighborhood & that his statements are entitled to credit & belief -Richard B. Jackson - Justice of the Peace.
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STATE OF NEW-YORK, }
County of Dutchess |  ss.   I, HENRY I. TRAVER, Clerk of the County of Dutchess, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Garret Adriance  --- Esquire whose name is subscribed to the annexed Affidavit of John Ward and Richard B Jackson Esqr whose name is subscribed to the annexed affidavit of Robert Recter, were at the time Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, duly elected and qualified - - 
And further, That I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justices and verily believe that the signatures to the said Affidavits are genuine. 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county, the 20th day of September A.D. 1833- 
Henry I Traver Clerk
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State of New York }
Dutchess County ss. }.  John Gager of the said County being duly sworn doth depose & say that he is & for a number of year has been personally acquainted with John Ward. who has sworn to & Subscribed the annexed declaration That his character for truth and veracity is good. That he is respected in the neighborhood in which he resides to have been in the State service of the Malitia of the State of New York &  served in the revolutionary war as he states in said declaration   That he had a conversation with the clergyman of his neighborhood yesterday who stated to this deponent that he could not attend the Court of Common Pleas this day in behalf of said John Ward being necessarially detained on professional business. That he was in attendance at court yesterday for that purpose but on account of the press of business before the court said Ward could not obtain a hearing of his case. That said Clergyman fully concurred in opinion with this deponent as to the character of said Ward & believes him entitled to credit- 
John Gager
Sworn & Subscribed in open Court this 25th Sepr. 1832 
Robt: S. Livingston
Page 14

State of New York }
Dutchess County ss }. On this twenty fifth. day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Dutchess now sitting John Ward a resident of the Town of Pleasant Valley in the said County of Dutchess and State of New York aforesaid aged seventy one years the second day of January last 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 the seventh day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty two 
That he entered the service of the United States some time about the month of October in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven at Pleasant Valley in the County of Dutchess and State of New York aforesaid as serjeant in the company of Captain Frederick Sleight, and as a volunteer.  That They rendezvoused at the Town of Poughkeepsie in the County of Dutchess and State aforesaid and were marched immediately to the Town of Fish Kill in Said County, soon after which they were ordered and returned back to Poughkeepsie where they remained until they were discharged having been on service one month.  While they they lay at Poughkeepsie, the whole force there was under the command of General Putnam That he was again called into service at the time of the great alarm which he believes was in the year one Thousand seven hundred and seventy eight, that he again entered the company under the command of Captain David Ostrom as a volunteer and serveed in the capacity of Serjeant in said company which was apart of the Regiment of Colonel Frear. They rendezvoused at the Town of Fishkill aforesaid
Page 15

and from thence were marched into the Highlan  where the whole body under the command of Colonel Frazer were encamped, where they remained about there weeks when the whole force was discharged. 

That he again entered the Service as a volunteer soldier in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine in the company under the command of Captain David Ostrom for the Term of three months, and was put under the command of Captain Hugh Montgomery and was from the place of rendezvous marched to the Town of Fishkill. when the Regiment under the command of Colonel Frear were all encamped in company with several other Regiments - where they remained until discharged,  The Term of three months for which he enlisted having expired - That he again entered the service as a volunteer in the fall of one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine or winter of seventeen hundred and eighty. in the capacity of serjeant in the company under the command of Captain Humphrey commanded most of the time by Ensign Nelson rendezvous at Rhinebeck in the Said County of Dutchess and from thence were marched by land to Albany, and from thence to Schenectady, and from there to Saratoga   And from thence the company commanded by Ensign Nelson, and as he believes a Lieutenant whose name he does not now recollect, were sent as an escort to twenty waggons for the purpose of transporting women and children from thence to Skeensborough from thence then sent by water to their husbands and fathers within the British dominions - From Skeensborough aforesaid the escort returned with the teams that conveyed the women and
Page 16

14556.
John Ward
application for Pension
Page 17

children up back to Saratoga aforesaid when the company under the command aforesaid were billeted out among the inhabitants of the place for seven days during which time they drew but two days provision from this place they were marched back to Albany, when the company were discharged and returned from this campaign, having been on service about one month and an half - 
That he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no person who can testify as to his service- 
That he was born the second day of January one thousand seven hundred and sixty one, has a record of his age as taken from his fathers family Bible. That he has no written discharge, but thinks he was verbally discharged by the commanding officer at the expiration of each Term of service - That he has since the Revolutionary war, and now does live in the said County of Dutchess - That he is known in the neighborhood where he now lines by Daniel S. Dean John Gager & John W Carpenter who can severally testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution 
That he hereby relinquishes every claim what ever to a pension or annuity except the present, and that he is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State -
John Ward
Sworn to and subscribed Sept 25th 1832 
Henry I Traver  Clerk  

We John Gager of the town of Pleasant Valley in the said County of Dutchess & State of New York aforesaid & John W. Carpenter of Poughkeepsie in the County & State aforesaid do -------
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hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Ward who has Subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy one 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 day & year aforesaid 
John Gager
Jon W Carpenter Sworn in open Court Gravener John W Carpenter 
Sworn in open Court
Henry I Traver Clerk
Robt: S. Livingston

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 John Gager & John W Carpenter who have [crossed out 'also'] signed the above certificate [crossed out 'same is'] are residents in the same [crossed out three illegible words] County of Dutchess and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit --- --- 
I Henry J Traver Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Dutchess do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Said Court in the matter of the application of John Ward for a pension 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twenty fifth day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty two 
Henry I Traver Clerk
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STATE OF NEW-YORK. }
County of Dutchess } ss.  I, HENRY I. TRAVER, Clerk of the County of Dutchess, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Garret Adriance Esqr --- --- whose name is subscribed to the annexed affidavit or declaration was made and sworn to was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace-- in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, duly elected and sworn 

And Further, That I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said affidavit is genuine. 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county, the thirteenth day of May - A. D. 1833-- 
Henry I Traver Clerk
Page 20

State of New York }
Dutchess County ss:  }  Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Duchess John Ward of the Town of Reason Falley in said County, who being duly sworn doth depon and say, that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of Memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the bed of his recolection he served not less than the period mentioned below & in the following grades For six months and seven days I served as a volunteer in the militia in the capacity or grade of Sergeant, and for such service I claim a Pension and this deponent further says in answer the twelfth June contained in the brief objections to his claim for a pension & in order to amend his declare time heretofore made in relation thereto, that the reason why he did not prove the affidavit of the year residing in his neighborhood at the time he made said declaration was that he could not have the personal attendance of said dorgyman at that time the Court of Common has then setting he being on the day that this deponent did obtain a hearing of his case before the court reparially detained in his professional business, being in attendance at a religious meeting previously appointed by him in his congregation, John Ward Sworn & Subscribed this Eleventh day of May 1833, before me Garret Adriane Justice of the peace Will
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Reported

7979.
New. York
Rebecca Ward
widow of John Ward
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 13th Jany 1838
of Dutchess in the State of N York'
who was a Sergeant in the company
commanded by Captain Sleight of the Regt. commanded by Col Freast in the N York' line for 6 months

Inscribed on the Roll of New York City
at the rate of 30 Dollars -- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of Dec. 1843 and sent to Honbl R.D. Davis  H of R

Total amount,         $150.00

[Act July 7, 1838.]


Recorded by Tho Lumpkin, Clerk,
Book. D.   Vol. 1.   Page 187.
Page 22

5163.

New York City
Rebecca Ward
widow of John Ward
who was a Sergeant
in the N. York Line
6 months.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
340 Dollars ---  Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of Mar. 1844 and sent to   Hon  R.D. Davis. Ho: of Rep:

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book. A
Vol.  1.  Page 258.

rep 28 Mar. 1844
Page 23

Revy  WIDOW , &C.

File No.  25858
Rebecca Ward
wid. of
John Ward
Sergt,,  Rev.  war

Act :  Feb. 2nd,,  1848,

Index : --- Vol.   W ,  Page  313

[Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 24

In the Matter of John Ward for additional Pension

D. affidavit of      }
Susannah Ward. }
Page 25

State of New York }
Dutchess County. ss.  }
At a [two word crossed out] court of Oyer & Terminer held in and for the county and State aforesaid on the twenty third day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
Present the Honorable Charles H Ruggles . Circuit Judge
Joseph J. Jackson  }
Robert S. Livingston &  }         Judges.
Stephen Sharer, Esquire --  }
Dutchess County ss.  On this twenty third day of October in the Year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven personally appeared in open court. John Ward of the Town of Pleasant Valley in said county. aged seventy six years on the second day of January last past. who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in addition to his declaration heretofore made for an increase of his pension. heretofore granted.  That in addition, to the services performed by this deponent as a soldier in the War of the Revolution and as set forth in his aforesaid former declaration this deponent now says that at a great variety of times between the years 1776 and 80. this deponent was engaged in the service of the army of the revolution (and when he was not on duty in any regular company of Militiamen) as a wagoner in transporting soldiers & goods from different places in the county of Dutchess to other places in the said county.  That he rendered the said services with his own wagon & horses, and would very often be absent from home for some two or three days at a time,  That this deponent was so engaged for the space of at least six months during the period aforesaid.  That during the said period this deponent recollects of having been repeatedly called by Col Hays & his agents to go out with his Wagan and horses and procure and bring in hay & provisions for the army.  That this deponent at the time of making his former declaration did not understand that he would be entitled to a pension for such services. or he would
Page 26

have particularly stated them at that time - That he now further recollects of having often been ordered out by the commanding officer at the time to go as a guard on various occasion in cases of hanging tories and spies - at Poughkeepsie,  That he was also often ordered out to pursue and detect tories and spies. and robbers - and that during the period aforesaid this deponent was engaged in said such mentioned service for the further space of six months. and further saith not
John Ward
Sworn to and subscribed this 24th. day for October 1837 In open court.  ---
Henry I Traver  Clerk

We John H Newcomb and Samuel H Adee residing in the town of Pleasant Valley in the county of Dutchess hereby certify. that we are well acquainted with John Ward who has has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration;  That we believe him to be of the age of seventy six years.  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
John H Newcomb
Saml. H. Adee
Sworn & subscribed the day and year above written in open court.
Henry I Traver  Clerk
Page 27

State of New York. }
Dutchess County ss  }
Susannah Ward of the town of Pleasant Valley in the county and state aforesaid being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath say that she is , and for many years last past has been, personally acquainted with John Ward the person named and described in the annexed declaration.  That she knew him during the Revolutionary War. and at that time she lived a near neighbor to him.  That she distinctly recollects that he was a soldier in the revolution, and when he was not out on regular duty in the army, he was often engaged during the war. with his Horses & Wagon in carting goods and provisions for the use of the soldiers and in conveying soldiers to and from different station in the said county.  That she has known him often from home for several days in succession on said services and that she has no doubt that the whole length of time he the said John was so engaged during said War was at least twelve months & further saith not.
Susannah  X  Ward   her mark

Sworn to and subscribed this day of October 1837 before me. and I hereby certify that the deponent is a person entitled to credit, and that she is unable from debility and old age to appear personally in open court
Martin W Collins   Justice of the Peace
Page 28

and the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, that the forenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states, and the court further certifies that it appears to them. that John H Newcomb and Samuel H Adee . who have signed the preceeding certificate are both residents of the said town of Pleasant Valley in Dutchess County aforesaid and are creditable persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. [crossed out two words]

I, Henry I. Traver clerk of the said court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Ward for an additional pension. and I. do further certify that Martin W. Collins is a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county of Dutchess and that his signature above written is genuine

In Testimony whereof I. have hereunto set my hand and seal of office the twenty fourth day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven.
Henry I Traver  Clerk

[remnants of a round sunburst seal in lower left corner of page]
Page 29

14.3 [crossed our '65'] 56.
John Ward

Sergeant 6 Months
Capt Sleight  Col. Frear. _ N York

d e


F. S. Hoffman
Pleasant Valley
N. York
Page 30

 3

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated 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 accoun 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 the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. 
The applicant will further produce 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--[begin underlining] one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant [end underlining], 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 inquiry 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. 
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 


[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. 
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. 
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. 
[d] [begin underlining] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served [end underlining]; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For year months, and days, I served as a . For months and --- days, I served as a ; and for such service I claim a pension." 
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority ; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required. [h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. 
[i] The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. 
Mode of authenticating papers. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 
Proof of Service. 
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witand the character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
The notes from [a] to [I] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies in continental troops only. 
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. 
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 31

Dr Sir
In the early part of March last the attorney of Rebecca Ward a pensioner under Act of 17 June 1844 applied for the pension alleged to be due her.  I stated to him that it was necessary to make application for continuance of pension under Act 2d. February 1848.  She subsequently died eight days after the enclosed voucher was executed as per certificate of the Clerk of the Court of Dutchess Co,, herewith enclosed.  I have been very much importuned to obtain the pension due, and send the accompanying papers for your consideration and direction.
Yours Respectfly,
BS Hart
Plnslyens

To.
James L Edwards Esqr.
Commr. of Pensioins
Washington D.C.
New York 14 June 1849
Page 32

House of Rep
13 Dec 1843

To the Comr of Pensions

I inclose the papers - for the pension of Mrs Ward - the widow od John Ward. Desd late a pensioner - which I wish examined - and if correct - to have directions sent me what she is to do - & how to get it _ as if they be not sufficient - then what further is required for her to obtain it.
Richard D Davis
Page 33

State of New York 
Dutchess County, SS:   I. Joseph T. Adriance, Clerk of the Supreme Court of said State of New York holden at Poughkeepsie in said County in and for said state, do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Rebecca Ward was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of Thirty dollars per annum:  was a resident of the County of Dutchess in the State of New York and died in Pleasant Valley, Dutches County State of New York on the Fourteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty nine and that she left Six children whose names are John Ward, Sally widow of Oliver Collins deceased, Nancy widow of Stephen Auguire deceased, Susan widow of Abraham Allen deceased, Laura widow of William VanDewater deceased and Eliza wife of Orrey Northrop all of the said County of Dutchess. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Poughkeepsie in the County of Dutchess this Thirteenth day of June in the year of on Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty nine. 
Jos,, T. Adriance Clerk
Page 34

United States of America
State of New York, Dutchess County, ss:   Be it Known that before me, Samuel A. McCord a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared Rebecca Ward and made oath in due form of law that she is the identical person who drew a pension under the act of the 3rd. of March 1843, on account of the revolutionary service for her husband, the late John Ward of Pleasant Valley Dutchess County aforesaid deceased, at the rate of Thirty dollars per annum during his natural life: -- that she now makes this affidavit for the purpose of drawing a pension under the act of congress passed on the 17th of June 1844 entitled "An act to continue the pensions of certain widows"; -- that she has not intermarried but continued to be a widow ; -- that she now resides in Pleasant Valley in the county of Dutchess and state of New York, and has resided there for the space of fifty five years past : and that previous thereto she resided in the town of Clinton in the aforesaid county of Dutchess.
Rebecca   X   Ward  her mark
Sworn to and subscribed this 6th day of }
March 1849.  In presence of 
{Saml A McCord
{Henry Van De Water
Before me
Saml A McCord
Justice of the Peace

I certify that the above named affiant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing affidavit.
Saml A McCord
Justices of Peace

Know all men by these presents, that I Rebecca Ward of the town of Pleasant Valley in the County of Dutchess and state of New York a revolutionary pensioner of the United States , do hereby constitute and appoint John P.H Tallman of the Town of Poughkeepsie in the county of Dutchess and state of New York my true and lawful attorney for me, in my name, to receive from the agent of the United States for paying pensions in the city of New York my pension from the fourth day of March one thou-
Page 35

sand eight hundred and forty eight, to the fourth day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty nine  --
{Witness my hand and seal this Sixth day of {March 1849.   Rebecca   X   Ward her mark

Sealed & Delivered in presence of }
Saml A McCord } 
Henry Van De Water } 

State of New York
Dutchess County, ss:   Be it known that on the Sixth day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty nine before the subscriber, a justice of the peace in and for said county personally appeared Rebecca Ward above named, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and deed  __  In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned
Saml A McCord
Justices of the Peace

State of New York
Dutchess County, ss:   Be it Known, That on the day of one thousand eight hundred and forty nine before me a Justice of the peace in and for said county duly authorized by the laws of said State to administer oathes, personally appeared the attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney , and made oath that he has no interest whatever in the money he is authorized to receive by virtue of the foregoing power of attorney, either by any pledge, mortgage, sale, assignment or transfer, and that he does not know or believe that the same has been so disposed of to any person whatever,
Subscribed and Sworn the day and year }
last above mentioned Before me -- }
Page 36

5609
Rebecca Ward

N.Y.

3 March  43
30$

from RD Davis
of N York
House of Rep

Hon. R.D. Davis
H.R.
Page 37

State of New York }
Dutchess County _ ss. }   Be it Known that before me --- Samuel A. McCord, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Rebecca Ward claiming the benefits of an act of Congress approved the third day of March 1843 entitled "an act granting a pension to certain Revolutionary Soldiers" personally known to me the individual described in & who made this affidavit and made oath in due form of law that She is the widow of John Ward the identical person who was a pensioner & is now dead and to whom a certificate of pension was issued of which the following is a true copy- 
Revolutionary Claim --
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832 John Ward of the State of New York , who was a sergeant in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive thirty dollars per annum during his natural life commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year. 
Given at the War Office of the United States this 8th day of November one thousand Eight hundred and thirty three 
Lew Cass
Secretary at War
Examined & countersigned J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions, 
And this deponent further says that she is the identical person to whom a certificate of pension under and in pursuance of an act of Congress approved on the 7th day of July 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay & pension to certain widows was issued of which the following is a true copy. 
War Department,
Widows pension 
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838 Rebecca
Page 38

Ward widow of John Ward who was a Sergeant in the Revolution and died on the 13th day of January 1838 is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of thirty dollars and cents per annum commencing on the 4th of March 1836 and terminating on the 4th of March 1841 unless the pensioner married or died before the above mentioned date in which case the pension is not payable after the time of Such marriage or death. 
Given at the War office of the United States this 21st day of December one thousand Eight hundred and forty three, 
J M Porter 
Secretary of War
Examined and Countersigned
J L Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Endorsed. 
payment to be made at New York City by John A. Stephens Esq agent for paying pensioners in the agency of New York payable on application Recorded in the pension Office in Book D. Vol 1  page 187, by Tho Lumpkin Clerk, 
And this deponent further says that she now resides in the Town of Pleasant Valley in the County of Dutchess & State of New York and has resided there for the space of twenty five years, that previous thereto she resided in Clinton in said County - That She has remained & now is the widow of the said John Ward never having married any other person
Rebecca   X   Ward her mark 
Subscribed and sworn to this sixteenth day of March 1844, before me, The word "resided" interlined between words "now" & "in" before affidavit was Sworn to on the twentieth line,
Samuel A. McCord Justice of the Peace, Witness present 
George Van De Water
Page 39

State of New York. 
County of Dutchess ss.   I, Robert Michell Clerk of the County of Dutchess Do Hereby Certify, That Samuel A McCord Before whom the forgoing affidavit has been Sworn was at the time of the date of the Same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid dwelling in the Town of Pleasant Valley in the said County, And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Samuel A McCord and verily believe that the Signature to the Said affidavit is genuine. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County of Dutchess the Twentieth day of March 1844,
Robt. Michell, Clerk.

[remnants of a round sunburst seal and ribbon strips appear in lower left corner of page]