Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2266, for Peter Koons, New York
Page 1

(3-1778)

Service
New York

Koons, Peter
or Koon
or Coon, Lydia 

Number
S. 28780 (crossed out) 
R. 2266

Contents
Page 2

29879

New York 
Peter Koons 
of Greene Co in the State of New York
who was a private in the com commanded by Captain Van Alstin in the regt commanded by - on the N.Y. line for 6 month private

Albany

Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 20 Dollars  Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of March 
1835 and sent to Hon 
J Adams Catskill 

Arrears to the 4th of March 1835 $80.00
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Sept 10.00
$90 - 

Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk, 
Book 62 Vol 4 Page 39 

sp let

Date of death (illegible)
Page 3

Catskill Recorder Feb 23 1837
Died in this village on the 14 inst 
Mr Peter Coon aged 73 years

Catskill Recorder March 1st 1838
Died in this Village on the 28th day of February 
Last Mrs Lydia Coon aged 63 years
Page 4

No. 14549

Peter Koons
Greene Co. N York

Too young 11 years 

suspended 

Aomd
6 mo pri
20$

Charles C Abeel
Catskill NY
Page 5

War Department, 
Pension Office, 
183

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in 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 Peter Koons Greene Co. NY

Period when the service was rendered 
Enrolled Mar '77
Duration of the claimant's service
1 year, 8 months
Rank of the claimant
Private
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served
Capt. Van Alstin 
Capt Whater
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers
Genl Herkimer
Col. Wigenvelt
Battles in which the applicant was engaged 
Country through which he marched
Fort Plain
Carley Herkimer
Lake Williams
Place of abode when he entered the service and age at the present period
Montgomery Co. NY 67
Evidence by which the declaration is supported
illegible

4 months 
Capt Shephards
Ang Welch 
Albany 
Down

1781
not specified
Capt Van Alstine 
Whater 
Dutchess Co NY
Fishkill
WestPoint
Count Pt
Orange Co
N York
Albany
Ins begod to Fishkill 

+ 11 yrs old 

I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 
J.L. Edwards, 
Commissioner of Pensions
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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 contracts, 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 } ss. 

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 provision 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    (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 entered the service, 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. 

I       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 the 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 well 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 day 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 was signed the4 preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the 
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the 
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I,                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 his 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 leas one credible witness. stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, 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 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 7

3

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 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. Say 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 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 -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 excuse 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 of 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 ins 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 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) The declarant must mentioned 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; 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 three or 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 the was either in the field or a 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 affix 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 witnesses, and the official 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 to 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.
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832

State of New York
Greene County} On the 29th day of May One thousand eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the County of Greene and State aforesaid now sitting being a Court of Record and having original Jurisdictions, Peter Koons, a resident of the Town of Catskill in the County of Greene and State of New York aged sixty seven the 30th day of June Last Past. Who being 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. That he was born at Canajoharie in the County of Montgomery and State of New York, the 30th day of June 1765, as stated in the Record of the Family Bible. That he entered the service of the United States as a Volunteer in the Month of March 1777 under the following named officers as herein stated, that he was enrolled in a company commanded by Capt. Van Alstine, Genl Herkimer was the commanding officer at Canajoharie in the County of Montgomery, upon the then frontier, that he served for the term of one year and eight months as one of a scouting party, fighting the Indians & Tories. We were required by Genl. Herkimer to be in constant readiness. I went from Canajoharie to the Town of Dover in the County of Dutchess in the fall of the year first of October 1780 where I joined Capt. Valentine & Wheeler company of militia, where I did duty for the term of five months. I then enlisted in Capt. Shephard's Company of militia called four months men where I did duty for the term of four months from the first of July to the first day of November which was in the year 1781. I marched from Dover to Fishkill where we joined Col. Wizenfelt Regiment from there to West Point and from thence to Crumb Pond, our affidents name was Welch, Lieut. Punderson and Rutger Finch. The regiment was in the month of August ordered to march for Albany, from thence the regiment was ordered to Saratoga, this declarant with a part of his company were deterred at Albany to guard the city and the prisoners then at that place until the first day of November 1781 where this declarant received a written discharge from Capt.  Shephard, which this declarant
Page 9

since lost. This declarant further certifies that he knows of no person now living by whom he can prove his services, believes all his officers to be dead, not having had any intelligence from any of them for many years, from age and infirmity and loss of memory this deponent says he has given all that he can recollect in his power relative to his services and the different places through which he marched during the Revolutionary War, on service, he further certifies that according to the best of his recollection and belief he served as a soldier and Indian Spy the term of two years and nine months, 
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state

Peter Koons

Sworn this 29th day of May 1833
In Open Court
William V.B. Hermance Clerk 

We Isaac N. Wyckoff a Clergyman Resident in the Town of Catskill and County of Greene and State of New York and William Van Bergen & Henry McKinstry & Chas C Abeel of Catskill aforesaid do hereby certify that are well acquainted with Peter Koons of the Town and County aforesaid, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be sixty seven years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the town and neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion 
Sworn and subscribed this 29th day of
May 1833 in open Court
William V.B. Hermance 

Isaac N. Wyckoff
Wm Van Bergan
Henry McKinsty 
Charles C Abeel

And the fair court do hereby declare their opinion after the interrogatories 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 Isaac N. Wykoff who has signed the above certificate is a Clergyman in the town of Catskill in
Page 10

the County of Greene and that William Van Bergen and Henry McKinsty and Charles C Abeel who have also signed the preceeding certificate is a resident of the Town of Catskill and are credible persons
Darrance Pertland
Burling Judge of said County

1st. Where and in what year were you born?
I was born in Canajoharie in the County of Montgomery on the 30th day of June 1705. 
2nd. Have you any Record of you age and if so where is it?
The Record of his age is contained in the family Bible now in my possession
3rd. Where were you living when called into service? where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live?
I was living in Canajoharie in the County of Montgomery State of New York when called into service and have lived in the town of Dover Dutchess County for many years where I married, and now live in the Town of Catskill Greene County and State aforesaid. 
4th How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute, and if a substitute, for whom
I was a volunteer until my enlistment under Capt. Shephard, never served as a substitute
5th State the names 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 service
I served under Genl. Herkimer, Capt. Van Alstine, Capt. Valentine Wheeler, as a volunteer and as an enlisted soldier under Capt. Shephard & Col. Wizenfelt
6th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it
I did receive an honorable discharge from Capt. Shephard in the month of November 1781. I have lost the (illegible) 
7th. 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, 
I give the names of Henry McKinstry, the Rev. Isaac N. Wyckoff, Chas C Abeel 
Sworn & subscribed in open court
May 29, 1933
William V B Hermance

Peter Koons
Page 11

I William V B Hermance Clerk of the court of Common Pleas of the county of Greene do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Peter Koon for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twenty ninth day of May in the year 1833
William V.B. Hermance Clerk
Page 12

No. 7534

Lydia Coon dec
wid of Peter
Ms
Act 4 July 1836
Page 13

State of New York
City and County of New York ss. 
On this ninth day of August, one thousand eight hundred and forty nine personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace for the city and county the within mentioned Richard Coon, who being duly sworn according to law says that he is the identical Richard Coon aged fifty three years, son, and heir at law of "Peter Coon" a late pensioner who was inscribed on the pension list roll of New York Agency and that his Father the said Peter Coon died in his seventy third year, at the village of Catskill, State of New York, on the 14th day of February 1837, and that his Mother Lydia Coon died on the 28th day of February 1838, aged sixty three years.
Richard Coon further declares that, he the said claimant for the balance of Pension one and owing to his mother as the widow and heir at law of the said Peter Coon is from the fourth day of September 1836 to the twenty eight day of February 1838 and further that he is the only claimant, with the exception
Page 14

of one brother named Ephraim W. Coon in his forty ninth year- him surviving. 
Richard Coon
Sworn before me
this 9th day of Augt 1849
N.B. Mountfort
a Justice of the Peace

Elizabeth Ann Morrell being sworn before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace for the City and county above mentioned declares that she was intimately acquainted with the aforesaid Peter Coon and Lydia Coon his wife and also with the claimant Richard Coon and that she has no hesitation in identifying them consequently as parents and child and that the deposition of Richard Coon is true and worthy of undoubted credit and further that she is disinterested
her
Elizabeth Ann x Morrell
mark

Sworn before me
this 9th day of August 1849
N.B. Mountfort
a Justice of the Peace

John H. Gardiner being duly sworn according to law declares that she was intimately acquainted with the within mentioned Peter Coon and Lydia Coon his wife and also with the present claimant
Page 15

Richard Coon his son, and that he has no hesitation in identifying them consequently as parents and son and that the deposition of the above mentioned Richard Coon is true and worthy of undoubted credit and that he is disinterested. 
John H. Gardiner

Sworn before me
this 9th day of August 1849
N.B. Mountfort
a Justice of the Peace

State of New York
City and County of New York
It is hereby certified that satisfactory proof has been exhibited before me by the affidavits of Elizabeth Morrell and John H. Gardiner, two credible witnesses, proven to me to be such, that they were severally and personally acquainted with the within mentioned Peter Coon a late pensioner and also with his wife Lydia Coon and also with the claimant Richard Coon and that they have no hesitation in identifying their consequently as parents and son and that the deposition of the aforesaid Richard Coon is true and worthy of undoubted credit and further
Page 16

that they are of known respectability and that they are disinterested. 
N.B. Mountfort
Police Justice
and a Justice of the Peace
Page 17

State of New York
City and County of New York} ss. 
I, James Conner, Clerk of the City and County of New York, also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for said City and County of New York, being a Court of Record, Do hereby certify, that N.B. Mountfort before whom the annexed depositions were taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said City and County, duly elected and sworn, and that his signatures thereto are genuine, as I verily believe. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court and County, the 10th day of August 1849
James Conner Clerk.
Page 18

State of New York
City & County of New York ss.
This certifies that satisfactory proof has been exhibited before me, the undersigned a Justice of the Peace, for the city and County above mentioned, by the affidavit of Thomas E. Hall, of New York City that the Bible from which the extract beneath was taken, was the identical family Bible of Peter Coon late a pensioner of the United States for services in the Revolutionary War 
New York December 21st 1849
B W Osborn
Police Justice &
Justice of the Peace

This certifies that the following is a true copy of a statement taken from the above mentioned family bible, viz: 
"Peter Coon was married to Lydia Dutcher on the 14 of June 1773 in the town of Dover Dutchess County, State of New York by Dominy Doloris
B.W. Osborn
Police Justice & Justice of the Peace
Page 19

State of New York
City and County of New York}
I, James Conner, Clerk of the City and County of New York, also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for said City and County of New York, being a court of Record, do hereby certify that B.W. Osborn before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said City and County, duly elected and sworn, and that his signature thereto is genuine, as I verily believe. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said court and county the 22d day of Dec 1849
James Conner Clerk.
Page 20

General Accounting Office
Washington

Records Division
In Reply Please Quote
R-RHH-LA

December 11, 1928

Commissioner of Pensions
Department of the Interior, 
Washington, D.C. 

Sir:       Attention: Rev. & 1812 Wars Section. 
With reference to your telephone communication of recent date in which you request information concerning Peter Koons, certificate #29879, New York Agency, Revolutionary War pensioner, you are advised that the only information of record in this office, with reference to the above named pensioner, is that the last payment of pension was made on September 5, 1836, at Albany, New York, direct to Mr. Koons and covered the period from September 4, 1835 to September 4, 1836.
The soldier gave his address as Catskill, Greene County, New York, and stated that he had lived there thirty years, prior to which time he resided in Dutchess County, New York.
For the Comptroller General of the United States.
Respectfully, 
R. Herren
Chief, Records Division.
Page 21

Know all men by these Presents, That, I Ephrain W. Coon, late a Private in Captain M.M, Quackenbois 6th Company of the 41- Infantry, Commanded by Colonel R Bogardus, who enlisted the Twenty first day of July 1814, for the period of during the war, and was honorably discharged, do by these presents constitute and appoint William A Brown,  late Lieutenant William H Browne, late Lieutenant in the New york volunteer my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name,  place, and stead, to ask and obtain from the united states government all items of money or Bounty Land that may be owing to me by reason of my Service during the said war, giving and granting to my said the object Attorney full power  to carry out the object of this 
power of Attorney, and, I, here by notify and confirm all the acts and deeds of my said attorney which I, myself could or might lawfully do were i personally present by un hereof -
  Given under my hand and seal this twentieth day of March A.D.1849.
I do this publish a Justice of the Peace }
State of New York                                  }   Ephraim W Coon
City of New York                                    }

personally appeared before me, the undersigned a Justice of the Peace for the city and county above mentioned Ephraim W. Coon who declared on oath that he is identically Ephraim
W. Coon above mentioned and that is acknowledged and signed the above power of attorney as his own free ace and deed for the purpose therein contained
  J Lothrep Justice
a Justice of the Peace
Page 22

State of New YOrk
City and County of New-York, }ss.

I, James Conner, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the court of ommon Pleas for the said City and County, Do Hereby Certify, That J Lothrop 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 the City and County of New-York, duly elected and sworn.  And, further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 20 day of March 1849

James Conner  Clerk
Page 23

Be pleased to direct to William H. Browne
Late Lieut. N.Y. Vols [Volunteers]
42 Crosby St. 
New York
Page 24

Power of Attorney 
Printed and Sold by Bell & Gould, 158 Nassau St. N.Y.

Know all Men by these Presents, that I, Richard Coon of Downing Street New York son and heir of Peter Coon a Revolutionary Soldier have made, constituted, and appointed, and by these presents do make constitute, and appoint my beloved Brother Ephraim W. Coon my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name, place, and stead to ask and obtain from the United States Government all Sums of Money as may be due to me as the son and heir of Peter Coon, and more particularly the Arrearages of Pension due, since the time of my said Father's Death, which was on the fourteenth day of February 1836, since which time no Pension was drawn for him, although his widow lived until the Twentieighth [twenty eighth] of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven.

giving and granting unto my said attorney full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully, to all intents and purposes, as I might or could do if personally present, with full power of substitution and revocation, hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said attorney or his substitute shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 20th day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty nine.
Richard Coon

Sealed and delivered in the presence of 
B W Osborn

State of New-York
County of New York}ss
Be it known, that on the [blank] day of [blank] one thousand eight hundred and forty nine before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the State of New York, duly commissioned and sworn, dwelling in the City of New York personally came Richard Coon and acknowledged the above Letter of Attorney to be his own free and and deed.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office, the day and year last above written.

B.W. Osborn
Police Justice & 
Justice of the Peace
Page 25

State of New-York
City and County of New-York} ss

I, James Conner, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the court of Common Pleas for the said City and County, Do Hereby Certify, that B W Osborn 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 suh proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the City and County of New-York, duly elected and sworn.  And, further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Justice, and verily believe that the Signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 20 day of March 1849

James Conner  Clerk
Page 26

State of New York Greene County Ss.

John Koon of the Town of Tagkanic in the County of Columbia &State aforesaid, formerly of Canajoharie in the County of Montgomery, aged Seventy four years, being duly sworn saith, that he is the brother of Peter Koon a Revolutionary soldier, now of the Town of Catskill in the County of Greene, was in the Spring of the Year One Thousand seven hundred and Seventy seven, the said Peter Koon was enrolled in a company of militia commanded by Rhinier Van Everra, under General Herkimer, at Canajoharie in the County of Montgomery, that the said  Peter Koon served at least nine months in fort Plank & at least one fortnight in fort Plain in the said County of Schoharie in the year 1777--& that in the year 1778 the said Peter Koon served at least six months at Fort Plank aforesaid under the same Captain.

John Koon  X his mark

Sworn & subscribed to this 17th day of November 1834 before me Lewis Benton, a commissioner for the County of Greene, and I certify that I know John Koon who made the foregoing affidavit and that he is worthy of belief.

State of New York
Greene County Ss

I William V B Hermance Clerk of the Said County certify that Lewis Benton Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn was at the date of the same a Commissioner of deeds of the said County, and that his signature to the said affidavit is genuine

Witness my hand & seal of office this [struck through:  sixteenth] seventeenth day of November 1834.

William V. B. Hermance  Clerk
Page 27

State of New York
City and county of New York Ss

On this 27th day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty nine, personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace for the City and county above mentioned, Ephraim W. Coon, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the Identical Ephraim W. Coon, son of Peter Coon, a Revolutionary Soldier and a Pensioner, from the United States Government, who died on the fourteenth day of February 1836, and that although his widow survived him to the Twenty eighth day of February 1837, that neither she the said widow, or any members of the family ever Received any Pension or Remuneration for the Services of the above mentioned Peter Coon.

Ephraim W. Coon further declares that there are no surving [surviving] children of the said Peter Coon excepting Richard Coon and the claimant Ephraim W. Coon.
Ephraim W. Coon

Sworn before me 
B W Osborn
a Justice of the Peace
Page 28

State of New-York,
City and County of New-York} ss.

I, James Conner, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for said City and County of New-York, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that B W Osborn before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said City and County, duly elected and sworn, and that his signature thereto is genuine, as I verily believe.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court and County, the 28 day of March 1849

James Conner  Clerk.
Page 29

Buffalo NY
Nov 18th 1898

To the Commissioners of Pensions
Washington D.C.

My Dear Sir: --
Being desirous of joining the Daughters of the Revolution and having no way of finding records of my Grandfathers enlistment and service during   the Revolutionary War.

His name was Phillip Coon and he formerly lived in Clifton Park or Palatine in the State of New York.

When I was quite young--during the years 1849 & 1850  My Mother Hannah Irish wife
Page 30

of Abner Strong Irish then residing in Ballston Spa NY State applied for her fathers pension and furnished records of him up to the time of Burgoynes Surrender--at which time the said Phillip Coon was wounded

She also found one witness--a Mr. Newling (who resided at that time in Schenectady NYork [New York] State) who knew him in the Army and was--I believe in the same Company.

The Law called for two witnesses and not being able to establish his claim the matter was dropped.  

I do know that he was given a Land Grand after the War closed but am not
Page 31

certain where it was located

He took it up and improved it but died shortly afterward from the effects of his injuries leaving a widow Lydia Coon--whose maiden name was Lydia Clark, daughter of Luther Clark formerly of the State of Rhode Island--who was also in the Revolutionary War.

My information is limited as my Father & Mother are both dead and I have no one to whom I can refer for definite data

Can you possibly give me any information in the matter or tell me how I can obtain it.
Page 32

I have written to the office of Sectratary [Secretary] of State at Washington and they have referred me to your Department.

I have the honor to be
Very Respy [Respectfully] Yours
Mrs. Mary M. Cornell

c/o E. H. Cornell
166 Franklin St
Buffalo NY
Page 33

Dec 14 '98
Mrs. M. M. Cornell
Buffalo
The records furnished above were sent when the claim for widow Lydia was with the claimant Peter Coon where it did not belong  CIf no. 18538
 MD&F  Oct, 1932

2266
Lydia Coon
Widow of Peter
P.O  [blank]
Service:  [blank]
Enlisted:  [blank]
Discharged:  [blank]
Application filed:  [blank]
Alleges:  [blank]
Re-enlisted:  [blank]
Attorney:  [blank]
P.O.  [blank]
Recognized.  [blank]  Com[cut off]
Cert. of Dis.  Searched for [blank]
Page 34

28780
Revy [Revolutionary]  INVALID

File No.  28,780
Peter Koons
Pvt  Rev War [Private Revolutionary War]

Act:  June 7 39
Index:--Vol.  2, Page 926

{Arrangement of 1870}
Page 35

X  14549

Peter Koons    2
Pention [pension] Papers

N.Y.
Act 7 June '39

Hon. John Adams HR
Page 36

State of New York
Greene County
Town of Catskill}  Ss
On this Third Day of September One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Two Personally Appeared In Open Court before Dorrance Kirtland, First Judge & Perkins King and Edward Daley--Judges of a Court of Common Pleas Held at the Court House in the Town of Catskill It being a Court of Original Jurisdiction now sitting, Peter Koons a Resident of the Town of Catskill, in the County of Greene and State of New York, Aged Sixty Seven 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 Act of Congress Dated June 7th 1832.  That he Entered the Army & Service of the United States Under the Following Named Officers and Served as herein stated, that he was enroled [enrolled] in a Company of Malitia [militia] 1777 then commanded by Captain Van Alstine, General Herkimer at Canajoharie in the County of Saratoga as a Malitiaman [militiaman] upon the Frontier, he served One year and Eight months as One of the Schouting [scouting] Parties Fighting the Indians, was held by Genl [General] Herkimer in constant rediness [readiness], four years before my Enlistment or Draft in Captain Wheelers Company when I [illegible] Captain Shepherds Company and was in the following Garrisons viz  Fort Plain, Fort Yorke, Fort Herkimer and was at Lake Williams in fighting and repelling the Indians, Joined the Army for four months Served the full term of Service was at Albany when the Battle was fought with Col Wallis [Cornwallis] Served [crossed out, illegible] at this time under Col. Wizenvelts and [illegible] Welch, then Captain Shephards Company, Lieutenant Sundersons [?] Company, Finch, the Company was Called to Albany at the time of the Battle of Col Wallis [Cornwallis] in October Seventeen Hudred Eighty One, I belonged to Captain Valentine Wheelers Company of the Town of Dover in the County of Dutchess in the State of New York, was One who ferried in Valentine Wheelers Company and joined the Army at Fishkill and went from thence to West Point where I served as a soldier, from thence I went to Crumb Pond [Crom Pond] in the County of Orange New York  From thence I went to Albany in a [illegible] from Peekskill, in the County of Dutchess, Captain Shephard's Company, where I Remained to guard the City and the Prisoners then in Confinement at that Place, Then took written Discharge which the Declarent [Declarant] has since lost not thinking the same of any importance and now not in his possession;
This Declarent further Certifies that he Served Two Years Six months and [illegible] According to the best of his recollection, During the Revolutionary War was born at Canajoharie in County of Montgomery, the 30th June 1765,  entered the Service at the age of 12 years, the age I Determine by a Familly [Family] Bible, I entered the Service [crossed out:  in] the month of March 1777
Page 37

And I hereby Relinquish Every Claim whatever to a Pension or Annuity except the Present, and I declare that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.

Peter Koon

Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court.
William V. B. Heermance  Clerk

Mr. David Porter [crossed out, Ezra H] a Clergyman Residing in the Town of Catskill and County of Greene and State of New York and Ezra Hawley & Henry McKinstry of Catskill in the Town County and State Aforesaid, Do hereby testify, that we are well acquainted with [illegible] Peter Koons of the Town & County aforesaid -- who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration s; That we believe him to be Sixty Seven Years of Age; that he [is] Reputed and believed in the Neighbourhood where he Resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that Opinion.

David Porter
Ezra Hawley
Henry McKinstry

Sworn & Subscribed, the Day and Year Aforesaid in open court}
William V. B. Heermance  Clk

And the Said court do hereby Declare their Opinion, After this 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 David Porter, who hath signed the Preceeding [Preceding] Certificate as a Clergyman, Resident in the Town of Catskill Greene county and that Ezra Hawley and Henry McKinstry, who have also Signed the Preceeding Certificate is a Resident of the Town of Catskill and is a Credible Person

Darrance Kirtland
[illegible]
Presiding Judge of Said Court

State of New York
Greene County}
I William V. B. Heermance Clerk of the County of Greene Do hereby Certify, That the foregoing Contains the Original Proceedings of the Said Court in the Matter of the Application of Peter Koons of Catskill for a Pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set My Hand and Seal of Office this 4th Day of September 1832

William V. B. Heermance  Clerk
Page 38

I have been personally acquainted with the within named Peter Koons for about thirty years, live in the same village with him, have always understood that he was in the Service in the War of the revolution.  Mr. Koons is a man of truth & full confidence may be reposed in [his] statements.

                                     John Adams
Page 39

State of New York
Greene County } Ss
Elias Dutcher of the Town of Cairo in the county of Greene and State of New York aged 75 years, being duly Sworn Saith That he is acquainted with Peter Koon [Koons] a Revolutionary Soldier that he has known him for Fifty five Years and upwards, That he was well acquainted with him during the Revolutionary War and knows that he Served as a Malitia [Militia] Man and also understood that he served as as an Indian Spie [Spy], That from his Unaform [Uniform] Good Character and Standing he has Reason to believe that he Served in the Army as by him in his Declaration Stated, That he was Verry [Very] Young when he first Joined the Army, but as this Deponent knows and has also been Informed by Others the Said Peter Koon Served the Country as a Good and faithful Soldier as to what length of Time this deponent does not Now Recollect, and further this Deponent Saith not
The words "Understood that he Served" Interlined before Execution.

Elias Dutcher X  his mark

Sworn & Subscribed this 5th Day of September 1832 before me in open Court}
William V. B. Heermance  Clerk
Page 40

No. 14.549
New York
Petter Koons

Suspended

Lettr [Letter] to Hon. J. Cramer
Decr [Cecember] 9th 1834

Hon.. J. Adams 18 decr. '34
  "           "         13 Jany [January] 35 

Admd [Admitted]
Page 41

[10 or W] 7534

Lydia Coon ded [deceased]
NY

[Struck through:  Letter David Samuel Brown 10th Sept 1849
Letter to Mr. Richard Coon 5th Oct 1849
   "  to D. S. Browne 13th Nov 1849
   "  Wm. H. Browne 2 March 1850
Bg. Majr {Brigade Major} Jno. {Jonothan} B. Scott Feby {Feby} 9 1855 ]

2266

Act 4 July 1836
Page 42

Pension Office
Feby [February] 9 1855

Sir
I have the honor to inform you that an application has been pending before this office by the children of Lydia Coons decd [deceased] widow of Peter of NY for several years.  In 1849 one of the children swore there was a family record of the date of the marriage of his parents.  The Office required the production of this record.  The parties interested failed to [struck out:  f ] comply with this requirement of the Office.  A compliance is necessary to a favorable adjudication of the case--It has also been several times required of the parties to prove the exact date of her death, and to prove who are her surviving children.

Brig [Brigade] Major John B. Scott
Fort Independence
Mass [Massachusetts]
Page 43

Fort Independence Boston
February 5th 1855

Sir
My father, Peter Coon, was a revolutionary soldier, and a pensioner.  He was from Dutchess County N.Y. and served in the Western part of New York . I believe he belonged to a spy compnay.  He died in 1836 Feby [February].  A nephew of mine has written to me stating that there is some back pay, or allowances of some kind yet due.
Myself and one brother are all the heirs now living.
I beg of you sir the favor to look into this matter, and if any thing is due, to have the kindness to inform me what steps are necessary to be taken by me to get it.  

Very Respectfully 
Your Obedt Servt [Obedient Servant]

J.C. Coons a sergt [sergeant] of Co. [Company] I  4th Arty [Artillery]

The Hon Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC

N.B.  He drew his pension from the Office or Agent in Albany N.Y.
Page 44

Fort Independence Mass
February 5 1855

Sir
The enclosed is transmitted at the request of D.C. Coon a Sergeant in my Company of "I" 4 Arty [Artillery]
Both himself and brother are old soldiers, who have served long and faithfully.  the brother is now a pensioner, or at the Military Asylum, Washington.  The sergeant has served upwards of 15 years and was in the Valley of Mexico with the Army.  He desires that any communication from your office may be sent under cover to me.

Most Respectfully
Your Obedt Servt  [Obedient Servant]
Jno [Jonothan] B. Scott

Hon. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Br Majr [Brigade Major] USA [Us Army]
Page 45

27 
Pension Office March 1st 1850 
Sir Your two letters together with the Certificate of ["Nicho" is crossed out] W Osborn in relation to the Case of Lydia Coon [crossed out letters] and widow of Peter Coon. have been received and filed with her other papers 
These papers do not remove the objection to the Admission of this Claim the family record referred to in the Certificate of Osborn Should be sent to this Office we cannot receive ["the Certificate of a Witness" is crossed out] a copy of a private paper as evidence so long as the Original is known to exist. The explanation as to the discrepancy in the testimony in relation to threat of Mrs Coons death is not at all satisfactory. 
Unless the requisitions heretofore made be met we cannot allow this Claim. The evidence now before the Department is not sufficient to establish either the auth of the Marriage or the death of Mrs Coon 
[signature:] William H Brown Esq No 42 Custy S1 NY
Page 46

267 Pension Office Novm 13th 1849 
Sir, In answer to your letter of the 15 Sept last respecting the Case of Lydia Coon decd. widow of Peter Coon, I have to state that unless the evidence in relation to the date of the marriage and the death of Mrs Coon heretofore required be furnished we cannot clear her claim. 
[in the left margin, first two words illegible due to the top of them being cut off:] _____ __y13 Nov 1849 
To make [??] this Claim under the pensions of the act of 4 July 1831, it must be ["clearly" is crossed out] shown to the satisfaction of this Department that Mrs Coon was married to the late Pensioner Peter Coon, prior to the termination of his service - The fact of their having been lawfully married has not been questioned- In the evidence in relation to the date thereof is not at all sufficient to show that it took place before Peter Coons service terminated- And in relation to the date of Mrs Coons death no one of the witnesses agree - Richard Coon states in his affidavit that his mother died 28 July 1835, Ephraim Coon testifies that her death occurred in ["183" is crossed out] February 1837, and Joseph E Simons state that that event took place in Febry 1848.
Page 47

with such conflicting testimony as this before ["the office" is crossed out] us it is impossible to ["determine" is crossed out] come to any certain conclusion ["the relative to the" is crossed out] upon this point. It appears however that the date of Mrs Coons death as well as that of her husband, were published in the Catskill recorder, the number containing the notices if sent to this office may possibly furnish the proof required as to the date of the date of these parties. 
I send herewith printed instruction for the guidance of applicants for pensions under the act of 4 July 1836. The requisition contained therein must be all assembled particular be complied with before this claim can be admitted 
D S Browne Esq No 42 Custy. St. N Y
Page 48

Oct 5/47
Richd Coon
arrearage of Pension
Page 49

447 
Pension Office October 5 1845 [??] 
Sir In reply to your letter in relation to the arrears of Pension due your deceased mother Lydia Coon, I have to inform you before any satisfactory report can be made in this case a declaration executed before a Court of Record in conformity with the enclosed printed instructions and satisfactory record evidence of the date of his marriage, and also the affidavit of his Coffin Maker or minister who officiated at their funeral or the physician who attended in their last illness having clearly the day on which Lydia Coon as well as Peter Coon's deaths occurred must be produced. 
A letter of similar import to this was addressed to David Samuel Brown Esqr No 42 Custy Street New York on the 15th Ult. Very Truly 
Mr Richard Coon No 12 Clarkson Street New York
Page 50

252
Pension Office 
Septem 10th 1849 
Sir 
The papers which you sent to this Office in the case of Lydia Coon decd widow of Peter Coon have been received and filed under the act of 4 July 1836 
Before any satisfactory report can be made in this case a declaration executed before a Court of law in conformity with the enclosed printed instructions, and satisfactory record evidence of the date of the marriage and also the affiant of the coffin maker or Minister who officiated at their funerals of the Physician who attended them in their last illness shewing clearly the day on which Lydia Coon as well as Peter Coons deaths occurred must be produced
[crossed out: From the papers now filed we can form no opinion whither or not there are any arrears due in this case]
David Samuel Brown Esq 
No 42 Cusly St.
N. Y
Page 51

Pension Office July 9 1849 
Sir In reply to so much of your Communication of the 28 March last as relates to the Case of Peter Coon decd, I have to inform you that before we can determine whether there are any arrears [crossed out word] due his widow the date of her marriage and also of her death must be ["clearly" is crossed out] made known- If it can be satisfactorily established that she was married to the late pensioner Peter Coon on the New York Rolls ["living her" is crossed out] prior to his last term of service and that she was living until Feby 1837. She may possibly have acquired a right to a pension under the act of 4 July 1836, which if established will be paid to her Children as this Case now stans [crossed out words] our opinion ["in relation" is crossed out] as to its validity can be given [signature:] William H. Brown Esq No 42 Custy Street N Y
Page 52

Lydia Coon N. Y. Suspd. act 36. filed 30th Sept. 1851 
W Cole filed 30 Sept '51 Papers for S. A. Peugh
Page 53

POWER OF ATTORNEY - Revolutionary Pension Claims. 
Know all men by these Presents, That I, Ephraim W Coon son of Lydia Coon (deceased) widow of Peter (deceased) hereby constitute and appoint D. L.  & S A Peugh of Washington City D.C. my true and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of Mrs. Lydia Coon (deceased) for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or Increase of Pension, that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Agents to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, and to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorneys and Agents shall lawfully do in the premises. 
WITNESS my hand and Seal this 29 day of September A. D. 1851. 
[signed] Ephraim W Coon 
Signed and Sealed in the presence of 
[signed] J. Lothrop [Paten?] Justice

STATE of New York 
City & COUNTY OF New York } ss:
On this twenty ninth day of September A. D. 1851 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Ephraim W Coon son of Lydia and acknowledged the foregoing Power, of Attorney to be [blank] act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned. 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand the day and year aforesaid 
[signed] J. Lothrop [illegible] Justice & J. Peace.
Page 54

Claim of [blank] Act of [blank] STATE OF New York City & COUNTY of New York } SS. Be it known, That on this twenty ninth day of September A. D., eighteen hundred and fifty one, before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Ephraim W Coon a resident of New York City in said County, and made oath according to law that he is the Identical son of Mrs Lydia Coon widow of Peter deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner at the rate of [blank] Dollars per annum ; that he has been informed that the said Pension ought to be increased ' that he is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agents may use in prosecuting said claim. [signature:] Ephraim W Coon 
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, before me. [signature:] J. Lathrop Pete Justice J. Peace. } 
I Jeremiah Lothrop Justice of the Peace, in and for said County do hereby certify that Ephraim W Coon who executed the foregoing paper is a respectable resident of this County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth. [signature:] J. Lathrop Pete justice J. Peace 
I, George W. Riblet Clerk of the Supreme Court in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Jeremiah Lothrop before whom the foregoing papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths ; and the name thereunto subscribed, is his signature. 
INTESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal, this twenty ninth day of September A. D. 1851. 
[signature:] Geo. W. Riblet Clerk.
Page 55

State of New York 
City & County of New York } ss.
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me Jeremiah Lathrop a [illegible] Judge & Justice of the Peace that Lydia Coon (deceased) was a Applicant for Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $ [blank] per annum and that she died on the twenty eight day of Febuary eighteen hundred and thirty seven leaving surviving Ephraim W Coon and that he is the only surviving child of the aforesaid, Lydia Coon (deceased) widow of Peter (deceased) who left a widow 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this twenty ninth day of September one thousand eight hundred and fifty one 
[signed] J. Lathrop [illegible] Justice & Justice of the Peace
Page 56

J L Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Sir, 
In the case of Richard Coon's claim for the balance of his Fathers Pension, due to his Mother at the time of his death 
I have just seen Richard Coon, who states, that the deposition of his younger Brother Ephrim W. Coon, was made to the best of his recollection at a time when he was Lying sick - but that when he recovered from his sickness that he proceeded to Catskill and had the Record deliberately examined - however, all three, Viz Richard Coon, Ephrim Coon and Joseph E. Simons all agree that Lydia Coon died in the month of February - then throwing out the statement of Ephrim W. Coon and admitting the figure 4, to be a mistake instead of the figure 3 both Richard Coon, and Joseph E. Simons agree, that it took place in 1838 
Richard Coon states 1838 
Joseph E Simons in - 1848 - thus the mistake of the figure 4, instead of the figure three -
Page 57

I hope this heretofore discrepancy will be acceptably accounted for 
by Your Obedient Humble Servt 
[signed] William H Browne
42 Crosby St. 
New York 

29th Dec. 1849 
P.S. The Catskill Recorder is bound up in one binding enclosing many years but if insisted on a certified copy can be obtained
Your obt
WHB
Page 58

J. L. Edwards Esqr 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Sir 
I have taken great pains in examining your communication of the 13th of November 1849 - in relation to the balance of Pension claimed by the heirs of Lydia Coon, Widow of Peter Coon – 
I beg leave to account for the discrepancy in the declaration of the Persons alluded to - relative to their mothers death – 
Ephraim W. Coon made his statement, merely from memory, while his elder Brother was sick - however all three agree that Lydia Coon Died in the month of February - and throwing out, the statement of Ephrim W. Coon, and admitting the fact that 1848, was by a mistake, instead of 1838, then the claimant Peter Coon and the Sexton, Joseph E. Simons agree, which is the statement of Peter Coon 
Both of the claimants Peter, and Ephraim Coon originally made their statements from their memory, until Peter Coon went up the River and obtained the written statement from Records - all they claim is up to February 1838 - not to 1848 -
Page 59

I hope this explination will be satisfactory 
Enclosed is the Certified Copy of the Marriage of Peter and Lydia Coon 
yours Most Respectfully 
[signed] William H Browne 
office) 42 Crosby St 
New York 
26. Dec 1849
Page 60

Oct 5/49
Richard Coon 
Octr. 2/49 
Recd Oct 5/49
Claim for arrears of pension due the widow of Peter Coon a Revolutionary pensioner 
Wants attention given it

Rect ackd – D. of I. Oct. 4/49

Comm of Pension is requested to give immediate attention to the subject of this letter and answer the writer. 
Dept of Interior  Oct 4/49

[upside down text]
On Service
J. Ewing Esq
Secretary of the Interior
Washington D.C.

[postmark illegible except for] 3 OCT
Page 61

J. Ewing Esq 
Secretary of the Interior
Sir 
Several months have elapsed since I forwarded my claim for the Arrears of Pension due to my mother as the widow of Peter Coon, as a Pensioner of the Revolutionary War, the balance from the time of his death, was all I claimed, and I procured all the Testimony that was possible to procure and time after time I forwarded further evidence, and still nothing is done and I am extremely feeble and weak and unable to procure subsistance as in former times – 
Your kind consideration will materially oblige 
your Humble Servant 
[signed] Richard Coon 
12, Clarkson St 
New York

2d October 1849
Page 62

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions 
Sir )  the heirs of Peter Coon and his late widow “Lydia Coon” are reduced to very low circumstances –
this day Mr. Peter Coon called at my office and declared it took him three hours to travel not more than the half of a Mile. and that he had not broken his foot - and that if his Fathers Pension does arrive immediately (that is the balance claimed from the date of his Father to the date of his mother’s death, he must very soon go into the public Hospital - this man has served many years in the United States Service and has been wounded in Battle but, never obtained any Pension - his Father was a Revolutionary Soldier - he is the most miserable skeleton seen walking the Streets, and it is hoped he may receive the balance
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one of his Parents Pension as soon as possible as he is almost off for the invisible world 
Sir 
With great Respect 
Yours most obediently 
William H. Browne
42, Crosby St 
New York
Sept 18 1849
Page 64

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions 
Sir )  
I hope the Enclosed documentary evidences will meet with your approbation on the claim of Richard Coon for the balance of the Pension arrears owing to him as the son (and Joint heir with Ephram W. Coon) of Peter Coon and Lydia his wife from 4 Sept 1836 to the 28th Feb 1838 
Yours
Very Respectfully 
David Samuel Browne 
42, Crosby St 
New York 

10th Augt. 1849
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Know all Men by these Presents, That I, Richard Coon, Son and joint heir of Peter Coon and Lydia Coon, late residents Catskill in the State of New York do appoint David Samuel Browne of No 42. Crosby Street New York to be my true and lawful Attorney for me, "Irrevocably” and all former Powers of Attorney and hereby annulled, and Revoked by me, granting and giving to my said Attorney as full power and as ample authority do all acts and deeds in my name as if I were personally present and acting for myself, and to ask and receive from the United States Government the balance of Pension due and owing to me as the Son and Joint heir at law of the said Peter and Lydia Coon (deceasants) and that he may give Receipts, Signatures, Discharges and assignments for the same by virtue hereof, 
Given under my hand and seal this 10 day of August A.D. 1849  [signed] Richard Coon 
Sworn before me 
[signed] J. Lathrop [illegible] Justice  Justice of the Peace 
State of New York 
City and County of New York 
Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace for the City and
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and County within mentioned, Richard Coon, and declared on oath, that he is the Identical Richard Coon herein mentioned and signed and acknowledged this power of Attorney, as his own free act, and deed for the express purpose therein contained.
August 10 A.D. 1849 
[signed] J. Lathrop [illegible] Justice a Justice of the Peace
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STATE OF NEW-YORK,
CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK,  } ss.
I, James Conner, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for said City and County of New-York, being a Court of Record, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That J. Lathrop before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said City and County, duly elected and sworn, and that his signature thereto is genuine, as I verily believe 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court and County, the 10th day of August 1849 
[signed] James Conner Clerk.
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County of Greene ss.  Hiram Friar of Catskill Being Duly Sworn says that he was Well acquainted with Peter Coon & Lydia Coon, his wife formerly of Catskill in said County, that the said Peter Died at Catskill about Twelve years ago, & that the said Lydia, who was his Widow Died at Catskill about Eleven years ago.
[signed] H. Friar
Sworn this 7th day of August 1849. Before me [signed] Robt Dorlon 
Justice of the Peace
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County of Green ss. Joseph E. Simmons, of Catskill in the county of Greene Being Duly Sworn says that he was well acquainted with the above Named Mrs. Lydia Coon, that she died at Catskill on the 28th day of February 1848. & that she was the Widow of Peter Coon formerly of Catskill But now Decd. & that the said Peter Coon Decd. Died at Catskill on the 14th day of February 1837. & that the said Peter was well known to this Deponent. 
[signed] Joseph E. Simons
Sworn the 7th day of August 1849 Before me, Robt Dorlon 
Justice of the Peace
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STATE OF NEW YORK. 
GREENE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. }
I, Isaac Van Schaack, Clerk of the County of Greene, do hereby certify that Robert Dorlon Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate before whom  the annexed affidavit was taken was at was at the time of taking Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, and duly authorised to take the same. - And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate is genuine, according to the laws of the State of New York. 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County, the 7th day of August 1849 
[signed] Isaac Van Schaack Clerk
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claim for Pension for his Father 
To the Commissioner of Pensions 
Sir 
Inclosed is the claim of Ephram W. Coon the son of Peter Coon a Revolutionary Soldier, Died 14 of February 1836 –
It is hoped his claim may be examined and if approved of may be forwarded to William H Browne his substituted Attorney. your early consideration will confer an obligation on 
Sir your most Obedient 
Humble Servant 
[signed] William H Browne 
late) Leut NY Vols 
42 Crosby Street 
New York 

28 March
1849
Page 72

Peter Koons 

Free

J. L. Edwards Esq 
City of Washington 

Hon J. Adams

N.Y. Mar 19
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Catskill, March 13. 1835 
J. L. Edwards Esq 
Sir,
On my return I saw the old Soldier Peter Koons - He says he is too old, poor & infirm to attempt to obtain further evidence - His evidence has long been satisfactory for a six months pension and he prefers taking a certificate for that time, to any further delay - I hope you will forward me a certificate as soon as you can. 
Very respectfully yours &c
[signed] John Adams.
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State of New York. Greene County ss. Peter Koon of the town of Catskill in the County of Greene & State of New York, formerly of Canajoharie in the County of Montgomery aged Sixty-nine years on the Thirtieth day of June last being duly sworn, saith that in the spring of the year one Thousand seven Hundred and Seventy-seven, he was enrolled in a company of militia commanded by Rhiner Van Everra, under General Herkimer, at Canajoharie in the County of Montgomery; that he the said Peter Koon served at least Nine months in fort Plank, and at least one fortnight in fort Plain in the said County of Schoharie, in the year Seventeen Hundred & Seventy seven - and that in the year Seventeen Hundred & Seventy-eight he the said Peter Koon served at least six months at Fort Plank aforesaid under the same captain – 
[signed] Peter Koon 
Sworn & subscribed to this Ninth day of December 1834 before me Lewis Benton, a commissioner for the County of Greene, and I certify that I know Peter Koon who made the foregoing affidavit & that he is worth of belief – 

State of New York 
Greene County ss. } I William V. B. Heermance Clerk of the said County do certify that Lewis Benton Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn, was at the date of the same a commissioner of deeds of the said county duly appointed & qualified and authorized by the laws of this State to take affidavits, and that the signature of said Commissioner to said affidavits is genuine 
Witness my hand & seal of office this ninth day of December 1834 
[signed] William V. B. Heermance Clerk
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War Department 
Pension Office 
18th December 1834 
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the claim of Peter Koons has been again examined, and the objections heretofore felt, and communicated to you, founded upon his age and the difficulty of distinguishing the real character of his service on the frontiers of which he was a settler, are not removed. If two months were allowed for the service under Van Evera and added to the term of four months under Capt Wheeler, it would bring his case within the act of 7th June 1832. But no term of that Frontier service was rendered after 16 years, at which age he could have been enrolled in the militia agreeably to Law. The very high character for truth and honesty which you accord to the claimant, inspire a considerable confidence in the general merit of the claim, but the character of a pro rate pension
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requires that each ground upon which it is founded should be distinctly marked. If therefore the claimant will specify the circumstances under which he entered the service in 1778 under Van Evera and declare upon oath that he rendered two months service in that company duly embodied in the field or garrison and subjected daily to the rotine [routine] of soldiers duty, it would afford some justification to the Department for the claim he is asserting.
His case is suspended and his papers placed on file 
I have the honor to be 
Very Respectfully 
Your obt Servant 
[signed] J L Edwards

Hon J Adams 
House of Representatives
Page 77

State of New York 
Greene County ss.
Peter Koon of the town of Catskill in the County of Greene, aged Sixty-nine years last June being duly sworn deposeth & saith, that his father bound him as an apprentice to one Peter Loucks of Canajoharie, a carpenter & joiner previous to the revolutionary war, & that his father then removed from Canajoharie to Dutchess County, in the State of New York; that in 1777. the said Peter Loucks was taken prisoner by the Indians at Johnstown in the County of Montgomery; that being left friendless and being stout and active. he volunteered his services to Captain Evera to serve in his company, and was accepted; that he the said Peter Koons continued a member of that company from the Spring of 1777 to the fall of 1779 doing duty in the same, as the circumstances of the service required that in the years 1777. 1778 & 1779, he did duty in the forts. Plank & Fort Plain. Two & three weeks at a time; that then he would be relieved for a short time, & again be called into service. that he frequently served in scouting parties & that in each of said year 1777. 1778 & 1779 he the said Peter Koon rendered more than two months service in the company of the said Captain Evera in the field or garrison, and subjected daily to the rotine of soldiers duty
[signed] Peter Koon

State of New York 
Greene County ss.  On this Twenty-sixth day of December Eighteen Hundred and Thirty-four before me the subscriber a commissioner of deeds for Greene County personally appeared Peter Koon, to me known to be the person described in & who executed the above instrument, and in my presence subscribed the same, & duly swore to the truth of the same –
[signed] Lewis Benton 

State of New York 
Greene County ss.   I William V. B. Heermance Clerk of the said County do certify that Lewis Benton Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn was at the date of the same, a commissioner of deeds of the said county duly appointed & sworn and authorized by the laws of this State to take affidavit and that the signature of the said commissioner to the said affidavit is genuine.
Witness my hand & seal of office this 26th day of December 1834 
[signed] William V.B. Heermance Clerk
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State of New York
Greene County } Elias Dutcher of the Town of Cairo in the County of Greene and State of New York aged Seventy nine years being duly sworn says That he was and still is well acquainted with Peter Koons a Revolutionary Soldier now a resident of the Town of Catskill, That he was well acquainted with the said Peter Koons during the Revolutionary War and knows that he served as a Soldier for three months at one term, This deponent knew him to be Imployed in the service, at Several different times but the amount of time served I cannot State, but from a long acquaintance with the said Peter Koons he should not doubt his Declaration, under Oath, This deponent further says that he has heretofore made an affidavit in to the case of Peter Koons, in which he gave in substance as above This Deponent doth further depose that his age & Ill health will prevent his appearing in Court, Residing from the Court House about 13 miles,  and now in very Feeble Health,
[signed] Elias Dutcher  X his mark
Sworn & Subscribed this 12th Day of October 1833 before me –
[signed] Joel Curtis Justice of the Peace 
the Reason that deponent made his mark is that he is sick and feeble and not able to write 
[signed] Joel Curtis witness 
the erasures and interlineations made were before Signed Joel Curtis Justice

State of New York 
Greene County } I Joel Curtis of the Town of Cairo in the County of Greene and State of New York a Justice of the peace for said Town – Do certify that I am well acquainted with Elias Dutcher above named and who signed and swore to the above, that I have known him for many years as a Substantial Respectable Farmer, and in whom Perfect Confidence as to Truth and varacity may be put I further certify that the said Elias Dutcher is from old age and Infirmity unable to attend the Court, at Catskill, the Capital of the County, and from Present appearances will never be able to leave home
[signed] Joel Curtis Justice
Page 79

State of New York
Greene County } ss  We Mackey Croswell, Francis Corbon Joseph B Lyons all of the Town of Catskill in the County of Greene being Duly Sworn say that they have been acquainted with Elias Dutcher of the Town of Cairo for many years and believe him to be a Reputable and Respectable Farmer of said Town of Cairo and fully entitled to Credit 
[signed] Mackay Croswell  Francis Corbon  J. B. Lyons
subscribed & sworn to this 19th day of November 1833, before me Lewis Benton one of the Commissioner of deeds for Greene County 

State of New York 
Greene County } ss  Chas C, Abeel of the Town of Catskill in the County of Greene and State aforesaid being and and Wm Van Bergen of the same Place Duly Sworn doth depose and say that they are well acquainted with Elias Dutcher of the Town of Cairo in said County, and also with Peter Koons of the Town of Catskill, and verrily believe that the said Peter Koons did serve as a soldiers, and Indian spy During the Term specified by him in his Declaration set forth, 
[signed] Chas. C. Abeel  Wm Van Bergen
subscribed & sworn to this 19th day of November 1833 before me Lewis Benton one of the Commissioners of deeds for Greene County 

State of New York 
Greene County } ss Chas. C. Abeel of the Town of Catskill in the County of Greene and State aforesaid being duly sworn doth depose and say that he this Deponent through mistake sent an affidavit of Elias Dutcher as Respected the Service of Peter Koons as a soldier to the Secretary of War some time after sending the original Declaration, which this Deponent presumes to be mislaid or lost
[signed] Chas. C. Abeel
subscribed & sworn to this 19th day of November 1833 before me Lewis Benton one of the commissioners of deeds for Greene County
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State of New York 
Greene County } ss  I. William V. B. Heermance Clerks of the said County do certify that Joel Curtis before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn was at the date of the same one of the justices of the peace for the said County and that his signature thereto is genuine. I do further certify that Lewis Benton before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn was at the date of the same a Commissioner of deeds for the said county and that his signature thereto is genuine.
Witness my hand and seal of office this nineteenth day of November 1833 
[signed] Wm. V. B. Heermance Clerk
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To the commissioner of Pensions 
Sir
Richard Coon, who claims the balance of Pension due, and owing to him from the date of his Father’s Death (Peter Coon) to the time of his Mothers Death Lydia Coon –
writes that I inform the pension department, who require proof of whom the Coffin Maker, was; who interred his mother, strange as such a demand, is, that he begs to say only that he is now dying of wounds which himself received in the service (without any remuneration) he would or could not ask for the balance due, and says the coffin maker and sexton who performed that service on his Mothers remains is mentioned in the depositions before Pension Committee – “Joseph Simons" is the Identical person who was Sexton and who buried her “Lydia Coon” his Mother and thinks the demand extremely uncalled for and unnatural
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as I might have been that the might have been drowned or buried what a Coffin - as to the proof of his Father and Mothers Marriage it is still more hostile to the feelings of a child that is now himself an old man just hoping before the Board who demands such strange proof (that he is not an Illegitimate) into Eternity - if the proof sent forward did not cover these demands there might be some excuse - but, as Eternity, he says; is at hand with him and “several of the members of the Board” he will merely state - that his Father and Mother were not profligates but respectable christian people, were married at Dover, the church and all the Records of which, was burned down more than forty years since –
Sir 
I write under the direction of a man who is now a human Skeleton – and, I, consider his voice more from the grave than a human being 
Yours res
[signed] D. A Browne 
42 Crosby St 
New York