Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11,434, for Richard Shimel, New York
Page 1

(3--1776) 
Service: New York
Shimel, Richard or Shimmel, Shimmell Maria
Number: W. 11,434
 B L Wt.39221-160-55 
CONTENTS [blank]
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20,630
District of Columbia
Richard Shimmel, decd
of [blank] in the state of [blank] who was a priv in the [blank]  commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank]] in the [blank] line for Revolution

Inscribed on the roll of D of C
at the rate of 30 dollars [blank] cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March 1834 and ending 15 November 1849.
Certificate of pension issued the 23rd day of Sept 1852 and sent to  S Godwin prest. 
 Arrears to the 4th of [blank] 
semi annual allowance ending [blank] 
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.  } 
Recorded by R McRae, Clerk 
Book F, Vol 642 Page 102

W Scott Nov 1, 1853
(sent form under '53
Page 3

No. 5,751
New York
Maria Shimmell
widow of Richard Shimmell
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private N. Y.  
Canandaigua ["Albany" is crossed out] Agency
Rate 96 dollars 00 cents per annum.
Commencing July 2nd 1868
July 27th 1868 Did payments made [illegible, faded] 
Certificate dated June 10, 1869
and sent to Chas A Shaterley, Albany, NY

Recorded on roll of pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 28, Vol H

June 22-69 Pen. Agt. Albany to drop due
   "  "   "   [June 22. 69] Notif. to Canandaigua
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238.249  [Schoharie?] 55 

March 14, (1856
Maria Shimmell 
widow of Richard
Shimmell: ded
Priv and pensioner
Maria Shimmell
wid of Richard Shimmell 
Priv Revolutionary War

(written diagonally over above)
No 39,221 issd. Augt 23/56

Feb 53- 5751 
A D : 160 AA Aug 21 / 56 
H S. Babcock Cooperstown N. Y., 

Vol S = 1 = 83
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STATE OF NEW YORK OTSEG__ [obscured by seal] CLERK'S OFFICE. } 
I, GEORGE W. ERNST, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that James Shute Esquire, was, on the 25th day of February 1856 a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Otsego, duly authorized to act as such, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine. 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the said County, at Cooperstown, this 7 day of March 1856 [signature:] G W Ernst Clerk.
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State of New York County of Otsego} Ss  on this 2nd day of February 1856 personally appeared before me Thomas McIntosh Jr surrogate of the County of Otsego aforesaid, and State aforesaid, Maria Shimmel, a resident of the town of Milford in said county, aged 69 years who first being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3rd February, 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war that she is the widow of Richard Shimmell deceased who was a Revolutionary pensioner under act. according to her best knowledge and belief, of 1832, referance is had to the evidence filed proving service - She further states that she believes, in the year 1852, She applied for the amount of pension due. Richard Shimmel deceased, and in that year a certificate for said amount was issued and received, and the amount made payable to me as his widow was received, referance is also had to that evidence on file. to prove, the date of his death, She further states that she has no date or record of his death but, She thinks from her best recollections he died on
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or about the 15th November 1849, and that she was married to the said Richard Shimmel at the town of Starks, County of Herkimer. N.Y.  on the fourth day of August 1833. by C.T.E. Van Horne a justice of the peace and that she has no record public or private of said marriage. and that she was not married to him prior to the second January eighteen hundred, but at the time above stated She further declares that she is now a widow 
her X mark Maria Shimmel 
Sworn and subscribed in open Court before me the said surrogate on the day and year first above written 
In testimony whereof I  have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of my Court this second day of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty six
[signature:] Thomas McIntosh Jr Surrogate
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State of New York
County of Otsego Samuel Walker of the town of Milford in said County being duly sworn says that he was well acquainted with Richard Shimmell for a great many years in his lifetime. that he died at the town of Stark Herkimer County N.Y. some time in the month of November 1849. but the day of the month this deponent is unable to state.
And he further states that he is well acquainted with his widow Maria Shimmell. the person making the foregoing application for a pension and has been so acquainted for a great number of years, that she is now a widow and widow of the said Richard Shimmell deceased, and that he knew them to cohabit together, as man and wife and never refuted to be such during the life time of said Richard  {Signed] Samuel Walker
Subscribed and sworn before me this [illegible] day of February 1856, and I certify that Samuel Walker is a credible witness & that I have no interest in this claim.
[Signed] James Shute
Justice of the Peace
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State of New York
Herkimer County ⎬
On this 3rd day of March 1856. came before me C T. E Van Horne of the town of Stark in said County, and being duly sworn deposes and says, that he was an acting Justice of the Peace of the said town of Stark in said County in the year 1833. that he married Richard Shimell & Mariah Nestle, on the fourth day of August 1833. that the following is a true and correct copy of a record of said marriage now in my possion, and made by me, viz Richard Shimel of Stark in the County of Herkimer was married to Maria Heath of the same place by me on the 4th day of August 1833
[Signed] Corn. T. E Van Horne J.P.
Subscribed and sworn before me this 3rd day of March 1856.
Abrm. R Van Horne Justice of the peace
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State of New York,
HERKIMER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. SS.
C. T. E. VAN HORNE, Clerk of the County of Herkimer, do certify that Abrm R. Van Horne Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate and jurat of affidavit of the annexed instrument, was, at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, duly elected and sworn; and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting, and verily believe the name subscribed to the said certificate and jurat of affidavit, to be his genuine signature.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, at Herkimer, this 3d day of March A.D. 1854
C T. E Van Horne Clerk.
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Thos Shoemaker
May 12 1846

Frank F. Billinger
Relation to 
Thomas Shoemaker
Prisoner

[Written sideways on page on top of above]
Abr. A Vanhorne Fonda

[illegible round stamp]
[calculations at bottom of page]

6.66
4
====
26.64


80
16
===
480
80
===
1280
40
====
1320
26.64
====
[1346 divided by 3] 448.66
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German Flatts May 12, 1846
Mr. Abr A Vanhorne
Sir I wish to inform you that the ayers [heirs] of Thomas Shoemaker was informed of Mr Ittig of A letter from you Dated Feb 8th 46 stating about the persons that were Taken prisoners in the Revolution War Thomas Shoemaker was taken Prisoner & was married previous to the war, His first wife Died Feb 1815 or 16, And then married a second wife on 14th July 1817 and is now living. He died Feb 15th 1837
The children wish to know if the 2nd widow has not the Right of coming in before them, if not they wish to employ you For their council, as they can prove the time of his marriage Death, &c if you will give them a statement how to proceed And the carges [charges?] you have for getting the Pension if Any. And the time of his Being Prisoner they Can Prove. if you think it of use to take the case in hand. Please So To Do
Yours Respecfuly [signature:] Frea F Bellinger
Pleas to answer this letter as soon as Possbile
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22838
Henry Shavers
affidavit
In the application of Richard Shimel
for a Pension

Letter to B Hurst 20 August 1834
" " S Godwin 10 Jan. 1852
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State of New York  
Herkimer County    ⎬ ss
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace, of the County of Herkimer aforesaid, Richard Shimel who being duly sworn deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he can not 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 one year and two months I served as a private, and for such service I claim a pension
And this Deponent further says that nine months of said service was in Abner French's Company, he being Captain thereof, in Col Marinus Willetts Regiment that three months of said service was in Captain Joseph House Company of Militia in Col Clydes Regiment in constant and actual duty in the Forts and that he was engaged in the last year as such militia man and done actual duty at least two months in the same company of Militias - And further this Deponent says not.
[Signed] Richard Shimel
Sworn & subscribed this 11th day of June 1833 before me
[Signed] Nicholas Smith Justice

State of New York
Herkimer County 
Clerk's office ss. I Julius C Nelson Clerk of the said County do certify, that Nicholas Smith Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of its date, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and duly authorized to act as such and that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavit to be his proper hand writing and Signature-
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 12th day of June 1833 [Signed] Julius C. Nelson, Clerk
[A round, illegible, partially obstructed seal is set in the lower left corner of the page]
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.

State of New York
Herkimer County SS. On this 12th day of February one thousand and eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Herkimer in the State aforesaid now sitting Richard Shimel, a resident of the town of Starks in the said County of Herkimer aged sixty seven years on the nineteenth day of May last past, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 1832.-
That in the year 1782 this deponent was sixteen years of age and was enrolled in the militia in the month of May or June of that year in Capt. Abraham House Company in Col. George Clydes Regiment that Abraham Copeman was the major it was a Regt of Militia of the State of New York. The Leiut, of the Company was named Jacob Snyder cannot recollect the Ensigns name that Deponent then resided at Fort Plank where he done duty as a soldier the summer before he was sixteen. That Deponent had been under the necessity of doing duty to defend themselves against the Indians, that Major Copeman ordered the boys to do duty in the Fort as guard the other men were taken out occasionally, a corporal or sergeant remained to take command of the boys and old men left in the fort
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That he went out once in a scout with the Capt. in that year Col. Roof was along but he was not then an officer - That they went out towards Schuyler Lake, that Bathis Sitts was along and Pilot and they were gone out two days, 
[note in left margin:] 2 days 
there was about fifteen men along, they went through the woods and were out as spies, cannot tell how far they traveled that when they was not out as spies and in doing other duty, they were on duty at the Fort keeping Guard, they were always actively employed in preparing for, and defending themselves against the Enemy, that this Deponent thinks the whole time employed that season in the fort and on other duty would be at least three months 
[note in left margin:] 3 mo 
And this deponent further says, that his brother Jacob Enlisted in Col. Dillets Regiment of "nine months men" so called in Capt, Benches Company. Christopher Peak was Lieut. that his brother was not of age to go, being only fourteen years old, and Deponent was two years and half older, that deponent thinks it was in March or April in the year 1782, when he went in his brothers place a few days only after he had enlisted as aforesaid, that Deponent joined the Company at Fort Mercer [??] and remained there a short time, but he cannot say how long, they then marched up to Fort Herkimer, where they done duty until the expiration of the nine months which was later in the fall or in the month of December - there was snow on the ground, and it snowed when he went home 
Deponent's father was also a private in this same Company and done duty as a Baker for the Company & sometimes in the ranks-
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And in the next spring which was in the year 1783: Deponent was in the Company then commanded by Capt. House, and the old Captain Copeman got to be a Major - that House's first name was Joseph - Deponent done duty most of this season as a guard, in Fort Plank, that he done duty as regularly and as often while he was in Fort Plank in this year, as he had done before when he was a nine months man in Fort Herkimer- that he was only twice this summer that he can recollect & perhaps oftener as a scout - that they went out west in the woods as a scout a day or two at a time- that he remained in the Fort until the fall, when the news came that there was peace - that they had great rejoicing, and there was a fat ox roasted, and a good many each of him, but Deponent does not know who paid for him. that Deponent got a piece barely for him. rather raw, not half cooked. That in this last year Deponent was in the Fort and on duty from spring until the news of Peace came; and that he thinks in this last year he done actual duty about two months - 
[note in left margin:] 2 mo 
that Deponent was not engaged in any battle. that Deponent saw some continentals at Fort Plain, & has saw some of the officers, but did not know any of them. but never had any written discharge 
And to the several questions put by the Court this Deponent answering says that he was born at Caughnawaga in the
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then County of Tryon, now Montgomery County & was born on the 19th of May 1765 That he has a written statement made by himself, from what his Parents informed him of his age- 
That when Deponent first done duty had lived in Canajoharri [Canajoharie] , now Meriden Montgomery County . since the war he has lived some eighty [??] miles from this place & has [ink-smeared illegible] there now since. bully [??] a division of the town & County he now resides in the town of Starks Herkimer County - and that he knows of no clergymen who can certify for him as required- 
That Deponent was ordered out part of the time by his Capt. and was once a destitute in the place of his brother Jacob Shimel as above stated. 
That Deponent was not acquainted with any officer in the Regular services. that he has done duty in company with any other Regiment to his recollection - & that his principal duty was on guard in the Forts- 
That this Deponent never recd. any discharge from the company in writing- and that he expects to prove the above services by Henry Shaver & Jacob Knouts - and that he can prove his reputation as a soldier by Jacob Knouts and ["John Betts" is crossed out] Henry Eckler - 
He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any State- 
Sworn & Subscribed to the day & year aforesaid - in open Court [signature:] Richard Shimel 
[signature:] Julius C Nelson Clerk
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The Jacob Knouts of the town of Starks in said County of Herkimer, and Henry Eckler residing in the same place, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Richard Schimel 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 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 in open court [signature:] John J Knouts 
his X mark Henry Eckler 
[signature:] Julius C Nelson Clerk 
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 applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Jacob Knouts and Henry Eckler who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in the said town of Starks in the County of Herkimer, and that they are creditable persons and their statement is entitled to credit- 
I Julius C Nelson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of Richard Shimel for a pension 
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 12th day of February 1833 [signature:] Julius C Nelson Clerk
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State of New York Herkimer County } Ss On this Eleventh day of October one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two, before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Herkimer who sitting personally appeared Henry Shafer a resident of the town of Starks in the County of Herkimer, aged seventy two years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he is personally acquainted with Richard Shimel of the town and County aforesaid, that he knew him since he was a boy when they both resided in the town of Meriden in the then County of Tryon, now County of Montgomery in the State of New York. that they lived close to each other when the war commenced, that he first recollects seeing him do duty at Fort Plank in the town of Meriden in the County of Montgomery, that he was in that Fort almost the whole of the war. that he has done duty with him often in the Fort, that he belonged to the same Company with Deponent a private the Company of Fort House, nearly opposite Fort was Decker [?? illegible word] a little North side of the Mohawk River near the illegible] of the East Canada Creek - that it was in the year 1781. or 1782. and he can not exactly tell which, that Deponent belonged to Capt. Abner French's Company in Col Marinus Willetts Regiment - that they marched in company at one time from Fort House to Fort Herkimer, and when they were at Fort Herkimer they were put on duty keeping guard at the Fort that they were enlisted for the term of nine months, and shortly after they enlisted that Deponent & said Shimel & some others were marched up to Herkimer and Deponent remained with
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term until about the expiration of the time for which they had enlisted. And they then returned to Fort Plank again where they done duty again as militia men - that the said Richard and this Deponent remained doing duty in the Fort until the close of the war in 1783- 
And that Deponent further says that after the expiration of this time in Col. Willettes Regiment when they returned and went into the Militia, Capt. House, Joseph House's Company & he believes it was Col. Clydes regiment of Militia - that most of the time was spent in the Fort Edward the whole time in duty defending themselves against the constant inroads of the Indians and tories- did not go out very often as scouts, recollects of but two or three times when he was in this Fort. that Cap House had command of the Fort most of this time - that Sgt Abraham Copeman had command of the Fort some of the time. 
That during all that time the said Richard Shimel was a good soldier and believed in a proper and soldier like manner whenever called upon to do duty - And further this Deponent says not-. his X mark Henry Shaver 
Sworn & Subscribed this 11th day of October 1832 before me- [signature:] Julius C Nelson Clerk 
And I hereby certify, that the said Henry Saver is a person of respectability & that his statements are entitled to full faith and credit- Dated June 18. 1833 [signature:] Julius C Nelson Clerk
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238.249. 
Address H. S. Babcock Cooperstown N. Y.
Page 23

STATE OF NEW YORK. 
[edge of page missing] __TSEGO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. } I GEORGE W. ERNST, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that S. Doubleday Esq was on the 2 day of February 1856 & James Shute Esquire, was on the 22 day of February 1856 a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Otsego, duly authorized to act as such, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justices and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine. INWITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the said County, at Cooperstown, this 7 day of March 1856 [signature:] E W Ernst
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State of New York County of Otsego } Ss Samuel Walker of the town of Milford in said county being duly sworn, says that he was well acquainted with Richard Shimmell for many years in his life time. that he died at the town of Starks Herkimer County N. Y. some time in the month of November 1849. but the day of the month this deponent is unable to state- And he further states that he is well acquainted with his widow Maria Shimmell, and has been for a great number of years, the person making the foregoing application for bounty land, that she is now a widow, and widow of the said Richard Shimmell deceased. And that he knew them to cohabit together as man and wife, & were reputed to be such during the life time of said Richard [signature:] Samuel Walker 
Subscribed and Sworn before me this 25th day of February 1856. [signature:] James streete Justice of the Peace
Page 27

State of New York County of Herkimer } Ss on this 3rd day of March 1856. came before me C. T. E Van Horne of the town of Starks in said County and being duly sworn deposes and says that he was an acting Justice of the Peace of the said town of Stark in said County in the year 1833- That he married Richard Shimmell & Maria Nestel on the fourth day of August 1833 & that the following is a true and correct copy of a record of said marriage now in my possession and made by me viz Richard Shimmel of Stark in the County of Herkimer was married to Maria Nestel of the same place by me on the 4th day of August 1833 [signature:] Coor T. E Van Horne J. P. 
Subscribed and Sworn before me this 3rd day of March 1856 [signature:] Abrm R Van Horne Justice of the peace }
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State of New York HERKIMER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. } SS. I C. T. E. VAN HORNE, Clerk of the County of Herkimer, do certify that Abrm R Van Horne Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate and jurat of affidavit of the annexed instrument, was, at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, duly elected and sworn ; and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting, and verily believe the name subscribed to the said certificate and jurat of affidavit, to be his genuine signature. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, at Herkimer, this 3rd day of March A. D. 1856 [signature:] C. T. E. Van Horne Clerk.
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No 22828 Richard Shimel Herkimer Co N. Y Admitted Private 14 months See Vol 2 James B Hunt Herkimer Co N Y
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WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office, May 31 1833 
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 a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily percieve that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew 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, shewing the Service of Richard Shimel Herkimer Co N Y 

Period when the service was rendered. entered 1781 
Duration of the claimant's service. [blank] Years. 6 Months. [blank] Days.

Period when the service was rendered. April 1782 
Duration of the claimant's service. [blank] Years. 9 Months. [blank] Days.

Period when the service was rendered. Spring 89 [??] 
Duration of the claimant's service. [illegible] Years. 3 Months. [blank] Days.

Rank of the claimant. Private spy  
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Captn House Scout Snyder Captain House Cap Copeman 
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Col Clydes Regt Major Copeman Col Roof [or Roop?] 
Battles in which the applicant was engaged. [blank] 
Country through which he marched. Fort Plank Fort Plain 
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. 67 years Fort Plain Montgomery County 
Evidence by which the declaration is supported. living witness traditionary evidence 

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. 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 [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A.B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provion [sic] made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank] , with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers: [Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered [sic] 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 [blank] 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 [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] & 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 [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] 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 was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. [blank] who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation [sic] of [blank] for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] 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 least 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 the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 32

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. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested 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 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] 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; 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 [blank] year [blank] months, and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]. For [blank] months and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]; 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 during 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 affix his 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.
[j2] 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.
Page 33

N. Y. Rev WIDWON, &c. 
File No. 11.434 Maria Shimmell Widow of Richard Shimmell Priv Rev. War. 
Act: Feb 3d / 53 
Index:-Vol. M, Page 296 
[ Arrangement of 1870. ]
Page 34

ctfd. 
5751 New York. A. 
Maria Shimmell widow of Richard Shimmell who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853. 
Certificate of Pension issued 28th day of April 1856 and sent to H. S. Babcock Cooperstown N. York 
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 27. Vol H 
23849
Page 35

20650 New York 
Richard Shimel of Herkimer in the State of New York who was a private in the Comp. commanded by Captain House of the Regt commanded by Col. Ely in the [crossed out word] N. Y. line for 14 mos 
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 40 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Sept. 1832 and sent to J. B. Hunt Herkimer 
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. '_3 [first digit illegible] $116.66 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Ap. [??] '84 23.33 
[total] $139.99 
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. } 
Recorded by Go. C. Stiles Clerk Book E. Vol. 4, Page 8.6
Page 36

Letr to Jno. Fleming 1 Aug 34 
to G. F. Yates 9 March 1840 
" [to] Daniel Snyder August 2, 1842. 
Dropt from Roll see letter to J. B. Hunt 20 Aug 1834 SP 
Letter to Lawrence Hand, 18 June 1847. 
To same July 30 '47 
Let S. Godwin Jan 10 1851
Page 37

39.221 New York
Page 38

Rev 
Act 7 June 1832 
Richard Shimel 
Requested [??] 
Dropt from Roll See letter to J. B. Hunt Herkimer N. Y. 20 August 1834
Page 39

Additional evidence 
[circular stamp:] COOPERSTOWN N Y APR 19 
Hon. J Minot Comr. Pensions Washington D. C 
FREE 
Richard Shimmell 
N Y - or 18__ [covered by the FREE stamp] 
transferred 
D. C. 20.630
Page 40

Official business 
[circular stamp:] COOPERSTOWN N. Y. PAID OCT 24 
J Minot Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington City 
Richard Shimmel 
D-Col- act 1832
Page 41

No. 6.280 Maria Shimell widow of Richard, New York 
Let. H. S. Babcock, Mch 18 / 56
Page 42

[circular stamp:] COOPERSTONW N Y MAR 10 
Hon J Minot Comr. Pensions Washing___ D__ [left edge torn off] 
N. Y. Maria Shimmell wid Richard FREE
Page 43

Richard Shimmel decd. 
0["N. York" crossed out] 
D. C. 
Act 7 June 1832. 
9 mo pri - $30. per an from 4 March 1834 / when he was last paid ( at the rate of $41.66 per an.) to Nov. 1849 when he died. 
Payable to Maria Shimel his widow. 
Cert to S. Godwin Present.
Page 44

Richd. Shimel N. York 
Act 7 June 1832. $46.66 per an 
To what time paid? 
Kirby Pen Off. Sept 20 
Paid to 4th March 1834. [initials:] DLB 
[initials:] J. L. C. 
N. B. - The Gentlemen of the Pension Office must for the future, name the Agency or County in making inquiries for State of New York - The above is on the Albany Roll. Yours [signature:] B L Bogan
Page 45

Brief in the case of Maria Shimmell widow of Richard Otsego County and State of N York act 3 Feb 1853 
Claim, ("original," ["or 'for increase' " is crossed out] [blank] 
Proof exhibited, (if original.) [blank] 
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
Her husband was pensioner under the act of 1832, and the arrears of pension at $30 a year one nine at his death in 1867 was prev to his widow Hanah 
Record of marriage 
[crossed out: "(If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?" 
Cohabitation, general reputation of marriage, her identity as the pensioner's widow, his death & her present widowhood proved by credible witnesses 
[signature:] Thornton Triplett Examining Clerk. 
Name and residence of Agent H S Babcock Esq Cooperstown N Y
Page 46

wid. 11.434 OW 
575 
Maria Shimmel 
[oval stamp:] U. S. PENSION OFFICE APR 21 1881
Page 47

Act Feby 3, 1853 (2d sec.) 
[3--405.] 
(PENSIONER DROPPED.) 
U. S. Pension Agency, 
[circular stamp:] U. S. PENSION AGENCY. SYRACUSE, N. Y. APR 18 1881, 188 __. 
Hon. J. A. Bentley Commissioner of Pensions. 
Sir, I hereby report that the name of Maria Shimmel Widow Richard who was a pensioner on the rolls of this Agency under Certificate No. 5751, and who was last paid at $96 per annum to 4 Dec, 1877, has been dropped because of statute limitation 
Very respectfully, T. L. Bole Pension Agent. 
Every name dropped to be thus reported at once. 
UTERCO'S.
Page 48

Cooperstown N. Y. March 8th 1856 
Hon J Minot 
Dear Sir Enclosed please find the application of Mrs Maria Shimmell for pension, and Bounty land 
When issued please ford to me. 
Respectfully Yours [signature:] H. S. Babcock 
Land claim taken out Admn [??]
Page 49

Brief in the case of Richd. Shimmel, decd. [blank] County and State of N. York act 7 June 1837. 
Claim, ("original," or " ["for increase." is crossed out] " ) [blank] 
Proof exhibited, (if original.) [blank] 
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
This claim was allowed in '33 for 14 months service. In '34 he was dropped from the roll because a part of his service - say 6 mo. is as performed in a fort- the other 9 months being in Willetts Regt. In fact last the office agreed to restore him for the 9 mo service in Willetts Regt. I acenoingly [??] do so. 
(if for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? [blank] 
[signature:] Kirby Examining Clerk. 
Name and residence of Agent S. Godwin Present,
Page 50

[crossed out word] 
Richd. Shimmel for Comp 
See Willett's Rolls 
allowed for 9 mo 
Godwin 
write to Snyder 
3d Aud. Sept 20 / 57 [??] 
make this claim payable in Washington S. Godwin 
W  W Naurian
Page 51

93 
Pension  Office January 10 1852. 
Sir I have examined the papers in the case of of [sic] Richard Shimel decd who was pensioned under the Act of 7 June 1832 & was subsequently stricken from the roll, and find that he was so dropped from the roll in consequence of its being supposed by the Pension Office that the service performed was not in a regularly organized Corps, but merely in a fort with other settlers to protect themselves. 
Nine months of the time for which he was allowed appears to have been spent in Col Willetts Regt for which he can be restored, but for the time spent in the fort he cannot be paid without additional evidence of the service and its Character. The Comptroller at Albany can probly [sic] furnish you with the requisite information. 
Very Respectfully Your Obt Servt [signature:] J Wilson for Commr of Pensions 
S. Godwin Esq Present.
Page 52

Washington Jany 14 1852 
My Dear Sir, I was pleased to recieve [sic] a short letter from you yesterday saying that you were up and geting [sic] well, and would be soon able to attend to business. I am ready to meet you, Attend to these claims of Shimmel & Sutes, immdly, Moses Sutes, was in 1847 Admr of his mother, Mrs Shimmel is living, all final settlements can be paid here and where these are Admr, and these should be by all means. I will send on prepared papers, which can be deposed by the Admr. or Executor, or the increase to the widow, much trouble will be saved ["and much trouble" is crossed out] The principal of Boat Service is settled non favorably and the claims of Vectory, Vansant & Costler, will all be attended to this week, Do not forget my Horton marriage case in N York, 
I will also send you the letter related to the Billy Dodge case, The service is allowed and the claim will be allowed if no more proof of marriage is produced. but I should like to have more proof upon this subject
Page 53

I have written Perkins, you may probably better make him understand
Page 56

J. L. Edwards Esq Commr. of Pensions War Dept. Washington D. C. 
Mar 5, 1840 N. Y. R. Shimel
Page 57

To J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions. 
Sir. In the summer of 1834, my name was stricken from the roll of Pensioners, without any reason being assigned for it. I engaged my attorney Jas. B. Hunt Esq of Herkimer, (who now resides in Michigan) to write to your Department on the subject, but it seemed he cannot do any thing in the premises. I hope I may be permitted to enquire for what case I was thus stricken off. I proved several months in the militia of Tryon County [blacked out letter] S. under Capt. House, & ["for" is crossed out] nine months as a substitute for my brother Jacob Shimmel under Capt. Abner French in 1782 &c Owing to my poverty & other causes
Page 58

I have hitherto been unable to see to my rights, and was moreover ignorant as to the proper mode of proceeding. I have now employed Mr Giles F. Yates of Schenectady N. Y. to whom I request you will make any Communications in answer to my application, which I hereby make to be restored to the pension list. I am very respectfully your obt Servt [signature:] Richd Shimel 
Starks N. Y. Teb 28th 1848 [or 1846] 
Richard Shimel
Page 59

Maria Shimmell Payment to be made at Albany by Isaac Vanderpoel, Esq Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of New York Payable on the 4th September and 4th March 
[oval stamp:] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE MAY 26 1889 
Recorded in The Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 27 Vol. 36 
[signature:] G. T. Getty Clerk. 
George Watson
Page 60

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. WIDOW'S PENSION. 
I certify that, in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853, Maria Shimmell, widow of Richard Shimmell, who was a private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of thirty dollars and [blank] cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage. Given at the Department of the Interior, this twenty eighth day of April one thousand eight hundred and fifty Six 
[signature:] R McClelland Secretary of the Interior. 
Examined and countersigned. [signature:] J. Minot Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 61

Increase 5.751 
Brief in the Case of Maria Shimmell Widow of Richard Shimmell Private Rev War. Gower's Corners Otsego County and State of New York Act 2d Sec Feb 3. 1853. 
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIF__ [remainder blacked out] 
PROOF EXHIBITED, 
Pensioner app 30. per ann. Cert returned. 
Claim for increase under 13th Sec. July 27 1868 
Identity & continued widowhood shown. 
Admitted June 2 1869 to pension at $96 per ann to commence July 27 1868 ["1869" is crossed out] deducting pay since 
[signature:] W. E. Trask Examining Clerk. 
Name and residence of Agent. Charles A. Kimberley Albany New York. 
J. L. [initials]
Page 62

Shimmell
Page 63

Albany Pension Agency June 14th 1869 
Hon H Van Keenam Commissioner of Pensions 
Sir I received under date of June 10th 1869 an order to inscribe Maria Shimmell for an increase pensioned under Second Section of Act of February 3d 1853 and July 27th 1868. This pensioner was transfered [sic] to the Canandaigua Agency in July 1864 
Respectfully [signature:] D. Wright Pension Agent
Page 64

Maria Shimmell sidwo of Richard Otsego Co N Y 
admd 3 Feby 1853 $30 a year from the purpose of the act 
Cert to H. S. Babcock Esq Cooperstown N Y
Page 65

State of New York County of Otsego } Ss Samuel Walker and Lucy Walker of the town of Milford in said County being duly sworn deposes and saith, that they were well acquainted with Richard Shimmell in his life time, who was a pensioner of the United States under act June 7th 1832, & who received a pension some two or three years, to March 1834, as they believe, that said Richard Shimmell died at the town of Stark Herkimer Co. N. Y. Some time in the month of November 1849. And they further state that they are well acquainted with Maria Shimmell the applicant for a pension. the widow of the soldier, Richard Shimmell aforesaid- that she is now a widow, and widow of the said Richard Shimmell deceased - and they further state that they have been informed by Mrs Shimmell & believe true, that she received the arrears due her husband Richard Shimmell at his death, that one Caniel Snyder was her agent. and further saith not. [signature:] Samuel Walker 
[signature:] Lucy Walker 
Subscribed and Sworn before me this 14th day of April 1856 [signature:] James Streete Justice of the Peace }
Page 66

STATE OF NEW YORK. OTSEGO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. } I, GEORGE W. ERNST, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that James Streete Esquire, was, on the 14 day of April 1856 a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Otsego, duly authorized to act as such, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the said County, at Cooperstown, this 18th day of April 1856 [signature:] G. W. Ernst CLERK.
Page 67

Otsego County Bank Cooperstown N. Y. Oct 23rd  1855 
Dear Sir Maria Schimel, widow of Richard Schimel called on me to day - she states that her late husband Richard Schimel was a Pensioner of the U. S. and that she was as she supposes placed on the Pension list about three years since, that a person named Daniel Snyder of Stark, Herkimer County transacted the business with the Pension Department and received her Certificate, that she received from him $126 being as she understood it, one half of the amt. due her at the time that she has not from that time to the present drawn any Pension- that the said Snyder states that he gave her certificate to a Mr Yates of Schenectady and had Put her off from time to time saying that he would try to get it for her, I am not a pension agent, but I thought it would be right to ascertain whether this person is really a Pensioner or only received back pay on account of her husbands services - I am not acquainted with this person, and have no means of knowing the facts in the case other than as I received there from her, If her certificate has been lost or improperly witheld [withheld?] the matter should be looked into Will you be so kind as to inform me when the true state of the case is Very Respectfully Yours [signature:] W Scott C___ [illegible title] 
J Minot Esq Commissioner of Pensions
Page 68

N. 
DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OF PENSION Under section 13, act July 27, 1868. 
No. OLD CERTIFICATE [blank] 
APPLICANT. Maria Shimmell 
[oval stamp:] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PENSION OFFICE MAY 26 1869 
FILED BY Charles A. Kimberley Albany N. Y. 
Printed and said by W. H. Moore, 434 [or 484?] 11th st., Washington, D. C.
Page 69

N. 
DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OF PENSION. 
(Under section 13, Act July 27, 1868,) 
State of New York County of Oswego } SS. 
On this 15th day of May A. D. 1864, personally appeared before me, A Justice of the Peace within and for the county and State aforesaid, Maria Shimmell, aged 87 years, a resident of the town of Gran__ [end of word missing] in the State of New York who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that She is the identical Maria Shimmell to whom was granted Pension certificate No. [blank] at Albany N. Y., at the rate of thirty dollars per annum ["month" is crossed out] , issued under the act of Feb. 3, 1853; that She makes this declaration in order to secure the increase of her pension to which She is entitled under the thirteenth section of the act of July 27, 1868. That she still remains a Widow, and has not again married since the 28th day of April, 1856, the date of her said certificate. 
My Post Office address is as follows: Bowen's Corners Oswego Co N. Y.  
And she hereby constitutes and appoints Charles A. Kimberley of Albany N. Y., Attorney, to present and prosecute this claim, and authorizes him to receive and receipt for any certificate that may be issued for the same, and to do any other act of thing necessary or that She might do if personally present, with full power of substitution and revocation, hereby countermanding all former authority that may have been given for the above specified purpose. 
Signature o Clamant: Maria her X mark Shimmell 
Witnesses to mark [signature:] H. S. Williams to her [mark?] 
Also personally appeared Felix M. Rice and Mary Rice, residents of the town of Granby, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Maria Shimmell sign [blank] name (make her mark) to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with her that She is the identical person She represents her self to be; and they further state that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. That she is still a Widow, not having remarried since the 28th day of April, 1856. 
Signature of Witnesses.{ F. M. Rice Mary Rice 
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 15th day of May 1869; and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing declaration and affidavit were carefully read by me to the applicant and witnesses before subscribing their names thereto, and I know the affiants to be credible persons. 
Signature of Judge or other Officer. J. W. Marsh J. P. 
Date of Certificate. [blank] 
[note: seal covers part of some of the following words] 
The word "month" _as erased & the word _nnum" interlined __fore signing. [signature:] J. W. Marsh J. P.
Page 70

State of New York, Oswego County Clerk's Office. } SS. I MANNISTER WORTS, Clerk of said County and of the [overwritten illegible word] and County Courts therein, which are Courts of Record, do CERTIFY, That J. W. Marsh whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the annexed instrument, was at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly qualified and authorized to take the same. AND I FURTHER CERTIFY, that I am well acquainted with his handwriting, and verily believe the signature to said Jurat is genuine. IN WITNESS WEHEROF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County and Court, at Oswego, this 18th day of May 1869 
[signature:] Mannister Worts, Clerk.
Page 72

State of New York County of Herkimer Surrogate's Court } SS: At a Surrogate's Court held in and for said County at the Village of Herkimer in said County, of the seventh day of September instant, satisfactory evidence was adduced to this Court to show that Richard Shimmel late a pensioner of the United States, departed this Life on the fifteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine in the town of Stark- in said County- That he died leaving him surviving his widow named Maria Shimmel and that his said widow still survives, and is the lawful widow of said Richard Shimmel deceased. All of which is hereby accordingly Certified- IN testimony whereof the seal of office of said Surrogate is hereto affixed. Witness Ezra Graves Surrogate of said County, at Herkimer aforesaid this seventh day of September A. D. 1852. [signature:] Ezra Graves County Judge of Herkimer County Acting Surrogate
Page 73

Richard Shimmel Suspended from the rolls, husband of Maria Shimmel, S. Godwin
Page 74

Know all Men by these Presents, That I Maria Shimmel widow of Richard Shimmel of the town of Meriden in the county of Montgomery in the State of New York do hereby constitute and appoint Shimmel Godwin of the City of Washington my true and lawful Attorney or Agent, with power of substitution, for me and in my name to prosecute before the Commissioner of Pensions, at Washington City, D. C. the claim of my said husband Richard Shimmel to be restored to the pension list under the act of 7th June 1832. He received under said act a pension certificate or warrant for $40.55 and I authorize you to make application to him restored to the list of pensioners & reinstated for a Pension under the Act of Congress, passed 7th June 1832 aforesaid - hereby ratifying and confirming all and whatsoever my said Attorney or his substitute shall lawfully do or cause to be done in the premises, by virtue of these presents. In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 12 day of August Anno Domini, 1851. her X mark Maria Shimmel 
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIEVERED IN THE PRESENCE OF } [signature:] Joseph W Pinckney Justice of Peace 
[signature:] C. A Pinckney 
State of New York Herkimer County } SS. I hereby Certify, That Maria Shimmel above named personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the peace in and for said county, and she acknowledged that she had executed the foregoing power of Attorney, by her signed as her proper act and deed. And I further Certify , that said Maria Shimmel also made oath before me, in due form of law, that she is directly interested in the claim within described, as the widow of said deceased. Sworn and Subscribed before me this 12 Day of August 1851  [signature:] Joseph W Pinckney Just___ of the Peace 
[the latter part of the word 'justice' is cut off the page]
Page 75

State of New York, HERKIMER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE } ss. 
I Standish Barry, Clerk of the County of Herkimer, do certify that Joseph W Pinckney Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing and endorsed thereon, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement, a Judge of the Peace in and for said county, dwelling in the said county, and duly authorized to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said certificate to be his genuine signature, and that the same is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this State. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said county, as Herkimer, this [illegible] Day of August A. D. 18 __ [illegible] [signature:] Standish Barry Clerk.