Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23831, for Abner Osborn, New Jersey
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New Jersey Osborn, Abner  S23831
or Osborne
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[form]
24312 New York [York is overwritten the word Jersey]
Abner *Osborne [all of the above handwritten]
[left edge of page missing] New York [handwritten] in the state of New York [state name handwritten] who was a Private [handwritten] in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the N.J. troops [handwritten] line for 8 mo. [handwritten]
Inscribed on the Roll of N. York [handwritten] at the rate of 66 [handwritten] Dollars 66 [handwritten] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of pension issued the 21st [handwritten] day of Nov 1833 [date handwritten] and Sent L Condict at Morristown N.J. [handwritten]
Arrears to the 4th of Sep '33 [date handwritten]
Semi-anl allowance ending 4th Mar '34  
*Osborn'
[handwritten calculation on the right]
$66.66
 13.33
$79.99
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by Jno Cromwell [handwritten] Clerk 
Book E [handwritten] Vol. 4 [handwritten] Page 27 [handwritten]
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Abner Osborn
(Revolution)
For Pension.
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State of New York
City of New York ss.
Ithamar Osborn of the said city being duly sworn deposeth and saith  That he is in the sixty fourth year of his age, has resided in this city since 1794.  That his brother Abner Osborn has resided here 35 years - That said Abner is in his 72d year of age.  Deponent well remembers that said Abner served in the militia of Elizabethtown New Jersey in or about August 1776. carried on guard his father's gun- an old fashioned duck gun-That said Abner served at all times that his corps served for nearly two years- during that time Abner took a British soldier prisoner - near Elizabethtown and obtained his bright musket and his accoutrements.  Abner carried that gun in militia service for some time afterwards.  Deponent thought Abner was an able soldier before he was sixteen.  He first turned out in his fathers place.  [signed] Ithamar Osborn

Sworn before me October 1 1833 [signed] H. Meigs Clerk of the Court of Oyer & Terminer

Court of General Sessions
of the Peace ss. 
On the 7th of October 1833
The above deponent Ithamar Osborn and the applicant Abner Osborn were examined under Oath in Open Court relative to the Revolutionary service of the said Abner Osborn and this Court entertains no doubt of the truth of the statements made by them.
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They being citizens well known to the Court
as respectable and credible persons,
(Seal)

R Riker
Recorder of the
City of New York

Abm VanHest
Alderman 9 Ward

HP Robertson
Aldm 11th Ward

H. Meigs, Clerk of
the Courts of Oyer & Terminer
& General Sessions
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AI / Machine-Generated
(5 months ago)
9422
Abner Osborn
Suspended
relinquishment
of all but  serv or
service  carried  be admitted at
further proof
The year old  unless fully
established
service before 16 [illegible] be allowed [illegible] [illegible] with to  red to in full [illegible] made in [illegible] 1832
8 [illegible] on
[illegible] of the 
[crossed out Francis Barber Elizabeth Corn]
L. Condict N. Jersey
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[form letter]
WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office, 25 May 1833 [date handwritten]
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 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 Abner Osborn N. J. [name and state handwritten]
[table]
|Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the claimant's service. [subdivided within the column:] Years. | Months. | Days. | Rank of the claimant. | Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. | Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. | Battles in which the applicant was engaged. | Country through which he marched. | Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. | Evidence by which the declaration is supported. |
[entries handwritten]
| June 1777. volun |  | 1 |  | private | Cp Chandler | Col Potter |  | State of Pa... Mininsink | 70 Essex NJ... | one surviving witness [illegible] generally |
| from this time to the end of the War he served every 4th month in the year making as he states | 1 |  |  | Cp Wood Cp Chandler | C Jacques C Vancourtland | Battles of Connect. Farms and Springfield |  |  | Certificate of Clergyman and a Citizen |
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 for the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officer, 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 [blank]
County of [blank] 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 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 entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [pointing finger icon] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged 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 certificates 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], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believe, 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 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 of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &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 this 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
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8
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 the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - 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 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 the 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.
[footnotes]
(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.) [parentheses added by hand]
(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.) [parentheses added by hand] The use of the phrase about three or four months, [phrase italicized] is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must 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.) [parentheses added by hand]
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.
[pointing finger icon] 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.) [parentheses added by hand]
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9422
Abner Osborn
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832
State of New Jersey Borough of Elizabeth ss:  On this fourth day of September A.D. 1832, Personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the Borough of Elizabeth in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey now sitting Abner Osborn a resident of the City of New York in the County and State of New York, aged Seventy 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 passed 7th June 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated - In the month of June 1778 whilst a resident of Connecticut Farms in the Township of Union in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey, being but Sixteen years of age, he volunteered in the Infantry of the New Jersey Militia, with those who were denominated minute men, to do monthly duty on the lines under Capt Stephen Chandler, and Major Halsted, in the regiment commanded by Col Samuel Potter and General Winds. They marched to Mininsink on the Delaware, through Morristown and Sussex County in the State of New Jersey on their way to Wyoming in the State of Pennsylvania, which the British were at that time destroying together with the Indians. On their arrival at Mininsink aforesaid, hearing that Genl Sullivan had marched to the relief of Wyoming, had defeated the
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Indians, and destroyed their Towns. they were ordered to return back to the lines. They remained at Minisink for about Ten days, when they returned to Elizabeth Town in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey served out the remainder of the month and were dismissed.
From this time till the close of the War in 1783 he continued to perform monthly duty, as often at least as every four months in the year, and sometimes he was called out on scouting parties almost immediately after the expiration of a monthly tour. The class in which he served were ordered to rendezvous at three different places (or beats as they were then called) one at Woodbridge in the County of Middlesex, one at Elizabeth Town and one at Newark in the County of Essex in the State of New Jersey, at which places they were commanded by differing officers. When at Woodbridge, they were under the command of General Heard, Col Jacques, Major Craig and Capt Wood. When at Elizabeth Town under Capt Chandler & Col Samuel Potter & Major Halsted as above mentioned [last three words x'd out]. When at Newark under Genl Winds, Col Van Courtlands, Major Hays and Capt Abraham Speer. He was for the most of the whole period of his service at one or the other of the three above mentioned places. He was also out very frequently in times of alarm.
In the month of June 1780 he was at the Battle at Connecticut Farms, also a few days afterwards at the Battle at Springfield in this State, at which time he took a British prisoner [crossed out] soldier prisoner, with his musket and Forty Eight cartridges. He recollects the burning of the churches and many of the dwelling houses at both the above
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mentioned places. Col Angel of the Rhode Island Continental army defended the bridge at the last mentioned place.
He was acquainted in the time of the war with Col Oliver Spencer, Col Elias Dayton Col Matthias Ogden, Col Francis Barber, Col William DeHart, Col Seely, Genl Maxwell, Capt Aaron Ogden, Capt Brittin, Capt Pearson, Lieut Seely, Lieut Moses Ogden (who was killed in the Battle of Connecticut Farms above mentioned) all of the New Jersey Continental Service.
His whole period of service he is sure will amount at least to Twelve months of actual duty - 
He was born on the Sixteenth day of April 1762 at Connecticut Farms in the Township of Union now K farms of Elizabeth in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey and [several words x'd out and unreadable] remained there 15 years after the war & then removed to the City of New York. The Record of his age is in his Father's family Bible but the book is not in his possession, it was in the possession of his sister some time since but can no find it now
He never received a certificate of discharge, but was always dismissed untill further orders - 
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever 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 & knows of no person by whom he can prove all his service. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid [signed] Abner Osborn
We James Willcock a Clergyman residing in the Township of Union in the County of Essex and State of
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New Jersey and Matthias Brant residing in the Township of Union in the County and State aforesaid, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abner Osborn who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be Seventy years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where [begin strikethrough] (untill within a short time) [end strikethrough] in the time of the war of the Revolution and some years after he has resided, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion - And the said Matthias Brant doth further certify that he was in the same class with the said Abner Osborn during the Revolutionary War, and served with him frequently at Elizabeth Town in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey as well as elsewhere, but the precise times and places he cannot now recollect & further saith that the said Abner went in the same Company to Minisink. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid [signed] James Willcock Matthias Brant
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 James Willcock who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in Union aforesaid and that Matthias Brant who has also signed the same is a resident in the Township of Union aforesaid, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
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I Francis B Chetwood Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the Borough of Elizabeth in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey (the same being a Court of Record) do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Abner Osborn for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the said Court this fourth day of September Eighteen hundred and thirty two [signed] F. B. Chetwood, Clk
[physical seal and ribbons attached to the left]
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[This is a form in response to a request for information.]
O. W. & N. Division.
M. E. C.
S23831
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.,
June 19, 1895.
Sir:
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of  ---Abner Osborn ---a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
[table]
| DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. [two subcolumns] CAPTAIN. | COLONEL. | STATE. |
| Aug. 1776 | 1 mo. | Subst. | Stephen Chandler | Lt. Robert Wade | N.J. |
| Oct. 1776 | 1 mo. | Subst. | Clark | Not stated. | N.J. |
| Jan. 1777 | 1 mo. | Subst. | Not stated. | Lt. Wood | N.J. |
| Apr. 1777 | 1 mo. | Subst. | Stephen Chandler | Potter | N.J. |
| July 1777 | 1 mo. | Subst. | Wood | Not stated. | N.J. |
| [missing due to fold in paper] | 1 mo. | Subst. | Not stated. | Not stated. | N.J. |
[next line missing due to fold in paper}
| July 1779 | 1 mo. | Pvt. | Not remembered | Lt. Wade | N.J. |
| Oct. 1779 | 1 mo. | Pvt. | Abraham Speer | Lt. Wood | N.J. |
| Apr. 1780 | 1 mo. | Pvt. | Chandler | Not stated. | N.J. |
| June 1780 | 1 mo. | Pvt. | Potter | Van Courtland | N.J. |

Battles engaged in, Connecticut Farms, [covered by fold in paper]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Connecticut Farms, N. J.
Date of application for pension,  September 14, 1832.
Residence at date of application, New York City.
Age at date of application, Born April 16, 1762.
Remarks: [none]
Very respectfully, Commissioner
Mr. Hampden Osborne,
Columbus, Miss.
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O. W. & N. Division.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
Bureau of Pensions.
Washington, D. C., June 19, 1895
A. E. C.  owm [handwritten]
S23831 [handwritten]
Sir:  In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of ---Abner Osborn--- a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in the Bureau.
[table]
| DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. | STATE. |
|  |  |  | CAPTAIN. | COLONEL. |  |
| Aug. 1776 | 1 mo. | Subst. | Stephen Chandler | Lt. Robert Wade | N.J. |
|Oct. 1776 | 1 mo. | Subst. | Clark | Not stated | N.J. |
| Jan. 1777 | 1 mo. | Subst. | Not stated. | Lt. Wood | N.J. |
| Apr. 1777 | 1 mo. | Subst. | Stephen Chandler | Potter | N,J. |
| July 1777 | 1 mo. | Subst. | Wood | Not stated. | N.J. |
|Oct. 1777 | 1 mo. | Subst. | Not stated. | Not stated. | N.J. |
| Apr. 1778 | not given | Pvt. | Matthias Potter | Lt. Robert Wade | N.J. |
| July 1773 | 1 mo. | Pvt. | Stephen Chandler | Samuel Potter | N.J. |
| Oct. 1778 | 1 mo. | Pvt. | Not stated | Lt. Robert Wade | N.J. |
| Apr. 1779 | 1 mo. | Pvt. | Chandler | Not stated. | N.J. | 
Battles engaged in,  Connecticut Farms, Springfield.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Connecticut Farms, N.J.
Date of application for pension,  September 14, 1832.
Residence at date of application,  New York City.
Age at date of application,  Born April 16, 1762.
Remarks: [none]
Mr. Hampden Osborne, Columbus, Miss.
Very respectfully, Commissioner
Page 18

[form]
Revolution 23831 [handwritten]
INVALID.
File No. 23,831 Abner Osborn Pri Rev War [handwritten]
Act:  June 7 "  32" 
Index: --Vol. 2 [handwritten], Page 304 [handwritten]
(Arrangement of 1870.)
[checkmark in lower right corner]
[handwritten on facing page the following]
June 19/93  Hist. to Hampden Osborne Columbus, Mis.
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State of New Jersey Borough of Elizabeth ss:
I Francis B Chetwood Clerk of the Borough aforesaid and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said Borough hereby certify that Edward Price before whom the annexed affidavit of Abner Osborn was subscribed and sworn at the time of taking the said affidavit was and still is an Alderman of the Borough aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn residing therein and as such Alderman is duly authorized to take affidavits, and I further certify that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Alderman and that the signature "Edward Price Alderman" to the said affidavit subscribed is genuine. In testimony whereof I have herewith subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said Court at Elizabeth Town in the Borough aforesaid this second day of August Eighteen hundred & thirty three [signed] F. B. Chetwood / Clk
[physical seal and ribbons attached to the left]
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State of New Jersey Borough of Elizabeth ss
On this 2nd day of August A.D 1833 personally appeared before the subscriber an Alderman of the Borough aforesaid, Abner Osborn of the City of New York aged 71 years who is personally known to me to be a man of good standing and reputation for veracity and whose statements are entitled to full credit, who being duly sworn according to law on his oath says that he is the same Abner Osborn who made his declaration before the Court of Common Pleas of the Borough of Elizabeth on the fourth day of September 1832, to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 7th of June 1832, That he made his application [x'd out] declaration before the said Court out of the county in which he then resided because he lived in the township of Elizabeth during the Revolutionary war and a considerable time afterwards and he came to Elizabeth Town immediately after he heard of the passing of the said act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832 to make enquiry for testimony to prove his services, and when he arrived at Elizabeth Town he learned that the Court of Common Pleas of Elizabeth was to be in session in three days after his arrival there, that he found many persons about to apply to the said Court who had performed services in the same places at which he had been stationed, and he thought it the best time and place to make his declaration, thinking he might find some witnesses to his services, but upon enquiry he was informed that all those persons who served at any time with him during the revolution were dead except Matthias Brant whose affidavit he procured and is embodied in his declaration and one David Wade who this deponent is informed resides somewhere in the State of Ohio, but whose affidavit by reason thereof he can not procure - That he was not informed
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of all that would be required of him, to entitle him to receive a pension for his services until after he had made his declaration in Court, that he was unwell at the time he made his declaration, and had not sufficient time to reflect upon his various services to be able to state them all or with the certainty required of him, and that from the length of time elapsed since those services were rendered and having nothing from which he can specify them except his memory which by reason of old age is infirm and failing is not able at this time (tho he has reflected much upon his services since he made his declaration) to state all the particulars of his services as minutely as is required of him.
That at the time he made his declaration in open Court he did not know that those services which he recollected as a substitute would be allowed as he had not seen the law
That the first service which he recollects to have performed in the revolution was in the month of August 1776 during which month he served as a substitute for his father Michael Osborn and was stationed at Elizabeth Town Point and was employed in guarding the shore and erecting breast works at that place and was under the command of Robert Wade who was Lieut of the company and Commanded him at that time - he served a month at that time and was dismissed he thinks Stephen Chandler was Captain of the company but did not command at that time.
In the month of October 1776 he served one month under Capt. Clark of Westfield and was stationed at Amboy, with the Westfield and Turkey militia and guarded the shore along the lines - he served a month and was dismissed but received no discharge  the British lay on Staten Island opposite Amboy & in sight of the company all the time they occupied that station - that month he served as a substitute for his father
In the month of January 1777 he was stationed at Woodbridge in the county of Middlesex and served one month as a substitute for his father, Lieut Wood commanded the company but he can not say who was Captain, as he did not see him at that station.  General Heard, Col Jacques and Major Craig
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more the field officers at the foregoing stations - this was the only month he recollects to have served in the winter season. 
In the month of April 1777 he served one month at Elizabeth Town in the Company of Capt Stephen Chandler, he lay with the company in the town, and was employed in guarding the shore at Elizabeth Town Point, to prevent the enemy who were on the opposite shore at Staten Island, from crossing over, he served as a substitute for his father. Col Potter and Major Halsted were the field officers at that station.
In July 1777 he was again stationed at Woodbridge, and served one month as a substitute for his father, in the company of Capt Wood who commanded the company at that time. he lay with the company in Woodbridge and kept guard at the Blazing Star on the shore opposite Staten Island, at which time the British lay at what was then called cuckle's town fort on Staten Island - and were in sight all the time.
In October 1777 he served one month as a substitute for his father, and was again stationed at Amboy, but he can not say with certainty who commanded the company - he was employed in guarding the shore. The foregoing are the only particular months he can at this time state, in which he served at Woodbridge and Amboy, which places were called in the war time the lower beat as it was the farthest distance south from his house, at which he used to be stationed on monthly duty. General Heard, Col Jacques and Major Craig were the field officers at those stations.
In the month of April 1778 being sixteen years of age he was classed with fourteen others who formed a company [crossed out] class of fifteen [illegible] - Capt. Matthias Potter, Robert Wade Lieut. and was called on duty immediately and was stationed with the Company under the Command of Capt Stephen Chandler  at Elizabeth Town, and kept guard at the shore at Elizabeth Town Point and at Halsteds Point
In the month of July 1778 he served a month under Capt. Stephen Chandler, and was stationed at Elizabeth Town and billeted with one John Herriman during that service, he marched with Capt Chandler to Minisink, which was the service
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vice mentioned rendered [struck out] by him in his declaration to have been performed in June 1778, which from reflection he finds was not correctly stated in point of time. In October 1778 he served one month at Newark the county of Essex under the command of Lieut Robert Wade who commanded this company at that time. he was employed at that station in guarding the passaic river to prevent the enemy who lay on Bergen point from crossing the river  In April 1779 he served one month at Elizabeth Town under Capt Chandler, and guarded the shore at the point.  In July 1779 he served one month at Newark under the command of a subaltern, but he can not state with certainty who he was but the captain he knows was not there and he thinks Lieut Wade commanded again - and was employed as before on that station - In October 1779 he served one month at Acquackanonk under Capt Abraham Speer and Lieut Wood during which time the enemy were at Hackensack, he was employed on that station in guarding the shore along second river to prevent the enemy from crossing over from Hackensack.  In April 1780 he served one month at Elizabeth Town [start strikeout] under Capt Potter, at which time the British had possession of the town and left the [end strikeout] under Capt Chandler and was stationed at the barracks and guarded the shore.  In June 1780 the whole militia were called out at which time the enemy came over from Staten Island and took possession of Elizabeth Town.  he served a month at that time under Capt Potter during which month the enemy marched to Springfield and Connecticut farms at both of which places a battle was fought in which this deponent was engaged. this deponent and David Edwards took a Hessian prisoner at the battle at the Farms and he took a prisoner of the 63rd regiment of infantry at the battle at Springfield. He was also engaged with a patrolling party of scouts in which he was constantly engaged against the Refugees - The field officers under whom he served at Elizabeth Town were Col Potter & Major Halsted, and at Newark Col Nan Cortland & Major Hays General Windes was commander in chief of the militia in that section of county. 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 services mentioned below and in the following grades For six months I served as a substitute in the infantry of the militia for my father. For eight months I served as a private soldier on my own account in the infantry of the militia and for such service I claim a pension [signed] Abner Osborn
Subscribed & sworn this 2nd day of August 1833 before me [signed] Edward Price, Alderman
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Abner Osborne
NJ
[illegible]
get papers

8 mo private
26.66
L Condist
Morristown NJ

[in background and sideways] The Hon Lewis Cass
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Elizth Town October 10, 1832
Dear Sir
Enclosed is an additional affidavit in and of the application of Abner Osborn for a pension. Great difficulty arises in almost any application for the want of as strict proof as is required, which lapse of time has caused. Mr Osborn will not, by reason of the death of all who served with him be able to procure any further evidence of his services - and must therefore be satisfied with what amount his papers entitle him to - He desires the certificate to be forwarded to me -
Your obt. servt F. B. Chetwood
The Hon Lewis Cass
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State of New Jersey Borough of Elizabeth ss
Personally appeared before the subscriber an Alderman of the Borough of Elizabeth and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said Borough, Abner Osborn of the City of New York who is a man of good standing in society and his statements are entitled to full credit, who being duly sworn on his oath says that he is the same Abner Osborn who made his declaration before the Court of Common Pleas of the Borough of Elizabeth for the benefit of the act of of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he has made diligent enquiry to find some person who recollected him when a boy but he cannot find any person who can recollect his size or bodily ability (the first several years of the revolutionary war) to perform militia duty. That he was large of his age at 14 years old and could undergo more militia duty at that age than most of the company in which he served could do at 16 or 17 years of age that at the age of 14 years he was ever curiously huge, strong and athletic, and was able to perform and did perform the same militia duty as the members of his company who were of older years, and performed the same duty with the other members of his duty company. That at the age of 14 years his father put him in his place as a substitute and the Capt was always willing to receive him in the place of his father and preferred it. Subscribed & sworn this 19th of August 1833 before me Moses Chandler Alderman [signed] Abner Osborn
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State of New Jersey Borough of Elizabeth ss
I Francis B Chetwood Clerk of the Borough of Elizabeth and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said Borough hereby certify that Moses Chandler before whom the within affidavit of Abner Osborn was subscribed and sworn at the time of taking the said affidavit was and still is an alderman of the Borough aforesaid and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said Borough, duly commissioned and qualified, residing therein, and as such is authorized to take affidavits, and I further certify that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Alderman and that the signature "Moses Chandler Alderman" to the said affidavit subscribed is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said Court at Elizabeth Town in the Borough aforesaid this nineteenth day of August 1833. [signed F. B. Chetwood / Clk [blurred stamped seal to the left]
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[letterhead]
[graphic logo on left] The Laurel Rates $2.00 Per Day ED. D. STRATTON, Proprietor
[in upper right] First-Class Livery Stable. GOOD STOCK AND VEHICLES AT MODERATE PRICES.
[handwritten letter follows]
P.O. address Columbus Mississippi
Laurel, Miss. 6/1 1895
To The Honorable Commissioner of Pensions Washington DC.
Dear Sir: I desire information relatin to Abner Osborn who was a minute man in the New Jersey - Militia - during the war of the revolution entering the service from Essex County [underscored] . He after words moved to New York City [underscored] where he died at an advanced age. Did he [illegible] draw a pension [underscored] either as from NJ or NY? I wish the data in establishing my eligibility to membership in the society of "Sons of the Revolution" and will greatly appreciate a prompt response. [illegible] truly, [signed] Hampden Osborne
P.O. address Columbus Mississippi