Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10228, for Eliakim Stoops, New Jersey
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Service: New Jersey
Stoops, Eliakim
Margaret
Number R.10228
Contents
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Pennsylvania
Greene County}ss.
On this 30th day of July 1850 before me Mark Gordon, one of the associate Judges of the aforesaid county & state personally appeared Margaret Stoops, a resident of the aforesaid county, aged 89 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the acts of Congress passed 7 July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows, the act of the 3rd March 1843  17 June 1844  and the act of 2nd Febry 1848 extending the provisions of said act of 7 July 1838.  That she is the widow of Eliakim Stoops who enlisted as a private from New Jersey in 1775 to go with the American forces to the north.  Thinks was with Gen. Arnold.  That he was with Arnold at Quebec.  Served through that campaign, had the small pox at that time.  Was at the taking of Burgoyne & was in the service when Arnold deserted to the British.  That after his return to New Jersey he was frequently out with sentry parties.  At one time he Stewart & Cook volunteered to secure one Bacon who had become a terror to the whole country by his robbers & murders & carnage.  Reward was offered  that the three, Stoops, Stewart & Cook undertook to secure him.  Found him in a house with a young lady & killed him.  He served six months in the militia in the year 1779.
She further declares that she was married to the said Eliakim Stoops on or about the 20th of March 1781, that her husband, the aforesaid Eliakim Stoops died on the 26 day of March 1815, that she has remained a widow ever since, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service.
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but the marriage took place previous to Jany 1st 1794 vis as the time above states.  That there is no record of their marriage.  The husband of Hannah Stevens was present at the ceremony and the accompanying family record is a true copy of the original taken from the family Bible in 1823, which original record was torn out.  
Witness Present}  Joseph Stoops

X her mark 
Margaret Stoops
Sworn and subscribed before me this day & year above written.
Mark Gordon

And Phebe Kirby, sworn says she is 79 years of age, that her husband Isaac Kirby was from New Jersey, was a pensioner of the Revolution. That she has often heard him say that he was with & personally acquainted with Eliakim Stoops in the State of New Jersey, that he knew him to be enlisted in the early part of the war to go to Canada, was at the siege & storming of Quebec under Arnold, that he Kirby was personally acquainted with Stoops in Green Co. Pa, that they often conversed before her together on the fatigue of that campaign.  Thinks Stoops was in the service when Arnold deserted & was considered one of the best soldiers in the American services.  That she was not acquainted with the family of Stoops until they came to Green Co in 1806.  That Eliakim Stoops died 26 March 1815 leaving a wife Margaret who has remained a widow ever since.  
Mark Gordon
Phebe Kirby
Sworn and subscribed before me this 30 day of July 1850.
Mark Gordon
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Isaiah Stoops was born April the 10, 1782
John Stoops was born July the 7th 1784
William Stoops was born December the 22nd 1786
George Stoops was born August the 18th 1789
Joseph Stoops was born February the 22nd 1792
Mary Stoops was born April the 22nd 1795
Andrew Stoops was born August the 2nd 1797
Andrew
James Stoops was born August the 7th 1807
David Linsabaug December 19, 1823
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Pennsylvania
Green County}ss.
Personally appeared before me Hannah Stevens age 81 & being duly sworn says she lived in the state of New Jersey at the time of the Revolutionary War, that she was then personally acquainted with the said Eliakim Stoops & Margaret Stoops his wife, that the said Eliakim Stoops was very noticed for his bravery as a soldier, that he was out in the first of the war & went to Canada & suffered very much, that he had the small pox in the army, that he belonged to the Militia of New Jersey about the year 1779 or 1780, that he assisted Cook & Steward in killing one Bacon, a notorious robber & murdered.  Also one other for whom a large reward was offered.  That he done great service to the American cause by his daring acts & bravery.  That her husband Edward Stevens was present at the ceremony of the marriage or at the house the next morning after they were married.  That she knows they were married about the year 1781 & that she had been personally acquainted with them ever since that time to the death of Eliakim Stoops in March 1815 & with his widow Margaret Stoops who has remained as a widow ever since.  That Isaiah Stoops was their oldest child born in 1782, that he was named Isaiah in respect to the one Isaiah Clevinger who was a soldier with him in the service & with whom a strong attachment existed till their death.  
Hannah Stephens
Mark Gordonon
Sworn & subscribed before me this 30th day of July 1850
Mark Gordon
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James Roberts sworn deposeth & saith that he was personally acquainted with Eliakim Stoops & Margaret his wife from his childhood to the death of the said Eliakim Soops which took place on the 26 March 1815 & with his widow to the present, that he is now 65 years of age, that some years ago he with Andrew Stoops, son of the said Eliakim & Margaret Stoops, thought they would try & get proof of the service of the said Stoops & get a pension for the widow, that they went to see Isaiah Clevinger on the subject, that he told them that he was ready to be qualified, that Eliakim Stoops was in the service from 1775 to the desertion of Arnold, that he went to Canada, was at the storming of Quebec, the taking of Burgoyne & that he served in the militia of New Jersey for some time about the year 1779 or 1780, that he had heard Clevinger say that Eliakim Stoops was one of the best & most daring soldiers that was in the American service, that before they got ready to take Clevingers affidavit he died, he was pensioner. Clevinger thinks Stoops enlisted at Philadelphia, that he Clevinger was at their wedding, their first son was named after him Isaiah & was born in 1782.
Mark Gordon
James Roberts
Sworn & subscribed before me this 30th day of July 1850.
Mark Gordon
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Pennsylvania
Green County }ss.
On this 30 day of July 1850 before me J. Stewart a Justice of the Peace within & for the aforesaid county & state personally appeared Stacy Stevens a respectable resident of the said county aged 74 years who being duly sworn according to law saith that he was born in New Jersey, that he was personally acquainted with Eliakim Stoops who lived on land adjoining his (Stevens) father, that they were married before he knew them or could recollect it, that it was a very current report then that said Stoops was in the war of 1776, that he was in the service in the first of the war, went to Canada & suffered the fatigues of that campaign, that he thinks was in 1775 & 76 when Arnold & Montgomery undertook the siege of Quebec.  That it was earnestly reported that Stoops was also at the battle and taking of Burgoyne as at the time, Arnold deserted.  That afterwards he with two others Cook & Stewart went about 60 miles to take one Bacon or Baker who was a notorious highwayman & was doing great damage, so that a large reward was offered.  They succeeded in killing & getting the said Bacon, that he was counted one of the best soldiers in the American service & should think that from the general report at that time in New Jersey that Stoops served most part of the war.  That he knew him & his wife Margaret in Green Co, Pa & are the identical persons he knew in New Jersey.
Stacy Stephens
Sworn & subscribed before me this 30 day of July 1850
Jeremiah Stewart J.P.
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I Mark Gordon one of the associate Judges of Green County Pa do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration of Margaret Stoops was made before me at her residence, that from age and infirmity she is unable to appear in open court, that I have been personally acquainted with the applicant & the witnesses Hannah Stevens, Phebe Kirby, James Roberts & Stacy Stevens for about 40 years.  They are all respectable residents of the aforesaid county & their testimony is entitled to full credit.  And I further certify that the foregoing is the original proceedings before me in the case of Margaret Stoops for a pension & I am fully of opinion from the testimony before me that Eliakim Stoops, the husband of the applicant was a soldier of the Revolution & served as is stated in the said declaration.  That the witnesses have been examined by me separately & their testimony is entirely unbiased.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & request the clerk of the court to certify to my official capacity.  
Mark Gordon
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Rev. War Section.
Oct. 17, 1922
Mrs. Stella Watters
2311 Bancroft Way,
Berkeley, California

Madam:
I leave to advise x
x From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 10228, it appears that Margaret Stoops, while residing in Greene county, Pennsylvania, aged 89 years, applied for pension July 31, 1850, and alleged that she married, on March 20, 1781. Eliakim Stoops, who died March 26, 1815.

She also alleged that he enlisted from New Jersey in 1775 & served as a Private, was in the Expedition to Quebec; also at the taking of Burgoyne; served six months in the militia in 1779; and was in the service when Arnold deserted to the enemy, no officers named. 
Her claim was not allowed, as she failed to furnish specific proof of her husband's service and of the date of her marriage as required by the pension laws.
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Their children were-
Isaiah Stoops born April 13, 1782
John Stoops born July 7, 1784
William Stoops born December 22, 1786
George Stoops born August 18, 1789
Joseph Stoops born February 22, 1792
Mary Stoops born April 22, 1795
Andrew Stoops born August 2, 1797
James Stoops born August 7, 1807

Very respectfully,

Commissioner,
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Copy
Pension Office,
Mch 26, 1851
S. Barnes Esqr.
Morgantown Va
Sir:
A letter was addressed to you in the case of Margaret Stoops on the 30th Nov. last.
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Oct 6 1918
To the Pension Department
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir-
Will you kindly tell me if Eliakim Stoops, a Revolutionary solder was ever given a pension, or if his wife, who lived at Washington Court House, Pennsylvania, or his son, ever received a pension or bounty land for his war service?
Very Respectfully
Hattie R. P Watters
321 Poplar Street
Chattanooga, Tenn.

Hasten for Capt. R. P. Stoops in [illegible]

Postmarked:  U.S. Pension Office Oct 11 1918
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[illegible]
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Rejected
10,228
P.O. 
Margaret Stoops
Service:
Enlisted:________, 18
Discharged: ________,18
Application Filed: ________,18
Nothing in 1850 list & claim filed too late
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P.O.
Recognized
Contra
Cert of Dis.
Searched for ______,18
1918 Oct 21 Hist ot Capt R. P. Stoops
[illegible] R. Stratton
1922 Oct 17 History to Mrs. Stella Watters
1925 Dec 15 HIst to Rev. S. L Boyers
1926 May 6 Letter to P. L. Boyers
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United States Dept of the Interior
Washington D.C.

Postmarked:  Dept of the Interior
Received Sep 18, 1922

Dear Sir:-
Can you give me any information about Eliakim Stoops?
I have been trying to trace my ancestors back to the Revolutionary War and believe I have gotten on track of them.  My grandfather Eliakim Stoops born in 1820 fought and died in the Civil War Aug 7 - 1862.  His father Joseph Stoops fought in the war of 1812.  He was born in Fayette Co. Penn. Feb 22 1792
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I have just now received the information that the father of aforesaid Joseph Stoops and grandfather of my grandfather Eliakim Stoops whose name was also Eliakim Stoops was born in or near Green Co. Penn and that he served in the New Jersey troops in the Revolutionary War.  Can you tell me if this is true - where and how long he served in the Revolutionary War and when he died. 
Respectfully Yours,
(Mrs) Stella B. Watters
2311 Bancroft Way
Berkeley California
Sept 11, 1922
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White Cross Hospital Association
700 North Park Street
Columbus, Ohio

Nov 20, 1925
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D.C.
Postmarked:  U.S. PEnsion Office Nov 23, 1925

Dear Sir:-
It has come down through my ancestors on my mother's side, that my mother's grandfather was in the battle of Trenton when Washington crossed the Delaware River and captured about 1000 Hessians.  His name was Eliakim Stoops.  He was a native of New Jersey.  Was he on the list, or is the name of any Stoops on it?
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2
I shall be grateful for any informaiton.
Cordially yours
S. L. Boyers
Field Secretary
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White Cross Hospital Association
White Cross Hospital and School of Nursing
700 North Park Street
Columbus, Ohio

Hospital Committee
W. F. Hutchinson
John S. Benson
James A. White
S. W. Frank
Lester S. Bush
John F. Fergus
Chairman Bishop Theodore S. Henserson Cincinnati
Vice Chairman Rev. W. C. Hartinger Columbus
Rev. S. K. Johnson Kanesville
REv. L. C. Sparks Lancaster
Rev. E. D. Alexander Portsmouth
Rev. J. W. Blair Chillicothe
Rev.  H. J. Holcombe Athens

Mar 16, 1926
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:-
We have good reason to believe that Eliakim Stoops served in the Revolutionary War.  Does his name appear anywhere in the records.  It is claimed he was married March 20, 1781 Died Mar 26, 1815, that he enlisted from New Jersey, that he was in the expedition to Quebec, was with Gates when he took

Ohio Conference White Cross Hospital Campaign
$300,000

Postmarked:  U.S. Pension Office Mar 18 1928
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2
Burgoyne and was in the service when Arnold deserted.
Very Respectfully,
S. L. Boyers
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[illegible] Burns
Nov 20 / 30
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421
Pension Office, Nov 30, 1850
Sir
The declaration in the case of Margaret Stoops dec'd has been put on file.  From an examination of the evidence accompanying it, I am constrained to dissent from the opinions of the learned judges who declared it to be as well fortified, and to say that no one necessary point is properly as to this such.   The papers purporting to be a family record is in undoubtedly of recent manufacture.  The claimant must produce the certificate of the custodian of marriage registers in the county or township or church where the marriage occurred to show what if any evidence on the subject now exists in his archives, and whether or not they are regarded as perfect.  If such proof cannot be found, witnesses must state how for back they new the parties in the relation of husband and wife, and must also show by what circumstances the dates they may maintain became fixed in their minds.  
As it seems that Stoops served in New
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Jersey, application must be made to the Secretary of State for such proof of that service as he may have in his affair. The past testimony consist principally of the declaration made by witnesses as to what other persons around themselves [illegible].   But such hearsay evidence can not be [illegible].  Allegations of service must be sustained by the oaths of men who themselves knew of the rendition of that service.  Second hand testimony is never admissive is such cases. 

Seymore Barnes Esq.
Morgantown, Va.
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awf
Rev. and 1812
War Section

May 6, 1926

S. L. Boyers
700 N. Park St
Columbus, Ohio

Sirs:
I have to advise you that you were furnished December 15, 1925, the history of the only Eliakim Stoops, found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
Owing to a lack of clerical forces available for such a purpose, it is not the practice of the Bureau to send the same history twice to the same person.  
Respectfully,
Winfield Scott
Commissioner.
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In reply to your request of ................, received.............. for a statement of the military history of Eliakim Stoops a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in his widow's application for pension on file in this Bureau.
R. 10228
Dates of Enlistment or appointment
Length of Service
Rank
Officers under whom service was rendered. Captain. Colonel. 
State
Widow stated that the soldier enlisted from New Jersey in 1775 as a private & was in the expedition to Quebec and at the taking of Burgoyne.  Aftwds he was frequently ordered out with scouting parties; served 6 mos. in the militia in 1779.  Was also in the service when Arnold deserted to the enemy.  No other dates or officers stated. 
Battles engaged in:  Taking of Burgoyne
Residence of soldier at enlistment................
Date of application for pension, by widow July 31, 1850
Residence at date of application Green Co, Pennsylvania
Age at date of application, she was eight nine years 
Remarks:  he married  Mch 20 1781 Margaret
He died Mch 26, 1815.  His age is not stated.
Her claim was never allowed for the reason that the widow failed to furnish specific proof of her husband's service and her marriage, required by the pension laws.  

Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Do not send in this form again
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Rev. War Section.
October 21, 1918

Captain R. P. Stoops,
c/o Hattie R. Stratton
321 Poplar Street,
Chattanooga, Tennessee

Sir:
In addition to the enclosed statement relative to Eliakim Stoops, R. File No. 10,228 Rev. War, you are furnished the following family data from the papers on file.

Isaiah Stoops     was born   April 13, 1782.
John Stoops        "       "       July 7, 1784.
William Stoops    "       "      December 22, 1786
George Stoops    "       "      August 18, 1789
Joseph Stoops    "       "      February 22, 1792
Mary Stoops        "       "      April 22, 1795
Andrew Stoops    "       "      August 2, 1797
James Stoops       "       "     August 7, 1807

Very respectfully,
S. [illegible]
Commissioner
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No. 14185
Declaration of
Margaret Stoops
Widow of Eliakim
Act July 7, 1838
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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Greene County }ss.
I Henry L. Permock, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Greene aforesaid, do certify that the Honorable Mark Gordon Esquire, before whom the foregoing declaration appears to have been made and depositions thereto attached taken; was at the time thereof and still is one of the Associate Judges of the said court, duly commissioned and qualified to all whose acts as such full faith and credit are due.  And I do also certify that Jeremiah Stewart Esquire, before whom deposition appears to have been taken in the same matter, and hereto attached was at the time thereof and still is a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, duly commissioned and qualified to all whose acts as such full faith and credit are due; and that the signatures of the aforesaid Mark Gordon and Jeremiah Stewart hereto attached are genuine.  
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said Court at Waynesburg, the first day of August, in the year of Our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty. 
H. L. Permock, Prothonotary
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Morgantown, Pa Aug 3rd /50

Dear Sir
I have the honor of presenting the vouchers of Margaret Stoops for a pension.  
Every effort has been made to fortify this claim & strengthen it with all the proof that could be found in this part of the county & Judge Gordon did me the honor to say that he has never had before him, a claim that to him appeared more worthy.  It is submitted in the hope the records will give a full pension. 
I have the honor to be
very respectfully
Your obt. serv.
Seymore Barns

Hon. J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Comm of Pensions
Washington

PS.  Please allow the case to be acted upon soon.  S. Barns
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Dover Del  Dec 12th 1850
Hon Sir:
Allow me most respectfully to state that late in June last, I presented the claim of Mary Simkins for a pension for the widow of Charles Simkins, he dying in 1843.  The first declaration was made under the act 2nd Jay 1782 and as I read the act, she would be entitled under the act of the 2nd Feb & not under the act 29 July 1848.  After saying their ten weeks was rejected on the ground that it was under the acts of 38, 43 & 44, but that the daughter would be entitled under the act of 29th July 1848 a supplementary declaration was subsequently made by the daughter & forwarded by J. T. David, Esqr.  This claimant is getting quite impatient.  I am sure the certificate should issue on the first declaration.  
Also, the claim of Margaret Stoops presented I think in July, perhaps in August, was sent on from Morgantown, Pa.  I have not heard the fate of this & should think it time it was reported on.  Please direct your reply to this place if in a week. 
I have the honor to be sir very respectfully
Your Obt Sevt
Seymour Barns

Hon. Mr. Heath Esqr
Comm Pensions
Washington City
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Seymour Barns
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Morgantown Pa  Jay 2nd /51
Hon Sir
Allow me most respectfully to ask your influence & assistance in some cases I have before the Pension Office.  I sent the papers for a pension for Barbara Simpkins (a very plain case) in June last & the papers were all the law requires.  I applied under the act of Feb 2nd 1848, proved the marriage to be before 94 and positive the case was rejected as being under the acts of 38, 43 & 44 but she would be entitled under the 29 July 48.  Made a declaration under that & then proof was wanting & not a declaration.  I have past written Mr. Heath that he had the papers & they prove all the law requires & that I should expect a pension certificate immediately & referred Mr. Heath to your Hon.  
There is also another claim for Mrs. Margaret Stoops as meritorious as any claims can be & well fortified, everything done that could be & that must lay by unless your Hon might take it in hand.  
My health will hardly allow me to set up long enough to write & I do not expect to live but few weeks at most & I wish much to close these 2 claims if possible. 
I have the honor to be
very respectfully
Your obt servt
Seymour Barns

Hon T. S. Haymon, Esqr
Mr Seymour Barns is at this time in very bad health and would be very glad you would attend to the above claims for him anything you can do
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for him  will be surely appreciated
& i e
Nothing new here
A. Haymonds