Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23451, for Abner Taylor, New York
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(3-1776) 
SERVICE 
New York 
Taylor, Abner 
NUMBER 
S.23451
CONTENTS
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[left side]
Increased from $20 per annum. 29. Sept. 1840 

[right side]
Albany 28,771 

Abner Taylor 
of Yates Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Onderdonk of the regt commanded by Col. Hay in the N. York line for 18 months 

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 60 Dollars ---Cents per annum, Increased from $20 per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. former payments to be deducted

Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of Sep. 1840 and sent to Sylvester Spencer, New York 

Arrears to the 4th of 
Semi-annual allowance ending 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by D. Brown  Clerk.
Book E. 2.  Vol. 4.  Page 72
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State of New York}
County of Yates Ss } 
On this 11th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common
Pleas now sitting Abner Taylor, of Benton in the County of Yates and State aforesaid aged seventy nine 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 June 7th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States and served as herein stated- Six months in Captain Abraham Onderdonks Company & Colonel Hay's Regiment of Militia, and was stationed at a place called the Red Hills, near Peekskill in the County of West Chester in the State of
New York. That it was in the Spring of the year when he enlisted, and in the year 1776 or 1777- That the company to which he belonged were engaged during said term in fortifying, and keeping guard that the British Shipping lay in the North river below where they were stationed, and were
daily expected to come up the River - That while they were at work at the fortification General George Clinton came there several times to superintend and inspect the works-
That he served in this campaign six months and was regularly discharged by Capt Onderdonk but that the discharge which he received is lost and gone
 And the said Abner Taylor further
declares that after he performed the
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Six months service in Captain Onderdonk's Company aforesaid in the State of New York he removed into the County of Bergen, in
the State of New Jersey, and that the militia were called out to go against the enemy, and that he went among the rest, a little previous to the battle of Monmouth, under Captain Terwilleger.  That he served in this tour one month and was in the battle of Monmouth That the winter following the Battle of Monmouth he removed back to the Town of Hempstead in the County of Orange (now Ramapo & County of Rockland) and State of New York, and that the next spring thereafter he enlisted for one year in Captain John Cooley's Company of Militia, and was stationed at Kings ferry on the North River in the County aforesaid and that he served the full time of his enlistment, and was discharged by Captain Cooley 
That while he lay at Kings ferry the British came up the North River, and took Stoney Point and that Captain Cooley & his company retreated up the River to West Point, and that after Stoney Point was retaken by the Americans under General Wayne, they returned to their old station at Kings ferry, where they remained untill the expiration of the year and were discharged--
And the said Abner Taylor further declares that he lived during the war, in the County of Orange aforesaid in the State of New York except the year that he was in New Jersey and
near the North River, that the inhabitants along the North River were continually alarmed by the British shipping coming up the River and by the depredations of the Tories and that the militia were constantly called out to keep guard and keep them in check and after on very short tours of duty - That
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he the said Abner was frequently called out on this kind of duty, from three days to as many weeks, the precise length of time in all he cannot now recollect but it was a great many different times and from the best of his recollection, it could not have been less than five months, and
he thinks it was more-
And the said Abner Taylor further
declares that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot now recollect the names of any other officers under whom he served, or the particular dates of his entering the service, and of his
leaving the same, and may be  mistaken as to the year in which the service was performed but that he performed all the service herein
set forth and more, he is quite certain--
And the said Abner Taylor further
declares that he was born at Pine's Bridge in the County of West Chester & State of New York in the year 1753. That there is a record of his age in his Bible, which he bequeathed to his son who resides in the City of New York
and that he saw it at his sons house a few months since-- That he lived at Clarkstown in Orange County when first called into the service, where he resided during more of the war. That he was about one year in New Jersey as before stated. That after the
war he continued to reside in Orange
County till the year 1816 when he removed to Camillus in the County of Onondaga in the Western part of the State of New York where he resided seven years, & from thence he removed to Junius in the County of Seneca where he resided two years, & from thence he removed to Phelps in Ontario County where he resided three years- From
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from Phelps he removed to Seneca, in
the same County where he staid three years and from thence to Benton in the County of Yates where he now resides - that he is known to Matthew Coe, Edward P. Ackerson and Martin Gage Post Master at Benton
aforesaid, who can testify as to his character for truth and veracity, and of their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution And the said Abner Taylor further declares that there is no Clergyman in the neighborhood where he resides, who is or has been sufficiently acquainted with him, to testify to his belief of his age, or to the general belief in his Neighborhood, relative to his Revolutionary services- That during the whole time he served as a private
soldier - And the said Abner Taylor further declares that he hereby relinquishes every 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 and that he has no documentary evidence whereby to
establish his claim, and that he knows
of no other persons whose testimony he can procure except those whose affidavits are hereunto affixed-
Sworn & Subscribed before me
this 11th day of January 1833
George Shearman Clerk
Abner Taylor his X mark
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We Matthew Coe of Seneca in the County of Ontario & State of New York, and Edward P. Ackerson --- of Benton in the County of Yates and State aforesaid do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abner Taylor who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and have been well acquainted with him for a great number of years, that we believe him to be seventy nine 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 
[signed] Matthew Cow  Edward P. Eckerson
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid- 
[signed] George Shearman 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 named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states - and the Court further Certifies that it appears to them that Matthew Coe, resident of the Town of Seneca in the County of Ontario & State aforesaid and Edward P. Ackerson, a resident of Benton in the County of Yates & State aforesaid, who have signed the preceding certificate are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit-
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I George Shearman Clerk of the Court of Yates [Com Pleas, crossed out] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abner Taylor for a pension – 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 11th day of January in the year of our Lord - one thousand eight hundred and - thirty three 
[signed] George Shearman Clerk 

State of New York 
Yates County ss. } Matthew Coe of Seneca in the County of - Ontario, personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Yates, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Abner Taylor, and was well acquainted with him during the Revolutionary war, that he saw him in Capt Onderdonks, Company and Col. - Hays Regiment of New York Militia, at the Red Hills in the County of West Chester, near Peekskill , on the North River in the State of New York. And that it was the year before Fort Montgomery was taken by the enemy according to this deponents recollection - That he knew Captain Onderdonk & Colonel Hays- That he - knows the said Abner Taylor served in said Company at the place aforesaid but for how long a period this deponent does not know –
And the said deponent further saith that he saw the said Abner Taylor on duty along the North River in the County of Orange at different places, and different times, keeping guard, and that he this deponent was out with
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him, but not in the same company – 
And this deponent further saith that he this deponent is seventy five years of age and that he has no doubt, from what he knows of Abner Taylor, as to his services & character for truth and veracity, that he served as he states in his declaration this deponent - having heard the same read- 
And further this deponent saith not 
[signed] Mathew Coe
Subscribed & sworn Novr 28 1832 before me 
[signed] Saml G. Gage J.P.
State of New York
Yates Co ss. }  
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Yates Mary Ferguson, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that she is a sister of Abner Taylor aged seventy five years, that the kept house for her Brother Abner Taylor, at the time he went into the service under Capt Onderdonk at the Red Hills - That he was gone in this tour of duty at least six months, but what year it was she cannot now recollect, but that it was in the forepart of the war- 
And this deponent further saith that the said Abner Taylor, served one year or thereabouts, at Kings Ferry and West Point on the north River under Captain Cooley - That she recollects the time when he went to Kings Ferry & when he returned home - That she knew Capt Cooley, Capt Onderdonk and Col. Hays well but that by reason of old age and consequent loss of memory, she does not now recollect any other officers, nor does she recollect the years in which the services were performed –
And this deponent further saith that the said Abner Taylor was gone one month in New Jersey and was at the battle of Monmouth as this deponent understood
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And this deponent further saith, that, for a great part of the time during the war, and particularly while the British had possession of New York City, the country - bordering on the North River, was very much harrassed by the enemy and the inhabitants kept in a continual State of Alarm -that the Militia were repeatedly called out to repel the enemy, and protect the inhabitants and that her Brother the said Abner Taylor - was out a great deal on this kind of duty, so much so that she frequently had to take care of the crops, and harvest the grain herself – 
How long he was out on these short tours of duty she cannot tell, but thinks it could not have been less than one year- 
And further this deponent saith not – 
[signed] Mary Fergusen  X her mark
Subscribed & sworn Nov. 28. 1832 before me 
[signed] Saml G. Gage J.P. 
I Samuel G. Gorge, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Yates do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Matthew Coe, one of the foregoing witnesses, who has - sworn to the services of Abner Taylor in the Revolutionary War and that he is a credible person, and that his statement is - entitled to full faith and credit - I do further certify that I am not personally acquainted with Mary Ferguson the other - witness and the sister of the said Abner Taylor, but that she is - represented to me by persons of truth and veracity as a credible person and that her statement is entitled to credit- 
[signed] Saml. G. Gage Justice of the Peace 
Benton Yates Co. N.Y. 
November 28 1832 } 

State of New York 
County of Yates } ss.  I, George Shearman Clerk of said county do hereby certify that Samuel G. Gage Esq. before whom the above or foregoing Affidavits of Mathew Coe, & Mary Furgeson and also who made the above certificate was at the dates thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in & said county and duly empowered by law to administer oaths And I further certify that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and verily believe that his signatures to the said affidavits and certificate is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at Pennyan the 11th day of January 1833. 
[signed] George Shearman  Clerk
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No 31848- 
Abner Taylor 
New York 

Admitted 
Private 6 months 
Capt. Onderdonk 
Capt Cooley 2 months
Masters Dept-12 mo

Martin Gage 
Benton 
Yates County
New York
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WAR DEPARTMENT. 
Pension Ofice, 
May 27 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 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. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the service of Abner Taylor Yates County New York 
[TABLE, BY COLUMN]
Period when the service was rendered
Enlisted Spring of 1776 or 7 |  Enlisted
Duration of the claimant's service. 
6 Months ┃ 1 Month ┃ 1* Month  |  not less 5 Months & thinks more
Rank of claimant. 
Private
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Capt Onderdonk  |  Terwilleger  |  Cooley
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Col Hays  |  cant recollect the name of the other officers.
Battles in which applicant was engaged. 
none  |  Monmouth  |  None  |  [none]
Country through which he marched. 
NY  |  NJ  |  NY  |  NY
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present 
Aged 79 ┃ Orange County NY 
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary & Living witnesses
[END OF TABLE]
I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 
J. L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions. 
*This figure 1 is placed in the wrong line-- Should be 1 yr. instead of 1 month according to declaration- M. G
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2 
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. 
The following regulations have been adopted: 
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. 
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 
1. The Regular Troops. 
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 
3. Persons employed in the Naval service. 
4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. 
DECLARATION. 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. 
State, Territory or District of County } ss.
On this ___ day of ___ personally appeared (a) before __ A.B. a resident (b) of ___ in the county of ___  and State, territory or District of ___  ages (c) ___ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the 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) ___  , with ___ and served in the ___ (e) regiment of the ___ line, under the following named officers: 
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which marched. [ ]This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of ___
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. ____ A. B. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
I _____ of the Court of ____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of ___for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this ___ day of ___&c. 
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
 (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the ___ and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ___ , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ___ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. ___ who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the ___ and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ___ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I ___Clerk of the Court of ___ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation of ___ for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this ___ day of ___&c. 
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at 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
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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?}
6. {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 in 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 claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his 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 age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For __ year ___ months , and ___ days I served as a ___. For ___ months and ___days, I served as a ___; and for such service I claim a pension." 
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.   Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of 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. 
Proof of Service. 
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant’s entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[ ] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by rule in note [j] applies in continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. no clergyman in the neighborhood
[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.

[signed] Dyer Castor
Exam Clerk
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In reply to your request of [blank] received [blank] for a statement of the military history of Abner Taylor a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's [crossed out]) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
S.23.451
DATES OF
ENLISTMENT OR
APPOINTMENT.
Spring 1770
1278
M
LENGTH OF
SERVICE.
Son
year
2
RANK,
Private
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Abraham Onderdonk
Terwilliger
John
Corley
called out on
COLONEL.
Hay
STATE.
N.W.
A
18
Battles engaged in, Monmouth
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Clarkstown, Orange Co N.Y.
Date of application for pension, Jany 11, 1833. His claim was allowed
Residence at date of application, Benton, Yates Co. N.Y.
of application born in 1753 at Pines bridge Westchester Coy
Age at date of applica-
Remarks: at second enlistment he of
1778 moved to Hempstead Orange Co. N.Y.
In 1833 he referred to
his son in New York City but did not state his name
to
Respectfully,
No Terwilliger in New Jersey
Commissioner.
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Abner Taylor
amended
Page 17

State of New York ⎬
Yates County} Ss
Personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace
in and for the County aforesaid Abner Taylor  who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear to what- Regiment Captain Terwilleger's company of militia was attached in which he the said Abner served one month in New Jersey-- But that he the said Abner recollects, that the
Militia was classed and that a certain number of men out of each company were alloted to go to the army for one month, that when they had-- served one month they returned and others went in their place, and that it was in this manner that the said Abner was called into the service in New Jersey, under Capt Terwilleger - That he
does not know whether they denominated it-- volunteering or being drafted, but each class--had
their turn, and performed their tour of duty and that it was termed among the soldiers--"turning out"-- That the company met at a place called Hopperstown, and marched from there to Woodbridge, below Elizabethtown and from there to Monmouth, where they were joined to the main army, during the battle; but what field offices commanded or to what regiment they were joined the said deponent cannot now tell-- that after the battle Capt Terwilliger and his company returned to Woodbridge where they lay untill the expiration of the time for which they were called out and untill releived by another company - that while there they kept guard and that he the said Abner served in this campaign one month and was discharged by Capt Terwilliger, but not a written discharge
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And this deponent further saith that he enlisted under Capt John Cooley, in the Spring following the Battle of Monmouth as set forth in his declaration made in Court the 11th day of January last for the term of one year, that Capt Cooleys Company was stationed at Kings Ferry on the North River in the State of New York, that
Capt Cooley kept the Ferry, and that there was kept at said Ferry a number of Flat bottomed Boats, to convey the Continental troops, and stores and baggage across the Hudson - that Cooleys Company served as boatmen, or Ferrymen, to move the boats & convey the Continental troops, stores and baggage across the River - that this deponent supposes they belonged to the Continental Establishment-- that
they drew rations, and pay the same as the Continental troops, that it was on the West side of the River where they were stationed, and that another
company was stationed at Verplanks
Paint opposite, on the East side of the River. That he the said Abner served faithfully his time out and at the expiration thereof received a written discharge from Capt Cook and that
said discharge is lost - that said Company was not attached or joined to any other company or Regiment as this deponent knows, or commanded
by any other offices higher in rank then Captain-- that he the said deponent stated in his---
Declaration made as aforesaid, that Capt -Cooleys Company was a militia Company but that this deponent thinks on reflection-- that they must have been considered, as state or
continental troops, and on the Continental establishment-
And the said Abner Taylor further saith that by reason of old age, and severe sickness his memory, and recollection of past events have
failed him very much in the course of
the last few years, that he cannot swear positively
Page 19

to any further particulars respecting his - service, than what is set forth in his declaration and in this affidavit, but that according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades - For six months I served as a private soldier in Capt Onderdonks Company - For one month in Capt Terwillegers Company - For 1 year I served in Capt Cooleys Company, and for Five months along the north River keeping guard &c under different officers - that all this service was as a private soldier, and for such service I - claim a pension- 
[signed] Abner Taylor + his mark
Subscribed & sworn June 11. 1833 before me 
[signed] Saml G. Gage, Justice of the Peace 

State of New York 
Yates County } ss.    Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Matthew Coe, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that Capt John Cooley was stationed at Kings Ferry in the Revolutionary War - that he had a Company under his command, who tended and kept the Ferry, and transported across the - North River the Troops, baggage and stores of the Continental army, in flat bottomed boats - that according to this deponents recollection it was in 1778 - That several of his the said deponents neighbors were at Kings Ferry, and belonged to Capt Cooleys Company, and drew pay and rations, and he understood at the time and believes, that said Ferry was a continental
Page 20

establishment, fixed and established by Congress or government orders--That the Boatman were paid
by the government-- that Cooley Company done duty as Ferryman or Boatmen, and in no other way--
that this deponent was not personally knowing to Abner Taylors serving, at Kings ferry, but that he this deponent knew of his serving at several places as stated in a former affidavit, and that he considers the said Abner to be a man of truth and veracity, and believes that he served as he states-
Matthew Coe
Subscribed & Sworn--
June 11. 1833 before me
Saml.  G. Gage Justice of the Peace

State of New York}
Yates County} Ss
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the
Peace in and for the County aforesaid Martin Gage, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is Post Master at Benton in the County aforesaid and that he is acquainted with Abner Taylor, now a resident of Benton and was acquainted with him
previous to his residence in Benton - that the said Abner appears to be a very old man, and from his appearance should think not less than
Eighty years old, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been
a soldier of the Revolution, and that he the said deponent concurs in that opinion
Martin Gage
Sworn & subscribed
June 11. 1833 before me
Saml Gage Justice of the
Page 21

This may certify that I am acquainted with Martin Gage whose affidavit is hereunto annexed, that he is a credible person and that his
statement is entitled to full credit
and belief
Saml Hay Justice of the Peace
Benton June 11. 1833

State of New York}
County of Yates} 
I George Shearman Clerk of said County of Yates do hereby certify that Samuel G Gage before whom the foregoing Affidavits of Abner Taylor and Mathew Coe purports to have been sworn and also who made the above certificate of credibility was at the time an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county sworn and duly authorized by law to act as
such. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the name "Saml G Gage" to the several affidavits and said above certificate subscribed to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County at Penn Yan this 11th day of June 1833.
Geo. Shearman Clerk
By R M Smith Deputy Clk

State of New York
County of Yates ⎬
I George Shearman Clerk of said County of Yates do hereby certify that Samuel G Gage before whom the foregoing Affidavit of Martin Gage purports to have been sworn was at the time an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county sworn and duly authorized by law to act as such. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signature subscribed to be genuine in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Office this 11th day of June 1833.
Geo. Shearman Clerk
By R M Smith Deputy Clk
Page 22

Pension Claim    Free

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington

N.Y. June 22
recd
Page 23

Benton Yates Co. N.Y
June 15th 1833
Sir
[illegible, paper missing] of [Abner] Taylor claiming [a pen]sion, amended
by his own and two other affidavits. No further testimony can be procured or facts elicited, that will throw light on this case-- Abner Taylor is an honest, temperate, inoffensive, harmless, old man in very indigent circumstances - His memory is very defective, & he appears to have lost his recollection of things, from sickness and old age in a very great degree-- Matthew Coe is one of the best men in our community & so is Edward P. Ackerson - I notice that you have put down the years service at the Ferry in the month line by mistake which I have marked thus *--
I am Sir
very respectfully
your obdnt servt
Martin Gay
In Benton
Yates Co
NY
Page 24

The number and amount of certificates issued by the Treasurer of the State of New York for Levies and Militia Services &c continued from Book No 3
To whom Given
1780 Jany 20 Abner Taylor 16.282 private 8.0.0

State of New York}
Comptrollers Office}
Albany August 7. 1840}
I hereby certify the above to be true extract From Book No 4 now remaining in this office and that the service for which the above named certificate was issued was performed under Capt John Gardner in a regiment commanded by Lieut
Col Gilbert Cooper
[signed] W W Tredway 
Dep Commr
Page 25

Free 

War Department 
Pension Office 
Washington

Benton NY 
May 23

Abner Taylor
New York
May 29, 1834
Page 26

Penton Yates Co. My
May 23, 1834
Sir-
I rd. in due time a letter from the
Pension Office under date of Oct 18 1833 stating "that the claim of Abner Taylor for a pension could not be allowed further than for the six months tour under-Capt Onderdonk " That the case was Suspended and the papers placed on file"
.
On the 15th Nov. following I replied
in substance as near as recollected as
follows (not having a copy of my letter) that from Abner Taylor could not procure any further evidence and he solicited to have a certificate made out for the 6 mo. service under Capt Onderdonk-- Since which time I
have not any intelligence from the Dept.  Abner Taylor is a very decrepit, poor, but honest old man, and is nearly in
Page 27

a starving condition and must erelong
go to the Poor House to be supported-- I would earnestly call the attention of the Depart. to his particular case, since it appears that nothing remains only to make out a
certificate for the 6 mos. that is already allowed-
I also rd a letter dated the 17th October 1833 refering to the claim of John Crawford-I replied to that the 15th Nov. following pointing out some particular points on which I needed
further instruction or explanation. I would respectfully call the attention of the proper Officer to these letters and desire such further exemplification or assistance as he may be able to give me, in order to make up the deficiency
I remain Sir very respectfully your
obdnt servt
Martin Gay
Page 28

Payments to be made New York by Prest Mechs Bank agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of New York 

Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E Vol. 4 Page 82 by Saml H. Page Clerk.
Page 29

WAR DEPARTMENT
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Abner Taylor of the State of New York who was a Private in
the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive Twenty dollars and cents ["and cents" crossed out] per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semiannually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year. Given at the War Office of the United States this 14 day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four
Lee [illegible] [signature crossed out]
Secretary of War
Examined and Countersigned.}
J.L. Edwards [signature crossed out]
Commissioner of Pensions.
[written in different hand to right] [illegible] Five Year Sep 18 36 from Benton
Page 30

21848
Abner Taylor
Act June 7, 1832
---
Col Hay-- New York
Capt. Onderdonk
" [Capt.] Cooley. J. M. Dept
----
Admitted
Private 18 months
L. Spencer Esq
New York
Page 31

Revo.
Act of June 1832
Abner Taylor
Suspended
See letter to Martin Gage
Benton N.Y.
18 Oct 1833
Page 32

205 South Van Disn Ave
Ridgewood, N.Y.
June 1/16
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir;
Can you furnish information additional to what is enclosed herewith which
kindly return to me.
All that I am able to learn is that my great grand father Abner Taylor served in the 2d Orange Militia (N.Y.)
and recevid 8 [illegible]for services
Is there nothing to show where he enlisted and resided
Page 33

and such other information as one
would naturally wish to know
Is there nothing to show in what
battles the regiment was engaged?
Is Mr Go L Derrifield still connected
with your office? I had correspondence with him a few years ago but not recently
Would Orange Co. NY have any
records, if so, whom should I address?
Trusting for may be of assistance
to me in this matter I am
Very truly yours,
(Chuck) Chas E. Hope 

[Circular stamp:] U.S. Pension Office Jun 2 1916
Page 34

New York 28.771
Abner Taylor of Yates C. in the State of New York who was a Private in the Compy commanded by Captain Onderdonk of the Regt commanded by Col Hays in the New York
line for 6 months 
--------
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 20 Dollars [Cents crossed out] per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
------
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of June 1834 and sent to M.
Gage Penton N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March '34 $60.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sept 4. 34 10.00
[Total]$70.00
⎨Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Saml H. Page Clerk,
Book C Vol. 4 Page 82

[written sideways on facing page:] Letter to S. Spencer [illegible] 1840


---
Page 35

[written diagonally at top:] Revolution 

23451
INVALID.
File No. 23,254
Abner Taylor
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7th 32
Index: -- Vol. 2, Page 412
Arrangement of 1870.

[written on  facing page] 1916 June 5.  Hist to Charles E. Hope.