Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10954, Matthew Vissher, New York
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Service: New York
Vissher, Matthew or Vissher Lydia
Number: R. 10954
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State of New York	}
Albany County	} ss.  
On this 27th day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, personally appeared before the Justices Court of the City of Albany, (the same being a Court of Record) Lydia Visscher a resident of the City of Albany, aged eighty three years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath make the following declarations, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 4, 1836:
That she is the widow of Matthew Vischer, who was a Lieutenant and Captain in a Company of New York Militia, in the Regiment belonging to the County of Albany, and Commanded by Col Jacob Lansing Junr., and who served as such Lieutenant and Captain in the Revolutionary War.
She further declares that she was married to the Said Matthew Visscher, on the twenty sixth day of October in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy two; that her Husband, the aforesaid Matthew Visscher, died on the eighth day of August in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety three; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will fully appear by reference to
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the proof hereto annexed - She also declares that her name previous to her said marriage, was Lydia Fryer -
Sworn to and subscribed in open court	}
this 27th day of June 1839 -	                }
[Signed] John G. Wasson Clk.

State of New York	  }
Albany County         } ss.
Abraham R. Tn Eyck of the City of Albany, being duly sworn, deposeth that he is well acquainted with the above named Lydia Visscher - that she is his mother in law - He has known her as the Widow of Matthew Visscher ever since the year 1798. That she has ever since remained and now is such Widow -
[Signed] Abraham R. Ten Eyck

Sworn & Subscribed this 27th day	}
of June 1837 in open Court		        }
John G. Wasson Clk.

This hereby certifies that the above Deponent is a credible witness By this Court -
Witness the seal of this County & my signature, this 27th day of June 1837.
[Signed] John G. Wasson Clk.
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In the Matter of the
application of Lydia
Visscher, widow of Matthew
Visscher, for a Pension under
the Act of July 4, 1836.

Declaration etc.
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Matthew Visscher was born the 20th Novr 1751
Lydia Fryer was born the 26th Octr 1753 and joined
in the Bonds of Matrimony 26th Oct 1772 -
Our first son Bastiaen was born the 15th March
1773 of a Monday afternoon at 5 o'clock
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State of New York	}
Albany County	} ss.
Lydia Visscher within named, being duly sworn, deposeth that she was married to the within named Matthew Visscher, as stated in her declaration - hereto annexed - and that. the ceremony was performed by the Rev. W. Miller, Pastor of the German Lutheran Church in the City of Albany, being the same Churcher Society of which the Rev. Friederick G. Mayer is now the Pastor - and that the annexed paper containing a record of the marriage of her said Husband & herself & the birth of their oldest son, is in the hand writing of her said Husband.
[Signed] Lydia Vissher

Sworn & subscribed this 28th	}
day of August 1837 before me	}
L. Jenkins Commr of Deeds

State of New York	}
Albany County	} ss
I Conrad A. Ten Eyck Clerk of the Said County do hereby certify that Lemuel Jenkins Esq. before whom the above affidavit was Subscribed & Sworn was on the day of the date of the same a Commissioner of Deeds etc. in and for the said County and that his name subscribed to the same is genuine - Given under my hand and Seal this 28th day of August 1837. 
C.A. Ten Eyck Clerk
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State of New York		        }
City & County of Albany	} ss.
Rosanna Van Alstyne -(born Rosanna Visscher) of 101. North Pearl Street - in the City of Albany - being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that she is the Grand -daughter and eldest surviving lineal descendant of Captain Matthew Visscher, who was born in Albany, N.Y. December 15th 1751 and died in said City of Albany August 8th 1793.
Deponent says she is informed and believes that the Commission of said Matthew Visscher as a Captain in the New York forces of the Revolution is on file in the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C. with his widows application for a pension, and that this affidavit is made for the purpose of securing said Commission -
And deponent says that she is a widow and upwards
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of eighty (80) years of age, and has no children.
And deponent further says that she agrees to return the said Commission to the Bureau of Pensions, if by chance, a nearer relative should appear at any time and make claim for it.
		her
Rosanna     X    Van Alstyne
		mark

Subscribed and 	}
sworn to before	}
me this 5th day	}
of November 1894} 
[Signed] Wm. Johnson
Notary Public
Albany Co N.Y.
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Vissher, Matthew 
NY R10954
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In Committee of Safety for the State of New York 
Fishkill, September the 13th 1776. 

The Committee are informed that the Services and Attendance of Matthew Vissher Esqr as Clerk to the Post Office and Secretary to the Committee of the City and County of Albany is absolutely necessary.
 Therefore Resolved, that the said Matthew Vissher be exempted from all military Duty, during his continuance in the exercise of the said Office.
 Extract from the Minutes 
[Signed] Robt. Benson, Secty.
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New York - Nov 6th / 94 
UNIVERSITY CLUB. 
MADISON SQUARE.

Hon Wm Lochren 
Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington DC 

Sir,
Referring to your communication of October 29th 1894 - I have the honor to enclose herewith the affidavit of my aunt - Rosanna Van Alstyne -  the eldest surviving lineal descendant of Matthew Visscher which I believe is in Conformity
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with the requirements of your bureau in such cases - My aunt by reason of paralysis in her right arm is unable to write her name - but has made her mark.
Very Respectfully
Your Obdt. Servt.
[Signed] John Visscher Wheeler
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New York - Nov 25th /94
UNIVERSITY CLUB.
MADISON SQUARE.

Hon Wm Lochren,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Sir,
Your favor of 23d was received & contents noted - also your communication of Nov 20th/94 addressed to Mrs Rosanna Van Alstyne 101. N. Pearl St., Albany, N.Y. has been forwarded to me by my aunt - who informs me that the Commission of Captain Matthew Visscher has been received by her - I shall
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visit Albany on 29th inst (Thanksgiving) & will have the receipt of said Commission acknowledged by Mrs. Rosanna Van Alstyne & endorsed upon the back of your letter & return the same to you as requested - which I trust will be satisfactory. Please accept my thanks for your prompt attention. I remain,
Your Most Obdt. Sert.
John Visscher Wheeler
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V N. York
Lydia Vischer
Letter to L. Jenkins 6 Nov. '37.

10954
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Left side:

Oct 15/94 Commission of Soldier can only be surrendered where affidavit is furnished. John V. Wheeler, University Club, New York City.  M.C.L. [M.S.G.?]

1894 Nov 15 Commission sent to Mrs. Rosanna Van Alstyne, Albany, N.Y.

Right side:

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873 [crossed out]

10, 954
Lydia Vicher
Service: Lydia Vissher
widow of Matthew Vissher
REJECTED [Stamped]

Enlisted: [blank]
Discharged: [blank]
[written in] A.O.T. Aug 29, 1906
Application filed: [blank]
Alleges: [blank]
Re-enlisted: [blank]

Atorney: [blank]
P.O. [blank]
[blank] Recognized.  [blank] Contract.
[blank] Cert. of Dis.  Searched for [blank]
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I wish N.Leake Esq
to act for me in this case
Arad Joy
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Hon J.L. Edwards Comr of Pensions
Sir I have, as a child of Lydia Vischer who applied for a pension from the State of New York under the law of 1836, appointed Arad Joy of Ovid New York my agent to investigate my claim to the pension due to the Said Lydia Vischer.
Dated Albany Augt. 31 '46 
[Signed] Ann Ten Eyck
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This is to certify that the Records of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in my possession do not extend further back than to the year 1784. 
In witness whereof I have set my hand this 20th day of August A. D. 1837 

[Signed] Frederick G. Mayer 
Pastor of the Evangelical- 
Lutheran Church in Albany, N.Y.
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O. W. & N. Division,
F.S. 
[Stamped] U.S. Pension Office B Dec 3 1894

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON, D.C.   November 20, 1984

[inverted stamp] [?]LD WAR & NAVY Dec 6 1894 FILES

Madam:-
You will please find enclosed the commission of Capt. Matthew Visscher, a Revolutionary officer, you having filed with this Bureau sufficient proof of your right to receive the same.
You should acknowledge the receipt of the commission by endorsement upon the back of this letter, which should be returned to the Bureau of Pensions under cover of the enclosed penalty envelope.

Very respectfully,
[Signed] Wm Lochren
Commissioner

Mrs. Rosanna VanAlstynr,
#101 No. Pearl St.,
Albany, N.Y.

(2enclosures)
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101. N. Pearl Street 
Albany Dec 1st/94 

Hon Wm Lochren
 Commissioner of Pensions 

Sir, I hereby beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of the within document Viz. the Commission of Capt Matthew Visscher, a Revolutionary Officer.
 Respectfully yours, 
	        her
Rosanna   X  Van Alstyne
	       mark

Witness,
Wm Johnson
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS, 
WASHINGTON, D. C.,  October 27, 1894. 

Sir:-
Referring to your request that the commission of Capt. Matthew Visscher, a Revolutionary soldier, be returned to you, I would state that the sworn affidavit submitted by you does not conform to the requirements of this Bureau in such cases, inasmuch as you state that you are the eldest surviving lineal male [underlined] descendant of the officer. The commission in question can be rendered only to the eldest surviving lineal descendant of the officer, no distinction being made as to sex. 
Very respectfully, 
[unsigned]
Commissioner.

John V. Wheeler, Esq., 
University Club, 
New York City.
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O. W. & N. Division,
F.S.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS, 
WASHINGTON, D. C.,  October 15, 1894. 

Sir:-
 Replying to your communication of the 7th inst., herewith returned, I would state that the commission of Captain Matthew Visscher is now on file in this Bureau with his widow's rejected claim for pension. It can be surrendered, however, only to the nearest living relative of the officer and the applicant is required to furnish a sworn affidavit to the effect that he, or she, is the nearest living relative, and agreeing to return the commission to the Bureau of Pensions if by chance, a nearer relative should appear at any time and make a claim for it. 
Very respectfully,
[unsigned]
Commissioner.

John V. Wheeler, Esq.,
University Club,
New York City.
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O. W. & N. Division,
F.S.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS, 
WASHINGTON, D. C.,  November 15, 1894. 

Madam:-
You will please find enclosed the commission of Capt. Matthew Visscher, a Revolutionary officer, your having filed with this Bureau sufficient proof of your right to receive the same.
You should acknowledge the receipt of the commission by an endorsement upon the bc of this letter, which should be returned to this Bureau under cover of the enclosed penalty envelope.

Very respectfully
[unsigned]
Commissioner.

Mrs. Rosann VanAlstyne,
#101. No. Pearl St.,
Albany, N.Y.
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A true copy of the original which was sent to Mrs. Rosanna
Van Alstyne, 101 No. Pearl St., Albany, N.Y. Nov. 15, 1894. 
[initialed]
Chief,  O. W. & N. Division. 

OK TS M.E.C. [handwritten note]


In Provincial Congress for the COLONY of NEW-York, 
the eighth day of June 1776, 
To Matthew Visscher Esquire Greeting: 
By virtue of the Authority reposed in us, we do hereby nominate, authorize, constitute and appoint you the said Matthew Visscher Captain of the second company of Militia of Foot of the first Regiment in the County of Albany whereof Jacob Lansing Junr. Esquire is Colonel hereby requiring you, before you enter into the Exercise of your said Office, to make in Writing, and subscribe in Presence of the Chairman of the Committee of the City, Town, District, or Precinct wherein you reside, the Declaration appointed and directed by the Eleventh Section of the Seventh Resolve contained in the Rules and Orders for regulating the Militia of the Colony of New-York, recommended by this Congress on the 22d Day of August 1775, and authorizing you fully to execute all the Powers belonging to your said Office, by virtue of the said Rules and Orders, and the said Declaration: And we do hereby require all Persons under your Command, to pay due Obedience to you, according to the said Rules and Orders, and such further Rules and Orders as shall be made and recommended for the Militia of this Colony, by the present, or any future Continental Congress, or Provincial Congress of this Colony.
By Order, Pierre Van Cortlandt  V. Prest: 
Attest,
Robt. Benson Secr.
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Albany Augt 28, 1837 

James L. Edwards, Esquire,
Commissr. of Pensions,

Sir,
I herewith enclose the Declaration of Mrs Lydia Visscher, Widow of Matthew Visscher, with proofs annexed, in support of her claim for a pension under the 3d Sec. of the Act of July 4, 1836. 
I beg leave to refer you to the papers on file in your office in the cases of Derick als. Richd Hilton and Capt. Nichs. Jeroleman, which, I presume, will furnish evidence of Capt. Visscher's services, in addition to Mr Hilton's affidavit herewith sent. 
I am Sir,
very respect'y,
Your Obt. Servt.
L. Jenkins
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V 2595
Lydia Vischer dec'd.
N.Y.
Act 4 July 36
m 72 d. 93
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State of New York }
Secretary's Office  }
 I certify that it appears by the records of the provincial Congress of New York in this Office that on the 20th of October 1775 Matthew Visscher was duly appointed and commissioned a Lieutenant in the Regiment of Militia in the County of Albany where Jacob Lansing Junior was Colonel. 
[Signed] Archd. Campbell Dep. Secretary 

Albany June 30, 1837.
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November 5th 1894, 
101 North Pearl Street, 
Albany, N.Y.

Hou Wm Lochren 
Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C. 

Sir,
Referring to your communication of October 29th inst. (O.W. & N. Division, F.S.) (addressed to John Visscher Wheeler of the University Club, New York-City.)
I have the honor to enclose herewith the required affidavit and respectfully request that the Commission of my Grand father Captain Matthew Visscher be sent to me to this direction, 
Very Respectfully,
 Your Obedt Servt,
	        her
Rosanna  X  VanAlstyne
	      mark

[Subscribed and Sworn to before me this 5th day of November 1894.] [crossed out]
Witness,
Wm. Johnson