Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 26255, Thomas Baker, New York
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New York
Baker, Thomas
Molly A
R26255
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Declaration
 In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress on the 7th July 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay & Pensions to certain widows.
State of New York
Suffolk County ss
On this twenty sixth day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine personally appeared before Hugh Halsey  .. subscriber first Judge of said county of Suffolk, Molly A Baker a resident of the town of Easthampton in said county of Suffolk aged seventy seven years who being first duly sworn, according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay & Pensions to certain widows".
That she is the widow of Thomas Baker late or the town of Easthampton in the county of Suffolk & state of New York deceased.  who was a soldier in the army of the revolution and served in the capacity of Lieutenant in the years of 1775 & 1776  as she has always been informed and believes.  And for the proofs of his service she refers to the testimony of Silvanus Halsey and Jonathon Tuthill whose affidavits are hereunto annexed. She further declared that she was married to the said Thomas Baker on the fifth day of October seventeen hundred and eighty. That the family record of said marriage is hereunto annexed and is in the following words & figures (to wit, " Ocrober 5 1780 married Molly Anderson Burnham, a second wife" which said record is in the hand writing of of the said Thomas Baker.  That the said record has always been kept in the possession of herself and husband.  That she was married to the said Thomas Baker by the Rev Samuel Buell pastor of the church and congregation in the town of Easthampton county of Suffolk and state of New York.  That her husband the aforesaid Thomas Baker died on the twenty seventh day of November Eighteen hundred and twenty five.  That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service
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but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety  four. (Viz, at the time above stated. And she further declares that she has not been married since the death of her said husband Thomas Baker deceased.  She further declared that she has often heard her Husband tell of being in the service on Montauk on the east end of Long Island.  And of his being on the West end of Long Island  in 1776 when the Island was given up.  And crossing to New York and of his being at a Fort up the Hudson River - where the British fired up on the fort.
Molly A Baker
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 26 April 1839
 H Halsey First Judge 
Suffolk Co
State of New York
Suffolk County }ss
I Hugh Halsey First just of said county do certify that Molly A Baker who has signed the foregoing declaration is unable from old age and bodily infirmity to attend before a court of record for the purpose of making her declaration as an applicant for a pension.
Dated 26 April 1839
H. Halsey First Judge
Suffolk Co.
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5403
Molly A Baker
Application for 
Pension under Act oof July 1838

Married 5 Oct 1780
Husband died 27 Nov 1825
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Thomas Baker was both the 24 of May 1742 Jane my wife was both on 30 of August 1743
Children of Thomas & Jane Baker viz 
Thomas was born January 28 1763  on friday Jeremiah was born 25 Decemb 1765 on a Wensday 
Abigail was born yd 1 of May 1767 on Friday
Jane was born Yd 7 of October 1769 on Satterday
 Second Abigail was born yd 5 of February 1772 wens
Conkling was yd 9 of August 1774 on Tuesday
Mary was born 8 of September 1776 Sunday
Phebe was born yd 29 of December 1779 on Tuesday
October 5 1780 Marryed Molly Anderson Burnham a second wife.  Born June yd 6 1761.  
the 1 of April was put to bead with a still born dagter 1781 
Betey was born the 1 day of April 1782 on Monday.
Nantcy was born the 19 of January 1784

Suffolk Countyss Nancy Hedges of Easthampton in said county being duly sworn deposeth & saith that she is a daughter of Thomas Baker late of Easthampton aforesaid deceased and is fifty three years of age.  That she knows the handwriting of her deceased father Thomas Baker who died on the twenty seventh day of November Eighteen hundred n and twenty five.  That the above record is the family Record of the said Thomas Baker and is in his own hand writing.
Nancy Hedges
Sworn & subscribed before me this 25 April 1839 H Halsey First Judge Suffolk Co
I Hugh Halsey First Judge of Suffolk County do certify that Nancy Hedges who has this day appeared before me and sworn to the above affidavit is a respectable person and credible witness
Dated April 25th 1839
H Halsey First Judges
William T Baker was born October 15 1779 on Thursday
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William H page 20
Land L page 116
William 
Sylvester 
Thomas Baker
Janey Baker
Janey Baker
Thomas Baker
For what is friendship but a name it chams that... to sleep it shall  that follows ... and fame
But leave the wretch to weep
Betsy Baker
Nancy Baker
Janey Baker
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Washington 20th January 1845
Sir
I send with this  normal communication in the subject of the application of Molly A Baker for a pension for the services of her husband Thomas Baker during the Revolutionary war,  That since her application was made she has died leaving several grandchildren.  The ... of Bakers services seems to be that required in your letter to Judge Halsey of August 27th 1839.  Of the  ...   heretofore offered I know nothing.  But if the whole taken together is sufficient it would seem if the law is ... enough that her grandchildren should receive the amount that would have been awarded to her.
Plan to communicate your decision in this matter to me.
Yours respectfully 
SB Strong
Attn James L Edwards
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September 24, 1938 
Thomas Baker 
R. 26255 
BA-J/AWF 
Mrs. Lawrence J. Card 
Idaho Springs 
Colorado 
Dear Madam: 
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Thomas Baker, Lieutenant of Artillery from Suffolk County, New York . 
The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, R. 26255, based upon the service of Thomas Baker in the War of the Revolution.
Thomas Baker was born May 24, 1742, place not stated, nor were the names of his parents given. Thomas Baker was a resident of East Hampton, Suffolk County, New York, during the Revolution. 
Thomas Baker married, date not given, Jane, who was born August 30, 1743; her maiden name was not shown, nor was it stated when she died. He married October 5, 1780 in East Hampton, New York, Molly Anderson Burnham, who was born June 6, 1761, place not given, nor were the names of her parents shown. Thomas Baker died November 27, 1825 in East Hampton, New York. 
His widow, Molly A. Baker, applied for pension April 26, 1839, then a resident of East Hampton, New York. 
It was alleged that Thomas Baker was a lieutenant
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2 – 

from sometime in July, 1775, until sometime in December, 1775 in Captain Ezekiel Mulford's New York company, and that he was a second lieutenant from sometime in June, 1776 in Captain David Pierson's company, Colonel Drake's New York regiment, was in the battle of White Plains, and from there went to Fort Washington, from there “came home lame”, having served about six months. 
The claim was not allowed as proof of service as required by the pension law was not furnished. 
The widow, Molly A. Baker, died between January 11, 1840 and January 20, 1845, definite date not given. 
The following are the names of the children of Thomas Baker, and his wife, Jane –
Thomas born January 28, 1763 
Jeremiah born December 25, 1765
Abigail born May 1, 1767
Jane born October 7, 1769
2nd Abigail born February 5, 1772
Conkling born August 9, 1774
Mary born September 8, 1776
Phebe born December 29, 1778
The following are the names of the children of Thomas Baker, and his wife, Molly A. –
A daughter still born April 1, 1781
Betsy born April 1, 1782
Nantcy or Nancy born January 19, 1784 or 1786. 
Nancy Hedges, daughter of Thomas Baker, gave her age in 1839, fifty-three years, she was then a resident of East Hampton, New York. 
The widow, Molly A. Baker, left at her death
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3- 

several grandchildren, their names were not designated. 
The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible data relative to family. 
Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant 
to the Administrator
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Ref. No 26255
 Ex'r
Revolutionary 
Old War Widow
Rejected
Mollly A. Baker
P.O. 1-D
Widow of Thomas Baker 
Lieut. N. Y. Rev War
Died Nov 27, 1825
Not on printed list of 1852
other claim

1935 May 21 ... to Mrs. Tracy H Ashley
1935 July 20 ... to M. R. Merrill Casey
1938 Sept 24 ... Mrs. Lawrence J Card ...
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N.  York
Molly A Baker

Let to H. Halsey 29. Aug 1839 (Marked thru)
" to Hon J.B. Jackson 11 Jan 1840 (marked thru)
"" " " S. B Strong Jan 28'45 (marked thru)

Act July 1838
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State of New York
Suffolk County }ss
I George S. Phillips Clerk .......ty and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said county do certify that Hugh Halsey whose name is subscribed to the annexed paper is first Judge of said Court.  And that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Judge. And verily believes that his signature thereto annexed is genuine 
Given under my hand and the seal of said court this 7 day of May 1839
Geo S. Phillips, Clerk
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State of New York
Suffolk County } ss
Mary Buell of the town of Easthampton in the county of Suffolk aforesaid being duly sworn deposeth and saith that she is the widow of the Reverend Samuel Buell formerly Pastor of the church and congregation in the said town of Easthampton and has in her possession the record of marriages kept by her said husband.  that she has carefully examined the said Records and can no where find the record of the marriage of Molly A Baker of Easthampton aforesaid - widow of Thomas Baker late of said said town of Easthampton deceased that there is a memorandum in said book of records in the hand writing of the said Samuel Buell in the following words (to wit) " I have fore a long course of years omitted putting down marriages which I think has been a faulty omission which I mean to  remedy for the future Easthampton January 1 1793 
Mary Buell
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26 April 1839
H Halsey First Judge
Suff Co
I Hugh Halsey first Judge of the County of Suffolk do certify that Mary Buell who has this day appeared before me and sworn to the above affidavit is a respectable person & credible witness HHalsey First Judge  SuffCo
Dated April 26 1839
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State of New York
Suffolk County } ss
Jonathon Tuthill of the town of Easthampton in said county being first duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is eighty five years of age. That he was a private soldier in the army of the Revolution.  That he enlisted as a private soldier in the town of Easthampton state of New York in a company commanded by Capt David Pierson First Lieutenant Stephen Howell & Second Lieutenant Thomas Baker in the Regiment commanded by Col Drake of the New York forces.  That his enlistment took place some time in the month of June 1776.  That the company was mustered at Easthampton and he with said company marched through Long Island to Brooklyn. and crossed over to New York and staid one night.  Next morning saw General Washington & Lord Stirling who  inspected the company.  The said company was parted for that purpose by Lieutenant Thomas Baker.  They staid in the city about three  weeks and then marched out to Greenwich.  And staid there about three weeks. They then marched up on the East side of the Hudson River to White Plains where they staid some time and had a Battle with the British . And the court house was burned.  That from White Plains they crossed over to Haverstraw on the Hudson River - where he staid until he was discharged after having been in the service during that campaign over six months.  That Thomas Baker of Easthampton in the county of Suffolk and state of New York enlisted into said company under Capt David Pierson at Easthampton aforesaid as second Lieutenant at the same time with this deponent.  And marched from Easthampton with said company and continued in the service as such Lieutenant with him until they left Greenwich where Lieutenant Thomas Baker left the company and went to Fort Washington on the Hudson River as he was informed and believes.  how long he staid there he can not tell but always understood that he came home lame - And this deponent further saith that he is a
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State of New York
Suffolk County }ss
Abigail Tuthill of Easthampton in said county being duly sworn deposeth and saith that she is sixty six years of age. That she knows Molly A Baker the widow of Thomas Baker late of said town of Easthampton deceased.  Was present at her marriage with said Thomas Baker.  That they were married in October 1780 by the Reverend Samuel Buell Pastor of the church and congregation in the town of Easthampton. And since the death of her said husband she has not been married.
Abigail Tuthill
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 26th day April 1839
H. Halsey First JudgeSuff Co
I Hugh Halsey First Judge of Suffolk County do certify that Abigail Tuthill who has this day appeared before me and swore to the above affidavit is a  respectable person & credible witness
H.Halsey First Judge
Dated 26 of April 1839
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Suffolk Countyss
Silvanus Halsey of the town of Southampton in said county in the state of New York being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was eighty three years of age on the fifth day of December last that he was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution that in month of July 1775 the fore part he believes a detachment of minute men in the county of Suffolk was made to go on to Montauk to protect the cattle grazing there.   That this deponent belonged to the company of minute men raised in said county commanded by Capt David Pierson.  And volunteered to form a detachment to go on to Montauk composed of  twenty eight men - to be trained from the company of Capt David Pierson and the company commanded by Capt Ezekiel Mulford of East Hampton in said county. That in this fore period of July 1775 the said detachment was formed under the command of Thomas Baker of Easthampton who was Lieutenant in Capt Ezekiel Mulfords company. that they went on to Montaug as minute men - and continued there in active service until the last of December 1775. that the said Thomas Baker had command of said company or detachment as Lieutenant and continued to serve from the first of July 1775 till the last of December of that year when the cattle came off the Montaug and they returned home - 
Silvanus Halsey
Sworn & subscribed before me this 25th day of April 1839  
H Halsey First Judge Suff Co NY
I Hugh Halsey First Judge of the county of Suffolk do certify that the above named Silvanus Halsey who has this day appeared before me & sworn to the above affidavits is a respectable person and credible witness 
Dated 25 April 18399
H. Halsey First Judge
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H. Halsey
27 Aug 1839
OG
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War  Department Pension Office
27 Aug 1839
Sir
The pension of Mrs. Molly A Baker widow of Thomas Baker has been examined ...  Of the services of the claimant's husband as described by the claimant there is no satisfactory proof. By application to the comptroller of the state of New York, Bates Cook Esq for further and more satisfactory evidence may be obtained 



Hugh Halsey Esq
Bridgehampton
N.Y.
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War Department
Pension Office
August 27, 1839

Sir,
The pension of Mrs. Molly A Baker, widow of Thomas Baker has been examined and filed.  Of the service of the claimant's husband as described by the claimant; there is no satisfactory proof.   By application to the Comptroller of the state of New York , Bates Cook Esq some further and more satisfactory evidence may be obtained.
I am respectfully
Your obt Svt
J. L. Edwards

Hugh Halsey, Esq
Bridgehampton
N. York
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Hon J.B.. Jackson
11 Jan 1840
OG
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War Department Pension Office
Jan 11, 1840
Sir
In answer to that part of the enclosed letter which relates to the claim of Molly A Baker I have the honor to inform you that the evidence called for in this case from the records at Albany must in order to a satisfactory investigation be provided. Since the date of my letter of 27 Aug last on the subject of  the claim of Mrs. Elizabeth Bennett. a  list of the officers  belonging to Col Clinton's regiment has been found whereby it  appears that a Captain of the name of Davis belonged to the Regiment at that time that part of her claim has therefore been allowed


Hon J. B, Jackson
House Reps
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Josiah C. Dayton Esq
East Hampton
Suffolk Co
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Comptrollers Office
 Albany May 19 1843

Sir
Upon an examination of the ... pertaining to the Revolutionary period it appears that certification was issued for services by Thomas Baker under Capts Smith & Brinckerhoff and Col. Hay Brinckerhoff amounting to $10.40
I remain respectfully 
Yr Obd Svt
Philip Phelps
Dep Comptroller


Josiah C Dayton, Esq
East Hampton 
Suffolk Co
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Pension Office
Jany 28 '45
Sir
I ahve the honor to state in answer to the questions propounded by Josiah C Dayton through you, in the case of Molly A Baker claiming a pension under the Act of July 7th '38 that grandchildren as such are not entitled to a pension that my have been due to their grandmother at the time of her death.  Children have no rights under the psnsion laws and can only under certain circumstances become the receivers of Pensions due to their parents, in virtue of rights that may have become visited before they died.  If Mrs. Baker died without children a certificate of which should be furnished under the seal of the Court, setting forth the date thereof and the appt of an Executor or Administrator to whom the pension is payable on the establishment of the claim.  Enclosed is the form in which the claims shd be asserted together with regulations a strict compliance with which is required.  You will observe that the claimed is still regarded as that of the deceased parent. Mr Daytons letter herewith returned. 
Hon S.B. Strong H of Re
3403 Act July 7 '38
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July 12, 1935 
Thomas Baker-R.26255 
BA-J/AWF 
M. R. Merrick 
17 Winnebago Road 
Tuckahoe, New York 
Dear Madam: 
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Thomas Baker, born, supposedly, in Killingly, Connecticut, served as lieutenant. 
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 26255, based upon the service of Thomas Baker in the War of the Revolution. 
Thomas Baker was born May 24, 1742, place not stated, nor are the names of his parents given; he was a resident of East Hampton, Suffolk County, New York during the Revolution. 
Thomas Baker married, date not given, Jane, who was born August 30, 1743; her maiden name is not shown, nor is it stated when she died. He married, October 5, 1780 in East Hampton, New York, Molly Anderson Burnham; she was born June 6, 1761, place not given, nor are the names of her parents stated. Thomas Baker died November 27, 1825 in East Hampton, New York. 
His widow, Molly A. Baker, applied for pension April 26, 1839, while residing in East Hampton, New York.
It was alleged that Thomas Baker was a lieutenant from July 1775 until December, 1775 in Captain Ezekiel Mulford's New York company, and that he was a second
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Lieutenant from June, 1776 in Captain David Pierson's company, Colonel Drake's New York regiment, was in the battle of White Plains, and from there went to Fort Washington, from there “came home lame”, having served about six months.
The claim was not allowed as proof of service as required by the pension law was not furnished.
The widow, Molly A. Baker, died between January 11, 1840 and January 20, 1845, definite date not given.
The following are the names of the children of Thomas Baker, and his wife, Jane –
Thomas born January 28, 1763
Jeremiah born December 25, 1765
Abigail born May 1, 1767
Jane born October 7, 1769
2nd Abigail born February 5, 1772
Conkling born August 9, 1774
Mary born September 8, 1776
Phebe born December 29, 1778
The following children of Thomas Baker, and his wife, Molly A.:
A daughter still born April 1, 1781
Betsy born April 1, 1782
Nantcy or Nancy born January 19, 1784 or 1786.
Nancy Hedges, daughter of Thomas Baker, gave her age in 1839, fifty-three years, she was then a resident of East Hampton, New York.
The widow, Molly A. Baker, left at her death several grandchildren, their names were not stated.
Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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May 21, 1935 
Thomas Baker-R.26255 
Jonas Baker-S.C. 25538 
BA-J/AWF
Mrs. Tracy H. Ashley 
94 Greenbush Street 
Cortland, New York.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Thomas Baker, a Lieutenant, and the War of 1812 record of Jonas Baker, a pensioner from New Hope, Cayuga County, New York. 
The records which follow were obtained from claims for pension, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Thomas Baker, and the War of 1812 service of Jonas Baker. 
Thomas Baker-R.26255 
The Revolutionary War record of Thomas Baker furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 26255, based upon his service in that war. 
He was born May 24, 1742, place not stated nor are the names of his parents given. He was a resident of East Hampton, Suffolk County, New York during the War of the Revolution. 
Thomas Baker married, date not given, Jane, who was born August 30, 1743; her maiden name is not shown, nor is it stated when she died. He married, October 5, 1780 in East Hampton, New York, Molly Anderson Burn-
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ham. Thomas Baker died November 27, 1825 in East Hampton, New York the said Molly Anderson Burnham was born June 6, 1761
His widow, Molly A. Baker, applied for pension April 26, 1839, while residing in East Hampton, New York. 
It is alleged that Thomas Baker was a lieutenant from July, 1775 until December, 1775 in Captain Ezekiel Mulford's New York company, and that he was a second lieutenant from June, 1776 in Captain David Pierson's company, Colonel Drake's New York regiment, was in the battle of White Plains and from there went to Fort Washington, from this service he “came home lame", having served about six months. 
The claim was not allowed as proof of service as required by the pension law was not furnished. 
The widow, Molly A. Baker, died between January 11, 1840 and January 20, 1845, definite date not shown. 
The children of Thomas Baker and his wife, Jane:
Thomas born born January 28, 1763
Jeremiah born December 25, 1765
Abigail born May 1, 1767
Jane born October 7, 1769
2nd Abigail born February 5, 1772
Conkling born August 9, 1774
Mary born September 8, 1776
Phebe born December 29, 1778
The children of Thomas Baker, and his wife, Molly A.:
A daughter still born April 1, 1781
Betsy born April 1, 1782
Nantcy or Nancy born January 19, 1784 or 1786.
Nancy Hedges, daughter of Thomas Baker, gave her age in 1839 fifty-three years, she was then a resident of East Hampton, New York.
The widow, Molly A. Baker, left at her death several
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grandchildren, their names not stated. 

Jonas Baker-S.C.25538 
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. C. 25538, based upon the War of 1812 service of Jonas Baker. 
He was born in Killingly, Connecticut, date not given, nor are the names of his parents stated. 
Jonas Baker enlisted in New London, Connecticut, served as a private in Captain Solomon Sykes' company of Connecticut militia, from June 21, 1813 to July 15, 1813. 
After the War of 1812 he lived in Sempronius, Cayuga County, New York and in Niles, same county. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed, September 29, 1879, at which time he was aged eighty-eight years and living in Niles, New York; his post office address at this time was, New Hope, Cayuga County, New York. He died September 24, 1884. 
It is not stated that he was ever married. 
One Adaline Baker was a resident of Niles, New York in 1855; her relationship to the soldier is not shown. 
Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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Cortland, N. Y.
April 27, 1935
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir,
Will you please write me information concerning Jonas Baker who received a pension.  Hi pension number is 25th,538.  He received same at New Hope, Cayuga Co. N.Y.  He is listed on roll of Pensioners Jan 1 1883 Act Mar 9, 1878.
The information I desire is the name of the place and the state where he came from.  Also his wife's name and her father's and where they came from.  I believe it is Killingly, Comm butI want to make sure.  Also I am interested to find out about Jonas Baker's father, who I believe was Thomas Baker and have heard he was a Lieut in the Revolutionary War Capt Paines company.
Any information you may give me I shall greatly appreciate
Sincerely,
Mrs. Tracy Hollis Ashley
94 Greenbush St.
Cortland, N. Y.
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17 Winnebago Rd
Tuckahoe, NY
June 25 '35
Dear Mr. Hiller,
Would you be kind enough to tell me if there is a pension record for a Thomas Baker presumed to be a Lieut in Capt Paines Company in the Revolutionary war, born, I believe in Killingly, Comm.
Can you give any data regarding his parent or his marriage and his children?
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I have been trying for weeks to establish his connection with friends of mine who are his direct descendant but I cannot find in black and white, the necessary data for D.A.R lineage requirements.
I shall be grateful for any information you may be able to
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let me have.
Possibly you might also suggest possible sources of information other than yourself?  
Yours truly
MR Merrick

M. R. Merrick, Tuckahoe N.Y.
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Idaho Spring, Colo.
Aug 2nd, 1938
Veterans administration
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
Please be kind enough to send me the was record of Thomas Baker.  Our records show Thomas Baker 2nd Lieutenant artillery Company Suffolk Co.
Belonged to Col Smiths minute regiment.  Also was Lieutenant from East Hampton.In April 1782, he was remitted to go to Long Island.  He signed the association in 1775.  He served in Col. Mulfords Regiment.


Very truly yours,
Mrs. Lawrence J Card