Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15,051, Abraham Coons, New York
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( 3 - 1776 )

SERVICE New York 

Coons , Abraham 

NUMBER S. 15,051

carded 

CONTENTS
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[back page, pencil writing]
Pvt " C. Palmer 10 Apl 1852
d. July 24, 1841 

[front page]
New York 28.515
============
Abraham Coons Montgomery Co. in the State of New York who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Defreest of the Regt commanded by Col Van Rensselair in the New York Militia line for 16 months 11 days Private ======= on the Roll of New York rate of 54 Dollars 55 Cents per annum , commence on the 4th day of March , 1831 . ========== Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of April 1834 and sent to P. Randall Esq ========= Arrears to the 4th of March 1834 $ 163.65 Semi-anl. allowance ending Sepr. 4 '54 - 27.27 died July 24 , 1841 - $ 190.92 ======= { Revolutionary Claim , Act June 7 , 1832 . } Recorded by Sam H Page Clerk , Book E Vol. . 4 Page 130
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832.

State of New York Montgomery County ss } on this fourteenth day of May one thousand eight hundred & thirty three Personally appeared before me David Thinker one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas in & for the County of Montgomery aforesaid, being a Court of Record. Abraham Coons of Canajoharie County of Montgomery & State aforesaid aged eighty five 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 provisions made by the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated , to wit the applicant was born in Livingston Manor in the State of New York at the commencement & during the Revolutionary war he was a resident in the town of Sand Lake in the now County of Renselaer & State aforesaid ; and was first Corporal in a company of militia commanded by Capt Jacob Defreest in Col Henry Van Renselaers Regt . that during the war there were frequent requisitions on said Regt for Militia Drafts , and occasionally the whole Regt was called out , that in all the partial requisitions there was a beat for volunteers , to save Drafting that in every instance this deponent with many others . volunteered , except where his whole company were called out & that in all the sevices hereafter detailed this applicant acted as first corporal. [WRITTEN IN MARGIN IN PENCIL] Corporal throughout 1776 [END MARGIN WRITING] His first service as far as he is now able to recollect was in the month of January 1776 -- does not recollect the day of the month When Genl. Schuyler made a call for militia on a rumor that Sir John Johnson was building fortifications north of Johnstown to be garrisoned by his Indians - Deponent volunteered under Capt . Jacob Defreest in Col Henry Vn. Renselaers Regt . & marched up the river & been put under the command of Genl. Ten Broeck The Militia under Genl Herkimer were also ordered out they were paraded on the ice upon the Mohawk opposite Johnstown , Near Major Fonda's the defendants of Sir John Johnson were dismissed or discontinued their labors & they were dismissed & returned home ; applicant was out on duty at this time 2 weeks or more the next seven within his recollection was on a requisition [WRITTEN IN MARGIN NEXT TO ABOVE] 2 weeks } [END WRITING]
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[WRITTEN IN MARGIN] -14 [END WRITING] 2

upon said Regt when he volunteered under the said Capt Defreest on a call to go to Skeensborough now Whitehall at the South end of Lake Champlain about the first of July 1776 entered at Sand Lake aforesaid passed through Lansingburgh & Saratoga to Fort Edward there remained or was with his company - then were marched to Fort Ann - Tarried there one week - thence to Skeensborough - Col Vn. Rensselaer was with us , remained then 2 or 3 days returned to Fort Ann - & then turned 2 weeks making & repairing roads standing sentry . This was when the Northern Army which had retreated from Canada were at Ticonderoga Applicant them at this time the Americans had command of the Lake Genl Schyler appeared to have command of the main army applicant then returned to Fort Edward were then a few days were then dismissed & returned home by way of Saratoga & Troy - distance 80 or 100 miles -- after serving more than 6 weeks [WRITTEN IN MARGIN] 6 weeks 1.12 [END WRITING] - among his comrades aven Abm. Peck & Andrus [?] Bort dismissed after the middle of August In June 1777 he volunteer again under Capt Defreest in Col Vn. Renselaer's 's Regt. with his whole company at Sand Lake . marched through Lansingburgh & Saratoga & Fort Edward staid there 2 weeks then to Fort Ann staid one week Thence to Ticonderoga & arrived there when the British were on a hill which overlooked the Fort called Mount Hope or Mount Independence Retreated from Ticonderoga with the American Army This was in July 1777 . was with the army in its retreat towards Stilwater and until the surrender of Burgoyne & in the battles fought with his army - Except that during this period he had leve to go home on a furlough staid home 2 days & was ordered with some other militia to go up the North River or Mohawk , to Fort Stanwix where the fort was invited by St Leger , was at the Oriskany battle when the Militia were defeated & Genl. Herkimer killed - Thence Crossed to the army at or near Stillwater - was in a skirmish with 300 of Burgoynes men was then under Capt George Sharpe Col Van Renselaer was badly wounded was at the subsequent battles with Burgoynes army & present when he surrendered his sword . Genl Gates , Schuyler & Arnold were the principal in command was beside Col Vn. Renselaer when he fell heard him say I am a dead man , "Let me alone fight on" he released [?]
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3 After the surrender of Burgoyne, the applicant with his Capt. Defreest. And the whole Regt went down the North River with that portion of the Army sent by General Gates to elect Genl. Vaughan & Lie Henry Clinton Who was understood to be at Kingston . But they had retreated to New York - after burning & destroying all in the way . They passed down through Albany to Red Hook , they were then dismissed & returned home & arrived home between the 10 & 20th of November deponent thinks - was in the service in this campaign at least 5 months - [WRITTEN IN MARGIN NEXT TO THIS SECTION] 5 months - 5 - [END WRITING] 

On a call for Militia as deponent believes in 1778 in the month of June of that year - Deponent volunteered four months with 10 - or 12 of his company at Sand Lake & was put into a company commanded by Capt George Sharpe & his own Lieut Andrew Miller in Col Henry VanRenselaer Regt . and they went to Albany & were marched from there under the command of Major Fisher to the upper Fort in Schoharie to keep the Fort & for scouting parties A distance of about 70 miles from his home Staid there until into September when he was dismissed the service & released home having served his said term of three months & one week over. [WRITTEN IN MARGIN NEXT TO THIS SECTION] 3 mo 9-26 [END WRITING] There were at the time - 3 forts called the lower middle & upper fort At one of the forts . Col Vrooman commanded There was a Col Harper there occasionally . Whether he commanded either of the forts does not recollect. Had no battles during this time . There were all the time Tories & Indians , Prowling about but we could seldom get sight of them. A few were captured & taken by us to Albany He [?] was known by minor [?] by horses & cattle being frequently drown [?] off & occasionally a person killed or building burnt & constant consternation & alarm among the people
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4 9-26 the The deponent is perfectly positive as to all the fact set forth in the last mentioned time except as to the year . He is not quite positive as to the year . and has no means in his power to correct it if it be an error only by its relation to the following events which deponent thinks must be a matter of History although not within his reach. [WRITTEN IN MARGIN NEXT TO THIS SECTION] M W 3-1 [END WRITING] on deponents returning from Schoharie as above stated to his house He was not more than 3 or 4 days before he volunteered on another call for Militia to go to a place called the Beaver Dam in Delaware County N York . Where there was a Picket fort This deponent thinks was in the last of September He volunteered under his own capt Defreest Lieut . A Miller the whole company turned out went under Major or Col. Fisher & Gen. Ten Broeck from Albany with about 3000 troops . He was understood that a collection of Tories & Indians were in that vicinity . We succeeded in taking 100 of the Tories & Indians principally the Tories & Returned with them to Albany there was dismissed & returned home In October as Deponent believes distance between 60 & 80 miles was in the service at this time at least one month M - 1 - -- On the last of October or first of November of this year . Deponent with his Capt Sharpe & Lieut Miller volunteered at Sand Lake aforesaid , went through Albany Schenectady & then up the North side of the Mohawk with Major Fonda to Johnstown then to Fort Plain Then to where Utica now is & on their return went to Cherry Valley after it was burnt by the Indian thence Home absent from home about one month as deponent believes 1 Mo - Applicant also volunteered for a scouting
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5 excursion with a small party of Militia In November 1777 . in Very cold weather with Capt . Jacob Defreest with about half of his company over the Grand [?] when Burgoynes army had traveled on a rumor that some British scouts were coming from the North after the surrender of Burgoyne saw the remains [?] of Genl Schuylers house which had been burnt absent 3 weeks or more more & was dismissed In December returned home. 3 weeks. In the spring of 1779 . ( It is impossible for deponent to state the day or be certain as to the month ) He volunteered with half his company under Capt George Sharpe which Lieut was then out does not recollect . was out with Major John [Jones?] Fonda from Greenbush as he now thinks . They marched up the Mohawk . to fort Plain . to Otsego Lake there was then no road to Otsego Lake from the River . applicant says he saw before his return Col Van Schaick & heard of General Clinton & Col Willet being in that vicinity thinks it was before his army crated with Gen. Sulivan . applicant went with his company around Lake Otsego crossed the outlet of the Lake then returned home by way of Cherry Valley - Schoharie - Albany home was out on scouts for Indians & Tories out two months 2 Mo - as near as he can recollect - & he believes not far from the time that Genl Clinton & Sulivans army met & joined each other - 3 Mo [?] Shortly after this & in the month of August 1779 - applicant volunteered under Capt Sharp with part of Defreests company went to Johnstown
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6 17.17 Major or Col Fonda Commanded went to the Picket Fort - stood sentry on guard & in scouts one month & returned in Sept of 1779 as he believes - was out on this occasion one month. 1 Mo - was dismissed & returned home Distance about 60 miles -- The inhabitants were alarmed with a rumor that Brant or Butler was coming upon them with the Indians - --- Deponent was at these other times beside that above mentioned at the upper Fort in Schoharie each time a part of his own company were with him -- Volunteered once under Capt Peter Woodback of Col Van Renselaers Regt - once with Capt Sharpe & once with Capt Jacob Defreest . Turned out on alarms distance 65 miles -- was gone each time from home 2 weeks . Twice before & once after the destination of Schoharie by the Indians -- but nothing remarkable occuring & the times being short -- it is impossible for him to state the order of these Times nor what month or year it was except it was in the summer months 1 Mo 2 W 1.14 } - In October 1780 , the day of the month deponent does not recollect he volunteered with his whole company at Sand Lake aforesaid under Capt Sharpe ( This deponent Capt . Defreest being then sick - ) and Lieut Miller all under the command of Genl. Van Renselaer of Claverack passed through Albany up the Mohawk - to Stone Arabia . Had a Skirmish with the Indians & tories Col . Brown & nearly fifty of his men were killed Genl. V Renselaer called us back & the soldiers were very much angry - The enemy were pursued the next morning when it was too late . They crossed Canada Creek & then retreated back -
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7 The whole Regt returned down the Mohawk were dismissed & returned home . Col Fisher was scalped on this excursion -- Returned some time the last of November 1780 on service five weeks or more - 1-M-1W 1.05 } 21.76 Deponent further states that in consequence of old age & consequent loss of memory He cannot relate the order of the events & services whole he performed especially he cannot give the dates with certainty --- But he recollects distinctly that he volunteered & went under his own capt . Defreest & Lieut Miller Another time I have [?] the first one related to Fort Stanwix when Rome now is where Col Gansevoort commanded at the Fort , but he cannot give the month nor year from the Fort he went around on a scout with his capt . on the North side of Oneida Lake & then around & returned to fort Plain. 1 Mo - 1 - , From there were dismissed & returned home after more than one months service - On another occasion not above related Deponent volunteered under Capt Defreest Lieut Miller & Col Henry Van Renselaer with the whole Regt or nearly all & deponent has nothing to aid his memory as to the month or year only that they marched from his residence up the Mohawk Then about 2 weeks at a little fort called Fort Fox on the North side of the the Mohawk , with part of his company to protect the farmers in harvesting . Then ordered to fort Schuyler & there remained 2 weeks . Their were dismissed were from home 5 weeks - 1 M 11 W. 1. 05 - 23.21 - That it was August but what year does not recollect - Deponent was a volunteer , with Capt Defreest & Lieut Miller - under Col Willett at the Battle of Johnstown Left home in Sept 1781 [?] the early part was at the Battle & returned in
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8 23.25 October after the Battle after having been in service about six weeks. was at home but a day two when he volunteered again to go to the North under the same Capt & Lieut. - on the last of October or first of November. it was though pay postage to Fort Edward then to Lake George Capt that his company was with us . Went through Troy - Saratoga - to Fort Edward - then to Lake - George - Capt. Sharpes company was with us - It was then the news of the Capture of Lord Cornwallis - came us - from there a part went to Fort Edward & deponent with 76 [70?] men off west into the wilderness took fifty Indians in a cedar swamp - when they were attach under the command of a man called Capt Bull - They were lied two & two - & taken to Fort Edward , remained at Fort Edward 2 weeks & deponent was dismissed. These two excursions were at least three months . The snow was deep when deponent arrived home . Deponent thinks in December 1781 3 Mo- - 26 21 Previous to the year of the Capture of Lord Cornwallis in the months of June & July --- but the year deponent is not certain of he volunteered with the whole regiment in Capt Defrees Company Col Van Renselaers Regt Major Fonda was with us -- Went through Troy to Fort Edward , was there 2 or 3 weeks then Capt Sharpe was ordered on a scout to the banks Lake Ontario & then to the St Lawrence --- passed through an extensive Wilderness seeking Tories & Indians -- they took eight days provision were gone from the Fort 2 weeks & were 4 days without any food - deponent was detached & performed the scout with then they found
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9 7 Weeks none of the enemy were on this service 7 weeks were dismissed & returned home . Deponent thinks on the last of July or first of August at all events it was in the summer - Deponent has always believed that from the Spring of 1776 to the close of the year 1781 he was in the Revolutionary war at least five & a half months in each year that he was not able in any one of those years to remain at home in his own business between May & December inclusive to the amount of these months in any one year - But his services were in such detached periods he cannot otherwise & no more fully detail the same then he has above done - In some of those years he was not able to plant or sew his fields & at other times when they were planted he had no opportunity to harvest on account of his frequent calls to the service - Deponent believes he is correct as to the officers and whom he has served . but as to the precise order & date of his services he cannot be certain - but to the fact of his having served on the occasions above stated he is not mistaken -- As to the aggregate amount of his service at the times above specified he saith that by reason of old age & consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively but according to the best of his recollection , he has served in the period which he has above detailed as first corporal not less than two years seven seven weeks . For two years of which he claims a pension . Does not recollect that he was stationed with regular troops nor was he acquainted with any only those whose nances he has mentioned
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10 Deponent has no Documentary evidence & he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State - Sworn to the day & year aforesaid Subscribed & sworn to this 14 day of May 1833 Before me David Sproker a Judge mark of Montgomery County Courts ⎬ Abraham Coons X his mark We Adam S. Miller a farmer residing in the town of Canajoharie & County of Montgomery & state aforesaid & William Evans a clergyman of the same town & County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abraham Coons who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty five years of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me David Spraker a Judge of Montgomery County Court ⎬ William Evans Adam S. Miller And the said Judge doth hereby certify & declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories subscribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states & the said Judge further certifies that it appears to him that William Evans who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Canojaharie
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11 & County of Montgomery & State aforesaid that Adam S Miller who has also signed the same is a resident of the same town County State & is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit . and that the said applicant from bodily infirmity is unable in the opinion of the said Judge to attend the Court - And in answer to the Interrogatories presented by the department . The applicant says he was born . In Livingston Manor in the State of New York in the year 1748 , Has no record of his age Lived in the town of Sand Lake Now County of Renselaer & State of New York , at the commencement of the Revolutionary war & when called into service - Has since lived in Sand Lake aforesaid & in Canojoharie & now lives in Canojoharie & County of Montgomery & State of New York . He uniformly entered the service as a corporal by volunteering . cannot recollect the names of any office with whom he was acquainted except those whose names he has given in the body of his declaration nor other circumstances of his services than those related - never to his recollection received any written discharge Deponent further says that during all the times above detailed , he was either in garrison or in the field or marching under orders that he served all said times in required [?] corps commanded by competent authority & that during all said periods he attended to no civil business but was all the time in the actual service of his country . All which is duly certified by me the day & year aforesaid David Spraker a Judge of Montgomery County Courts }
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28.282

Abraham Coons

Admitted
 Private 16 mo & 11 days

P. Randall Esq
Canajoharie New York
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
 Pension Office,

Nov. 18 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 compling with this request , greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim . 

----- 
A Statement, shewing the service of Abraham Coons
=====
Period when the service was rendered | Duration of the claimant's service - Years. - Months. - Days. | Rank of the claimant. | Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. | Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. | Proof by which the declaration is supported. ----- 1776 Juny. | - | - | 14 | corporal | Col Henry Van Rensselaer - Gen Schuyler Cap Defreest | 85 years | Traditionary only July | - | 1 | 12 | " | same officers | 1777 June | - | +5 | - | " | do - | | 1778 - " | - | 3 | - | " | -- do | | | - | 1 | - | " | Col Fisher Cap Sharp | |1777 - | - | 1 | - | " | Cap Defreest | | | - | " | 21 | -" | -- do | | 1779 | - | +2 | - | " | Cap Sharp | | " Any | - | 1 | - | " | --- | | | | 1 | 14 | -" | Cap Woodbeek | |1780 | | 1 | 05 | -" | Cap Sharpe | | | | 1 | - | " | " Defreest | | | | 1 | 05 | - | Col Van Rensselaer | | | | +3 | --- | " | Capt Defreest | | ----- 
23. 11 
7 negated 
--- 
16.11 
+ These tours were monthly  There is evidence that if sought for when it might be found proof could be produced in support of this claim applicants are required to produce the best evidence in their power 

I am , respectfully , Your obedient servant , JAMES L. EDWARDS , Commissioner of Pensions .
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3 alleged service , as they are known at the Department . A very full account of the services of each person 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 atlempted ; 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 . { 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 ? Did you ever receive a commission , and if so , by whom was it signed , and what has become of it ? 7 . State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood , and who can testify as to your character for veracity , and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution . The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration , and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant . The applicant will further produce in Court , if the same can be done , in the opinion of the Court , without too much expense and inconvenience to him , two respectable persons -- one of whom should be the nearest clergyman , if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant , who can testify , from their acquaintance with him , that they believe he is of the age he represents , and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier , and that they concur in that opinion . If one of these persons is a Clergyman , the Court will so certify , and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates . The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important , in the absence of any direct proof , except the declaration of the party . And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general , and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject . plicants 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 . 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 . tal . The declarant must appear in open Court , unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity ; in which case the declarant will fol - 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 The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned . The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served . Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served ; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had . Every claimant must state , with precision , the length of his service , and the different grades in which he served , in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled . In a case where the applicant cannot , by reason of the loss of memory , state precisely how long he served , he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in in fo lowing words : " Personally appeared before me , the undersigned , a Justice of the Peace , & c. A. B. who , being duly sworn , deposeth and saith , that , by reason of old age , and the consequent loss of memory , he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service ; but , according to the best of his recollection , he served not less than the periods mentioned below , and in the following grades : -- For --- year ---- months , anddays , I served as a . For months and - days , I served as a and for such service I claim a pension . " the period for which each applicant served , and the particul or rank he held , as the law dition 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 a declaration is very case , be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served ; the duration of each term of engagement ; 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 . The law makes the relinquishment indispensable . The opinion of the Court is always required . The Clerk must give his certificate in every case . 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 . 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 total are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men , Volunteers and State Troops . The proof required by rule in This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases . If a witness cannot be found , the declarant must state the fact . The answers to the interrogatories must all be written , and sent to the War Department , with the declaration .
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September 25, 1939 BA-J/MCS Abraham Coons, S.15051 Amelia H. Sadler Magna Utah Dear Madam : The data which follow were taken from papers on file in the pension claim , S. 15051 , based on the military service of Abraham Coons . Abraham Coons was born in 1748 in Livingston Manor , New York . The names of his parents are not shown . While a resident of Sand Lake ( which was later in Rensselaer County ) New York , Abraham Coons enlisted in January , 1776 , and served at various times until the close of 1781 , amounting to about two years and seven weeks in all , as private and first corporal with the New York troops under Captains Jacob DeFreest , George Scharp * and Peter Woodbeck , and Colonels Henry Van Rennselaer and Willett ; he was in the battle of Oriskany , in both battles of Stillwater and at the surrender of Burgoyne , in the battle of Stone Arabia and the battle of Johnstown. Abraham Coons was allowed pension on his application executed May 14 , 1833 , at which time he was living in Canajoharie , Montgomery County , New York . He died July 24 , 1841 . John Coons , son of Abraham Coons , was living in Canajoharie , New York , in 1833 , aged fifty - nine years . There are no further data relative to the soldier 's family. * See "N. Y. in Rev. page 108 for spelling of Geo. Scherp. Very truly yours A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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September 25, 1939
BA-J/MCS
Abraham Coons. S.15051

Amelia H. Sadler
Magna
Utah

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your request for information relative to Revolutionary War soldiers , Dr. Adam Simon Coon , Jeremiah Coon , Ludweg Coon , Aaron Coon and Abraham Coon . Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land made to the United States and based on the military service of soldiers in this war . A careful search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the services of an Adam Coon of Lancaster , Pennsylvania , Jeremiah Coon who served in Albany County , New York militia , or of any soldiers named Adam Simon Coon , Ludweg Coon and Aaron Coon , searched under all spellings of the surname . You are furnished herewith , the record of the only Abraham Coon or Coons that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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Rev. & 1812 Wars Section .

 March 1, 1924. 

Mrs. Henry L. Erlewine , 
223 N. Adams St. , 
Marion , Ind . 

Madam : 

I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim , S. 15051 , it appears that Abraham Coons was born in 1748 at Livingston Manor , New York . While a resident of Sand Lake , New York , he enlisted in January 1776 and served at various times , amounting in all to sixteen months and eleven days , as private and First Corporal in Captains Jacob DeFreest and George Sharpe 's Companies , Colonel Henry Van Rensselaer 's New York Regiment . He was in the battles of Oriskany , two at Saratoga , Stone Arabia and Johnstown and left the service at the close of 1781 . He was allowed pension on his application executed May 14 , 1833 , while a resident of Canajoharie , Montgomery County , New York . He died July 24 , 1841 . In 1833 reference is made to a son , John , aged 59 years . There is no further data as to family . 

Respectfully , 
Commissioner .
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Rev. War Section.

Dec. 11, 1922.

W. S. Coons ,
63 Clinton Ave.
Albany, N. Y.

Sir:

In response to your letter of the 2 " instant , you are advised that the Revolutionary War pensioner , S. 15051, Abraham Coons in his declaration executed May 14 , 1833 . stated under oath that he was then 85 years old and also stated that he was born in Livingston Manor , N. Y. in 1748 . The day and month of his birth are not on record . He was pensioned at $54.55 per annum . He died July 24 , 1841 , place not stated . The statement as to the age of son John as furnished in the report of Nov. 22 , 1922 , was a clerical error . It should have been: In 1833 , son John was 59 years of age. 

Very respectfully , 
Washington Gardner 

Commissioner .
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63 Clinton Ave , Albany , N. Y. 

Dec. 2 , 1922 

Rev Sec at Pension Bureau , War Department Washington D.C. 

Gentlemen 

While at the home of my sister , Mrs D. R. Kathan of Schenectady N. Y., on Thanksgiving day , I was shown a recent communication from your office concerning the Revolutionary War record of our ancestor , Abraham Coons of West Sandlake & Canajoharie , N. Y.

I was greatly interested in the statements made therein , but much surprised to find two serious errors , one of them , in which you say under the head of remarks , " In 1853 his son John was 59 yrs of age" , is evidently a copyist's error , and this statement doubtless should read " In 1833 , etc" , that is, the year when the pension was applied for . This would bring John Coons' birth about 1774 instead of 1794 as per your statement , and would correspond with other records of the family in Rens. Co. Church records showing that John's birth doubtless occurred in 1774 or 1775 . John was married early in 1796 or before , for he had a son Abraham born on Nov. 23 , 1796 according to his family bible now in my charge . 

The other serious error concerns your record of the birth of Abraham Coons the Rev. soldier , in which you say , " born 1748 in Livingston Manor , N. Y. He was
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2/ born in Livingston Manor all right , probably not far from the present Churchtown Columbia Co. , but the correct year was 1752 . Abraham had a brother Jacob Christened at the Churchtown Lutheran Church and a Sister Christina at the Claverack Dutch Reformed Church , while he himself was christened at the Athens N. Y. Lutheran Church The Churchtown record reads " baptized ____? ( date not copied ) Jacob , born Apr. 25 1761 , son of Christoph Kunz and Maria" . The Claverack record reads , Baptized Feb. 6 , 1757 , Christina , daughter of Stoffel Koens and Marya Hooghteeling " The Athens record , referring undoubtedly to the same comple , or further shown by original records in Albany & Rens. Cos. and proving your record incorrect , is as follows in the original Dutch form literation, No. 31. Baptized . " 1752 , Wonsdaags de 1 Trinit . d. 3 Juny . Abraham , Geb . D. 3 , May , de Oud. Christoffel Kuhn & Maria . Get . Abraham Spiekerman & Barbara " This record is clear & original and means that the clergyman , baptismal record no 31 , baptized " in 1752 on Wednesday the 1st ( sunday in ?) Trinity , the 3d of June , Abraham , born the 3d of May ( preceding date at bap. ) , the parents ( being ) Christoffel Kuhn , the Sponsors , Abraham Spiekerman & Barbara." In entering the family name , however he confused the Kuhn & Kunz families, Just as people still confuse the
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3/ Anglisized forms of these German family names , Coon and Coons , using one name for the other by mistake. If in 1833 , Abraham Coons really told the Government officials that he was born in 1748 it must have been due to an aged man's inability to remember his exact age , or to his desire to appear older than he really was possibly for the sake of getting a larger pension . Will you please let me the amount of pension granted to him in 1833 , whether it was ever increased and how much and just when he died and pension payments ceased? 18.8 . My information is to payment ceased? ( p.s. My information is to the effect that he died in 1841 ) Thanking you very much for this additional information 

I am Sincerely yours

W. S. Coons 

P. S. Do your records profess to give the day & month of Abraham's birth in 1748? 

[STAMP] (Pension Office US. Dec 4 1922 ) [END STAMP]
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New York 146 Chamber Street April 8th 1852 Sir Being requested by the heirs of Abraham Coons a Revolutionary pensioner upon the Albany Agency N. $ 4 per month , to make Enquiry whether this revolutionary Soldier is entitled to any Bounty Land for his Services and if it can be obtained to ask that the Proper Blank forms for the application will be forwarded to put in declarations for the claim of Abraham Coons Deceased J. E. Heath Esqr } very respectfully your Obt St Daniel Palmer Agent for him
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Canajoharie 14 . March 1834 I wish it were excusable for the subscriber , to invite the special attention , of the department , to the case of A. Coons the present applicant for a pension . He is very aged is a perfect cripple & unable to go or be carried abroad . His papers were sent & examined at the department last Nov. & were returned to me with the inclosed circular . On re-examining Mr. Cs. papers -- I cannot discover any non- compliance with all the instructions of the department . In reference to the notes in red ink on pages - 1 - 2 - of the circular & Schedule . We have taken pains to send a messenger to Sand Lake - 70 miles -- with a list of such names as it occurred to Mr C. might know something of his service . some were dead others moved off & the effort resulted in procuring the short affts of Mickle & Conca as to our short period of service in 1777 - as will be seen by reference -- This is so far corroboration only . Their knowledge beyond this is only general -- If there are as mentioned in the " notes" living witnesses of his services , we are not able to learn who or where they are ; nor do I believe the old man has any means of knowing that such services were rendered , by any military corps only from being there himself . The certificate of credibility is contained in the body of the affts -- afn p - 1 - & also in Bards [?] afft - Judge Spraker certifies to the Credibility of Miller & John Coon at the fact of Millers afft The applicant makes 2 years & more of Militia service as Corporal , in short periods & called through the whole R. War - sustained by traditionary evidence of a strong character -- being the only evidence in his power except that of Mickle & Conca obtained since the return of his papers , They prove the fact At least he was in the service . If his services had been rendered all in one continued period , it would be more probale he could find evidence of the same , but considering the peculiar character of his services it is most respectfully submitted , whether other or different evidence is to be expected , unless it should be discovered by accident
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in those short excursions new acquaintances can hardly be formed , which would long be remembered . The little band which formed Capt. Defreest company with few exceptions are gone to their graves & where the few survivors are the applicant is not advised & quite probable more is known at the department who & when where they are than at any other place -- A Mr. Lape had been named by the applicant , to the subscriber believing about 30 miles from this place . At the instance of friends the subscriber went to his late residence learned he had been a soldier with Applicant & he had died 2 years since at that place he procured the afft of Beard hereto annexed - We are not at present advised of any living witnesses who could testify as to his actual service other than thou procured - Mickle & Conca when called on by thou who had no knowledge of the service & had not the means of directing inquiry I fear their affts do not contain all the facts which they might have related - under the circumstances of the case it is hoped the evidence will be deemed sufficient & his claim sustained for two years as a corporal . If there should be any portion of the time not sufficiently designated I am requested respectfully to ask the department to place the applicant on the pension for so much as is sufficiently set forth - as the old man will see but little more of life nor long need a pension . All which is most respectfully submitted 

P. Randall Agent 

[WRITTEN ON FRONT OF FOLDED PAPER] 
Brief in the case of Abraham Coons, a Pension applicant 

P. Randall agent -

Amos R. Ofein [?] - Canajoharie 
Montgomery County 
N. York [END WRITING]
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State of New York
Schoharie County ss } 

Personally appeared before me , George H. Mann one of the Justices of the peace in & for said County Jacob Beard of the town of Cobleskill in said County of Schoharie a person well known to me also known to me to be a credible person whose statement is entitled to credit and who being sworn testifies under oath that from the best of his knowledge he is 71 years of age . that in the Revolution he was not in the service , but lived in the same town with Abraham Coons whose declaration for a pension is hereto annexed , which was then called Greenbush but now called Sand Lake in Renselaer County New York knows said Coons was in Capt Defreests militia company in Col Van Renselaers Regt This deponents father was in the same company that he has heard parts of said declaration read & from his recollection & information from others has no doubt the said Coons was in the service as he states . This deponent moved from Sand Lake in 1801 , where he now lives . Deponent recollects the said Defreests company were frequently called on & went into the service during the whole Revolutionary war were to the North at Schoharie & up the Mohawk & other places -- understood then & now believes the said Coons was in the Revolutionary service in said Company - Deponent says that from his youth, at the time , his recollection is not distinct as to periods of time - but knows , that the said Coons was not only considered a strong whig & a very credible person so long as he was acquainted with him - & engaged in the Revolutionary cause , but cannot now give any detailed account or
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17 history of his revolutionary services Sworn to & subscribed the 16th day of August 1833 before me George H Mann Justice of of the Peace in said County } Jacob Band 

State of New York County of Schoharie ss .

I John Gebhard Jr. Clerk of the said County Do certify that George H. Mann before whom the preceding affidavit purports to have been sworn , was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in and for the said county ; and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature . Witness my hand and seal of office this twentieth day of August 1833 

John Gebhard Jr. Clerk
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State of New York
Montgomery County ss } 

Adam S Miller of Canajoharie & County & State aforesaid being duly sworn saith that he has been acquainted with Abraham Coons the person whose declaration for a pension is hereto annexed for about twenty six years part that until within a few years past he lived at Sand Lake In Renselaer County in this state a neighbor to said Coons - and in addition to what is set forth in this deponents Certificate annexed to said declaration . This deponent further saith that it was from the earliest of this deponents recollection universally proverbial in the Neighborhood of Sand Lake & believed that the said Abraham Coons was a revolutionary Soldier Nor was it doubted by any so far as he knows this deponent saith also he has often heard the old mans Story of his Revolutionary services related in substance as set forth in the annexed declaration & further this deponent saith not Adam S. Miller 

sworn & subscribed this 7th August 1833 before me David Spraker a Judge of Montgomery County Courts } 

I also certify that I am acquainted with the said Adam S. Miller . I also with John Coons whose afft is also hereto attached. That they are credible persons whose testimony is entitled to full credit 

David Spraker a Judge of Montgomery County Court }
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State of New York
 Montgomery County 
Clerks office. S.S,

 I, George D. Ferguson , Clerk of the Court of Common pleas of Montgomery County , do hereby certify that David Spraker , Esq . before whom the within affidavit , & also before whom the annexed declaration of Abraham Coons & annexed affidavits of William Evans & Adam S. Miller , and of John Coons purport to have been sworn was on their respective dates a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said County: And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge & verily believe that his name subscribed to the within affidavit & Certificate & also to said annexed declaration and affidavits & to the annexed Certificate of the opinion of said Judge as to the applicant , and Character of Witnesses is in each case his proper hand writing In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 7th September 1833 

Geo : D. Ferguson Clerk
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28282

Pension Declaration of Abraham Coons of Canajoharie County of Montgomery & State of New York for a pension under the Law of June 7 1832

P. Randall Agent

 50
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12 

State of New York 
Montgomery County ss 

John Coons of Canajoharie & County of Montgomery & State aforesaid being duly sworn saith that he is fifty nine years of age is the son of Abraham Coons whose declaration is here annexed . That he has heard said declaration for a pension carefully read over to him that there is no part of his services therein detailed but what is familiar to him from the fact of his father having , from his childhood , been in a habit of detailing the same to him or to others in his hearing & especially to old Revolutionary soldiers with whom he was in a habit of conversing on the events of his Revolutionary services , that the fact of his having been a soldier of the Revolutionary war familiar & universally believed by the neighbors in Sand Lake his former place of residence & doubted by none so far as this deponent was acquainted . That this deponent has been acquainted & resided with in the neighborhood of his father ever since the Revolution that he recollects in the latter years of his said services. When this deponent was a child & lived in the family. Of his fathers absences & as was said by the family. in the war - of his fathers returning home after long absences from home & of his relating the events of his campaigns to his family & friends who called around him on his return; although it is from subsequent relations that the incidents of his services are fixed in this deponents memory and this deponent has no doubt as to the truth
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13 

of the facts stated in his said declaration & verily believes them true - That the applicant is poor & infirm of body -- & has been a cripple on account of an injury in the hip for the space of about two years now past. and that it was on account of his feeble state of health & the doubts entertained as to his recovery that his application for a pension has been so long delayed and further this deponent saith not. Sworn and subscribed the 7th day of August 1833 , before me 

David Spraker a Judge of Montgomery County Court

John Coons 

(N.B) The Credibility of John Coons is certified to in the first afft by Judge Spraker
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18

State of New York Renselaer County ss } 

Karol Mickle of the town of Sandlake & County of Rensselaer & State of New York aged 91 years a person known to the subscriber before whom he is sworn to be a person of truth & veracity & whose statement is entitled to credit and after being duly sworn testifies that he was during the Revolution will acquainted with Abram Coons , then of Sand Lake & County aforesaid & now resident in Canajoharie & County of Montgomery that the following facts he recollects as to the Revolutionary services of the said Coons - to wit said Coons was present at the time Colonel Vanrensselaer was wounded & helped this Deponent carry him in & this Deponent further says that the said Coons was out several times the time that Vanrensselaer was wounded was in June 1777 the said Coons to the knowledge of this Deponent was out at that time three weeks under Captain Defreest or Sharp and Colonal Van Rensselaer Subscribed & Sworn this 24th Day of December 1833 before me Thomas Bullock Justice of the peace

Karol Mickle X his mark


Peter Conca of the Town of Greenbush in the County of Rensselaer & State of New York aged 76 years a person known to the subscriber before whom he is sworn to be a person of truth & Veracity & whose statements is entitled to credit and after being Duly Sworn testifies that he was during the revolution well acquainted with Abram Coons then of Sandlake and County aforesaid & now resident in Canajoharie & County of Montgomery that the following facts , he recollect as to be the revolutionary services of the said Coons to wit that this Deponent saw the said Coons in the year 1777 at fort edward under the command of Captain Sharp at the time Colonel Van Rensselaer was wounded & further says that he never heard any complaint but that said Abram Coons did his duty Subscribed & Sworn this 24th Day of December 1833 before me Thomas Bullock Justice of the peace

Peter Conca X his mark
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Omit

State of New York
 Rensselaer County SS :

I Henry R Bristol Clerk of the County aforesaid do certify that Thomas Bullock before whom the within affidavits purport to have been sworn was at the time of taking the same one of the Justices of the Peace in & for the said County also that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe his signature to the said affidavits is genuine In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said County this 26th day of December 1833 Henry R. Bristol Clerk