Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14514, for John Conradt Smith, New York
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(3-1776)
Service
New York   Smith, John Conradt    
Number
S 14514

Carded
Contents (too faded to read)
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New York
14781
John C. Smith
Of Sharon in the State of N.Y. who was a Sergt in the Company commanded by Captain Cannon of the (illegible) commanded by Col Willet in the New York line for
2 years 6 days

Inscribed on the Roll of N. York at the rate of 120. Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1834.

Certificate of Pension, issued the (illegible) day of (illegible) 1833 and sent to (illegible) Parkinson, Carlisle, & Chaharie, (illegible) (looks like perhaps a law firm name)

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833             240.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 1833    60.00
                                                                     $300-
Revolutionary Claim ,Act June 7 1832

Recorded by (illegible) Franciose Clerk,
Book E. Vol 4. Page 78
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No 8899
John Coonhadt Smith
 (Illegible) 

(illegible) safe 1832
2 Nov 1832
Sylvanius Parkiinson
Carlisle
Schohannek Co
NY
P100
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No. 2899
 
Brief in the case of John Coonhadt Smithof Sharon in the State of New York

Act 7th June, 1832

1. Was in the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  A Justice of the Peace
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? Yes
3. How old is he? 80 or 81 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
(Headings)Period           Duration of Service.         Rank
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served
Years, Months, Days
As a
Gen.

(Responses)
Deserted from the English

in 1780 Enlisted for 9 mo. served  9    Col M(illegible) Willet & different officers (rank illegible, may be Sergt) Under Lt James Cannon was made Capt

Jany 1781 enlisted for 3 years
thinks 6 Jany 1781 was discharged

5. In what battles was he engaged" None stated
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Don't state
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  William Rhineheart deposeth that declarant served (illegible) 3 years as orderly Sergeant- Benjamin Buley served with Declarant more than 2 years- 
Zacheriah Keyes certifies to incidental evidence
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Not authenticated

Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

A Reintzel
Examining Clerk.
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State of New York
County of Schoham(illegible) from This fifth day of Feb one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Personally appeared in Open Court before the Honorable William Beckman William Mann Thomas P Danforth Henry Shafer and Mason Judd the court of (illegible) in and for (illegible) County-(illegible)

John Coonhardt Smith a resident of the town of (illegible) County of  Johansan and state aforesaid  Aged 80 or 81 years who being first duly sworn according to laws doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated

1. Was born in Germany in May 1751 or 52 is now 80 or 81 years of age
2nd Has no record of his age
3rdly- Came from Germany as a British soldier and landed at (illegible) in the fall of 1776 was
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Placed under Genl Burgoyne, and continued under his command in the (illegible) from (illegible) by way of water and land to Saratoga, Conn by way of fort Ann Fort George (illegible) was under Burgoyne Gen'l at the time of the battle of Saratoga against the Americas. After the battle and before he surrendered his army he deserted Burgoynes army and fled to the Americas at Stilwater a short distance, this was about Oct in the year 77  (illegible) then went to Kinderhook and (illegible), until April in the year Eighty then listed in the American service under Col. Menenus Wiltet in New York State troops for the term of nine months was under different officers during this time (illegible) was (illegible) with the Mohawk River to Fort Plains in the Regt was then stationed at different forts such as Fr (illegible) Ft Plank Ft Clide and other forts.  Continued at  said forts until about June.
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June 80- Gun alarm now being made marched in the night to Sharon at that time called (illegible) or Dovlach County of Ichohann,  had a battle in the morning with the enemy and kept the ground then returned to Fort Plain carrying the wounded. A young woman being scalped (by the savages) died on the way.  the companies were  stationed as usual again. Continued on guard at the above named fort until Oct. Then his company marched to fort Balttown near Schenectady then staid until his team was expired and was discharged by word from said 9 months service. 


Oct 80
  March 81  Before said 9 months were quite out he listed again for the term of three years (New (illegible) Eight one) Had a position for about two months(illegible) when he until March when said nine months was ended and the three years (illegible) began Lieut (illegible) Cannon was made his Capt and he (John Coonhadt Smith) was made Orderly Sergeant and served his three years as such Sergeant
  May '81    About May (illegible) and his Company marched to (illegible) then staid on guard until fall
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Sept 81 - fall about Sep then marched to Fort Plain on the Mohawk River again, staid there drilling and fixing barracks or until April or May in the year 82.
May 82 - Forgets what took place until Jany 83
Jany 83 - Then went to a place called Swago belong to the Brittish at that time to a Regiment Col.  Willetts and a Rhode Island Regiment. Cannot remember the officers of Rhode Island Rgt. Went in the winter he is positive. Remembers he crossed the Oneida Lake at this time on the [illegible] - his officers did not get a chance at this time to accomplish there calculation. 
July 83 Then came back to Fort PLain staid there til about July. Then went to Fort Stanwix. Built a Blockhouse. Then returned to Schenectady and then remained until he was honorably discharged which was he thinks about the 6th of Jany in the year 1784.
Jany 84 - Was discharged by Capt. Tiers. Discharged by word. When discharged he then
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went to Fort Plain lived there about 4 years then came to the town of Sharon County of Scholman and has resided in the same place and on the same farm  to the present date. His Capt James Cannon who settled in the town of Cherry Valley within 10 miles and at the same time. His Capt Jame's Cannon died about two years past. Remember his Adgt. name was called Gillaus Funday who served as such during his 3 years service then stated. Saith further that he by hearsay of Old [illegible] and the consequent loss of memory cannot swear more particularly in respect of his Commanding Officers. But that he is confident he served the terms above mentioned making in all three years and nine months. Three years he served as orderly 1st Sergeant and nine months as a private in the New York State troops in the line of said state and for such service as orderly sargeant on first he claims a pension. Says he was first sargeant or above intended.

He further saith he was jumped by the Brittish Authority in Germany and taken by force and brought to this country. But cannot give a better account of the names of the officers who [illegible] him.

Saith that he did [illegible], and [illegible] three years under the commission as Orderly Seargaent and that James Cannon above mentioned was the person who enlisted him, and the same that gave him his commission, thinks, and is very [illegible] to have had any written commission, but was commissioned by word and did serve as such officer as above stated.
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In answer to the 7t Interrogatories, he saith he can mention a number of persons who he might procur to testify to his character as to truth and veracity and the belief as to his serivces and to common repute, among whom will be famed His Honaur William Beckman, first Judge of Common Pleas in and for said county and also Henry Shafer one of the Judges of same Court and county. William Ferms Lemuel Cross Andrew Lauck Zacheriah Keyes and might mention many more if necessary and he further saith he hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declares his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Saith he knows of no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whom testimony he can procur who can testify to his service, except, Benjamin Baley and William Rhinehart whose affidavits are annexed and that there is no clergyman residing in his neighbourhood, who has resided there long enough to have sufficient [illegible] to testify to his character or to common report in respect of his services.
John Conradt - X his mark

Subscribed and sworn in open court the day and year aforesaid.
John Gebhard [illegible] Clk.
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16th Augt 1832
I Zacheriah Keyes of the town of Cherry Vally do certify that I am 51 years of age and have been acquainted with James Connon Cahl so called in the this place about 35 years past, said Col Connor died about 3 years ago, have no doubt but the farm Cahl is the one John C. Smith who has sworn to the above declaration, was a sargeant under. And I further state, that about sixteen or seventeen years past I lived within two miles of John C. Smith, at the same time, Col. Merinus Willett called at my house (Publik Inn) and then made enquring about some of his old soldiers who had been with Burgoyne and others. I informed him of a number among the pvt. John C Smith was mentioned. He imediately replied that J.C. Smith was one of his many officers, wished him to be sent for. I imediately feched him (J C Smith) to my house and I was then meet together [illegible] then discourse of the Battle of Rhineback now Sharon and other trouble concerning the War, so as that I was fully satisfied that they had served together a considerable length of time in the Revolution the above according to best of my memory.
Zacheriah Keyes

I Silvanus  Parkinson one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the county of [illegible] do certify that Zacheriah Keyes subscribed his name and made oath to the above [illegible]. Also he is a man of truth and veracity. dated this 16th August 1832
Selvanus Parkinson
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State of New York, County of Schohann ss
Adam Empie a resident of the County of Schohann and state aforesaid aged 52 years who  being duly sworn deposeth and saith he has been acquainted with John Condt Smith who has made oath to the within application about 30 years last past and knows him to be a man of truth and veracity and has ever had the character of an honest man generally and that it has been commonly reported in the place that he was a revolutionary soldier and that he concurs in that opinion. Dated the fifth July 1830
Adam Empie

Sworn in open court the day & year aforesaid
John Gebhard J. Clk
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State of New York, County of Schohann ss
William Rhineheart of the town of Sharon County of Schohann being duly sworn according to law before me Silvanus Parkinson one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Schohann. Deposeth and saith that he is about 68 years of age. Saith he was acquainted with John C. Smith who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, during the last part of the War and that the said J C Smith was an orderly Sergt. in Capt James Cannon's Company in Coll Minervis Willets Regiment of New York State troops and that he knows that the said J C Smith did serve as such probably for nearly three years previous to the Declaration of Peace or previous to his discharge.
William Rhineheart - X his mark

I certify that William Rhineheart subscribed his name by his mark and made oath to the above before me this 17th Aut 1832. I have certify that after making enquiry am satisfied that he is a man of truth as a witness. Did not know him at the above date.
Silvanus Parkinson

I Isaac Hutton of the town of Sharon do certify that I am acquainted with William Rhineheart who has subscribed and made Oath to the above declaration and say I think he is a entitled to the character of truth and veracity and ought to be believed when under oath.
Isaac Hutton

I Silvanus Parkinson certify one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the county of Schohann do certify that said Hutton is a man of truth and veracity and that he subscribed his name and made his mark to the above certificate before me the 19th Augt. 1832.
Silvanus Parkinson Justice
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State of New York, Schohann County ss
Benjamin Buley of the town of Marbletown White County being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that he is 67 years of age and that he became acquainted with John C Smith who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration at Fort Plain on the Mohawk River at which time he was then orderly Sert. under Capt James Cannon in Coll Minus Willits Regiment of New York State troops and further certifies that he served under said John C Smith in the same company two years and more and was present at Schenectady at the time of his discharge and knows that said Smith and himself were discharged on the same day by a word of mouth.
Benjamin Buley

I Silvanus Parkinson one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Schohann do certify that Benjamin Buley subscribed his name by making the two first letters and made oath to the above Declaration before me the 17th Augt 1832.
Silvanus Parkinson Justice
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the [illegible] [illegible] Benjamin happened in the town of Sharon at which place he made oath [illegible]. The following page contains not only a part of his testimony but a recommendation from the County in which he lives. You wil notice the letter B is his signature made in both places by himself.
I was not acquainted with Rhineheart at the time he was sworn before me, but since have found by enquiry he is a man of truth a verasity.
I, Silvanus Parkinson one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Schohann do certify that Zekeriah Keys Adam Empie William Rhineheart Isaac Hutton subscribed their names personally to the affidavits at this date and make oath to the same before me and also I certify they are men of credibility.
Dated the fifth Feby 1833
Silvanus Parkinson
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State of New York, Ulster County ss
Benjamin Buley of the town of Marbletown in said county being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he is sixty seven years of age, that he was well acquainted with John Conrad Smith during the latter part of the Revolutionary war. That said Smith was a sergeant in a company of New York State troops commanded by Capt. James Cannon in Col Willetts Regiment and that this deponent and said Smith served together in said company and regiment for more than two years. And that said deponent was a private in said company.
Benjamin Buley

Sworn to and subscribed this 22d day of August 1832 before me Abm G Hardenberg one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for Ulster County

I Abraham G Hardenberg one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for Ulster County do certify that I am well acquainted with Benjamin Buley, the person who signed the above affidavit and that he made oath to the same before me and signed it in my presence by writing the initials of his name. That his character for truth and veracity is good, and that his testimony is entitled to the fullest credit.
Abm G Hardenberg
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State of New York, Ulster County Clerks Office ss
I, Jacob Snyder, Clerk of the county of Ulster and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County do hereby certify that Abraham G. Hardenbergh Esquire was on the day of the date of the within affidavit a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county of Ulster duly commissioned and sworn as such Judge and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge and verily believe the signatures "Abm. G. Hardenber" subscribed to the certificate of the within affidavit and to the other within certificate to be genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twenty second day of August 1832.
Jacob Snyder Clerk &c.
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State of New York, County of Schohann ss
Lemuel Cross a resident of the town of Sharon, County of Schohann and State aforesaid aged fifty years being duly sworn deposeth and saith he has been acquainted with John Conradt Smith who has subscribed and made oath to the within declaration, about 25 or 30 years, and believe him to be about eighty years of age, and verily believes the declaration sworn to by him is true.
Lemuel Cross

Sworn to and subscribed this 29th Augt 1832 before me.
Silvanes Parkinson, Justice. and I certify that Lemuel Cross is a man of truth and veracity.
Silvanus Parkinson

I Talmage Luk one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Schohann certify that Lemuel Cross above named made oath to the other affidavit before me the 18th Feby 1833. I further certify he is a man of credibility. Dated the 13th Feby 1833.
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I William kBeckman first Judge of the County of schohann certify I am acquainted with John Conradt Smith who has subscribed and made oath to the within declaration. I believe he within Declaration sworn to by him is true, Lemuel Cross within also is a man that ranks in our highest class of society. dated this 4 day of September 1832.
William Beckman
Wm. Mann

I Henry Shaffer one of the Judges of Common Pleas in and for the County of Schohann certify the same as the above certificate signed by William Beckmann and also the within named Zecheriah Keyes is a man of credibility full credit is due his oath. dated the 12th Sept 1832
Hanry Shafer

State of New York, Schohann County ss.
I John Gebhard Clerk of the said county do certify that Silvanus Parkinson before whom the six preceding affidavits purport to have been sworn, was at the date of the same a Justice 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 affidavits to be his proper hand writing and signatures. I am also acquainted with William Beckman whose name appears to the above certificate. He is first Judge of the said county and his name thereto subscribed in his hand writing. I am also acquainted with Henry Shafer, whose name appears to the preceding certificate, he is one of the Judges of said county, and his signature above subscribed is genuine. Witness my hand and seal of office this 12th September 1832.
John Gebhard Sr. Clerk
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And the said Court so hereby declare the opinion after the investigation of the mother, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named Applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he stated.
Billiam Beckman
First  Judge forth
Wm. Mann
Henry Shafer
Marvin Judd

State of New York, Schohann County ss
I John Gebhard Fr. Clk. of the said county do certify that Talagge Leek before whom the annexed affidavit of Lemuel Cross purports to have been sworn, and whose name also [illegible] [illegible] of credibility, was at the date of the same a Justice of the peace in and for the said county and further that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit and certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature. Witness my hand and seal of office this 14th day of February 1833
John Gebhard Fr. Clk
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State of New York, County of Schohann ss
I John Gebhard Jr. Clerk of said County and Clerk of the above Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original procedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of John Condt
this for a pension.
I further certify that Silvanus Parkinson whose name is found on the within papers was at the [illegible] date and now a Justice of the Peace in and for said county.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of my office for said County this fifth day of Feby 1833
John Gebhard Jr. Ck.
Schohann County Court

[illegible]
24 mo. [illegible] [illegible]
120$
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Rev War
14514
Invalid
File No. 14,514
John C. Smith
Sergt. Rev. War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index: Vol. 1, Page 349
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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No 8899
Brief objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John Conhadt Smith of Sharon NY which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the diffrent grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? [illegible] saith through old age nor the consequent loss of memory he cannot remember more particulars than he has stated
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? The Justice of the Peace has applicant sworn in court 5th July also Adam Empie two of the Judge have given their certificate and the opinion of the court is given.
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
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XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revoltuionary service? He has the testimony of Adam Empie in court. The certificate of now two of the judges to that effect.
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? Saith there is no clergyman in a [illegible] his neighborhod, that he has resided there long enough to have acuaintances
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? He has the testimony of two living witnesses. Benjamin Buley and Rhineheart, and the strong circumstance Keyes has given to.
XIV. +If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? The credibility of Buyan & Buley only is certified to.
And is the official character and signature of the magistrate certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? yes. They are certified by Silvanus Parinson as may as was sworn before him. Talmage Luk has certified Lemuel Cross 13th Feby [illegible] court. Three of the Judges of the Court have given the certificate to the character of Lemuel Cross and also the applicant. The applicant has refered to two of the Judges in respect of Common Report.
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. ++ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No. The [illegible] is through and the blank paper on marked. A place was left for [illegible] or Luk to put his certificate and for the Clerk to place his seal to the form since Court, being 13 and 14 Feby. On 5th July won [illegible] by Clerk [illegible]
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Says he was born in January 51 or so. that he has no record of age. That he was living [illegible] when called in service. That he has lived each time the war in Sharon and now lives there. That he was called in the [illegible]. By being pressed by the Brittish Authority. Afterwards in American service by listing. He has stated the names of all the officers he can recollect. He has stated all he can recollect about his exchange and commission. He has stated the names in his neighborhood to testify. Common report and to his reputation. Two of the judges are [illegible] among the members.
Explanatory Notes.
+Quere V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following wors: "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 and ____ days, I served as a ____. For ____ months and ____ days, I served as a ____: and for such service I claim a pension."
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It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
*Quere XIV. 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 claimants entering the service, and the time and manner od his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oath 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.
++Quere XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the cerifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate mut be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.