Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11,610, Abraham Voorhees, New Jersey
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Continental
New Jersey

Voorhees, Abraham
or Voorhus

NUMBER
S.11.610
carded
===
CONTENTS
Page 2

24.019
New-York
===
Abraham Voorhus
of Somerset in the State of New York
who was a Serg. of Drgs. [Dragoons] in the Comp commanded
by Captain Babcock of the Regt. commanded
by Col. Johnson in the New York [star]
line for 5 months Serg of Inf  $25--
19 " " " Drgs  148.77
[sum] $173.77
[star] N. J. Line
Records corrected. May 16/05.ss
===
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 173 Dollars 77 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
===
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Oct.
1833 and Sent to B. Gardner Perry
===
Arrears to the 4th of Sep '33  $434.42
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 M '34  86.88
[sum] $521.30
{ Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Go. C. Stiles Clerk,
Book E Vol. 4 Page 84
Page 3

Communicate with
B. Gardner Esq.
Perry Genesee Co.
N. York
Abraham Voorhies
23282
Page 4

State of New York
County of Genesee } ss.
On this thirtieth day of January in the year Eighteen hundred
and Thirty three personally appeared before me
Isaac Wilson first Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas in and for the County of Genesee,
Abraham Voorhus, a Resident of the Town of
Perry in said County of Genesee Aged Seventy
six Years, who being duly sworn, according
to Law, doth, on his oath, make the following
declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the
act of Congress passed June Seventh Eighteen
Hundred Thirty two --

That he entered the service of his Country under
the following named officers, and served as herein stated -

He was born on the Twenty fifth day of February
Seventeen hundred and fifty six in the Town of
Bridgewater, County of Somerset, and State of
New Jersey. His age is recorded in a Bible,
now belonging to his sister, who is living in the
Town of Owasco, Cayuga County, State of New York,
Further declares, that he resided in the Town of
Bridgewater,  New Jersey, except six years of the
time resided in Hillsborough of the same County
until the year Eighteen
Page 5

Hundred - when he removed to the State of New
York in the Town of Aurelius, Cayuga County
where he resided until Eighteen hundred and twenty
Three, when he removed again to the Town of Perry
County of Genesee and same State, where he
is still a resident.

He further declares that he enlisted as near
as he can recollect in the month of June Seventeen
Hundred and Seventy Six in the Five Months
Service of the State Troops of the State of New Jersey
in a company commanded by Captain Joseph
Babcock, First Lieutenant Cornelius Wyckoff, second
Lieutenant William Piatt, and said Abraham
Voorhus was elected Orderly Sergeant of said Company
and continued in that office until his time of Service
expired. --

He believes the Regiment was commanded by a
Colonel ... Johnson and Lieutenant Colonel
... Phillips. [words crossed out]
does not recollect the first name of these officers
he has no recollection of ever receiving a warrant
for the station of Sergeant or ever receiving a discharge
very soon after he Enlisted, the Troops marched
to Long Island, where they remained under the command of 
General Sullivan & Lord Sterling until
the Battle - his Company lay at Cobble Hill
Fort until the Battle when applicant with
two more soldiers of the same company were stationed
at a place called Sebrings Mills to guard the
Baggage - The Captain of his Company was
sick at this time - the Battle took place on the
Twenty sixth of August - 1776 -
Page 6

Colonel Johnson was killed in this Battle
and the Command devolved on Lieutenant
Colonel Phillips after the Battle the Troops
retreated over to New York in the night of the
Twenty Eight of August - and applicant with
several others of his Company did not go over to
New York until the morning being the last
that left the Island. It was exceedingly Foggy
at this time. Applicant was employed as a Boatman
in crossing over to
New York. Some time after he retreated to New York he
was taken sick, remained in the City a short time
and returned home. On a permit from Col. Vandike he continued sick until
the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. While
he was sick recollects one of the Enemy who were
crossing the County at that time came into
his room and took a Blanket from his Bed
when he lay sick. He recovered from his sickness
in the course of the winter of 1776 and 7.
In the spring of Seventeen Hundred seventy seven
(does not recollect the month) he Enlisted
with Coanrod Ten Eyck & Ryneer Veghter
in a volunteer
Company of Light Horse. John Stryker was chosen
Captain, Ryneer Veghter Lieutenant and Peter S. Johnson
coronet, and applicant was chosen orderly Sergeant
of the Company which station he held in said
Company until the close of the Revolutionary War
this Company never was disbanded. Applicant
believes he never received a warrant for said office
and has never received a discharge from any person
Page 7

This company was employed principally in
in the State of New Jersey in riding up for
the Governor and Commander in Chief to different
parts of the Country-- he was frequently sent with
others of the said Company as Scouts to learn the
situation of the Enemy-- in seventeen Hundred and
Seventy Eight applicant with others of his Company
were Constantly Called out on duty as scouts-- and
his service was very laborious-- riding a great
distance at a time-- In the years 1777 and 1778
he was often stationed at Elizabethtown Point
at the Fort, in Newark, and Hackensack-- in the
winter of 1777 & 1778- Applicant was one night
stationed to keep guard at Elizabethtown
and on going to the Fort found a sentinal
almost frozen carried him into the Fort
and found the soldiers and sentinals all asleep--
in the Fall of 1777 was with Colonel Frelinghuysen
Elizabethtown where the Enemy took from him
Two Field Pieces-- they were taken-- and then
taken again but finally taken and brought
off in triumph --

In October of 1777- applicant was selected from
the Company to ride Express for the Governor of the
State -- to Red Bank Fort Commanded by
Colonel Grane -- went there twice at this time
on Express -- the second time going -- heard of
the attack on the Fort by Colonal Donop -
with a Body of Hessians -- heard the noise of the
Cannon and firing --
Page 8

Applicant while out on a Scouting Party
was frequently undergoing great fatigue and
expense. He also states that he was at the
Battle of German town Fourth of October
1777 -- was not with the company of Horse at
this time -- was a volunteer in a Company of infantry Commanded
by Captain Philip Ferguson -- Brigadier General
name was Ledyard -- returned home immediately
after the Battle --

He further declares that he was at the Battle of
Monmouth, on the Twenty eight of June 1778 --
with his company of Light Horse -- the company
was attached to the Division under the command
of General Lee. States that at the commencement
of the action the British Horse made a charge
upon our Troops -- a front composed of Infantry
and penetrated -- wheeled about and part --
returned, as many horses had no Riders --
also recollects the retreat of General Lee
[crossed out: "his return to the charge and the manner in which
he brought his troops from the field of Battle"]
The enemy were also driven back. --
After this Battle General Washington marched
the army to White Plains, and applicants
Company returned home -- In the year following
this Battle, applicant was often called out to
ride express or as a scout to different places in
the state applicant cannot designate the several
places that he was sent to while on duty as his call
Page 9

were so frequent and various -- and not remaining
at any place but a very short time it is difficult
to recollect. --

This Company of Light Horse were equipped
from the commencement at their own private
cost and expense, clothing Horses and all --
applicant was frequently subject to losses in
Horses and otherwise for which he has never
received any compensation from his Country
or individual whatever -- applicant affirms from
the best of his belief that he was in the Service more than two years
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to
a Pension or annuity except the present and
declares that his name is not on the Pension
Roll of the Agency of any state. And claims a pension
for Two years services in the Petitionary War as orderly Sergeant.

Abraham Voorhees

Sworn and subscribed
the day and year aforesaid
before me Isaac Wilson first Judge
as aforesaid

We Samuel H. Gridley a clergyman residing in
the Town of Perry County of Genesee and State of
New York and Doct. Jabez Ward residing in the same
place, hereby certify that we are well aquainted
with Abraham Voorhees, who has subscribed and
sworn, to the above declaration; That we believe him
to be seventy six years of age; that he is reputed
and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides
to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and
that we concur in that opinion
Page 10

Samuel H. Gridley
Jabez Ward

Sworn and Subscribed the
day and year aforesaid before
Isaac Wilson
first Judge of Genesee County

And I Isaac Wilson First Judge as aforesaid, do hereby
declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter,
and after putting the interrogatories, prescribed by the
War department, that the above named applicant, was
a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
And I further certify, that it appears to me that
Samuel H. Gridley, who has signed the preceding
certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in the Town of
Perry and County aforesaid, and that Doct. Jabez Ward
who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same
place, and is a credible person, and that their
Statement is entitled to credit, and I further certify
that the said Abraham Voorhus, said applicant, cannot
from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Isaac Wilson
Page 11

State of New York
Genesee County ss. }
I, Timothy Fitch, Clerk of said County
certify that Isaac Wilson Esquire
before whom the foregoing affidavits
and proceedings purport to have been
taken had and made was at
the time of taking the same first
Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas in and for said County and that I am well
acquainted with the signature of said Isaac
Wilson Subscribed to said affidavits and
proceedings and verily believe the same to be
genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my name and official seal this fifth day of
February 1833.

Timothy Fitch Clerk
By B. Pringle Dep Clk [Deputy Clerk]
Page 12

State of New York
County of Genesee } ss.
On this seventh day of
September 1832 personally appeared before me Phichol M.
Ward a Justice of the Peace of said County, Coanrod Ten Eick
aged 74 years on the 5th of January last, a resident of the
Town of Henrietta in the County of Monroe and State aforesaid
who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his
oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain for
Abraham Voorhees the benefit of the act of Congress passed
June 7, 1832. That he the said Abraham Voorhees, entered
the service of the United States under the following named officers
and served as herein stated.

On or about the first day of June 1776 he enlisted in the same
company with witness, in the five months service of the Troops
raised in the State of New Jersey, under Captain Joseph Babcock,
first Lieutenant Cornelius Wykoff, second Lieutenant William
Piatt, in the regiment of Col. Johnson who was killed in
the battle on Long Island in August following, when the
command devolved on Lieutenant Col. Phillips. The name
of the Brigadier General was -- Heard. At the time of enlisting
witness lived in the Town of Hillsborough in the County of
Somerset, State of New Jersey, and applicant lived in the
adjoining town of Bridgewater, and while we were in service
he was reputed to be two or three years older than witness.

In the Spring of 1777, Witness and applicant both volunteered
our services in an independent Company of Light-Horse
which was raised in the County of Somerset, State of
New-Jersey, under the command of Captain John Stryker,
Lieutenant Reyner Vaghte, Colonel Peter T. Schenck, which
Company was uniformed throughout at the private expense
of each volunteer, and was held in readiness for
actual service at a moments warning until the close of
the war, and for whose services no compensation was ever
rendered. At the formation of said Company, said Abraham
Voorhees was appointed a Sergeant, which post he held
in the company until the close of the war.
Page 13

Our services were mostly performed in the State of New Jersey.
From the situation of New Jersey, being for a long time
the seat of war, and from
the frequent calls made upon said Company of Light Horse
witness believes that applicant served in the war of the
revolution more than two years.

Coanrod Ten Eick

Sworn to and subscribed the
day and year aforesaid before
me Phichol M. Ward Justice of Peace

State of New York
Genesee County } ss.

I, Timothy Fitch, Clerk of said
County certify that Phicol M. Ward
before whom the foregoing affidavit
purports to have been taken and
made was on the day of taking
the same a Justice of the Peace in
and for said County, and that I am
well acquainted with the signature
of said Justice subscribed to said affidavit
and verily believe the same to be genuine

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my name and seal of Office this twenty eighth
day of December A.D. 1832

Timothy Fitch Clerk
By D. Pringle Dep Clk
Page 14

State of Newyork
Cayuga County } ss Fredrick Vanlew of Scipio in
said County being duly sworn deposes and says
that he is aged 79 years, that he is well
acquainted with Abraham Vorhees of the town
of Perry in the County of Genesee in
said State of Newyork and was well acquainted
with him during the Revolutionary War. That they
both resided near each other in the County of
Somerset in the State of New Jersey during said term.
And this deponent further says that about
the month of June or July AD 1777 the said
Abraham Vorhees enlisted into a company of
State troops, being a company of dragoons, and
continued to serve in said company until the
close of the said war, that soon after said
enlistment the said Vorhees was chosen a
Sargeant in said company as he believes and continued to
serve as such during the whole of said term.
that he this deponent was a soldier in the
same company and was very frequently engaged
in service with said Vorhees. that said
company was not constantly in service but
that that each man belonging to said company
was required to keep his horse, and himself
in readiness to mount and more at a moments
warning, that the British at this time lay in
the City of Newyork, that he and the said
Vorhees lived near New Brunswick to which place
the enemy could come in a few hours and
of which they had possession whenever they
chose. that the enemy were accustomed to
come out into the neighbourhood of New Brunswick,
Amboy & other places to forage and to plunder
the inhabitants, that in consequence of said
incursions of the enemy a guard was kept constantly
on the lines along at and near that place to
watch their movements and drive them back to
Page 15

their shipping. And this deponent further says
that the guarding of said lines was principally
entrusted to the militia & State troops of the
neighbourhood and surrounding country.
That he and the said Vorhees were engaged a
great part of the time in said service but at
what particular times he cannot state particularly,
and he further says that from his best
recollection he thinks that the whole term of
actual service of said Vorhees as such Sargeant
in said company was not less than two
years. And this deponent further says that
about the month of June AD 1776 the said Vorhees
enlisted into the five months service & continued
to serve during the whole of said term of
five months as he believes.

He further says that said company of dragoons
was commanded by Capt John Stryker, & further
this deponent saith not

Fredrick Van Lew X his mark

Sworn & subscribed the 18th day of
December AD 1832 before me
Alvah Worden
Justice of the Peace

I certify that the said Fredrick Van Lew is
a man of good moral character and a man
of truth & veracity. Dated Dec 18th 1832

Alvah Worden
Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Cayuga County } ss I Michael S. Myers Clerk of said County do certify that
Alvah Worden before whom the above affidavit was made was
on the day of the date of the same a justice of the peace
in & for said County, that I am well acquainted with
the hand writing of the said justice & believe his signature
to the said affidavit & the above certificate to be genuine

Witness my hand & the seal of said County this 18th December 1832

M. S. Myers
Page 16

State of New York
Genesee County ss.
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned a
Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Genesee
and State of New York Abraham Voorhees 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 lenght 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 five months from June 1776
under Captain Joseph Babcock as an orderly Sergeant
in the State Troops of the State of New Jersey,
under the command of Colonels Johnson and Phillips
and General Heard, as stated in his first
declaration. And from June as near as he
can recollect in 1777, he served in a company
of Light Horse, commanded by Captain John Stryker
alternately commanded by Colonels Nelson and Taylor
Brigadier General Heard, and in almost
constant service until the year 1779, being one
year and seven months. Applicant also
served in the year 1779, in his station as a dragoon
of the company last mentioned at various places
Elizabethtown, Newark, Hackensack, for a month
at a time -- and for such service claims a
pension as orderly sergeant which post he held during the war

Applicant after enlisting in said Company of Light Horse
in June 1777 was not employed in any civil pursuit,
or vocation, and when not out on duty was at his post or
station awaiting the orders of his superior officers neither
could he be engaged in any such pursuit as the Enemy
were situated in the neighbourhood of Somerset
Page 17

County and town of Bridgewater and frequently moved
into the country from New Brunswick their Headquarters
when applicant with his comrades would retire farther
back. Applicant was commanded by Captain John
Stryker during the whole of the war and in the years
1777 and 1778 was alternately under the command of
Colonels Nelson and Taylor. Brigadier General was
Heard applicant was in the Battle of Long Island
as stated in his former declaration under Captain Joseph
Babcock and Colonel Johnson & Phillips -- Colonel
Johnson was killed -- last of September Colonel Vandyke
of the Militia gave applicant leave to return home
from New York as applicant was very sick and
did not recover until that winter - was orderly
Sergeant in said Company.

Applicant further recollects more than what is in his first
declaration that he was at the Battle of Springfield
New Jersey under Captain Stryker and Colonel Taylor
Was also at Germantown Battle fourth October 1777
acted at this time as a Volunteer in Capt Philip Fergusons
company and under Brig General Ledyard
Applicant was also at the Battle of Monmouth twenty
eight of June 1778, in company of Dragoons Captain
John Stryker and Colonel Nelson his Brigadier General
was -- Heard was attached to the division of
General Lee -- from June 1777- until the year
1779 applicant was employed almost constantly
in the service stationed on guard as a scout and
riding express for the General Heard and the Governor
of New Jersey - and was not engaged in any civil
pursuit within that time to his recollection.
Applicant was very frequently called out on duty in the
year 1779 but not being on duty constantly he cannot
Page 18

recollect the precise times the British had also left
the country of New Jersey and there was not so much
need of the services of the company. from the
service rendered by said applicant, he believes himself
fully entitled to a remuneration from his country

Abraham Voorhees

Subscribed and sworn
to this thirtieth day of
July 1833, before me
Phichol M. Ward
Justice Peace

[Chart, listed by row, columns labeled a-h]
[1a] Period when service comm'd
[1b] Duration of service Years months days
[1c] Names & Rank of company officers
[1d]Name & Rank of Field & General officers
[1e] Battles in which he was engaged
[1f] Country through which he marched
[1g] Place of abode
[1h] Evidence

[2a] 1776 Enlisted
[2b] 5 [months]
[2c] Capt. Babcock
[2d] Col. Johnson
[2e] Long Island
[2f] From Somerset County
[2g] 76 Years
[2h] 2 traditionary witnesses

[3b] as orderly Sergeant
[3d] Lt Col Phillips
[3f] New Jersey to Long Island
[3g] Bridgewater Somerset

[4f] to New York
[4g] to New Jersey

[5a] 1777 Volunteer - Orderly Sergt
[5c] Capt John Styker
[5d] Colonel Frelinghuysen

[6a] Enlisted
[6b] 7 [months]
[6e] Elizabethtown

[7a] Volunteer
[7c] Capt P. Ferguson
[7d] Col. Taylor

[8d] Genl. Heard
[8e] Germantown

[9a] 1778
[9b] 1 [year]
[9c] Capt J Stryker
[9d] Col Nelson
[9e] Springfield

[10a] Whole time
[b] 2 [years]

[10d] Genl Heard and Genl Ledyard
[10e] Monmouth
Page 19

State of New York
Genesee County } ss I, Timothy Fitch, Clerk of said
County certify that Phicol M. Ward Esq
before whom the within affidavit purports
to have been taken and made was at the
date of taking the same a Justice of the
Peace in and for said County and that
I am well acquainted with the hand writing
of said Justice and verily believe his name
subscribed to said affidavit to be genuine

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name
and seal of office this second day of August 1833

Timothy Fitch Clerk
By B. Pringle Dep Clk
Page 20

Abraham Voorhees
New York
No. 23282 --

Admitted
Sergt of Infantry 5 months
do of Dragoons 19 do
24 months

[calculation: 783 * 19 = 14877]

B. Gardner, esq.
Perry, Genesee co.
N.Y.
Page 21

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
June 3, 1833.

Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

A Statement, shewing the service of Abraham Voorhees

[Chart, listed by row, rows numbered and columns indicated by letters]
[1a] Period when the service was rendered.
[1b] Duration of the claimant's service. Years. Months. Days.
[1c] Rank of the claimant.
[1d] Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
[1e] Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
[1f] Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
[1g] Country through which he marched.
[1h] Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
[1i] Evidence by which the declaration is supported.

[2a] 1776 enlisted
[2c] Orderly Sergt.
[2d] Capt. J. Babcock
[2e] Col. Johnson

[3a] 1777 "
[3c] Light Horse orderly sergt.
[3d] Capt. Jno Stryker
[3e] Lt. Col. Phillips
[3f] Long Island

[4a] Vol.
[4c] Pri.
[4d] Capt. S. Ferguson
[4e] Brig. Gen Legyard [Ledyard]
[4f] Monmouth

[column b] was in service for more than 2 years
[column g] From Somerset Co. New Jersey to Long Island to New York
[column h] 76 years Bridgewater Somerset Co. New Jersey
[column i] Traditionary Witnesses

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 22

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:

This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every brand of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County were such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of } ss.
On this __ day of __ personally appeared (a) before
A.B. a resident (b) of __ in the county of __ and State, Territory or District
of __ aged (c) __ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provion [sic] made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) __, with __ and
served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he enered [sic] the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of __
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A.B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a
revolutionary solider, and served as he states.

I __ of the Court of __ 
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of __ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
__ day of __ &c.

If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:

(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the __ and C.D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with __, who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be __
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a
Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the __
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the __
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, __ Clerk of the Court of __ do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation [sic] __
of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this __ day of __ &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission;
but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure,
if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledges of the
services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 23

3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be
attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.
All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there
subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account
of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the
State troops of Virginia.

1. Where and 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 sub-stitute, for whom?

5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.

6. {To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by who was it
given and what has become of it?
{To an officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -- one of who 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 solider, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the
character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in
the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of a bodily infirmity, may make the declaration
before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the
proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to
perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will trans-nit such evidenced as they can
procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
---
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity ; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.

[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.

[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.

[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.

[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination 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 the following words:

"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c, A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and consequent loss of memory, he cannot sweat positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: -For __ year __ months, and __ days I served as a __. For __ months and __ days, I served as a __; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according tot he 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 expression are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &e without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each tern of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.

[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.

[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.

[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.

[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers,
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same she et 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 end of which must pass un der the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.

[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

[Pointing hand] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers, and State Troops, The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.

[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.

[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.

[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and seat to the War Department, with the declaration.

[A bracket has been drawn in the left margin denoting section c, "Every continental officer ... in any civil pursuit.]
Page 24

Perry Aug 3, 1833
J. L. Edwards Esq
Dear Sir
In any communication
respecting these papers please address to
Peter T. Lowe
Perry
Genesee Co.
Page 25

11610
Rev War INVALID.
File No. 11,610
Abraham Voorhees
Sergt. Rev. War
Act: June 7th 1832.
Index:-- Vol. A, Page 388
[Arrangement of 1870.]