Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10340, for Adam Swart, New York
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(3-1776)
SERVICE New York
Swart, Adam
NUMBER R.10340
CONTENTS
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State of New York, 
County of Monroe. } 
On this eighth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four, personally appeared in open Court before "the Mayor's court of the City of Rochester" in said county, now sitting, Adam Swart, a resident of the city of Rochester, in the County of Monroe and State of New York, aged seventy-six 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 act of Congress passed June 7, 1832:
 That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated, viz: That Abraham Wemple was Colonel of the Regiment to which he belonged, who resided in the now city of Schenectady in the county of Schenectady and state of New York; that John Van Patten was captain and Tunis Swart (the father of this declarant) was Lieutenant of the Company in said regiment to which he, this declarant, belonged, that Frederick Van Patten was also a member of said company, and according to the best of this declarant's recollection held the office of Ensign therein; that said company was an embodied corps called into service of the United States by the State of New York, as this declarant was then and always has been informed and believes; that he enlisted into said company as a private and volunteer, in the month of April or May in the year 1780 (the exact day of the month or which of said months this declarant does not now recollect) but he is certain that he entered the service as aforesaid in one or the other of said months in said year.
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year, 1780; that he continued in the service of the United States as a private in said company from the time of his enlistment, as aforesaid, to the termination of the revolutionary war in 1783; that at the time of his entering such service as aforesaid he resided on the "Schenectady Patent," so called, in the now town of Glenville in the County of Schenectody and State of New York aforesaid; that his services were rendered in the garrison or fort commonly called "Swarts Fort," also known by the here of "Linker's Hill Fort," situate about four and a half miles westerly from the city of Schenectady, in the County of Schenectady aforesaid, upon "Tinker's Hill" so called, which said fort was the place of rendezvous of said company of said John Van Patten; that to the more youthful portion of said company was assigned the guard of said fort, while those of more mature age and and hardy constitution went out on tours, scouts, and marches; and that this claimant, being at the time of his enlistment a little under the age of thirteen years, was not ordered by the officers to leave the fort on any of their excursions; but to this declarant at such times was entrusted and committed the command of said fort and of his fellow-soldiers who remained with him to protect said fort; that he did, however, then, and at all times, when the company were in said fort, regularly take his turn in keeping guard and standing sentry; that during the whole period from his enlistment to the close of the war, he was not employed in any civil pursuit, but during the whole time was subject to and discharged, according to the best of his ability, the duties imposed upon him by his officers; that in said fort were stored the ammunition of

[Note: One instance of "Tinker's Hill" has a handwritten 'correction' to "Linker's Hill" due to the capital letters "L" and "T" appearing similar. "Tinker's Hill" is correct.]
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of the company aforesaid, and during a considerable portion of said period, the furniture, women, children, the sick of the company, and other persons of the neighborhood, who were unable to do service, as the safety of that vicinity seemed to demand; that he did not receive a discharge, nor has he any documentary evidence of his service or of the number of the company or regiment to which he belonged and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service, except the above mentioned Frederick Van Patten or Rebecca Bradford, the sister of said Frederick Van Patten who resided, when this declarant last know them, in the town of Glenville aforesaid, but whether they, or either of them, are now living, this declarant has no knowledge.
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 or territory, nor has he ever before applied for a pension.
Adam Swart 

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid 
[signature] Alfred Ely, Clerk of the Mayor's court of the City of Rochester

We, Abraham Truax and Bartlett Flanders, residing in the City of Rochester, County of Monroe and State of New York, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Adam Swart, 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 neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution; and that we concur
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in that opinion. 
Abram Truax,
 Bartlett Flanders,
 Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, 
[signature] Alfred Ely, Clerk of the Major's Court of the city of Rochester 

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 Abram Truax and Bartlett Flanders are credible persons; and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Selah Mathews Recorder of the City of Rochester 

 I, Alfred Ely, Clerk of "the Mayors court of the City of Rochester," do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Adam Swart for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this eighth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-four. 
[signature] Alfred Ely, Clerk, esq.

[Hand-drawn seal next to Clerk's certification]
L. S. 

In the Mayor's Court of the city of Rochester, in the County of Monroe, and state of New York }
Interrogatories to be administered to Adam Swart of the City of Rochester, touching the services alleged to have been rendered by him in the
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 the revolutionary war, and the declaration hereunto prefixed, propounded in open court by the Judges of the Mayor's court of the City of Rochester, now sitting on this eighth day of March, 1844:
First interrogatory.- Where and in what year were you born? 
Second interrogatory.- Have you any record of your age. And if so, where is it?
 Third interrogatory.- Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war; and where do you now live?
 Fourth interrogatory.-  How were you called into service; were you draughted; did you volunteer; or were you a substitute; and if a substitute, for whom? 
Fifth interrogatory.- 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 service.
 Sixth interrogatory.- Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given; and what has become of it?
 Seventh interrogatory.- 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. 
In the Mayor's court of the City of Rochester, in the County of Monroe, and State of New York }
On this 8th day of March, 1844, personally appeared in open court, before the Judges of the Mayor's court of the City of Rochester in said county, Adam Swart, a resident of said city, who being
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 being duly sworn according to law, to answer truly the interrogatories which were propounded to him in open court, in relation to his application for a pension on account of his services in the revolutionary war, and which said interrogatories are above set forth; answereth and saith to the first interrogatory: That he was born on the "Schenectady Patent," so called, in the now town of Glenville, in the County of Schenectady and state of New York on the fourteenth day of August, seventeen hundred and sixty-seven.
 To the second interrogatory he saith, that there was a record of his age and baptism in the Dutch Reformed Church the then village (now city) of Schenectady, in the County of Schenectady before mentioned, he believes that said record now exists and is preserved in said church. He has now no other record of his age.
 To the third interrogatory he saith, that at the time he enlisted he lived on the Schenectady Patent, aforesaid, that he continued to reside there after the close of the revolutionary war until the year 1791, when he moved to the town of Charlton, Saratoga County, N.Y.; that he lived there till 1832, when he removed to St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, N.Y.; thence he removed to Seneca Falls in Seneca County N. York; thence to Syracuse, Onondaga County, N. York; thence to the City of Rochester, where he now resides, and has resided since May, 1841.
 To the fourth interrogatory, he saith, that he enlisted as a private and volunteer.
 To the fifth interrogatory, he saith, that Abram Wemple was colonel of the regiment, John Van Patten captain, and Tunis Swart Lieutenant of the company to which he belonged; that according to the best of his
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 recollection and belief, Federick Van Patten was an ensign in said company, but of this he is not distinct in his recollection. 
That Tunis Swart, the Lieutenant aforesaid, was the father of this claimant; that he know no other officers than those before mentioned; that the company to which he belonged made their place of rendezvous at Swart's fort on Linker's Hill, about four and a half miles west of the City of Schenectady aforesaid; that he enlisted at his father's request, and in pursuance of his own inclination, in the month of April or May 1780; cannot state the time more definitely; and continued as a member of said company in the service of the United States until the close of the revolutionary war in 1783; that he did not go on any marches, scouts, or tours, but remained in said fort by the command of his officers to guard the fort; that others of said company were left with him for the same purpose, to whom this duty was particularly assigned while a portion of the company were absent, and that at such times and also when the company were present, he regularly took his turn in keeping guard or sentry.
 To the sixth interrogatory, he saith he never did receive a discharge 
To the seventh interrogatory he saith, that Abram Truax and  Bartlett Flanders, Christopher Jordan and a few others know in his present neighborhood and can testify to his char for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.
 That since his residence in this city he has been too infirm to admit of his attending church or forming many acquaintances; that he was brought up in the Dutch reformed Church, and he knows of no minister of that denomination in this city, nor has he formed acquaintance with any minister of any other denomination
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denomination; that he lives with his two daughters; that they are members of the second Baptist Church of this city; that he has not had an opportunity of becoming acquainted with their present minister or any other minister now residing in this city, and that he is poor.
 Adam Swart.

 I hereby certify that the foregoing are the answers of Adam Swart to the interrogatories above set forth by me propounded to the said Adam Swart in open court, and that the same were delivered under oath administered by the clerk of this court, on this eighth day of March, 1844
 S. Matthews

 I, Alfred Ely, Clerk of the Mayor's court of the city of Rochester, do hereby certify that the signature annexed to the foregoing certificate is genuine signature of Selah Matthews, Recorder of said City of Rochester, and that he is the presiding Judge of the Mayor's court aforesaid, and that said Court is a court of record having common law jurisdiction, a clerk and seal.
 In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 8th day of March 1844. 
[signature] Alfred Ely, Clerk  

[Hand-drawn seal next to Clerk's certification]
L. S. 

 We certify that the foregoing are true copies original papers on file in this office in the care of Adam Swart. 
 Pension office, Feb. 28th 1845. 
[signatures] 
E. W. Robinson
Wm Ogden Miles
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[Printed form with handwritten answers]

sion on file in this Bureau. Adam Swart Ref. 10340
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. Apr or May 1780 
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 1783 
RANK. Pvt 
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. 
CAPTAIN. John Van Petten 
COLONEL. Abraham Wemple 
STATE. N. Y. 
Battles engaged in, [line left blank]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Schenectady Patent, in the now region of Glenville N.Y.
Date of application for pension, Mch 8, 1844
Residence at date of application, Rochester, Monroe Co. N.Y., since 1841
Age at date of application, born at Schenectady Patent, Glenville, N.Y.  Aug 14, 1767.
Remarks: He was the son of Tunis Swart a Lieut. under  Capt. Van Pettan. Soldier was living with his two daughters in 1844. His claim was not allowed as there was no proof of service. 
Very respectfully,
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 Rochester July 15th 1844 
Hon J L Edwards

D sir-
About the 16th day of May last I mailed in the City of New York the petition of Adam Swart, addressed to you, at Washington, and presuming that you received it, I would thank you to inform me what farther testimony will be necessary, for a successful prosecution of his claim
 I am
 Very Respectfully 
Your Obt Servt
[signtaure] Chistopher Jordan 
No 71 Exchange St 
Rochester N York
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Rochester April 17 44
Hon. J. L. Edwards
 Dr Sir
You will receive  herewith the papers in support of Adam Swart's application for pension= I have examined them and think his claim is made out under the law =  the papers will be printed [?] by you by Mr. Christopher Jordan, who takes a deep interest in this effort to obtain justice for worthy man and one who did his Country good service =  may I ask your attention to them at as early a day as your convenience will permit 
Respectfully yours 
[signtaure] Timothy Childs
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Rochester Feby 10th 1845 
Sir,
Enclosed I send you the certificate of the Comptroller of the State of New York,
 It appears from the certificate, that the name of Adam Swart is not to be found on the records remaining in the office of the Comptroller, and having by the production of said certificate, laid the foundation for parol testimony, I offer the affidavit of Lewis D. Peek, on file at the department for the purpose of proving the service.
If any other testimony is required, or if the testimony offered, is insufficient, you will please advise me & oblige
I am 
Very Respectfully ,
Your obt servt 
[signature] Christopher Jordan

To)
J.L. Edwards Esq 
Commissioner 
Washington D. C.
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 New York May 9th 1844
Hon J.L. Edwards Esq
 I herewith transmit the declaration of Adam Swart. I have ascertained that Frederick Van Patten, and Rebecca Bradford the individuals mentioned in his declaration, as the persons by whom he could prove the service are both dead- but I was told that there were persons yet living  by whom he could prove the service, and if you should deem it necessary I will get and forward the testimony to you. If you give your decision or find it necessary to write before the 16th instant please write me to New York and after that time to Rochester N York 
Yours Respectfully 
[signature] Christopher Jordon
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Rochester Oct 4, 1844

Sir,
     Yours of the 1st of August ultimo relating to the application of Adam Swart for pension was duly received.  In compliance with your instructions, I have endeavored to obtain testimony corroborating the declaration of Mr. Swart.  After some considerable search in the vicinity of Schenectady I have fortunately been enabled to obtain that of Lewis D Peek a revolutionary pensioner which is herewith transmitted.
     The affidavit was prepared by me from statements made by a friend who learned the same of Mr. Peek at his residence.  He did not however communicate the fact that Mr. Peek belonged to the same company and the time of service, which I thereupon left in blank.  These appear to have been filled up by the justice before whom he was sworn and after saying that he had served six months in each year for three successive years, He seems to have committed an error by inserting the word "six" which obviously from the previous statement should have been eighteen, I left also blank, in which to have him insert, whether he belonged to the "State Militia or State troops" you will
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perceive from the affidavit that the justice has inserted the words "best of his knowledge".  It is believed however that the affidavit as it is sufficiently with the requisitions of the department, if not, you will please inform me and transmit farther directions.
     The procurement of this affidavit, has been attended with considerable expense which Mr. Swart is poorly able to bear.  It is therefore hoped that the present testimony will be esteemed sufficient, but should it not I trust you will favor me with instructions with regard to what farther testimony may be requisite and will endeavor to procure it.
I am
Very Respectfully 
Your obt Servt
[signtaure] Christopher Jordan

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Com'r 
Washington D.C.
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Rochester N.Y.  April 25 1844

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
     You will receive herewith the Declaration of Adam Swart with accompanying papers, in order to obtain the benefit of the act passed by Congress June 7 1832.  The papers have been prepared under my direction and I believe they contain all requisite facts to establish his claim.  Should they not you will please send me such
direction as to further proof or statements as may be deemed necessary.
     The case of Mr. Swart was introduced to my notice by Mr. Christopher Jordan a young gentleman who feels a deep interest in the welfare of Mr. Swart, and who will either personally present the papers or forward them from New York to which he goes on business.
     Mr. Swart is in needy circumstances
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and from a thorough examination of him in relation to his services I am satisfied, beyond the shadow of a doubt, of the truth of his statements.  Some of the company to which he belonged have received a pension as he thinks, to wit Frederick van Patten.  If so further evidence will be of course already in the Department, to which I would respectfully beg you to refer.
As I am personally unknown to the Department, I would refer you to the Hon. Thomas J. Paterson, our Member of Congress who will vouch for my character.
Very Respectfully 
Your Obt Servt
[signature] Chauncey Nash
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Rochester N.Y.  Dec 24, 1844

Sir
     Yours of the 23rd ultimo requiring documentary evidence of the Revolutionary services of Adam Swart or satisfactory proof that there is no record evidence of his services was duly received.
     I wrote immediately to Wm B. Pierce of Albany to search or procure the search of the rolls and documents in the offices of the comptroller and Secretary of State, for the name of, and services, that might be credited to Adam Swart. In answer he writes that he has searched through all the rolls and documents in said offices, but is unable to find the name of Adam Swart. It seems therefore that there is no record evidence of his name or services.  His claims must rest on parol testimony.
     Mr. Swart in his application swears "that he has no documentary evidence of his services and he does not know that any such evidence exists." It is hoped that this declaration of Mr. Swart, with the above statements will be deemed satisfactory proof, to the department that there is no record evidence in existance [existence]; and that with this foundation for the admission of parol testimony it will advise us if any other or additional evidence is requisite, to substantiate his claim. But if the certificate of the secretary & comptroller of State are required we will obtain them, or the affidavits of Mr. Pierce to the above facts stated by him, although from Mr. Swarts pecuniary destitution it would
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be desirable to avoid the expense, it is believed that there are one or more witnesses living who might testify to Mr. Swarts services, but the places of their present residence in unknown to us, and without incurring some considerable expense their testimony could not probably be obtained. So that if additional evidence is absolutely necessary to substantiate his claim we will endeavor to procure it, but in that case we perhaps might be aided by the department if it could inform us whether there are any others now living, whose names are on the rolls of the pension list, who were members of the Company of Capt. John Van Patten, with their places of residence. Please advise us soon as practicable.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Srvt
[signature] Christopher Jordan

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comr Of Pensions
Washington D. C.
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[Printed form with handwritten answers]
[Handwritten notation, perhaps "AOT"]
3-871.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by [stamped] WTC
Claim No. 6/10/10
Certificate No.
Claimant.
Soldier Adam Swart
Service N.Y. Rev.
Additional Service
No. claim, State records, 190__
No claim, combination records, 190__
REMARKS:
No claim as above
Try Rej. 10340

0-8 Chief Division
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originals of the written [?]
sent to clk HR. feb 28 1846
under Res. ITR 
feb 25 1846
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Original papers sent to cl
HR. Feb 28 1846, under
a Resolution ITR of Feb 25, 1846
10340
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New York No. 36737-
Adam Swart.
Rejected
Letter to C. Jordan 1 Aug 1844
" to same Nov 23 '44
" " do Jany 3 '45
     do April 17th '45

Act 7th June 1832.

Hon. J. F. [illegible]
Ch. Com. Rev. Pen.
[illegible]: 23/60
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6/4/10
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Kindly inform me
if Adam Swart, father
of Gertrude Swart who 
married Albert A. Vedder,
born in or near Schenectady
N.Y. served in New York State
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War of the American
Revolution
Obliged in advance
Very Truly
[signtaure] (Mrs) David P. Wilder
825 Niagara Ave.,
Niagara Falls
N.Y.
["Jun 7-1910" stamp]
["Record Division Jun 7 1910" stamped seal]
["U.S. Pension Office. E Jun 6 1910" stamped seal]
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1910 June 16 Hist. to
Mrs. David P. Wilder. V. L. M. 

10,340
P.O. Adam Swart
Service:
Enlisted: __, 18  .
REJECTED [stamped on line]
Discharged: __, 18  .
Application filed: __, 18  .
Alleges: 
Re-enlisted: 
Attorney: 
P.O. 
Recognized. Contract. 
Cert. of Dis. Searched for __, 18  .