Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 253, John Armstrong, New York
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(3-1776)
SERVICE / NUMBER
New York    
Armstrong, John / R. 253
Hannah
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State of Wisconsin
County of Racine
Be it known that on this the 7th day of August 1852 personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the peace duly authorized, Andrew Lytle who being cautioned and then duly sworn deposeth and saith he was a private Soldier in the war of the Revolution in the State of New York and that he was personally acquainted with John Armstrong and knew him to be a captain of the militia engaged in the service of the United States and he believes that he John Armstrong served more or less throughout the war that he was reported to have been at Saratoga before and at the time of the surrender of Burgoyne And deponent further saith that he was a soldier in Captain Armstrong's company and served under him at Ft Ann Ft Edward and Granville and that he Andrew Lytle served under him at different
times to amount of six months as near as he can recollect. And he further saith that he was present at John Armstrong's wedding, that he married Hannah Lytle Sister of Said Andrew Lytle that he was married by Rev Thomas Clark in the Town of Salem and (Now) County of Washington State of New York some time previous to the
Revolutionary war but can not tell the precise time and that he was acquainted with him for many
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years after the Revolutionary war and lived in the same neighbourhood with him until he moved with his family to the Town of Lisbon County of St Lawrence in the State of New York where he lived and died many years ago but he can not tell how many or the precise time of his death And deponent further saith that Captain John Armstrong's widow Hannah lived Several years after his death and according to the best information he could get that she was without house or home of her own
And deponent further saith that he is personally acquainted with John Armstrong Jr Son of said Capt John Armstrong and once knew Mary Armstrong daughter of said Capt John Armstrong who is reported to be the widow of Hugh Gragg both of whom (John Armstrong Jr and Mary Gragg) he believes are now living John in Walworth County Wisconsin and Mary in the Western part of the State of New York
And said Andrew Lytle Saith that he will be ninety years old on the 28th day of September next and thinks Capt John Amstrong was a man grown when he (Andrew Lytle) was seven years old but he cannot tell the age of Capt John Armstrong and further deponent saith not
Andrew Lytle
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Subscribed and sworn to before me the day and years first above written.           
L.H. Clark                        
Justice of the peace for the Town of Mount Pleasant County of Racine                
 State of Wisconsin Racine County} SS.            
I Isaiah Parker clerk of the Circuit Court in and for the county and state aforesaid do hereby certify that L.H. Clark is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly elected and qualified; that he was elected on the 1st day of April A,D, 1807 and that his term of office will expire on the 1st day of April A.D. 1853. And that his signature above written is genuine.                        
In testimony whereof I have here unto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of Said Court at Racine in Said county this 7th day of August A.D. 1852.                     
Isaiah G. Parker Clerk                           
By L.F. Parker Deputy Clerk
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State of Wisconsin           
County of Walworth } SS    
Be it known that on this 9th day of August A.D. 1852 personally appear before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace duly authorized, Margaret Keeney who being cautioned and then duly sworn deposeth and saith that she was forty nine years of age on the 6th day of May and that she lived in the Town of Lisbon County of St. Lawrence and State of New York from the time she was 2 years old according to her family report until she came from said town county and State aforesaid three years ago last May. And that she during her residence in the State of New York was personally acquainted with Captain John Armstrong and Hannah his wife whose maiden name was said to have been Hannah Lytle and that report said Captain John Armstrong and his family came from the town of Salem County of Washington in the state of New York which was before her remembrance that she has heard her mother and others say that Captain John Armstrong was a soldier in the Revolutionary war of the United States. And deponent further saith that she was and is now personally acquainted with John Armstrong who is the reputed son of Capt Armstrong and so acknowledges by him to her certain knowledge. And that she Margeret Keeney was personally acquainted with Mary Armstrong daughter of Captain Armstrong by repute same as John’s parentage above named that she lived in the same neighborhood with Said mary Armstrong both before and after her marriage to Hugh Gragg in the Town and this (their wedding) she believes by report of her neighbours as she was not present at their wedding but that she was in their house frequently during their stay in Lisbon where they were acknowledged as man and wife until (as near Witness can remember) AD 1812 when Hugh Gragg and wife removed as she learned by report to some other part of the State    And deponent further saith that she was personally acquainted with the Brothers and Sisters of John and Mary Armstrong and she believes them to be all dead having heard it so reported
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And deponent further saith that Captain John Armstrong during her acquaintance with him was a poor man till his death which happened A.D. 1822.  And furthermore that Hannah Armstrong Captain John Armstrong widow was very poor having no home of her own nor any means of support that witness was with her during his last illness and her death which was at her son John Armstrong in the town of Lison county on state aforesaid in the year (as near as witness can recollect 1834 and witness is positive that she lived until after the cholera of A.D. 1832.
And further deponenet saith not
sworn and subscribed before me August 10th, 1852.
Hollis Latham
Justice of the Peace

her X mark
Margaret Keeney
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State of Wisconsin
Walworth County
I William H. Pettit, clerk of the Circuit court in and for the county and state aforesaid do hereby certify that Hollis Latham is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly elected and qualified; that he was elected on the first day of April A.D. 1851 and that his term of office will expire on the first day of April A.D. 1853 and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have here unto subscribe my name and affixed the Seal of the said Court at Elkhom(?) in said county this 10th day of August A.D. 1952
W.H. Pettit Clerk by
H.W. Pettit Deputy do
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Town of Delavan county of Walworth & State of Wisconsin                         
I do hereby certify that I am the reported son of Captain John Armstrong who is reported to have served in the army of the United States in the time of the Revolutionary war with Great Britain and that I was born in the town of Salem County of Washington & state of New York (according to the records of my bible) which I believe to be true and have lived in that place until the winter of 1805 at which time I moved with my father Capt John Armstrong and Hannah Armstrong his reported wife and family to the town of Lisbon County of St Lawrence of state of New York & there lived with or near my father the said Capt John Armstrong until his death which took place in June 1822 and until after the death of my mother the said Hannah Armstrong which took place in November 1834 and I further state that I took care of them on their death beds and that they both lived poor and in low circumstances so far as this worlds goods are concerned and I remained there until the fall of 1839 at which time I moved to Wisconsin Walworth county & town of Delavan at which place I now reside my age now being sixty five years .     
My father the said Cap John Armstrong said to be seventy four years old when he died and my mother the said Hannah Armstrong was said to be about eighty years old when she died & I further state all my reputed brothers and sisters the sons and daughters of the said Capt John Armstrong Hannah Armstrong his wife are dead with the exception of Mary Gragg my sister and I have empowered her and by these presents to empower her and her representative or Attorney
To make out it Claim for my fathers pension and Present the same to the Proper Department to be Paid over to her her Representative as the case may be and this writing shall be their warrant for so doing & I further state that my sister Mary Gragg is sixty three years old according to my calculations & record that I believe her living it at place called Hemlock Lake Livingston County & state of New York having received a letter from her in her own handwriting to that effect.          
Sworn and subscribed before me August 10, 1824.      John Armstrong              
Hollis Latham               
Justice of the peace Wal Co Wis }
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State of Wisconsin
Walworth County } S

I William H. Pettit clerk of the Circuit Court in and for the county and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Hollis Latham is a Justice of the Peace, and for said County, duly elected and qualified; that he was elected on the 1st day of April A.D. 1851 and that his term of office will expires on the 1st day of April A.D. 1853 and that his signature above written is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof I have here-unto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said Court at Elkhorn in Said County this 10th day of August A.D. 1852.
W.H. Pettit Clerk By
H.W. Pettit Deputy [Clerk]
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STATE OF NEW YORK, 
LIVINGSTON COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE } SS. 
I CERTIFY, That Warren Green Esquire, was, at the date of the foregoing or annexed affidavit,  & acknowledged agent Justice of the Peace In and for said County, duly qualified and authorized to take the same; that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily believe that the signature of said Justice to the Jurat & acknowledgement agent thereto is genuine.             
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County, this 13th day of Sept A. D. 1857 J D Reot Clerk. of said County & of the Courts thereof
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POWER OF ATTORNEY      
For ascertaining whether any increase or arrears of Pension are due the Widow of heirs of Revolutionary Pensioners, &c.*               
State of New York     
County of  Livingston } S S                     Be it known that before me Warren Green a Justice of the Peace  personally appeared Mary Gragg aged 63 years, who being duly cautioned and then sworn in due form of law, states that she  is the daughter  of Captain John Armstrong who was a Revolutionary Soldier, or Pensioner of the State of New York, that he died on the day of June 1822 and that her mother, named Hannah died on the day of 1834 and that they were married on the Before the Revolutionary war and that they were residents of Salem in the State of New York and that they resided there after that in Lisbon many years, and that she Livonia and that her father Served as She believes under Colonel John Williams & Alexander Webster & Major Thos Armstrong. She further states that he was a poor man in 1818 and remained so through life and as she believes was entitled to a pension in 1818 and that her mother was poor              
And that furthermore BY THESE PRESENTS, constitutes, appoints and fully empowers and authorizes irrevocably and with powers of substitution David Phillips of Livonia, Livingston County, N. Y., as her true and lawful Attorney for her and in her name and stead, to examine into, to prosecute, to demand, and to receive from the United States Government Officers her rights in all and in any manner of claim for increase or arrear of Pension or Land, that may be due her & her Brother as daughter & son of Captain John Armstrong who died leaving the same undrawn, as in right of law, custom, or equity he & she is or may be entitled, and for good and sufficient reasons do hereby revoke and countermand any and all other Powers of Attorney or other authority that may have been heretofore given by me. Me as daughter of Capt. John Armstrong    
IN WITNESS WHEREOF she has on this twentyfirst day of August 1852 hereunto signed her name and affixed her seal.          Mary Gragg (L. S.)            
Witness: Warren Green
Witness: Margaret L. Hilliar }      
Signed, sealed, acknowledged and sworn to before me, on this twenty first day of August 1852 Warren Green J. P. (L. S.)               
At the same time personally appeared before me a two credible and disinterested witnesses named and residents of the aforesaid County and State, who having been by me cautioned and then duly sworn according to law, do depose and say each for himself that has always heard it said and it is generally believed by the community that was a Revolutionary Soldier and that was by him always treated as and is by the witnesses believed to be the of the said Revolutionary Soldier. (L. S.) Sworn to before me the day and year first above written. (L. S.) J. P. (L. S.) *If a Widow applies state "the date of marriage and date of death of her husband."
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September 5, 1935
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Susan E. Wade
5 Eddy Street
Fort Edward, New York

Arm [handwritten]
John Armstrong
R. 253
BA-J/MMHF:MLB

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Captain John Armstrong, of Washington County, New York.

The record of Captain John Armstrong is furnished you herein as found in pension claim, R. 253, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

John Armstrong married, date not stated, but prior to the Revolutionary Way, Hannah Lytle.  They were married in Salem, in what was later Washington County, New York.  In the winter of 1805, they moved to Lisbon, Saint Lawrence County, New York.

John Armstrong died in June, 1822, in Lisbon, New York, aged seventy-four years. His wife, Hannah, died in November, 1834, in Lisbon, New York, aged about eighty years.  They died at the home of their son, John Armstrong.

John Armstrong, Junior, was born in Salem, New York, and moved in 1805 with his parents to Lisbon, New York, where he resided until the fall of 1839 when he moved to Delevan, Walworth County, Wisconsin. He was living there in 1853, aged sixty-five years.  In 1852, Mary Gragg, widow of Hugh Gragg, and the daughter of John Armstrong, Senior, was living in Hemlock Lake, Livingston County, New York, aged sixty-three years.  She was formerly of Salem and Lisbon, New York, having moved with her husband, Hugh Gragg, from Lisbon in 1812.  John and Hannah Armstrong had other sons and daughters who were then deceased.

On August 21, 1852, Mary Gragg applied, in behalf of herself and her brother, John Armstrong, for the pension which might have
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been due their father, John Armstrong, or their mother, Hannah Armstrong, on account of the service of their father in the Revolutionary War.

It is shown in the papers on file in support of their claim that John Armstrong served in the New York troops as Captain under Major Thomas Armstrong (relationship not stated) and Colonels Alexander Webster and John Williams; that he served "more or less" through the Revolutionary War; that he served at Fort Ann, Fort Edward and Granville and Saratoga.  No other movements of the troops were stated.

Their claim was not allowed as there was no existing law under which they were entitled to pension for the service of their father in the Revolutionary War.

Andrew Lytle, born September 28, 1762, brother of soldier's widow, Hannah, was living in Racine, Wisconsin, in 1852.  He stated that he served under Captain John Armstrong in the Revolutionary War.

There is no charge for furnishing this record.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator

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1933 – Apr. 28 – Hist. [history] to W. D. Gannis
1935, Sept 6  Hist to Susan E. Vade
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No. 950
REJECTED
John Armstrong 
P.O.
Service:
Enlisted: Claim filed too 
Discharged: late to be on printed list of rejections
Application filed: 1852
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P.O.
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253                   
John Armstrong Sr.
(NY is struck through) Wiscon    

(David Phillips Feby 10 '53 is crossed out)           
Rejected. He died in 1822 & his wife in 1834.

Act June 7 1832
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State of New.York,
    St. Lawrence County,  }SS.
           Clerk's office,
I, George S. Winslow, Clerk of the County of St. Lawrence, do hereby certify that Elijah White Esq whose name is subscribed to the ? of the amended affidavit was, at the date, thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, elected and sworn, duly authorized to take the same: And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said  ? is genuine.
 In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said 
County, the fifth day of June 1852

(Seal is partially visible in left corner of page.)
  
George S. Winslow [sig] CLERK
By Israel Rhipper Depalke (?) [sig]
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State of New York
County of St. Lawrence
Be is known that before me Elijah White a Justice of the Peace, personally appeared two credible and disinterested witnesses, named James W. Lytle and William Wright residents of the aforesaid County and State, who having been by me cautioned and then duly sworn according to law, do depose and say each for himself that he has always heard it said and it is generally believed by the community that John Armstrong was a Captain was a Revolutionary Soldier, and that Mary Gragg was by him always treated as and is by the witness believed to be the daughter of the said Revolutionary Soldier, and furthermore that the said John Armstrong was a poor man in 1818 and throughout his life.
James W. Lytle [sig]
William Wright [sig]
Sworn to before me this Seventh day of July 1852.
Elijah White J.P (L.S.)

(Impression of portion of county seal is lightly visible in lower left corner.)
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[Persons making application at the Comptroller's or Secretary of State's Office, for searches, or certificates of service of any person, in the army of the U. S. during the revolutionary war , should give the name and ranks held by such person; the nature of the service; whether in the Infantry, Cavelry or Artillery, &c.; in the regular army or militia; the names of the officers commanding the regiments and companies at the time of enlistment, service and discharge, as near as can be given. The names should be given with care, and in a legible hand.]      
In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1781, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their service in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz:     
1778  April 25   John Armstrong  Capt.  No of Cert’e issued,  7714  £ 2  12  8
1780  Novem 3   John Armstrong  Capt.  No of Cert’e issued,  8963  £ 16  4  4
1779  Novem 3   John Armstrong  Capt.  No of Cert’e issued,  9026  £ 11  6  8
1780  April 2   John Armstrong  Capt.  No of Cert’e issued,  9046  £ 4  -  -
1779  April 30   John Armstrong  Capt.  No of Cert’e issued,  9094  £ 10  13  4
1779  Augst 29   John Armstrong  Capt.  No of Cert’e issued,  9115  £ 9  6  8
1780  March 31   John Armstrong  Capt.  No of Cert’e issued,  9163  £ 6  13  4
1781  Decem 14   John Armstrong  Capt.  No of Cert’e issued,  9223  £ 28  7  4
State of New-York, 
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, March 22 1852 }  
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No [unreadable] and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz: 
1st under Capt. In Command  in Col. John Williams Regiment. 
2d under Capt. In Command in Col. Alexr Websters Regiment
3rd under Capt. In Command in Col. Alexr Websters Regiment
4th under Capt. In Command in Col. Alexr Websters Regiment
5th under Capt. In Command in Col. Alexr Websters Regiment
6th under Capt. In Command in Col. Alexr Websters Regiment
7th under Capt. In Command in Col. Alexr Websters Regiment
8th under Capt. In Command in Col. Alexr Websters & Major Thomas Armstrong Regiment
I have examined the records for the service of   and find    entries, as above, amounting to £  
J. W. Lee Examining Clerk   
J. C. Wright Comptroller
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David Phillips
Feb'y 11, 1853
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Pension Office
Feby 10 1853

Sir

The claim of John Armstrong dec'd of Wisconsin has been examined and filed under the Act of June 7 1832 and reflected. No claim can be asserted for his services. He died before the passage of any Act under which his children could claim and his wife died before the passage of any act under which those surviving her could claim in her right. He died in 1822, & she died in 1834.

David Phillips, Esq.
Hemlock Lake NY
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(Hand written note at top of letter states "stamp gone when rec. in (?) 1812 (?)")

Letter is stamped:
Received Jul. 16 1935
Mail Supply Vets. Adm. Reader #26

Susan E. Wade
Genealogical Research
5 Eddy Street, Fort Edward, N.Y.

July 14/35
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir,

Do your early pension records show that Capt. John Armstrong of Salem Albany (now Washington Co) New York applied for a pension as a Rev. War solider? It is supposed that he served in either Websters or Williams Regt. 

If so, might it be possible to get a copy of his Declaration or
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(Hand written note at top of letter states "stamp gone when rec. in (?) 1812 (?)")  

Letter is stamped: Received Jul. 16 1935 Mail Supply Vets. Adm. Reader #26  

Susan E. Wade Genealogical Research 5 Eddy Street, Fort Edward, N.Y.  

July 14/35 Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Dear Sir,

Do your early pension records show that Capt. John Armstrong of Salem Albany (now Washington Co) New York applied for a pension as a Rev. War solider? It is supposedly fact he served with Webster's [militia] Regt. 

If so, might it be possible to get a copy of his Declaration or
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whatever it might be called showing his place of birth date etc etc.?

If there is a charge for this service, I shall be pleased to remit upon receipt of your bill.

Awaiting your reply & much appreciation of your courtesy with the matter.

I am, Very Truly Yours
Susan E. Wade
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THE SEAL OF THE STATE OF MONTANA   
ORO Y PLATA  
Senate of the State of Montana     
SENATOR W. D. KEMMIS    
RICHLAND COUNTY            
SIDNEY, MONTANA   
  
Sidney   4/21/33    19
Director of Pensions, Veterans Administration.     
Washington D.C.    
        
Gentlemen;                
The Adjutant General's office suggests to me that I may get some information relative to Col Alexander Webster's regiment (Dorset) Charlotte County Militia and particularly the company of Captain John Armstrong in, which my paternal ancestor John Kimmas served.              
Col Webster served, if I am correctly informed from 1780 - 1782, That he was in captivity, I failed to learn when) That one John Williams was the first commissioned Colonel of the regiment. 
Does any of the above names appear in your records as having at some time drawn compensation for services in the Continental army?                      
I am appalled at the lack of information obtainable relative to this regiment and its service during the war. I am hoping to secure enough information, any way to enable me to join the Sons of the American Revolution and I would like to know some thing about the regiment in which my paternal ancestor served even if it be of a fragmentary character.                
It is my belief that the regiment served at Saratoga. If any pensions were granted for injuries sustained there might prove this. 
                   
Permit me to thank you for any trouble you may take to enlighten me on any one or all of the matters mentioned here.                    
Sincerely yours Walter D Kemmis   [sig]                   
Walter D Kemmis. 
RECEIVED APR 27 1933 MAIL SUB-DIV VETS ADM PENSIONS
(Handwritten. note: 12 [unreadable] 3 reg 1 hist 24 pges
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April 28, 1933

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Honorable Walter D. Kemmis            
Sidney                                           
Montana 

JOHN ARMSTRONG  
R.  253                                    
BA-J/MMHF:MLB

My dear Mr. Kemmis:

Reference is made to your letter of April 21, in which you request information in regard to Colonel Alexander Webster's regiment of Charlotte County, New York militia, Revolutionary War, in which John Armstrong was captain, and of which John Williams was also colonel and in which your ancestor, John Kimmas served.

Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land which have been made to the United States based upon service in that war.

A careful search of the records has been made in your behalf and no claims for pension or bounty land found based upon service of Colonel John Williams of the above-noted regiments, or of Colonel Alexander Webster and John Kimmas.

The record has been found of Captain John Armstrong which may interest you.  It is given below as found in the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension clam, R.  253, based upon his service in that war.

John Armstrong married, date not stated, but prior to the Revolutionary War, Hannah Lytle.  They were married in Salem, in what was later Washington County, New York.  In the winter of 1805, they moved to Lisbon, Saint Lawrence County, New York.

John Armstrong died in June 1822, in Lisbon, New York, aged seventy-four years.  His wife Hannah, died in November 1834, in Lisbon, New York, aged about eighty years.  They died at the home of their son, John Armstrong.
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John Armstrong, Junior, was born in Salem, New York, and moved in 1805 with his parents to Lisbon, New York, where he resided until the fall of 1839 when he moved to Delevan, Walworth County, Wisconsin.  He was living there in 1852, aged sixty-five years.  In 1852, Mary Gragg, widow of Hugh Gragg, and the daughter of John Armstrong, Senior, was living in Hemlock Lake, Livingston County, New York, aged sixty-three years.  She was formerly of Salem and Lisbon, New York, having moved with her husband Hugh Gragg, from Lisbon in 1812.  John and Hannah Armstrong had other sons and daughters who were then deceased.

On August 21, 1852, Gragg applied, in behalf of herself and her brother, John Armstrong, for the pension which might have been due their father, John Armstrong, or their mother, Hannah Armstrong, on account of the service of their father in the Revolutionary War.

It is stated in the papers on file in support of their claim that John Armstrong served in the New York troops as Captain under Major Thomas Armstrong and Colonels Alexander Webster and John Williams; that he served, "more or less" through the Revolutionary War; that he served at Fort Ann, Fort Edward and Granville and Saratoga.  No other movements of the troops are stated. 

Their claim was not allowed as there was no existing law under which they were entitled to pension for the service of their father in the Revolutionary War.

Andrew Lytle, born September 28, 1762, brother of soldier's widow, Hannah, was living in Racine, Wisconsin, in 1852.  He stated that he served under Captain John Armstrong in the Revolutionary War.

It is suggested that further information in regard to the military service of the above-named officers, also service of you ancestor, John Kimmas, might be obtained from the Director, New York State Library, Albany, New York, or from the Adjutant General, War Department, this city. (There is a faint hand-written note to the left of this paragraph stating "omit".)

Very truly yours

A. D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator

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