Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 46,020, Joel Atherton, New Jersey
Page 1

SERVICE
New Jersey

Atherton, Joel

NUMBER
S. 46.020
Page 2

6462
New York
[nearly illegible line]
Joel Atherton
of Steuben in the State of N. York
who was a Private in the Company commanded
by Captain Harker of the Regt. commanded
by Col. Martin in the N. Jersey
line for 12 months a Sergeant
Inscribed on the Roll of N. York
at the rate of 60 Dollars -- Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of Feby
1833 and sent to Jno Cruger
H of R
Arrears to the 4th of Sp 1832    $90
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4th '33  [$]30
$120
Revolutionary Claim
June 7, 1832
Recorded by Geo C Stiles Clerk
Book D. Vol. 5. Page 60
Page 3

1890
April 2 H B Atherton history Priv
Lett to B Ames 29 April 1833
" -- " Daniel Cruger. Aug 12. 1835
Page 4

In matter of
Joel Atherton
Pension Application
Declaration &c
By consent of 
Jno Cruger
admd
12 mo. Sergt
60$

I do hereby certify 
that the written papers
passed through the hands
of the Clerks within
named in the same state
in which they now are
D Cruger formerly
Member of Congress
Page 5

State of New York
Steuben County ss. On this 16th day of October
in the year 1832, personally appeared in open
Court before the Court of Common Pleas now
sitting at Bath in and for the said County of
Steuben, Joel Atherton of the town of Hornellsville
in the said County of Steuben aged eighty-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, 1837.
[marginal note] Sept 1778
That he entered the service of the United States
under the following named officers and served
as herein stated. He entered the service in the
militia in September in the year 1778, at Wantage
in the State of New Jersey where he then resided under
Capt Samuel Meeker and Lieutenant Peter Hopkins
- dont remember the names of the other
[marginal note] 1 M
company officers - in a Regiment commanded
by Col Ephraim Martin, Lieutenant Col Harker
and Major Hedley - Marched to Perth Amboy and
laid there one month and was discharged. The 
Pennsylvania Militia were stationed there. Don't
remember the names of any of the officers of the
Pennsylvania Militia, except a Lieutenant
Elijah Buck. was discharged in October but did
not receive a written discharge.
[marginal note] 1779
That he entered the service of the United
States again, in the militia, sometime in January
1779, at Wantage in New Jersey where he then resided,
[marginal note] 1 M
under Capt Samuel Coykendall. Lieutenant
Benjamin Coykendall and Ensign William
McClallen. Regiment commanded by Col Ephraim
Martin. Lieut Col Harker. dont remember the
majors name. Marched to Scotch Plains in Essex
County continued there one month and was
discharged. there were no regular troops stationed
there. did not receive a written discharge
That he again entered the service of the
United States as a Militia man in July or August
Page 6

[marginal note]
1 M
+
Benj Coykendall
not in service

1779, under the same officers last mentioned and
marched to the Delaware river to protect the 
Inhabitants against the Indians. was not stationed
in any particular place, continued the service
one month and was dicharged at Wantage aforesaid.
That he again entered the service as a
Militia man in October 1779 at Wantage in
New Jersey. Same captain, Col & Lieut Col
last mentioned but dont remember the names
of the other officers. Marched to Morristown
thence to Short Hills. there joined a Regiment
of Continental soldiers, commanded by Col
Ford. Lieut Co John Cleves Sims and Major
Spencer. Marched thence to Springfield Meeting
House in Essex County. there had an engagement
with the British. American troops commanded
by Lieut Col Simms. about 400 strong. the
battle took place about sundown or a little after.
The British had just kindled up their fires as
the American troops arrived on the green by the
Meeting House. the British retreated [underlined] without
their suppers, except what was given them by
the Americans. Col Ford stayed about three
[marginal note] 1 M
miles back with the artillery. he had two
pieces. if he had have come on the British would
have been taken. The British troops amounted
to about 400 as the people said next day. The
engage The engagement took place between
the advanced guard of the Americans and rear
guard of the British. Major Spencer's horse
was killed under him pursued the British
next day a few miles, but did not come
up with them; returned back to the Short Hills;
thence to Sparktown, and after having performed
one months service, was discharged at
that place. did not receive a written discharge
Page 7

[marginal note] 1776
That the following service was omitted
to be stated in its order: That in the month
of December in the year 1776, he first entered
the service as a Militia man at Wantage in
the State of New Jersey, where he then resided,
[marginal note] 1-
for one month, under Capt Joseph Harker.
does not remember the names of the other
company officers. Regiment commanded
by Col Ephraim Martin. Lieut Col Harker
[marginal note] 2 M
and Major Hedley. were sent to retake Cattle
which the British had seized and were driving
away. retook the Cattle and sent them
to Essex County performed about two months
service and was discharged, but did not receive
it in writing nor does he remember the place
where he was discharged.
[marginal note] 1781
That he again entered the service as a
Militia man early in the Spring of 1781 but does
not recollect the month, for three months, 
[marginal note] 3 M
at Wantage in New Jersey, under Capt Joseph
Harker, Lieut Benjamin Coykendall. not attached
to any Regiment, was stationed along the lines
Between Perth Amboy and the North river
to protect the inhabitants from the British
marrauding and plundering parties and after having
served three months was discharged. don't 
remember the name of the place where he was
discharged. discharge was not in writing.
That from the month of March 1776 until
the termination of the last above mentioned services
in the year 1781. Besides the period above
particularly detailed he was frequently called out in
alarms as a Militia man for short periods sometimes
one week & sometimes less, so that he might
fairly be considered as in constant service, and
he feels confident that altogether he performed
Page 8

two years service for as he was continually
liable to be called and was frequently called
on from 1776 to 1781, he could not engage in any
business.
That sometime in the summer or
fall of 1781, being then a resident of Wantage
in New Jersey, he enlisted into the regular service
and on the Continental establishment, under
a promise of a bounty of eighty dollars. thinks
he enlisted at Sparktown New Jersey Essex
County, under Capt James Broderick, Lieut.
Edsell, don't remember the names of the 
other officers. Joined his company at Veale
Town New Jersey. The Regiment was
commanded by Col Ephraim Martin, he having
been appointed a Colonel in the regular service
& LIeut Col Souard or Seward
Jersey line. They were called New Levies.
Don't remember the names of any other
officers. Got a furlough for the winter and
went home late in the fall. Joined his regiment
early in the spring of 1782, and served to the end of the
war, thinks he was discharged at Smiths
Clove in the said State of New Jersey, but is
not able to say at what time he was dicharged.
He has lost his discharge and furlough.
[marginal note] Joel Atherton
He further states that he acted as a
Sergeant during the whole of his services in
the Revolutionary War as well in the regular services
as in the Militia.
1st - He was born in what is called the "oblong" 
Dutchess County and State of New York and was born in the year 1746.
2. Has no record of his age, except a copy taken from
his brothers bible six years ago, & which he has at
home
Page 9

3d. He resided at Wantage in New
Jersey when called into service. Moved from
Wantage to Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, from
there he moved to a place then called Levanna
in Cayuga County, and on Cayuga Lake
moved from there to Canisteo, in the
County of Steuben & State of New York, and has
continued in the same place but it is now within
the Town of Hornellsville. [underlined] He is now supported
at the public expence in the town of Howard
same county. He is entirely blind, and destitute.
4th Was called into service in the manner here
already stated.
5th Dont remember the names of any other
officers than those already stated, nor can he give
any other general circumstances of his service
6th Received a discharge from the regular service,
but has lost it.
Can prove his character for truth and veracity
and their belief of his services as a Soldier of the
revolution, by Daniel Cruger & William Atherton.
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 any State.
William Atherton, written
by Daniel Cruger at his
request

Sworn to and subscribed
the day andyear aforesaid
M S Rumsey Deputy Clk
Steuben County

We Daniel Cruger of Bath, and William
Atherton of the town of Conisteo in the County of
Steuben and State of New York, hereby certify 
that we have been both well acquainted with
Joel Atherton who has subscribed and sworn to the
above declaration, for more than thirty five years
that we believe him to [be] eighty six years of age
that it was always reputed and believed that
he was a Soldier of the revolution in the
Page 10

neighborhood where he has resided for the last
thirty-five years and that we concur in that
opinion
Daniel Cruger
Wm Atherton

Sworn to & subscribed the
day & year aforesaid.
M S Rumsey Dep. Clk
Steuben County

And the said Court do hereby declare 
their opinnion, 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 [crossed out: Joel] William Atherton who has
signed the preceding certificate and the said
Daniel Cruger, residents as aforesaid are credible
persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Geo. C. Edwards
Ruiz I Williams
Ezra Chapin

I David Rumsey Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas do
hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original
proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application
of Joel Atherton for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and seal of office this 16th day of October 1832
D. Rumsey

Joel Atherton

Matter of 
Joel Atherton
Pension Application
declaration
Page 11

In matter of
Joel Atherton
Pension application 
Steuben County ss. Personally appeared before
me the undersigned Justice of the Peace in & for the
County of Steuben & State of New York Joel Atherton of the
town of Hornellsville who being duly sworn deposeth and
Saith that by reason of old age and consequent loss
of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise
lenghth of his service but according to the best of his
recollection he served not less than two years and
for such service I claim a pension.
Joel Atherton

Subscribed & sworn before
me January 8 1833

Ammi R Rathbun Justice

State of New York
Steuben County ss
I William H Bull Clerk of the
County of Steuben, Do hereby certify that Anu R Rathborne
whose name is subscribed to the within affidavit
and before whom the same purports to have been taken
was at the date thereof a Justice of the peace in and
for said county and that I am well acquainted with
the hand writing of the said Anu R Rathborne and verily
believe that the signature to said affidavit is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affired the seal of the Court of
common pleas of said county at Bath
this Sixth day of February 1833
Wm. H. Bull Clerk
Page 12

Joel Atherton
Adm'd
M. Cruger
Present
Page 13

BRIEF in the case of Joel Atherton
of Steuben County in the State of New York
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? 
Open Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 
[blank]
3. How old is he? 
86 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

[table]
[col 1]
| Period. |
Decemb? In 1776
Sept. 1778, Jan 7, July, & Oct. 1779. 4 terms of one month each
Spring of 1781

[col 2]
| Duration of Service. |
| Years, Months, Days |
--, about 2, --
--, 4, --
--, 3, --

[col 3]
| Rank. |
| As a |
[blank]

[col 4]
| Names of General and Field Officers underwhom he served. |
Capt. Josh Harker, Col Martin - New Jersey Militia
Capt. Harker & Kendal, Col. Martin - d[itt]o
Capt. Harker - d[itt]o

Alleges that, besides the time above stated, he was called out frequently on alarms, and
that, in all he thinks he served more than two years between 1776 & the Spring of 1781
States further, that in the Summer of 1781, he inlisted in the Continental line under
Capt Broderick and Col. Martin, got a furlough
for the Winter, joined the Compy again early in
the Spring of 1782 and Served to the end of the War
States that, he was Sergeant the whole
time, both in the Militia & Continental

5. In what battles was he engaged? 
[blank]
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? 
Wantage N. Jersey
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by
incidental evidence, or by the rolls? 
Traditionary evidence alone
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
they are not attached according to the Regulations

I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Wm G Gordon Examining Clerk

From the concluding affidavit of the applicant made in Jany
last, it is presumed that the long brief is unnecessary in this
case.
Page 14

Invalid
Revy
46.020
File No.
Joel Atherton
Private
New Jersey Mila
Rev. War
Act June 7, 1832
Index: Vol. 5, Page 60
(Arrangement of 1870.)
Page 15

16 Dec 1853

1832
  86
----
1746
Page 16

Joel Atherton
Born 1746 in what was called the "Oblong" Dutchess Co NY
Entered service from when residing in Wantage (note PO may now be Libertyville & mail at Dockerton) north part of Sussex
Co N. Y. moved to Wilksbarre Luzern Co Pen, then to a place called Levanna in Cayuga Co
on Cayuge Lake NY then to Conesto, Steuben Co NY (now within the town of Hornellsville) where he has
since lived where he is supported from being blind & was living in Oct 1832

Enlisted for one mo at Wantage N.J in about Sept 1778 with Capt Samuel Mecker & Col Ephraim Martin
marched to Perth Amboy appd Sgt
In Jany 1779 he serve one month under Capt Saml Coykendell & Col Ephm Martin
at South Plains in Essex Co also under same officers another month at Delaware river
against Indians. Another month same officers in October 1779 at Short Hills & was in
an engagement at Springfield Essex Co where the British had kindle their fires for
Supper but retreated.
In 1776 he served month in December under Capt Joseph Harker & Col Ephraim
Martin to retake some cattle the British had seized & driving away which were
retaken & sent to Sussex Co Appd Sgt
Enlisted in Spring 1781 for 3 mos with Capt Joseph Harker & Stationed along the
lines between Perth Amboy & Hudson river to protect inhabitants from
British marauding parties. Frequently out on alarm,
In summer of Fall 1781 he enlisted with Capt James Broderick in Essex County &
Col. Martin. He was furloughed during the winter but Joined his Co in Spring 1782
& served to end of War. Was a Sargt in all his service
Page 17

Bath, N York, June 18th 1835
Dr Sir,
Being in this Country on business, I have been called
upon by a friend of Joel Atherton & shown your letter of the 30th
April last requiring some explanation in regard to his pension
declaration upon which his pension was allowed. I do not know
what explanation he may be able to give, but I feel it due
to an old blind man of nearly or about 90 years old, whom
I have known for the last thirty or forty years as a correct &
honest man, to say that he has been blind 10 or 15 years;
that from his extreme poverty he was sold as one of the
County poor to the lowest bidder & was taken at such a
reduced price, that when he was relieved by his pension his
heart throbbed with joy at the gratitude of his country. As
it regards the discrepancy between his declaration and
the records as recently ascertained, it seems to me that as
his relation of facts are so special & particular, that
the misapprehension of a name & the title of an officer
at so distant a period, ought not to throw him back
upon the community and again to deprive him of
the comforts of life. His time is short, & recessarily so
as it regards his not applying for a pension under the act
of 1828, I can say, that the nature of that act was little known
here, indeed I did not know of it until after his papers
were made out, and as he from age, infirmity & the loss of
sight and extreme poverty was entirely secluded
from the world, it is certainly not a matter of surprize
that he should not know of it. I entertain no doubt from
my knowledge of Mr. Atherton, that he served his country
as stated by him. I have no interest in this matter
& give this letter unsolicited, in the hope that the bread
of life may not be taken from him
Very respectfully
Daniel Cluger

J L Edwards Esq.
Page 18

Hornellsville June 29th 1835
My Dear Sir
in answer to your Letter of the 30th of
April 1835 which notifyes me of the Suspension
of my pension until I shall make satisfactory
Explaination of my declaration for such pension
I have only to state that as it respects the service
that I rendered my contry in the revlutionary war
from begining to end was two years or thereabout
as I ment to be understood in my former declaration
and as it respects the servis rendered under
Capt Harker I never ment to be understood th[at]
he was a continental officer.
as it respects the Enlistment under Capt Broderick
it was a conditional one that is he was offering
Eighty Dollars bounty for during the war men
I agreed to serve during the war if he wold pay the
bounty in one month which he never performed
and consequtly I was not imboded as a regular
but continued to do duty as a malitia man
as occasion required under other officers until the war was over
and I never know or supposed that I cold obtain a
pension under any other act than that which I
applyed under and if I am not to share my contry
bounties with my ancient companions in arms
Mr Edwards will do me the favor to Let me
know as soon as conveinant
Yours respectfully
his
Joel x Atherton
mark

J.L. Edwards Esq

Attest John Pitts