Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1959, Christopher Van Deventer, New Jersey
Page 1

(3-1776)
Van Deventer, Christopher
Elizabeth
SERVICE New Jersey
NUMBER W.1959
B.L. Wt. 12723-160-55
CONTENTS _
Page 2

1707
New Jersey
Christopher Van devent
Miller Co in the State of N. Jersey
who was a Private in the Comp commanded
Captain Day - of the Regt commanded
Col. Lott. in the New Jersey
line for 2 Years
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Jerseythe
rate of 8 Dollars - Cents per annum
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Recorded by
sook
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of June
1833
and sent J. Randall
Present
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 33
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sep 33
6
---
$200
Revolutionary Claim,
June 7, 1832.
G. E.
Stiles
Clerk
Vol. 3 Page 154
Page 3

Chistopher Van Deventer
on rolls of
Certificate to be sent
to Jas Randolph
N. B.
Quare
Page 4


State of New Jersey
Middlesex County ss On this eleventh day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty two personally
appeared in open court before the Judges
of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas
in & for the County of Middlesex & State of
New Jersey being a Court of record and
now setting Christopher Van Deventer a
resident in the Township of South Amboy
in said County of Midlesex who being
first duly sworn according to Law and
examined and interrogated according to
the instructions from the war department
doth on his oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of
the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
That is to say
That he was born in the Township of South
Amboy in the County of Middlesex & State of
the Jersey in the month of
in the year 1755 is now in his seventy
seventh year of age. That he has a word
of his age copied many years since by a
Mr Anson a school master from the orignal kept by his father and mother, which
original he believes to be in the hands of
his brothers family now residing in the ┃
Lake county-- when he was any your
his father removed to the Township of Bedminster in the County of Somerset State
aforesaid & when he was for 8 years of
age as he believes his father again removed
into the County of Middlesex but the
Township of North Brunswick this
larant continued to reside there, titia
Page 5


bout thirty years ago when he removed into
the Township of South Amboy in the County
last mentioned when he has lived
ever since at the commencement of the
revolutionary was he lived in North Bunnwick
 - He entered the service of the United States
as a private and volunteer in June or July
1778 as he thinks before the battle of Long Island
in a militia company commanded by a
Captain Daglan whose first or christian
name he does not recollect nor is he certain
that his semance is herein covertly spelled
and a Lieutenant William Carlisle
Colonel Richard Lott. with this company he
went to Perth Amboy & served there a fortnight
at the expiration of which time he went in
mediately to the new Blazing Star on Staten
Island Sound in the County of Essex in the company commanded by Captain Day whose
Christian name he has also forgotten or perhaps never knew, with him he served also a
fortnight & this was his first months service
after the same of another month he again
went out to Elizabeth town under Captain
Vogland served there & in its vicinity another
month - His next tour of service was also at
Elizabethtown where he served another month
under Captain Day. He was then at home
till the British came to New Brunswick
and while at home was engaged in supply
in the Virginia & Maryland troops which
then say at Amboy with wood. Some time
after the British came to her Brunswick
he went to Philadelphia and was there
when the battle of Trenton took place-
He then went to Cranbury in the County
of Midlesex in New Jersey a voluntered as
Page 6

to
a private in the company commanded
by Captain James Johnson & served me
him a month at Cranbury sits unity
and immediately after that he served two
months together also at Cranbury in its
neighbourhood in Capt Boglan, Major
Taylor and Colonel John Nelson
about the expiration of the two months
service last mentioned there was a gen
seal call out of the militia as the Birtish army were marching from the City of
New Brunswick Westerly into the
County of Somerset. He then went to buck
town in the Border of Hunterdon County
by under Capt. Vogan I was then taken
out of his company sent to South
in Middlesex County in the neighbourhood of New Brunswick to William
Happing and Morgan wife of David
again to get information relation to the
movements of the British any. This was
the last time he ever saw his father who was
shortly after taken prisoner by the British
did in a prisoner in prison in New York
after executing his commission he returned
to his company with the inteligence that the
British were returning to New Brunswick with their heart can on military
stores - He then marched with his company
immediately to Middlebrook near which
General Washington day encamped with
the army was at Middlebrook some
days when they were marched to Quibble
town in Middlesex County & remained there
some time but dont know how long when
the British Joses left New Bennswick
Page 7

He then returned home where he remained
some time. His next tour was at Elizabeth
Town where he served two months under
Captain Day either under Colonel Taylor
or Colonel John Neilson. In the spring of
1778 he enlisted in the nine months service
under Captain Polkers who shortly afher
resigned & was sounded by Captain Pater brother who was afterwards killed
by the British at New Brunswick and
under Colonel Ogain Adjutant Pyatt
He served his nine months out, Chiefly at
Elizabethtown Anny this nine months
he was at the battle of Monmouth after
the expiration of the Father Term of his enlistment he again served under Captain
James Morgan in Middlesex Monmon
counties & in the shore of Amboy bay
He cannot tell what other ten to
was out than those above mentioned but
he served as a soldier in the war of the
volution at different periods in the whole
twenty seven months, but his memory fail
to describe this service with me partimarity
than he has done. He cannot
till the names or numbers of the continental
or militia regiment he never served
as a substitute but one & then only for a
Fortnight & for his and Samuel Willett
The only battles in which he was engaged
were those of Monmouth Springfield in
New Jersey. He never minded a written
discharge from the service nor has he any
Commentary evidence of his service, but
is personally well known to Benjamin
Norman a soldier of the revolution who
can attest to his service, in the war, and
Page 8

is also well known to the Rev James
Goble a clergiman and to
Court Nevins who reside in his neighbourhood & can testify to his character for
veracity and their belief of his services as a
soldier of the revolution and
he hereby relinquishes every claim
whatever to a pension or annuity of
cept the present & declares that his name
is not on the pension roll of the agency of
any State
Sworn & subscribed
Chistopher Van Deventer
in open court the
day year aforesaid
N Moore Judge
State of New Jersey
-
Middlesex County ss ⎬ I Benjamin Norman
resident in the County of Middlesex in
New Jersey do certify that I am well as
quainted with Christopher Van Deventer
who has signed the above declaration that
I knew him during the revolutionary war
I know that he served throughout the
was at different times but how long
cannot say that I have full com
fidence in the entire statement certain
ed in his said declaration-
Sworn & subscribed
his
in open court the
Benjamin Norman
day & aforesaid
N Morden Judge
Mark
Page 9

.
Son
State of New Jersey
Middlesex County ss:  We James Goble clergyman
residing in the County of Midler and
Gaunt never also residing in said County
hereby certify that we me well acquainted with
Christopher Van Deventer who has subscribed
and sworn to the above declaration
that we believe him to be seventy seven
years of age or thereabouts, That he is a man
of veracity and is reported and believed in the
neighbourhood where he resides to have
been a soldier of the revolution & that we
concur in that opinion the alter Jenkin
Sworn & subscribed states that he served with her
in open court the  in the revolutionary war nine
day & year four month and
Nova Jage
and the court do hereby declare their
opinion after the investigation of the
matter and after putting the interogatory
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 ap
peace to them that Gant heirs who has
signed the preceeding certificate is a day
man resident in the County of Middlesex
in New Jersey that Court River
who has also signed the same is also a
resident in said County & is a credible
person & that their statement is entitled
to credit - Sept 4th 1832 N Wooten
The same
Schabod Potter
Judges
Page 10

I Ferdinand Van Ansdale Clerk
of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas
and for the County of Middlesex in the
State of New Jersey do hereby certify
that the forgoing contains the original
proceedings of the said court in the mot
of the application of Christopher Van
Deventer for a pension-
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand
affixed the seal of said court
this nineteenth day of September
in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred
thirty two ponsdale Clk
to
Page 11

Christopher Van Deventer
Applicate for pension
8710
Certificate to be sent to 
James S. Nivens
N. Bruns. 
N Jersey
Page 12

Supplementary affidavit of
Christopher Van Deventer-
Personally appeared before us the undersign
Gerages of the Inferior Court of Common
Pleas in & for the County of Mclean in
open court, Christopher Van Deventer who
being duly sworn deposeth and saith that
by reason of old age and consequent loss of
memory he cannot swear positionly 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-Viz - for three months
in the year 1775 to wit July, September and
November as a private for the period of
seven months in the year 1777 to wit Jane
any February, March, April, May, and September and October as a private. for the period
of nine months in the year 1778, commen
in the first of April of that year and under
in December of the same year as a private
For the period of four months in the year
1779 as a private viz. June, August, October
and December, for the period of three months
in the year 1780, June August and Septem
ber, making in the whole twenty seven
month of actual service, during which
he suffered great hardship & deprivations
for this service he claims a pension - Be
sides the service above mentioned which
was remaind in embodied corps called out
by competent authority, he undend others
in in the militia of New Jersey, sometimes
for a few day sometimes for a week or
two at a time which is not included in
Page 13


in the above statement
and subscribed
open court this
day of June
Christopher Van Deventer
Peter P. Runyon Judge
and the court do hereby further certify
that it appears to them that Benjamin Nov
man who has signed one of the preceding
certificate is a resident in the said County
of Middlesex & is a credible persons any
aged man & that his statement is entitled
to credit and we further certify that James
Gable who has also signed one of the for
going certificate is a clergyman resident
also in the County of Middlesex & that Ga
Stevens who has also signed one of said
certificate is a credible person & resides
in said county & that their statement
is entitled to credit.
June 18. 1833.
Peter R. Runyon
James Harriot
of Lord
I Nicholas Booram Clerk of the Inferior
Court of Common Pleas in and for the County
of Middlesex and State of New Jersey do
hereby certify that the forgoing contains as will
the original as the supplementary poundings
had before said went in the matter of the
application of Christopher Van Deventer for
pension - In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed the
seal of said court this eighteenth
day of June in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred &
thirty there-
N Mooracer Clerk
Page 14

New Jersey
.
Elizabeth Van deventer,
widow of
Christopher
who served in the Revolutionary
N.J
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80.
Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the
day of November 1858
James L. Street
New Brunswick
and sent to
N. J.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 100
132
that
Page 15

Declaration of Mrs. Elizabeth Vandeventer
for Pension under the Act of Feb. 3rd, 1853
Widow of Christopher Vandeventer, of Middlesex County New Jersey.
James L. Street, Atty.
New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Page 16

State of New Jersey
County of Middlesex S.S.
On this fourth day of
November, A.D. 1833, personally appeared before
the undersigned Judges of the inferior Court of
Common Pleas, of the County and State aforesaid
Mrs Elizabeth Van deventer, a resident of the
Township of North Brunswick, in the County of Mid
dlesex, and State of New Jersey, aged sixty four
years, who first being duly sworn according to law,
doth on her oath declare as follows, in order
to obtain the benefits of the provision made
by the act of Congress, passed on the 3rd of Feb
May 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons
who served during the Revolutionary war; that
she is the widow of Christopher Vandeventer,
who was (as she believes) a private of the New Jersey
Militia, in the war of the Revolution;
for which size; he drew a pension from
the United States for several years before
his death; his pension certificate having been
Surrendered, when the arrearage of pension was
drawn, after his death, she has no written
evidence of the time he began to draw his
pension, but thinks it was under the act of
June 7th 1832, at eighty dollars per annum
she further declares that so far as the
knows, there never was but one Chistopher
Vandeventer, of Middlesex County New Jersey,
who was a pensioner, and that was her hus
the deceased and for proof of his service
the respectfully refers to the papers on file
in the Pension Office, on which he drew
his pension. The further declare, that
she was married to the said Christopher Van deventer
Page 17

at Cheesquakes in the County of Middlesex
in the State of New Jersey, on the 30th day of October
A.D. 1813, by one John Fountain a minister of the
Gospel, that her maiden name was Elizabeth
Lamberson; that she has lived in Middlesex
County New Jersey all her life
That her said husband died near Washington,
South River Middlesex County New Jersey, on
the twenty third day of January, A.D. 1840. She fur
the declares that she does not know of any public
or family record of her marriage; that she was
1
not married to her said husband prior to the
Second of January, eighteen hundred, but at
the time above State; she further declares
that she has not intermarried since the death
of her said husband, and that she is now
his widow. - For proof of identity, her husband
death &c, she refers to the evidence
annexed.
Attest:
Ann Tuthill
 Elizabeth Vandeventer
mark
Henry Sutton
"
dette
Sworn and Subscribed in open Court,
in presence of
Peter B Canyone
in P. Provost
State of New Jersey
Manson Newton
Fity Randolph
County of Middlesex S.S. Bethuel Ward
Judges
Be it known, That on
this fourth day of November, A.D. 1853, personally appear
as before the undersigned, a Justice of the
Peace within and for the County and State
Page 18

aforesaid, duly authorised by law to administer oaths, personally came Henry Stal,
a resident of North Brunswick, in the County
of Middlesex and State of New Jersey, aged fifty
nine years; who being first duly sworn according to to law, on his oath declares, that he
was present in open Court, and saw Mr Elizabeth Van deventer sign her declaration as above;
and signed his name thereunto as a witness;
He further declares that he was personally well
acquainted with Christopher Van deventer, late of
the County of Middlesex, the husband deceased,
of the above Signed declarant Elizabeth and
venter; that he the said Christopher was a United States
Revolutionary Pensioner, and the only
one of the name, so far as he knows or believes
11
that ever lived in Middlesex County; That his
the affiant frequently drew his pension for
him, at the agency at Trenton New Jersey, and
after his death, drew the arrearage of pension
then due, for his widow, the above Signed de
clarant, and surrendered the Pension Certifi
cate of the said Christopher Vandeventer, the
husband deceased, of the above Signed declare
wit; He further declares, that he does not
know whether they were ever married; but that
they lived together as husband and wife, many
years before his, the said Christopher Van deventers
death; that they had three children
him they always claimed as theirs; that
he never heard any one express any doubt
of their marriage, and never had my dock
of it himself; knows that Christopher van
deventer died as the States in her the
ration was at his burial, has been
Page 19

quainted with the family ever since he has
known any body, has been personally well
acquainted with the Declarant Mrs Elizabeth van deventer ever since the death of her said husband; That she has not intermarried since
his death, and that she is now his widow; and
finally that he has no interest in her claim
to a pension, and further this deponent
saith not
Henry Stuth
"
Also, at the same time and place personally,
appeared, Mrs Ann Tuthill of Washington, South
River, Middlesex County New Jersey, aged fifty
nine years, who being duly sworn according to
law, on her oath declares, that she is the
daughter of Christopher Vandeventer, the United States
Pensioner, late of the County and State afore
said; That her mother was his first wife, and
the above signed declarant his second wife, and
now his widow, the leaving never intermarried
since the death of her the said affiants father
the said Christopher Vandeventer deceased.
That she has been personally well acquainted
with the above Signed declarant,
Mr Elizabeth Van deventer, ever since the
the affiant know any body, and knows that
every statement of her declaration is substan
ally true; she further declares, that she
was present and saw Mr Vandeventer affix
her mark to her above declaration in open
Court, and that she signed her name thereunto
as a witness; and that she has no interest in
the claim, and further this deponent saith not.
Ann Tuthill
Page 20

Sworn and subscribed, on the day
and above written, before,
Peter Runyon
Justice of the Peace
Know all men by these presents, That I,
Elizabeth Vandeventer, of the County of
Middlesex and State of New Jersey, widow
of Christopher Vandeventer deceased, late
a United States Revolutionary Pensioner
of said County and State Do hereby
Constitute and appoint James L. Street,
my true and lawful attorney, for me
and in my name to procure from
the United States, the Pension to which
I am entitled, under the act of the
3
of
of February, 1853, as the widow of
the Pensioner aforesaid,
Given under my hand and
seal, this fourth day of November, 1853.
Signed, Sealed and ⎬
delivered in presence of
Henry "
Strett.
Elizabeth Van deventer
mark
Peter L Runpose
State of New Jersey ⎬
County of Middlesex S.S.
Be it known, That
on this 4th day of November, A.D. 1853, person
ally came before the undersigned, a Justice
of the Peace, within and for the County and
Page 21

State aforesaid, Elizabeth Van deventer, and
acknowledged the foregoing power of
attorney to be her act and deed.
Given under my hand, the day
and year above written.
Peter R Campel
Justice of the Peace
State of New Jeney
County of Middlesex I Nicholas Moore Clerk of the
Inferior Court of Common Pleas in & for the Court
all be mentioned and hereby certify that
Peter P Renyon Abraham P. Proved Alanson
Newton David Fity Randolph & Bettie Ward
whose genuine Signatures appear above inten
at the time of signing the same Judges of the said
before Court of Common Pleas, duly commisserved & Sworn to all whose official acts as such
full faith credit is and that the said Peter
Runyon is also a Justice of the peace in
said County an Commissed soon, and the
and was such Justice at the time the foregoing depose
then before him when he signed his genuine
Signature shall as such Justice; that the Lord
Court is a Court of reend honey Genral
Section, and that I have no intent
the Claim for pension in the foregoing indenture
Given under my hand seal of Genl
New Become this 4th day of November
AD 1853
N Booream
Page 22

72.747 Act. March 3/55.
April 16/53
Elizabeth Van Deventer
Christopher Van Deventer, dec
to
White
---
Revolutuary War.
---
as
---
2422
Boynton
S
Peter P. Runyon
New Brunswick
New Jerse
River on Nov. 15,
Vol V. Page 69,
Page 23

State of New Jersey
County of Middleton this seventh day of April
one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally ap
peared before me a justice of the Peace within and for
the County and State of said Elizabeth Van deventer
aged sixty five years a resident of the County of Miss
ye in the State of New Jersey who being duly sworn
according to law declares that she is the widow of this
Christopher Van Deventer Deceased who was a Revolutionary
Pensioner of the United States at the rate of eighty dollars
her annum and payable at the New Jersey Agency
at Trenton Nathe is in the receipt of a Pension of the same
amount as her late husband drew and payable
at the same place that the certificate of Pension under
which she now draws her pension bears date the
18th day of November 1853 and is recorded in the Pension
office on the Roll of Pensioner under act February
1853 page 100 Vol A" and numbered 2922 for the
proofs of her marriage and do
husband the respectfully refer the commissioner
her declaration which is on file in the
partment, she further declares that she is
Will a widow she makes this declaration under the
act approved March 3, 1855 Elizabeth Van Deventer
mark
We Sarah Wilcox and Joseph Brew
Rendents of the
County of Middle and State of New Jersey upon our oaths
declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and
acknowledged by Elizabeth Van Deventer in our pres
ence and that we believe from the appearance and
Statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she
represents herself to be and that she is a widow
Sarah Wills
Joseph Breed
Page 24

the foregoing declaration and affidavit were
sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year
above written And I certify that I know the affiants
to be credible persons that the claimant is the
person she represents herself to be that I have
in my possession her certificate of Pension
that she has executed before as Justice of the Peace
two powers of attorney for the purpose of drawing
her half yearly Pension and that I have no
interest in this claim
Peter P. Kenyon
Justice of the
State of New Jersey
County of Medal Nicholas Bonnell of the
Court of Common pleas in & for the County aforesaid do
hereby certify that Peter P Runyon whose Genin
Signature appears above is and was at the time
of Signing the same a Justice of the peace in and
for the County of Middlesex in the State of New
Jany any autherised to enter oaths for general
purposes, and that full faith credit and to all
his official ent I feeder Certify that said
Court is a case of red honey General Junis
duction a clerk & Seal that I have not in this claim
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
Let my hand & Seales hill at
New Brunswick this 11th day of
the
AD 1855
his
N Woolwich
Page 25

No. 8710
Christopher Van Deventer N.J.
Return e. i. s.
Private 24 months
James P. Randolph
N. Bruns. 
New Jersey
Page 26

Sir.
WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office,
5 June 1843
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.
Vol.
ol
Called out
Takenor
Nex Your
enlisted 1778
served
statement, showing the service of Christopher Van deventer of Middlesex
Duration of the
claimant's service
1
2
I
Rank of
the
claimant.
┃ Private
┃ Taken out ┃
of the
R
get inform
the
Returned
the
Names and Rank
of the Company
whom he served.
Names and Rank
of the General
and Field officers.
Corton
┃ William Lott
Capt Dec
┃ Capt Rogan
┃ Capt James
Johnson
capt Vogton
┃ Capt Sign
Major Taylor
John Neil
Capt Day
Capt B Thomas
Peter Voorhis
┃ Capt Jas Morgage ┃
Alleges that he cannot be more specific
but that his whole service as a soldier in the
Revolution was Twenty Seven months
┃ Colo Jno Wilson
Battles in which ┃
the applicant was
engaged.
┃ Mount month ┃
Country through
which he marched
┃ North
┃ Staten Island
and
┃ To Branburg
been
Banbury
to Buckton
┃ Middlebrook
┃ Quittletown
be
┃ a rex
┃ Bounded on ┃
shore
Place of abode
when he entered
the service, and age
at the present
wick
Aged 79
Evidence by
which the declaration
is supported
.
┃ Witness
Traditionary & Mary
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 27

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 branch 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 in
stance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
of
On this
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
Seriest of
County of
day of
A.B. a resident (b) of
personally appeared (a) before
in the county of
and State, Territory or District
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 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
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service; (and if he servunder
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 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
soldier, and served as he states.
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
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
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
and C. D. residing in (the same)
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
who has
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 six
ened 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.
1
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 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 knowledge 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 28

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
troops of Virginia.
of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
ing when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary
And if a substitute, for whom?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
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.
. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it givreceive
a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
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 whom 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 soldier, and that they concur in that opinion
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 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
his genuine signature.
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
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 transmit such evidence as they can procure
, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
low the rule laid down for his guidance.
The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which eastern man
conforming to the rule.
The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must sister of
The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
claim cannot be had. Every claimant
continental offer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
definite as to enable than the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served
he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
Personally appeared before me
by making an affidavit in the following words:
the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the
of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the lot of his
and For year----months, and
ed as a . For months and served as and for such service etam pension
is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are in
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of that
in the militia, &c. without specifying the name of the
and other particulars respecting they served two years
eration is
highly objectorari. I must, in every case, be clearly shown under what contestant served; the duration of her
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied for letter from
that he was either in the old or in garrison; and for the time farm which the service was pertened, he was not employed many evil
The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
The opinion of the Court is always required.
The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
The Cork meshes his pay, and as we reception by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no pubpapers
.
seal of one he met a congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certficate of the crime oner who authenticates the papers so wit on the heat of mine on
(in the air. True are
pass under the seal of office of the certifying oncer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
who are required to set forth in their flight, the
answer to any of the applicant is not found on the rise of rent, he must prove his service by two credible with
to say,
in the
note applies to continental troops only.
The notes or on that to the cases of the men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by
This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact,
The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 29

12.723
to any
Page 30

in
Please Certify the time
to which the within named
pensioner was paid on the
date of his death,
alds
of
Act. Auditor
Francis Burt Esqr

To Auditor, Lease
Petition
14th 153
Commissioner
Christopher Van deventer
Act 1832 $80.00 p.an. Died 23d
January 1840, Paid to death
Saml P. Kind
Page 31

with Half Funk, Given
Jane
Boynton
Page 32

Peter
of
Christopher Vandeventer,
Eliza Vandeventer,
Sett Street or
Act/ 53
Page 33

Elizabeth Van deventer

Widow of Christopher
Middlesex Co.
R.J.
Act /53.
Revy
$80.00 per an -
Com - Feb. 3. 1853
Jas. L. Street,
New Burnswick
Will
Pension Office, Official
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTER
Page 34


Elizabeth Van Deventer,
Deventoregh
Boytons
Page 35

---
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1959
Elizabeth Van deventer
Widow
Christopher Van deventer
Pri Rev War
Act: Feb 3, 1833
Index: -- Vol. M. Page 294
Arrangement of 1870.}
ter
Oct. 9-1900-Hity
Horace Van deventer
Knoxville Tenn.
Page 36

Act 15  NJ

Boynton
Page 37

New Brunswick New Jersey Decemb 6th 1855
Hon. J. Minot Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,
Please find the Certificate of the Secretary of this State of New Jersey setting forth the balance paid Christopher Van Deventer deceased late husband of Elizabeth Van Deventer for Revolutionary services, although the Certificate does not show the length of service the amount is such as to make it certain that he served for a period sufficient and more than sufficient to entitle his widow to Bounty land. The No. of [illegible] Van Deventer application is No. 72,747. the hope is entertaining that the Commissioner will favorably entertain this service. 
With Sentiments of
great respect [illegible]
Peter P. Runyon
New Brunswick N. Jersey

Hon J. Minot
Page 38

New Brunswick New Jersey
November 10th 1853
Hon Com of Pensions
Dear Sir
Jersey
Enclosed please
find the required certificate in the Pension
case of Elizabeth Van deventer, widow
of
Christopher Van deventer deceased late of
Middlesex County New Jersey.
I have to
State, that the County Clerk here, refuses a
bout one half the time, to certify that he
has no interest in the claim presented;
he is an ancient County Judge a seal
Old Fogie" And puts the case thus: "Suppose
the Clerk
was entitled to bounty lands or pension,
could only make my declaration before
the Court of my own County, or some Justice
thereof, and thereof my official signature
and Seal, would not be evidence of the
official character of the Judges or Justice
I must necessarily fail in getting my
rights from the Government; in short,
he says; my official acts, as regulated
by the laws of the State of New Jersey, Confirm
ed by my seal of office, are as valid in
Page 39

a case in which I am personally interested, as in any other; and that are
official act by an officer who uses a
Seal in the State of New Jersey, and
his personal interests, cannoverina
legal point of new infence each
other"
That it is with his official acts as
Clerk, and not his interest as a man
that the departments have to do.-- The
old gentleman is no speculator, and
has probably as little interest, outside of
his
offices as any man in the County,
but he is made of stubborn stuff, her
apt to learn, make these statements,
because some claims that I have sent
on lately have not his certificate of no
interest attached, and I do not wish
my objections to come to me for that
mission since it is unavoidable, so
far as the claimants and I are concerned,
I have written in haste and
remain, Most Respectfully,
James L. Street
Con. W. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington
J.C.
Page 40

in the case of Elizabeth Van derventer Widow of Christopher
Middlesex County and state of New Jersey
3 Feby, 1853,
Claim, (original, us for increase)
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the act
of 7" June, 1832
Reputation of Marriage &
cohabitation proved by two of witnesses, the
parties raised a large family.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
James L. Street, Esqr
New Burnswick,
Name and residence of Agent
W.
Boynton
Page 41

New Brunswick
November 4th 1853.
Hon. Comm of Pensions
Sir
Jersey
Enclosed please
find Declaration of Mrs Elizabeth Van deventer of Middlesex County New Jersey, for Pension
under the act of Feb 3rd 1853. I know
nothing of the case, more than appears on the
face of the papers; and have some doubts the
she is not mistaken, as to the law underwhich
, and the annual amount her hus
band drew there was never however, but
one Christopher Vandeventer, who was a Pen
sioner of Middlesex County New Jersey; and
the identity is clearly proved by witnesses, who
are publicly known, and reputed respectable
I find in these cases, that if I follow
out the rules of the Pension Office, the Judges
and Justice cannot generally certify to the
credibility of the witnesses, because the parties
declaring, and their witnesses frequently live
remote from the seat of Justice where the
Courts are held, and the Judges generally
resides would it not be a better rule, where
the declaration is made in open Court, to
Page 42

take the certificate of a majority of the and
yes as proof of that fact, and then the testimony of two witnesses taken before the nearest
Justice of the Peace, to where the declarant resides
who could certify to the credibility of the
witnesses, by whom the applicant might wish
to prove the marriage, death of husband, on
timed widowhood &c. The present rules
are burthenson to applicants, and practically, do not work well, but, until they
are changed or construed differently, I shall
try to conforms not to what I am convined
would be better, but to the rules as they are
while I remain, Most Respectfully,
James J. Street
Hon. J. P. Waldo
Com. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 43

Bounty land claim
under the act of Mar 3 1855
Supplemental evidence
Elizabeth Van Deventer
No 72,747-
New Brunswick N. J.
Peter P Henyon Agart
New Brunswick N.J
Page 44

Notes given by the Commissioners of the several Counties of the State of New Jersey
for Militia service during the Revolutionary War.
NO. OF
CERTIF.
1558
DATE.
May 1, 1784
SIGNED BY
Thomson Stelle
STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
May
a
PAYABLE TO
Christ Van deventer
AMOUNT.
2.12.10.00
in said State, this
thousand eight hundred and fifty-five
I, THOMAS S. ALLISON, Secretary of State of the State of
New Jersey, do hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true
abstract from a Book, headed as above, as taken from and
compared with the original, now remaining in my office.--
And I do further certify, that Thomson Steel
was, by an Act passed by the Legislature of this State,
December 20, 1783, entitled, ""An Act to procure an estimate
of the sums due to the Militia and Troops who have
been raised for the defence of the frontiers of the State, and
to provide for the settlement of the same," appointed a
Commissioner for the County of Middlesex
for the purpose of settling and adjusting the pay rolls of
the Militia and Troops of this State, as aforesaid, and also
for signing and delivering out to each and every person a
note for the payment of what may be justly due.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office, at Trenton,
day of November A. D. one
Thos S. Allison
Secretary of State.
Page 45


State of New Jersey I Peter P. Hanson
Middlesex County one of the Justices of the
Peace in and for the County and State
aforesaid before whom Henry Stults an
Ann Tuthill were sore in the case of the
application of Elizabeth Van Deventer now
of Christopher Van deventer deceased for a Pension
under the act of February 3d 1853 do certify
that I have been acquainted with the said
Henry Stalls for more than twenty years that
he was a Justice of the Peace in this County
for a long time I think not less than ten
years that he is a credible person that his state
ments are entitled to full credit that I am
also partially acquainted with the said Ann Tuthill and believe her also to be a credible
person and that her statements may be relied
upon as true
Witness my hand at New
Brunswick in said County this tenth
day of November, one thousand eight hun
and and fifty three
Peter R Hampel
Justice of the Peace
State of New Jersey
William I N Booraem Clerk of the
County aforesaid do certify that Peter P. Ryan
the German Signated offers above as was at
the time of signing the same a Justice of the peace
the County aforesaid duly commissied Sworn
Govener my hand seal of
this 16th day of November AD 1853
Bond