Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16,410, for William Smith, New York
Page 1

Service - New York 
Smith, William
Catherine

Number W.16.410

Contents:

S born at Newburgh, N. Y. Sept. 9, 1760, res there at enl. & died Mar 26th 1837 mar. at Fishkill Feb. 15th 1784
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Albany 4444
__________________________________
Catharine Smith
widow of William Smith
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 1832 and who died on the 26th March 1857 of Monty [Montgomery] Co. N Y in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Gillespie of the  regt. commanded by Col. Hardenburgh in the N. York line for 21 months.
_________________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 70 Dollars------ Cents per annum to commence on the 27th March 1837.
_______________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of October 1839 and sent to Hon. M. J. Bover Amsterdam, N.Y
_______________________________________
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. '39  
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 March '40
170.70
 35.00
_________
$ 205.70

{Act, July 7, 1838}
Recorded by D. Brown  Clerk
Book A. Volume 2.  Page 101.
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8715 
New York
William Smith of Montgomery Co. in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Glasby [Gillespie?] of the regt commanded by Col Mitchell in the N. Y. ma line for 2 [illegible]

Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 70 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Apl 1833 and Sent to Abner Morrell Johnston 

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $140.00 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept [1833] 35.00 
[totaling] $175.00

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, 
Book  E  Vol. 4  Page 75
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Certificate Retd as a dead letter from Jamestown on 22 Oct 1833 & sent to A Morrell Johnstown
[initials] WLW
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No. 11.905 
William Smith 
29 Sep 1832
27 Dec 1832

Abr Morrell 
Johnstown 
Montgomery Cy  N Yk 
P. 185
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No. 19905 
BRIEF in the case of William Smith of Amsterdam County of Montgomery in the State of New York 
(Act 7th June, 1832.) 
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Before a Judge 
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? It does 
3. How old is he? Seventy one years 71
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
[TABLE] 
Period.  |  Duration of Service. |  Rank.  |  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. 
volunteered in april or May In 1776  |  6 Months  |  As a private  |  Col. Hardenburg Capt Glasby’s compy  [illegible] Scott’s brigade N York State troops, Lieut Jacob Lawrence, Brigade Major Fisher
was drafted July 1777  |  3 [Months]  |  [as a private]  |  Col. McClackery NYS Capt Rose’s Compy
was drafted in 1778 or 1779  |  3 {Months]  | [as a private]  |  Col. Gansevoort’s regt Capt. Gordon’s compy
was drafted again in 1780 or 1779 | 6 {Months]   |  teamster  |  Col. Mitchell Q Masters
was drafted in 1780  |  3 {Months]  on roll  |  private  |  Col. Dabnis’s regt Capt. Burnets compy
was drafted in 1782  |  6 [Months]  |  {private]  |  Captain Schaicks regt Lieut Forman
[END TABLE]
5. In what battles was he engaged? Fort Montgomery 
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Newburgh. New York 
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By a living witness & by traditionary evidence 
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? No [illegible, riband?]
Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
See Roll
[signed] Chas G Wilcox Examining Clerk.
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William Smith Born September 9th 1760
Catharine Smith Born January 30th 1765 
James Smith Born November 29th 1784 
Reubin Smith Born January 6th 1785
William Smith Jun Born December 4th 1787 
Denton Smith Born February 26th 1789 
Debory Smith Born March 2th 1793 
David Smith Born October 25th [year illegible]
Arthur Smith Born April 9 1804
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TESTAMENT of our LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST,
Translated out of the ORIGINAL GREEK; 
And with the former TRANSLATIONS Diligently Compared and Revised, By His MAJESTY'S Special Command. 
Appointed to be Read in Churches. 
EDINBURGH:
Printed by MARK and CHARLES KERR, His Majesty's Printers, 
MDCCXCI.
Page 9

State of New York 
Montgomery County } ss. Personally appeared before the Subscriber one of the Judges of the County Courts in and for the County aforesaid Arthur Smith a resident of the Town of Perth who being duly sworn says that he is the 7th child of William Smith and Catherine Smith aged thirty four years - deponent further says that the record hereunto attached is that which was kept by his Father in his life time of the Births of his Brothers & sister of said deponent - and further this deponent saith not – 
[signed] Arthur Smith
Sworn to and subscribed this 22d day of August 1838. Before me 
[signed] John Hand a Judge of the County Courts of the County of Montgomery 
I further certify that I am acquainted with Arthur Smith who has subscribed the above affidavit & know him to be a creditable person & that the statements by him made in said affidavit are entitled to full credit 
[signed] John Hand a Judge of the County Courts of the County of Montgomery
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State of New York 
Montgomery County } ss.  On this 22nd day of August 1838 personally appeared before the Subscriber one of the Judges of the County Courts in and for said County Catharine Smith a resident of the Town of Amsterdam and County aforesaid Aged Seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an Act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows: That she is the Widow of William Smith deceased who was a Private in the War of the Revolution and also a Pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7th 1832 and his certificate is hereunto attached. Claimant says that her said Husband served as stated in his declaration now on file in the office of the Secretary of War - She further declares that she was married to the said William Smith on the 15th day of February 1784 in the Town of Fishkill Dutchess County and State aforesaid by the Reverend Mr Phillips - Claimant has no documentary evidence of her marriage - And that her husband the aforesaid William Smith died on the 26th day of March 1837; That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794; F.L.L. at the time above stated. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before 
[signed Catharine Smith X her mark
[signed] John Hand a Judge of the County Courts of the County of Montgomery
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William Smith’s 
declaration Proof &c 
Amsterdam Montgomery County State of New York 
11905 
Term service in militia disallowed 
Secretary of war will please to forward pension certificate to the Applicant or to me the subscriber at Johnstown Montgomery County, State York 
Yours with Esteem 
[signed] Abm Morrell 

Admd.
21 mo pri 
70
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State of New York 
Montgomery County, SS.  I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of Montgomery County, do hereby certify that Abraham Morrell Esqr. before whom the annexed declaration of William Smith purports to have been sworn & before whom the annexed certificate of James T. Joslin & Jasiel Stearns purports to have been sworn, was on the day of the date of the said declaration, & of the said affidavits, a Judge of the Court of Common pleas of Montgomery County. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge & verily believe that the name of the said Judge Subscribed to the said declaration & affidavits, & also to the annexed certificate of character & standing of the said James T. Joslin & Jasiel Stearns is Genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my official Seal this 24th September 1832. 
[signed] Geo: D. Ferguson
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We James T Joslin a Clergyman, residing in the town of Amsterdam County of Montgomery and State of New York and Jasiel Stearns residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Smith of the same place who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy one years of age on the ninth day of September last: that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion 
[signed] James T Joslin Clergyman  Jasiel Stearns
Sworn to and subscribed this fourth day of September 1832 the words of age first duly interlined 
Before me Abm Morrell one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas of Montgomery County being a Court of Record And I the said Abraham Morrell one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas of Montgomery County being a Court of record, do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named William Smith applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And I the said Judge do further certify, that it appears to me that James T Joslin who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the town of Amsterdam in the County of Montgomery and State of New York; and that Jasiel Stearns who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Amsterdam in the County of Montgomery & State of New York and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit and I the said Judge do further certify that I am well satisfied of the truth of the statement of the said William Smith the applicant and that it is my opinion that the above or foregoing statements of the said applicant is true. And I the said Judge do further certify that the said William Smith applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend the Court. And I the said Judge do further certify that the said James T Joslin & Jasiel Stearns the persons who gave the above certificate cannot be produced in Court without too much inconvenience & expense to the said applicants given under my hand this 4th day of September 1832.
[signed] Abm Morrell Judge of Montgomery County common pleas
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and State of New York cannot state the day nor month but thinks it was in the month of March of that year in Col. Van Schaick’s regiment does not recollect the Captains name but one Forman I think was Lieutenant and does not recollect the names of the other officers, went to Pennston [Princeton?] Pla [illegible] New Jersey, when he was commanded by said officers, thence to Van Planks [Verplank?] por [illegible] State of New York discharged at New Windsor in December of that year [illegible, thinks?] cannot state the day of the month no written discharge given service in said service a this time a at least for the period of time as six months At [illegible, last?] time he entered that service as aforesaid he resided at Newburgh then County of Ulster & State of New York that he was Born at Newburgh then County of Ulster & State of New York September 9 1760 has a record of his age & name is in his possession in his family Bible lived in Newburgh aforesaid five years after the revolutionary war, since that at Balston Saratoga County state aforesaid six years and then moved to Amsterdam Montgomery County State aforesaid where he has lived ever since & now resides or lives. the first time he entered the service as aforesaid he volunteered and at the other times he entered the service as aforesaid he was drafted he cannot state the names of the officers further [illegible] as aforesaid does not recollect anything more respecting the continental & Militia Regiments than as aforesaid stated, neither can he state more of the service or places [illegible] than as aforesaid but well recollects he for the fully served his country in the capacities aforesaid and for the periods above stated. That he is known to the Reverend James T Joslin Jasiel Stearns, Joseph Simons, David Akins, Jacob [illegible] Abel Jennings in his present Neighborhood, who can testify to his character for veracity & good behaviour but knows of none who can testify to his service as a soldier of the Revolution 
And I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State 
[signed] William Smith X his mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first aforesaid, the word “not” in the 2d page & the word "Regiment” in the 3d page first duly interlined and the words "or (if any) only on that of the agency of the State of" first duly erased in the 3 page 
[signed] Abm Morrell one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas of Montgomery County & State of New York being a Court of [Record]
Page 15

entered the said service again in the year 1778 or 1779 cannot say which at Newburgh then County of Ulster & State aforesaid, cannot state the day of the month nor the month but thinks it was in the summer in a company commanded by Capt Gordon as he thinks and Col. Gansevoorts regiment as he thinks does not know the names of the other Field or company officers  went from Newburgh to West point and from there to Stoney point and from there back to West point then embarked on Board of a Sloop & went to Abany from there to Schenectady & from there to Johnstown, then back to Schenectady and from them to Stillwater and from there to Saratoga and from there to Albany & then discharged [illegible] a Vessel, no written discharge does not recollect the day of his discharge but is sure it was as late as the Month of October or November of the same year and his time of service this time was three or four months but is certain it was as long as Three months  entered the service again in 1778 or 1779 does not know which year, in the spring cannot state day nor month and served as a Teamster in the quarter Masters department Col. Mitchel quartermaster William Cummings Waggon Master, entered at Newburgh then County of Ulster & State aforesaid, went to Essex in the State of New Jersey and to various other places with cloathing & ammunition for the army discharged at Newburgh aforesaid in the fall of the year or winter following his entering said service cannot state day or month, nor the length of said service but is positive it was as long as six months no written discharge 
Entered the service again at Newburgh aforesaid in 1880 cannot say what day of the month nor what month but it was in the spring of the year in Captain Burnets Company in Col. Dubois Regiment Major [illegible, Benscanter?] is not certain, that his name is correctly stated does not recollect the names of the other officers, continued in the service three Months does not recollect the day nor month of his discharge but thinks he was discharged in the month of October or November of that year no written discharge given after he entered the service this time went to Albany then on to Schenectady thence to Fort Plain had a Battle with the Enemy [illegible] Miles above fort plain, followed them and took some prisoners, after which returned to Albany where he was discharged.
Entered the service again in 1782 at Fishkill County of Dutchess
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State of New York 
County of Montgomery } ss.  On this Fourth day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared before me Abraham Morrell one of the Judges of Montgomery County Common pleas being a Court of record of said County in the State of New York William Smith a resident of the town of Amsterdam in the County of Montgomery and State of New York, aged Seventy one years on the Ninth day of September last, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. 
That he entered said service in the Month of April or May in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Seventy Six, the day of the month he cannot recollect) at Newburgh in the then County of Ulster now County of Orange in the State of New York, in Captain Glaspies [Gillespie’s] or Captain Glasby’s Company, which he cannot now state neither can he State his Christian name, it having escaped his recollection, in Colonel Hardenburghs Regiment, and General Scott’s Brigade the Christian name of said Field officers he cannot recollect [illegible] Jacob Lawrence was Lieutenant in said Company - the Ensigns name he cannot recollect the names of the Major of said Regiment he cannot recollect, the name of the Brigadier Major was Fisk as he thinks, does not recollect his christian name, that he serves in said Company Regiment & Brigade as aforesaid to sometime in November following six full months at the least after he entered the service as aforesaid went to the City of New York, where he lay until the British drove out the american troops & took possession of said City, retreated to Kings Bridge, from thence to White Plains where he thinks he was discharged, no written discharge. Entered the said service again in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven, thinks in the month of July of that year, the day of the month cannot recollect and served at that time three months, at the least, was discharged the latter part of October or forepart of November of that year, the day he cannot recollect, no written discharge given. Entered the service this term of second service at Newburgh then County of Ulster, State of New York went to Fort Montgomery and remained there until the British took it  was engaged in said Battles, after the Battle of Fort Montgomery went to New Windsor then proceeded to Esopus or Kingston and lay in the Vicinity of that place until after that place was burnt by the British, thinks he was discharged at Esopus as aforesaid  This second service as aforesaid was in Capt Roses Company Col. [illegible, McClockery’s?] Regiment, the names of the other officer in said Company & Regiments cannot recollect and whether the Col. name is correctly spelled cannot say
Page 17

April 10, 1940. 
BA-J/ILL 
William Smith 
W. 16410
Mrs. Caroline R. Fenton 
Broadalbin
New York. 
Dear Madam: 
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of William Smith, who served from New York and was a pensioner of Amsterdam, Montgomery County, New York, in 1833. 
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W.16410, based upon service of William Smith in that war. 
William Smith was born September 9, 1760 in Newburgh, Ulster County, New York; the names of his parents were not given. He lived there during the period of the Revolutionary War. 
William Smith enlisted and served at different times in the New York troops, given as follow: from April or May 1776, six months as private in Captain Gillispy's company, Colonel Hardenbergh's regiment, during which he was first at New York City, and in the retreat to White Plains: from July 1777, three months as private in Captain Rose's company, Colonel McClaughrey's regiment, during which he was in the battle at Fort Montgomery; in 1778 or 1779, four months in Captain Gordon's company, Colonel Gansvoort's regiment; next, six months as a teamster under William Cummings, wagonmaster, and Colonel Mitchell, engaged in carrying clothing and ammunition from Newburgh to various places; from the spring of 1780, three months in Captain Burnet's company, Colonel Dubois' regiment, during which he was in an engagement near Fort Plain and assisted in taking some prisoners; and from March 1782, nine months in the militia under Colonel Van Schaick, name of his captain not stated. He was discharged from service at New Windsor, New York. 
After the Revolutionary War, William Smith continued to 

[note in right margin] Officer Names may be verified in N.Y. [illegible]
Page 18

reside in Newburgh, New York, for two years, moved then to Ballston, Saratoga County, New York, where he resided six years, then moved to Amsterdam, Montgomery County, New York. 
William Smith was allowed pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War on his application executed September 4, 1832. He resided then in Amsterdam, New York. He died March 26, 1837.
This soldier married in Fishkill, Dutchess County, New York , Catharine; she was born January 30, 1765, names of her parents and place not given. They were married February 15, 1784. [note in left margin: next time put date of marriage before her birth.]
Catharine Smith, this soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed August 22, 1838. She resided then in Amsterdam, New York. In August 1839, she resided in Perth, Fulton County, New York. 
In August 1838, Arthur Smith, the son of William Smith and his wife, Catharine, resided in Perth, New York. 
The names of the children of this soldier and his wife, Catharine, with the dates of their births, are shown as follows 
James Smith, born November 29, 1784. 
Reubin Smith, born January. 6, 1786. 
William, Jr. Smith, born December 4, 1787
Denton. Smith, born February 26, 1789
Debory. Smith. born March 8. 1793 
David Smith, born October 25, (illegible) 
Arthur Smith, born April 9, 1804. 
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid and, possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data: 
Catharine Smith, widow of William Smith, 
Certificate #4444 
Issued October 26, 1839 
Rate $70 per annum 
Commenced March 27, 1837 
Act of July 7, 1838. 
New York Agency. 
Very truly yours, 
A. D. HILLER, 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator. 2.
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Albany 
William Smith  Act June 7, 1832 to what time paid?  $70 –  [initials] VL
pd to 4 March 1837  [initials] JH
Page 20

4444  V
N. York 
Catharine Smith 
let. to M. J. Bovee 3. Oct. ‘38 
let to same 15 Oct. ‘38
let to same 12 Apl 1839 
Married 15. Feb. 1784 
Husband died 26. Mar 1837 – 

Admitted
Private 21 mo

Act 7. July 1838
M. J. Bovee [or Burell] Amsterdam N.Y.

Col Hardenburgh
Capt Gillesby
Page 21

In reply to your request of ---. received ----- for a statement of the military history of William Smith a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. 
W. File 16410 
[TABLE]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. |  LENGTH OF SERVICE. |  RANK.  |  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. / COLONEL.  |  STATE. 
Apl or May 76  |  to Mar. 76  |  Pri.  |  N. Y. Arch  Gillespy / Hardenbergh  | N.Y.  |
July 77  |  3 mos  |    |  Rose / McClaghry  |    |
78 or 79  |  4 mos.  |    |  Gordon / Gansevoort  |    |
78 or 79  |  6 mos.  |    |  William Cummings / Mitchell QM  |    |
spring 80  |  3 mos.  |    |  NY Arch Burnet / Dubois  |    |
Mch. 82  |  9 mos.  |    |  / VanSchaick  |    |
[END TABLE]
Battles engaged in,  Retreat fr. NY to [illegible] Ft Montgomery
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Newburgh N.Y.
Date of application for pension, Sept 4 1832 Allowed 
Residence at date of application, Amsterdam, Montgy Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, Born Sept. 9, 1760 at Newburgh N.Y.
Remarks: Sol mar Fishkill, N.Y. Feby 5 1784 Catharine b. Jany 30, 1765; he died Mch 26, 1837. Wid appl Aug 22, 1838 while a res Amsterdam N.Y. 1839 Perth NY  Ch. James b. Nov 29 1784. -Reubin b. Jan 6, 1786. - William Dec. 4, 1787 - Denton b. Feby 26, 1789 - Debory Mch. 8, 1793 - David Oct 25--- Arthur Apl. 9, 1804.
Page 22

Broadalbin, N.Y., Mar. 15, 1940 
Veterans Administration, 
Washington, D.C. 
Gentlemen:- 
I would like to secure whatever of military and family data that appears in the pension application of 
William Smith, 1761 - 1837 
Wife Catherine Denton 
Private, N.Y. Militia, 1776-1782 
Pension granted in 1833, then a resident of Perth, Town of Amsterdam, Montgomery Co., N. Y.
Respectfully, 
(Mrs) Caroline R. Fenton 
[stamped received Mar 18 1940]
Page 23

55 Brantford Place 
Buffalo New York 
March 20th 1909 
Commissionor of Pensions 
I want to join the daughters of the revolution.
I wish to know all there is to be learned about my Great Grand Father one William Smith who served in the revolution and was a pensioner  He lived in the Town of Perth Montgomery Co State of New York. Post Office Amsterdam N.Y. Drew his pension at
Page 24

Albany. 
He died in the thirties I think. will find that out for certain 
Please send me any record you are able to find and oblige.
Mrs J E. Lewis 
55 Brantford Place 
Buffalo N.Y.

[stamp] US Pension Office Mar 22 1909

[stamp] Record Division Mar 23 1909
Page 25

[stamp] OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER ANSWERD FILE WITH CASE 
March 20 1909 
[stamp] To Chf Record Dev
Action
For advice through desk Apr 2 1909
COMMISSIONER
Pension office,
I wish to know all there is to be learnd about one William Smith who was my Great Grand Father He served in the revolution and was a Pensioner for many years, drawing it at Albany. He lived in the Town of Perth Montgomery Co. Post office Amsterdam N.Y.
Page 26

He was born Sept 9 -1760 the date of his death I can get but think it was in the Thirties
Wishing to join the Daughters I want to learn all I can so please oblige 
Mrs J E Lewis,
55 Brantford Pl. 
Buffalo,
N.Y.
Page 27

THE EXAMINER MUST BRIEF THIS LETTER. 
No. 
A.B. Tarwater, Special Examiner 
Dated Albany, N.Y. 
March 31 1909. 
BRIEF. 
Letter seeking information relative to William Smith, a Revolutionary War pensioner, forward to Bureau
[stamp] FILE WITH CASE 
ans
[stamp] OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER
ANSWER 1 Letter

[stamp] RECEIVED
S. E. DIVISION
APR 1 1909
Page 28

3 – 323
SPECIAL EXAMINATION DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS, Albany, N.Y. Mch. 31. 1909
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington, D.C. 
Sir: 
I herewith forward letter from Mrs J. E. Lewis No. 55 Brantford Place, Buffalo, N.Y. in which she requests some information relative to William Smith, a Revolutionary War pensioner- 
Very respectfully, 
A. B. Tarwater 
Special Examiner -
Page 29

[left side]
1909 Apl. 3. Hist. to Mrs. E. Lewis @
1940. April 10. Hist. to Mr. Caroline R. Fenton – JLL

[right side]
Rev WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 16410 
Catharine Smith 
Wid of William Smith 
Priv Rev War 
Act: July 7th /’38
Index:- Vol. M, Page 223 
[Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 30

State of New York 
Montgomery County } ss
Personally appeared before the Subscriber one of the Judges of the County Courts in and for the County aforesaid Matthias J. Burell [Bovee?] a resident of the Town of Amsterdam and County aforesaid who being duly sworn says that deponent has made a thorough examination for the marriage record in the case of Catharine Smith Widow of William Smith and that no such record can be found & deponent further says that a careful examination has been made to obtain the affidavit of some person who was present at the marriage deponent says that no such person can be found and further says not 
[signed] Matthias J. Burell
Sworn to and Subscribed this 17th January 1839. Before me John Hand a Judge of the County Courts of the County of Montgomery 
I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named deponent & know him a creditable person - and the statements by him made in said affidavit are entitled to Credit 
[signed] John Hand a Judge of the County Courts of the County of Montgomery
Page 31

State of New York 
Montgomery County Clerks office ss. I do hereby certify that John Hand Esq. whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the foregoing affidavit was on the day of the date thereof a Judge of the Montgomery County Courts and duly authorized by the Laws of the said State to administer Oaths and that his signature Subscribed to the same is genuine – 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of my office this 21st day of January 1839 
[signed] A. J. Comrie Clerk
Page 32

State of New York
Montgomery County } ss
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Catharine Smith Widow William Smith a resident of the Town of Perth and County of Fulton who being first sworn according to law says that she was married at the Place and time as stated in claimants declaration and on file in the War department - claimant further says that she was married by the Revd Mr Phillips, claimant further says that no record of her marriage can be found owing to the circumstance of the Revd Mr Phillips not being settled in any place but preached from place to place claimant further says that she knows of no person now living who was present at her marriage - claimant further says that she cannot produce the record of the baptism of his children as none of them were ever baptised - and further this deponent saith not –
[signed] Catharine Smith X her mark
Sworn and subscribed before me this 13th day of August 1839 
[signed] Joseph French J. P. 

I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named deponent and that she is reputable and that her statements are entitled to full credit. 
[signed] Joseph French J.P
Page 33

State of New York 
Montgomery County Clerks office ss.  I do hereby certify that the within named Joseph French whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the foregoing affidavit was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and duly authorized by law to administer Oaths and that this Signature subscribed to the same is genuine 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of my office this 14th day of August 1839 
[signed] A. J. Comrie Clerk
Page 34

State of New York 
Montgomery County } ss  Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Jasiel Stearns a resident of the Town of Amsterdam & County aforesaid a Soldier of the revolution also a Pensioner of the United States aged Seventy five years who being duly sworn deposes & says that he became acquainted with William Smith and Catharine his wife in the Spring of 1794 and at the time deponent became acquainted with said William Smith & Catharine his wife they had four Children - deponent further says that he always understood that said William & Catharine Smith has been legally married & deponent verily believes it true - deponent further says that he was well acquainted with William Smith from the spring of 1794 to the day of his death, also that deponent is well acquainted with Catharine Smith who is now living and is the Widow of William Smith deceased - deponent further says that William Smith was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of June 1832, and further this deponent saith not.
[signed] Jasiel Stearns 
Sworn and Subscribed before me this 13th day of August 1839 
[signed] Joseph French Justice Peace 
I certify that deponent is reputable and that his statements are entitled to full credit. 
[signed] Joseph French Justice Peace
Page 35

State of New York 
Montgomery County Clerks office ss.  I do hereby certify that the within named Joseph French whose name is Subscribed to the Jurat of the foregoing affidavit &c was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and duly authorized by law to administer Oaths and that his Signature subscribed to the same is genuine 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of my office this 14th day of August 1839
[signed] A. J. Comrie Clerk
Page 36

State of New York 
Montgomery County 
Personally appeared before the Subscriber one of the Judges of the County Courts in and for the County aforesaid Matthias J. Borell [or Bovee?] a resident of the Town of Amsterdam County and state aforesaid who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Catharine Smith Widow of William Smith deceased and that she is now a Widow and has been a Widow ever since the death of her said Husband William Smith - And further this deponent saith not.
[signed] Matthias J. Borell
Sworn and subscribed before me this 22nd day of August 1838.-
[signed] John Hand a Judge of the County Courts of the County of Montgomery 
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named deponent and that his statements are entitled to full credit. 
[signed] John Hand a Judge of the County Courts of the County of Montgomery
Page 37

Amsterdam Aug 16   Free

Hon J. L. Edwards 
Comr of Pensions 
Washington 
D.C

N.Y. Aug 20
addl proof Cath. Smith
Page 38

Amsterdam August 16. 1839 
Dear Sir 
Enclosed I forward [illegible] affidavits in the case of Catharine Smith Widow of William Smith  I hope it will be satisfactory - as the claimant cannot produce any thing better than is now before the department 
I am yours respectfully 
[signed] Matthias J. Borell 

Hon J. L. Edwards
Page 39

Hon J. L. Edwards 
Pension Commission 
Washington 
D. C


In at- Oct 11.
N.Y.
Page 40

Amsterdam Oct. 8. 1838 
Dear Sir 
Yours of the 3d [illegible] is at hand in regard to the case of Catharine Smith Widow of William Smith - you object to the marriage - I forwarded on the family record of the births of the children sworn to by one of the children Arthur Smith who is a very respectable man and now an acting Justice of the Peace - I cut the record from the family Bible myself – I have been intimately acquainted with the family 34 years and they had a number of Children older than myself - and I was born in the year 1793 - Mrs Smith does not know of any person living who was present, & she gave the best testimony that could be obtained - I am yours respectfully 
[signed] Matthias J. Borell

Hon J. L. Edwards
Page 41

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Smith which require further proof or explanation.
1. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?  Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? 
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled?  Yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?  Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?  Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?  Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes
Page 42

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? 
XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? No 
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily?  And if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes

EXPLANATORY NOTES. 
QUERE V.  In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For-- year --- months and --- days, I served as a---. For --- months and --- days, I served as a ---; and for such service I claim a pension."
Page 43

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. 
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service. 
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Page 44

Hon J. L. Edwards 
Commr of Pensions 
Washington 
D. C 

Amsterdam Jan. 22nd

Jan. 28, 1839  NY 
addl proof 
Catharine Smith
Page 45

Amsterdam January 22. 1839 
Dear Sir 
Enclosed I forward you an affidavit in the case of Catharine Smith Widow of William Smith under the Act of July 1838 
I am yours respectfully 
[signed] Matthias J. Borell

Hon J. L. Edwards
Page 46

V856 
Catherine Smith widow of William Smith 

Married 15. Feb 1784 
Husband died 26 March 1837
Page 47

State of New York 
County of Montgomery } ss  I, John Hand one of the Judges of the County Courts of the County aforesaid - do hereby give my opinion after Examining the declaration & papers hereto annexed that Cathrine Smith the person named in said declaration is the widow of William Smith deceased, who was a pensioner of the United States - & that she was married to the said William, at the time mentioned in said declaration and that her husband the said William died at the time mentioned in said declaration and that she has remained the widow of the said William ever Since - She made her mark in subscribing said declaration for the reason she never learned to write - and she cannot attend any of the County Courts or Courts of record of said County by reason of bodily infirmity To all of which I Certify –
[signed] John Hand a Judge of the County Courts of the County of Montgomery 

State of New York 
Montgomery County Clerks office ss   I do hereby Certify that the above named John Hand whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the preceeding affidavits & proceedings was on the day of the date thereof a Judge of the Montgomery County Courts and duly authorized by the Laws of the said State to administer Oaths and that his signature Subscribed to the same is genuine 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of the said County this 22d day of August 1838
[signed] A. J. Comrie Clerk
Page 48

Hon J. L. Edwards 
Pension Commission 
Washington D.C.

856 Aug 30
NY.
7 July 1838,
Catharine Smith
Page 49

Amsterdam August 25, 1838 
Dear Sir 
Enclosed I send you the Pension Papers in the case of Catharine Smith Widow of William Smith deceased 
I am yours respectfully 
[signed] Matthias J. Borell

Hon J. L. Edwards
Page 50

State of New York 
Saratoga County } ss  John Whitehead of the town of Milton in said County being duly sworn says that he was in the regular continental army of the United States from the year seventeen hundred & seventy six until the close of the war in the year 1783 - That he was brought up in the Town of Newburgh, now in the County of Orange but then in the County of Ulster in the State of New York  That Mr William Smith now of the town of Amsterdam County of Montgomery & State of New York was brought up in the same town with this deponent, & was a school mate with this deponent: That said Smith is now about seventy two or seventy three years of age - This deponent was stationed at Fort Montgomery, and in the spring or summer of the year seventeen hundred & seventy seven, said Smith arrived at said Fort & was stationed there under the command of one Colonel McClockery, who commanded a regiment of Militia from said County of Ulster - said Smith remained in the garrison at said Fort, until it was taken by the British by storm in October 1777 & was in that engagement. 
In the spring of the year 1782 this deponent again saw said Smith among the Militia from said County of Ulster who were drafted for nine months, He was then in a regiment under the command of Colonel Van Schaack [Schaick] , at Pumpton Plains in the State of New Jersey - In the summer of that year we marched to Ver planks [Verplank’s] point, in the State of New York - This deponent frequently saw said Smith
Page 51

both at Pumpton Plains & at Ver Planks Point - sometimes saw him every day, & sometimes saw him two or three times a week only - as we had been old mates we were often together, & frequently associated with each other - Smith remained at Ver Planks Point through the season but I cannot tell precisely how many months - He appeared to be a good soldier & had that reputation 
[signed] John Whitehead X his mark
Subscribed & sworn this 17th his day of September 1832 before me 
[signed] James Thompson first Judge of  Saratoga County State of New York 
State of New York I certify that I am acquainted with John Whitehead the deponent in the above afidavit, that he resides in the Town of Milton in the County of Saratoga that he is a credible person and this statement is entitled to credit January 28th 1833 
[signed] James Thompson first Judge of  Saratoga County
State of New York, Saratoga County Clerk's office ss I  Thomas Palmer Clerk of the County of Saratoga do certify that James Thompson who has subscribed his name to the Jurat of the within Affidavit was at the date thereof First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Saratoga, acting under the Authority of the said State of New York 
Witness my hand and seal of Office the 17th day of September 1832 
[signed] Thomas Palmer Clerk
State of New York 
Saratoga County } ss  I Alpheus Goodrich clerk of the County of Saratoga do certify that James Thompson, who has subscribed the Certificate as to the credibility of John Whitehead, above written dated this day, was on the date thereof and now is first Judge of Saratoga County, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe his name subscribed to the said certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature 
Witness my hand and seal of Office the 28th day of January 1833 –
[signed] A Goodrich Clerk
Page 52

Payments to be made at New York by Presd M. .J. Br. Bank Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of New York 

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book C Vol. 4  Page 75 by W. L. Williams Clerk.
Page 53

WAR DEPARTMENT. 
Revolutionary Claim. 
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, William Smith of the State of New York who was a Private in the war of the Revolution is entitled to receive Seventy dollars and 0 0 cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 25 day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty Three 
[signed] Lew Cass Secretary of War.
 Examined and Countersigned. } J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.