Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 14255, for James Rankins, New York
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SERVICE
     New York

Rankins, James


NUMBER
   S14255


carded
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[Left page]
28
New York
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James Rankin, decd.
Herkimer Co in the state of New York who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Getman of the Regt. commanded by Col.. Bellenger in the New York line for 2 years
-----------------------------------

Inscribed on the Roll of [New York - crossed out] Albany at the rate of 80 Dollars - cents per annum 
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831 to end on Nov 1841 the day in which he died.
-----------------------------

Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of April 1846 and sent to Hon. C. S. Benton.
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Arrears to the 4th of [blank]
semi=anl. allowance ending 
Increased from $50 deduct all forms payment under this act.

{Revolutionary Claim}
{Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Tho Lumpkin, Clerk
Book E2. Vol 4.  Page 62.

Payable to Elizabeth Casler the only surviving child

[Right Page]
reported

Let [Polgert?]
New York May 4/46
 to H.C.L. Benton, AR
May 4, 1846

Reported to Pension Agent at Albany N.Y.
May 7:46
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James Rankins decd
N.Y
Act 7 June 32
2 increase 2 yrs pri
______
80. to 5 Nov '41 the day of his death
To Elizabeth Casler
only survivng child
______
deduct what has been paid--
Answer if you please
Hon C.S. Benton
HR

William Valentine
Albany N.Y. 
[postmark] Clayton N.Y. APR
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Pension Office
March 3 1846.
Sir,
I have the honor to return you the letter of Mr Gay respecting the case of James Rankins, decd and to inform you that his claim was adjusted in his life time to his
satisfaction it is inferred, and that children have no claim to the benefit of the pension laws in their own right since the adjustment of his claim in which he was allowed for nine months in 1776, under Capt. Getman. the Original rolls of that Company have been
obtained, and they do not bear his name or
that of his witness. If he was in service in 1777, when he was taken prisoner, the books of the Comptroller at Albany will shew the payment of soldiers pay during the whole term of his captivity. If they shew two years as a prisoner of war the application for increase should be accompanied by the certificate of the Court showing the date of his death, the
name of his widow, or, if no widow, the names of surviving Children
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I have the honor to be,
 Very respectfully,
 Your Obt. Servt.
  J.L. Edwards

Hon. C.S. Benton
 House of Representatives
Page 6

State of New York}
County of Herkimer} Ss On this 8th day of April before me George H Fox -- a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Elizabeth Casler who being first duly sworn according to law doth make the
following declaration in order to obtain the increase of pension which she has been informed & believes was due James Rankin deceased under the
Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That she is a daughter of James Rankin deceased who was a
pensioner of the United States of the County & State aforesaid but late of the county of Jefferson and that he died on the fifth day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty one, that at the time of his death left no widow but left him surviving, only one child Viz this declarant. That this declarant is the only surviving child of the said James Rankin and that he died upward of forty years ago.  Declarant further saith that she has been informed & believes that her father the aforesaid James Rankin was entitled to more pension than he received and she now makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the said increase of pension form the fourth of March 1831 to the fifth day of November one thousand eight hundred and forty one the day of her said fathers death, which she has been informed & believes is now due her the only surviving child of the said James Rankin deceased. -- And she hereby constitutes and appoints Wm Paterson of Albany N.Y her agent & Attorney in the prosecution of said claim. 
Elizabeth her X mark Casler.
Subscribed & Sworn to before me this 8th day of April 1846. the words "but late of the county of Jefferson" interlined before [illegible].  
George H Fox Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Elizabeth Casler and verily believe her to be the identical person set forth in the foregoing Declaration and also believe that her statement is Entitled to Credit - George H Fox Justice
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State of New York
Herkimer County} ss.
 I certify that George H Fox Esqr whose name is subscribed to the annexed Jurat & Certificate was, on the day of the date of said Jurat & Certificate a Justice of the peace in and for said county duly elected and qualified. And that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily believe his signature to said Jurat & Certificate genuine.
 Witness my hand and official seal. April 8th 1846
 E.A. Munson Clerk
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State of New York
County of Jefferson } Ss
Surrogates Court
 On this 15th day of April 1846 it was proved by the addition of testimony satisfactory to said Court that James Rankin late of said county a pensioner of the United States died on the fifth of November one thousand eight hundred and forty one. That at the time of his death he left no widow but left him surviving, one child viz Elisabeth Casler, who is his only surviving child and is over twenty one years of age -
 In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the official seal of said Court at Watertown in said County the day and year first above written _ _
  Nathaniel P Wardwell
 Surrogate
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State of New York
1783
May 21.

To James Rankin Junr Dr
For pay as a private in Capt. Mark Demonnts Company of Rangers in the service of the United States during his Captivity from the 15th March 1777 to this day being 74 months & 6 days 53/4 £197, 17, 4
Audited 6th April 1790

State of New York}
Comptrollers Office}
I certify the preceding to be a true extract from Book, B. of [Aadt?]
Amounts relating to the Revolutionary
period now remaining in this office
Albany 13th March 1846.
Philip Phelps
Dep Comsr
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State of New York
County of Jefferson } Ss  Daniel Casler of Clayton in the county and State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law Deposeth That James Rankins a pensioner of the United States died in the county and state aforesaid on the fifth  - day of November in the Year one thousand eight hundred and forty one
 And at the time of his death left no widow, but left, him surviving, only one child viz Elisabeth Casler who is now over twenty one years of age - 
 Daniel Casler
 Subscribed & sworn to before me this 30th day of March 1846} Jonathan Ellis  Justice of the peace
 I Jonathan Ellis Justice of the Peace hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Daniel Casler above named, that he is a person of good moral character, is a credible & competent witness and his deposition as above set forth is entitled to full faith and credit
  Jonathan Ellis
  Justice of the peace
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State of New York
Jefferson County Clerk's Office} ss.
  I Charles B. Hoard, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Jonathan Ellis Esqr before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been sworn, and  Certificates taken was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized to take the same; and further, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the same to be his proper hand-writing and signature.
  Witness my hand and seal of said County, this 13 day of April in the year 1846.
  C B Hoard  Clerk.
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State of New York
Jefferson County}  Lawrence Fetterly of Clayton in said County and state of New York aforesaid who being first duly sworn  according to law Deposeth that James Rankins a pensioner of the United States died in the county and state aforesaid on the fifth day of November one thousand eight hundred and forty one and at the time of his death left no widow, but left him surviving only one child viz Elizabeth Casler who is now over twenty one years of age. -
  Lawrence Fetterly
 Subscribed and sworn the 30 day of March 1846 before me }
 Jonathan Ellis  Justice of the peace

I Jonathan Ellis a justice of the peace hereby certify that I am acquainted with Lawrence Fetterly above named that he is a person of good moral character is a credible and competent witness and his deposition as above set forth entitled to full faith and credit -
  Jonathan Ellis justice of the peace
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16194
James Rankin
 Herkimer Co N.York
allow 1 yr 3 mos 2 days
 [?asd?]
j.
admd  Nov 1.33

No specific? [illegible]
[illegible]
[appo..?]
[illegible]
in witness
 Geo H Futer
Little Falls
 Herkimer co N.Y.
A. Mann Jr
  H.R.
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WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office.
183

Sir:
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.

Statement, showing the Service of James Rankins, Herkimer co N York

Period when the service was rendered: Enlisted 1775 or 1776
Duratin of the claimant's service (Years, Months, Days) to the last of the war and previous
Rank of the claimant. Private ranger
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Capt. [illegible]
Names and Rank of the General and Field offices. [illegible]
Battles in whicih the applicant was engaged. Tak[?] Salada Point
Country through which he marched. [illegible]
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. 42 Little Falls NY
Evidence by which the declaration is support. [illegible]

Proof of Captures & lewngth of captivity required

I am, respectfully, Your obeients servant, J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions




Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
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 instance, 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.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of }ss.
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) 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 provision 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 line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under 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 entered 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.
I 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 for a pension.
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 and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 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 signed 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.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application 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 it 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
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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 of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
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.
6. To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
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 the 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. If 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 Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
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 of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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 amount of pension he is entitled. 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 bis 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 mouths and days, I served as a and for such service I claim a pension."
{It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each 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. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with au embodied corps called into service by competent authority that lie was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he 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. The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

No claim for pension [illegible] forth in the manner printed above under notice can be allowed.
T G Bradford
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James Rankins - 23
 16194
12 years, 8 mo
[may be infered?]
[illegible]
Captivity disallowed
Admd
15 mo pri
50$
Writn
to
George Futer [crossed out]
Little Falls
Herkim[illegible]
N.Y
Hon A. Mann Jr
Page 18

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the
act of Congress passed June 7. 1832
State of New York
Herkimer County  Ss
---
On this ninth day of October in the year 1832 personally appeared in
open Court before Michael Hoffman a first Judge John Mahon Augustus Beardslee  judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Herkimer now sitting, James Rankins now residing in the town of Little
Falls in said County and state, aged seventy two years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed
June 7. 1832.
That he was born in Halifax Novascotia [crossed out: in the year 1760] 
but removed ^ when a child before the Revolutionary war was about 15 or 16 years to German Flatts (now Little Falls) in Tryon (now Herkimer) County in the State of New York where he was quite young, with the family of his parents. He resided at Little Falls when he entered the service of the United States. That he has no record of his age and depends for the correctness of his statement in
reference to that point, on the intelligence he derived from his parents in relation thereto. That he enlisted in the spring of the year 1776 (the day he cannot recollect nor the
precise month) into Captain Marks Damewoods company of Rangers, the name of the Lieutenant was Robert
Gordon - The company belonged to a regiment commanded he believes at the time of his enlistment by Colonel Isaac Parry ^ or Colonel Bellinger. They were called York state [state crossed out & York added above line] troops-- The regiment was not all mustered together but each company by itself-
Captain Damewood's company remained at German flatts That he (Rankins) was employed in this company with others, on scouting parties on & along the West Canada
Creek which empties into the Mohawk river in the County of Herkimer, to spy out the indians and give alarm to the forts in said County, of the approach of indians
Page 19

and tories, and to promote the security of the settlers on the Mohawk river - That he served as a common soldier in Capt Damewood's Company untill late in the fall of the year 1776, when he, with several others were drafted out of said company and were dispached to Stone Arabia where they were joined to a company of rangers of which Christian Getman was captain belonging to the same regiment. Nicholas Van Alstyne and Lawrence
Gross were the other officers of this Company of rangers, but he cannot state their particular office. With this company he went in the winter of the year 1776 & 7 to build a bridge across the stream at Tyconderoga to mount independance to prevent the enemy from passing with their shipping & munitions of war - That he worked for a long time at this bridge, it was called a sinking or floating bridge & was under the surface of the water, but he
cannot recollect whether the bridge was completed, but of one fact he is very certain, it was a cold job, and in the prosecution of it he endured great fatigue, & suffered for hunger & want of cloathing. That when he and his company left Tyconderoga, which occurred in the latter part of the winter of the years 1776 & 7. They were ordered, he believes, to Albany, and when they arrived on this journey, to a place called Sabada Point [Sabbath Day Point] on lake George about midway between Fort Gorge & Tyconderoga, they were surprised & attacked by a band of indians and Canadians commanded
by one Captain Mc.Coy, an engagement ensued and Rankins with about ^ 25 or 30 others were taken prisoners and four others killed, and the remainder of the company escaped - Rankins & the other prisoners were taken to Montreal, and in performing that journey at that season, suffered extremely from fatigue & want of food and one of the number perished on the way. He
(Rankins) was for a long time he cannot state the length
Page 20

of time) confined in prison in Montreal and untill an exchange of prisoners took place - He did not get  an opportunity to escape, being closely watched and remained in Canada untill the last of the war-
That he was in actual service and did duty from the time of his enlistment in the Spring of 1776 untill he was taken prisoner in the latter part of the winter
of the year 1776 & 7 and before starting for Tyconderoga was employed as a scout in the now County of Herkimer and as a guard in the several forts on the Mohawk in said County. He was in no other engagement than the one before mentioned. He never received a discharge form the Army- and after 
obtaining his liberty he returned to his home and has resided in the same place ever since, being at Little Falls in Herkimer County. That he was born in Halifax in Nova scotia & was born in the year 1760 That he has no record of his age that he resided at [Fort Dayton - crossed out] [illegible inserted text] when called into the service, and has always ever & now live at the same place, except he was a prisoner in Canida [Canada] during the war - Fort Dayton  was where the Village of Herkimer in Herkimer County now is- That he [en]listed as a volunteer into the York Troops when he entered the service, and never served except as a listed volunteer 
At the time, he was in the service, he knew the following regular officers who were where he served, viz; Colonel Parry; Colonel Cox Major Frick Colonel Bellinger Major Eysler, That he never received a written discharge from service - That he is acquainted with Henry Ritter and Stephen Eysaman residing near him who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his service as a revolutionary soldier - that there is no clergyman residing in his neighborhood to whom he is known
James his X mark Rankins
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state-
James his X mark Rankins
Sworn in open Court Oct 9th 1832
Julius C Nelson Clerk
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We, Henry Ritter of the town of Manheim in Herkimer County and Stephen Eysaman of the town of Little Falls said County do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Rankins who was subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and that we believe him to be seventy two 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 -
  Stephen Eysaman his Handwitten X mark
Sworn in Open Court Oct 9th 1832
  Julius C Nelson clerk
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 Henry Ritter of Manheim in Herkimer County and Stephen eysaman of German flatts in Herkimer county, both of whose names are signed to the preceeding certificate, do reside in the respective places
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aforesaid, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit -
 I, Julius C. Nelson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Herkimer do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of James Rankins for a pension
 In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this ninth day of October 1832.
  Julius C. Nelson, Clerk
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Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
[illegible]CS/eel 
May 29. 1929
Miss Eva L. Moffatt
67 Brighton Avenue
Allston, Massachusetts
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.14255, it appears that James Rankins, the son of James, was born in 1760, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
While a resident of German Flats, Tryon County, New York, he enlisted in the fall of 1775, as a private in
Captain Mark Demount's Company in Colonels Isaac Parry's, Bellinger's or De Bois' New York Regiment. In the fall of 1776, he was detached to serve in Captain Christian Getman's New York Company, and while in a skirmish at Sabada Point [Sabbath Day Point] on Lake George, March 15, 1777, with a party of Indians and Canadians commanded by Captain McCoy, he was taken prisoner and carried to Montreal. He was confined in prison there nearly one year when he was made servant to Captain McCoy. He served as such until May 21, 1783, when he made his escape.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
Page 24

October 9, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Little Falls, Herkimer County, New York. He died November 5, 1841, in Jefferson County, New York, and was survived by one child, Elizabeth Casler, who was fifty-four years of age in 1846. There are no further data relative to his family.
Respectfully,
EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.
Page 25

1929 May 29 hist. to
Miss Eva L. Moffatt
See case of Wm. Collins
S.43350 [illegible]

14.255
INVALID.
File No. 14.255
James Rankin
Priv. Rev. War 
---
Act: June 7 1832
Index:-Vol. 1, Page 389
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 26

28.541.
New York
James Rankins of Herkimer Co in the State of New York who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Getman of the Regt commanded by Col Bellinger in the New York line for 15 months.
===================
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 50 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
====================
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of April  1834 and sent to Hon A. Mann Ho. Rep ?
====================
Arrears to the 4th of Mar '34 $150.00 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep 34
25.00
=========
$175 00
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Jno Cromwell Clerk,
Book E Vol. 4 Page 119
[facing page:] Let  to Hon. C.S.Benton March 3 '46
Page 27

Act 7. June 1832
James Rankin
Suspended
See letter to
Geo. H. Feeter
6. March 1834
Admitted
Page 28

Payments to be made
at New York
by the Presd. Mechs [Mechanics] Bk [Bank]
Agent for Paying Pensioners,
in the Agency of
 New York

Issue new Certificate -
 Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E Vol. 4 Page 119 by Jno. Cromwell  Clerk.

[on side]
Pr [?] Capt Mark Demments Company of Rangers from 15 Mch 1777 to 21 May 1783 [?] [Cass...f?]
£197.17.4
 James Rankin Junr
Page 29

Payments to be made
at New York
by the Presd. Mechs [Mechanics] Bk [Bank]
Agent for Paying Pensioners,
in the Agency of
 New York

Issue new Certificate -
 Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E Vol. 4 Page 119 by Jno. Cromwell  Clerk.

[on side]
Pr [?] Capt Mark Demments Company of Rangers from 15 Mch 1777 to 21 May 1783 [?] [Cass...f?]
£197.17.4
 James Rankin Junr
Page 30

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, James Rankins of
the State of New York who was a Private in the Revolutionary Army
is entitled to receive Fifty dollars [and _ cents - crossed out] 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 12th day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty=four.
Lew Cass
Secretary of War
Examined and
Countersigned
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 31

Payment to be made at [New York City - crossed out] Albany by [J.A. Stevens Esq - crossed out]
T.W. Olcott Esqr
 Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of
New York City NY

[Note: transferred from NY City to Albany; Olcott is the Albany agent. The last New York City should have been crossed out]

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E, Vol. 4 Page 62 by Ths Lumpkin, Clerk
Page 32

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, James Rankins, decd late of
New York who was a Private in the Revolution  is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and [cents struck out] per annum, during his natural life,  commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, & terminating 5th November 1841, on the the day on which he died. Payable to Elizabeth Casler
only living child
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 29th day of Apl one thousand eight  hundred and forty-six
Secretary of War.
Examined and
Countersigned.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 33

Pension office

Hon. C.S. Benton,
 House of Representatives
Page 34

Pension Office
May 4. 1846.
Sir,
On the 29th ult a pension certificate
for the services of James Rankin dec'd was forwarded to you, and, thro' an error of the Clerk, made payable at New York City instead
of at Albany, as it should have been. I will  thank you to return it that the necessary correction may be made, as in its present shape it would not be available to the parties entitled to the payment.
I have the honor to be 
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt Servant
J L. Edwards

Elizabeth Casler in the name of the [illegible] of Jas Rankin - Benton

Hn. C. S. Benton
House of Representatives
Page 35

May 4. 1846
Rec notification to pay
 Jas Rankins
 (N.)

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 36

New York City Pension Agency
May 2. 1846
Sir
In reply to your certification of the 29th ult: that the pension of James Rankin deceased, late of New York, had been increased from fifty to Eighty Dollars under the act of 7th June, 1832, I deem it proper to inform you, under the supposition that the
order of payment was intended for a different office, that there is no such name as James Rankin in  the Roll of this agency.
Very respectfully
Your obedient Servant
Jno A Stevens Pensn Agt
By 
Pierre M King
JL Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Page 37

Herkimer County Ss  Adam Hartman of the town of German Flats in the said County  being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is Seventy Eight years of  age, that he is well acquainted with James Rankins
residing in the town of Little falls & that he became acquainted with said Rankins, two years before Burgoin [Burgoyne] was taken, at a place called Germantown, about six miles west of the Village of Herkimer where Fort
Dayton was located in the  Revolutionary War - that deponent enlisted in the spring of the year 1775 as he now believes into a company commanded by Capt. Marks Damewood,  the Lieutenant was Robert Gordon the company belonged to a Regiment commanded by Col Dubois the other officers [illegible]  point cannot now recollect that in the fall of the year after deponent entered the service -
James Rankins -enlisted into the company to which deponent belonged joined the mess of deponent, & eat with him every day, that deponent & said Rankins - contind [continued]
to do duty in the same company & was in active service all the time, till the fall of the year 1776 when they
both with several others were drafted from their company & went to Stone Arabia, & were put into a company of rangers of which Christian Getman was Captain, belonging to the same Regiment Nicholas Van Alstine was Lieutenant & Lawrance Gross was Ensign the company remained a few days & then was marched to Ticonderoga and immediately commenced laboring on a floating bridge. that was built across the river to prevent the enemy's Shipping from going down the river -deponent & Rankins with their company continued to labor at said bridge till near spring, (but deponent cannot recollect whether the bridge was finished when the company was all discharged from the service - and had permission to return home - that
deponent & said Rankins were in the same mess & Slept together deponent cannot recollect the name of the Commander ^ of the Ranger Troops at Ticonderoga, deponents company
Page 38

went to Ticonderoga for the purpose of working on the floating bridge & not to engage in any other duty and was under the command of the Captain entirely - deponent thinks that the company was discharged at Ticonderoga in March & he started for home - with a ^ part of the Company & was going by the way of Skensborough and deponent knows that said Rankins [Started?] for him with a few of his comrades - & were going across lake George on the ice - deponent arrived at home in safety - but said Rankins did not get home till several years after but how many years after deponent cannot recollect - and deponent understood at the time from two of the company that started to go across Lake George with said Rankins that he was taken prisoner by a party of Indians & Tories (& that they escaped) - and deponent has always understood that said Rankins was taken prisoner as above stated - & was a prisoner in Canada several years - and deponent has often know it from George Withereck who was taken prisoner at the same time & was with him during his captivity - but who is now dead and which deponent verily believed to be true - and deponent further saith that said Rankins was a faithful & [jon?] soldier - & since the Revolutionary War deponent has lived in the same neighborhood with said Rankins who has always sustained a [fair?] character - and further the deponent saith not
 Adam Hartman his X mark
Sworn & Subscribed this Eleventh day of December AD 1833 before me
 George Fox Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Herkimer County Ss: } On the Eleventh day of December
Page 39

AD. 1833 personally appear before me George Fox a justice of the peace in & for this County Adam Hartman who has subscribed to the foregoing affidavit by making his mark and a.. to the truth of the statement therein made & I do further certify that I am well acquainted with the said Adam Hartman & have been for more than fifty years & that he is a man of respectability & veracity & that his statement is entitled to full credit and belief -
  George Fox  Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Herkimer County Clerks Office Ss: I Julius C. Nelson clerk of said County do hereby certify that George Fox Esqr before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been made, was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County & that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice & verily believe the Signature "George Fox" to be in his own proper hand writing -
  In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal of office, this 20th day of December AD. 1833-
  Julius C. Nelson  Clerk
Page 40

State of New York
Herkimer County - Personally appeared before me John Dygert on this 2d day of July A.D. 1833 a Justice of the peace in & for said County James Rankins, whose declaration heretofore made do hereunto attached, who being duly by me sworn deposeth & saith, that the statement contained in his declaration heretofore made is correct and true as to the time & manner of his service as a private soldier in the war of the American revolution, that he now recollects distinctly so that he is able to state certainly what before he was not certain of that he [en]listed into the company in his declaration mentioned, that is that he [en]listed in the fall of the year 1775, but he cannot recollect the month, & that continued to serve as a private soldier till he was taken prisoner in the in March 1777 (which upon reflection he knows to be the month & year when he was taken prisoner) & that he was not during that time engaged in any [aire?]] employment, that he cannot find
a witness who can swear to the length of his captivity & imprisonent, he has made dilligent search for such witness but cannot find one, but he deposes & says that he was taken prisoner in March 1777, & kept & detaind
as such prisoner untill the month of June 1783 when he ran away, that he often laid plans to escape but could not get an opportunity, that he was kept in close confinement in prison nearly a year & he believes two months & more, & when let out was closely watched & made to do the business of a servant for an English officer who used him very cruelly &
often like a dog, the officers name was Capt. McCoy. He got away the first time he found an opportunity and although deponent is not able to make proof of the length of his imprisonment, yet it is a fact that
Page 41

his imprisonment was as he herein & in his previous declaration stated it & he claims a pension for actual service from the fall of the year 1775 till March 1777 [words crossed out] two years & four months actual & continued service before he was taken prisoner; & he also claims on the proof he has made thereof, to be allowed as for actual service from March 1777 to June 1783, for six years and two months of imprisonment, deponent further saith that the captain whom he was a servant to while a prisoner is dead, & he does not know where or how to find a man who can state the length of his captivity. And all the individuals who were prisoners at same time with deponent & to whom he was known
are dead or live where deponent does not know.
James his X mark Rankins
Sworn to before me this 2nd day of July 1833 John Dygert Just Peace

State  of New York
Herkimer County ss. On the 2d day of July 1833 personally appeared before me John Dygert a Justice of the peace in & for said County, James Rankins who has subscribed to the foregoing foregoing affidavit ^ by making his mark & deposed to the truth of the statements therein made, & I do further certify that I am well acquainted with the said James Rankins & that he is a man of respectability & veracity & that his statement is entitled to full credit & belief, and I do further certify that I am well acquainted with Henry Ritter whose affidavit is attached to the declaration of said James Rankins & that he is a man of veracity & respectability & that his statement is entitled to full faith credit & belief-
John Dygert Just Peace
Page 42

State of New York
Herkimer County Ss} I, Julius C. Nelson, clerk of said county of Herkimer & of the Court of Common Pleas of said county, do hereby certify [paragraph crossed out] that John Dygert whose signature is subscribed to the said affidavit, as having been taken before him & to the certificate attached to said certificate, was at the date of each of them a justice of the peace in & for said county, & that his signature subscribed thereto is genuine - In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 5th day of August 1833
  Julius C. Nelson  Clerk
Page 43

State of New York
Herkimer County } Ss Henry Rutter of the town of Manheim in Herkimer County & state aforesaid being duly sworn doth depose & say, that he is now seventy two years of age, was a soldier of the revolution, and was acquainted with James Rankins & for a time served in the same company with said Rankins in said war, and resided in the same neighborhood  with said Rainkins when they were both children, that he knows said Rankins [en]listed in the latter part of 1775 or the first part of 1776- into Captain Mark's Damewoods company of rangers &  Lieutenant was Robert Gordon but he does not know the colonel of the regiment - They were called state troops-- and said company was employed along the
north side of the Mohawk river along West Canada Creek & the country bordering on those streams, as scouts &  spies, and that he remained in said company and on duty till late in the fall, or in the winter of 1776 -
when they went to Stone Arabia to a company commanded by Christian Getman & went on to Albany & thence up to Tyconderoga & that said Rankins went on that expedition - The object was to build a  sinking bridge
across the lake from Mount Independance to Tyconderoga to prevent the Brittish coming up with their shipping that they were at work here till towards Spring, does not recollect whether the bridge was finished or not, when they got through their work there, Rankins & deponent parted, and deponent does not know what became of Rankins except that he heard that he had been taken prisoner on his way to Albany & carried to Canada but deponent knows said Rankins did duty as a guard scout & spy, and at Ticonderoga all the time from
Page 44

the spring of 1776 till late in the winter of 1776 & 1777 untill spring of 1777, and that judging from his service in the revolution, and from his acquaintance with him, he verily believes said Rankins is as much as seventy two years of age, and deponent saith that the character of said Rankins for truth & veracity is good
Henry Ritter
Sworn in open Court
Oct. 9th 1832 Julius C Nelson Clerk

I am acquainted with Henry Ritter
the above deponent and do certify
that he is a credible person & entitled
to full belief
5. Apl 1834
A. Mann Jr  M.C
Page 45

Payment to be made
at New York City
by John A. Stevens, Esq

agent for paying pensions
 in the Agency of New York City, New York

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E2 Volume 4 Page 62 by Tho Lumpkin  Clerk
Page 46

War Department
Revolutionary Claim

 I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832 James Rankins, deceased, late of New York, who was a private in the war of the Revolution, and entitled to receive a pension at the rate of eighty dollars per Annum, commencing on the 5th November, 1841, the day on which he died. The amount due or payable to Elizabeth Casler only surviving child
 This pension is subject to a deduction of every and all payments made upon a former certificate dated 12th April, 1834, which is cancelled. Increase from $50.

Given at the War Office of the United States this 29th day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty six.
  [name crossed out]  Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned}  [J.L. Edwards - crossed out]  Commissioner of Pensions.