Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19,029, for George Sheaf, New York
Page 1

New York --- Sheaf, George --- No. 19,029
------------or Shiff
------------or Schiff, Hans George
______________________________________________
-----------------------Christina
--------------------or Stina
Page 2

8374
New York
George Sheaf
Oneida -----N York
private
Van Shaick -- N York
5 Years
__________________________
New York
8
18 April 1818
_____________________________
29 Mar [illegible]
Sent to Benj Johnson
Rome Oneida Cty
______________________________
Mar 19 ----- 84.49
4 Sep 19 ------ .48
10 -- 1347/3038} $132.49
Page 3

[Left side--I will transcribe only the handwritten parts:]
10.380
New York
Christina Sheaf,
George Sheaf
N.Y. ----- 1818
9th Apl 1820
Oneida ---- New York
Corporal -- Company

Regt ---Col Willits[perhaps]
Revolution --- 7 Mo. 23
________________________
Albany
28 Dollars  47 Cents

__________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of 
Dec, 1847, and sent to Hon. Leo. [or Geo.] Petrie
[illegible--something like "Hon of Pub"]

Recorded by Tho Lumpkin Clerk,
Book 1 Vol. 1. Page 195
____________________________________
[Right side:]
Reported
Payable to George Sheaf, Olive Sheaf, Eve Weaver, Conradt Sheaf, Margaret Luther and Mary Finster only surviving Children
A M Beardsley
Utica
N. Y. July 13, 48
Page 4

[This is a duplicate of Image 80, but slightly clearer]
[Left side--I will transcribe only the handwritten parts:]
10.380
New York
Christina Sheaf, decd
George Sheaf
N.Y. ----- 1818
9th Apl 1820
Oneida ---- New York
Corporal -- Company

Regt ---Col Willits[perhaps]
Revolution --- 7 Mo. 23
________________________
Albany
28 Dollars  47 Cents

__________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of 
Dec, 1847, and sent to Hon. Leo. [or Geo.] Petrie
[illegible--something like "Hon of Pub"]

Recorded by Tho Lumpkin Clerk,
Book D Vol. 1. Page 195
____________________________________
[Right side:]
Reported
Payable to George Sheaf, Olive Sheaf, Eve Weaver, Conradt Sheaf, Margaret Luther and Mary Finster only surviving Children
A M Beardsley
Utica
N. Y. July 13, 48
Page 5

State of New York}
Oneida County  } SS
I Patrick Mahon Clerk of the Court of Oyer and Terminer holden at the city of Utica in and for said County, do hereby certify that Satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to the said Court that Christina Sheaf widow of George Sheaf deceased, died at her residence in Deerfield in said County on the 25th day of September 1842
That she left the following children who are yet living and whose names are George Sheaf, Olive Sheaf, Eve Weaver, Conradt Sheaf, Margaret Luther and Mary Finster.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Utica this 13th day of September A. D. 1847
Patrick Mahon Clerk
Page 6

No 13,095
Christina Sheaf decd
Widow of George
N Y
act 7 July 1838
Married 1784
husband died 1820
Widow died 1842
Geo Sheaf enlisted 13 March
1777 for War Deserted[underlined]
23 March 1781. See Roe[the best I can guess]
3 Regiment, N Y Line, Capt
Swartwonts  Company.[deriving this name from a different pension request (Benjamin Coleman)--Google finds a prominent New York family named Swartwout with at least two members serving as officers in the Revolutionary War]
Page 7

State of New York}
Oneida County} Ss
On this 30th day of September 1846 personally appeared in open Court George Sheaf, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose & say that he was borne in the town of Schuyler in the County of Herkimer & State aforesaid 
that he is 58 years of age as appears from the family records now in his possession. That he has always resided with his father & Mother during their respective lives in the Counties of Herkimer & Oneida. That he now resides in the town of Deerfield in the County of Oneida, & that he the said Deponent makes the following Declaration in order to obtain the arrearages or pension which his mother was entitled to in her lifetime. He further says that his Father now deceased) was a soldier & served as such for a period of seven years or upwards in Col. Gansevoorts Regt in the war of the Revolution as will more fully appear from an examination of the Records & papers on file in the War Department in relation to his fathers pension. He further deposes & says that his father made application & was inscribed on the pension list at $96 per ann in or about the year 1818. That he continued to draw his pension by virtue of the Certificate issued to him by the War Department until the 4th day of March 1820. That his Father the Said George Schiff died on the 9th day of April 1820, as will more fully appear from an examination of the Certificate of the Court of Common Pleas hereunto annexed. That he the Said George Schiff, deceased, died leaving after him a Widow & Six Children. That his mother the said Widow, whose name was Lina or Christtina Continued in being until the 25th day of September 1842, on which day she died. And that the names of the Children of said Georg & Christtina Schiff, are as follows. George Schiff, the now deponent. Olive Schiff, Eve. Schiff (now Mrs. Weaver,) Coonrod Schiff, Margret Schiff Now Mrs Luther, Mary Schiff, now Mrs Phinkester.
Page 8

he further says that he does not know nor belive [sic] that his mother now deceased, ever made application for pension or that her name was ever placed on the roll of any agency, and the Certificate of the Court of Common Peleas [sic] of Oneida County hereunto annexed was obtained by Said Lina or Christtina for the purpoes [sic] of drawing the arrearage of Pension due her husband the said George Schiff at the time of his death. To wit from the 4th of March 1820 to the 9th April 1820.
George his X mark Sheaf
Subscribed and sworn in open Court]
before me this 30th day of September}
1846
Delos Dewolf Clerk
Oneida Co

I, Delos Dewolf Clerk of the County of Oneida & the Court of Common Pleas the Circuit Court And Court of Oyer and Terminer thereof do hereby Certify that the foregoing Contains the Original procedings, [sic] of the Said Court in relation to the application of George Schiff for the arrearages or pension of his mother Deceased,
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official Seal this 30th day of September 1846
Delos Dewolf Clerk
Page 9

[I will transcribe mostly just the handwritten parts]
State of New York
Oneida Com Pleas
I James Dean Clerk of Said Court do hereby Certify that it was this day proved in open Court by Credible Witnesses to the Satisfaction of the Said Court, that George Sheaf, late of Deerfield in Said County who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States died at his residence in Deerfield on the 9th day of April 1820 and left as his widow who Still Survives him Stina Sheaf.

In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed  my Seal of office this 10th day of September 1839..
James Dean Clk.

____________________________________________________
Stina Sheaf widow of George
Sheaf late of Oneida County
Benjamin P Johnson
Washington
arrears[?maybe?] of my Pension, 4th March 1820 to 9th of April 
1820, Witness my hand and seal, this 10 September 1839
Stena her X mark Sheaf
Sealed and delivered in presence of 
Benj on [illegible]
C Comstock
L. L. Lernig
Oneida County
10 September 1839
Court of Deeds -------- Stena
Sheaf---
Made her Mark hereunto never having learned to write 
She cannot write her name
C ComStock
Comr of Deeds
Page 10

State of New York}
Herkimer County } Ss
Abraham G. Rosecrantz of the Town of Little Falls County and State aforesaid aged forty two Years. being duly Sworn According to law Deposeth and sayz that he has in his possession the ancient Record of Marriagez and Baptisms which he haz alwayz Understood and believes was Solemnized by hiz Grandfather the Revnd. Abraham Rosecreantz who was the Early Pastor of the dutch Reformed church of thiz Vicinity. that I have this day Examined Said Record and find Recorded Under the Runing head of Marriagez the Name of Hans George Schiff and Christina Vorbos, Which took place on the Thirteenth day of January in the Year one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty four  Except the date Which is Exposed on Said Record in fair legible figures as follows Viz.

1784. D. 13h Jany. Hans. George Schiff und. Christtina Vorbos.
Abraham G. Rosecrantz 
Subscribed & Sworn to}
this 7th day of April}
1846 before me }
H. Thompson
Justice of the Peace

I further certify that I know the Said Abraham G Rosecrantz who made the above affidavit to be a reputable person
H. Thompson
Page 11

George Sheaf
18 apr 1818 privt
Gansevoort & Van Sharks} NY. Regt.
1776 to 1781
Admitting

Enlisted 13 March 177 [illegible]
for Mar deserted 23 mon [illegible] 
1781 - ser N York
line 3 Regt [illegible]
[illegible] Company

George Sheaf
Page 12

State of New York}
Oneida County Ss.} On this Eighteenth day of April 1818 before me Charles Wylie one of the Judges of Oneida Common Pleas personally appeared George Sheaf aged 61 years, a resident in the town of Deerfield in the County of Oneida and State of New York who being duly sworn does upon oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the act of congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land & naval Services of the United States in the Revolutionary War. This deponent entered the Continental army during the war in May 1776 - His father enlisted in march 1776 and this deponent took his place in May thereafter at Fort Stanwix - in the State of New York and Served during the War - the captain under whom this deponent entered was a Captain Swartout, and the Fort was commanded by Colonel Peter Gansevoort. This Deponent remained at Fort Stanwix about eighteen months, and was present at its siege by the British army - The troops went into Winter Quarters at Albany the Second winter after this deponent enlisted. From Albany the troops marched to Frog's Point and Joined the army under General Sullivan, and went into the Indian Country against the Indians. This deponent returned with the army and went into Winter Quarters near Morristown New Jersey. This was in the year 1779. - From Morris Town the New York Troops went in the Spring to Stoney Point
Page 13

and after marching during the Summer to different Ports, the Regiment to which this deponent was attached went into Winter Quarters at Saratoga. Colonel Gansewoort commanded the Regiment at the time they went into Winter Quarters. In the camp of the winter the 1st & 3d New York Regiments were consolidated into one Regiment and the command was given to Colonel Van Schaack [probably Van Schaick] of the 1st New York Regiment.
This Deponent obtained a Furlough from Saratoga on account of the death of his father who had been Scalped by the Indians in the Spring or last of the Winter of 1781, and while on Furlough the army marched to the South, and this deponent never Joined them afterwards as the army was discharged at New Burgh. - This deponent did not know where to go to Join the army, and Lieut Colonel Willet who commanded at Fort Plain advised this deponent to wait until the army returned from the South, which this deponent did. This is the reason of this deponents never receiving a written discharge. -.-
This deponent further says he is in reduced circumstances and Stands in need of his countrys assistance for Support. This deponent has no other evidence at present in his power, than the accompanying affidavit. 
George his X mark Sheaf
Sworn to & the Said
George Sheaf personally 
appeared this 18th day of april 1818
& made his mark ---- before me
Page 14

State of New York}
Oneida County Ss} Mary Multer being duly Sworn deposes & Says that She is Sister to the within named George Sheaf, and that She recollects his being in the army in the Revolutionary war but cannot precisely recollect the time he served as she was very young at the time of his Enlisting -- And further this deponent says she recollects said George Sheafs being at home on Furlough as Stated in his affidavit.-- 
and further Says not
Mary  her X mark  Multer
Sworn to & the said }
Mary Multer personally}
appeared & made her mark}
before me this 18th day }
of april 1818 Charles Wylie} one of the Judges of Oneida Com Pleas
Page 15

of april 1818 Charles Wylie }one  of the Judges of Oneida Com Pleas

I, Charles Wylie, Judge &c as aforesaid, do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the Said George Sheaf, did serve in the Revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken & had before me, to the Secretary for the department of war, pursuant to the directions of the before mentioned act of Congress.
Rome, Oneida Co. April 18th 1818.
Charles Wylie

State of New York}
Oneida County Ss.} Jacob Multer being duly sworn maketh oath & says he is well acquainted with the within named George Sheaf & that he knows his circumstances are so reduced as absolutely to need the assistance of his country for Support -- and farther says not ---
Jacob  hi X mark Multer [or "Mutter"]
Sworn & Subscribed }
before me this 18 day }
of April 1818 by his }
making his mark      }
Charles Wylie One of the Judges of Oneida Com Pleas

I, Charles Wylie Judge as aforesaid do certify that I well know the above named Jacob Mutter, and that I believe the Said George Sheaf absolutely needs the assistance of his country for Support. April 18, 1818
Charles Wylie
Page 16

Clerks Office }
Oneida County}Ss I. Certify that Charles Wylie was a Judge of this County at the time of making the within affidavit & Certificate & that his Signatures to the forms appears to be of his own proper hand writing. Witness the Seal of said County the 23 day of May 1818 -- Aramis A Moodgood Clk 

[At ninety degrees from the above text:]
George Sheaf
18 apl 1818 privt
Gansevoort}
& ---------  } NY. Regt.
Van Shaiks-}
1776 to 1781.
Admitted[maybe]
Enlisted 13 March 177[6, probably, but I can't see it]
[illegible] deserted 23 March
1781 -- per N York
Sinc. 3 Regn [illegible]
[illegible] Company

[At 180 degrees from above text:]
George Sheaf
Page 17

George Shiff
Apr 29th
South Trenton PO

A 1st inst-for
record & Certifin
would be like chat 1st
[illegible]
Page 18

Deerfield April 27th 1846
Wm J. Bottum Esqr
Yours of the 29th of March last came duly to hand, respecting the pension business for the Heirs of my Father and Mother - My father drew a pension until March 4th 1820
He died April 9th 1820. he was married to my mother -- January 13th 1784. by Rev. Abraham Rosecrants near Little falls
I have a sworn statement taken from the Register of the ministers book - my Mothers name was Christina Vorbos before marriage. She died September 25th 1842 - 
My Fathers name on the ministers Register was spelt as follows Hans George Schiff, but I never heard him say anything about the "Hans." My father could not write he has always since I can remember had his name Spelt George Shiff - There are Six children now living 
the names are as follows George Shiff (myself) Born 27th June 1788. -- Olive Shiff Born August 9th 1790. - Eve Shiff Born May 1st 1793. now wife of Abraham Weaver - Conrad Shiff Born April 19th 1795. Margareta Shiff, now wife of Stephen Luther was born Feb 4th 1801 - Mary Shiff we have no record of her age, she is about 42. or 43 years old.
George Shiff Residence Deerfield Oneida Co NY
Olive Shiff ------"----- Ellisburg Jeffereson Co "
Eve  --- " - Now Weaver Deerfield Oneida Co  " 
Conrad Shiff -----------  Deerfield Oneida Co  "
Margareta Shiff now Luther Clayton Jefferson Co NY
Mary Shiff resides in Ellisburg  Jefferson Co NY
I do not know were the papers are that my Father drew his pension on, B.P. Johnson Esqr. of Rome drew his money for him, and I cannot assertain [sic] where the papers are I have been twice to Rome to see Mr. Johnson but did not see him, he has left home in in a very mysterious way some weeks past & has not been heard from whether they the papers are at Washington or in Mr. Js. Office I do not know. 
N.B. My Mother Married after the death of my father - my brother never made an application for a pension -
Page 19

If I have not answered your enquiries sufficiently explicet [sic] please write me for any information you may wish for - My father never drew his land, that is never had any for his Services in the war -- as there are others concerned in this business besides my Self will you please let me know what you will charge us if you succeed in getting the pension, and the land, or either, -- 
please let me hear from you as soon as convenient -
Respectfully yours 
George Shiff

My address is 
South Trenton P.O
Oneida Co --
Page 20

Dear Madam:
November 18, 1933
George Sheaf -W.19029
BA-J/AWF
O. M. Thompson
2916 Cambridge Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to George Schieff, private in Tryon County militia, Colonel Bellinger's New York regiment, War of the Revolution; George Scieff, private in Tryon County militia in May, 1769; Peter Scheff, private in Tryon County militia
in August, 1763.
This office has no record of service rendered prior to the War of the Revolution, hence no record of the service of George Schieff in May, 1769 and no record of the service of Peter Scheff in August, 1763.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon military service of soldiers in that war. A search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the service of any Peter Scheff, the surname
searched under various spellings.
In regard to your statement relative to pension claims, S. 23644 and R. 17772, the papers in said claims afford no information pertaining to the above named soldiers.
The record of George Sheaf (Shiff, Schiff) is furnished herein, as found in pension claim, W. 19029, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War. This is the history of the only soldier of that name (surname searched under similar spellings) that is found in the Revolu-
Page 21

tionary files of this office.
The date and place of birth of George Sheaf, Shiff or Schiff (also referred to as Hans George) are not shown in the claim, nor are the names of his parents stated.
His father enlisted in March, 1776 and served
until in May, 1776, when he (George Sheaf) took his place at Fort Stanwix and served in Captain Swarthout's company, Colonel Peter Gansevoort's Third New York regiment, was in the siege of Fort Stanwix and in Sullivan's Indian Expedition; afterwards in Colonel Van
Schaick's New York regiment. His father, while at work in the field, was scalped by the Indians and died in the spring of 1781; George Sheaf was granted a furlough to go home on account of the death of his father, and while at home, his regiment marched to "the South", he could not rejoin then. He enlisted in 1782 and
served seven months and twenty-eight days as corporal in Captain Abner French's company, Colonel Marinus Willett's New York regiment.
George Sheaf was allowed pension on his application executed, April 18, 1818, then sixty-one years of age and living in Deerfield, Oneida County, New York. He died at Deerfield, April 9, 1820.
The soldier, George Sheaf, married January 13,
1786, near Little Falls, Christina (Lina or Stena )
Vorbos. It is stated that she remarried after the
death of her husband, George Sheaf; but there are no details of this marriage. She died September 23 or 25, 1842 in Deerfield, New York.
The following is a list of the children of George
Sheaf and his wife, Christina as appears in the claim-
George born June 27, 1788
Olive born August 9, 1790
Eve born May  1, 1793
Coonrod or Conrad born April 19, 1795
Margret or Margareta born February 4, 1801
Mary date of birth not given.
The above noted children were all alive in 1846,
Page 22

3-
with residences in that year as stated below, and were allowed the pension due their mother, on account of the services of their father in the War of the Revolution.
George Sheaf, Deerfield, New York; Olive Sheaf,
Ellisburg, New York; Eve, wife of Abraham Weaver, Deerfield, New York; Coonrad or Conrad Sheaf, Deerfield, New York; Margret or Margareta, wife of Stephen Luther Clayton, New York, Mary, who married -- Phinkester or
Finster, she was about forty-two or forty-three years old in 1846, residence, Ellisburg, New York.
Mary Multer (?), sister of the soldier, George
Sheaf, was in Oneida County, New York in 1818; Jacob Multer(?) stated in 1818 that he was well acquainted with George Sheaf; the relationship between Mary and Jacob Multer, not shown. Jacob Weaver in 1847 was living in Deerfield, New York, and John Finster, living in
1847 in Schuyler, New York, aged eighty-six years, said that he assisted in carrying the father of the soldier, George Sheaf to his home, when he was scalped by the Indians. It is not shown that Jacob Weaver and John
Finster were related to the family of George Sheaf,
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 23

1933 - Nov. 18 - hist to O. M. Thompson Esq

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 19029
Christina Sheaf
Widow
George Sheaf
Corp. Rev. War

Act: [illegible]
Index:—Vol. M, Page 208

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 24

V No 13095.
Christina Sheaf dec
NY
[crossed out]
[crossed out]
[crossed out]

Rejected 
[crossed out]
[crossed out]
[crossed out]
act 7 July 1838

Let. to Wm Devereaux
Nov 30 49
Page 25

Names of the children George Sheaf, Olive Sheaf, Eve (now by marriage Eve Weaver), Conradt Sheaf, Margaret Sheaf (" " " Margaret Luther) Mary Sheaf, now by marriage [crossed out] Mary Finster.
Page 26

Geo. Sheaf NY act 18 March 1818 $96 00 pr an

To what time was he last paid?
G.C.A

Pension Office
August 30th 1847} Paid in full to the 4th March 1820.
BLB
Page 27

Nov. 24, 1847
Page 28

Pension Office
Novem 24, 1847
Sir,
In answer to your communication of the 8th [illegible], I have to inform you that the Certificate of the Court of Herkimer County as to the date of the death of Christina Sheaf and the names of her children now living required by my letter to you of the 9th of September last has not been furnished. So soon as this requisition [crossed out] shall have been complied with a certificate will issue to her children for 7 mo 23 days service of her husband George Sheaf as a corporal. 

N. H. Culum Esq.
City Hotel
New York
Page 29

M. [illegible] Cullan
Sept 9' 47
Page 30

Pension Office
Sept 9 1847
Sir
The evidence of the marriage in the case of Christina Sheaf widow of George Sheaf and of her husbands service for 7 mo 23 days as a corporal is satisfactorily established but before a certificate can issue to her children, the court must certify to the date of her death and also to the names of her children now living


M H. Cullen Esq
Utica
NY
Page 31

A. Weaver
June 3 47
Page 32

Pen Off
June 3. 47
Sir
In reply to your inquiry respecting the case of Christina Sheaf I would inform you that no allowance can be made for the continental service upon which her husband was pensioned because the rolls obtained since the adjustment of that pension show that he deserted But she can be allowed for the service as Corpl in Willets regt. of State Troops in 1782 when she shall her marriage before 1794 with satisfactory certainty

A. Weaver Esq
Utica
N.Y.
Page 33

M. H. Cullen
May 15 47
Page 34

Pension Office
May 15 1847
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 16 [illegible] I have to inform you that if it can be satisfactorily shown that Christina Sheaf was married to George Sheaf late a pensioner under the act of 18 March 1818 prior to 1st January 1794 her claim may be admitted for her husbands service under Col Willett in 1782 as a Corporal

M. H. Cullen Esq
Utica
N.Y
Page 35

15 4
Pen off
March 6 47
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the rolls showing the desertion of George Sheaf in the case of Christina Sheaf decd can not be controverted by parol proof consistently with the rules of this Dept. or the established laws of evidence — This record made at the time establishes the fact of desertion and whatever may have been the palliating circumstances that fact brings after it a forfeiture of his pay then & of the pension now which is computable by the half pay rec —
As to the service in Willets regt. it may be made a question how far a claim can be sustained for a term pf service in the state Services on the Frontiers at the very time he was a deserter from the Continental Army & in direct violation of a
Page 36

preexisting enlistment —

Hon J. Hogan
March 6. '47

Hon: J Hogan
Present
Page 37

Pension Office
February 10. 1847
Sir,
The evidence presented in the case of Sarah Hutchins decd formerly widow of John Glines is satisfactory to establish the date of their marriage but some proof identifying [crossed out] her husband wich the soldier of his name whose services are certified by the Certificate of the Secretary of State of New Hampshire and also the Town Clerks Certificate or some other record evidence showing the day of Mrs Hutchins death should be [illegible] to [crossed out] [illegible] a favorable consideration of this claim. [illegible] citizens of known high standing [crossed out] for respectability and intelligence should testify to the character of Mrs Hutchins husband as a revolutionary soldier, and that he was the only one of his name in [illegible] [illegible] capable of bearing arms during that war or his identity may be established by the testimony of those who was in service with him.
The Court certifies to the names of the
Page 38

Children by the first marriage living at the time of their mothers death This certificate should embrace there only who are now living, [crossed out] including, [crossed out] any [crossed out] that she may have had bu her last husband [crossed out]

I. W. Kelley
Feb 10 '47

Israel W. Kelley Esq
Concord
NH
Page 39

M H. Cullen
Oct 24 '46
Page 40

Pension Office
October 24 1846
Sir,
The application of the case of Christina Sheaf decd widow of Geo Sheaf for a pension under the act of 7 July 1838 has been examined and disallowed —
The record of the New York Line in this office shows that Geo Sheaf enlisted in the 3 regiment of the Continental Line of that state under Capt Swartout on 13 March 1777 for the War; and deserted the service on 23 March 1781. thereby forfeiting all pay then and pension to himself as well as his widow afterward.
Sheaf was improperly allowed a pension under the act of 18 March 1818 when it was not known that [crossed out] [illegible] to controvert [crossed out] his statement existed.

M. H. Cullen Esq
Utica
New York
Page 41

Call on
Mr A. Weaver
Utica N.Y.

In the matter of Christina widow of George Sheaf

Geo. Petrie, M. C. 

GIles F. Yates
Schenectaday
N.Y.
Page 42

Utica, Sept. 24th 1847.
Mr. Charles Yates:
Dear Sir, — Understanding that you were about going to Washington, I thought I would engage you to make some examination at the Pension Office in the case of Geo. Sheaf a soldier in the continental service in the Revolution, who served two, or three (or I know not but more years,) in said service, and was afterwards transferred from the continental service to "Willett's Regiment," where he served as corporal some 7 or 8 months. In the continental service he served under Gen. or Col. Gansevoort. Letters from the Pension Office inform us that "no allowance" can be made to his heirs for his service in the continental army, "because the rolls obtained since the adjustment of that pension show that he deserted." Now, as it is not true that he deserted, I wish to acquaint you with the circumstances which probably caused such an entry to be made on the rolls. While in the continental service, his father was killed by the Indians somewhere on the "Mohawk Flats," a man named Finster, now living in the town of Schuyler, (a few miles distant from this) was one of the men who assisted in carrying him from the field to his home. After this event, the family being in distress, he, Geo. Sheaf obtained a furlough
Page 43

to go home for a short period. At the expiration of his furlough, he returned to join his regiment, but during his absence the regiment had moved, and he was about to follow on after it but was prevailed upon not to do so, by the Paymaster of his reg. who turned behind, (I think) of his regiment who told him it would be certain death for him to follow on alone after his regiment, as the route was infested by Tories and Indians; but that it would answer the same purpose for him to fall in with Willet's regiment and finish his term of service in it as the war would probably soon close. He followed this advice, and from this cause no doubt it is that the entry or insertion found its way into the rolls. Is it not singular that he should have deserted from one branch of the army, and immediately after, be found serving in the capacity of a non-commissioned officer in another branch? And that he can be allowed a pension in the latter case, and "no allowance' in the former? These, briefly, are some of the facts in the case, and if you will have the goodness to call at our house near Jacob Weaver's in Deerfield about one mile from Utica, you can be put in possession of such other items of information as may be thought necessary in presenting a more thorough examination into the case than has yet been had. [crossed out] Mr. Rosencranz was the [crossed out] minister who married Geo. & Christina Sheaf. This, his, Mr R.'s books will show so that I think the marriage can be satisfactorily proven. The most important thing to clear up is that
Page 44

instead of deserting, he was absent on a furlough, or else that he was serving in "Willet's Regiment," at the time this entry of desertion was made upon the rolls. If you cannot conveniently call and see us previous to going to Washington will you have the kindness to drop us a line per mail, on receipt of this. Address "Mr. A. Weaver, Utica."
Eve Weaver.
Page 45

Albany Decr 28th 1847.
In the matter &c of Christina, widow of George Sheaf decd}
before I can act understandingly in the above matter and do aught to aid the application I would like to be informed 1st whether the marriage has been satisfactorily proven 2d whether documentary evidence of George Sheafs service in 1782 under Col. Willett has been adduced & is on file & 3d whether the testimony of Finster & others explaining the erroneous entry of "deserter" on the Rolls of the Continental army opposite the name of George Sheaf, has been obtained & is deemed satisfactory. If yes, then there would seem to be no obstacle to the allowance of this claim. If not, it will be my endeavour to furnish the proof indicated in the accompanying letter of the daughter Eve Weaver. The Hon. Mr. Petrie will please forward to me such reply as he may receive to the above queries to be made to Col. J.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions & much oblige
his obt servt 
G.F. Yates
Page 46

Feby 47

[illegible] case
Christina Sheaf.

Honble
John Hogan
Utica
N.Y
now present
Page 47

Utica N Y. January 24th 1847.

Hon James L. Edwards
Sir
Your letter bearing date Oct 24th 1845 was in duee time received, and the reasons therein assigned for which the claim of Christina Sheaf deceased widow of Geo. Sheaf for a pension was rejected were by me transmitted to the applicants.
Permit me further to say that the statement in your letter written under the above date, "That Sheaf deserted the service on 23d March 1781." surprised not only the applicants but also the old Revolutionary Soldiers with whom Sheaf served and who were acquainted with him from his infancy to until his death.
From a thorough and fair examination of the whole matter it appears that Sheafs father was murdered some time in the spring of the year 1781 by a party of Indians in the vicinity of Fort Germantown about eleven miles east of this city and that George Shiff a soldier in Capt. [illegible] Company obtained permission to go home [crossed out] from his Company or Regt. on furlough to attend his fathers burial &c. and that while at home his Regt. received orders to march for New York, and left behind them Sheaf who without means was unable to Rejoin his Regt. but immediately enlisted in a Company Commanded by Capt. French in Col. Willet,s Regt.  wherein he was promoted and served until the close of the War, which will more fully appear from an examination of Comptrollers certificate and
Page 48

the affidavit of John Fister herewith transmitted to the War Department. And it is hoped that the facts set forth in the accompanying affidavit and certificate in connexion with the delineation of the facts and circumstances mentioned in the foregoing will be sufficient to controvert the statement that "Shiff deserted." And that the children may be allowed the claim &c &c. under the Act of 7.th July 1838.
I have the honor to be with great respect, your obedient servant
M. H. Cullen
Utica N.Y.
Page 49

Aug 2/47 [crossed out] 162

Rev claim,
Adal to case
Christina Schiff

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner &c
Washington City
D C
Page 50

Utica N.Y. 28th July 1847

Hon. James L. Edwards
Dr Sir
Agreeable to your request I have endeavored to furnish the necessary proof of the marriage of George Schiff prior to January 1794, and now herewith send you a transcript from the manuscript record of the Revd. Abraham Rosencrants the clergyman who married him. I have also the honor transmitting the affidavit of the Hon Augustus Beardslee who was for several years the presiding Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Herkimer County, which affidavit states that the identical Record of Marriages & Baptisms now in question was submitted & proved to the satisfaction of said Court to be the original record of the Revd Abraham Rosencrants deceased. that this was done while said Beardslee was presiding Judge. which I trust will be sufficient proof of the marriage. and therefore all that remains is for the Hon. Commissioner to adjust the claim for the services rendered by Mr Schiff in Willetts Regt. as stated in your letter of may 15th.. forward the result of your decision to the undersigned
I am very respectfully
Your obt servt
M. H. Cullen
Utica N.Y
Page 51

Utica N.Y. Apl. 16th 1847

Dear Sir.
In answer to your letter of February 10th in relation to the Service of George Sheaf deceased in Col. Willetts Regt. in 1781 and which you say may possibly be allowed the Children if Satisfactory proof of Mrs Sheaf's marriage with that Soldier prior to January 1794 be established I have the honor to inform you that the original Record of marriage &c of the Revd. Abraham Rosencrants [crossed out] was some years [crossed out] since submitted to the Circuit Court of the County (Oneida) and the opinion of said Court as to its genuine and ancient appearance obtained a certificate under the Seal of the Court was also given a copy of which properly exemplified accompanied with the affidavit of A. G. Rosencrantz in whose possession the Books & documents in question have ever since that time been kept, will be forwarded to the Pension Office in case the service in Willetts Regt. will be allowed. It would be useless to put the children to further expense or trouble in furnishing proof untill we know definitely wether the short period of service in said Regt will be allowed [illegible] in case it will we will then furnish the proof required as for the Service in Gansevoorts Regt. no allowance is expected therefore. Therefore will the [illegible] The Commissioner of Pensions give me
Page 52

an answer on this head & we will act as the occasion may require &c I have the honor to be 
Very respectfully Your Obt Servt.
M. H. Cullen

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions &c.
Page 53

[illegible] 10 47
Enquiry [illegible] case 
Christina Sheaf

J. L. Edwards Com
Washing
Page 54

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commir &c
Washington City
D.C —
Page 55

54 Wall St. New York
Novr 8th 1847
Sir
I am desirous to learn what disposition has been or is to be made of the claim of the Children of Christina deceased widow of George Sheaf for pension under act of July 7th 1838. It is now some months since all the proofs required have been made, since which I have not been informed of what has been done in the case. or whether the proofs are satisfactory. Will [three illegible words] coming [two illegible words] some information on the subject, desired letters to the above address or to the City Hotel N.Y. city -
Very Respectfully
Your obt Servt
M.H. Cullen

Hon. J. L. Edwards.
Page 56

Geo. Petrie, M.C.

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Commr. of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 57

New York Dec 17th 1847

Sir
In compliance with the directions & request contained in your letter to me of the 24 ult, I herewith enclose to you the Courts certificate of the death of Christina Sheaf, deceased widow of Go. Sheaf, and also a list of the names of the children now living, &c. I would respectfully add that if the accompanying certificate be satisfactory; the Commr. will have the kindness to issue at once the Pension certificate for the Seven Months and 28 days service in Col Willetts Regt, as a Corporal, and deliver the same to the Hon George Petrie of the House of Repts, who will forward it to its place of destination.
I am very respectfully
Your obt. Servt
M. H. Cullen
54 Wall St

Hon J.L. Edwards
Commr &c
Page 58

Edwards, Esq.
U. S. Pension Office
Washington, D.C.



May 25/47
Inquiry respg claim of George Shiff — Rev. pension
Page 59

Utica N.Y. May 10th 1847.
Mr. Edwards. Dear Sir -- Feeling somewhat anxious to ascertain what has been done in relation to the pension of George Shiff, a revolutionary Soldier, whose pension Messrs. Hogan and Cullen Attys of this city, have been employed my one of the heirs to obtain, and who have been for several months past negotiating for that purpose, I take the liberty to apply to you for information in the matter. The papers which were put into the hands of these attorneys designed to substantiate the claims of said Shiff to a pension and his widow and heirs after him; they the said attorneys Cullen & Hogan, alleged contained sufficient and ample proof to obtain the pension without any difficulty. But since that time we can learn nothing in relation to the subject. The said proof or papers, nor any pension money have either been returned or received. Now, as one of the heirs of the Said Shiff, I feel somewhat dissatisfied with the management of Messrs Hogan & Cullen and address you, Sir, for the purpose of learning whatever has been done upon the subject. Will you, therefore have the kindness to write me a line at your earliest convenience, Stating whether or not any moneys have been paid over to Said Hogan & Cullen, and if not, why the Said
Page 60

papers have not been returned. I feel as if there was something wrong and out of joint about it, and Shall not be Satisfied till I find out where the difficulty lies. Please address a line to me at this place on receipt of this, & oblige
Very Respectfully 
Your obt. Servant,
A. Weaver.
Page 61

Feby 29-48
heirs of Christina Sheaf
Feb 23/48
Utica
A. M. Beardsley
Asks for another pension certif for children of C. Sheaf
[[illegible]] Rec Feb 28/48.
Pension Office
Page 62

Utica Feby 23d 1848
My dear Sir
I take the liberty of addressing you in relation
to a pension difficulty of a peculiar character. In September 1846, or soon after, George Sheaf Jr, Olive Sheaf, Eve Weaver Coonrod Sheaf, Margaret Luther, and Mary Finster, the only living children of the deceased widow
Christina Sheaf, of George Sheaf, made application for the money due, on a pension given to their father. The certificate of pension was granted, and was forwarded to Morris
Cullen, the agent employed to procure the pension. The sum payable by it, is $142.35, being at the rate of $28.47 per annum for five years. This certificate is in the hands of Mr Cullen, who refuses to deliver it to the surviving children, above named, except on the payment of $40, which he says is due for services rendered in procuring the pension. Before the proceedings necessary to receive the pension, were completed Mr Cullen left the City, under circumstances not requiring mention, but of such a nature as to render his return here
Page 63

not very probable. Mr Cullens conduct in this matter and others has been of such a nature, as to cause those in whose behalf, I write to have no confidence in him, and to greatly fear, that if he receives the money they will be deprived of the greater part, if not of all. The surviving children are poor, and not well able to avail themselves of legal measures for the recovery of this certificate. Under these circumstances, they have authorized me to write you in relation to the matter, hoping that you will permit another certificate to be issued to them, declaring the first to be null and void. I have heard that the certificate, already issued, is recorded in Book D. Vol 1. p 195, in the pension department. Trusting that this request may be granted, and that I shall be informed of the result,
I am, 
Your obt servt
Arthur M. Beardsley
Hon William L. Marcy
Secretary of War
Page 64

House of Representatives
Washington Jany 6. 1848
To Col J L Edwards
Com of Pensions
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a Pension Certificate in favor of Christina Sheaf widow of George Sheaf deceased, from your department at the rate of $28.47 per Annum, which I transmitted to Morris H Cullen Esq of the City of New York, from whom I recd the papers upon which the said Certificate was issued and beg leave to state that subsequent to the receipt of said Certificate, I recd a communication from Giles F. Yates Esq of Albany N.Y. enclosing the letters herewith enclosed
by which it would seem there should be a full pension allowed. An answer to this, at as early a day as may be convenient to you will be properly appreciated
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
Geo. Petrie
Page 65

Free
Geo Petrie, M.C.
Hon J S Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Sheaf
Dec 23 47
Page 66

House of Representatives
Washington Dec. 22. 1847
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Sir,
Will you give your earliest convenient to the enclosed & send me your reply
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
Geo. Petrie
Page 67

State of New York
Oneida County}ss Abraham [crossed out]
Supreme Court Special Term
Present Philo Gridley one of the Justices thereof.

I Patrick Mahon Clerk of said court do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Christina Sheaf widow of George Sheaf deceased died in Deerfield Oneida County on the 23 day of September 1842 That she left the following named children her surviving viz. George Sheaf Olive Sheaf Eve Sheaf (or Henry Conradt Sheaf Margaret Sheaf (or Luther Mary Sheaf (or Finster) that they are the only children her surviving and that each of them is now living That the said Christina Sheaf was the widow of George Sheaf who in his lifetime was a pensioner of the United States.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Utica this 13th day of December 1847
Patrick Mahon Clerk
for James Edgar Dep:Clk
Page 68

Aug 28 '47

pay 162

Mr Ames

Hon James L. Edwards

Washington City
D.C-

C
Page 69

August 28 47

respg.
Geo. Sheaf & Christina Verbos

[illegible] at

Hon James L. Edwards
Washington City
D.C-

c
Page 70

Utica N.Y. Aug 24th 1847

Sir
About six weeks ago I forwarded by mail to the Pension Office the proof required to substantiate the marriage of George Sheaf & Christina Vorbos.
My present inquiry is to ascertain whether the proof in question has been received in the Pension Office. If it has been, is it satisfactory &c
I trust that no further proof will be required in the case but that a certificate may issue to the children for the service rendered by their Father in Willetts Regt. Will the Court of pensions let me hear how the case stands
I am very respectfully
Your obt servt
M.H. Cullen

Hon James L  Edwards
Comr &c
Page 71

Sep. 12. 47
addl. prf
Christina Sheaf
Revy. case

Pension Office
Washington City
D. C.
Page 72

Utica N.Y. Septem 13th 1847
Sir
Herewith enclosed is the certificate as requires by your letter of the 9th instant. The proof is now complete & I hope a certificate may issue to the children as stated in your [illegible] of the above mentioned date.
I am &c &c &c
M. H. Cullen

Hon JL. Edwards
Page 73

No 13.095
Christina Sheaf decd
widow of George
NY
Act 1 July 1838

admd. 7 mo 23 days corpl
$28 47 per an
from 4 March 1836 to 4 March 1841. Payable, George Sheaf Olive Sheaf Eve Weaver Conradt Sheaf Margaret Luther and Mary Finster only surviving children of Christina Sheaf decd

Hon Geo Petrie
House of Reps
Page 74

Oct 5th 48

NY 
C
[illegible]
Christina Schiff

[illegible] O

Pension Office
Washington City
District Columbia
Page 75

Utica October 30th 1846

Hon J. L. Edwards
Dear Sir
I herewith send to the Pension office the record of the marriage of Geo. Schiff with [illegible] or Christina Vorbos, & the proceeding had in the year 1839, by the Widow for th [illegible] purpose of drawing the arrearage of pension due her hus [illegible] at his death, also the Declaration of George Scheff the Elder son of Georg & Christina Deceased. It will doubtless plainly appear to Mr Edwards that the object of the present application is for the Children of the deceased to obtain the pension which their mother might have drawn, &c
After the enclosed have been examined will his Honor the Com. inform the undersigned whether the claim will be allowed or not. If the present application will be allowed I presume the next step will be for the Children to prove their relationship before a Court of record.
I have the honor to be very respectfully
your Obedient Sert.

M. H. Cullen
Page 76

Afft of Jno Finster —
Page 77

United States of America
State of New York
Oneida County } ss

John Finster of the town of Schyler county of Herkimer and State of New York, aged Eighty six nearly Eighty seven years who being first duly sworn according to law depose and say, that at defrent times during the period of the War of the Revolution he served as a drafted Militia and minute man. This deponent further saith that prior to the war of the Revolution and during the period of said war and for many years after the termination thereof he (this deponent) was personally and intimately acquainted with Georg. Schiff late a pensioner of the United States and now deceased. This deponent further saith that he well remembers that the said above mentioned George Schiff served in Col Gansevoorts Regt and that during the war said George Schiffs father was murdered by a party of Indians while in the field at work and that this deponent was one that bore home the lifeless body of said George Schiffs father and that George Schiff came home from the company or Regt to which he belonged on furlough as he stated. This deponent does not now recollect or remember whether said George Schiff made any effort to rejoin his company or Regiment but well remembers that he (George Schiff) did enlist or join another company of either six or nine months men and served therein after leaving the company or Regt in which he (Schiff) formerly served [illegible]. and this deponent further saith that said George Schiff was among his neighbors and among his fellow soldiers Esteemed and that he Schiff never bore the name of a deserter neither among his neighbors nor among those with whom he served as a soldier as aforesaid
J [illegible] Finster.
Subscribed and sworn in open Court before me this 13th day of January 1847
H Nelly 
[illegible]
Page 78

State of New York
Herkimer County} ss

Augustus Beardsley being sworn says that he resides at Little Falls Herkimer County; that on the 14th day of February 1843 this deponent was appointed one of the judges of Herkimer County Court, that this deponent [illegible] as such judge to the testimony in July 1847 when this deponent ceased to be such judge by the [illegibe] of the [illegible] constitution of said state of New York; that a certain manuscript Record of Marriages & Baptisms purporting to have been kept by Rev Abraham Rosencrantz is now before me in the custody of Abraham Rosencrantz. That this is the same book that was produced in court when this deponent was on the Bench of the Court of Common Pleas of said county of Herkimer as presiding judge & then in open court proved to the satisfaction of said court to have been an ancient record of Marriages & Baptisms kept in manuscript by Rev Abraham Rosencrantz of the days & years. The entries bear [illegible] and that in this book amongst others is the following entry
" D. 13. Jany Hans George Schiff and Christina Vorbos" & at the top of the page of this entry are the figures "1784" further this deponent saith not — July 26. 1847
Augustus Beardsley
Page 79

Subscribed & Sworn to this 26th day of July 1847 before me
H. Thompson
Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Herkimer County }ss.
I Standish Barry Clerk of the County [crossed out] aforesaid do hereby certify that H. Thompson is a justice of the peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified by law to administer oaths That I am acquainted with his hand writing & that his signature above written is genuine. 
And I further certify that Augustus Beardslee at the time mentioned in the foregoing affidavit subscribed by him was one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said county & that his signature within written is genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county this 27 day of July 1847
Standish Barry
Clerk
By
John [illegible] Deputy
Page 80

This certificate has been submitted to the Commissioner and he asserts that the service herein stated under Col Willett in 1782 be admitted not withstanding Sheaf was a deserter from the 3 regiment at that time —
He fulfilled his engagement under this Officer and his children should be allowed a pension
Page 81

In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1784, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for the service in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz:

31st Dec: 1782. Geo. Sheff Corpl. 
£22 158
2
44
11
55
.94
56 94
28 47
7 23  C [illegible]

22-
  3.66
25 66

28 4 [illegible]
25 60
2. 81

STATE OF NEW-YORK,
COMPTROLLERS' OFFICE, Albany, 23d. Novr. 1846.}
I hereby certify tha above to be true extracts from Book No. 2. now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz:

First — under Capt. Abner French in Col. Marenus Willett Reg't.
Second "" ""
Third "" ""
Fourth "" ""
Fifth "" ""
Sixth "" ""
Seventh "" ""
Eighth "" ""
Ninth "" ""
Tenth "" ""
Eleventh "" ""
Twelfth "" ""

Philip Phelps
Dep Comp
Page 82

2916 Cambridge St

Philadelphia Pa
Nov 7 1933

U. S. Pension Bureau
Washington D.C.

Gentlemen.
In order to piece together a family record could you kindly give me any information on names as given below that you may have in your files as where in your opinion I would be liable to find same it is my understanding that Revolutionary War pension records S23644 and R17772 cover these companies
Geo. Schieff — Private Tryon Co. milita, Bellingus Regt in battle of Orisknay. 
Peter Scheff — Private Tryon Co. milita, Lieut Goshin Von Alstin Co. Aug 1763.
Geo Schieff  Private Tryon Co milita. Capt Marx Petrys Co may prior 1769
Any information you can give me on this will be greatly appreciated.
Very truly yours
O.M. Thompson