Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 31817, for James Leeds, New Jersey
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SERVICE   |   NUMBER

New Jersey   Leeds, James        S31817

CONTENTS
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let 3 Jany 1840 Hon: T Smith.

Date of letter not on AB

Indiana 26.904

James Leeds Dearborn Co., in the State of Indiana who was a [illegible] in the Company commanded by Captain Higy of the [illegible] commanded by Col [illegible] in the [illegible] [illegible] for Militia.

[illegible] $20.00

Inscribed on the Roll of Indiana at the rate of [illegible] dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.

Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of July [blank] and [illegible] 1834 [illegible]

Arrears to the 4th of [illegible]'3 [illegible] Semiant, allowance ending [illegible] 10.00
of 10.00
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. Recorded by J T Sprague Clerk Book 2 Vol. [illegible] Page 128
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State of Indiana
Dearborn County
Ss

On this 13th day of November AD 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Dearborn Probate Court now sitting James Leeds a resident of said Dearborn County aged seventy one or two years of age who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declarants in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832, That he entered the service of the United States in the month of March in the year 1719 he thinks but it was years before the [illegible] was. He then lived in Galloway Township (he thinks) in Gloucester County in the State of New Jersey, in which place he was born, about the year 1762 but has no record of his age it having been lost in removing to this County. It was in a Bible, and the boat in which he came down the Ohio River from Pittsburgh stove and his bible with some other books were wet and lost That he entered the service in said County of the United States, at the time before mentioned as a volunteer, under captain Higby. Cornelius McCollum was his First Lieutenant, Nemiah Moss was the second Lieutenant Richard Summers was Colonel. The ensign was John Adams he thinks, Deponent entered as second Sergeant, Enoch Leeds a cousin of Deponent, was then 1st Sergeant In about six months after entering service, Enoch was promoted (he thinks) to the ranks of Adjutant and this Declarant was promoted to the rank of 1st Sergeant in his place. The company was called "Minute Men." and were called together by the firing of a brass field piece, he thinks a four pounder
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Declarant says the common was paid for by contribution from the company. He paid one dollar himself. The company was called out to protect the shore or coast of New Jersey in [illegible] County Delcarant says the British during the time he was in the service as a minute man, very frequently landed, and plundered the coast taking off hogs, cattles and other articles from the inhabitants. It was the business of the company he was in to protect the coast adjacent to them, from these depredictions, Delcarant was in one skirmish at Great Egg Harbor with some of the enemy who landed there to plunder There was perhaps twenty or thirty of the enemy in this skirmish. It was the second year after Declarant entered the service he thinks it was in the summer.

They frequently had little skirmishes wherever the enemy landed, but he names only the principal ones He was taken the first year of his service a prisoner He straggled away a little from his company who were lying at rest and was taken by twenty or thirty of the enemy who had landed to take some beef cattle. They told declarant they would take him to New York a prisoner Declarant was young quite a boy and told them he would as soon go to N York as anywhere. But after dark he slipped away from them, and [illegible] a bayou or "thorofare" as it was then called, and fled to his company, and they started in pursuit of the men who had taken him, but they had, in the meantime slopped off to their boat
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Declarant states specially another skirmish, in which he was engaged, at John Steelmans a farmer who lived on the sea coast close by Egg Harbor  It was supposed there was a hundred or more of the enemy in his skirmish The company Declarant was in engaged with them but a short time, till their ammunition was expended, and they had to retreat. The enemy plundered the house, of Steelman of everything in it, and set fire to the house in several places. Steelman was an old man and left his house before declarant company arrived. His two sons were in a company. Declarant states also that in the winter there was some time perhaps two months that the enemy could not land, and during that their each winter declarant, was not in actual of the two years he was in service. They held themselves in constant readings at a minutes warning, to be called out Deponent cannot state how many days during the 2 years (except the winter months before named) he was not in actual service. Sometimes several days at a time they were not called out, no alarm being given. But deponent states that, according to his best recollection he was in actual service of the
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United States, in the Revolution as a volunteer minute man, at least eighteen months, commencing in March 1779 (he thinks) and ending in the spring of 1781, deducting four months, two in each winter, and allowing two months also for in action when there was no alarm which called them out. He served as 1st Sergeant from the the time of his appointment to the close of his service being he thinks about 12 months actual service in that capacity. Has no documentary proof of his service knows of no witness by whom he can serve his service but James Delap, and produces him here in court to testify thereto. He moved from Glocertine County about 30 years ago (he thinks) is Clermount County Ohio lived there about 16 years then removed to Dearborn County Indiana where he has ever since lived. Received no discharge and no commission States James Delap, James Cure Bayley Esq Gerard. John Livingston Lundye of the Probate Court of this County Henry Walker living in his neighborhood (except Delap who lives in Ripley Cy) who can testify to deponent character forever a city & then belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution. He hereby relinguishes all claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares his name is not on the pension roll of the agency
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of any State, James Leeds
Sworn to subscribed this 13th of Nov 1833
in open court

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James Dill Clk

Be Amaziah Bailey, William Gerard and James Cure all residing in the County of Dearborn State of Indiana hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Leeds, who has subscribed & sworn to the above Declaration that we believe him to be seventy one years of age, that he is reported & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion

Amaziah Bailey
William Gerard
James Cure

Sworn to & subscribed in open Court this eleventh of Feby 1834,
James Dill Clk

And the said Court do hereby Declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogation of prescribed by that War Department that the above named applications a revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to the Court that Amaziah Bailey, William Gerard and James Cure are residents of the County of Dearborn. State of Indiana, and that they and the said James Delap whose affidavit to hereto attached are credible persons and that their statements are entered to credit, And the said Court also
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I James Dill Clerk of the Probate Court of Dearborn County Indiana, do hereby certify that the foregoing, with the annexed affidavit of James Delap, contain the original proceedings of the said Probate Court in the matter of the application of James Leeds for in Pension. My testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand Pend seal of office this twelfth day of February 1834

James Dill Clerk P.C.D. [illegible]
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State of Indian Dearborn County
In the Probate Court of Dearborn County at its setting on the 13th of Nov"1833. Personally came in open court James Delap, who being duly sworn on his oath saith that he knew James Leeds (the same person who has in court signs and swears to the foregoing declaration, at the time he entered the service as in his declaration states lived in Gloucestine County when he was brought up, at the time of Leeds entering the service entered the service about the same time, and having heard the foregoing declaration read to him states that the facts therein named as to particulars of service and the time of said service are true Deponent was in the service with him as a minute man, during nearly all the two years his stated

James Delap
mark

Sworn to & subscribed this 13th day of November 1833, in open court in Probate Court of Dearborn County.
James Dill Clk

[Left side of page]
29.697
James Leeds
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29.967
James Leeds
Indiana

[illegible]

f1779   [illegible]

[illegible]

$20.
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WAR DEPARTMENT,

Pension Office, 

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 company 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 noted 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 trace, (thus:}). [sentence underlined] You will, when you returned your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A STATEMENT, shewing the Service of James Leeds

Period when the service was rendered  |  
1779  |  Duration of the claimant's service.  Years  |  Months  |  Days.  |  Rank of the claimant  | Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.  |  Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.  |  72 N.J.  |  Proof by which the declaration is supported.  |  Traditionary & one witness.

No claim is allowed for services as set forth by the applicant. This having been in readiness to turn out when called upon does not constitute a claim. It is only for such tours of duty as can be clearly set forth that on allowance can be made. See regulations.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,

The claim cannot be allowed for the time charged. Unless each term of service can be set forth an allowance can only be made for six months service, and that at the rate of a privates pay unless proof be exhibited showing that he served as sergeant.

May 10. 1834

JAMES L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
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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 and 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, mucicians 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 [blank space] day of [blank space] personally appeared (a) before [blank space] of [blank space] aged (c) [blank space] 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) [blank space], with [blank space] and served in the [blank space] (e) regiment of the [blank space] 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 relinguishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or a 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.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And he said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.

I [blank space] of the  Court of [blank space] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank space] for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank space] day of [blank space] &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 [blank space] and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank space], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank space], 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 days 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 [blank space] and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank space] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, [blank space] Clerk of the Court of [blank space] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank space] for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal [blank space] of office, this [blank space] day of [blank space] &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, of 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.

In 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
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[Illegible handwritten word]

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alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person 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 an 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 inquiry 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, ad 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 of 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 periods 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; is 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 his service; but, according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and is the following grades: For [blank space] year [blank space] months, and [blank space]days, I served as a [blank space]. For [blank space] months and [blank space] days, I served as a [blank space]; and for sch 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 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 name of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is ighly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly show 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 as embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or is 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 affix 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 the 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 affidavit 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.
[i] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in not [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable is militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must be written, and seal to the War Department, with the declaration.
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March 24, 1939

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

JAMES LEEDS
S. 31817
BA-J/MLB

Mr. D. Ray Campbell, Senior
P.O. Box #46
Arlington, California

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letters in which you requested the Revolutionary War record of James Leeds, S. 31817, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

James Leeds was born about 1762 in Galloway Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey. The names of his parents were not stated.

While a resident of Galloway Township, New Jersey, James Leeds volunteered in March, 1779, served as second lieutenant in Captain Higbee's company of minutemen, Colonel Richard Somers' New Jersey regiment, which held themselves in readiness to go at a moment's notice. His cousin, Enoch Leeds, was first sergeant of the same company and after he had served six months, was promoted to adjutant, and James Leeds was promoted to first sergeant in his place and served at various times until the spring of 1781, amounting in all to eighteen months. During his service he was engaged in guarding the coast of Gloucester County, New Jersey, against plundering by the British, was in a skirmish with them at Egg Harbor in the summer of the next year after entering the service, also in a skirmish at the farm of one John Steelman who lived on the coast near Egg Harbor. During the first year of his service he was taken prisoner by the British but made his escape immediately.

The soldier moved from Gloucester County, New Jersey, about 1803, to Clermont County, Ohio, where he remained about sixteen years, thence to Dearborn County, Indiana.

James Leeds was allowed pension on his application executed November 13, 1833, at which time he was living in Dearborn County, Indiana.
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No reference was made in the claim to wife or children of James Leeds.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of the person paid, and possibly the date of death of James Leeds, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:

James Leeds Certificate #26904 Issued July 10, 1834 Rate, $20 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act June 7, 1832 Indiana Agency.

Very truly yours 

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

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 Mr. 13 Hist to Mrs. Walton [illegible initials] Risley 
1938 Aug 16. D. Tay Campbell Rey
adv. cost of [illegible] etc. [illegible]
1939. Mar 24. Hist 6 D Ray Campbell-MLB

31817
INVALID.

File No.  31,817
James Leeds
 [illegible] Rev War

Act: June 7 32

Index: Vol. 8, Page 241

[Arrangement of 1870.]
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August 16, 1938


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

JAMES LEEDS S. 31817 BA-J/MMHF:MLB

Mr. D. Ray Campbell, Senior
P.O. Box No. 46
Arlington, California

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request photostatic copies of the papers on file in the application for pension, S. 31817, of James Leeds, Revolutionary War soldier, and that of his widow, should she have made such application.

The widow of James Leeds, cited above, made no application for pension.

Photostatic copies of the papers on file in the application of this soldier for pension will be furnished for twenty five cents a page. The number of pages to be copied is sixteen.

Remittance should be made by money order drawn to the order of The Treasurer of the United States and mailed to The Veterans Administration, Arlington Building, Washington, D.C., when the copies will be made and mailed to you.

It may be stated that all papers in this pension claim of James Leeds will be examined very carefully and the data found in regard to his service, his residences, his family, etc., will be incorporated in a report for you without charge. These official reports have been accepted as authentic by various patriotic, historical and genealogical societies.

Very truly yours
A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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November 13, 1936

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

JAMES LEEDS
S. 31817
BA-J/MMHF:MLB

Mrs. Walton Risley
21 North Second Street
Pleasantville, New Jersey

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Daniel, Enoch, James and William Leeds, all of Gloucester County, New Jersey, and that of Captain Christopher Rape. You state that the photostatic copies of the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 5686, furnished June 9, 1936, have been of historical value and contained the information which you desired.

There are no claims for pension on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a William Leeds of New Jersey, nor of Daniel and Enoch Leeds, nor of any Christopher Rape. The record of James Leeds is furnished herewith as found in pension claim, S. 31817, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

It is gratifying to know that the photostatic copies referred to herein have been useful in your research. Your enclosure of the invitation to attend the Dedication Ceremonies October 31, is appreciated.

No charge is made for the record of James Leeds, herewith. Your stamps were returned, which you state you have received.

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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November 13, 1936

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
JAMES LEEDS
S. 31817
BA-J/MLB

Mrs. Walton Risley
21 North Second Street
Pleasantville, New Jersey

Dear Madam:

You are furnished herein the record of James Leeds which was obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 31817, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

James Leeds was born about 1762 in Galloway Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey. The names of his parents are not given.

While residing in Galloway Township, New Jersey, James Leeds volunteered in March, 1779, served as second sergeant in Captain Higbee's company of minutemen, Colonel Richard Somers' New Jersey regiment, which held themselves in readiness Enoch Leeds, was first sergeant of the same company and after he had served six months was promoted to adjutant, and James Leeds was promoted to first sergeant in his place and served at various times until the spring of 1781, amounting in all to eighteen months. During his service he was engaged in guarding the coast of Gloucester County, New Jersey, against plundering by the British, was in a skirmish with them at Egg Harbor in the summer of the next year after entering the service, also in a skirmish at the farm of one John Steelman who lived on the coast near Egg Harbor. During the first year of his service he was taken prisoner by the British but made his escape immediately.

The soldier moved from Gloucester County, New Jersey, about 1803, to Clermont County, Ohio, lived there about sixteen years, thence to Dearborn County, Indiana.

James Leeds was allowed pension on his application executed November 13, 1833, at which time he was aged seventy one or seventy two years and a resident of Dearborn County, Indiana.
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No reference was made in the claim to wife or children of the soldier.

In order to obtain date of last payment of pension, the name of person paid and possibly the date of death of James Leeds you should address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:

James Leeds Certificate No. 26904 Issued July 10, 1834 Rate, $20 per Annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act June 7, 1832 Indiana Agency.

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

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Arlington, California.
P.O. Box No. 46.
March 17, 1939.

[Official stamp] Numbers  thru 12 outline the border
RECEIVED MAR 21 1939
[illegible]

Veterans Administration.
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

Reference:  LEEDS, James. S. 31817 BA-J/MMHF:MLB

Dated, Washington, D.C., August 16, 1938. Signed, A.D. Hilder Executive Asst.

This letter is the second request. 
First request dated November 14, 1938, no reply was made.

Requesting all data having any reference to S. 31-817:
i.    His dates of military service.
ii.    Residences at enlistment and discharge.
iii.   His father and mother, if at all possible.
iv.   The possible mention of his children on pension application.
v.     His date of death or discontinuence of pension payments.

This requested information is for genealogical purposed ONLY.

One of the sons, of the above pensioner, was for two years a teacher of a boy who in later life was known as General Ulysses S. Grant.

Two grandsons, of the above pensioner, saw active service in Mexico in 1847, one being wounded at Mexico City and dying later in that city.

One grandson was a Federal Field and Staff Officer of the Civil War, saw actice service in 14 battles and wounded at Missionary Ridge. Another grandson was a Confederate soldier during the same war.

Other descendants saw active service in the Philippines and also in the World War.

Sincerely,

D Ray Campbell, Sr. [Signature]

D. Ray Campbell, Sr. [Typed]
P.O. Box No. 46.
Arlington, California.
Page 22

Arlington, California.
P.O. Box No. 46.
November 14, 1938.

[Official stamp]
Number outline the stamp  1 thru 12
RECEIVED 
NOV 18 1938
[Print illegible]

Veterans Administration.
Executive Assistant.
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

Reference; JAMES LEEDS. S. 31817 BA-J/MMHF:MLB

Dated, Washington, D.C., August 16, 1938.

Requesting all data having reference to S. 31-817;
i.    His military service.
ii.   His Places of residences.
iii.  His family.
iv.  His father and mother of New Jersey.
v.  His date of death or discontinuence of pension payments.

Sincerely,

D. Ray Campbell, Sr. [Signature]

D. Ray Campbell. Sr. [Typed]

P.S.    a.     One of the sons of the above pensioner was for two years a teacher of a boy who in later life was known as General Ulysses S. Grant.

           b.     Two grandsons, of the above pensioner, saw active service in Mexico, one being wounded at Mexico City and late dying in that city.

            c.      One grandson was a Federal Field and Staff Officer of the Civil war, in 14 battles and wounded at Missionary Ridge. Another grandson was a Confederate soldier during the Civil war.

DRC Sr.

D.R.C. Sr. [Signature]
Page 23

Arlington, California.
P. O. Box No. 46.
June 9, 1938.
Veterans Administration.
Washington, D. C.
(a) I reqest [underlined] photostatic copies of [underlined] ALL the papers in connection with
with the pension application of the below mentioned old Revolutionary war
(b) I request photostatic copies of ALL papers in connection with
his widow's application for pension, that is, if the out-lived her husband
and applied for pension.
[underlined] LEEDS, JAMES: File No. 31817, Indiana No. 26, 904.
Revolutionary and 1812
A Gloucester County, New Jersey, regiment.
Colonel Richard Somers, commanding.
Company of Captain Higby.
Let Lieut. Cornelius McCollum.
2nd Lieut. Nehemiah Moss
1st Sergt. Enoch Leeds.
It is expected that these requested photostats will number some
four to six. Please let me know the cost of which I will remitt at once.
This is for a family genealogy.
Respectfully,
D. Ray Campbell, Sr.
[stamped] RECEIVED JUN 15 1938
MAIL [illegible] DIV
[illegible]
Page 24

FORM 3229
15 465

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION

MEMORANDUM

FROM  Chief, Collections & Loans Division
TO  Chief, Chief Clerks Division
Subject  Request for war records

Date  November 3, 1936
DBB-A

Attention: Revolutionary & 1812 Wars Section

There are forwarded herewith for your attention letter received from Mrs. Walton Risley dated October 29, 1936 and copy of Central Office letter dated November 3, 1936.

[Signature]
M E Lynch
[Typed]
M.E. LYNCH [initials illegible]


Att'd.
Page 25

[Illegible] 1812 [Illegible]

21 N. Second Street
Pleasantville, Atl. Co., N.J
Oct. 29, 1936.

Mr A.D. Hiller
Veterans Adminstration
Washington, D.C.

R E: BA-J / MMHF / ILL

Dear Sir:

General Lafayette Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution of Atlantic County, J.J. are again preparing to place markers on the graves of revolutionary soldiers, and at that time some one will read the war record of each person, and our daughters paper is to be on Capt. Christopher Rape, of Gloucester County, N.J. I am writting you to ask you please if you do have the war record of Capt. Christopher Rape, would you kindly send it to me, as we do not have any record of this man, also we are anxious to have the war records of Daniel Leeds, William Leeds James Leeds and Enoch Leeds all of Gloucester Co., N.J. for markers.

The photostatic copies of Lieutenant Jeremiah Leeds No. S. 5686 war papers have proven to our Chapter that a fort had been built at Chestnut Neck, Atl. Co., N.J. and also that ths same fort had been burnt by the British. Some years ago Gen. Lafayette Chapter D.A.R.s erected a Monument in memorial of the battle of Chestnut Neck, but some of our people would not believe that at any time had a battle been fought there However these war records of Lieut. Jeremiah Leeds, has proven to us that not only had a battle been fought at Chestnut Neck, N.J. and also at Leeds Point, N.J. these papers also tells us that Atlantic City, N.J. was once called Leeds Beach.

Thanking you for your Kindness in this Matter, I am Cordially and sincerely,

(Mrs Walton)
Agnes F Leeds Risley [Signature]
Agnes F. Leeds Risley[Typed]

Chairman of Records of Gen. Lafayette Chapter of D.A.R.s.
Chairman of Records of Atlantic County, Historical Society.

[Handwritten] 
[illegible] Stamps
[Official stamp]
Disclosure with opened on Mail Sub Div, M. & R. Division
[initials illegible]

[Official stamp]
Circle with numbers on the edge
12  1  2  3  4  5  6
RECEIVED 
NOV 2 1936
SUB DIV.
VETS ADM.  [illegible] 21
Page 26

[Official stamp]
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON
November 3, 1936

YOUR FILE REFERENCE:

IN REPLY REFER TO:  DBB-A

Mrs. Walton Risley
21 North Second Street
Pleasantville, Atlantic County
New Jersey

Dear Madam:

This will acknowledge receipt of your letter of October 29, 1936 and postage in the amount of twelve cents. As stamps are not acceptable for deposit by the Treasury Department they are returned herewith.

Your letter is receiving attention and you will be advised under separate cover the amount necessary to cover the cost of the copies you requested.

Respectfully,
KC Baxter [Signature]
K.C. BAXTER, [Initials illegible]
Cashier

Enc.
Page 27

November 3, 1936

DBB-A

Mrs. Walton Risley
21 North Second Street
Pleasantville, Atlantic County 
New Jersey

Dear Madam:

This will acknowledge receipts of your letter of October 29, 1936 and postage in the amount of twelve cents. As stamps are not acceptable for deposit by the Treasury Department they are returned herewith.

Your letter is receiving attention and you will be advised under separate cover the amount necessary to cover the cost of the copies you requested.

Respectfully,

Ba Bower
K.C. BAXTER,
Cashier

Enc.

KDM/ck
Page 28

Veterans Administration
Washington April 22, 1936

Your File Reference:
In Reply Refer to:
BA-J / MMHF / ILL
Jeremiah Leeds
S. 5686

SD 15072
5/9/36

Mrs. Walton Leeds Risley
North 2d Street and Brighton Place
Pleasantville, New Jersey.

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request certified copy of papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension based upon service of Jeremiah Leeds of New Jersey.
In the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S. 5686, based upon service of [blacked out] there are thirty-nine pages to be copied. The cost for photostatic copies is twenty-five cents a page, with twenty-five cents additional for certification, making total cost of copies ten dollars ($10).
It may interest you to know that instead of photostatic copies, all papers in this claim will be examined carefully and a report furnished you, without cost, in which will be incorporated all data found in regard to the residents, age, family, service etc. of Jeremiah Leeds. These official reports have been accepted by various historical, patriotic and genealogical societies as authentic, and such a report might be just what you need.
This is how we thought that we had ask you for
Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Mr. K. C. Barter
Nov 5 - 1936
Dear Sir:
Stamps and your letter received today- The Society - does not at this time wish photostatic copies, as they only wish the war claim, but I will be glad to pay cost if not to much and thanking you
Sincerely,
Mrs Walton Risley

[written on the side]
I don't know why she sent this old letter back which had all been settled, just to add to it that the stamps she sent for new order had been received
Page 29

Hon. T. Smith
Jany 3 1840

G.C.



Record [illegible] Page 14[illegible]
Page 30

War Dept. Pen Office
Jany 3. 1840

[Top right page] (9)

Sir

I herewith return the letter of Mr. James McCullough and have to state that it is contrary to the rules of this office to give information respecting service until a claim shall have been been set forth in the claimants declaration. If the records in this office shall be found not to afford the desired proof necessary instructions for the final adjustment of the claim will then be given. Enclosed herewith are copies of the regulations under acts 4 July 1836 and 7th July 1838, for the guidance of widows in making application for pensions.

Yours T. Smith
N.R.

(G.C)
Page 31

[Top right page] (8)

Washington City
Jany 1 st 1937

Sir

I send you the enclosed letter of the Brown on the subject of James Leeds pension, you [illegible] [illegible] give it your immediate attention and communicate to me what information you may possess on that subject 

I have the honor to be Respectfully 
your obdt Serv
Thomas Smith
Page 32

25 June 1834

[illegible] / Returned

Free

Edwards Esq
Pension Office
Washington

[Official stamp] JUN 9
Page 33

25 June, 1834

[illegible] / Returned

Free

Edwards Esq
Pension Office
Washington

[Official stamp]
JUN  9
Page 34

Lawrenceburgh Ind. June 14th 1834

[Top right page] (6)

J L Edwards Esq
D Sir,
The Pension Paper of James Leeds are herewith returned to the Pension office. I am sorry to be informed, that he [illegible] [illegible] he allowed pay for more than six months service, under the circumstances. I have conversed with him & enquired whether he volunteered for definite periods of 3 or 1 or more months but he cannot tell. We first intimated that his engagement was during the War or until the alarm & danger, which made minute men, necessary in that section of County, had subsided and again admitted there might have been definite terms of 3 or 1 month in his [illegible] but as there was no interval between one term of service & the next, the commencement & termination of each term, or its length, had faded from his mind. And it is not surprising that at his age, where the actual service was continuous, and unintermitted, that the divisions of the service into terms of 3 or 1 months should have been forgotten and the whole blended in his memory as one term of service

I cannot ask you to exceed the Law, in his behalf, but if the rules that each term of service must be set forth is not one of positive Law, but a regulation of prudence which it is in your discretion to adhere to
Page 35

[Top left page] 2

or depart from. I would respectfully hope, that you may see, in the circumstances of this case, sufficient reason for a relaxation of the rule, If the rule is adopted to prevent imposition on the Department, of uniform the claims to pensions, as I presume it is, right the rule to be so rigidly applied to a case where there is positive "I credible proof of the whole service, by an eye witness, as to cases where the claims rest solely upon the oaths of the applicant, and where imposition can only be prevented by requiring a full and detailed statement of their service.

I suppose it could be proved by L Delap that Leeds act as Sergeant but Delap lives in Ripley and Leeds is not able to [illegible] for his testimony

Your oblyd Servt &
Philip L. Spooner
Page 36

Lawrenceburgh Ind
April 30th 1834

(3)

J L Edwards Esq 
D Sir,

The within statement of James Leeds has been made out, inn amendment of his forever Declaration In doing this, the person prescribed in such case has been pursued as nearly as possible and it is hoped that no objection can now exist to granting him a pension I must take the liberty of begging for him, as favorable Pa consideration of this case as possible. His advanced age, and his poverty and his bodily infirmities which entirely disable him, plead strongly in his [illegible]

Public opinion is some evidence of the truth of his pretensions as a soldier of the Revolution, and the Petition of about 25 of his neighbors which was forwarded to the Pension office, with his first Declaration shows that he has the strongest Traditionary proof, to support his claim. I observe that in the statement of the notice of his services and the objection to granting his pension, which was sent to me with his Papers the "proof" of his services is marked as "Traditionary" from which I inferred that no attention was said to the Affidavit of James Delap of Ripley County in this State. I am informed however that this [illegible] Delap who swears to Leeds services, has himself lately obtained a pension Your obt Servt Philip L Spooner
Page 37

[Top right page] 4

State of Indiana Dearborn County  ss.

Before me John Saltmarsh a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. Personally appeared on the thirteeth day of April 1834. James Leeds of lawful age, who being first duly sworn according to Leeds makes the following statement, in addition to an explanation of, his forever Declaration to obtain a pension under the act of June 7th 1832, which has been returned to him from the Pension office as not being sufficiently explicit to wit the said James Leeds says that by reason of old age and the consequent [illegible] of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his actual service but to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades. For one year I served in the troop of the United States, in the Revolutionary War, as First Sergeant For six months I served (in aforesaid) as Second Sergeant and for such service I claim a pension. [illegible] states that he was a volunteer, during the services aforesaid, and for particulars refers to his forever Declaration, and to the Affidavit of James Delap, sent there with. That for six months, besides the above eighteen [illegible] & his company [illegible] themselves in readings to March at a minutes warning, but is informed he cannot obtain

[remainder of page cutoff]
Page 38

a pension for being in [illegible] to serve but only for actual services 
James Leeds

Subscribe & sworn to before me this 30th of April 1834 John Saltmash [illegible]

I James Dill Clerk of the Circuit Court of Dearborn County do hereby certify that John Saltmarsh before whom the above Deposition was made and who has taken the attestation of the same, is & was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in & for County of Dearborn duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature above matters is genuine. In testimony whereof I have here unto set my name & affixed the seal of my [illegible] offices.
this thirteenth day of April 1834

James Dill (illegible]
Dearborn Cir Court