Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 9660, for James Slitor, New York
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(3--1976) 
SERVICE    NUMBER 
New York Slitor, James N. 9660 
Slitor 
Fanny 
CONTENTS
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James Slitor. 
23568
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The State of Ohio 
Geauga County p3 On this fourth day of March A D. 1833 personally appeared in open court before the court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State aforesaid. James Slitor aged seventy two yars in July last. a resident of Burton in said County, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his said oath make the following declaration. in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.- 
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. to wit. 
He entered the service as a Volunteer (Musician) in August 1777 in Capt. Stephens Company. Col. Van Rensselaer Regiment of New York Militia. and forthwith joined the Company at Albany - Marched from thence to Saratoga and was there at the taking of Burgoyne. thence returned with the army to Green Bush.- thence to Great Barrington where he was discharged about the last of October. having served more than three months.- 
In August 1779 he enlisted for three months into Capt. John Schemerhorns Company in Col Vroman's Regiment of New York Militia & forthwith joined the same at Schoharrie, and served as an Indian Spy or ranger in said company untill late in December being retained about one month more than the Enlistment by request of the Captain and was then discharged at Schoharie having served four months- 
In April 1780 he enlisted for nine months at Schodue in Rensallan [Renselaer?] County N. Y. in Capt. Delavan' Company in Col. Courtlands regiment of New York Militia and joined the Company forthwith at Poughkeepsie.- Marched from thence to West Point under Col. Courtland. Gen Arnold Commanded the Fort at that time. was stationed there on duty about three or four months.- and the latter part of July in the same year he enlisted by permission of Capt. Delavan into Capt. Blaker's Company of Infantry in Col Courtlands Regiment.- Baron Steuben was major.- for one year and joined the new command at the same time.- three or four weeks after marched with a detachment under Steuben to
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Long.Pond.- thence with a detachment under Gen Wayne to Stony Point and was in the action at the Storming of that place. and received two wounds.- thence was marched to Haverstraw Bay- thence to English neighborhood.- thence to Bergen town with Genl. Greene. where he assisted in routing the wood choppers. and was then discharged having served out his terms of one year.- that the same day he again entered the same Company as a Substitute for one Van Hogan who had listed during the war. and served in Said Company untill the Close of the war when he was discharged, while on furlough.- 
That he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure to prove his service.- 
That he resided at Schodac in the State of New York. during the revolutionary War. that he afterwards removed. to Herkimer County in the State of New York where he lived about twenty years. then removed to Ontario County in the same State and in 1828 he removed to Burton where he now resides - 
He hereby relinquishes every Claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present- and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency in any State. - 
James Slitor [signature] 
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open Court - D. D. Aiken, Clerk 
Mr. Dexter Witten a Clergyman and Lucious N. Chatfield of Burton in the County of Geauga and State of Ohio hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Slitor who has Subscribed and Sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be Seventy two years of age - that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides. to have been a Soldier of the -
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Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion 
Dexter Witten [signature] 
L. N. Chatfield [signature] 
Sworn to & Subscribed in Open Court March 4th - 1833 
D. D. Aikin, Clerk. 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogations 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 Dexter Witten who has signed the preceding Certificate, is a Clergyman resident in the town of Burton, and that Lucious N Chatfield who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town. and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.- 
I David D. Aiken Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Geauga & state of Ohio aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Sliter for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this seventh day of March A. D. 1833. 
D. D. Aiken, Clerk.
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13.523 
Fanny Sliter's 
widow of James 
Declaration 
Act of July 1838 
9660.
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Widow Fanny Sliters Declaration
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The State of Ohio Geauga County } 
On this the 2d day of October A. D. 1844 Personally appeared before me James Hathaway a Justice of the peace in and for said County. Fanny Sliter a resident of Burton Township in said County of Geauga & State of Ohio aged 76 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her said oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the acts of Congress passed ["July 7 1838" is crossed out] March 3d 1843 & June 17th 1844 that she is the widow of James Sliter a Revolutionary Soldier who died in said Burton January 3d 1842 and that she was married to said James Sliter in Schodack in the County of Ranseller & State of New York January 10th 1785 by a Baptist Preacher married Simeon Smith and that she has a record of the births of her children in her family bible and that the said record of the births of her seven oldest children was recorded by her said husband in his own hand writing as long a forty years ago that when her said husband entered the revolutionary army as she has heard him relate he resided at the 
in Dutchess County & State of New York in 1777 and was at the taking of Burgoyne and was at the taking of Stony Point under Gen Wayne he went South in the Militia and when South she thinks in the State of New Jersey he enlisted and served under General LaFayette till the close of the war that when her said husband went to the south William Sliter a private served in the same company with her sd husband that her husband served as fifer 
and she thinks that he was a fife Major some of the time he served in the Revolutionary war that her name was before married to said James Sliter Fanny Mandigo that she and her said husband lived in said Ranseller County about ten years after she was married then moved to Herkimer County & Said State of New York and lived there till 1822 then moved to Ontario Co and lived there till 1829 then removed to said Burton Geauga County & state of Ohio where her said husband died and that her said husband made a declaration & application for a pension before he died which was not granted on some account that she has not been married since the death of her said husband and now remains a widow and
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refers to the proofs hereunto attached and the said Declaration of her said husband and the proofs therewith attached is on file in the Pension office and prays that a certificate may be granted her to draw said Pension 
Fanny Sliter X her mark 
Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and year above written and I hereby Certify that from Common report the said Fanny Sliter is a person of truth and veracity and from bodily  infirmity is  unable to attend Court 
James Hathaway, Justice of the peace
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The State of Ohio Geauga County } 
Deposition of Richard V. Sliter of Burton Geauga County & State of Ohio of lawful age taken before me James Hathaway a Justice of the peace in  
foresaid County of Geauga & State of Ohio Being first duly sworn according to law doth on his said oath depose and say that he is a son of James & Fanny Sliter and that he is 49 years old and that he is the fourth child of the said James & Fanny Sliter and that the said James Sliter was a revolutionary soldier and died in said Burton January 3d 1842 and that the said Fanny Sliter now resides with him the said Richard V. Sliter and remains a widow that he has often heard his said Father relate his Revolutionary service heard him say that he was called out in the militia and was at the taking of Burgoyne and was at the taking of Stony Point under Gen Wayne and that he went south in the militia and when south he thinks in the state of New Jersey he enlisted and served under General LaFayette during the war and that he has seen in the possession of his said Father a discharge from the army but doesnot recollect who signed said discharge that his said mother's name was before married to his said Father Fanny Mandigo that the Bible record hereunto attached was this day taken from his said mother's family bible and the seven first births that are record'd in his said Fathers own hand writing and is the family record of the births of the children of the said James & Fanny Sliter and from what he has heard his said Father & mother say he believes that ["the__" is scribbled out] his said Father & mother was married in Schodack Ranseller Co New York January 10th Seventeen hundred eighty five  (1785), and that he has know & been familliar with said records of birth as long ago as thirty five years and the said seven births was recorded at that time and had the same appearance then that it has now and further this deponent saith not taken this 2d. day of October A. D. 1844 
Richard V Sliter [signature] 
Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and year above written and I hereby Certify, that from Common report that the said Richard V. Sliter is a person of truth and verasity, the words, "Seventeen hundred eighty five," interlined before signed 
James Hathaway, Justice of the peace
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State of Ohio Geauga County } 88 
Be it remembered that on this 28th day of October A.D. 1853 
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Richard. V. Slater a resident of Geauga County and State of Ohio aged 59 years who being by me first duly sworn according to law doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by all and every act heretofore passed by Congress for the benefit of Widows and heirs of Revolutionary soldiers that he is an heir of James Slater who was a fifer in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] in Colonel Blukers Regiment from the State of Connecticut that the said James Slater enlisted in Sharon Litchfield County and State of Connecticut shortly after Burgones [Burgoyne's] defeat in the year A.D. 1777 the precise time not known and served from the time of his enlistment to the close of the War. that the said James Slater died on the third day of January A.D. 1842 and that his wife Fanny Slater survived him until the 22nd day of April A.D. 1851 both died in the town of Burton Geauga County and State of Ohio. there is no public record of their Marriage to his knowledge. that at their deaths they left seven children Viz Hannah Married to Hubbard Tuttle Sarah Married to Thomas Comstock. Richard. V. Peter. M. Polly Married to Hezekiah Hubbard James D. and Truman G. all of which are still living and further affiant saith not 
Richard V Slater [signature] 
Attest 
Sworn to and acknowledge befor me this 28th Day of October A.D. 1853 and I further certify that
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that Richard V. Slater is a credible witness and that he is the identical person alleged and that I am no way interested in the Claim- 
James Peffers. Justice of the peace.
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The State of Ohio, GEAUGA COUNTY.} SS. 
A. H. Gotham Clerk of the court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Geauga, in the State of Ohio, do hereby certify that James Peffers Esq, was at the date of executing & acknowledging the annexed and foregoing instrument of Writing and now is an acting Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and sworn agreeably to the Statutes of said State of Ohio, to all whose Official acts as such, full faith and credit is and ought to be given, throughout the United States, and elsewhere, and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said James Peffers and verily believe the signature purporting to be his is genuine 
WITNESS my hand and Seal of Office, at Chardon, in said County, this 22d day of November Anno Domini 1853.
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23568 
James Slitor Decd-. 
Geauga Co 
Ohio 
Ohio. 
Prob on N York Roll 
No 
Return f [ or j?] 
Edwin F Phelps ago 
Chardon Ohio
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WAR DEPARTMENT, 
Pension Office, 
29th April - 1853 
Sir: 
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of  June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of 
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 
A Statement, shewing the Service of James Slitor Geauga Co. Ohio 
[table follows:] 
Period when the service was rendered - Cos 1777 
Duration of the claimant's service Years. - None Months. - 3 Days. - than 
Rank of the claimant. - Musician 
Names and rank of the Field Officers under whom he served. - Cap Stephens Col VanRanssellaer N. York Militia 

Period when the service was rendered - Enlisted 1770 
Duration of the claimant's service Years. - [blank] Months. - 4 Days. - [blank] 
Rank of the claimant. - Spy 
Names and rank of the Field Officers under whom he served. - Cap Schermerhorn Col Vrooman 

Period when the service was rendered - Enlisted 1780 
Enlisted July 1780 
Sub for Van Hogan for infirm 1781 

Duration of the claimant's service Years. - 1 Months. - 3 or 4 Days. - [blank] 
Rank of the claimant. - Private 
Names and rank of the Field Officers under whom he served. - Cap Delavan Col Cortland Gen Arnold Cap Blaker Major Baron Steuben Gn Wayne 
Gen Greene 

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. - age 72 Schodac Ransellaer Co N. York 
Proof by which the declaration is supported. -Traditionary 

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
[NOTE: there are NO notes or brackets ( { ) in the margins]
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2 
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers, all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non commissioned officers, mucicians [musicians] or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of } ss. 
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A.B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] 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] , with [blank]  and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] 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. (I} This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank] 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &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:
We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] 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] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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8 
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 
ex-expected [sic] . All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. {To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? 
{To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and in consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: [blank]  For [blank]  year [blank]  months, and [blank]  days, I served as a [blank]  . For [blank]   months, and [blank]  days, I served as a [blank]  ; and for such service I claim a pension." 
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or place where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must 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 office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[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 note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Geo. B. Whiting
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3 very important pieces - an Index-
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James Sliter 
Letter to Hon S. S. Ellsworth 
Feby 26 1846
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Suspended 
See letter 10 Oct. '36 to E. F. Phelp. Chardon. ___ [initials?] 
let. to Secy War 16 Apl. 36. 
let. 17 May 1837 to ___ [illegible]. 
let to F G Sliter May 29. 1843 
" [letter] to Hm R. Dana May 10 '44 
" " [letter to] F. G. Sliter. Aug 21. 1841  
" " [letter to] Elliot L Hathaway feb 25. '45
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No 13.523 
Fanny Sliter 
widow a 
Sol to Lewis Elliott 
Jany 22nd 1848 
Let. to same May 3. '49 
" " [letter to] same 30th Oct 1849 
" " " [letter to same] 21 Aug 1855 
" [letter to] F. Moulton Mar 9. 1854 
F. G. Sliter, July 13/59 
Act 7 July 1838 A.D.
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9660 
P. O.  [blank] 
Service: wid. of James 
Enlisted:  [blank] , 18 
Discharged:  [blank] , 18 
Application Filed:  [blank] , 18 
Alleges:  [blank] 
Re-enlisted: [blank] 
Attorney:  [blank] 
P. O.  [blank] 
 [blank] Recognized,  [blank] C
 [blank] Cert. of Dis.   Searched for  [blank] 

[Note: the right edge is cut off]
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This service is that of James Slater. Conn. W.17825 and does not related to this James Sliter of N Y troops though furnished by his family as evidence 

State of Connecticut 
Comptrollers Office 
Hartford 23 Novem. 1847. 
I Certify that on application for evidence of the service of James Slater in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the documents remaining in this office relating to that war, and find a paper headed 
"A Muster of Cap. Henry Champion's Co. in the Battalion of Conn. 
"Forces in the service of the United States Commanded by Col. Samuel 
"Wyllys," 
in which James Slater, Fifer is stated to have been "appointed" July 3 1778. Nothing is given in this roll, by which the amount of service rendered by any of the men except in three instances can be ascertained. It is merely a "Muster Roll," in some instances giving the term of inlistment, as "3 years", "during the War",  but in most cases no particulars whatever. 
Also, in the record of a "Settlement with the 1st. Connect. "Regiment, John Durkee Esq. Colonel, for the year 1781", James Slater is entered as a FIfer - and from the "commencement of pay", January 4th. to "Expiration of pay", December 31th. 1781 serving twelve months. - 
W. E. Benjamin Chief Clerk, 
for Abijah Catlin, Comptroller
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Potter 
T J Slighter
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Sand Lake Sully [SandLobefully?] 
Nov 11, for C Sliter PM 
F. G. Sliter
Potter
Yates Co
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Sand Lake Nov 14th 1843 
Mr F. G. Sliter 
Sir I received your letter Stating that you had notes. A letter to Capt WIlliam Slitor it came to my office & I forward it to him he being an uncle of mine he is well at present I believe he lives about three Miles from me 
Yours &C 
Calvin Sliter
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Hampden [Hampden] Geauga County Ohio 
August 23nd 1849 
Hon J L Edwards Sir 
I received your letter in answer to mine [crossed out word] containing the declaration [duplicate "declaration" is crossed out] of Fanny Sliter dated  January 22nd 1848 you say that Mrs Sliter must file a declaration Before a Court of record but that I think will be of no use unless her husbands Service can be established - Her husband James Sliter made application while living in the State of New York Seting [setting] forth his service in Said Revolutionary war as follows to wit That he was  fifer in Said war that he served three month in the year 1777 in Capt Stephens Company Col Van Ranselliers Regt In 1779 three months in Capt John Schemerhorns Company Col Vromans regt New york Militia In 1780 Served under Capt Dalaven, and Col Courtland and Capt Blakie a Substitute for one Vanhogan But I conclude that you do not find his name as set forth in his declaration - I am now informed by his Son that his Father the Said Sliter was a dutchman and very likely his name would be written in Dutch the old name he Said in Dutch ["his Son" is crossed out] was Sloughten or
Page 28

Slooter his Son also said that the names Sliter Slater and Slaughter are the English name of the old dutch name Sloughter or Slaten he also think his Fathers officer was dutch and never likely wrote his name in dutch I am told by said Son that a man by the name of Archabald Armstrong who a few years ago was living in the State of Newyork [New York} was a drummer in the same Company with his Father and that he thinks Said Armstrong was a Pensioner that being the Case may likely said Armstrongs declaration will contain some of the facts setforth [set forth] in Stilers declaration I hope & in [if?] you will look into those perticulars [particulars] for I have not a dout [doubt] of the claim being honest. I am Respectfully yours 
Lewis Elliot 
Hon. J L Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions 
___ your letter of May 3rd relating to this Claim has Been received
Page 29

Comptrollers Office 
Albany October 13th 1849 
Sir 
I have within a year past received several letters from a Mr Lewis Elliott, of Hampden [Hambden] Geauga Co Ohio requesting search for service of James Sliter, Fifer. I have just finished a second examination of the rolls &c. remaining in this office for that service but find one entry only, and that shews that a "James Slyter" private deserted from Capt A Aorson's Co, Col Goose (Hosea) Van Schaacks [Goose Van Schaick] Regt N.Y. line 1781 - date of desertion not given. 
Not knowing whether the records of your department contain information of Slyter's desertion, I have taken the liberty of stating the fact to you. 
Most Respectfully 
John Hancock 
clk [initials?] 
Hon J. L. Edwards. 
Com of Pensions 
Washington D. C. 
enter & forward -
Page 30

[circular stamp] 
PENSION OFFICE JUL 6 1859
Page 31

Monona Clayton Co Town June 28 - 1889 
To the pension Office Department 
Dear Sir previous to my coming to this State to reside I had been endeavouring to Obtain the pension that I Supposed Justly due my Father James Slitor for Services in the war of the revolution but up to the time of My Coming to this State without Obtaining at the Last agent imployed was a Mr Hathaway of Chardon Geauga Co Ohio after the death of My father he Continued to try to obtain the pension for My Mother and I have of Late heard that a pension was Obtained her name was Fanny Slitor She died at her Residence in Burton Geauga Co Ohio at the time of her death She resided with a Son Richard V Slitor Now my Objective writing is to ascertain if a pension was granted & if So what amount &c and at what time - you will Confer a favor by giving me this information - as I have Not the Name of him as he Stands at the head of this Department I here to address as above 
Respectfully yours 
J. G. Slitor 
To pension office department
Page 32

Hambden Geauga County Ohio 
December 4th 1847 
Hon Sir 
I have the honor of transmitting you additional proof in the Claim of James Sliter fifer a Revolutionary Soldier who made application for a pension from this County. Some years ago and whose Claim was rejected on accounting of his name not being found on the rolls in the pension office - first I offer the Certificate of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut seting [setting] forth the Service of James Slater fifer which I Believe to be the same James Sliter who has made application for the Sliters  are commonly called Slaters at the present day next in Support of said Claim I offer a declaration made by the widow  Before a Justice of the Peace in 1844 which on account of your Letter Relating to service claim was not transmitted to the pension office also a deposition  of said Sliters Son taken in support of the widows declaration thence two papers I offer in support of Said Sisters Claim no Expecting to assert a claim of this widows at this time and I think you must have it in your power [crossed out inserted word] to decide whether the James Slater named in the certificate was in reality the Said James Sliter fifer or not for my Self I Can honestly Say I have no doubt of his Being the Same person I am very Respectfully yours Lewis Elliott 
P S Please to make return to me at Hambden Geauga Co Ohio
Page 33

Memo. of Case, 
Arad Joy of Ont, 
NYork. 
J. Slitor
Page 34

[circular stamp] 
WASHINGTON CITY D.C.  
MAY 29 

Hon J. L Edwards 
Comm. of Pension 
Washington D.C.
Page 35

Washington May 29 1843 
Hon J. L. Edwards 
Dear Sir 
'viz' I beg leave respectfully to ask how the state of this case stands, or to ask for a copy of your correspondence in the case, that I may have a clue to it - please put this paper with the half sheets left with you yesterday, or rather to day 
Respectfully Your Obd. Servt 
Arad Joy
Page 36

Hambden Geauga County Ohio 
August 31st 1848 
Hon J L Edwards Sir 
I received a letter from you under date of January 22nd 1848 in reply to mine and the application of Fanny Sliter made Before a Justice of the Peace you Say that Before Said widow Sliter Can obtain a Pension She must make a declaration  Before a Court of Record and obtain a certificate from the Comptroller of the State of Newyork [New York] be seting [setting] forth the services of her Husband James Sliter as he Set forth in his declaration we have Sent to the Comptrollers office But the Comptroller cannot find the name not Knowing the names of the officer that the said Sliter served under and we shall have to give up the claim unless you will give the names of the Officers that the Husband served under to enable the said Comptroller to make search and that I think you will Be willing to do as Soon as you get this for you say that is out of your powers to look up claims without the names of the officers Being given very Respectfully yours Lewis Elliott 
J L Edwards Com. of Pensions 
PS Said Fanny Sliter mad [made] application in this County
Page 37

Burton Geauga 60 
Burton April 17th 1837 
Hon. Martin Vanburan [Vanburen] 
Sir knowing the situation in witch [which] you have been placed as Chief Magistrate of these United States I transmit these few lines to you in form of a request in the meanwile [meanwhile] braving your indulgence for So being In the first place & trouble? inform you that some four years since I aplyed [applied] to the Attourney [attorney] viz= Mr. Paine or Phelps of Chardon the County Seat of this Co. for a remuneration for my Revolutionary Services and these and thare give in My Declaration and was qualified according to the Law But alas after alas after groaning under poverty and Bending under the weight of four score years of age I have as yet Been deprived of that assistance witch [which] goverment [ government] granted to all the surviving patriots of the struggle of independence But why is it So what sensitivities it Bring to My heart when I meditate it is because I have not Been able to procure positive Evidence of my service altho I have used every exertion that my limited circumstances would admit But as yet it has Been in vain those that stood By me in the right and Left in that hour of peril they are long since consigned to the land and those that are Living if any thare [there] should be the the [sic] place of their residence is unknown to me my exertions to learn notwithstanding
Page 38

and having removed also 700 miles from the then theater of action Previous to this I have writen some. once or twice on the subject to Sec at war But as yet - no effect and that for Some time Since concluded to Let the subject rest in oblivion altho goaded by want and necessity a few more days would finish my time of suffering and the toil and I might be at rest But reflection balls to mind that period when I Left a fond parents home altho to young to have Been compeled [compelled] at first to have gone yet the Love of Country the Love of Liberty constrained and I went & those fought and Bled for my Country and I now appeal to you to determin shall Seaze [seize??] the [mortification and wounded feeling of reflecting that many of those that served But a few mouths are now receiving a yearly Stipulated Sum for their Service But I do not repine that others received and is not is their due But my heart is pained to reflect that after the hardships and toils of three years actual service in the different periods in witch [which] I served and in that day that tried mens souls I am as yet neglected and as it were left alone to relate the tale I ask in all the diferent stages of time when was thare a period like disbanding the revolutionary army while time last with me shall remember the last time that I was paraded with my comrads in arms I had received furlough to go
Page 39

home it was a few days before the army all disbanded I had Been in the Battle of the surrender of Burgoyn and of Stoney point in witch [which] last place I was wounded and in the retaking of green Blockhouse and was now about to return home without money or comfortable apparel or yet rations in my knapsack and some hundred miles from home I was now likewise bidding a last farwell [farewell] to my associates and comrads [comrades] of suffering and return to that home from witch [which] I had been thus long Been seperated [separated] . But far Different is the seen [scene?] now our Country is now Divested from the foe witch [which] then invaded our Shores Providence  has smiled and those united States have arrisen in grandure [grandeur] and wealth and a Surplus revenue to an Enormous amount is about to distributed through the States and I ask shall the care worn refrain of the revolutionary strugle [struggle] who Bore the heat and Burden of this day be thus neglected May heaven and all the Lovers of Liberty forbid and respond a hearty No. the time has been in years past and gone that I was Blest with mutch [much] of the good things of this world and heaven smiled upon me By industry and frugality I was plased [placed] above want But as alas that time is past for me. By Bad titles and a variety of misfortune But not By Indolance [indolence] am redused [reduced] to want and I now appeal to thee who by the suffrage of a free people is plased [placed] at the head of goverment [government]
Page 40

and altho you may be_caressed by the people and honrd By the great yet thoes [those] very qualifications witch [which] have entitled you to the respect and esteem of this grate [great] Community has taught me to believe that you would not remain silent on the subject in the behalf of those who braved to horrors of war and was on the Battle field and fought and Bled to obtain that Blessing and privilege witch [which] you may enjoy it is But a Little that I Crave nor shall I need that LIttle Long a few short years at most will number me together with all the remaining few that are yet left as relics of the revolution 
In the Letter witch [which] I received from the Sec of war I was informed that Capt Blaker   did not serve in Col. Van Kortlands Reg. But I cannot suppose that I am mistaken in this respect at all events Col. Van Kortland was said to be the Col of the reg. in witch [which] I last served witch [which] was in Blakers Comp. in what was then S___  ___ Steubens [illegible first name and initial, possibly Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben?] Infantry the first uniform to my knowledge in the Service & served under Capt Scamerhorne [Schermerhorn] Capt Delevan & Capt Woodworth at short intervals in the Militia and under Col Vroman [Vrooman] and Col Ranransaleer [Rensselaer] of the MIlitia as you will see By referring to my Declaration as taken By Messrs Caine [??] & Sphelps but I have know knowledge of any other Col taking Speaciel [special] Command of the comp to witch [which]
Page 41

THE STATE OF OHIO, 
GEAUGA COUNTY, SS. 
I, William N. Keeny Deputy Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County of Geauga, in the State of Ohio, do by these presents certify and make known, that James Hathaway Esquire, before whom the annexed and foregoing Declaration & Deposition were taken and who has thereunto, in his own proper handwriting subscribed his name, was at the time of the date thereof, and now is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and sworn, agreeably to the laws of the State of Ohio, and to all whose official acts as such, full faith and credit is, and ought to be given throughout the United States, and elsewhere,
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said
Court, at Chardon, in said county, this sixth day of December, A.D. 1847
William N. Keeny Deputy CLERK. 
-
---
Page 42

Potter [illegible] April 17 
NY Feb 24 1843 
Hon 
Slitor 
Edwards of Pension office 
Washington D. C.
Page 43

Hon Mr. Edwards 
Dear Sir in Consequence of the Late Pension Law Passed the Late ? Session I have taken the opportunity to make a few inquiries in refference [reference] to the respect of obtaining a pension under the Late Act for my mother the widow of James Slitor Late of Burton geauga Co Ohio Some four years since My father applied for a pension gave nil to them and place previous of services and officer under whom he served the term of Services &c was qualified to the same and fulfilled all the Requirments [requirements] of the Law with the Exception of procuring Positive Evidence witch [which] he was required to make & witch [which] he was unable to procure and has consequently been consigned to his grave a monument of the injustice and neglect of his country carrying with him the scars Received in the Battles of his Country he died one year ago February Last aged about 81 years My mother is now about 78 She is now a resident of Burton Geauga County Ohio and in Low circumstances as to the comforts of this Life it is But Little that is Asked in this [illegible inserted word] nor will that Little be wanted Long, a few years at most will call away the Last survivers [survivors] of those scenes of peril and suffering in witch [which] our Country was Defended and our Liberty purchased that has here Been any Doubt in my opinion in minds of all the numerous acquaintance of my father But that he served the full amount of time for witch [which] he testified to But you of course are aware of the impossibility in many cases to procure positive testimony as there is but few Living who participated in the scenes of that period Thair [there] were some that my father supposed was living at the time of his application but by writing he ascertained they had died and his hopes in this respect cut off he served in Col Vancortland Reg. in Capt Delevans Com [scribbled out word] and other Regiments and Captains of witch [which] I have heard him speak But I have forgotten his first service however was in Capt Scamerhorn [Schermerhorn] Company in time of an alarm in persuit [pursuit] of Indians on the Mohawk in this State the most of the time he served
Page 44

as Musician he was in the Battle of Saratoga and the taking of Stony point at witch [which] place he was wounded and was permitted to return home on furlow [furlough] he was also in an affray battle the 
retaking of greens Blockhouse there are many other particulars of witch [which] I might wright [write] But for the presant [ present] shall conclude By Requesting you if there is any prospect of obtaining aid for his Widow to write to me at as  an early a date as consistant   
Your Respectfully Truman G. Slitor 

Potter N Y April 17 
Ny Apl 24 1843 
Slitor 
Edwards J 
Pension office 
Washington D. C.
Page 45

Potter Yates Co New York Jan 6th 1844 
Hon J. L. Edwards 
Dear Sir Enclosed I send you a Letter witch [which] I received a few days since from Capt William Slitor of Sand Lake in this State it was verry unexpected that I Ascertained the fact that he was Stil Living, as I had written to him Some Seven years Since on the Subject of my Fathers Pension But receiving no answer I had come to the conclusion that he was not living But By Examining the List of Pensioners for this State I Discovered his name and place of Residence and I immediately wrote to him and his answer you have - - - Altho it is But a small part of the Services alleged By my Father that Capt Wm Slitor was personally knowing to yet if pay could be obtained for even that it It would mutch [much] relieve his aged widdow [widow] in the List of Pensioners for this State I Discovered the name of Jeremiah Mandigo a resident of Cairo Green Co in this state I wrote to him also about Seven years since as he is more intimately acquainted with the service of my father than any other individual But he had removed from his former place of residence and probably never received my Letter he was Living when the Census was taken in 1841 I wrote to him a few days since and have Learned he is not now living - - for years I have been struggling that justice might be done in this matter But thus far it has been Defer'd and he my Father aged  and inferm [infirm] carrying with him the wounds received in the Battles of his country has gone down to his tomb neglected by that country for witch [which] he fought and bled while many who served a mutch Less time have received yearly a certain Amount from their goverment [government 
___ [illegible word]  if the testimony above aluded [alluded] to will be of any use you will please to inform me as soon as possible I will follow your Directions if he should then be Living [???]  your favor of the __ [illegible date] of May Last was Duly Received But until now I have Been
Page 46

unable to procure any additional Evidence 
Your Respectfully 
Truman G Slitor 
you will please Return the  Enclosed Letters 
T.G.S.
Page 47

feb 20 45 
Jas Slater 
His file 
H___ [illegible] @ Feby 7 { [illegible] 
Hon. James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City D. C.
Page 48

Hon James L. Edwards Comm of Pensions 
Dear Sir 
The widow Fanny Slater widow of James Slater a Revolutionary Soldier who died in Burton Geauga County Ohio Jany 3rd 1842 has applyed to us to assist her in obtaining a Pension on account of her said husbands Revolutionary services she says that her husband lived at the Nine Partners in Dutches [Dutchess] County N. Y. in the time of the Revolutionary war and it is believed that he enlisted into the service in the line of Connecticut and was at the taking of Burgoyne and at the taking of Stoney Point under General Wayne and that he went south in the army and she thinks that he served under General LaFayette some of the time he was a fifer and she thinks that he was some of the time a fife Major She says that a while before her said husband died he under took to obtain a pension but being old and feeble and a grate [great] ways off from the place of service and having no proof of his service in this Country she thinks that her said husband did not obtain any proof of his service She does not know whether her said husband made any Declaration or not and if he did she has not yet been able to obtain it if he sent one to your office said Widow wishes you to inform us of his alledged [alleged] service that we may be better enabled to obtain proof in her case She thinks that she is intitled to a full Pension on account of the services of her said husband and wishes your advise in the case so far as is consistent with your regulations 
Respectfully, your O. B. Servants 
Hambden Geauga County Ohio 
Feby 4th 1845 
Elliot L Hathaway
Page 49

Enquiry for Pensions, by Arad Joy 
1 } Sarah Dunn, who applied for a pension from Somerville Co. N. J. what is the state of the case the widow of Jeremiah Dunn 
2 } Zepheniah Halsey of Seneca Co. N. Y. what is the state of his case, he is still living &C-  
3 } Love Hurd of Sullivan Co. N. J. widow of Graham Hurd, what is the state of her case 
4 } Mary Johnson of Onondaga Co. N. Y. widow of Rufus Johnson, what is the present state of this case 
5 } Prudence Mead of Steuben Co. N. Y. may her agent accept for her a pension under the law of July 7. 38 & March 3d, 43 without a new formal application, 
6 } Lucy Raymond, widow of Daniel Raymond of Steuben Co New York, what is the present state of this case 
7 } Mrs - Scutt of Ulster Co. N. Y. what is the state of this case, I believe she is still living 
8 } John Sherman, late of Wayne Co. N. Y. the state of this case when it was last in hand 
9 } Mary Thorp, widow of Augustus Thorp, late of Steuben County N. Y. how is the present state of this case 
10 } Susanne Thayer widow of Joel Thayer Genesee Co. New York, what is the present state of this case 
11 } Mrs Van Vleet, widow of William Van Vleet, made a double applications, one through Mr Saxton & the other through Mr Hartwell, the latter papers are now on file, upon them what is the state of this case 
12 } Abraham Vreeland, in the proof of And Pharies recd & the law of Doct Condit referred to, if so, is not this case made out, as there are several witnesses to the fact of the One year service 
13 } Col E. will very much oblige your OBD Servt  by examining in person all the papers in the following case of Phineas Culver of Tompkins Co. New York, this case is said to be well & very fully made out, the Law writing to the discharge signed by Capt. DeWitt, I am informed can be fully proven; Capt DeWitte may have been aidecamp to Genl. Clinton & signed his name as Capt. } I regret to say that I am informed a spirit of Declaration from Tompkins Co. has been has been urged against Mr Culver. I do not know the facts
Page 50

May 29 '43
Page 51

Enquiries for bounty land - by Arad Joy 
1 } Samuel Blakeslee, late a pensioner of Livingstone Co __ New York, may be entitld to bounty law, is he 
2 } Joseph Bond late a pensioner of Seneca Co. N. York & who served under Genl. Lee in light horse, to the close of the Revolution, is he not entitled to bounty law or are not his heirs - 
3 } Aaron Cass, formerly a Revolutionary soldier & later a regular in the last war, enlisting under Capt Aaron Clark & was killed in the Queenston battle on the 13 Oct 1812 is not bounty law due to his heirs & a pension to his widow 
3 } Ezra Downer late of Steuben Co. N. Y. who was a regular soldier under Capt John Buell of Connect. served during the war, is he not entitld to bounty law 
4 } James Sliter late of Geauga Co. Ohio, enlisted & served to the close of the Revolution, made application for a pension, recd. none & died, is there not bounty law due & what was the state of the application for pension 
6 } John & Isaac Van Tuyle, late war soldiers, serving under Genl. Brown, near Sackets Harbor, probably in 11th Regt. is there not bounty law due to them 
7 } Jeremiah Wilson, enlisted for & during the war of the Revolution, under Capt Mace, or Capt Amasa Mills & Col Hobbey, served under Capt Mills, was taken prisoner at Fort Washington - is his heirs not entitled to bounty laws, of what line was Capt Mills & Col Hobbie &c 
8 } Phineas Culver of Tompkins Co. New York, claims to have enlisted & served to the close of the Revolution lastly served under Capt Ransom, Capt Jacob DeWitte Lieut Fisher, Genl. Geo Clinton, almost lost one hand by a shot, was lame a year, & it is so noted on the roll, is he not entitled to bounty law?
Page 52

This is to certify that I Friend Dayton have for Forty years been acquainted with James Sliter and from Certain Causes I have ever supposed him to have served a Considerable Length of time in the Revollutionary [revolutionary] war. Both from the relation of it himself and from hearring him converse with those with whom he was acquainted while in the Service. I have also frequently heard his parents or while they were yet living relate those feelings what their feelings were while he was in the Servis of his Country and especially when they [obliterated word] heard of an engagement with the Enemy and from many other Causes I do not hesitate But Cheerfully recommend him to the Confidence of those whom My Name Shall be Directed 
Friend Dayton 
Personally appears Friend Dayton to me personally known [obliterated word or words] the above instrument can made oath to the statement therein Contained before me 
Kirtland 24 of April. D 1837 
J G McPliam [or William??] Justice of the peace
Page 53

Huttan Mills a 
Hon May 3 
/46 
16 May 1837 
Pension office 
Ref to the Pens officer [??] 
[initials?] 

J Marten Vanburen 
Washington City
Page 54

Sir after having written thus mutch [much] I Submit it to your hand hoping that you will remember my Case and if it is nessesary [necessary] to obtain a greater number of names or or [sic] more Sircumstncial [circumstantial] Evidence I can obtain them But Positive is not to be obtained or of a more particular account of my service is required as to the time and place of rendezvous and other particulars if they are __essary [beginning of word blacked out] I can soon transmit them to you there is yet one more circumstance that I will mention and then close at the time of my enlistment I had a Brother in law who also nlisted  __ning [the beginning of these two words is missing - torn page edge?] the infantry and served mostly through the war and he if living is on the pension list he was well acquainted with all the different times of my service, his name is Jeremiah Mandega [Mandigo] the last that I knew of him he was living in the town of Free hold on the North River My impoverished sercumstance [circumstance] has prevented my going to obtain his affidavit altho I have to him twice But have received no answer for witch [which] I have Been fearfull he is not living 
[possible signature at the bottom of the page is cut off]
Page 55

I Belonged except Col Van Kortland however Col Swift was frequently there at the different places for witch [which] we were stationed and occasionally took the command as officer of the day 
I have thought that altho I am unable to obtain Positive proof I would get some Circumstancial evidence and then score the event with yourself to Decide and as I had some time since concluded altho without within all my endeavours to obtain that witch[which] I considered in justice Due to me have been persisted while others have Been relieved I would indeavour to be reconcidered and pay Down the stream of time until my Deliverance Come 

this is to Certify that we the undersigned from a variety Causes do Believe that the within named James Sliter Did actually serve in the Revollutionary war and from some number of years acquaintance with thim we Cheerfully recomm [end of word torn off]  him to the Confidence of those and him to wh [end of word torn off] these Lines and our names Shall Be Trusted 
[signatures:] 
John Silvernail   | Cabbe D Johnson 
Daniel Silvernail | Ransom R Potter 
John Conklin | Oliver Green 
Oliver Crane  | Hubbard 
Stephen Stuart } Hezzekiah Hubbard 
John Dayton | Garret Vansant 
Benjamin Gaff 
Sylvester L Scott 
Luther Chapman 
Richard Matthews 
Justus Florence [???] 
Matthius Schatner
Page 56

Porter Yates Co N. Y> 
June 12th 1843 
Hon J. L. Edwards 
Dear Sir your Letter under Date of May 28th 1843 together with a Copy of one written to and received in Burton Geauga Co Ohio May 17th 1837 [?? third digit is scribbled] Came Safe to hand in witch [ which] I am informed that the name of My Father James Slitor Does not appear on the rolls of Either of the Captains under whom he served witch [which] is a matter that I am at Loss to Account for A Short time previous to his Death however while Conversing on the Subject of a pension he mentioned to me that it was verry possible that the name was Speled [spelled] very Different on the Rolls and wished me to notify you of the fact Among the Dutch of Dutchess Co in this State of witch [which] County he was a native the name was pronounced Slouter and I believe he has Connexion now in the East port of this State who Spell their name in that way and Some who Spel their name Slaughter 
Justice is all that I wish or ask in this matter and whether it is ever granted or not it will be for you to Determine that he Served the Length of time to witch [which] he testified to I have no Doubt nor Do I believe [crossed out word] there is any Doubt in the minds of all his numerous acquaintances previous to his Death he used every possible exertion to obtain the required evidence in his case But was unable to Learn the place of Residence if any are Still alive who Served in the Same Company with him I have thought it was verry possible that you may have overlooked the name or mistook it at Least for Some other Consequently have taken this opportunity to request you to examine if the name is not Speled as above written
Page 57

it is possible his name may not be on the rools [rolls] of Capt Schermerhorn as he was under the Common age of entering the Service and it was in compliance with the urgent request of Capt Schemerhorn and the other officers that his father concented [consented] to have him go he was a musition [musician] witch [which] was the particular cause of the over anxiety of the Capt and Compa. to have him go as musitions [musicians] ware [were] very Scarce I have frequently heard my grandfather relate when I was but a Child the anxiety, he felt on Several Ocasions [occasions] when he heard that the regiment in witch [which] my father was engaged partook in the engagements with the Enemy and with what joy he hailed the inteligence [intelligence] that he was Still Living 
it is Sir a very unpleasant reflection indeed [???] to me that an aged Parent has gone down to the tomb unrewarded by his Country for the Blood he Lost in Defence of our beloved Country while others by thousands who Served for a far Less time have received an annuel [annual] amount from goverment [government] it is true he has now passed beyond the reach of want But his aged widdow [widow] Still Lives and in Circumstances far from flattering and Justice to her is what  I would most earnestly Solicit at your hand 
Respectfully Yours 
Truman G Slitor 
N B  Dear Sir enclosed is a Line witch [which] if you will please to hand Mr Arad Joy *esqr you will Confer a particular favor as I am informed he is at your City, and Doing Business in the pension Line 
You ___ [illegible three letters]  
J. G. S.  
*letter late [???] to A Joy June 22d 1843 
Hon J L Edwards for pension office Washington City, D. C.
Page 58

The State of Ohio 
Geauga County SS} 
Personally appeared before me - 
Simeone Ross a magistrate in & for said County James Slitor this person who has subscribed the foregoing declaration, who being duly sworn, on his oath declares that since his said declaration was returned from the War Department to him for amendment, he has made every effort in his power to obtain the proof required of that part of his service which he performed in the regular line but can not learn that any person is living who could state the time of his entering the service and the time & manner of his leaving the same he has no doubt that some who served with him are living, but he can not ascertain in what part of the country they reside - therefore, if his name is not to be fou [end of word missing at right margin] in the records of the Department & his claim for his service in the regular line cannot be allowed. he must relinquish that part  & claim for as much as he is entitled to for service in the militia which does not need such proof - [blacked out words] that the terms of militia service for which he claims a pension were not less than stated below . to wit 
3. months as a musician in Col. Van Rensselaers regiment of New York Militia in the year 1777. 
4 months as a spy in Col. Vroomans regiment of New York Militia in the year 1777. 
4 months as a spy in Col. Vroomans regiment of New York Militia in 1780- 
3 months as a private in Captain Delavan's Company of New York militia in 1780 put under the command of Col Courtland's who was a regular officer into whose regiment he afterwards enlisted 
total 10 months 
That the above ten months of militia service was all performed before he ever enlisted into the regular line that the word "Enlisted" used in his declaration was a mistake in the person who wrote his declaration he having volunteered under Captain Delavan whose compy did not belong to the regular line - 
[signature:] James Slitor 
Sworn & Subscribed this 24th day  of September A.D. 1834 by the said James Slitor whom I hereby Certify to be a person of truth & veracity 
Simeon Ross Justice of the Peace
Page 59

[NOTE: an illegible circular seal that was apparently cut from another page or envelope is placed at the left of the second through fifth lines of the beginning paragraph] 

The State of Ohio 
Geauga County Ss } 
I, D. D. Aiken, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County do hereby certify that Simeon Rose Esquire, before whom the foregoing affidavit of James Slitor appears to have been taken, on the 24th day of September A. D. 1834, was at that time and still is a Justice of the peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn according to law; and further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and do verily believe the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine, 
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court, at Chardon, this 30th day of September, A. D. 1834. 
D. D. Aiken, Clerk.
Page 60

F Moulton 
Atty in Washington 
Fanny Slater 
0_sur } 8
Page 61

STATE OF Ohio
COUNTY of Geauga } SS. 
BE IT KNOWN, That before me a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County aforesaid duly authorized to administer oaths, personally appeared Richard STATE OF Ohio
COUNTY of Geauga BE IT KNOWN, That
before me a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County aforesaid duly authorized to administer
oaths, personally appeared Richard V Sliter a resident of Burton
in the county of Geauga and state aforesaid, who, being first duly sworn according to law, states that he is the son of James Slitor who was a revolutionary soldier and he believes the United States are still indebted, under existing laws for the pension that [blank] and that
[blank is directly interested as a claimant in the pension for [blank] and constitutes and appoints THOMAS H. FORD, of Richland Co. O. one true and lawful attorney, with irrevocable power to examine into, [blank] 

The State of Ohio, GEAUGA COUNTY. } ss. 
I A H. Gotham Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Geauga, in the State of Ohio, do hereby certify that James Peffers Esq, was of the date of executing & acknowledging the annexed and foregoing Power of Atty and now is an acting Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and sworn agreeably to the Statutes of said State of Ohio, to all whose Official acts as such, full faith and credit is and ought to be given, throughout the United States, and elsewhere, and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said James Peffers and verily believe the signature purporting to be his is genuine
WITNESS my hand and Seal of Office, at Chardon, in said County, this 22d day of November Anno Domini 1853 
1853
A H Gotham CLERK.
Page 62

STATE OF Ohio
COUNTY of Geauga } SS. 
BE IT KNOWN, That before me a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County aforesaid duly authorized to administer oaths, personally appeared Richard V Sliter a resident of
Burton in the county of Geauga and state aforesaid, who, being first duly sworn according to law, states that he is the son of James Sliter who was a revolutionary soldier and that he believes the United States are still indebted, under existing laws for the pension that [blank] and that [blank] is directly interested as a claimant in the pension for [blank] and constitutes and appoints THOMAS H. FORD, of Richland Co., O, my true and lawful attorney, with irrevocable power to examine into, 
investigate and establish the claim for said pension, and to do all acts necessary thereto, hereby revoking all former powers of attorney heretofore executed by me and also hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever he shall do lawfully by virtue hereof. 
Witness     hand and seal this 28th day of October A. D. 1853.
[signature:] Richard W Sliter L. S. 
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of } 
J. Peffers L. S. 
[illegible word/name] W Peffers 
Signed, sealed, acknowledged and sworn to before me this 28th day of October A. D. 1853. 
[signature:] James Peffers. Justice of the Peace