Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2485, for James Stockton, New Jersey
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(3-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
New Jersey Stockton James W2485
Mary

CONTENTS
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3061
New Jersey
Mary Stockton widow of James Stockton who died on the 25 Feby 1807 
of [illegible] in the state of N Jersey who was a Lieut & Ens in the New Jersey 
line for [illegible]  Lieut
Ensg
Issued on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of [illegible] Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the [illegible]  day of September
[illegible]  
[illegible] 
Arrears to the 4th of [illegible]  $771. 66
Semi-annual allowance ending [illegible] 3
4777
Revolutionary Claim Act July 4 1836
Section the 3d
corded by JM C [illegible]  clerk
ok A Vol [illegible]  Page 132
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Declaration.

In order to obtain the benefit of the Third Section of the
Act of Congress of the 4th July 1836.

State of New Jersey
County of Mercer//

On the 5th day of February 1834 personally appeared before the subscriber, Mary Stockton, a resident of the County and State aforesaid, aged 78 years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836.

That she is the widow of James Stockton, who was a Revolutionary Soldier and served continually during the whole war as lieutenant in the company commanded by Capt. James Andros. I have heard him say that he was at the Battles of Trenton, Springfield and Elizabeth Town. She further declares that she was married to the said John Stockton in the month of June 1778. That her husband, the aforesaid John Stockton dies on the 25 day of February 1807 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the poof hereunto annexed.
s/ Mary Stockton (X - her mark)

Sworn and subscribed to on the day and year above written before me.
s/ L.W.R. Phillips, Judge and Witness

I certify that the above named deponent is a credible person and that she cannot in consequence of bodily infirmity attend in Open Court and make the above declaration.
s/ L.W.R. Phillips, Judge as aforesaid
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[illegible]
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State of New Jersey
County of Mercer//

Personally appeared before me, the subscriber, Jacob Gray, a pensioner of the government of the United States, aged 87 years, who being duly sworn on his oath saith that during the Revolutionary War he was intimately acquainted with Lieutenant James Stockton. That said [James] Stockton belonged to the company commanded by Capt. James Morris of Princeton. Lieutenant James Stockton served in said corps from Sep. 1776 until after the Battle of Trenton, making at least Four months. I saw him at different times during the war in service but not belonging to the same kind of service or regiment. I was not so good an opportunity to notice his service. I saw him, however, at the Battles of Springfield and Elizabeth Town and I have no doubt he served continually his regular tours during the whole war. He was a faithful and obedient officer.
s/ Jacob Gray (X - his mark)

Sworn and Subscriber this 5th day of February 1839 before. 
s/ L.W.R. Phillips, Justice of the Peace & Witness

I certify that the above named deponent is a credible person.
s/ L.W.B. Phillips, J(ustice of the) Peace
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County of Mercer
State of New Jersey//

Personally appeared for the subscriber, John Hullfish, a pensioner of the government of the United States, aged about Eighty years, who being duly sworn on his oath saith that during the Revolutionary War he was intimately acquainted with James Stockton. That said [James] Stockton was lieutenant of the company commanded by Capt. James Morris. That in the year 1777, we both served in said company nine months continuously & were engaged in the Battle of Germantown. We served subsequently together in those tours from time-to-time, probably amounting to six or eight months, the particulars of which I cannot now recollect. And further saith not.
s/ John Hullfish (X - his mark)

Sworn and Subscriber the Fifth February 1839 before. 
s/ Randal C. Robbins, J.P

I certify that the above named deponent is a credible person. The word [illegible] before execution.
s/ Randal C. Robbins, J.P
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State of New Jersey
County of Mercer} SS
Personally appeared Edward Stockton of full age who being duly sworn on his oath saith that he is the son of James and Mary Stockton the latter an applicant for a pension and that the said Mary Stockton hath remained a widow ever since the death of the aforesaid James Stockton
sworn and subscribed this 5th day of February 1839 before L Wit Phillips
Judge } Edward Stockton

I certify that the above named deponent is a credible person [illegible]
executed JW Phillips
Judge [illegible]
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State of New Jersey
County of Middlesex} SS Stockton In 1776 he served as ensign 
Personally appeared before the subscriber David Joshes a pensioner on the Govt of the United States who on his oath saith that during the Revolutionary War and subsequently  he was well acquainted with James in the company commanded by capt Houston he was in the first an the service line served mostly during the year of 1777 He served under capt Moore and Le[illegible] I recollect have seen him several times during that year but particularly at the battle of Elizabeth Town He was an active and efficient officer and I have no doubt rendered his regular tour of service during the war 
sworn and subscribed this 3 day of Feby 1839 before } David [illegible]
Ira C Voorhees justice
I certify that the above named deponent is a credible person
Ira C Voorhees justice
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Pro 1
Wednesday February 28 1776
I [illegible] to certification
Ordered that the pension [illegible] of a company in the second Regiment of foot militia in the county of Simerset under the command of Abraham Finch Esq Col viz William Churchill Houson captains Aaron Sengstreet first Lieutenant [illegible] Barton Second Lieutenant and James Stockton Ensign
Pro 2)
Princeton Tuesday 28 of April 1777
This is to sertify that by a writing of the Princeton Company on this day was chosen for officers
James Moore Captain
James Stockton first Lieut
James Hamilton Ensin
As witnesses on hands
Benj Plum
John Updike In
Enclosed His exe [illegible]y William Livingston Esqr [illegible] Captain G [illegible]l & Commander  is therefore and on the state of New Jersey

State of New Jersey
I James D [illegible] cott, Secretary of State of the state of New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true exact (marked no 1) from the Journal of the recordings of the Trinent Congress of New Jersey
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...now sitting) commenced in January 1776 as published by Authority of Legislature of said State. And I further certify that No. 2 is a true copy of an ancient paper relating to the [illegible] remaining on file in my office.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed my Seal of Office at the city of Trenton in said State this Seventh day of February Anno Domini One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty nine (1839).
s/ James D. Westcott

State of New Jersey
Mercer County//

I, Ralph H. Shreve, Clerk of the County of Mercer aforesaid, do hereby certify that L.W.R. Phillips, Esq., before whom the annexed affidavits of Mary Stockton and Edward Stockton were taken, was at the time of the taking said affidavit a Judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County duly commissioned & sworn and I do further certify that Ralph Lansbury, Esq., before whom the annexed affidavit of Jacob Gray was taken and that Randal Robbins, Esq., before whom the affidavit of John Hullfish, which is also hereto annexed was taken, were each at the time of the taking said affidavits a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Mercer duly commissioned and sworn and that to all their official acts as such full faith and credit is due and ought to be given as well in Courts of Judicature as thereout.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of said County this Twelfth day of February A.D. 1839.
s/ Ralph H Shreve Clerk
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V | 4350

State of New Jersey
Middlesex County//

I, Nicholas Booraem, Clerk of the County of Middlesex aforesaid, do hereby certify that William B. Manning, Esquire, before whom the annexed affidavit of Joanna Harris was taken, was at the time of the taking said affidavit a Judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn. And I do further certify that Ira C. Voorhees, Esquire, before whom the annexed affidavit of Daniel Voorhees was taken, was at the time of the taking said affidavit a Justice of the Peace in and for the City of New Brunswick duly commissioned and sworn. That I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said William B. Manning and Ira C. Voorhees and do verily believe their respective signatures to the said affiants are genuine.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 11th day of February A.D. 1839.
s/ N. Booraem, Clerk
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Mary Stockton widow of James Stockton Ensign 5 mo
Lieut 5 mo
act 4 July '36
Col Quickisey & Hamton's compy
$116.66 per annum
New Jersey Roll
Sent cert to JC Fatnskie Eq
New Brunswick
N Jersey
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Rev War
WIDOW &c
File No 2485
Mary Stockton
Widow
James Stockton
Lieut & Ensign Rev War
Act July 4 1836
Index Vol M Page 239
[Arrangement of 1870]
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Com Septr
Mary Stockton
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New Brunswick
Sep. 19th 1839

D(ea)r Sir,

Yours in relation to Mrs. Mary Stockton is rec(eived). I examined that case with particular care and I am perfectly satisfied that the dept. acts are
illiberal reduction of service throwing out every doubtful month. Sixteen months are proven by a demonstration of human testimony can thus establish a fact under that which of the case I will take the responsibility of throwing off four months if the dept. will add two and make the service of no less twelve months. Had I time to confiscate this claim, I could establish at least 18 months.

Respectfully your obed(ient) ser(vant),
s/ James C. Zabrisken

Hon. J.L. Edwards
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New Brunswick
Aug. 9, 1839

D(ea)r Sir,

Enclosed is the certificate of the Rev. Mr. Money properly authenticated and two affidavits of respectable persons in the case of Mrs. Stockton, widow of James Stockton. I can provide the testimony of several others in relation to the general, but not the particular, service of Mr. S. but deem perhaps I now send together with what you have on file abundantly sufficient to further the claim of the applicant for 18 months service. A fair examination of the case must result in such a decision.

Respectfully your obed(ient) ser(vant),
s/ James C. Zabrisken

Hon. J.L. Edwards
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NJ Sept 5
Addl proof
Mrs Stockton

Hon J L Edwards
Washington City
DC
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New Brunswick
Sep. 2nd 1839

D(ea)r Sir,

Enclosed is the affidavit certifying the credibility of Joanna Harris, the witness on behalf of Mrs. Stockton. I send the affidavit of the elder herewith the Clergyman has been known but a short time and in belief & recounted with the witness than the elder.

Your respectfully,
s/ James C. Zabrisken

Hon. J.L. Edwards
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State of New Jersey
County of Middlesex//

Personally appeared before the subscribed, Samuel Baker, who on his oath saith that he is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in the City of New Brunswick. That he is well as acquainted with Joanna Harris. He further saith that said Joanna Harris has been an exemplary member of said Presbyterian Church for about 8 years and that full faith and credit may be given to any statement she may make, whether under oath or otherwise.
s/ Samuel Baker

Sworn and subscribed this (blank) day of Aug. 1839 before.
s/ Henry Sincockly, J.P.

I certify that the above named deponent is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and that he is a credible person.
s/ Henry Sincockly, J.P.
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State of New Jersey
Middlesex County//

I, Nicholas Booraem, Clerk of the County of Middlesex aforesaid, do hereby certify that Henry Sillcocks, Esquire, before whom the within affidavit of Samuel Baker was taken, was at the time of the taking thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn & that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and believe his signatures to the Jurat of said affidavit & certificate are genuine.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 2nd day of September A.D. 1839.
s/ N. Booraem, Clerk
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FREE

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Washington, D.C.

Sep. 20
Comm(issioner)
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New Brunswick
Sep. 1st 1839

D(ea)r Sir,

Yours in relation to Mrs. Stockton is rec(eived). [crossed out: From] My present engagement prevents me from seeking out further testimony in her case. I think, however, that the dept. by allowing 12 months proofs [proves] by only meeting out that justice which every applicant has a right to expect at its hands. I think most righteously that am(oun)t has been clearly proven. I leave that and the case of Mr. Groves to the justice of the dept.

Respectfully your obed(ient) ser(vant),
s/ James C. Zabrisken

Hon. J.L. Edwards
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I, Nicholas Murray, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth Town and successor of the Rev. James Caldwell of Revolutionary memory, certify that no records of marriage prior to 1804 are in my possession. All records previous to that time were lost; some during the struggles of the War of Independence and then during the partial insanity of a Pastor of this Church.
s/ Nicholas Murray
Elizabethtown
July 26, 1839

N.B. I have just returned from another journey.
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New Jersey
Borough of Eliz(abeth)//

Personally appeared before the subscriber, the within named Nicholas Murray, who [crossed out: on his oath] saith that the contents of the within certificate are true to the best of his knowledge and belief.
s/ N. Murray

Sworn and subscribed this 10th day of Aug. 1839 before. 
[illegible]
s/ Elias Winans, Justice of the Peace

I certify for the [illegible] that the Rev. N. Murray, the above named deponent, is Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth Town, N.J., and that he is a credible person.
s/ Elias Winans, Justice of the Peace
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State of New Jersey
Borough of Elizabeth//

I, Joseph D. Price, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the Borough of Elizabeth [illegible] County of Essex and State of New Jersey, do hereby certify that Elias Winans, Esquire, is a Justice of the Peace in and for said borough duly commissioned and qualified. That his commission is dated on the Fourteenth day of November 1837 and it will expire on the Fourteenth day of November 1842 and that his signature above written is genuine.

Given under my Hand and the Seal of the said borough this Seventeen day of August A.D. 1837.
s/ Joseph D. Price
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James C. Zabriskie, Esq.
New Brunswick, N.J.
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Middlesex County
State of New Jersey} SS 
Personally appeared before the subscriber William Jon Tilburgh who on his oath said that during the revolution war he knew well James Stockton That said Stockton served in the five months service in the year 1776 under catp Houston that he served in that tour in the capacy of a commander in officer that in the year 1777 and subsequently he served as first lieut in the company commanded by capt James Moore that in the year 1777 the said Lieut James Stockton was in the battle of Germantown that in the year 1780 He served two tours and was at Springfield and Elizabethtown the first service comprised woe months the last ten months This deponent further sath that the said Stockton was out in other tours but he cannot specify further
sworn and subscribed this 15th day of July 1839 before Henry Lincoln JP} William VanTeburgh

I certify that the above named deponent is a credible person
Henry Lincoln JP
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State of New Jersey
County of Middlesex//

Personally appeared before the subscriber, Peter Montfort, aged 82 years, a Revolutionary Soldier, who on his oath saith that during the Revolutionary War he was well acquainted with James Stockton. That said [James] Stockton served under the command of Capt. Houston in the year 1776 and was in the five months service; he was a commissioned officer. This deponent and the said [James] Stockton were both in the Battle of Germantown.

This deponent further saith this deponent thinks that they [crossed out: were] served two months on that occasion, which was in 1777. This deponent further saith that he saw the said [James] Stockton subsequently but does not recollect when nor on what occasion.
s/ P. Montfort

Sworn and subscribe the 16th day of July 1839 before.
s/ Henry Sillcocks, J.P.

I certify that the above named deponent is a credible person. Interlined before execution.
s/ Henry Sillcocks, J.P.
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State of New Jersey
Middlesex County//

I, Nicholas Booraem, Clerk of the County aforesaid, do certify that Henry Sillcocks, Esq., before whom the annexed affidavits of William New Lillhigh & Peter Montfort were taken, was at the date of the taking said affidavits a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned & sworn. That I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and believe his signatures to the jurats of said affidavits & certificates thereto are genuine.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 20th day of August A.D. 1839.
s/ N. Booraem, Clerk
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County of Mercer
State of New Jersey//

Personally appeared before the subscriber, Mary Stockton, widow of James Stockton, dec(eased), who on her oath saith that the statement made by her in her declaration; to wit, that her husband, the late James Stockton, served continually during the Revolutionary War in the Company commanded by Capt. James Moore was made from the best of her recollection. This deponent further saith that she did not know that her husband served under any other officer than Capt. James Moore, but if the record proves he did, that is superior to her memory. This deponent further saith that she was married by the Rev. Mr. James Caldwell of Elizabeth Town in the month of June 1778.
s/ Mary Stockton (X - her mark)

Sworn and subscribed this 24th day of July 1832 before.
s/ [illegible], one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Mercer

I certify that the above named deponent is a credible person.
s/ [illegible]
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Aug. 28

State of New Jersey
Mercer County//

I, Ralph H. Shreve, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Mercer, do hereby certify that Ralph Sansbury, before whom the foregoing deposition of Mary Stockton was taken, was at the time of the taking thereof a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and sworn and that I am well acquainted with his signature and that the one thereunto attached is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court at Trenton this Twenty fourth day of July in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty nine.
s/ Ralph H. Shreve, Clk.
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Hon. J.L. Edwards
Washington City

July 5
Jurat
N.J.
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New Brunswick
July 2, 1839

D(ea)r Sir,

You have certainly entirely misapprehended the case of Mrs. Mary Stockton. It is not alleged that James Stockton served under Capt. Moore in 1776 but that he entered the service in Feb. 1776 as ensign in the company commanded by Capt. Wm. C. Houston, Col. Jacob Crane; served continuously in the company until the 28th April 1777, when he was elected First Lieutenant of the Princeton Company of Capt. Moore. That fact is substantially testified to by two credible
witnesses and, so far as the record goes it sustains the statement, which at this late day is entitled to great credit and influence. He is appointed by the Provincial Congress, ensign, in Feb. 1776. In April of that year, he is elected by his fellow citizens first lieut(enant). The result, no doubt, of their confidence in his capacity and patriotism, produced by his previous service. It appears to me the dept...
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...could not desire better confirmatory testimony than this. There was, in the year 1776, a six months service commencing about the month of April and terminating in Sept. It is probable that the witness mistook [crossed out: this for] the five months service for that. That being a matter [crossed out: one month] remove the difficulty in relation to terms of service. Again, he was engaged in the Battle of Trenton. He served therein, have continued in service until their being forspent into winter quarters about the First of Jan. 1777. It is certainly strange that an individual who had been distinguished by such marked evidence from high authority in such a critical juncture could have been connected to company (as the dept. has engaged), "from the First of Sep. 1777 to the month of Dec. 1778," making Fourteen continually months and only render 12 days service in the absence of positive testimony. The thing is absolutely inconceivable...
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...honorably from the 28th April 1777 to the First of Sep. So following five months transpired, which does not come under the severally & divisive inference. It is proven that in the year 1780, [James] Stockton was in the service and engaged in the Battle of Springfield upon the whole. I am convinced that if this case is fairly examined, allowing the sweeping but altogether honorable inference of the dept. to be correct, this claimant has proven at least 18 months service.

In regard to marriage, the testimony relative aforesaid has been furnished the certificate of Rev'd Mr. Murray shows that there is no record. The dept. has certainly had exhibited its ordinary care & concerns in the investigation of this case.

Respectfully your obed(ient) ser(vant),
s/ James C. Zabrisken
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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES Form VAM 51 12-5-41  bounty land warrant record card Division of Veterans
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD
NAME Stockwell, Abel GRADE Private LINE Connecticut

WARRANT NUMBER 6509ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Sept 1, 1790
to Theodosius Fowler, assignee

The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates.  Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.