Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16231, for Francis Putman, New York
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New York  Putman, Francis . NUMBER S.16231. Carded Content
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Left side:

Letter I Fleming 1 Apr 1834-not found
Letter to same Sept. 10 ' 34 not found 
Letter to Pensioner Sept. 10 '34 
Letter to L. V Berry Nov. 10 '34 
Letter to G. F Yates May 21, 1843 
Letter to William & Charly Tracy 30th Sept. 1843 
Letter to N. F Insoludg [illegible] 17/52 --- 

Right side:
 24752 New York 
 Francis Putman 
Montgomy Co in the State of New York who was a Pr. Sgt & Ensign in the Compy commanded
by Captain Gardiner of the Regt commanded 
by Col. Schuyler in the N. York
line  for 3 months private 
4 months & 12 days Sergt 
6 months Ensign

 Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 92 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Feb.  1834 and sent J.V. Berry Johnstown N.Y Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 33             $230. 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar '34  41. 
                                                               $271.            

{Revolutionary Claim, } 
( Act June 7, 1832 .    }
Recorded by B. Cromwell Clerk,  
Book E Vol. 4 Page 114
Page 3

State of New York     }
Montgomery County} ss 
On this 19th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery & State of New York, now sitting, Francis Putman, a resident of the Town of Johnstown in the County of Montgomery &  State of New York, aged Eighty years, who being first duly sworn doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated: Your applicant says that in the year 1777, that the whole of the Militia under Gen. Herkimer were commanded to turn out and go to Oriskany, and your applicant went out as an Ensign under Herman Mabee, Captain & Lieutenant  Frances Prince, that he resided at this time in Charlestown Tryon County. that he went from his said place of residence to Oriskany and was at the battle fought at that place and that he was out at least one week at this time; this was in the month of August: Your Applicant says, that after, that he again immediately went from his said place of residence to Saratoga (that the Battle at Oriskany was on the sixth of August) and that as soon as he returned from there he went down to Saratoga and remained there until the latter part of October, some time after Burgoyne was taken; that after the Battle he was engaged in carrying the wounded of the British soldiers, down to the Hospital at Albany: And your applicant says that he was out in these two terms at least three 3 months and a half: He says he does not recollect the names of any officers at the time he went to Saratoga; that he was there when Burgoyne was taken: He your applicant says that he was at the Battle of Stone Arabia, where Gen Brown was killed, that he does not recollect the names of the officers under whom he served at this time, that he was out four days He was in the Battle at The Hall Farm Johnstown & was three
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days in the service: your applicant says that in the beginning of the war the year he does not recollect, he went and enlisted in a Militia Company commanded by Captain Jacob Gardinier, Lieutenant Samuel Gardinier the other officers belonging to the company he does not recollect, that this company he thinks belonged to Col Frederick Fishers Regiment of Militia, this was a company named for the purpose of scouting, that he was out at different and divers times, until the time he went out to Oriskany in Aug 1777, that he went to the different Forts situate in Tryon County, sometimes he was called to one and then again to an other place so that it is almost, if not quite impossible for him to State the different places he went to when under Captain Gardinier:  He says he was out at least at this time under Gardinier, three months. And your applicant says that before he went to Oriskany, he thinks in 1776, he volunteered in the Militia Service, under Captain Peter Yates and that he your applicant was 1st Lieutenant and Garrit Putman 2d Lieutenant, and this company was raised near Fort Hunter, then Tryon County and went with Gen Schuyler up to Herkimer, where he saw the said Gen hold a treaty with the Six Nations of Indians; that they were out at this time about five weeks. He says that on account of the situation in which that Section of the Country was; in which. he resided, liable to invasion of the enemy and their attacks, the militia were compelled to be and remain under arms for the greater part of the time and always during the warmer Seasons. For the purpose of preserving themselves, they erected Forts and that he together with a Militia Company under Captain Mabee, were stationed at a Fort, a little distance from Fort Hunter commonly called Codonoty [?], that he served as a Sentry at this fort two seasons, during the summer of 1779 & so that he was out in this manner at least six months; He was out in different other places during the war in different years which on account of his age and the failure of his memory he is unable to State: He says that if all the particular times were put together he would and could make out more than two years but he has forgot and therefore cannot state particulars
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He says he lost the greater part of his personal property during the war, his house being burned by the British and tories: He says he has no person by whom he can prove all his services: He has no documentary Evidence of his services: He says he was born in Johnstown Tryon County, now Montgomery and State of New York in the year 1752 on the Fourth day of May old stile [?], This is recorded in his Fathers family Bible which is now in his possession: He resided near Fort Hunter Tryon County when called into service and has lived at the same place or near the same place since the Revolution. He has no written dis charges of any of his services: He has. known the following the following regular officers Col. Marinus Willett, Lieut William Wallace
He says he is acquainted with the following persons residing in his neighborhood who can testify as to his character for truth and veracity and their belief of his service of the Revolution, to wit, Rev Abraham Van Horn & John H. Lansing
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any State.
[Signed] Francis Putman
Sworn and Subscribed to the day and year aforesaid, in open Court
Geo. D. Ferguson, Clerk
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We, Abraham Van Horne a clergyman residing in the town of Johnstown and John H Lansing ["Simon Veeder" is crossed out] residing in the same town - hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Francis Putman, who has subscribed the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be Eighty 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
[Signed] Abrm Van Horne [illegible underneath signature]
[Signed] Jno. H. Lansing
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open Court
Geo. D. Ferguson Clerk

And the said Court do hereby certify and declare their opinion after 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 it appears to them [underlined the second time] that Abraham Van Horn who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in the town of Johnstown and that John H Lansing a resident of the same town who has also signed the same and is a creditable person and that their Statement is entitled to credit.

I George D Ferguson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the County of Montgomery, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Said Court in the matter of the application of Francis Putman for a pension

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twenty Second day of September 1832
[Signed] Geo: D. Ferguson
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Francis Putmans
Application
G.D.F
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State of New York
Montgomery County ss.
On this twenty Second day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery, new sitting, William Wallace now on the pension Rll of the United States, and says he was well acquainted with Francis Putman during the period of the Revolution. And this deponent says that he saw the said Francis, at Saratoga, in the year 1777 at the time Burgoyne Surrendered, that the said Francis acted as ensign and was an Ensign in the Company of Capt Herman Mabee belonging to Col Fred Fishers Regiment, how long he was out at this time he does not know
And this deponent says that he the said Francis was at the Hall Battle in the year 1781:
He says that he has heard and did hear at the time of the Revolution that the said Francis was a Lieut in the Company of Captain Jacob Peter Fritz [?], and has no doubt but that the said Francis did serve as such officer in that company and that he has served as he has stated in his declaration.
[Signed] Wm Wallace
Sworn & Subscribed to the day and year aforesaid in Open Court
Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk
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State of New York	   }
Montgomery County} ss.
On this twenty first day of September 1832 personally appeared in Open Court before the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery, now sitting, Victor Putman of Amsterdam, who being first duly sworn says, that he was well acquainted with Francis Putman of Johnstown in said County, during the period of the revolution: he says that he knows that the said Francis went out from Tribes Hill from near Fort Hunter, Tryon County, that he this deponent went under the said Francis as Lieutenant of the Company of which Peter Yates was Captain & Garrit Putman 2d Lieutenant to Herkimer, where Gen Schuyler had gone to make a treaty with the Indians, That they went out at this time about five weeks: And this deponent says that he has no doubt but that the said Francis has served the times as stated in his declaration
[Signed] Victor Putman

Sworn & Subscribed to the day and year aforesaid in Open Court
Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk
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State of New York	}
Montgomery County} ss.
I George D Ferguson Clerk of the County of Montgomery, do hereby certify that Aaron Haring Esquire before whom the  amendatory affidavit of Francis Putman purports to have been made was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, and I am well acquainted with his hand and verily believe that the name the name thereunto Subscribed as such Justice to be genuine: And I do further certify that John Quilhot, whose name appears attached to a certificate of credability of Garrit Neukirk was on the day of the date of Said Certificate a Justice & I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the name thereto subscribed as such Justice to be genuine: And I also certify that William Wallace & Victor Putman, personally appeared in Open Court before the Court of Common Pleas at the last of September Term and made oath to the affidavit by their subscription And the said Court did declare it to be their opinion that the said William & Victor were persons of respectability and entitled to credit and did order me as their Clerk to Certify the Same to the War Department
In testimony whereof I have hereunto 
Set my hand & Seal of Office this 
Nineteenth day of June in the year
Eighteen hundred and thirty three
Geo: D. Ferguson
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Town of Florida ss.   Garrit Neukirk of Florida in the County of Montgomery being duly Sworn before John Quilhot one of Justice of the Peace of the Town of Amsterdam and in the County of Montgomery makes oath and says that that Francis Putman now  a resident of the Town of Johnstown and in the County aforesaid did serve as a Soldier in the army of the Revolutionary War, and as a Militia man under Herman Mabe[e] Capt and Frederick Fisher Colonel and General Herkimer in the year 1780 as on or about that time and that the said Francis Putman did lay in Fourth [Fort] Codoughty then called Tryon County for Two Summer Seazons in and out of the fourth [fort] and that the said Francis Putman did take the man called Harry Hair [?] the man that was hanged at Canajoharie in the County of Tryon as a brittish Spye in the year 1780 at on or about that time
[Signed] Garrit Neukirk

Subscribed and Sworn to
this 20" day September in
the year 1832 before me
[Signed] John Quilhot as the Justice of the Peace of the Town of Amsterdam

I certify that Garrit Neukirk is a respectable 
person & entitled to credit. Dated this 10 day of June 
1833
[Signed] John Quilhot
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State of New York, 
Montgomery County, ss.       I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of Montgomery County Courts, do hereby certify that John Quilhot, before whom the within Affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace of the said County; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice & verily believe that the name of the said Justice subscribed to the within affidavit is Genuine.
In  testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 22d day of September 1832.
[Signed]  Geo: D. Ferguson 

[Crosswise at the bottom:] 12.623.
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State of New York	}
Montgomery County} ss.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in & for said County Francis Putman who being duly sworn, deposeth and Saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot positively swear 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 grade 
For 6 days I served as an Ensign under Capt Mabee belonging to Col Fishers Reg. in the year 1777: In the same year 1777 in going to Saratoga as stated in my declaration I served, as an Ensign under Capt Mabee & Col Fisher, for 2 months and twenty four days: For 4 days I served under Capt Mabee at the time Brown was killed at Stone Arabia the year in which this service was performed he cannot now State. he served as an Ensign: I served 3 days as an Ensign under Capt Mabee, at the Battle on the Hall Farm 
For 1 month & 5 days, I served as a Lieutenant under Capt Yates in 1776, as stated in my declaration belonging to & under the the command of Col Fisher: 
For 6 months in the years 1779 & 80, I served as an Ensign under Capt Mabee, belonging to the regiment of Col Fishers Regiment: This service was done in the summer season 3 months in each year the company was stationed at Fort Codonity on duty and went out whenever the enemy alarmed: In the year 1775 I served under Capt Jacob Gardinier, as a private draft 1 month & 15 days on scouts in Tryon County in the year 1776 I served under the same Capt Gardinier belonging to Col Fishers Regiment for 1 month & 15 days on scouts and alarms; and for such service I claim a pension
[There is a running tally of the months and days served in the left margin]
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Your applicant says that he had a commission of Gov George Clinton as Ensign & Lieutenant, and that he has lost them and cannot find them
[Signed] Francis Putman
Sworn & Subscribed this 6th day of 
June 1833 Before me  
[Signed] Aaron Haring Jus Pacis of Montgomery County
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No 12623
Francis Putman
Admitted
Ensign 6 mo
Srgt - 4 " 12
Private 3
13.12 
5.6.14
Specifn reqd [?]

22 Sep 1832
29 Dec "

P-187

John V. Berry Agt
Johnstown
N.York
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No 12623 
BRIEF in the case of Francis Putman of Johnstown Montgomery County in the State of New York (Act 7th June, 1832.) 
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Before a Court 
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? [blank]
3. How old is he? 80 years 
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
Period. Duration of Service (Y, M, D). Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. 
In 1777 Augt | At least 7 days | Ensign | Gen. Herkimer - Capt Herman Mabee
1777  "     at least 3 1/2 mo. | blank | does not remember who were the Officers 
beginning of the war | 3 mo | private | Capt. J. Gardinier  Col. Fisher
1776 | about 1 mo 7 days | 1 Lieut | Capt Yates- Gen Schuyler- Capt. Mabee
1779 & 80 Summers | at least 6 mo | 1 Lieut. | Capt. Yates- Gen Schuyler- Capt. Mabee
Says his entire service would make more than 2 years.
5. In what battles was he engaged? at Oriskany-at Battle of Stone Arabia, At Battle of Hall Farm
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Charlestown - Tryon County 
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? 3 living witnesses & traditionary Evidence 
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? [blank]
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.  
[Signed] James Ord Examining Clerk.
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Application for arrears of pay due the late Francis Putman of Montgomery Co. N.Y. deceased - 
G.F. Yates 
Atty
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State of New York 		}
County of Montogomery	} ss.
Cornelius Putman of the town of Amsterdam in said County, aged thirty seven years, being duly sworn saith, that he is one of the children of Francis Putman who was a private, Sergeant & Ensign in the war of the Revolution & received a pension of $92 per annum under the act of 7th June 1832. That he received a certificate under said act, and drew his stipend regularly thereon until he died. That he died on the 23 November 1834, leaving no widow him surviving. That after his decease this deponent searched among the Papers of his deceased father for said Certificate but could not find the same & that after most diligent & repeated searches he is satisfied that the same has been & is lost or mislaid & cannot now be found. And as the heirs of said deceased are desirous of obtaining the balance of pay from 4th September 1834, to said 23 November 1834, this Deponent prays that a new Certificate may be issued, or in lieu thereof that such order may be issued to the Agent for paying pensions in the City of Albany N.Y. as will enable those entitled on the presentation of the proper Voucher to draw the same.
[Signed] Cornelius F. Putman
 Subscribed & sworn this 	}
15 day of April 1843		}
 before me & I certify 	        }
that said Cornelius Putman	} 
is to me well known to be 	}
the person he above	        }
 [remainder cut off]
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[contd from previous page]

described himself	}
[Signed] Abm A Van Horne Justice of the Peace

Crosswise:
Application for arrears of pay due the late Francis Putman of Montgomery Co., N.Y. deceased -
[Signed} G.F. Yates
Atty
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January 8, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Francis Putman-S.16231
BA-J/AWF

Hazel Baker Clark
Aurora
Ohio
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary Was record of Captain Francis Putnam, born May 4, 1752 near Schenectady, New York and died November 23, 1834.
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 16231, based upon the Revolutionary Was service of Francis Putman [Putnam] as his signature appears in the claim.
Francis Putman [Putnam] was born May 4, 1752 (Old Style) in Johnstown, Tryon (which was later Montgomery) County, New York.
While a resident of Charlestown, Tryon County, New York, Francis Putman [Putnam] enlisted in 1775 and served at various times on short tours in each succeeding year until 1781, as private, ensign, and first lieutenant in the New York militia under Captains Jacob Gardinier, Harmanus Maybie, Colonel Frederick Fisher; he was in the battle of Oriskany, and the taking of Burgoyne, in the battles of Stone Arabia and Johnstown, length of all service about thirteen months.
He was allowed pension on his application executed, September 19, 1832, while a resident of Johnstown, New York. He died November 23, 1834 in said Johnstown.
He left now widow, but children survived him; the only name stated was Cornelius F. Putman [Putnam] of Amsterdam,
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New York in 1843, then aged thirty-seven years. The name of the wife of the soldier, Francis Putman [Putnam], is not stated.

Garrit Putman [Putnam] was a second lieutenant in June, 1776 in the same service with Francis Putman [Putnam], and Victor Putman [Putnam] served under Lieutenant Francis Putman [Putnam] in June, 1776; said Victor Putman [Putnam] was a resident of Amsterdam, New York in 1832. It is not shown that these three soldiers were in any way related.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
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[left side of document]
P. 16231
INVALID
[Fil]e No. 16231
Francis Putman [Putnam]
Sergt. + Ensign Rev War
Act: June 7" 32
[In]dex:-- Vol. 1, Page 354
(Arrangement of 1870)

[right side of document]
25: July 6 - Hist. to Mrs. J. Hamilton - MMNF
34 - June 8 - hist to Hazel [B]aker Clark AUF
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State of New York }
Montgomery County } ss
I [text obscured] eared before me the undersigned a [illegible] [text obscured] Francis Putman [Putnam] who first being duly sworn says that the records of the Secretary's office of this state have been examined and that no evidence is there found of his appointment as a Lieutenant and this deponent says that after his appointment as Ensign, he was elected by the voice of the regiment to the Rank of Lieutenant.
Francis Putman [Putnam]
Sworn and subscribed this 13 day of December of 1833
John Quilhot
[illegible] of the Justice of the peace for the Town of Amsterdam

State of New York }
Montgomery County } ss
I George D. Ferguson clerk of the Court of Common Please in and for said county do hereby certify that John Quilhot Esquire before whom the above affidavit purports to have been made was on the day of the  date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said county & I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe that the signature of said Justice that is signed is Genuine.
Given under my hand and Seal of office this 19th day of December 1833
Geo. [George] D. Ferguson
Page 24

Extract from the Minutes of the Council of Appointment of the State of New York.
Dated 25th June 1778.

"Resolved that Frederick Fisher Esquire be Colonel of the Regiment  of Militia in the County of Tryon lately commanded by him, that Volkent Veeder Esquire be Lieutenant Colonel and John Newkirk Esquire Major of the said Regiment.
That Harmanus Maybie Esquire be captain of the company of Militia in the [illegible] wherein he resides, Francis Prayn first Lieutenant. Vincent  Quackenboſs [Quackenboss] Second Lieutenant, and Francis Putnam [name underline] Ensign of the said Company- and that Peter Conyne be adjutant ad Abraham Van Horne Quarter Master of the said Regiment." 

State of New York }
Secretary's Office }
I certify the above to be a true Extract from the minutes aforesaid and that commiſsions [commissions] were iſsued [issued] to the offivers above named.

Given under my hand and the Seal of this Office at the city of Albany the sixth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
Arch. Campbell
Dep. Secretary
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War Department
Pension Office
8 October 1833

Sir

The papers in support of the application of Francis Putman [Putnam] for a pension have again been examined. The case is suspended and the papers placed on file.

By the Regulations of the Department, every applicant is  required to produce the best evidence in his power. By applying to the Secretary of the State of New York evidence of the applicant's having been duly Commiſsioned [Commissioned] as an Ensign and Lieutenant may be obtained.
I am, respectfully
Your obt. [obedient] servt. [servant]
J L Edwards

John V. Berry, Esq.
Johnstown
N.Y.
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Francis Putman
Sept. 10th 1834
G.C.
Record Vol. 24 page 284
G.C.
Page 27

War Department
Pension Office
Sept. 10th 1834
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 29th March [sentence crossed out]
You are requested to return your Pension Certificate under the act of June 7 1832 to this office in order that an [illegible] may be [illegible].

Francis Putman [Putnam]
Johnstown
New York
Page 28

Mr. Edwards. I send your letter to enable you to refer to the case with ease. I hope you will act immediately upon this case. By your letter you will see that all your objections have been answered. I have obtained the Secretary's certificate. The old gentleman is very old pleas [please] send certificate as soon as possible.
Yours Respectfully
Mr. V. Berry
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No. 12623
Francis Putman [Putnam]
Ensign 6 mo.
3" Private
4.12 Srgt. [Sergeant]
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No 12623-
Brief objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Francis Putman [Putnam] which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? [handwritten] yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? [handwritten] yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? [handwritten]  So answered No
V. *Has he mentioned 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 amout [amount] of pension he is entitled? [handwritten]
No. No service can be taken in the computation of a pension which is distinctly & specially set forth as the regulations require. In the [continues below query VI]
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
[continued from query V] amendatory affidavit each period & the officers should be seperately [separately] stated. Yes.
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? [handwritten] Answered yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? [handwritten] yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? [handwritten] Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? [handwritten] yes-
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2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XIII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? [a scribble]
XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? [handwritten] No
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? [handwritten] yes-
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? [handwritten] Yes---
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? [handwritten] yes-
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For-- months and -- days, I served as a--. For-- months and -- days, I served as a --; and for such service I claim a pension."
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8
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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.
+QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be 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.
+QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.
Page 33

Francis Putnam
[illegible]
No 24753 [illegible]

[written perpendicular along the left side of the document] [illegible] Hill act 21

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 34

Johnstown Oct 20 1834
Dear Sir
I am informed (through the pension agent) that Francis Putmans [Putnam's] pension has been discontinued or the pension agent had received orders from you not to pay. Will you please inform me immediately whether you have given such orders or not and if so for what reason.
Yours Respectfully
John V Berry
Hon J L Edwards
P.S. Send answer immediately if you please to me. Please think of Kellicutts case I sent you a short time since.
Page 35

J.V. Berry
10th Nov 1834

G C

Record Vol 24 Pg 469
GC
Page 36

War Department
Pension Office
November 8, 1834
Sir
On a reexamination of the evidence upon which the pension of Francis Putman [Putnam] was granted, it has been [illegible] that there is a ſuch [such] a discrepancy between his statement in the original and the ſupplemental [supplemental] declaration in regard to the ſix [six] months ſervice [service] in 1779 & 80 as to render [illegible] of the claim very doubtfull [doubtful]; the [illegible] him therefore was directed to ſuspend [suspend] the payment of Mr. Putmans [Putnam's] pension untill [until] further notice - It is ſtated [stated] in the original declaration that he ſerved [served] at Fort [illegible] in 1779 & 80 three months in such years as Centry [Sentry?] and in the ſupplemental [supplemental] three months in such of those years as an Ensign and was [illegible] "as the enemy [illegible]"- The difference in these ſtatements [statements] must be satisfactorily explained and the service proved by other evidence
Page 37

before this ſervice [service] in question can be again admitted

[illegible due to page fold] Berry
10th Novr. [November] 1834
G C
[illegible] 1169
G C

I. V. Berry Esq.
Johnſtown [Johnstow] 
New York
Page 38

J. L. Edwards
Commiſsioner [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 39

Sir
The enclosed affidavit was taken a few days since before my return to Albany. Since I have been here I have examined the Books of the Agency for the payment of pension and find the name of Francis Putnam [name underlined] under the act of 7th June 1832 noted as suspended [word underlined]. It will therefore be neceſsary [necessary], I presume, to renew the pension claim and adduce documentary proof of service, before any arrears can be paid. I have however concluded to send you the affidavit by way of opening the matter, and shall await your advice.
In regard to that particular portion [last 3 words underlines] of the claim aſsented [assented] by the annexed paper, I have proceeded upon the ſupposition [supposition] that no certificate from the Surrogate[?] is required until the time arrives for making out the vouchers on which to draw the money; inasmuch as it refers to a small balance due on the pension warrant iſsued [issued] in the name [last 3 words underlined] of the old pensioner Francis Putman [Putnam]
I am very respectfully, 
Your most obt. [obedient] Servt. [servant]
G. F. Yates
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commr. [Commissioner] of Pensions
Albany, April 19th, 1843
Page 40

Pen Off
Sept. 20, '43
Sir
In answer to your enquire in the case of Francis Putnam decd. [deceased?] I would refer you to the enclosed copy of my letter of 26 May last to G. F. Yates Esq.

Meſsrs [Messers] 
Wm. [William] & Charles Tracy
Utica
N.Y.
Page 41

Giles H. Gates
May 26. 1843
Page 42

Pen. Off.
May 26 43
Sir
In reply to the application for balance due Francis Putnam as his death in 1834, I would inform you that he [illegible] have been largely [illegible] and upon a correct adjustment of his claim - He was unadvisedly allowed for 6ms. [months] service as an Ensign without any evidence whatever of having been commiſsioned [commissioned] - From the knowledge of the New York service since acquired, the [illegible] is now enabled to perceive that he has an [illegible] his duties as home in a Company of Minute Men with regular service in filed or garrison. A letter to the Pensioner of 10 Sept. 34 & to his atto [attorney] I V Berry 10 Nov. 34 apprised him of the grounds for suspending his pension.
Giles F. Yates Esq.
Schenectady N.Y.
Page 43

Utica W. Y. Sept. 23/43
Wm [William] H h. Tracy

Was a pension ever granted Francis Putnam his [illegible] any due his heirs.
J162. Rec Sept 28/43
Pension Office
Fra Putnam
NY '32 Lee
Page 44

Thompſson [Thompson] Utica Sept. 23 1843
Thompson

Secretary of War Department
Sir
The representatives of Francis Putman [Putnam] late of Johnstown Montgomery Co. in the state of New York who died about the year 1843 desire to know whether any and if any what pension was ever granted him as a revolutionary soldier. They are informed that as his representatives they are entitled to draw some [illegible] and moneys. Will you do us the favor so inform us
Very respectfully,
Your humble servants
Wm. [William] H H Tracy
Page 45

[illegible] 17th Feb 1832
Hon. Jas. [James] E. Heath
[illegible] Sir
The name of Francis Putman [Putnam] [name underlined was inscribed on the pension roll as a Private, Sergeant, & Ensign at $42 per annum to be paid from the 4th March 1834 but was suspended [word underlined] Sept 10th 1834.
I write to enquire why he was so suspended. The pensioner himself a ballance [balance] must be due to his old widow who needs the pittance.
Yours Very Respectfully
R. F. Trowbridge

[in a different hand]
The [illegible in 1843 that this pensioner left no widow.
This person proves nothing in this letter.
Page 46

[illegible due to page cut off] bridge
April 17 1832
Page 47

Pension Office
April 17 1852

Sir:
In reply to your enquiry for the reason for the [illegible] of the Pension of Francis Putman [Putnam] who had been inscribed in the New York Roll under the Act of June 7, 1832, as the rate of $32 per annum. And why His arrears alleged to be due cannot be paid to his legal referrer and [illegible]. I would respectfully [previous 3 words crossed out] [illegible] are referred to the accompanying copy of a letter addreſsed [addressed] to Giles F. Yates Esq on the 26th of May 1843
Page 48

22"
Aurora, Ohio, Dec. 22, '33

Interior Bureau of Pensions,
Archive Division

Gentlemen-

Will you please send me the service record or any other data you may have of Captain Francis Putnam [last name underlined] born May 4, 1752, near Schenectady, New York, died at Tribes Hill, N.Y. Nov. 23, 1834.
Married 28 December 1777 Maria Fonda? I wish it to establish a D.A.R. lineage. Thank you.
Hazel Baker C. Cork

[stamp that reads] Received Dec 26 a933 Mail Sub Div Vets. Adm.
Page 49

Envelope

Stamp right corner   
2 Cents


Mrs. R.J. Hamilton
107 Marshall St.
Coldwater
Michigan
Page 50

Mrs. Robert J. Hamilton
107 Marshall Street
Coldwater, Michigan

Monday May 23 1923
Pension Bureau
Washington D.C.
[a stamp reading] U. S. Pension Office May 28 1925

I am writing to enquire if you have any record of Francis Putnam who died Nov 23 1834;
I believe he lived in the Mohawk section of New York.
Respect Yours
(Mrs. R. J.) Harriet Putnam Hamilton
Page 51

Cold Water, Michigan
May 3, 1925
Pension Bureau
Washington, D.C.

I am writing to enquire if you have any record of Francis Putnam [name underlined], who died Nov. 23 - 1834
I believe he lived in the Mohawk Section of New York. 
Respect Yours

(Mrs. R J) Harried Putnam Hamilton
107 Marshall St.
Coldwater
Mich.
[a stamp that reads] U.S. Pension Office May 7 1925
Page 52

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section [illegible notation]

July 6, 1925

Mrs. R. J. Hamilton
107 Marshall St.
Coldwater, Michigan.
Madam:

I have to advise you that from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim S. 16231 it appears that Francis Putman was born May 4, 1752 (Old Style) in Johnstown, Tryon County (which was later Montgomery County), New York.
While a resident of Charlestown, Tryon County, New York he enlisted in 1775 and served at various times on short tours in each succeeding year until in 1781, about thirteen months in all, as private, Ensign and First Lieutenant in the New York Militia under Captains Jacob Gardinier, Harmanus Maybie and Colonel Frederick Fisher
and was in the battle of Oriskany, the taking of Burgoyne and battles of Stone Arabia and Johnstown, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 19, 1832 while a resident of Johnstown, Mont-
Page 53

[typed]
gomer County, New York. He died November 23, 1834 in said Johnstown.
He left no widow, but children; Cornelius F. Putnam [last name underlined] of Amsterdam, New York in 1843 aged thirty-seven years old is the only name stated.
Respectfully,
Winfield Scott
Commissioner.

[hand written]
Nothing was said about his being dropped from the pension roll because service a Ensign was not proved. it was a [illegible] quibble, even if he did not go into field service. he was Ensign of his home company and it was honorable service.
AU
July 6, 25