Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 6,518, for Joseph Lull, Vermont
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE  NUMBER
Vt Lull, Joseph R.6518
Deborah
CONTENTS
Page 2

Affidavit of Esther Vandenburg
& Francis Priest
Page 3

The State of Ohio
Jefferson County ⎬ On this 13th day of May AD 1852 -
personally appeared before one John Shaw
Justice of the peace in and for said County Esther Vanemburgh:
a resident of Steubenville in said County and State
foresaid, aged forty six years who being first duly sworn
according to law deposeth and says that she is the
daughter of Joseph Lull and Deborah Lull his wife
of the Town of Unadilla County of Otsego and State
New York; that she has reason to believe and does 
believe that her Father was a soldier in the war of the 
Revolution. And per her reasons for said belief Deponent
says, that she (deponent) has heard her father say that
he served in said war of the Revolution for about the
term of six years, that she has heard him relate 
incidents that occurred in said war to which he was an
eye witness, that he related them in her presence 
numerous times, to his neighbours, and in
the presence of hundreds of others, some of the incidents 
thus related have escaped deponents memory
through lapse of time whilst others are still
retained, E. G. the deponents father was present at
an engagement, with the British troops where
there were American Stores collected, the British
set fire to the Buildings and the principal part of
said stores were consumed, Deponents Father was
one who assisted in removing what remained of
said Stores, that they were closely pursued by the
British troops & Indians and many were slain, those
who were slain having drunk to excess of the
Rum rescued from the Stores aforesaid, Six
were taken prisoner by the British while stealing
liquor commonly called Apple Tree, the arms
of said soldiers were stacked at the root of an
Appletree " Further Deponents Father knew
Page 4

on George Deveber a Deserter from the British Army
said Deveber turned his 'red coat' inside out and 
were it so in token of his change of principles,
After the close of the war Deponents Father and said
Deveber frequently met and have been heard by
Deponent and others to talk over scenes and
incidents that transpired during the Revolutionary war and
of which the were both personally cognizant
That on the fiftieth anniversary of the American 
Independence the Revolutionary soldiers paraded
in form of war in my fathers vicinity, [illegible]
ded by one Col Johnson. that deponents Father
paraded on that occasion, with the others, that
he was always reputed to have been in the service
in said war; and that his statements in regard
to the matter was never disputed, that
there were a large number of Revolutionary
soldiers in said vicinity and that Deponent
father have a number of messmates 
amongst them and that he was known by
said soldiers to have been in said service;
that he testified to the actual service of
several of his comrades in order that they might
obtain the benefit of the enactments of Congress
in behalf the the soldiers of the Revolution
that he was insisted on to apply himself, but
he refused on the grounds that he had enough
to maintain himself & family and would
not be a burden to his country. That at the
expiration of the service he received a regular
discharged from his commanding officer
which discharge was afterwards burnt ap
in the burning of a house in which said James
Lulls father resided and in which said
discharge was at the time of the burning
Page 5

That said Joseph Hull was married to Deponent
Mother Deborah Priest about the year 1792
that there is no record of such marriage, as it took
place in a new and unorganized settlement
(Western part of New York) that they lived
and cohabited together as man and wife untill 
the death of said Joseph a period of about
36 years, that there was born in said parents in
said wedlock William Lull and your Deponent
said William Lull is now about fifty nine years
of age that he was born in the spring of 1793
but his place of residence is unknown to
this Deponent A Pamphlet was published
by one Josiah Priest on [illegible] to the perils and
sufferings of the soldier in the army. it contained
plates mention was made of deponents
father, Said pamphlet Deponent has reason
to believe has gone out of print as no copy
of it can now be found said Josiah Priest was
Step son of said Joseph Lull. and is now deceased
Esther Vanemburgh
Sworn to & subscribed before
me this 13 day of May 1832
John Shaw
Jus of Peace

State of Ohio Jeffern County
Personally appeared before me John Shaw a Justice of the
peace in & for said County Francis A Priest who being duly
sworn according to law doth and says that he is a
half Brother of the above named Esther Vanemburgh
that his Mother Deborah Priest intermarried with
Joseph Lull about the year 1792 that Deponent was
son to said Deborah by a former husband, that the
deponent resided with his step Father Joseph Lull
Page 6

until Deponent [illegible] at the age of 17 years
that he has reason to believe and does believe the
said Joseph Lull was a Revolutionary soldier
from the same circumstances occuring to his
knowledge as is set forth in the affidavit of Esther
Venamburgh hereto attached and the said Deponent 
makes that a part of his affidavit
and Deponent further says that the above named
Esther Vandenburgh in the legitimate Daughter of
said Joseph Lull and Deborah Lull born in
Wedlock. And further this Deponent saith not
F A Priest
Sworn and Subscribed
before me this 13th day
of May AD 1852 John Shaw Justice of Peace

The State of Ohio Jefferson County ss
I George Webster Clerk of the Court of Common pleas of
Jefferson County in the State of Ohio do hereby certify that John
Shaw Esquire, before whom the two foregoing affidavits
were sworn to was at the time of taking said affidavits
a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly 
commissioned and qualified, and authorized to administer
oaths in all cases where the same are required by law to be
administered, that his commission is dated June 1st
1850, and will expire June 1st 1853 that his two
several signatures hereto attached are genuine
said Court of Common pleas is a Court of Record
Witness my signature and the seal of
our said Court of Common Pleas at
Steubenville this 13th day of May
A D 1852 -
George Webster
Page 7

[upside down at bottom]
No 324
Deborah Lull
[illegible] resident]
soliciting a pension as the widow 
of Joseph Lull Revolutionary soldier
[illegible]
P113 Rec. Feb 16 42
Pension Office


Free
His excellency John Tyler
President U.S.A
Washington
D.C.
Page 8

February the 3 1840
for having lately seen the course that you
are pursuing in the Administration of your high
office, thought, would venture to beg your attention
a few lines from me; in the year of our Lord
1777 Joseph Lull of the Town of Hartford
State of Vermont Listed in to the service of his
country in the  Regiment called the Green Mountain
Boys and served faithfully untill peace was
Proclaim'd and got his discharge and Returned
to his father and laid up his Discharge with
was burnt with his fathers House not Long
After and in the year 1793 he came to the Susquehanna
in the Town of Unidilla Otsego Co and [illegible] himself 
to me Being a Widdow and in the year
1799 the 19th of Febuary he became my Husband
and in the year 1812 our Beloved country
Remembering the toils of her sons in the
War gave them that were poor a Pension
and when the news came the People said now
Mr Lull will be rewarded for his service to
his country that it was not so for we had a good
farm on the Bank of the River had Labored
hand to clear it and had gone through all the trials
common to the first Settlers in a New Country
And we are enjoying the rewards of our toil and
of course Mr Lull could not claim a Pension
But these his comrade in Arms Drew theres and
he helped them to obtain it had he Like others
been indolent and profligate he might have
Drawn A Pension or if he had done as Many
Did and put His property, out of his hands
he might have drawn it But he Disdain'd
the thought no he would not do so but think
that in 1831 congress I gave all that were
Living A pension this they ought to have done
Before But it was nothing to me Mr Lull was
Dead having Died December 28 1830
Page 9

on those that have hard work to provide for
themselves farewell Dear sir Dear to Every
one I think that Loves the Liberty of his
country more than his own private interest May
the smiles of nine indulgent Providence
Rest upon thee
this from Deborah Hull Late of
Unidilla Otsego Co State of New York But now
in Troy Bradford County Pennsylvania
one year ago last October left Little Genesee
where Lives Hiram Willson my friend Allegany Co
State of New York that I Am [illegible] from
place to place and have no pertain Dwelling
Home
Page 10

but for several years before his death his mind
Became somewhat deranged and the charges Ever
Watching for an opportunity to destroy took
the Advantage of his imbecility to destroy and
Devise what we had and not a year had gone
By Before the farm on which I had Lived Long
And Labored hard, and old and feeble was
sold for Six Hundred Dollars
when we had been offered thousand five Hundred
and left to seek my own living where I
Might find it has [illegible] learned that the
Aged widows The Soldiers of the Revolution had
obtained a Pension I came forward and went
forward my claims that they were rejected
I was Married to late in time But when the Last
Act in favour of Widdow was past Hiram Willson
of Little Seneca Allegany offerd His
service to try to obtain some thing for me saying
with others that if any had a claim on
Government & had and the Papers were forwarded
to Propper Authority appointed and
A correspondence betwen Mr. Wilson and
the [illegible]per Man appoint for this affair and we
were told that I was a few days to late and it seems
could claim nothing: But when your Excellency
was called to the high office to president over
A People highly favoured of the Most High
and Read the various Addresses of yours to Congress
My Heart was glad and I felt to thank my
Heavenly father. Giving us a Man that will
not bend to A party the Lord Bless and prosper
your Administration and those Happy States
over whome you presides and thought Lately came to
mind that 
Me that prehaps you would condescend to become my
Advocate with our Congress to Grant me some
Relief for 7 years have made me feeble and have to Depend
1
Page 11

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 3 -- 525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C. ----19.---

In reply to your request of ----- received -----
for a statement of the military history of Joseph Lull
soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his daughters application for pension
on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF              LENGTH OF    RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.
ENLISTMENT OR     SERVICE.                         CAPTAIN.         COLONEL.
APPOINTMENT.
July 1777 to end of war    in the Rangers of the state of Vermont

the claim was not allowed owing to lack of satisfactory
proof service and of date of marriage

Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Hartland Windsor Co. Vt.
Date of application for pension, by his daughter Esther Vanamburgh May 13, 1832
Residence at date of application, Steubenville Jefferson Co Ohio
Age at date of application, 46 years
Remarks: between 1789 & 1793 at Unadilla Otsego Co NY. Deborah wid of
Josiah Priest, and died there Nov 26 1829 or 1830, he was drowned in the Susquehanna
River near his residence Died at Thompson Geauga Co Ohio Jan 23, 1851 aged about 84 years they
had children, but only two named are William born Spring 1793 a Methodist
Minister, and the above noted Esther Vanenburgh she had children names not
stated
Respectfully,
Commissioner,
6 -- 2856
Page 12

District of Columbia
Washington County
On this first day of January
Eighteen hundred and fifty three personally
appeared before me T.C. Johns
a Justice of the Peace, within and for
the County and District aforesaid,
Esther Vanemburgh, a resident of the
City of Steubenville, in the State of Ohio
aged forty six 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 provision
made by the act of Congress,
[illegible] March the 4th 1836 and another
the 7 day of July 1838, entitled
An act granting half pay and pensions
to certain Widows

That she is the daughter of Joseph and
Deborah Lull, and the only one of five
children, now living; by that Marriage,
That her father Joseph Lull, as she has
from her childhood heard from his lips, say
and has reason to believe, was a private
in the Company commanded by Captain
Staunton or Captain, or Col Warren,
of the Rangers or Militia of Vermont
That he volunteered as a ranger, at or
near his father's residence, Hartland, in
the County of Windsor, she thinks and State of Vermont
Some time in the year 1777 and served
for about one year, as Groom and [illegible] for
Col. Warren or Staunton, he being then 
18 years of age, after which he served
in each Campaign as a soldier throughout the War
Page 13

of the Revolution, she hath repeatedly
heard him relate the hardships, said trials
and Battles he participated in, but doth
not remember, where, or when he was
quartered except one place, Staten Island

She further states, that there is no documentary
Evidence, nor can she procure any
in support of her claim

She further declares, that her Father
and mother was Married in the year of
1792 or 1793. as she hath often heard them say
she not having any public or private record
of said Marriage in her possession, at or near
Unadilla, in the County of Otsego, State of
New York by one Jonathan Newman
a Methodist Clergyman, and that her mother;
name before her said marriage was Deborah
Priest, the Widow of Josiah Priest, that
her father, the aforesaid Joseph Lull, died
on or about the 26th day of November A.D
1829. Near his own residence and farm, by being
accidently drowned in the River Susquehanna,
near Unadilla Otsego County, State of New York,
aged about 70 years

She further states, that her said Mother Deborah
Lull, died on the 22 day of January
A.D. 1851, at the Town of Thompson, near
Chardon, Geauga County State of Ohio aged,
about 84 years That she was married
to her father Joseph Lull, prior to his leaving
the service, but the Marriage took place
previous to the first of January Seventeen
hundred and Ninety four (Viz) at the time
above stated
Page 14

She further swears that her said mother
remained a widow from the decease
of her father, up to the time of her decease,
of which fact, proof has been adduced
and filed with her Mother's application,
also of her said marriage to her said father
She further states, that her said mother
Deborah Lull did make application
previous to her death, for a pension,
but has never received one
Esther Vanenburgh
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the
day and year above written
Thomas Dunn JP


accompanying this declaration, are the
affidavit of [illegible] G. W. Saunders, Ebenezer
Root, Elisha Lathrop and John M. Betts
of Otsego County, State of New York
Page 15

State of New York
County of Otsego . 
Bevil G. W. Saunders of Unadilla
in said County aged 46 years and 
Ebenezer Hart of Unadilla aged 80 years
being each duly sworn severally depose & say
that they formerly know & were each well
acquainted with the late Joseph Lull formerly 
of the town of Unadilla in the County
of Otsego & for a number of years while
he resided in said town. That during
such acquaintance with the said Joseph
Lull now deceased deponent often conversed 
with him about his services in the
War of the Revolution & the Battles in
which during said war he was engaged
and deponent also depose & say that they 
have often conversed with & heard the
reputable neighbors & acquaintance of
the said Joseph Lull speak of his said
Services in said war and deponents
say that from said statement of said
Joseph Lull & the conviction of his neighbors 
they are satisfied & sure that it was
the General & Universal opinion of his
neighbors that he had been a soldier of
the Revolution
Bevil G W Saunders
Ebenezer Hart

Sworn Subscribed
& acknowledged before
me November 30th 1852
Eli Belknap Justice of the peace

and they swear that they are disinterested witnesses
Eli B. Belknap Justice of the Peace
Page 16

Otsego County ss. The within was sworn to & Subscribed 
before me the day & year within written and I certify, that Bevil F.
Wm Saunders and Ebenezer Foot are very respectable
and reputable citizens and worthy
of all credit.
Eli C. Belknap Justice of the peace
-
STATE OF NEW YORK
OTSEGO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, SAMUEL NORTH, Clerk of the County of Otsego, do hereby certify
that Eli C. Belknap whose name is subscribed to the
certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, was at the time of
taking such proof or acknowledgment, a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE of the County of
Otsego, dwelling in said County, duly authorized to take such proof or acknowledgment,
and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and
verily believe that his signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgment is
genuine, and that said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the
Laws of the State of New-York.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said County, the 4th
day of December A. D., 1852.
Samuel North CLERK.
Page 17

State of New York
Otsego County
On this Eighth day of December
1852 before me Jared C. Gregory a Justice of
the peace within and for said County, came
Elisha Lathrop of Unadilla in said County
aged Seventy Eight years, who being
by me sworn according to law, deposes
and says, that he was well acquainted with
Joseph Lull now deceased, in his
life time who formerly resided in the
Town of Unadilla aforesaid, that his
acquaintance with said Lull commenced
over forty years ago, and as early as the
year 1812, and deponent says that when
he so first knew said Lull, he was there
living & cohabiting with Deborah Lull
who this deponent always supposed and
now verily believes to have been his lawful
wife, and deponent says that he know
said full & also his wife until the time
of his death, and deponent says that so
long as said Lull lived he cohabited &
lived with said Deborah, as his wife and
was always in the vicinity & among
his neighbors supposed to be her lawful
husband, and deponent says that
while they were so living they raised
several children
And deponent further says that always
during the time he so know said Lull
he said Lull was reputed, and
understood in the neighborhood where
he resided, to have been a soldier
in the Revolutionary war, and deponent
Page 18

says, although he has no personal knowledge
of the fact, he has no doubt of the fact
and verily believes it to be so, that said
Lull, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
and deponent says that to the best
of his recollection and belief said Joseph
Lull came to his death by being drowned
in the Susquehanna or near his
then residence, in the year 1829, aged
to the best of deponents knowledge
about Seventy years,
Elisha Lathrop

Subscribed & sworn to before me the day & year
first above written and I hereby certify that
I am well acquainted with Deacon
Elisha Lathrop, have been for great
number of years, and that he is a man
of unquestioned integrity, whose statements
an entitled to full credit,
Jared C. Gregory Justice
of the peace,

Otsego County
On this 24th day of December
A.D. 1852 before me Jared C. Gregory a Justice
of the peace of said County, personally came
John M. Betts aged fifty nine years, a
resident of Sidney Delaware County New York,
who being by me duly sworn according
to law deposes and says, that
from his earliest recollection he was
Page 19

well acquainted with Joseph Lull now
deceased who formerly resided in Unadilla
in Otsego County, to the time of his death
which to the best of deponent recollection
occurred by drowning in the Susquehanna
River in the year 1829, and deponent
says that said Hull was often at the horse
of deponents father, and deponent often
heard said Lull speak of his having been
in the service of the United States
in the revolutionary war, and heard
him relate the incidents of the war
in which he was engaged, and said
Lull was considered and reputed in
the neighborhood where he resided to
have been a soldier of the revolution,
and deponent has no doubt that said
Lull was a soldier of the United States
in said war, and deponent says that
where he first knew said Lull, he was living
& cohabiting with Deborah Lull as his
wife who was then reported to have been
the Widow Priest, and deponent says that
said Lull continued to live with said
Deborah as his wife until the time of
his death, and they raised a large
family of children, and deponent says
that said children attended Schools taught
by him, and deponent says that he was
well acquainted with said family, and 
said Joseph Lull & said Deborah were
always in the neighborhood reputed 
and supposed to be husband & wife
and deponent then believe and now
believes that they were legally and
Page 20

properly married were in such husband
and wife,
John M. Betts

Subscribed & Sworn to before me the day and
year first above written, the word "knew" in
16th line from bottom of last page interlined
before signing, and I certify that I am
and have been for several years well acquainted
with the above deponent John
M. Betts - that he has ben Sheriff of
Delaware County, and has also represented
said County in the State Senate
and that he is a man of integrity and
unblemished character, whose statements
an entitled to the fullest credit
Jared C. Gregory
Justice of the peace

State of New York
Otsego County Clerks office 
I Samuel North Clerk
of said County do hereby
certify that Jared C. Gregory whose name is subscribed
to the two foregoing certificates, was at the time of
taking such proof a Justice of the peace of the Court
of Otsego, dwelling in said County, duly authorized
to take such proof, and that I am well acquainted with
the hand writing of the said Justice & verily believe
that his signature to the said certificates is
genuine & that said affidavits are
Executed according to the laws of the
State of New York, Witness my
hand seal of office this 27th day
of December A.D. 1852,
Samuel North, Clerk
Page 21

District of Columbia
Washington County
Know all men by these present
that Esther Vanemburg, of the City of 
Steubenville, in the State of Ohio, and constituted
and appointed and by these
presents do constitute and appoint John
Johnson, of the City of Washington, in
the District of Columbia, my true and
lawful Attorney, irrevocably for me and
in my name to receive from the United States,
the Pension which may be due for services
rendered the United States, in the War of the
Revolution by my Father Joseph Lull
Deceased, in the Volunteer Rangers or Militia Troops
of the State of Vermont, as also the Bounty land
certificate or warrant, and all such sum or sums
of money due me, the only lawful heir, Surviving
my father, Joseph Lull, and Deborah Lull
on account of arrears of pay, Extra pay, Mileage
or money or moneys which may be due me
by the United States, on any account whatsoever, 
and generally to do all lawful acts
and things whatsoever touching the premises
and an attorney or attornies under him for the
purpose aforesaid, to make at his pleasure to
revoke, hereby confirming all and whatsoever
my said Attorney shall in my name legally do or
cause to be done, in and about the premises.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto
Set my name and seal, this Twenty fifth day
of October A.D. 1852
Esther Vanemburgh
Seal
Page 22

Acknowledged and subscribed before
me, a Justice of the Peace, in and
for the County and District aforesaid
this 25th day of October A.D. 1852
Thomas C. Doner
JP
Page 23

14799 Oct 11.50
Claim of
Mrs Esther Vanemberg
daughter of Joseph &
Deborah Lull decd
D.C.
Act 7. June 1832 &c
War of 1776.
July 7 1838
Presented by
Jno Johnson
atty
Page 24

District of Columbia
Washington County
On this Eleventh day of October A.D. one
thousand Eight hundred and fifty two, before
me, John D. Clark, a Justice of the Peace
within and for the County of Washington in the
District of Columbia, personally appeared Esther
Vanemburg, aged 46 years, a resident of the
City of Steubenville in the State of Ohio, who
being duly sworn according to law, declares, that
she is the legitimate Daughter of Joseph Lull, a
Revolutionary soldier, and Deborah Lull, his lawful
wife, both deceased, and makes the following statement 
and declaration, in order to obtain the benefit
of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 or the several 
act passed in 1838-- 1841- 1845 and of the
act of the 28th of September 1850, as may be decided
upon. That some time in the latter part of
the year, 1845. her Mother Deborah Lull, filed
a claim in the Pension Office at Washington for
the services of her husband Jos Lull aforesaid, there
in setting forth the time he entered the Army as well as
the length of time he served, with all the
positive, and traditionary Evidence, that she could
procure at this remote period; taken before
Justice Hicks, of Allegany Co New York
and presented by one Mr Hooker, she believes
That her said mother, a short time after the
Act of 1850, renewed her claim before the Pension
Department, by additional testimony, which was
presented by our Hathaway of Chardon
Ohio. That her said mother, deceased, on the
day of January A.D. 1857. aged nearly 84 years
and after waiting a considerable time for an answer
from the Department, in the latter part of
Page 25

the month of May 1852, the Said Ester came
on to the City of Washington, to ascertain the cause
of the delay, and, accompanied by the Hon. J.
Cable, of Ohio, called at the Department, was
shown the original papers, and was informed by the
Chief Clerk, that all that was then needed
to make the claim complete, was the general
understanding of the people, who resided
around and about her father's farm, and
residence in Oswego County N. York, where he died
after a residence of 40 years
That after her return home, at considerable expense
and [illegible] evidence was collected in the State of
Ohio from persons who formerly resided in
the family and neighborhood, in the State of N.
York. This last evidence was sent on by
Col. McCook of Steubenville, who, by request
gave is to the Hon. J. Cable, who filed is as
the Department.
That the said Esther arrived in this
City on the 7th inst, and on the 8th Visited the
Department in quest of her claim; and was in
informed that the Original papers and
documents could not be found, and was either
lost or mislaid
I then being suggested to her by
the Commissioner, and Chief Clerk, to prepare
a new claim upon the lost one; She now
on her oath, declares, that she has repeatedly heard
her deceased, father Joseph Lull, say, that he entered
the Revolutionary army in the State of Vermont
where he resided in the year 1777 as a volunteer,
commonly called the Green Mountain Boys, as a
Ranger, and was under the command
Page 26

3 )
of Captain or Col Staunton, and served
to the end of the War, and was honorably
discharged, she is positive as to hearing him often
say, that shortly after arriving to his fathers home,
that his father's house took fire and burned
down, and that among his effects that was
destroyed, was his discharge. She has often heard
him speak of his toils, Battles, and suffering
As to the number of Battles, he was in it is impossible
now to bring to mind, or of his marches and where

She hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a
Pension or annuity, except the present, that her father's
name nor her mother's is not on the pension roll of the
Agency of any State
Esther Vanemburgh
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
John Clark JP

Affidavit filed with the original papers.
1st Abel Maxson, step Son of Timothy Lull
Bro. to Joseph Gould, resided in Lebanon, Madison Co
N. York, and lived a near neighbor of said Timothy
for 20 years, who repeatedly heard him say my father
Served throughout the war of the Revolution.
2- Josiah Priest, Step Son of my father, deposed
that he was present at the Marriage Ceremony of
my father & mother, the said Josiah was a man of high
attainments, and known to some extent among
the Literary of this Country. He deceased, in March
1857. aged 65 years
3- Rev. William Lull, Son of Joseph and
Deborah Lull, being on a ministerial visit to
Vermont, he visited the old homestead of our
Parents, and learned that there lived nearly
Page 27

4 ) 
an aged old Soldier, who knew his father, and
he repaired to his house, made enquiry to his
father's services, and learned from the old sick
man, that he was in the same company with
Joseph Lull, and Messed with him throughout
the War of the Revolution; he sought to get his
deposition of these facts, but before he could prepare
and get a Justice, the old soldier was
taken with an apoplexy fit and died

The foregoing Synopsis of the affidavits
presented with the Original papers, she has
deemed expedient to mention, as they were all
seen and read by her and forwarded on
to Washington by her
Esther Vanemburgh

Sworn to and subscribed the day and
year above written
John D. Clark

Presented herewith is a letter from the Hon.
D Cable, also an instrument of Writing from
the Rev. O. B. Dunlap
Page 28

Washington, July 13th 1852.
Honorable
J.E. Heath:
Viz: Do me the honor to
take up the case of Deborah
Lull, widow of Joseph Lull
soldier of the Revolution. The
widow's application for a pension
her original papers were presented
several years ago, by a member of
Congress from Pa, and a few
weeks since I enclosed two
several affidavits. I then asked
delay until I could get another
official paper, but I am instructed
to ask it to be taken up
I have the honor to be
with high esteem
J. Cable
Page 29

50
Hon. J. Cable
Sept 10/52
Page 30

136
Pension Office
Sep 10 1832
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that
an affidavit has been received at this
Office, made either Vanemburg in
the Case of Deborah Lull decd of Ohio
I have filed it under the act of July
1838 (Please make allusion to
this fact in your reply.)

It seems that the original papers
were given to you, they do not appear
to be on file here, Will you please
inform us about what time you
filed them, also under what act
the claim was made and from what
State.

Hon J. Cable
Carrolton
Ohio
Page 31

Carrollton, Ohio, Oct 6th 1852 
Honorable
J.E. Heath

Sir: I have the honor to have
received your letter of the 10th last in
relation to the papers of Esther Vanemberg
in the case of Deborah Lull, in
which case you inform me that
you have filed a certain affidavit
under the act of July 7, 1838. Since
the receipt of your letter, I wrote to
Mrs Vanemburgh, whose reply is
herewith enclosed. I cannot
recollect by whom the papers were
originally filed; but it was by a member
Congress from Pa. You say that
it seems that the original papers were
given to you (me). This is a mistake
papers were brought to the Chief Clerks 
desk and shown to me and Mrs. Vanemburg
about the first of June last, but were left on his table.

I have the honor to be
J Cable
Page 32

Mrs. Esther Vanemburg
Steubenville Ohio
Page 33

To all whom it may concern
I do hereby certify, that the bearer Mrs. Vanamburg
is a member in good standing in the M.E.
Church, in the Hanline, charge in this city
She has a good standing here & has had a series of
great & continued trials-- for some years past
& is impeded by stern necessity to leave her [illegible]
little children & as a lame widow go on a
journey to the City of Washington, to secure a
claim she has against the government for
services rendered in the war by her father,
who together with her mother, is now deceased
I not only ask for her - kindness & confidence,
in her journey. But hope the government will
award here as soon as possible her past claim
She truly is worthy & needy & hers is a case
that strongly urges itself upon the sympathies
of all. But strongly demands redress from government.
Steubenville City, State of Ohio
October 2, 1852
W. B. Dunlap, Paster of said congregation
Page 34

Mrs. E Vanemburgh
Page 35

Carrollton, Ohio, Sept 28th 1852
Mrs Esther Vanemburg

I received, on my return home
on Saturday last from a temporary absence
communication from the Pension
Department, informing me of the inability
to bind your papers which were shown
to us when we were there together 
wanting to know if I had them
Therefore answer me the following questions, 
so that I can get them to search
for them. They mislaid them among
those other papers that morning.

What month and day, as near as
you can state, were you and I at the
Pension Dept. Washington

Who filed the original papers? 
and the name of the Post office and
state where the Member of Congress lived who filled
the papers for Deborah Lull?
Answer these and I will write immediately 
to Washington in the subject.
Respectfully &c
J. Cable
Page 36

Steubenville Ohio June  Esther Vanemburgh
Referred & the Com of Pensions to answer
July 1
The Lord grant you have leisure this [illegible]and
consider for a few moments what I shall say to you
I was born on the banks of the Susquehanna town of
Unadilla Otsego Co my father a soldier of the revolution
commenced and remained in the same farm a period of
nearly forty years and died and is buried here that place
he was wealthy but in his later days fell into mental
derangement; caused the passions said by only suffering
in that condition the sharpers flocked around him
stripped him of his all and drove us from our
beautiful home on the Susquehanna we left
with sorrowful hearts (myself and husband lived
on the farm at the time), with nothing but our
hands to support ourselves with. my husband was industrious
and provided a home for my mother and the unmarried
part of the family. three years from this my husband
fell sick with the lingering consumption lingered
nearly 3 years and died leaving myself and mother
poor my mother applied for a pension under the
act for the relief of widows of soldiers of the revolution the nation
refused to pay her for fathers actual service because
my father could not find it companion to suit him
a little sooner. I supported my mother at the time
by labour of diferant kind; (she being feeble suffering
from a cough which remain 21 years before she
died. after 3 years 3 months as i Deposed & [illegible
[illegible] a man of temperance
Page 37

but found & was mistaken in every particular
lived with him eight years became the mother of
fore children in a state of suffering unparallelled
in story, yet my angel mother remain with
me to comfort and assist me when she was able
but still I was unyielding holding out under the withering
blight of alcohol making different wares such as
baskets and other things and peddling about the vicinity
often on foot he spending all or more than he
earned. well government in their compassion issued the
extension law and revived our hopes my mother applied
again I think about seven years ago the papers were
sent on to the seat of government we waited longer and
suffered on but we were again forced to lose sight of
the star of hope hearing nothing. I had forgot to say that
after the loss of the old farm we removed to a Allegany 12
miles E of Olean called the Oswego, for years ago last
march that the man & had wedded was the husband
of another the matter was [illegible] by law and be discarded

I took my former name Vanemburgh two years since
removed to Madison on the shore of Lake Erie in hopes
of finding more food and I work to support four children
and I mother 82 yrs old for the said she would go with
me if she died on the way but got there well but the
next winter died I strove with misfortune till last April & got
assistance yet above of the [illegible] and saught a half
brother in Steubenville and in hopes of finding work
and food in a city here again & was disappointed in my
distraction I thought of my just claim on Government &
now with only 11 dollars started for the federal city
like Hagar of the wilderness I could not see a separation
with my children on the way & fell in with a Mr.
Archer a member or had been an angel of mercy
who assisted me and told me has to precede
I had a letter to Colonel Joseph cable from Ohio
Page 38

were Steubenville he went with me to the pension
offer we found the papers alluded to the agent
told me the additional proof they needed which was
easily furnished by francis priest a half brother of mine
now 60 years of age and over The colonel gave me
15 dollars to get back to Steubenville & got back
made out the necessary proof according to law gave
them to colonel Cook of Steubenville to send to Cable
he tells me Colonel Cable wrote him they ware received
and were presented to the pension office. the agent tells
me he has seen nor here any thing of them now what
does all this mean. In the name of pity try if you can
to find out my fathers name was Joseph Lull of the
Vermont rangers my mothers name Deborah Lull
I must perish for want in a land my father won
& had not beeen thus bold to apply to you had  & not
listened to a conversation between fore men gentlemen
if costume made them such in the stage between
Pitsburg and the city where the rails are not finished
I was the only female in the coach looking like some relic
other days without even the organs of sound their talk
was all about Talor yourself to my ears and the whigs and
their rascality to Talor they said was a fool almost
an idiot on you was just like him and we calculated
the said to set it before the people just before the election
in glaring colors that is how the have disgraced
the high station men to which they have been raised how they
have wasted the revenues. truth equity and all are were [illegible]
on on we rolled they talked and I listen 
Being a fool and disgraced themselves they said you and
Talor would extend the friendly hand to any on plane
[illegible] common laborer of any description sit down and
talk with the familiarity of a friend wasting the
revenues defrauding the people paying off with the
utmost cordiality the soldiers claims in the revolution
and other wars and he calculate to set it before
the public in glaring colors they said
Page 39

yet more and more awful one said my [illegible]
a son of temperance and in high office he gets me
to do the [illegible] on elections days. O God my soul 
within me at the very thought that a few short
months shall intervene before his poor degraded maniac
outcasts from civilized society shall be brought out into
the political are like so many race horses [illegible] and---
gorged with alcohol, you may see them prancing
and pacing snorting foaming at each successive round
and retiring only at dead of night in the dignity of their
stations to maltreat the wretched inmates. I share one [illegible]
till the cases of the succeeding day shall be repeated. Who among the
the weakest capacities does not know that all this lies
the dore of our rulers they have issued laws and have no
power to repeal them they would have us believe what
child close [illegible] yet they say to us be patient 
wait this great work cannot be accomplished in one hour, this
song we have listened to these forty years and all things remain
as they were, our glory is departed only in name, our rulers
know just how the matter stands banish alcohol
and a great [illegible] no prisons no poor house no
galos no house of ill fame no blaspheming the name of
the Lord but as all these are necessary to a free and
[illegible] famed republic we conclude they will be continued

Bless for our beautiful America where are the lovers of
his youth where are they who endured hardships and went
to defend him even those who would extend to him
the friendly hand or salute him with words of consolation
are loaded with infamy while the finger of scorn
are pointed at them forgive this imperfect [illegible]
this pen with a trembling hand and the affusions of
a mind distracted perhaps I have not addressed you
as I should on in your high station but I have told
the simple truth as & would me it at the last day
I pray will some little word to me that shall give me
consolation. I fail in all and have to act with my family
for want I will come an die at the shrine of Washington
Page 40

Cerestown Pa
Feb 21
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
March 1.49
[illegible]
Deborah Lull
Page 41

page - 1.
Cres Feb. 19. 1849
-
Dear Sir, Commissioner of pensions
I have addressed you,
by your title of office, not knowing your name, desiring to
inform your honor, that my mother Mrs. Deborah Lull, the
widow of Joseph Lull of the town of Unadilla Otsego County N.Y.
(but now dead, about twenty years) is desirous of obtaining
a pension, on account of the services of her husband is
the war of the Revolution. Joseph Lull enlisted in that war
almost at its commencement, in Vermont, under Colonel
Warner. He was quite young when he enlisted. He
served to end of the war, and received an honorable discharge

During the war, his father, furnished his son with all
the clothing he needed, so that the country was at no expense
on his account; the old man being very patriotic, as well as
some what forehanded

But Joseph Lull, who was my step falter, could
never be persuaded to apply for a pension as did other soldiers
of that war - he was too proud spirited

If he had made application, when he ought to have done so, the
there were a plenty of witnesses, by whom he could have proved
his services-- but there are all dead now, as I suppose

I will mention the names of two men, who knew my step
father as a soldier in that war, and whom I have often seen

George Dovener, who lived in the town of Sidney-
Delaware County NY knew Joseph Lull in that war, as he
after stated to my mother (your applicant). Dovener said
himself and Joseph Lull were at the taking of Ticonderoga
on Lake Champlain. This Dovener, was an Englishman, and
deserted from the english army, to the American and was a
very energetic man. He after stated to my mother
that Mr Lull was a good soldier, and always ready to
adventure his life in the most dangerous places

An other man with whom I was acquainted, who
knew that Joseph Lull was a soldier in that war
was Timothy Lull, a brother of Joseph-- but younger
This man lived in Lebanon County of Madison, Ky.
but is now dead. My mother will take her
Page 42

2
oath that both these men, have many a time told
her that Joseph was a soldier in that war

My step father served through the whole war. The
first year he was a [illegible] to his Captain, whose
name was Staunton; but at the end of that year
he enlisted during the war, and was enrolled in a
battalion called, The Green Mountain ranger under
Colonel Warner, as already stated

About ten years ago, William Lull, the Son of Joseph
Lull, and the widow, your applicant, was traveling on his
circuit, (as he is a methodist preacher) in what is called the
Melone Circuit, near to Canada, when by some means
or rather, he found a man who knew his father Joseph
Lull as a soldier in the war of the Revolution; and being
desirous to obtain his mother a pension as account of his
fathers services in that was (as his father was then dead)

This man be found to my aged and very sick, on
which account we made haste to bring a magistrate to
his bed side, in order to procure his deposition; but
when the officer arrived, the man had expired.

William Lull, will make oath to this now 
namely that the man said, he knew Joseph Lull
of Hartland Vt as a Soldier in that war. Hartland
was the place of his fathers dwelling, when he enlisted, and
there never was any other Joseph Lull, among the
Vermont troops, that we have ever heard of

Another circumstance, that he was a soldier
Soldier in that war, is as follows. At a certain
time, about the year 1825, my Stepfather, this same
Joseph Lull, was a book agent for me, in Bradford
and Luzerne Counties P.A. and being near the house
of a Mrs. Leonards in the town of West Bendington, was
there accosted by a man, whose name I do not know,
but knew my step father as a soldier in that war
They were very joyful as meeting each other, but
especially the stranger, as he had heard that Joseph Lull
was selling books in that quarter, who, he wanted as a
witness to prove that he was a soldier in that war
Page 43

3
They went into the house of My Leonards and talked over
the matter awhile, and then went both together, to the
house of General Samuel McKean, which was near
by-and who was once a member of Congress from
Bradford County Pa. They employed the General to
make out the papers proper for an application, and then
went both together, to the house of Judge John McKean 
which was near by, where Joseph Lull made oath to
the service of the man as a soldier in the war of the Revolution.

But wheather the man got a pension, we do not know
We can prove now, the conversation, between that
man and my step father, respecting their knowing
each other in that war

my mother, the widow full, who is now sittingL
at the table with me, who is in her 81st year, was desirous
of obtaining that affidavit made by Joseph Lull, before
Judge McKean, in order to assist herself in getting a
pension, after the death of her husband Joseph Lull, 
went to the house of this Judge McKean, to get a copy
of that oath-- but McKean said he could not find
it, but stated that it was somewhere among his
papers. But the true reason why he could not find
the oath, was, he had been for some time in a partially
deranged condition, brought on by religious dispair,
on which account his papers were in a state of
hopeless confusion

You will probably enquire about the discharge of this
Joseph Lull from the army at the end of the war, which would
be a good evidence of the part of his service. This was destroyed
by fire, when his fathers house was burnt

You may perhaps enquire in your own mind, why Mrs.
Lull has not made application long ago for this pension
the answer is, that she has done so, - but was informed,
that she was not married soon enough to come
within the immunities of the pension law. But now
on account of the new law, which has been extended
to land such widows as were not married soon
enough, she make this last trial-- and God grants
that she may be successful-- as she is in great want
Page 44

4
Respecting the regiment roll, where his name was recorded
when he enlisted, and when discharged, we know nothing
yet, a certain young man, about a year ago
who went about the country, hunting up Revolutionary
widows, and who talked with my mother about getting
her a pension, said that he knew where is as
which was the name of Joseph Lull, and that he
could get her the pension, if she would give him
one third of it-- but did not tell her where the roll
is. We suppose however, that this roll is either at
Montpelier Vt. at Washington City. But not long
after this young man had talked with my mother
about the matter, he wrote her a letter, that she
could not get a pension at all not because Lull
did not serve in that war- but because she
was not married to Joseph Lull, soon enough
by fifty days-- for she was married to him, 1794
Feb 19-- to which I can make oath, having seen
married

Mr Lull my step father, has told me many a
time of his being in that war, and of his sufferings
He was always honored, on the celebration of
the fourth of July, as a soldier of that war, of which
no had ever doubted

I would now enquire, respecting the character of 
evidence, such as I have named, whether it is
sufficient if we make it out, to justify the department
in giving her a widows pension. There is a reason why
she should obtain it, which does not often accompany
such applications and this is a claim of debt it cost
the county nothing to clothe M Lull during the whole,
so he always stated, and I believe it

It may be that the roll of the green mountain rangers
under Colonel Warner, is at Washington-- would it please
you to examine, which will wonderfully oblige my good
mother. But if the roll is at Montpelier - we
will try and find it - or write to the Secretary of State
or the subject-- if you require us to do so.
Page 45

5
we have been told, that if the first rate evidence
cannot now be obtained, in this case, and
all cases of this description, that evidence of a circumstantial
kind & it is good and true, will answer, as that
Congress in making the late extension law, did not
intend to be technical, in the matter, but meant
to be generous, benevolent and just. God bless
them for this good intention

I hope dear sir, that I have not overtaxed your
patience, by the length of this communication, but I
could not state the circumstances in less words,
very well. My mother will mourn very much
if she is unsuccessful in this trial, as she knows and
so do we all, how just it is

It will be a pleasure of no small amount
of a reply to this, should be speedily made

Address Josiah Priest - Township, Ceses
McKean County PA
Respectfully yours
Josiah Priest

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

P. S.
Pleas to save all necessary blanks on papers
and forms of affidavits-- which will expedite
the [illegible], and assist us
J. P.
Page 46

I was at Washington the last of may or the
first of June the agent who executed the
papers has a traveling agent [illegible] by some one
to hunt for widows of soldiers and obtain their
pensions the travels over many states. the post office
where he deposited his papers is unknown to me
& no nothing more till we saw them in the 
hands of the agent at the office that they contain
I very well well having heard the contents
from my earliest days
Esther Vanemburgh
Page 47

Deborah Lull
Widow of Joseph Lull
Penna
Act of July 7 1838
Susp Let to Hon.
W.S. Hubbell Feb 8 1845.
Page 48

Hon. Ws Hubbell
Nov 8 1845
Page 49

Pension Office
Feb 8. 1845.
Sir,
The letter of Mr. Daniel Karr
is herewith returned and in reply I have
the honor to state that a communication
was some time since made to this offer
in behalf of Mrs Deborah Lull, widow
of Joseph Lull decd in which it was
stated that she was married to the decd
Soldier on the 19th February 1794. In the
letter which is herewith returned the 
marriage is said to have taken place in the
19th of February 1789 If she was married
in 1794 she is not entitled to a pension,
but if they were married in 1789 her case
would be embraced by the act of July 7.
1838, on the production of the proof rigined
by the enclosed printed Sheet,
Hon W. S. Hubbell
HR
Page 50

Hon Jno. A. Bingham
Page 51

Pension Office, Feby 26. 1858
Sir,
In reply to your note of the
22d instant, I have the honor to state that the
claim of the heirs of Deborah Lull, deceased
widow of Joseph, her pension under act of
Aug 29, 1848, was disallowed by this
office in 1833, for the reasons assigned
in a letter to Mr. John Johnston, her agent, or
Copy of which is herewith enclosed

It is proper to add that since the
date of that letter the Department has
decided that neither children nor other representatives
of revolutionary soldiers and
that widows, can establish and
recover claims of this description
with great respect
N C

Hon. John A Bingham
House of Reps
Page 52

Nov 30/52
to the President
Page 53

Pension Office
Oct. 30, 1852.
Sir,
I reply to your letter of the 28th
last enclosing a note from Mrs Vanemburg,
[illegible] of this office
reference to a claim for pension alleges to
have the files on behalf of her mother
Deborah Lull I [illegible]
that he appeal to this office has
[illegible] into the most even and
considerate attention by myself and the
gentlemen entrusted with the examination
of pension claims; for the File
and Register of claims have been several
times carefully and thoroughly examined
in every possible way and [illegible]
slightest trace that [illegible]
[illegible]
and he agents have no [illegible] of this
result, and instructed as to my the
Page 54

he claim of Mrs has a just one, fairly before
this office, - for until it is presented in the
manner required by the regulations, it can
may be property considered

If Mrs Vanemburg has not fully understood
the explanation above in have given to the
gentleman who has represented her case to
this office. [illegible]
[illegible] instruct her how to make a
new declaration, and when it is
presented in the required order
give it prompt consideration. Mrs. Vanemburg's 
note is herewith returned
I have the honor to be
with her respect
you obt ser
Co of Pens

His Excellency Millard Fillmore
President of the
United States
Page 55

Washington, Jany 9. 1853
The Hon
The Com of Pensions
Esther Vanemburg
an applicant for
Pension for Revolutionary
services of her father, Joseph
Lull of Vermont, John
Johnston Atty addition
a proof filed in 1852
in her case. Please to
send me at your earliest
convenience certified 
copies of the papers
in her case
Respectfully
Andrew Stuart
Page 56

Ho. Reps. 22 July 1858
Comr of Pensions
Sir: I am requested
by Mrs Esther Vanamburg of
Steubenville Ohio to say
that thro one John Johnston
Agent. She filed a petition some
three years ago for a Pension
for services of her Father Joseph
Lull formerly of Vermont
and that she wishes information
of an action in the previous
of what is wanting if
anything to satisfy your
Department of the night
of the claimant to a pension
Yours truly
Jno. A Bingham
Page 57

Jno Johnson
Jany 28/53
Page 58

243
Pension Office
Jany 28 1833
Sir,
the application of Deborah Lull dec widow
of Joseph of Ohio, Act July 7 1838, has been
examined and filed The applicant alledges
that Joseph Lull performed service
in the Vermont militia. There are no militia
rolls in this Office, so that we can
furnish no record of his service, application
should be made to Comptroller or Secretary of
State of Vermont for such evidence as he
may possess of his service, the partial proof
furnished is too vague to have much
weight in the adjudication of a claim
the witnesses know nothing about his service
their whole knowledge was derived from
having heard him speak of having been
in the war of the Revolution, if record
evidence, corroborating the declaration,
cannot be obtained, the evidence of these
who served with him or were in a position
Page 59

244
position to know of his service, should be adduced
the date of the marriage is not established in
accordance with the rules of the office
of no record or documentary evidence of the
date of that event can be obtained, the
witnesses adduced to prove it, must justify
their memories by collective
circumstances, thereby enabling them to
shew how they can fix the date
A certificate of Court must be
furnished showing the date of her
death and the names of the children
surviving at her death, and that
they are the only children then living

Jno Johnson Esq
Present
Page 60

Mrs Vanemberg of New York is now in the City in
great distress - her case has been before the President
referred the matter to this office. - Mr.
Johnson says that the additional proof, which were
required have been furnished. Mr. Cole will please
have case forthwith examined if necessary by McRae or 
Hansen
JE Heath
Jany 6th
Page 61

[illegible] Johnson
Mr Johnson wishes to know if any they can be
done for Mrs. Vanemburg a poor widow from Ohio
who is now in Washington in great distress. He
says he gave you the papers a fortnight since
JE Heath
Page 62

No 14, 717
Deborah Lull dec
Widow of Joseph
Ohio
Honorable J Cable Sep 10 1832
Let to the President.
Oct. 30/32
Jno Johnson July 28 1833
July 7 1838
Page 63

14.717
Deborah Lull dec
Widow of Joseph
Ohio
Hon J Cable Sep 10 1852
To the President
Oct 1852
John Johnson Aug 28/53
[illegible] copied & sent to
A. Stuart, H of R
in Feb 54
Hon. John A. Bingham
Feb 26/58

6518
29 July 48
Page 64

[left side]
1920 Aug 23, Hist.
to Mrs. Benj. F. Davis

[right side]
REJECTED
P.O.
Deborah Lull
Service:
Enlisted:
Discharged:
Application filed:
Cause of rejection not on
enlisted printed list of 1853
Attorney:
P.O.
Recognized  .Contr
Cert. of Dis. Searched for
Page 65

27
Page 66

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE
JUL 27 1920
[text]
Rev ED
New Berlin, New York
July 24, 1920

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir
Have you any records to
that Benjamin Lull Sr. ["0 none" written between the lines]
or his son Josiah Lull served
in the Revolution? The Lulls
settled at Byfield, Mass.
about 1660. Benjamin Lull
and his five sons came to
what is now new York State
not far from Cooperstown
Otsego Co. somewhere about
the time of the Revolution
Page 67

I have a newspaper which
states that an old newspaper
clipping says that Benjamin
Lull and his five sons all
fought in the Revolution
and I am very anxious to find
it be true
Respectfully
Mrs. Benj. F. Davis