Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 588, William Appelgate, New Jersey
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
New Jersey

Appelgate, William
or Applegate

NUMBER
S. 588
Carded
===
CONTENTS
Page 2

7934
New Jersey
===
William Applegate
of Monmouth in the State of New Jersey
who was a Private in the Compy commanded
by Captain Hendrick of the Reg. commanded
by Col. Holmes in the N. Jersey
line for 2 years
===
Inscribed on the Roll of Connt
at the rate of 80 Dollars per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
===
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of June
1833 and sent to Hon. J. F. Randolph
Present
===
Arrears to the 4th of Mar '33 $160
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep '33 40
[sum] $200
{ Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Geo. C. Stiles Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 3. Page 101

[Right side]
Caveat within. Let to J. Scudder
Feb 18, 1836
Let to pensioner 18 Feb'y 1836
P Dickinsom 18 ---
do. to J. F. Randolph March
30, 1836 Do to J Scudder
Apl 6 1836 - do. to J. F. Randolph
4 June 1836 & P. Agt 3 June 1836

No endorsem't
in Agency book.
Page 3

State of New Jersey
Monmouth County } ss. On this thirty first day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & thirty two, personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Inferior event of Common Pleas in & for said County, now sitting, William Applegate a resident of Freehold in the said county & state aforesaid aged seventy three years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 - That he was born in the year 1759 July 17, in Freehold Monmouth County, and has always resided there except a temporary absence of three years some time after the War. He served under Capt Hendrick Smock, Lieut Hendrick Vanderbalt, Ensign William Vancleaf in Colonel Asher Holmes Regmt, David Forman Brigadier General, that he never was in any regular engagement but invariably performed his monthly tour in the militia from May AD 1777 till the conclusion of the war, guarding the shore & serving in scouting parties. In the commencement of his service he marched with Capt. H. Smocks Company from Freehold to Middletown to bring off & secure the cattle, the brittish having at that time arrived with their fleet in the narrows. That he helped guard the property taken from an English Brig near Long Branch captured by Col. Morgan who surprised the crew whilst on shore procuring provisions & thereby became possessed of the vessel, they haveing negligently left no guard on Board except one sick man, the name of the vessel he does not recollect, she was armed & had sugar aboard. The day after Colonel Morgan became possessed of the Brig 2 English armed vessel endeavored to regain her, but making use of the arms she had on board they eventually drove her
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off, still retaining their prize. that the day preceding the Battle of Monmouth being in the militia with a number of others he joined & helped pilot Col. Morgans Co. from near the Brint [?] tavern in said County to the vicinity of the field of Battle, was not in the Battle, being stationed in a flanking party. he served two years & anon, he cannot particularize the times. he has no written evidence, but Job Throckmorton & John Clayton, surviving soldiers know of his services.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state

William Appelgate

Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid in Open Court

John Patterson

We Job Throckmorton & John Clayton surviving soldiers of the Revolution Do hereby certify under oath, that we are well acquainted with the within named William Applegate and were acquainted with him in the time of the Revolution, and we do severally certify that the said William Applegate was to our knowledge a soldier in the militia of New Jersey in the time of the Revolution & we believe that the preceding declaration which he has made under oath as to his service is entitled to full credit.

John Clayton
Job Throckmorton

Sworn & Subscibed the day & year aforesaid in open court

John Patterson
Page 5

We [blank] & [blank] residing in the township of [blank] in the neighbourhood of the above named [blank] 
do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with the said William Applegate who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that believe him to be seventy three years of age, that he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & a man whose declaration under oath, or without oath is entitled to implicit credit, & that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open court

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above applicant was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states & the court further certifies that [the following all lined out: "(it appears to them 
that [blank] who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident of the county of [blank] and that"]
who has also signed the same is a resident in
[the following all lined out: "the township of [blank] and is a creditable person & that"]
their
[the following all lined out: "statement as [illegible]"]
the statement of the surviving soldiers of the Revolution herein contained is entitled to credit.

John Patterson
William Lloyd
John W. Davison
} Judges
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I Daniel H. Ellis Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Monmouth Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Applegate for a Pension

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this third day of August AD 1832.

W. H. Ellis

[written vertically at bottom right]
2,087
Wm Appelgate's
Declaration

W. Applegate
Page 7

New Jersey
Monmouth Co ss. Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Monmouth & State aforesaid William Appelgate, the person named in Pension Papers No 2097, who being duly sworn, deposeth & 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, in the following grades. I served as a private from May 1777, till the end of the war, being regularly out on constant duty every other month, & every other month not on constant duty but only called out in cases of alarm, that the several periods in which I served cannot be more particularly specified, but that the aggregate of said monthly service amounts to two years & more of constant service as a private soldier in the Militia of the Revolution and for such service I claim a pension.

William Appelgate

Sworn & Subscribed this 10th of December AD 1832 before me

William Lloyd
Page 8

I Daniel H Ellis Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Monmouth & State of New Jersey Do hereby certify that William Lloyd before whom the within affidavit purports to have been taken is & was at the time there mentioned a Justice of the peace in & for the County & State aforesaid & that full faith & credit are due to all his official acts as such, & that the name "William Lloyd" affixed to said affidavit is the proper hand writing of the said Justice.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Freehold this thirtieth day of December AD 1832

D. H. Ellis Clk

[written upward in left margin]
Wm Applegate
Page 9

New Jersey
Monmouth Co ss. Personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Monmouth William Appelgate, the individual named in pension papers No 2097, who being duly sworn deposeth & saith that by reason of old age & 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 four months I served in 1777, commencing with may, as a private in Capt Hendrick Smocks Company, at Freehold & Shrewsbury, & thinks was also over into Middletown. For six months I served as a private in 1778 under Capts Smock & Vancleaf of & Capt Huddy at Freehold, Toms River & along the shore guarding the coast. For six months I served as a private in 1779 under Capt Smock, at Freehold Colts Neck & along shore, was in no general engagement but was in several skirmishes, was along when Dr Scudder was shot from a Brittish boat, also when the 1500 landed, but cant say when either took place exactly. For six months I served as a private in 1780 under Capts Smock & Bishop, along shore principally. For six months I served as a private in 1781 under Capt Smock at and about the Court house. Was in no general engagement, or marched out of the County. For the above service I claim a pension.

William Appelgate

Sworn & Subscribed this 22nd of June 1833 before me

William Lloyd
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New Jersey
Monmouth Co ss. Job Throckmorton being duly sworn on his oath says that he is in his seventy third year of his age, that he is a surviving soldier of the Revolution, that he is well acquainted with William Appelgate within named, & was well acquainted with him in the time of the Revolution. He recollects perfectly well of serving with him in Capt Hendrick Smock's company at divers times & he believes that the forgoing affidavit of the said Wm Appelgate is true.

Job Throckmorton

Sworn & subscribed this 22nd of June AD 1833 before me

William Lloyd Justice

I Daniel H Ellis Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of Monmouth County, do hereby certify that William Lloyd before whom the forgoing affidavits purport to have been taken was at the time of the taking thereof & now is a Justice of the peace duly sworn & enrolled in my office, that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing & that the name "William Lloyd" affixed to the said affidavits are his proper hand writing.

In witness where of I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal my office this 22nd of June AD 1833.

D H Ellis Clk
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Freehold NJ
March 29th }
James L. Edwards Esquire,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington City-
D.C.

[Written upward]
Apl 1
Conv. [?]
Wm Applegate
NJ roll
not entitled
9934 NJ
Page 12

Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey
March 28th 1836

Dear Sir,

Since I received your letter I have seen an old pensioner of the name of James Hendrickson, who told me he had known William Applegate from a boy - That their fathers' habitations were adjoining - that he was born in 1754, and was thirteen years old when Applegate was born, which was in 1767 - so that he was only 16 years old in 1783, during which year there was but little, if any military service performed in this County. He said he was sure that Applegate was never in the publick service. Several other pensioners, [pointing hand] William Parent, Aaron Forman Walker, and David Sutfin have told me that they thought he had not ever been out with the Militia, and could not be entitled to a

[written upward in left margin]
[pointing hand] Wm Parent was a sergeant and usually warned those who were to go out - he lived near to Applegate - 3
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Pension. There are two others here who are receiving pensions, who are believed to be not entitled to them, but their cases are not so clearly wrong as Applegate's, from the information I have yet obtained, but it is the general belief that they are equally so. The only way to ascertain the certainty would be by having depositions taken; and in order to make them legally availing, I should think a commission authorizing them would be necessary -- but I know not what, on such occasions, may be the practice, or considered most proper.

I am respectfully yours
Jos. Scudder

James L. Edwards Esqr.
Court of Pensions
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P.S.

When I before wrote you, I thought it possible there might be some defect apparent in Applegate's papers transmitted to your office - as it seemed to be the general belief that he could never have obtained sufficient proof of any militia service, or at any rate not justly so. I had no expectation that I should be held responsible - all I know is mere hearsay - but I would like to see impositions upon the publick corrected.
Page 15

April 13, 1936
William Appelgate
S. 588
BA-J/AWF

Mr. J. Wilbur Clayton
39 Johnson Road
West Orange, New Jersey

Dear Sir:

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 588, based upon the service of William Appelgate in the Revolutionary War.

William Appelgate was born July 17, 1759 in Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey. The names of his parents were not given.

While residing in Freehold, he served as a private in the New Jersey militia, from sometime in May, 1777 in monthly tours under Captains Hendrick Smock, Van Cleaf, Huddy, and Bishop, part of the time in Colonel Asher Holmes' regiment, until the close of the war, guarding the shores and in scouting parties; length of service about two years.

He was allowed pension on his application executed July 31, 1832, at which time he was living in Freehold, New Jersey, where he continued to live in 1836.

The papers in this claim contain no reference to the family of the soldier, William Appelgate.

If you desire information in regard to the last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should write the Comptroller General, General
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Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., and give the following data:

William Applegate (as he was pensioned)
Certificate # 9934
Issued June 27, 1833
Rate $80.00 per annum
To commence March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
New Jersey Agency.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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[Left side]
June 1 - 1901 W.L. Marsh - Present
---
1911 Sept. 25 - Hist. to John H. Applegate
---
1915 Feb. 4. Hist. to Mrs. J. M. Markley. [cent sign]
1925 May 3 Hist to Edna Aga [illegible] AWJ
1936 Apr 13 " " J. Wilbur Clayton

[Right side]
INVALID.
Rev War
File No. 588
William Applegate
Pri. N.J. Line
Act: June 7, 1832.
Index:-- Vol. A, Page 10
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 18

Cert. issued June 27 1833
Page 19

D
Wm Applegate
New afft [affidavit?]
James F Randolph
N. Brunswick
N.J.
Page 20

State of New Jersey
Monmouth Co ss } William Applegate the individual named in pension papers No 2097 being duly sworn on his oath says, that his declaration & the amendment thereto & the proofs thereto annexed are the best evidence of his services that he can produce, that he cannot state the terms of his service more particularly than he has & he knows of other Witnesses by whom "the several terms of his service" may be proved than those who have heretofore testified to the same; & that the means of their knowledge was the fact of their being & seeing each other engaged in the militia of the Revolution & that they are men of respectability & veracity.

William Appelgate

Sworn & Subscribed the thirty first day of May AD 1833 before me

William Lloyd Justice

I the Subscriber Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Monmouth in the State of New Jersey, Do hereby certify that William Lloyd before whom the above affidavit purports to have been taken is & was at the time therein mentioned a Justice of the peace in & for the county & state aforesaid duly commissioned & sworn, & that full faith & credit are due & ought to be given to all his official acts as such and that the name "William Lloyd" annexed thereto is the proper hand writing of the said Justice

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said court this sixth day of June AD one thousand eight hundred & thirty three.

W. H. Ellis Clk
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New Jersey
Monmouth Co ss. On this 28th of May AD 1836 personally appeared before the Subscriber one of the Justices of the peace in & for said County Zebulon Clayton who being duly sworn on his oath says that, he is one of the Surviving soldiers of the Militia of the Revolution, that he is acquainted with William Applegate, & was acquainted with him in the time of the Revolution, that he saw him in the time of the Revolution doing duty as a militia soldier, recollects seeing him several times during the war, doing duty as a militia-man but is unable to specify the particular period, frequently heard his name called in the muster roll.

Zebulon Clayton

Sworn & Subscribed before me the day & year above written.

William Lloyd

New Jersey
Monmouth Co ss. On this 28th of May AD 1836 personally appeared before the Subscriber one of the Justices of the peace in & for said County Col John Clayton, who being duly sworn on his oath says that he is one of the Surviving Soldiers of the Militia of the Revolution, that he is acquainted with William
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Applegate & was acquainted with him in time of the Revolution, that he has seen him doing duty as a militia-man during the Revolution, recollects in particular seeing him performing militia duty at the Monmouth Court House, in the forepart of the Revolution, thinks in the year of 1777, it was sometime before the battle of Monmouth which took place June 28, 1778.

John Clayton

Sworn & Subscribed before me the day & year above written

William Lloyd

I William Lloyd do hereby certify that the William Applegate named in the forgoing affidavits is the same who is now making application to the Pension office to be he restored to his pension, & that he is the same person who some short time since applied to me as one of the Justices of the peace to be discharged from an execution on the ground that he is one of the Surviving soldiers of the revolution, pursuant to a Statute of New Jersey in such case made & provided, that on such
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application he was required to prove the fact of his being such revolutionary soldier, by other evidence besides his certificate, & that the foregoing affidavits set forth substantially the same evidence which was then given before me, that the same was by me considered satisfactory. & the said William Applegate was thereupon by me discharged from confinement under said execution pursuant to said statute.

Given under my hand this 28th of May AD 1836.

William Lloyd Justice

I Daniel H Ellis Clerk of the County of Monmouth do hereby certify that William Lloyd before whom the forgoing affidavits were taken, was at the time of the taking thereof & now is one of the Justices of the peace in & for the County of Monmouth duly commissioned & sworn & that full faith is due to his official acts & that the name "William Lloyd" affixed to said affidavits & the certificate is the proper hand writing of said Justice.

In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed my seal of office this 28th of May AD 1836.

D. H. Ellis Clk
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[Lined out: "Return"]
Admitted
Private 2 years
Hon J. F. Randolph
Present
Page 25

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
June 11 1833

Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing the service of William Applegate

[Empty table, with the following headings:]
Period when the service was rendered.
Duration of the claimant's service.
  Years.
  Months.
  Days.
Rank of the claimant.
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
Proof by which the declaration is supported.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:

This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every brand of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County were such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of } ss.
On this __ day of __ personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of __ in the county of __ and State, Territory or District of __ aged (c) __ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provion [sic] made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) __, with __ and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered [sic] the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of __

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A.B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court]

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

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

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this __ day of __ &c.

If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:

(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the __ and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with __, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be __ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.

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

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the __ and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the __ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, __ of the Court of __ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of ___ for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this __ day of __ &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledges of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 27

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.

1. Where and what year were you born?

2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?

3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary
war, and where do you now live?

4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?

5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.

6. {To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by who was it
given and what has become of it?
{To an officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?

7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -- one of who should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary solider, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of a bodily infirmity, may make the declaration
before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will trans-nit such evidenced as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
---
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.

[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.

[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.

[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.

[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:

"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c, A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and consequent loss of memory, he cannot sweat 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 __ year __ months, and __ days I served as a __. For __ months and __ days, I served as a __; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according tot he 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 expression are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &e without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each tern of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.

[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.

[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.

[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.

[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers,
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same she et of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass un der the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.

[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

[Pointing hand] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers, and State Troops, The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.

[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.

[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.

[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and seat to the War Department, with the declaration.

[Note e, and the paragraph under note i beginning "In every instance", are marked with braces in the left margin. The sentences under note e, "Some persons who ... where the service was performed", are underlined.]
Page 28

Freehold NJ
May 30th
"Pension Office"
Free
J L Edwards Esq
Washington City

[Written vertically]
June 27
Wm Applegate
N Jer [?]
9934
Page 29

[top is cut off]
... my own
engagements & absence from home
have caused the delay - I would simply
add that Jos Scudder Esq was present
at the taking of the affidavits, avowed
himself the informer, but was satisfied
with the evidence as I understood, &
is now anxious for Applegate to
receive his pension.

Yours &c
Jos. F. Randolph
Page 30

Freehold NJ
Feby 11th
Free
James L. Edwards Esq'r.
Pension Office,
City of Washington.

[written upward at left]
Wm Applegate
Feb 15
N J

[written downward at right]
Caveat.
Page 31

Freehold, Monmouth County
New Jersey, Feb'y 10th 1836,

Sir,

It is generally believed that William Appelgate one of the Militia Pensioners of this County is improperly and fraudulently one; and some persons who knew him to be but a boy in the time of the revolution have wondered how he could have succeeded in an application for a pension. It has been suggested that there may be a defect in the proof he made; and should his have been the case, justice to the public might require a suspension of the payment of his pension in future. Some old pensioners have said that they did not believe he ever performed any military service. If on an examination of his papers you shall find them deficient, you may perhaps think it right to discontinue payment to him It is thought that could a particular investigation be made, it would disclose several impositions and frauds among the pensioners in this County.

I am Sir with respect your
hb, Serv.
Jos. Scudder

James L. Edwards Esq.
Com'ner of Pensions.
Page 32

Freehold NJ
March 24
Free
J L Edwards Esq
Com'r of Pensions
Washington City

[written upward]
Mar 28
Wm Applegate
NJ [illegible]
Page 33

Freehold (NJ) March 22 1836

J L Edwards Esq

Sir)

Mr William Applegate (a pensioner has requested me to write you a line on the subject of his pension it has been stopped & he knows not why unless it has been by the officious intermedling of one or two individuals in the neighbourhood -- Applegate has the misfortune to be indebted to a Mr J Scudder of this place, & has nothing to pay with but his pension, he was arrested by him and induced to make some kind of assignment of a part of his accruing pension either to him or to his son-in-law D B Ryall Esq for his benefit - failing to pay over the portion of his pension to Mr. Scudder or for him -- because he alleges he needed the whole for his support Applegate was arrested by an execution and thrown in jail where he lay several days, he at length on being informed that we had a statute prohibiting the arrest or incarceration of Revolutionary soldiers, applied to a Justice to be discharged, & not having at the time other evidence at hand of his being a Revolutionary soldier than his certificate which the Justice did not consider evidence of the fact, he was remanded, with leave to apply again which he did in a few days, & fully proved
Page 34

by respectable & satisfactory evidence, to the satisfaction of the Justice & every body else that he was a Revolutionary soldier and entitled to a discharge from imprisonment & he was forthwith discharged accordingly, Mr Scudder making some threats at the time that if he could not keep him in prison he would stop his pension & owing to this threat that I am induced to relate the forgoing circumstance which came under my own knowledge except what took place at the last hearing when I was not present. If Mr Applegate is correct in attributing the source of his present difficulties, I humbly insist [?] on his behalf, that the Department should not listen for a moment, to gratify the private revenge of any individuals however respectable. The pension would have been all right if Applegate had assigned it over to Scudder for a debt, in violations of the law, but is all wrong when taken for his support, & his subsistence must be suspended & he put to the trouble and expense of collecting new evidence & of re-taxing a fast decaying recollection. I do insist that such a proceeding would be unjust & that if the pension was stopped for the cause supposed, it ought at once to be restored. These old men's memories are fading & their witnesses continually dispersing or dying off, & if any one to gratify a revengeful feeling may stop a pension, the time is at
Page 35

hand when two thirds of the list may he suspended & finally rejected for discrepancy, or want of proof. If I am incorrect in the cause of the suspension, or if the Department require something more to be done, I would thank you to inform me from whence the difficulty arises & specifically what is required. I presume that my name is sufficiently familiar with the Department as not to require further proof of the facts herein set forth, as to myself I can refer you to the delegation from this State in either House of Congress, & if proof is needed it is at hand.

Yours
Jos. F. Randolph
Page 36

Jos. F. Randolph
30 March 1836
O. C.

Rec'd Vol 43 page 79
Page 37

War Dept.
Pension Office
March 30, 1836

Sir,

Your letter of the 22d inst has been received. If the evidence of the revolutionary Service upon which William Applegate was released from confinement be transmitted to this Office for inspection, his case will be taken up again for examination, and I have no doubt from the statement you have made, that that a favorable decision will be the result.

[flourish representing signature?]

Jos. F. Randolph, Esq
Freehold
N. Jersey
Page 38

Joseph Scudder
Apl 6, 1836
GC

Record 31 page 347
Page 39

War Dept
P. O.
Apl 6. 1836

Sir,

[Lined out: "Your letter of the 28th ultimo is received."] Upon the representations contained in your letter of the 10th of February last, [lined out: "you were informed"] William Applegate's pension was suspended. And in reply to yours of the 28th ultimo I have to inform you that it is expected that Depositions will be taken to prove that Mr Applegate served in the War of the Revolution as set forth in his declaration. I am awaiting the [lined out: "reception"] production of this evidence, and when [lined out: "received"] it shall arrive the case will receive a careful examination, and if W. Applegates service be supported, payment of his pension will be resumed.

Mr Joseph Scudder
Freehold,
Monmouth Co.
N.J.
Page 40

J. F. Randolph
4. June 1836
G. E.

Record 31 page 508
Page 41

War Dep't
Pension Office
June 4. 1836

Sir,

I have to inform you that the Agent has been directed to resume the payment of William Applegate's pension.

Jos. F. Randolph, Esq
Freehold
N. Jersey
Page 42

MISS EDNA AGAN
641 BORDENTOWN AVE.
SOUTH AMBOY, N. J.
Mar. 15, 1926.

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

[Stamp] U. S. PENSION OFFICE R MAR 17 1926

Gentlemen:-

Kindly send me Revolutionary War record and any other information you have concerning William Applegate of Monmouth County, New Jersey.

His pension claim is
Page 43

No 588.

A William Applegate witnessed a pension claim, #613.

Is there any thing on said paper to indicate that they are the same men?

Thanking you, I am,
Very truly yours,
(Miss) Edna Agan.
Page 44

[Stamp] RECEIVED MAR 25 1936 
MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS ADM. READER #18

J. WILBUR CLAYTON
39 Johnson Road,
West Orange, N.J.,
3/24/1936.
[ Born at Toms River Ocean County NJ - In Revolutionary War Days, up to 1850, the present Ocean County was a Part of Monmouth.

[Note in different hand:]
Only Wm A of Mon Co. More for Joseph

[Note pointing to "Jacob Tilton":]
Not as of NJ or Office

U. S. Pension Bureau
Revolutionary War Data Section
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:

will you please send to me what data your record may show about a great great great grandfather of mine, Captain Jacob Tilton of N.J., who served in the Revolutionary War, presumably in Jersey at Least, since he was in the Battle of Monmouth - He is a Jersey man, and it may be that your records would not show him if he were only in the State Militia.- I am interested in knowing of his duration of service and whatever else may be available which you could see fit to furnish me.

If it is in order, and any data available, would you send me any dated you may have, if any, concerning two maternal grandfathers who were possibly in the war -

The names of these persons are William Applegate of Monmouth N.J., Jacob Applegate and Joseph Applegate, the former lived to the age of 95 and was 60 at the time of the Revolution, his son was between 15 & 20 or so during the Revolutionary War.

It may be that they were of the State Militia and would not find their way into your records.

Any data furnished will be greatly Appreciated. I trust I am not considered too forward in asking so much - & as you may have much data on them, please tell me first where they resided, age at time they went on the rolls, age at death, children if any, etc. A short item would denote general war record.-

J. Wilbur Clayton,
39 Johnson Road,
West Orange, NJ
Page 45

Box 63
Georgetown, Ohio
Jan. 30, 1914. [actually 1915? cf. stamp, image 46]

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:-

Would you kindly inform me as to whether one William Applegate of Monmouth Co. New Jersey, drew a pension?

I am desirous of knowing the name of
Page 46

his wife, and the date of his death. Any other particulars you may have I would appreciate knowing.

Thanking you for your kindness

I am
Sincerely,
Meryl Buckley Markley
(Mrs. J.M.)

[Stamp] U. S. PENSION OFFICE C FEB 1 1915
Page 47

O. W. and N. Division. 3--525.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.,

In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of William Appelgate soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

S.File 588. pens. as Applegate

[Table, listed here by row, rows numbered, columns lettered]
[1a] DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
[1b] LENGTH OF SERVICE.
[1c] RANK.
[1d] OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN.
[1e] COLONEL.
[1f] STATE.

[2a] 1777
[2b] 4 mos.
[2c] Private
[2d] Hendrick Smock
[2e] Asher Holmes
[2f] N. J.

[3a] 1778
[3b] 6 mos.
[3c] "
[3d] Smock, Van Cleaf Huddy
[3f] "

[4a] 1779
[4b] 6 mos.
[4c] "
[4d] Smock
[4f] "

[5a] 1780
[5b] 6 mos.
[5c] "
[5d] Smock and Bishop
[5f] "

[6a] 1781
[6b] 6 mos.
[6c] "
[6d] Smock
[6f] "

Battles engaged in, several skirmishes

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Freehold, Monmouth Co., N.J.

Date of application for pension, July 31, 1832. Cl. al. [claim allowed]

Residence at date of application, Freehold, N.J.

Age at date of application, b. Freehold, N.J. July 17, 1759.

Remarks: No family data. To auditor for date of death.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
31793b15m10-07
Page 48

April 10, 1936.
BA-J/ILL
William Appellgate
S. 588

J. Wilbur Clayton
39 Johnson Road
West Orange, New Jersey.

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Captain Jacob Tilton of New Jersey, William Applegate of Monmouth County, New Jersey, Jacob and Joseph Applegate, also, of New Jersey.

A search of the Revolutionary War records has been made and no claims for pension or bounty land found based upon service of a Jacob Tilton, variously spelled, of New Jersey, nor of any
Jacob Applegate. In order to identify the record of the particular soldier, Joseph Applegate, in whom you are interested, it is essential that you furnish some of the following information regarding him: approximate date of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service, and given name of wife, or widow. The record of only one William Appelgate of Monmouth County, New Jersey, has been found and is furnished you herewith from pension claim, S. 588.

Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 49

AWF
Rev. and 1812
War Section.
May 3, 1926

Miss Edna Agan
641 Bordentown Ave
South Amboy, N. J.

Madam:

I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 588, it appears that William Appelgate, (pensioned Applegate) was born July 17, 1759 at Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey.

While residing at said Freehold, he served as a private in the New Jersey Troops, as follows-

In 1777, four months in Captain Hendrick Smock's Company, Colonel Asher Holmes' Regiment.

In 1778, six months under Captain Smock, Van Cleaf, and Huddy.

In 1779, six months in Captain Smock's Company.

In 1780, six months in Captain Smock's, and Bishop's Companies.

In 1781, six months in Captain Smock's Company.

He was allowed pension on his application exe-
Page 50

[exe]cuted July 31, 1832, while a resident of Freehold, New Jersey.

There is no data on file as to his family.

In reference to a William Applegate, who witnessed a pension claim #613, the name of the pensioner is essential, a search will then be made in your behalf.

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.