Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 9,985, for Orange Spencer, New York
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(3--1776)
SERVICE  New York. Spencer, Orange  Sarah
NUMBER R. 9.985 
CONTENTS [section empty]
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No. 11.157 Pennsylvania
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Orange Spencer of Erie Co. in the State of Penna. who was a Pri. & Muscn. in the company commanded by Captain Lytle of the Regt. commanded by Col. Willett in the N. York Militia was for 2 months & 12 days Musician $8.64
6 " 14" Private 21.53
----
$30.17
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Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 30 Dollars 17 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March,1831.
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Certificate of Pension issued the 2d day of April 1833 and sent to T.H. Sill Erie Pa.
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Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 60.34
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep. 1833 15.08
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$75.42
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{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk,
Book E Vol. 5 Page 52
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Paid at the Treasury under the act of the 6 April
1838 from 4 Sept 1837 to 4 March 1838. Agt notified 21. March 1839.
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Letter to Hon J. Galbraith 2d Feb 1841.
---- 
Duplicate Certificate issued 17. Sep 1841. and Sent to Penn North East Penna. 
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[page border outlined with repetitive leaf pattern]
FAMILY RECORD.

[left side of page] 
MARRIAGES.
Tuesday December 4th 1787 -- Then was Orange Spencer married to Sarah Bostwick.
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Lordsday Febr. 21st 1808 -- Then was
Ruth Spencer married to Nehemiah Yate his age 23 years the 8 of Decr. last --
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Monday Octr. 21st 1811 -- Then was Philomelia Married to John Fry aged 21 years 12th day of April last --
Wednesday 2d September 1812 then was Orange B Spencer son of Orange and Sarah Spencer married [inserted] to Jemima Bostwick (Daughter of Lymon and Rebeckah Bostwick) aged 16 years the 4th day of last November.
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Masonville Tuesday June 17 1817 then was [name crossed out] Sena Daughter [inserted] Orange & Sarah Spencer Marryd [Married] to Peter Loop --

[right side of page] 
MARRIAGES.
Prointon October 30th 1825 Then was Gilbert Spencer Married to Evertine Gay aged sixteen years 12th day of June last
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North East April 14th 1833 Then was Silas Spencer Married to Jane Graham in her 23 year of her age
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October 27th 1831 Then was Alida Yale Daughter of Nehemiah & Ruth Yale married to Seth [illegible] 
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November 26th 1833 Then was Lydia Daughter of Nehemiah & Ruth Yale married to Henry [illegible]
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[page border outlined with repetitive leaf pattern]
FAMILY RECORD.

[left side of page]
Fathers BIRTHS. 
Jonathan Spencer Father of Orange Spencer
Born March 17th - 1744 Died June 1st 1821 aged 77 years 2m. and 14das. 
Amos Spencer born Novr. 11th 1767 -- 
Jonathan L. Spencer born March 25th 1770 --
Mina Spencer born Decr. 4th 1772 -- 
Nathaniel Spencer born Feby. 12th 1782 -- 
Elisha Spencer May 24th 1784
William D Spencer born July 1st 1787 -- 
Francis U Spencer born Novr. 5th -- 1789 --
Mary Spencer born April 9th -- 1796

[right side of page] 
BIRTHS.  [no entries]
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[page border outlined with repetitive leaf pattern]
FAMI [blacked out] 

[left side of page]  
Orange & Sarah BIRTHS.
July Tuesday 30th [blacked out] 
was Orange Spencer  [blacked out] 
December 25th 176  [blacked out] 
then was Sarah Bos  [blacked out] 
Born Saterday [Saturday] September [blacked out] 
Then was Philo [blacked out] 
Spencer born -- [blacked out] 
Saterday, April 23rd 17 [blacked out]
Then was Ruth and Orange B Spencer born -- 
Gaius Spencer born Sunday March 9th 1794
Tuesday May 31st 1796 Silvester Spencer was Born Saturday March 29th 1800 -- 
Then was Sena Spencer Born -- 
Wednesday July 18th 1804 -- then was Gilbert Spencer born --
Sunday March 5th 1809 -- then was Silas born -- 
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[right side of page]  
[top right half of page obscured by ink spot]
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March [blacked out] 30 Then Died Ruth Skeel in the 39 year of her age --
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[page border outlined with repetitive leaf pattern]

FAMILY RECORD. 
DEATHS.  DEATHS.
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No. 3  Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838

State of New York County of Chautauqua }  ss 
On this 6 day of February 1850 personally appeared before the court in open court then in session Gilbert Spencer of said county, after being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows That this deponent is a child of Orange Spencer deceased, late a pensioner of the United States, & of his widow Sarah Spencer also deceased. That this declaration is made in the name of the said widow Sarah Spencer, for and in behalf of all of her now surviving children; That the said parties Orange Spencer & Sarah his wife were married as this deponent understands & believes in 1787. That the said widows name before marriage was Sarah Bostwick, That this deponents said father, the said Orange Spencer died on the 10th day of January 1843, leaving his widow Sarah Spencer this deponents mother, and who remained a widow till her death, and that she died a widow on the 24th day of January 1845 leaving at her death, and who still survive her, the following named children, her surviving, being her only children her surviving and that each of them is over the age of twenty one years, to wit Orange B Spencer, Gaius L Spencer, Gilbert Spencer & Silas J Spencer, Philomelia Fry & Sena Loop  Gilbert Spencer [signature] 

Sworn & subscribed in open court the day & date above mentioned, & the Court certify that the said Gilbert Spencer is a respectable person Abner Lewis Judge Chau Co. Courts.

State of New York Chautauqua County }  I R. O. Green Dept. the [crossed out] clerk of the said County & Clerk of the court, do hereby certify that the above proceedings were had in open court, and that Abner Lewis Esqr who executed the same was the presiding Judge of the Court at the date of the above proceedings, & that his signature is genuine; I am instructed by the court to further certify that satisfactory proof & evidence was adduced before the court that Orange Spencer the above named, died on the 10th day of January 1843 -- over
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and died a pensioner, leaving at his death his widow Sarah Spencer, who remained his widow till her death, and that she died his widow on the 24th day of January 1845 leaving at her death, the following named children her surviving being her only children her surviving, all of whom still survive her and each of whom is over the age of twenty one years, to wit, Orange B Spencer Gaius L Spencer, Silas S Spencer, Gilbert Spencer Philomelia Fry & Sena Loop --
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my official seal & subscribed my name this 6th day of February 1850  R. O. Green [signature] Dept. Clerk
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State of Pennsylvania County of Erie SS. } 
On this twenty first day of September ___ 1832 personally appeared in open court before the judges of the Court of Common Pleas it being a court of record in and for the County of Erie and State of Pennsylvania, Orange Spencer - a resident of the Township of North East in the County of Erie and State of Pennsylvania aged sixty eight 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 7th 1832
That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
That he resided in the town of Warrensbrush (now called Florida) in the County of Montgomery (then called Tryon County) in the State of N York. That in the winter of 1778 and 1779 he volunteered to go in the Militia as a militiaman [crossed out] musician to go to Johnstown. He went to the Fort at Johnstown and served as a musician in the company commanded by Capt Lytle. He thinks that at this time he staid about ten or twelve days and was then dismissed and went home
In the next summer (1779) he volunteered again to go as a musician to serve in the Fort at Johnstown three or four times to serve in the same fort. This applicant states that he cannot state with exactness the length of time he served on these tours, but believes that in the course of that summer [crossed out] season he served as aforesaid for the period of about two months. The fort at Johnstown was garrisoned by the militia and he was frequently called out on an alarm occasioned by the Indian and Tories. In the summer of 1780 - he was called out in the militia to go to Sacandago block house under the command of Capt Putman. He was called out at several different times at Sacondago in that year and believes that during that year he served as a militia man at that place at least for a period of two months
In the year 1781 in the month of May or June this applicant was called out again in the militia to serve at the block house at Warrensbrush 
and helped build the block house [inserted] 
The company in which he served was under the command of Capt Yuman, the block house was sometimes under the command of an orderly sergeant. In this year and in the succeeding year in [crossed out] 1782 he performed duty at this
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place for a period at different times amounting to about six months
In the month of February 1782, this applicant went as a volunteer in the company under the command of Capt Harrison in Col. Willett's regiment on an expedition into Oswego. We were about fourteen days on this expedition and then returned home My feet were frozen on this expedition, which disabled me from labour or business for some months afterwards and I still feel the effects of it
He has no documentary evidence and knows of no person by whom to prove his services in the revolution -- except the deposition of Jesse Skinner which is herewith submitted
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency in any State __ He further states, in answer to the interrogations put by the Court - that -- he was born in the year 1764 at Richmond in the State of Massachusetts - He removed from Massachusetts to Unadilla in the State of New york about the year 1784 - from thence to Oneida County, town of Vernon, State of New york - from thence to Munroe County in the same state - from thence to Chautauqua County in the same State - and from thence to the Township of North East Erie County Penna. where I now reside __ I know, when in service Col. Fisher and Col. Veader of the Militia. Also Col. Willett of the New York State Troops -- He did not issue any written discharge -- The names of people who can testify to his character are Maddison Mitchell [illegible] Middle - Tho. W.G. Newman, Peter Loop - Baxter Francis -- Darius Tayler, all of whom reside in North East, except Wm McCutcheon who resides in Erie_  Orange Spencer [signature] 

Sworn & Subscribed in Open Court this 20th Sept 1832  Edwin I. Kelso Pro }
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The court propounded the following interrogatories the applicant
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any Record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom 
5. State the names of persons [crossed out] 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 service
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution.

Mr. Thaddeus Histed -- [words crossed out] residing in the Township of North-East in the County of Erie and State [word crossed out] and Mr. Dennison Hill -- residing in the same Township ___________ hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Orange Spencer who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be sixty eight years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion _ 
Thaddeaus Histed [signature] Dennison Hill [signature] 

Sworn & Subscribed in open Court, this 20 Sept. 1832. Edwin I. Kelso Pro }
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Orange Spencer 12.136 
[in top right corner of page written vertically from top to bottom]
 
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 Thadeus Histed ---- who has signed the preceeding [preceding] certificate is a [word crossed out] resident in the County of Erie in North East Township State of Pennsylvania and that Dennison Hill ---- who has also signed the same is a resident in the same Township -------- and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Ten. Edwin. I. Kelso Clk.  John Vincent Flynn blc

I Edwin I Kelso ____ clerk of the Court of Erie County Pennsylvania do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings [in the [crossed out] of the said court in the matter of the application of Orange Spencer for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said office this 21st --- day of September 1832
Edwin. I. Kelso Clk
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October 18, 1939
BA-J/MCS  
Own [penciled onto typed letter]
Orange Spencer  R.9985

Ruth M. Potter   Lake Mills  Wisconsin
Dear Madam: 
Reference is made to your request for information relative to Revolutionary War soldiers, Jonathan Spencer, who was born in 1744, and his son, Orange Spencer.
The data which follow were taken from papers on file in the pension claim, R.9985, based on the military service of Orange Spencer.
Orange Spencer was born July 30, 1765, or in 1764, at Richmond, Massachusetts. He was the son of Jonathan Spencer who was born March 17, 1744, and who died June 1, 1821.
While living in Warrensbrush or Warrensbush, Tryon County, New York, which was later called Florida, New York, Orange Spencer enlisted in the winter of 1778 or 1779 and served at various times until sometime in 1782, amounting to eight months and twenty-six days in all, as musician and private with the New York troops under Captains Lytle, Putman, Tuman and Harrison and Colonel Willets. 
About 1784 he moved to Unadilla, New York, from there to Vernon, Oneida County, New York, from there to Monroe (?) County, from there to Chautauqua County, New York, and from there to North East, Erie County, Pennsylvania.
Orange Spencer was allowed pension on his application executed September 21, 1832, at which time he was living in North East Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was then a minister of the Gospel.
He died January 10, 1843.
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2
Orange Spencer married December 4, 1787, Sarah Bostwick, who was born December 25, 1768, and who died January 24, 1845.
Orange and Sarah Spencer had the following children:
Philomelah  born  September  --, ----.
Ruth  "  April 23, 179-.
Orange B.  "  September [crossed out] April 28, 1792.
Gains or Gaius L.  "  March 9, 1794.
Silvester  "  May 31, 1796.
Lena  "  March 29, 1800.
Gilbert  "  July 18, 1804.
Silas S.  "  March 5, 1809.

Only the following of the children noted above were living in 1850: Orange B. Spencer, Gains or Gaius L. Spencer, Gilbert Spencer, Silas S. Spencer, Philomelah Fry and Lena Loop.

In addition to Orange Spencer, the following [inserted] names of the following [crossed out] children of Jonathan Spencer (soldier's father) appear:
Amos born November 11, 1767.
Jonathan L.  "  March 25, 1770.
Mica  "  December 4, 1772.
Nathaniel  "  February 12, 1782.
Elisha  "  May 24, 1784.
William D.  "  July 1, 1787
Francis U. ( ? )  "  November 5, 1789.
Mercy or Marcy  "  April 9, 1795.

The following family data are also shown:
February 21, 1808, then was Ruth Spencer married to Nehemiah Yale his age 23 years the 8th of December last.
October 21, 1811, then was Philomelah married to John Fry aged 21 years 12th day of April last.
2nd September, 1812, then was Orange B. Spencer, son of Orange and Sarah Spencer married to Jemina Bostwick, daughter of Lyman and Rebeckah Bostwick, aged 16 years the 4th day of last November. 
Masonville, June 17, 1817, then was Lena, daughter of Orange and Sarah
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3
Spencer married to Peter Loop.
Perinton, October 30, 1825, then was Gilbert Spencer married to Everline Gay, aged 16 years 12th day of June last.
North East, April 14, 1833, then was Silas Spencer married to Jane Graham in her 23rd year of her age.
October 27, 1931, then was Alida Yale, daughter of Nehemiah and Ruth Yale married to Seth Record.
December 26, 1833, then was Lydia, daughter of Nehemiah and Ruth Yale married to Henry Beaty (?) surname illegible.
Nehemiah Yale, son of Enos and Sarah Yale died February 13, 1818, aged 33 years, 2 months (?) and 5 days.
Ruth (surname illegible) died March --, 1830, in 39th year of her age.

The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to show a claim for pension on file on account of the service of Jonathan Spencer, the father of Orange Spencer.
There are no further data on file relative to the family of Orange Spencer.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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ADmd. 
2 mo's 12 dy Musician  8.14
6 " 14 " Private  21.53
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$30.17
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T. H. Lill Esq. Erie PA
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Orange Spencer which require further proof or explanation.
1. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout [amount] of pension he is entitled? No-- No. see Quere 5
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes
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2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. +If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? No. See Quesn 14.
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. ++Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes 
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EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For --- year --- months, and  --- days, I served as a -----  For --- months and --- days, I served as a ----; and for such service I claim a pension.
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3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months [in italics] is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or 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.

+QUERE XIV. Proof of Service [in italics] 
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which 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. 

++QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers. [in italics]
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 
[graphic of right hand with index finger pointing] In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
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The Reverend William H Newman being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is acquainted with Reverend Orange Spence who has this day made application for a Pension, and that he is a person of good moral character, and regular standing as a minister of the Gospel. 
W. H. Newman [signature] 

Sworn & Subscribed in Open Court this 20th Sept 1832 } 
Edwin I. Kelso Pro
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I Certify this W.H. Newman is a person of truth and Veracity. March 16th. 1833.
Edwin S. Kelso  Prothy [signature]
Page 23

State of New York Chautauqua County } ss 
Jesse Skinner of the town of Busti in the County and State aforesaid, aged eighty two years, being duly sworn doth depose and say, that he has been intimately acquainted with the Rev. Orange Spencer, now of the town of North East and County of Erie, St of Pennsylvania, from his youth to the present time, he does further depose and say that the said Orange Spencer during the revolutionary war was a good whig, and that he served his country faithfully, that this deponent lived [crossed out] did duty at Warrensbrush on the Mohawk river, and that he drew his ammunition from the fort at Johnstown, and that he frequently saw Orange Spencer at said fort doing duty as a musician, and that he confidently believes that he served in said fort at least six months as a soldier, that he never saw said Orange Spencer at the block house at Sockendaga as he recollects, but he recollects distinctly that it was said he did duty there for two or three months, and that as the said Orange & this deponent then lived in the neighborhood of each other he confidently believes that the said Orange Spencer did serve at said block house for 2 or 3 months during the war of the revolution_ This deponent further says that in 1781 he did duty as a soldier at Warrensbush and that the said Orange Spencer also did duty there and that he served for at least six months at the block house at Warrensbush _ He further says that in 1782 as he believes, an expedition was fitted out to go to Oswego to take the fort there.
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under the command of Col. Willett and that the said Orange Spencer marched under the command of said Willett to Oswego as it was then currently reported and as this deponent verily believes_ Jesse Skinner [signature]  

Sworn and subscribed this 18th day of September AD 1832  E.T. Foote First Judge Chau Com Pleas
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State of New York Chautauqua County Clerk's Office } SS.
I James B Lowry Clerk of the said County do Certify that Elial T. Foote Esqr before whom foregoing Affidavit purports to have been Sworn, was at the date of the same first Judge of the County Courts in & for the said County of Chautauqua and that I am well aquainted [acquainted] with his hand-writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavit, to be his proper hand-writing and signature.
Witness my hand and seal of Office this 18th day of September A.D. 1832  James B Lowry Clerk

I am personally acquainted with Jess_ Shinner who made the above affidavit but from his age [inserted] and retired life little is said of his reputation among the people, but I beleive [believe] he sustains an unimpeachable Character for truth & veracity & that his testimony is entitled to credit. Dated March 9th 1833.
E F Foote Judge Chau Com Pleas
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This may certify that I have been acquainted with Jesse Skinner the above deponent for a number of years, and that I do believe him to be a person of truth and veracity and that his statement is entitled to credit -
Dated at Jamestown March 9, 1833 -
Saml. A. Brown District Atty for Chau. Co.
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State of Pennsylvania Erie County Ss.
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Erie aforesaid, Orange Spencer, who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively, as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For two months and twelve days I served as a Musician; For six months and fourteen days I served  as a Private; and for such service I claim a Pension ___   Orange Spencer [signature] 

Sworn to and subscribed this Fourteen day of March - 1833 }     Before me ---  E. D. Gunnison Justice Peace
Page 27

State of Pennsylvania Erie County Ss. } 
I Edwin I. Kelso Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Erie do -- hereby certify that E. D. Gunnison Esquire before whom the within -- deposition was taken was at the date of the Same One of the-- Justices of the Peace in and for Said County duly commissioned and sworn 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of Said Court this 16 day of March 1833 __  Edwin I Kelso Pro
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TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office, February 7th. 1839
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838 entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Orange Spencer, ---- a Pensioner on the Roll of the Philadelphia, Pa, Agency, at the rate of Thirty -- Dollars and Seventeen Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June, 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1837, to the 4th March, 1838. 
Respectfully, yours, Albion K. Parris Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.
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J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

feb 1. 1841 JM Lowry
[written vertically bottom to top on left center of page] 

Hon J. Galbraith HR
[written vertically bottom to top on right center of page]
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Washington City. Jany. 31. 1841
J.L. Edwards Esq
I have just recd the enclosed paper. I am well acquainted with Mark Baldwin Esq. who is an acting Justice of the Peace as he professes to be, & I know his signature & the writing within to be his hand writing -- I am not acquainted with Orang Spencer _  The enclosed, I presume is not in the form prescribed by the Department & if it will not answer the purpose, will you be good enough to enclose the proper form & directions so that I can forward
I have the honor to be very Respectfully Your Obt. Sert.  John Galbraith [signature]
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25 [crossed through]

Mr. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C. 

[round postal seal in left margin, center of page: North East Pa MAR 10] 

Mar 17 1841 M Lowry
[written vertically bottom to top on left center of page]
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Application for a new Certificate
State of Pennsylvania Erie County Ss. } 
On the third day of March 1841 before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the Said County of Erie personally appeared Orange Spencer who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain Lytle in the regiment commanded by Colonel Willet in the Service of the United States that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Pennsylvania. that he received a Certificate of that fact under the Signature and seal of the Secretary of War which certificate, on or about the tenth day of September 1840 was lost or stolen at or near the Road House in the Borough of Erie. Pennsylvania
Orange Spencer [signature] 

Sworn & Subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid  Mark Baldwin 

State of Pennsylvania Erie County Ss. 
Before me a Justice of the Peace in and for Said County Personally appeared Besten Town who being duly Sworn Says he well knows the above named Orange Spencer to be the same person described in the above affidavit
Besten Town [signature] 

Sworn & Subscribed the 3d day of March before me Mark Baldwin
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I hereby certify that Besten Town who has made the forgoing affidavit Before me as to the Identity of Orange Spencer is a man of truth & veracity
Witness my hand at North East the 30 day of March 1841
Mark Baldwin [signature] 

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Erie County S. } 
I William Kelley Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do certify that Mark Baldwin Esquire before whom the foregoing proceedings were had was at the time of taking the Same and now is an acting Justice of the peace duly commissioned and qualified and to all whose official acts as Such full faith and credit are due and further that the signature "Mark Baldwin" purporting to be his is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at Erie the 9th day of March 1841
William Kelley Pro F Edwins Dpy
Page 34

Orange Spencer
attend to it, as soon as I get home
Page 35

State of Pennsylvania Erie County Ss. }
Doct. Jas. L. Hall whom I certify is a respectable person, after being duly sworn according to Law, deposes and says that by referring to his book he finds a memorandum of the death of Rev. Orange Spencer late a Revolutionary Pensioner, (made at the time of his death) that he died the 10th day of January A.D. 1843. Leaving his widow Sarah 
James L. Hall [signature] 

Subscribed & Sworn before me this 4th day of October A.D. 1849  A.W. Blaine [signature] 

State of Pennsylvania Erie County Ss. } 
John Braden whom I certify is a respectable person after being duly Sworn according to law deposes and says he furnished the coffin for Orange Spencer late a pensioner when he died. & that in refering [referring] to his book he finds a memorandum made at the time it took place. That he died January 10th 1843. leaving his widow Sarah
John Braden [signature] 

Subscribed & sworn before me this 4th day of October A.D. 1849 A.W. Blaine

State of Pennsylvania Erie County Ss. } 
I, James Skinner Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do certify that A W. Blaine Esqr before whom the above affidavits were made, is and was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned & Sworn & to all whose acts as such full credit should be given, and that his signatures above written are genuine. Witness my hand and the Seal of Said Court at Erie October 8. 1849  James Skinner Pro [signature] 

[seal affixed in bottom left corner of page]
Page 36

5
Gilbert Spencer 
Westfield
Chaut_ Co N. York

[round postal stamp in lower left side of page: left part of seal missing: estown N.Y. JAN 10]
Page 37

No. 1
State of New York County of Chautauqua } SS. 
Gilbert Spencer & Eveline Spencer whom I certify to be respectable persons, after being duly sworn according to law, depose & say, that they had been for more than twenty five years personally acquainted with Orange Spencer deceased late a pensioner, & with his widow Sarah Spencer, that the Said Orange Spencer died on the 10th day of January 1843 leaving his widow Sarah Spencer who remained his widow till her death & that she died a widow the 24th day of January 1845 leaving at her death the following named children all of whom Still Survive her, being her only children  her Surviving and that each of them is over the age of twenty one years to wit -- Orange B Spencer, Gaius L Spencer, Gilbert Spencer, Silas S Spencer, Philamelia Fry & Sera Loop -- & that the said widow Sarah Spencer was the [illegible] & widow of the Said pensioner Orange Spencer 
Gilbert Spencer [signature] Eveline Spencer [signature] 

Subscribed & sworn before me this 4th day of February 1850 }  W.J. Hinckley Justice of the Peace
Page 38

State of New York Chautauqua County Clerks Office } Ss. 
I hereby certify that William H. Fenton was on the 8th day of January 1850, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly elected and sworn, And Watson I. Hinckley was on the 5th day of January 1850 also a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly elected and sworn. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said William H. Fenton and Watson I. Hinckley, verily believe that their signatures to the several Jurats to the Affidavits hereto annexed are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said County this seventeenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty 
R. O. Green Dept Clerk
Page 39

14086.
Sarah Spencer decd 
widow of -- Orange
New York
7 July 1838

Rejected, husband
died 1843
widow - 1845.
not a widow at the date of the passage of the act
Page 40

Washington Apl" 1850
Sir
I send herewith papers in the case of Sarah Spencer
I am Yours &c
H. J. Conger

Col J. S. Edwards
Comr. Pensions
Page 41

[top left corner of page] 
Hon. H. J. Conger
8 Apl 1850
Page 42

195 [top right corner of page] 
Pension Office April 8th 1850
Sir 
I have the honor to inform you that the papers in the case of Sarah Spencer widow of Orange Spencer under the act of July 1838 have been examined and disallowed
As the law now stands no widow is entitled to the benefit of the act of 7 July 1838, when husband was living in the date of the passage of that act. It appears from the papers presented in this case that Mrs Spencers husband died in 1843 and that her own death took place in 1845, as she was not a widow at the passage of the act, She therefore had [crossed out] acquired [inserted] no right to its provisions in her life time her Children can therefore derive none from her. At [crossed out] This objection being insuperable it is deemed unnecessary to to [crossed out] refer to any defects in the testimony now presented 

Hon H.S. Conger  House of Reps
Page 43

No 14086
Sarah Spencer ded.
NY 
Letter Hon. H J. Conger 8th Apl 1850
A Inq Turn 9/81
9985
Rejected
act 7 July 1838
Page 44

[Left side of page]
Mch. 21 1901
G.A. Palmer Winona Minn
----------------------
1924. Feb. 14 Hist to Mrs. Joseph A. McGinnies (See letter filed in case of Benjamin Bennett S.22646)
1925 Nov 25. Copies mailed to H. Dorsey Spencer. Aw
-----------------------
1939. Oct. 18. hist. to Ruth M. Potter MCY

[Right side of page; printed form completed by hand]
REJECTED 9985
P.O. ____ Sarah Spencer
Service: __ Orang Spencer 
Enlisted: _____ , 18  . 
Discharged: _____ , 18  .
Application filed: _____ , 18  .
Alleges: __________
Re-enlisted: ______
Attorney: Not entered on 
P.O. list of rejected claims
_______________
Recognized. _____ Contract..
Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____ , 18  .
Page 45

M.C.S. [top right corner]

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section February 14, 1924 
Mrs. Joseph A. McGinnies Ripley N. Y.
Madam: 
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R.9985, it appears that Reverend Orange Spencer was born July 30, 1764 or 1766, [inserted: 65 or in 1764] at Richmond, Massachusetts, and was the son of Jonathan Spencer, who was born March 17, 1744, and died June 1, 1821.
While a resident of Warrensbrush, [inserted: later called Florida Montgomery Co] Tyron County, New York, he enlisted and served in the New York Troops as Musician and private, at various times, eight months and twenty-six days in all, under Captains Lytle, Punam [inserted: num], Yuman and Harrison and Colonel Willets.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 21, 1832, while a resident of North East Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania. He died January 10, 1843. was minister in [illegible] 1832
He married December 4, 1787, Sarah Bestwick, who was born December 25, 1768, and died January 24, 1845.
Their children were ---
Page 46

Philomelah born Sept. -- married October 21, 1811, John Fry 
Ruth " April 23, 179-. " February 21, 1808, Nehemiah Yale
Orange B. " "  "  "  September 2, 1812, Jemima Bostwick
Gaius Gains L. " March 9, 1794, 
Silvester " May 31, 1796, 
Lena " March 29, 1800, " June 17,1817, Peter Loop
Gilbert " July 18, 1804, " October 30, 1825, Evertine [inserted: Evaline] Gay
Silas S. " March 5, 1809, " April 14, 1833, Jane Graham

Grandchildren --- 
Alida and Lydia, daughters of Nehemiah and Ruth Yale.
Respectfully, 
Commissioner
Page 47

[round stamp in center of top of page: RECEIVED SEP 25 1939 MAIL SUB-DIV Reader No. 8 VETS ADM] 

Lake Mills, Wis. Sept. 21, 1939
Veteran's Bureau Washington D.C.
Dear Sirs: 
Can you tell me whether [inserted with check mark: & Orange Spencer] Jonathan Spencer [inserted: o pen due] of Chenango Co. N.Y. who served in the Revolutionary War was pensioned? He was born 1744.
He was twice married: 1st to Ruth Mudger; second to Martha Reach, called Patty.
He had children: [each name is underlined] Orange Amos Jonathan Micah Nathaniel Elisha
Wm. Francis Mercy Barzilla Asten
Page 48

Solomon. [underlined] 
Was his son Orange Spencer [underlined] in the Revolutionary War? [underlined] 
If you could give me any information about the birth places, residences - or any other information regarding these people, I would appreciate it very much.
Sincerely 
Ruth M. Potter
Page 49

[printed form, written responses]
3-2233  113
BUREAU OF PENSIONS Finance Division
Nov. 17. 1925.
Chief Rev Sect Division. [crossed out] 
I have this day received from H. Dorsey Spencer M.D. No. 134327. for $ 3.15 
requesting on not copy 
photostat copy post office address [crossed out] } as per letter herewith. 

O. J. RANDALL 
-------------------
Chief Finance Div.  H. C. L.

[written at an angle near bottom of form] 
1920 Nov 25 copies mailed & Finance Div notif  Aw
Page 50

[preprinted form with written responses] 

Request for Photostating 3-2006 
(To be prepared in duplicate.)  Ex. AW 
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK
Job No. 2696  Date Nov. 21. 1925
Subject Orange Spencer. Rev. R.9985.
1 copies of 10 pieces consisting of 21 pages to be (No.) (No.) (No.) 
forwarded when completed to the Rev. & 1812 War Section Division.
Remarks:         Approved: 
AEWilson [signature] 
Chief Division [crossed out] Sect.  Chief Clerk.
Page 51

WELL & SPENCER 47 PARK AVENUE CORNER 46th STREET NEW YORK

PATENT, TRADE-MARK, COPYRIGHT LAW TELEPHONE ASHLAND 5575-6-7  CABLE ADDRESS NEWELLPAT W. U. TELE. CODE-S LETTER
November 14, 1925.
[stamp: FINANCE DIVISION NOV 17 1925 Bureau of PENSION]

Commissioner of Pensions Department of the Interior Washington, D. C. 
Re: Rev. & 1812 Wars Section. R. 9985 [underlined] 

Dear Sir: In reply to your letter of November 6th advising me that photostat copies of the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim of Orange Spencer, N. Y. Troops, will be furnished me at the rate of 15 cents a page and that the number of pages to be copied is twenty-one, I am enclosing herewith money order, drawn to the Secretary of the Interior, for $3.15.
I desire photostatic negatives [underlined] in order that I may have any desired number of positives reproduced here. I do not want them fastened together and do not care to have them certified.
Respectfully, H. Dorsey Spencer [signature] -N- 
HDS:GN  Encl.
Page 52

1812 Wars Section.      AW
Nov. 6, 1925.
H. Dorney Spencer, 247 Park Ave. New York City. 
Sir: 
I have to advise you, that if you wish photostat copies of the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim of Orange Spencer, N. Y. Troops, the same will be furnished you at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification, if that is desired. The number of pages to be copied is twenty-one.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
Respectfully, WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.
Page 53

NEWELL & SPENCER 247 PARK AVENUE CORNER 46th STREET NEW YORK 
PATENT, TRADE-MARK, COPYRIGHT LAW TELEPHONE ASHLAND 5575-6-7 CABLE ADDRESS NEWELLPAT W. U. TELE. CODE-5 LETTER
October 31, 1925.

Commissioner of Pensions U. S. Pension Office Washington, D. C. 
[handwritten: Rev War wid Rej]
Re: Pension File of Orange Spencer No. 9985. [underlined] 

Sir: I would like to get photostatic negatives of all of the papers in the pension file of Orange Spencer, No. 9985, including a photostatic negative of the file wrapper itself.
Does the Pension Office itself have a department that can make such negatives, and if not could I arrange to have the file and file papers photostated in the Photostat Department of the U.S. Patent Office?
By all of the papers in the file, I mean everything including some leaves apparently cut out of an old family Bible which are in the file.
It has been about twenty years since I have seen this fle, [file] but I assume it is still intact. Orange Spencer was my great great grandfather. 
Respectfully,  H. Dorsey Spencer [signature] 

HDS: GN  21 pages R9985 10 pieces
[round stamp in bottom left corner of page: Pension Office U. R NOV 8 1925 S.]
Page 54

Winona Minn Feby 21 - 1901
Commissioner of Pensions. Washington D.C.

Dear Sir, 
Will you please give me the military history of Orange Spencer a musician in the Revolutionary Army enlisted from New York state.
His pension papers were either lost or stolen at Erie, Pa. where he drew his pension. was living near there at that time.
Very respectfully. G.A. Palmer. 
Lock Box 264

[rectangular stamp near center of page: O.W. & N. DIVISION MAR 7 1901 RECEIVED.]
[round stamp in bottom left corner of page