Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8720, for Silas Reynolds, New York
Page 1

(3—1776)

C

Reynolds, Silas

SERVICE
New-York

NUMBER
R. 8720

CONTENTS
Page 2

State of New York

City and County of New York ss:

On this Twenty fifth day of September one thousand Eight hundred and thirty four personally appeared Before me John B. Scott one of the Justices of the Marine Court of the City of New York Silas Reynolds a resident of the City and County of New York and State of New York who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 - 1832. That he was born in New England in the year 1750 as appeared by the family bible containing the record of his age; that his parents removed in his infancy to the State of New York, that he was living in Smith Clove, in Orange County of said State in the year 1776 with a family of his own which he supported by the cultivation of a piece of leased land. That at this period the enemy threatening the forts along the North River, he was called out to do duty in the militia of. the State of New York; and a company being formed in his neighborhood under the command of Colonel Jess Woodhull he was Enrolled in said company as Corporal, but though named a Corporal he never did duty as such, but always served as a private soldier; that the officers of his Company were Colonel Jesse Woodhull, Major Samuel Strong, Captain Francis Smith and Lieutenant Jacobus Galloway; that he was almost all the time out on land of Eight teen days; that he did duty in garrisoning & erecting fortification at West Point, Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton; marched after the Indians to Pimpach and Minisink where they had committed depredations by burning and destroying lives & property; that he marched frequently after the Cowboys, was out constantly watching and reconnstruing and performed various other duties in contending with the Enemy of ten times beyond the boundaries of the said County of Orange; that he was thus liable too be called out on duty throughout the whole of the war until the Evacuation of the City of New York by the British, and that he performed actual and active service for a space of Three Years. [continued]
Page 3

[continued] That about 8 years ago he was run over by a gig which fractured his skull and otherwise injured him so severely as almost to deprive him of life. That though up to that time not-withstanding his old age, he was able by his own industry to support himself comfortably, without asking assistance from any. Yet since that sad accident he had been utterly helpless and confined most part of the time to his bed, and had been supported by his two daughters ever since, one of whom is a widow and both whom are compelled to labor for their own support; that he never received any pecuniary compensation for these Services; that he never received any discharge but continued until the end of the war. While on duty he was engaged in no civil pursuit, but used to work day and night on his farm when he got home for a day or two; that Abner Cunningham who now resides in the City of New York used to live in the neighborhood of this deponent in the said County of Orange during the Revolutionary War and must know his character for veracity and many of the facts relating to his service in that war. That he deponent resided in said County of Orange from the close of the Revolutionary War until the year 1815 when he removed to the City of New York and lived there until the year 1828 when he removed to Northfield in the County of Richmond and lived there until about a year ago when he returned to the City of New York where he now resides.

And he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of any agency in any State

Silas Reynolds
x
his mark

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid

John B Scott
Justice of Marine Court
Page 4

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned John B. Scott one of the Justices of the Municipal Court of the City of New York Silas Reynolds 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 period mentioned below and in the following grade -

For three years I served as private and for such service I claim a Pension

Silas Reynolds
x
his mark

Sworn this 25th day of 
September 1834 before me.

John B. Scott
Justice of Marine Court
Page 5

I, John Barberie Clerk of the Marine Court of the City of New York, do hereby Certify that John B Scott whose signature is affixed to the foregoing affidavits is one of the Justices of t he said Cour - 

In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the said Court this 25th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.

John Barberie
Page 6

Orange County } ss.

To Sergeant Silas Reynolds Greeting

You are hereby Commanded in the Name of the Congress to Warn every Man in your Ward from Sixteen years of Age to Fifty to be and appear at my house on Friday the 23d. Instant at two of the Clock in the afternoon of the same Day in order to Raise our quota of Men, and Likewise be shure to Warn all the Young men that never has Joined the Company yet That are of Age now and fit to Come in to the Company. And for your So doing this shall be your sufficient Warrant Given under my hand and seal this 22d. Day of April 1779 —

[illegible] Smith



On this twenty first day of September, [illegible], appeared before me Mrs Mary Decker, wife of Thomas Decker and daughter of Silas Reynolds aged about forty-nine years, and makes oath and sayeth that on or about the twentieth day of the last month, (August), she was looking over some old papers belonging to her father, on her possession, and discovered the above paper, purporting to be a military warrant, ordering her father to warn and cause to be mustered militiamen, and to do such other things, as well more fully appear by referring to said warrant; and she fully and truly believes the said paper to be a genuine document in all its facts, and what it purports to be. And she further says, that after finding said papers, she forth [continued]
Page 7

[continued]

[the following text is a duplicate of what appeared on the previous page:]

[On this twenty first day of September, [illegible], appeared before me Mrs Mary Decker, wife of Thomas Decker and daughter of Silas Reynolds aged about forty-nine years, and makes oath and sayeth that on or about the twentieth day of the last month, (August), she was looking over some old papers belonging to her father, on her possession, and discovered the above paper, purporting to be a military warrant, ordering her father to warn and cause to be mustered militiamen, and to do such other things, as well more fully appear by referring to said warrant; and she fully and truly believes the said paper to be a genuine document in all its facts, and what it purports to be. And she further says, that after finding said papers, she forth] with caused it to be appended to the other testimony of her father's, confidently believing it to be of importance and establishing his claim to a revolutionary pension - and further the deponent sayeth not

Mary Decker
X
her mark

Sworn 2ed Sep 1856
Before John B Scott
one of the Justices of
The Marine Court
7th City of New York
Page 8

31209
Silas Reynolds, N.Y.
C691
Page 9

We, Spencer H. Cone a clergyman residing in the City of New York and. William Colgate residing in the said city hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Silas Reynolds who's a member of the church of which we are [illegible] minister & deacon and who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be Eighty four 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

Affirmed in open court June 7. 1834 - and subscribed the days and year aforesaid

Spencer H Cone
William Colgate

H. Meigs Clerk

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 Spencer H. Cone who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the City of New York and that William Colgate who has also signed the same is a resident in the said City and isa credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.

R Riker Recorder NY Clk
Gideon Astrander ald
Fras Fickett ald

I Henry Meigs Clerk of the Court of Sessions for this city & county of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Silas Reynolds for a pension

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 7th day of June 1834

H. Meigs Clerk
Page 10

City and County of New York ss:

Abner Cunninghm being affirmed doth depose and say that he used to reside in Smiths Clove in Orange County New York and lived there during the Revolutionary war - is 70 years old and know Silas Reynolds very well during the war and has known him ever since that he knew of Reynolds being often out on active duty as a militia man - that it was a common remark among the neighbors that said Reynolds and. his brothers in law Benjamin and Andrew Thorp were out almost all the time and did more duty in the war than any body for miles about - that they all lived about nine or ten miles from West Point, and this deponent says that Silas Reynolds has always borne a good character for veracity and had for a great many years been a member in good standing in a Baptist Church - that of late years his mind has become indistinct and he and he is apt to confuse his ideas - that he was run over by a gig and his head badly injured a few years ago as deponent has been informed and believes and his mind is supposed to have been affected by that accident.

Abner Cunningham

Sworn in open Court
June 5. 1834
H. Meigs. Clerk
Page 11

City and County of New York ss:

Henry Dainis being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is sixty eight years of age within one month that he is a resident of the town of Goshen in Orange County in the state of New York and has lived in that county ever since the Revolutionary war. that during the said war he lived in Smiths Clove in said county in the neighborhood of Silas Reynolds the applicant mentioned in the annexed papers - that he has known the said Silas Reynolds and his family for fifty years - that the said Silas Reynolds was to the knowledge of this deponent for three years engaged in military service in a company of drafted militia-men and deponent does not know how much service he performed beside - that said Reynolds was so in service at the time of the taking of Fort Washington - and this deponent thinks that the said Reynolds has lost his memory very much lately and this deponent is temporarily in the city of New York & has just heard of this application

Henry Dans

Sworn in open
Court June 5 1834.
H. Meigs, Clerk.
Page 12

City and County of New York ss:

George B. Thorp of the city of New York being duly sworn doth depose and say that heh as known the within named applicant Silas Reynolds for upwards of sixty years and was born and brought up in the neighbourhood of said Reynolds in Smiths Clove in Orange County that said Reynold was always reputed to have been a soldier or to have been called into active service during the Revolutionary war & this deponent remembers distinctly in the boyhood of said deponent during the Revolutionary War, the said Reynolds going out with his company on military duty and deponent further saith that said Reynolds has always been a good character for veracity though his memory has been somewhat impaired by being run over about six years since

Geo B. Thorp
Keeper of city prison
City of New York

Sworn in Open Court.
June 7. 1834
H. Meigs Clerk }
Page 13

Interrogatories propounded to Silas Reynolds, an applicant for a pension on account of Service in the militia - pursuant to the printed circular from the Pension Office entitled "Regulations under the act of June 7 - 1832" together with his answers.

1  Where, and in what year were you born?
Answer
I was born in 1750 in New England, I believe Connecticut.

2  Have you any record of your age and if so, where is it?
Answer
My daughter has my family bible, and my age is there - That's the way I know it.

3.  Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live?
Answer
When called into Service I was living at a place called Smiths Cove in the County of Orange and State of New York. I continued to reside in that county until I came to live in New York City and lived there ever since except about six years when I lived in [continued]
Page 14

[continued] Northfield Richmond County where I resided until last month I came back again in the city of New York and I now live in said city of New York

4  How were you called into service - were you drafted - did you volunteer - or were you a substitute - and if a substitute for whom?
Answer
I was not drafted, but was obliged to be read at all times and was almost continually called out on tours of 8 or 10 days

5  State the names 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 you services
Answer
I remember One Gilchrist a Captain in the American Army Our regiment was commanded by colonel Woodhull and Samuel Strong was major and my Captain was Francis Smith and Jacobus Galloway lieutenant. I worked on the fortification at West Point - was sent after the Indians and Cowboys several times

6  Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it.
Answer 
I never received any discharge that I know of

[continued]
Page 15

[continued] 

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.
Answer
Abner Cunningham lives in New York now and used to be my neighbor in Orange County also George B Thorp - and Mr. Cane the minister and Henry Daines

The foregoing are the questions and answers as they were propounded to and given by Silas Reynolds at the time of making his annexed declaration or affidavit June 7th 1834.

R Riker
Recorder of the City of New York

Gideon Ostrander

Fras.. Fickett
Page 16

Silas Reynolds
31.209



e



S. H. Cone Esq
City of New York
N.Y.
Page 17

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
June 11. 1834

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. These 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 compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, shewing the Service of Silas Reynolds

Period when the service was rendered
From 1776 to the Close of the War

Duration of the claimant's service
Years. Months. Days.
Three years - -

Rank of the claimant.
private

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Colonel Jesse Woodhull,
Major Samuel Strong;
Captain Francis Smith;
Lieutenant Jacobus Galloway

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
Aged 84 years
Lived at Orange [illegible] when called out

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
The affidavits of Abner Cunningham, Henry Daines & George B. Thorp all neighbors of, & well acquainted with the applicant from the time of the war up to the present day.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 18

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 branch of the Staff in the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia, and Volunteer 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 Commissioner 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, mucicians or privates, will in the instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where 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 [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make me following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank](e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following 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 entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was entire and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of office in 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 if the Agency in the State of [blank]

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 soldier, and served as he states.

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

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

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, and he 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 [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] 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 days 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 the
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, [blank] Clerk of the Court of  [blank]do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank]for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &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 knowledge 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, 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 to his

[continued]
Page 19

[continued]

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

6. {To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom 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 the 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 whom 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 soldier, 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 inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of 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 transmit such evidence 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 person or persons of the war when he served.

[e] Every continental officer of 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 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."

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, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that 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 of 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 next on the 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 sheet 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 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.


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.

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 is 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 sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 20

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AW/eel
Om

April 19, 1929

Dr. M. H. Reynolds
University Farm
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Sir:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 8730, it appears that Silas Reynolds was born in 1750 in New England.

He applied for pension, September 25, 1834, while residing in New York City, and stated that while living in Smith Clove or Smith Cove, Orange County, New York, he served from in 1776 in the New York Militia as private and sergeant in Captain Francis Smith's Company, Colonel Jesse Woodhull's Regiment in tours of eight and ten days, did garrison duty at Westpoint, Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton, was out against the Indians and served until the close of the war.

The claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of six months service as required by the pension law.

In 1834, he referred to two daughters, one a widow.

In 1836, a daughter, Mrs. Mary Decker, wife of Thomas [continued]
Page 21

[continued] Decker, was aged bout forty-nine years.

The name of the soldier's wife is not given and there are no further data as to children.

Respectfully,

R. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
Page 22

31,209
Silas Reynolds
NY



Act June 7. 1832
Page 23

New York
Silas Reynolds
Suspended
Page 24

Silas Reynolds

[illegible]

Suspended
See Set. Nw. S.H. Cone
Sept. 29. 34

Sett  to L. 76. Cone Hook 1834
do. to same March 27. 1835 =
do a June Apl 5. 1837

Act 7. June '32



Nov. 26. 1834
Pension Office
Page 25

8720
Page 26

REJECTED

8720

P.O. [blank]
Silas Reynolds
Service: [blank]

Enlisted: [blank], 18[blank].
Discharged: [blank], 18[blank].

REJECTED

Application filed: [blank], 18[blank].

The printed list of 1852
shows reason for suspension

Alleges:
"The duration of each 
term of actual service 
must be specified.
The statement is too indefinite
at present to form any 
determination upon"

Re-enlisted: [blank]

Attorney: [blank]
P.O. [blank]
[blank] Recognized.  [blank] Contract.
[blank] Cert. of Dis.  Searched for [blank], 18[blank].



1929. Apr. 29. Hist to Dr. M.H. Reynolds awy
Page 27

DR. M. H. REYNOLDS
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
1893 TO ____

EVERYWHERE OPPORTUNITIES TO DO HELPFUL THINGS
WHICH COST NEITHER TIME NOR MONEY

214S KNAPP STREET
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA

September 28, 1928

Bureau of Pensions
Treasury Department
Washington, D. C.

[stamp as follows:]
PENSION OFFICE
U.S.
OCT 14 1928

Gentlemen:

I wish to secure official statement concerning the Revolutionary War Record of Abner Thorp and Silas Reynolds.
---

Abner Thorp.

Abner Thorp was born February 22, 1731, married Eunice (Brown) Thorp about 1753 or 1754, and died December 4th, 1812. He was buried in a private cemetery at West Farms, near Farmingdale, N. J. Gravestone inscription states that he entered service in the quartermaster's department, 1776, and remained actively employed in the army till the close of the War of the Revolution.

At the close of the war, he retired to his farm in Monmouth County, New Jersey. It is quite probable that he entered service from Orange County, New York, and from the vicinity of Monroe ( formerly Smith's Clove). It is likely that he lived in Monroe, Cornwall, or Bloominggrove (villages close together).

It is likely that he was employed in a large warehouse at Newburgh. This Abner Thorp appears as a member of a "Committee of Safety for Cornwall Precinct, Orange County, September 1775. (See History of Orange County, N. Y. by Ruttember po. 68-69) [continued]
Page 28

[continued]

The name of this Abner Thorp appears in a list of " Signers of The Association Test in Orange County, New York." (See Revolution Papers, In the Office of the Secretary of State of New York," Vol. 1, p. 16.

The name of this Abner Thorp appears as one of the signers of "The Association in Cornwall, Embracing Monroe, Cornwall, and Bloomingrove, 1775. (See History of Orange County, New York, by Samuel W. Eager,, 1846-1847, p. 531.

The statement or certificate from your department should show the department or division, superior officers, etc, of Abner Thorp, so far as records are available. If Abner Thorp served as employee, for example, in a warehouse, I should like any available data concerning this. It is quite probable that he spent some of his service in a large warehouse at Newburg.



Silas Reynolds.

Silas Reynolds (sometimes spelled Runnels by early families) was born about 1740-1750, married Sarah (Sally) Thorp about 1775. He probably enlisted from Orange County, New York, vicinity of Monroe, Cornwall, or Bloominggrove (villages close together) although he had a son, Daniel, born 1776 at White Plains, and may have enlisted from White Plains, Westchester Co.

Census of 1790 shows for Silas Reynolds, himself, two free, white males under 16 years of age, and seven free, white females.

The name of this Silas Reynolds appears as a member of a "Committee of Safety For Cornwall Precinct, Orange County, September 177. (See History of Orange County, N. Y., by Ruttember pp. 68-69.

The name of this Silas Reynolds appears in a list of signers of "The Association Test in Orange County, New York (See Revolution Papers. In the Office of the Secretary of State of New York, Vol. 1, p. 16.

The name of this Silas Reynolds appears in a list of " Signers of The Association in Cornwall, Embracing Monroe, Cornwall, and Bloomingrove, 1775. (See History of Orange County, New York, by Samuel W. Eager, 1846-1847, p. 532.

[continued]
Page 29

A Silas Runnels served in the Revolution under Colonel William Malcom, (see The Levies, "New York in the Revolution", p. 76, by James A. Roberts, Comptroller, second edition 1898. The name Reynolds was often spelled Runnels by the early families.

The statement or certificate from your department should show the department or division, superior officers, etc. of Silas Reynolds, so far as records are available.

Let me know if there is any fee or other expense for this search and statement.

Very truly yours,
M H Reynolds
University Farm.
St. Paul, Minnesota

MHR-RS
Page 30

6.691

Oct. 3. 1836.
Pension Office
NY



Hon. Lewis Cass,
Secretary of War,
Washington D.C.
Page 31

New York. 21st. Sept. 1836.

Sir:

We take the liberty to forward you the application and affidavit of Silas Reynolds and others for a pension for services rendered during the war of the Revolution. The papers above referred to we are informed have already been before the War Department, and returned. since which the enclosed warrant has been found, dated on the 22nd day of April 1779, recognising him as a sergeant of militia under Capt. Francis Smith, which we hope and trust will be full and satisfactory evidence of his service, so as to entitle him to a pension. Mr. Reynolds is now very infirm and his faculties much impaired, but a very worthy, through poor man, unable to labour, and of course dependent on his friends for support. -

Should any further information be necessary, please notify us, and we will endeavour to obtain it.

We have no notice or interest in this application further than that of humanity, and a desire to see justice done. Any information relative to his application, may be addressed to us in the City of New York, who are neighbours of Mr. Reynolds, and disposed to render him assistance.

Very respectfully
Yours,

Jno. C. Covel - M Jaques

Hon Lewis Cass
Page 32

N. York, Oct. 3d. 1834

Dear Sir

Your favor of 29th relt. is recd. and I regret not only the failure of the application in behalf of Silas Reynolds, but the trouble which lend unnecessarily to have been given to your department in the restoration of his claim. His last declaration with the accompanying affidavits, would not have been forwarded to You but that the legal gentlemen who [illegible], supposed they would prove quite satisfactory at the Pension Office That the old soldier would at last get a morsel of bread from his grateful Country. In this we have been disappointed.

I am aware that when the papers in question were return'd  to me on the 11th [illegible] last, deference was had to note "c" of the printed regulations, and I obtained all the specific information touching the "grade period, length of service, officer &c." which the circumstances of the case would admit of. If there were any individual who could go into the County of Orange & find an officer of the Regt. in which Mr. Reynolds served, in loue of his fellow soldiers, no doubt additional facts might be collected; but this is out of the question; there is no one to go for him. And were he now in the enjoyment of all his faculties is their full vigour, I have no idea [continued]
Page 33

[continued] that he could furnished categorical answers to all the points you have marked with red ink. Can it be expected from an old man, after a lapse of half a century since the events occurred? The framers of the Law appear to have had four levels of compassion on this point, & therefore in your note "e" it is said, "In case the applicant cannot, by reason of the laps of memory, state precisely how long he served &c." This had been done, & the fracture of his skull several years since, inducing loss of memory, helplessness, & second childhood, has been distinctly set forth; but the affidavit on this print appears not to have met your glance.

It has been distinctly shown that Mr. R. belonged to a militia Regt. in Orange Co. N.Y. the Colonels name is given; that he was regularly enrolled in one of the Companies of that Regt. for five years, (his Captains name given), during which whole period he was liable to be called out into active service; that at the close of the war, in talking over the time of each man's actual service, it was agreed by the members of his company that he had been away from his family more than three years out of the five, & therefore the old man who is exceedingly careful & conscientious, was wiling to swear to three years as his amount of actual service, under military obligations & discipline".

Your printed regulations are designed, very [continued]
Page 34

[continued] properly, to guard against impositions. The Pastor & Deacon of the Oliver St. Church, (to which Mr. Reynolds has belonged for more than Twenty years), are so well known to the Christian publick, that this point I should hope, is satisfactorily guarded.

Much stress is also laid upon current opinion in the neighbourhood where the applicant resided. The universal sentiment with reference to Silas Reynolds is, that he is one o f the most dvout Christians, some of the purest patriots of our land, & for twenty years after the Revolution, it was a saying in every body's mouth, that he & his brothers did more duty, during the war, than any other man in the county. He especially was ever on the alert, & assisted in constructing as well as garrisoning Forts Clinton, Montgomery, Constitution &c. Early in Oct. 1777 he was drafted to a post in the defence of For Montgomery, but was obliged to remain at home two or three days to secure his grain & keep his family from starving. His brother went as his substitute upon that occasion, and was desperately wounded, in the gallant defence made by a handful of men, against an overwhelming British force. His brothers are all dead, he alone lives to ask a pension.

Before closing this letter, already much longer than I had anticipated, allow me to mention a pleasing reminiscence related to me a few days ago by Mr. R's oldest daughter. When LaFayette last enlisted this [continued]
Page 35

[continued] city, Mr. Reynolds went to see him. The Marquis instantly recognised him, & grasping his hand said, How do you do, Mr. Reyds? Why do you remember me exclaimed the old man, with surprize? Remember you, my fellow Soldier! And that I do; I have eaten many a dish of suppahr & milk at your house.

And now, my Dear Sir, if you still continue to think that the claim I have proposed upon your attention is based on moon-beams, you will much oblige me by returning the papers, as I may perhaps at some future day be able to make them useful to the old man or his daughters, which they would prove only an incumbrance to your Bureau.

Yrs truly
S. H. Cone



J.L. Edwards
Washington
Page 36

Jas. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 37

N York Septr. 23th 1834.

Dear Sir

From the conversation I had with you in your office in May 1833, I did suppose that the papers to [illegible] the case of Silas Reynolds, forwarded to W. in June 1834, Md. have secured to that worthy old man the relief contemplated in the Act of Congress of June 7th 1832. The papers however, were not returned.

The Petitions has since been examined by myself & I have obtained from him all the facts his impaired memory can furnish. I now send his last Declaration in connection with the affidavts attached to his former application, & hope the documents submitted will prove entirely satisfactory to those who sit in judgement upon the claims of Revolutionary Soldiers.

Mr. Reynolds is now very infirm. His fractured skull & old age together will probably bring him to the grave in a few months, this country will no longer be troubled with the cry of a brave man & a true patriot.

With much regard, Ys
S.H. Cone
Page 38

Mar 26

Silas Reynolds
NY Smp?
or ryd
act 1832

H

James L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office.
Washington City

[stamp]
NEW YORK
MAR 24
Page 39

N. York, March 23d. 1835

Dear Sir

Collections have been recently made in this City, for surviving revolutionary Soldiers within its precincts, & you will much oblige me by returning the Documents with Pension Office in the Case of Silas Reynolds, as they will be quite sufficient to substantiate his claim to a portion of this Patriotic fund.

Yrs truly
SH Cone



Jas. L. Edwards Esq
Washington }
Page 40

John C. Covel
6 Oct. 1836
O.C.



Rec vol 39
Page 98
Page 41

War Department
Pension Office
Octob 6th, 1836

Sir

The papers of Silas Reynolds have again be examined - The order signed by Captain Smith in 1779 now exhibited serves the same nothing more than that the claimant was thereon recognized as a Sergeant - The regulations of the Department require that the duration of each term of actual service be specified 

The militia of Orange County was in at the period referred to called into service occasionally only & remained out from one to thirty days at a time

The claimants statement is so indefinite that it is not possible to determine whether he is entitled to a pension under the act of June 7th 1832 or not - If his memory is so far impaired that he is unable to [continued]
Page 42

[continued] make any explanatory statement, the only means of sustaining his application is by witnesses

The papers are placed on file



Jno C. Covel Esq
New York



James C. Covel
6 Oct. 1836
O.C.



Rec Vol 39
Page 98
Page 43

Rev. S.H. Cone
September 29th 1834

O.C.

Recd. Vol 33 page 150
Page 44

War Department
Pension Office
Sept 29th 1834

Sir

The claim of Silas Reynolds has again been examined & suspended - His papers were returned to you on 11th June with a copy of the regulations and the objections to him claim pointed out by a refferences in red ink to note "e" which requires the period length and grade of each tour of service should be specially and seperately recited - His papers are now returned with the general allegation that he served two years in a militia company. This is unsatisfactory - Unless each term of actual service under military obligations is set forth as required by the regulation, a pro rate pension cannot be awarded. His papers are place on file.

Respectfully
Your
Obt Se



Rev. S. H. Cone
New York
Page 45

Rev S.H. Cone
15 Oct 1834

O.C.

Recd Vol 33 page 176
Page 46

War Dept.
Pension Off
Oct 34

Sir

In reply to your request that the papers of Silas Reynolds should be returned to you, I have to state that it does not comport with the rules of this office to withdraw papers from its files except under peculiar circumstances - The inability of Mr. Reynolds to specify his terms of service is a misfortune which can only be remedied under the regulations by the more specific testimony of his surviving associates in service many of whom still reside within reach of him -

[illegible] June



[illegible] S.H. Cone inst
New York
Page 47

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office,
Washington City

[stamp]
NEW-YORK
OCT 4
Page 48

Silas Reynolds



L Edwards Esq
Commr. of Pensions
Washington        

4
Page 49

Decr. 10th 1836

Sir

Herewith you will receive the further proof of the claims of Mr Silas Reynolds Touching his services during the revolutionary war

The old gentleman has made a detailed statement under oath of what he could call to memory; it was obtained by patient questioning and at a time when it was thought he was more collected than usual,

The affidavit of Mr Cunningham, serves to be full and to the point, as last as much so as could be expected in regard to. matters occuring so long ago,

Mr Cunningham is the only surviving witness that could be obtained

[continued]
Page 50

[continued]

It would seem then that his only hope is in what appears in these papers and certainly it is presumed that they will satisfy the requirements of the law in the case, and answer the purpose of obtaining what he so much needs - if so we shall be thankful

Permit me sir before I close to tender you my thanks for the promptness with which you attended to this business and also to subscribe myself

You most
Respectfuly
Jno. C. Covel
No 155 Spring
Sum. 7.



J L Edwards Esq
Page 51

City & County
of New York ss }

Abner Cunningham of the City of the City of New York being duly affirmed doth depose and say that he is well acquainted with Silas Reynolds formerly of the Town of Smiths Clove in the County of Orange that during and since the Revolutionary war, this deponent resided in the same Town and as the neighbour of the said Deponents & his family that from the intamacy. that existed the deponent had an opportunity of knowing his service, as a Revolutionary soldier - when the said Reynolds was absent from his home many excurstion agains the enemy, the deponent always knew it from his family and the inhabitants of the Village, when he left his home it was always, was with arms equiped or the malitia were out that day - & when he returned to his home he ever equiped in the same way - his actworthy and notariety ever such an [illegible] the enormity that he personally recollects his service. - 

The precise date when the said deponent entered the service  this deponent cannot say, but he knows he enlisted the service early in the War and continued throughout the greater part of it - The Deponent remembers he served under Captains Saville, Buck & Hardon & also under Col Marvin - He was in the service [continued]
Page 52

[continued] during the cold winter of 1780. and continued in the service until the British evacuated New York - and this deponent remembers the said Reynolds was in the service long before the cold winter & is very certain in the year 1778 - 

And this deponent further saith that he has no more doubt of the continued service of the said Reynolds for and during three years at lest, than he has of that length of service on the part of General Washington

And this deponent further saith that he knew Reynolds when he the deponent was a boy - and has continued an intamacy ever since that he has very often since the Revolution heard the said Reynolds say he served the greater part of the War, and this was confirmed by and repeated by those that served with him - That the said Reynolds was always known as a man of veracity and from a knowledge of his character that any history he should give of his services this deponent would implicitly rely on - his memory for sometime past appears to be impaired particularly with reference to dates and times - 

[continued]
Page 53

[continued] and the deponent further says that he is now seventy two years of age and will be seventy tree on the 22d of May next.

Abner Cunningham

Offered the 10' of December
in open Court
Depose
John B Scott
Justice of the Marine Court



County of New York ss.

I do certify that Abner Cunningham is well known to me and that he is worthy of credit

John B Scott
Justice of the M Court

[seal affixed]

I John Barberie Clerk of the Marine Court of the City of New York do hereby certify that John B. Scott Esqr is a Justice of the said Court and that the said Court is a Court of Record and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature - 

In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the said Court this second day of December One Thousand eight hundred and thirty six

John Barberie
Page 54

City & County of
New York }

Silas Reynolds, of the city & county of New York aged Eighty six years, being duly sworn deposeth and saith

That, in the early part of the year 1779, the deponent, together with many others, associated themselves together as a volunteer band, then living together in Smiths Clove, in the County of Orange, and state of New York, with an understanding that they should at all times, be ready and willing to do such duties as appertained to soldiers, in guarding and protecting the property and inhabitants of the said village of Smiths Clove; and the Deponent did on several occasions while so associated, leave his home and family, and perform several occasions while so associated, leave his home and family and perform several excursions for various purposes not at all connected with this Deponent's private Business; but on such matters as belonged and had deference to the general welfare of the village and its neighbourhood. -

And this Deponent also states, that, while he and his associates were so embodied, having no particular Officer, but always ready to go as what was then known as "Minute Men," this deponent received a paper from under the hands of Captain Francis Smith, of (over) [continued]
Page 55

2

[continued] the aforesaid village of Smiths Clove purporting to be, and which was, a warrant recognising the deponent as a Sergeant, and empowering him to warn and muster all the suitable men in  this bear who would serve a volunteer; and a company was properly organised and officered, of whom Captain Franci Smith was the principal officer; and the Deponent acted as orderly sergeant, that the said company was always in readiness, to act in offence & defend for not only the village and county aforesaid, but to assist in a general defence of their country when called upon to do so.

That the deponent further saith that in conformity to the advice of the major part of this said company, it was fully agreed on, that they should be ordered into separate sections, to the end that their several times of duty should be performed with more convenience to themselves and efficiency to their country - 

Ano. This deponent further saith that in the year 1779 as above stated, the section to which the deponent belonged was called into active service at Fort Montgomery, on the River Hudson, there

& over [continued]
Page 56

[continued] garrisoned by the American troops, that the deponent marched to their fort, and did then and there perform the duties of a soldier faithfully and truly, until relieved by the other part or section of their company, as the full term of two weeks; that the deponent believes, to the best of his recollection, that the time spent at this fortification - off and on - was from spring til fall or three months - that further the deponent says, that after Fort Montgomery was invaded and taken by the Enemy, he was detailed from duty at working on a fortification the known as the "Grand Battery" at West Point which Deponent now believes is called Fort Clinton

The services that the deponent performed at this place was such as wheeling sand & gravel, felling timber and getting out stone; and this deponent well remembers working in the woods, and sleeping in what was then known as "Brih=Honsen;" and at one time he remembers being overtaken by a flood and standing in the water. wrapped in his blanket; that the deponent also recollects some of his comrades being dissatisfied with the hard work; so hard, that at one time this deponent remembers saying "I will wheel And load to that of one of any other man, and argue [continued]
Page 57

[continued] to do so." He also recollects that Captain Smith would huzza, and drive him and the other one, while he himself lacked in duty. The deponent further remembers to have heard Captain Smith declare that "Silas Reynolds was the best man in the squad." The deponent does not say. this by way of boast, but only to state such facts as are now clear in his mind.

This Deponent does not know in what manner to Estimate the times occupied on this fortification, otherwise than by referring to the fact that part of this time they did not suffer from cold weather; but part of the time they did so suffer from the inclemency of its weather, that this deponent thinks that three months would be a fair estimate of the times so spent.

Futhermore this deponent deposeth and saith, that after the completion of the "Grand Battery" he was, together with the faction of the company to which he belonged Employed at building Fort Putnam, on the hill at West Point -

This Deponent well remembers while at work on this fort his services were not only to [illegible], but were construed for a long time, and he [continued]
Page 58

[continued] shall now forget the hard work he performed while at this post. This Deponent verily believes that the time spent at this place was the longest of any in the service, but nevertheless he cannot specify the date further than the fact that the year he worked at Fort Putnam he was quite unable to raise any wheat, or cultivate the farm on which he resided, and most fully believes he was occupied Off & on from early in the spring until the Winter.

This deponent further saith, that after the business of repairing & Building fortifications at West Point was accomplished he recollects being sent off on a tour of duty after the Indians, headed by some tories, about 40 miles west of Smiths Clove The Inhabitants had been alarmed by them in the neighbourhood of Minnisink Mountains; That in this tour Deponent well recollects taking two prisoners, one of the name of Marsh, & But they succeeded in finally disposing the body, consisting of about 30 or 40, who were not heard of afterward. In this Expedition deponent well remembers sleeping in the woods, and carrying his clothes in his knapsack. On [continued]
Page 59

[continued] this tour he was absent from home about then days - 

This Deponent further makes oath & says that some time in the latter part of 1780, (the year succeeding that in which he worked on West Point) Captain Smiths Company, together with that of Captain Van Dusen, was sent on a long march to the state of New Jersey near Pompton, and 60 miles from deponents residence, where they met a company, or "squad of British Horses just at nightfall. Deponent seeing a horseman, fired at him and also heard many guns discharged and supposed that a regular attack had taken place. He jumped over a fence near by, and attempted to join his Company, which lay about 30 yards from Captain Van Dusen's, at which he had been resting but before he reached them he saw the whole party pass at full gallop; and when he came in, he well remembers being reprimanded by the Officers for not shooting the man the deponent saw on horseback - He further saith, that he was absent from home on the tour about 12 or 20 days after the Cow Boys. This [continued]
Page 60

[continued] Deponent recollects Andrew Thorp, Robert Davenport, Solomon Cornell, & a man by trade a dya as some of his mess or immediate comrades - 

And the deponent saith, that he was with Captain Smith & the company under his command, always when he went on duty, save one time, when he had taken cold, and became sick, for want of shoes. This squad went off to Fishkill, on the East Bank of the Hudson, for a number of days, and I left deponent behind; but, so soon as he obtained shoes, he was fit for duty, and always performed it with alacrity and zeal, as becometh a good soldier. And the reason why the deponent obtained an honourable and proper discharge, at the termination of hostilities was, because, for the following reason:

At the time of the Evacuation of New York by the British, Captain Smith & John Wagner went to the city of New York to see how matters stood, & to learn the truth of the matters; and while [continued]
Page 61

[continued] the said Smith & Wagner to be on their way home. Captain Smith, unfortunately fell from his horse; and, as the aforesaid Wagner informed the deponent, and which from [continued] of information deponent does not doubt, he broke his neck & expired; & thus deponents saw him no more.

As the deponent further says, that it is impossible for him to specify dates at any time of his service, and to any degree of certainty, as his memory is nearly lost, and almost useless for things long past; but this deponent begs to be permitted to say for himself, that he considers himself justly entitled to his county's generosity, and from the feebleness of his frame, & the decrepitude of old age he cannot hope to remain much longer in the world; Still while he does remain here he shall never cease respectfully to present his claim: And furthermore Deponent Saith not.

Silas Reynolds
x
his makr

New York Nov. 12th 1836

Sworn this 12th of November 1836
Before me
John B Scott
Justice of the Marine Court
Page 62

City of New York ss.

I do hereby certify that Silas Reynolds the applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend Court and I do further certify that I am satisfied that he is worthy of credit -

John B Scott
Justice of the Marine Court

[seal affixed]

I, John Barberie Clerk of the Marine Court of the City of New York do hereby certify that John B. Scott Esquire is a Justice of the said Court and that the said Court is a Court of Record and that the signatures annexed are his genuine singatures

In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the said Court this Second day of December One Thousand eight hundred and thirty six

John Barberie