Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 6510, for Israel Luce, New York
Page 1

SERVICE
New York

Luce, Israel
Apphia

NUMBER R.6510

CONTENTS
Page 2

STATE OF NEW-YORK,
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE

[handwritten] Omit

Albany, Feby. 15th 1859.

I Hereby Certify, That on searching the Records in this office for the Registry of Certificates issued in pursuance of a law, passed April 27, 1784, entitled "An Act for the settlement of the pay of Levies and Militia for their services in the late war, and for other purposes therein mentioned," I find the following, viz:

[headers]
Names | No. of Book | No. of Certificate. | Date | L | S. | D. | Rank and Name of Company Officer | Rank and Name of Field Officer

[content]

Israel Luce | 3 | 10,659 | Sept. 6th 1779. | 7 | 18 | 8 | Thadeus Noble, Capt. | Col. Morris Graham

" " | " | 12,258 | July 31st 1780. | | 8 | 10 | Elijah Bostwick " | " " "

" " | " |  12,703 | Oct. 25th 1780 | 4 | 17 | 09 | "  "  | " " "

" " | 2 | 6,459 | ct. 23rd 1781. | 1 | 1 | 4 | John Davis  " | " W.B. Whiting

I have examined the Rolls for the items above set forth, and find them to be correct.  

[signed]
Spence Spencer Clerk

[signed]
S. E. Church Comptroller.
Page 3

State of New York
County of Broome

On this 22 day of March AD. 1859 personally came Apphi Luce aged 84 years a resident of Conklin, Broome County and State of New York, who being sworn according to law, declares upon her solemn oath, that she is the widow of Israel Luce, the identical person who served in the Companies commanded by Captains Thaddeus Noble, Elijah Bostwick and John Davis, Cols. Graham and Whitings Regiments New York Militia, in the Revolutionary War, that the same Israel Luce died on the 31. day of January AD. 1817, and that she has not since married, but now remains his widow.
She further declares that she knows her husband, the said Israel Luce, is the identical person who served as a private in the aforesaid Companies and Regiments in the Revolutionary War because the matter was a subject of conversation quite often during his life time, and related many circumstances which happened while he was engaged in the service, such as the following; viz. His Step-Father was drafted to serve in the war of the Revolution and he (Israel) served in his Fathers stead, that he was sick and had his clothes stolen; at Worster in Schoharie Co. he and Timothy Lord obtained a furlough; on the same day they together traveled sixty miles on foot and arrived home, that being the distance
Page 4

at Scoharie he became acquainted with Gen. Freegift Patshen; that he served under one Bostwick also served under, also served under John Davis who lived in the same town with the said Israel Luce before said service.

She makes this additional declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Pension to which she may be entitled under Act of February 3rd, 1853.
[signed]
Appiah Luce
X her mark

Broome County

Sworn and subscribed to before me on the day and year above written, and I certify that I have reason to believe the said Apphia Luce the identical person represented [illegible] the aforesaid declaration 
[signed]
Horace S Griswold
County Judge of the County of Broome

State of Pennsylvania
County of Susquehanna

On this 23rd day of March AD. 1859, personally came Asa C. Luce aged 69 years, a resident of the Town of Bridgewater, County of Susquehanna and State of Pennsylvania, who bein sworn according to law declares upon his solemn oath that he was acquainted with Israel Luce who was a private in the companies commanded by Capt. Thaddeus Noble, Elijah Bostwick and John Davis, Cols. Grishams and Whitneys Regiments New York Militia in the Revolutionary War, and also are now and have been for about 50 years a
Page 5

State of New York,
BROOME COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE,

I Hallam E. Pratt, Clerk of the County of Broome, do herby certify that Horace S. Griswold whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledment, a Judge of County of Broome Acting in and for the said County of Broome, duly elected and sworn, and authorized to take the same.  And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of such County Judge, and verily believe that his signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine.  And that said instrument is executed and acknowledged in conformity with the laws of this State.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County, the 22 day of March A.D., 1859

[signed]
Hallam E. Pratt Clerk.
Page 6

[stamped]

PENSION OFFICE.
MAR 29 1859.
Page 7

quainted with Apphia Luce applicant in this application for Pension under act of February 3rd 1853.  That he knows her husband the said Israel Luce was the identical person who served as Private in the Revolutionary War, in the companies aforesaid, from repeated conversations with said Luce and more particularly from the following circumstances vis.  by hearing him relate that he was discharged from service at the Stone fort at Scoharie and traveled home (sixty miles) in one day on foot carrying his Military equipments;  that he knew while in the Service, Gen. Schuyler, who had his Mills burned by the enemy.  Also of exchanging shots from the land with the Brittish on the water, near New York

He further declares that he always had the reputation of being a soldier in the revolutionary war among his neighbors and townsmen, and that his character for truth and veracity were undoubted.  He further declares that he has no interest in the application.

[signed]
Asa C Luce

Sworn and subscribed to on day and year above written before me and I further certify that Asa C. Luce is a witness whose testimony is entitled to the fullest credit.

[signed] Charles Avery J.P.
Page 8

State of Pennsylvania
County of Susquehanna.

On this 23 day of March AD. 1859 personally came Philo C. Luce Aged 59 years a resident of County of Susquehanna State of Penn, who being sworn according to law declares upon his solemn oath that he was acquainted with Israel Luce who was a Private in the Companies Commanded by Captains Noble, Bostwick and Paris, Cols. Graham Whiting's Regiments, New York Militia in the Revolutionary Was and also have been well acquainted with Apphia Luce applicant in this petition for past 50 years and knows her to be the widow of the identical Israel Luce who served in the Revolutionary War as aforesaid from repeated conversations with him in his life time, and more particularly from the following circumstances viz:  by hearing him state that he was in a skirmish or action against a force on boad of Brittish shipping, in the vicinity of New York

He further declares that said Israel Luce, the husband of the Apphia Luce applicant in this petition, always had the reputation among his neighbors and townsmen of having served in the Revolutionary War so
Page 9

Sworn and subscribed to on day and year above written;  and I also certify that Philo C. Luce is a Witness whose testimony is entitled to the fullest credit.

[signed]
Charles Avery J.P.

State of Pennsylvania 
Susquehanna County

I GBR Wade Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do certify that Charles Avery Esquire whos genuine signature appears to the above and foregoing Affidavit, &c. is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly qualified according to law, and by law authorized to take the acknowledgments of Deeds & other instruments of writing to be recorded in said State.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of said Court at Montrose this twenty third day of Mar AD 1859
[signed]
GBR Wade Prothonotary
Page 10

State of New York
County of Broome

On this 26 day of April A.D.1856, before me the subscribed a Justice of the peace in and for said county and state personally came Apphia Luce aged Eighty one years a resident of said County and State who bein duly sworn according to Law says, that she is the widow of Israel Luce deceased, who was a Private in several companys in the Revolutionary War.  He served under Captain John Davis in the regiment commanded by Lieut Col. Asa Waterman in 1781.  Under Capt. Thaddeus Noble in 1779.  Under Capt. Elijah Bostwick in a regiment commanded by Col. Morris Graham in 1789.  that his said Services commenced about Sept 6th 1779 and ended Oct. 23 1781.  How much of the time he was in actual service she cannot say, but refers to the records for greater certainty.

That she was married at Middlebury in Scoharie County New York to the said Israel Luce November 23rd 1809 by Asa Bushnell Esq. a Justice of the peace.  that her name before her marriage was Apphia Merchant.  That the said Israel Luce died at Berne, Albany County, New York, Jan'y 31, 1817.  and that she is still his widow.

That this is not to her knowledge any public or private record of her marriage or the death of her said husband.

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining from the United States the
Page 11

Pension money to which she may be entitled as the widow of said Israel Luce deceased

And she requests that her pension certificate when issued may be sent to Franklin Fraser Esq at Montrose, Pennsylvania

[signed]
Apphia Luce
X her mark

State of New York
Broome County

On this 26 day of April AD. 1856. before me personally came Phebe Watrous and Philo C. Luce who being duly sworn say that they were well acquainted with Israel Luce and Apphia Luce his wife in the lifetime of said Israel and that they lived together and were known and reputed man and wife.  that said deponents also are knowing to the death of said Israel and that he died at the town of Berne Albany County New York about the 31 Jan'y 1817.  and that the said Apphia Luce is still his widow, and that they have no interest in her claim for a pension

[signed]
Phebe Watrous
Philo C. Luce
Page 12

OMIT

The foregoing declaration and affidavits were sworn to and subscribed before me, and I certify that from the appearance and statements of applicant I believe her to be the identical widow she represents herself to be and that she is of the age above stated.

And I further certify, that I am well acquainted with the witnesses above named and that they are disinterested and credible persons and further that I have no interest in said claim

[signed]
John Darling  Justice of the Peace

State of New-York,
BROOME COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.

I, William C. Doane, Clerk of the County of Broome, Do Hereby Certify,
That John Darling Esq
whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed Instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Broome, duly elected and sworn, and authorized to take the same.  And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice of the Peace, and verily believe that his signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine.  And that said Instrument is executed and acknowledged in conformity with the laws of this State.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County the Sixth day of May A.D. 1856
[signed]
B. Marvin Dpy Clerk.
Page 13

December 30, 1938.

Mrs. Martha Luce Shaw
133 North Jones Avenue
Amboy, Illinois.

BA-J/ILL
Israel Luce
R. 6510

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the War of 1812 record of Israel Luce, whose son was born in Montgomery County, New York, and in which you request also, information in regard to requirements for membership in the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

A search of the War of 1812 records of this office has been made and no claim for pension found based upon service of an Israel Luce, under any spelling of that surname.  The claim for pension has been found based upon service in the Revolutionary War of an Israel Luce who served from New York State.  His record is furnished you herein, in the hope that it may aid you in your research.

Israel Luce married Apphia.  She made two statements in regard to that marriage:  that she married Israel Luce November 22, 1809, in Middleburg, Schoharie County, New York, and that he name before her marriage was Apphia Merchant:  also, that she married Israel Luce in the year 1810, in Rensselaerville, Albany County, New York, and that her name before her marriage was Apphia Parker.  She did not state the names of her parents, nor the date and place of her birth.  

Israel Luce died January 31, 1817, in Berne, Albany County, New York:  his age and the names of his parents are not shown.

Apphia Luce, the widow of Israel Luce applied April 26, 1856 for the pension which might have been due on account of his service in the Revolutionary War.  At the time, she was a resident of Broome County, New York, aged eighty-one years.  It was stated that Israel Luce served as substitute for his step-father, whose name is not given, that he enlisted as early as September 6, 1779, served as private under Captains Thaddeus Nobel, Elijah Bostwick and John Davis, and Colonels Morris
Page 14

Graham and W. B Whitney in the New York Militia, that he was sick while serving, that he had his clothes stolen in Schoharie County, New York, and traveled home on foot(sixty miles), and that he exchanged shots "from the land with the British on the water near New York".  The claim for pension was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of service as required by the pension laws.

In 1859, the soldier's widow, Apphia Luce, resided in Conklin, Broome County, New York.

In 1859, Asa C. Luce, aged sixty-nine years, resided in Bridgewater, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania:  Philo C. Luce, aged fifty-nine years, resided in that same county.  They stated that they were well acquainted with the soldier, Israel Luce, and that they had heard him talk about his service in the Revolutionary War, but did not state any relationship to the family.

In 1858, Enoch Watrous, was a resident of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, aged sixty-seven years;  he stated then that he had been acquainted with Apphia, the above noted widow, since childhood.  In 1856, one Phebe Watrous of Broome County, New York, stated that she had been acquainted with both Israel Luce and his widow, Apphia.  No relationshop between these persons and the soldier's family was stated.

There are no further data in regard to the family of this soldier.

It is suggested that for information in regard to eligibility for membership in the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, you apply to the president of your nearest chapter.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.

2.
Page 15

State of New York
County of Broome

On the 30 day of August AD. 1858 personally came Apphia Luce aged 83 years who being sworn according to law declares upon her solemn oath that she is the identical widow of Israel Luce who was a Private in Captain John Davis' company Col. WB Whitney's Regiment New York Militia in the Revolutionary War.  That said Israel Luce served in said war for months and received an honorable discharge.  She further says that she was married to said Israel Luce in the year 1810 by Asa Bushnell Esq at Rensaleersville [Rensselaerville] Albany County State of New York and that her name before marriage was Apphia Parker, and that her husband the said Israel Luce died at Berne, Albany Co New York in the year 1817 and that she has remained a widow ever since.

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Pension to which she may be entitled act of February 3rd 1853 and also the arrears of Pension to which she is entitled.

[signed] Apphia Luce
X her mark

[signed]
Witness Joseph Fuller

Sworn and subscribed to before me on day and year above written and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with Apphia Luce the Applicant, and that her testimony and statements are perfectly reliable

[signed]
John Darling  Justice of the Peace

[stamped] THE NATIONAL ARHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

We Asa C. Luce of Bridgewater Pennsylvania aged 69 years and Philo C. Luce aged 58 years of Liberty Pennsylvania declare upon our solemn oaths that Apphia Luce who signed the foregoing application for Pension under act of February 3rd 1853 is the identical widow of Israel Luce who was a Private in the Revolutionary War, that we have known said Apphia for more than Forty Five years as the wife and widow of said Israel, that we lived in the same town
Page 16

with them for many years, and that since the death of said Israel we have occasionally met said Apphia and know she still remains his widow, and that thay always lived together as man and wife and that they never heard their marriage disputed.

We further say that we have no kind of interest in this application for Pension.

[signed]
Asa C Luce
Philo C Luce

August 31, 1858.

The foregoing affidavit was sworn and subscribed to before me on day and year before written, and I certify that the affiants of Asa C. Luce and Philo C. Luce are witnesses personally known to me whose testimony is entitled to the fullest credit, and that I have no interest in the application for Pension.

[signed]
Charles Avery Justice of Peace

State of Ohio
County of Cuyahoga

On the 27 day of October A.D. 1858 personally appeared before me a Justice of Peace in and for the County aforesaid Enoch Watrous aged 67 years a resident of Cuyahoga County State of Ohio who being sworn according to law declares upon his solemn oath that he is personally acquainted with Apphia Luce applicant in the petition for Pension under act of February 3rd 1853, and that she is the widow of Israel Luce, who was the identical person who served as Private in NYork Militia Revolutionary War, that he has known said Apphia Luce
Page 17

from childhood and was present and saw her married to the said  Israel Luce at Albany County State of New York in the year 1810 and that he has no interest in this application for Pension

[signed]
Enoch Watrous
X his mark

Sworn and subscribed to on day and year before written and I also certify that Enoch Watrous the affiant is a person whose testimony is entitled to the fullest credit

[signed]
John Burnum
Justice of the Peace.
Page 18

THE STATE OF OHIO,
Cuyahoga County, SS.}

I, ROLAND D. NOBLE, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, a Court of Record of Cuyahoga County aforesaid, do hereby certify that 
John Barnum
before whom the annexed Affidavit was taken, was, at its date, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by the Laws of Ohio to take the same, and that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and believe his signature thereto is genuine, and that the annexed instrument is executed [crossed out] and acknowledged[end crossed out] according to the Laws of the State of Ohio.

In Testimony Whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of said Court, at Cleveland, this 29th day of Octo. A.D. 1858
[signed]
R.D. Noble Clerk.
By F. S. Smith Deputy Clerk.

State of New-York,
BROOME COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE,

I, William C. Doane, Clerk of the County of Broome, do hereby certify 
That John Darling Esq
whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Broome, duly elected and sworn, and authorized to take the same.  And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice of the Peace, and verily believe that his signature to the said Certificate of proof of acknowledgement is genuine.  And that said instrument is executed and acknowledged in conformity with the laws of this State.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County, the 23 day of September A.D. 1858
[signed]
B. Marvin Dpy Clerk.
Page 19

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Susquehanna County ss J G B R Wade Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do certify that Charles Avery Esquire whose genuine signature appear to the within affidavit, was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly qualified according to law 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Montrose this Thirty first day of August A D 1858 F B R Wade Prothonotary
Page 20

Montrose Penna May 8. 1856 
Sir 
I herewith transmit the applica S in of Appearance widow &c for a Pension, with the accompanying proofs, to which your attention is respectfully called 
Day Ruby 
Your [unlegible]
Franklin Fraser 
J. Minot Com of Pensions 
Washington D. C
Page 21

Montrose Penn Sept 8, 1836
Sir 
The application for a Pension of Apphia Luce, widow of Israel Luce decd a Rev. Soldier, I desire to withdraw. 
Will you please to return me
the papers in that case The application was filed about 14th May 1836, as appears by your letter of that date. 
Very Respy
Your of Lit 
Franklin Fraser
J. Minot Esq 
Com of Pensions 
Washington D.C.
Page 22

Franklin Fraser Esq
Montrose
Penna

[written sideways]
May 14th
Franklin Fraser
Montrose
Pa
Page 23

Pension Office
May 14 1856

Sir
The informal application of Mrs Apphia Luce widow of Israel of NY has been examined and filed under the 2 Section of the Act of Feby 3 1853

She must make her Declaration before a Court of Record or show her inability to do so because of bodily infirmity.

If no public or private record of her marriage exist she should prove the fact by eye witnesses or by those who know that she was married at the time alleged by neighborhood reputation if such testimony can be obtained.  if evidence of this grade can not be furnished then proof of cohabitation must be received.

The service for which she claims a pension must be shown by the Records to be found upon the books of the Comptroller of NY, with which record her husband must identified by witnesses who knew of his services,
Page 24

Franklin Fraser
Oct 28/56

1853
Page 25

Pension Office, October 28/56,

Sir,

In reply to your letter of the 8th September last, I have to state that the papers filed in support of a claim for pension of Apphia Luce under Act of February 3. 1853, cannot be withdrawn from our files, such practice being contrary to a rule of the House.  A copy of any named paper files can be obtained if required.

Very truly 
[illegible]

Franklin Fraser Esq
Montrose
Penna.

[stamped] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Page 26

[illegible] [may be J W Mansfield]
Jany 12
Page 27

The Pension Office
January 12th 1859.

Sir.

In reply to your letter of the 27th ultimo.  You are informed that the declaration of Apphia Luce is not made before a Court of record or a Judge thereof.

The proof of Marriage, husbands' death & claimants widowhood is satisfactory.

There is no evidence from file in this Office of her husbands' service.  Evidence of service should be produced.

John W. Mansfield Esq
New Haven, Ct.
Page 28

New Haven December 27th 1858

Sir

In regard to your endeavor to application of Apphia Luce date December 1st 1858, I have to say that it was my impression "That her declaration was made before a Court of Record", that her 

[paper folded, illegible line]

a copy of the N.Y. Comptroller's Record was furnished showing a husband was a Private &c"

We have no desire to withhold any evidence required by the rules of your office to substantiate a claim, Mrs Luce is now an old feeble woman, and her witnesses are scattered through three different State, and we can't get their testimony without much trouble and difficulty.  If your department will be kind enough to inform me what more proof is necessary we will try and forward it at once.  We hope however,  you will be as easy with us, as the rules of your office will allow.

Yours Respectfully
John W. Mansfield

[stamped] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Page 29

Jno. W. Mansfield
Dec 1 1838
Page 30

Pension Office, Dec 1. 1858

Sir,
I have received and examined the papers transmitted by you in support of a claim for pension of Apphia Luce.

This claimant applied for an allowance under act of February 3, 1853, in May 1856, and her claim was suspended for the reasons assigned in a letter to Franklin Fraser Esq, her attorney, dated May 14th of that year, a copy of which is herewith enclosed.  It will be seen that the papers you now file do not meet the requirements then indicated.

Very truly

John W. Mansfield Esq
New Haven
Connecticut.
Page 31

New Haven November 22nd /58

Sir Please find with this application of Apphia Luce for Pension and arrears of pension under Act of February 3rd 1853.  When examined, please address

Yours & C

John W. Mansfield
New Haven Ct.

Hon G. C. Whiting
Com. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 32

[stamped]

PENSION OFFICE.
MAR 29 1859.
Page 33

New Haven March 26th 1834

Hon. Geo. C. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

I herewith enclose additional evidence in support of the claim of Apphia Luce for Revolutionary Pension under act of February 3rd 1853. which I trust may be sufficient to meet the requirements of your Office

Yours Respectfully
[signed]
John W. Mansfield
Page 34

[stamped]
PENSION OFFICE.
AUG 1[illegible] 1859
Page 35

New Haven April 15th 1859.

Sir

Yours of April 7th in relation to Apphia Luce's claim is at hand.  I am sorry that I haven't been more fortunate in making out the case.  I haven't any more doubt that Apphia Luce's husband served in the Revolutionary War than I have of my existence although I may not be able to make this fact apparent to your Department.  We are not disposed to give up the case yet, and must try and meet all the requirements of your office.

Suppose the certificate of the N.Y. Controller  [illegible] shows there was no other Luce on the Roll, would that be sufficient?

It seems in many cases impossible to prove service in Revolutionary War by a living witness.  If you will be kind enough to give me new instructions in the matter I will be much obliged and will try once more.

Yours Respectfully
[signed]
John W. Mansfield

Hon. Geo. C. Whiting
Com. of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 36

Jno W Mansfield
Apl. 7
Page 37

Pension Office
April 7, 1859

Sir:

The additional evidence filed in support of the claim of Apphia Luce, widow of Israel, of N.York. for a pension under the act of February 3rd, 1853 has been examined.

A comparison of the Comptroller's certificate with the original declaration of the claimant, made in 1856, makes the fact plainly apparent that her account of her husband's services was a repetition of what is shown by the Comptroller's records; just as much as is the statement of Asa C. Luce, made last month; and therefore, the Comptroller's certificate, as it lends no confirmation to the claimants narrative, affords no support to her claim.  The traditional recollection of Asa C. Luce about the return from the Stone Fort, amounts to nothing; as it neither shows military service, nor that the event was at the time of the Revolutionary war.

[signed]
John W. Mansfield, Esq.
New Haven,
Conn.

[stamped]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Page 38

Rev. & 1812 Wars
Section.

March 4, 1927.

H. Burton Alton,
Nelliston, N. Y.

Sir:  

I have to advise you, that the Revolutionary War records of this bureau afford information in regard to only one Israel Luce.  He died at Berne, Albany Co., N. Y. January 31.1817.  His sister Apphia applied for pension while living in Broome Co., N. Y. but her claim was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of service as required by the pension [illegible].

If you desire photostat copies of the papers in her claim, they will be furnished at the rate of fifteen cents a page with twenty-five cents extra for certification, if that is wished.  The number of pages to be copied is ten.

The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau, by money order, or certified check, drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior, (not to the order of the Commissioner of Pensions).

Owing to the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, it is not practicable to make an investigation of the pension claims of all soldiers of the Revolution, named Luce, in order to see whether any of them lived in Otsego Co., N. Y. 

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.
Page 39

133 N. Jones Avon
Amboy, Illinois. Nov. 13th, 1938.

Veteran's Administration
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen--

We have just learned that Israel Luce who served in the War of 1812, was our great-grand-father.  He was a soldier in the War of 1812, was wounded, lost his health, and died in consequence of his service in the army, and his three sons were bound out.

Jacob Luce (our grand-father) was the youngest son.  He was born Sept. 18, 1805.  He married Sara Covenhoven, Jan. 9, 1828, to them were born two sons and two daughters,:

James Campbell was born Oct. 16, 1828, died July 16, 1915.
John Henry                          )
Josephine (Mrs John Henry))    Dead.
Emma                                   )

James Campbell Luce married Mary Eliza Minard Dec. 25, 1851 and she died July 9, 1872.  He married Mrs. Maggaret Jane Keefer Jefferies  June 3, 1873 who died March 30 , 1933.  To this union twin daughters was born Dec. 28, 1876.  The are Martha Jane and Mary Ellen.

Martha Jane married Wilfred Shaw Sept 9, 1912;
Mary Ellen married Strother Morgan Brown Jan. 22, 1920

Kindly tell us if we eligile to be come members of the D.A.R.  If so tell us the requirements, the cost, etc.  Our nearest Organization is at Dixon, Illinois.

Yours truly

[signed]
Martha L. Shaw
Mary Luce Brown

Martha Luce Shaw,
Mary Luce Brown.

P. S. - Jacob Luce was born in Florida, Montgomery County, N.Y.  Being seven years of age when his father (Israel Luce) was in the war would say that he must have registered in Montgomery County, N.Y.
Page 40

N. BERTON ALTER
District Superintendent of Schools
Nelliston, N. Y. 

Feb. 18. 1927

Bureau of Pensions
War of Revolution Records
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sirs:

Have you the pension records of Israel Luce ( or any one named Luce) from Otsego County, N. Y. as of the act of June 7. 1832?
[signed]
Truly, N. Berton Alter

P.S.  If records are available quote on photostatic copies of same.

[stamped]

RECEIVED
FEB 23 1927
OLD RECORDS [illegible]

[stamped]

Received A. G. O. FEB 21 1927
Page 41

No. 6516
Apphia Luce
Widow of Israel
N York

Franklin Fraser May 14/56
Same October 28 1856
J H Mansfield Dec 1/58
J. W. Mansfield Janry 12/59
Same Name Apr 7/59

[all dates crossed out]

6510

Feby 3 1853

[written sideways]
242163 see 205036
Page 42

[stamped] REJECTED

Apphia Luce
Service:  NY Service

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

Application files:  [blank] , 18

Alleges:  [blank]

Re-enlisted:

[hand written] Claim filed too late for rejection to be entered on printed list of 1852

Attorney: [blank]
P.O. [blank]

[blank] Recognized.  [blank] Contract.
[blank] Cert of Dis.  Searched for [blank], 18

[handwritten on the side] 1938 Dec 20 - Hist to Mrs Martha Luce Shaw  DAR
Page 43

SERVICE
Vt. 

Luce, Ivory

NUMBER 
S.13799

carded

CONTENTS
Page 44

6499
New York
Ivory Luce
of Genesee in the State of New York who was a Sergt & Pri in the Compy commanded by Captain Cap Williams of the Regt. commanded by Col____  in the ____ and for 2 weeks a Sergeant & 6 months & 2 weeks a private

Vt. Line

Records completed.  Aug. 20  [illegible]

Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 24 Dollars 04 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of Feby
1833 and Sent to R.J. Wade Ho of Rep

Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 1832    $36.66
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4th Aug '33   $12.02
$48.08

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Geo C. Stiles Clerk,
Book D.  Vol. 5.  Page 181

Once to pay 27 Sept 1836
Set to Pen Agt 14 April 1837
do J. Flemming 14 April 1837
Per Agent Albany, May 22, 1837
Page 45

[stamped]

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
[illegible] from GAO
Page 46

MECHANICS' & FARMERS' BANK.

(Act of June 7, 1832.)  Albany, Sept. 25th 1846.

RECEIVED of the President of said Bank, Agent for paying Pensioners, Twelve Dollars and two Cents, being for six months pension, due to Ivory Luce from the fourth day of March, 1846, to the fourth day of September 1846 for which I have signed duplicate receipts.

$12.02    RMS Pease
Page 47

Ivory Luce
of New York

aomd

[illegible]

P-277

Hon P L Tracey
Page 48

BRIEF in the case of Ivory Luce of Sheldon Cty of Genesee in the State of New York
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1.  Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Court

2.  If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? [left blank]

3.  How old is he ?  75

4.  State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

[headers]
Period. | Duration of Service. Rank. | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.

|| Years, Months, Days.| As a | Gen.

[content]
May In 1777 | about three Months | Sargt. | Lt. Banks Capt Willard Col Olcott

Oct 1778 | about two Months \ Private | Capt Wells

June 1779 or 80 | 6 Mths | Private | Capt Safford

"Out in all more than seven months"

5.  In what battles was he engaged?  Ticonderoga

6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Windsor Vermont

7.  Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Traditionary

8.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct except papers not properly attached

I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

[signed]
[illegible] Examining Clerk.

7/19/1835
Page 49

443
Ivory Luce
$12.02

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER 
Received from GAO
Page 50

D. Fairchild, Printer, Dansville.

STATE OF NEW YORK,
Wyoming County, 

BE IT KNOWN, That before me, Abel Wilder a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Ivory Luce - and made oath, in due form of law, that he is the identical person named in the original CERTIFICATE, in his possession of which (I certify) the following is a true copy:

War Department Revolutionary Claim - I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States of the 7th Jun 1832 Ivory Luce of the State of New York who was a Sergeant and Private in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive Twenty Four Dollars and four cents per annum during his natural life commensing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable Semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year - Given at the War Office of the United States this 28th day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty three

[signed]
Lew Cass
Secretary of War

S.S. Exam and countersign
J. L. Edwards

That he now resides in Sheldon and has resided there for the space of fifteen years last past, and that previous thereto he resided in Batavia

[signed]
Ivory Luce

Sworn and subscribed before me this
4 day of September 1846
[signed]
Abel Wilder Justice of the Peace.

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I, Ivory Luce of Sheldon a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint R.M.S. Pease of Albany my true and lawful Attorney, for me and in my name, to receive from the Agent of the United States for paying pensions in the City of Albany my pension from the 4th day of March 1846 to the 4th day of September 1846
[signed] 
Ivory Luce L.S.

WITNESS my hand and seal, this 4th day of September 1846
Sealed and delivered in presence of

[signed]
Abel Wilder
Alpha Goodrich

STATE OF NEW YORK,
Wyoming County

BE IT KNOWN, That on the 4th day of September 1846 before me, the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, personally appeared Ivory Luce above named, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, the day and year last above mentioned.

[signed]
Abel Wilder
Justice Peace

N. B. the deposition, as well as the power of attorney, must be signed by the Pensioner; and every interlineation, erasure, or alteration of a word or figure, must be noted in due form, by the Magistrate.
Page 51

Ivory Luce
Declaration

18349

Please make return to 
Horace M. Sopur
Batavia
Genesee Co. 
N.Y.

Examined

aomd
2 weeks Sergt
6 mo. & 2 weeks pri
Page 52

State of New York
Genesee County

Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace of the county of Genesee in said State of New York, Ivory Luce, 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 at least two weeks as orderly Sergeant.  For at least two weeks in the month of October 1778 - and for at least six months about the time that Royalton was burnt - and in the two last terms of his service, he served as a private and for such services I claim a pension.

[signed]
Ivory Luce

Sworn and Subscribed
this 16 day of February 1838
before me
[signed]
Charles Wilden Justice Peace

State of New York
Genesee County

I Timothy Fitch, Clerk of said county certify that Charles Wilder Esquire before whom the above affidavit purports to have been taken and made was at the date of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and that I am well acquainted with the signature of said Justice above subscribed and that I verily believe the same to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name and seal of office this eighteenth day of February 1833 -

[signed]
Timothy Fitch Clerk
Page 53

Declaration of Ivory Luce, in order to obtain the benefit of Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 -

State of New York
Genesee County

On this Seventh day of October in the year eighteen hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting at Batavia in and for the county of Genesee in said state, Ivory Luce, a resident of the town of Sheldon in the county of Genesee and State of New York, aged seventy five years on the 21st October 1831, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.

That in the fore part of May 1777, while he resided in Hartland in Windsor County, VT.  he volunteered in the Vermont State militia under Lieutenant Jonathan Burke - that Willard was Captain but did not go out - that he was in Col Scott's Regiment.  Matthew and Strong were Majors - that he went to Ticonderoga and remained there until the fort was surrendered to Burgoyne and then returned home - that he was out three weeks as near as he can recollect - was verbally discharged.
That in the month of October 1778 but on what day he cannot recollect, he volunteered under Capt. Elias Wells and marched to Royalton Vt.  in pursuit of the Indians - did not have any skirmish with them and returned home after following them into Coos County in New Hampshire - that he was out in this scouting party about two weeks.

That in or about the month of June 1779 [inserted] as he thinks, but is not certain but that it was in the year 1780 [end inserted] he volunteered again under Cap. Safford, went out as a scout and to protect the inhabitants in the neighborhood of Royalton, and soon after Royalton was burnt - that he thinks the garrison was slatered in the town of Bethel adjoining Royalton - that they kept outside and watched the enemy and he remained in the service six months and was then verbally discharged and went home - that he was out in all
Page 54

more than seven months - that he was not attached to any Regiment during his service and does not know any of the Regimental or Continental officers - that after the war he lived in Hartland Vt. about six years - in Sangerfield in Oneida Co. N.Y about 20 years in Scipio, Cayuga County N.Y. about 6 years - in Sheldon, Genesee County, N.Y. about 3 years - then in Batavia, Genesee Co. about 7 years - then moved to Sheldon again where he still resides - and has resided a little more than one year.  That he never received any discharge and has no documentary evidence of his service and knows of no person living by whom he can prove his services.  That he served as a private except in the first campaign when he served as Orderly Seargeant - That he was born at Martha's Vineyard in the State of Massachusetts in the 21st October 1756 - That he has no record of his age in his possession but believes there is a Record on the town Records of the town of Hartland in the county of Windsor Vt - That Horace S. Turner & Elihu H. Persons reside in Sheldon - and are well acquainted with him and can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief in his services as a soldier of the Revolution, and that there is no clergyman with whom he is acquainted, whom he can procure

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State.

[signed]
Ivory Luce

Sworn and subscribed the 
day and year aforesaid
in open court
[signed]
T. Fitch Clerk

We, Horace S. Turner residing in the town of Sheldon in the county of Genesee and State of New York and Elihu H. Persons - residing in the same place, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ivory Luce, who has subscribed and sworn the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy five years of age- that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion

[signed]
Horace S. Turner
Elihu H. Persons

Sworn to and subscribed the 
day and year aforesaid
in open court
Page 55

[signed]
T. Fitch Clerk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after investigating the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and that he served as he states.  And the said Court further certifies that it appears to them that Horace S. Turner, Elihu H. Persons [inserted]residing in the town of Sheldon in said County[end insertion] who signed the foregoing Certificate are credible persons & that their Statement is entitled to credit

[signed]
Isaac Wilson
Robert Clardy
William Mitchell

I, Timothy Fitch, Clerk of the said court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Ivory Luce for a Pension.  In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of office this 13th October 1832

[signed]
Timothy Fitch Clerk
Page 56

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

May 28, 1925

Mr. Charles E. Banks
326 A. Street,
Boston, Massachusetts.

Sir:

I have to advise you that, from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S-13799, it appears that Ivory Luce was born October 21, 1756 at Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.

While residing at Hartland, Windsor County, Vermont, he enlisted in May 1777, and served two or three weeks as an orderly sergeant in Captain Willard's Company, Colonel Olcott's Vermont Regiment.

He enlisted in October, 1778 and served two weeks as a private in Captain Elias Weld's Vermont Company.

He enlisted in June, 1780 and served six months as a private in Captain Safford's Vermont Company.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 13, 1832 while residing in Sheldon, Genesee County, New York.

There is no data on file as to family.

Respectfully,

WILDER S METCALF
Commissioner.
Page 57

STATE OF NEW-YORK,
Albany County. }ss.

Be it known, that on the 25th day of September 1846, before the subscriber, a Commissioner of Deeds in and for the said county, personally appeared R. M. S. Pease the Attorney named in the annexed Power of Attorney, and made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any SALE, TRANSER, or MORTGAGE  of the Pension, or Arrears of Pension, therein authorized to be received by him.
[signed]
RMS Pease

Sworn and subscribed, the day and year last above mentioned, before me.

[signed]
L Jenkins
Com. of Deeds.
Page 58

Ivory Luce
of 
New York

[figures written]

  350
  154
20
______
24.04

20
  14
  16
_____
154
Page 59

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Ivory Luce which require further proof or explanation.

I.  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?  [blank]

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 of pension he is entitled?   No  [yes crossed out]

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 certification?  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
Page 60

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?  No

XII.  If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?   No

XIII.  If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he state in his declaration that such proof cannot be had ?

Knows of no one

XIV.  If the applicant has produced a witness or witness as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?  [blank]

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 ? {blank]

XVI.  Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?  No

XVII.  Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily?  And, if not, which of them is not so answered?  No
Page 61

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served; and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.

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

QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Page 62

Mech's. & Farmer's Bank
Albany Pension Agency
May 17, 1837.

James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir,

Ivory Luce, A Pensioner under the Act of March 18. 1818, claims pay from the 4th of March 1833 to the 4th of March 1837, upon the enclosed Vouchers, accompanied by explanatory affidavits.

It is the case referred to in your letter of this 14th ult'o. -

We have the County Clerk's Certificate in the form prescribed by the rules of November 27. 1833, to the official character and signature of the Magistrate, Charles Wilder, and have no doubt that his signatures to the enclosed papers are genuine.

I am, Sir
Very Respectfully
Your Obed't. Servt.

[signed]
Tho. W. Olcott
Pres
Page 63

Mech's & Farmer's Bank
Albany Pension Agency
Sept. 6. 1836.

James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions,

Sir,

Ivory Luce, a Pensioner under the Act of June 7. 1832, claims pay for three years - Should we pay him upon the entered Vouchers?

Very Respectfully
Your obt. Servt.

Tho. W. Olcott
Pres of Pension Agency
Page 64

Ivory Luce - Albany Roll - Act 7 June 1832 at $24.04/100 per Annum.

Be so good as to say as to what time he was last paid.

Pension Office
Sept 14. 1836

[penciled]

He was paid to the 4th March 1833
JH
Page 65

13799
INVALID.

Rev War

File No. 13,799

Ivory Luce
Sergt: Rev War

Act:  June 7" 1832
Index: - Vol. 1, Page 235

Arrangement of 1870


1914 Oct. 22 Hist. to Dr C.E Banks V.LU
1919 Oct. 30 Hist to Mabel C. Scott
1925 May 28 Hist Mr Chas E Banks MDG
Page 66

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION
3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C., ____, 19__

S.F. 13799

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

[headers]
Dates of enlistment or appointment. | length of service. | Rank. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. | State.

Captain. | Colonel.

[content]
May 1777 | 2 or 3 weeks | Orderly Sgt | Willard | Olcott | Vt

Oct 1778 | 2 weeks | Pvt | Elias Wells | | |

1780 | 6 mos. | Pvt | Safford | | |

Battles engaged in, _____________
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Hartland, Windsor Co. Vt.
Date of application for pension, Oct 13, 1832 His cl. al.
Residence at date of application,  Sheldon Genesee Co. N. Y.
Age at date of application, b. Oct 21, 1756 at Martha's Vineyard Mass.

Remarks:  After the war lived in Hartland Vt 6 years, Saugerfield Oneida Co. N.Y. 20 yrs, Scipio Cayuga Co. N.Y. 6 yrs.,  Sheldon Genesee Co. 3 yrs., Batavia Genesee Co. N.Y. 7 yrs.  No data as to his family 

Respectfully, 
Commissioner.
Page 67

326 A St., Boston, Mass.
March 24, 1925.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Sir: - 

I request a copy of the military record of Ivory Luce, A Revolutionary soldier who was living in 1840 in Genessee County, New York.

Yours respectfully,
[signed]
Chas. E. Banks
Chas. E. Banks, M.D.

[stamped]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE MAR 26 1925
Page 68

Rev Sec  ED

Jackson, Michigan,
October 16, 1919.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

Will you be kind enough to give me any information whatever that you may have in your files in regard to one Ivra Luce who is thought to have fought in the Revolutionary War and drew a pension from the United State Government.

From what records I have I think he came from New York State and fought with a New York Regiment.

Any information you can give me regarding him will be gratefully received.  I should like to know, if you have such information, where he enlisted from, any information at all concerning him will be appreciated.

Very truly yours,
[signed]
Mabel C. Scott

Mabel C. Scott,
954 S. Jackson St.,
Jackson, Michigan.

[stamped]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE.  OCT 18 1919
Page 69

[blank form]

U. S. PUBLIC HEALTH AND MARINE-HOSPITAL SERVICE.

Office of Medical Officer in Command.

_______________________, 190 .

________________________ Surgeon.

SUBJECT:

No. of Inclosures.. ____________
Page 70

[stamped]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE. OCT 19 1914

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Oct. 16/1914.

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Sir:

I request information from the files of your office respecting the military services of the following named persons during the Revolutionary War, viz: -

1.  Ivory Luce, born about 1758, living in Hartland, Vt.  1790, and at Sheldon, Genesee Co., N. Y.  1840.

2.  Jonathan Luce, born about 1761, living in Bridgewater and Barnard, Vt., where he died 29 Mch. 1838

Respectfully yours,
[signed]
Chas. E. Banks M.D.

Address:  Dr. Chas E. Banks
Room 516 U.S. Gov't Bldg.
Milwaukee, Wis.