Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23224, William Forgason, New York
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
New York

Forgason, William

NUMBER
S. 23224

CONTENTS
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(Duplicate)
New York 24,183
William Forgason
of Glen in the State of New York
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain McKene of the regt. commanded
by Col. Harper in the N. York
line for 22 months & 8 days

Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 74 Dollars 21 Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 9. day of Nov. 
1833 and sent to Howland Fish Esqr. Auriesville N.Y.

Arrears to the 4th of Sep. '33 185.52 1/2
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 March '34 37.10 1/2
$222.63

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by Jno. Cromwell Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 4 Page 100

(right side)
Letter to Hon. F Pierce Feb, 1840
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[illegible]
Vol [illegible] p. 18 - $17.60   1780
Admd.
22 mo. 8 days Private
Howland Fish, Esqr.
Auriesville
N. York
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State of New York
Montgomery County Ss On this twentieth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County now sitting at the Court House in said County of Johnstown William Forgason a resident of the town of Glen in the County & State aforesaid aged seventy two years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832-
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated-
That in the year 1777 the deponent enlisted into a company commanded by Captain Daniel McKene for nine months in a regiment commanded by Col. Harper. That he was called and denominated a nine months man. The deponent served his nine months by being stationed at Johnstown in a Picket Fort Built round the jail part of the time and the residue he served at a Block House at Sacondaga That Captain Walter Vroman commanded at the Picket Fort at Johnstown and part of the time at Saconda. The deponent thinks that Captain McKene resided at Cherry Valley when he enlisted and Col. Harper also: that in the year 1778 he went as a substitute for one drawn from a class of militia & served four months under Captain demoods company under the command of Colonel Harper. That Colonel Harper made his headquarters at Fort Plain: that this deponent served his time principally at Fort Plain, Fort Dayton Fort Plank, Fort Herkimer and the German Flats. That the greatest part of the time he was stationed at Fort Dayton when Captain Demood resided : And that when the deponent was stationed at the Forts Before mentioned he was sent out on scouting parties to watch the movements of the enemy & to make reports to the commanding officer. That during the same season he went three or four times to Fort Stanwix to drove up cattle and take up provisions
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for the forces stationed at that place.  That this deponent thinks & believes that Major Gansvort then had command at Fort Stanwix but will not be certain.
This deponent further says that in the year 1781 his father moved from Montgomery to Dutchess County about fourteen miles east from Poughkeepsie and there that this deponent enlisted again for nine months in Captain James Phelps Company. That Captain Phelps Company was marched from Dutchess to Montgomery County as far as Fort Plain & there joined the forces under Colonel Willet.  That this deponent did not march in the Company from Dutchess to Fort Plain but stayed at Dutchess in consequence of being lame about six weeks and then marched with about twelve of the Company who had been lame & sick & stayed to [illegible] up to Fort Plain & then joined the Company of Captain Phelps again under the Command of Colonel Willett.
That after this deponent had joined Colonel Willet news came that the enemy lay at Turlock in the now Town of Sharon in Schoharie County - and Colonel Willet ordered out his forces & marched for that place passed through Canajoharie & up to Bowmans Creek & on to Turlock & there an engagement took place between the Americans and the British in which the Americans succeeded.  The principle part of the British forces were Indians & Tories but does not recollect who commanded them, But Colonel Willet commanded the American side. Captain McKene an American officer was killed & his son was shot in the mouth which knocked out a part of his teeth.  The Americans drove off the enemy & buried their dead and then returned to Fort Plain their former station: This Battle was fought some time in the Summer which he believes to be in July.  That in the latter part of the year 1781 this deponent was in a Battle fought at Johnstown Between American & British. Major Ross commanded the British & Colonel Willet the Americans. In the first of the Battle the Americans gave gave way & then made a sally and drove the British & pursued them as far as the East Canada Creek. That the American forces were
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then divided & distributed in various places some were sent back to Fort Plain & the various forts up the Mohawk. Some were sent to Johnstown and some to Fort Hunter on the Scharie Creek: that the deponent was ordered to Fort Hunter and was stationed there a while under Lieutenant Duel & then at Johnstown at the Picket Fort and there this deponent
got his discharge for the service of nine months on the first of January 1782; that his Captain Phelps was discharged from the Regiment some time after the Turlock Battle but before the Battle at Johnstown before related.
That independent of the enlistment, this deponent has been drafted from the Militia to serve for short periods of time at the Johnstown Fort and Fort Plank up the Mohawk and has been ordered out on alarms on a variety of occasions as the American service required: That in the year 1782 he
was engaged as a militia man to draw provisions for the Continental Army from Fishkill Barracks down to the Fishkill
Landing that he served about eight days in that business the Teams & the men were pressed from Dutchess County to draw provisions as aforesaid. And the deponent further says that from the year 1777 he was engaged, as the occasion of the Country required, in the American cause-- whenever called upon-
This deponent further says that he was born in the year 1760 as near as he can ascertain from an old Bible now in his possession which has been so much defaced as not to be entirely legible-- but he recollects that he was seventeen years of age in the year 1777 as he then understood it- That he has no other Record of his age but the Bible before mentioned; that this deponent lived in Warrens Bush in the town of Florida in Montgomery County when he first entered the Service & continued to live there untill his Father moved to Dutchess County in the year 1781 and  continued to live there until the war was over except when in the service in Montgomery County, about two years after the war this deponent moved from Dutchess County to Florida
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in Montgomery County & resided there for two or three years & then moved into the town of Charlestown a part of which is the now town of Glen where the deponent has resided ever since & where he now resides. That he enlisted into the service a part of the time, was drafted as a militia man & served as a substitute at other times as before stated, that when he went as a substitute he understood that a class joined & hired deponent as one to Represent the class, which was usual among the militia during the war. That he has stated the names of the principle officers & the particulars of his service as near as he can recollect That the deponent had one written discharge but does not know what has become of it. he supposes it lost or destroyed. it was signed by Manual Duel a lieutenant at Johnstown Fort. That he expects to be able to prove some of his services by him rendered by Cornelius Newkirk PeterJ Quackenbos and Sylvan Wilcox. And he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present. And declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State of the United States. And the deponent expects to prove by William S Newkirk & John McGraw who can testify as to the veracity of this deponent and of their belief as to the deponents services as a Soldier of the Revolution.
Wm Forgason
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Geo. D. Ferguson, Clerk 
We William Newkirk residing in the town of Florida and John McGraw residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Forgason who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration. that we believe him to be seventy two years of age that he is respected and believed in the Neighbood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
William Newkirk 
John Mc X [his mark] Graw
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Geo. D. Ferguson, Clerk
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Cornelius Newkirk of Florida in the County of Montgomery and State aforesaid sworn in open court testifies that he is now in the sixty seventh year of his age to the best of his information & belief and is well acquainted with William Forgason & knew him during the Revolution. That some time during the Revolution the year the witness cannot remember said Forgason belonged to a company commanded by Capt. McKeen reputed to be six or nine months min but which he cannot recollect. The witness testifies that a Picket Fort was erected on the Bank of the Schoharie Creek in said county during the war called Fort Putnam named after one Cornelius Putnam who resided in the neighborhood for the protection of the American citizens. that the witness frequently saw said Forgason come to the Fort to process provisions for the American troops: that Forgason was armed and equiped in the Habelements of a soldier at the several times when he came to said Fort and was then generally reputed to be engaged in the American Service. That he saw Forgason during the period of six months engaged in the manner before mentioned coming at different times to said Fort to procure provisions. He also saw him at Fort Hunter at the mouth of Schoharie Creek armed and equiped in Capt McKeens company during the same season.
Cornelius Newkirk (signature)

Sworn and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Geo.D. Ferguson, clerk
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a witness Sworn in open Court testifies that he has been
well acquainted with William Forgason who has subscribed and sworn
to the foregoing declaration since the commencement of the American
Revolution. That some time the fore part of the war he saw said
Forgason at a Block House at Sacondaga in the County of Montgomery armed and equipped doing duty, & he then understood and believed he served as a nine month man: that his Lieutenant was named Walter Vrooman and the Captain of the Company was named McKeene, he cannot remember with any certainty the year at
that he saw said Forgason at the Block House; but believes it
was in the year 1777. the witness testifies that he saw said Forgason also at Fort Hunter the same year that he saw him at the Block House aforesaid armed and equiped as a Soldier. That in the latter part of the war and as near as he can recollect, it was in the year 1781. He saw said Forgason at the Turlock Battle at or near the town of Sharon in the County of Schoharie, the witness arrived with other Militia at the place about the time the Battle had ended, and the witness saw said Forgason assisting in bearing off Captain McKeen, who had been wounded during the engagement.
and from what knowledge he had of said Forgasons
services he is of the opinion & believes that he served in the
American forces during the greatest part of the war.
Peter J Quackenboss-his mark
Sworn and Subscribed the day & year aforesaid
George D. Ferguson, Clerk
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We ____residing in the town of ____and residing in the town of ___hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Forgason who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy two years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and we concur in that opinion.
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Jacob Pettingell a witness sworn in open court testifies that he was well acquainted with William Forgason who signed foregoing application and knew him during the Revolutionary war. That in the year 1776 or 1777 said Forgason enlisted into a company commanded by Captain Daniel McKeene and the witness saw him at Saconda on Guard at the Block House that he had cokade on his hat and in the American Service. that the witness saw said Forgason several times in said Service but cannot state how long he served. He understood & believes that said Forgason was enlisted in the nine months service - denominated nine months man
Jacob Pettingell (signature)

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Geo. D. Ferguson, clerk (signature)

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 that William Newkirk and John McGraw who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in the town of Florida in Montgomery County, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit, & that Cornelius Newkirk, Peter J Quackenbush, Jacob Pettingell & Howland Fish who have signed the annexed affidavits are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.

I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common pleas of Montgomery County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of William Ferguson for a pension
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of office this 29th day of September 1832
Geo.D. Ferguson 

[written along the lower left edge of document:]
I certify that what relates to the credibility of Cornelius Newkirk, Peter J Quackenbush, Jacob Pettingell and Howland Fish was interlined by the direction of the said Court. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 1st day of December 1893.
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William Forgason
Application for a Pension
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State of New York
Montgomery County ss. Sylvanus Wilcox of the town of Glen in the county and state aforesaid being duly sworn doth depose that he is seventy years of age and past: that he was a native of the State of Massachusetts and during the Revolutionary War he came from the State of Massachusetts into the State of Newyork and enlisted into the American Service in a Regiment commanded by Col. Marinus Willet; in the County of Montgomery and this deponent further says that while in said Service he saw William Forgason embodied in the American Service doing duty as a Soldier at Fort Plain in the county aforesaid in the year of our Lord one thousand and seven hundred and eighty one that this deponent was stationed at Fort Plain a few days and was the marched to the German Flats leaving the greatest portion of the American Army stationed at Fort Plain - that a this Deponent did not see said William Forgason afterwards as he was separated and stationed at a different plain tower at the German Flatts or Fort Herkimer - and further this deponent saith not.
Silvanus Wilcox (signature)

Subscribed and sworn to the 10th day of July 1832. before me
John Hand one of the Judges of the Montgomery County Courts (signature)

State of New York
Montgomery County ss I, George D. Ferguson, clerk of the County of Montgomery do hereby certify that John Hand, before whom the above affidavit purports to have been taken was on the date thereof, a judge of Montgomery County Courts and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe that the names of said Judge subscribed to the said affidavit is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 29th September 1832.
Geo.D. Ferguson

[written along left edge of document:]
State of New York
Montgomery County ss I John Hand a Judge of 
the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County certify that Silvanus Wilcox who subscribed the annexed affidavit duly sworn before me on this 15th day of July 1832 and that he is credible person and that the testimony so sworn by him is entitled to full credit. Dated the 31st day of October 1838
John Hand a Judge of the Montgomery County Courts (signature)
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Montgomery County ss Howland Fish being sworn in open Court testifies that William Forgason within named is in honesty poor and that Sylvanus Wilcox who made the [illegible] affidavit resides about twelve miles from the court of Common Pleas now sitting at Johnstown.
Howland Fish (signature)
Sworn and Subscribed in open Court
the 20th September 1832
Geo.D. Ferguson clerk (signature)

State of New York}
Montgomery County} I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County do hereby certify that John Hand before whom the within affidavit of Silvanus Wilcox purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof and on the date of the within certificate of character of the said Silvanus, a Judge of the county courts of said county and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe that his name subscribed to said affidavit and certificate is genuine.  And I further certify that Cornelius Newkirk, Peter S Quackenbush and Jacob Pettingell whose names are subscribed to annexed affidavit and Howland Fish whose name is subscribed to the above affidavit appeared in open court before the judge thereof at the September thereof in the year 1832 and each made oath before said Court as to the truth of the matters contained in their said affidavits and the said court have directed me as their clerk to certify to the war department, and I do hereby certify to the said department that it is the opinion of said court that the said Cornelius, Peter I Jacob and Howland are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and seal of office this first September 1833
Geo.D. Ferguson

[written along the left edge of document:]
William Forgason
Application for Pension

William Forgason
pensioner
10291
Sylvanus Wilcox
affidavit
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[written horizontally across top of document:]
William Forgason
Application for a Pension

William Forgason
pensioner
10291
Sylvanus Wilcox
affidavit

[written along right edge of document:]
affidavit appeared in open court before the Judge thereof at the September term thereof in the year 1832, and each made oath before said Court as to the truth of the matters contained in their said affidavits and the said Court have directed me as their clerk to certify to the war department, and I do hereby certify to the said department that it is the opinion of said court that the said Cornelius Peter J Jacob and Howard are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this first November 1833.
Geo.D. Ferguson
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State of New York
Montgomery County ss I John Hand a Judge of the Court of Common Please of said County certify that Sylvanus Wilcox who swore to the within affidavit before me is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to stand
Dated 10th day of June 1833
John Hand (signature)

State of New York, Montgomery County, Clerk office:
I, George D. Ferguson, clerk of the court of common pleas of Montgomery County, do hereby certify that Cornelius Newkirk, Peter J. Quackenbush Jacob Pettingell, J Howland Fish appeared in open court at the September term of the court of common pleas of said county and subscribed and swore to the foregoing and annexed affidavits to which these names are subscribed and the said court have directed me as their clerk to certify to the War Department that it is the opinion of said court that the said Cornelius, Peter, and Jacob and Howland are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit. And I further certify that John Hand whose name is subscribed to the annexed certificate of character of Sylvanus Wilcox was on the date thereof a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas aforesaid and that his name subscribed to the said certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 11th June 1833
Geo.D. Ferguson
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Peter Vrooman
affidavit
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State of New York
Montgomery County. William Forgason a Pensioner being dully sworn doth depose and say that he had stated in his declaration for a Pension that he had served under Captain Phelps some portion of his service during the Revolutionary war. That it is possible that this deponent may have been mistaken as to his name. But this deponent recollects that the man whom he called Captain Phelps while at Fort Plain was called before Col Willett and reprimanded for some disobedience of orders. And that Col. Willet told him that he was a whelp by name and whelp by nature. And ordered him to the Guard House. That the next day after or very soon thereafter this Captain was tried and broken and discharged and that Emanuel Duel the oldest Lieutenant to command of the company. And further says not. William Forgason (signature)

Subscribed and sworn to
this 29th day of July 1837
before me John Hand a Judge
of the Montgomery County Courts (signature)

I further certify that I have been acquainted with William Forgason - who has subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit for upwards of thirty years and know him to be a credible person - and that he has always sustained a good moral character for truth and varacity - and I am of the opinion that the statements by him made in said affidavit are entitled to full credit-
John Hand a Judge of the Montgomery County Courts (signature)
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William Forgason's
affidavit
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Thomas Sammon
Affidavit
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State of New York
County of Montgomery ss
Thomas Sammons of the town of Mohawk (later Johnstown) in the county aforesaid-being duly sworn doth depose and say, that he is now of the age of Seventy five years, and that during the war of the Revolution-from the year 1776 he knew Col. John Harper-but more particularly in the year 1780 when he had the command of a regiment of State Troops-in Tryon County in said state, but before that time he recollects of hearing the said Harper mentioned as Col Harper, and frequently spoken of as Col. Harper but cannot now recollect where or at what time, he commanded any detachment of Militia or State Troops, but has frequently been informed by others and believes that he did so command, and further this deponent says not.
Tho: Sammons  (signature)
Sworn to and subscribed
this 5th day of May 1837
before me John Hand(signature) 
a Judge of the Montgomery County Courts

I further certify that I am personally acquainted with Thomas Sammons-who has sworn to the foregoing affidavit-and know him to be a creditable person-and that the statements by him made in said affidavit are entitled to full credit
John Hand a Judge
of the Montgomery County Courts (signature)
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Jacob Shew Affidavit 
in favor of Wm Forgason
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State of New York}
Montgomery County} ss:
Jacob Shew of Northampton, a Soldier of the Revolutionary Army, living now 74 years of age, who being first duly sworn according to Law, says that in the summer season of the year 1779 he formed an acquaintance with a man by the name of William Forgason who was then enrolled in a Company of nine months men, commanded by Lieut. Walter Vrooman in Col John Harpurs Regt at Mayfield or as was commonly called the Sacandaga Blockhouse. That the said William Forgason was then in the service by guarding said Blockhouse, going out on scouts and is of the opinion that he served the full term of nine months and that for several years previous to the year 1780 the said John Harper was called Colonel, and that it was generally understood and believed that he had the command of a Regt. and that it would appear improper to reject any claim where the applicant stated that he served in Col. Harpers Regt prior to the year prior to the year 1780, although he was not commissioned until that year . And further that, among the commonality of people mistakes were very frequently made as to calling people by their correct names or titles (i.e.) the said William Forgason might mean that he served in a company commanded by [illegible] Wells or Whelps when he said Phelps, and that the name of Demood, Demooth, Damooth, Demuth or Damood had reference to one and the same man by which ever name he should have been called.
And further, if the said William Forgason stated that he served in Capt. Daniel McKean's company, it might be easy for him to mistake the name of Robert for that of Daniel, so that in all probability he served in Capt. Robert McKean's company. That the said Lt. Walter Vrooman was detached, with a part of the company to which he belonged, to take the full command of the above mentioned Blockhouse.
Jacob Shew (signature)

Subscribed and sworn to}
this 29th day of September}
1837 before me}
Nathaniel Wescot Justice (signature)
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Lewis Pruyne
Affidavit
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State of New York
Montgomery County SS Lewis Pruyne of the town of Charleston in the County & State aforesaid aged Seventy five years on the 22nd day of April last being first duly sworn according to Law doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with William Forgason a Pensioner during the Revolutionary war: that he saw said Forgason at Fort Hunter near the Schoharie Creek under arms doing duly at the Fort in the year 1778. and was informed & believes that said Forgson was ordered away from that place up the Mohawk River to one of the Forts at or near Fort Plane, but to which particular Fort this deponent does not remember. This deponent further saith that he well recollects of seeing a man who was called Col. Harper during the war. That this deponent saw him repeatedly although he never spoke to him: and that it was currently reported and believed that as early as the year 1778. Col. Harper had the command of a Regiment and that "Nine months men" served under his command as Col. of the Regiment. Whether the said Harper had any Commission this deponent is unable to say.
Lewis Pruyne
Note
Subscribed and Sworn this 20th day of July AD-1835
Before me
Thomas Ostram Justice and I the said Justice certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Lewis Pruyne and believe him to be a person of truth and veracity and that his statements are entitled to full credit
Thomas Ostrom Justice
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State of Newyork
Montgomery County ss
Peter Vrooman of the town of Glen an said county aged Seventy three years and upwards being first duly sworn doth depon and say that during the Revolutionary war this deponent resided in the town of Schoharie now county of Schoharie and often heard of Colonel Harper during the whole war although the deponent was not personally acquainted with him. The deponent testifies that, as early as the year 1777, Colonel Harper had the reputation of acting as Colonel, and was alway called Colonel Harper as early as the year 1777 whenever this deponent heard him spoken of and further this deponent says not -
Peter Vrooman (signature)

Subscribed and sworn to this}
thirtieth day of September 1838}
before me and which I certify}
John Hand a Judge of the Montgomery County Courts (signature)
I further certify that the word "heard" in the eleventh line from the top of the above affidavit was interlined before sworn to and I further certify that I am personally acquainted with said Peter Vrooman who has subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit and know him to be a person of good moral character - and that the above statement by him made is entitled to full credit
John Hand a Judge of the Montgomery County Court (signature)
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State of New York 
Montgomery County 
Clerks office 
I George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, do hereby certify that John Hand before whom the annexed affidavits of William Forgason, Thomas Sammons and Peter Vrooman purport to have been sworn, was on the date of the same a Judge of the County of Courts of Montgomery County, and that his signature subscribed to said affidavits and to the annexed certificates of character of said Deponents is his genuine signature. And I further certify that Nathaniel Wescot, before whom the annexed affidavit of Jacob Shew purports to have been sworn, and Thomas Osborn before whom the annexed affidavit of Lewis Pruyne, purports to have been sworn were at the dates of the said respective affidavits Justices of the Peace in and for said County, and that their signatures to said affidavits and to the annexed certificates of Character of said Deponents is in each case the genuine signature of said Justices.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office that 5th October 1837.
George D. Ferguson Clerk
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William Furgason

{illegible crossed out]

T. Sammons Esq
Page 29

War Department 
Pension Office 
July 11 1837 
Sir;
The papers of William Forgason, whose pension was suspended in consequence of having been allowed upon insufficient evidence, have been re-examined. The Claimant States in his declaration, that he served nine months under an enlistment, in Capt. Daniel McKeans Company Col Harper's regiment in 1777, four months in Capt. Dewood, or Demuth's Company in 1778, and 9 months in Capt Phelps company Col. Willetts’ regiment, in 1781. The objection to the first tour is that no such regiment existed at that time; to the third, that no Captain of the name of Phelps belonged to Col. Willett’s regiment at any time during the revolutionary war. The claimants name appears on the rolls of Captain  Capt. Mark Demont’s company in 1780 in which
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he is credited with two months and twenty days service 
I am, respectfully 
your obt servt 
J.L. Edwards 


Thomas Samman, Esqr
Present
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Payments to be made
at New York
by the Presd. U. S. Tr. Bk
Agent for paying Pensioners
in the Agency of New York

Recorded in the Pension Office,
in Book E Vol. 4
Page 100 by Jno. Cromwell, Clerk
Page 32

WAR DEPARTMENT
Revolutionary Claim
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, William Forgason of the State of New York who was a Private in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive seventy-four dollars and seventy-one cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing 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 9th day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three.

Lew Cass
Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned.
JL Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
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Revolution
23224.
INVALID.
File Number 23224
William Forgason
Private Revolutionary War
Act: June 7th[18]32
Index: -- Volume 2 , Page 140
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 34

Extract from annals of Tyrone
County on the border warfare
of New York during
the Revolution
Page 141
Page 35

Page 141
The following account is given by the Rev. Mr. Fenn, the former clergyman of Harpersfield, who received the information from Col. Harper.
In the year 1778 M. Donald a Tory of some 
[illegible] and activity had collected about 300 
indians and tories, and was committing great depredations on the frontiers, He fell down upon the dutch settlement of Schoharie with all his barbarity and and exterminating rage. Colonel Vrooman commanded in the fort at Schoharie at this time. they saw the enemy, wantonly destroying everything on which they could lay their hands. The garrison was so weak that they could spare no men from the fort to protect the inhabitants, or secure the crops. “What shall be done.”says Colonel Harper, “O, nothing at all” says Colonel Vrooman, “We be so weak we cannot do anything.” Colonel Harper ordered his horse, and laid his course for Albany, rode right down through the enemy who were scattered over all the country. At Fox Creek, put up at a tory’s tavern for the night.
He retired to bed after having locked his door. Soon there was a long rapping at the door. What is wanted. We want to see Colonel Harper. The Colonel arose and unlocked the door, seated himself in the bed and laid his sword and pistols before him. In stept four men. “Step one inch over that mark”  said the Colonel, "and yous are dead men. After talking a little time with him, they left the room, he again secured the door, and sat on his bed until daylight appeared. he then ordered his horse, mounted, and rode for Albany, and the enemy was round the house. An Indian followed the Colonel almost into Albany, and when the colonel would wheel his horse
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and present his pistol, the indian would turn and run with all his might. When the Colonel arrived at Albany, he called on Colonel Ganesvoort, stated the distressed situation of Schoharie, 
and prayed for help. A Squadron of horse was immediately provided and they rode all night and appeared in Schoharie in the morning, and the first knowledge that the people had that any relief was expected, they heard a tremendous shrieking and yelling, and looked out, and saw Colonel Harper, with his troop of horse cutting up the enemy. The men in the fort rushed out and joined in the attack and the country was soon cleared of the enemy, and the inhabitants had peace and rest, and could collect their harvest in safety.
Page 37

William Forgason was in the Battle of Turlough Col Willet’s Regiment Capt Whelps Company. was at the Battle of Turlough Leut. Jacob Sammons Called for Volunteers I was one of them we where near the Enemy Willet formed his men in an ambush we came on the enemy by Surprise give One Five on the enemy then retreated Back to Col Willet who received them with a shout and the enemy knew nothing about Willets ambush till they were attacked the enemy where routed and Defeated in about Half an hour was in the Johnstown Battle and at the West Canada creek where Capt Walter Butler was killed.
He says he was in the Sagenadago Blockhouse in the year 1778 under the comand [sic] of Lieutenant Walter Vroman and said [illegible] Colonel John Harpers State troops before they came to the Block house had been  stationed at the Village of Johnstown 9 months. In the year 1780 was 4 months in Captain Daemots Company of Millitia stasioned [sic] at Fort Dayton. In the year 1780 served in the State Troops Colonel Willits Regiment Captain Whelps Company for 9 months.
Page 38

Lewis  prime in the poor House one of the Revolutionist Furguson saw Nicholas Vanslyke in the the Boating Service in the year 1781 at Fishkills
Page 39

J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

[postmark image] Washington City [illegible faded]

Mr William Forguson
Glen
New York

[material upside down]
Answer to the claim of William Forgason
Page 40

Answer to the claim of William Forgason

{upside down]
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Mr William Forguson
Glen
New York

[round stamp]
Washington City 
[date illegible]
Page 41

War Department
Pension Office
Dec 27. 1834
Sir,
From documentary evidence and from
facts which have come to the knowledge of the Department since your pension was granted it is evident that it ought not to be continued until the claim shall have been supported by further proof. 
In the first place Col Harper was not in command of a regiment of nine months. His man in 1777 as set forth in your declaration was then any captain of the name of Phelps in Col Willetts regiment or Lieutenant of the name of Dud.
Your Obt Sert
JL Edwards
M William Forguson
Glen
New York
Page 42

District of Columbia
Washington City Ss.
I Thomas Samm of Montgomery County State of New York of the age of 75 years past first being Duly sworn Do depose and say that I am acquainted with John Dockstader who has applied for a pension and believe him to a man of Truth and Veracity and his declaration he has Stated several places in the Militia service in the year 1776 some time in the month of August 10 Days by order of The Tryon County committee in the Tory settlement of Johnson 25 in the year 1776 January with General Schuler 10 and in the spring in the months of May and June and July in and the County of Tryon by Order of the Committee August September and October  30 days
[blackened illegible] Johnstown Bownsmans creek and then [illegible] 30 1777 at [illegible] Jonstown Fishouse and several other [illegible] 30
the spring and fall including the Battle of Orskana 45
1777 Thonarabia in the spring to Bowns Creek Balstown Fort Hunter Cancugoharry [Canajoharie] 
 5 [obscured by ink smear, could be 3]
in the year 1779
in the year 1780
in 1781

30) 315/11           219
-----------      
     30.                   30          
-----------            30
    15.                     35
                              21
                         ---------
Page 43

in the year 1778 John Dockstader says he did 76 days service except Training Days
Page 44

Fultonville April 9.  [image]
free

Hon Lew Cass
Secretary of War
Washington DC
Page 45

Recd. 13 Apl
Fultonville April 8, 1835

Hon Lew Cass
Sir
The pension of Mr William Forgason has been suspended & for what cause the pensioner is unable to surmise nor is the Agent at Albany able to assign a cause for it he is ansious of leaning it from you & will therefore be much obliged for the information

Very Respectfully Yours
W Packard for Wm Forgason
Page 46

Wm Forgason
NY

April 13, 1835

Pension Office
Answer

666
1332

17.60
13.32.      20[illegible]
______
428
333
______
895
Page 47

24.183.   New York
William Forgason of
Glen. in the State of New York
who was a Private in the Company commanded
by Captain McKane of the Regt commanded by
Col Harper in the New York
line for 22 months & 8 days
-----------------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 74 Dollars 21 cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
------------------------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of Nov
1833 and sent Howland Fish Esq Aunesville NY
--------------------------------------------
Arrears to the 4th of Sept '33--       $185.52
semi-anl.  allowance ending
 4 Mar '34                                           37.10
                                                        ________ 
                                                        $222.63  
Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832
...orded by Jno Cromwell Clerk
E.   Vol 4 Page 100
---------------------------------------------
[facing page folded and written vertically]
See let to John Fleming Esq Dec 24, 1834
  "     "    "  Pensioner.             "     27.    "
  "      "   "   same.                 Apr 22   1835
  "      "    "  Thos Sammons.  July 11   1837
  "      "    "  Thos Sammons.   Oct 25  1837
  "    "     "   same                   Mar 20  1838
Page 48

See let to John Fleming Esq Dec 26, 1834
"      "    "  Pensioner.             "      27.    "
"      "    "  same                     Apr 22- 1835
 "      "   "   Thos Sammons.    July 11.     37
 "      "   "   Thos Sammons.     Oct 25, 1837
 Copies of papers handed to same Mar 20, 1838