Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6217, for Jacob Sikes, Vermont
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(3-1776)
[column headings: SERVICE|[blank]|NUMBER|]
Conn.|Sikes, Jacob|W. 6217|
Mass.|or Sykes|[blank]|
Vt.|Sarah|[blank]|
[end of columns]
CONTENTS
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Vermont, 18.690
Jacob Sikes of Rutland co. in the State of Vermont: who was a private in the Comp'y commanded by Captain Harmon of the Reg't commanded by Col. Woolcott in the Conn. Ma line for 16 mo. 10 da
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont. at the rate of 54 Dollars 43 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Sep'r 1833. and sent to A. Warner. East Poultney Vt.
______
Arrears to the 4th of Sep'r '33   $136.08
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar. '36 27.21
$163.29
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by E C Brown Clerk, 
Book E. Vol. 3. Page 91
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Jacob Sikes
Declaration for a pension
20580
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and marched from thence to Hartford through Farmington and Litchfield to Crumb Pond (Crompond) that soon after he joined a scouting party consisting of about 1500 men commanded by Gen'ls Varnum & Ward which party had with them two field pieces & two Baggage Waggons. that they marched down to the enemies line now New York, then returned again to Crumb Pond (Crompond) having been absent one month 
The Captains name was Allen Lieutenant Seth Smith Ensign not remembered - That after on the last of September or first of October he was again called into service in the militia and marched to Fishkill on the Hudson River & followed the British Shipping up to Red Hook who were prowling up the River as was understood to meet Gen'l Burgoyne. at which place we heard of his defeat & surrender, when the enemy retreated & we pursued thence back to Fishkill, at which place he was soon after discharged, having served one month - That his Regiment was commanded by Colo. Willis - His Capt. name was Isaac Pomeroy - Lieut. Oliver Granger - Ensign not remembered. That each time when he was called into service as afs'd he resided in Suffield Connecticut 
That in the last of May 1779 he was again drafted in the militia and marched from Dorset to Rutland Vermont - That the company consisted of fifty men and was commanded by Capt'n Sawyer Lieut. Josiah Wright - Ensign not remembered That he served at that time 40 days & was discharged at Rutland afs'd 
That he returned home & remained but a few days when he was again drafted for sixty days & marched again to Rutland afs'd under the same officers last afs'd - That he served his time out & was discharged.
And That in the year 1780 he was again drafted & marched to Pittsford Vermont, the force at that place consisted as a part of a Regiment under the Command of Maj. Allen The company to which he belonged was commanded by Capt Noble
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Lieut Wright Ensign Cox. That he served three months and was discharged.

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.
/s/Jacob Sikes
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.}
We John Griswold a Clergyman residing in Pawlet and Phineas Strong residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Jacob Sikes who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 74 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neigbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
/s/John Griswold
/s/P. Strong
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.}
And the Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that John Griswold who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident of Pawlet and that Phineas Strong who has also signed the same, is a resident in Pawlet and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I Selah H. Merrill Clerk of the Court of Probate aforesaid do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Jacob Sikes for a Pension. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 14th day of August A.D. 1832
/s/S. H. Merrill
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[verso]
Date  of widow's death not on AB.

[recto]
3180
New York Albany
Sarah Sykes widow of Jacob Sykes Con'n who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 54 Dollars 43 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Dec'r/53 and sent to S. P. Pike Fort Ann New York
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 85, Vol. A
32
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State of New York
County of Niagra (Niagara) } ss
On this 5th day of ['July' crossed out] August 1853 personally appeared before ['the court of' crossed out] Mr. Elias Ransom, County Judge of the County of Niagara in the State of New York  Sarah Sykes a resident of Newfane in the county of Niagra and State aforesaid aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following decleration in order to obtain the benifits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3d February 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during The Revolutionary War, that she is the widow of Jacob Sykes who was a private in the army of the Revolution and belonged to the Connecticut militia drew a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 of $54.43 a years and was paid at the Vermont Agency at Burlington in Vermont, placed on the pension roll Sept 26 1833 pension commenced March 4th 1831; which services &c will more fully appear by reference to the evidence filed in the application of said Jacob Sykes 
She further declares that she was married to the said Jacob Sykes on the ['18th day of September 1' crossed out] 2d day of May 1816; that her said husband died on the 18th day of September 1840, that she was not married to him prior to the second day of January eighteen hundred, but at the time above stated. She further declares she is now a widow
/s/Sarah A. Sykes
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written before me the undersigned, And I hereby certify that the said Sarah Sykes by reason of bodily infirmity is unable to attend the sitting of the Court }
/s/Elias Ransom County Judge of Niagara County, New York
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State of New York,
NIAGARA COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. } ss. I Certify that Elias Ransom before whom the annexed Instrument in writing was proved or acknowledged was, at the time of taken the same,  County Judge of Said County in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe the signature to said certification is genuine; and that the annexed instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this State.
[court seal affixed] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, at Lockport in said County, this Eighth day of August 1853. 
/s/S. S. Payne Clerk of Niagara County. 
By H. A. Cook Dept'y
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Know by all men by these presents that I Sarah Sykes of the County of Niagra (Niagara) & State of New York have constituted and appointed and by these presents do constitute & appoint Silas P Pike of Fort Ann, Washington County New York my true & lawful attorney irrevocably for me & in my name to pay a receive from the United States a pension certificate and all such sum or sums of money due me on account of arrears of pay or any sum or sums of money which may be due me from the United States on any account whatsoever, and to which I may be entitled as the widow of Jacob Sykes deceased as set forth in the foregoing declaration and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises, hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall in my name legally do a cause to be done in & about the premises
/s/Sarah Sykes
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 5th day of ['July' crossed out] August 1853
In presence of /s/L. R. Wright
/s/W. S. Wright
Acknowledged & subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Niagra (Niagara) & State of New York this 5th day of ['July' crossed out] August 1853
/s/Wm. S. Wright

State of New York,
NIAGARA COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. } ss. I Certify that Wm S. Wright before whom the annexed Instrument in writing was proved or acknowledged was, at the time of taken the same, Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe the signature to said certification is genuine; and that the annexed instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this State.
[court seal affixed] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, at Lockport in said County, this Eighth day of August 1853.
/s/S. S. Payne Clerk of Niagara County.
By H. A. Cook Dept'y
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Know by all men by these presents that I Sarah Sykes of the County of Niagra (Niagara) & State of New York have constituted and appointed and by these presents do constitute & appoint Silas P Pike of Fort Ann, Washington County New York my true & lawful attorney irrevocably for me & in my name to pay a receive from the United States a pension certificate and all such sum or sums of money due me on account of arrears of pay or any sum or sums of money which may be due me from the United States on any account whatsoever, and to which I may be entitled as the widow of Jacob Sykes deceased as set forth in the foregoing declaration and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises, hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall in my name legally do a cause to be done in & about the premises
/s/Sarah Sykes
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 5th day of ['July' crossed out] August 1853
In presence of /s/L. R. Wright
/s/W. S. Wright
Acknowledged & subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Niagra (Niagara) & State of New York this 5th day of ['July' crossed out] August 1853
/s/Wm. S. Wright
Justice of the Peace in & for Niagara County New York
[court seal affixed]
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20.580
Jacob Sikes
Admit
16 mo's 10 days
A Warner Esq
East Poultney
claimant care of the clerk of the County, Rutland Vermont
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WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office.
June 5, 1833

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, sent this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 
A Statement shewing the Service of Jacob Sikes of Rutland County, Vermont
[column headings: Period when service was rendered.|Duration of the claimant's service.(Years.|Months.|Days.)|Rank of the claimant.|Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.Capts|Name and Rank of the General and Field officers.Cols|Battles in which the applicant was engaged.|Country through which he marched.|Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.|Evidence by which the declaration is supported.|]
Enl'd Jany 1776|([blank]|2|[blank]|Private|Harmon|Woolcot|[blank]|from Hartford to Roxbury Mass.|Hartford Connecticut|[blank]|
Aug 1776|([blank]|3|[blank])| " | = |Maj Newbury|None|from Hartford to|[blank]|Traditionary Evidence|
afs'd Jany 1777|([blank]|3|[blank])| " |Rowley|Col. Robinson|[blank]|New Haven Connecticut|[blank]|[blank]|
afs'd 1777|([blank]|1|[blank])|Allen|Gen'ls Varnum & Ward|[blank]|from Springfield to|[blank]|Living Witnesses|
 " 1777|([blank]|1|[blank])| " |Pomeroy|Col. Willis|[blank]|to Albany N.Y.|[blank]|[blank]|
 " 1779|([blank]|[blank]|40)| " |Sawyer|[blank]|[blank]|& to Ticonderoga|[blank]|[blank]|
 " " |([blank]|[blank]|60)|[blank]| " |[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
1780|([blank]|3|/10)|[blank]|Noble|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
[end of columns]
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant, 
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2 
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. 
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line,' State troops," " militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits et the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. 
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 
1. The Regular Troops. 
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service. 
4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. 
DECLARATION, 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. 
State, Territory, or District of} County of} ss. 
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers : 
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service ; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers ;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. ⇒This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank] 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank] A. B. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &c. 
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: 
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a RevoIutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal [blank] of office, this [blank] day of [blank]&c. 
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration,(l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 15


3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be
attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute: And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.{To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer.{Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are  requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons-one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the, declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties. which the Court is herein requested to perform;
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he most assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making au affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith. that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below. and in the following grades:- For ____ year ____months, and ____days, I served as a ____ . For ____ months and ____days, I served as a ____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held; as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers, the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or place where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f]The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion or the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if he has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

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

Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
⇒The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 16

[typewritten letter]
June 21, 1938
xxxxxxxxxx
JACOB SIKES
W. 6217
BA-J/MLB

Mrs. Hugh V. Mercer
3800 Zenith Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the pension record of one Jacob Sykes who, you state, was born January 21, 1758, in
Suffield, Connecticut, and who died in Vermont.
You are furnished herein the record of Jacob Sikes or Sykes as found in pension claim, W. 6217, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
The date and place of birth and names of the parents of Jacob Sikes are not shown.
While a resident of Suffield, Hartford County, Connecticut, Jacob Sikes enlisted in January or February, 1776, served as a private in Captain John Harmon's company, Colonel Erastus Wolcott's Connecticut regiment, assisted in building two forts on Dorchester Heights and was
discharged April 1, 1776. He enlisted in August, 1776, served three months as private under Lieutenant Samuel Hermon and Major Newberry in the Connecticut troops and was in the battle of Long Island. He enlisted in January, 1777, served three months as private in Captain Nathan Rowlee's company, Colonel Robinson's Massachusetts regiment. He enlisted in Windsor, Connecticut, in the summer of 1777 and served one month as private in Captain Allen's company, stationed at Crompond. While living in Suffield, Connecticut, he enlisted in September or October, 1777, and served one month as private in Captain Isaac Pomeroy's company, Colonel Wells' Connecticut regiment. While residing in Dorset, Bennington County, Vermont, he enlisted in May, 1779, served forty days as private in Captain Sawyer's company in the Vermont troops, a few days after which
he again enlisted and served sixty days under the same officers. He enlisted in 1780 and served three months as a private in Captain Noble's Vermont company.
The soldier was allowed pension on his application executed August 14, 1832, at which time he was aged seventy-four years and a resident of Pawlet, Rutland County, Vermont. He signed Jacob Sikes.
He died in Pawlet, Vermont, September 18, 1840.
Page 17

[typewritten letter]
Jacob Sikes or Sykes married May 2, 1816, in Pawlet, Vermont, Sarah Stevens. The date and place of her birth and names of parents were not stated.
Sarah Sikes or Sykes (she signed both ways) was allowed pension on account of the Revolutionary War service of her husband, Jacob, on her application executed August 5, 1853, at which time she was aged eighty years and residing in Newfane, Niagara County, New York.
No names in the claims were designated as those of children.
In 1832, soldier's brother, Israel Sikes, aged sixty-eight years, was a resident of Dorset, Bennington County, Vermont. In the same year one Ashbel Sykes, aged seventy-six years, was living in Rupert, Bennington County, Vermont, and testified that he served with Jacob Sikes on his first tour in the Revolution, but did not state his relationship to him.
In 1853, one Elijah Stevens was a resident of Fort Ann,  Washington County, New York, his relationship to Sarah, soldier's wife, not shown.
In order to obtain date of last payment of pension, the name and address of the person paid and possibly the date of death of the widow, Sarah Sikes, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data: Sarah Sykes, widow of Jacob, certificate #3180, issued December 12, 1853, rate $54.43 per annum, commenced February 3, 1853, Act February 3, 1853, New York (Albany ) Agency.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 18

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
Pension Office, Official Business
Sept. 29, 1853
Sarah Sykes widow of Jacob Sykes, Niagara Co NY
Rev Act 3d Feb'y 1853.
Adm'd $54.43/100 per annum
Commencing 3 Feb 1853
S. P. Pike 
Fort Ann
Page 19

No 3347
Sarah Sykes, widow of Jacob Sikes - 
Let. S. P. Pike, October 22/53 (RG)
To Same Nov 11/53
Rev'y Act 3d Feb'y 1853
Page 20

[handwritten letter]
Pension Office
Dec. 8, 1853

Sir, 
Please certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid; and, if in your power, the date of his death.
Very respectfully Your Obt. Servant
/s/S. Cole
For Commissioner
F Burt Esqr
3d Auditor Present } Jacob Sikes act 1832, $54.43 pr an. - Paid 4th Sept. 1840, no date of death on our Books. 
F Burt
Auditor.
Page 21

Sarah Sykes, Jacob 80
Dec {Married 2 May 1816
       { Died 18 Sep'r 1840
John Brown - present 
Dianthe Smith.
G. C.
Page 22

The applicant in this case requests that his Pension Certificate may be sent addressed to the subscriber 
/s/Almon Warner 
East Pomeroy Vermont
July 4, 1833
Page 23

[typewritten letter]
This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.

L. W. B.
W. 19544,
W. 6217.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
WASHINGTON, D. C.,

Sept. 13, 1897.

Madam: - 
Replying to your request for information concerning Charles Geer and Jacob Sykes, soldiers of the Revolutionary war, you are advised as follows:
Charles Geer made an application for pension on April 6, 1818, at which time he was 56 years of age and residing at Lansingburg, N. Y., and his pension was allowed for three years' actual service as a private in the New Hampshire troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Wait and Col. Silly. Place of his enlistment not stated. His widow, Elizabeth, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Jacob Sykes made an application for pension on August 14, 1832, at which time he was 74 years of age and residing in Rutland County, Vermont, and his pension was allowed for sixteen months and ten days' actual service as a private in the Conn. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Harmon and Col. Wolcott. He enlisted at Suffield, Conn. His widow, Sarah, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,
[blank]
Acting Commissioner.

Miss Viola Wright,
Box 853. North Adams, Mass.
Page 24

[handwritten letter]
[receipt stamp: U. S. PENSION OFFICE. B AUG 16 1897]
Box 853
North Adams, Mass
August 14, 1897.

The Pension Office,

Gentlemen:
I have an ancestor, Charles Geer, who drew a pension from the time of the The Revolution. He cam from Glenville, N. Y. and went with The Lansingburg regiment. Please send me
Page 25

[handwritten letter]
information concerning him - requisite for admittance to the Society of The Daughters of the American Revolution. 
Kindly send me the same information concerning another ancestor, Jalob or Jacob Sykes, who drew a pension till the time of his death, & whose widow drew it till her death at Newfane,
Page 26

[handwritten letter]
N. Y. in 1857.
Your prompt attention will greatly oblige
Yours truly
/s/(Miss) Viola Wright.
Page 27

[typewritten letter]
[logo: DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION]
MINNESOTA DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
MRS. HUGH VICTOR MERCER, CONSULTING REGISTRAR, 
3800 ZENITH AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.
[receipt stamp: RECEIVED JUN 3 1838 MAIL ROOM DIV. VET'S ADM READER 11]
June 1 1938.

Veterans Administration Bureau
Washington D.C.

Gentlemen;
Please send me at your convenience, the Pension record of one Jacob Sykes, born January 21st 1758 at Suffield Conn. and died September 1840 or some time in 1843. in Pawlett Vermont.
Thanking you in advance, I am, 
Sincerely yours,
/s/(Mrs. H.V.) Edith C. Mercer
Page 28

Revy WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 6217
Sarah Sykes Widow Jacob Sykes
Pri. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 3, 1853
Index: - Vol. M, Page 260
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 29

Sep 13. 1897 - History to Miss Viola Wright No. Adams Mass.
1938 June 21- Hist to Mrs Hugh V. Mercer MLB
Page 30

[handwritten letter]
Fort Ann Sept 26th 1853

Dr Sir
Accompanying I send you application of Sarah Sykes & affidavits - Please write me acknowledging the receipt of the same, by attending to the same as soon as possible you will confer a great favor
Yours Truly
/s/S.P Pike
Page 31

State of New York
County of Wyoming } ss
On this 5th day of ['August' crossed out] September 1853 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the State and County aforesaid Dianthe Smith a resident of the County, & State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to Law declares that Sarah Sykes is the widow of Jacob Sykes who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War that the Said Sarah Sykes was Married to the Said Jacob Sykes deceased, on the 2d day of May 1816 by one Sylvanus Haynes a clergyman at Pawlet. Rutland County Vermont, that the name of the Said Sarah Sykes before her Marriage aforesaid was Sarah Stevens, that her Husband the Said Jacob Sykes died at Pawlet Rutland County Vermont on the 18th day of Sept 1840 and that she is still a widow - that she was Present at the Marriage and saw the same and is a disinterested Witness
/s/Dianthe Smith
Subscribed and Sworn to before me this 5th day of ['August' crossed out] Sept'r 1853 and I hereby certify that the aforesaid Dianthe Smith is a credible Witness
/s/Samuel Clark
Justice of the Peace
Page 32

STATE OF NEW YORK,
WYOMING COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss. 
I CERTIFY That Samuel Clark Esquire, was, at the date of the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe that the signature to said certificate is genuine; ['and that the annexed Instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this State.' crossed out]
[county seal affixed] IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County, this 8th day of September A.D. 1853.
/s/N P Currier Clerk,
Page 33

State of Vermont
Rutland County 
Town of Wells }
October 31st 1853, I hereby certify that Josiah Goodspeed a witness whose affidavit was taken before me on the 9th day of ['October' crossed out] June 1853 to prove the death of Jacob Sykes is and was at the time of making said affidavit a credible witness
/s/Wm Lamb Justice of the Peace
S.P. Pike
Page 34

Brief in the case of Sarah Sykes, widow of Jacob Sykes Niagara County and State of New York 
act 3d February 1853
Claim, ("original," ['or "for increase."' crossed out])
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the Act of June 7. 1832, as private at $54.43/100 per annum
Marriage proved by affidavits of John Brown and Dianthe Smith, certified to be credible witnesses 
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
/s/R. Geddes
Examining Clerk.

S. P. Pike, Fort Ann N. Y. 
Name and residence of Agent
Page 35

State of New York
Washington  County ss: 
Elijah Stevens of Fort Ann in said county being duly sworn says that he was well acquainted with Jacob Sykes (now deceased) a revolutionary pensioner and that he knew him for a number of years before his death
Deponent further says that he has made diligent enquiries and search for the record of the marriage of said Jacob Sykes to Sarah Stevens in the Town Clerks office of the Town of Pawlet, Rutland County Vermont which was the Town in which said parties were married
Deponent further says that he has made enquiries for the clergyman who married said parties and is informed he has been dead for a number of years 
Deponent further says that he has made careful & diligent enquiries for the clergymans Record who performed said marriage ceremonies and has not been able to find the same of any record whatever - Deponent further says this he's not interested in The claim of The widow of said Jacob Sykes to a pension
/s/Elijah Stevens
Sworn to before me this 7th day of November 1853
/s/Geo W. Thorn Justice Peace }
And I further certify that said Elijah Stevens reputable and creditable witness
/s/Geo. W. Thorn
Justice Peace
STATE OF NEW YORK,
WASHINGTON COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I NATHANIEL B. MILLIMAN, Clerk of said County, do certify that George W. Thorn Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the annexed affidavit & certificate was at the date thereof a Justice of a Peace, in and for said County, duly elected and qualified by law to act as such Justice & to administer said oaths and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing of said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to said certificate is genuine; 
[county seal affixed] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this 21st day of November one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three - 
/s/N B Milliman Clerk.
Page 36

State of New York
Niagra (Niagara) County } ss:
Sarah Sykes of Newfane in said county and State being duly sworn says that there is no private record of her marriage in her possession or in existence to her knowledge
/s/Sarah Sikes
Sworn to before me this 23d day of November 1853
/s/W. S. Wright Justice of the Peace
And I further certify that  said Sarah Sykes is a reputable and creditable witness
/s/W. S. Wright
Justice of the Peace
S. P. Pike

State of New York
NIAGARA COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.} ss. I Certify that Wm. S. Wright Esqr before whom the annexed Instrument in writing was proved or acknowledged, was, at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe the signature to said certificate is genuine; and that the annexed Instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this State.
[court seal affixed] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, at Lockport in said County, this Twenty fourth day of November 1853.
/s/H. A. Cook Dep'y Clerk of Niagara County.
Page 37

Thomas Towsley's affidavit for Jacob Sikes
Page 38

I Thomas Towsley of Burlington in the County of Chittenden in the State of Vermont of the age sixty nine years being duly sworn do depose & say that in the summer of the year 1781 according to my best recollection of the year, a draft was made of the militia from sundry towns in the State of Vermont to garrison a fort of the town of Pitsford (Pittsford) in said state and their among them this deponent ['and my father' crossed out] volunteered in s'd service & served at said garrison during three months that summer and fall, under the general command of Major Ebenezer Allen in Capt Huchins (Hutchins) ['commanding' crossed out] & this deponent further says that Mr Jacob Sikes then of Dorset in said state belonged to said corps & served therein (the same being ordered by the authority of the State of Vermont) along with this deponent during said term of three months in the summer and fall aforesaid & further saith not
Dated at Burlington aforesaid the 19 day of July AD 1832
/s/Thomas Towsley
State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss } Personally appeared Thomas Towsley of Burlington in the county of Chittenden aforesaid, the signor of the  above affidavit & to me well known to be a man of credit and respectability who signed the same in my presence & was duly sworn to the same Before me the nineteenth day of July AD 1832
/s/John Barstow Just Peace
Page 39

State of Vermont
Chittenden County } I Nathan B Haswell Clerk of Chittenden County Court do hereby certify that John Barstow Esqr before whom the within Deposition is taken is a Justice of the Peace duly qualified, acting under the authority of this State, and that his name thereto subscribed is his own proper signature
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Burlington, this 19th day of July AD 1832
/s/Nathan B Haswell
Page 40

State of Vermont
County of Rutland ss.} I Josiah Goodspeed of the town of Wells in said County being duly sworn deposes & says that he was well acquainted with Jacob Sykes and with Sarah Sykes his wife (formerly) and who is now his widow that said Jacob Sykes formerly and for many years resided in the town of Pawlet aforesaid and was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States up to the time of his death and this deponent further says that the said Jacob Sykes died at the town of Pawlet aforesaid on the eighteenth day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty that this deponent saw the said Jacob Sykes after his death and before his burial and had & Still has personal Knowledge of his death and burial and deponent knows that he died on or about the 18th day of September 1840. that he died leaving Sarah Sykes his widow heir surviving & who is still living and who now resides in Newfane Niagara County as this deponent is informed and verily believes that by the town of Pawlet aforesaid this deponent means Pawlet Rutland County in the State of Vermont. 
STATE OF VERMONT,
COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. } RUTLAND, S.S.
I, E D Lowry Dep'ty Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that William Lamb Esq. was, at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is, a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission is dated the thirtieth day of November, Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty two and expires the thirtieth day of November next: [blank]: that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; and that the said paper writings are executed [blank] according to the laws of this State, and are in due form. 
[Vermont state seal affixed] In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Rutland, this 20th day of September Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty three
/s/E D. Lowry Dep'ty CLERK.
Page 41

State of Vermont
County of Rutland ss } I Josiah Goodspeed of the town of Wells in said County being duly sworn deposes & says that he was well acquainted with Jacob Sykes and with Sarah Sykes his wife (formerly) and who is his widow that said Jacob Sykes formerly and for many years resided in the town of Pawlet aforesaid and was a Revolutionary pension of the United States up to the time of his death and this deponent further says that the said Jacob Sykes died at the town of Pawlet aforesaid on the eighteenth day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty that this deponent saw the said Jacob Sykes after his death and before his burial and had & still has, personal knowledge of his death and burial and deponent knows that he died on or about the 18th day of September 1840. that he died leaving Sarah Sykes his widow heir surviving & who is still living and who now resides in Newfane Niagara County as this deponent is informed and verily believes that by the town of Pawlet aforesaid this deponent means Pawlet Rutland County in the State of Vermont. 
/s/Josiah Goodspeed
Sworn to before me this 9th day of June 1853}
/s/Wm. Lamb Justice of the Peace
Page 42

State of New York,
County of ['Livingston' crossed out] Wyoming} ss:
On this 20 day of August 1853 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the State and county aforesaid John Brown a resident of the county & State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law declares that Sarah Sykes is the widow of Jacob Sykes who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war that the said Sarah Sykes was married to the said Jacob Sykes deceased, on the 2d day of May 1816 by one ['Lemuel' crossed out] Sylvanus Haynes a clergyman at Pawlet, Rutland County Vermont, that the name of the said Sarah Sykes before her marriage aforesaid was Sarah Stevens. That her husband the said Jacob Sykes died at Pawlet Rutland County Vermont on the 18th day of September 1840, and that she is still a widow. That he was present at the marriage aforesaid and saw the same and is a disinterested witness 
/s/John Brown
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 20 day of August 1853. And I hereby certify that John Brown is a credible witness
/s/John C Lowing
STATE OF NEW YORK, 
WYOMING COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE,}ss. 
I CERTIFY That John E. Lowing Esquire, was, at the date of the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same; that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe that the signature to said certificate is genuine; ['and that the annexed Instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this State.' crossed out]
[county seal affixed] IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 20th day of August A.D. 1853.
/s/N P Currier Clerk.
Page 43

Ashbel Sikes' affidavit for Jacob Sikes
Page 44

I Ashbel Sykes, of Rupert, in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont, of lawful age, being duly sworn, do depose & Say, that I am seventy six years of age; that in the year 1776. I resided in the town of Suffield in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut; that Jacob Sykes resided at the same time, in said Suffield; that about the first of February, 1776. the said Jacob & myself, enlisted as private soldiers, in a company commanded by Capt. John Harmon, & regiment of Col. Erastus Wolcott, & marched with said company, to Roxbury, where we joined the said regiment, & continued at that place, for the space of two months, & were then dismissed: - Also, that during this period of two months, we assisted in building two forts, in Dorchester heights. And further this deponent saith not
Pawlet 14 August 1832. /s/Ashbel Hughes

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss.} Be it remembered, that, on this 14th day of August, AD. 1832. personally appeared Ashbel Sykes, the Signer of the above written affidavit, & made solemn oath, to the truth of the matters & things therein contained:
/s/N. Harmon Just. Peace for Rutland County.
Before me, & I further certify that the said Ashbel Sykes, the above named deponent, is well known to me & is a man of credibility. 
/s/N. Harmon Just. Peace.
State of Vermont
Rutland County ss} I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland do certify that Nathaniel Harmon Esq is a Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned and that the above is his signature
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Rutland, this 24th day of August A.D. 1832 
/s/R. Pierpoint
Page 45

Israel Sikes' affidavit for Jacob Sikes.
Page 46

I, Israel Sikes, of Dorset, in the county of Bennington in the State of Vermont, of the age of sixty eight years, being duly sworn, do depose & say that some time in the winter of 1776. my brother Jacob Sikes, inlisted in a company of troops under the command of Capt. John Harmon, at Suffield in the State of Connecticut, for the purpose of reinforcing the American Army before Boston, & marched away, & was gone till April after, & then returned. That afterwards in the summer of the same year, according to my best remembrance, he the said Jacob, again went into the service of the country, in a company commanded by Lieut. Samuel Harmon, then being no Captain, & went with said company as was said, at the time, to New York, & was about for that purpose, several months, & returned. I have, also, some remembrance of the said Jacob going on a tour of service to Ticonderoga, in the year 1777. but can recollect very little of it. We also performed other tours of service, but being very young, at the time, cannot remember much about it, & further saith not.
/s/Israel Sykes
Pawlet 14 August 1832. 
State of Vermont
Rutland County ss} Be it remembered that on the 14th day of August AD 1832 personally came, Israel Sikes the signer of the above paper, & was duly sworn to the truth of the same. Before me, I further certify that the said Israel Sikes, Esq. the above deponent is well known to me, & is a man of credibility - 
/s/N. Harmon Just Peace for Rutland
/s/N. Harmon Just. Peace
State of Vermont
Rutland County ss} I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland do certify that Nathaniel Harmon Esq is a Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned and that the foregoing is his signature
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Rutland this 24th day of August A.D. 1832
/s/R. Pierpoint