Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 6354, Benjamin Van Cleave, New Jersey
Page 1

SERVICE
New Jersey

Van Cleave, Benjamin
or
Vancleve
or
Van Cleeve, Mary
NUMBER
W6354
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4057
New Jersey
Benjamin Van Cleeve
of _________ in the State of New Jersey
Who was a Lieut  Captain
of the Regt. commanded 
by Col Sander in the New Jersey 
line for Captain 20 mo _____$400.00
Lieut 4 mo __________________   53.33
                                             $453.33

Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey
at the rate of 453 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.

Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of January
1833 and sent to Taylor Van Cleave
Fra. Hold N. Jersey

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1832            $ 79.99
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar  226.66
                                                        $906.65

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}

recorded by Vinal Luce Clerk,
Book D. Vol. 4 Page 181
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State of New Jersey
Monmouth County
On this Thirty first day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two personally appeared in open Court  before John Patterson, John M Davidson, John Hedden Judged of the Court of Common Pleas and for the County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey, now sitting Captain Benjamin Van Cleave a resident of the township of Freehold in the County and State aforesaid, age Eighty Five Years & upwards, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his Oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States at different times in various capacities & under the following names officers, as near as his recollection serves him
To wit under Generals Furman Dickenson & Lawrence, Colonels Scudder & Holmes, Majors Walton & Seabrooks & Captain Smock in whose company  belonged - First terms of service were in the year 1776. First was ordered out with some of Capt. Smocks Company being the _____ Company in the first regiment of Militia under the command of Colonel Scudder acted as an orderly Sergeant, was rendezvoused at Freehold Town and marched from thence to Shrewsbury, I think an account an alarm caused by a descent of British & Tories, remained out one Month.
Second, was ordered out two other terms during this
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year acted in same capacity was stationed alternately in Middletown & Shrewsbury had some active service remained out as much as three or four month,
Terms of Service in 1777 was out in spring one month acted in same capacity alow in June or July, Volunteered & remained out near two months, stationed at the Highlands. Also during the Fall having been appointed Ensign in the same company (Commission Annexed here unto will show particulars) volunteered I think for three or five months served, rendesvoused at Trenton and marched from thence, under General Forman & joined with the Maryland Militia under General Smallwood attached to the Main Army under General Washington, a day or two or perhaps the evening previous to the Battle of Germantown, was partially engaged in the Battle
Terms of service in 1778, in latter part of Spring volunteered and accompanied part of the company to Shrewsbury was quartered near the fall in said township, had a brush with some Tories, was out about one month again being elected Lieutenant (commission hereunto annexed will exhibit dates &c) was ordered out & marched with part of the company in company with other Militia companies, & joined the main body of Jersey Militia under General Dickerson near Mount Holly, I think, was in several skirmished in preventing the advance of the British, ultimately annexed to some Riflemen or Soldiers under Colonel Morgan and stationed on the right wing of the Main Army & were stationed in the Borders of the Pines, two or three miles from the Main Battleground at the Battle of Monmouth,, remained in active service this tour as much as three or four months & in 1778 was on several scouting parties by order from General Furman
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Forman to Col. Holmes and from him to the respective Captains was in several small brushes with refugees was out not less than one month.
Also after planting during the summer was called out & went a place in the Bayshore called Great Harbor was then and occasionally at the Highland & I think once in Shrewsbury had some active service, I think more than a month 1779 and during the month of October was called out and remained out in active service nearly all the months of November & December should say so much as two & a half months or upwards in the meanwhile was elected Captain and received my Commission on the date of Nov. 1779.
Again in some part of the winter & spring of 1780 was in active service by orders from Col. John Holmes, was on several scouting expeditions through the Pines & once had quite an engagement at Squan when the British and Tories attempted to burn the Union Salt works, was out should think not less than two months.
1780
Also was again called out in the latter part of April for the defense of Monmouth frontiers as per order which I have luckily yet in my possession - was out one month again on the 18th June was ordered out, went to Freehold town & remained, I think two days was dismissed & again on the 25th June was called out and went to Middletown & Shrewsbury was in quite a smart engagement with a Band of refugees headed or said to be, by Negro called Colonel Te was out over one month and again by an order which I yet have, signed by Major Walton, I accompanied Two classes of my company & rendezvouxed at Colonel Holmes, was in several scouting parties & had tolerable service remained out one month nearly. Also during the months of October & November and part of December was by orders from General Forman & Col. Holmes on services extraordinary through out the whole shore from Toms River as far north as the High Lands headquarters in the meantime at Freehold town the residence of General Forman
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1780
calculate in all it would make as much as two months and once during the winter and again in the spring of 1780 was ordered out on account of alarms of descents of British & Tories on Princes Bay opposite Staten Island was out should think near one & half months also in the month of June or first of July was ordered out for three months, as per a Law passed 27th June & an order from the Governor to Colonel Asher Holmes from him to me, was at a place I think called Sauvin or Sourland Mountain and at various other places during the tour of Duty.
Also after my return home in consequence of repeated alarms from the Tories volunteered and went out with a part of my company as many as three or four times was in Middletown & Shrewsbury at Squan at Toms River in all the times must have been in active service as much as a month or more.
1782
Again from the disturbances caused by the Refugees along the coast & on the Bayshore I was frequently ordered out & sometimes volunteered was out sometime a month, some times twenty days at a time in all should calculate as much as Four or Five Months. I am confident at I have not over stated the length of service but am not equally confident in reference to the various dates or locations of service, as from lengths of time & the imperfect recollection, I may have misstated the names of places and dates or rather put the time I was away particular tour of duty for another tour. I can not particularize Regiments or Companies or the names of officers more than I have. I have no other documentary evidence than is hereunto annexed & I know of but a few persons, where testimony I can procure, that they knew of my service & they are men who were formerly under my command in the different services.
And I do hereby relinquish every claim whatever
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to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not the pension, roll other agency of any State.
Answers to the following interrogatories:
To the 1st where and in what year were you born?
I was born in the township of Freehold in the County of Monmouth & State of New Jersey, on the 28th February 1747.
To the 2nd Have you any record of your age & if so where is it?
I have a record of my age: it is in my Family Record in my house.
To the 3rd Where were you living when called into service: where have you lived since, & where do you now live.
I was living in the township of Freehold, in the county and state aforesaid: an have ever since resided in same.
To the 4th  How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute for whom?
First in 1776 was ordered out with then two classes of Capt. Smocks Company as before stated acted as an orderly  [illegible] was also two other times called out, this year. Again in 1777 was out, I think as a Volunteer and acted as an orderly also in June & July again as a Volunteer also acted as orderly and in fall was ordered out and acted as Ensign as before stated.. Then in 1778 was ordered out and acted as Ensign as before & also again in the Spring was Elected Lieutenant and acted as such in said company & again in fall was out several times as before mentioned in declaration.
And in 1779 was called for several times as heretofore stated and also 1780 was out as a Volunteer in different times and acted as Captain having been elected as such the fall previous. Again 1780 was out as a Volunteer six or seven times acted as Capt.
And in 1782 was called out & also Volunteered just as the emergencies might demand several times as before & above states.
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To the 5th State the names of some of the regular officers who was with the troops where you served: such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service? 
In all of the tours of duty performed as monthly men or two months men I acted nearly all the time under the Same Militia Officers. To wit Generals Furman, Dickenson & Lawrence, Colonels Scudder & Holmes, Majors Walton, Connor, & Seabrook & Capts Smock, McKnight, Vodel, or as he was called by the Soldiers Waddel & Schenck - the Maryland Militia under General Smallwood - The Riflemen under Col Morgan. During the Eight or Nine months service I acted as before stated as an orderly [Illegible] the portion of the county in which the services were performed, was generally along the sea coast & Bayshore in the towns of Middletown & Shrewsbury, Freehold, and that portion of the county denominated pines extending from Freehold to the Toms River, the services were rendered against Tories & small parties of British who came from New York to Plunder in and during the four or five months of service rendered while I acted as an Ensign about three were, as before stated, paper in marching to join & remaining with Army after the Battle of Germantown & I will state I think we left Pennsylvania in December some time the residue was in the predatory warfare used against the Tories - And during the seven or eight months while Lieutenant; service apart was rendered while I was attached with the Militia to the regular army previous to & during the Battle of Monmouth and here I will recapitulate and enlarge upon those services after we have concentrated at Monmouth Court House; about three or four companies marched & joined the main body of Jersey Militia some where not far from Mount Holly a Crossweeks Creek we had several severe skirmishes I think in endeavoring to obstruct the advance of the  British and afterward were annexed to the squadron of men under Colonel Morgan and
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assigned I think to the Right wing on the advance & were stationed in the Borders of the pines a mile or two from the field of the main Battle - during the passing of the of the British army,, they burned my dwelling House & Shop, cut down my orchard destroying my sails, to the amount as calculated in those days of Five hundred Pounds Jersey Currency & the sixteen or eighteen months service rendered while Capt. the principal part of the time was in the partisan warfare which the times & circumstances urgently demanded the remainder was when joined with regular army as before stated. I am confident I have not over stated terms of service but on the contrary have made them much shorter in many instances than they really were, I had many records of those bye gone days but they are now lost in the few hereunto annexed being all I have left.
To the 6th Did you ever receive a commission; & if so by whom was it signed & what has become of it?
I have received three commission (viz) an Ensign, a Lieutenant & a Captain and they were signed by William Livingston, thew then Governor of New Jersey.  I have them in my possession & herewith annex them. Also two orders one from Colonel Holmes & one from Major Walter with several old Muster Rolls & several other papers also an hereunto appended.
To the 7th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood & who can Testify as to your character for veracity & the belief of your services as a soldier & officer in the Revolution.
I am generally known but mention Joseph T. Parker Esq. Thos. Lloyd Esq. Thos. Thomson, Maj. William J. Davis
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William Preston Eq.
Sworn and Subscribed, this day & year aforesaid.
John Patterson
Benjamin Van Cleave
We Francis Forman a residing in the township of Dover in the County aforesaid, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Capt. Benjamin Van Cleve, who has subscribed and sworn to the above and foregoing declaration: that we believe him to be Eighty Five years & Upwards, that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier & officer of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & Subscribed this Thirty first day of July in the year aforesaid.
John Patterson
Francis Forman
Aaron F. Walker
and that said Court do hereby declare this opinion, after investigation of the matter, and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolution Soldier & Officer and served as he states.  And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the township of
and that
who has also
John Patterson
John Heddon
John [illegible
Page 11

signed the same & is a resident in the township of Free Hold and is a credible person and that their statement in entitled to credit.
{a mistake in signing of the Judges as to Place
J.D. Ellis Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Captain Benjamin Van Cleve for a pension.
In testimony hereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Office said Court this thirty first day of July in the year Eighteen Hundred & Thirty two.
D.H. Ellis Clerk
Supplementary Affidavit
State of New Jersey
Monmouth County Ss
On this fourteenth day of December in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared before me the under signed William Preston a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Monmouth and State of New Jersey.
Captain Benjamin Van Cleave, being the person who hath deposed in the preceding annexed papers, who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear more positively as to the precise length of his services but according to the best of his recollection he served not less that the periods mentioned below and in the following grades:
For Eight months during the years Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Six and Seventy Sever I served as an orderly Sergeant in manner & form as previously states in the preceding and
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previously annexed deposition; For Six months during during the years Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Seven and Seventy eight I served as a Ensign in manner and form as before stated in the annexed papers.  For Seven months, during the years Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Eight and Seventy nine, I served as Lieutenant, in manner & form as before stated in previously annexed papers. And for one year and eight months during the years Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Nine & Eighty, I served as Captain in the manner and form as before previously stated in the aforesaid annexed papers.
And for such services I claim a pension.
Signed and Sealed and Sworn before me the day and year aforesaid
Benjamin Van Cleave
William Preston Justice of the Peace
I D.H. Ellis Clerk of the Court of Common Please in and for the County of Monmouth and State of New Jersey having examined the preceding annexed papers containing the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of Captain Benjamin Van Cleave for a pension, do hereby certify them to be the original papers presented before said court on the thirty first of July last past and with which I at that time affixed the seal of said Court in testimony of the same in manner and form as before and above exhibited - and further I D. H. Ellis clerk as aforesaid do certify that Francis Forman of he township of Freehold and Aaron F, Walker of the township of Dover in the county and State aforesaid, who were the persons sworn as witnesses in reference to the age, character and services of the deponent Capt. Benjamin Van Cleave but whose names were not properly and regularly inserted in the certificate of said court as will appear by a reference to the same as before annexed to are persons of good character and reputable standing in society and that their statements are entitled to credit.
And also I, D.H. Ellis clerk as aforesaid, do hereby certify that William Preston Esq, before whom the last preceding and annexed affidavit was made is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fourteenth day of December in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and thirty Two.
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New Jersey  80
Mary Van Cleve widow of Benjamin Vancleve of Monmouth in the State of New Jersey who was a Lieut & Captain of the regt. commanded by Col, Holmes in the N.Jersey militia for two yrs.
Lieut 4 months -        $53.33
Captain 20 months - $400.--
                                  $453.33
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey
at the rate of 453 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of Oct - 1836 and sent to J.M. Hartshorne Esq. Freehold
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1836
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March 37  226.66
{Revolutionary Claim, Act 4 July 1836}
Recorded by J.M. Allison (section 30) Clerk,
Book     Vol. /    Page 155
Page 14

No. 233
Mary Van Cleaf
admitted
Page 15

Declaration of Mary Van Cleave in order to obtain the benefit of the 3d section of the Act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836.
State of New Jersey Monmouth County ss:
On this 12th day of September in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty six personally appeared before the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Monmouth Mary Van Cleave a resident of the Township of Freehold in said county aged Eighty eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836, that she is the widow of Benjamin Van Cleave who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, and who was a Captain in the Revolutionary War, as will appear by the evidence on file in the office of the Secretary of War. she furth declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Van Cleave on the Seventeenth day of December in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy, that her husband the aforesaid Benjamin Van Cleave died on the twenty seventh day of July eighteen hu8ndred and thirty six and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.  
Sworn to & Subscribed on the day and year above written in open Court before us Judges thereof.
Mary Vancleave
W.J. Brown
Thos. C. Throckmorton
William Lloyd
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State of New Jersey
Monmouth County:
personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas of Said County. Benjamin Van Cleave who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is sixty one years of age that he is a son of Benjamin and Mary Vancleve that the following is a true copy taken from an old account book, which was kept by his father and his grand-father and which contained the ages and marriages of his grand-father and also his father, and is very ancient, and the said book and the following entries made therein he recollect, as long as he can recollect anything - 
The entry is as follows to wit:
"The children of Benjamin Van Cleaf and Mary his wife. There were married December ye17th 1770. 
Lewis VanCleaf 1st son of Benjamin and Mary was born July ye 20th, 1771
Sarah Vancleaf 2nd was born January ye 31st 1773
Benjamin Vancleaf 3rd was born September ye 7th 1775
William Vancleaf 4th was born April ye 18th 1777
John Vancleaf 5th was born April 19 1779
Elizabeth Vancleaf 6th was born January ye 12th 1781
Margaret Vancleaf 7th was born May ye31st 1783
Hannah Vancleaf 8th was born November ye 10th 1785
Rachel Vancleaf 9th was born January 6th 1788
Isaac Vancleve wa born January ye 5th in the year of our Lord 1791"
That the said book from which the above is taken has always been in the family as an old family piece, that his father has of late years written his name "Vancleve" altogether, but in old times, he wrote it "Vancleaf" as in he said book, that the said Benjamin Vancleve died on the twenty seventh day of July 1836. and that Mary Vancleve his wife has remained a widow ever since that period.
Benjamin Vancleave Js.
Sworn and subscribed in open Court Sept. 12th 1836
The said book and the following entries made therein first underlined
W. J. Brown
William Lloyd
Thos. C. Throckmorton
Page 17

And the said Court do hereby declare heir opinion after investigating the matter and after examining the book produced in evidence before them, which appeared to be an old day book or book of accounts & memorandum kept by Benjamin Van Cleaf the father of the pensioner, commencing as early as the year 1757 and containing accounts and entry made by Benjamin Vancleve the pensioner continuing down to 1824 & 1825 that the said Benjamin Vancleve and Mary Vancleve were married at the time mentioned in her declaration: that the entry of the marriage and the ages of the children of said Benjamin Vancleve & Mary Vancleve, contained in the affidavit of Benjamin Vancleve Jr. hereto annexed is a true copy thereof taken from the said book, and the court do further declare their opinion that they are fully satisfied of the truth and antiquity of the said book and of the entries therein made above referred to and mentioned: and the court further certifies that Benjamin Vancleve Jr. who has sworn to the foregoing affidavit is a credible and respectable person, and that his affidavit is entitled to credit. And that it appears by entries in the said book, that of late years, the name is written "Vancleve".
W. J. Browne
William Lloyd
Thos. C. Throckmorton
I Daniel H. Ellis clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and of the Court of Monmouth in the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of May Vancleve for a pension, and that William Browne William Lloyd and Thomas C Throckmorton are Judges of the said Court. And that then several signatures to this said proceedings are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 12th day of September A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty six -
D. H. Ellis Clerk
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No. 2054 
New Jersey 
Suspd. Nov 27 1832 
4.5.15. 
Admd. 
20 mo. Captain       $400
7 mo. Lieutenant        93.33
                                $493.33    
to do Taylor & 
Van Cleave
Freehold N.J.
20 Mo Captain        $400.00
4 mo. Lieut.                 53.33
                                $453.33
P. 114
Rolls taken out
E
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BRIEF in the case of Benjamin Van Cleve son of County of Monmouth in the State of New Jersey
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 85
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period.
In 1776 to 1782
Duration of Service.
Years, Months, Days.
In short periods as Sargeant Ensign Lieutenant & Captain
Rank.
As a
names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Gen.
Generals Furman Morgan, Dickerson, Smallwood Washington
5. In what battles was he engaged/
Germantown & Squan
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?
Monmouth County, New Jersey
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?
Documentary
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
Defined not attached as required & the duration of service in each grade not stated as required.
Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Jas Mchall Examining Clerk.
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January 19, 1934
Benjamin Van Cleave-W.6354
BA-J/AWF
Beryl Van Cleave
Meeker, P.O Box 603
Colorado
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Benjamin Van Cleave.
The data furnished herein were obtained from the paper on file in pension claim, W. 6354, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Benjamin Van Cleave (the surname searched under various spellings) that is found on file in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Benjamin Van Cleave was born February 28, 1747 in Freehold Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey. He was the son of Benjamin Van Cleave, the name of his mother is not shown.
While residing in Freehold Township, New Jersey, he enlisted in 1776 and served in various times until in 1777 as orderly-sergeant in Captain Smock's company, Colonel Nathaniel Scudder's New Jersey regiment, length of service eight months. He was commissioned, September 1, 1777 ensign Captain Smock's company of militia in Colonel Nathaniel Scudder's First Regiment, was in the battle of Germantown, and served six months. He was commissioned, June 19, 1778, first lieutenant in colonel Asher Holmes' First Regiment, Monmouth County, New Jersey militia was in several skirmishes and scouting parties, length of service seven months. He was commissioned, November 1, 1779 captain of the
[end of letter page]
Page 21

[Letter continued from previous page]
Freehold company, Colonel Asher Holmes' 1st regiment, Monmouth County, New Jersey militia, was in several scouting parties and in an engagement on Tom's River, length of service one year and eight months.
The officer [soldier crossed out], Benjamin Van Cleave, was allowed pension on his application dated July 31, 1832, then residing in Freehold Township, New Jersey. He died July 27, 1836.
He married December 17, 1770, Mary, her maiden name is not stated. She was allowed pension on her application executed September 12, 1836, then aged eighty-eight years and residing in Freehold Township, New Jersey.
[written in pencil] She died Feb. 6, 1838. AB
The officer [soldier crossed out] signed, Benjamin Van Cleave, and his widow signed, Mary Van Cleave.
The children of Benjamin Van Cleave and his wife, Mary-
Lewis born July 20, 1771
Sarah born January 31, 1773
Benjamin born September 7, 1775
William born April 18, 1777
John born April 19, 1779
Elizabeth born January 12, 1781
Margaret born May 31, 1783
Hannah born November 10, 1785
Rachel born January 6, 1788
Isaac born January 5, 1791
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 22

Revy WIDOW &c. File No. 6354 Mary Vancleve Wid. of Benjamin Vancleve Lieut; N.J. Militia 
Act: July 4th, 1836 
Index: - Vol. M, Page 295. 
(Arrangement of 1870)
1924 - Jan. 17 - Hist to Florence W. Howell AWF
1930 - Mch 18 Hist. to Sen Chas S. Deneen for William J. Sullivan AWF
1931 - Nov 17 - Hist to Hon Dennis Chavez AWF
1931 - Nov 20 - Hist to Miss Ethel Van Cleve AWF
1934 - Jan 19 - hist to Beryl Van Cleave AWF 
1934 - Mch. 26, Miss Beryl Van Cleave /add. no other Benj. Van Cleave MMF
1934 - Mch. 28 Hon. Edward T. Taylor add. in behalf of Miss. B. Van Cleave no other Benj. Van Cleave MMF
Page 23

Benjamin Van cleve N. Jersey. to what time last paid? To 4th Sept 1835.
Page 24

Rev War Jan 12. '24. Will you kindly send any information you may possess concerning Benjamin Van Cleve (Captain I think) of Army of Revolution - also of his son John of same army - They were residents of New Brunswick New Jersey - also any information you can send me regarding the ancestors of Benjamin Van Cleve _ I should greatly appreciate any information or advice you could send me. (Miss) Florence W. Howell 1846 N. Penn. St Indianapolis, Indiana
Page 25

I Daniel H Ellis Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Monmouth in the State of New Jersey - Do hereby certify that I have in spected the annexed papers and that (with the exception of the Supplemental affidavit of Benjamin Van Cleave taken before William Preston Esq on the 14th day of December 1832 and inserted in said papers) they are the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of the said Benjamin Van Cleave for a Pension - and that William Preston before whom said Supplemental affidavit was taken, was at the date thereof duly enrolled in my office as a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and sworn into office, and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be given to all his official acts as such - And further that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Willam Preston and verily believe his name subscribed thereto to be his proper handwriting and Signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Freehold this eighteenth day of December Eighteen hundred and thirty two D H Ellis, clk
Page 26

March 26, 1934
BA-J/MMHF:MLB
Miss Beryl Van Cleave
Meeker, Colorado
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you state that the record of Benjamin Van Cleave, W. 6354, furnished you on January 19, 1934, is not the record of the Benjamin Van Cleave in whom you are interested. You enclosed a letter from Mr. E. Van Cleave, in which he stated to you that Major Benjamin Van Cleave who died in Shelby County, Kentucky, in 1819, or [crossed out] [written next to arrow from the word or] His letter returned to Beryl Van Cleave. He stated that he has the pen. rec., that it is in the Pen. Off. + for her to keep on trying.
who received a pension, and whose widow, Ruth Munson Van Cleave, received a pension until her death two or three years after his death, is the one whose record you need.
In the report to you on date noted above, it was stated that this office had no record of any other pensioner with the name, Benjamin Van Cleave under any spelling.
A further search of the records has been made and no claim for pension found based upon service of any other that the one furnished you, #W.6354.
If your cousin, Mr. Van Cleave, will give the number of the pension claim of Major Benjamin Van Cleave, also, the number of that of his widow, Ruth, a further effort will be made to aid you.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 27

March 28,1934

BENJAMIN VAN CLEAVE
W.6354
BA-J/MMHF:MLB

Honorable Edward T. Taylor
House of Representatives

My dear Mr. Taylor: 
Reference is made to your letter of March 21, with which you enclosed one from Miss Beryl Van Cleave, of Meeker, Colorado, who desires the Revolutionary War record of Major Benjamin Van Cleave who was born in 1735 in New Jersey, moved to Kentucky in 1792, and who married Ruth Munson, both receiving pensions while in Kentucky, he until his death in 1818 or 1819, in Shelby County and his widow Ruth, until her death two or three years later.
On January 19, 1934, the record of Benjamin Van Cleave, W.6354, Revolutionary War soldier, was furnished Miss Van Cleave.  At that tine she was informed that the record of no other Revolutionary War pensioner with that name could be found.  She returned that record stating that it was not the one which she was trying to secure.  She has since been advised that a further search of the Revolutionary War records has been made and no record found of the one she describes.

If Miss Van Cleave can secure the numbers of the pension claims of Benjamin and Ruth Van Cleave to which she refers, a further search of the records will be made for her.  

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 28

November 20, 1931
Miss Ethel Van Cleve          BA-/AWF
South Dakota State College
State College Station 
Brookings, South Dakota
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of November 16, 1931, requesting information in regard to Benjamin Van Cleve, a soldier of the War of the Revolution.
The following record is that of the only Benjamin Van Cleave, all spellings of the surname have been searched, that is found on the Revolutionary War records of the office.
The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 6354, based upon the military service of Benjamin Van Cleve during the Revolutionary War.
He was the son of Benjamin, the surname appears Van Cleaf, Van Cleave, Van cleve and Van Cleeve, and was born February 28, 1747 in
Freehold Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey.
While residing in Freehold Township, New Jersey, he enlisted in 1776 and served until in 1777, at various times as orderly sergeant in Captain Smock’s company in Colonel Nathaniel Scudder’s New Jersey regiment, length of service eight months. He was commissioned September 1, 1777 ensign in Captain Smock’s company of militia in Colonel Nathaniel Scudder’s 1st regiment, was in the battle of Germantown, served at various times, length of service six months. He was commissioned, June 19, 1778 1st lieutenant in Colonel Asher Holmes’ 1st regiment Monmouth County, New Jersey militia, was in several skirmishes and scouting parties, length of service seven months. He
Page 29

was commissioned, November 1, 1779 captain of the Freehold company, Colonel Asher Holmes’ 1st regiment, Monmouth County, New Jersey militia, was in several scouting parties, in an engagement on Tom’s River, length of service one year and eight months.
He was allowed pension on his application dated July 31, 1832, then a resident of Freehold Township, New Jersey.
He died July 27, 1836. He married December 17, 1770, Mary, her maiden name is not stated.
She was allowed pension on her application dated September 12, 1836, while living in said Freehold Township, and was aged then 
eighty-eight years.  The children of Benjamin Van Cleave and his wife, Mary
Lewis       born  July            20, 1771
Sarah         “       January     31, 1773
Benjamin   “       September  7, 1775
William       “       April           18, 1777
John           “       April           19, 1779
Elizabeth    “      January      12, 1781
Margaret     “      May            31, 1783
Hannah       “      November  10, 1785
Rachel         “     January         6, 1788
Isaac           “      January         5, 1791
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 30

November 17, 1931
BA-J/AWF
Hon. Dennis Chavez
Albuquerque
New Mexico
My dear Mr. Chavez:
Reference is made to your letter of November 12, 1931, requesting information in regard to Benjamin Van Cleave, a soldier of the War of the Revolution.
The following record is that of the only Benjamin Van Cleave, all spellings of the surname have been searched, that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.
The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim W. 6354, based upon the military service of Benjamin Van Cleave during the Revolutionary War.
He was the son of Benjamin, the surname appears Van Cleave, Van Cleve and Van Cleeve, and was born February 28, 1747 in Freehold Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey.
While residing in Freehold Township, New Jersey, he enlisted in 1776 and serviced until 1777, at various time as orderly sergeant in Captain Smock's company in Colonel Nathaniel Scudder's New Jersey regiment, length of service eight months. He was commissioned, September 1, 1777 as ensign in Captain Smock's company of militia in Colonel Scudder's 1st regiment, was in the battle of Germantown, served various times, length of service six months. He was commissioned, June 19, 1778 1st lieutenant in Colonel Asher Holmes' 1st regiment, Monmouth County, New Jersey Militia, was in several skirmishes and scouting parties, length of service seven months. He was commissioned November 1, 1779 captain of the Freehold
[End of letter page]
Page 31

[Letter continued from previous page]
company, Colonel Asher Holmes' 1st regiment, Monmouth County, New Jersey militia, was in several scouting parties, in andengagement [an engagement] on Tom's River, length of service one year and eight months.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 31, 1832, then a resident of Freehold Township, New Jersey.
He died July 27, 1836.
He married December 17, 1770, Mary, her maiden name is not stated.
She was allowed pension on her application executed, September 12, 1836, while living in said Freehold Township, and was aged eighty-eight years.
The children of Benjamin Van Cleave and his wife, Mary-
Lewis born July 20, 1771
Sarah born January 31, 1773
Benjamin born September 7, 1775
William born April 18, 1777
John born April 19, 1779
Elizabeth born January 12, 1781
Margaret born May 31, 1783
Hannah born November 10, 1785
Rachel born January 6, 1788
Isaac born January 5, 1791
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 32

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWF/HMM
March 16, 1930.
Hon. Charles S. Deneen
United States Senate
Washington, D.C.
My dear Senator Deneen:
In response to your letter of March 12, 1930, enclosing a letter from Mr. William J. Sullivan of 1021 South Euclid Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois, I have the honor to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War Pension claim, W.  6354, it appears that Benjamin (the son of Benjamin Van Cleaf; the name also appears Van Cleave, Van cleve and Van Cleeve) was born February 28, 1747 in Freehold Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey.
While residing in Freehold Township, New Jersey, he enlisted in 1776 and served until in 1777, at various time, as orderly sergeant in Captain Smock's Company, Colonel Nathaniel Scudder's New Jersey Regiment, and served in all eight months.
He was commissioned June 19, 1778 1st lieutenant of Colonel Asher Holmes' 1st Regiment, Monmouth County New Jersey Militia, was in several skirmishes and scouting parties, and served seven months.
He was commissioned November 1, 1779 as captain of the Freehold Company, Colonel Asher Holmes; 1st Regiment, Monmouth County, New Jersey Militia, was in several scouting parties, in an engagement on Tom's River and served one year and eight months.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 31, 1832, at which time he was living in Freehold Township, New Jersey.
[End of letter page]
Page 33

[Letter continued from previous page]
He died July 27, 1836.
The soldier married December 17, 1770, Mary, her maiden name not stated.
She was allowed pension on her application executed September 12, 1836, while living in Freehold Township, New Jersey, aged eighty-eight years.
Their children were:
Lewis born July 20, 1771
Sarah born January 31, 1773
Benjamin born September 7, 1775
William born April 18, 1777
John born April 19, 1779
Elizabeth born January 12, 1781
Margaret born May 31, 1783
Hannah born November 10, 1785
Rachel born January 6, 1788
Isaac born January 5, 1791.
A former letter from Mr. William J. Sullivan, addressed to this bureau, in regard to the above named soldier, had not been reached.
Due to the very large number of such requests, and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, it has not been possible to make immediate reply to each inquiry. Letters are being answered as rapidly as possible in order or receipt.
Herewith is returned Mr. William J. Sullivan's letter.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.
Page 34

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWF/HMM
January 17, 1924.
Florence W. Howell,
1846 N. Penn St.,
Indianapolis, Ind.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 6354, it appears that Benjamin (son of Benjamin Van Cleaf; Van Cleave, Vancleve Van Cleeve) was born February 28, 1747 in Freehold Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey and while residing there, enlisted in 1776 and served as Orderly Sergeant eight months in Captain Smock's Company, Colonel Nathaniel Scudder's New Jersey Regiment, New Jersey troops.
He was commissioned September 1, 1777 as Ensign in Captain Smock's Company of Militia in Colonel Nathaniel scudder's 1st Regiment, and was in the battle of Germantown.
He was commissioned June 19, 1778 as 1st Lieutenant of Colonel Asher Holmes' 1st Regiment, Monmouth County, New Jersey Militia and was in several skirmishes and scouting parties.
He was commissioned November 1, 1779 as Captain of the 
[End of letter page]
Page 35

[Letter continued from previous page]
Freehold Company, Colonel Asher Holmes' 1st Regiment, Monmouth County, New Jersey Militia was in several scouting parties and in an engagement on Tom's River, and served one year and eight months. [written in pencil Until in 1782]
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 31, 1832, while a resident of Freehold Township, New Jersey. He died July 27, 1836.
Soldier married December 17, 1770, Mary (maiden name not stated0, she was allowed pension on her application executed September 12, 1836, while living in Freehold Township, New Jersey, aged eighty-eight years.
Their children-
Lewis born July 20, 1771.
Sarah born January 31, 1773.
Benjamin born September 7, 1775.
William born April 18, 1777.
John born April 19, 1779.
Elizabeth born January 12, 1781.
Margaret born May 31, 1783.
Hannah born November 10, 1785.
Rachel born January 6, 1788.
Isaac born January 5, 1791.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 36

EDWARD T. TAYLOR, M.C.
FOURTH DISTRICT COLORADO

SUBCOMMITTEES:
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT, CHAIRMAN
DEFICIENCIES

HUGH V. HIGH
SECRETARY

WASHINGTON ADDRESS:
U. S. CAPITOL BUILDING
HOME ADDRESS:
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo.

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE
SEVENTY-THIRD CONGRESS
JAMES P. BUCHANAN, TEX., CHAIRMAN
EDWARD T. TAYLOR, COLO.
WILLIAM B. OLIVER, ALA.
ANTHONY J. GRIFFIN, N.Y.
JOHN N. SANDLIN, LA.
WILLIAM A. AYRES, KANS.
ROSS A. COLLINS, MISS.
WM. W. HASTINGS, OKLA.
CLARENCE CANNON, MO.
CLIFTON A. WOODRUM, VA.
WILLIAM W. ARNOLD, ILL.
JOHN J. BOYLAN, N.Y.
TILMAN S. PARKS, ARK.
CHAS. L. ABERNETHY, N.C.
LOUIS LUDLOW, IND.
WM. J. GRANFIELD, MASS.
THOMAS L. BLANTON, TEX.
MICHAEL J. HART, MICH.
THOS. S. McMILLAN, S.C.
GLOVER H. CARY, KY.
B.M. JACOBSEN, IOWA
JOHN TABER, N.Y.
ROBERT L. BACON, N.Y.
R. B. WIGGLESWORTH, MASS.
JAMES H. SINCLAIR, N.DAK.
CLARENCE J. MCLEOD, MICH.
LLOYD THURSTON, IOWA
FLORENCE P. KAHN, CALIF.
JOHN T. BUCKBEE, ILL.
J. HOWARD SWICK, PA.
CHESTER C. BOLTON, OHIO
W.P. LAMBERTSON, KANS.
EDWARD W. GOSS, CONN.
D. LANE POWERS, N.J.
J. WM. DITTER, PA.

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
March 21, 1934

Hon. E.W. Morgan, Director
Widows' and Dependents' Claims Service
Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.

My dear Mr. Morgan;

I enclose herewith a letter from Miss Beryl Van Cleave, P. O. Box 603, Meeker, Colorado, in which she request information regarding the pension record of Benjamin Van Cleave, who served in the Revolutionary War, as fully explained therein. Miss Van Cleave desires this information in order to qualify for membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution.

You will note that there were apparently three Benjamin Van Cleaves who served during the Revolutionary War, but the one in whom she is interested apparently enlisted from Kentucky, and I trust that with the additional information she gives in her letter, you may be able to locate and advise me regarding that pension record

Thanking you for this courtesy, I remain, Yours very respectfully,
s/ Edward T. Taylor

1 Encl OK E
Page 37

Meeker Colorado
Feb. 2, 1934

Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs:

I appreciate the efforts you have taken in tracing the pension of Benjamin Van Cleave for me, but the information you sent is not that of my ancestor. I have enclosed a letter from my cousin which may help you in finding the information I want about the pension my ancestor received. I must have this information to join the D.A.R. I have also enclosed the letter you sent me so that you would know that he is not the Benjamin Van Cleave that I want. Apparently my ancestor applied for his pension from Kentucky. All other information is in the letter enclosed.

What I need is the necessary proof from you.

Yours truly,
Beryl Van Cleave
Meeker, Colorado

Returned to her, as she may change her mind and want it again.

[illegible]
Page 38

Meeker, Colorado
Jan. 8, 1934

The Pension Department
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs:

I am anxious to join the Daughters of the American Revolution but before I can do so, I must get some data from you. Can you give me any information regarding the pension applied for by one --- Benjamin Van Cleave, soldier in the Revolutionary War, Major in the New Jersey troops. I would like information regarding date of birth, place, service record, name of wife, date of death and names of children. According to my informat, there were three Benjamin Van Cleaves in service in New Jersey, but the one I want was a Major, and married Ruth Munson. If there is any charges for the information, please notify me what they will be before looking the matter up.

Yours truly,
s/ Beryl Van Cleave
Meeker Colorado
P.O. Box 603

Only Benj, Van Cleave - All ap.

not as
Page 39

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND MECHANIC ARTS
BROOKINGS

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

November 16, 1951

Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sirs:

I have reason to believe, through family tradition, that one Benjamin Van Cleve who was in Revolutionary Service was an ancestor of mine. I am much interested in tracing the genealogy. Would it be possible to obtain from you a copy of his Pension Record or anything which would show whether he or his immediate descendants migrated to Pennsylvania, where we have the first known record of our family.

If you can send me this or tell me where I may obtain such information I shall be grateful.

Most sincerely yours,
s/ Ethel Van Cleve
(Miss) Ethel Van Cleve
Secretary to President.

After 5 days return to President, SOUTH DAKOTA STATE COLLEGE, State College Station, BROOKINGS, SOUTH DAKOTA.

Pension
Wa...
Page 40

DENNIS CHAVEZ, NEW MEXICO | HOME ADDRESS: ALBUQUERQUE, N.MEX.

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
ROOM 370, HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
Washington, D.C.
Albuquerque, New Mexico

November 12, 1931.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Interior Department Building,
Washington D. C.

Dear Sir: -

If it be consistent, I am desirous of obtaining a report as to the services of Benjamin Van Cleave. The name sometimes spelled Van Cleve and sometimes Van Cleaf.

The Van Cleave family in America, from what information I can gather, originated from two brothers, John and Aaron, who came to this country from Germany through Holland and England, and settled in New Jersey.

It appears that Aaron had seven sons and one daughter. Six of the seven sons served in the Revolutionary War; the daughter, Jane, married Squire Boone, brother of Daniel Boone, Benjamin, son of the immigrant Aaron, was born in New Jersey in 1741 and served in the Revolutionary War. I believe that from the date of his birth, the particular Benjamin Van Cleave that we are interested in, can be ascertained.

There were three Benajmin [Benjamin] Van Cleaves in said War. The first was apparently an ensign in Captain Hendrick Smock's Company, First Regiment, Monmouth County, New Jersey Troops, September 1, 1777, later promoted to a lieutenancey and then captaincy. The second one entered the service as First Lieutenant and then was promoted to a captaincy and finally made major. Another Benjamin Van Cleave was a First Lieutenant, First Regiment, Hunterdon County, and later a captain in Colonel Johnson's battalion, "Heard's Brigade," and then became a second major, First Regiment, Hunterdon County. He resigned from service November 13, 1777, to become a member of the New Jersey Assembly. The third Van Cleave named, married a Sarah Covenhoven, July 11, 1763.

This information will be very material to two of my constituents; I do hope that you can consistently give me the records as they appear.

Very sincerely yours,
s/ Dennis Chavez
DENNIS CHAVEZ.

DC:TL.

only one Benj.
Page 41

REED SMOOT, UTAH CHAIRMAN
JAMES E. WATSON, IND. | FURNIFOLD MCL. SIMMONS, N.C.
DAVID A. REED, PA. | PAT HARRISON, MISS.
SAMUEL M. SHORTRIDGE, CALF. | WILLIAM H. KING, UTAH
JAMES COUZENS, MICH. | WALTER F. GEORGE, GA.
FRANK L. GREENE, VT. | DAVID I. WALSH, MASS.
CHARLES S. DENEEN, ILL. | ALBEN W. BARKLEY, KY.
HENRY W. REVES, N.H. | ELMER THOMAS, OKLA.
HIRAM BINGHAM, CONN. | TOM CONNALLY, TEX.
FREDERIC W. SACKETT, KY.

ISAAC M. STEWART, CLERK

United States Senate
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

March 12, 1930.

Honorable Earl D. Church,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

My dear Colonel Church:

Attached you will find a communication from Mr. W.J. Sullivan of Oak Park, Illinois, which is self-explanatory. I would appreciate your giving me whatever information you can concerning this inquiry, returning Mr. Sullivan's letter with your reply.

Yours very truly,
s/ C.S Deneen

VT.
Page 42

#1021 South Euclid Ave. Oak Park, Ill Feby 4th, 1930 U.S. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C. My Dear Sir: - I am interested to know if the widow of Benjamin Van Cleve or (Cleaf) who had a Revolutionary history as follows: - Ensign - Capt Hendrick Surock's Co - New Jersey Militia Lieutenant First Regt and Captain First Regt - 1780) drew a pension from the government of the U.S. Perhaps, Capt. Van Cleve may have drawn a pension also. In either case, please give me any particulars which may be consistent with the policy of your office and oblige me. Very truly yours, Wm J. Sullivan
Page 43

THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY,

To Benjamin Vancleave, Gent., GREETING:

WHEREAS it hath been certified to His Excellency WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Esquire, Governor and Commander in Chief of this State, that you have been duly chosen by [crossed out: the] Captain Smock's Company of Militia in Freehold in the County of Monmouth (being the Company in the First Regiment of the said County, whereof the Hon. Nathaniel Scudder is Colonel) to be Ensign of the said Company; you are therefore to take the said Company of Militia into your Charge and Care as Ensign thereof and duty to exercise both Officers and Soldiers of the said Company in Arms: And as they are hereby directed to obey you as their Ensign, you are likewise to obey and follow such Orders and Directions, from Time to Time, as you shall receive from your Colonel or other your Superior Officer or Officers; and for your so doing this shall be your Commission.

IN TESTIMONY whereof the Great Seal of the said State is hereunto affixed: Witness WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Esquire, Governor, Captain General and Commander in Chief in and over the State of New Jersey and Territories thereunto belonging, Chancellor and Ordinary in the same, at Haddonfield the first Day of September in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy seven.
s/ Wil. Livingston

By His Excellency's Command,
s/ Chas. Petit, Secretary
Page 44

THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY,

To Benjamin Vancleave, Gentleman, GREETING:

WHEREAS it hath been certified to His Excellency WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Esquire, Governor and Commander in Chief of this State, that you have been duly chosen by the (blank) Company of Militia in Freehold in the County of Monmouth (being the Company in the First Regiment of the said County, whereof Asher Holmes, Esquire, is Colonel) to be First Lieutenant of the said Company; you are therefore to take the said Company of Militia into your Charge and Care as First Lieutenant thereof and duty to exercise both Officers and Soldiers of the said Company in Arms: And as they are hereby directed to obey you as their First Lieutenant, you are likewise to obey and follow such Orders and Directions, from Time to Time, as you shall receive from your Colonel or other your Superior Officer or Officers; and for your so doing this shall be your Commission.

IN TESTIMONY whereof the Great Seal of the said State is hereunto affixed: Witness WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Esquire, Governor, Captain General and Commander in Chief in and over the State of New Jersey and Territories thereunto belonging, Chancellor and Ordinary in the same, at Princeton the thirteenth Day of June in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy eight.
s/ Wil. Livingston

By His Excellency's Command,
s/ Chas. Petit, Secretary
Page 45

THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY,

To Benjamin Vancleave, Esquire, GREETING:

WHEREAS it hath been certified to His Excellency WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Esquire, Governor and Commander in Chief of this State, that you have been duly chosen by the (blank) Company of Militia in Freehold in the County of Monmouth (being the Company in the First Regiment of the said County, whereof Asher Holmes, Esquire, is Colonel) to be Captain of the said Company; you are therefore to take the said Company of Militia into your Charge and Care as Captain thereof and duty to exercise both Officers and Soldiers of the said Company in Arms: And as they are hereby directed to obey you as their Captain, you are likewise to obey and follow such Orders and Directions, from Time to Time, as you shall receive from your Colonel or other your Superior Officer or Officers; and for your so doing this shall be your Commission.

IN TESTIMONY whereof the Great Seal of the said State is hereunto affixed: Witness WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Esquire, Governor, Captain General and Commander in Chief in and over the State of New Jersey and Territories thereunto belonging, Chancellor and Ordinary in the same, at Trenton the first Day of November in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy nine.
s/ Wil. Livingston

By His Excellency's Command,
s/ Chas. Petit, Secretary

1779 - 10
1778 - 5-12
1=4=11
Page 46

Sept 23 N.J. 4 July 1836. James L. Edwards Esq. Com. of Pensions War Department Washington City DC
Page 47

Freehold, Monmouth Co. N. Jersey Sept. 17th 1836 Sir, I herewith enclose to you the papers upon the application of Mary Van cleve for a pension. There appears to be a little confusion about the mode of spelling the name. The old Dutch mode of spelling it was Vancleaf as you will perceive by the entry of the marriage, & the birth of some of the children, tho' the modern mode of the spelling it is Vancleve, as you will perceive by the entry of the name of the youngest son, and by the affidavit of Benj. Vancleve Jr., and also by the certificate of the court - The certificate of pension appears to have been issued in the name of Van cleave, which I presume was a mistake, and which led me into the error of spelling it in that way in her declaration. When the pension is allowed please send the certificate to me. Yours Respectfully, J.M. Hartshome James L. Edwards Esq Com. of Pensions