Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 496, for Abner Miller, New York
Page 1

(3-1776) 

SERVICE 
New York 

Miller, Abner, 
Sarah.

NUMBER W.496 
B.L. Wt 26510-160-55

CONTENTS
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Pen off
Sept. 17, 1853 
Sir 
Please give date of Abner Millers death- NY 190 pr ann 
Act 7 June 1832 – 
And say, did Sarah the Widow (as within alleged) receive the arrears due to his death?
Resp 
[signed] F Burt Esq 3d Audr.  For S. Cole Commr.

Abner Miller Act 1832 $90 p. an.-- Died 8th Augt. 1847 paid to his death. - John R. Benedict, Attorney for Sarah Miller drew the arrears of Pension, 10th Sept 1847- 
[signed] F Burt Auditor.
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[left side]
2.095Y
New York
Sarah Miller widow of Abner Miller who served in the Revolutionary NY war, as a Dragoon 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 90 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on 3d February 1853

Certificate of Pension issued the 22d day of Septr / 53 and sent to V. Ellis Esq    Present

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d /53  Page 92 Vol. A
1832 

[right side]
1856 Decemr 15 To W. Valentine 
1857 Jany 10 Cn to P. Agt.
1857 Jany 16 From New Jersey to New York City from Sept. ‘56
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[left side]
New York 20.155
Abner Miller of Ulster in the State of N. York who was a Dragoon in the Comp Commanded by  Captain Moseman of the Reg. commanded by Col Thomas in the N. York line for 1 yr. Dr.  1 yr. pri.

Inscribed on the Roll of N. York at the rate of 90 Dollars  -- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of Aug. 1833 and sent to Hon A Ward Mt. Pleasant

Arrears to the 4th Mar ’33  $180
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep 33  43
[totals] $225
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Go. C. Stiles Clerk, Book E  Vol. 3.  Page 68
New York City 3d Jn 47 –

[right side]
April 9th 1835. See lets: to Jno Fleming Pen. Agt N. York – and E. Ames Pen. Agt Albany N. Yk
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[left side]
12848 Act March 2/33
Read JH 55
Sarah Miller wid of Abner Miller dec. Rev. War
She now receives a pension at the rate of ninety dollars per annum
Revolutionary War
AW:160 Act Mch 15/56
Boynton
[written across page] No 26.510 iss May 7/56

Wm Valentine Esq
Albany New York

[right side]
St to Wm Valentine Jan. 19/55  N.Y.
3 Feb ’55 – no 2095

Vol M  1. Page 402
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No 12848
Forwarded by Wm Valentin of Albany N.Y. March 21st 1855
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DECLARATION.
REVOLUTIONARY WIDOW FOR BOUNTY LAND, 
State of New Jersey 
County of Hudson } ss
On this 19th day of March 1855, before me George E Cutler Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared Sarah Miller aged 67 years, a resident of Jersey City in said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following DECLARATION, in order to obtain the Bounty Land to which she is entitled under the act of Congress, passed March 3d, 1855, that she is the widow of Abner Miller who was a private in the Revolutionary War, and for the service of her husband aforesaid she now receives a pension at the rate of ninety dollars per annum, under the act of Congress, passed Feby 3 1853. For evidence of the services of her husband aforesaid, this declarant refers the Department to the evidence on file in the pension office at Washington, and requests the Land Warrant forwarded to her Agent, Wm. Valentine of Albany, N.Y. She further declares that she is now a widow; and that she has not received or made application for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress. 
[signed] Sarah Miller + her mark
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 19th day of March 1855 word “above written” was an erasure first explained the affidavit to affiant before swearing her
[signed] George E. Cutler Justice of the Peace 
I certify that Sarah Miller is the identical person above named and described. And I further certify that I have no interest whatever in the result of the matter above referred to, and that the said Sarah Miller says that she cannot write her signature, and is in the habit of signing by her mark 
[signed] George E. Cutler Justice of the Peace

State of New Jersey 
County of Hudson
Peter Bentley and Washington B Williams of Jersey City in said county, who are credible and competent witnesses, being duly sworn, deposeth that Sarah Miller is the identical person above named and described. 
[signed] Peter Bentley   Washington B. Williams
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 19th day of March 1855 
[signed] George C. Cutler Justice of the Peace
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New Jersey: Hudson County ss:
I Robert Gilchrist Clerk of the Circuit Court and Court of Common Pleas of Hudson County, State of New Jersey, and also Clerk of said County hereby certify that George E. Cutler is at this time & was at the time of taking the foregoing affidavits, a justice of the peace in and for said county, and as such duly authorized to take affidavits, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and believe his signatures above written to be genuine –
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County the Twentieth day of March, Eighteen hundred & fifty five –
[signed] R Gilchrist Clk

From Wm Valentine of Albany N.Y. March 21/55
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State of New Jersey 
County of Hudson   Form "C." 
On this Twelfth day of April 1853 personally appeared before the Circuit Court of the County and State aforesaid Sarah Miller a resident of said County aged sixty five years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d day of February, 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war; that she is the widow of Abner Miller who was a Dragoon of the New York Militia or troops in the Revolutionary war but she knows nothing of the particulars of his service & refers to his pension papers for proof thereof & states that she received the arrears of his pension from Mr Irwin of NY and that the said Abner Miller was a pensioner at the time of his death under the act of Congress passed the 7 day of June 1832 and resided in the County of Ulster and State of N.Y. at the time he was pensioned, and received the sum of $90 per annum; and she further declares that she was married to the said Abner Miller on the 5th day of October 1806 that her said husband died on the 8th day of August 1847 that she was not married to him prior to the 2d day of January 1800, but at the time above stated, and she further declares that she is now a widow. 
[signed] Sarah Miller X her mark Widow. 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before the court aforesaid, as witness my hand and official seal this 12 day of April 1853 
[signed]Henry W. Green Cir. Judge.

State of New Jersey 
Hudson County SS: 
I Robert Gilchrist Clerk of the County of Hudson in the State of New Jersey and Clerk of the Circuit Court holden in and for
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and for said County do certify that Henry W Green Esq whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Certificate of the Affidavit of Sarah Miller was at the day of the date thereof and now is Chief Justice of the Sup Court of New Jersey, and Judge of the Circuit Court now sitting in said County. And that the foregoing affidavit was made the day in Open Court, 
And I do further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said judge and Verily believe the signature to said Certificate is genuine 
Witness my hand and the Seal of said Court this 12th April 1853 
[signed R Gilchrist Clk

Filed by V. Ellis
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Abner Miller 
New York 
S. 14 
specificn reqd 

July 24 ‘33 

Hon A Ward
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BRIEF in the case of Abner Miller County of Ulster in the State of New York 
(Act 7th June, 1832.) 
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court 
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 
3. How old is he? 68. 
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 

[TABLE]
Period.   |  Duration of Service.  Years, Months, Days.   |   Rank. ┃ Names of General and Field Officers Gen. under whom he served.   |
June 1 In 1777   |  nearly 2 years   |  As a Pri  |  Gen.  Capt Moseman, Col Thomas  |
1 May 1781   |  more than 1 year  |  Pri  |  Capt Vermilyea   |
[END OF TABLE]

5. In what battles was he engaged? 
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Bedford West Chester County, New York 
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? [illegible, Departure?] duration of service not stated as required 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
[signed] J S Wilcox  Examining Clerk.
Jy 17 1833
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Abner Miller

admd
12 mo Dragoon
12 mo pri - Infy
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State of New York 
Westchester County Ss. Abijah Harris of the town of Bedford in said County and Ezekiel Harris of the same place being duly severally sworn say and each for himself saith, the said Abijah Harris says that he served in the Revolutionary war as a Lieutenant in a company of horse volunteers, and the said Ezekiel saith that he served as a private in the same company, and the said Abijah and Ezekiel say that Abner Miller named in these deponents former affidavit, and in the declaration of the said Abner both of which are hereto annexed Served in the same company of horse in which these deponents served as a private from the time specified in then said affidavit for a period exceeding one year and six months – 
And these deponents further say that they were acquainted with the said Abner previous to his entering said troop and resided in the said town of Bedford and know of their own knowledge of his service under Captain Marcus Moseman and believe that he served the period by him set forth in his additional affidavit made the fourth of April Instant and which is also hereto annexed 
[signed] Abijah Harris  Ezekiel Harris 
Subscribed & Sworn this 27th of May 1833 before me 
[signed] Jabez Robertson Justice of the peace 

I Jabez Robertson one of the Justices of the peace of the County of Westchester do certify that I am personally acquainted with Abijah Harris and Ezekiel Harris the persons named in the above
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affidavit, that they are men of standing and are credible persons, and that they severally on this Twenty Seventh day of May 1833 made oath to the truth of the said affidavit 
[signed] Jabez Robertson 

I Nathaniel Bayles Clerk of the County of Westchester & State of New York do hereby certify that Jabez Robertson Esqr before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn to was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly elected & sworn and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice & believe the signature subscribed thereto as his is genuine 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 27th day of May 1833
[signed] N Bayles Clk &c
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State of New York 
Ulster County ss  Abner Miller of the town of Newpaltz the County of Ulster being duly sworn in addition to his declaration heretofore made in open court on the twelfth day of December last past, Saith that in his first term of service in said declaration mentioned, under Captain Marcus Moseman, he enlisted and served as a private of Infantry for a period of nearly two years, the precise time this deponent cannot specify, but that it exceeded the period of one year and nine months, and that said service was in field and not in garrison, Nor can he specify the names of any other officers under whom or with whom he served during this period excepting those named in his said declaration – 
And this deponent further saith as to his said second term of service in the Company 
[affidavit blocked by certification page]
STATE OF NEW-YORK, 
Ulster County Clerk's Office, } ss.  I, Jacob Snyder, Clerk of the County of Ulster, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County, do hereby certify That Peter Van Gaasbeck Junior Esquire, was on the day of the date of the Certificate to the annexed affidavit, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Ulster, duly authorized to take affidavits, &c. and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and verily believe the signature "P.V. Gaasbeck Jr” subscribed to the Certificate of the said annexed Affidavit to be genuine. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, this twenty ninth day of May 1833 
[signed] Jacob Snyder 
[affidavit continues]
Whom or with whom he served during said period Excepting those named in his said declaration and further this deponent saith not 
[signed] Abner Miller
Sworn & Subscribed this 4th day of April 1833 before me 
[signed] P.V. Gaasbeck Jr  Justice of the peace
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State of New York 
Ulster County ss  Abner Miller of the town of Newpaltz the County of Ulster being duly sworn in addition to his declaration heretofore made in open court on the twelfth day of December last past, Saith that in his first term of service in said declaration mentioned, under Captain Marcus Moseman, he enlisted and served as a private of Infantry for a period of nearly two years, the precise time this deponent cannot specify, but that it exceeded the period of one year and nine months, and that said service was in field and not in garrison, Nor can he specify the names of any other officers under whom or with whom he served during this period excepting those named in his said declaration – 
And this deponent further saith as to his said second term of service in the Company of light horse volunteers under the command of Captain Vermilyea, and which said term is stated in said declaration as until the end of the revolutionary war and for more than one year, that he cannot now specify the precise time, but that it exceeded the period of one year and six months, and according to the best of his recollection a still longer period, that he enlisted and served said period as a private in said troop and that said service was in field and not on Garrison and this deponent further saith that he cannot recollect the names of any other officers under whom or with whom he served during said period Excepting those named in his said declaration and further this deponent saith not 
[signed] Abner Miller
Sworn & Subscribed this 4th day of April 1833 before me 
[signed] P.V. Gaasbeck Jr  Justice of the peace
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State of New York
West Chester County 
Town of Bedford } ss  Abijah Harris aged seventy seven years and Ezekiel Harris aged Seventy Six years both of the Town of Bedford in the County of West Chester and State of New York, being duly sworn according to law, and on their oath say that they were well acquainted with Abner Miller, now a resident of the Town of New Paltz in the County of Ulster and State of New York, during the revolutionary War. That the said Abner Miller entered into the service of the United States on or about the first of June 1779. and served for the period of two years in the County of West Chester, and was attached to the Company of Militia in the Town of Bedford under the command of Capt Marcus Moseman in the Regiment commanded by Col. Thomas Thomas.
And in the spring of 1781 he enlisted in the company of Horse (Volunters) commanded by Capt Jacob M. Vermilyea in the Town of Bedford from thence called out and stationed on the lines in the County of West Chester to guard the same and thus served during the Revolutionary War and these deponents further saith not 
[signed] Abijah Harris  Ezekiel Harris
Subscribed and sworn this 24th day of September 1832 before me –
[signed] Jabez Robertson Justice of the peace

I certify not I am acquainted with the above named Alijah Harris & Ezekiel Harris and that they we credible witnesses
[signed] A Ward MC.
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I Nathaniel Bayles Clerk of the County of West Chester State of New York do certify that Jabez Robertson Esq whose name is subscribed to the within affidavit is a Justice of the peace in and for said County and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and believe the signature subscribed to be his 
In Witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office & subscribed my name this 24th day of September 1832 
[signed] N Bayles Clk
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State New York 
Ulster County ss.  On this twelfth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court before Abraham G Hardenbergh Abraham A Deyo and John Janson Judges of the Court of Common pleas of the County of Ulster aforesaid sitting as a Court of Record having a clerk and a common seal Abner Miller a resident of the town of Newpaltz in the said County and in the State of New York aforesaid aged sixty Eight years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
That he was born in the town of Bedford in the present County of Westchester on the Seventeenth day of July in the year one thousand seven hundred and Sixty four 
That the bible belonging to his father which contained the record of his age was destroyed by a freshet 
That he entered the service of the United States under the officers and served in the manner herein after stated, 
That he entered into service on or about the first day of June in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine at the age of fifteen years as a volunteer in the company commanded by Marcus Moseman that his father Silas Miller was first Lieutenant - that Gabriel Higgins was second Lieutenant and that Eli Tyler was ensign - That they were attached to the regiment commanded by Col. Thomas Thomas. That he
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does not recollect the other Field officers, and this deponent further saith that he served thus for a period of nearly two years – 
That in the spring of the year one thousand seven hundred and Eighty one, he enlisted in a company of horse (volunteers) commanded by Captain Jacob M Vermilyea, Leutenant Abijah Harris, That he served in the same until the end of the revolutionary war and for more than one year. That at both times he entered into service in the town of Bedford aforesaid, and served in the said town and the neigboring towns in the said County of Westchester, That the only regular troops that were stationed near him that he recollects were the companies of Capt. Wattels, Captain Pritchard and Captain Fog -The christian names of neither of whom he recollects, and that said companies or some or one of them were in the habit of accompanying them to the neutral ground in the excursions made by the militia, That he never was in any battle, but in several skirmishes That the company of horse of which he was one together with an other company of horse under the command of Capt. Honeywell once had a severe skirmish in Morrisinia with Delancey corps, of tories and refugees, 
That the particular manner of his service he cannot particularly state but that it was dangerous and fatiguing – 
That he resided after the close of the war in the said town of Bedford, and in the town of Mount pleasant and Peekskill in the said County of Westchester until the spring of the year one thousand eight hundred and
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sixteen when he removed to the town of Newpaltz in the County of Ulster, and that he has ever since and still resides in the last mentioned town 
That he never received any written discharge 
That the officers above named are all deceased as far as he has been able to ascertain excepting Abijah Harris, one of the deponents in the annexed affidavit 
That he is acquainted with John J Deyo and Charles Kiellin of the town of Newpaltz in the County of Ulster, and that he is a member of the church under the care of the Reverend Benjamin Van Keuren of Esopus, that he called this day upon him and requested him to attend this present Court at Kingston, That the said Benjamin Van Keuren on account of ill heath and the badness of the weather was not enabled to attend 
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  Sworn & Subscribed in open Court the day & year above written 
[signed] Abner Miller
Sworn & Subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open Court 
[signed] A G Hardenburgh }
Abm A Deyo }
John Jansen } Judges
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We John J Deyo and Charles Kiellin of the town of Newpaltz in said County of Ulster do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Abner Miller who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; That we believe him to be sixty Eight 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 
Subscribed & Sworn the day and year aforesaid 
[signed] Chs Kiellin  John J Deyo
in open Court 
[signed] A G. Hardenburgh  }
Abm A Deyo }
John Jansen  }  Judges

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the war Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier & served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that John J Deyo & Charles Kiellin both residing in the town of Newpatty aforesaid are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit 
[signed] A G Hardenbergh  }
Abm A Deyo  }
John Jansen  }  Judges -
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I Jacob Snyder Clerk of the Court of Common pleas of the County of Ulster Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abner Miller 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of the said Court of Common pleas and of said County this Twelfth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two 
[signed] Jacob Snyder 

[from a different page showing under this one]
and Ezekiel Harris the persons named in the above
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In reply to your request of --- received --- for a statement of the military history of Abner Miller a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. W. 496 
[TABLE]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  |   LENGTH OF SERVICE. ┃ RANK.   |   OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. / COLONEL. |   STATE.   |
June 1, 1779  |  1 yr. 9 mos.  |  Private  |  Marcus Moseman  Lt. Silas Miller (his father) / Thomas Thomas  |  N.Y.  |
Spring 1781,  |  1 yr. 6 mos.  |    |  Jacob M. Vermilyea  | co. of Light Horse.  |    |
[END OF TABLE]
Battles engaged in,  skirmish at Morrisinia
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Belford, Westchester Co. New York 
Date of application for pension, Dec. 12 1832. His claim was allowed 
Residence at date of application, New Paltz, Ulster Co. New York. 
Age at date of application, born July 17. 1764 Bedford, N.Y. son of Silas. 
Remarks: Sol. Married Peekskill N.Y., Oct 5, 1806 Sarah -.
He died Aug. 8, 1847 and she was alld. pens. in 1853, resident of Jersey City N.J. ae 65 yrs. son C. W. Miller alive in 1853, only child referred to. 
In 1856 she resided in Westchester Co. N.Y. with her son in law John R. Benedict with whom she removed from New Jersey 
Respectfully, 
Commissioner.

6-2856
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Sarah Miller
widow of Abner

affidavits

filed by
V Ellis Atty
present
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The affidavit of Sarah Miller now of Jersey City & formerly of Ulster Co. N.Y. who says that she is the widow of Abner Miller who was a Revolutionary pensioner at and before his death at $90 per year - and that this affiant after the death of her husband in 1847 received the arrears of his pension from a Mr Erwin or Irwin of Wall St. N. Y. - and surrendered her husbands pension certificate to him, and she further says she has no record of her marriage and knows of none, but that she was married to him in 1806 as heretofore stated in her application 
[signed] Sarah Miller + her mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this first day of September 1853 by Mrs Sarah Miller 
[signed] George E. Cutler Justice of the Peace
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the affidavit of Ezekiel Miller and John R. Benedict of lawful age who being duly sworn declare that they are well acquainted with Mrs Sarah Miller now of Jersey City and formerly of Ulster Co. New York - and that they well knew Abner Miller now deceased and that he was a Revolutionary pensioner at the time of his death, and that Sarah Miller and Abner Miller lived together as man and wife, and was reputed and believed to be such and that the affiants have no doubt they were such and never had any doubts on the subject, and they each declare that they have no interest in the pension claimed by the said Sarah Miller and that we now reside in Jersey City and State of New Jersey – 
[signed] John R Benedict   Ezekiel Miller 
Subscribed and sworn before me this 11 day of Sept 1853 
[signed] George E. Cutler Justice of the Peace
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State of New Jersey 
County of Hudson } 
Be it known that on this first day of September 1853 personally came before me a Justice of the peace in & for the County aforesaid - Ezekiel Miller and John R. Benedict two credible witnesses resident in the County and State aforesaid and subscribed and severally made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit and I certify that their statements are entitled to full credit and I also certify that I have no interest nor agency in the claim of Mrs Sarah Miller for a pension and have no doubt from general reputation that she is the widow of the same Abner Miller who formerly resided in Ulster County N.Y. and was a Revolutionary pensioner - Given under my hand the day and year aforesaid – 
[signed] John R Benedict   Ezekiel Miller

Subscribed and Sworn before me this 1st day of Sept 1853 
[signed] George E. Cutler Justice of the Peace
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State of New Jersey 
Hudson County } SS:   I Robert Gilchrist Clerk of Hudson County aforesaid do hereby Certify that George E Cutler whose name is subjected to the three foregoing Affidavits and before whom the same were made, was at the day of the state thereof and now is a Justice of the peace in and for said County residing therein commissioned and Sworn and duly authorized to take the same.
And I do further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said George E Cutler Justice of the peace as aforesaid and verily believe the Signatures to each of the said Affidavits is genuine
In Witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this first day of September 1853. 
[signed] R Gilchrist  Clk
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Washington 3 Sep 53 
Comr of Pensions 
Sir 
Enclosed I send the proof required in the case of Mrs Sarah Miller under act 3 feb 53 and a letter from C. W. Miller, her son, who requests in behalf of his mother that the pension certificate may be made payable at N York City. Mrs Miller now resides at Jersey City, opposite N. Y. City, and also expects to remove soon to N. York 
Your ob st
[signed] Vespasian Ellis 
Atty of Sarah Miller.
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Jersey City Sept 21" 1850 
The Commissioner of Pensions will please permit Mr Vespasian Ellis to examine the pension papers of my deceased husband Abner Miller & to give him any information he may wish as to my claim to a pension as widow of said Abner 
& oblige
[signed] Sarah Miller X her mark
Witness present E W Kingsland
Page 33

Jersey City April 14/53
Sir 
Enclosed I send the you declaration for a pension Subscribed Sworn to and certifide by the Clerk of Hudson County  I also inform you that Mrs Miller has no record proof of Marrige her marrage was recorded on her Church book  that record has been destroyed  She has no Entry in any family bible pleas inform me how the case stands as the old lady is very desirous of knowing Yours &C
[signed] John R Benedict
Page 34

Jersey City Sep 2d 1853 
Dear Sir
Enclosed please find the affidavits of Mrs Miller & also of two others testifying to her identity - I believe that they are just as you wished them - I hope that they may be all that are necessary for your sake as well as ours
If it can be done without causing much trouble - Mrs Miller would like to draw her pension, in New York City - as she will probably be a resident of New York State –
An early answer will very much oblige us - Please state also what will remunerate you for your time and trouble - Please direct as before – 
Yours Respectfully 
[signed] C W. Miller
Page 35

Sarah Miller 
widow of Abner 
act 3 feb 53 
Revolutionary pension 
V Ellis atty
present
Page 36

Washington 22 Apl 53 
Comr of Pensions 
Sir 
I herewith present the papers of Mrs Sarah Miller widow of Abner Miller who was a pensioner under act 1 June 1832 & resided when he survived, in Ulster Co NY 
His widow drew the arrears from the Pension Agent in Newyork City 
Pension at $90 claimed from 4 March 1818 during widowhood 
[signed] Vespasian Ellis 
Attorney 

under act 3d Feby /53.
Page 37

Mechanics Bank 
New York 7th April 1835 
Sir 
The name of Abner Miller a Dragoon at $90 per annum was transferred from our Books to the Albany Agency as a resident of Montgomery County, whereas he has resided in Newpaltz Ulster County for the last eighteen years. 
Will you be pleased to retransfer his name from the Albany to the Roll of this Agency 
At the request of Mr Miller I enclose his pension certificate for correction. 
He is inscribed on our Books as a Dragoon, in the pension certificate it is Private of Cavalry, which altho sinonimous may still require correction 
I am Very Respectfully 
Your Obt Servt 
Jno. Fleming Presdt & pens agt.

James L Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions
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Trenton N. Jersey Pension Agency 
Jany 13, 1857 
Sir 
Sarah Miller a pensioner under act Feby 3 1833 at the rate of ninety Dollars per annum has been paid at this agency up to the 4th Sept 1856 –
Your instruction with regard to her transfer has been noted 
I am very Respectfully
Your ob ser
Phil. Dickinson Agt N.J.

Geo C. Whiting Esq 
Comm of Pensions
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Sarah Miller
Transfer to N.Y. City when ar ansd
Page 40

Albany N.Y. Jany 6th 1856 
Sir 
In compliance with your letter of the 15th ult I herewith enclose the paper in the application of Sarah Miller for transfer in the payment of her pension from New Jersey to the New York City Agency.
The deposition refered to in your circular of instruction was forwarded on the 10th ult. 
I am Yours very repectfully 
[signed] W Valentine

Geo C Whiting Esq 
Comr of Pensions 
Washington
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Albany N.Y. Dec 10th/56 
Sir 
I herewith enclose the pension certificate in the case of Sarah Miller widow of Abner Miller Dec. in order to have her name transfered to the New York city Agency, Also my deposition as to the reasons the desires the transfer – 
I am Yours very respectfully 
W Valentine 

Geo C Whiting Esq
Comr of Pensions 
Washington
Page 42

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER. 
County of Westchester, N.Y. ss.
On this twenty ninth day of December 1856, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Westchester personally appeared Sarah Miller who, on her oath, declares that she is the same person who is widow of Abner Miller who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain --- in the regiment commanded by Colonel --- in the service of the United States; that her name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New Jersey whence she has lately removed; that she now resides in the county of Westchester N.Y. where she intends to remain, and wishes her pension to be there payable, in future. The following are her reasons for removing from New Jersey to Westchester County New York That her son in law, with whom she resides, has removed from New Jersey to said Westchester County & she therefore has removed with his family in in said County of Westchester when 

[remainder of affidavit blocked by certification]

State of New York, 
County of Westchester, } ss.
I, JOHN P. JENKINS, CLERK of the Courts in and for the said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That W. A. Hunt Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed Instrument, and endorsed thereon, was, on the day of the date of the said Certificate, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, residing in said County, elected and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same, according to the laws of the said State. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate is genuine. 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Courts and County, this Second day of January 1857
[signed] John P. Jenkins CLERK.
Page 43

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER. 
County of Westchester, N.Y. ss.
On this twenty ninth day of December 1856, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Westchester personally appeared Sarah Miller who, on her oath, declares that she is the same person who is widow of Abner Miller who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain --- in the regiment commanded by Colonel --- in the service of the United States; that her name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New Jersey whence she has lately removed; that she now resides in the county of Westchester N.Y. where she intends to remain, and wishes her pension to be there payable, in future. The following are her reasons for removing from New Jersey to Westchester County New York That her son in law, with whom she resides, has removed from New Jersey to said Westchester County & she therefore has removed with his family in in said County of Westchester when they & she expect to remain & make it their permanent residence 
[signed] Sarah Miller + her mark
Sworn and subscribed to before me, the day and year aforesaid.
[signed] W. A. Hunt Justice of the peace 
The oath to be taken before a duly qualified magistrate, whose official character and signature must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The County Clerk, Secretary of State, or some other officer, must certify, under his seal of office, that the officer who administered the oath is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, Mayor, Alderman, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine
The oath must be supported by the testimony of some respectable person, as to the pensioner’s  identity. He must swear that the person who has taken the above oath is the person described in the affidavit. The magistrate must certify that the witness is a person of veracity; and the affidavit must also be authenticated in the manner above directed. 
In every case where the Clerk of the Court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should be sent with 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 which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or small ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office 
[remainder of page is blocked by back of certification]
Page 44

State of New York 
City & County of Albany } ss  Wm Valentine of Albany N.Y. being duly sworn according to law deposeth that he is authorized and requested by Sarah Miller widow of Abner Miller Deceased to return the enclosed pension certificate for the purpose of having her name transferred to the New York City Agency, she having removed to Westchester County N.Y. where she expects to remain & make it her future residence Her reason for removing from the State of New Jersey is because her son in law John R Benedict with whom she resides, has removed from New Jersey to said Westchester Co where he has engaged in business and expects to remain Deponant further saith that he is personally acquainted with said Sarah Miller and that she is the identical person named in the enclosed pension certificate, and the widow of Abner Miller who received a pension for services performed in the Militia of the State of New York in the Revolutionary War [signed] Wm. Valentine
Subscribed & Sworn to before me this 10th day of December 1856 
[signed] Cornelius Glen Comr of Deeds.

State of New York, 
City and County of Albany, Clerk's Office, } ss:  I, Robert Babcock, Clerk of the said City and County, and of the Courts of Record therein, do hereby CERTIFY, that Cornelius Glen whose name is subscribed to the jurat of the annexed affidavit, was on the day of the date thereof, a Commissioner of Deeds, in and for the City of Albany, duly authorized to administer oaths for general purposes; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Commissioner, and verily believe that the signature to the said jurat is genuine. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, this 10th day of December 1856
[signed] R Babcock Clerk.
Page 45

State of New York 
City & County of Albany } ss  Wm Valentine of Albany N.Y. being duly sworn according to law deposeth that he is authorized and requested by Sarah Miller widow of Abner Miller Deceased to return the enclosed pension certificate for the purpose of having her name transferred to the New York City Agency, she having removed to Westchester County N.Y. where she expects to remain & make it her future residence Her reason for removing from the State of New Jersey is because her son in law John R Benedict with whom she resides, has removed from New Jersey to said Westchester Co where he has engaged in business and expects to remain Deponant further saith that he is personally acquainted with said Sarah Miller and that she is the identical person named in the enclosed pension certificate, and the widow of Abner Miller who received a pension for services performed in the Militia of the State of New York in the Revolutionary War 
[signed] Wm. Valentine
Subscribed & Sworn to before me this 10th day of December 1856 
[signed] Cornelius Glen Comr of Deeds.
Page 46

Sarah Miller 
act 3 Feb 53 
filed by V. Ellis 

This affidavit was taken on my suggestion in 1850 to prove Marriage as the witness was the only person known to the claimant who was present at this marriage 
[signed] V. Ellis
Page 47

State of Michigan 
County of Oakland } ss  I Hetty Powell wife of William Cowell of the County of Oakland aforesaid being duly sworn depose and say that I am well acquainted with Sally Miller the wife of Abner Miller deceased who formerly resided in the County of Ulster in the State of New York and that said Sally Miller wife of said Abner Miller now resides in Jersey City in the State of New Jersey - And I further depose and say that said Abner and Sally Miller were married at my fathers house in the Village of Peekskill County of Westchester & State of New York and that I was an eye witness and present at said marriage which Marriage was consummated in the fall (I think the month of October) of the year one thousand Eight hundred and six And further as I am informed & verily believe said Abner Miller drew a pension from the United States Goverment or entitled thereto until the time of his death county, 
[bottom part of affidavit blocked by certification]

STATE OF MICHIGAN, 
Oakland County Clerk's Office. } I John T. Rayner Clerk of said county of Oakland, do hereby certify, that John P Le Roy Esquire, before whom the annexed instrument in writing was made and taken was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace within and for said county, duly elected and sworn, and authorized by law to take the same, and that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing and verily believe his signature subscribed to the annexed certificate of proof to be genuine; and that the annexed instrument is executed according to the laws of this State. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the Circuit Court for said county, at Pontiac, this 31st day of August A.D. 1850 
[signed] John T. Rayner  CLERK.
Page 48

State of Michigan 
County of Oakland } ss  I Hetty Powell wife of William Cowell of the County of Oakland aforesaid being duly sworn depose and say that I am well acquainted with Sally Miller the wife of Abner Miller deceased who formerly resided in the County of Ulster in the State of New York and that said Sally Miller wife of said Abner Miller now resides in Jersey City in the State of New Jersey - And I further depose and say that said Abner and Sally Miller were married at my fathers house in the Village of Peekskill County of Westchester & State of New York and that I was an eye witness and present at said marriage which Marriage was consummated in the fall (I think the month of October) of the year one thousand Eight hundred and six And further as I am informed & verily believe said Abner Miller drew a pension from the United States Goverment or entitled thereto until the time of his death
[signed] Hetty Powell

Sworn & Subscribed before me this 31st day of
August 1850
[signed] John P Le Roy
Justice of the Peace in & for said County
Page 49

Abner Miller
of
New York
Page 50

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Abner Miller which require further proof or explanation. 
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Does
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? did 
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? 
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Has 
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled? No
each term of actual service should be seperately & specially set forth either in field or garrison. 
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? No 
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes 
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? This
Page 51

2 
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? [crossed out, No]
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  yes
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? 
XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? No
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? yes.
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? It does not appear
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?  Are
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?  [crossed out, 5 not]
EXPLANATORY NOTES. 
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For--- year --- months, and --- days, I served as a --- For --- months and ---- days, I served as a --- and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 52

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. 
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service 
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which 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.
QUERE XVI. 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 paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Page 53

774
Sarah Miller
N.J.
Act 1833
Page 54

Brief in the case of Sarah Miller wid of Abner, 
Jersey City County and State of New Jersey-  
act 3 Feb,1853- 
Claim, (original " or " for increase.) 
Proof exhibited, (if original.) 
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
Husband pensioned at $90  Act of June ’32 –
Marriage & identity proved by Witnesses of Credit (no record proof to be had) -.
(If for increase.) 
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? 
requests payment at N.Y.  write when certificate sent. 
Name and residence of Agent 
V. Ellis Esq Present. 
[signed] R. McRae Examining Clerk.
Page 55

Sarah Miller widow of Abner act 3 Feb 53 
addl Evidence as required.
Pension Claim 
Revolutionary 

V Ellis Atty 
Present
death alleged 1847
Page 56

Pension Office 
June 13, 1853 
Sir, 
The same objection in relation to record proof of marriage, applies in the case of Sarah Miller, as in that of Clarissa Lindsay stated in my letter of to day.
Her husband Abner should also be identified with the pensioner by additional evidence, which should be in the form of affidavits duly authenticated –
I am Very Respy 
Yours &c
L P Waldo 
Commissioner 

V Ellie Esq 
Present.
Page 57

New Jersey
Sarah Miller Widw of Abner.
Dragoon 
Act 3 Feb. 1853

Admitted $90 pr ann, 
Commg 3 Feb 1853

Trenton 

V. Ellis Esq. 
present
Page 58

Chicago, Illinois, 
April 27, 1915.
Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen:- 
Will you be so kind as to give me a certificate of service and whatever your records show for my ancestor who served in the revolutionary war, and who was 
Abner Miller, born in N. J. 
served in N.Y. Militia 
was pensioned while residing in 
Ulster Co. N. Y. He was born I 
believe in 1764. 
Thanking you in advance for your courtesy, and hoping I may receive same soon as I have made application for membership in D. A. R., I am, 
Very truly yours, 
(Miss) Mary Louise Miller, 
Room 1333, #30 North LaSalle St., 
Chicago, Illinois.

[stamped U.S. Pension Office Apr 28 1915]
Page 59

26.510

[illegible]
Page 60

[left side]
1915 May 3. Hist. to Miss Mary L. Miller. ¢

[right side]
Revy WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 496
Sarah Miller, Widow, 
Abner Miller, 
Priv. Rev. War 
Act Feb. 3. 1853. 
Index :- Vol. M.  Page 47 
[Arrangement of 1870.]